Laundry drying equipment and its control method

Abstract

This invention relates to a laundry drying apparatus and its control method that provides a water shortage notification while minimizing residual water in a storage tank for storing water used to generate steam. The laundry drying apparatus includes: a housing forming the outer body; a drum into which hot air and steam are supplied; a steam unit for generating steam; a storage tank containing a storage space for storing water to be supplied to the steam unit; a supply pump for transferring water stored in the storage tank to the steam unit; and a steam control unit that, upon receiving a steam supply command, supplies steam to the drum by activating the steam unit. If it is determined that the water level in either the steam unit or the storage tank is below a predetermined level, the steam control unit provides a water shortage notification for the user to recognize. Thus, by providing a water shortage notification while minimizing residual water in the storage tank, the frequency of refilling water by the user is reduced, thereby improving ease of use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to laundry drying equipment and its control method, and more specifically, to a laundry drying equipment and its control method capable of providing a water shortage notification while minimizing residual water in a storage tank for storing water used to generate steam. Background Technology

[0002] Laundry drying equipment removes moisture absorbed by the laundry by supplying hot air into the inside of a rotating drum while the laundry, such as clothes or bedding, is placed inside.

[0003] The hot air supplied to the inside of the drum is generated by resistance heating, the heat of combustion of gaseous fuel, or by a condenser that constitutes a heat pump cycle. The hot air thus generated is supplied to the inside of the drum by a circulating fan.

[0004] The drying drum evaporates the moisture from the laundry, and the air flowing out of the drum contains moisture from the laundry, creating a hot and humid environment. Based on how this hot and humid air is handled, drying equipment is classified as either condensing or exhaust-type.

[0005] Condensation dryers do not expel hot, humid air to the outside; instead, they circulate the air internally and condense the moisture contained within the air through heat exchange. In contrast, exhaust dryers directly expel hot, humid air to the outside. Structurally, the difference between condensation and exhaust dryers lies in their structure: condensation dryers have a structure for handling condensate, while exhaust dryers have a structure for expelling air.

[0006] On the other hand, in recent years, in order to improve the drying efficiency of laundry or to sterilize the laundry and the drum, laundry drying equipment equipped with a unit that can inject steam into the inside of the drum has been developed.

[0007] According to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2008-0056500, a steam jet laundry drying device is configured to receive water for generating steam directly from an external water source or from a storage tank located inside the laundry drying device.

[0008] When the storage tank is used to supply water to the steam unit, when the water stored in the storage tank is depleted, the user replenishes the water used to generate steam by refilling the storage tank after separating it from the laundry dryer and then resetting the storage tank in the laundry dryer.

[0009] At this point, a water level sensor can be installed in the storage tank to determine the water level remaining in the tank and output a water shortage notification when water needs to be added, so that the user is notified.

[0010] Typically, a reed switch is used as a water level sensor to detect the water level in a storage tank. When the water level sensor is a reed switch, due to limitations such as the sensor's detection range, the minimum water level is determined when a certain amount of water remains in the storage tank.

[0011] Therefore, if a water shortage is detected when there is a certain amount of water remaining in the storage tank, water needs to be added even though there is still some water left, which can cause inconvenience to users.

[0012] In addition, since a water shortage notification is sent even though there is a certain amount of water remaining in the storage tank, users may mistakenly believe that the water shortage notification is faulty. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The present invention addresses the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a laundry drying device and its control method that notify the user of water shortage when the supplied water level fails to reach the target water level required to generate steam in the steam section.

[0014] In order to achieve the objectives described above, the laundry drying apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the present invention can determine that there is a water shortage when the water filling the steam section does not reach the target water level, and thus can provide a water shortage notification while minimizing the residual water in the storage tank.

[0015] Therefore, the laundry drying equipment includes: a housing; a drum rotatably supported inside the housing, into which hot air and steam are supplied; a steam unit located inside the housing, which generates the steam; a storage tank located inside the housing, which stores water to be supplied to the steam unit; a supply pump disposed between the steam unit and the storage tank, which transfers the water stored in the storage tank to the steam unit; and a steam control unit that, upon input of a steam supply command, supplies steam to the drum by activating the steam unit.

[0016] Here, if it is determined that either the water level stored in the steam unit or the water level stored in the storage tank is below a specified water level, the steam control unit can provide a water shortage notification so that the user can identify it.

[0017] Furthermore, once the steam injection into the drum ends, the steam control unit can also control the supply pump to supply water to the steam section until the water filling the steam section reaches a preset target water level.

[0018] In addition, if the supply pump operates and a specified time has elapsed, and the water filling the steam section has not reached the target water level, the steam control unit can also determine that the storage tank is short of water and provide a water shortage notification.

[0019] Furthermore, if it is determined that the storage tank is short of water, the steam control unit can provide a water shortage notification at any time, either when the water shortage is determined or when the next steam supply command is input.

[0020] The steam section may include: a steam generating section for storing water supplied from the storage tank and generating steam; a jet nozzle for injecting the steam generated in the steam generating section into the interior of the drum; a water supply pipe for connecting the supply pump and the steam section to supply water stored in the storage tank to the steam generating section; and a steam discharge pipe for connecting the steam generating section and the jet nozzle to supply the steam generated in the steam generating section to the jet nozzle.

[0021] Furthermore, the steam generating unit may include: a steam hood for containing water supplied from the storage tank; a heater for heating the water stored in the steam hood; and a water level sensor for measuring the water level stored in the steam hood.

[0022] Here, the water level sensor may include: a low water level sensor, which measures the minimum water level that needs to be stored in the steam hood; and a high water level sensor, which measures the target water level that needs to be stored in the steam hood to generate steam.

[0023] As an example, the water level sensor may also include: a low water level electrode, disposed at a position corresponding to the minimum water level that needs to be stored in the steam hood; a high water level electrode, disposed at a position corresponding to the target water level that needs to be stored in the steam hood to generate steam; and a common electrode, disposed at the same position as or lower than the low water level electrode, and energized by the water stored in the steam hood to either the low water level electrode or the high water level electrode, thereby determining the water level of the stored water.

[0024] In this configuration, the steam control unit can also be configured to provide a water shortage notification if, despite the operation of the supply pump and the passage of a predetermined time, it is determined that the target water level is not met.

[0025] Furthermore, the steam control unit can also be configured such that if it is determined that the water level stored in the steam hood does not meet the minimum water level, it will control the system to always meet the minimum water level by activating the supply pump, even without a steam supply command.

[0026] Alternatively, the steam control unit can be configured to provide water shortage notifications via either a display panel or a speaker.

[0027] In order to achieve the objectives described above, the control method of the laundry drying equipment of the preferred embodiment of the present invention determines that there is a water shortage when the water filled into the steam section does not reach a preset target water level, and thus can provide a water shortage notification while minimizing the residual water in the storage tank.

[0028] Therefore, a control method for a laundry drying device that dries laundry by supplying hot air and steam to a drum containing laundry includes: a hot air supply step, in which hot air is supplied to the drum if a drying operation is to be performed; a steam supply step, in which steam is supplied to the drum via a steam unit if a drying operation is to be performed; a water supply step, in which water stored in a storage tank is supplied to the steam unit by activating a supply pump if the steam supply ends; a water shortage determination step, in which water is determined to be short if the water supply to the steam unit ends and it is determined that the water level in either the steam unit or the storage tank is below a specified level; and a water shortage notification step, in which a water shortage notification is output so that the user can recognize the water shortage.

[0029] Here, in the water supply step, water is supplied by activating the supply pump until the water level in the steam section meets the target water level. If the target water level is met or a predetermined time has elapsed, the operation of the supply pump can be stopped.

[0030] Alternatively, in the water supply step, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the point at which it is determined that no load is applied to the supply pump, the operation of the supply pump can be stopped.

[0031] Furthermore, in the water shortage judgment step, if a predetermined time has elapsed in the water supply step and the operation of the supply pump has stopped, it can also be judged that the target water level is not met and that there is a water shortage.

[0032] At this point, during the water shortage notification step, a water shortage notification can be provided at the time point when the water shortage is determined.

[0033] Alternatively, in the water shortage notification step, a water shortage notification can be provided at the time when the next steam supply command is entered.

[0034] Furthermore, the water shortage judgment step includes: a storage tank water level control step, which controls the water level of the water stored in the storage tank; and a steam unit water level control step, which controls the water level of the water stored in the steam unit; if it is determined that the water level of the water stored in the storage tank is below the specified water level, and the water level of the water stored in the steam unit does not meet the target water level, then it can also be determined that there is a water shortage.

[0035] Furthermore, in the water shortage notification step, water shortage notification can also be provided through at least one of a display panel and a speaker.

[0036] Furthermore, the control method of the laundry drying equipment of the present invention can be configured such that if a new drying operation instruction is input after the water shortage notification step, the hot air supply step can also be performed if the water level in the steam section meets the target water level.

[0037] According to the laundry drying equipment and its control method of the present invention, when the supplied water does not reach the target water level required to generate steam in the steam section, it is determined that there is a water shortage, and a water shortage notification is provided while minimizing the residual water in the storage tank, thereby minimizing the number of times the user needs to refill the water, thereby achieving the effect of improving ease of use.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the present invention, even if the water level sensor installed in the storage tank malfunctions or operates incorrectly, the amount of water stored in the storage tank can be indirectly determined from the amount of water supplied to the steam unit, thereby achieving the effect of preventing water shortage notifications caused by the malfunction or incorrect operation of the water level sensor in the storage tank.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the water level in the storage tank and the water level in the steam section are determined together by a water level sensor installed in the storage tank, thereby achieving the effect of more accurately determining the amount of residual water in the storage tank. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a laundry drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a laundry drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection state of the storage tank, supply pump, and steam unit taken out from a laundry drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the steam generating section removed from a laundry drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a flowchart that schematically illustrates a control method for a laundry drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0046] 1: Laundry drying equipment; 10: Cabinet.

[0047] 20: Roller; 30: Pipeline section

[0048] 40: Heat exchange section; 50: Drive section

[0049] 60: Water collection section; 70: Water storage section

[0050] 80: Water Supply Department; 90: Steam Department

[0051] 91: Steam control unit; 810: Storage tank

[0052] 820: Supply pump; 811: Storage tank water level sensor

[0053] 910: Steam generation unit; 911: Steam enclosure

[0054] 912: Heater; 913: Water level sensor

[0055] 914: Temperature sensor; 915: Piping coil

[0056] 920: Spray nozzle; 930: Water supply pipe

[0057] 940: Steam exhaust pipe; 950: Shut-off valve Detailed Implementation

[0058] To help understand the features of the present invention, a laundry drying apparatus and its control method related to embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0059] It should be noted that, in order to aid in understanding the embodiments described below, when assigning reference numerals to the constituent elements of the various figures, the same reference numerals are used as much as possible for the same constituent elements even when shown in different figures. Furthermore, in the process of describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related well-known structures or functions will be omitted when it is determined that a specific description of those structures or functions would obscure the essence of the invention.

[0060] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Figure 1 and Figure 2 These are perspective and cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a laundry drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The housing 10 forming the outer body of the laundry drying device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a front panel 11, constituting the front side of the laundry drying device 1; a rear panel 12, constituting the rear side of the laundry drying device 1; a pair of side panels 14, constituting the side sides of the laundry drying device 1; and an upper panel 13, constituting the top surface of the laundry drying device 1.

[0063] The front panel 11 may be provided with: an inlet 111 configured to communicate with the roller 20 described later; and a door 112 rotatably connected to the housing 10 and capable of opening and closing the inlet 111.

[0064] In addition, a control panel 117 is provided on the front panel 11.

[0065] The control panel 117 may include: an input unit 118 for receiving control commands from the user; an output unit 119 for outputting information such as control commands that can be selected by the user; and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the execution of the program of the laundry drying equipment 1.

[0066] On the other hand, the input unit 118 may be configured to include: a power supply request unit that requests power to the laundry drying equipment; a process input unit that enables the user to select the process required by the user among multiple processes; and an execution request unit that requests the start of the process selected by the user.

[0067] The output unit 119 may be configured to include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting text and / or graphics and a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and sounds. By outputting information through the output unit 119, the user can easily grasp the status of the currently running program, the remaining time, etc.

[0068] Inside the housing 10 are: a roller 20, which is rotatable and provides space for holding clothes; a duct section 30, which forms a flow path for supplying air discharged from the roller 20 back to the roller 20; and a heat exchange section 40, which dehumidifies and heats the air flowing into the duct section 30 and then supplies it back to the roller 20.

[0069] The roller 20 includes a cylindrical roller body 21 that is open at the front. Inside the housing 10, there may be a first support part 22 that supports the front of the roller body 21 so that it can rotate, and a second support part 23 that supports the rear of the roller body 21 so that it can rotate.

[0070] The first support part 22 may be configured to include: a first fixing body 22a, fixed inside the housing 10; a roller inlet 22b, configured to pass through the first fixing body 22a, so that the inlet 111 and the inside of the roller body 21 are connected; and a first support body 22c, disposed on the first fixing body 22a, inserted into the front of the roller body 21.

[0071] Furthermore, the first support portion 22 may also include a connecting body 22d that connects the inlet 111 and the roller inlet 22b. As shown in the figure, the connecting body 22d may be configured as a tube extending from the roller inlet 22b toward the inlet 111. In addition, an air outlet 22e communicating with the pipe portion 30 may be provided in the connecting body 22d.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the air outlet 22e is a passage that allows the internal air of the roller body 21 to move to the pipe section 30, and can be a through hole that connects to the body 22d.

[0073] The second support part 23 is configured to include: a second fixing body 23a, which is fixed inside the housing 10; and a second support body 23b, which is disposed on the second fixing body 23a and inserted into the rear of the roller body 21.

[0074] Furthermore, an air inlet 23c is provided in the second support part 23. The air inlet 23c is configured to penetrate the second fixed body 23a and connect the interior of the roller body 21 with the interior of the box 10.

[0075] In this case, the duct section 30 is configured to connect the air outlet 22e and the air inlet 23c.

[0076] The cylindrical roller body 21 can be rotated by a drive unit 50 of various shapes.

[0077] For example, in Figure 2 The diagram shows an embodiment of the drive unit 50 including a motor 51 fixed inside the housing 10, a pulley 52 that rotates by the motor 51, and a belt 53 connecting the circumferential surface of the pulley 52 and the circumferential surface of the roller body 21.

[0078] In this case, the first support portion 22 may be provided with a first roller R1 that supports the circumferential surface of the roller body 21 so that it can rotate, and the second support portion 23 may be provided with a second roller R2 that supports the circumferential surface of the roller body 21 so that it can rotate.

[0079] However, the present invention is not limited thereto. A direct-drive type drive unit can also be used, in which the motor 51 is directly connected to the roller and rotates the roller without using pulleys and belts. This is, of course, within the scope of the present invention. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the drive unit 50 shown in the figure will be described based on it for ease of explanation.

[0080] The pipe section 30 includes: an exhaust pipe 31 connected to an air outlet 22e; a supply pipe 32 connected to an air inlet 23c; and a connecting pipe 33 connecting the exhaust pipe 31 and the supply pipe 32, wherein a heat exchange section 40 is provided inside the connecting pipe 33.

[0081] The heat exchange section 40 can be any device capable of sequentially dehumidifying and heating the air flowing into the pipe section 30. For example, the heat exchange section 40 can be a heat pump system.

[0082] As a heat pump system, the heat exchange section 40 may include: a circulating fan 43 that forces air to move along the pipe section 30; a first heat exchanger 41 (heat absorption section) that performs a dehumidification function by reducing the humidity of the air flowing into the pipe section 30; and a second heat exchanger 42 (heating section) disposed inside the pipe section 30 to heat the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger 41.

[0083] The circulating fan 43 may be configured to include: an impeller 43a disposed inside the duct section 30; and an impeller motor 43b to rotate the impeller 43a.

[0084] The impeller 43a can be installed at any position in the exhaust pipe 31, the connecting pipe 33, and the supply pipe 32. Figure 2 An embodiment in which the impeller 43a is disposed in the connecting pipe 32 is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For ease of explanation, the following description is based on an embodiment in which the impeller 43a is disposed in the connecting pipe 32.

[0085] The first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 42 are arranged sequentially inside the connecting pipe 33 in the direction from the exhaust pipe 31 toward the supply pipe 32, and are connected to each other by the refrigerant pipe 44 that forms the circulation path of the refrigerant.

[0086] The heat-absorbing part of the first heat exchanger 41 is a unit that cools the air and causes the refrigerant to evaporate by transferring the heat of the air flowing into the exhaust pipe 31 to the refrigerant.

[0087] The heating element of the second heat exchanger 42 is a unit that heats the air and condenses the refrigerant by transferring the heat of the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor 45 to the air.

[0088] In this case, the moisture contained in the air will move along the surface of the first heat exchanger 41 as it passes through the first heat exchanger 41 and concentrate on the bottom surface of the connecting pipe 33.

[0089] Regarding the configuration of the heat exchange section 40, which includes the first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 42 as described above in a heat pump system configuration, a configuration known in the art can be used, and a detailed description of its configuration is omitted.

[0090] On the other hand, in order to collect the condensate water that is condensed by the air passing through the first heat exchanger 41 and concentrated on the bottom surface of the connecting pipe 33, the laundry drying apparatus 1 of the present invention is provided with a water collection section 60.

[0091] After the condensate from the first heat exchanger 41 is first collected in the water collection section 60, it is then collected in the water storage section 70. As shown in the figure, the water collection section 60 can be located inside the connecting pipe 33, or it can be separately provided in a space separated from the connecting pipe 33.

[0092] The condensate collected for the first time by the water collection section 60 is supplied to the water storage section 70 through the condensate supply pipe 61. At this time, a condensate pump 62 is installed in the condensate supply pipe 61 to smoothly discharge the condensate.

[0093] The water storage section 70 is provided with a water storage tank 72, which is configured to extend outward from one side of the front panel 11. The water storage tank 72 is configured to collect condensate transferred from the water collection section 60 described later.

[0094] The user can draw water from the water storage tank 72 out of the housing 10 and remove condensate, and then reinstall it in the housing 10. Therefore, the laundry drying equipment of the present invention can also be installed in locations without drain outlets, etc.

[0095] More specifically, the water storage section 70 may be configured to include: a water storage tank 72, which is detachably disposed in the tank body 10 to provide space for storing water; and an inlet 72a, configured to pass through the water storage tank 72 so that water discharged from the condensate supply pipe 61 flows into the interior of the water storage tank 72.

[0096] The water storage tank 72 can be a drawer-shaped tank that can be extended from the box body 10. In this case, a water storage section mounting hole for inserting the water storage tank 72 is provided on the front panel 11 of the box body.

[0097] A panel 71 is fixed to the front of the water storage tank 72. The panel 71 can be configured to be attached to the water storage section mounting hole in a detachable manner and form part of the front panel 11.

[0098] The panel 71 may also be provided with a slot 71a for the user to insert and hold. In this case, the panel 71 will also function as a handle for leading the water tank 72 out of the tank or inserting the water tank 72 into the tank.

[0099] The inlet 72a is configured to receive condensate from a condensate nozzle 63 fixed to the housing 10. The condensate nozzle 63 can be fixed to the upper panel 13 of the housing 10 such that it is located above the inlet 72a when the water tank 72 is inserted into the housing 10.

[0100] After the water tank 72 is led out from the housing 10, the user can remove the water inside the water tank 72 by turning it upside down or tilting it toward the inlet 72a. Alternatively, a connecting hole 72b can be provided, extending through the upper surface of the water tank 72, so that water inside the water tank 72 can be easily discharged through the inlet 72a.

[0101] In addition, the laundry drying apparatus 1 of the present invention is provided with a first filter section F1 and a second filter section F2 as a unit for removing foreign substances such as lint and dust generated during the drying of laundry.

[0102] The first filter unit F1 is provided in the exhaust pipe 31 so as to perform the first filtration of foreign substances contained in the air discharged from the drum 20.

[0103] With reference to the airflow direction, the second filter section F2 is positioned downstream of the first filter section F1 to perform a second filtration of foreign matter contained in the air that has passed through the first filter section F1. More specifically, as shown in the figure, the second filter section F2 is preferably positioned inside the connecting pipe 33 upstream of the first heat exchanger 41. This is to prevent foreign matter contained in the air from accumulating on the first heat exchanger 41, which functions as a heat absorber, thus contaminating the first heat exchanger 41 or degrading its performance.

[0104] Since the detailed configuration of the first filter unit F1 and the second filter unit F2 can be described by any means known in the art, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0105] On the other hand, the laundry drying apparatus 1 of the present invention further includes: a water supply unit 80 having an internal water supply unit 81 and an external water supply unit 82; and a steam unit 90 that receives water from the water supply unit 80 and generates steam.

[0106] The steam unit 90 can be configured to receive fresh water and generate steam, rather than receiving condensate. The steam unit 90 can be configured to generate steam by heating or using ultrasound to vaporize water.

[0107] The steam unit 90 can be controlled as needed to receive water not only through the internal water supply unit 81, but also through the external water supply unit 82, and supply steam to the interior of the drum body 21.

[0108] The external water supply unit 82 may include: a drinking water valve 82a, which is adjacent to or fixed to the rear panel 13; and a supply pipe 82b, which supplies water received from the drinking water valve 82a to the steam unit 90.

[0109] The drinking water valve 82a can be configured to connect to an external water supply source. For example, the drinking water valve 82a can be connected to a water supply pipe (not shown) extending to the back of the housing. Thus, the steam unit 90 can be configured to directly receive water through the drinking water valve 82a.

[0110] Therefore, even if the internal water supply unit 81 is not present or there is no water in the internal water supply unit 81, the steam unit 90 can receive water for generating steam through the drinking water valve 82a when needed.

[0111] The direct drinking water valve 82a can be directly controlled by the steam control unit 91.

[0112] The steam control unit 91 can be installed on the control panel 117, but in order to prevent overloading of the control panel 117 and to prevent increased manufacturing costs, it can be installed as an additional control panel. That is, the control unit (not shown) located on the control panel 117 that controls the instructions for executing the programs of the input unit 118, the output unit 119, and the laundry drying equipment 1 can include the steam control unit 91.

[0113] Here, the steam control unit 91 can be positioned adjacent to the steam unit 90. The steam control unit 91 can be located on the side panel 14 where the steam unit 90 is located, thereby minimizing the length of control lines and the like connected to the steam unit 90.

[0114] On the other hand, preferably, the steam section 90 is positioned adjacent to the drinking water valve 82a. This prevents unnecessary water residue in the drinking water pipe 82b and allows for immediate water supply when needed.

[0115] On the other hand, the internal water supply unit 81 is configured to include: a storage tank 810 for storing water; a supply pump 820 for receiving water from the storage tank 810 and supplying it to the steam unit 90; and a tank cover 830 for providing space to accommodate the storage tank 810 and the supply pump 820.

[0116] A box outlet hole 131 is formed in the area of ​​the upper panel 13 corresponding to the part where the storage box 810 is provided.

[0117] Since the volume of the storage tank 810 is smaller than that of the water tank 72 of the water storage section 70, it is easy to extend it from the top. Therefore, the storage tank 810 is configured to extend upwards from the upper panel 13. As a result, since the extension directions of the storage tank 810 and the water storage section 70 are different from each other, the possibility of user confusion can be reduced.

[0118] An outlet cover 132 is provided on the upper panel 13. The outlet cover 132 is configured to cover the outlet hole 131 of the storage box and prevent the storage box 810 from being arbitrarily led out.

[0119] The outlet cover 132 includes a panel engagement portion 133 configured to engage with the outer peripheral surface of the outlet hole 131. The panel engagement portion 133 may be configured to extend from one side of the outlet cover 132 such that the outlet cover 132 is rotatably engaged with the upper panel 13. The panel engagement portion 133 and the upper panel 13 may be engaged in a hinged manner.

[0120] On the other hand, a panel handle 134 that can be held by a user can be provided on the surface of the lead-out cover 132. The panel handle 132 can be a groove formed by recessing from the lead-out cover 132 toward the lower part.

[0121] The following provides a more detailed description of the configuration and control method for providing water shortage notification in a laundry drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Figure 3 This diagram is a schematic representation of the connection between the storage tank, supply pump, and steam unit after the laundry drying equipment has been removed. Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing the steam generating section removed.

[0123] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The steam section 90, which generates steam by supplying steam to the drum 20, can be connected to the storage tank 810 by a supply pump 820, and water stored in the storage tank 810 can be supplied to the steam section 90 by driving the supply pump 820.

[0124] Here, the steam unit 90 includes: a steam generating unit 910 that stores water supplied from the storage tank 810 and generates steam; a jet nozzle 920 that jets the steam generated by the steam generating unit 910 into the interior of the drum 20; a water supply pipe 930 that connects the supply pump 820 and the steam unit 90 to supply water stored in the storage tank 810 to the steam generating unit 910; and a steam discharge pipe 940 that connects the steam generating unit 910 and the jet nozzle 920 to supply the steam generated by the steam generating unit 910 to the jet nozzle 920.

[0125] Furthermore, the steam section 90 also includes a shut-off valve 950 disposed on the steam discharge pipe 940. The shut-off valve 950 can close the steam discharge pipe 940 to block the supply of steam to the injection nozzle 920.

[0126] Here, the operation of the supply pump 820 and the shut-off valve 950 can be controlled by the steam control unit 91.

[0127] More specifically, the steam generating unit 910, configured to generate steam by heating stored water, includes: a steam hood 911 for containing water supplied from the storage tank 810; a heater 912 for heating the water stored in the steam hood 911; and a water level sensor 913 for measuring the water level stored in the steam hood 911.

[0128] Additionally, a temperature sensor 914 may be provided for measuring the temperature of the water stored in the steam hood 911. Furthermore, the steam generating unit 910 may also be provided with a drain pipe 915, which is disposed in the steam hood 911 and is capable of discharging water from inside the steam hood 911 or experimentally discharging water or steam.

[0129] The steam control unit 91 can receive signals from the water level sensor 913 and the temperature sensor 914 and control the supply pump 820, the heater 912 and the shut-off valve 950.

[0130] For example, if a steam supply command is input, the steam control unit 91 controls the water level sensor 913 to determine whether the water stored in the steam hood 911 has reached a preset target water level H. If the stored water has not reached the target water level H, the supply pump 820 is activated. If the water level sensor 913 determines that the supplied water has reached the target water level H, the supply pump 820 is stopped.

[0131] Furthermore, if the water stored in the steam hood 911 reaches the target water level H, the heater 912 is activated, and steam is generated in the steam hood 911 as detected by the temperature sensor 914. Then, the shut-off valve 950 is opened to supply steam through the jet nozzle 920.

[0132] If it is determined that the water level of at least one of the water stored in the steam unit 90 and the water level of the water stored in the storage tank 810 is below a specified water level, the steam control unit 91 can control itself to provide a water shortage notification so that the user can recognize it.

[0133] Here, the water shortage notification can be delivered via at least one of a display panel and a speaker, enabling the user to recognize it. That is, the output unit 119 can be configured to include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting text, graphics, etc., and a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and sounds. Therefore, the water shortage notification can be output as at least one of text, graphics, voice signals, and sounds through the output unit 119, and notify the user.

[0134] Furthermore, the storage tank 810 may be equipped with a storage tank water level sensor 811 capable of detecting the water level of the stored water. The storage tank water level sensor 811 may use various known water level detection configurations, such as measuring the weight of the storage tank 810 to determine the water level, or measuring the height of a structure that changes in height in relation to the water level to determine the water level.

[0135] Therefore, after the water level in the storage tank 810 and the steam hood 911 is measured by the water level sensor 811 in the storage tank and the water level sensor 913 in the steam unit 90, if it is determined that the water level of at least one of the water levels in the storage tank 810 and the steam hood 911 is below a specified water level, the steam control unit 91 can control the output unit 119 to output a water shortage notification.

[0136] More specifically, if a steam supply command is input after the drying operation, the steam control unit 91 controls the supply of steam to the drum 20 by activating the steam unit 90. Afterwards, if the steam injection to the drum 20 ends, the control unit activates the supply pump 820 to supply water to the steam hood 911, filling the steam hood 911 with water until the target water level H is reached.

[0137] If, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the supply pump 820 was activated, the water level stored in the steam hood 911 has still not reached the target water level H, then the steam control unit 91 determines that there is no water in the storage tank 810.

[0138] Of course, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the point in time when the load data of the supply pump 820 is received and it is determined that no load is applied to the supply pump 820, for example, about 5 to 10 seconds, and no load is applied to the supply pump 820 and the water in the steam hood 911 has not reached the target water level H, then the steam control unit 91 can also determine that the storage tank 810 is short of water. Here, the load data can be obtained by the change in the current applied to the supply pump 820.

[0139] Furthermore, if it is determined that the storage tank 810 is short of water, the steam control unit 91 can be controlled to output a water shortage notification at any time, either at the point when the water shortage is determined or at the point when the next steam supply command is input. That is, if it is determined that there is a water shortage, the steam control unit 91 can be controlled to output a water shortage notification immediately, or to output a water shortage notification when executing the next drying operation and inputting a steam supply command, so that the user can identify the water shortage. Of course, it is also possible to output a water shortage notification immediately when a water shortage is determined, and then output a water shortage notification again when a steam supply command is input.

[0140] Furthermore, the water level sensor 913 disposed on the steam hood 911 may include: a low water level sensor, which measures the minimum water level L that needs to be stored in the steam hood 911; and a high water level sensor, which measures the target water level H that needs to be stored in the steam hood 911 to generate steam.

[0141] As an example, the water level sensor 913 includes: a low water level electrode 913b, disposed at a position corresponding to the minimum water level L that needs to be stored in the steam hood 911; a high water level electrode 913c, disposed at a position corresponding to the target water level H that needs to be stored in the steam hood 911 to generate steam; and a common electrode 913a, disposed at the same position as or lower than the low water level electrode 913b. The water stored in the steam hood 911 is used to energize at least one of the low water level electrode 913b and the high water level electrode 913c, thereby determining the water level of the stored water.

[0142] Here, the low water level electrode 913b is located above the heater 912 in the steam hood 911. That is, in the steam hood 911, the low water level electrode 913b is located above the heater 912 so that the heater 912 is always immersed in water.

[0143] With this configuration, if the common electrode 913a and the low water level electrode 913b determine that the water level stored in the steam hood 911 does not meet the minimum water level L, then even without a steam supply command, the steam control unit 91 will control the supply pump 820 to operate to always meet the minimum water level L. That is, if the heater 912 operates while exposed to the outside without being submerged in water, it will heat the steam hood 911, causing it to melt or catch fire. Therefore, the water filling the steam hood 911 always meets the minimum water level L, so that the heater 912 is submerged in water.

[0144] Furthermore, if the steam supply ends, the steam control unit 91 activates the supply pump 820 and controls the supply pump 820 to fill the steam hood 911 with water until the target water level H is reached through the common electrode 913a and the high water level electrode 913c, so as to pre-store the water required for the next steam generation.

[0145] That is, if a steam supply command is input, the steam control unit 91 does not supply water to the steam hood 911 by driving the supply pump 820, but instead controls the water filling the steam hood 911 to always reach the target water level H for generating steam in the steam hood 911. Therefore, if a steam supply command is input when the water filling the steam hood 911 has reached the target water level H, steam is generated and supplied by activating the heater 912, and then water is filled into the steam hood 911 by activating the supply pump 820 until the target water level H is reached. At this time, if the filled water has not reached the target water level H, a water shortage notification is output.

[0146] With this configuration, if a water shortage notification is output when the water filling the steam hood 911 does not reach the target water level H, the water shortage notification will be output when the residual water in the storage tank 810 is minimized, thereby improving ease of use by minimizing the number of times the user needs to fill the water.

[0147] When the water level of the storage tank 810 is measured using the storage tank water level sensor 811 installed in the storage tank 810, the minimum water level is determined based on the method and structure of the storage tank water level sensor 811, when a certain level of water is stored.

[0148] As an example, if the water level sensor in the storage tank is a reed switch, the sensor's detection range may limit the water level, determining that 250-350 mL of water in the tank is the minimum level. Therefore, even when only 250-350 mL of water remains, a low water level warning will be issued, requiring users to add water despite having enough available, causing inconvenience.

[0149] However, according to one embodiment of the present invention, if the residual water in the storage tank 810 is insufficient to meet the target water level H of the steam hood 911, the water stored in the storage tank 810 will be supplied to the steam hood 911 by the operation of the supply pump 820. If there is no water remaining in the storage tank 810 that can be supplied by the supply pump 820, a water shortage will be notified. Therefore, more accurate information can be provided to the user, and user convenience can be improved by minimizing the number of times the storage tank 810 needs to be filled with water.

[0150] Of course, for more accurate water shortage notification, the present invention can be configured to output a water shortage notification when both the water level sensor 811 in the storage tank and the water level sensor 913 in the steam unit 90 detect water shortage.

[0151] The following describes a control method for a laundry drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a flowchart that schematically illustrates a control method for a laundry drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 A control method for a laundry drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a hot air supply step (S110), in which hot air is supplied to the drum if a drying operation is to be performed; a steam supply step (S120), in which steam is supplied to the drum via a steam unit if a drying operation is to be performed; a water supply step (S130), in which water stored in a storage tank is supplied to the steam unit by activating a supply pump if the steam supply ends; a water shortage judgment step (S140), in which water shortage is judged if the water supply to the steam unit ends and it is determined that the water level of either the water level stored in the steam unit or the water level of the water stored in the storage tank is below a predetermined water level; and a water shortage notification step (S150), in which a water shortage notification is output so that the user can recognize it.

[0154] That is, in the control method of the laundry drying equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention, instead of supplying water to the steam unit by driving the supply pump when a steam supply command is input, water stored in the storage tank is supplied to the steam unit by activating the supply pump when the steam supply ends, thereby pre-filling the steam unit with water until the target water level is reached. During this process, if the water filling the steam unit does not reach the target water level, it is determined that there is a water shortage in the storage tank, and a water shortage notification is output.

[0155] Here, in the water supply step (S130), water is supplied by activating the supply pump until the water level in the steam section meets the target water level, and the operation of the supply pump is stopped when the target water level is met or when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0156] More specifically, refer to Figure 6 If steam is supplied to the drum via the steam section (S120), and the steam supply to the drum ends (S131), water stored in the storage tank is supplied to the steam section by activating the supply pump (S132) to fill the steam section with water.

[0157] Furthermore, if the water filling the steam section reaches the target water level (S141), the operation of the supply pump is stopped (S142). That is, water is filled into the steam section until the target water level is reached after the steam supply ends.

[0158] If, at this time, the supply pump is activated (S132) and the water in the steam section is not filled to the target water level (S141 No) and a predetermined time has elapsed (S143 Yes), the supply pump is stopped (S144), and a water shortage notification is output (S150).

[0159] As an example, if it takes approximately 10 seconds to fill the steam section with water to the target water level, then if the water level in the steam section has not reached the target water level after approximately 15 to 20 seconds have elapsed since the supply pump has started, it is determined that the storage tank is low on water, and a water shortage notification is output. Of course, this time is described as an example, and the set time will change depending on various conditions such as the capacity of the steam section, the amount of water to be supplied, and the capacity of the supply pump.

[0160] Alternatively, as another example, the current applied to the supply pump is measured, and the load applied to the supply pump is measured from the change in the applied current. If approximately 5 to 10 seconds have elapsed since the point at which it is determined that no load is applied to the supply pump, and no load is applied to the supply pump and the water filling the steam section has not reached the target water level, then it is determined that the storage tank is short of water, and a water shortage notification is output.

[0161] Furthermore, in the water shortage determination step (S140), water shortage can be determined after receiving the water level of the water stored in the storage tank from the storage tank water level sensor installed in the storage tank, and also after receiving the water level of the water stored in the steam unit. That is, in the water shortage determination step (S140), if it is determined that the water level of the water stored in the storage tank is below a predetermined water level, and the water level of the water stored in the steam unit does not meet the target water level, then water shortage can be determined. Therefore, by knowing the water levels of both the water stored in the storage tank and the water stored in the steam unit, water shortage can be determined more accurately.

[0162] In the water shortage notification step (S150), a water shortage notification can be output through at least one of a display panel and a speaker so that the user can recognize it. That is, the output unit of the laundry drying device of the present invention can be configured to include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting text, graphics, etc., and a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and sounds. Therefore, a water shortage notification can be sent to the user by outputting at least one of text, graphics, voice signals, and sounds through the output unit.

[0163] Furthermore, in the water shortage notification step (S150), if water shortage is determined in the water shortage judgment step (S140), a water shortage notification can be output at any time point, either at the time point when water shortage is determined or at the time point when the next steam supply command is input.

[0164] That is, if a water shortage is detected in the water shortage judgment step (S140), a water shortage notification can be output immediately, or it can be output when a steam supply command is input for the next drying operation so that the user can recognize the water shortage. Of course, in the water shortage notification step (S150), a water shortage notification can be output immediately after a water shortage is detected, and then re-output when a next steam supply command is input. Alternatively, water shortage text or graphics can be continuously displayed on the display panel.

[0165] Subsequently, the control method of the laundry drying equipment of the present invention can be controlled such that if a new drying operation instruction is received after the water shortage notification step (S150), the hot air supply step is performed if the water level in the steam section meets the target water level.

[0166] As an example, if a water shortage notification is displayed because the water is not filled to the target water level of the steam section, and the user replenishes the water in the storage tank after being aware of the situation, then when the drying operation instruction is received again later, it can be controlled to fill the water to the target water level of the steam section 90 by activating the supply pump, and then perform the steaming step.

[0167] As another example, it can be controlled such that if a water shortage notification is displayed because water has not been filled to the target water level of the steam section, but the user does not replenish water to the storage tank, then a water shortage notification will be re-output when a new drying operation instruction is received. If water is replenished to the storage tank, the water can be filled to the target water level of the steam section 90 by activating the supply pump, and then the steaming step can be performed.

[0168] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry drying apparatus and its control method can be controlled to receive water from the storage tank until the water level meets the target water level that needs to be stored in the steam hood to generate steam, and can output a water shortage notification if the target water level is not met. Therefore, the following effect can be achieved: water shortage notification can be provided with minimal residual water in the storage tank, thereby improving ease of use by minimizing the number of times the user needs to refill the tank.

[0169] As described above, although the present invention has been illustrated by means of limited embodiments and accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the equivalent of the claims.

Claims

1. A laundry drying device, wherein, include: Box; A roller is rotatably supported inside the housing, and hot air and steam are supplied to the inside of the roller; A steam unit, located inside the housing, generates the steam. A storage tank, located inside the housing, stores the water to be supplied to the steam unit; A supply pump, located between the steam section and the storage tank, supplies water stored in the storage tank to the steam section; and The steam control unit controls the supply of steam to the drum by activating the steam unit if a steam supply command is input. The steam unit includes a steam generating unit that stores water supplied from the storage tank and generates steam. The steam generating unit includes: A steam hood, containing water supplied from the storage tank; and A water level sensor measures the water level stored in the steam hood. The water level sensor includes a high water level sensor that measures the target water level that should be stored in the steam hood for steam generation. After the steam supply to the drum ends, the steam control unit activates the supply pump to supply water stored in the storage tank to the steam unit until the water level in the steam unit reaches the target water level. Even though the supply pump has operated and the prescribed time has elapsed, if the water filling the steam section has not reached the target water level, the steam control unit determines that the storage tank is short of water and provides a water shortage notification. If it is determined that either the water level in the steam unit or the water level in the storage tank is below the target water level, the steam control unit provides a water shortage notification so that the user can identify it.

2. The laundry drying equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the storage tank is determined to be short of water, the steam control unit provides a water shortage notification at either the time the water shortage is determined or the time when the next steam supply command is input.

3. The laundry drying equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam unit includes: The injection nozzle injects steam generated in the steam generating section into the interior of the drum; A water supply pipe connects the supply pump and the steam unit to supply water stored in the storage tank to the steam generating unit; and A steam discharge pipe connects the steam generating section and the injection nozzle, so that the steam generated in the steam generating section is supplied to the injection nozzle.

4. The laundry drying equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The steam generating unit includes a heater for heating the water stored in the steam hood.

5. The laundry drying equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water level sensor includes a low water level sensor that measures a preset minimum water level and is used to keep the heater always immersed in water stored in the steam hood.

6. The laundry drying equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water level sensor includes: The low water level electrode is positioned at a location corresponding to the preset minimum water level that should be stored in the steam hood. A high-water-level electrode is disposed at a position corresponding to the target water level that should be stored in the steam hood for steam generation; and A common electrode is positioned at the same location as or below the low water level electrode. It is energized by the water stored in the steam hood, either by the low water level electrode or the high water level electrode, to determine the water level of the stored water.

7. The laundry drying equipment according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Even if the supply pump operates and the specified time has elapsed, if it is still determined that the target water level is not met, the steam control unit provides a water shortage notification.

8. The laundry drying equipment according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, When it is determined that the water level stored in the steam hood does not meet the minimum water level, the steam control unit controls the supply pump to operate in order to meet the minimum water level.

9. The laundry drying equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam control unit provides water shortage notifications via either a display panel or a speaker.

10. A control method for a laundry drying apparatus, wherein the laundry drying apparatus dries laundry by supplying hot air and steam to a drum containing laundry, wherein... include: In the hot air supply step, if a drying operation is to be performed, hot air is supplied to the drum. In the steam supply step, if a drying operation is to be performed, steam is supplied to the drum through the steam unit; In the water supply step, after the steam supply to the drum is completed, water stored in the storage tank is supplied to the steam section by activating the supply pump until the water level in the steam section reaches the target water level. The step of measuring the target water level involves measuring the target water level that should be stored in the steam hood for the purpose of generating steam. In the water shortage judgment step, even though the supply pump has been activated and a predetermined time has elapsed, if the water filling the steam section has not reached the target water level, the steam control unit determines that the storage tank is short of water and provides a water shortage notification. If the water supply to the steam section ends, and it is determined that the water level in either the steam section or the storage tank is below the target water level, then the storage tank is determined to be short of water. The water shortage notification step outputs a water shortage notification so that users can recognize it.

11. The control method for the laundry drying equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that, In the water supply step, Water is supplied by activating the supply pump until the water level in the steam section meets a preset target level. If the target level is met or a predetermined time has elapsed, the operation of the supply pump is stopped.

12. The control method for the laundry drying equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that, In the water supply step, If a predetermined time has elapsed since the point in time when it was determined that no load was applied to the supply pump due to the unchanged current applied to the supply pump, then the operation of the supply pump shall be stopped.

13. The control method for the laundry drying equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the water shortage determination step, If the specified time has elapsed during the water supply step and the supply pump stops operating, it is determined that the target water level is not met, and water shortage is identified.

14. The control method for the laundry drying equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that, In the water shortage notification step, Provide water shortage notifications at the points in time when water shortages are identified.

15. The control method for the laundry drying equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that, In the water shortage notification step, Provide a water shortage notification at the time when the next steam supply command is entered.

16. The control method for the laundry drying equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that, The water shortage determination steps include: The steps for controlling the water level in the storage tank include controlling the water level in the storage tank; and The steam section water level control procedure involves controlling the water level of the water stored in the steam section. If it is determined that the water level in the storage tank is below the specified water level, and the water level in the steam unit does not meet the preset target water level, then it is determined that there is a water shortage.

17. The control method for the laundry drying equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that, In the water shortage notification step, Water shortage notifications are provided via at least one of a display panel and a speaker.

18. The control method for the laundry drying equipment according to claim 10, characterized in that, If a new drying operation instruction is entered after the water shortage notification step, the hot air supply step is performed if the water level in the steam section meets the preset target water level.

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