CLOTHES TREATING APPARATUS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. § 111(a), of International Application No. PCT/KR2025/016917, filed Oct. 23, 2025, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0199210, filed Dec. 27, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0004407, filed Jan. 10, 2025 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a clothes treating apparatus including a drying device.

BACKGROUND ART

A clothes treating apparatus is an appliance for treating and/or managing clothes. The clothes treating apparatus may include a washing machine and a dryer. The washing machine may include a washing machine with a drying function such as washer dryer combo.

The washing machine with the drying function performs washing through mutual friction by stirring together laundry, water, and detergent inside a tub by means of the driving force of a drive motor.

Cycles performed by the washing machine with a drying function may include a washing cycle of supplying water and detergent to a tub in which laundry is received and washing the laundry by rotating a drum, a rinsing cycle of supplying water to the tub and rinsing the laundry by rotating the drum, and a dewatering cycle of discharging water from the tub and removing moisture from the laundry by rotating the drum.

Cycles performed by the washing machine with a drying function may include a drying cycle of drying the laundry by blowing heat generated from a drying device into a receiving space in which the laundry is received. The washing machine with a drying function may include a drying device to perform the drying cycle.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a clothes treating apparatus capable of reducing damage to a diaphragm.

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a clothes treating apparatus with improved drying performance.

The technical object intended to be achieved by the present document is not limited to the above-mentioned technical objects, and other technical objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs from the following description.

Technical Solution

A clothes treating apparatus according to a concept of the present disclosure may include a housing, a tub inside the housing, a diaphragm connecting the housing and the tub, a drying device above the tub. The drying device may include a hot air supply device and a discharge device configured to discharge air discharged from the tub to an outside of the housing. The hot air supply device may include a drying heater to heat air passing through the hot air supply, and a supply connection part connected to the diaphragm to guide the heater air to the tub to thereafter be discharged from the tub. The supply connection part may include a vortex generator protruding into a flow path formed between the drying heater and the diaphragm to interfere with the heated air flowing from the drying heater to the diaphragm.

A clothes treating apparatus according to a concept of the present disclosure may include a tub, a drying device above the tub, the drying device including a hot air supply device, a discharge device for discharging heated air discharged from the tub to an outside of a housing, and a diaphragm connecting the tub and the drying device. The hot air supply device may include a drying heater including a first heater configured to operate at a first temperature and a second heater configured to operate at a second temperature greater than the first temperature, and a supply connection part connected to the diaphragm to guide the air heated by the drying heater to the tub to thereafter be discharged from the tub. The supply connection part may include a vortex generator formed to mix the air heated by the first heater with the air heated by the second heater.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows some configurations arranged inside the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows some configurations arranged inside the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which a drying device of the clothes treating apparatus is separated from a tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the drying device of the clothes treating apparatus is separated from the tub, from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 6, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a hot air supply device and a discharge device of the drying device disassembled from a drying case in the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows an inside of the hot air supply device and the discharge device by disassembling some configurations of the drying device of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows the inside of the hot air supply device and the discharge device by disassembling some configurations of the drying device of the clothes treating apparatus from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which an exhaust pipe is connected to the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 shows the inside of the hot air supply device by disassembling some configurations thereof in the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 shows a portion of a cross-section of the inside of the hot air supply device of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a top view showing a portion of the hot air supply device with a supply cover separated in the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 shows a portion of a cross-section of an inside of a hot air supply device of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 shows a portion of a cross-section of an inside of a hot air supply device of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 shows a portion of a cross-section of an inside of a hot air supply device of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows a portion of a cross-section of an inside of a hot air supply device of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

MODES OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

In the disclosure, phrases, such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) coupled” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

It will be understood that when the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including”, and/or “comprising” are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

When a given element is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

A washing machine according to various embodiments may perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. The washing machine is an example of a clothes treating apparatus, and the clothes treating apparatus is a concept including a device capable of washing clothes (objects to be washed, and objects to be dried), a device capable of drying clothes, and a device capable of washing and drying clothes.

The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet for inserting or removing laundry is provided to face upward, or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet is provided to face forward. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine of a loading type other than the top-loading washing machine and the front-loading washing machine.

For the top-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed using water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. For the front-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed by repeatedly lifting and lowering laundry by rotating a drum. The front-loading washing machine may include a dryer combined washing machine capable of drying laundry stored in a drum. The dryer combined washing machine may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum. For example, the dryer combined washing machine may include a heater. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine using a washing method other than the above-described washing method.

The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing accommodating various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box including a laundry inlet on one side thereof.

The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the inside of the housing to be visible.

The washing machine may include a tub disposed within the housing to store water. The tub may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side thereof. The tub may be disposed inside the housing in such a way that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.

The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper may absorb vibration generated when the drum rotates, and the damper may reduce vibration transmitted to the housing.

The washing machine may include a drum provided to accommodate laundry.

The drum may be disposed inside the tub such that a drum opening provided on one side of the drum corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may pass sequentially through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening and then be received in the drum or removed from the drum.

The drum may perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying while rotating in the tub. A plurality of through holes may be formed in a cylindrical wall of the drum to allow water stored in the tub to be introduced into or to be discharged from the drum.

The washing machine may include a driving device configured to rotate the drum. The driving device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting a driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may penetrate the tub to be connected to the drum.

The driving device may perform respective operations according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying, or drying processes by rotating the drum in a forward or reverse direction.

The washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve disposed in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe may extend from an external water supply source to a detergent supply device and/or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub through the detergent supply device. Alternatively, water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

The water supply valve may open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from a controller. The water supply valve may allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water supply source. The water supply valve may include a solenoid valve configured to open or close in response to an electrical signal.

The washing machine may include the detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to enter detergent to be used for each washing, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically adds a predetermined amount of detergent during washing. The detergent supply device may include a detergent container for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. Water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a term including detergent for pre-washing, detergent for main washing, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent container may be partitioned into a storage region for the pre-washing detergent, a storage region for the main washing detergent, a storage region for the fabric softener, and a storage region for the bleach.

The washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in the tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from a bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve disposed on the drain pipe to open or close the drain pipe, and a pump disposed on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water from the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

The at least one input interface may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

The at least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing/rinsing/spin-drying setting button. The at least one input interface may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.

The at least one output interface may visually or audibly transmit information related to the operation of the washing machine to a user.

For example, the at least one output interface may transmit information related to a washing course, operation time of the washing machine, and washing/rinsing/spin-drying settings to the user. Information about the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, an indicator, or a voice. The at least one output interface may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker.

The washing machine may include a communication module for wired and/or wireless communication with an external device.

The communication module may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range wireless communication module.

The communication module may transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and/or a home appliance) or receive data from the external device. For example, the communication module may establish communication with a server and/or a user device and/or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various types of data.

For the communication, the communication module may establish a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the external devices, and support the performance of the communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, and a Zigbee communication module, an IrDA communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server in a mobile communication network.

According to an embodiment, the communication module may communicate with an external device such as a server, a user device and other home appliances through an access point (AP). The AP may connect a LAN, to which a washing machine or a user device is connected, to a WAN to which a server is connected. The washing machine or the user device may be connected to the server via the WAN. The controller may control various components of the washing machine (e.g., the drive motor, and the water supply valve). The controller may control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one operation including water supply, washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying according to a user input. For example, the controller may control the drive motor to adjust the rotational speed of the drum or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

The controller may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller may include at least one memory for storing an algorithm and program-type data for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine, and at least one processor configured to perform the above-mentioned operation by using the data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or may include one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Alternatively, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

Hereinafter, a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, a washing machine with a drying function will be described as an example of the clothes treating apparatus. However, a concept of the disclosure is not limited to the washing machine with the drying function, and may be applied to various apparatuses for treating and/or caring for clothes.

In the following description, the terms “front”, rear”, “left”, and “right” are defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and positions of components are not limited by the terms.

For example, an X-axis direction may be defined as a front-to-back direction, a Y-axis direction may be defined as a left-to-right direction, and a Z-axis direction may be defined as an up-and-down direction.

FIG. 1 shows a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from that shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows some configurations arranged inside the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 shows some configurations arranged inside the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from that shown in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include a housing 10 that accommodates various components therein. The housing 10 may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet 11 formed on one side. The laundry inlet 11 may be provided to face substantially forward.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a laundry door 17 for opening or closing the laundry inlet 11. The laundry door 17 may be rotatably mounted to the housing 10 by a hinge. At least a portion of the laundry door 17 may be provided transparently or translucently to allow an interior of the housing 10 to be visible. In an example, the laundry door 17 may include tempered glass.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a lower door 18 configured to allow access to a lower detergent supply device 60. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include an upper door 19 configured to allow access to an upper detergent supply device 50 and a discharge filter 150.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a tub 20 provided inside the housing 10 to store water. The tub 20 may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening 21 formed on one side, and may be disposed inside the housing 10 such that the tub opening 21 is positioned to correspond to the laundry inlet 11. The tub opening 21 may be provided to face substantially forward.

The tub 20 may be connected to the housing 10 by a damper 25. The damper 25 may absorb vibrations generated during rotation of a drum 30 to attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing 10.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a diaphragm 22 for connecting the tub 20 with the housing 10. In an example, the diaphragm 22 may extend between the laundry inlet 11 of the housing 10 and the tub opening 21 of the tub 20. The diaphragm 22 may be detachably mounted to the tub opening 21 of the tub 20. The diaphragm 22 may reduce the transmission of vibrations from the tub 20 to the housing 10. For example, the diaphragm 22 may include a more flexible material than the housing 10 and the tub 20.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the drum 30 configured to accommodate laundry. At least one lifter 33 may be provided inside the drum 30 to perform washing by lifting and dropping the laundry.

The drum 30 may be disposed inside the tub 20 such that a drum opening 31 provided in one side corresponds to the laundry inlet 11 and the tub opening 21. Laundry may be accommodated into or taken out of the drum 30 by passing sequentially through the laundry inlet 11, the diaphragm 22, the tub opening 21, and the drum opening 31. The drum opening 31 may be provided to face substantially forward.

The drum 30 may perform respective operations according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying cycles while rotating inside the tub 20. A plurality of through-holes 32 may be formed in a cylindrical wall of the drum 30 to allow water stored in the tub 20 to flow into or out of the drum 30.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a drive device 36 configured to rotate the drum 30. The drive device 36 may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting a driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum 30. The rotating shaft may pass through the tub 20 to be connected to the drum 30.

The drive device 36 may rotate the drum 30 in a forward or reverse direction to perform respective operations corresponding to washing, rinsing, and/or dewatering, or drying cycles.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a water supply device 40 configured to supply water to the tub 20. The water supply device 40 may include water supply valves 41 and 42 connectable to an external water source. For example, the water supply valves 41 and 42 may include a first water supply valve 41 and a second water supply valve 42. In an example, the water supply valves 41 and 42 may include a hot water valve 41 for supplying hot water and a cold water valve 42 for supplying cold water.

The water supply device 40 may include water supply pipes 43 and 44. The water supply pipes 43 and 44 may be connected to the water supply valves 41 and 42. For example, the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may include a first water supply pipe 43 and a second water supply pipe 44. In an example, the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may be provided as flexible hoses or pipes.

In an example, the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may include a hot water pipe 43 connected to the hot water valve 41 and a cold water pipe 44 connected to the cold water valve 42. At least one of the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may guide water from the water supply valves 41 and 42 to the tub 20. At least one of the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may extend from a water supply valve 41 and 42 to the tub 20. Water may be supplied to the lower detergent supply device 60 via the tub 20. Water may also be supplied to the lower detergent supply device 60 not via the tub 20.

The water supply valves 41 and 42 may open or close the water supply pipes 43 and 44 in response to an electrical signal from a controller. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub 20. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include detergent supply devices 50 and 60 configured to supply detergent to the tub 20. The detergent supply devices 50 and 60 may include the upper detergent supply device 50 and the lower detergent supply device 60. Detergent may be used as a term encompassing pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and the like.

The upper detergent supply device 50 may be positioned above the tub 20. The upper detergent supply device 50 may be positioned above the tub 20 in a vertical direction. The upper detergent supply device 50 may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to add detergent to be used for each washing, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a given amount of detergent during washing. The upper detergent supply device 50 may be connected to the tub 20 through a detergent connection pipe 51. In an example, the upper detergent supply device 50 may be configured to supply solid laundry detergent and/or fabric softener to the tub 20. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the example described above.

The lower detergent supply device 60 may be positioned below the tub 20. The lower detergent supply device 60 may be positioned below the tub 20 in the vertical direction. The lower detergent supply device 60 may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to add detergent to be used for each washing, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a given amount of detergent during washing. In an example, the lower detergent supply device 60 may be configured to supply liquid laundry detergent and/or fabric softener to the tub 20. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the example described above.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a drain device 70 configured to discharge water received in the tub 20 to an outside. The drain device 70 may include a drain pump 71 for discharging water in the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a circulation pump 76 for circulating water in the tub 20 back to the tub 20 via the lower detergent supply device 60.

The drain device 70 may be connected to the tub 20 through a tub connection pipe 72. The drain device 70 may discharge water in the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10 through a drain pipe 73.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a washing water heater 24. The washing water heater 24 may be provided below the tub 20 and heat washing water during washing. In addition, during a drying cycle, the water supply device 40 may supply a certain amount of water to a lower side of the tub 20 through a connection flow path P, and the washing water heater 24 may heat the water supplied into the tub 20 through the water supply device 40, the connection flow path P, and a tub exhaust port 27 to generate steam. In other words, the steam generated by the water supply device 40 and the washing water heater 24 may come into contact with clothes during a drying cycle, thereby reducing formation of wrinkles on the clothes.

In other words, the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a washing machine with washing and drying functions, unlike conventional dryers, may include the washing water heater 24 for heating washing water, and may generate steam by utilizing the washing water heater 24 and the water supply device 40 for washing the connection flow path P, thereby maximally preventing/reducing wrinkles from forming on clothes during the drying cycle.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a control panel 15 disposed on one side of the housing 10. The control panel 15 may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the clothes treating apparatus 1. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

The at least one input interface may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

The at least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash/rinse/spin-drying setting button. The at least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.

The at least one output interface may visually or audibly transfer information related to an operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1 to a user.

For example, the at least one output interface may transfer information related to a washing course and an operation time of the clothes treating apparatus 1, and washing/rinsing/spin-drying settings, to a user. Information related to the operation of the clothes treating apparatus may be output through a screen, an indicator, voice, or the like. The at least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, or the like.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a control box 15c for the control panel 15. The control box 15c for the control panel 15 may be electrically connected to the control panel 15. The control box 15c for the control panel 15 may supply power to the control panel 15. The control box 15c for the control panel 15 may process information input through the control panel 15. The control box 15c for the control panel 15 may control the control panel 15 to output information.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a drying device 100 for drying laundry accommodated inside the drum 30. The drying device 100 may be configured to heat air and supply the air into the tub 20. The drying device 100 may discharge the air discharged from the tub 20 to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may be configured to draw in outside air, heat the outside air, and supply the outside air to the tub 20 to dry clothes inside the drum 30, and then discharge the air from the tub 20 to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1 after drying the clothes inside the drum 30. The drying device 100 according to various embodiments may be disposed above the tub 20.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a terminal module 90. The terminal module 90 may include a terminal block. For example, the clothes treating apparatus 1 including a drying function may use a relatively high voltage, and power may be smoothly supplied through the terminal module 90.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a terminal cover 91 for covering the terminal module 90. The terminal cover 91 may be detachably coupled to the housing 10. In an example, the terminal module 90 may be provided in the drying device 100, and the terminal cover 91 may be detachably mounted on the drying device 100.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a connector coupling portion 149 to which a connector to electrically connect the terminal module 90 with the control panel 15 is coupled. In an example, a connector provided on a wire extending from the terminal module 90 may be connected to a connector provided on a wire extending from the control panel 15 at the connector coupling portion 149. The connector coupling portion 149 may include a space where the connector provided on the wire extending from the terminal module 90 and the wire extending from the control panel 15 are coupled to each other. For example, the connector coupling portion 149 may be provided in the drying device 100. For example, the connector coupling portion 149 may be provided on a discharge cover 142 of a discharge device 140 of the drying device 100.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which a drying device of the clothes treating apparatus is separated from a tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the drying device of the clothes treating apparatus is separated from the tub, from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 6, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 shows a hot air supply device and a discharge device of the drying device disassembled from a drying case in the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 shows an inside of the hot air supply device and the discharge device by disassembling some configurations of the drying device of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 shows the inside of the hot air supply device and the discharge device by disassembling some configurations of the drying device of the clothes treating apparatus from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 10, the drying device 100 may include a drying case 101. Various configurations of the drying device 100 may be installed in the drying case 101. For example, a hot air supply device 110 and/or the discharge device 140 of the drying device 100 may be installed in the drying case 101. The drying device 100 may be provided as a single module by installing the hot air supply device 110 and the discharge device 140 in the drying case 101.

Referring to FIG. 8, the drying case 101 may include a case opening 101a for allowing air entering the housing 10 to flow into the drying device 100. For example, the case opening 101a may include at least one opening. In an example, the case opening 101a may be provided in a side portion of the drying case 101, which is adjacent to a supply fan 130.

Referring to FIG. 8, the drying case 101 may include a tub connection opening 101b through which a portion of the discharge device 140 extends and is connected to the tub 20. The tub connection opening 101b may be configured to allow a discharge connection part 143 and/or a duct guide 144 of the discharge device 140 to pass therethrough. When the discharge connection part 143 is connected to the duct guide 144, the discharge connection part 143 and/or the duct guide 144 may be positioned at the tub connection opening 101b.

In an example, the case opening 101a may be provided at a left rear end portion of the drying case 101, and the tub connection opening 101b may be provided at a right rear end portion of the drying case 101.

Referring to FIG. 8, the drying case 101 may include a guide mounting portion 102 so that air inside the drying device 100 is discharged to the outside of the drying device 100. As a portion of the discharge device 140 is mounted to the guide mounting portion 102, the air inside the drying device 100 may be discharged to the outside of the drying device 100. For example, the guide mounting portion 102 may be provided on a rear side of the drying case 101.

The drying device 100 may include a reinforcing frame 109 for increasing the rigidity of the drying case 101. For example, the reinforcing frame 109 may be detachably mounted to a front end portion of the drying case 101. In an example, the reinforcing frame 109 may be mounted on the drying case 101 in a state where the hot air supply device 110 and the discharge device 140 are installed in the drying case 101. In an example, the hot air supply device 110 and the discharge device 140 may be separated from the drying case 101 after the reinforcing frame 109 is detached from the drying case 101.

The drying device 100 may include the hot air supply device 110 for supplying hot air, i.e., heated air, to the tub 20. The hot air supply device 110 may be mounted on the drying case 101. A supply flow path 116 for the air to be supplied to the tub 20 to flow may be formed inside the hot air supply device 110.

In an example, the hot air supply device 110 may be connected to the diaphragm 22. An end of the hot air supply device 110 from which air is discharged may be connected to the diaphragm 22. The diaphragm 22 may include a diaphragm connection portion 22a connected to the end of the hot air supply device 110. The diaphragm connection portion 22a may be provide with an air inlet 26. Air discharged from the hot air supply device 110 may be supplied to the inside of the drum 30 through the air inlet 26.

The hot air supply device 110 may be configured to guide air entering the housing 10 to the tub 20. The hot air supply device 110 may be configured to heat the air entering the housing 10. The hot air supply device 110 may be configured to turn outside air entering the housing 10 into hot and dry air.

For example, referring to FIG. 2, an outside air hole 10a for outside air to enter may be formed on the rear surface of the housing 10, and in response to an operation of the hot air supply device 110, outside air may enter the housing 10 through the outside air hole 10a. Referring to FIG. 8, air entering the housing 10 may enter the drying device 100 through the at least one case opening 101a formed in the drying case 101. The air that has entered the drying device 100 may enter the hot air supply device 110.

The hot air supply device 110 may include a supply base 111. The supply base 111 may be mounted on the drying case 101. The supply base 111 may form a portion of the supply flow path 116. The configurations of the hot air supply device 110 may be accommodated on the supply base 111. The supply base 111 may form at least a portion of the supply flow path 116. For example, the supply base 111 may have a shape that is open at the upper side.

The hot air supply device 110 may include a supply cover 112. The supply cover 112 may be coupled to the supply base 111. The supply cover 112 may cover the open side of the supply base 111. The supply cover 112, together with the supply base 111, may form at least a portion of the supply flow path 116. In an example, as the supply cover 112 is coupled to the supply base 111, at least a portion of the supply flow path 116 may be formed.

The hot air supply device 110 may include a drying heater 120 for heating the air passing through the hot air supply device 110. The drying heater 120 may heat the air flowing through the supply flow path 116. For example, the drying heater 120 may include a dual heater.

The drying device 100 may include a heater control box 129 for controlling the drying heater 120. The heater control box 129 may be electrically connected to the drying heater 120. For example, the heater control box 129 may be mounted on the drying case 101.

The hot air supply device 110 may include a supply fan 130 for creating an airflow inside the hot air supply device 110. The supply fan 130 may be configured to draw in air from outside the housing 10 and blow the outside air to the tub 20. The supply fan 130 may be configured to supply air to an object inside the drum 30. In an example, the supply fan 130 may include a sirocco fan. For example, the supply fan 130 may be configured to draw in air in an extension direction of a rotating shaft of the supply fan 13 and discharge the drawn-in air outwardly from a circumference of the supply fan 13.

The hot air supply device 110 may include a fan drive device 135 for providing power to the supply fan 130. In an example, the hot air supply device 110 may include a fan cover 113 couplable to the supply base 111 and/or the supply cover 112. The fan drive device 135 may be mounted on the fan cover 113.

Referring to FIG. 10, the supply base 111 may include a supply inlet 117 through which air enters the hot air supply device 110. The supply inlet 117 may be formed by penetrating the supply base 111 in the extension direction of the rotating shaft of the supply fan 130. In response to an operation of the supply fan 130, air from outside the hot air supply device 110 may enter the inside of the hot air supply device 110 through the supply inlet 117.

The hot air supply device 110 may include a supply connection part 114 connected to the tub 20. The supply connection part 114 may be connected to a front end of the tub 20. For example, the supply base 111 may extend in a front-to-back direction, and the supply connection part 114 may extend in an up-and-down direction.

The supply connection part 114 may include a supply guide portion 114a for guiding air flowing from the supply base 111 to the supply connection part 114. The supply guide portion 114a may have a rib shape. The supply guide portion 114a may be configured to agitate dry air supplied to the tub 20 to reduce temperature deviation of the dry air supplied to the tub 20.

In an example, the supply connection part 114 may be positioned at another end portion of the supply base 111, which is opposite to one end portion of the supply fan 130 at the supply fan 130 is positioned. For example, the supply connection part 114 may be connected to the opposite end portion of one end portion of the supply base 111 on which the supply inlet 117 is formed. Because the supply connection part 114 and the supply inlet 117 are disposed spaced apart from each other at both end portions of the supply base 111, a time for the air entering through the supply inlet 117 to be heated by the drying heater 120 before being supplied to the tub 20 through the supply connection part 114 may be secured.

The supply connection part 114 of the hot air supply device 110 may be connected to the air inlet 26. The air inlet 26 of the tub 20 may be disposed in the diaphragm 22 provided at the front end of the tub 20. The supply connection part 114 may be connected to the diaphragm connection portion 22a provided in the diaphragm 22. In an example, the supply connection part 114 and the diaphragm connection portion 22a may be fixed by mounting a clamp at a region where the supply connection part 114 and the diaphragm connection portion 22a are coupled.

The drying device 100 may include a thermostat 170 configured to stop an operation of the drying device 100 when a temperature of the dry air supplied through the hot air supply device 110 exceeds a given temperature. In an example, the thermostat 170 may be mounted on the hot air supply device 110. For example, the thermostat 170 may include a sensor for detecting a temperature of the supply flow path 116.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the air heated in the drying device 100 may be supplied to the inside of the drum 30 through via the tub 20. To ensure a time for which the heated air supplied to the inside of the drum 30 to removes water of laundry, the tub exhaust port 27 may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet 26 through which the heated air from the drying device 100 is supplied to the tub 20. To cause the heated air to come in more contact with laundry by increasing a distance by which the heated air flows inside the drum 30 and/or time for which the heated air flows inside the drum 30, the tub exhaust port 27 may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet 26 through which the heated air from the drying device 100 is supplied to the tub 20. By increasing the time for which the heated air comes in contact with laundry, drying efficiency may be improved.

The air inlet 26 and the tub exhaust port 27 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be arranged to maximize use of the heated air provided from the drying device 100. In an example, the air inlet 26 may be positioned at the front end portion of the tub 20, and the tub exhaust port 27 may be positioned at the rear end portion of the tub 20.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include the connection flow path P through which air discharged from the inside of the tub 20 flows to the drying device 100. The connection flow path P may allow the air discharged from the tub exhaust port 27 to flow to a discharge flow path 146 of the drying device 100. The connection flow path P may be configured to discharge humid air that has passed through the tub 20. In an example, the connection flow path P may be provided on the rear side of the tub 20.

The air inside the tub 20 may be discharged to a tub duct 28 through the tub exhaust port 27 formed in the rear surface of the tub 20. The air discharged to the tub duct 28 may flow along the connection flow path P and be supplied to the drying device 100.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include the tub duct 28 for forming at least a portion of the connection flow path P. In an example, the tub duct 28 may be integrally formed with the tub 20. In an example, the tub 20 may include the tub duct 28. The tub duct 28 may be configured to surround the tub exhaust port 27.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include a duct cover 29 for forming at least a portion of the connection flow path P. The duct cover 29 may be configured to cover an open rear surface of the tub duct 28. In an example, the tub 20 may include the duct cover 29. The duct cover 29 may form at least a portion of the connection flow path P through which the air discharged through the tub exhaust port 27 flows to the drying device 100.

In the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments, the connection flow path P may be formed by coupling the duct cover 29 to the tub duct 28.

The tub duct 28 according to an embodiment may include a recess portion 28a forming a portion of the connection flow path P through which the air discharged from the inside of the tub 20 flows. A reinforcing rib 23 for enhancing the rigidity of the tub 20 may be provided on the rear surface of the tub 20, and the recess portion 28a may be provided as a portion recessed from an end of the reinforcing rib 23 protruding from the rear surface of the tub 20. The recess portion 28a may be provided as a portion of the rear surface of the tub 20, on which the reinforcing rib 23 is not formed. The tub exhaust port 27 through which the air is discharged from the inside of the tub 20 may be formed in the recess portion 28a. The tub duct 28 may include a partition rib 28d provided along a circumference of the recess portion 28a. The partition rib 28d may define a region on which the recess portion 28a is formed and a region on which the reinforcing rib 23 is formed, on the rear surface of the tub 20.

The tub duct 28 according to an embodiment may include a duct connecting portion 28b forming another portion of the connection flow path P through which the air that has passed through the recess portion 28a flows. The duct connecting portion 28b may protrude outwardly from an outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. The duct connecting portion 28b may protrude substantially upward from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20.

The duct connecting portion 28b may allow the recess portion 28a to communicate with the drying device 100. The duct connecting portion 28b may be connected to the discharge connection part 143 of the drying device 100. The duct connecting portion 28b, together with the recess portion 28a and the duct cover 29, may form a single passage forming the connection flow path P.

The duct connecting portion 28b may be covered by the duct cover 29. One side of the duct connecting portion 28b may be open. The duct cover 29 may cover the open side of the duct connecting portion 28b.

The duct cover 29 may cover both the recess portion 28a and the duct connecting portion 28b. For example, the duct cover 29 may cover both the open side of the recess portion 28a and the open side of the duct connecting portion 28b. The connection flow path P may be formed by the duct cover 29 covering the recess portion 28a and the duct connecting portion 28b. In an example, the duct cover 29 may cover only the recess portion 28a.

The duct cover 29 may be configured to cover the open rear surface of the recess portion 28a and/or the open rear surface of the duct connecting portion 28b. The connection flow path P may be a single passage formed by the tub duct 28 and the duct cover 29 together.

The tub duct 28 may include a step portion 28c for expanding a cross-sectional area of the connection flow path P. The connection flow path P may be provided such that a width of a portion formed by the duct connecting portion 28b is greater than a width of a portion formed by the recess portion 28a by the step portion 28c.

The drying device 100 may include the discharge device 140 for discharging the air discharged from the tub 20 to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1. The discharge device 140 may be mounted on the drying case 101. The discharge device 140 may be configured to form the discharge flow path 146 for discharging the air discharged from the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10.

The discharge device 140 may include a discharge base 141. The discharge base 141 may be mounted on the drying case 101. The discharge base 141 may form at least a portion of the discharge flow path 146. The discharge base 141 may be provided such that the discharge flow path 146 has a substantially U-shape.

The discharge device 140 may include the discharge cover 142. The discharge cover 142 may be coupled to the discharge base 141. The discharge cover 142 may form at least a portion of the discharge flow path 146. The discharge cover 142 may cover an open portion of the discharge base 141. The discharge cover 142, together with the discharge base 141, may form at least a portion of the discharge flow path 146. In an example, as the discharge cover 142 is coupled to the discharge base 141, at least a portion of the discharge flow path 146 may be formed.

The discharge device 140 may include the discharge connection part 143 connected to the tub 20. The discharge connection part 143 may guide the air that has been discharged from the tub 20 and passed through the connection flow path P. A flow path through which air flows may be formed inside the discharge connection part 143. The discharge connection part 143 may be connected to the duct connecting portion 28b of the tub 20.

In an example, the discharge connection part 143 may include a flexible material. For example, the discharge connection part 143 may have a structure capable of changing in length. For example, the discharge connection part 143 may include an elastic material. For example, the discharge connection part 143 may include a stretchable material. The discharge connection part 143 may be configured to reduce vibration transmission from the tub 20 to the drying device 100. The discharge connection part 143 may seal a space between the duct connecting portion 28b of the tub 20 and the duct guide 144 of the discharge device 140.

The discharge device 140 may include the duct guide 144 connected to the discharge connection part 143. The duct guide 144 may be configured to guide the air that has passed through the discharge connection part 143 to the discharge flow path 146. The duct guide 144 may connect the discharge connection part 143 to the discharge base 141 and/or the discharge cover 142. The duct guide 144 may be configured to change a flow direction of the air discharged from the tub 20 and flowing upward along the connection flow path P. The duct guide 144 may include a material with higher strength than the discharge connection part 143.

The discharge device 140 may include a discharge guide 145 for guiding the air that has passed through the discharge base 141 to the outside of the housing 10. The discharge guide 145 may be connected to the discharge base 141. The discharge guide 145 may be mounted to the guide mounting portion 102 formed in the drying case 101. The guide mounting portion 102 may be positioned on the rear end portion of the drying case 101.

The discharge guide 145 may be positioned at a substantially center portion of the rear end portion of the drying device 100. In an example, the water supply valves 41 and 42 may be positioned on one side of the discharge guide 145, and the terminal module 90 may be positioned on the opposite side of the one side at which the water supply valves 41 and 42 are positioned. The discharge guide 145 may be positioned between the water supply valves 41 and 42 and the terminal module 90 in the rear end portion of the drying device 100.

The drying device 100 may include the discharge filter 150 detachably couplable to the discharge device 140. The discharge filter 150 may filter out foreign matter from the air passing through the discharge device 140. The discharge filter 150 may filter out foreign matter from the air passing through the discharge flow path 146. The discharge filter 150 may be detachably mounted to the discharge base 141 and/or the discharge cover 142. The discharge filter 150 may be configured to be accessible by opening the upper door 19 shown in FIG. 1.

A filter mounting portion 141a for mounting the discharge filter 150 may be provided on the discharge base 141. The filter mounting portion 141a may extend from a front end portion of the discharge base 141 toward the rear. The filter mounting portion 141a may be configured to correspond to the size and/or shape of the discharge filter 150. The filter mounting portion 141a may include a rail on which the discharge filter 150 slides. The discharge filter 150 may be mounted by sliding on the filter mounting portion 141a.

In the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the discharge filter 150 for filtering out foreign matter from the humid air discharged from the tub 20 is provided in the drying device 100 positioned above the tub 20, a user or operator may easily access the discharge filter 150 to maintain and/or repair the discharge filter 150.

The drying device 100 may include a humidity sensor 180 for detecting the humidity of air discharged through the discharge device 140. The humidity sensor 180 may be configured to detect the humidity of the air passing through the discharge flow path 146. In an example, the humidity sensor 180 may be mounted to the discharge device 140.

The drying device 100 may include an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter 108. The EMI filter 108 may be configured to reduce or block electromagnetic interference of the clothes treating apparatus 1. The EMI filter 108 may be mounted to the drying case 101. For example, the EMI filter 108 may be positioned behind the hot air supply device 110. For example, the EMI filter 108 may be positioned at a corner portion of the drying case 101.

In the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the drying heater 120 is provided in the hot air supply device 110 and the discharge filter 150 is provided in the discharge device 140, the discharge filter 150 may be prevented/reduced from being damaged by the drying heater 120.

Referring to FIG. 8, in the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hot air supply device 110 and the discharge device 140 may be provided to be respectively separated from the drying case 101. The hot air supply device 110 and the discharge device 140 may each be provided as separate configurations.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which an exhaust pipe is connected to the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an exhaust pipe 199 for guiding the air discharged through the discharge guide 145 of the drying device 100 to the outside. In a case where the clothes treating apparatus 1 is installed indoors and the exhaust pipe 199 is not connected to the discharge guide 145, the humid air discharged through the discharge guide 145 may be discharged indoors. In a case where the clothes treating apparatus 1 is installed indoors and the exhaust pipe 199 is connected to the discharge guide 145, the humid air discharged through the discharge guide 145 may be guided to outdoors by the exhaust pipe 199 and discharged to the outside.

FIG. 12 shows the inside of the hot air supply device by disassembling some configurations thereof in the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 shows a portion of a cross-section of the inside of the hot air supply device of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a top view showing a portion of the hot air supply device with a supply cover separated in the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the hot air supply device 110 of the drying device 100 of the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the supply connection part 114 connected to the diaphragm 22 for guiding the air dried by the drying heater 120 to the tub 20. In an example, the supply connection part 114 may include a first connection part 1141 and a second connection part 1142 coupled to the first connection part 1141. In response to the coupling of the first connection part 1141 and the second connection part 1142, a flow path may be formed within the supply connection part 114.

In an example, the drying heater 120 of the drying device 100 of the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first heater 121 configured to operate at a first temperature and a second heater 122 configured to operate at a second temperature greater than the first temperature. In an example, the second heater 122 may have an operating temperature different from the operating temperature of the first heater 121. A first power consumption of the first heater 121 may be configured to be different from a second power consumption of the second heater 122. For example, the first power consumption of the first heater 121 may be 1500 W, while the second power consumption of the second heater 122 may be 3700 W.

The first heater 121 and the second heater 122 may be arranged in the vertical direction. In an example, the first heater 121 may be positioned above the second heater 122. Because the first heater 121 and the second heater 122, which operate at different temperatures, are arranged in the vertical direction, the temperature of the air flowing from an upper side of the supply flow path 116 passing through the first heater 121 may by different from the temperature of the air flowing from a lower side of the supply flow path 116 passing through the second heater 122. The air heat-exchanged in the second heater 122 may have a relatively high temperature, and when supplied to the diaphragm 22 in such a state, the diaphragm 22 may be damaged by heat.

Due to the non-uniform velocity of the air being drawn into the drying heater 120 by the supply fan 130 and the shape of the pipe of the drying heater 120 being bent several times, the temperature distribution of the air that has passed through the drying heater 120 may not be uniform. In an example, air in some areas of the air that has passed through the drying heater 120 may become hotter than air in other areas. When air in the hotter areas is supplied to the diaphragm 22, the diaphragm 22 may be damaged by heat.

The hot air supply device 110 may include a vortex forming portion (hereinafter referred to as a “vortex generator”) 1141a configured to create a vortex in the airflow between the drying heater 120 and the diaphragm 22. The vortex generator 1141a may be configured to mix the air passing through the supply flow path 116. The vortex generator 1141a may be provided in the supply connection part 114.

The vortex generator 1141a may be configured to interfere with the airflow of the air flowing from the drying heater 120 to the diaphragm 22. The vortex generator 1141a may be formed to mix the air heat-exchanged with the first heater 121 with the air heat-exchanged with the second heater 122. The vortex generator 1141a may be configured to mix the air heat-exchanged with the first heater 121 with the air heat-exchanged with the second heater 122 to reduce the average temperature of the air.

The vortex generator 1141a may have a protruding shape to interfere with the airflow of the air flowing from the drying heater 120 to the diaphragm 22. In an example, the vortex generator 1141a may have a shape protruding into an interior of a guide flow path 116a formed between the drying heater 120 and the diaphragm 22 in the supply flow path 116.

The vortex generator 1141a may be formed by protruding a portion of a first inner surface 1141b of the supply connection part 114 toward a second inner surface 1142b facing the first inner surface 1141b. The vortex generator 1141a may be formed by bending a portion of the first connection part 1141 of the supply connection part 114. In an example, the vortex generator 1141a may be formed on the first connection part 1141.

In an example, a length d1 by which the vortex generator 1141a protrudes from an imaginary plane S extended from the first inner surface 1141b of the supply connection part 114 may be equal to or greater than 0.15 times and equal to or less than 0.6 times a length d2 from the imaginary plane S extended from the first inner surface 1141b to the second inner surface 1142b. When the length d1 by which the vortex generator 1141a protrudes from the imaginary plane S is 0.15 times or more the length d2 from the imaginary plane S to the second inner surface 1142b, the temperature uniformity of the supply flow path 116 may be improved effectively. When the length d1 by which the vortex generator 1141a protrudes from the imaginary plane S is 0.6 times or more the length d2 from the imaginary plane S to the second inner surface 1142b, the air volume of the supply flow path 116 may be reduced significantly, and the amount of change in the temperature uniformity supplied to the diaphragm 22 may be reduced.

For example, the vortex generator 1141a may be configured to form a triangular cross-section together with the imaginary plane S from which the first inner surface 1141b extends. Since the vortex generator 1141a is configured to form a triangular cross-section together with the imaginary plane S from which the first inner surface 1141b extends, the flow path resistance of the air passing through the guide flow path 116a of the supply flow path 116 may be reduced.

The vortex generator 1141a may include a first portion 1141aa and a second portion 1141ab formed inclined from the first portion 1141aa. For example, the first portion 1141aa may extend in the front-to-back direction, and the second portion 1141ab may extend downwardly inclined from the first portion 1141aa. For example, an angle a1 of the second portion 1141ab relative to the first portion 1141aa may be provided to be 80° or more. For example, the angle a1 of the second portion 1141ab relative to the first portion 1141aa may be provided to be 80° or more and 90° or less.

In the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the vortex generator 1141a is provided in the hot air supply device 110, the average temperature of the air supplied to the diaphragm 22 may be reduced, and damage to the diaphragm 22 caused by heat may be reduced.

The hot air supply device 110 may include the supply guide portion 114a provided in the guide flow path 116a, which is formed between the drying heater 120 and the diaphragm 22 inside the supply connection part 114, to guide the air heat-exchanged in the drying heater 120. The supply guide portion 114a may be provided in the supply connection part 114. The supply guide portion 114a may be provided on the flow path between the drying heater 120 and the vortex generator 1141a.

The supply guide portion 114a may reduce the occurrence of thermal imbalance in the left-to-right direction as the air heat-exchanged while passing through the drying heater 120 recirculates. The supply guide portion 114a may be configured to reduce the left-to-right thermal imbalance caused by recirculating flow before the air passing through the drying heater 120 passes through the vortex generator 1141a. The supply guide portion 114a may be configured to impede the recirculation of the air passing through the drying heater 120. The supply guide portion 114a may improve the left-to-right temperature uniformity of the air passing through the drying heater 120.

The supply guide portion 114a may extend in a direction inclined relative to the direction in which the air heat-exchanged in the drying heater 120 flows. As the angle b1 at which the supply guide portion 114a is inclined with respect to the direction in which the air heat-exchanged in the drying heater 120 in the absence of the supply guide portion flows increases, the air volume of the air passing through the guide flow path 116a of the supply flow path 116 may decrease. For example, the supply guide portion 114a may extend obliquely at angle of greater than 0° and less than or equal to 45° relative to the direction in which the air heat-exchanged in the drying heater 120 flows.

In an example, the supply guide portion 114a may be configured to protrude from the first portion 1141aa of the vortex generator 1141a. The supply guide portion 114a may protrude upwardly from the first portion 1141aa of the vortex generator 1141a.

In an example, the supply guide portion 114a may be omitted.

FIG. 15 shows a portion of a cross-section of an inside of a hot air supply device of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A hot air supply device 210 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 15. In describing the hot air supply device 210 shown in FIG. 15, configurations identical to those of the hot air supply device 110 shown in FIGS. 1 to 14 may be assigned to the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 15, the hot air supply device 210 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a supply connection part 214 for guiding the air heat-exchanged while passing through the drying heater 120 to the diaphragm 22. The supply connection part 214 may include a first connection part 2141 and a second connection part 2142.

The hot air supply device 210 may include a vortex generator 2141a configured to generate a vortex in the airflow between the drying heater 120 and the diaphragm 22. The vortex generator 2141a may be configured to mix the air passing through the supply flow path 116. The vortex generator 2141a may be provided in the supply connection part 214.

The vortex generator 2141a may be configured to interfere with the airflow of the air flowing from the drying heater 120 to the diaphragm 22. The vortex generator 2141a may be formed to mix the air heat-exchanged with the first heater 121 with the air heat-exchanged with the second heater 122. The vortex generator 2141a may be configured to mix the air heat-exchanged with the first heater 121 with the air heat-exchanged with the second heater 122 to reduce the average temperature of the air.

The vortex generator 2141a may have a protruding shape to interfere with the airflow of the air flowing from the drying heater 120 to the diaphragm 22. In an example, the vortex generator 2141a may have a shape protruding into the interior of the guide flow path 116a formed between the drying heater 120 and the diaphragm 22 in the supply flow path 116.

The vortex generator 2141a may be formed by protruding a portion of a first inner surface 2141b of the supply connection part 214 toward a second inner surface 2142b facing the first inner surface 2141b. The vortex generator 2141a may be formed by bending a portion of the first connection part 2141 of the supply connection part 214. In an example, the vortex generator 2141a may be formed on the first connection part 2141. In an example, the vortex generator 2141a may have a shape protruding from the imaginary plane S extended from the first inner surface 2141b of the supply connection part 214.

For example, the vortex generator 2141a may be configured to form a triangular cross-section together with the imaginary plane S from which the first inner surface 2141b extends. Since the vortex generator 2141a is configured to form a triangular cross-section together with the imaginary plane S from which the first inner surface 2141b extends, the flow path resistance of the air passing through the guide flow path 116a of the supply flow path 116 may be reduced.

The vortex generator 2141a may include a first portion 2141aa and a second portion 2141ab formed obliquely to the first portion 2141aa. In an example, the first portion 2141aa may extend obliquely relative to the direction in which the air passing through the drying heater 120 flows. For example, an angle a2 of the first portion 2141aa relative to the direction in which the air heat-exchanged in the drying heater 120 flows may be provided at an angle of greater than 0° and equal to or less than 45°. The first portion 2141aa may be provided obliquely relative to the front-to-back direction. For example, as the angle a2 of the first portion 2141aa relative to the direction in which the air heat-exchanged in the drying heater 120 flows increases, the air volume of the air passing through the guide flow path 116 of the supply flow path 116 may increase and the temperature uniformity may be impaired. For example, when the angle a2 of the first portion 2141aa relative to the direction in which the air heat-exchanged in the drying heater 120 flows is 45° or more, the temperature uniformity may be significantly reduced. The second portion 2141ab may extend downwardly inclined from the first portion 2141aa.

The hot air supply device 210 may include a supply guide portion 214a provided in the guide flow path 116a, which is formed between the drying heater 120 and the diaphragm 22 inside the supply connection part 214, to guide the air heat-exchanged in the drying heater 120. The supply guide portion 214a may be provided in the supply connection part 214. The supply guide portion 214a may be provided on the flow path between the drying heater 120 and the vortex generator 2141a.

The supply guide portion 214a may reduce the occurrence of thermal imbalance in the left-to-right direction as the air heat-exchanged while passing through the drying heater 120 recirculates. The supply guide portion 214a may be configured to reduce the left-to-right thermal imbalance caused by recirculating flow before the air passing through the drying heater 120 passes through the vortex generator 2141a. The supply guide portion 214a may be configured to impede the recirculation of the air passing through the drying heater 120. The supply guide portion 214a may improve the left-to-right temperature uniformity of the air passing through the drying heater 120.

The supply guide portion 214a may extend in a direction inclined relative to the direction in which the air heat-exchanged in the drying heater 120 flows. The supply guide portion 214a may protrude upwardly from an upper surface of the first connection part 2141. In an example, the supply guide portion 214a may be omitted.

FIG. 16 shows a portion of a cross-section of an inside of a hot air supply device of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A hot air supply device 310 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 16. In describing the hot air supply device 310 shown in FIG. 16, configurations identical to those of the hot air supply device 110 shown in FIGS. 1 to 14 may be assigned to the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 16, the hot air supply device 310 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a supply connection part 314 for guiding the air heat-exchanged while passing through the drying heater 120 to the diaphragm 22. The supply connection part 314 may include a first connection part 3141 and a second connection part 3142.

The hot air supply device 310 may include a vortex generator 3141a provided to generate a vortex in the airflow between the drying heater 120 and the diaphragm 22. The vortex generator 3141a may be configured to mix the air passing through the supply flow path 116. The vortex generator 3141a may be provided in the supply connection part 314. The vortex generator 3141a may be configured to interfere with the airflow of the air flowing from the drying heater 120 to the diaphragm 22. The vortex generator 3141a may be formed to mix the air heat-exchanged with the first heater 121 with the air heat-exchanged with the second heater 122. The vortex generator 3141a may be configured to mix the air heat-exchanged with the first heater 121 with the air heat-exchanged with the second heater 122 to reduce the average temperature of the air.

The vortex generator 3141a may have a protruding shape to interfere with the airflow of the air flowing from the drying heater 120 to the diaphragm 22. In an example, the vortex generator 3141a may have a shape protruding into the interior of the guide flow path 116a formed between the drying heater 120 and the diaphragm 22 in the supply flow path 116. The vortex generator 3141a shown in FIG. 16 may be configured to protrude further into the interior of the supply flow path 116 than the vortex generator 1141a shown in FIG. 13.

The vortex generator 3141a may be formed by protruding a portion of a first inner surface 3141b of the supply connection part 314 toward a second inner surface 3142b facing the first inner surface 3141b. The vortex generator 3141a may be formed by bending a portion of the first connection part 3141 of the supply connection part 314. In an example, the vortex generator 3141a may be formed on the first connection part 3141. In an example, the vortex generator 3141a may have a shape protruding from the imaginary plane S extended from the first inner surface 3141b of the supply connection part 314. For example, the vortex generator 3141a may be configured to form a triangular cross-section together with the imaginary plane S extended from the first inner surface 3141b.

The vortex generator 3141a may include a first portion 3141aa and a second portion 3141ab formed at an inclined angle to the first portion 3141aa. In an example, the first portion 3141aa may extend in the front-to-back direction. The second portion 3141ab may be formed to be downwardly inclined toward the rear. For example, an angle a3 of the second portion 3141ab relative to the first portion 3141aa may be provided to be more than or equal to 80°.

The hot air supply device 310 may include the supply guide portion 114a provided in the guide flow path 116a, which is formed between the drying heater 120 and the diaphragm 22 inside the supply connection part 314, to guide the air heat-exchanged in the drying heater 120. The supply guide portion 114a may be provided in the supply connection part 314. The supply guide portion 114a may be provided on the flow path between the drying heater 120 and the vortex generator 3141a.

The supply guide portion 114a may reduce the occurrence of thermal imbalance in the left-to-right direction as the air heat-exchanged while passing through the drying heater 120 recirculates. The supply guide portion 114a may be configured to reduce the left-to-right thermal imbalance caused by recirculating flow before the air passing through the drying heater 120 passes through the vortex generator 3141a. The supply guide portion 114a may be configured to impede the recirculation of the air passing through the drying heater 120. The supply guide portion 114a may improve the left-to-right temperature uniformity of the air passing through the drying heater 120.

The supply guide portion 114a may extend in a direction inclined relative to the direction in which the air heat-exchanged in the drying heater 120 flows. The supply guide portion 114a may protrude upwardly from an upper surface of the first connection part 3141. In an example, the supply guide portion 114a may be omitted.

FIG. 17 shows a portion of a cross-section of an inside of a hot air supply device of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A hot air supply device 410 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 17. In describing the hot air supply device 410 shown in FIG. 17, configurations identical to those of the hot air supply device 110 shown in FIGS. 1 to 14 may be assigned to the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 17, the hot air supply device 410 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a supply connection part 414 for guiding the air heat-exchanged while passing through the drying heater 120 to the diaphragm 22. The supply connection part 414 may include a first connection part 4141 and a second connection part 4142.

The hot air supply device 410 may include a vortex generator 4141a provided to generate a vortex in the airflow between the drying heater 120 and the diaphragm 22. The vortex generator 4141a may be configured to mix the air passing through the supply flow path 116. The vortex generator 4141a may be provided in the supply connection part 414. The vortex generator 4141a may be configured to interfere with the airflow of the air flowing from the drying heater 120 to the diaphragm 22. The vortex generator 4141a may be formed to mix the air heat-exchanged with the first heater 121 with the air heat-exchanged with the second heater 122. The vortex generator 4141a may be configured to mix the air heat-exchanged with the first heater 121 with the air heat-exchanged with the second heater 122 to reduce the average temperature of the air.

The vortex generator 4141a may have a protruding shape to interfere with the airflow of the air flowing from the drying heater 120 to the diaphragm 22. In an example, the vortex generator 4141a may have a shape protruding into the interior of the guide flow path 116a formed between the drying heater 120 and the diaphragm 22 in the supply flow path 116. The vortex generator 4141a shown in FIG. 17 may be configured to protrude further upwardly than the vortex generator 1141a shown in FIG. 13.

The vortex generator 4141a may be formed by protruding a portion of a first inner surface 4141b of the supply connection part 414 toward a second inner surface 4142b facing the first inner surface 4141b. The vortex generator 4141a may be formed by bending a portion of the first connection part 4141 of the supply connection part 414. In an example, the vortex generator 4141a may be formed on the first connection part 4141. In an example, the vortex generator 4141a may have a shape protruding from the imaginary plane S extended from the first inner surface 4141b of the supply connection part 414. For example, the vortex generator 4141a may be configured to form a triangular cross-section together with the imaginary plane S extended from the first inner surface 4141b.

The vortex generator 4141a may include a first portion 4141aa and a second portion 4141ab formed at an inclined angle to the first portion 4141aa. In an example, the first portion 4141aa may extend toward the front upper side. The second portion 4141ab may be formed to be downwardly inclined. For example, an angle a4 of the second portion 4141ab relative to the first portion 4141aa may be provided to be more than or equal to 80°.

The hot air supply device 410 may include the supply guide portion 114a provided in the guide flow path 116a, which is formed between the drying heater 120 and the diaphragm 22 inside the supply connection part 414, to guide the air heat-exchanged in the drying heater 120. The supply guide portion 114a may be provided in the supply connection part 414. The supply guide portion 114a may be provided on the flow path between the drying heater 120 and the vortex generator 4141a.

The supply guide portion 114a may reduce the occurrence of thermal imbalance in the left-to-right direction as the air heat-exchanged while passing through the drying heater 120 recirculates. The supply guide portion 114a may be configured to reduce the left-to-right thermal imbalance caused by recirculating flow before the air passing through the drying heater 120 passes through the vortex generator 4141a. The supply guide portion 114a may be configured to impede the recirculation of the air passing through the drying heater 120. The supply guide portion 114a may improve the left-to-right temperature uniformity of the air passing through the drying heater 120.

The supply guide portion 114a may extend in a direction inclined relative to the direction in which the air heat-exchanged in the drying heater 120 flows. The supply guide portion 114a may protrude upwardly from an upper surface of the first connection part 4141. In an example, the supply guide portion 114a may be omitted.

FIG. 18 shows a portion of a cross-section of an inside of a hot air supply device of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A hot air supply device 510 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 18. In describing the hot air supply device 510 shown in FIG. 18, configurations identical to those of the hot air supply device 110 shown in FIGS. 1 to 14 may be assigned to the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 18, the hot air supply device 510 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a supply connection part 514 for guiding the air heat-exchanged while passing through the drying heater 120 to the diaphragm 22. The supply connection part 514 may include a first connection part 5141 and a second connection part 5142.

The hot air supply device 510 may include a vortex generator 5141a provided to generate a vortex in the airflow between the drying heater 120 and the diaphragm 22. The vortex generator 5141a may be configured to mix the air passing through the supply flow path 116. The vortex generator 5141a may be provided in the supply connection part 514. The vortex generator 5141a may be configured to interfere with the airflow of the air flowing from the drying heater 120 to the diaphragm 22. The vortex generator 5141a may be formed to mix the air heat-exchanged with the first heater 121 with the air heat-exchanged with the second heater 122. The vortex generator 5141a may be configured to mix the air heat-exchanged with the first heater 121 with the air heat-exchanged with the second heater 122 to reduce the average temperature of the air.

The vortex generator 5141a may have a protruding shape to interfere with the airflow of the air flowing from the drying heater 120 to the diaphragm 22. In an example, the vortex generator 5141a may have a shape protruding into the interior of the guide flow path 116a formed between the drying heater 120 and the diaphragm 22 in the supply flow path 116. The vortex generator 5141a shown in FIG. 18 may be provided to protrude further downwardly than the vortex generator 1141a shown in FIG. 13.

The vortex generator 5141a may be formed by protruding a portion of a first inner surface 5141b of the supply connection part 514 toward a second inner surface 5142b facing the first inner surface 5141b. The vortex generator 5141a may be formed by bending a portion of the first connection part 5141 of the supply connection part 514. In an example, the vortex generator 5141a may be formed on the first connection part 5141. In an example, the vortex generator 5141a may have a shape protruding from the imaginary plane S extended from the first inner surface 5141b of the supply connection part 514. For example, the vortex generator 5141a may be configured to form a triangular cross-section together with the imaginary plane S extended from the first inner surface 5141b.

The vortex generator 5141a may include a first portion 5141aa and a second portion 5141ab formed at an inclined angle to the first portion 5141aa. In an example, the first portion 5141aa may extend toward the front upper side. The second portion 5141ab may be formed to be downwardly inclined. For example, an angle a5 of the second portion 5141ab relative to the first portion 5141aa may be provided to be more than or equal to 80°.

The hot air supply device 410 may include the supply guide portion 114a provided in the guide flow path 116a, which is formed between the drying heater 120 and the diaphragm 22 inside the supply connection part 414, to guide the air heat-exchanged in the drying heater 120. The supply guide portion 114a may be provided in the supply connection part 414. The supply guide portion 114a may be provided on the flow path between the drying heater 120 and the vortex generator 5141a.

The supply guide portion 114a may reduce the occurrence of thermal imbalance in the left-to-right direction as the air heat-exchanged while passing through the drying heater 120 recirculates. The supply guide portion 114a may be configured to reduce the left-to-right thermal imbalance caused by recirculating flow before the air passing through the drying heater 120 passes through the vortex generator 5141a. The supply guide portion 114a may be configured to impede the recirculation of the air passing through the drying heater 120. The supply guide portion 114a may improve the left-to-right temperature uniformity of the air passing through the drying heater 120.

The supply guide portion 114a may extend in a direction inclined relative to the direction in which the air heat-exchanged in the drying heater 120 flows. The supply guide portion 114a may protrude upwardly from an upper surface of the first connection part 5141. In an example, the supply guide portion 114a may be omitted.

A clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment may include a housing, a tub inside the housing, a diaphragm connecting the housing and the tub, a drying device above the tub. The drying device may include a hot air supply device and a discharge device configured to discharge air discharged from the tub to an outside of the housing. The hot air supply device may include a drying heater to heat air passing through the hot air supply, and a supply connection part connected to the diaphragm to guide the heated air to the tub to thereafter be discharged from the tub. The supply connection part may include a vortex generator protruding into a flow path formed between the drying heater and the diaphragm to interfere with the heated air flowing from the drying heater to the diaphragm.

The vortex generator may be configured to generate a vortex in the heated air between the drying heater and the diaphragm.

The vortex generator may include a first portion and a second portion formed obliquely to the first portion.

The first portion may extend in a front-to-back direction. The second portion may extend in a downward direction from the first portion.

The second portion may extend obliquely at an angle of more than or equal to 80° and less than or equal to 90° relative to the first portion.

The first portion may extend obliquely at an angle of greater than 0° and less than or equal to 45° relative to a direction in which the heated air in the drying heater flows.

The vortex generator may be formed by protruding a portion of a first inner surface of the supply connection part toward a second inner surface facing the first inner surface.

A length by which the vortex generator protrudes from an imaginary plane extended from the first inner surface may be more than or equal to 0.15 times and less than or equal to 0.6 times a length from the imaginary plane, which is extended from the first inner surface, to the second inner surface.

The hot air supply device may include a supply guide portion in the flow path to guide the air heated in the drying heater.

The supply guide portion may extend at an angle relative to the direction of heated air flowing in the drying heater.

The supply guide portion may extend obliquely at the angle of more than 0° and less than or equal to 45° relative to the direction of heated air flowing in the drying heater.

The supply guide portion may be on the bottom of the flow path between the drying heater and the vortex generator.

The drying heater may include a first heater configured to operate at a first temperature, and a second heater configured to operate at a second temperature greater than the first temperature.

The first heater may be positioned above the second heater.

The drying device may include a supply fan configured to create a flow of the air in the hot air supply device.

A clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment may include a tub, a drying device above the tub, the drying device including a hot air supply device, a discharge device for discharging heated air discharged from the tub to an outside of a housing, and a diaphragm connecting the tub and the drying device. The hot air supply device may include a drying heater including a first heater configured to operate at a first temperature and a second heater configured to operate at a second temperature greater than the first temperature, and a supply connection part connected to the diaphragm to guide the air heated by the drying heater to the tub to thereafter be discharged from the tub. The supply connection part may include a vortex generator formed to mix the air heated by the first heater with the air heated by the second heater.

The vortex generator may protrude into a flow path formed between the drying heater and the diaphragm to interfere with the heated air flowing from the drying heater to the diaphragm.

The vortex generator may include a first portion and a second portion formed obliquely to the first portion.

The hot air supply device may include a supply guide portion on the bottom of the flow path formed between the drying heater and the vortex generator to guide the heated air in the drying heater.

The supply guide portion may extend in a direction inclined relative to a direction in which the heated air in the drying heater flows.

According to the concept of the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus can maintain a uniform the temperature of the air supplied to the diaphragm by using the vortex generator and/or the supply guide portion provided in the supply connection part, thereby reducing damage to the diaphragm caused by heat.

According to the concept of the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus can improve drying performance because the vortex generator and/or the supply guide portion provided in the supply connection part can lower the maximum temperature and improve the average temperature of the air supplied to the diaphragm.

Effects that may be achieved according to the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the disclosure belongs from the following descriptions.

So far, specific embodiments have been shown and described. However, the disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs without departing from the gist of the technical idea of the disclosure defined by the claims below.