U.S. patent number RE48,900 [Application Number 16/797,836] was granted by the patent office on 2022-01-25 for fabric treating apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Jaehyun Ahn, Youngjin Doh, Sunyong Kim.
United States Patent |
RE48,900 |
Ahn , et al. |
January 25, 2022 |
Fabric treating apparatus
Abstract
A fabric treating apparatus includes a casing that includes a
treating chamber and a machinery room that is located below the
treating chamber. The fabric treating apparatus further includes a
base that is located at a bottom of the machinery room. The fabric
treating apparatus further includes a heat pump module that is
configured to condition air supplied to the treating chamber. The
fabric treating apparatus further includes at least one supporter
that is configured to support the heat pump module and that defines
a space between the base and the heat pump module. The fabric
treating apparatus further includes a steam generating module that
is located in the space and that is configured to generate steam
and supply steam to the treating chamber. The fabric treating
apparatus further includes a controller that is configured to
control at least one of the heat pump module or the steam
generating module.
Inventors: |
Ahn; Jaehyun (Seoul,
KR), Doh; Youngjin (Seoul, KR), Kim;
Sunyong (Seoul, KR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. |
Seoul |
N/A |
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc. (Seoul,
KR)
|
Family
ID: |
79602780 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/797,836 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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16797187 |
Feb 21, 2020 |
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Reissue of: |
14972454 |
Dec 17, 2015 |
10138586 |
Nov 27, 2018 |
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Reissue of: |
14972454 |
Dec 17, 2015 |
10138586 |
Nov 27, 2018 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Dec 19, 2014 [KR] |
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10-2014-0184787 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F
58/203 (20130101); D06F 58/206 (20130101); D06F
25/00 (20130101); D06F 58/20 (20130101); D06F
58/10 (20130101); D06F 73/02 (20130101); D06F
39/008 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
D06F
39/00 (20200101); D06F 39/14 (20060101); D06F
58/20 (20060101); D06F 25/00 (20060101); D06F
58/10 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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10-2009-0102402 |
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KR |
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10-2011-0019095 |
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10-2011-0067887 |
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KR |
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10-1120902 |
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KR |
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10-2012-0074557 |
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KR |
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10-2014-0108454 |
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Sep 2014 |
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KR |
|
10-1435823 |
|
Sep 2014 |
|
KR |
|
10-2014-0124240 |
|
Oct 2014 |
|
KR |
|
Other References
United States Office Action dated Jul. 13, 2021 issued in
co-pending related U.S. Appl. No. 16/797,892. cited by applicant
.
Extended European Search Report issued in European Application No.
15201313.2 dated Apr. 25, 2016, 8 pages. cited by applicant .
International Search Report and Written Opinion in International
Application No. PCT/KR2015/013987, dated Apr. 18, 2016, 8 pages.
cited by applicant .
Japanese Office Action in Japanese Application No. 2017-532995,
dated Jul. 17, 2018, 5 pages. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: McKane; Elizabeth L
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Ked & Associates, LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application .Iadd.is a Continuation Reissue of Reissue
application Ser. No. 16/797,187 filed Feb. 21, 2020, which is a
Reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 10,138,586, filed on Dec. 17, 2015 and
issued on Nov. 27, 2108, which .Iaddend.claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0184787,
filed on Dec. 19, 2014 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office,
whose entire disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.
.Iadd.More than one reissue application has been filed for the
reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 10,138,586. The reissue application
numbers are U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/797,187, filed on
Feb. 21, 2020; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/797,725, filed
on Feb. 21, 2020; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/797,762,
filed on Feb. 21, 2020; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
16/797,864, filed on Feb. 21, 2020; and U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 16/797,892, filed on Feb. 21, 2020..Iaddend.
Claims
What is claimed is:
.[.1. A fabric treating apparatus comprising: a casing that
comprises: a treating chamber that is configured to receive
clothes; and a machinery room that is located below the treating
chamber; a base that is located at a bottom of the machinery room;
a heat pump module that is configured to condition air supplied to
the treating chamber; at least one supporter (a) that includes a
shelf (i) that is supported by legs that are fixed to the base and
(ii) that supports the heat pump module and that defines a space
(i) between the base and the heat pump module and (ii) below the
shelf and (b) that includes a first supporter fixing tab that
includes a surface that faces the base and that is located at a
lower part of at least one of the legs; a steam generating module
that is located in the space and that is configured to generate
steam and supply steam to the treating chamber; and a controller
that is configured to control at least one of the heat pump module
or the steam generating module, the controller being located in the
space and below the steam generating module, wherein the base
includes a first supporter fixing part that includes a first
supporter fastening hole that is configured to receive the first
supporter fixing tab..].
.[.2. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
supporter fixing tab is configured to slide into a pocket that is
defined by the first supporter fastening hole..].
.[.3. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 2, wherein a size of
the pocket is about equal to a size of the first supporter fixing
tab..].
.[.4. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the at
least one supporter comprises: a first supporter that includes a
second supporter fixing tab; and a second supporter that includes
the first supporter fixing tab, the base comprises: a second
supporter fixing part that defines a second supporter fastening
hole that is configured to receive the second supporter fixing tab,
the second supporter fixing tab is configured to slide into the
second supporter fastening hole in a first direction, and the first
supporter fixing tab is configured to slide into the first
supporter fastening hole in a second direction that is opposite the
first direction..].
.[.5. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the base
comprises a metal material, and the first supporter fixing part
comprises a plastic material..].
.[.6. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first
supporter fixing part is formed by cutting, about perpendicular to
a direction in which the first supporter fixing tab is configured
to insert, a portion of the base having a predetermined length and
then upwardly pressing a predetermined peripheral area of the cut
portion..].
.[.7. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first
supporter fastening hole is formed through plastic deformation of
the cut portion..].
.[.8. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 5, comprising a
fastening member that is configured to couple the base and the at
least one supporter and that vertically penetrates the first
supporter fixing part and the first supporter fixing tab..].
.[.9. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the casing
includes an opening that is located at a rear side of the casing
and that is configured to receive the controller, the heat pump
module is located above the controller, and the fabric treating
apparatus further comprises a blower that is configured to blow air
into an interior of the heat pump module..].
.[.10. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 9, further
comprising: a panel that is detachably coupled to the casing and
that is configured to close the opening..].
.[.11. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 10, wherein the
blower is located in front of the at least one supporter..].
.[.12. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 10, wherein the
blower is coupled to the base..].
.[.13. The fabric treating apparatus of claim of claim 10, wherein
the base comprises a blower installation tab that protrudes from
the base and that is configured to couple to the blower..].
.[.14. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 12, further
comprising: an air intake duct that is configured to guide air into
the blower and that is located in front of the blower..].
.[.15. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 14, wherein the air
intake duct is fixed to at least one of the blower or the
base..].
.[.16. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
controller includes at least one controller fixing tab that is
configured to slide into a controller fixing hole that is located
at the base..].
17. A fabric treating apparatus comprising: a casing that
comprises: .Iadd.an open front;.Iaddend. a treating chamber that is
configured to receive clothes; .[.and.]. a machinery room that is
located below the treating chamber; .Iadd.and an opening located at
a rear side of the casing; a door rotatably coupled to the casing
and configured to open or close the open front of the casing; a
device assembly that includes:.Iaddend. a base that is located at a
bottom of the machinery room; a heat pump module that is configured
to condition air supplied to the treating chamber; at least one
supporter that includes a shelf (i) that is supported by legs that
are fixed to the base and (ii) that supports the heat pump module
and that defines a space (i) between the base and the heat pump
module and (ii) below the shelf; a steam generating module that is
located in the space and that is configured to generate steam and
supply steam to the treating chamber; and .Iadd.a blower that is
configured to blow air into the heat pump module to circulate air
into the treating chamber; and.Iaddend. a controller that is
configured to control at least one of .Iadd.the blower,
.Iaddend.the heat pump module.Iadd., .Iaddend.or the steam
generating module, .[.the controller being located in the space and
below the steam generating module,.]. wherein a steam generating
module fixing tab is located at one of the steam generating module
or the at least one supporter, .[.and.]. wherein the fabric
treating apparatus .[.defines.]. .Iadd.further comprises
.Iaddend.an installation hole that is configured to receive the
steam generating module fixing tab .[.and that is.]..Iadd., wherein
the installation hole is .Iaddend.located .Iadd.(i) .Iaddend.at
.[.another of.]. the steam generating module .Iadd.when the steam
generating module fixing tab is located at the at least one
supporter, .Iaddend.or .Iadd.(ii) at .Iaddend.the at least one
supporter .[.opposite the steam generating module fixing tab.].
.Iadd.when the steam generating module fixing tab is located at the
steam generating module, and wherein the device assembly is
configured to be extracted through the opening.Iaddend..
18. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 17, wherein: the at
least one supporter comprises a pair of supporters that are spaced
apart from each other and that are about perpendicular to a front
and rear direction of the base, the installation hole is located on
one of the pair of the supporters, .[.and.]. the steam generating
module is coupled, by a fastening member, to another one of the
pair of the supporters opposite the installation hole, and the
steam generating module fixing tab is inserted into the
installation hole.
.Iadd.19. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 17, further
comprising: a panel that is detachably coupled to the casing and
configured to cover at least a portion of the rear side of the
casing when attached to cover the opening of the casing, wherein
the controller is exposed to an outside or accessible when the
panel is detached from the casing..Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 17, wherein the
controller is coupled to the device assembly and is configured to
be removable from the fabric treating apparatus with the device
assembly..Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 17, wherein the
device assembly further includes a sump to collect condensed water
from a steam supply path transporting steam generated by the steam
generating module toward the treating chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 21, wherein the
sump is further connected to the treating chamber and collects
condensed water from the treating chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 21, further
comprising: an air intake duct located in front of the blower with
respect to the open front and configured to guide air from the
treating chamber toward the blower..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 23, wherein the
sump is located in a lower inner region of the air intake
duct..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 23, wherein the
air intake duct includes an air flow path through which air passes,
and a width of the air flow path in a front-and-rear direction is
less than a width of the air flow path in a left-and-right
direction..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 25, wherein the
intake duct further includes an opening configured to receive air
from the treating chamber, and the air flow path is inclined
backward and downward near the opening of the intake
duct..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 23, wherein one of
the blower or the air intake duct includes a pin extended in a
front-and-rear direction, wherein the blower includes a pin hole to
receive the pin in the air intake duct or the air intake duct
includes the pin hole to receive the pin in the blower, such that
the air intake duct and the blower are aligned when the pin is
inserted into the pin hole, and wherein the air intake duct and
blower are coupled together by a fastener..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 17, wherein the
base includes a handle located at rear region of the base and
configured to be held by a user when removing the device assembly
from the casing..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 17, wherein the
legs include a mount configured to be fixed to the
base..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 29, wherein the
base includes a hole configured to fix the mount..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 17, wherein the
blower is located in front of the at least one supporter with
respect to the open front..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 17, further
comprising: an air intake duct located in front of the blower with
respect to the open front and configured to guide air from the
treating chamber toward the blower, wherein the blower includes a
fan rotated by a motor; an opening of the blower that is connected
to the air intake duct and configured to introduce air from the air
intake duct to the fan; and a vent configured to discharge air
blown by the fan toward the heat pump module..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 32, wherein the
heat pump module includes: a housing configured to define an inner
space to house a condenser and an evaporator; an air inlet
configured to introduce air into the inner space; and an air outlet
configured to discharge air heat-exchanged with the evaporator to
the treating chamber, and wherein air discharged from the vent of
the blower flows into the housing of the heat pump module through
the air inlet..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. A fabric treating apparatus comprising: a casing that
includes: an open front; a treating chamber that is configured to
receive clothes through the open front; a machinery room that is
separated from the treating chamber; and an opening located at a
rear side of the casing; a door rotatably coupled to the casing and
configured to open or close the open front of the casing; and a
device assembly that includes: a base that is located at a bottom
of the machinery room; a heat pump module that is configured to
condition air supplied to the treating chamber; at least one
supporter that includes a shelf (i) that is supported by legs that
are fixed to the base and (ii) that supports the heat pump module
and that defines a space (i) between the base and the heat pump
module and (ii) below the shelf; a steam generating module that is
located in the space and that is configured to generate steam and
supply steam to the treating chamber; and a blower that is
configured to blow air into the heat pump module to circulate air
into the treating chamber, wherein a steam generating module fixing
tab is located at one of the steam generating module or the at
least one supporter, wherein the fabric treating apparatus further
comprises an installation hole that is configured to receive the
steam generating module fixing tab, wherein the installation hole
is located (i) at the steam generating module when the steam
generating module fixing tab is located at the at least one
supporter, or (ii) at the at least one supporter when the steam
generating module fixing tab is located at the steam generating
module, and wherein the device assembly is configured to be
extracted through the opening..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 34, wherein the
blower is located in front of the at least one
supporter..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. The fabric treating apparatus of claim 34, further
comprising: a panel that is detachably coupled to the casing and
configured to cover at least a portion of the rear side of the
casing when attached to cover the opening of the casing..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a fabric treating apparatus.
BACKGROUND
A fabric treating apparatus refers to any device which is used at
home or at a laundromat to manage clothes by washing, drying, and
flatting out the same.
For example, the fabric treating apparatus includes a washing
machine, a drying machine, a washer-and-dryer, a refresher, a
steamer for removing creases on fabric, and the like.
The refresher is designed to keep clothes in a clean and fresh
condition, and, for this purpose, it sprays aroma to the fabric,
prevents static electricity of the fabric, removes creases on the
fabric, and the like.
A general iron removes creases on fabric by providing steam
thereto. The steamer removes creases without heating the
clothes.
A fabric treating apparatus having the functions of the refresher
and the steamer is able to remove creases and unpleasant odors of
fabric by using steam and heated air.
SUMMARY
According to an innovative aspect of the subject matter described
in this application, a fabric treating apparatus includes a casing
that includes a treating chamber that is configured to receive
clothes; and a machinery room that is located below the treating
chamber; a base that is located at a bottom of the machinery room;
a heat pump module that is configured to condition air supplied to
the treating chamber; at least one supporter that is configured to
support the heat pump module and that defines a space between the
base and the heat pump module; a steam generating module that is
located in the space and that is configured to generate steam and
supply steam to the treating chamber; and a controller that is
configured to control at least one of the heat pump module or the
steam generating module, the controller being located in the space
below the steam generating module.
The fabric treating apparatus may include one or more of the
following optional features. The at least one supporter includes
legs that are fixed to the base; and a shelf that is supported by
the legs, where the heat pump module is supported by the shelf. The
at least one supporter includes a supporter fixing tab that
includes a surface that faces the base and that is located at a
lower part of at least one of the legs, and the base includes a
supporter fixing part that includes a supporter fastening hole that
is configured to receive the supporter fixing tab. The supporter
fixing tab is configured to slide into a pocket that is defined by
the supporter fastening hole. A size of the pocket is about equal
to a size of the supporter fixing tab. The fabric treating
apparatus includes a first supporter that includes a first
supporter fixing tab that is configured to slide into a first
supporter fastening hole in a first direction; and a second
supporter that includes a second supporter fixing tab that is
configured to slide into a second supporter fastening hole in a
second direction that is opposite the first direction.
The base includes a metal material, and the supporter fixing part
includes a plastic material. The supporter fixing part is formed by
cutting, about perpendicular to a direction in which the supporter
fixing tab is configured to insert, a portion of the base having a
predetermined length and then upwardly pressing a predetermined
peripheral area of the cut portion. The supporter fastening hole is
formed through plastic deformation of the cut portion. The fabric
treating apparatus includes a fastening member that is configured
to couple the base and the at least one supporter and that
vertically penetrates the supporter fixing part and the supporter
fixing tab.
The casing includes an opening that is located at a rear side of
the casing and that is configured to receive the controller, the
heat pump module is located above the controller, and the fabric
treating apparatus further includes a blower that is configured to
blow air into an interior of the heat pump module. The fabric
treating apparatus includes a panel that is detachably coupled to
the casing and that is configured to close the opening. The blower
is located in front of the at least one supporter. The blower is
coupled to the base. The base includes a blower installation tab
that protrudes from the base and that is configured to couple to
the blower. The fabric treating apparatus includes an air intake
duct that is configured to guide air into the blower and that is
located in front of the blower.
The air intake duct is fixed to at least one of the blower or the
base. A .[.stream.]. .Iadd.steam .Iaddend.generating module fixing
tab is located at one of the steam generating module or the
supporter, and an installation hole is configured to receive the
steam generating module fixing tab and is located at another of the
steam generating module or the supporter opposite the steam
generating module fixing tab. The at least one supporter includes a
pair of supporters that are spaced apart from each other and that
are about perpendicular to a front and rear direction of the base,
the installation hole is located on one of the pair of the
supporters, and the steam generating module is coupled, by the
fastening member, to another one of the pair of the supporters
opposite the installation hole, and the steam generating module
fixing tab is inserted into the installation hole. The controller
includes at least one controller fixing tab that is configured to
slide into a controller fixing hole that is located at the
base.
The subject matter described in this application aims to provide a
fabric treating apparatus in which devices in a machinery room is
configured to facilitate maintaining and repairing the devices.
In addition, the subject matter described in this application aims
to provide a fabric treating apparatus that includes a machinery
room that is arranged so that a user can remove a particular device
without removing other devices.
Further, the subject matter described in this application aims to
provide a fabric treating apparatus of which a controller, a steam
generating module, and a heat pump module are capable of being
independently removed from a machinery room
Moreover, the subject matter described in this application aims to
provide a fabric treating device with improved space utilization of
a machinery room.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a fabric treating
apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example device assembly
installed in an example machinery room.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example
device assembly.
FIGS. 4(a)-(h) show a procedure of how to assemble an example
device assembly.
FIGS. 5(a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating an example structure
in which a supporter is mounted on a base.
FIGS. 6(a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating an example
installation structure of a heat pump module.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example machinery room of an
example fabric treating apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 illustrates an example fabric treating apparatus. FIG. 2
illustrates an example device assembly installed in an example
machinery room. FIG. 3 illustrates an example device assembly.
FIGS. 4(a)-(h) illustrate an example assembly of an example device
assembly. FIGS. 5(a) and (b) illustrate an example structure in
which a supporter is mounted on a base. FIGS. 6(a) and (b)
illustrate an example installation structure of a heat pump
module.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a fabric treating apparatus 1 includes a
casing 10 forming an open front treating chamber 11, and a door
.Iadd.20 .Iaddend.for closing the open front of the treating
chamber 11.
A hanger rod 30 on which clothes hangers are to be hung is provided
in an upper part of the treating chamber 11. The hanger rod 30 may
be configured to move in a back and forth, up and down and/or right
and left direction in the treating chamber 11 by a driving device,
such as a motor. In some implementations, such movement is a
reciprocating motion with a predetermined cycle.
A machinery room 12 may be provided outside the treating chamber 11
(e.g., below the treating chamber 11) within the casing 10, and
various devices, such as a heat pump module 110, a controller 120,
and a steam generating module 130, may be disposed in the machinery
room 12. In some implementations, the casing 10 may include a base
400 which defines a bottom of the machinery room 12. The base 400
may be formed with a metal sheet.
An air outlet 51 discharging air blown by a blower 140 into the
treating chamber 11, and a steam outlet 52 discharging steam
generated by a .[.stream.]. .Iadd.steam .Iaddend.generating module
130 may be formed in the lower part of the treating chamber 11. In
some implementations, the air outlet 51 and the steam outlet 52 are
formed as one body on a low panel 50 which defines a lower part of
the treating chamber 11.
The steam generating module 130 is a device which generates steam.
The steam generating module 130 may include a heater for applying
heat to water. Steam generated according to an operation of the
heater may be guided to the steam outlet 52 via a predetermined
steam supply path.
A water supply tank 41 for storing water to be supplied to the
steam generating module 130 may be disposed in the lower part of
the treating chamber 11. The water supply tank 41 may be detachably
coupled to the casing 10. A user may fill the water supply tank 41
with water after detaching the water supply tank 41 from the casing
10.
A sump may be disposed in the machinery room 12 to collect
condensed water which is generated while steam generated by the
steam generating module 130 moves along the steam supply path. The
sump may be connected to the treating chamber 11 via a path. In
some implementations, the condensed water on the bottom of the
treating chamber 11 may be gathered in the sump.
A water drain pump 182 may be mounted on a base 400 to discharge
the condensed water from the sump to a drain container 42. The
drain container 42 may be detachably coupled to the casing 10. A
user may detach the drain container 42 from the casing 10 and empty
the drain container 42. The sump may be disposed in an inner low
part of an air intake duct 150, and a nozzle module 181 may be
further provided to discharge the condensed water stored in the
sump to the drain container 42 via the water drain pump 182.
On the base 400, a water supply pump 186 may be mounted to supply
water stored in the water supply tank 41 to the steam generating
module 130. The water supply pump 186 may be connected to the steam
generating module 130 via a water supply hose 185.
The heat pump module 110 is provided for air conditioning. The
conditioned air is supplied to the treating chamber 11. The heat
pump module 110 may be connected to the compressor 160 via a
refrigerant line. The heat pump module 110 may include a condenser,
an expansion valve, and an evaporator through which refrigerant
passes in order when transferred via the refrigerant line.
Referring to FIG. 3, the heat pump module 110 may include a housing
111 forming an inner space where the condenser is housed. An air
inlet 110a and an air outlet 110b may be formed in the housing 111.
The air inlet 110a introduces air into the space where the
condenser is housed, and the air outlet 110b discharges air being
heat exchanged with the condenser. Not only the condenser, but also
the evaporator may be housed in the housing 111.
The blower 140 is an air blowing device, and may include a fan
which is rotated by a motor. A vent 142 discharging air blown by
the fan is connected to the air inlet 110a of the housing 111.
Accordingly, the air blown by the blower 140 is supplied to the
housing 111 through the air inlet 110a, and the supplied air is
heated by heat exchanging with the condenser. And the heated air is
discharged through the air outlet 110b of the housing 111. In some
implementations, the blower 140 is a centrifugal blower configured
to guide the air, which is introduced through an opening 141 opened
in an axial direction of the fan (e.g., centrifugal fan), toward
the vent 142 via a scroll-type path embracing the surroundings of
the fan.
The air intake duct 150 guiding air toward the opening 141 of the
blower 140 may be disposed in front of the blower 140. The air
intake duct 150 may be fixed by the blower 140. In some
implementations, the duct 150 may be fixed by the base 400.
A blower installation tab 420 may be formed in the base 400. The
blower installation tab 420 may formed by cutting a portion of the
base 400 and bending the cut portion in a vertical direction. The
blower 140 may be coupled to the blower installation tab 420 by a
fastening member, such as a bolt and a screw.
The air intake duct 150 may include an air inflow path through
which air passes. For efficient use of the inner space of the
machinery room 12, the air intake duct 150 may be extended upward
from the opening 141 of the blower 140. The air inflow path may
have a width in a front-and-rear direction, which is smaller than a
width in a left-and-right direction. The air intake duct 150 may
have an opening 151 formed on a top surface thereof, and an outlet
connected the vent 142 of the blower 140. Air inside the treating
chamber 11 may be introduced through the opening 151.
The supporter 170 supports the heat pump module 110, and defines a
predetermined space S below the heat pump module 110. The space S
may be formed between the support 170 and the base 400 below the
heat pump module 110. That is, as being supported by the supporter
170, the heat pump module 110 is disposed in an upper side being
spaced apart from the base 400. The heat pump module 110 is space
apart from the base 400, thereby the space S is provided in the
base 400. Devices, for example, the steam generating module 130 and
the controller 120, are mounted in the space S.
A plurality of supporters 170 may be provided. In some
implementations, a pair of supporters 170 are spaced apart from
each other in a front-and-rear direction on the base 400. The pair
of supporters 170 may include supporter 170(1), 170(2). The
supporter 170(1) may locate further forward than the supporter
170(2).
Referring to FIG. 5, the supporter 170 may include at least two
legs 171 and 172 which are fixed on the base 400, and a shelf 173
which is extended in a lateral direction and supported by the legs
171 and 172. A supporter fixing tab 174 having a surface facing the
base 400 may be formed at a lower part of the legs 171 and 172. As
shown in (a) of FIG. 5, a supporter fixing part 410 may be formed
in the base 400. The supporter fixing part 410 has a fastening hole
411 into which the supporter fixing tab 174 is inserted in a
front-and-rear direction of the fabric treating apparatus 1.
The supporter fixing part 410 may be formed by cutting a portion
having a predetermined length from the base 400 in a direction
crossing a direction in which the supporter fixing tab 174 is
inserted and then upwardly pressing a predetermined peripheral area
412 of the cut portion (e.g., the supporter fastening hole
411).
With the supporter fixing tab 174 being inserted into the supporter
fixing part 410 through the supporter fastening hole 411, an upward
movement of the supporter 170 is restrained as the supporter fixing
tab 174 is retained by a bottom surface of the peripheral area 412
of the supporter fastening hole 411.
At least two supporters 170 may be provided. In some
implementations, as shown in FIG. 5, as the supporter 170(1)
disposed in front part of the base 400 moves forward, the supporter
fixing tab 174 may be inserted into the supporter fastening hole
411. As the supporter 170(2) disposed in rear part of the base 400
moves backward, the supporter fixing tab .[.400.]. .Iadd.174
.Iaddend.may be inserted into the supporter fixing part 410 which
is open toward the front direction. The base 400 and the supporter
170 may be coupled to each other by a fastening member, such as a
screw or a bolt which penetrates the supporter fixing part 410 and
the supporter fixing tab 174 in an up-and-down direction. The
supporter 170 may be formed of a plastically deformable metal
material. And the supporter fixing part may be formed by plastic
working of the base.
By cutting and bending a metal plate according to a predetermined
lay out, the supporter 170 may be formed to have the legs 171 and
172, the supporter fixing tab 174, and the shelf 173, which are
integrated in the supporter 170 as one body. In some
implementations, the supporter 170 may be formed of a molded
product of synthetic resin, or may be formed with two or more
components coupled to one another.
The heat pump module 110 may be disposed on the shelf 173. The
shelf 173 may include a pair of side surfaces 173b which faces
front side and rear side, respectively, and a top surface 173a
connecting the pair of side faces 173b. The shelf 173 may be formed
by bending a metal plate at least twice.
Referring to FIG. 6, at least one connecting part 115 and 116 to be
coupled to the shelf 173 may be formed in a lower part of the
housing 111. Referring to (a) of FIG. 6, the connecting part 115
may include a first contact surface 115a which contacts the top
surface 173a of the shelf 173. The first contact surface 115a is
substantially parallel with the top surface 173a. After the first
contact surface 115a is put on the top surface 173a of the shelf
173, the first contact surface 115a and the top surface 173a of the
shelf 173 may be coupled to each other by a fastening member.
Referring to (b) of FIG. 6, the connecting part 116 may have a
second contact surface 116a which contacts the side surface 173b of
the shelf 173. In some implementations, the second contact surface
116a is vertically disposed corresponding to the side surface 173b,
and may be coupled to the side surface 173b of the shelf 173 by a
fastening member. In some implementations, the first contact
surface 115a is secured to the top surface 173a of the supporter
170(1), and the second contact surface 116a is secured to the side
surface 173b of the supporter 170(2).
The controller 120 controls various devices composing the fabric
treating apparatus 1, and may include a circuit substrate and
electric components mounted on the circuit substrate. The heat pump
module 110, the steam generating module 130, the blower 140 and/or
the compressor 160 may be controlled by the controller 120.
The circuit substrate is accommodated in a body which defines an
exterior of the controller 120. The controller 120 may be disposed
in the space S between the supporter 170 and the base 400. In some
implementations, the controller 120 is disposed on the base
400.
Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, a controller fixing tab 121 may be
formed in a body of the controller 120, and a controller fixing
hole 414 into which the controller fixing tab 121 is inserted may
be formed on the base 400. The controller fixing tab 121 may be a
plate which is extended forward or backward. With the controller
fixing tab 121 being inserted into the controller fixing hole 414,
upward movement of the controller 120 may be restrained because the
controller fixing tab 121 is retained by a bottom surface of the
base 400.
In some implementations, the controller fixing tab 121 projects in
a forward direction from the body of the controller 120, and may be
inserted into or separated from the controller fixing hole 414
according to forward or backward movement of the controller 120 on
the base 400.
An opening (see FIG. 7) may be formed on a rear side of the casing
10 allowing at least the controller 120 to pass through. In some
implementations, the opening is formed to allow even the heat pump
module 110 and the steam generating module 130 to pass through.
In some implementations, the casing 10 may include a panel closing
the opening, and the panel may be detachably coupled to the casing
10.
When the controller 120 is installed in the base 400 or detached
from the base 400 for maintenance, the controller 120 may be
transferred into or from the machinery room 120 through the
opening. In some implementations, where the heat pump module 110 is
disposed above the controller 120 and the blower 140 is disposed in
front of the controller 120, the blower 140 or the controller 120
may not cause a problem when an attempt is made to detach the
controller 120, so that the controller 120 may be drawn out from
the machinery room 12 without detaching the blower 140 from the
device assembly 2, and thus, facilitating repairing or replacing
the controller 120.
The steam generating module 130 may be disposed inside the space S,
and, in some implementations, above the controller 120. The steam
generating module 130 may be fixed by the supporter 170. One of the
steam generating module 130 and the supporter 170 may have a steam
generating module fixing tab formed thereon, the other one may have
an installation hole 175 (see FIG. 5) into which the steam
generating module fixing tab is inserted. The steam generating
module installation hole 175 may be formed on at least one of a
pair of the supporters 170. In some implementations, the
installation hole 175 is formed on the supporter 170(1).
The steam generating module installation hole 175 may be formed on
the side surface 173b of the shelf 173. With the steam generating
module fixing tab being inserted into the steam generating module
installation hole 175, the steam generating module 130 is
temporarily installed in the supporter 170. Then, being temporarily
installed in the supporter 170(1), the steam generating module 130
may be secured to the supporter 170(2) by a fastening member.
Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 4, there is a procedure of how to
assemble the device assembly 2. In FIG. 4, a dotted line indicates
a location and a direction in which a fastening member is secured.
As shown in (a) of FIG. 4, when the compressor 160 is mounted on
the base 400, the heat pump module 110 may be mounted on the
supporter 170. The connection part 115 and 116 of the heat pump
module 110 is fixed onto the shelf 173 by a fastening member. A
refrigerant pipe which guides refrigerant may be connected between
the compressor 160 and the heat pump module 110.
Referring to (b) of FIG. 4, the controller 120 may be inserted into
the space S below the supporter 170 and mounted on the base 400.
After the controller 120 is placed at a right position by inserting
the controller fixing tab 121 into the controller fixing hole 414,
the controller 120 and the base 400 may be secured by a fastening
member.
Referring to (c) of FIG. 4, the blower 140 may be mounted in front
of the supporter 170. The blower 140 may be secured to a blower
installation tab 420 by a fastening member.
Referring to (d) of FIG. 4, a water drain pump 182 and a water
supply pump 186 may be mounted on the base 400. One of the water
drain pump 182 and the water supply pump 186 may be disposed on one
side of the blower 140, and the other one may be disposed on the
opposite side thereof.
Referring to (e) of FIG. 4, the air intake duct 150 may be mounted
in front of the blower 140. A pin extended in a front-and-rear
direction may be formed on any one of the blower 140 and the air
intake duct 150, and a pin hole into which the pin is inserted may
be formed on the other one. After the air intake duct 150 is placed
in a right position due to insertion of the pin into the pin hole,
the air intake duct 150 and the blower 140 may be coupled to each
other by a fastening member.
Referring to (f) of FIG. 4, after the steam generating module 130
is inserted into the space S below the supporter 170, the steam
generating module fixing tab formed on the steam generating module
130 is inserted into the installation hole 175, so that the steam
generating module 130 may be placed at a right position and then
the steam generating module 130 and the supporter 170 may be
coupled to each other by a fastening member. The fastening member
may be coupled to the supporter 170(2) so as to facilitate
detaching the steam generating module 130 through an opening formed
on the rear surface of the casing 10 for maintenance and
repair.
Referring to (g) of FIG. 4, a noise filter 183 and a handle 184,
which user holds to move the device assembly 2, may be mounted on
the base 400. The noise filter 183 lets only necessary components
in a signal input to the controller 120 to pass, and reduces noise
components.
Referring to (h) of FIG. 4, the water supply hose 185 connecting
the water supply pump 186 and the steam generating module 130, a
nozzle module, a hose connecting the nozzle module 181 and a sump,
a hose connecting the nozzle module 181 and the water drain pump
182, and any other various hoses may be connected to devices.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a machinery room of a conventional
fabric treating apparatus. Referring to FIG. 7, a conventional
fabric treating apparatus 700 has a machinery room below a casing
710, wherein various devices are installed in the machinery room.
The devices to be installed in the machinery room includes not only
a blower 730 and a compressor 740 which are shown in FIG. 7, but
also a .[.stream.]. .Iadd.steam .Iaddend.generating module, a heat
pump module, and a controller which are shown in FIG. 3. Among
them, the stream generating module, the heat pump module and/or the
controller are not able to be drawn out from the machinery room for
maintenance or repair without removing other devices, because the
.[.stream.]. .Iadd.steam .Iaddend.generating module, the heat pump
module and/or the controller interfere with as the blower 730, the
compressor 740, and the like, as shown in FIG. 7.
* * * * *