Laundry care device and control method thereof

Abstract

Disclosed is a laundry care apparatus capable of removing scale formed in a steam device. The laundry care apparatus includes a main body including a laundry care chamber, and a steam generation device for supplying steam into the laundry care chamber, wherein the steam generation device includes a steam container, a cleaning liquid input provided so that a cleaning liquid for removing scale within the steam container is input, a heating portion provided within the steam container to heat the cleaning liquid, and a cleaning liquid discharge for discharging the cleaning liquid that has removed scale by receiving heat from the heating portion, wherein the cleaning liquid discharge includes a second pump for discharging the cleaning liquid that has removed scale to the outside of the steam container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a garment care device, and more specifically, to a garment care device for removing dust or odors adhering to garments. Background Technology

[0002] Clothing care equipment is a device that performs clothing care (such as drying wet clothes, removing dust attached to clothes or odors that have seeped into clothes, and reducing wrinkles in clothes).

[0003] Generally, garment care equipment includes a cabinet in which a garment care compartment is formed for holding garments, and a door provided for opening and closing the cabinet.

[0004] Clothing care equipment may include a circulation module for determining drying performance, a fan module for generating airflow, a steam module for generating steam, and a drainage module for collecting and discharging residual water as its main modules.

[0005] Among the main modules, a steam module can be provided to perform renewal functions such as wrinkle removal, deodorization, and static elimination. The steam module is a crucial component determining the performance of garment care equipment (such as wrinkle resistance and sterilization).

[0006] The steam module may include a pump and valve for supplying water, a water level sensor for checking the amount of water supplied, a heater for boiling the water, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water, a steam container assembled to the corresponding components while storing water, and a hose for delivering water to the steam container.

[0007] The water used in the steam module may contain high levels of minerals in certain areas, and scaling may occur when these minerals come into direct contact with the heater.

[0008] When scale adheres to the water level sensor, it may cause energization within the sensor, which could lead to malfunction of the sensor. Furthermore, the disconnection or malfunction of the heater caused by scale may pose a fire hazard.

[0009] In addition, odors caused by limescale may seep into the garment care device. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a garment care device capable of cleaning scale generated in a steam device.

[0012] Further aspects of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a garment care device is provided, comprising: a main body including a garment care chamber; and a steam generating device provided for supplying steam to the garment care chamber, wherein the steam generating device includes: a steam container; a cleaning fluid injection unit provided for injecting cleaning fluid for removing scale from the steam container; a heating unit provided inside the steam container to heat the cleaning fluid; and a cleaning fluid discharge unit provided for discharging the cleaning fluid that has been descaled using heat received from the heating unit, wherein the cleaning fluid discharge unit includes a second pump provided for discharging the descaled cleaning fluid to the outside of the steam container.

[0015] The garment care equipment may also include a water reservoir provided to hold cleaning solution that has been descaled and discharged from a second pump.

[0016] The cleaning fluid discharge unit may include: a third pump connected to a water storage tank to discharge cleaning fluid that has been descaled; and a drain container configured to contain the descaled cleaning fluid discharged from the third pump.

[0017] The second pump may also include a valve.

[0018] The second pump can be positioned lower than the location of the steam container.

[0019] The garment care equipment may also include a connecting pipe that connects a steam container to a second pump, wherein the connecting pipe can connect the lower part of the steam container to at least a portion of the second pump.

[0020] The cleaning fluid injection unit may include: a water supply container provided for supplying water to a steam container; a first pump provided for moving cleaning fluid introduced into the water supply container to the steam container; a first connecting member for connecting the first pump to the steam container; and a first valve provided in the path of the first connecting member.

[0021] The garment care equipment may also include a water level sensor configured to detect the amount of water in the steam container.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a garment care device is provided, the garment care device including an input device.

[0023] The garment care equipment may also include a controller configured to, based on a user command received via an input device, control the cleaning fluid injection unit and the cleaning fluid discharge unit to discharge the cleaning fluid through a steam container when it is determined that scale has formed on the water level sensor by comparing a reference sensor value corresponding to a predetermined garment care process with the output signal of the water level sensor.

[0024] When the change in the output signal is less than a predetermined value and water is introduced into the steam container based on the output signal of another sensor included in the garment care device, the controller can determine that scale has formed on the water level sensor.

[0025] When a predetermined time has elapsed since steam was supplied to the garment care room, and the controller determines that water is present in the steam container based on the output signal, scale can be detected on the water level sensor.

[0026] When scale is detected on the water level sensor, the controller can heat the cleaning fluid via the heating element based on user commands.

[0027] When scale is detected on the water level sensor, the controller can heat the cleaning fluid to a predetermined temperature range for a predetermined time via the heating element based on user commands.

[0028] The controller can heat the cleaning fluid through the heating element to a predetermined time.

[0029] The controller can stop discharging the cleaning fluid if the temperature of the cleaning fluid exceeds a predetermined temperature.

[0030] The garment care device may also include a display, and when it is determined that scale has formed on the water level sensor, the controller can output an image on the display to guide the removal of the scale.

[0031] In response to a predetermined time elapsed since the start of the descaling operation, the controller can output an image to guide the removal of the drain container included in the cleaning fluid discharge section.

[0032] When scale is detected on the water level sensor, the controller can inject cleaning fluid into the steam container for a predetermined minimum time.

[0033] When the controller determines, based on the output signal of another sensor included in the garment care device, that the amount of cleaning fluid included in the steam container exceeds the capacity of the steam container, it can stop injecting the cleaning fluid.

[0034] The garment care device may also include: an input device; and a controller configured to control a second pump to discharge cleaning fluid through a steam container based on a user command received via the input device when it is determined that scale has formed on a water level sensor by comparing a reference sensor value corresponding to a predetermined garment care process with the output signal of a water level sensor.

[0035] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for controlling a garment care device is provided, the method comprising: when it is determined that scale has formed on a water level sensor by comparing a reference sensor value corresponding to a predetermined garment care process with an output signal of a water level sensor provided in a steam container, outputting an image on a display to guide the removal of scale; controlling a cleaning fluid injection unit and a cleaning fluid discharge unit to discharge cleaning fluid through a steam container based on a user command received via an input device; and outputting an image to guide the removal of scale in a drain container in response to a predetermined time elapsed since the start of the scale removal operation.

[0036] Controlling the cleaning fluid injection section and the cleaning fluid discharge section to discharge the cleaning fluid through the steam container may include controlling the heating section to heat the cleaning fluid.

[0037] Beneficial effects

[0038] As is apparent from the above, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, scale generated in a steam apparatus can be removed.

[0039] In addition, it can prevent product failures caused by heater disconnection due to scale buildup, and can prevent fires caused by sensor and heater malfunctions. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a garment care device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a view showing the open state of the door of a garment care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing a garment care device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing a garment care device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a steam generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic view illustrating the flow of a cleaning fluid for cleaning scale in a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 7 This is a control block diagram illustrating a garment care device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 8This is a view used to describe the process of scale formation in a water level sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 9 This is a view showing an interface provided for removing scale according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 10 This is a view showing an interface provided for removing scale according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 11 This is a view showing an interface provided for removing scale according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0051] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The embodiments described herein and shown in the configurations of this disclosure are merely preferred embodiments and do not represent the full range of technical ideas of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that they can be replaced by various equivalents and modifications at the time of disclosure.

[0053] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same parts or components.

[0054] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. It will be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and / or “having,” as used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0055] Ordinal terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely for distinguishing one component from another. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. When items are described using conjunctions such as "~ and / or ~", the description should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0056] The embodiments according to this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a garment care device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a view showing the open state of the door of a garment care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing a garment care device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing a garment care device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The garment care device 1 includes a main body 10 forming its appearance, a door 20 rotatably connected to the main body 10, a garment care chamber 11 provided in the main body 10 for garments to be contained and cared for, a garment support member 50 provided in the garment care chamber 11 to hold the garments, and a mechanical chamber 13 provided with a heat exchange device 30 to heat or dehumidify the air in the garment care chamber 11.

[0059] The main body 10 may provide a garment care chamber 11 therein and may have a cuboid shape with one side open. An opening 10a may be formed in the front surface of the main body 10. A door 20 may be rotatably coupled to the opening 10a of the main body 10 to open and close the main body 10. The door 20 may be mounted to open and close the garment care chamber 11. The door 20 may be mounted on the main body 10 by means of connecting members (such as hinges 22).

[0060] A garment care chamber 11 forms a space for storing garments. Garment support members 50 can be provided in the garment care chamber 11, allowing garments to be placed and supported thereon. The garment support members 50 can be detachably mounted on the upper side of the garment care chamber 11. Multiple garment support members 50 can be provided. The garment support members 50 can be shaped like hangers, allowing garments to be placed thereon. The garment support members 50 can be provided to allow airflow within them. Dust or foreign matter on the garments can be removed by air supplied to the garment support members 50.

[0061] The garment care chamber 11 may include a first airflow inlet 11a, a second airflow inlet 12a, a first airflow outlet 11b, a second airflow outlet 12b, and a steam outlet 43a. The first airflow inlet 11a and the first airflow outlet 11b may be formed on the lower surface of the garment care chamber 11. The first airflow inlet 11a may be located in the front portion of the lower surface of the garment care chamber 11, and the first airflow outlet 11b may be located in the rear portion of the lower surface of the garment care chamber 11. The second airflow inlet 12a may be formed on the rear surface of the garment care chamber 11. The second airflow outlet 12b may be formed at the center of the upper surface of the garment care chamber 11. The second airflow inlet 12a and the second airflow outlet 12b may be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0062] The first airflow outlet 11b may be provided with an exhaust grille 14 to allow airflow to spread effectively within the garment care room 11.

[0063] The second airflow outlet 12b of the garment care chamber 11 can be connected to the garment support member 50. The air discharged through the second airflow outlet 12b is delivered to the garment placed on the garment support member 50 through the air holes 51 formed in the garment support member 50.

[0064] A drain container 15a and a water supply container 15b, provided as removable from the main body 10, can be installed on the underside of the main body 10. The drain container 15a and water supply container 15b can be located on the underside of the garment care chamber 11. The drain container 15a is provided to facilitate the handling of condensate. The water supply container 15b stores water required for generating steam in a steam generator 40, which will be described below. Water from the water supply container 15b is supplied to the steam generator 40 and used to generate steam. The water supply container 15b can be installed as removable from the main body 10 for easy water replenishment. The drain container 15a and the water supply container 15b can be provided in front of the machine room 13. The machine room 13 is provided on the underside of the main body 10. The water supply container 15b and the drain container 15a will be described below.

[0065] A machine compartment 13 is provided below the garment care compartment 11. The machine compartment 13 may include a heat exchange device 30, which is provided to dehumidify and heat the air inside the garment care compartment 11 as needed.

[0066] Inside the machine room 13, a blower fan 32, a heat exchange device 30, and a steam generator 40 can be installed.

[0067] A heat exchanger 30 is installed to supply hot air to the garment care room 11. The heat exchanger 30 includes an evaporator 33 through which refrigerant circulates, a compressor 35, and a condenser 34, and is provided to dehumidify and heat the air.

[0068] When the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator 33 of the heat exchanger 30, it absorbs the latent heat of the surrounding air to condense and remove moisture from the air. Furthermore, when the refrigerant condenses in the condenser 34 after passing through the compressor 35, it releases latent heat towards the surrounding air, thereby heating the surrounding air. In other words, the evaporator 33 and condenser 34 function as heat exchangers, and the air flowing into the machine room 13 via the blower 32 is sequentially dehumidified and heated via the evaporator 33 and condenser 34.

[0069] The heat exchange device 30 installed in the machine room 13 includes a first duct 31 connecting the evaporator 33, the condenser 34 and the blower 32, and the first duct 31 is connected to the garment care chamber 11 to form a first circulation channel 39 that circulates between the garment care chamber 11 and the first duct 31.

[0070] The first duct 31 can be connected to the first airflow inlet 11a and the first airflow outlet 11b of the garment care chamber 11. Air from the garment care chamber 11 is introduced into the first duct 31 through the first airflow inlet 11a, where it is dehumidified and then discharged back into the garment care chamber 11 through the first airflow outlet 11b.

[0071] A first duct 31 is provided to dehumidify the air introduced through the first airflow inlet 11a, and then discharge the dehumidified air to the first airflow outlet 11b. A blower fan 32 is provided on the first duct 31 to draw air from the garment care chamber 11 into the first duct 31.

[0072] Air from the garment care chamber 11 can be introduced into the first circulation channel 39 through the first airflow inlet 11a. The introduced air is dehumidified and heated by the heat exchange device 30, and the dehumidified and heated air can be discharged back into the garment care chamber 30 through the first airflow outlet 11b.

[0073] Door 20 may include a door guide 21 for guiding the movement of condensate. Door guide 21 is provided to guide condensate formed on the rear surface of door 20 by condensation. Door guide 21 may be configured to slope downward from the rear surface of door 20 toward garment care compartment 30. Condensate introduced through the first airflow inlet 11a may be moved through water reservoir 65 to drain container 15a.

[0074] A water storage tank 65 can be installed in the first pipe 31. Condensate introduced through the first airflow inlet 11a of the garment care chamber 11 can be stored in the water storage tank 65 located at the lower part of the first pipe 31.

[0075] The garment care chamber 11 may include a blower 72 for circulating air within it. The garment care chamber 11 may include a second duct 71, and the blower 72 may be installed within the second duct 71. The second duct 71 may be provided to communicate with the garment care chamber 11 to form a second circulation channel 70 that circulates between the garment care chamber 11 and the second duct 71. The blower 70 may be disposed on the second circulation channel 70. The second duct 71 may be formed behind the second airflow inlet 12a of the garment care chamber 11. The second duct 71 may be provided on the rear upper side of the garment care chamber 11 and may include a filter member 60.

[0076] The second duct 71 can be connected to the second airflow inlet 12a and the second airflow outlet 12b of the garment care chamber 11. The second airflow outlet 12b can be connected to the garment support member 50, so that air from the second duct 71 is delivered to the garment support member 50.

[0077] When air from the garment care room 11 is introduced into the second duct 71, the air can be filtered by the filter element 60 of the second airflow inlet 12a. The air flowing into the second duct 71 can filter dust and odors by the filter element 60.

[0078] Additionally, in the machine room 13, a steam generator 40 can be provided to supply steam to the garment care room 11. Using the steam supplied to the garment care room 11, foreign matter such as dust adhering to the garments can be removed, and viruses and bacteria can be killed.

[0079] The steam generator 40 can receive water from the water supply container 15b to generate steam. The steam generator 40 may include a steam container 41 connected to the water supply container 15b to receive water and generate steam, a steam supply pipe 42 that directs the steam generated in the steam container 41 to a steam injector 43, and a steam injector 43 connected to the steam supply pipe 42 and configured to inject steam into the garment care chamber 11. The steam injector 43 may include a steam inlet 43a configured to inject steam into the garment care chamber 11.

[0080] A steam supply pipe 42 may be connected to the upper part of a steam container 41. The steam supply pipe 42 may also be connected to the upper rear part of the steam container 41. A steam injector 43 is disposed at one end of the steam supply pipe 42 and installed in the garment care chamber 11. The steam injector 43 may be disposed on at least a portion of the rear surface of the garment care chamber 11. In embodiments of this disclosure, the steam injector is shown as being formed on a portion of the rear surface of the garment care chamber, but the concept of this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0081] Water supplied to steam container 43 is conveyed via water supply container 15b. Generally, the water contains small amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Water containing minerals is called hard water. Such hard water can cause scale formation in steam container 41 and may lead to product malfunction. A scale removal device 100 according to this disclosure is provided to remove scale formed in steam container 41.

[0082] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a steam generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a schematic view illustrating the flow of a cleaning fluid for removing scale from a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Reference Figures 5 to 6 The steam generating device 40 includes: a cleaning fluid injection unit 110, which is provided to inject cleaning fluid for removing scale from the steam container 41; a heating unit 120, which is provided to heat the cleaning fluid; and a cleaning fluid discharge unit 130, which is provided to discharge the cleaning fluid that has been descaled using the heat received from the heating unit 120.

[0084] The steam generator 40 is installed in the machine room 13 of the garment care equipment 1. The steam container 41 of the steam generator 40 can be installed on the frame 60, which is installed in the machine room 13.

[0085] The cleaning fluid injection unit 110 of the steam generator 40 includes: a water supply container 15b, provided for supplying water to the steam container 41; a first pump 111, provided for moving the cleaning fluid introduced into the water supply container 15b to the steam container 41; a first connecting member 117, connecting the first pump 111 to the steam container 41; and a first valve 114, disposed in the path of the first connecting member 117.

[0086] The water supply container 15b of the cleaning fluid injection unit 110 can be connected to the first pump 111 via a water supply connection pipe 112. The water supply connection pipe 112 can be connected to the lower end of the water supply container 15b. A water supply container connector 15d can be provided on the water supply container 15b so that the water supply connection pipe 112 can be connected to the water supply container 15b.

[0087] The first connecting member 117 of the cleaning fluid injection unit 110 may include a first connecting pipe 117a connecting the first pump 111 to the first valve 114 and a second connecting pipe 117b connecting the first valve 114 to the steam container 41. The first valve 114 is provided to supply water from the water supply container 15b to the steam container 41.

[0088] That is, the cleaning fluid injected into the water supply container 15b of the cleaning fluid injection section 110 is pumped together with water by the first pump 111 and then supplied to the steam container 41 through the first connecting member 117.

[0089] The steam container 41 may be equipped with a water level sensor 300 to check the amount of water supplied. The water level sensor 300 may be located on the upper interior side of the steam container 41. The water level sensor 300 senses the amount of water in the steam container 41 and allows water from the water supply container 15b to be supplied to the steam container 41 through the first valve 114 and the first pump 111.

[0090] The heating section 120 of the steam generating device 40 may include a heater 121. The heater 121 may be installed inside the steam container 41. The heater 121 is provided to raise the temperature of the water by heating the interior of the steam container 41. The heater 121 is provided to heat the water in the steam container 41 to generate steam. Water mixed with cleaning fluid supplied to the steam container 41 can be heated by the heater 121 to remove scale from the interior of the steam container 41.

[0091] The cleaning solution or water that has removed the scale from the steam container 41 is discharged through the cleaning solution discharge section 130.

[0092] The steam generating unit 40 may include a second pump 200, which is provided to discharge cleaning fluid that has been descaled using heat received from the heater 121 inside the steam container 41. The second pump 200 may include valve functionality. The second pump 200 may include a valve pump.

[0093] The second pump 200 can be mounted on the frame 60 of the machine room 13. The second pump 200 can be positioned on the side of the steam container 41. The second pump 200 can be located at a lower position than the steam container 41. The second pump 200 can be mounted on the side surface of the frame 60. The second pump 200 can be positioned at the rear of the machine room 13 for after-sales maintenance.

[0094] The second pump 200 can be connected to the steam container 41 via a connecting pipe 220. The connecting pipe 220 can be connected to the lower part of the steam container 41. The connecting pipe 220 can also be connected to the lower part of the second pump 200. The steam container 41 may have a cleaning fluid outlet 41a on its lower surface, which will be connected to the connecting pipe 220. The connecting pipe 220 can connect the lower end of the steam container 41 to the lower end of the second pump 200.

[0095] The second pump 200 is provided to pump cleaning fluid or water that has removed scale from the inside of the steam container 41.

[0096] The steam generating device 40 may include a water storage tank 65, which is provided to contain cleaning fluid or water that has been descaled and discharged from the second pump 200. The second pump 200 may be connected to the water storage tank 65. The steam generating device 40 may also include a second connecting member 221 connecting the second pump 200 to the water storage tank 65. The second connecting member 221 is provided to deliver the cleaning fluid or water pumped by the second pump 200 to the water storage tank 65, which has been descaled and discharged from the steam container 41.

[0097] The cleaning solution or water that has been descaled from the steam container 41, which is delivered to the water storage tank 65 via the second connecting member 221, is stored together with the condensate generated in the garment care room 11 in the water storage tank 65.

[0098] The cleaning fluid discharge section 130 of the steam generator 40 includes a third pump 131 connected to a water storage tank 65 to discharge cleaning fluid that has been used to remove scale, and a drain container 15a configured to receive water discharged from the third pump 131 into the water storage tank 65. The drain container 15a is provided to receive condensate and cleaning fluid or water that has been used to remove scale stored in the water storage tank 65 via the third pump 131.

[0099] The drain container 15a is connected to the third pump 131 via a connecting bracket 134. The connecting bracket 134 includes an insertion tube 134a protruding toward the drain container 15a. The drain container 15a has an insertion hole 15c into which the insertion tube 134a of the connecting bracket 134 is inserted. At least a portion of the connecting bracket 134 is connected to a water storage tank 65 to transfer water returning from the water storage tank 65 to the drain container 15a.

[0100] The drainage container 15a is provided to be detachable from the water storage tank 65 or the main body 10.

[0101] Therefore, when condensate and cleaning solution or water that has removed scale from steam container 41 are delivered in a certain amount from water tank 65 to drain container 15a, the user can separate drain container 15a and empty it.

[0102] The operation of removing scale by steam generator 40 according to this disclosure will now be described.

[0103] The cleaning solution is injected into the water supply container 15b to remove scale from the steam container 41, and the water A mixed with the cleaning solution is delivered to the steam container 41 through the first pump 111 and the first valve 114.

[0104] Water A, which is mixed with cleaning fluid, is supplied to the steam container 41 and heated to an appropriate temperature by heater 121 to remove scale inside the steam container 41, thereby cleaning the steam container 41.

[0105] The cleaning solution, which has been descaled, or water B mixed with the cleaning solution, is pumped by the second pump 200 to be delivered to the water storage tank 65 through the cleaning solution outlet 41a formed at the lower part of the steam container 41.

[0106] In this case, the second pump 200 is used as a valve to prevent water backflow in the steam container 41.

[0107] The descaling cleaning solution or water B mixed with the cleaning solution, which is conveyed to the water storage tank 65, can be mixed with the condensate generated in the garment care room 11 and stored in the water storage tank 65.

[0108] Condensate stored in water tank 65, cleaning solution that has been descaled, or a portion of water mixed with the cleaning solution can be pumped to drain container 15a by third pump 131. The user can then separate drain container 15a from the main body 10 and empty drain container 15a.

[0109] Figure 7 This is a control block diagram illustrating a garment care device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] The garment care device 1 according to this embodiment may include an input device 600, a display 700, a controller 500, and a scale removal device 100.

[0111] The scale removal device 100 may include a heating unit 120, a cleaning fluid injection unit 110, a cleaning fluid discharge unit 130, and a water level sensor 300.

[0112] The cleaning fluid injection unit 110 can be provided to allow cleaning fluid for removing scale to be injected.

[0113] The cleaning fluid injection unit 110 may include a water supply container, into which the user can inject cleaning fluid as described below.

[0114] The cleaning fluid discharge unit 130 can be provided to discharge cleaning fluid that has removed scale using heat received from the heating unit 120. The cleaning fluid discharge unit 130 may include a drain container for receiving the cleaning fluid.

[0115] The heating unit 120 can provide the interior of the steam container provided in the steam generator to heat the cleaning fluid.

[0116] The input device 600 includes hardware devices for user input, such as various buttons, switches, pedals, keyboards, mice, trackballs, various levers, handles, joysticks, etc.

[0117] Furthermore, the input device 600 may include a graphical user interface (GUI) for user input, such as a touchpad, i.e., a software device. The touchpad may be implemented as a touchscreen panel (TSP) to form an interlayer structure with a display (not shown).

[0118] Users can input commands via input device 600 to begin the process of removing scale from the water level sensor.

[0119] The monitor 700 can output images guiding the user to remove limescale, and images guiding the removal of cleaning solution after limescale removal.

[0120] The display 700 includes, but is not limited to, cathode ray tube (CRT), digital light processing (DLP) panel, plasma display panel, liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, electroluminescent (EL) panel, electrophoretic display (EPD) panel, electrochromic display (ECD) panel, light-emitting diode (LED) panel, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, etc.

[0121] The controller 500 can determine whether scaling has occurred on the water level sensor 300 based on a comparison between a reference sensor value corresponding to a predetermined garment care process and the output signal of the water level sensor 300.

[0122] That is, the controller 500 can pre-store the appropriate water level of the steam container corresponding to the garment care cycle, and in response to a significant difference between the predicted water volume in the steam container and the actual water volume in the steam container during the corresponding cycle, it can determine that an anomaly has occurred in the water level sensor 300.

[0123] For example, when a user inputs a command to generate strong steam for an extended period of time through a garment care device, the controller 500 can determine that an anomaly has occurred in the water level sensor 300 in response to the constant and unchanging water level in the steam container.

[0124] The controller 500 can control the scale removal device to discharge the cleaning fluid through the steam container based on user commands received via the input device 600.

[0125] Specifically, the controller 500 can control the first pump and the first valve included in the cleaning fluid injection section 110 to inject cleaning fluid from the water supply container into the steam container.

[0126] In addition, the controller 500 can control the third pump included in the cleaning fluid discharge section 130 and the second pump included in the scale removal device, so that the cleaning fluid is discharged through the steam container.

[0127] When the change in the output signal is less than a predetermined value and water is introduced into the steam container, the controller 500 can determine that scaling has occurred on the water level sensor 300.

[0128] Furthermore, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of steam supply to the garment care room, and the controller 500 determines that water is present in the steam container based on the output signal, scale has occurred on the water level sensor 300.

[0129] The following describes the detailed procedure by which the controller 500 determines that scaling has occurred on the water level sensor 300.

[0130] When scaling is detected on the water level sensor 300, the controller 500 can heat the cleaning fluid via the heating unit 120 based on a user command. According to one embodiment, the cleaning fluid can be heated to 40°C or higher to effectively remove the scale formed on the water level sensor 300.

[0131] When the temperature of the cleaning fluid exceeds the preset temperature, the controller 500 can stop discharging the cleaning fluid.

[0132] The temperature of the cleaning solution can be obtained by providing at least one temperature sensor in the garment care device.

[0133] Additionally, when scaling is detected on the water level sensor 300, the controller 500 can output an image on the display to guide the removal of the scale.

[0134] In response to a predetermined time elapsed since the start of the descaling operation, the controller 500 can output an image to guide the removal of the wastewater from the drain container in the cleaning fluid discharge section 130. Details will be described with reference to the following figures.

[0135] When scaling is detected on the water level sensor 300, the controller 500 can inject cleaning fluid into the steam container for a predetermined minimum time. When scaling occurs on the water level sensor 300, it is difficult to accurately measure the liquid volume inside the steam container. To prevent the steam container from overflowing, the controller 500 can supply a predetermined minimum amount of detergent to the steam container.

[0136] When the controller 500 determines, based on the output signal of another sensor included in the garment care device, that the amount of cleaning fluid included in the steam container exceeds the capacity of the steam container, the controller 500 may stop injecting the cleaning fluid.

[0137] According to this embodiment, the water tank included in the garment care device may include another sensor capable of measuring the amount of moisture. Therefore, even when scaling occurs on the water level sensor and thus the water level information of the steam container is not accurately obtained, the controller 500 can determine, based on the sensor provided in the water tank, whether the amount of cleaning fluid contained in the steam container exceeds the capacity of the steam container. In this case, the controller 500 can stop the supply of cleaning fluid.

[0138] The controller 500 may include: a memory (not shown) for storing data about algorithms or programs embodying the algorithms for controlling the operation of components of the garment care device; and a processor (not shown) for performing the aforementioned operations using the data stored in the memory. In this case, the memory and processor may be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0139] At least one component can be added or omitted to correspond to Figure 7 The performance of the components of the garment care device shown is illustrated. Furthermore, the relative positions of these components can be changed to correspond to the system's performance or structure.

[0140] in addition, Figure 7 Some of the components shown may refer to software and / or hardware components, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0141] Figure 8 This is a view used to describe the process of scale formation in a water level sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] Reference Figure 8 The water level sensor 300 may include multiple electrodes 300-1 and 300-2.

[0143] The water level sensor 300 can determine the water level of the liquid inside the steam container by energizing the liquid inside the steam container.

[0144] The controller 500 can determine whether scaling has occurred on the water level sensor 300 based on a comparison between a reference sensor value corresponding to a predetermined garment care process and the output signal of the water level sensor 300.

[0145] For example, when a garment care device performs a garment care process that supplies steam, the moisture in the steam container is consumed.

[0146] The controller 500 can store reference sensor values ​​used to determine the presence of low levels of moisture in the steam container.

[0147] However, when scale forms on the water level sensor, it may cause an electrical current to be applied to the water level sensor 300 using the scale.

[0148] In this situation, the water level sensor 300 can generate an output signal indicating that a significant amount of moisture remains in the steam container even during the steam supply process.

[0149] Specifically, energization can occur in the upper electrode 300-1 of the water level sensor 300, so the water level sensor 300 can generate an output signal.

[0150] In this situation, the controller 500 can determine that scaling has occurred in the water level sensor 300 and perform a scale removal operation.

[0151] According to another embodiment, when it is determined that the change in the output signal of the water level sensor 300 is less than a predetermined value and water flows into the steam container based on the output signal of another sensor included in the garment care device, the controller 500 can determine that scaling has occurred on the water level sensor 300.

[0152] Specifically, various sensors, in addition to the water level sensor 300, can be provided inside the garment care equipment, and the flow of water into the steam container can be determined based on the sensors.

[0153] When the actual change in the value of the water level sensor 300 is small, the controller 500 can determine that the energization of the water level sensor 300 caused by scale does not result in a change in the output signal.

[0154] In this situation, the controller 500 can determine that scaling has occurred on the water level sensor 300 and perform a scale removal operation.

[0155] According to another embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation of supplying steam to the garment care room began, the controller 500 determines, based on the output signal, that water is present in the steam container.

[0156] Specifically, when the garment care device begins the steam supply process to supply steam using the moisture in the steam container, the moisture supplied in the steam container is consumed and eventually discharged. However, if the water level sensor 300 generates an output signal indicating the presence of water in the steam container even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of steam supply (i.e., even after sufficient time has been spent consuming the moisture in the steam container), the controller 500 can determine that an anomaly has occurred in the water level sensor 300.

[0157] In other words, since the output signal of the water level sensor 300 is a signal output by using the scale to conduct electricity, the controller 500 can determine that scale has occurred on the water level sensor 300.

[0158] Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a view showing an interface provided for removing scale according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0159] Reference Figure 9 When it is determined that scaling has occurred in the water level sensor 300, the controller 500 can output image I9-1 on the display to guide the removal of the scale.

[0160] Reference Figure 9The controller 500 can determine that scaling has occurred in the water level sensor 300 and output an image I9-1 on the display 700 including a phrase such as "Sensor fouling has occurred. Do you want to start sensor cleaning?". Furthermore, the controller 500 can output a user interface I9-2 for receiving user commands. Figure 9 As can be seen, buttons are provided to allow the user to select the command to begin the limescale removal operation. The user can input commands via the input device 600. The input device 600 can be provided as a touch panel along with the display 700, or it can be provided as a physical button, such as a separate button.

[0161] When the user enters a command by selecting "Yes", the controller 500 can output something like this: Figure 10 The guide images I10-1 and I10-2 are shown.

[0162] Reference Figure 10 The controller 500 can output an image to guide the injection of the cleaning fluid. Figure 10 In the output, we can see the guide image I10-1 that states "Please inject cleaning fluid".

[0163] Therefore, users can inject cleaning solution into the garment care device and select the interface I10-2 that displays "Cleaning solution injection complete" to start the scale removal operation.

[0164] Subsequently, the controller 500 can control the cleaning fluid injection unit 110 so that the cleaning fluid is injected into the steam container.

[0165] In addition, the controller 500 can control the heating unit 120 to heat the cleaning fluid to a predetermined temperature range.

[0166] In addition, the controller can heat the cleaning fluid through the heating element to a predetermined time.

[0167] Here, the predetermined temperature range can be defined as 30 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius.

[0168] In addition, the scheduled time can be set between 30 minutes and 50 minutes.

[0169] In addition, the controller can control the heating element as described above to prevent the evaporated cleaning fluid from spreading to other components.

[0170] When the scale removal by the cleaning fluid is completed, the controller can use the cleaning fluid discharge section 130 to discharge the cleaning fluid to the outside.

[0171] On the other hand, refer to Figure 11In response to a predetermined time elapsed since the start of the scale removal operation from the water level sensor 300, the controller 500 can output images I11-1 and I11-2 to guide the removal of scale from the drain container included in the cleaning fluid discharge section 130.

[0172] The controller 500 indicates that the descaling operation has been completed after a predetermined time since the start of the descaling process.

[0173] In this situation, the controller can determine that the cleaning fluid has been discharged into the drain container through the steam container and output image I11-1 stating "Sensor cleaning complete. Please separate the drain container and remove the cleaning fluid".

[0174] Additionally, when outputting images, users can detach the drain container and remove the cleaning fluid.

[0175] On the other hand, after separating the drain container, removing the cleaning solution, and reconnecting the drain container to the garment care device, the user can select image I11-2 which states "Cleaning solution removal complete" to complete the limescale removal.

[0176] exist Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The images and interfaces displayed on the screen shown are only one embodiment of this disclosure, and the form of the images and interfaces that the controller 500 uses to guide the user to remove limescale and complete the limescale removal is not limited thereto.

[0177] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0178] Reference Figure 12 When it is determined that scale has occurred on the water level sensor 300 during the use of the garment care equipment (1001), the controller 500 can output an image on the display to guide the scale removal (1002).

[0179] In addition, based on the user's response to the output image input of the scale removal command (1003), the controller 500 can perform the scale removal operation (1004).

[0180] The scale removal operation can be performed as described above by discharging the cleaning solution through a steam container and heating the cleaning solution.

[0181] Additionally, when such an operation is completed, the controller 500 can output an image (1005) showing the operation of guiding the separation of the drain container and removing the cleaning fluid. The user can then remove the cleaning fluid to complete the scale removal (1006).

[0182] Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments can be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions can be stored as program code, and when executed by a processor, a program module can be generated to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium can be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0183] Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media that store instructions that can be decoded by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0184] Although exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not described for limiting purposes.

[0185] Although specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that changes and modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A garment care device, comprising: The main building includes a clothing care room; and A steam generator is provided to supply steam to the garment care room. The steam generating device includes: Steam container; A cleaning fluid injection unit is provided for injecting cleaning fluid for removing scale from the steam container; A heating element is provided inside the steam container to heat the cleaning solution; A cleaning fluid discharge section is connected to the cleaning fluid outlet of the steam container and is provided to discharge the cleaning fluid that has removed the scale using heat received from the heating section. A water level sensor configured to detect the amount of water in the steam container; and A water tank is provided to hold the cleaning solution that has removed the scale and the condensate produced in the garment care chamber. The cleaning fluid discharge unit includes a second pump and a removable drain container. The second pump is provided to discharge the cleaning fluid, after the scale has been removed, into the water storage tank. The drain container receives the cleaning fluid, after the scale has been removed, and the condensate discharged from the water storage tank. The garment care device also includes: Input device; and The controller is configured to, when it is determined that scale has formed on the water level sensor by comparing a reference sensor value corresponding to a predetermined garment care process with the output signal of the water level sensor, control the cleaning fluid injection unit and the cleaning fluid discharge unit to discharge the cleaning fluid through the steam container based on a user command received via the input device. The controller is configured to determine the formation of scale on the water level sensor under one of the following conditions: The change in the output signal is less than a predetermined value, and water is introduced into the steam container based on the output signal of another sensor included in the garment care device; and The presence of water in the steam container is determined based on the output signal at a point in time when a predetermined time has elapsed since steam was supplied to the garment care room.

2. The garment care device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning liquid discharge unit comprises: A third pump is connected to the water storage tank to discharge the cleaning solution, which has removed the scale, and the condensate into the drain container.

3. The garment care device according to claim 1, wherein the second pump further includes a valve.

4. The garment care device of claim 1, wherein the second pump is arranged at a position lower than that of the steam container.

5. The garment care device according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting pipe connecting the steam container to the second pump. The connecting pipe is connected to the cleaning fluid outlet provided on the lower surface of the steam container and connects the lower part of the steam container to at least a portion of the second pump.

6. The garment care device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning fluid injection unit comprises: A water supply container is provided for supplying water to the steam container; A first pump is provided to move the cleaning fluid introduced into the water supply container to the steam container; A first connecting member connects the first pump to the steam container; as well as A first valve is provided on the path of the first connecting member.

7. The garment care device according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that scale has formed on the water level sensor, the controller heats the cleaning solution via the heating unit based on the user command.

8. The garment care device according to claim 7, wherein the controller heats the cleaning solution for a predetermined time via the heating unit.

9. The garment care device of claim 1, wherein the controller stops discharging the cleaning fluid in response to the temperature of the cleaning fluid exceeding a predetermined temperature.

10. The garment care device according to claim 1, further comprising a display screen. When scale is detected on the water level sensor, the controller outputs an image on the display to guide the removal of the scale.

11. The garment care device of claim 1, wherein the outlet of the second pump is configured to be higher than the inlet of the second pump, the outlet of the second pump is connected to the lower part of the water storage tank by a second connecting member, and the second connecting member includes a highest portion that is higher than the cleaning liquid outlet and the position of the water storage tank connected by the second connecting member.

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