dryer

Abstract

The present invention discloses a dryer for use in a 5G environment connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) and its operating method. In one embodiment, the dryer may include: a heating device; a drum having an inlet connected to the heating device; a fan connected to the drum outlet; a heat exchanger disposed in a flow path of a working fluid connected to the fan outlet; a compressor having an inlet connected to the working fluid circulation path connected to the fan outlet and an outlet connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger; and a first cleaning unit connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drying machine and an operating method thereof, and more particularly, to a drying machine for drying laundry. Background Art

[0002] The content described in this section is only used to provide background information for the embodiments and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] Dryers are used to dry laundry and other items to be dried. Depending on how heat is obtained to heat the items to be dried, dryers can be classified into gas-type, electric heater-type, and heat pump-type dryers.

[0004] The gas dryer utilizes the heat generated by burning combustible gas to heat the object being dried. The disadvantage of a gas dryer is that it requires external gas, making the device bulky and complex.

[0005] The electric heater method uses heat from an electric heater to heat the drying object. The advantages of electric heater dryers are that they can be reduced in size and have a simple structure.

[0006] However, since the electric heater type dryer uses electricity which is an expensive energy source, it is disadvantageous in terms of cost and energy efficiency.

[0007] A heat pump dryer uses a compressor to move heat from a low-temperature thermal reservoir to a high-temperature thermal reservoir, and uses the heat to heat the drying object.

[0008] The heat pump method can use a compressor to obtain heat and use electricity to operate the compressor.

[0009] However, unlike the electric heater method that converts electricity into heat to generate heat, the heat pump method collects heat from a low-temperature heat storage into a high-temperature heat storage to obtain heat, and therefore has the advantage of lower power consumption compared to the electric heater method.

[0010] The demand for heat pump dryers, which have the advantage of low power consumption, continues to increase, and research and development related to them is also gradually being carried out. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a dryer including a structure for effectively cleaning each component of the dryer, thereby achieving improved performance and life.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a dryer having a structure capable of suppressing accumulation of foreign matter in a circulation flow path of a heat exchanger and inside components arranged in the circulation flow path.

[0014] One problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dryer having a structure capable of effectively cleaning a heat exchanger.

[0015] A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dryer having a structure capable of effectively cleaning a compressor.

[0016] Technical solutions to problems

[0017] In order to achieve the aforementioned problems, a dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a heating device; a drum, an inlet of which is connected to the heating device; a fan, which is configured to be connected to the outlet of the 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 first cleaning section, which is connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger.

[0018] The first cleaning unit may include: a first liquid reservoir, an inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger; and a first pump, an outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger.

[0019] The first cleaning unit may further include a first cleaning flow path connecting the first liquid reservoir and the first pump, wherein one end of the first cleaning flow path is connected to the first liquid reservoir and the other end is connected to the non-circulating flow path connecting the compressor and the heat exchanger.

[0020] A first valve serving as a three-way valve may be disposed at a location where the first cleaning flow path and the non-circulation flow path are connected.

[0021] The first liquid reservoir may be provided with a first filter at an outlet connected to the first cleaning flow path.

[0022] The non-circulating flow path may connect the heat exchanger and the first liquid reservoir.

[0023] The dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include: a discharge flow path branched from the non-circulation flow path connecting the heat exchanger and the first liquid reservoir; and a second liquid reservoir connected to an outlet of the discharge flow path.

[0024] A second valve serving as a three-way valve may be provided at a location where the non-circulation flow path and the discharge flow path are connected.

[0025] In the heat exchanger cleaning mode, the working fluid stored in the first reservoir in a liquid state may flow through the first filter, the pump, the first valve, the heat exchanger, and the second reservoir in sequence to clean the heat exchanger.

[0026] The drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a second liquid reservoir, which is disposed at the end of the non-circulating flow path and connected to the heat exchanger.

[0027] In the heat exchanger cleaning mode, the cleaning liquid stored in the first liquid reservoir in a liquid state may be discharged from the first liquid reservoir and sequentially flow through the first pump, the first valve, the heat exchanger, and the second liquid reservoir to clean the heat exchanger.

[0028] The first liquid reservoir may be provided with a first filter at the outlet.

[0029] The drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a second cleaning portion connected to the inlet and the outlet of the compressor.

[0030] The second cleaning portion may include a second cleaning flow path, wherein an inlet of the second cleaning flow path is connected to the first liquid reservoir, and an outlet of the second cleaning flow path is connected to the compressor.

[0031] The non-circulating flow path can connect the circulating flow path and the compressor.

[0032] The second purge flow path is connected to the first purge flow path at a portion passing through the outlet of the first accumulator, and may be connected to the non-circulation flow path at a portion between the circulation flow path and the compressor.

[0033] The dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a third valve at the location where the non-circulation flow path and the second cleaning flow path are connected, and a fourth valve may be provided at the location where the first cleaning flow path and the second cleaning flow path are connected.

[0034] The third valve and the fourth valve may be three-way valves.

[0035] The drying machine according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a second pump disposed on the second washing flow path.

[0036] In the compressor cleaning mode, the working fluid stored in the first accumulator in a liquid state is discharged from the first accumulator, and may flow through the fourth valve, the second pump, and the third valve in sequence and flow into the compressor.

[0037] The drum may be provided with a second filter at an outlet connected to the fan.

[0038] Effects of the Invention

[0039] According to the embodiment of the present invention, foreign matter contained in the working fluid discharged from the drum is filtered by the second filter, thereby effectively preventing foreign matter such as fluff from flowing through the circulation flow path and the non-circulation flow path and accumulating inside the various components of the dryer.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the dryer cleans the heat exchanger using the first cleaning unit, thereby effectively preventing foreign matter such as fluff from accumulating inside the heat exchanger. In addition, the dryer can effectively prevent performance degradation, failure, and shortened life of the heat exchanger caused by foreign matter.

[0041] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the dryer can effectively prevent foreign matter such as fluff from accumulating inside the compressor by using the second cleaning unit to clean the compressor. In addition, it can effectively prevent performance degradation, failure, and shortened life of the compressor caused by foreign matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the external appearance of a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the structure of a dryer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the structure of a dryer according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the structure of a dryer according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] *Explanation of Reference Numerals*

[0048] 10: User interface 21: Circulation path

[0049] 22: First cleaning flow path 23: Non-circulating flow path

[0050] 24: Discharge channel 25: Second cleaning channel

[0051] 100: drum 110: second filter

[0052] 200: Fan 300: Heat exchanger

[0053] 400: compressor 500: heating device

[0054] 600: Container 710: First liquid reservoir

[0055] 711: First filter 720: First pump

[0056] 730: Second liquid reservoir 740: Second pump

[0057] 810: First valve 820: Second valve

[0058] 830: Third valve 840: Fourth valve DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in order to clarify the gist of the present invention, descriptions of well-known functions or configurations will be omitted during the description of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a drying machine according to an embodiment. For example, the drying machine according to the embodiment can be used to dry laundry that has been washed but not yet dried. Of course, it can also be used to dry clothes that have been soaked in water and are not related to washing.

[0061] The drying object can be accommodated in a drum 100 (tumble) provided in the dryer. Figure 1 For example, the drum 100 has a cylindrical shape and can be configured to rotate. If the heated working fluid flows into the inlet of the drum 100, the drying object contained in the drum 100 can be dried by the heated working fluid.

[0062] The dryer may be provided with a user interface 10. The user interface 10 is electrically connected to a control unit described below, and a user may control the operation of the dryer through the user interface 10.

[0063] For example, the user interface 10 may include a display, buttons in a capacitive touch mode, physical buttons, knobs, a speaker for the dryer to emit voice, a microphone for the user to input commands by voice, etc.

[0064] Therefore, the user can receive information required for operation from the dryer through text, voice, etc. In addition, the user can operate the dryer by inputting commands through voice or operating buttons, knobs, etc. with his hands.

[0065] The dryer further includes a communication unit (transceiver) connected to the control unit, and the control unit can communicate with a server, a user terminal, and other external devices through the communication unit.

[0066] The communication unit may be configured to include at least one of a mobile communication module and a wireless network module. In addition, the communication unit may further include a short-range communication module.

[0067] The mobile communication module sends and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server in a mobile communication network constructed according to a technical standard or communication method for mobile communication (for example, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000), Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized (EV-DO) or Enhanced Voice-Data Only (Enhanced Voice-Data Only), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), 5G mobile communication, etc.).

[0068] The wireless network module is a module for wireless network connection, which can be installed in the dryer. The wireless network module is configured to send and receive wireless signals in a communication network based on wireless network technology.

[0069] The dryer can transmit and receive data with servers and various communication-capable 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).

[0070] eMBB is an enhanced mobile broadband service that provides multimedia content, wireless data access, and more. eMBB can also offer enhanced mobile services, such as hotspots and broadband coverage to accommodate explosive growth in mobile traffic. Hotspots can accommodate large volumes of traffic in areas with low user mobility and high density. Broadband coverage ensures a wide and stable wireless environment and user mobility.

[0071] Compared with existing LTE, URLLC (Ultra-reliable and low latency communications) servers define stricter requirements for the reliability and transmission delay of data transmission and reception. 5G services used in industrial production process automation, telemedicine, remote surgery, transportation, security, etc. correspond to this.

[0072] Massive Machine-type communications (mMTC) is a service that is insensitive to transmission delays and requires relatively small amounts of data. Compared to standard mobile phones, mMTC allows for a greater number of devices, such as sensors, to simultaneously connect to a wireless access network. In this scenario, the devices' communication modules must be inexpensive, with enhanced power efficiency and energy-saving technologies to enable years of operation without battery replacement or recharging.

[0073] In order to apply heat to the drying objects accommodated in the drum 100 , the dryer of the embodiment may constitute a thermodynamic cycle.

[0074] 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 vary as the various components of the dryer circulate. Furthermore, the working fluid can temporarily or partially contain liquid water.

[0075] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the structure of a dryer according to an embodiment.

[0076] The dryer may be provided with a flow path for the working fluid to flow. The flow path may connect the various components of the dryer described below. For example, the flow path may be a pipe, a hose, a flow path, or a combination thereof.

[0077] In the dryer, a flow path of the working fluid may include a circulation path 21 and a non-circulation path 23 .

[0078] The circulation path 21 connects the heating device 500, the drum 100, the fan 200, and the heat exchanger 300. The working fluid circulates along the circulation path 21. The fan 200 blows the working fluid to flow along the circulation path 21.

[0079] Non-circulating flow path 23 branches off from circulating flow path 21 upstream of heat exchanger 300 and connects to compressor 400, thereby connecting compressor 400, heat exchanger 300, and a reservoir. The working fluid flowing in non-circulating flow path 23 flows into compressor 400, is compressed, and then passes through heat exchanger 300.

[0080] A portion of the working fluid in the circulation flow path 21 may flow into the non-circulation flow path 23 branched from the circulation flow path 21. The working fluid flowing into the non-circulation flow path 23 is pressurized in the compressor 400, and its temperature is increased, thereby being heated.

[0081] The heated working fluid of the non-circulation flow path 23 discharged from the compressor 400 may flow into the heat exchanger 300 , exchange heat with the relatively low-temperature working fluid of the circulation flow path 21 , and may be discharged from the heat exchanger 300 .

[0082] Below, refer to Figure 2 The following drawings describe in detail the structure of the dryer according to the embodiment.

[0083] Reference Figure 2 The drying machine of the embodiment may include a heating device 500 , a drum 100 , a fan 200 , a heat exchanger 300 , and a compressor 400 .

[0084] The inlet of the drum 100 may be connected to the heating device 500. The structure and function of the drum 100 are as described above.

[0085] The heating device 500 may be disposed between the drum 100 and the heat exchanger 300 on the circulation flow path 21. For example, the heating device 500 may be an electric heater, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] For example, the heating device 500 can be used for initial heating of the working fluid flowing in the circulation path 21. Therefore, once the initial heating is completed, the operation can be interrupted. In addition, after the initial heating is completed, the heating device 500 can be operated again at any time to heat the working fluid in the circulation path 21.

[0087] In order to quickly and efficiently dry the object, the object needs to be heated quickly at the beginning of the drying process. When the compressor 400 is running, the working fluid in the non-circulating flow path 23 is heated, and the working fluid in the circulating flow path 21 can be heated by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 300.

[0088] However, in order to heat the drying object more quickly to accelerate the evaporation of water contained in the drying object, a heating device 500 may be used in the embodiment to further heat the working fluid in the circulation flow path 21 .

[0089] The fan 200 may be connected to the outlet of the drum 100. The fan 200 and the drum 100 may be connected to each other via a working fluid circulation path 21. The fan 200 may blow the working fluid flowing from the drum 100 and circulate the working fluid in the circulation path 21.

[0090] The heat exchanger 300 may be disposed on a flow path of the working fluid connected to the outlet of the fan 200 . That is, the heat exchanger 300 may be disposed on the circulation path 21 of the working fluid connecting the fan 200 and the drum 100 .

[0091] In addition, the non-circulation flow path 23 of the working fluid connected to the outlet of the compressor 400 may pass through the heat exchanger 300 .

[0092] Due to this structure, heat exchange can occur in the heat exchanger 300 between the relatively low-temperature working fluid in the circulation flow path 21 and the relatively high-temperature working fluid in the non-circulation flow path 23 compressed by the compressor 400 .

[0093] On the other hand, during the initial heating period, the working fluid of the non-circulation flow path 23 is further heated by the heating device 500 , so that more active heat exchange may occur in the heat exchanger 300 .

[0094] The working fluid in the circulation flow path 21 heated by the heat exchanger 300 flows back into the drum 100 , and heats and dries the drying object in the drum 100 .

[0095] The dryer of the embodiment may further include a housing 600 , wherein the housing 600 houses the heat exchanger 300 and allows the working fluid to flow therein. For example, the housing 600 may be a pipe and may constitute a part of the circulation path 21 .

[0096] The accommodation portion 600 has a larger cross-sectional area, thereby increasing the contact area between the working fluid in the circulation path 21 and the surface of the heat exchanger 300 , thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the working fluid in the circulation path 21 and the working fluid in the non-circulation path 23 .

[0097] 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 in which the accommodating portion 600 is provided, the size of the heat exchanger 300, and the like.

[0098] like Figure 2 As shown, the flow path connected to the outlet of the fan 200 can be connected to the accommodating portion 600 , the flow path connected to the inlet of the heating device 500 can be connected to the accommodating portion 600 , and the flow path connected to the inlet of the compressor 400 can be connected to the accommodating portion 600 .

[0099] That is, the circulating flow path 21 and the non-circulating flow path 23 of the working fluid can all be connected to the housing 600. For example, the heat exchanger 300 can be of an open type, which allows the working fluid of the circulating flow path 21 and the working fluid of the non-circulating flow path 23 to mix with each other, or a closed type, which separates the working fluids from each other. For example, the heat exchanger 300 of the embodiment can be of a closed type.

[0100] When using a closed heat exchanger 300 , the non-circulating flow path 23 of the working fluid is directly connected to the heat exchanger 300 configured in the container 600 , and the working fluid in the non-circulating flow path 23 does not mix with the working fluid in the circulating flow path 21 in the container 600 and can be separated from each other.

[0101] An inlet of the compressor 400 may be connected to a flow path connected to an outlet of the fan 200 , and an outlet may be connected to an inlet of the heat exchanger 300 .

[0102] The inlet of the compressor 400 may be connected to the circulation path 21 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 .

[0103] The compressor 400 is connected to the non-circulating flow path 23 of the working fluid, and a portion of the working fluid flowing in the circulating flow path 21 can flow into the compressor 400. The working fluid flowing into the non-circulating flow path 23 is pressurized in the compressor 400 and its temperature is increased, and then it can flow into the heat exchanger 300.

[0104] There are many types of compressors 400, such as reciprocating type, rotary type, screw type, scroll type, centrifugal type, axial type, etc. The compressor 400 can be appropriately selected and used in consideration of size and specific features.

[0105] The drying machine of the embodiment may further include a liquid reservoir and a control unit.

[0106] The accumulator may be connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger 300. The working fluid discharged from the compressor 400 may have at least a portion of the vapor contained therein condensed into liquid water, i.e., condensed water, while passing through the heat exchanger 300. Therefore, the accumulator may store the condensed water flowing in from the heat exchanger 300.

[0107] Although not shown, the controller may be electrically connected to the heating device 500, the fan 200, and the compressor 400. In addition, the controller may be electrically connected to other components of the dryer that require electrical control.

[0108] The control unit 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 can supply power to the heating device 500, or can control the operation of the fan 200, or can control the operation of the compressor 400, or can control the opening and closing of the control valve.

[0109] As described above, the control unit is connected to the user interface 10 and the communication unit, so that it can receive user commands or send necessary notifications to the user or communicate with external devices such as a server.

[0110] The heat exchanger 300 of the embodiment can be configured to allow the relatively high-temperature working fluid flowing in from the compressor 400 to pass through the interior of the closed narrow pipe, and can be configured to allow the relatively low-temperature working fluid flowing in from the fan 200 and passing through the accommodating portion 600 to contact the outer surface of the pipe.

[0111] Due to this structure, heat transfer may 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 .

[0112] When the dryer is operating, foreign matter such as lint separated from the drying object accommodated in the drum 100 is contained in the working fluid and can flow through the circulation flow path 21 and the non-circulation flow path.

[0113] Such foreign matter may adversely affect various components of the dryer. In particular, it may accumulate inside narrow pipes and the complex structures of the compressor 400 or heat exchanger 300, potentially clogging the pipes inside the compressor 400 or heat exchanger 300 or hindering the operation of their components.

[0114] Due to the foreign matter, the operation of various components of the dryer including the compressor 400 and the heat exchanger 300 is hindered, so that the performance of the dryer may be reduced. In severe cases, the dryer may malfunction.

[0115] Therefore, in the embodiment, a structure is proposed to suppress the foreign matter separated from the drying object from flowing in the circulation flow path 21 and the non-circulation flow path 23. Figure 2 Provide explanation.

[0116] In addition, in the embodiment, a structure is proposed in which the foreign matter accumulated inside the heat exchanger 300 or the compressor 400 is cleaned to remove the foreign matter accumulated inside. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 or Figure 5 Provide explanation.

[0117] Reference Figure 2 The drum 100 may be provided with a second filter 110 at an outlet connected to the fan 200 . The second filter 110 is provided at the outlet of the drum 100 , so that the working fluid flowing into the fan 200 may be discharged from the drum 100 through the second filter 110 .

[0118] Therefore, foreign matter such as fluff is filtered out while passing through the second filter 110 , and the working fluid containing no or very little foreign matter is discharged from the drum 100 and can flow in the circulation flow path 21 and the non-circulation flow path 23 .

[0119] In the embodiment, foreign matter contained in the working fluid discharged from the drum 100 is filtered by the second filter 110, thereby effectively preventing foreign matter such as fluff from flowing through the circulation flow path 21 and the non-circulation flow path 23 and accumulating inside the various components of the dryer.

[0120] Figure 3 2 is a diagram showing a structure of a dryer according to another embodiment. The dryer may include a first cleaning unit that can remove foreign matter such as fluff accumulated inside the heat exchanger 300 by cleaning the inside of the heat exchanger 300 .

[0121] The dryer can be operated in a drying mode for drying objects, a heat exchanger 300 cleaning mode for cleaning the heat exchanger 300 using the first cleaning unit, and a compressor 400 cleaning mode for cleaning the compressor 400 using the second cleaning unit.

[0122] However, as described below, the dryer may have a structure capable of performing only the drying operation mode and the heat exchanger 300 cleaning mode according to the embodiment, or may have a structure capable of performing the drying operation mode, the heat exchanger 300 cleaning mode, and the compressor 400 cleaning mode.

[0123] The heat exchanger 300 cleaning mode or the compressor 400 cleaning mode can be performed after the drying mode is completed. If multiple drying modes are performed sequentially in the dryer, the heat exchanger 300 cleaning mode or the compressor 400 cleaning mode can be performed after one drying mode is completed. After the heat exchanger 300 cleaning mode or the compressor 400 cleaning mode is completed, another drying mode can be performed again.

[0124] On the other hand, in a dryer having a structure capable of performing both the heat exchanger 300 cleaning mode and the compressor 400 cleaning mode, the heat exchanger 300 cleaning mode and the compressor 400 cleaning mode can be performed sequentially. The order of performing the heat exchanger 300 cleaning mode and the compressor 400 cleaning mode is irrelevant; one cleaning mode can be performed first, followed by the other.

[0125] The first cleaning unit can be connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger 300 and can include a first liquid reservoir 710, a first pump 720, and a first cleaning flow path 22. One end of the first cleaning flow path 22 is connected to the first liquid reservoir 710, and the other end is connected to the heat exchanger 300. Therefore, cleaning liquid flows through the first cleaning flow path 22 to clean the interior of the heat exchanger 300. In this case, condensed water stored in the first liquid reservoir 710 can be used as the cleaning liquid.

[0126] The inlet of the first liquid reservoir 710 can be connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger 300. The inlet of the first liquid reservoir 710 can be connected to the heat exchanger 300. Therefore, the working fluid flowing from the heat exchanger 300 into the first liquid reservoir 710 can be stored in the first liquid reservoir 710 as condensed water. The condensed water stored in the first liquid reservoir 710 can be made to flow through the first cleaning flow path 22, thereby cleaning the heat exchanger 300.

[0127] The outlet of the first pump 720 may be connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger 300, and the inlet may be connected to the first liquid reservoir 710. The first pump 720 is disposed on the first cleaning flow path 22 and is electrically connected to the controller, and its operation may be controlled by the controller.

[0128] The first cleaning flow path 22 may connect the first liquid reservoir 710 and the first pump 720 . In addition, one end of the first cleaning flow path 22 may be connected to the first liquid reservoir 710 , and the other end may be connected to the non-circulating flow path 23 connecting the compressor 400 and the heat exchanger 300 .

[0129] That is, one end of the first cleaning flow path 22 may be connected to the first liquid reservoir 710 , and the other end may be connected to the non-circulating flow path 23 . The first pump 720 may be disposed on the first cleaning flow path 22 .

[0130] A first valve 810 as a three-way valve may be disposed at a location where the first cleaning flow path 22 and the non-circulation flow path 23 are connected. The first valve 810 is electrically connected to a control unit, and its operation can be controlled by the control unit.

[0131] The first valve 810 can control the flow path of the working fluid and the cleaning fluid, so that the working fluid flows from the compressor 400 to the heat exchanger 300 in the drying operation mode, and the cleaning fluid flows from the first liquid reservoir 710 to the heat exchanger 300 through the first pump 720 in the cleaning mode of the heat exchanger 300.

[0132] The non-circulation flow path 23 may connect the heat exchanger 300 and the first liquid reservoir 710 .

[0133] In addition, the dryer may further include a discharge flow path 24 and a second liquid reservoir 730. The discharge flow path 24 may branch from the non-circulation flow path 23 connecting the heat exchanger 300 and the first liquid reservoir 710. The second liquid reservoir 730 may be connected to the outlet of the discharge flow path 24.

[0134] A second valve 820 serving as a three-way valve may be disposed at the connection between the non-circulation flow path 23 and the exhaust flow path 24. The second valve 820 controls the flow path of the working fluid exhausted from the heat exchanger 300, thereby supplying the working fluid to the first reservoir 710 or the second reservoir 730 as needed.

[0135] For example, when it is necessary to supply the cleaning fluid to the first reservoir 710 , the second valve 820 may close the outlet of the second reservoir 730 to allow the working fluid to flow from the heat exchanger 300 to the first reservoir 710 .

[0136] On the other hand, when the first reservoir 710 stores sufficient cleaning fluid and does not need to receive cleaning fluid, the second valve 820 can discharge the working fluid from the heat exchanger 300 to the second reservoir 730 by closing the outlet of the first reservoir 710 .

[0137] In the embodiment, the dryer cleans the heat exchanger 300 using the first cleaning unit, thereby effectively preventing foreign matter such as fluff from accumulating inside the heat exchanger 300. In addition, the dryer can also effectively prevent performance degradation, failure, and shortened life of the heat exchanger 300 caused by foreign matter.

[0138] The first liquid reservoir 710 can be provided with a first filter 711 at its outlet connected to the first cleaning flow path 22. Condensed water discharged from the heat exchanger 300 and stored in the first liquid reservoir 710 can be used as cleaning liquid. However, the condensed water in the first liquid reservoir 710 may contain foreign matter such as fluff. Therefore, providing the first filter 711 can prevent foreign matter such as fluff from entering the first cleaning flow path 22.

[0139] The first filter 711 may have any structure as long as it allows condensed water to pass through and blocks foreign matter such as fluff.

[0140] Reference Figure 3 As shown by the arrow in the middle dotted line, in the cleaning mode of the heat exchanger 300, the working fluid stored in the first liquid reservoir 710 in a liquid state, i.e., the cleaning fluid, can flow through the first filter 711, the first pump 720, the first valve 810, the heat exchanger 300 and the second valve 820 in sequence, thereby cleaning the heat exchanger 300.

[0141] At this time, the cleaning liquid flowing into the second valve 820 can be selectively discharged into the first liquid reservoir 710 or the second liquid reservoir 730 according to the operation of the second valve 820 .

[0142] When the cleaning of the heat exchanger 300 is completed, the operation of the first pump 720 is stopped, the first valve 810 closes the outlet of the first cleaning flow path 22 and opens the non-circulation flow path 23, so that the dryer can resume the drying operation mode.

[0143] Figure 4 : is a diagram showing the structure of a drying machine according to another embodiment. Figure 4 The dryer may further include a second liquid reservoir 730 , which is disposed at the end of the non-circulating flow path 23 and connected to the heat exchanger 300 .

[0144] Figure 4 The first cleaning section of the dryer shown is Figure 3 The first cleaning section shown is similar, but has the following differences.

[0145] and Figure 3 Compared to the dryer shown, Figure 4 The dryer shown does not have the second valve 820 , the first liquid reservoir 710 and the second liquid reservoir 730 are not connected to each other, and no filter is provided in the first liquid reservoir 710 .

[0146] The cleaning liquid flows into the first liquid reservoir 710 from an external supply source, and is discharged from the first liquid reservoir 710 and discharged into the second liquid reservoir 730 through the first cleaning flow path 22 without being circulated to the first cleaning flow path 22 again.

[0147] At once Figure 4 As for the first cleaning section shown, a separate clean cleaning liquid from an external supply source can be fed into the first cleaning section.

[0148] Reference Figure 4As shown by the arrow in the middle dotted line, in the cleaning mode of the heat exchanger 300, the cleaning liquid stored in the first liquid reservoir 710 in a liquid state is discharged from the first liquid reservoir 710, flows through the first pump 720, the first valve 810, the heat exchanger 300 and the second liquid reservoir 730 in sequence, and can clean the heat exchanger 300.

[0149] Figure 3 The first cleaning unit shown uses condensed water flowing into the first liquid reservoir 710 through the heat exchanger 300 as cleaning liquid. Therefore, even if the first filter 711 is provided in the first liquid reservoir 710, the cleaning liquid may contain foreign matter such as fluff.

[0150] However, Figure 4 The first cleaning section shown cleans the heat exchanger 300 by using a separate clean cleaning liquid that does not contain any foreign matter, and thus Figure 3 Compared with the first cleaning part shown in FIG. 1 , the cleaning efficiency inside the heat exchanger 300 can be improved.

[0151] However, Figure 4 The first cleaning unit shown does not use the working fluid flowing in the non-circulating flow path 23 as a cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid passing through the primary heat exchanger 300 does not repeatedly circulate the first cleaning flow path 22 again. Figure 3 The situation is somewhat disadvantageous compared to the previous one.

[0152] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the structure of a dryer according to still another embodiment. Figure 5 The illustrated dryer may include both a first washing section that washes the heat exchanger 300 and a second washing section that washes the compressor 400 .

[0153] In the compressor 400 cleaning mode, condensed water stored in the first accumulator 710 flows into the compressor 400 , thereby removing foreign matter such as fluff inside the compressor 400 .

[0154] Figure 5 The dryer shown can be Figure 3 The above mentioned dryer is added with components to realize the above mentioned dryer. Figure 3 The description of the already explained components is repeated, and the additional components are described.

[0155] The first liquid reservoir 710 may be provided with a first filter 711 at the outlet. The structure and function of the first filter 711 are as described above.

[0156] The dryer may further include a second cleaning unit connected to the inlet and outlet of the compressor 400. The second cleaning unit may further include a second cleaning flow path 25, the inlet of the second cleaning flow path 25 being connected to the first liquid reservoir 710 and the outlet being connected to the compressor 400.

[0157] The second cleaning flow path 25 may be connected to the first cleaning flow path 22 at a location passing through the outlet of the first liquid reservoir 710 .

[0158] like Figure 5 As shown, the non-circulating flow path 23 connects the circulating flow path 21 and the compressor 400 , and the second cleaning flow path 25 may be connected to the non-circulating flow path 23 at a location between the circulating flow path 21 and the compressor 400 .

[0159] A third valve 830 may be disposed at a location where the non-circulation flow path 23 and the second cleaning flow path 25 are connected. In addition, a fourth valve 840 may be disposed at a location where the first cleaning flow path 22 and the second cleaning flow path 25 are connected.

[0160] The third valve 830 and the fourth valve 840 may be three-way valves. The third valve 830 and the fourth valve 840 are electrically connected to the control unit, so that their operations can be controlled by the control unit.

[0161] In the drying operation mode, the third valve 830 closes the second cleaning flow path 25 , and the first valve 810 closes the first cleaning flow path 22 , so that the working fluid flowing into the compressor 400 can pass through the non-circulation flow path 23 .

[0162] In the heat exchanger 300 cleaning mode, the fourth valve 840 closes the second cleaning flow path 25 side, the first valve 810 closes the compressor 400 side, and the cleaning fluid discharged from the first liquid reservoir 710 flows in the first cleaning flow path 22 and can pass through the heat exchanger 300.

[0163] In the cleaning mode for the compressor 400, the fourth valve 840 can close the first cleaning flow path 22, the third valve 830 can close the accommodating portion 600, and the first valve 810 can close the first cleaning flow path 22. As a result, the cleaning fluid discharged from the first liquid reservoir 710 flows through the second cleaning flow path 25 and the non-circulating flow path 23, thereby cleaning the interior of the compressor 400.

[0164] The drying machine may further include a second pump 740 disposed on the second washing flow path 25. The second pump 740 is electrically connected to the control unit, and its operation can be controlled by the control unit.

[0165] The second pump 740 operates in the cleaning mode of the compressor 400 and can flow the cleaning liquid contained in the first liquid reservoir 710 to the second cleaning flow path 25 and the non-circulation flow path 23 .

[0166] However, the second pump 740 may not be included as long as the compressor 400 is operated in the compressor 400 cleaning mode and the cleaning liquid flows by the operation of the compressor 400 .

[0167] In the cleaning mode of the compressor 400, the working fluid stored in the first liquid reservoir 710 in a liquid state, i.e., the cleaning fluid, is discharged from the first liquid reservoir 710 and sequentially flows through the fourth valve 840, the second pump 740, and the third valve 830, and can flow into the compressor 400. That is, in the cleaning mode of the compressor 400, the cleaning fluid can be Figure 5 The liquid flows through the second cleaning flow path 25 indicated by the dotted arrow.

[0168] The cleaning fluid passing through the compressor 400 flows in the non-circulating flow path 23 and can flow into the first liquid reservoir 710 or the second liquid reservoir 730 through the heat exchanger 300. At this time, the second valve 820 controls the flow path of the cleaning fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300, and the cleaning fluid can be supplied to the first liquid reservoir 710 or the second liquid reservoir 730 as needed.

[0169] As mentioned above, the cleaning of the heat exchanger 300 and the cleaning of the compressor 400 can be performed in any order. That is, the heat exchanger 300 can be cleaned first and then the compressor 400, or they can be cleaned in the reverse order.

[0170] However, foreign matter such as fluff removed from the compressor 400 may accumulate again inside the heat exchanger 300 , so it may be preferable to clean the compressor 400 first and then clean the heat exchanger 300 .

[0171] In the embodiment, the dryer uses the second cleaning unit to clean the compressor 400, thereby effectively preventing foreign matter such as fluff from accumulating inside the compressor 400. In addition, the performance degradation, failure, and lifespan shortening of the compressor 400 caused by foreign matter can be effectively prevented.

[0172] 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 may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, such modifications and variations should not be understood solely from the technical perspective of the present invention; such variations should be considered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0173] Industrial Applicability

[0174] According to the dryer of the present invention, foreign matter contained in the working fluid discharged from the drum is filtered by the second filter, thereby preventing foreign matter such as fluff from flowing in the circulation flow path and the non-circulation flow path and accumulating inside the various components of the dryer. In this respect, the limitations of the existing technology 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 dryer that dries an object to be dried using a working fluid comprising air and steam, wherein: include: Heating device; a drum, the inlet of which is connected to the heating device; a fan, arranged to be connected to the outlet of the drum; a heat exchanger disposed on a flow path connecting an outlet of the fan to a flow path of the working fluid of the heating device; a compressor having an inlet connected to a circulation path of a working fluid connected to an outlet of the fan so that the working fluid flows into the compressor, and an outlet connected to an inlet of the heat exchanger; as well as The first cleaning part is connected to the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger, The first cleaning unit includes: a first liquid reservoir, an inlet of which is connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger and stores condensed water of the working fluid; and a first pump, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger; a first cleaning flow path connecting the first liquid reservoir and the first pump to clean the interior of the heat exchanger with condensed water of the working fluid; One end of the first cleaning flow path is connected to the first liquid accumulator, and the other end is connected to a non-circulation flow path connecting the compressor and the heat exchanger.

2. The drying machine according to claim 1, wherein A first valve, which is a three-way valve, is disposed at a location where the first cleaning flow path and the non-circulation flow path are connected.

3. The drying machine according to claim 2, wherein: The non-circulating flow path connects the heat exchanger and the first liquid reservoir, The drying machine further comprises: a discharge flow path branching from the non-circulation flow path connecting the heat exchanger and the first liquid reservoir; and The second liquid reservoir is connected to the outlet of the discharge flow path.

4. The drying machine according to claim 3, wherein: The first liquid reservoir is provided with a first filter at an outlet connected to the first cleaning flow path. A second valve is disposed at a location where the non-circulation flow path and the discharge flow path are connected. In heat exchanger cleaning mode, The working fluid stored in the first liquid reservoir in a liquid state flows through the first filter, the first pump, the first valve, the heat exchanger, and the second valve in sequence to clean the heat exchanger.

5. The drying machine according to claim 2, wherein: The heat exchanger further comprises a second liquid reservoir, which is arranged at the end of the non-circulating flow path and connected to the heat exchanger. In heat exchanger cleaning mode, The cleaning liquid stored in the first liquid reservoir in a liquid state is discharged from the first liquid reservoir and flows through the first pump, the first valve, the heat exchanger, and the second liquid reservoir in sequence to clean the heat exchanger.

6. The drying machine according to claim 2, wherein: The first liquid reservoir is provided with a first filter at the outlet, The dryer further includes a second washing part connected to an inlet and an outlet of the compressor.

7. The drying machine according to claim 6, wherein: The second cleaning portion includes a second cleaning flow path, the inlet of the second cleaning flow path is connected to the first liquid reservoir, and the outlet is connected to the compressor. The non-circulating flow path connects the circulating flow path and the compressor, and the second cleaning flow path is connected to the first cleaning flow path at a location passing through the outlet of the first liquid accumulator and is connected to the non-circulating flow path at a location between the circulating flow path and the compressor.

8. The drying machine according to claim 7, wherein: A third valve is disposed at a location where the non-circulating flow path and the second cleaning flow path are connected, and a fourth valve is disposed at a location where the first cleaning flow path and the second cleaning flow path are connected. Also includes a second pump disposed on the second cleaning flow path, In the compressor cleaning mode, the working fluid stored in the first accumulator in a liquid state is discharged from the first accumulator, sequentially flows through the fourth valve, the second pump, and the third valve, and flows into the compressor.

9. The drying machine according to claim 1, wherein The drum is provided with a second filter at an outlet connected to the fan.

Images