Dryer operation method

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for operating a dryer for use in a 5G environment connected to the Internet of Things. The dryer of one embodiment may include: a heating device; a rotating drum connected to the outlet of the heating device; a fan connected to the outlet of the rotating drum; a heat exchanger disposed on a flow path connected to the outlet of the fan for the flow of a working fluid; and a compressor, the inlet of the compressor being connected to the flow path connected to the outlet of the fan, and the outlet of the compressor being connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger. The method for operating a dryer of one embodiment may include: a step of heating the working fluid by operating the heating device, a step of discharging a portion of the working fluid in the circulating flow path to the outside by operating the compressor to decompress the inside of the rotating drum, a step of drying the contents contained in the rotating drum, and a step of cooling the contents.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dryer operating method, and more particularly, to a dryer operating method configured to improve the efficiency and performance of the dryer. Background Art

[0002] The contents described in this section are merely to provide background information for the embodiments and do not constitute prior art.

[0003] Dryers are used to dry laundry and other items waiting to be dried. Depending on how the heat used to heat the items is obtained, dryers can be gas-powered, electric-heated, or heat-pump-powered.

[0004] The gas method uses the heat generated by burning combustible gas to heat the dried material. In the gas method, the gas dryer has the disadvantage of being larger and more complicated due to the external gas supply.

[0005] The electric heater method is a method of heating the dried object by using heat obtained by using an electric heater. The electric heater method dryer has the advantages of being able to reduce the size of the dryer and having a simple structure.

[0006] However, electric heater-type dryers use electricity, which is an expensive energy source, and therefore have disadvantages in terms of cost and energy efficiency.

[0007] The heat pump type dryer heats the dried article by using heat obtained by moving heat from a low-temperature thermal reservoir to a high-temperature thermal reservoir using a compressor.

[0008] The heat pump method can use a compressor to obtain heat, and the operation of the compressor may use electricity.

[0009] However, unlike the electric heater method that generates heat by converting electricity into heat, the heat pump method collects heat from a low-temperature heat storage to a high-temperature heat storage to obtain heat, so it has the advantage of lower power consumption than the electric heater method.

[0010] The demand for electric heater-type dryers with the advantage of low power consumption is increasing, and related research and development is gradually expanding. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0012] A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dryer operating method for improving the efficiency and performance of the dryer.

[0013] One problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for operating a dryer that can reduce power consumption by reducing initial heating.

[0014] One problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dryer operating method using a dryer having a structure including a gas-liquid separator.

[0015] One problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for operating a dryer to improve the heat exchange efficiency of a heat exchanger.

[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating a dryer that can effectively prevent condensed water from accumulating inside a heat exchanger.

[0017] One problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for operating a dryer in which countercurrent heat exchange occurs in a heat exchanger to improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0018] A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for operating a dryer in which a heat exchanger and a compressor are connected to each other.

[0019] An object of the present invention is to provide a dryer operating method capable of increasing the temperature of the working fluid flowing into the compressor and the ratio of steam in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0020] Technical solutions to the problem

[0021] In order to achieve the above-mentioned problems, the dryer of an embodiment of the present invention may include: a heating device; a rotating drum connected to the outlet of the heating device; a fan connected to the outlet of the rotating drum; a heat exchanger arranged on a flow path for a working fluid connected to the outlet of the fan; and a compressor, wherein the inlet of the compressor is connected to the flow path connected to the outlet of the fan, and the outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger.

[0022] The dryer operating method of an embodiment of the present invention may include: a step of heating the working fluid by operating a heating device, a step of discharging a portion of the working fluid in the circulation path to the outside by operating a compressor to reduce the pressure inside the drum, a step of drying the contents contained in the drum, and a step of cooling the contents.

[0023] The dryer may further include a housing portion that houses the heat exchanger therein, a flow path connected to the outlet of the fan may be connected to the housing portion, a flow path connected to the inlet of the heating device may be connected to the housing portion, and a flow path connected to the inlet of the compressor may be connected to the housing portion.

[0024] The dryer may further include a discharge valve connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger.

[0025] In the dryer operating method, the discharge valve may be opened when the interior of the drum is depressurized, and the discharge valve may be closed when the contents contained in the drum are dried.

[0026] The dryer may further include: a discharge flow path connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger and provided with a discharge valve; and a regeneration flow path having one end branched from the discharge flow path and the other end connected to the circulation flow path.

[0027] The regeneration flow path can be connected to at least one of the flow path of the working fluid connecting the heating device and the rotor, the flow path of the working fluid connecting the rotor and the fan, the flow path of the working fluid connected to the outlet of the fan, and the flow path of the working fluid connected to the inlet of the heating device.

[0028] The dryer may further include a control valve disposed in the regeneration flow path.

[0029] In the dryer operating method, the control valve may be closed in the step of depressurizing the interior of the drum, and the control valve may be opened in the step of drying the contents accommodated in the drum.

[0030] The dryer may further include: a gas-liquid separator, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger, and the gas outlet of which is connected to the regeneration flow path; a steam trap connected to the condensate outlet of the gas-liquid separator; a pressure reducing device provided in at least one of the flow path connecting the outlet of the heat exchanger and the inlet of the gas-liquid separator, and the flow path connecting the gas outlet of the gas-liquid separator and the exhaust flow path; a bypass flow path, both ends of which are connected to both ends of the pressure reducing device and both ends of the steam trap; and a bypass valve arranged in the bypass flow path.

[0031] In the dryer operating method, the operation of the heating device may be interrupted in the step of reducing the pressure inside the drum.

[0032] In the dryer operating method, at the step of drying the contents contained in the rotary drum, at least a portion of the working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger may flow into the circulation flow path.

[0033] In the dryer operating method, the operation of the compressor may be interrupted during the step of cooling the contents.

[0034] The dryer operating method of an embodiment of the present invention may include: a step of heating a working fluid by operating a heating device, a step of discharging a portion of the working fluid in the circulation path to the outside by interrupting the operation of the heating device and operating the compressor to decompress the interior of the drum, a step of drying the contents contained in the drum, and a step of interrupting the operation of the compressor and cooling the contents.

[0035] In order to achieve the above-mentioned problems, the dryer of an embodiment of the present invention may include: a heating device; a rotating drum, the inlet of which is connected to the heating device; a fan, which is configured to be connected to the outlet of the rotating drum; a heat exchanger, which is arranged on the flow path of the working fluid connected to the outlet of the fan; and a compressor, the inlet of which is connected to the circulation path of the working fluid based on the outlet of the fan, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger.

[0036] The heat exchanger may be formed with a first inlet for allowing the working fluid from the compressor to flow in and a first outlet for discharging the working fluid from the heat exchanger, and a height of the first inlet may be set to be higher than a height of the first outlet.

[0037] The heat exchanger may include: a first header, the length of which is arranged in the vertical direction and formed with a first inlet; a second header, the length of which is arranged in the vertical direction and formed with a first outlet; and first tubes, the ends of which are respectively connected to the first header and the second header, wherein a plurality of the first tubes are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction.

[0038] The first inlet port may be formed at a top end of the first header, and the first outlet port may be formed at a lower end of the second header.

[0039] The first inlet port may be formed at a side surface of the first header, and the first outlet port may be formed at a lower end of the second header.

[0040] The first inlet port may be formed at an upper portion of a side surface of the first header.

[0041] The longitudinal direction of the first tube may be arranged in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal directions of the first header and the second header.

[0042] The heat exchanger may include: a plurality of second tubes, the plurality of second tubes being spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction; and a return flow path connecting the outlets and inlets of the second tubes adjacent to each other, the first inlet being formed at one end of the second tube that is arranged at the highest position among the plurality of second tubes, and the first outlet being formed at one end of the second tube that is arranged at the lowest position among the plurality of second tubes.

[0043] The heat exchanger may be configured to have a single flow path with return flow paths connected to both ends of the second tube.

[0044] The heat exchanger may be provided to have a serpentine shape in the up-down direction.

[0045] The longitudinal direction of the second tube may be arranged in a direction intersecting the up-down direction.

[0046] The dryer according to the embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that a flow direction of the working fluid flowing outside the heat exchanger and a flow direction of the working fluid flowing inside the heat exchanger are at least partially opposite to each other.

[0047] The first inlet port may be arranged rearward of the first outlet port when viewed in a flow direction of the working fluid flowing outside the heat exchanger.

[0048] The dryer of an embodiment of the present invention may further include a accommodating portion, which accommodates the heat exchanger inside and through which the working fluid flows. The accommodating portion may include a second inlet and a second outlet for the working fluid flowing outside the heat exchanger to flow in and out. The second inlet may be configured to be adjacent to the first outlet, and the second outlet may be configured to be adjacent to the first inlet.

[0049] In order to achieve the above-mentioned problems, a dryer in an embodiment of the present invention may include: a rotating drum; a fan, which is arranged to be connected to the outlet of the rotating drum; a heat exchanger, which is arranged on the flow path of the working fluid connected to the outlet of the fan; a compressor, whose inlet is connected to the circulation path of the working fluid connected to the outlet of the fan, and whose outlet is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger; and a discharge path, which connects the circulation path and the inlet of the heat exchanger.

[0050] The inlet of the exhaust flow path may be arranged to be opposite to the working fluid flowing through the circulation flow path.

[0051] The dryer according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a housing portion that houses the heat exchanger and in which the working fluid flows, and the inlet of the discharge flow path may be disposed at a central portion of a cross section of the housing portion.

[0052] The working fluid may flow inside the accommodation portion in a direction perpendicular to a cross section of the accommodation portion.

[0053] The discharge flow path may include: a first pipe, which passes through the wall of the container, one end of which is connected to the compressor, and the other end of which is arranged inside the container; and a second pipe, which is bent from the other end of the first pipe, and when viewed in its length direction, at least a portion of which is arranged parallel to the direction of flow of the working fluid inside the container.

[0054] An inlet of the discharge flow path may be formed at the second pipe end.

[0055] A plurality of inlets of the discharge flow path may be provided in a central portion of the interior of the accommodating portion, and the inlets of the discharge flow path may be arranged symmetrically to each other.

[0056] The second pipe may include a header having one end connected to the first pipe, and a plurality of branch lines, one end of which is connected to the header and the other end of which has an inlet of the discharge flow path formed therein.

[0057] The rotating drum may be provided with a heating device for heating the objects to be dried contained therein.

[0058] The heating device may be arranged adjacent to the inner surface of the drum.

[0059] The heating device may be configured as an electric induction heater.

[0060] At least a portion of the electric induction heater may be circumferentially disposed on the inner surface of the drum.

[0061] The heating device may be configured as an infrared lamp, and at least one infrared lamp may be arranged on the rotating drum along the circumference.

[0062] The dryer according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include: a heater controller electrically connected to the heating device; and a humidity sensor electrically connected to the heater controller, disposed in the rotating drum and measuring the humidity inside the rotating drum.

[0063] Effects of the Invention

[0064] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the initial heating using the heater and the decompression of the interior of the drum using the compressor are simultaneously employed, thereby enabling the steam ratio in the circulation flow path to reach a set value or higher.

[0065] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the initial heating by the heating device is significantly reduced, thereby reducing the power consumption of the heating device, and the steam required for the operation of the dryer is obtained by using a compressor, thereby improving the efficiency of the dryer.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, external air is not allowed to flow into the circulation flow path, a heating device and a compressor are not used, and the object to be dried is cooled only by running a fan, thereby effectively suppressing the steam condensation phenomenon in the circulation flow path caused by the inflow of external air during the cooling step.

[0067] According to the embodiments of the present invention, by simplifying the structure of the dryer, it is possible to facilitate the design of the dryer and reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0068] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the heating device and the compressor are not operated in the cooling step, so the efficiency of the dryer can be improved by reducing power consumption.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the first inlet is located at a higher position than the first outlet, the condensed water generated inside the piping of the heat exchanger is smoothly discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger through the first outlet due to gravity, which can effectively prevent the accumulation of condensed water inside the heat exchanger.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the flow directions of the working fluids in the circulation path and the non-circulation path are formed so as to perform countercurrent heat exchange in which heat exchange occurs through the flow of working fluids having opposite flow directions, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger compared to parallel flow in which heat exchange occurs through the flow of working fluids having the same flow direction.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet of the discharge flow path is arranged opposite to the working fluid flowing through the circulation flow path, thereby increasing the flow rate of the working fluid flowing into the compressor, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet of the discharge flow path is arranged at the central part of the cross section of the container, which is the position where the ratio of the temperature of the working fluid and the steam in the container is the highest. As a result, the heat content of the working fluid flowing into the compressor can be increased compared to the case where the inlet of the discharge flow path is arranged at the edge of the cross section of the container.

[0073] According to the embodiments of the present invention, since the heat content of the working fluid flowing into the compressor is increased, the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger can be improved.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heating device is provided in the drum to heat the inside of the drum, thereby obtaining a large amount of steam in a short time by inputting as little heat as possible compared to providing the heating device at other locations in the dryer.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, even when multiple discharge flow path inlets are provided, a working fluid having a high temperature and steam ratio in the working fluid flowing inside the accommodating portion of the discharge flow path can flow into the compressor through the discharge flow path inlet, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the external appearance of a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 3 1 is a flow chart showing a method for operating a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a dryer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a dryer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the structure of a dryer according to still another embodiment.

[0082] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a heat exchanger according to still another embodiment.

[0083] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a heat exchanger according to still another embodiment.

[0084] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a heat exchanger according to still another embodiment.

[0085] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the structure of a housing portion according to still another embodiment.

[0086] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the structure of a dryer according to still another embodiment.

[0087] Figure 12 It is a diagram for explaining the internal structure of a housing portion according to still another embodiment.

[0088] Figure 13 It is a diagram for explaining the internal structure of a housing portion according to still another embodiment.

[0089] Figure 14 It will Figure 13 The structure is rotated 90° to observe the figure.

[0090] Figure 15 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of a heating device according to still another embodiment.

[0091] Description of reference numerals for main parts in the accompanying drawings

[0092] S100: Dryer operation method

[0093] S110: Heating step

[0094] S120: Decompression Step

[0095] S130: Drying step

[0096] S140: Cooling step

[0097] 10: User interface 20: Main body

[0098] 100: Rotating drum 800: Storage unit

[0099] 200: Fan 810: Exhaust valve

[0100] 300: Heat exchanger 820: Exhaust flow path

[0101] 301: First inlet 830: Regeneration flow path

[0102] 302: First outlet 840: Control valve

[0103] 310: First header FL: flow path

[0104] 320: Second header 850: Circulation flow path

[0105] 330: First pipe 860: Non-circulating flow path

[0106] 340: Second pipe 861: Discharge flow path

[0107] 350: Return flow path 862: Inlet of the discharge flow path

[0108] 400: Compressor 863: First pipe

[0109] 500: Heating device 864: Second piping

[0110] 600: Accommodation 865: Manifold

[0111] 601: Second inlet 866: Branch flow path

[0112] 602: Second discharge outlet 900: Control unit

[0113] 710: Gas-liquid separator 1000: Heater controller

[0114] 720: Steam Trap HS: Humidity Sensor

[0115] 730: Pressure reducing device LP: Infrared lamp

[0116] 740: Bypass flow path

[0117] 750: Bypass valve DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0118] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in describing the present invention, descriptions of known functions or structures will be omitted in order to clarify the gist of the present invention.

[0119] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the appearance of a dryer according to an embodiment. For example, the dryer according to the embodiment can be used to dry laundry that has not been dried after washing. Of course, it can also be used to dry wet clothes, etc., regardless of washing.

[0120] The objects to be dried can be placed in a tumbler 100 provided in the dryer. Figure 1 For example, the drum 100 may be configured to be cylindrical and may be configured to rotate as needed.

[0121] The dryer may be provided with a user interface 10 . The user interface 10 is electrically connected to a control unit 900 described below, and a user may control the operation of the dryer through the user interface 10 .

[0122] For example, the user interface 10 may include a display, capacitive touch buttons, physical buttons, knobs, a speaker for the dryer to emit voice, a microphone for the user to input instructions by voice, etc.

[0123] Therefore, the user can obtain information required for operation from the dryer through text, voice, etc. In addition, the user can input instructions by voice or operate buttons, knobs, etc. by hand to operate the dryer.

[0124] The dryer further includes a communication unit (transceiver) connected to the control unit 900 , and the control unit 900 can communicate with a server, a user terminal, and other external devices through the communication unit.

[0125] The communication unit may be configured to include at least one of a mobile communication module and a wireless Internet module. In addition, the communication unit may further include a short-range communication module.

[0126] The mobile communication module sends / receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network constructed according to a technical standard or communication method for mobile communication (for example, GSM (Global System for Mobile communication), CDMA (Code Division Multi Access), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000), EV-DO (Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), 5G mobile communication, etc.

[0127] The wireless Internet module is a module for connecting to the wireless Internet and can be installed in the dryer. The wireless Internet module is configured to send and receive wireless signals in a communication network based on wireless Internet technology.

[0128] The dryer can send and receive data with servers and various communicative terminals over the 5G network. Specifically, the dryer can communicate with servers and terminals over the 5G network using at least one of the following services: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC).

[0129] eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband) is a mobile broadband service that provides multimedia content, wireless data access, and more. eMBB can also provide advanced mobile services such as hotspots and broadband coverage to accommodate the explosive growth of mobile traffic. Hotspots can accommodate large amounts of traffic in areas with low user mobility and high density. Broadband coverage ensures a broad and stable wireless environment and user mobility.

[0130] Ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC) services define stricter requirements for data transmission and reception reliability and transmission delay than existing LTE. 5G services used for industrial production process automation, telemedicine, remote surgery, transportation, security, and other purposes correspond to these requirements.

[0131] Massive Machine-type communications (mMTC) is a service that is insensitive to transmission delays and requires relatively small amounts of data. mMTC allows devices, such as sensors, to simultaneously connect to a wireless access network, far outnumbering those found in typical mobile phones. In this scenario, the communication modules in these devices must be inexpensive and require improved power efficiency and battery-saving technologies to enable them to operate for years without requiring battery replacement or recharging.

[0132] In order to apply heat to the objects to be dried contained in the drum 100 , the dryer of the embodiment may constitute a thermodynamic cycle.

[0133] The working fluid used to implement the dryer's thermodynamic cycle can be a mixture of air and gaseous water, i.e., steam. In this case, the ratio of air to steam in the working fluid can be varied while circulating the various components of the dryer. Furthermore, the working fluid can also temporarily or partially contain liquid water.

[0134] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the structure of a dryer according to an embodiment.

[0135] The dryer may be provided with a flow path FL for the working fluid to flow. The flow path FL may connect the various components of the dryer described below. For example, the flow path FL may be provided as a pipe, a hose, a tube, or a combination thereof.

[0136] In having Figure 2In each of the dryers of the following structures, the flow path FL of the working fluid may be provided as a circulation path 850 , a non-circulation path 860 , a discharge path 820 , or a regeneration line 830 .

[0137] The circulation flow path 850 connects the heating device 500, the drum 100, the fan 200, and the heat exchanger 300. The working fluid can circulate along the circulation flow path 850. The fan 200 can blow the working fluid so that the working fluid flows along the circulation flow path 850.

[0138] The non-circulation flow path 860 may branch from the circulation flow path 850 before the heat exchanger 300 and be connected to the compressor 400, and may be connected to the compressor 400 and the heat exchanger 300. The working fluid flowing through the non-circulation flow path 860 may flow into the compressor 400 to be compressed, and then pass through the heat exchanger 300.

[0139] A portion of the working fluid in the circulation flow path 850 may flow into the non-circulation flow path 860 branched from the circulation flow path 850. Due to the pressurization in the compressor 400, the temperature of the working fluid flowing into the non-circulation flow path 860 may be increased and heated.

[0140] The discharge flow path 820 may be connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger 300, and a discharge valve 810 may be provided on the discharge flow path 820. Furthermore, the discharge flow path 820 may be connected to the reservoir 800. The working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300 may flow into the reservoir 800 or be discharged to the outside through the discharge flow path 820.

[0141] The heated working fluid of the non-circulation flow path 860 discharged from the compressor 400 may flow into the heat exchanger 300 and exchange heat with the relatively low-temperature working fluid of the circulation flow path 850 , and then be discharged from the heat exchanger 300 .

[0142] The regeneration flow path 830 is a flow path FL for the working fluid connecting the outlet of the heat exchanger 300 and the circulation flow path 850. Figure 5 As shown, for example, a gas-liquid separator 710 , a pressure reducing device 730 , a steam trap 720 , etc. may be disposed on the regeneration flow path 830 .

[0143] As described above, the working fluid in the circulation flow path 850 is heated by the heat exchanger 300 and flows into the drum 100 to heat the objects to be dried contained in the drum 100, thereby drying the objects to be dried.

[0144] After the dryer is in operation, in order to perform the drying operation quickly and efficiently, the objects to be dried need to be quickly heated at the beginning of the drying operation. If the compressor 400 is in operation, the working fluid of the non-circulating flow path can be heated, and the working fluid of the circulating flow path can be heated by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 300.

[0145] However, in order to quickly evaporate the water contained in the object to be dried by heating the object to be dried more quickly, the working fluid in the circulation path may be further heated by using the heating device 500 .

[0146] This initial heating is to heat the working fluid in the circulation flow path 850. In order to perform the initial heating, the heating device 500 may be provided in the circulation flow path 850 connected to the inlet of the drum 100.

[0147] If the objects to be dried in the drum 100 are continuously heated, water contained in the objects to be dried continues to evaporate, so that the working fluids in the circulation flow path 850 and the non-circulation flow path 860 contain sufficient steam, and heat exchange in the heat exchanger 300 proceeds smoothly, the initial heating can be terminated.

[0148] Taking into account the specific design of the dryer, for example, the time for the initial heating can be set, and the initial heating can be ended after the set time has passed.

[0149] As another embodiment, the humidity of the working fluid can be measured by a humidity sensor disposed in the working fluid circulation path 850, the non-circulation path 860, or an appropriate position in each component. If the humidity falls within a set range, the initial heating can be terminated.

[0150] The heating device 500 heats the working fluid flowing through the circulation path 850 , and the heated working fluid flows into the drum 100 . The objects to be dried in the drum 100 are heated by the working fluid, and the water contained therein can be evaporated and gasified.

[0151] When only the heating device 500 is used for initial heating, for example, if water evaporates from the dried material and steam is present in the circulation flow path 850 at a ratio exceeding a set value, the initial heating can be interrupted. In this case, the steam ratio refers to the ratio of steam to air in the working fluid.

[0152] For example, the heating device 500 for performing the initial heating may be an electric heater. If the heating device 500 is excessively used in the initial heating, the efficiency of the drying device may be reduced due to excessive power consumption.

[0153] Therefore, in the embodiment, in order to reduce the power consumption of the heating device 500 configured as an electric heater during the initial heating process, the initial heating performed by the heating device 500 may be reduced as much as possible.

[0154] After the initial heating by the heating device 500 is completed, the compressor 400 is used to reduce the pressure inside the drum 100 to actively evaporate water in the drum 100 , thereby allowing steam to exist in the circulation flow path 850 at a ratio greater than a set value.

[0155] That is, in the embodiment, the initial heating using the heating device 500 and the decompression of the interior of the drum 100 using the compressor 400 are simultaneously employed, thereby enabling the steam ratio in the circulation flow path 850 to reach a set value or higher.

[0156] Therefore, in the embodiment, the initial heating performed by the heating device 500 is significantly reduced, thereby reducing the power consumption of the heating device 500, and the steam required for the operation of the dryer can be obtained by using the compressor 400, thereby improving the efficiency of the dryer.

[0157] For steam generation using the heating device and the circulation flow path 850 of the compressor 400, reference will be made to Figure 3 The following will be described in detail. Figure 2 , the structure and function of the dryer of the embodiment are described in detail.

[0158] Reference Figure 2 The drying machine of the embodiment may include a heating device 500 , a rotating drum 100 , a fan 200 , a heat exchanger 300 , and a compressor 400 .

[0159] The drum 100 may be connected to the outlet of the heating device 500. The structure and function of the drum 100 are as described above.

[0160] The heating device 500 may be disposed between the drum 100 and the heat exchanger 300 on the circulation flow path 850. For example, the heating device 500 may be an electric heater.

[0161] As described above, for example, the heating device 500 can be used to initially heat the working fluid flowing through the circulation path 850. After the initial heating is completed, the heating device 500 can be discontinued. Furthermore, even after the initial heating is completed, the heating device 500 can be restarted at any time to heat the working fluid in the circulation path 850.

[0162] The fan 200 may be configured to be connected to the outlet of the drum 100. The fan 200 and the drum 100 may be connected to each other through a working fluid circulation path 850. The fan 200 may blow the working fluid flowing from the drum 100 so that the working fluid circulates in the circulation path 850.

[0163] The heat exchanger 300 may be disposed on the working fluid flow path FL connected to the outlet of the fan 200 . That is, the heat exchanger 300 may be disposed on the working fluid circulation path 850 connecting the fan 200 and the drum 100 .

[0164] In addition, the heat exchanger 300 may be provided so that a non-circulation flow path 860 of the working fluid connected to the outlet of the compressor 400 passes through the heat exchanger 300 .

[0165] Due to this structure, heat exchange can occur between the relatively low-temperature working fluid of the circulation flow path 850 and the relatively high-temperature working fluid of the non-circulation flow path 860 compressed by the compressor 400 in the heat exchanger 300 .

[0166] On the other hand, during the initial heating, the working fluid in the non-circulation flow path 860 can be further heated, so that the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 300 becomes more active.

[0167] The working fluid in the circulation path 850 heated by the heat exchanger 300 may flow into the drum 100 again to heat and dry the objects to be dried in the drum 100 .

[0168] The dryer of the embodiment may further include a housing 600 that houses the heat exchanger 300 and through which the working fluid flows. For example, the housing 600 may be configured as a pipe and may constitute a portion of the circulation flow path 850 .

[0169] The accommodation portion 600 may be formed to have a larger cross-sectional area to increase the contact area between the working fluid of the circulation flow path 850 and the surface of the heat exchanger 300 to improve the heat exchange efficiency between the working fluid of the circulation flow path 850 and the working fluid of the non-circulation flow path 860 .

[0170] However, it is appropriate to select the cross-sectional area of the accommodating portion 600 in consideration of the overall size of the dryer, the size of the space provided for the accommodating portion 600 , the size of the heat exchanger 300 , and the like.

[0171] like Figure 2As shown, the flow path FL connected to the outlet of the fan 200 can be connected to the accommodating portion 600, the flow path FL connected to the inlet of the heating device 500 can be connected to the accommodating portion 600, and the flow path FL connected to the inlet of the compressor 400 can be connected to the accommodating portion 600.

[0172] That is, the housing 600 can be connected to both the circulating flow path 850 and the non-circulating flow path 860 of the working fluid. For example, the heat exchanger 300 includes an open type, in which the working fluid of the circulating flow path 850 and the working fluid of the non-circulating flow path 860 are mixed with each other, and a closed type, in which the working fluids are separated from each other. For example, the heat exchanger 300 of the embodiment can be configured as a closed type.

[0173] When using a closed heat exchanger 300 , the non-circulating flow path 860 of the working fluid can be directly connected to the heat exchanger 300 configured in the container 600 , and the working fluid in the non-circulating flow path 860 is not mixed with the working fluid in the circulating flow path 850 in the container 600 but is separated from each other.

[0174] An inlet of the compressor 400 may be connected to a flow path FL connected to an outlet of the fan 200 , and an outlet of the compressor 400 may be connected to an inlet of the heat exchanger 300 .

[0175] Compressor 400 may be connected to non-circulating flow path 860 of the working fluid, allowing a portion of the working fluid flowing through circulating flow path 850 to flow into non-circulating flow path 860. Due to the pressurization in compressor 400, the temperature of the working fluid flowing into non-circulating flow path 860 may be increased before flowing into heat exchanger 300.

[0176] The compressor 400 may be of various types, such as reciprocating, rotary, screw, scroll, centrifugal, and axial types. The compressor 400 may be appropriately selected for use in consideration of size and specific features.

[0177] The drying machine of the embodiment may further include a storage unit 800 and a control unit 900 .

[0178] The storage unit 800 may be connected to the discharge flow path 820 or the regeneration flow path 830. For example, the storage unit 800 may be connected to the discharge valve 810 provided on the discharge flow path 820 or the outlet of the steam trap 720 to store water discharged from the discharge flow path 820.

[0179] When the working fluid flows into the storage unit 800, at least a portion of the steam contained therein may be condensed and converted into liquid water, i.e., condensed water, while passing through the heat exchanger 300, the gas-liquid separator 710, or the steam trap 720. Therefore, the storage unit 800 may store the flowing condensed water.

[0180] The controller 900 may be electrically connected to the heating device 500, the fan 200, the compressor 400, the discharge valve 810, and the control valve 840. In addition, the controller 900 may be electrically connected to other components of the dryer that require electrical control.

[0181] The controller 900 can control various components of the dryer, thereby controlling the overall operation of the dryer of the embodiment. For example, the controller 900 can supply power to the heating device 500, control the operation of the fan 200, control the operation of the compressor 400, or control the opening and closing of the discharge valve 810 or the control valve 840.

[0182] As described above, the control unit 900 can be connected to the user interface 10 and the communication unit to receive user command input, send required notifications to the user, or communicate with external devices such as a server.

[0183] The dryer may further include a discharge valve 810 connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger 300. The discharge valve 810 may be electrically connected to a control unit 900, and the control unit 900 may control the opening and closing of the discharge valve 810.

[0184] For example, the controller 900 may open the discharge valve 810 when the interior of the drum 100 is depressurized, and may close the discharge valve 810 when the contents contained in the drum 100 are dried.

[0185] When the discharge valve 810 is opened while the compressor 400 is operating, a portion of the working fluid in the circulation flow path 850 is discharged to the non-circulation flow path 860 , and the interior of the drum 100 disposed in the circulation flow path 850 can be decompressed.

[0186] As described above, the dryer may include a discharge flow path 820. The discharge flow path 820 may be connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger 300 and may be provided with the discharge valve 810. One end of the discharge flow path 820 may be connected to the heat exchanger 300, and the other end of the discharge flow path 820 may be connected to the storage unit 800.

[0187] The working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300 may flow into the storage portion 800 through the discharge flow path 820 .

[0188] Figure 31 is a flow chart showing a method (S100) for operating a dryer according to an embodiment. As described above, the control unit 900 can control the operation of the dryer.

[0189] The controller 900 can heat the working fluid by operating the heating device 500 (S110). In step S110, the discharge valve 810 is closed, the compressor 400 is not operated, and the heating device 500 and the fan 200 are operated. Therefore, the working fluid in the circulation flow path 850 does not flow into the compressor 400, but continues to circulate in the circulation flow path 850 and is heated.

[0190] If the circulation flow path 850 is properly heated, the control unit 900 may interrupt the operation of the heating device 500. The operation of the heating device 500 may be interrupted, for example, when the heating device 500 has been operating for a predetermined time or when the temperature or humidity at a specific point in the circulation flow path 850, such as inside the drum 100, reaches a set value or higher.

[0191] To measure temperature and humidity, temperature sensors and humidity sensors may be provided at appropriate locations of various flow paths and components in the dryer. The controller 900 may receive measurement values from these temperature sensors and humidity sensors and determine whether to interrupt the operation of the heating device 500 accordingly.

[0192] Of course, at the time point when the operation of the heating device 500 is interrupted, the steam ratio of the circulation flow path 850 and the drum 100 has not reached the set value.

[0193] The controller 900 may operate the compressor 400 to discharge a portion of the working fluid in the circulation flow path 850 to the outside to reduce the pressure inside the drum 100 ( S120 ).

[0194] In step S120 , the controller 900 may interrupt the operation of the heating device 500 , operate the fan 200 , operate the compressor 400 , and open the discharge valve 810 .

[0195] Thus, as part of the working fluid in the circulation flow path 850 is discharged to the non-circulation flow path 860, the pressure in the circulation flow path 850 and the drum 100 can be reduced.

[0196] As the drum 100 is depressurized, the evaporation temperature of water contained in the object to be dried contained in the drum 100 decreases, whereby evaporation of water actively occurs in the drum 100, and accordingly, the steam ratio in the circulation flow path 850 and the drum 100 may increase.

[0197] However, in step S120, a portion of the steam in the circulation passage 850 is discharged to the storage unit 800, thereby reducing the steam ratio in the circulation passage 850. Therefore, in order to maintain the steam ratio in the circulation passage 850 above the set value, the internal pressure of the drum 100 must be appropriately maintained.

[0198] The lower the internal pressure of the drum 100 is, the lower the vaporization temperature of water is. Therefore, reducing the internal pressure of the drum 100 as much as possible may be beneficial to increasing the ratio of steam in the circulation flow path 850.

[0199] However, if the internal pressure of the drum 100 is excessively lowered, the power consumption of the compressor 400 may increase, so the operation of the compressor 400 should be properly controlled by considering these points so that the internal pressure of the drum 100 has an appropriate value.

[0200] When the steam ratio of the circulation flow path 850 and the drum 100 is greater than the set value, the dryer can perform the drying step. Whether the steam ratio is greater than the set value can be detected by humidity sensors disposed on the circulation flow path 850 and the drum 100.

[0201] In the drying step, the dryer can dry the contents contained in the drum 100 (S130) according to the control of the controller 900. In step S130, the fan 200 and the compressor 400 are operated, the discharge valve 810 is in an open state, and the heat exchanger 300 can be operated due to the operation of the compressor 400.

[0202] Thus, the working fluid in the circulation flow path 850 is heated by the heat exchanger 300, flows into the drum 100, and heats the objects to be dried contained in the drum 100, thereby drying the objects to be dried.

[0203] In the step of drying the contents contained in the drum 100 , at least a portion of the working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300 may flow into the circulation flow path 850 .

[0204] That is, in step S130 , unlike step S120 , the circulation flow path 850 does not need to be depressurized, and since the working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300 has a large amount of heat, the efficiency of the dryer can be improved by inputting this heat into the circulation flow path 850 .

[0205] Therefore, the dryer of the embodiment may be provided with a regeneration flow path 830 for allowing the working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300 in step S130 to flow into the circulation flow path 850. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This will be described in detail below.

[0206] As the drying step ( S130 ) proceeds, the condensed water flows into the storage portion 800 , and the overall humidity of the circulation flow path 850 and the amount of water contained in the object to be dried gradually decrease, thereby drying the object to be dried.

[0207] If the drying step (S130) completes the drying of the object to be dried, the cooling step (S140) may be performed. Whether the drying of the object to be dried is completed can be determined based on, for example, a set time has passed or the humidity of the object to be dried becomes below a set value.

[0208] In the cooling step, the controller 900 may interrupt the operation of the compressor 400 and cool the contents (S140). When water contained in the dried contents is fully evaporated and dried, the dryer may cool the high-temperature dried contents.

[0209] In order to cool the objects to be dried, ambient temperature outside air is usually flowed into the circulation flow path 850 for cooling. When outside air is used to cool the objects to be dried, a flow path FL, a valve, a fan, and other devices are required to flow outside air into the circulation flow path 850.

[0210] These additional devices or apparatuses may make the design of the dryer difficult and may result in increased manufacturing costs of the dryer.

[0211] On the other hand, when the ambient temperature outside air and the working fluid of the circulation flow path 850 come into contact with each other, at least a portion of the high temperature working fluid drops below the dew point temperature due to the temperature difference, and the steam contained in the working fluid can be condensed to produce condensed water.

[0212] Condensed water may have adverse effects such as soaking the dried object and making it wet. Therefore, in the cooling step, in order to suppress condensation of steam in the circulation flow path 850, the outside air is heated to an appropriate temperature and flows into the circulation flow path 850.

[0213] The heating of the external air can be achieved by the heating device 500 or the heat exchanger 300. In order to operate the heat exchanger 300, the operation of the compressor 400 is required in the cooling step.

[0214] However, in the cooling step, when the heating device 500 or the compressor 400 is operated to heat the external air, excessive power consumption may occur and the efficiency of the dryer may be reduced.

[0215] Therefore, a method is needed to cool the object to be dried without allowing external air to flow into the circulation path 850 and without operating the heating device 500 and the compressor 400 during the cooling step. In an embodiment, a method for cooling the object to be dried is implemented taking the above conditions into consideration.

[0216] In step S140, i.e., the step of cooling the dried object, the operation of the compressor 400 may be interrupted, and the fan 200 may be used to circulate the working fluid in the circulation path 850. Since the compressor 400 is not operating, the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 300 gradually decreases, and the working fluid in the circulation path 850 may be gradually cooled.

[0217] In addition, the cooling working fluid circulating in the circulation flow path 850 can flow into the drum 100 and cool the high-temperature drying objects contained in the drum 100. If the drying objects are sufficiently cooled, the controller 900 can stop the operation of the fan 200 to end the drying operation.

[0218] In the embodiment, external air is not allowed to flow into the circulation path 850, the heating device 500 and the compressor 400 are not used, and the object to be dried is cooled only by operating the fan 200. Therefore, the steam condensation phenomenon in the circulation path 850 caused by the inflow of external air during the cooling step can be effectively suppressed.

[0219] In addition, by simplifying the structure of the dryer, the design of the dryer can be facilitated and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0220] In addition, the heating device 500 and the compressor 400 are not operated in the cooling step, so the efficiency of the dryer can be improved by reducing power consumption.

[0221] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the structure of a dryer according to another embodiment.

[0222] As described above, the dryer may further include a regeneration flow path 830. One end of the regeneration flow path 830 may branch from the exhaust flow path 820, and the other end may be connected to the circulation flow path 850 of the working fluid.

[0223] The regeneration flow path 830 can be connected to at least one of the flow path FL of the working fluid connecting the heating device 500 and the drum 100, the flow path FL of the working fluid connecting the drum 100 and the fan 200, the flow path FL of the working fluid connected to the outlet of the fan 200, and the flow path FL of the working fluid connected to the inlet of the heating device 500.

[0224] That is, Figure 4As shown, the regeneration flow path 830 may be connected to at least one of the four partial flow paths of the circulation flow path 850 divided by the heating device 500 , the drum 100 , the fan 200 , and the heat exchanger 300 .

[0225] For example, Figure 4 As shown, a valve for controlling the flow of the working fluid is provided in each regeneration flow path 830 connected to the four partial flow paths of the circulation flow path 850. By opening and closing each valve, the working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300 can flow into all or part of the four partial flow paths of the circulation flow path 850.

[0226] As another embodiment, the regeneration flow path 830 may be connected to only a portion of the four partial flow paths of the circulation flow path 850 .

[0227] Due to this structure, the working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300 can flow into all or part of the four sub-flow paths of the circulation flow path 850. The working fluid flowing from the heat exchanger 300 into the circulation flow path 850 has a relatively large amount of heat and can be used to heat the working fluid in the circulation flow path 850, thereby improving the efficiency of the dryer.

[0228] In the decompression step (S120), it is appropriate to prevent the working fluid from flowing from the regeneration flow path 830 to the circulation flow path 850 in order to perform decompression, and in the drying step, it is appropriate to allow the working fluid to flow from the regeneration flow path 830 to the circulation flow path in order to improve the efficiency of the dryer.

[0229] To this end, the dryer may further include a control valve 840 disposed on the regeneration flow path 830. The control valve 840 may be electrically connected to the control unit 900, and its opening and closing may be controlled by the control unit 900.

[0230] In the step ( S120 ) of decompressing the interior of the drum 100 , the control unit 900 may close the control valve 840 . In the step ( S130 ) of drying the contents contained in the drum 100 , the control unit 900 may open the control valve 840 .

[0231] In order to effectively reduce the pressure in the circulation flow path 850 and the drum 100, in step S120, the inflow of the working fluid from the regeneration flow path 830 to the circulation flow path 850 may be cut off by closing the control valve 840. This is because if the working fluid flows from the regeneration flow path 830 to the circulation flow path 850, the inflow of the working fluid may increase the pressure in the circulation flow path 850 and the drum 100.

[0232] In step S130 , the control valve 840 may be opened to allow the working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300 to flow into the circulation path 850 , thereby heating the working fluid in the circulation path 850 , thereby improving the efficiency of the heat exchanger 300 .

[0233] On the other hand, condensed water and steam coexist in the working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300. It is appropriate to allow steam with a high calorie content to flow into the circulation flow path 850 through the regeneration flow path 830, while discharging condensed water with a low calorie content and which does not contribute much to the heating of the circulation flow path 850 to the storage section 800.

[0234] Therefore, it is necessary to set a device in the regeneration flow path 830, which is used to separate the condensed water from the steam and discharge the condensed water to the storage part 800 so that the steam flows into the circulation flow path 850. For example, such a device includes a gas-liquid separator 710 and a steam trap 720, which will be referred to in detail. Figure 5 Provide explanation.

[0235] Figure 5 FIG is a diagram showing a dryer structure of another embodiment. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, in order to effectively reduce the pressure in the circulation flow path 850 and the drum 100, the flow of the working fluid from the regeneration flow path 830 to the circulation flow path 850 may be cut off by closing the control valve 840 in step S120. This is because if the working fluid flows from the regeneration flow path 830 to the circulation flow path 850, the inflow of the working fluid may increase the pressure in the circulation flow path 850 and the drum 100.

[0236] In step S130 , the control valve 840 may be opened to allow the working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300 to flow into the circulation path 850 , thereby heating the working fluid in the circulation path 850 , thereby improving the efficiency of the heat exchanger 300 .

[0237] on the other hand, Figure 5 The discharge valve 810 of the illustrated embodiment is opened in step S120 but is closed in step S130 , thereby effectively discharging the condensed water into the storage unit 800 and allowing the steam to flow into the circulation flow path 850 .

[0238] On the other hand, Figure 5 In the illustrated dryer, the discharge flow path 820 connected to the outlet of the discharge valve 810 may also be connected to the storage portion 800 .

[0239] like Figure 5 As shown, the dryer may include a gas-liquid separator 710 , a steam trap 720 , a pressure reducing device 730 , a bypass flow path 740 , and a bypass valve 750 .

[0240] The inlet of the gas-liquid separator 710 may be connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger 300 , and the gas outlet may be connected to the regeneration flow path 830 . In addition, the condensed water outlet of the gas-liquid separator 710 may be connected to the steam trap 720 and the storage unit 800 .

[0241] The working fluid flowing into the gas-liquid separator 710 is separated into condensed water (liquid) and steam (gas). The condensed water separated by the gas-liquid separator 710 flows into the storage unit 800, and the steam separated by the gas-liquid separator 710 flows into the circulation flow path 850 through the regeneration flow path 830.

[0242] The working fluid flowing from the gas-liquid separator 710 into the circulation flow path 850 can circulate in the circulation flow path 850 and be used to dry the objects to be dried in the drum 100. Therefore, if condensed water flows into the circulation flow path 850, a large amount of latent heat of evaporation is required to evaporate the condensed water, which is not beneficial compared to the case without the regeneration flow path 830.

[0243] Therefore, in an embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 710 can be used to allow only steam that does not require latent heat of evaporation to flow into the circulation flow path 850. Since only steam is allowed to flow into the circulation flow path 850, there is no need to apply additional heat equivalent to the latent heat of evaporation of the condensed water to the working fluid in the circulation flow path 850, thereby improving the efficiency of the dryer.

[0244] As described above, at least one gas outlet of the gas-liquid separator 710 may be disposed in the four partial flow paths of the circulation flow path 850 divided by the heating device 500 , the drum 100 , the fan 200 , and the heat exchanger 300 .

[0245] The steam trap 720 may be connected to the condensed water outlet of the gas-liquid separator 710 . The steam trap 720 may be disposed on the flow path FL connecting the condensed water outlet of the gas-liquid separator 710 and the storage unit 800 .

[0246] Steam and condensed water may not be completely separated in the gas-liquid separator 710 , and part of the condensed water discharged from the gas-liquid separator 710 may be vaporized and generate steam again due to a temporary pressure drop inside the flow path FL.

[0247] For this reason, the working fluid discharged from the gas-liquid separator 710 may contain not only condensed water but also steam. Therefore, by disposing the steam trap 720 in the flow path FL connected to the condensed water outlet, it is possible to suppress the discharge of steam into the storage unit 800.

[0248] Condensed water in the working fluid flowing into the steam trap 720 flows into the storage unit 800 through the steam trap 720, while steam cannot pass through the steam trap 720. The steam that cannot pass through the steam trap 720 can flow into the circulation flow path 850 through the gas outlet of the gas-liquid separator 710.

[0249] In the embodiment, by providing a steam trap 720 connected to the condensed water outlet of the gas-liquid separator 710 , only the condensed water is discharged from the gas-liquid separator 710 to the storage unit 800 , thereby improving the efficiency of the dryer.

[0250] The decompression device 730 may be provided in at least one of the flow path FL connecting the outlet of the heat exchanger 300 and the inlet of the gas-liquid separator 710 and the flow path FL connecting the gas outlet of the gas-liquid separator 710 and the exhaust path 820 .

[0251] The working fluid flowing into the non-circulation flow path 860 of the gas-liquid separator 710 through the heat exchanger 300 is compressed by the compressor 400 and is therefore in a state of higher temperature and higher pressure than the working fluid in the circulation flow path 850 .

[0252] Therefore, the steam flowing into the circulation flow path 850 through the regeneration flow path 830 needs to be decompressed and cooled to have the same or similar pressure and temperature as the working fluid of the circulation flow path 850 .

[0253] In an embodiment, a pressure reducing device 730 is provided in at least one of the partial flow paths before or after the gas-liquid separator 710 in the regeneration flow path 830, so that the temperature and pressure of the steam discharged through the gas outlet of the gas-liquid separator 710 and flowing into the circulation flow path 850 are reduced to correspond to those of the circulation flow path 850.

[0254] For example, the decompression device 730 may be an expansion valve, a throttling device, a capillary device, etc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various devices capable of reducing the pressure and lowering the temperature of the working fluid may be provided.

[0255] Both ends of the bypass flow path 740 may be connected to both ends of the pressure reducing device 730 and both ends of the steam trap 720. A bypass valve 750 may be disposed on the bypass flow path 740.

[0256] In the event of an emergency such as a failure or abnormal operation of the pressure reducing device 730 or the steam trap 720 , it is necessary to cause the working fluid to flow around them.

[0257] In such an emergency, the bypass valve 750 may be opened to allow the working fluid to bypass the pressure reducing device 730 or the steam trap 720 through the bypass flow path 740 .

[0258] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the structure of a dryer according to still another embodiment.

[0259] The heat exchanger 300 of the embodiment may be configured to allow the relatively high-temperature working fluid flowing from the compressor 400 to pass through the interior of the closed narrow pipe, and to allow the relatively low-temperature working fluid flowing from the fan 200 and passing through the accommodating portion 600 to contact the outer surface of the pipe.

[0260] Due to this structure, heat transfer can occur from the relatively high-temperature working fluid passing through the inside of the pipe to the relatively low-temperature working fluid contacting the outer surface of the pipe and passing through the accommodation portion 600 .

[0261] As heat transfer occurs, the working fluid passing through the pipes of the heat exchanger 300 loses heat, and water may partially condense. If condensed water accumulates inside the pipes of the heat exchanger 300, the flow of the working fluid inside the pipes of the heat exchanger 300 may be reduced.

[0262] In severe cases, condensed water accumulates inside the pipes of the heat exchanger 300 , completely blocking a portion of the pipes. This may cause a steam trap phenomenon in which steam cannot pass through the pipes blocked by the condensed water.

[0263] If condensed water accumulates inside the pipes of the heat exchanger 300 or steam condenses, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 300 is significantly reduced, and foreign matter contained in the condensed water accumulates inside the pipes, which may significantly reduce the life of the heat exchanger 300.

[0264] Therefore, in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency and extend the life of the heat exchanger 300, it is necessary to consider a structure for suppressing the accumulation of condensed water inside the pipes of the heat exchanger 300. The dryer of the embodiment provides a heat exchanger 300 having the related structure.

[0265] The heat exchanger 300 may include a first inlet 301 for allowing the working fluid to flow in from the compressor 400 and a first outlet 302 for discharging the working fluid from the heat exchanger 300. The first inlet 301 may be higher than the first outlet 302.

[0266] Here, “height” or “high” refers to the positions of the first inlet 301 and the second inlet 601 measured in the direction of gravity, that is, the direction of gravity.

[0267] Due to this structure, the working fluid flowing into the first inlet 301 can be discharged through the first discharge port 302 located at a lower position than the first inlet 301 .

[0268] Therefore, the steam contained in the working fluid can flow into the piping of the heat exchanger 300 through the first inlet 301, where it loses heat during heat exchange, and some of it may become condensed water. In this case, the condensed water can move under the action of gravity toward the first outlet 302, located at a lower position than the first inlet 301, and be discharged from the heat exchanger 300 and flow into the storage unit 800.

[0269] In other words, since the first inlet 301 is located at a higher position than the first outlet 302, the condensed water generated inside the piping of the heat exchanger 300 is smoothly discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger 300 through the first outlet 302 due to gravity, which can effectively prevent the condensed water from accumulating inside the heat exchanger 300.

[0270] Hereinafter, the structure of the heat exchanger 300 will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0271] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a heat exchanger 300 according to still another embodiment. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The arrow pointing upward from the bottom in the middle of the paper indicates the flow direction of the working fluid flowing from the fan 200 through the circulation flow path 850 inside the accommodation portion 600 .

[0272] The arrows extending from the right side of the drawing toward the left side indicate the direction of flow of the working fluid flowing from compressor 400 through non-circulation flow path 860 within heat exchanger 300. The pipes adjacent to the arrows on the left side of the drawing connect heat exchanger 300 and reservoir 800, while the pipes adjacent to the arrows on the right side of the drawing connect heat exchanger 300 and compressor 400.

[0273] In addition, the arrow pointing from top to bottom on the paper indicates the direction of gravity, that is, the direction of gravity.

[0274] Reference Figure 7 The heat exchanger 300 may include a first header 310 , a second header 320 , and a first tube 330 .

[0275] The first header 310 may be arranged in a vertical direction and may have the first inlet 301 formed therein. The second header 320 may be arranged in a vertical direction and may have the first outlet 302 formed therein.

[0276] Both ends of the first tube 330 may be connected to the first header 310 and the second header 320 , respectively. The plurality of first tubes 330 may be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction.

[0277] The length direction of the first tube 330 can be arranged in a direction that intersects the length directions of the first header 310 and the second header 320. Because the length directions of the first header 310 and the second header 320 are parallel or nearly parallel to the flow direction of the working fluid flowing through the circulation flow path 850, the length direction of the first tube 330 intersects the flow path FL of the working fluid flowing through the circulation flow path 850. This allows the flow direction of the working fluid in the non-circulation flow path 860 and the flow direction of the working fluid in the circulation flow path 850 to intersect perpendicularly or nearly perpendicularly within the accommodating portion 600, thereby enabling smooth heat exchange.

[0278] The working fluid discharged from the compressor 400 may flow into the first header 310 and may undergo heat exchange primarily in the first tubes 330 while passing through the first tubes 330 again. The working fluid flowing out of the first tubes 330 may be gathered in the second header 320 and may exit the heat exchanger 300 through a discharge port formed in the second header 320.

[0279] like Figure 7 As shown, the first inlet 301 is disposed at a higher position than the first outlet 302. Therefore, the steam in the working fluid flowing into the first inlet 301 can be condensed inside the first tube 330 through heat exchange, and the condensed water can move smoothly to the first outlet 302 by gravity.

[0280] Due to this structure, condensed water is not accumulated inside the first tube 330 , and the generation of a steam trap due to the accumulation of condensed water inside the first tube 330 can be suppressed.

[0281] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the length direction of the first tube 330 can be configured to be perpendicular to the direction of gravity. As another embodiment, to facilitate the movement of condensed water under the action of gravity within the first tube 330, the length direction of the first tube 330 can also be configured to be inclined relative to the direction of gravity, such that the end of the first tube 330 connected to the first header 310 is located higher than the end connected to the second header 320.

[0282] like Figure 7 As shown, in the heat exchanger 300 , the first inlet 301 may be formed at the top end of the first header 310 , and the first outlet 302 may be formed at the lower end of the second header 320 , so that the first inlet 301 is higher than the first outlet 302 .

[0283] Due to the above structure, for the heat exchanger 300 in which the first header 310 and the second header 320 have the same length, the height difference between the first inlet 301 and the first outlet 302 can be maximized.

[0284] Figure 8 FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a heat exchanger 300 according to another embodiment. In the heat exchanger 300 , the first inlet 301 may be formed on a side surface of the first header 310 , and the first outlet 302 may be formed at a lower end of the second header 320 .

[0285] Figure 8 The heat exchanger 300 shown is Figure 7 The heat exchanger 300 shown is different in that a first inlet 301 is formed on a side surface of a first header 310 .

[0286] It is appropriate to form the first outlet 302 at the lowest end of the heat exchanger 300, for example, at the lower end of the second header 320, so that the condensed water can smoothly leave the heat exchanger 300 under the action of gravity. However, if the first inlet 301 is located at a higher position than the first outlet 302, gravity acts on the condensed water, and therefore, it can also be formed on the side of the first header 310.

[0287] Therefore, refer to Figure 8 In the portion shown by the solid line piping, the first inlet 301 may be formed on the upper side of the first header 310. As another embodiment, referring to Figure 8 The first inlet 301 may be formed in the center of the side surface of the first header 310 , as shown by the piping indicated by a dotted line.

[0288] However, even in the above case, it is appropriate to form the first inlet 301 at a position higher than the first outlet 302 .

[0289] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a heat exchanger 300 according to still another embodiment. Figure 9 The arrows pointing upward from the bottom of the paper indicate the flow direction of the working fluid flowing from the fan 200 through the circulation flow path 850 inside the accommodation portion 600 .

[0290] The arrows from the right to the left on the paper indicate the flow direction of the working fluid flowing from the compressor 400 into the heat exchanger 300 . The arrows from the left to the right on the paper indicate the flow direction of the working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300 into the reservoir 800 .

[0291] In addition, the arrow pointing downward from the top of the paper indicates the direction in which gravity acts, that is, the direction of gravity.

[0292] like Figure 9 As shown, the heat exchanger 300 may include a second tube 340 and a return flow path 350 .

[0293] The plurality of second tubes 340 may be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. The return flow path 350 may connect the outlets and inlets of the second tubes 340 adjacent to each other.

[0294] The length direction of the second tube 340 can be arranged in a direction that intersects the vertical direction, i.e., the direction of gravity. Since the working fluid flowing through the circulation flow path 850 flows in a direction parallel to or nearly parallel to the direction of gravity, the length direction of the second tube 340 and the flow direction of the working fluid intersect perpendicularly or nearly perpendicularly, thereby enabling smooth heat exchange.

[0295] The heat exchanger 300 may be configured such that the return flow path 350 is connected to both ends of the second pipe 340 and has one flow path. In addition, the heat exchanger 300 may be configured to have a serpentine shape in the up-down direction.

[0296] The length direction of the second tube 340 can be arranged perpendicular to the direction of gravity. As another embodiment, in order to facilitate the movement of condensed water under the action of gravity within the second tube 340 and the return flow path 350, the length direction of one second tube 340 can be tilted in one direction relative to the direction of gravity, while the length direction of the adjacent second tube 340 can be tilted in another direction.

[0297] Here, the first inlet 301 may be formed at one end of the second tube 340 disposed at the highest position among the plurality of second tubes 340 , and the first outlet 302 may be formed at one end of the second tube 340 disposed at the lowest position among the plurality of second tubes 340 .

[0298] Due to this structure, the steam contained in the working fluid flowing into the first inlet 301 can lose heat and become condensed water while passing through the plurality of second tubes 340 and the return flow path 350. The condensed water can move smoothly to the first outlet 302 located at the bottom end of the heat exchanger 300 under the action of gravity.

[0299] Due to this structure, the condensed water generated inside the heat exchanger 300 can be smoothly moved to the first discharge port 302 under the action of gravity, so the condensed water does not accumulate inside the second pipe 340 and the return flow path 350, and the generation of steam traps due to the accumulation of condensed water inside the heat exchanger 300 can be suppressed.

[0300] On the other hand, at least a portion of a flow direction of the working fluid flowing outside the heat exchanger 300 and a flow direction of the working fluid flowing inside the heat exchanger 300 may be set to be opposite to each other.

[0301] For example, refer to Figures 7 to 9 The first inlet 301 may be disposed behind the first outlet 302 when viewed from the flow direction of the working fluid flowing outside the heat exchanger 300 .

[0302] Due to this structure, the flow direction of the working fluid in the circulation flow path 850 and the overall flow direction of the working fluid in the non-circulation flow path 860 inside the accommodating portion 600 can be opposite to each other. That is, counter-flow heat exchange can occur in the heat exchanger 300.

[0303] In an embodiment, the flow directions of the working fluids in the circulation flow path 850 and the non-circulation flow path 860 are formed so as to perform countercurrent heat exchange in which heat exchange occurs through the flow of working fluids having opposite flow directions, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger 300 compared to parallel flow in which heat exchange occurs through the flow of working fluids having the same flow direction.

[0304] This is because, under the same flow rate, temperature or other conditions, countercurrent heat exchange always has higher heat exchange efficiency than parallel flow heat exchange.

[0305] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a housing portion 600 according to still another embodiment. Figure 10 The heat exchanger 300 shown is Figure 7 The schematic diagram of the side of the heat exchanger 300 is shown. Figure 4 and Figure 9 The heat exchanger 300 of the embodiment shown can also be used with Figure 10 Therefore, Figure 10 Replace heat exchanger 300 with Figure 8 and Figure 9 The drawings shown are obvious to those skilled in the art, and thus illustration will be omitted.

[0306] The receiving portion 600 may include a second inlet 601 and a second outlet 602. The working fluid flowing outside the heat exchanger 300 may flow in and out through the second inlet 601 and the second outlet 602.

[0307] That is, the working fluid in the circulation path 850 can flow into the accommodating portion 600 through the second inlet 601 by the fan 200 , leave the accommodating portion 600 through the second outlet 602 , and circulate to the fan 200 again through the heating device 500 and the drum 100 .

[0308] In this case, the second inlet 601 may be disposed adjacent to the first outlet 302, and the second outlet 602 may be disposed adjacent to the first inlet 301. Therefore, the second inlet 601 may be disposed at a higher position than the second outlet 602.

[0309] Due to this structure, based on the direction of gravity, the second inlet 601 can be arranged at a higher position than the second outlet 602. Therefore, the working fluid flowing through the circulation flow path 850 can flow from the upper side to the lower side of the entire interior of the container 600, that is, in the direction of gravity, while the working fluid flowing through the non-circulation flow path 860 can flow from the lower side to the upper side of the entire interior of the container 600 and the heat exchanger 300, that is, in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0310] Therefore, in the embodiment, the flow directions of the working fluids in the circulation flow path 850 and the non-circulation flow path 860 in the accommodation portion 600 and the heat exchanger 300 are formed to be opposite to each other, so that countercurrent heat exchange can occur.

[0311] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the structure of a dryer according to still another embodiment.

[0312] Hereinafter, a portion of the non-circulation flow path 860 that connects the circulation flow path 850 and the compressor 400 may be referred to as a discharge flow path 861 for explanation.

[0313] like Figure 11 As shown, the circulation flow path 850 connected to the outlet of the fan 200 can be connected to the accommodating portion 600, the circulation flow path 850 connected to the inlet of the drum 100 can be connected to the accommodating portion 600, and the discharge flow path 861 connected to the inlet of the compressor 400 can be connected to the accommodating portion 600.

[0314] In addition, the inlet of the compressor 400 may be connected to the circulation path 850 of the working fluid connected to the outlet of the fan 200 , and the outlet of the compressor 400 may be connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger 300 .

[0315] The discharge flow path 861 may connect the circulation flow path 850 and the inlet of the heat exchanger 300. The discharge flow path 861 may be configured as a part of the non-circulation flow path 860. The discharge flow path 861 will be described in detail below.

[0316] The storage unit 800 can be connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger 300. As the working fluid discharged from the compressor 400 passes through the heat exchanger 300, at least a portion of the steam contained therein is condensed, turning it into liquid water, i.e., condensed water. Therefore, the storage unit 800 can store the condensed water flowing in from the heat exchanger 300.

[0317] The control unit 900 may be electrically connected to the fan 200, the compressor 400, and a heater controller 1000 to be described later. In addition, the control unit 900 may be electrically connected to other components of the dryer that require electrical control.

[0318] The control unit 900 can control various components of the dryer, and thus can control the overall operation of the dryer of the embodiment. For example, the control unit 900 can supply power to the heating device 500 through the heater controller 1000, or can control the operation of the fan 200, the compressor 400, and the heater controller 1000.

[0319] As described above, the control unit 900 can be connected to the user interface 10 and the communication unit to receive user instructions, send required notifications to the user, or communicate with external devices such as a server.

[0320] Figure 12 This is a diagram for explaining the internal structure of a container 600 according to still another embodiment. Figure 12 The arrows in ⊂ indicate the flow direction of the working fluid flowing inside the accommodation portion 600 .

[0321] In order to improve the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger 300 , it is necessary to increase the flow rate of the working fluid flowing into the compressor 400 through the discharge flow path 861 .

[0322] In order to increase the amount of working fluid flowing into the compressor 400, a method of increasing the capacity of the compressor 400 may be considered. However, in order to increase the capacity of the compressor 400, the volume of the compressor 400 needs to be increased. Therefore, considering space issues, the size of the compressor 400 may be limited.

[0323] Therefore, it is necessary to consider the structure of the discharge flow path 861 for increasing the inflow amount of the working fluid into the compressor 400 regardless of the size of the compressor 400 .

[0324] In an embodiment, in order to increase the inflow of the working fluid of the compressor 400, as shown in FIG. Figure 12As shown, the inlet 862 of the exhaust flow path may be arranged to be opposite to the working fluid flowing through the circulation flow path 850 .

[0325] That is, the inlet 862 of the exhaust flow path may be located inside the accommodation portion 600 , and may be arranged to be opposite to the working fluid flowing inside the accommodation portion 600 .

[0326] With this structure, the flow rate of the working fluid flowing into the inlet 862 of the discharge flow path can be increased compared to the case where the inlet 862 of the discharge flow path is configured to face a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the working fluid or a direction away from the flowing working fluid.

[0327] This is because, in the case where the inlet 862 of the discharge flow path is arranged to be opposed to the working fluid flowing inside the accommodation portion 600 , the working fluid can flow into the inlet 862 of the discharge flow path without changing the flow direction.

[0328] For example, the exhaust flow path 861 may include a first pipe 863 and a second pipe 864. The first pipe 863 and the second pipe 864 may be formed integrally.

[0329] The first pipe 863 may pass through the wall of the accommodating portion 600 , and one end thereof may be connected to the compressor 400 , and the other end may be disposed inside the accommodating portion 600 .

[0330] The second pipe 864 may be bent from the other end of the first pipe 863 , and at least a portion thereof may be arranged parallel to the direction in which the working fluid flows inside the container 600 when viewed in the length direction.

[0331] The inlet 862 of the discharge flow path may be formed at the end of the second pipe 864. Of course, the inlet 862 of the discharge flow path may be arranged to face the working fluid flowing inside the container 600.

[0332] Due to this structure, the working fluid flowing inside the container 600 can flow into the discharge flow path 861 without changing the flow direction. Therefore, compared with the case where the inlet 862 of the discharge flow path is configured to face a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the working fluid or away from the direction of the flowing working fluid, the flow rate of the working fluid flowing into the discharge flow path 861 can be increased.

[0333] In an embodiment, the inlet 862 of the discharge flow path is arranged opposite to the working fluid flowing through the circulation flow path 850 , thereby increasing the flow rate of the working fluid flowing into the compressor 400 , thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger 300 .

[0334] If the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger 300 is to be improved, the working fluid flowing into the compressor 400 needs to have a higher heat content. A high heat content of the working fluid means that the working fluid has more heat.

[0335] If the heat content of the working fluid is to be increased, the working fluid needs to have a higher temperature.

[0336] In addition, if the heat content of the working fluid is to be increased, a higher steam ratio is required in the working fluid. This is because the working fluid is composed of a mixture of air and steam, and steam can contain more heat than air.

[0337] Therefore, in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger 300, the working fluid flowing into the compressor 400 needs to have a high temperature and a high steam ratio as much as possible. Figure 12 As shown, the inlet 862 of the discharge flow path may be disposed at the center of the cross section of the accommodating portion 600 .

[0338] At this time, the working fluid may flow inside the receiving portion 600 in a direction perpendicular to the cross section of the receiving portion 600 .

[0339] The temperature of the working fluid flowing along the cross section of the container 600 may be lowest at the edge of the container 600, i.e., the portion adjacent to the wall of the container 600, and highest in the center of the container 600. This is because the working fluid can be cooled by the external air at the edge of the container 600.

[0340] Likewise, the ratio of the vapor of the working fluid along the cross section of the accommodating portion 600 may be lowest at the edge of the accommodating portion 600, that is, at the portion adjacent to the wall of the accommodating portion 600, and highest at the center of the accommodating portion 600. This is because a portion of the vapor contained in the working fluid may be cooled to below the dew point temperature by the external air at the edge of the accommodating portion 600 and condense.

[0341] In an embodiment, the inlet 862 of the discharge flow path is arranged at the central portion of the cross section of the container 600, which is the position where the ratio of the temperature of the working fluid and the steam in the container 600 is the highest. Thus, compared with the case where the inlet 862 of the discharge flow path is arranged at the edge of the cross section of the container 600, the heat content of the working fluid flowing into the compressor 400 can be increased.

[0342] Since the heat content of the working fluid flowing into the compressor 400 increases, the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger 300 can be improved.

[0343] On the other hand, the area of the discharge flow path inlet 862 needs to be increased to increase the flow rate of the working fluid flowing into the compressor 400. To this end, for example, the area of the discharge flow path inlet 862 can be made larger than the cross-sectional area of the flow path at other locations of the second pipe 864.

[0344] Alternatively, the area of the discharge flow path inlet 862 can be increased by setting the number of the discharge flow path inlet 862 to a plurality. Figure 13 and Figure 14 Provide specific instructions.

[0345] Figure 13 This is a diagram for explaining the internal structure of a container 600 according to still another embodiment. Figure 14 It will Figure 13 The structure is rotated 90° to observe the figure. Figure 13 and Figure 14 FIG. 5 shows that the dryer has four inlets 862 for the discharge flow path. However, as another embodiment, the number of inlets 862 for the discharge flow path may be two, three, or more than five.

[0346] exist Figure 13 In FIG. 1 , since a cross section is shown, two inlets 862 of the discharge flow path are shown. However, as shown in FIG. Figure 14 As shown, in Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the illustrated embodiment, four inlets 862 of the exhaust flow path may be provided.

[0347] In the dryer, a plurality of inlets 862 of the discharge flow path may be provided in the central portion of the interior of the accommodating portion 600 , and the inlets 862 of the discharge flow path may be arranged symmetrically to each other.

[0348] In this case, the second pipe 864 may be configured to include a header 865 and a branch line 866 .

[0349] One end of the header 865 may be connected to the first pipe 863 and may be bent from the first pipe 863. The header 865 may be provided so that its length direction is parallel to the flow direction of the working fluid in the container 600.

[0350] A plurality of branch flow paths 866 may be provided, one end of which may be connected to the header 865 and the other end of which may be formed with the inlet 862 of the discharge flow path.

[0351] Due to this structure, the discharge flow path inlet 862 is provided in plural, which increases the total cross-sectional area of the discharge flow path inlet 862 , thereby increasing the flow rate of the working fluid flowing into the compressor 400 .

[0352] In addition, the inlets 862 of the plurality of discharge flow paths can be arranged so that their centers coincide with the center of the cross section of the container 600, and the inlets 862 of each discharge flow path can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the manifold 865. Due to this structure, the inlets 862 of the plurality of discharge flow paths can be arranged at the center of the cross section of the container 600.

[0353] In an embodiment, even when multiple discharge flow path inlets 862 are provided, a working fluid having a high temperature and steam ratio among the working fluid flowing inside the accommodating portion 600 of the discharge flow path 861 can flow into the compressor 400 through the discharge flow path inlet 862, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 300.

[0354] As described above, the working fluid in the circulation flow path 850 is heated by the heat exchanger 300 and flows into the drum 100 to heat the objects to be dried contained in the drum 100, thereby drying the objects to be dried.

[0355] After the dryer is in operation, in order to quickly and efficiently perform the drying operation, the items to be dried need to be quickly heated at the initial stage of the drying operation. This initial heating heats the working fluid in the circulation flow path 850. To perform the initial heating, the heating device 500 can be disposed in the circulation flow path 850.

[0356] If the objects to be dried in the drum 100 are continuously heated, water contained in the objects to be dried continues to evaporate, so that the working fluids in the circulation flow path 850 and the non-circulation flow path 860 contain sufficient steam, and heat exchange in the heat exchanger 300 proceeds smoothly, the initial heating can be terminated.

[0357] Taking into account the specific design of the dryer, for example, the time for the initial heating can be set, and the initial heating can be ended after the set time has passed.

[0358] Such a heating device 500 may be provided in the drum 100. That is, the drum 100 may be provided with the heating device 500 for heating the objects to be dried contained therein.

[0359] In order to perform rapid and effective initial heating, it is appropriate to place the heating device 500 at a position where steam generated by heating can be most effectively ensured. Such a position may be the drum 100 containing the wet objects to be dried.

[0360] Therefore, in the embodiment, the heating device 500 is provided at the drum 100 to heat the inside of the drum 100, so that a large amount of steam can be obtained in a short time by inputting as little heat as possible compared with providing the heating device 500 at other locations in the dryer.

[0361] In addition to the heating device 500 , the dryer may further include a heater controller 1000 and a humidity sensor HS.

[0362] The heater controller 1000 may be electrically connected to the heating device 500 and may control the operation of the heating device 500. The heater controller 1000 may be electrically connected to the control unit 900. The control unit 900 may control the operation of the heating device 500 by controlling the heater controller 1000.

[0363] The humidity sensor HS may be electrically connected to the heater controller 1000 , may be disposed in the drum 100 , and may measure the humidity inside the drum 100 .

[0364] The heater controller 1000 operates the heating device 500 and measures the humidity of the working fluid through the humidity sensor HS. If the humidity falls within a set range, the operation of the heating device 500 may be stopped, thereby ending the initial heating.

[0365] The heating device 500 may be disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the drum 100. Due to this structure, the heating device 500 can quickly heat the objects to be dried contained in the drum 100 with less heat, thereby quickly ensuring the required steam.

[0366] For example, the heating device 500 may be an electric induction heater. In the case of an electric induction heater, a heating portion may be formed in a plate shape, and thus may be easily disposed on the inner surface of the drum 100.

[0367] Therefore, if Figure 11 As shown, for example, at least a portion of the electric induction heater, i.e., the heat-generating portion, can be circumferentially arranged on the inner surface of the drum 100. In this case, the heat-generating portion of the electric induction heater can be arranged circumferentially on the inner surface of the drum 100 as a single plate, or as a plurality of plates, each of which can be arranged at predetermined intervals. In this case, the heat-generating portion of the electric induction heater can be arranged to rotate together with the drum 100.

[0368] Figure 15 FIG is a diagram for explaining the structure of a heating device 500 according to another embodiment. Figure 15 As shown, the heating device 500 may be configured as an infrared lamp LP. In this case, at least one infrared lamp LP may be disposed along the circumference of the drum 100 .

[0369] like Figure 15As shown, a plurality of infrared lamps LP may be provided. Each infrared lamp LP may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the drum 100 and may be electrically connected to the heater controller 1000.

[0370] The infrared lamp LP has a volume larger than a predetermined size, and thus may be installed in the dryer in a structure fixed to the body 20 so as not to rotate.

[0371] For example, a groove can be formed in the dryer body 20, where the drum 100 is mounted, and an infrared lamp LP can be positioned within the groove. In this case, the portion of the drum 100 wall facing the infrared lamp LP can be made of a transparent material to allow infrared rays to pass through, thereby heating the items to be dried within the drum 100.

[0372] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated above, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, these modifications and variations should not be construed as independent of the technical spirit or concept of the present invention, and such variations should fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0373] Industrial Applicability

[0374] According to the dryer operation method of the present invention, initial heating using a heating device and decompressing the interior of the drum using a compressor are simultaneously adopted, thereby enabling the steam ratio in the circulation flow path to reach above the set value. In this respect, the limitations of the prior art are surpassed. In addition to the use of the relevant technology, the device applying the relevant technology also has sufficient commercial or marketing possibilities and has reached a level that can be clearly implemented in reality. Therefore, the present invention is an invention with industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A method for operating a dryer, wherein: The drying machine comprises: Heating device; a rotating drum connected to the outlet of the heating device; a fan connected to the outlet of the drum; a heat exchanger disposed on a flow path connected to an outlet of the fan through which the working fluid flows; and A compressor, wherein in the flow path, the inlet of the compressor is connected to the circulation path connected to the outlet of the fan, and the outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger. The dryer operation method comprises: a step of heating the working fluid by operating the heating device; a step of operating the compressor to discharge a portion of the working fluid in the circulation flow path to the outside to reduce the pressure inside the drum; a step of drying the contents contained in the drum; and a step of cooling the contents; The drying machine further comprises: a discharge valve connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger, a discharge flow path connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger and provided with the discharge valve; a regeneration flow path, one end of which branches off from the exhaust flow path and the other end of which is connected to the circulation flow path; a gas-liquid separator, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger, and the gas outlet of which is connected to the regeneration flow path; a steam trap connected to the condensate outlet of the gas-liquid separator; and A pressure reducing device is provided in at least one of a portion of the flow path connecting the outlet of the heat exchanger and the inlet of the gas-liquid separator, and a portion of the flow path connecting the gas outlet of the gas-liquid separator and the exhaust path.

2. The dryer operating method according to claim 1, wherein: The dryer further includes a receiving portion for receiving the heat exchanger therein. The flow path connected to the outlet of the fan is connected to the accommodation portion, The flow path connected to the inlet of the heating device is connected to the receiving portion, The flow path connected to the inlet of the compressor is connected to the accommodation portion.

3. The dryer operating method according to claim 1, wherein: The dryer further comprises a discharge valve connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger, When the interior of the drum is depressurized, the discharge valve is opened. In the case of drying the contents contained in the drum, the discharge valve is closed.

4. The dryer operating method according to claim 1, wherein: The dryer further includes a control valve disposed on the regeneration flow path. In the step of decompressing the interior of the drum, the control valve is closed. In the step of drying the contents contained in the drum, the control valve is opened.

5. The dryer operating method according to claim 1, wherein: The drying machine further comprises: a bypass flow path, both ends of which are connected to both ends of the pressure reducing device and both ends of the steam trap; and The bypass valve is arranged in the bypass flow path.

6. The dryer operating method according to claim 1, wherein: In the step of drying the contents contained in the drum, at least a portion of the working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger is caused to flow into the circulation flow path.

7. The dryer operating method according to claim 1, wherein: During the step of cooling the contents, the operation of the compressor is interrupted.

8. The dryer operating method according to claim 1, wherein: The heat exchanger is formed with a first inlet for allowing the working fluid from the compressor to flow in, and a first outlet for discharging the working fluid from the heat exchanger. The height of the first inlet is set to be higher than that of the first outlet.

9. The dryer operating method according to claim 1, wherein: The dryer further includes a discharge flow path connecting the circulation flow path and the inlet of the heat exchanger. An inlet of the discharge flow path is arranged to face the working fluid flowing through the circulation flow path.

10. The dryer operating method according to claim 9, wherein: The dryer further includes a housing portion, wherein the housing portion houses the heat exchanger, and the working fluid flows inside the housing portion. The inlet of the discharge flow path is arranged at the center of the cross section of the container. The working fluid flows inside the accommodation portion in a direction perpendicular to the cross section of the accommodation portion.

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