Patent Application
20240260810
The present invention relates to a shoes care device (shoe care apparatus), and more particularly, to a shoes care device which treats shoes by air circulation.
Shoes may get wet by a wearer's sweat, external contaminants, or rain or snow.
Wearing such shoes may make the wearer uncomfortable, and in this condition, germs may also breed or the shoes may stink.
For the shoes care device, Korean Patent No. 1037245 (hereinafter, referred to as “Prior Art Document 1”), entitled, “Apparatus for sterilization disposal of shoes”, includes a main body, an ultraviolet emission module, and a deodorization module.
According to Prior Art Document 1 above, the shoes are disposed in a sterilization chamber of the main body, and the ultraviolet emission module is driven to remove germs and odors of the shoes. Furthermore, the air in the sterilization chamber is sucked into a ventilation pipe and discharged to the outside of the main body through an exhaust port through the deodorization module.
Here, the deodorization module includes a deodorization column made up of materials such as zeolite, activated carbon, and charcoal, and removes contaminants from the air discharged from the inside of the main body to the outside by the deodorization column.
According to Prior Art Document 1 above, the air from which moisture has been removed by a deodorization module including zeolite and activated carbon can be discharged to the outside of the apparatus for sterilization disposal of shoes.
However, in Prior Art Document 1 above, since the air is discharged to the outside of the apparatus for sterilization disposal of shoes, the air that has not sufficiently removed moisture or odors may be discharged to the outside of the apparatus for sterilization disposal of shoes, and such air may be discharged to the inside where the wearer resides.
In addition, Korean Patent Unexamined Publication No. 10-2000-0009653 (hereinafter referred to as “Prior Art Document 2”), entitled, “The shoes cabinet for sanitation”, discloses a shoe closet that includes a main body, a far infrared radiation part, a circulation fan, an air circulation passage, and a sanitary filter portion.
According to Prior Art Document 2 above, while storing shoes in shoe closet, hygiene treatments such as dehumidification, sterilization, and deodorization can be performed on the shoes by far-infrared rays and a filter during the storing of the shoes.
Here, since the sanitary filter portion is filled with excellent adsorptive materials such as charcoal, it can serve to adsorb moisture in the process of ventilating air and filter bacteria, as well as to capture malodorous substances.
According to Prior Art Document 2 above, the air is circulated by a circulating fan in a shoe closet, and the sanitary filter portion is disposed on a circulation path of the air to remove germs and odors in the air.
However, since Prior Art Document 2 above does not consider a technology to prevent the reduction of the performance of the sanitary filter portion configured to remove moisture or odors, a user may not be satisfied because the shoes are not properly treated at the time of using a shoes care device.
As described above, for the shoes care device that removes germs or odors by treating the shoes in a predetermined manner, a task that has to be solved to ensure proper performance for shoes treatment while preventing the air used for dehumidification and deodorization from being exposed to the user is present in in the process of treating the shoes.
However, there is a limitation in that the conventional shoes care device cannot properly solve such a task.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device that has an air circulation structure in which the air inside the inner cabinet where the shoes are placed is dehumidified using a dehumidifying material and in which the dehumidified air is supplied back into the inner cabinet, thereby facilitating separation and replacement of the dehumidifying material.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device that provides steam and hot air to refresh shoes, enables dehumidification of air inside the device by using a dehumidifying material, and allows regeneration of the used dehumidifying material.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device that facilitates management and discharging of condensate water generated during an operation process of the shoe care device.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device which discharges moisture generated during a regeneration process of a dehumidifying material through a separate path separate from a connection path through which dry air passes.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device having a structure in which steam can effectively move to be dispersed throughout the inside of an inner cabinet, instead of being directly sucked into an outlet.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device in which the flow rate of air supplied to an inner space of a dehumidifying block can be stably secured even if a pair of dehumidifying blocks is provided.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device in which a volume of a condenser occupying the inside of a machine room can be minimized, and water (condensate water) condensed inside the condenser can move smoothly without gathering inside the condenser.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device in which the heat of a heater heating a dehumidifying material can be prevented from being transferred to a condenser.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device in which a length of a dehumidifying block in a horizontal direction is secured and air can be smoothly blown through a connection path connected to a blowing duct of a blowing housing and an inner space (a first path) of the dehumidifying block.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device in which an inner space of a dehumidifying block configures a portion of a connection path and air in the inner space moves to pass through the dehumidifying block.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device in which lengths of a dehumidifying block, a first path, and a second path can be maximally secured along a first direction, air in the first path passes through the dehumidifying block to flow to the second path, and air passes through the first path in the first direction.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device having a structure in which a heater is placed in an inner space of a dehumidifying block, the dehumidifying block is easily replaced, and a path is disposed inside and outside the dehumidifying block along a first direction.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device in which separation and replacement of a dehumidifying block are possible, and the dehumidifying block is stably accommodated in a dehumidifier housing so that a second path is stably maintained. An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device in which a shape of a dehumidifying block is stably maintained and efficient use of the entire dehumidifying material filled inside the dehumidifying block is possible.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device in which heat exchange of a condenser is possible through a wall surface thereof.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device having a structure in which a diameter of a blowing housing is configured as large as possible to increase output even if a blower has a small thickness.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device in which a dehumidifying block is replaceable without opening the inside of an inner cabinet.
An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a shoe care device having a structure in which a path inside and outside a dehumidifying block is stably maintained while replacement of the dehumidifying block is performed.
A shoe care device described in the present disclosure can include an inner cabinet, an inlet, an outlet, a connection path, a heater, a blower, and a dehumidifying block.
The shoe care device can include a steam generator. The steam generator is configured to supply steam to the inside of the inner cabinet.
The shoe care device can include a damper, a damper housing, a sump, a regeneration path, and a condenser.
The shoe care device can include a machine room, a water supply tank, a drain tank, and a door.
The dehumidifying block may have a predetermined length along a first direction.
The first direction can be a direction parallel to the horizontal direction.
The first direction can be a direction toward the inlet in the dehumidifying block.
The first direction can be a direction parallel to a front-back direction of the shoe care device.
The first direction can be a direction parallel to a left-right direction of the shoe care device.
The inner cabinet is configured to accommodate shoes therein.
A bottom of the inner cabinet can be configured to be flat in the horizontal direction.
The bottom of the inner cabinet can be configured to be inclined to either side.
The bottom of the inner cabinet can be configured such that the front thereof is inclined downwards.
A steam hole through which steam of the steam generator is discharged can be formed through the bottom of the inner cabinet.
The steam hole can be located opposite to the outlet and adjacent to the inlet on the bottom of the inner cabinet.
The machine room can be provided under the inner cabinet. The machine room can be configured to accommodate the connection path, the blower, the dehumidifying block (and the dehumidifying material), the heater, the sump, the regeneration path, the condenser, and the steam generator. The machine room may include the water supply tank and the drain tank.
Components coupled to or accommodated in the machine room can be coupled to be fixed to the machine room.
The machine room may include a first wall.
The first wall can form a wall surface perpendicular to or inclined to the first direction. A replacement hole can be formed in the first wall. The replacement hole configures a through-hole such that the dehumidifying block can be inserted or taken out therethrough in a direction parallel to the first direction.
The shoe care device may include a replacement door.
The replacement door can be configured to open and close the replacement hole. The replacement door can be configured to be coupled to the machine room by a hinge.
The outlet, which is a hole through which the air is sucked from the inner cabinet, can configure a start portion of the connection path. The outlet can configure an entrance to the connection path. The outlet can be formed on the bottom (a cabinet bottom plate) of the inner cabinet or can be formed adjacent to the bottom of the inner cabinet.
The outlet can be formed at the edge of the bottom of the inner cabinet.
The outlet can be formed along the first direction at the edge of the bottom of the inner cabinet.
The outlet can be located in the front of the bottom of the inner cabinet.
The outlet can be formed in a front portion or a rear portion of the cabinet bottom plate on the basis of the second direction.
The inlet, which is a hole through which air is discharged to the inner cabinet, can configure an end portion of the connection path. The inlet can configure an exit of the connection path. The inlet can be formed on the bottom (a cabinet bottom plate) of the inner cabinet or can be formed adjacent to the bottom of the inner cabinet.
The inlet can be placed in the rear of the bottom of the inner cabinet.
The inlet can be formed along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction at the edge of the bottom of the inner cabinet.
The connection path can define an air moving path connected from the outlet to the inlet.
The connection path may include a first section, a second section, and a third section.
The first section can be connected to the outlet.
The first section can be a section connected to the outlet, wherein the blower is located.
The second section can be a section which is connected to the first section and in which the dehumidifying block is located.
The third section can be a section configured to connect the second section and the inlet.
The shoe care device may include a suction duct.
The suction duct configures a portion of the connection path.
The shoe care device may include a blowing duct.
The blowing duct configures a portion of the connection path.
The blowing duct can be accommodated in the machine room.
The heater is positioned on the connection path.
The heater is configured to heat the air in a partial space of the connection path.
The heater is configured to heat the dehumidifying block. The heater is configured to heat the dehumidifying material constituting the dehumidifying block.
The heater can be positioned in the inner space of the dehumidifying block.
The heater may include a free end and a fixed end.
The free end can be formed along the first direction.
The fixed end can be formed in a shape bent downwards from the free end at the front in the first direction.
The shoe care device may include a heater flange.
The heater flange can be made of metal.
The heater flange may include a horizontal plate and a vertical plate.
The horizontal plate is configured so that the fixed end is fixed thereto.
The vertical plate extends upwards from the horizontal plate. The vertical plate can be configured to shield the inner space of the dehumidifying block. The vertical plate can be configured to shield the first path at the front in the first direction.
The suction duct is connected to the lower side at the outlet. The suction duct is connected from the outlet to the blower.
The suction duct may include an upper duct, a middle duct, and a lower duct.
The upper duct configures a portion connected downwards from the outlet.
The middle duct can be connected downwards from the upper duct and can be configured to be bent to the inside.
The lower duct configures a portion connected downwards from the middle duct.
The blower is configured to generate airflow in the connection path.
The blower can configure a portion of the connection path.
The blower can be configured to connect the suction duct with the blowing duct.
The blower can be configured to connect the lower duct with the blowing duct.
The blower can be positioned lower than the outlet and the inlet.
The blower can include a blowing fan and a blowing housing.
The blowing fan can be configured to rotate about a rotation axis in the second direction, which is a horizontal direction and is perpendicular to the first direction.
The blowing housing can be configured to accommodate the flowing fan, define a portion of the connection path, and communicate with the blowing duct.
The rotation axis of the blowing fan can be positioned in front of the blowing duct in the first direction.
The blowing housing can be connected to the blowing duct on the rotation axis of the blowing fan and can be connected to the blowing duct at the edge thereof.
The blowing housing and the blowing duct can form a spiral passage about the rotation axis of the blowing fan together.
The blowing housing can be configured to further protrude backwards in the first direction compared to the dehumidifying block.
The dehumidifying block is positioned on the connection path.
The dehumidifying block may include an inner mesh, an outer mesh, and a dehumidifying material.
The dehumidifying block may include a first frame.
The inner mesh can have a structure to form an inner space. The heater can be accommodated in the inner space of the inner mesh.
The outer mesh is positioned outside the inner mesh.
A space between the inner mesh and the outer mesh is filled with the dehumidifying material.
The inner space of the inner mesh configures the first path which is a portion of the connection path. The heater can be positioned on the first path.
An outer space of the outer mesh configures the second path which is a portion of the connection path.
A space between the bottom plate of the inner cabinet and the dehumidifying block can configure the second path.
The inner mesh and the outer mesh can have a constant section along the first direction.
The air introduced through the outlet is introduced into the inner space of the inner mesh and passes through the dehumidifying block to flow from the first path to the second path.
The dehumidifying material can be formed along the first direction under the bottom of the inner cabinet.
The first path can be configured to have a predetermined length along the first direction.
If the first direction is the longitudinal direction of the first path, the length of the first path can be greater than the width and the height of the first path.
The dehumidifying block can be configured in the form of a pipe or a tunnel extending along the horizontal direction.
The air introduced into the outlet can flow while passing through the dehumidifying block from the inside to the outside thereof.
The thickness of the upper portion of the dehumidifying block can be greater than the thickness of the lower portion.
The dehumidifying block may include a ceiling part, a first side wall, and a second side wall.
The ceiling part can be formed along the first direction.
The first side wall extends downwards from one side of the ceiling part and can be formed along the first direction.
The second side wall extends downwards from another side of the ceiling part and can be configured to be parallel to the first side wall.
Each of the ceiling part, the first side wall, and the second side wall may include the inner mesh, the outer mesh, and the dehumidifying material.
Each of the ceiling part, the first side wall, and the second side wall may include the inner mesh, the outer mesh, the dehumidifying material, and the first frame.
An inner space of the ceiling part, the first side wall, and the second side wall can define the first path.
An outer space of the ceiling part, the first side wall, and the second side wall can define the second path.
The heater can be configured to be surrounded by the ceiling part, the first side wall, and the second side wall.
The inner space of the dehumidifying block can be configured to be shielded in the rear and front thereof. The inner space of the dehumidifying block can be shielded in the foremost and rearmost thereof in the first direction.
The first path can be shielded in the rear and front thereof in the first direction.
The first path can be sealed in the rear and front thereof in the first direction.
The first frame is coupled along the edges of the inner mesh and the outer mesh. The inner mesh and the outer mesh can be fixed to the first frame.
The first frame can form a surface perpendicular to or inclined to the first direction.
The air in the connection path flows into the inner space from the rear thereof in the first direction, and the first frame can configure a front surface of the dehumidifying block in the first direction.
The first frame can configure a front surface of the ceiling part, the first side wall, and the second side wall in the first direction.
The first frame may include a block member and an opening.
The block member can configure a blocked surface on a side closer to the inner mesh than the outer mesh to shield the dehumidifying material in the first direction.
The opening can configure a through-hole on a side closer to the outer mesh than the inner mesh not to shield the dehumidifying material in the first direction.
The openings can be formed in all of the ceiling part, the first side wall, and the second side wall.
The dehumidifying block may include a second frame and a third frame.
The dehumidifying block may include a fourth frame.
The second frame can be configured to shield the inner space of the dehumidifying block at the front thereof in the first direction and can be connected to the first frame.
The third frame can be positioned to correspond to the housing inlet in the vertical direction and coupled to the outer surface of the ceiling part.
The third frame can be formed in the dehumidifying block so as to be closer to the rear thereof in the first direction.
The fourth frame can configure a rear surface of the ceiling part, the first side wall, and the second side wall in the first direction.
A plurality of dehumidifying blocks can be provided. A pair of dehumidifying blocks can be provided.
The dehumidifying blocks can be arranged along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
The shoe care device may include a dehumidifier housing.
The dehumidifier housing may include a housing bottom plate and a housing inlet.
The dehumidifier housing may include a rear dehumidifying material wall and a front dehumidifying material wall.
The dehumidifier housing may include a left dehumidifying material wall and a right dehumidifying material wall.
The housing bottom plate can be configured in the form of a plate on which the dehumidifying block is placed.
The housing inlet is a hole formed through the housing bottom plate and configures an inlet through which air is introduced into the inner space of the dehumidifying block. The housing inlet configures an inlet through which air flows into the first path.
The housing inlet can be formed to face the bottom surface of the ceiling part.
The housing inlet can be formed to be closer to the rear of the dehumidifier housing in the first direction.
The ceiling part can be configured such that a portion thereof closer to the housing inlet is thicker than a portion far away from the housing inlet.
The rear dehumidifying material wall extends upwards from the housing bottom plate. The rear dehumidifying material wall is positioned behind the dehumidifying block in the first direction. The rear dehumidifying material wall can be configured to be in close contact with or close to the rear surface of the dehumidifying block in the first direction.
The front dehumidifying material wall extends upwards from the housing bottom plate. The front dehumidifying material wall is positioned in front of the dehumidifying block in the first direction. The front dehumidifying material wall is spaced forward apart from the dehumidifying block and the vertical plate in the first direction. A housing outlet through which the air in the second path flows can be formed in the front dehumidifying material wall so as to penetrate the same in the first direction.
The left dehumidifying material wall connects the rear dehumidifying material wall and the front dehumidifying material wall on the left side of the dehumidifying block in the first direction.
The right dehumidifying material wall connects the rear dehumidifying material wall and the front dehumidifying material wall on the right side of the dehumidifying block in the first direction.
An inner surface of the left dehumidifying material wall can face an outer surface of the first side wall while being spaced apart from each other to configure the second path.
An inner surface of the right dehumidifying material wall can face an outer surface of the second side wall while being spaced apart from each other to configure the second path.
The dehumidifier housing may include a first guide protrusion.
The first guide protrusion can be configured to protrude inwards from the inner surface of the left dehumidifying material wall and the inner surface of the right dehumidifying material wall so as to support the dehumidifying blocks.
The dehumidifying block may include a second guide protrusion.
The second guide protrusion can be configured to protrude outwards from the outer surface of the first side wall and the second side wall to be close contact with the inner surface of the left dehumidifying material wall or the right dehumidifying material wall.
The blowing duct configures a portion of the connection path. The blowing duct configures a passage through which air is supplied to the dehumidifying material. The blowing duct configures a passage through which the air passing through the blower moves toward the first path. The blowing duct extends from the blower to be connected to the housing inlet. The blowing duct can extend upwards from the blower to be connected to the housing inlet.
An exit of the blowing duct can be coupled to the housing inlet.
The blowing duct can have a structure that is convex backwards in the first direction.
The blowing duct can be configured to be located between the water supply tank and the drain tank under the dehumidifying block.
The blowing duct can further protrude backwards in the first direction compared to the dehumidifying block.
Based on the first direction, the inner surface of the rear end of the blowing duct can be configured to be located at the same position as the rear end of the first path or further behind than the same.
The blowing duct can be formed such that the width in the second direction is continuously increased toward the upper portion.
The blowing duct may include a lower blowing duct and an upper blowing duct.
The lower blowing duct is connected to the blower. The lower blowing duct communicates with the blowing housing of the blower.
The upper blowing duct extends upwards from the lower blowing duct. The upper blowing duct can be connected to the housing inlet to communicate therewith.
The width of the upper blowing duct in the second direction can be configured to be greater than the width of the lower blowing duct.
Based on the first direction, the width of the lower blowing duct can be configured to be greater than the width of the upper blowing duct, and the rear end of the lower blowing duct can be configured to be located behind the rear end of the upper blowing duct.
Based on the second direction, the width of the blowing housing can be configured to be the same as or greater than the width of the lower blowing duct.
The cabinet bottom plate, which is the bottom of the inner cabinet, can configure the boundary of the inner cabinet and the machine room.
The cabinet bottom plate can be configured to be parallel to the horizontal direction.
The cabinet bottom plate can be configured to be inclined upwards along the first direction.
The cabinet bottom plate can be configured to be inclined upwards along the second direction.
The shoe care device may include a dehumidifying material cover.
The dehumidifying material cover can configure a portion or the entirety of the cabinet bottom plate, which is the bottom of the inner cabinet. The dehumidifying material cover can be configured to shield the dehumidifying block to be spaced apart therefrom. A space between the dehumidifying material cover and the dehumidifying block can form a second path.
A bottom hole can be formed as an opening on the cabinet bottom plate, and the dehumidifying material cover can be configured to open and close the bottom hole. The dehumidifying material cover can be attached to and detached from inner the cabinet. The dehumidifying material cover can be connected to the cabinet bottom plate by a hinge.
The dehumidifying material cover may include a third guide protrusion.
The third guide protrusion can be configured to protrude downwards from the bottom surface of the dehumidifying material cover to support the dehumidifying block.
The sump has a structure for accommodating water. The sump is positioned below the dehumidifying material.
The sump can configure a lower portion of the suction duct.
The water supply tank can be configured to store water. The water supply tank can be configured to store water supplied to the steam generator therein. The water supply tank can be located in the front of the machine room.
The water supply tank can be coupled to the machine room so as to be exposed to the outside of the first wall.
The drain tank can be configured to store water. The water inside the shoe care device can be moved to and stored in the drain tank. The drain tank can store the water condensed inside the shoe care device. The drain tank can be configured to store the water drained from the sump. The drain tank can be located in the front of the machine room.
The drain tank can be coupled to the machine room so as to be exposed to the outside of the first wall.
The water supply tank and the drain tank can be disposed on both sides of a reference plane formed along the vertical direction and parallel to the first direction.
The blowing duct can be disposed on the reference plane.
A pair of dehumidifying blocks, a pair of replacement holes, and a pair of replacement doors can be disposed on both sides of the reference plane, and can be disposed above the water supply tank and the drain tank.
The water supply tank and the drain tank can be configured to be attached to and detached from the machine room.
The water supply tank and the drain tank can be configured to be separated from the machine room in the outer direction of the first wall, respectively.
The door be coupled to the inner cabinet and/or the machine room to be rotatable around the rotation axis in the vertical direction.
The door can be coupled to the inner cabinet on the same side as the first wall to open and close the inner cabinet.
The door can be configured to expose or shield the inner cabinet, the water supply tank, and the drain tank. The door can be configured to expose or shield the front side of the inner cabinet, the water supply tank, and the drain tank.
The regeneration path configures a path through which air passing through the dehumidifying material flows.
The regeneration path diverges from the connection path. The regeneration path can diverge from the third section of the connection path. The regeneration path leads to the sump.
The regeneration path can be configured such that the height thereof is gradually reduced from the point connected to the connection path to the point connected to the sump.
The damper can be configured to shield the third section or shield the regeneration path.
The damper housing configures the third section. The damper housing is configured to accommodate the damper.
A regeneration path hole forming an entrance to the regeneration path is formed on the bottom of the damper housing.
The damper can be configured to selectively shield the inside of the damper housing and the regeneration path hole. The damper can be configured to selectively seal the inside of the damper housing and the regeneration path hole.
The condenser configures a portion of the regeneration path.
The condenser is positioned lower than the dehumidifying material and higher than the sump. The condenser is made of metal.
The condenser may include a condenser inlet, a condenser outlet, and a condenser path.
The condenser inlet is connected to the connection path.
The condenser outlet is connected to the sump.
The condenser path connects the condenser inlet and the condenser outlet.
The condenser path can be configured such that the height thereof is gradually reduced from the condenser inlet to the condenser outlet.
The condenser path can be formed in a zigzag form. The condenser path can be arranged parallel to the plane in the vertical direction.
The condenser can be positioned lower than the third section and the damper.
The condenser can be positioned on the opposite side of the heater based on the suction duct.
The condenser can be positioned on the opposite side of the blower based on the lower duct.
The suction duct can be configured to shield the heater and the condenser from each other.
The condenser can be positioned behind the water supply tank or the drain tank.
The condenser can be in close contact with the inner surface of the left or right wall of the machine room.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner cabinet and the machine room are arranged vertically. Zeolite (dehumidifying material) effective for dehumidification, deodorization, and humidification is disposed in the machine room, the air that has passed through the zeolite can flow back into the inner cabinet to circulate through the connection path, and condensate water is discharged through the regeneration path when the zeolite is regenerated. Accordingly, the present disclosure can provide the shoe care device that effectively utilizes dehumidifier materials (air dehumidification, regeneration of dehumidifying material, and the like), prevents the air used during shoe care from being discharged to the outside, thereby effectively managing the shoes.
The shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to have a structure in which separation and replacement of the dehumidifying block is possible in the machine room. The structure of the shoe care device provides advantages for maintenance and management of the dehumidifying block and the entire shoe care device.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the suction duct extends downwards from the outlet, and the lower portion (the lowermost portion of the lower blowing duct) of the suction duct having a container structure configures the sump. The present disclosure can provide the shoe care device in which the moisture, condensate water, or the like in the air introduced through the suction duct moves to the sump to be collected and then discharged to the outside or transported to the steam generator, or the like, thereby facilitating management and discharge of condensate water.
The shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the connection path, the regeneration path, and the damper, the air passing through the dehumidifying material moves through the regeneration path, instead of being blown to the discharge duct when the dehumidifying material is regenerated so that the dehumidifying can be effectively regenerated.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the steam hole can be located opposite to the outlet and adjacent to the inlet on the bottom of the inner cabinet. Accordingly, the steam discharged from the steam hole is dispersed throughout the inside of the inner cabinet, instead of being directly sucked into the outlet. Furthermore, since the steam hole is located adjacent to the inlet, the steam can be more strongly discharged into the inner cabinet by the flow (force) of the air discharged from the inlet so that the steam can be uniformly supplied to the entire space inside the inner cabinet.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the blowing duct is formed such that the width thereof is continuously increased toward the upper portion and the dehumidifier housing and the dehumidifying block are located on the upper portion of the blowing duct. Therefore, the flow rate of air supplied to the inner space of the dehumidifying block can be stably secured.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the condenser is configured in a vertically thin structure and the internal path thereof can be configured such that the height thereof is gradually reduced from the condenser inlet to the condenser outlet. Therefore, the volume of the condenser occupying the inside of the machine room can be minimized, and the water condensed inside the condenser can move smoothly along the direction of gravity without gathering inside the condenser.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the condenser is positioned on the opposite side of the heater based on the suction duct, and the suction duct is configured to shield the heater and the condenser from each other. Therefore, the heat of the heater can be prevented from being transferred to the condenser and condensation of water vapor can be effectively performed in the condenser.
Furthermore, the condenser is positioned on the opposite side of the blower based on the lower duct and accordingly, the spaces on both sides of the lower duct can be efficiently utilized, and the increase in the volume of the machine room according to the provision of the condenser can be prevented.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehumidifying block is configured to form the inner space and the air in the inner space moves to pass through the dehumidifying block over the entire area thereof. Accordingly, the contact area between the air passing through the connection path and the dehumidifying material can be increased, thereby increasing dehumidification efficiency.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehumidifying block and the first path are formed along the first direction. Furthermore, the blowing housing, the blowing duct, and the first path form a series of rotation directions around the rotation axis of the blowing fan and the air moves along the rotation directions. Therefore, sufficient dehumidification capacity of the dehumidifying block can be secured, the air moving along the connection path can smoothly pass through the dehumidifying block, and unintentional path resistance of the air passing (penetrating) through the dehumidifying block can be prevented from increasing.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehumidifying block and the heater are located on the connection path and the heater is accommodated in the first path which is the inner space of the dehumidifying block. The dehumidifying block is configured to have a form which is divided into the ceiling part, the first side wall, and the second side wall, and the dehumidifying material cover is attached to and detached from the cabinet bottom plate at the upper portion of the dehumidifying block. Accordingly, the present disclosure can provide the shoe care device by which the dehumidifying block is easily separated, and dehumidification of the air moving through the connection path by the dehumidifying block and regeneration of the dehumidifier block can be effectively achieved.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing inlet is formed to be closer to the rear of the dehumidifier housing in the first direction and the first path is shielded or sealed in the rear and front thereof in the first direction. The entrance for the air introduced into the first path is formed at the lower portion of the dehumidifying block so that the lengths of the dehumidifying block, the first path, and the second path can be maximally secured to increase dehumidifying capacity. Furthermore, the air introduced through the housing inlet moves through the first path in the first direction and passes through the dehumidifying block, thereby achieving smooth air movement and dehumidification.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehumidifying block includes the ceiling part, the first side wall, and the second side wall, the heater includes the free end and the fixed end, and the dehumidifying block and the heater are accommodated in the dehumidifier housing to be shielded by the dehumidifying cover. Accordingly, the present disclosure can provide the shoe care device having a structure in which the path is disposed inside and outside the dehumidifying block along the first direction so that the dehumidification of the air by the dehumidifying block is excellent, and the regeneration of the dehumidifying material can be effectively performed, thereby facilitating separation and replacement of the dehumidifying material.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, based on the third direction opposite to the direction of gravity, the dehumidifying block is located at the same height as or at a higher position than the housing inlet, which is the inlet of the first path, the first path is formed upwards from the lower end of the dehumidifying block, and the second path is formed upwards from the lower end of the dehumidifying block so as to surround the first path. Therefore, considering the direction of air movement and the application direction of pressure, when the air in the first path passes through the dehumidifying block to flow to the second path, the air can pass and flow through the entire portion of the dehumidifying material, enabling maximum utilization of the dehumidifying material and effective regeneration of the dehumidifying material.
The shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the first guide protrusion, the second guide protrusion, or the third guide protrusion. Accordingly, a predetermined gap is stably formed between the dehumidifier housing and the dehumidifying block, or a predetermined gap is stably formed between the dehumidifying material cover and the dehumidifying block, preventing the dehumidifying from moving, and stably maintaining the second path.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehumidifying block includes the first frame, and the first frame includes the opening and the block member. Accordingly, the shape of the dehumidifying block is stably maintained. Furthermore, the air in the first path can move and pass through the dehumidifying block through the opening of the first frame, and the dehumidifying block can be efficiently utilized in the foremost portions thereof in the first direction in addition to the rear portion and the middle portion.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the condenser can be in close contact with and coupled to the inner surface of the second wall and the third wall of the machine room. The second wall and the third wall can configure the left wall and the right wall of the machine room. The second wall and the third wall can be made of a metal having excellent thermal conductivity. Accordingly, condensation of water vapor moving through the condenser can be effectively performed.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the blowing duct can be configured to be located between the water supply tank and the drain tank under the dehumidifying block. Accordingly, the present disclosure can provide the shoe care device in which the blowing duct can be positioned in the rearmost portion of the machine room in the first direction, the diameter of the blowing housing and the diameter of the blowing fan can be configured to be large, and the blower has a sufficiently large output even though the thickness thereof is relatively small.
The shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the replacement hole and the replacement door. The replacement hole is opened so that the dehumidifying block can be easily taken out or replaced.
Furthermore, the dehumidifying block is disposed long in the first direction, the first path of the dehumidifying block and the replacement direction of the dehumidifying block are configured to be parallel to the first direction, and the dehumidifying block slides in the first direction to be inserted into the shoe care device so that the size of the replacement hole and the replacement door can be minimized, the dehumidifying block can be stably fixed inside the machine room, and the second path outside the dehumidifying block can be stably maintained.
Furthermore, the replacement hole and the replacement door are formed on the first wall together with the water supply tank and the drain tank so that replacement of the dehumidifying block and the management of the water supply tank and the drain tank can be performed together at the front of the shoe care device.
More detailed effects and additional effects exerted by the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.
Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and like reference numerals designate like elements, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. Suffixes “module” and “unit or portion” for elements used in the following description are merely provided for facilitation of preparing this specification, and thus they are not granted a specific meaning or function. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In the following description, known functions or structures, which may confuse the substance of the present disclosure, are not explained. The accompanying drawings are used to help easily explain various technical features and it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.
Although the terms first, second, and the like, may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally only used to distinguish one element from another.
When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present.
The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
It should be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “containing,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components.
In the description below, a first direction X, a second direction Y, and a third direction Z described can be directions perpendicular to each other.
The first direction X and the second direction Y can be directions parallel to the horizontal direction, respectively, and the third direction Z can be a direction parallel to the vertical direction. When the first direction X is parallel to the left-right direction, the second direction Y can be parallel to the front-back direction. When the first direction X is parallel to the front-back direction, the second direction Y can be parallel to the left-right direction.
In some implementations, the shoe care device 1 can include an outer cabinet 20, a door 30, an inner cabinet 40, a machine room 50, and a controller 80.
In some examples, the shoe care device 1 can include a steam generator 600.
In some examples, the shoe care device 1 can include a dehumidifier housing 300, a dehumidifying block 400, and a heater 710.
In some examples, the shoe care device 1 can include an outlet 42, an inlet 43 and a connection path F10.
In some implementations, the shoe care device 1 can include a blower 220.
In some examples, the shoe care device 1 can include a damper 510, a damper housing 520, a sump 214, a regeneration path F20, and a condenser 800.
In some examples, the shoe care device 1 can include a water supply tank 60 and a drain tank 70.
In some implementations, the outer cabinet 20 and the door 30 can define the overall appearance of the shoe care device 1.
For instance, the shoe care device 1 can have a hexahedral shape. That is, in the state that the outer cabinet 20 and the door 30 are coupled to each other and that the door 30 is closed, the outer shape of the shoe care device 1 can be configured in the form of a hexahedron.
The door 30 can be configured to open and close the inner space of the shoe care device 1. The door 30 can configure any one surface of the shoe care device 1. The door 30 can configure a left surface or right surface of the shoe care device 1, or can configure the front surface of the shoe care device 1.
Hereinafter, the surface on which the door 30 is formed in the shoe care device 1 will be described as the front surface of the shoe care device 1, unless otherwise specifically stated.
The inner cabinet 40 and the machine room 50 can be provided inside the outer cabinet 20. The outer cabinet 20 can configure outer wall surfaces of the inner cabinet 40 and the machine room 50. In the case where a separate cabinet for the machine room 50 is not provided in the shoe care device 1, the outer cabinet 20 can configure walls that separate the machine room 50 from the outside thereof.
An inner space is provided inside the shoe care device 1 as an accommodation space in which shoes are accommodated. The inner cabinet 40 can be configured in the form of a box, and the accommodation space 41 inside the inner cabinet 40 configures the inner space of the shoe care device 1. That is, the inner cabinet 40 can be configured to accommodate shoes S therein.
The inner cabinet 40 can be configured in the form of a vertically long-shaped box, and a plurality of shoes S can be arranged vertically inside the inner cabinet 40.
The inner cabinet 40 can be in the form of a box having an opening on one side thereof. The opening of the inner cabinet 40 can be closed or opened by the door 30. The inner cabinet 40 can be configured in a form that is open to the front of the shoe care device 1.
The inner cabinet 40 and the machine room 50 can form spaces separated from each other inside the shoe care device 1. The inner cabinet 40 can form a space for accommodating an object to be processed (shoes S), and the machine room 50 can form a space for accommodating elements for operation of the shoe care device 1.
The machine room 50 can be configured to accommodate a connection path F10, a blower 220, a dehumidifier housing 300, a dehumidifying block 400 (and a dehumidifying material 430), a heater 710, a sump 214, a regeneration path F20, a condenser 800, and a steam generator 600. The machine room 50 can be configured to accommodate a water supply tank 60 and a drain tank 70.
Elements that are coupled to or accommodated in the machine room 50 can be fixedly coupled to the machine room 50.
The machine room 50 may include a first wall 51.
The first wall 51 can configure any one wall surface of the machine room 50. The first wall 51 can be erected in a vertical direction or erected in a substantially vertical direction. In some implementations, the first wall 51 can form a wall surface perpendicular to or inclined to the first direction X. In an example, the first wall 51 can form a wall surface perpendicular to or inclined to the second direction Y.
The first wall 51 can form a front wall surface of the machine room 50, form a left wall of the machine room 50, or form a right wall of the machine room 50.
The water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70 can be configured in the form of a container for accommodating water.
The water supply tank 60 can be configured to store water, supplied to the inside of the shoe care device 1, therein. In particular, the water supply tank 60 can be configured to store water supplied to the steam generator 600 therein.
In order to supply water from the water supply tank 60 into the shoe care device 1, a water pump (a first water pump 61) can be connected to the water supply tank 60.
The drain tank 70 can be configured to store water discharged from the shoe care device 1 therein. The drain tank 70 can store the water condensed inside the shoe care device 1. The drain tank 70 can be configured to store the water drained from the sump 214.
A water pump (a second water pump 71) can be connected to the drain tank 70 to discharge water to the drain tank 70.
The water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70 can be coupled to the machine room 50 so as to be exposed to the outside through any one wall surface of the machine room 50.
The water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70 can be located in the front portion of the machine room 50.
The water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70 can configure one wall surface of the machine room 50 together with the first wall 51. In the case where the first wall 51 configures the front surface of the machine room 50, the water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70 can be coupled to the machine room 50 so as to be exposed through the front side of the machine room 50 and so as to be exposed to the outside of the first wall 51.
Since the water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70 are exposed to the outside of the first wall 51, the user can put water into the water supply tank 60 or discharge water from the drain tank 70.
The water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70 can be configured to be detachable from the machine room 50. The water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70 can be attached to and detached from the first wall 51. In order to facilitate attachment and detachment of the water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70, a handle 60a of the water supply tank can be formed on the outer surface of the water supply tank 60, and a handle 70a of the drain tank can be formed on the outer surface of the drain tank 70.
The water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70 can be configured to be separated from the machine room 50 in the outer direction of the first wall 51, respectively.
The controller 80 can be configured to control the operations of the respective elements in connection with respective elements constituting the shoe care device 1.
The door 30 can be configured to open and close both the inner cabinet 40 and the machine room 50.
The door 30 can be configured to be rotatable around the rotation axis 31 in the vertical direction in the shoe care device 1. The door 30 can be coupled to the outer cabinet 20 by a hinge. The door 30 can be coupled to the inner cabinet 40 and/or the machine room 50 by a hinge.
The door 30 can be coupled to the inner cabinet 40 and the machine room 50 on the same side as the first wall 51. That is, when the door 30 configures the front surface of the shoe care device 1, the first wall 51 can configure the front surface of the machine room 50, and the door 30 can be located right outside the first wall 51.
The door 30 can be configured to expose or shield the inner cabinet 40, the water supply tank 60, and the drain tank 70. The door 30 can be configured to open and close the front side of the inner cabinet 40, the water supply tank 60, and the drain tank 70.
In the shoe care device 1, the door 30, the water supply tank 60, and the drain tank 70 can be provided on the same side, and when the door 30 is opened, the water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70 can be exposed and separated from the shoe care device 1.
With the configuration above, even if the left and right sides and the back of the shoe care device 1 are blocked by other items or structures, the door 30 can be opened from the front side of the shoe care device 1, and furthermore, the water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70 can be separated from or attached to the shoe care device 1.
A control panel 33 for controlling the shoe care device 1 is provided outside the door 30. A control unit (a controller 80) for controlling respective elements of the shoe care device 1 in connection with the control panel 33 can be provided in the inner space of the door 30. The controller 80 can be provided inside the machine room 50.
As shown in
In an example, the door 30 can be configured to open and close only the inner cabinet 40. In this case, the machine room 50 can be configured not to be shielded by the door 30. Furthermore, in this case, the shoe care device 1 can further include a dedicated door of the machine room 50 provided to close the machine room 50 separately from the door 30.
A steam generator 600 is provided in the shoe care device 1 as a device for generating moisture inside the inner cabinet 40. The steam generator 600 can be provided inside the machine room 50. The steam generator 600 can be configured to generate steam and selectively supply moisture and steam into the inner cabinet 40.
Humid air generated by the steam generator 600 (“air” described in the present disclosure can be “air containing moisture”) can be supplied to the inner space of the shoe care device 1, and the moisture can circulate through the inner space, thereby providing moisture to the shoes.
In some examples, the shoe care device 1 can be a refresher device for refreshing shoes.
For example, “refreshing” can indicate a process of removing contaminants from shoes, deodorizing shoes, sanitizing shoes, preventing static electricity of shoes, or warming shoes by providing air, heated air, water, mist, steam, etc. to the shoes.
The steam generator 600 can supply steam to the accommodation space 41 of the inner cabinet 40 in which shoes are accommodated to perform steam treatment on the shoes, and furthermore, it is intended to exert a refreshing effect by inflating the shoe material, as well as a sterilization effect by high-temperature steam.
The steam generator 600 can be provided with a separate heater 610 for heating water therein, and can generate steam by heating water and supply the steam to the accommodation space 41 of the inner cabinet 40.
As a water supply source for supplying water to the steam generator 600, an external faucet or the like can be used, or a container-type water supply tank provided on one side of the machine room 50 can be used. The steam generator 600 can generate steam by receiving water from the water supply tank 60.
In the shoe care device 1, the dehumidifying block 400 can be used as a means for dehumidifying air.
The dehumidifying block 400 can be provided in the machine room 50.
The dehumidifying block 400 can be configured to have a predetermined volume. The dehumidifying block 400 can be configured to be porous by itself. A plurality of pores can be formed in the dehumidifying block 400 over the entire volume, and air can pass through the dehumidifying block 400 through the pores. As will be described below, in the case where the dehumidifying block 400 is configured as a combination of a plurality of dehumidifying materials 430, the plurality of dehumidifying materials 430 can be fixed to each other by separate fixing means, or fixed to each other by adhesion.
The dehumidifying block 400 may include a dehumidifying material.
The dehumidifying material 430 may include a material capable of lowering humidity by absorbing moisture in the air. The dehumidifying material 430 can be formed of various materials or combinations of materials capable of absorbing or adsorbing moisture in the air, and can have various shapes and structures.
The dehumidifying material 430 can be referred to as “desiccant,” “absorbent,” or “adsorbent.”
The dehumidifying material 430 can be made of a microporous material. The dehumidifying material 430 may include silica gel, activated carbon, activated alumina (AL2O3), diatomaceous earth, and the like.
In particular, the dehumidifying material 430 can be made of zeolite or may include zeolite.
Zeolite is a natural and synthetic silicate mineral in which tunnels (or open channels) having a size of about 3 to 10 angstroms (Å) are regularly arranged, and can perform a dehumidification function by adsorbing moisture from the air
In the case of heating zeolite, the moisture adsorbed onto the zeolite can be separated into a large amount of vapor. Zeolite can perform a dehumidification function of removing moisture from the air according to the above characteristic thereof, and the moisture adsorbed onto the zeolite can be separated by heating the zeolite, thereby regenerating the zeolite into the state capable of the dehumidification function.
Hereinafter, a description will be made based on that the dehumidifying material 430 is made of zeolite.
Zeolite can be made in the form of a small grain (or stone) having a size (diameter) of several millimeters (mm) to several tens of millimeter (mm), and the dehumidifying material 430 can be a form in which these grains (or stones) are combined. Each of the grains (or stones) can be aggregated or combined to form a single structure.
The heater 710 can be provided on one side of the dehumidifying material (zeolite) 430, and the heater 710 can be selectively heated so that dehumidification by the dehumidifying material 430 or regeneration of the dehumidifying material 430 can be performed.
The dehumidifying material (zeolite) 430 and the heater 710 can be configured as a set. A plurality of sets of the dehumidifying material and the heater can be provided. In the shoe care device 1, in some examples, two sets of the dehumidifying material and the heater 710 can be provided.
Such a set can be referred to as a “drying module” in the shoe care device 1. In the shoe care device 1, a plurality of drying modules can be provided or a pair of drying modules can be provided. In the case where a pair of drying modules is provided in the shoe care device 1, one drying module can be “drying module A,” and the other drying module can be “drying module B” (see
In the shoe care device 1, the drying module A and the drying module B can be configured to operate in different modes. When the drying module A is operated in a dehumidifying mode (the case where the dehumidifying material adsorbs moisture from the air), the drying module B can be operated in a regeneration mode (the case where the moisture adsorbed onto the dehumidifying material is separated by heating the dehumidifying material). In some examples, when the drying module A is operated in a regeneration mode, the drying module B can be operated in a dehumidifying mode.
In some examples, both the drying module A and the drying module B can be operated in a dehumidifying mode, or can be operated in a regeneration mode.
The shoe care device 1 can have a structure in which the dehumidifying block 400 is not separable from the machine room 50.
The shoe care device 1 according to an example of the present disclosure can have a structure in which the dehumidifying block 400 can be separable from the machine room 50. This structure of the shoe care device 1 can provide an advantage in overall maintenance and management of the dehumidifying block 400 and the shoe care device 1.
The dehumidifying block 400 can be repeatedly used by regeneration, but can need to be replaced due to repeated use.
In some implementations, the shoe care device 1 can be configured to enable separation and replacement of the dehumidifying block 400.
The connection path F10 can form a passage through which the air moves inside the shoe care device 1.
The shoe care device 1 has an air circulation structure in which the air inside the inner cabinet 40 where shoes are placed is sucked into the machine room and is dehumidified using a dehumidifying material 430 and in which the dehumidified air is supplied back into the inner cabinet 40.
The connection path F10 can be used as a means for making such an air circulation structure in the shoe care device 1. All or a portion of the connection path F10 can be configured in the form of a pipe, a tube, a duct, or a combination thereof.
The connection path F10 can define an air moving path connected from the outlet 42 to the inlet 43. That is, the outlet 42 can configure an entrance to the connection path F10, and the inlet 43 can configure an exit of the connection path F10.
The outlet 42 and the inlet 43 can be provided in the inner cabinet 40, and most portions of the connection path F10, excluding the outlet 42 and the inlet 43, can be provided in the machine room 50.
The air inside the inner cabinet 40 can move to the connection path F10 through the outlet 42, and the air that has passed through the connection path F10 can move back to the inner cabinet 40 through the inlet 43. As such airflow is repeated, a circulating airflow can occur in the shoe care device 1.
The dehumidifying block 400 is disposed on the connection path F10. The air moving through the connection path F10 can pass through the dehumidifying block 400, and the dehumidifying block 400 can absorb moisture from the air moving through the connection path (F10) so that the dehumidified air can be supplied to the inner cabinet 40.
The blower 220 is provided inside the machine room 50 to generate airflow in the shoe care device 1.
In particular, the blower 220 makes the flow of air in the connection path F10. That is, the blower 220 causes the air inside the inner cabinet 40 to be sucked into the outlet 42 and the air inside the connection path F10 to be discharged to the inner cabinet 40 through the inlet 43.
Dry air can be supplied into the inner cabinet 40 by the blower 220.
The connection path F10 can be divided into a first section F10a, a second section F10b, and a third section F10c. The first section F10a, the second section F10b, and the third section F10c are sequentially connected to each other to form an air passage. Air in the connection path F10 can pass through the first section F10a, the second section F10b, and the third section F10c in sequence.
The first section F10a can be an upstream section of the connection path F10, which is connected to the outlet 42.
The first section F10a can be connected to the outlet 42 and can be a section in which the blower 220 is located.
The first section F10a can be a section through which humid air moves.
The second section F10b can be a section connected to the first section F10a and in which the dehumidifying block 400 is located. The second section F10b can be a midstream section of the connection path F10.
The second section F10b can be a section in which air is dehumidified by the dehumidifying block 400, or can be a section in which the dehumidifying block 400 (the dehumidifying material 430) is regenerated.
The third section F10c can be a downstream section of the connection path F10, which connects the second section F10b and the inlet 43.
The third section F10c can be a section through which dry air, from which moisture has been removed, moves.
The connection path F10 may include a suction duct 210, a blowing duct 230, and a discharge duct 525. The suction duct 210, the blowing duct 230, and the discharge duct 525 can be accommodated in the machine room 50.
The suction duct 210 configures a portion of the connection path F10. The suction duct 210 can be connected to the outlet 42 to suck air from the inner cabinet 40.
The sump 214 has a structure for accommodating water. The sump 214 is positioned below the dehumidifying material 430.
The sump 214 can be formed integrally with the suction duct 210. In some implementations, the lowermost portion of the suction duct 210 can have a container structure capable of storing water, and the lower portion of the suction duct 210 in the container structure (the lowermost portion of the lower duct 213) can be a sump 214.
A sump hole 215 forming an entrance, through which condensate water flows into the sump 214, is formed on the outer edge of the sump 214.
The air introduced into the suction duct 210 can contain a relatively large amount of moisture in the process of refreshing shoes, and some of the air introduced into the suction duct 210 can be condensed in the suction duct 210. In addition, condensate water inside the inner cabinet 40 can be sucked into the suction duct 210 together with the air. In this case, the condensate water can fall to the lower portion of the suction duct 210, move to the sump 214 formed integrally with the suction duct 210 to be collected, and can then be discharged to the drain tank or to the outside, or can be transported to the steam generator 600 or the like.
As described above, the shoe care device 1 can facilitate management and discharge of condensate water.
The blowing duct 230 configures a portion of the connection path F10. The blowing duct 230 configures a passage through which air is supplied to the dehumidifying material 430. The blowing duct 230 configures a passage through which the air passing through the blower 220 moves toward the first path F11. The blowing duct 230 extends from the blower 220 to be connected to the housing inlet 311. The blowing duct 230 can extend upwards from the blower 220 to be connected to the housing inlet 311.
The blower 220 can be connected between the suction duct 210 and the blowing duct 230, and a blowing fan 221 can be provided inside the blower 220. Air can be sucked from the inner cabinet 40 and the sucked air can be blown toward the blowing duct 230 by the operation of the blower 220 (the blowing fan 221).
The suction duct 210, the blower 220, and the blowing duct 230 can together form the first section F10a.
The blowing duct 230 can be connected to one side of the dehumidifier housing 300 accommodating the dehumidifying material 430 so that the air blown through the blowing duct 230 can come into contact with the dehumidifying material 430. Accordingly, moisture is removed from the air in contact with the dehumidifying material 430.
The dehumidifier housing 300 and the dehumidifying block 400 can together form the second section F10b.
The damper housing 520 can form the discharge duct 525.
The air passing through the dehumidifier housing 300 can be blown toward the discharge duct 525 of the damper housing 520, which is connected to the opposite side of the dehumidifier housing 300.
The damper housing 520 and the discharge duct 525 can form the third section F10c.
In some implementations, the damper 510 can be configured in the form of a damper valve.
The damper 510 can be configured to open the regeneration path F20 while closing the third section F10c, or open the third section F10c while closing the regeneration path F20.
A damper housing 520 is configured to accommodate the damper 510.
A regeneration path hole 527 forming an entrance to the regeneration path F20 is formed on the bottom of the damper housing 520.
The damper 510 can be configured to selectively shield the inside of the damper housing 520 and the regeneration path hole 527. The damper 510 can be configured to selectively seal the inside of the damper housing 520 and the regeneration path hole 527.
The dry air blown into the discharge duct 525 of the damper housing 520 can flow back into the inner cabinet 40 through the inlet 43 to refresh the shoes.
As described above, the air inside the inner cabinet 40 passes through the outlet 42, the suction duct 210, the blower 220, the blowing duct 230, the dehumidifier housing 300 (and the dehumidifying block 400), the discharge duct 525 of the damper housing 520, and the inlet 43, in sequence, into the connection path F10.
The damper 510 is provided inside the damper housing 520 and controls the movement path of the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430. Upon operation of the damper 510, the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 can move into the inner cabinet 40 through the inlet 43, or can move to the regeneration path F20.
The damper 510 can be configured to selectively close any one of the discharge duct 525 and the regeneration path F20. In the case where the damper 510 opens the discharge duct 525 while closing the regeneration path F20, the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 can flow into the inner cabinet 40 through the inlet 43, and in the case where the damper 510 opens the regeneration path F20 while closing the discharge duct 525, the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 can be condensed while moving through the regeneration path F20.
The moisture generated in the process of regenerating the dehumidifying material needs to be discharged through a path separated from the connection path (F10) (the third section F10c), which is the path through which dry air flows. Accordingly, the shoe care device 1 includes the regeneration path F20, and when the dehumidifying material (zeolite) 430 is regenerated, the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 moves through the regeneration path F20, instead of being blown to the discharge duct 525.
The regeneration path F20 diverges from the connection path F10. The regeneration path F20 can diverge from the third section F10c of the connection path F10. The regeneration path F20 leads to the sump 214.
The regeneration path F20 configures a path through which air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 and/or condensed water flows when the dehumidifying material 430 is regenerated. The entire regeneration path F20 can be configured in the form of a pipe, a tube, a duct, or a combination thereof.
The moisture separated from the dehumidifying material 430 can move to the condenser 800 together with the air moving through the regeneration path F20 and can then be condensed. In addition, the condensate water condensed in the condenser 800 can move to the lower portion of the suction duct 210 through the regeneration path F20, can be collected at the lower portion of the suction duct 210, and can then be discharged to the drain tank 70 or to the outside or transported to the steam generator 600.
The regeneration path F20 can be configured such that the height thereof is gradually reduced from the point connected to the connection path F10 to the point connected to the sump 214.
The cross-sectional area of the inside of the damper housing 520 is configured to be greater than the cross-sectional area of the regeneration path hole 527.
The cross-sectional area of the inside of the damper housing 520 and the cross-sectional area of the discharge duct 525 can be configured to be greater than the cross-sectional area of the regeneration path hole 527. In some implementations, the cross-sectional area of the inside of the damper housing 520 and the cross-sectional area of the discharge duct 525 can be configured to be double the cross-sectional area of the regeneration path hole 527 or more. In an example, in the case where the cross-sectional area of the inside of the damper housing 520 and the relative cross-sectional area of the discharge duct 525 are 10 cm2, respectively, the relative cross-sectional area of the regeneration path hole 527 can be 0.5 to 2 cm2.
Accordingly, the amount of moving air per unit time in the case where the damper 510 closes the regeneration path hole 527 and opens the inside (the discharge duct 525) of the damper housing 520 is much larger than the amount of moving air per unit time in the case where the damper 510 opens the regeneration path hole 527 and closes the inside (the discharge duct 525) of the damper housing 520.
As described above, in the case where the cross-sectional areas of the inside of the damper housing 520 and the discharge duct 525 are much greater than the cross-sectional area of the regeneration path hole 527, as shown in
In some examples, in
The shoe care device 1 can have various shapes and structures depending on the usage conditions thereof. The shoe care device 1 can be formed in a hexahedron shape that is long in the vertical direction. This form enables the shoe care device 1 to be installed and used in a relatively narrow space in the vertical direction, and also causes the shoe care device 1 to be naturally arranged with the existing shoe cabinet.
The inner cabinet 40 can have any shape and structure as long as shoes can be received in the accommodation space 41.
The machine room 50 can be located below the inner cabinet 40 (the inner space). This structure makes it suitable for the shoe care device 1 to be formed in a hexahedral shape that is long in the vertical direction, and is advantageous for the convenience of use of the inner cabinet 40.
A rack 47 on which the shoes S are mounted can be provided in the inside of an accommodation space 41 (an inner space) of the inner cabinet 40. A plurality of racks 47 can be provided, and the respective racks 47 can be arranged vertically.
The dry air and steam supplied to the accommodation space 41 of the inner cabinet 40 tend to rise. In the shoe care device 1, the machine room 50 can be located below the inner cabinet 40, and accordingly, the dry air and steam can naturally move upwards from the machine room 50 toward the inner cabinet 40, so that the dry air and steam can be effectively supplied.
In the shoe care device 1, zeolite effective for dehumidification, deodorization, and humidification can be disposed in the machine room 50, and the air that has passed through the zeolite can flow back into the inner cabinet 40 to circulate through the connection path F10, and condensate water can be discharged through the regeneration path F20 when the zeolite is regenerated, thereby effectively managing the shoes.
The dehumidifying block 400 can have a predetermined length in the first direction X. The dehumidifying block 400 can have a length d1 in the first direction X longer than a length d2 in the second direction Y and a length d3 in the third direction Z. Here, the first direction X can indicate the longitudinal direction of the dehumidifying block 400 (see
The first direction X can be parallel to the horizontal direction or can be substantially parallel to the horizontal direction.
The first direction X can be the direction directed from the dehumidifying block 400 to the inlet 43.
As described above, the shoe care device 1 can have a substantially hexahedral shape, and the surface of the shoe care device 1, on which the door 30 is formed, can be the front surface of the shoe care device 1.
In some implementations, the first direction X can be the direction directed from the front of the shoe care device 1 to the rear thereof. In an example, the first direction X can be a left-to-right direction of the shoe care device 1, or can be a right-to-left direction of the shoe care device 1.
The inner cabinet 40 may include a cabinet bottom plate 45 forming the bottom thereof.
The cabinet bottom plate 45 can be the boundary of the inner cabinet 40 and the machine room 50. The cabinet bottom plate 45 can have a rectangular shape.
The cabinet bottom plate 45 can be configured to be parallel to the horizontal direction.
Alternatively, the cabinet bottom plate 45 can be configured to be inclined to either side. In this case, water (e.g., the condensate water) on the upper surface of the cabinet bottom plate 45 can flow in any direction along the inclination.
In some implementations, the cabinet bottom plate 45 can be configured such that the front thereof is inclined downwards.
In an example, the cabinet bottom plate 45 can be configured to be inclined downwards to the left, or can be configured to be inclined downwards to the right.
The cabinet bottom plate 45 can configured to be inclined upwards along the first direction X, or the cabinet bottom plate 45 can be configured to be inclined upwards along the second direction Y.
A steam hole 44 can be formed in the cabinet bottom plate 45. The steam hole 44 can be connected to the steam generator 600 by a pipe, a hose, a duct, or the like, and steam of the steam generator 600 can be discharged into the inner cabinet 40 through the steam hole 44.
The shoe care device 1 may include a dehumidifying material cover 46.
The dehumidifying material cover 46 configures a portion of the cabinet bottom plate 45, which is the bottom of the inner cabinet 40. In addition, the dehumidifying material cover 46 can be detachably coupled to the cabinet bottom plate 45 of the inner cabinet 40, or can be connected to the cabinet bottom plate 45 by a hinge.
A dehumidifying material cover 46 can be formed in the middle of the cabinet bottom plate 45.
In the cabinet bottom plate 45, a bottom hole 45a can be formed as an opening having a shape and size corresponding to the dehumidifying material cover 46. The dehumidifying material cover 46 can be configured to open and close the bottom hole 45a. The dehumidifying material cover 46 can be at least partially removable from the cabinet bottom plate 45. In some implementations, the dehumidifying material cover 46 can be completely separated from the cabinet bottom plate 45, thereby opening the bottom hole 45a, and in an example, the dehumidifying material cover 46 can rotate about a hinge axis, thereby opening the bottom hole 45a. The dehumidifying block 400 can be inserted into or drawn out of the machine room 50 through the bottom hole 45a as an opening.
In addition, when the dehumidifying material cover 46 is separated from the cabinet bottom plate 45, the dehumidifier housing 300 positioned under the cabinet bottom plate 45 can be exposed through the bottom hole 45a, so that the dehumidifying block 400 can be placed inside the dehumidifier housing 300 or the dehumidifying block 400 can be separated from the dehumidifier housing 300.
The dehumidifying material cover 46 and the bottom hole can have any size and shape as long as insertion and taking out of the dehumidifying block 400 are possible.
The dehumidifying material cover 46 can be formed in a rectangular plate shape.
The length of the dehumidifying material cover 46 can be equal to or greater than the length of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X, and the length of the dehumidifying material cover 46 can be equal to or greater than the length of the dehumidifying block 400 in the second direction Y.
In the case where a pair of dehumidifying blocks 400 is provided, a pair of dehumidifying material covers 46 can be provided to individually shield or open each dehumidifying block 400, or one dehumidifying material cover 46 can be provided to shield or open all of the pair of dehumidifying blocks 400.
The dehumidifying material cover 46 can be configured to shield the dehumidifying block 400 to be spaced apart therefrom. A space between the dehumidifying material cover 46 and the dehumidifying block 400 can form a second path F12.
As described above, the outlet 42, which is a hole through which the air is sucked from the inner cabinet 40, can configure the beginning of the connection path F10. The outlet 42 can be formed on the bottom (the cabinet bottom plate 45) of the inner cabinet 40 or can be formed adjacent to the bottom of the inner cabinet 40.
A mesh such as a grid type, a screen type, or the like can be provided in the outlet 42.
The outlet 42 can be formed parallel to the first direction X. That is, the outlet 42 can be configured in the form of a long slot on the cabinet bottom plate 45 along the first direction X. The outlet 42 can be disposed parallel to the dehumidifying block 400.
In some example, the outlet 42 can be formed at the edge of the cabinet bottom plate 45.
In some examples, the outlet 42 can be formed along the first direction X at the edge of the cabinet bottom plate 45.
In some examples, the outlet 42 can be formed in the front portion or the rear portion of the cabinet bottom plate 45 in the second direction Y.
The outlet 42 can be located on the cabinet bottom plate 45 to be relatively close to the door 30. That is, the outlet 42 can be positioned relatively at the front of the cabinet bottom plate 45.
As described above, the inlet 43, which is a hole through which air is discharged into the inner cabinet 40, can configure the end portion of the connection path F10. The inlet 43 can be formed at the bottom (the cabinet bottom plate 45) of the inner cabinet 40 or can be formed adjacent to the bottom of the inner cabinet 40.
The inlet 43 can be formed along the second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X at the edge of the bottom of the inner cabinet 40. The inlet 43 can be configured in the form of a long slot in one direction.
A nesh such as a grid type, a screen type, or the like can be provided in the inlet 43.
When the outlet 42 is located at the front of the bottom of the inner cabinet 40, the inlet 43 can be located in the left or right portion of the bottom of the inner cabinet 40. When the outlet 42 is located in the left or right portion of the bottom of the inner cabinet 40, the inlet 43 can be located at the rear of the bottom of the inner cabinet 40.
The steam hole 44 can be located on the side opposite the outlet 42 and close to the inlet 43 on the bottom of the inner cabinet 40. That is, the steam hole 44 can be located relatively far from the outlet 42 and relatively close to the inlet 43.
When the outlet 42 is formed at the front of the bottom of the inner cabinet 40 and when the inlet 43 is formed in the right portion of the bottom of the inner cabinet 40, the steam hole 44 can be formed on the bottom of the inner cabinet 40 so as to be close to the right side at the rear thereof (see
Accordingly, the steam discharged from the steam hole 44 can sufficiently move to be dispersed throughout the inside of the inner cabinet 40, instead of being directly sucked into the outlet 42, and, in particular, since it is located adjacent to the inlet 43, the steam can be more strongly discharged into the inner cabinet 40 by the flow (force) of the air discharged from the inlet 43 so that the steam can be supplied to the entire space inside the inner cabinet 40.
The suction duct 210 can be configured to extend downwards from the outlet 42.
The suction duct 210 may include an upper duct 211, a middle duct 212, and a lower duct 213.
The upper duct 211 can configure the uppermost portion of the suction duct 210. The upper duct 211 can be configured to extend downwards from the outlet 42 in the vertical direction.
The middle duct 212 configures a portion further extending downwards from the lower end of the upper duct 211.
The middle duct 212 can be configured to be bent to either side from the upper duct 211. The middle duct 212 can be configured to be bent to the inside of the shoe care device 1 from the upper duct 211.
The lower duct 213 configures a portion further extending downwards from the lower end of the middle duct 212. The lower duct 213 can be configured to extend downwards from the middle duct 212 in the vertical direction.
In some implementations, the blower 220 can be configured to generate airflow in the connection path F10.
For example, the blower 220 can be positioned between the suction duct 210 and the blowing duct 230 based on the air movement direction in the connection path F10, and can be configured to connect the suction duct 210 with the blowing duct 230.
In some examples, the blower 220 can be configured to connect the lower duct 213 with the blowing duct 230.
In some examples, the blower 220 can be positioned lower than the outlet 42 and the inlet 43.
In some implementations, the blower 220 can include a blowing fan 221, a blowing housing 225, and a motor 227.
The blowing fan 221 can be configured to rotate about the rotation axis 222 in the second direction Y, which is a horizontal direction and is perpendicular to the first direction X. The motor 227 of the blower 220 rotates the blowing fan 221.
The rotation axis 222 of the blowing fan 221 can be positioned in front of the blowing duct 230 in the first direction X.
The blowing housing 225 is configured to accommodate the blowing fan 221. The blowing housing 225 can be formed in a round shape about the rotation axis 222 of the blowing fan 221.
The blowing housing 225 is configured to communicate with the suction duct 210 and the blowing duct 230, respectively, and configures a portion of the connection path F10.
The blowing housing 225 can be connected to and communicate with the suction duct 210 on the rotation axis 222 of the blowing fan 221, and can be connected to and communicate with the blowing duct 230 at the edge thereof.
Accordingly, the air inside the suction duct 210 is introduced into the blowing housing 225 near the rotation axis 222 of the blowing fan 221, and the air inside the blowing housing 225 moves along the circumferential direction of the blowing housing 225 while being pressed towards the edge of the blowing housing 225 according to the rotation of the blowing fan 221, thereby moving to the blowing duct 230.
The blowing duct 230 can be formed such that the width in the second direction Y is continuously increased toward the upper portion.
The blowing duct 230 may include a lower blowing duct 231 and an upper blowing duct 232.
The lower blowing duct 231 is connected to the blower 220. The lower blowing duct 231 communicates with the blowing housing 225 of the blower 220.
The upper blowing duct 232 extends upwards from the lower blowing duct 231. The upper blowing duct 232 can be connected to the housing inlet 311 to communicate therewith.
The width W2 of the upper blowing duct 232 in the second direction Y can be configured to be greater than the width W1 of the lower blowing duct 231 in the second direction Y. The width W2 of the upper blowing duct 232 in the second direction Y can be configured to be 1.5 to 2.5 times the width W1 of the lower blowing duct 231 in the second direction Y.
With the configuration of the blowing duct 230 described above, the flow rate of air supplied to the inner space (the first path F11) of the dehumidifying block 400 can be stably secured, and, in particular, even if a pair of dehumidifying blocks 400 is provided, sufficient air can be supplied to the dehumidifying block 400.
The blowing housing 225 and the blowing duct 230 can form a spiral passage about the rotation axis 222 of the blowing fan 221 together such that the air inside the blowing housing 225 can naturally move to the blowing duct 230 when the blowing fan 221 rotates.
The spiral passage can be configured such that the radial distance from the rotation axis 222 of the blowing fan 221 gradually increases from blowing housing 225 to the blowing duct 230 along the rotational direction of the blowing fan 221. In some implementations, as shown in
Based on the first direction X, the rear end of the blowing housing 225 or the rear end of the blowing duct 230 can be configured to further protrude backwards in the first direction X compared to the rear end of the dehumidifying block 400, or to be position at the same position as the same.
Accordingly, the flow direction of the air passing through the blowing housing 225 and the blowing fan 221 can substantially match the flow direction of the air moving to the path (the first path F11) inside the dehumidifying block 400, or can naturally switch to the same. As shown in
Accordingly, the air moving along the connection path F10 can smoothly pass through the dehumidifying block 400, and the path resistance of the air passing through the dehumidifying block 400 can be prevented from increasing.
The condenser 800 configures a portion of regeneration path F20.
The condenser 800 can be positioned behind the water supply tank 60 or the drain tank 70 inside the machine room 50.
The condenser 800 is positioned lower than the dehumidifying material 430 and higher than the sump 214. The condenser 800 is made of metal. The condenser 800 can be made of a metal with excellent thermal conductivity. The condenser 800 can be made of aluminum.
The condenser 800 may include a condenser inlet 810, a condenser outlet 830, and a condenser path 820.
The condenser inlet 810 is connected to the connection path F10. The condenser inlet 810 is connected to the regeneration path hole 527 by a separate pipe, hose, and the like constituting the regeneration path F20.
The condenser outlet 830 is connected to the sump 214. The condenser outlet 830 is connected to the sump hole 215 by a separate pipe, hose, and the like constituting the regeneration path F20.
The condenser path 820, which is a passage for air (or water) provided inside the condenser 800, connects the condenser inlet 810 with the condenser outlet 830.
The condenser path 820 can be configured such that the height thereof is gradually reduced from the condenser inlet 810 to the condenser outlet 830.
The condenser path 820 can be formed in a zigzag form. The condenser path 820 can be arranged parallel to the plane in the vertical direction.
Accordingly, the condenser 800 can be configured in a vertically thin structure, and the volume thereof occupying the inside of the machine room 50 can be minimized, and the water condensed inside the condenser 800 can move smoothly along the direction of gravity without gathering inside the condenser 800.
The condenser 800 can be positioned lower than the third section F10c and the damper 510.
The condenser 800 can be positioned on the opposite side of the heater 710 based on the suction duct 210. The suction duct 210 can be configured to shield the heater 710 and the condenser 800 from each other.
Accordingly, the heat of the heater 710 can be prevented from being transferred to the condenser 800, and condensation of water vapor can be effectively performed in the condenser 800.
Based on the lower duct 213, the condenser 800 can be positioned on the opposite side of the blower 220. Accordingly, the spaces on both sides of the lower duct 213 can be efficiently utilized, and the increase in the volume of the machine room 50 according to the provision of the condenser 800 can be prevented.
The dehumidifier housing 300 can be configured as a container capable of accommodating the dehumidifying block 400.
The dehumidifier housing 300 can be configured as a container of which the upper side is substantially open. In particular, the dehumidifier housing 300 can be configured such that the dehumidifying block 400 can be put into or taken out of the dehumidifier housing 300 through the upper side thereof. The dehumidifying material cover 46 can be coupled to the upper side of the dehumidifier housing 300 to open and close the upper opening of the dehumidifier housing 300.
The dehumidifying block 400 is accommodated inside the dehumidifier housing 300.
The inner space of the dehumidifier housing 300 configures a portion of the connection path F10.
The heater 710 is positioned on the connection path F10 and configured to heat the air in the connection path F10.
In addition, the heater 710 is configured to heat the dehumidifying block 400. The heater 710 is configured to heat the dehumidifying material 430 constituting the dehumidifying block 400. In some examples, the heater 710 is disposed on the connection path F10 to be adjacent to the dehumidifying block 400.
Both the dehumidifying block 400 and the heater 710 can be accommodated in the dehumidifier housing 300.
The heater 710 can be positioned in the inner space formed by the dehumidifier housing 300 and the dehumidifying block 400.
The dehumidifier housing 300 and the heater 710 will be further described later.
A plurality of dehumidifying blocks 400 can be provided in the shoe care device 1.
A pair of dehumidifying blocks 400 can be provided in the shoe care device 1. The dehumidifying block 400 can be arranged in the second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X.
The dehumidifying block 400 is positioned on the connection path F10, and is configured to remove moisture from the air passing through the connection path F10.
The dehumidifying block 400 is configured to form the inner space 404, and the air in the inner space 404 moves to pass through the dehumidifying block 400 over the entire area thereof. Accordingly, the contact area between the air passing through the connection path F10 and the dehumidifying material 430 can be increased.
The dehumidifying block 400 may include an inner mesh 410, an outer mesh 420, and a dehumidifying material 430. In addition, the dehumidifying block 400 may include a first frame 440.
Each of the inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420 can be configured in the form of a mesh, and a plurality of holes can be formed in the inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420 over the entire area thereof. The holes of the inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420 can be formed smaller than the size of each grain of the dehumidifying material 430 to prevent the dehumidifying material 430 from escaping therefrom.
The inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420 can be made of a relatively hard material to maintain the shape of the dehumidifying block 400. Each of the inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420 may include a material such as a metal, a heat-resistant synthetic resin or synthetic fiber, a carbon fiber, and the like.
Each of the inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420 can have a predetermined area, and can be formed in a curved shape, or they can be configured in the form of a combination of flat surfaces bent to each other.
The inner mesh 410 can have a structure to form the inner space 404 of the dehumidifying block 400. The heater 710 can be accommodated in the inner space 404 of the inner mesh 410.
The outer mesh 420 is positioned outside the inner mesh 410.
The inner mesh 410 configures the inner surface of the dehumidifying block 400, and the outer mesh 420 configures the outer surface of the dehumidifying block 400.
Each of the inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420 can have a constant section along the first direction X.
As described above, the dehumidifying material 430 is configured as a combination of a plurality of grains (or stones), and the space between the inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420 is filled with the dehumidifying material 430.
The dehumidifying block 400 can be configured in the form of a pipe or a tunnel extending along the horizontal direction.
The dehumidifying block 400 can have various shapes in the cross-section thereof, such as a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, and the like.
The dehumidifying block 400 can have a shape that is opened to one side in the cross-section thereof. The opening in the dehumidifying block 400 can be directed downwards.
The dehumidifying block 400 can have a cross-section in a “” shape or a “U” shape.
The dehumidifying block 400 can have a cross-section in a shape (see
In the case where the dehumidifying block 400 has a cross-section in a shape, the inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420 can be connected to each other.
In the case where the dehumidifying block 400 has a cross-section in a shape, the dehumidifying block 400 can be divided into a ceiling part 401, a first side wall 402, and a second side wall 403, which will be described in detail later.
The inner space 404 of the dehumidifying block 400 (the inner space of the inner mesh 410) configures the first path F11 that is a portion of the connection path F10. The heater 710 can be positioned in the first path F11.
As described above, the dehumidifying block 400 has a predetermined length in the first direction X, and the length of the first path F11 is the same as or similar to the total length d1 of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X.
The first path F11 is configured to have a predetermined length in the first direction X. In some implementations, the length of the first path F11 in the first direction X is configured to be greater than the length (width) in the second direction Y or the length (height) in the third direction Z. That is, the longitudinal direction of the first path F11 can be parallel to the first direction X. In some implementations, the length of the first path F11 in the first direction X can be configured to be double the length (width) in the second direction Y or the length (height) in the third direction Z.
If the first direction X is the longitudinal direction of the first path F11, if the second direction Y is the width direction of the first path F11, and if the third direction Z is the height direction of the first path F11, the length of the first path F11 can be greater than the width and the height of the first path F11.
The air introduced into the outlet 42 can flow while passing through the dehumidifying block 400 from the inside to the outside thereof.
The first path F11 configures the upstream of the second section F10b of the connection path F10. That is, when the air of the first section F10a flows to the second section F10b, the air first enters the first path F11, and then the air introduced into the first path F11 can pass through the dehumidifying block 400.
The first path F11 can be formed inside the dehumidifying block 400, and as described above, the first path F11 can be formed long in the first direction X so that the air moving along the first path F11 can move in the direction to pass through the dehumidifying block 400 (the direction crossing the first direction X), so the contact area between the air of the connection path F10 and the grains of each dehumidifying material 430 can become sufficiently large, thereby increasing the dehumidifying efficiency.
If the distance between the inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420 in the dehumidifying block 400 is the thickness of the dehumidifying block 400, the thickness of the upper portion of the dehumidifying block 400 can be greater than the thickness of the lower portion (see
The air passing through the first path F11 can tend to flow upwards while being heated by the heater 710, and since the thickness of the upper portion of the dehumidifying block 400 is greater than the thickness of the lower portion, the air passing through the dehumidifying block 400 can come into contact with a large number of dehumidifying material grains, thereby further improving the dehumidifying efficiency.
In some implementations, the dehumidifying block 400 can have a constant thickness (t1=t2) along the first direction X (see
In an example, the dehumidifying block 400 can have a thickness that changes along the first direction X. For example, the rear portion of the dehumidifying block 400 can be thicker in the first direction X, and the dehumidifying block 400 can become thinner toward the front portion thereof in the first direction X (t1>t2) (see
In particular, the rear portion of the ceiling part 401 of the dehumidifying block 400 can be thicker in the first direction X, and the ceiling part 401 of the dehumidifying block 400 can become thinner toward the front portion thereof in the first direction X (t1>t2). In addition, the ceiling part 401 of the dehumidifying block 400 can be configured such that the inner surface thereof is inclined upwards as it is closer to the front portion thereof in the first direction X.
As will be described later, the housing inlet 311 can face the bottom surface of the ceiling part 401 of the dehumidifying block 400, and the housing inlet 311 can be formed at the position close to the rear portion in the first direction X.
In this case, the air injected into the first path F11 through the housing inlet 311 can be directed toward the ceiling part 401 at the rear in the first direction X, and the air introduced into the first path F11 can first come into contact with the dehumidifying material in the thickest portion thereof, thereby improving the contact efficiency between the air and the dehumidifying material.
In addition, since the inner surface (bottom surface) of the ceiling part 401 of the dehumidifying block 400 is formed to be inclined upwards as it is closer to the front portion thereof in the first direction X (see
The dehumidifying block 400 and the dehumidifying material 430 can be positioned below the bottom (the bottom plate 45 and the dehumidifying material cover 46) of the inner cabinet 40, and the dehumidifying block 400 can be spaced apart from the bottom of the inner cabinet 40.
The external space of the dehumidifying block 400 (the external space of the outer mesh 420) configures the second path F12 that is a portion of the connection path F10.
The space between the outer surface of the dehumidifying block 400 (the outer surface of the outer mesh 420) and the inner surface of the dehumidifier housing 300 can configure a portion of the second path F12.
The space between the cabinet bottom plate 45 of the inner cabinet 40 and the dehumidifying block 400 can configure a portion of the second path F12. In particular, the space between the dehumidifying material cover 46 and the dehumidifying block 400 can configure a portion of the second path F12.
The air introduced into the outlet 42 passes through the suction duct 210, the blower 220, and the blowing duct 230 to flow into the inner space 404 of the inner mesh 410, and flows from the first path F11 to the second path F12 while passing through the dehumidifying block 400.
The dehumidifying block 400 may include a ceiling part 401, a first side wall 402, and a second side wall 403. The inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420 can be connected to each other.
The ceiling part 401 can be formed to be flat in the horizontal direction.
Each of the first side wall 402 and the second side wall 403 can be flat in the vertical direction. The first side wall 402 extends downwards from one side of the ceiling part 401, and the second side wall 403 extends downwards from the opposite side of the ceiling part 401. The second side wall 403 can be spaced apart from the first side wall 402, and can be configured to be parallel to the first side wall 402.
The ceiling part 401, the first side wall 402, and the second side wall 403 are configured to have predetermined thicknesses, respectively.
The ceiling part 401, the first side wall 402, and the second side wall 403 includes an inner mesh 410, an outer mesh 420, and a dehumidifying material 430, respectively.
The ceiling part 401, the first side wall 402, and the second side wall 403 are configured to respectively include an inner mesh 410, an outer mesh 420, a dehumidifying material 430, and a first frame 440.
In some implementations, assuming that the shortest distance from the inner mesh 410 to the outer mesh 420 in the dehumidifying block 400 is the thickness of the dehumidifying block 400, the ceiling part 401, the first side wall 402, and the second side wall 403 can be configured to have the same thickness as each other.
In an example, assuming that the shortest distance from the inner mesh 410 to the outer mesh 420 in the dehumidifying block 400 is the thickness of the dehumidifying block 400, the thickness of the ceiling part 401 can be configured to be greater than the thickness of the first side wall 402 or second side wall 403.
The inner space 404 surrounded by the ceiling part 401, the first side wall 402, and the second side wall 403 configure a first path F11, and the outer space of the ceiling part 401, the first side wall 402, and the second side wall 403 configure a second path F12.
The heater 710 can be configured to be surrounded by the ceiling part 401, the first side wall 402, and the second side wall 403.
In the shoe care device 1, the first path F11, which is the inner space 404 of the dehumidifying block 400, can be configured to be shielded or sealed in the rear and front thereof in the first direction X. The first path F11, which is the inner space of the dehumidifying block 400, can be shielded or sealed in the foremost and rearmost thereof in the first direction X.
Therefore, all or most air introduced into the first path F11 can pass through the dehumidifying block 400, instead of escaping from the first path F11 through the rear or front in the first direction X.
The dehumidifier housing 300 may include a housing bottom plate 310, a rear dehumidifying material wall 320, a front dehumidifying material wall 330, left dehumidifying material walls 340a and 340b, and right dehumidifying material walls 350a and 350b (see
The housing bottom plate 310 can be configured in the form of a plate on which the dehumidifying block 400 is placed. The housing bottom plate 310 can be configured in the form of a plate that is flat in the horizontal direction.
A housing inlet 311 is formed on the housing bottom plate 310.
The housing inlet 311 is a hole formed through the housing bottom plate 310 and configures an inlet through which air is introduced into the inner space of the dehumidifying block 400. The housing inlet 311 configures an inlet through which air flows into the first path F11.
In the housing inlet 311, a mesh such as a grid type, a screen, or the like can be provided.
The housing inlet 311 can be formed to face the bottom surface of the ceiling part 401 of the dehumidifying block 400.
The housing inlet 311 can be formed to be closer to the rear of the dehumidifier housing 300 in the first direction X. The housing inlet 311 can be formed adjacent to the rear end of the housing bottom plate 310 in the first direction X.
The ceiling part 401 of the dehumidifying block 400 can be configured such that a portion thereof closer to the housing inlet 311 is thicker than the portion far away from the housing inlet 311.
The rear dehumidifying material wall 320, the front dehumidifying material wall 330, the left dehumidifying material walls 340a and 340b, and the right dehumidifying material walls 350a and 350b can respectively constitute wall surfaces erected in the vertical direction. In the dehumidifier housing 300, based on the first direction X, the rear dehumidifying material wall 320 can configure a rear wall surface, the front dehumidifying material wall 330 can configure a front wall surface, the left dehumidifying material wall 340a and 340b can configure left wall surfaces, and the right dehumidifying material walls 350a and 350b can configure right wall surfaces.
The rear dehumidifying material wall 320 extends upwards from the housing bottom plate 310. In the state in which the dehumidifying block 400 is accommodated in the dehumidifier housing 300, the rear dehumidifying material wall 320 is positioned behind the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X. In this case, the rear dehumidifying material wall 320 can be configured to be in close contact with or close to the rear surface of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X.
In the case where the rear dehumidifying material wall 320 is close to the rear surface of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X, the gap between the rear dehumidifying material wall 320 and the dehumidifying block 400 can be configured to be very small, for example, about 1 mm or less.
The rear dehumidifying material wall 320 can be configured to shield or seal the first path F11, which is the inner space 404 of the dehumidifying block 400, at the rear thereof in the first direction X.
The front dehumidifying material wall 330 extends upwards from the housing bottom plate 310. The front dehumidifying material wall 330 is positioned in front of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X. In the state in which the dehumidifying block 400 is accommodated in the dehumidifier housing 300, the front dehumidifying material wall 330 is spaced forward apart from the dehumidifying block 400 and the vertical plate 722 in the first direction X. A housing outlet 331 through which the air in the second path F12 flows can be formed in the front dehumidifying material wall 330 so as to penetrate the same in the first direction X.
The left dehumidifying material walls 340a and 340b connect the rear dehumidifying material wall 320 and the front dehumidifying material wall 330 on the left side of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X.
The right dehumidifying material walls 350a and 350b connect the rear dehumidifying material wall 320 and the front dehumidifying material wall 330 on the right side of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X.
In the case where a pair of dehumidifying blocks 400 is provided in the shoe care device 1, the dehumidifier housing 300 can be configured to accommodate the pair of dehumidifying blocks 400 in separate spaces.
In some examples, the dehumidifier housing 300 may include a housing bottom plate 310, a rear dehumidifying material wall 320, a front dehumidifying material wall 330, a first left dehumidifying material wall 340a, a first right dehumidifying material wall 350a, a second left dehumidifying material wall 340b, and a second right dehumidifying material wall 350b.
Any one of the dehumidifying blocks 400 can be accommodated between the first left dehumidifying material wall 340a and the first right dehumidifying material wall 350a, and the other dehumidifying block 400 can be accommodated between the second left dehumidifying material wall 340b and the second right dehumidifying material wall 350b.
In the shoe care device 1, the first right dehumidifying material wall 350a and the second left dehumidifying material wall 340b can be formed separately from each other, or can be formed integrally with each other.
In the state in which the dehumidifying blocks 400 are accommodated in the dehumidifier housing 300, the inner surfaces of the left dehumidifying material walls 340a and 340b can face the outer surfaces of the first side walls 402 while being spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, predetermined gaps are formed between the left dehumidifying material walls 340a and 340b and the first side walls 402, and these gaps configure portions of the second path F12.
In addition, in the state in which the dehumidifying blocks 400 are accommodated in the dehumidifier housing 300, the inner surfaces of the right dehumidifying material walls 350a and 350b can face the outer surfaces of the second side walls 403 while being spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, predetermined gaps are formed between the right dehumidifying material walls 350a and 350b and the second side walls 403, and these gaps configure portions of the second path F12.
In addition, as described above, gaps are formed between the dehumidifying material cover 46 and the dehumidifying blocks 400, and these gaps configure the second path F12. The space configuring the second path F12 communicates with the space between the vertical plate 722 and the front dehumidifying material wall 330, and the air in the second path F12 moves forward in the first direction X through the housing outlet 331 to flow into the damper housing 520.
In the shoe care device 1, based on the third direction Z opposite the direction of gravity, the dehumidifying block 400 is located at the same height as or at a higher position than the housing inlet 311, which is the inlet of the first path F11, and the first path F11 is formed upwards from the lower end of the dehumidifying block 400, and the second path F12 is formed upwards from the lower end of the dehumidifying block 400 so as to surround the first path F11.
In the first path F11, the air moves in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X while moving along the first direction X.
The pressure in the first path F11 is greater than the pressure in the second path F12, and the pressure at the rear of the first path F11 in the first direction X, in which the housing inlet 311 is formed, is greater than the front thereof. In addition, the pressure inside the dehumidifier housing 300 is greater than the pressure inside the damper housing 520.
Therefore, considering the direction of movement of air and the applied direction of pressure in the connection path F10, when the air in the first path F11 passes through the dehumidifying block 400 to flow to the second path F12, the air can pass and flow through entire portion of the dehumidifying material 430, enabling maximum utilization of the dehumidifying material 430.
In addition, when the heater 710 is operated in regeneration of the dehumidifying material 430, the air in the first path F11 can move more smoothly in the direction opposite the direction of gravity (the third direction Z), thereby effectively regenerating the dehumidifying material 430.
In the shoe care device 1, the dehumidifier housing 300 may include a first guide protrusion 360. A plurality of first guide protrusions 360 is provided in the dehumidifier housing 300.
The first guide protrusions 360 can be configured to protrude inwards from the respective inner surfaces of the left dehumidifying material walls 340a and 340b and the respective inner surfaces of the right dehumidifying material walls 350a and 350b so as to support the dehumidifying blocks 400.
As the first guide protrusions 360 are formed, predetermined gaps are stably formed between the left dehumidifying material walls 340a and 340b and the first side walls 402, and predetermined gaps are stably formed between the right dehumidifying material walls 350a and 350b and the second side walls 403. Accordingly, the dehumidifying block 400 is prevented from moving in the horizontal direction inside the dehumidifier housing 300 and the second path F12 is stably maintained.
In the shoe care device 1, the dehumidifying block 400 may include a second guide protrusion 480. A plurality of second guide protrusions 480 is provided in the dehumidifying block 400.
The second guide protrusions 480 can be configured to protrude outwards from the outer surface of the dehumidifying block 400. The second guide protrusions 480 are configured to protrude outwards from the outer surface of the first side wall 402 and the outer surface of the second side wall 403, respectively. Some second guide protrusions 480 can be in close contact with the inner surfaces of the left dehumidifying material wall 340a and 340b, and other second guide protrusions 480 can be in close contact with the inner surfaces of the right dehumidifying material wall 350a and 350b.
As the second guide protrusions 480 are formed, predetermined gaps are stably formed between the left dehumidifying material walls 340a and 340b and the first side walls 402, and predetermined gaps are stably formed between the right dehumidifying material walls 350a and 350b and the second side walls 403. Accordingly, the dehumidifying block 400 is prevented from moving in the horizontal direction inside the dehumidifier housing 300 and the second path F12 is stably maintained.
In the shoe care device 1, the first guide protrusion 360 and the second guide protrusion 480 can be formed selectively, or can be formed together.
In the shoe care device 1, the dehumidifying material cover 46 may include a third guide protrusion 46a.
The third guide protrusion 46a can be configured to protrude downwards from the bottom surface of the dehumidifying material cover 46 to support the dehumidifying block 400. A plurality of third guide protrusions 46a can be provided in the dehumidifying material cover 46.
As the third guide protrusions 46a are formed, a predetermined gap is stably formed between the dehumidifying material cover 46 and the ceiling part 401. Accordingly, the dehumidifying block 400 is prevented from moving in the vertical direction inside the dehumidifier housing 300, and the second path F12 is stably maintained.
In some implementations, if the configurations for stably maintaining the second path F12 (the first guide protrusions 360, the second guide protrusions 480, or the third guide protrusions 46a) are not provided, the dehumidifying block 400 can move inside the dehumidifier housing 300, and in some examples, the second path F12 is not stably maintained so that the volume of any portion of the second path F12 can become larger or smaller. In this case, the pressure, speed, etc. of the air flowing through the second path F12 can fall outside of the expected range, and efficiency of dehumidifying air by the dehumidifying block 400 and/or regenerating the dehumidifying material can be reduced.
The first frame 440 can configure a front surface of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X. The first frame 440 can be configured in the form of a relatively hard plate, and can include a material such as metal, synthetic resin, ceramic, carbon fiber, or the like.
The first frame 440 can configure front surfaces of the ceiling part 401, the first side wall 402, and the second side wall 403 in the first direction X.
The first frame 440 is coupled along the edges of an inner mesh 410 and an outer mesh 420. The inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420 can be fixed to the first frame 440.
The inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420 are fixed to the first frame 440 so that the overall structure of the dehumidifying block 400 can be stably maintained, and the state in which the dehumidifying block 400 is filled with the dehumidifying material 430 can be stably maintained.
The first frame 440 can form a surface perpendicular to or inclined to the first direction X. The first frame 440 can form a surface parallel to the second direction Y and the third direction Z.
The first frame 440 may include a block member 441 and an opening 442.
The block member 441 is a portion that forms a blocked surface without a hole through which air moves in the first frame 440. In addition, the opening 442 is a portion corresponding to the hole through which air passes in the first frame 440.
The block member 441 configures a blocked surface to shield the dehumidifying material 430 in the first direction X. In particular, the block member 441 is located closer to the inner mesh 410 than the outer mesh 420 in the first direction X to form a blocked surface to shield the dehumidifying material 430.
The opening 442 configures a through-hole so as not to shield the dehumidifying material 430 in the first direction X. In particular, the opening 442 configures a through-hole on the side closer to the outer mesh 420 than the inner mesh 410 so as not to shield the dehumidifying material 430 in the first direction X.
A plurality of openings 442 can be provided in the first frame 440, and the openings 442 can be formed in all of the ceiling part 401, the first side wall 402, and the second side wall 403.
The air in the connection path F10 flows into the inner space of the dehumidifying block 400 from the rear thereof in the first direction X, and passes through the dehumidifying block 400 while moving forward in the first direction X.
Based on the first direction X, the pressure of the rear of the inner space (the first path F11) of the dehumidifying block 400 is greatest, and the pressure can be reduced toward the front.
A significant portion of the air in the inner space (the first path F11) of the dehumidifying block 400 can move to pass through the rear portion (an area A) and the middle portion (an area B) of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X.
Unlike the present disclosure, if it is assumed that the openings 442 are not formed in the first frame 440, even if the air in the first path F11 flows into the dehumidifying block 400 in the portions (an area C and an area D) adjacent to the first frame 440, the air can flow very weakly or can be stagnant, so that the dehumidifying material 430 in the portions (the area C and the area D) adjacent to the first frame 440 is unable to be utilized.
Unlike this, in the present disclosure, since the openings 442 are formed in the first frame 440, the air in the first path F11 can pass through the dehumidifying block 400 through the openings 442, and the dehumidifying block 400 can be efficiently utilized in the foremost portions thereof (the area C and the area D) in the first direction X.
In particular, since the openings 442 are formed closer to the outer mesh 420 than the inner mesh 410, the air in the inner portion (the area C) can easily move to the outer portion (the area D), and the dehumidifying block 400 can be effectively utilized in all the foremost portions thereof (the area C and the area D) in the first direction X.
The dehumidifying block 400 may include a second frame 450 and a third frame 460.
The dehumidifying block 400 may include a fourth frame 470.
The second frame 450 can be configured to shield the inner space (a first path F11) of the dehumidifying block 400 at the front thereof in the first direction X.
The second frame 450 can configure a front surface of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X. The second frame 450 can be configured in the form of a relatively hard plate, and can be formed of metal, synthetic resin, or the like.
The second frame 450 can be connected to the first frame 440. The second frame 450 can be formed integrally with the first frame 440.
As the second frame 450 is formed in the dehumidifying block 400, the air in the first path F11 moves to pass through the dehumidifying block 400, instead of directly moving forward in the first direction X.
The third frame 460 can be configured in the form of a flat plate, and can be coupled to the outer mesh 420 of the dehumidifying block 400.
The third frame 460 can be coupled to the outer surface of the ceiling part 401. In particular, the third frame 460 can be coupled to the outer surface of the ceiling part 401 so as to be closer to the rear thereof in the first direction X.
The third frame 460 can be formed at a position corresponding to the housing inlet 311 in the vertical direction.
In the case where the third frame 460 is not formed, the air introduced into the inner space (the first path F11) of the dehumidifying block 400 in the upward direction through the housing inlet 311 can move most rapidly to pass through the rear portion (the area A) of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X.
In the case where the third frame 460 is formed, the air introduced into the inner space (the first path F11) of the dehumidifying block 400 through the housing inlet 311 can flow into the rear portion (the area A) of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X, and, in some examples, can collide with the third frame 460 to move to the adjacent portion, that is, the middle portion (the area B) of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X and then pass through the dehumidifying block 400.
As described above, in the case where the third frame 460 is formed in the dehumidifying block 400, the air can sufficiently move to the middle portion (the area B) and the front portion (the area C and area D) of the dehumidifying block 400, as well as to the rear portion (the area A) of the dehumidifying block 400, in the first direction X, thereby enabling contact between the air and the dehumidifying material over the entire dehumidifying block 400 and effectively preventing some of the dehumidifying material from not being utilized.
The fourth frame 470 can configure a rear surface of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X. The fourth frame 470 can be configured in the form of a relatively hard plate, and can be formed of metal, synthetic resin, or the like.
The fourth frame 470 can configure rear surfaces of the ceiling part 401, the first side wall 402, and the second side wall 403 in the first direction X.
The fourth frame 470 is coupled along the edges of the inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420. The inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420 can be fixed to the fourth frame 470.
Since the inner mesh 410 and the outer mesh 420 are fixed to the fourth frame 470, the overall structure of the dehumidifying block 400 can be stably maintained.
The fourth frame 470 can be configured to shield the inner space 404 (the first path F11) of the dehumidifying block 400 at the rear thereof in the first direction X (see
At least one of the first frame 440 and the fourth frame 470 can have a guide protrusion (the second guide protrusion 480) formed to protrude outwards and come into close contact with the inner surface of the dehumidifier housing 300, thereby supporting the same. That is, the above-described second guide protrusion 480 can be formed in the first frame 440 and/or the fourth frame 470.
A fixed protrusion 490 can be formed in at least one of the first frame 440 and the fourth frame 470 so as to protrude outwards. The fixed protrusion 490 can have a hemispherical shape. In addition, a fixed recess 380 that is a concave portion to receive the fixed protrusion 490 can be formed on the inner surface of the dehumidifier housing 300. A plurality of fixed protrusions 490 and a plurality of fixed recesses 380 can be provided, and the plurality of fixed protrusions 490 (or fixed recesses 380) can be formed in the positions facing each other. The fixed protrusion 490 and/or the fixed recess 380 can be made of an elastically deformable material. The protrusion height of the fixed protrusion 490 and/or the depression depth of the fixed recess 380 can be of several mm.
When the dehumidifying block 400 is accommodated and seated inside the dehumidifier housing 300, the fixed protrusion 490 is inserted into the fixed recess 380 to fix the dehumidifying block 400. Accordingly, the dehumidifying block 400 is prevented from moving inside the dehumidifier housing 300, and the second path F12 is stably maintained.
The heater 710 can be configured to be fixed to the machine room 50, and the dehumidifying block 400 can be configured to be replaceable.
The heater 710 can be configured as various devices and structures within a range capable of supplying heat to the dehumidifying material 430.
The heater 710 can be configured as an electric heater. In some implementations, the heater can include a heating element, and can be configured to supply heat to the surroundings while the heating element emits heat by the supplied electric energy. The heater can include a nichrome wire as a heating element.
The heater 710 may include a free end 711 and a fixed end 712.
The free end 711 can be formed along the first direction X. In the heater 710, the free end 711 is made of a heating element.
The fixed end 712 can be formed in a shape bent downwards from the free end 711 at the front in the first direction X.
The fixed end 712 can be electrically connected to a power source, and as electric energy is supplied to the free end 711 through the fixed end 712, the free end 711 can emit heat.
When the shoe care device 1 is viewed in the second direction Y, the heater 710 can be formed in a shape. In addition, since the dehumidifying block 400 includes the ceiling part 401, the first side wall 402, and the second side wall 403, and has a
shape in its cross-section, when the dehumidifying block 400 is seated inside the dehumidifier housing 300, the heater 710 is accommodated in the first path F11 that is the inner space 404 of the dehumidifying block 400.
Accordingly, the shoe care device 1 can include the heater 710 that is located in the inner space 404 of the dehumidifying block 400, where the dehumidifying block 400 can be easily attached and detached.
The shoe care device 1 may include a heater flange 720 to which the heater 710 is fixed.
The heater flange 720 can be made of metal.
The heater flange 720 may include a horizontal plate 721 and a vertical plate 722.
The horizontal plate 721 is configured in the form of a flat plate in the horizontal direction. The horizontal plate 721 can be fixed to the housing bottom plate 310 at the front in the first direction X.
In addition, the fixed end 712 of the heater 710 is fixed to the horizontal plate 721 of the heater flange 720.
The vertical plate 722 of the heater flange 720 extends upwards from the horizontal plate 721. The vertical plate 722 can be configured in a form bent from the horizontal plate 721. The vertical plate 722 can be configured to shield the inner space of the dehumidifying block 400. The vertical plate 722 can be configured to shield or seal the first path F11, which is the inner space 404 of the dehumidifying block 400, at the front in the first direction X.
The vertical plate 722 can be configured to be in close contact with or close to the front surface of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X.
The vertical plate 722 can be spaced forward apart from the front surface of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X to form a gap (g) between the vertical plate 722 and the dehumidifying block 400 (see
In some implementations, the distance between the vertical plate 722 and the dehumidifying block 400 (or the first frame 440) can be in the range of 1/10 to 1/200 of the width of the first path F11 (the distance between the first side wall 402 and the second side wall 403). For example, the distance between the vertical plate 722 and the dehumidifying block 400 (or the first frame 440) can be about 1 mm or less. When the heater 710 is operated, the heater flange 720 can be heated, and the gap (g) can prevent the heat of the vertical plate 722 from being directly transferred to the dehumidifying block 400 (particularly, the first frame 440), thereby preventing damage to the first frame 440 due to heat. In addition, a small amount of air among the air in the first path F11 can escape through the gap, and thus, it can be possible to help to prevent the pressure in the first path F11 from excessively increasing to an unintended level.
The outlet 42 can be configured in the form of a long slot in the first direction X along the left edge of the cabinet bottom plate 45 or along the right edge of the cabinet bottom plate 45.
In addition, the inlet 43 can be formed along the rear edge of the cabinet bottom plate 45. That is, the inlet 43 can be located relatively far from the door 30 in the cabinet bottom plate 45.
The water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70 can be disposed on both sides of a reference plane RP parallel to the vertical direction and parallel to the first direction X.
The blowing duct 230 can be disposed on the reference plane RP.
The machine room 50 may include a second wall 54 and a third wall 55. The second wall 54 and the third wall 55 configure both wall surfaces facing each other in the machine room 50. The second wall 54 and the third wall 55 can be erected in the vertical direction, or can be erected in the substantially vertical direction.
In the case where the first wall 51 configures the front wall of the machine room 50, the second wall 54 can configure the left wall of the machine room 50, and the third wall 55 can configure the right wall of the machine room 50.
In some implementations, the condenser 800 can be in close contact with the inner surface of the left or right wall of the machine room 50. That is, the condenser 800 can be in close contact with the inner surface of the second wall 54 or can be in close contact with the inner surface of the third wall 55.
The second wall 54 and the third wall 55 can be made of a metal having excellent thermal conductivity. In the case where the condenser 800 is coupled to the second wall 54 to be in close contact therewith, the second wall 54 can be made of metal having excellent thermal conductivity, and in the case where the condenser 800 is coupled to the third wall 55 to be in close contact therewith, the third wall 55 can be made of a metal having excellent thermal conductivity.
Accordingly, condensing of water vapor moving through the condenser 800 can be effectively performed.
The blowing duct 230 can have a structure that is convex backwards in the first direction X.
The blowing duct 230 can be configured to be located between the water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70 under the dehumidifying block 400.
Accordingly, the blowing duct 230 can be positioned in the rearmost portion of the machine room 50 in the first direction X, and the diameter of the blowing housing 225 can be configured as large as possible, and furthermore, the diameter of the blowing fan 221 provided inside the blowing housing 225 can be configured to be large.
Therefore, it can be possible to provide the blower 220 having a sufficiently large output, and to provide the blowing housing 225 having a relatively large diameter even though the thickness thereof is relatively small, and a sufficient amount of air moving the connection path F10 per unit time can be secured.
In addition, it can be possible to prevent occurrence of an unintentional path resistance when the air in the connection path F10 passes through the dehumidifying block 400.
In addition, since the blowing duct 230 is positioned between the water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70 under the dehumidifying block 400, it can be possible to configure a shoe care device 1 having the following structure.
As the length d1 of the dehumidifying block 400 and the first path F11 becomes longer in the first direction X, the size of the dehumidifying block 400 and the size of the first path F11 can increase, and the dehumidifying capacity of the dehumidifying material per unit time can also be improved.
Accordingly, the length of the dehumidifying block 400 and the first path F11 in the first direction X needs to be greater than or equal to a predetermined length.
In the case where the blowing duct 230 is located between the water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70, based on the first direction X, the inner surface of the rear end of the blowing duct 230 and/or the inner surface of the rear end of the blowing housing 225 can be configured to be located at the same position as the rear end of the first path F11 or further behind than the same while securing the length d1 of the dehumidifying block 400 and the first path F11 in the first direction X.
In this case, the air can naturally flow through the blowing housing 225, the blowing duct 230, and the first path F11 in sequence, and the air in the first path F11 can effectively pass through the dehumidifying block 400 over the entire length d1 of the dehumidifying block 400 (the length of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X).
As described above, the blowing duct 230 can be divided into a lower blowing duct 231 and an upper blowing duct 232.
Based on the first direction X, the width of the lower blowing duct 231 can be configured to be greater than the width of the upper blowing duct 232, and the rear end of the lower blowing duct 231 can be configured to be located behind the rear end of the upper blowing duct 232.
In addition, the width of the blowing housing 225 can be configured to be equal to or less than the width of the lower blowing duct 231 in the second direction Y.
Accordingly, even if the width of the blowing housing 225 is configured to be small in the second direction Y, the air inside the blowing housing 225 can be transferred into the blowing duct 230 at a stable flow rate. In addition, the air sequentially transferred into the blowing housing 225, the blowing duct 230, and the dehumidifying block 400 (the first path F11) moves to correspond to the rotational direction of the blowing fan 221, thereby obtaining stable air flow in the connection path F10.
A replacement hole 52 can be formed in the first wall 51. The replacement hole 52 configures a through-hole in the first wall 51 such that the dehumidifying block 400 can be inserted or taken out therethrough in a direction parallel to the first direction X.
The shoe care device 1 may include a replacement door 53.
The replacement door 53 can be configured to open and close the replacement hole 52. The replacement door 53 can be coupled to the first wall 51 in various ways making it possible to open and close the replacement hole 52.
The replacement door 53 can be slidably coupled to the machine room 50, or the replacement door 53 can be coupled to the machine room 50 by a hinge.
When the replacement door 53 is coupled to the machine room 50 by a hinge, the rotation axis of the replacement door 53 can be configured in the horizontal direction, or can be configured in the vertical direction.
In the case where a plurality of dehumidifying blocks 400 is provided, a plurality of replacement holes 52 and a plurality of replacement doors 53 can be provided. In the case where a pair of dehumidifying blocks 400 is provided, a pair of replacement holes 52 and a pair of replacement doors 53 can also be provided.
A pair of dehumidifying blocks 400, a pair of replacement holes 52, and a pair of replacement doors 53 can be disposed on both sides of the reference plane RP, and can be disposed above the water supply tank 60 and the drain tank 70.
In the case where the replacement hole 52 and the replacement door 53 are provided in the shoe care device 1, a rear hole 321, which is a through-hole through which the dehumidifying block 400 can move, is formed in the rear dehumidifying material wall 320 of the dehumidifier housing 300.
In some implementations, when the dehumidifying block 400 is inserted into and drawn out of the shoe care device 1 in a direction parallel to the first direction X, the dehumidifying block 400 can slide in the first direction X.
The dehumidifier housing 300 can have a stopper 385 formed thereon. The stopper 385 can be formed to protrude inward from the inner surface of the dehumidifier housing 300.
In some implementations, the stopper 385 can be configured to protrude upwards from the housing bottom plate 310. The stopper 385 limits the movement of the dehumidifying block 400 inserted into the dehumidifier housing 300 such that the dehumidifying block 400 moves only to a predetermined point in the first direction X. That is, the stopper 385 prevents continuous movement of the dehumidifying block 400 in the first direction X. In some implementations, the stopper 385 can be configured such that the dehumidifying block 400 moves only to a predetermined point where the dehumidifying block 400 is spaced apart from the front dehumidifying material wall 330.
In the case where the replacement hole 52 and the replacement door 53 are provided in the shoe care device 1, the aforementioned dehumidifying material cover 46 may not be provided. In this case, the distance between the cabinet bottom plate 45 and the dehumidifying block 400 can be constantly maintained, and the second path F12 can be stably maintained.
In addition, when the dehumidifying block 400 is replaced in the shoe care device 1, the replacement hole 52 can be opened to replace the dehumidifying block 400, instead of opening the inner cabinet 40.
The shoe care device 1 may include an inner cabinet 40, an outlet 42, an inlet 43, an air supplier 10, and a controller 80.
The inner cabinet 40 has an accommodation space 41 formed to accommodate shoes, and the outlet 42 and the inlet 43 can be formed therein.
The outlet 42 is formed on one portion of the inside of the inner cabinet 40 to suck the air from the accommodation space 41, and the air in the inner cabinet 40 can flow to the connection path F10 through the outlet 42.
The inlet 43 can be formed on the opposite portion of the inside of the inner cabinet 40 to supply air to the accommodation space 41, and the air passing through the connection path F10 can flow back into the inner cabinet 40 through the inlet 43.
The air supplier 10 blows the air in the accommodation space 41, and a pair of dehumidifying materials 430 can be disposed to be separated from each other on the path of the blown air, and the pair of dehumidifying materials 430 can be heated by the same.
In this case, as the dehumidifying material 430 is heated, the moisture adsorbed onto the dehumidifying material 430 is separated so that the dehumidifying material 430 can be regenerated into the state capable of performing a dehumidifying function.
In some examples, as shown in
In particular, in the air supplier 10, a connection path F10 through which air circulates between the outlet 42 and the inlet 43 and a regeneration path F20 through which the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 is blown to a portion other than the inlet 43 can be formed to correspond to the respective dehumidifying materials 430.
Accordingly, the air in the accommodation space 41 can be blown by the air supplier 10 to flow to the connection path F10 or the regeneration path F20, respectively, while passing through the respective separated dehumidifying materials 430.
The controller 80 can control the air supplier 10 such that the connection path F10 and the regeneration path F20 are selectively opened and closed depending on whether or not each dehumidifying material 430 is heated.
That is, the connection path F10 and the regeneration path F20 can be selectively opened and closed by the controller 80 depending on whether or not the dehumidifying material 430 is in the state of being regenerated.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, the dehumidifying material 430 can be disposed in the air supplier 10 to capture moisture and bacteria in the blown air, and the dehumidifying material 430 can be heated to regenerate in the air supplier 10, thereby adequately maintaining the performance for processing shoes.
In addition, in the shoe care device 1, since the connection path F10 through which the air circulates is formed between the outlet 42 and the inlet 43 that are formed inside the inner cabinet 40, it can be possible to help to prevent the user from being exposed to the air used in dehumidification and deodorization of shoes.
In addition, in the shoe care device 1, a pair of dehumidifying materials 430 can be disposed in the air supplier 10, and the connection path F10 and the regeneration path F20 can be respectively formed in the dehumidifying materials 430, and the connection path F10 and the regeneration path F20 can be selectively opened and closed according to the need for a dehumidifying mode and a regeneration mode, so the shoe care device 1 can be operated in an optimal state depending on the situation, thereby further improving the efficiency of processing shoes.
Specifically, in the shoe care device 1, the air supplier 10 may include a chamber 15, a heater 710, a drying path hole 529, a regeneration path hole 527, and a damper 510, and can further include a condenser 800.
A pair of chambers 15 can be provided as separated spaces on the connection path F10 to separately accommodate the respective dehumidifying materials 430. This chamber 15 may include a portion of a dehumidifier housing 300 and a portion of a damper housing 520, as shown in
The heater 710 can be installed in each chamber 15 to heat the dehumidifying material 430, and can be disposed in the connection path F10 so as to be adjacent to the dehumidifying material 430.
The drying path hole 529 can be formed in each chamber 15 to discharge the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 toward the inlet 43, and, as shown in
The regeneration path hole 527 can be formed in each chamber 15 separately from the drying path hole 529 to discharge the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 in a direction other than the direction to the inlet 43, and, as shown in
The damper 510 can be installed in each chamber 15 to selectively open and close the drying path hole 529 and the regeneration path hole 527, and can be installed in the damper housing 520 as shown in
In this case, the controller 80 can control the damper 510 to selectively open and close the drying path hole 529 and the regeneration path hole 527 depending on whether or not each heater 710 operates.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the air supplier 10 includes the chamber 15, the heater 710, the drying path hole 529, the regeneration path hole 527, and the damper 510, the controller 80 can control the damper 510 to selectively execute the dehumidifying mode and the regeneration mode.
The condenser 800 can be connected to the regeneration path hole 527 and condense moisture in the air discharged through the regeneration path hole 527, and can constitute a part of the regeneration path F20 so that the condensate water condensed in the condenser 800 can flow through the regeneration path F20.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the air supplier 10 further includes the condenser 800, it can be possible to condense moisture generated during the regeneration process of the dehumidifying material 430.
The shoe care device 1 can further include a steam generator 600 for supplying steam to the accommodation space 41.
That is, since steam can be supplied to the inner cabinet 40 to perform steam treatment on the shoes, it can be possible to exert the effect of sterilization by the high temperature steam and the refreshing effect by inflating the material of the shoes.
Hereinafter, the module including a pair of dehumidifying material 430 (the chamber, the dehumidifying material, the heater, the drying path hole, the regeneration path hole, and the damper) will be described by configuring the same as a drying module A and a drying module B, respectively, in more detail with reference to
First, the controller 80 can control the shoe care device 1 in a first operation mode in which while one dehumidifying material 430 is heated, the connection path F10 corresponding thereto is closed and the regeneration path F20 thereof is opened, and in which the connection path F10 corresponding to the remaining dehumidifying material 430 is opened and the regeneration path F20 thereof is closed.
In particular, the controller 80 can control the damper 510 such that while one heater 710 is operating, the drying path hole 529 corresponding thereto is closed and the regeneration path hole 527 thereof is opened, and such that the drying path hole 529 corresponding to the remaining heater 710 is opened and the regeneration path hole 527 thereof is closed.
That is, each of the drying module A and the drying module B can be individually operated in a dehumidifying mode or a regeneration mode depending on the opening/closing direction of the damper 510 and whether or not the heaters 710 operate.
As described above, in the case where the damper 510 opens the drying path hole 529 and closes the regeneration path hole 527 so that air is blown into the discharge duct 525, the corresponding drying module can be operated in the dehumidifying mode. In this case, the heater 710 may not be operated.
In some examples, in the case where the damper 510 closes the drying path hole 529 and opens only the regeneration path hole 527 so that air is blown into the regeneration path hole 527, the corresponding module can be operated in the regeneration mode. In this case, the heater 710 needs to be operated to heat the dehumidifying material 430.
Accordingly, the optimization mode of the shoe care device 1 according to the situation will be described by way of example as follows.
First, even if the dehumidifying mode is implemented only in one of the drying module A and the drying module B, moisture can be removed from the air, so control can be performed such that the drying module A is in the dehumidifying mode and the drying module B is in the regeneration mode.
In some examples, the controller 80 can control the damper 510 of the drying module A to open the drying path hole 529 and close the regeneration path hole 527. In addition, the controller 80 can control the damper 510 of the drying module B to close the drying path hole 529 and open only the regeneration path hole 527. In addition, the heater 710 of the drying module B can be controlled to operate.
Accordingly, some of the air inside the inner cabinet 40 can be dehumidified while passing through the drying module A, and the dehumidified air can pass through the damper 510 again to be resupplied into the inner cabinet 40.
At the same time, regeneration of the dehumidifying material 430 can be conducted in the drying module B, and the remaining portion of the air inside the inner cabinet 40 can flow to the condenser 800 together with the moisture separated from the dehumidifying material 430 by passing through the drying module B, and then the moisture can be condensed.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since dehumidification is performed through one dehumidifying material 430 among the pair of dehumidifying materials 430, and since the one remaining dehumidifying material 430 is regenerated, the dehumidifying mode and the regeneration mode can be simultaneously performed in the shoe care device 1.
In this case, in the shoe care device 1, the controller 80 can control the first operation mode such that one dehumidifying material 430 and the one remaining dehumidifying material 430 are alternately heated.
In particular, the controller 80 can perform control such that one heater 710 and the remaining heater 710 are alternately operated.
That is, if dehumidification is performed in the drying module A and if regeneration is performed in the drying module B through the above-described process, moisture can be adsorbed onto the dehumidifying material 430 of the drying module A, thereby lowering the dehumidification efficiency over time.
Accordingly, when a predetermined state is established (after a configured time has elapsed or after measurement through a sensor, etc.), control can be performed such that the drying module A is in the regeneration mode and such that the drying module B is in the dehumidifying mode.
That is, the opening and closing directions of the dampers 510 and the operation states of the heaters 710 of the drying module A and the drying module B can be reversely controlled.
Accordingly, some of the air inside the inner cabinet 40 can be dehumidified while passing through the drying module B, and the dehumidified air can pass through the damper 510 again to be resupplied into the inner cabinet 40.
At the same time, regeneration of the dehumidifying material 430 can be conducted in the drying module A, and the remaining portion of the air inside the inner cabinet 40 can flow to the condenser 800 together with the moisture separated from the dehumidifying material 430 by passing through the drying module A, and then the moisture can be condensed.
As described above, since the shoe care device 1 alternately performs dehumidification and regeneration by one of the pair of dehumidifying materials 430 and the remaining one thereof, refreshing of shoes can be performed continuously without interruption in the shoe care device 1.
In the shoe care device 1, the controller 80 can control distribution of air in the first operation mode such that the amount of air blown to the heated dehumidifying material 430 is smaller than the amount of air blown to the unheated dehumidifying material 430.
In particular, the controller 80 can control distribution of air such that the amount of air blown into the chamber 15 in which the heater 710 is operated is smaller than the amount of air blown into the chamber 15 in which the heater 710 is not operated.
That is, the amount of air distributed from the inner cabinet 40 to the drying module A and the drying module B can be controlled to be different from each other. In particular, since a larger amount of air can be supplied in the dehumidifying mode, the amount of air supplied to the drying module in the dehumidifying mode can be controlled to be larger than the amount of air supplied to the drying module in the regeneration mode.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the amount of air blown to any one dehumidifying material 430 that performs dehumidification is larger than the amount of air blown to the one remaining dehumidifying material 430 that is regenerated, it can be possible to help to prevent the dehumidification efficiency from being lowered even during regeneration.
In this case, in the shoe care device 1, the open area of the regeneration path hole 527 can be configured to be smaller than the open area of the drying path hole 529.
That is, even if the amount of distributed air is not separately controlled by the controller 80, as described above, the size of the regeneration path hole 527 can be configured to be relatively small compared to the open area of the drying path hole 529, so that the amount of air supplied to the drying module in the dehumidifying mode can be larger than the amount of air supplied to the drying module in the regeneration mode.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the open area of the regeneration path hole 527 is configured to be smaller than the open area of the drying path hole 529, it can be possible to help to prevent the dehumidification efficiency from being lowered during regeneration even though the amount of distributed air is not separately controlled by the controller 80.
In some examples, more powerful dehumidification can be provided because a large amount of moisture is contained in the shoes accommodated inside the inner cabinet 40.
Accordingly, the controller 80 can control the shoe care device 1 in a second operation mode in which all the connection paths F10 are opened and in which all the regeneration paths F20 are closed in the state in which all of the pair of dehumidifying materials 430 are not heated.
In particular, the controller 80 can control the damper 510 such that all the drying path holes 529 are opened and such that all the regeneration path holes 527 are closed while all the heaters 710 are not operated.
That is, the controller 80 can control the dampers 510 to open the drying path hole 529 and close the regeneration path hole 527 both in the drying module A and in the drying module B.
Accordingly, the air inside the inner cabinet 40 can pass through both the drying module A and the drying module B to be dehumidified. In addition, the dehumidified air can be supplied back to the inner cabinet 40 to refresh the shoes more quickly.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since dehumidification can be simultaneously performed through all of the pair of dehumidifying materials 430, the shoe care device 1 can refresh the shoes more quickly.
In some examples, the dehumidifying materials 430 of both the drying module A and the drying module B can deteriorate in the dehumidifying function thereof depending on the long-term use of the dehumidifying materials 430, the external environment, and the like.
Accordingly, the controller 80 can control the shoe care device 1 in a third operation mode in which all the connection paths F10 are closed and in which all the regeneration paths F20 are opened in the state in which all of the pair of dehumidifying materials 430 are heated.
In particular, the controller 80 can control the damper 510 such that all the drying path holes 529 are closed and such that all the regeneration path holes 527 are opened while all the heaters 710 are operated.
That is, the controller 80 can control the dampers 510 such that the drying path holes 529 are closed and such that only the regeneration path holes 527 are opened both in the drying module A and in the drying module B. In addition, the heaters 710 of both the drying module A and the drying module B can be controlled to operate.
Accordingly, regeneration of the dehumidifying material 430 can be performed both in the drying module A and in the drying module B, and if a predetermined state is obtained (after a configured time has elapsed or after measurement through a sensor, etc.), the drying module A and the drying module B can switch to the dehumidifying mode.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since regeneration can be simultaneously performed on all of the pair of dehumidifying materials 430, the dehumidifying materials 430 can remain in the state suitable for dehumidification in the shoe care device 1.
The shoe care device 1 can further include a control panel 33 to which an operation signal can be input by a user, and if an operation signal is input to the control panel 33, the controller 80 can perform control such that the third operation mode is conducted for a configured time.
In particular, if an operation signal is input to the control panel 33, the controller 80 can control all the heaters 710 to be operated for a configured time.
In this case, the situation in which an operation signal is input to the control panel 33 can be the case in which the user inputs a command to use the shoe care device 1 after an idle period in which the shoe care device 1 is not operated for a predetermined time.
Accordingly, since the shoe care device 1 regenerates all the dehumidifying materials 430 for a configured time during the initial operation after the idle period, the dehumidifying materials 430 can remain in the state suitable for dehumidification prior to the operation of the shoe care device 1 for refreshing shoes.
In addition, the shoe care device 1 can further include a sensor unit 90 capable of measuring the amount of moisture adsorbed onto the dehumidifying material 430, and the controller 80 can perform control such that the third operation mode is performed until the amount of moisture measured by the sensor unit 90 becomes less than or equal to a configured value.
In particular, the controller 80 can control all the heaters 710 to operate until the amount of moisture measured by the sensor unit 90 becomes less than or equal to a configured value.
In this case, the sensor unit 90 can include a moisture sensor that is installed adjacent to the dehumidifying material 430 and measures the amount of moisture adsorbed onto the dehumidifying material 430 as shown in
As described above, if it is detected that the amount of moisture adsorbed onto the dehumidifying material 430 exceeds a reference value, the shoe care device 1 can regenerate all the dehumidifying materials 430 until the amount of moisture becomes less than or equal to the reference value, thereby maintaining the dehumidifying material 430 in an appropriate state for dehumidification even during the operation of the shoe care device 1 for refreshing shoes.
The shoe care device 1 may include an inner cabinet 40, an outlet 42, an inlet 43, a connection path F10, a blowing fan 221, a heater 710, and a regeneration path F20.
The connection path F10 is a portion in which air circulates between the outlet 42 and the inlet 43 so that the outlet 42 configures the entrance to the connection path F10 and the inlet 43 configures the exit of the connection path F10.
That is, the connection path F10 can be an air path through which the air is sucked into the air supplier 10 from the inside of the inner cabinet 40, blown to be dehumidified by passing through the dehumidifying material 430, and then supplied back to the inside of the inner cabinet 40.
The blowing fan 221 can be installed on the connection path F10 to blow air from the outlet 42 to the inlet 43. The air can be sucked from the inner cabinet 40 by the operation of the blowing fan 221, and the sucked air can be blown through the connection path F10.
The regeneration path F20 can be a portion through which the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 is blown to a portion other than the inlet 43 while the dehumidifying material 430 is being heated, and can branch off from the connection path F10 to form a path through which the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 and/or condensate water flows.
That is, the regeneration path F20 can be a path through which air moves in the process of heating and regenerating the dehumidifying material 430 when the dehumidifying function is not effectively performed due to excessive moisture adsorbed onto the dehumidifying material 430.
Dehumidification of the air is not performed while the dehumidifying material 430 is being regenerated. On the contrary, moisture separated from the dehumidifying material 430 in the regeneration process is contained in the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430, resulting in higher humidity.
Therefore, it is inappropriate to supply air with high humidity back to the inner cabinet 40, so the air can be blown to the regeneration path F20 separated from the connection path F10.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, the connection path F10 and the regeneration path F20 through which air flows can be provided in the shoe care device 1, and the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 moves to the regeneration path F20 while the dehumidifying material 430 is being heated, so that the air can flow through the most efficient path depending on the dehumidifying mode and the regeneration mode.
The shoe care device 1 can further include a dehumidifier housing 300 disposed on the connection path F10 and having the dehumidifying material 430 accommodated therein and the heater 710 installed therein.
Specifically, the inner space of the dehumidifier housing 300 can configure a portion of the connection path F10, and the dehumidifying material 430 can be located inside the dehumidifier housing 300. In this case, the heater 710 can be disposed in the connection path F10 to be adjacent to the dehumidifying material 430, thereby heating the dehumidifying material 430.
As described above, since the shoe care device 1 further includes the dehumidifier housing 300 in which the dehumidifying material 430 is accommodated, the dehumidifying material 430 can be stably accommodated to appropriately execute a function thereof.
The shoe care device 1 can further include a suction duct 210 connected between the outlet 42 and the blowing fan 221 to guide the blown air and a blowing duct 230 connected between the blowing fan 221 and the dehumidifier housing 300 to guide the blown air.
Specifically, the suction duct 210 can configure a portion of the connection path F10, and the suction duct 210 can be connected to the outlet 42 to suck air from the inner cabinet 40.
The blowing duct 230 can be connected to one side of the dehumidifier housing 300 accommodating the dehumidifying material 430 so that the air blown through the blowing duct 230 can come into contact with the dehumidifying material 430.
As described above, since the shoe care device 1 further includes the suction duct 210 and the blowing duct 230, the air can stably and effectively flow between the outlet 42 and the dehumidifier housing 300.
The shoe care device 1 can further include a damper housing 520 that is connected between the dehumidifier housing 300 and the inlet 43 to guide the blown air.
Specifically, dry air blown into the damper housing 520 can flow back into the inner cabinet 40 through the inlet 43 to refresh the shoes.
As described above, since the shoe care device 1 further includes the damper housing 520 installed between the dehumidifier housing 300 and the inlet 43, the air can stably and effectively flow between the dehumidifier housing 300 and the inlet 43.
In the shoe care device 1, the damper housing 520 can include a drying path hole 529 formed to discharge the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 toward the inlet 43 and a regeneration path hole 527 formed to discharge the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 in a direction other than the direction to the inlet 43.
Specifically, the drying path hole 529 can be formed in the damper housing 520 to discharge the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 toward the inlet 43, and, as shown in
The regeneration path hole 527 can be formed in the damper housing 520 separately from the drying path hole 529 to discharge the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 in a direction other than the direction to the inlet 43, and, as shown in
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the damper housing 520 includes the drying path hole 529 and the regeneration path hole 527, the connection path F10 and regeneration path F20 can be properly separated based on the damper housing 520.
The shoe care device 1 can further include a damper 510 installed on the damper housing 520 to selectively open and close the drying path hole 529 and the regeneration path hole 527.
Specifically, the damper 510 can be installed on the air blowing path to selectively open and close the drying path hole 529 and the regeneration path hole 527, and, as shown in
As described above, since the shoe care device 1 further includes the damper 510 installed in the damper housing 520, it can be possible to selectively perform a dehumidifying mode or a regeneration mode by controlling the damper 510.
In this case, the damper 510 can close the drying path hole 529 and open the regeneration path hole 527 when the dehumidifying material 430 is heated. That is, when the dehumidifying material 430 is heat for regeneration thereof, the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 can be discharged together with the moisture separated from the dehumidifying material 430 through the regeneration path hole 527.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, when the dehumidifying material 430 is regenerated, the damper 510 can close the drying path hole 529 and open the regeneration path hole 527, so that the moisture separated from the dehumidifying material 430 can be discharged through the regeneration path F20.
The shoe care device 1 can further include a condenser 800 that is connected to the regeneration path hole 527 and condenses moisture in the air discharged through the regeneration path hole 527.
That is, the condenser 800 can be connected to the regeneration path hole 527 to configure a portion of the regeneration path F20, and condensate water condensed in the condenser 800 can flow through the regeneration path F20.
As described above, since the shoe care device 1 further includes the condenser 800 connected to the regeneration path hole 527, the moisture generated during the regeneration process of the dehumidifying material 430 can be condensed.
In the shoe care device 1, the condenser 800 can be disposed at a lower position than the regeneration path hole 527.
That is, since the regeneration path F20 is formed such that the height thereof is gradually reduced from the regeneration path hole 527 to the condenser 800, the condensate water can be smoothly discharged along the slope between the regeneration path hole 527 and the condenser 800.
In the shoe care device 1, the suction duct 210 can include a sump hole 215 that is connected to the condenser 800 and is formed such that the air passing through the condenser 800 is introduced thereinto.
That is, since the air passing through the condenser 800 is reintroduced into the suction duct 210 through the sump hole 215 formed in the suction duct 210, the regeneration path F20 can also have an air circulation structure.
In the shoe care device 1, the sump hole 215 can be disposed at a lower position than the condenser 800.
That is, since the regeneration path F20 is formed such that the height thereof is gradually reduced from the condenser 800 to the sump hole 215, the condensate water can be smoothly discharged along the slope between the condenser 800 and the sump hole 215.
In the shoe care device 1, the suction duct 210 can have a sump 214 formed therein to collect condensate water under the sump hole 215.
That is, since condensate water in the air reintroduced into the suction duct 210 through the sump hole 215 is collected in the sump 214 in the lower portion of the suction duct 210, it can be possible to easily separate the moisture from the air passing through the regeneration path F20 and discharge the same.
In the shoe care device 1, a pair of dehumidifying materials 430 can be disposed to be separate on the branching connection paths F10, and the heater 710 can be installed to heat each of the pair of dehumidifying materials 430.
That is, since a pair of dehumidifying materials 430 is disposed inside the shoe care device 1 and since the connection path F10 and the regeneration path F20 are provided in each dehumidifying material 430, the shoe care device 1 can be operated in an optimal state depending on the situation, thereby further improving the efficiency of processing the shoes.
In this case, the shoe care device 1 can further include a dehumidifier housing 300 that is disposed on the connection path F10 to separately accommodate the respective dehumidifying materials 430 and has heaters 710 installed therein, and a damper housing 520 connected between the dehumidifier housing 300 and the inlet 43 to guide the blown air.
In addition, the damper housing 520 can include a pair of drying path holes 529 formed to discharge the air passing through each dehumidifying material 430 toward the inlet 43 and a pair of regeneration path holes 527 formed to discharge the air passing through each dehumidifying material 430 in a direction other than the direction to the inlet 43.
In addition, the shoe care device 1 can further include a damper 510 installed in the damper housing 520 to selectively open and close the drying path hole 529 and the regeneration path hole 527 corresponding to each dehumidifying material 430.
In addition, the shoe care device 1 can further include a condenser 800 that is connected to the pair of regeneration path holes 527 to condense moisture in the air discharged through the regeneration path holes 527.
The shoe care device 1 can be configured to include an inner cabinet 40, an outlet 42, an inlet 43, and an air supplier 10.
The air supplier 10 can be disposed in the lower portion of the inner cabinet 40 to blow the air in the accommodation space 41, and a connection path F10 through which the air circulates is formed between the outlet 42 and the inlet 43, and a dehumidifying material 430 can be installed on the connection path F10.
In this case, the dehumidifying material 430 can be disposed on the upper end of the air supplier 10 so that the upper surface of the dehumidifying material 430 can be exposed through the bottom of the inner cabinet 40. That is, in the state in which the dehumidifying material 430 is disposed in the upper portion of the machine room 50, the upper surface of the dehumidifying material 430 can be positioned on the bottom of the inner cabinet 40.
Specifically, as described above, since the dry air and steam supplied to the accommodation space 41 of the inner cabinet 40 tend to rise, the machine room 50 can be located in the lower portion of the inner cabinet 40.
In addition, since dehumidification of the air can be performed through the air supplier 10 disposed inside the machine room 50, the dehumidifying material 430 also needs to be disposed inside the machine room 50.
In addition, in the case where the moisture separated from the dehumidifying material 430 is separately discharged through the regeneration path F20 when the dehumidifying material 430 is regenerated, it can be effective for movement of condensate water without a separate pressurization transfer that the moisture moves downwards by its own weight.
In some examples, where the dehumidifying material 430 is disposed in the machine room 50, for condensing efficiency, the dehumidifying material 430 can be disposed in the uppermost portion of the machine room 50.
However, as the process of adsorbing moisture in the air and separating the moisture through regeneration is repeated, the performance of the dehumidifying material 430 can gradually deteriorate, and the dehumidifying material 430 can give off a bad odor, as well as degradation of the performance, due to contamination by foreign substances.
In some examples, where the dehumidifying material 430 is configured to be replaceable, the user can configure the dehumidifying material 430 to be easily replaced without the help of an expert in the process of using the shoe care device 1.
In this case, if the dehumidifying material 430 is simply placed inside the machine room 50, the user needs to open the machine room 50 for replacement of the dehumidifying material 430. However, the machine room 50 has a relatively complicated structure therein, and it can be very difficult for a non-expert user to handle respective configurations inside the machine room 50.
Accordingly, in order for the user to easily replace the dehumidifying material 430 without opening the machine room 50, the dehumidifying material 430 can be replaced through the inner cabinet 40 that has a relatively simple structure therein.
That is, if the upper surface of the dehumidifying material 430 disposed inside the machine room 50 is exposed through the bottom of the inner cabinet 40, the user can easily replace the dehumidifying material 430 without opening the machine room 50.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the dehumidifying material 430 is disposed in the upper portion of the air supplier 10 so that the upper surface of the dehumidifying material 430 is exposed through the bottom of the inner cabinet 40, the function of the dehumidifying material 430 can be effectively executed, and the inspection and replacement of the dehumidifying material 430 can be easy.
In the shoe care device 1, the inner cabinet 40 can include a cabinet bottom plate 45 defining a bottom surface of the accommodation space 41, and the cabinet bottom plate 45 can be opened to correspond to the planar shape of the dehumidifying material 430.
That is, an opening having a size corresponding to the planar shape of the dehumidifying material 430 can be formed in the cabinet bottom plate 45 to solve the problem with an opening that is too large or small to use.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the inner cabinet 40 includes a cabinet bottom plate 45 that is opened to correspond to the planar shape of the dehumidifying material 430, an appropriate opening for inspection and replacement of the dehumidifying material 430 can be formed.
In the shoe care device 1, the dehumidifying material 430 can be installed to be replaceable through the open portion of the cabinet bottom plate 45. That is, the dehumidifying material 430 can be inserted into or drawn out of the machine room 50 through the open portion of the cabinet bottom plate 45.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the dehumidifying material 430 can be replaced through the open portion of the cabinet bottom plate 45, the user can easily replace the dehumidifying material 430 without opening the machine room 50.
In the shoe care device 1, the inner cabinet 40 can further include a dehumidifying material cover 46 installed to open and close the open portion of the cabinet bottom plate 45.
That is, the dehumidifying material cover 46 can configure a portion of the cabinet bottom plate 45, which is the bottom of the inner cabinet 40, and the dehumidifying material cover 46 can be attached to and detached from the cabinet bottom plate 45 of the inner cabinet 40.
As described above, since the shoe care device 1 further includes the dehumidifying material cover 46 installed in the open portion of the cabinet bottom plate 45 of the inner cabinet 40, the dehumidifying material 430 may not be exposed through the bottom of the inner cabinet 40 when the dehumidifying material 430 is not replaced.
In the shoe care device 1, the air supplier 10 can include a dehumidifier housing 300 disposed in the upper portion thereof to accommodate the dehumidifying material 430, and the dehumidifying material cover 46 can be coupled to the upper surface of the dehumidifier housing 300.
That is, when the dehumidifying material cover 46 is removed from the cabinet bottom plate 45, the dehumidifier housing 300 positioned below the same can be exposed so that the dehumidifying material 430 can be placed inside or separated from the dehumidifier housing 300.
As described above, since the shoe care device 1 includes the dehumidifier housing 300 and since the dehumidifying material cover 46 can be coupled to the upper surface of the dehumidifier housing 300, the dehumidifying material 430 can be stably accommodated to properly implement its function.
In the shoe care device 1, the transverse cross-sectional area of the dehumidifier housing 300 can be greater than the longitudinal cross-sectional area thereof.
In order to minimize interference of the dehumidifying material 430 and the dehumidifier housing 300 for accommodating the same with other elements inside the machine room 50, the dehumidifying material 430 and the dehumidifier housing 300 for accommodating the same can be widely disposed in the transverse direction in the uppermost portion of the machine room 50.
If the dehumidifier housing 300 is disposed long in the longitudinal direction, the remaining elements inside the machine room 50 can be disposed to avoid the dehumidifier housing 300, which can make the structure thereof more complicated and undesirable.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the dehumidifier housing 300 is widely disposed in the transverse direction, it can be possible to minimize interference between the dehumidifier housing 300 and other elements inside the machine room 50.
In the shoe care device 1, the air supplier 10 can have a regeneration path F20, further including a heater 710 installed in the dehumidifier housing 300 to heat the dehumidifying material 430, through which the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 is blown to a portion other than the inlet 43 while the dehumidifying material 430 is being heated.
As described above, since the air has relatively high humidity while the dehumidifying material 430 is being regenerated, the air can be blown to the regeneration path F20 separated from the connection path F10, instead of being supplied back to the inner cabinet 40.
As described above, since the shoe care device 1 can heat the dehumidifying material 430 using the heater 710 and since the regeneration path F20 through which air flows according thereto can be provided, it can be possible to help to prevent the air from moving into the inner cabinet 40 in the regeneration mode.
In the shoe care device 1, a pair of dehumidifying materials 430 can be disposed to be separate on the branching connection paths F10.
In this case, the air supplier 10 can have a regeneration path F20, including a dehumidifier housing 300 disposed in the upper portion to separately accommodate the respective dehumidifying materials 430 and heater 710 installed in the dehumidifier housing 300 to heat each of the pair of dehumidifying materials 430, through which the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 is blown to a portion other than the inlet 43 while the dehumidifying material 430 is being heated.
The shoe care device 1 may include an inner cabinet 40, an outlet 42, an inlet 43, a connection path F10, a blowing fan 221, and a dehumidifying material 430.
In this case, the outlet 42 and the inlet 43 can be disposed so as not to face each other on the inner plane of the inner cabinet 40.
Specifically, in consideration of only the air circulation efficiency, it can be advantageous that the outlet 42 and the inlet 43 formed on the bottom surface of the inner cabinet 40 are disposed side by side on a plane.
Accordingly, in the case of a clothing care device that mainly processes clothes, an inlet and an outlet can be disposed side by side on a plane.
However, in the case of the shoe care device 1 that mainly processes shoes, since the inner space of the inner cabinet 40 is smaller than that of the clothing care device, the outlet 42 and the inlet 43 may not be disposed side by side on a plane.
In some cases, considering the dehumidifying efficiency by the dehumidifying material 430 in the shoe care device 1, it can be disadvantageous that the outlet 42 and the inlet 43 are disposed side by side on a plane.
In this regard, in order to improve the dehumidifying efficiency by the dehumidifying material 430, the shoe care device can allow the moisture-containing air to contact and collide with the dehumidifying material 430 on the longest possible path.
Therefore, the dehumidifying material 430 needs to be formed as thin as possible to maximize the cross-sectional area and minimize path resistance thereof. In some examples, the dehumidifying material 430 can have an elongated shape extending along the movement path of air.
In some examples, a long dehumidifying material 430 can be disposed in a shape capable of connecting the housing inlet 311 formed on one side of the dehumidifier housing 300 and the housing outlet 331 formed on the opposite side thereof.
In this case, if the outlet 42 and the inlet 43 are disposed side by side on a plane, and if the dehumidifying material 430 is disposed in the longitudinal direction to connect the outlet 42 and the inlet 43, the length of the dehumidifying material 430 can become smaller, thereby lowering the dehumidifying efficiency.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the outlet 42 and the inlet 43 are disposed so as not to face each other on the inner plane of the inner cabinet 40, the dehumidifying efficiency of the dehumidifying material 430 can be further improved.
In the shoe care device 1, the dehumidifying material 430 can be disposed in a shape extending along the first direction X on the plane of the dehumidifier housing 300, and the air can be blown in the first direction X on the connection path F10.
As described above, for dehumidifying efficiency, the air can come into contact and collide with the dehumidifying material 430 on the longest possible path. Accordingly, in some examples, the air can be blown along the extended longitudinal direction of the dehumidifying material 430.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the dehumidifying material 430 is disposed to extend in one direction and since the air is blown along the extension direction of the dehumidifying material 430, the air can come into contact and collide with the dehumidifying material 430 on the longest possible path.
In the shoe care device 1, any one of the outlet 42 and the inlet 43 can be disposed at one end of the dehumidifying material 430 in the first direction X, and the remaining one of the outlet 42 and the inlet 43 can be disposed on the side of the dehumidifying material 430 in the first direction X.
If the outlet 42 and the inlet 43 are disposed side by side on a plane and if the dehumidifying material 430 is disposed in the longitudinal direction parallel to the connection direction of the outlet 42 and the inlet 43, the air blowing path can become relatively complicated, thereby reducing the dehumidification efficiency as well.
That is, in this case, the suction duct 210 and the discharge duct 525 are disposed at one end and the opposite end of the dehumidifying material 430, so the blowing duct 230 may not be disposed to be connected to one end of the dehumidifying material 430.
In particular, the arrangement of the machine room 50 may be difficult because the arrangement of the damper housing 520 can be difficult and because the structure can become complicated.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the outlet 42 is disposed on any one of the one end and the side of the dehumidifying material 430 and since the inlet 43 is disposed on the remaining one thereof, it can be possible to relatively simplify the air blowing path and enable appropriate arrangement of the machine room 50 according thereto.
In the shoe care device 1, the inlet 43 can be disposed at the rear end of the dehumidifying material 430 in the first direction X, and the outlet 42 can be disposed on the side of the dehumidifying material 430 in the first direction X.
As described above, in the case where any one of the outlet 42 and the inlet 43 is to be disposed at one end of the dehumidifying material 430 in the first direction X and where the remaining one of the outlet 42 and the inlet 43 is to be disposed on the side of the dehumidifying material 430 in the first direction X, the inlet 43 can be disposed at the rear end of the dehumidifying material 430 in the first direction X in consideration of air circulation efficiency.
The circulated air can flow smoothly only if the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 quickly flows into the inner cabinet 40.
Therefore, the inlet 43 can be disposed at the rear end of the dehumidifying material 430, so that the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 can quickly flow into the inner cabinet 40 when blowing air along the extended longitudinal direction of the dehumidifying material 430.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the inlet 43 is disposed at the rear end of the dehumidifying material 430 and since the outlet 42 is disposed on the side of the dehumidifying material 430, the discharge pressure of air can be appropriately maintained in the inlet 43.
In the shoe care device 1, the first direction X can indicate the direction in which both sides of the inner cabinet 40 are connected, and the outlet 42 can be disposed on the side of the dehumidifying material 430 corresponding to the front portion of the inner cabinet 40.
That is, as shown in
In the process of using the shoe care device 1, condensate water can also be generated inside the inner cabinet 40, and this condensate water can flow down along the inner surfaces of the inner cabinet 40 to gather on the bottom surface of the inner cabinet 40.
If the condensate water gathered above can leak to the outside of the inner cabinet 40, the user can feel inconvenience, causing problems in usability.
In particular, since the door 30 is installed in the front portion of the inner cabinet 40, the shoe case device can be configured to help to prevent leakage of condensate water through the gap of the door 30.
Accordingly, in the shoe care device 1, since the outlet 42 is disposed in the front portion of the inner cabinet 40, the condensate water condensed inside the inner cabinet 40 can be discharged through the outlet 42, instead of leaking to the outside.
In the shoe care device 1, a pair of dehumidifying materials 430 can be disposed on the connection path F10, and the dehumidifier housing 300 can accommodate the pair of dehumidifying materials 430 to be separated from each other and to respectively extend along the first direction X.
In this case, the shoe care device 1 can further include a damper housing 520 connected between the dehumidifier housing 300 and the inlet 43 to guide the blown air, and the damper housing 520 can have a pair of drying path holes 529 each formed to discharge the air passing through each dehumidifying material 430 to the inlet 43.
In addition, the inlet 43 can be connected to the pair of drying path holes 529 to supply the blown air to the accommodation space 41.
The shoe care device 1 may include an inner cabinet 40, an outlet 42, an inlet 43, a connection path F10, a blowing fan 221, a dehumidifying material 430, and a dehumidifier housing 300.
In this case, the dehumidifying material 430 can be disposed to extend along the first direction X on the plane of the dehumidifier housing 300, and air can be blown in the first direction X on the connection path F10.
Specifically, the dehumidifying material 430 can be accommodated in the dehumidifier housing 300. That is, the dehumidifier housing 300 can be installed in the upper portion of the machine room 50, and the dehumidifying material 430 can be accommodated in the dehumidifier housing 300, thereby executing dehumidification and regeneration functions.
In particular, as described above, in order to optimize the disposition of the dehumidifying material 430, the dehumidifier housing 300 can also be located at the bottom of the inner cabinet 40. In addition, the dehumidifying material cover 46 can be coupled to the upper surface of the dehumidifier housing 300 to cover the dehumidifying material 430.
In some implementations, a portion of the dehumidifier housing 300, in which the dehumidifying material 430 is accommodated, can be widely disposed in the transverse direction in the uppermost portion of the machine room 50.
One side of the dehumidifier housing 300 accommodating the dehumidifying material 430 can be connected to the blowing duct 230 to supply air toward the dehumidifying material 430.
In addition, the air supplied to the inside of the dehumidifier housing 300 can come into contact with the dehumidifying material 430, and can then be blown toward the connection path F10 or the regeneration path F20. In some examples, the opposite side of the dehumidifier housing 300 can be connected to the damper housing 520 so that the air passing through the inside can be blown toward the damper housing 520.
In some implementations, for dehumidifying efficiency, the air can come into contact and collide with the dehumidifying material 430 on the longest possible path. Accordingly, the air can be blown along the extended longitudinal direction of the dehumidifying material 430.
In some implementations, the dehumidifying material 430 can be accommodated in the dehumidifier housing 300 so as to extend along one direction on the plane, and the air can be blown in the extension direction of the dehumidifying material 430, so the dehumidifying material 430 can be stably accommodated to properly implement the function thereof.
In some implementations, the dehumidifier housing 300 can include a housing inlet 311, formed at the rear in the first direction X, to which the blowing duct 230 is coupled and a housing outlet 331, formed at the front in the first direction X, to which the damper housing 520 is coupled.
In order to allow the air passing through the interior of the dehumidifier housing 300 to further come into contact and collide with the dehumidifying material 430, the air movement path inside the dehumidifier housing 300 can be maximized.
Accordingly, the housing inlet 311 and the housing outlet 331 can be disposed on opposite sides on the plane of the dehumidifier housing 300.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the dehumidifier housing 300 includes the housing inlet 311 and the housing outlet 331, the air can stably and effectively pass through the interior of the dehumidifier housing 300 accommodating the dehumidifying material 430.
In the shoe care device 1, the dehumidifier housing 300 can further include a housing bottom plate 310 configuring a bottom surface, a rear dehumidifying material wall 320 configuring a rear surface in the first direction X, a front dehumidifying material wall 330 configuring a front surface in the first direction X, and left dehumidifying material walls 340a and 340b and right dehumidifying material walls 350a and 350b configuring side surfaces connected between the rear dehumidifying material wall 320 and the front dehumidifying material wall 330.
The rear dehumidifying material wall 320, the front dehumidifying material wall 330, the left dehumidifying material walls 340a and 340b, and the right dehumidifying material walls 350a and 350b can configure wall surfaces erected in the vertical direction, respectively. Based on the first direction X, the rear dehumidifying material wall 320 can configure a rear wall surface, the front dehumidifying material wall 330 can configure a front wall surface, the left dehumidifying material walls 340a and 340b can configure left wall surfaces, and the right dehumidifying material walls 350a and 350b can configure right wall surfaces in the dehumidifier housing 300.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the dehumidifier housing 300 further includes the housing bottom plate 310, the rear dehumidifying material wall 320, the front dehumidifying material wall 330, the left dehumidifying material walls 340a and 340b, and the right dehumidifying material walls 350a and 350b, a space for accommodating the dehumidifying material 430 can be stably partitioned.
In the shoe care device 1, the dehumidifier housing 300 can be disposed such that the upper surface thereof is positioned at the bottom of the inner cabinet 40.
In this case, the dehumidifying material cover 46 can be coupled to the upper surface of the dehumidifier housing 300.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the upper surface of the dehumidifier housing 300 is positioned at the bottom of the inner cabinet 40, the function of the dehumidifying material 430 can be effectively executed, and it is easy to check and replace the dehumidifying material 430.
In the shoe care device 1, the housing inlet 311 can be formed on the housing bottom plate 310, and the housing outlet 331 can be formed on the front dehumidifying material wall 330.
Since the dehumidifying material 430 and the dehumidifier housing 300 are disposed at the uppermost portion of the machine room 50, a connection of the blowing duct 230 to the dehumidifier housing 300 can facilitate blowing and minimize interference between members.
Accordingly, the housing inlet 311 can be formed on the lower surface of one side of the dehumidifier housing 300.
In some case where the air passing through the dehumidifier housing 300 is immediately introduced into the inner cabinet 40, it may be impossible to selectively blow the air to the connection path F10 or the regeneration path F20, so the housing outlet 331 can be formed on the side surface of the dehumidifier housing 300, instead of on the upper surface thereof.
Accordingly, the housing outlet 331 can be formed on the side surface opposite the portion where the housing inlet 311 is formed on the plane.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the housing inlet 311 is formed on the housing bottom plate 310 and since the housing outlet 331 is formed on the front dehumidifying material wall 330, it can be possible to effectively blow the air and minimize interference between members.
In the shoe care device 1, the dehumidifier housing 300 can further include an inlet connector 390, formed on one side of the upper surface, to which the outlet 42 is coupled.
In this case, the inlet connector 390 can be a medium member to enable the outlet 42 to be coupled to one surface thereof and the discharge duct 525 to be coupled to the opposite surface thereof.
The dehumidifier housing 300 can be made of a synthetic resin material capable of injection molding, and the dehumidifier housing 300 can be made to be combined with the inlet connector 390 when taking into consideration that the outlet 42 is also disposed at the bottom of the inner cabinet 40.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the dehumidifier housing 300 further includes the inlet connector 390, the upper structure of the machine room 50 can be simplified, thereby facilitating assembly and providing an advantage in productivity.
In the shoe care device 1, the heater 710 can include a fixed end 712 installed on the housing bottom plate 310 and a free end 711 that extends along the first direction X from the fixed end 712.
In this case, the fixed end 712 can be electrically connected to a power source, and the free end 711 can generate heat while electric energy is supplied to the free end 711 through the fixed end 712.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the heater 710 includes the fixed end 712 and the free end 711, the heater 710 can be effectively installed in the dehumidifier housing 300.
In some examples, in order to prevent the dehumidifier housing 300 from being thermally deformed or damaged by the heater 710, a separate heat insulating member can be disposed at a portion where the heater 710 is disposed.
In addition, in the case where a pair of dehumidifying materials 430 is disposed on the connection path F10, a pair of left dehumidifying material walls 340a and 340b and a pair of right dehumidifying material walls 350a and 350b can be formed, in which any one dehumidifying material 430 can be accommodated between a first left dehumidifying material wall 340a and a first right dehumidifying material wall 350a and in which the remaining dehumidifying material 430 can be accommodated between a second left dehumidifying material wall 340b and a second right dehumidifying material wall 350b.
In this case, the shoe care device 1 can further include heaters 710 that are respectively installed between the first left dehumidifying material wall 340a and the first right dehumidifying material wall 350a and between the second left dehumidifying material wall 340b and the second right dehumidifying material wall 350b to heat the pair of dehumidifying material 430, respectively.
The shoe care device 1 may include an inner cabinet 40, an outlet 42, an inlet 43, a connection path F10, a blowing fan 221, a dehumidifying material 430, a heater 710, a regeneration path F20, and a damper housing 520.
As described above, the shoe care device 1 can guide the air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 to the connection path F10 or the regeneration path F20 in the damper housing 520, so the air can stably and effectively move through each of the connection path F10 and the regeneration path F20.
The shoe care device 1 can further include a dehumidifier housing 300 disposed on the connection path F10 to accommodate the dehumidifying material 430 and having the heater 710 installed therein, and the damper housing 520 can be connected between the dehumidifier housing 300 and the inlet 43.
In particular, the damper housing 520 can be coupled to the front of the dehumidifier housing 300 in the first direction X.
Specifically, the damper housing 520 can be coupled to a housing outlet 331 formed in the dehumidifier housing 300 so that air passing through the dehumidifying material 430 can be blown to the damper housing 520. In addition, the air can be blown to the connection path F10 or the regeneration path F20 depending on the opening/closing direction of the damper 510 installed in the damper housing 520.
In this case, since the housing outlet 331 is formed on the side surface of the dehumidifier housing 300 as described above, one side surface of the damper housing 520 coupled with the housing outlet 331 can be configured to be open.
In addition, in the case where the air introduced into the damper housing 520 flows through the connection path F10, the air may be blown into the inner cabinet 40 through the discharge duct 525 and the inlet 43, so the opposite side of the damper housing 520 can be connected to the inlet 43 (or the discharge duct 525).
As described above, since the shoe care device 1 further includes the dehumidifier housing 300 in which the dehumidifying material 430 is accommodated, the dehumidifying material 430 can be stably accommodated to appropriately implement the function thereof.
In the shoe care device 1, the damper housing 520 can further include a damper entrance 521, formed at the rear in the first direction X, to which the dehumidifier housing 300 is coupled and a damper exit 522 formed at the front in the first direction X to be connected to the inlet 43.
That is, the damper entrance 521 can be connected to the housing outlet 331, and the damper exit 522 can be connected to the inlet 43 (or the discharge duct 525).
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the damper housing 520 further includes the damper entrance 521 and the damper exit 522, the air can stably and effectively pass through the space between the dehumidifier housing 300 and the inlet 43.
In the shoe care device 1, the drying path hole 529 can be formed in the longitudinal cross-section of the damper housing 520 between the damper entrance 521 and the damper exit 522, and the regeneration path hole 527 can be formed on the bottom surface of the damper housing 520 between the damper entrance 521 and the damper exit 522.
As described above, since the inlet 43 is disposed at the bottom of the inner cabinet 40, the discharge duct 525 connected to the inlet 43 can be installed to be open along the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the damper exit 522 connected to the discharge duct 525 can be formed to be open on the side or upper surface thereof.
Accordingly, the drying path hole 529 formed between the damper entrance 521 and the damper exit 522 can be defined in the longitudinal cross-section of the damper housing 520.
In addition, in the case where the air introduced into the damper housing 520 flows through the regeneration path F20, the air may be blown to the condenser 800 through the regeneration path hole 527, so the regeneration path hole 527 can be connected between the damper entrance 521 and the damper exit 522.
In some examples, the path from the regeneration path hole 527 to the sump hole 215, which are disposed on the regeneration path F20, can be inclined such that the height thereof is reduced along the path for the effective drainage of condensate water, so the regeneration path hole 527 can be defined on the bottom surface of the damper housing 520.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the drying path hole 529 is formed on the longitudinal cross-section of the damper housing 520 and since the regeneration path hole 527 is formed on the bottom surface of the damper housing 520, condensate water can be effectively discharged through the regeneration path.
In some examples, the damper housing 520 can be made of a synthetic resin material capable of injection molding, and in some cases, the damper housing 520 can be manufactured to be combined with at least one of the discharge duct 525 and the regeneration path hole 527.
In the shoe care device 1, the damper 510 can rotate about the hinge shaft 512 to selectively open and close the longitudinal cross-section and the bottom surface of the damper housing 520.
As described above, one side surface of the damper housing 520 can be opened and coupled with the housing outlet 331 of the dehumidifier housing 300, and the opposite side surface or top surface can be opened and coupled with the discharge duct 525, and the regeneration path hole 527 can be connected to the bottom surface thereof.
Accordingly, the damper 510 for selectively opening and closing the discharge duct 525 and the regeneration path hole 527 can be disposed between the opposite side and the bottom surface of the damper housing 520.
Accordingly, in the case where the damper 510 is installed to be hinge-rotatable around one end thereof, the degree of opening the discharge duct 525 can be adjusted according to the standing angle with respect to the bottom surface of the damper housing 520.
That is, in the case where the damper 510 hinge-rotates to be parallel to the bottom surface of the damper housing 520, the discharge duct 525 can be maximally opened so that air can be smoothly blown through the connection path F10.
In this case, in the case where the damper 510 covers the bottom surface of the damper housing 520, the discharge duct 525 can be maximally opened, and at the same time, the regeneration path hole 527 formed on the bottom surface of the damper housing 520 can be closed.
In some examples, when the damper 510 hinge-rotates to be perpendicular to the bottom surface of the damper housing 520, the discharge duct 525 can be closed.
In this case, since the damper 510 does not cover the bottom surface of the damper housing 520, the regeneration path hole 527 can be opened so that air can be blown along the regeneration path F20.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the damper 510 rotates around the hinge shaft 512 to selectively open and close the connection path F10 and the regeneration path F20, the connection path F10 and the regeneration path F20 can be easily opened and closed while further simplifying the structure of the damper 510.
In some examples, in the case where a pair of dehumidifying materials 430 is disposed on the connection path F10, the damper housing 520 can further include a damper separation wall 523 for separating the air passing through the respective dehumidifying materials 430, and the drying path hole 529 and the regeneration path hole 527 can be respectively formed on both sides of the damper separation wall 523.
The shoe care device 1 may include an inner cabinet 40, an outlet 42, an inlet 43, a connection path F10, a blowing fan 221, a dehumidifying material 430, a heater 710, a regeneration path F20, a damper housing 520, and a damper 510.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the damper 510 installed in the damper housing 520 selectively opens and closes the connection path F10 and the regeneration path F20, selective opening and closing of the connection path F10 and the regeneration path F20 can be stably and effectively performed.
In the shoe care device 1, the damper 510 can include an opening/closing plate 511 that is hinge-rotatable about a hinge shaft 512 formed on one side, a shaft 513 coupled to the hinge shaft 512 of the opening/closing plate 511 to transmit rotational force, and an actuator 515 coupled to the shaft 513 to provide rotational force.
Specifically, the damper 510 can include an opening/closing plate 511 in the shape of a plate protruding in one direction from the hinge shaft 512. The opening/closing plate 511 can be configured to correspond to the shape of the drying path hole 529 formed in the damper housing 520, and when the damper 510 hinge-rotates, the opening/closing plate 511 can cover the drying path hole 529.
A shaft 513 can be coupled to the hinge shaft 512 of the damper 510. Specifically, a fastening hole can be formed in a portion of the hinge shaft 512, and a fastening portion 513b of the shaft 513 can be engaged with the fastening hole.
Accordingly, when the shaft 513 rotates, the fastening portion 513b can press the fastening hole so that the hinge shaft 512 of the damper 510 can rotate. The shaft 513 can be coupled to an actuator 515 to transfer the rotational force supplied from the actuator 515 to the hinge shaft 512 of the damper 510.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the damper 510 includes the opening/closing plate 511, the shaft 513, and the actuator 515, the damper 510 can be precisely and effectively controlled through an electrical signal.
In the shoe care device 1, the open area of the regeneration path hole 527 can be configured to be smaller than the open area of the drying path hole 529, and the opening/closing plate 511 can be configured to have a planar shape correspond to the open area of the drying path hole 529.
As described above, since the regeneration path hole 527 can be smaller than the drying path hole 529, the opening/closing plate 511, which is configured to correspond to the shape of the drying path hole 529, can hinge-rotate, thereby covering the regeneration path hole 527.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the opening/closing plate 511 is configured to correspond to the open area of the drying path hole 529, it can be possible to respectively close the connection path F10 and the regeneration path F20 using one opening/closing plate 511.
In particular, as described above, in the case where the drying path hole 529 is formed on the longitudinal cross-section of the damper housing 520 and where the regeneration path hole 527 is formed on the bottom surface of the damper housing 520, the opening/closing plate 511 can rotate about the hinge shaft 512 so that one side thereof can cover the drying path hole 529 and so that the opposite side thereof can cover the regeneration path hole 527.
In the shoe care device 1, the damper 510 can further include a first sealing member 517 made of an elastic material, which is continuously installed along the edge of one surface of the opening/closing plate 511, and a second sealing member 519 made of an elastic material, which is installed to correspond to the open area of the drying path hole 529 on the opposite surface of the opening/closing plate 511.
That is, the first sealing member 517 can be formed along the edge of the opening/closing plate 511, and the first sealing member 517 can be made of an elastic material, thereby improving sealing force when the opening/closing plate 511 covers the drying path hole 529.
In some examples, as described above, since the regeneration path hole 527 is formed smaller than the drying path hole 529, the entire area of the opening/closing plate 511 in a plate-like structure may not evenly seal the regeneration path hole 527.
Accordingly, the second sealing member 519 can be formed in a portion of the opening/closing plate 511, which corresponds to the position of the regeneration path hole 527. The second sealing member 519 can also be made of an elastic material to improve sealing force when the opening/closing plate 511 covers the regeneration path hole 527.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the damper 510 further includes the first sealing member 517 and the second sealing member 519, it can be possible to further improve sealing force when closing the connection path F10 and the regeneration path F20.
In the shoe care device 1, at least one of the first sealing member 517 and the second sealing member 519 can be formed with the opening/closing plate 511 by insert molding.
Insert molding is a method of inserting two or more different materials together into a mold for injection. The opening/closing plate 511 can be made of an injection-molded synthetic resin material, and at least one of the first sealing member 517 and the second sealing member 519 can be made of an elastic material such as rubber, fiber, or the like.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the damper 510 is made by insert molding, the damper 510 can be easily and effectively manufactured.
In the shoe care device 1, the shaft 513 can include an actuator coupling portion 513a formed at one end thereof in the axial direction and coupled to the actuator 515, a fastening portion 513b formed at the opposite end thereof in the axial direction and coupled to the hinge shaft 512 of the opening/closing plate 511 so as to transfer rotational force thereto, and a deformable portion 513c connected between the actuator coupling portion 513a and the fastening portion 513b so as not to transfer rotational force to the hinge shaft 512 of the opening/closing plate 511.
In some examples, only the fastening portion 513b of the shaft 513 can be fastened to engage with the fastening hole of the damper 510, so that only the fastening portion 513b can be constrained by the rotation of the damper 510, and the remaining portions may not be constrained by the rotation of the hinge shaft 512.
That is, the deformable portion 513c of the shaft 513 can be coupled to the hinge shaft 512 so as not to engage therewith, which enables idle rotation in a certain portion even when the hinge shaft 512 rotates.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the shaft 513 includes the actuator coupling portion 513a, the fastening portion 513b, and the deformable portion 513c, the rotational force of the actuator 515 can be efficiently transferred to the opening/closing plate 511.
The deformable portion 513c can be made of a material capable of elastic deformation against torsion.
Specifically, the shaft 513 can be made of a material that is elastically deformable to a certain extent, such as a synthetic resin material. Accordingly, even in the state in which the opening/closing plate 511 of the damper 510 can no longer rotate inside the damper housing 520, the deformable portion 513c of the shaft 513 can be twisted and deformed to a certain extent.
According to this, the rotational force supplied from the actuator 515 can be further applied to the shaft 513 even when the rotation of the opening/closing plate 511 is stopped, so that the deformable portion 513c can be twisted to further pressurize the opening/closing plate 511.
Therefore, even if the rotational force supplied from the actuator 515 is shut off in the state in which the opening/closing plate 511 of the damper 510 covers the drying path hole 529 or the regeneration path hole 527, the opening/closing plate 511 can remain in close contact with the drying path hole 529 or the regeneration path hole 527 by the pressure caused by the torsion of the deformable portion 513c.
If a gap is formed between the opening/closing plate 511 and the drying path hole 529 or the regeneration path hole 527 due to reaction or the like when the supply of the rotational force from the actuator 515 is shut off, air can flow in unintended directions through the gap.
In particular, in order to block moisture or odor generated during the regeneration process of the dehumidifying material 430 from flowing into the inner cabinet 40, sealing force can be increased through the structure of the damper 510 and the shaft 513 described above.
As described above, in the shoe care device 1, since the deformable portion 513c made of an elastic material is twistable and deformable, it can be possible to maintain the contact force with the drying path hole 529 or the regeneration path hole 527 to a certain extent even in the state in which the operation of the actuator 515 is stopped.
In the foregoing, although specific implementations of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated, the present disclosure is not limited to the described implementations, and it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that there can be various changes and modifications into other specific implementations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure should be defined by the technical idea described in the claims, instead of by the described implementations.
In the shoe care device according to an embodiment of the present invention, condensation of humid air moving through the regeneration path can be effectively performed, and the condensed water can move smoothly along the direction of gravity without gathering inside the condenser.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2021-0042834 | Apr 2021 | KR | national |
| 10-2021-0083290 | Jun 2021 | KR | national |
This present application is the National Phase of PCT International Application No. PCT/KR2022/003147, filed on Mar. 7, 2022, which claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0042834, filed on Apr. 1, 2021, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0083290, filed on Jun. 25, 2021, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/KR2022/003147 | 3/7/2022 | WO |
