Laundry treating apparatus and control method of laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to a laundry treating apparatus including: a drum providing a space in which an object to be dried is accommodated; a circulation flow path for re-supplying the air discharged from the drum to the drum; a heat exchange unit having a circulation fan for moving air along the circulation flow path, a first heat exchanger for dehumidifying the air moving along the circulation flow path, and a second heat exchanger for heating the air passing through the first heat exchanger; a water collection unit connected to the circulation flow path and storing condensed water discharged from the air passing through the first heat exchanger; the heating part is used for heating water in the water collecting part; and an exhaust unit for discharging air inside the water collection unit to the outside of the water collection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a clothing processing device and a control method of the clothing processing device. Background Art

[0002] The laundry processing apparatus is a general term for apparatuses capable of washing washable articles (washing objects) such as clothes, drying dryable articles (drying objects), or washing and drying the objects.

[0003] An existing clothing processing device capable of drying includes: a drum providing a space for accommodating clothing; a circulation path guiding air exhausted from the drum to the drum; a fan moving the air along the circulation path; and a heat exchange part sequentially dehumidifying and heating the air flowing into the circulation path.

[0004] The heat exchange part having the above structure includes: a first heat exchanger that cools the air inside the circulation flow path; and a second heat exchanger that heats the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger. The air exhausted from the drum is condensed when passing through the first heat exchanger, so a water collection part for collecting condensed water is provided inside or outside the circulation flow path. The condensed water stored in the water collection part is discharged to the outside of the laundry processing device through a drainage pump, or is stored in a drainage tank provided inside the laundry processing device (Korean Patent Publication No.: 10-2021-0063873).

[0005] The drainage pump needs to include a housing provided with an inlet and an impeller provided inside the housing, and the inlet and the bottom surface of the water collecting part need to be kept separated. Therefore, the existing laundry processing device has a problem that condensed water remains inside the water collecting part. Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present application is to provide a clothes treating device and a control method of the clothes treating device which can minimize the residual condensed water inside the water collecting part.

[0008] In addition, the problem to be solved by the present application is to provide a clothes treating device and a control method of the clothes treating device which can minimize the residual condensed water in the water collecting part by evaporating the condensed water in the water collecting part.

[0009] In addition, the problem to be solved by the present application is to provide a clothes treating device and a control method for the clothes treating device that can easily discharge condensed water inside the water collecting part by discharging evaporated condensed water remaining inside the water collecting part to the outside of the water collecting part.

[0010] In addition, the problem to be solved by the present application is to provide a clothes processing device and a control method for the clothes processing device that can solve the problem of reduced dryness of the drying object by discharging evaporated condensed water to a space outside the drum instead of the drum that stores the clothes.

[0011] Technical solutions to the problem

[0012] The present application relates to a clothing processing device, which includes: a drum, which provides a space for accommodating drying objects; a circulation flow path, which supplies air exhausted from the drum to the drum again; a heat exchange part, which dehumidifies and heats the air in sequence along the circulation flow path; a water collection part, which is connected to the circulation flow path and stores condensed water exhausted from the air passing through the heat exchange part; a heating part, which heats the bottom surface of the water collection part to evaporate the water inside the water collection part; and an exhaust part, which exhausts the air inside the water collection part to the outside of the water collection part.

[0013] The exhaust portion may exhaust air in the water collecting portion to an external space of the drum.

[0014] In addition, the present application relates to a clothing processing device, which includes: a drum, which provides a space for accommodating drying objects; a circulation flow path, which re-supplies air exhausted from the drum to the drum; a heat exchange part, which has a circulation fan that moves air along the circulation flow path, a first heat exchanger that dehumidifies the air moving along the circulation flow path, and a second heat exchanger that heats the air passing through the first heat exchanger; a water collecting part, which is connected to the circulation flow path and stores condensed water exhausted from the air passing through the first heat exchanger; a heating part, which heats water inside the water collecting part; and an exhaust part, which exhausts the air inside the water collecting part to the outside of the water collecting part.

[0015] The water collecting part may include: a storage body storing condensed water discharged from the air passing through the first heat exchanger; a cover forming a top surface of the storage body; and a body through hole penetrating a bottom surface of the storage body.

[0016] The heating part may include: a heating body formed of a conductor and closing the body through hole; and a heater that heats the heating body and is located outside the water collecting part.

[0017] The heating body may be arranged to form a bottom surface of the storage body.

[0018] The exhaust part may include: an exhaust duct penetrating the cover to communicate with the interior of the storage body; an exhaust fan provided in the exhaust duct to exhaust the air inside the storage body; and a valve to control the opening and closing of the exhaust duct.

[0019] The clothing processing device may further include an exhaust port, which is configured to penetrate the cover, and one end of the exhaust duct is fixed to the exhaust port; the valve may include: a valve body, rotatably fixed to the exhaust duct or the cover, capable of opening and closing the exhaust port; and a valve motor, controlling the rotation angle of the valve body.

[0020] The heating part may be composed of a film heater fixed to the bottom surface of the storage body and located outside the water collecting part.

[0021] The film heater may include: a fixing plate fixed to a bottom surface of the storage body and located outside the water collecting part; and a heater buried inside the fixing plate.

[0022] The clothes treating apparatus may further include an actuator which forms a water flow inside the water collecting part or vibrates the condensed water stored in the water collecting part.

[0023] The clothing treatment device may further include: a drainage box, which is arranged to be located at a higher position than the water collecting part and provides a space for storing condensed water; and a drainage part, which has a drainage pump for moving the condensed water inside the storage body to the outside of the storage body and a drainage pipe for guiding the condensed water discharged from the drainage pump to the drainage box.

[0024] The present application provides a control method for a clothing processing device, the clothing processing device comprising: a drum, providing a space for accommodating drying objects; a circulation flow path, re-supplying air exhausted from the drum to the drum; a heat exchange part, comprising a circulation fan for moving air along the circulation flow path, a compressor for moving refrigerant along a refrigerant pipe, a first heat exchanger fixed to the refrigerant pipe and dehumidifying the air moving along the circulation flow path, and a second heat exchanger fixed to the refrigerant pipe and heating the air passing through the first heat exchanger; a water collecting part, storing condensed water exhausted from the air passing through the first heat exchanger; a heating part, heating water inside the water collecting part; and an exhaust part, exhausting the air inside the water collecting part to the outside of the water collecting part.

[0025] The control method may include: an exhaust step of exhausting the air inside the water collecting part through the exhaust part; a heating step of heating the condensed water inside the water collecting part by the heating part; and a sterilization step of operating the compressor and the circulation fan to supply heated air to the drum after the exhaust step and the heating step are completed.

[0026] The heating step may be started simultaneously with the exhausting step, or may be started during the exhausting step, or may be started before the exhausting step.

[0027] The control method may further include a residual water removal step of operating the circulation fan and the heating unit after the sterilization step is completed.

[0028] In the heating step, the heating unit may be continuously operated for a preset first reference time, and in the residual water removing step, the heating unit may be repeatedly operated and interrupted for a preset second reference time.

[0029] The present application provides a control method for a clothing processing device, the clothing processing device comprising: a drum, providing a space for accommodating drying objects; a circulation flow path, re-supplying air exhausted from the drum to the drum; a heat exchange part, comprising a circulation fan for moving air along the circulation flow path, a compressor for moving refrigerant along a refrigerant pipe, a first heat exchanger fixed to the refrigerant pipe and dehumidifying the air moving along the circulation flow path, and a second heat exchanger fixed to the refrigerant pipe and heating the air passing through the first heat exchanger; a water collecting part, storing condensed water exhausted from the air passing through the first heat exchanger; a heating part, heating water inside the water collecting part; and an exhaust part, exhausting the air inside the water collecting part to the outside of the water collecting part.

[0030] The control method may include: a drying step of operating the compressor and the circulation fan to supply air to the inside of the drum; and a residual water removal step of operating the exhaust part and the heating part to evaporate condensed water inside the water collecting part after the drying step.

[0031] The residual water removal step may include: continuously operating the heating unit for a first interval; and repeatedly operating and stopping the heating unit for a second interval after the first interval ends.

[0032] Effects of the Invention

[0033] The present application provides a clothes treating device and a control method of the clothes treating device which can minimize the amount of residual condensed water inside a water collecting part.

[0034] In addition, the present application provides a clothes treating apparatus and a control method of the clothes treating apparatus which can minimize the residual condensed water in the water collecting part by evaporating the condensed water in the water collecting part.

[0035] In addition, the present application provides a laundry treating apparatus and a control method of the laundry treating apparatus that can easily discharge condensed water inside a water collecting part by discharging evaporated condensed water remaining inside the water collecting part to the outside of the water collecting part.

[0036] In addition, the present application provides a clothes treating apparatus and a control method of the clothes treating apparatus which can solve the problem of reduced dryness of drying objects by discharging evaporated condensed water to a space outside the drum instead of the drum where the clothes are stored. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 It is a figure which shows an example of a clothes processing apparatus.

[0038] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing an example of a circulation flow path and a heat exchange unit.

[0039] Figure 5 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of a support portion, a drain portion, and a condensed water removal portion.

[0040] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing another embodiment of the condensed water removal unit.

[0041] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a control method of a clothes processing apparatus.

[0042] Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus.

[0043] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing another embodiment of the circulation flow path and the heat exchange part.

[0044] Fig.12 and Fig.13 It is shown Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a control method for a clothes treating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a laundry treating apparatus and a control method thereof will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the clothing processing device 100 may include a housing 1, and a storage portion, a circulation flow path and a heat exchange portion may be provided inside the housing. The storage portion is provided inside the housing and stores drying objects (hereinafter, clothing), and the circulation flow path removes moisture from the clothing in the storage portion.

[0047] The housing 1 may include: a front surface 11 located in front of the laundry processing device; a back surface 12 located behind the laundry processing device; and a base 13 forming a bottom surface of the laundry processing device.

[0048] A control panel may be provided on the front side 11. The control panel may include: a display unit 114 for displaying control instructions selectable by a user; and an input unit 113 for enabling a user to select a control instruction displayed on the display unit 114.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, a box inlet 111 for taking clothes in and out is provided on the front side 11 , and the box inlet 111 can be closed by a door 115 rotatably fixed to the front side 11 .

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the accommodating portion may be composed of a drum 17 rotatably disposed inside the box 1. The drum 17 may be composed of a cylindrical drum body 171 with the front and back sides respectively opened.

[0051] The housing 1 may include a front panel 14 rotatably supporting the front surface of the drum body 171 and a rear panel 15 rotatably supporting the rear surface of the drum body 171 , so as to rotatably support the drum body 171 .

[0052] The front panel 14 may include: a front panel body 141 fixed to the front side 11 or the housing 1 ; a drum inlet 142 penetrating the front panel body; and a drum exhaust hole 143 for exhausting the air inside the drum body 171 to the circulation path 2 .

[0053] The drum inlet 142 may be connected to the box inlet 111. Therefore, when the door 115 opens the box inlet 111, the user may put clothes into the drum body 171 or take clothes out of the drum body 171 through the box inlet 111 and the drum inlet 142.

[0054] In order to filter the air exhausted from the drum body 171 , a filter that is detachable from the front panel body 141 may be provided at the drum exhaust hole 143 .

[0055] The rear panel 15 may include: a rear panel body 151 fixed to the back side 12 or the box body 1 ; and a roller supply hole 152 penetrating the rear panel body 151 .

[0056] The drum body 171 can be rotated by a driving unit 18 disposed inside the housing 1. The driving unit 18 may include a drum motor 181 fixed to the base 13 and a belt 182 connecting a rotating shaft of the drum motor and a circumferential surface of the drum body 171.

[0057] In order to stir the clothes inside the drum body 171, a lifting member 172 may be further provided inside the drum body 171. The lifting member 172 may be composed of a board protruding from the circumferential surface of the drum body 171 toward the rotation center of the drum body.

[0058] The circulation flow path 2 may include: a first pipe 21 connected to the drum exhaust hole 143; a second pipe 22 connected to the drum supply hole 152; and a third pipe (connection pipe) 23 connecting the first pipe and the second pipe. The connection pipe 23 may be fixed to the base 13.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the heat exchange unit 3 may include: a circulation fan 36 to move air along the circulation flow path 2; and heat pumps 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 to sequentially dehumidify and heat the air moving along the circulation flow path 2.

[0060] The circulation fan 36 may include: a fan impeller 361 located inside the circulation flow path 2; and a fan motor 362 located outside the circulation flow path 2 to rotate the fan impeller 361.

[0061] The heat pump may include: a refrigerant pipe 33, forming a flow path for refrigerant circulation; a compressor 34, causing the refrigerant to move along the refrigerant pipe 33; a first heat exchanger 31, fixed to the refrigerant pipe 33, transferring the heat of the air flowing into the connecting pipe 23 to the refrigerant; a second heat exchanger 32, fixed to the refrigerant pipe 33, transferring the heat of the refrigerant to the air passing through the first heat exchanger 31; and a regulating valve 35, adjusting the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0062] The connecting pipe 23 may include: a pipe body 231 fixed to the base 13; and a pipe cover 232 forming the top surface of the pipe body. Figure 5 As shown, the duct body 231 may include: a first mounting portion 233, the first heat exchanger 31 is mounted on the first mounting portion 233; a second mounting portion 234, the second heat exchanger 32 is mounted on the second mounting portion 234; and a third mounting portion (fan mounting portion) 235, the fan impeller 361 is rotatably accommodated in the third mounting portion 235.

[0063] The air flowing into the connection duct 23 is condensed while passing through the first heat exchanger 31 , is heated while passing through the second heat exchanger 32 , and moves toward the drum main body 171 through the second duct 22 and the drum supply hole 152 .

[0064] The circulation flow path 2 may be provided with a support portion 4 for supporting the bottom surface of the first heat exchanger 31. The support portion 4 divides the interior of the connecting pipe 23 into an installation space 233a where the first heat exchanger 31 is located and a drainage space 233b for guiding condensed water to the outside of the circulation flow path (see Figure 4 The drainage space 233b is located at the lower part of the installation space 233a, and a drainage flow path 5 is provided in the drainage space 233b.

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown, the support portion 4 may include: a support body 41 supporting the bottom surface of the first heat exchanger 31; an extension body 42 extending from the support body toward the second heat exchanger 32; and fastening parts 43 and 44 fixing the support body 41 and the extension body 42 to the connecting pipe 23.

[0066] As an example, Figure 6 It is shown that the fastening portion includes fastening protrusions 43 protruding from two side surfaces of the supporting body 41 and fastening grooves 44 provided on the connecting pipe 23 and accommodating the fastening protrusions 43 .

[0067] The support body 41 is provided with a support body through hole 411, and the extension body 42 is provided with an extension body through hole 421. Therefore, the inner space of the connecting pipe 23 (the space where the first installation portion is located) is divided into the installation space 233a and the drainage space 233b by the support body 41 and the extension body 42, but the condensed water in the installation space 233a can move to the drainage space 233b through the support body through hole 411 and the extension body through hole 421.

[0068] The support body through hole 411 may be located at the lower part of the first heat exchanger 31, and the extension body through hole 421 may be located between the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32. This is to prevent the condensed water that fails to move to the drainage space 233b through the support body through hole 411 from moving to the second heat exchanger 32 along with the airflow inside the connecting pipe 23.

[0069] The base 13 may be provided with a water collecting portion 6 for storing condensed water generated when the air passing through the first heat exchanger 31 is condensed.

[0070] like Figure 5As shown, the water collecting part 6 may be located outside the circulation flow path 2. In this case, preferably, the water collecting part 6 may be connected to the drainage space 233b through a drainage port 51 penetrating the connecting pipe 23, and the drainage flow path 5 is provided on the bottom surface of the connecting pipe 23 to guide the condensed water to the drainage port 51.

[0071] In order to naturally drain the condensed water (allowing the condensed water to move from the drainage path to the water collecting part under the action of gravity), the bottom surface of the water collecting part 6 can be located at a position lower than the drainage port 51, and the drainage path 5 can be formed as an inclined surface inclined downward toward the drainage port 51.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, the condensed water stored in the water collecting part 6 can be discharged to the drainage box 8 through the drainage part 7. The drainage box 8 can be located at a higher position than the water collecting part 6.

[0073] The drainage box 8 may include: a drawer 81 , which is removably disposed on the box body 1 and provides a space for storing condensed water; and a drawer through hole 82 , which passes through the top surface of the drawer 81 .

[0074] The front face 11 may be provided with an outlet 112 for the drawer 81 to enter and exit, and the interior of the box body 1 may be provided with a water tank cover 16 for providing a space for accommodating the drawer 81 .

[0075] The condensed water discharged from the water collecting portion 6 through the drainage portion 7 may move toward the water tank cover 16 through the supply pipe 72 , and the condensed water discharged from the supply pipe 72 may move toward the inside of the drawer 81 through the drawer through hole 82 .

[0076] On the other hand, if too much condensed water is supplied to the drawer 81, the condensed water inside the drawer 81 may be discharged to the water tank cover 16 through the drawer through hole 82. Therefore, a recovery pipe 73 may be further provided in the drainage portion 7, and the recovery pipe 73 connects the bottom surface of the water tank cover 16 and the water collecting portion 6 to guide the condensed water discharged from the drawer 81 to the water collecting portion 6.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, the water collecting part 6 may include: a storage body 61, which is arranged on the base 13 and stores condensed water; and a cover 62, which closes the open top surface of the storage body. Since the drain port 51 is arranged on the circumferential surface of the storage body 61, the storage body 61 is connected to the inside of the circulation flow path 2 through the drain port 51.

[0078] The cover 62 is provided with a supply port 622 and a recovery port 623 . The supply port 622 is connected to the supply pipe 72 , and the recovery port 623 is connected to the recovery pipe 623 .

[0079] In addition, the cover 62 is provided with a cover through hole 621 for installing the drain pump 71 of the drain unit 7 and a chamber 63. The chamber 63 is fixed to the cover 62 and is located inside the storage body 61. As shown in the figure, the chamber 63 may include: a chamber body 631 formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the cover through hole 621; and a supply body 632 connecting the internal space of the chamber body 631 with the supply port 622.

[0080] In this case, the drain pump 71 may include a drain motor 711 fixed to the cover 62 , and an impeller 713 fixed to a rotating shaft 712 of the drain motor and located inside the chamber body 631 .

[0081] A chamber inlet 633 is provided at the bottom surface of the chamber body 631, so when the impeller 713 rotates, the condensed water inside the storage body 61 flows into the chamber body 631 and then moves to the supply port 622 through the supply body 632. The condensed water moved to the supply port 622 moves to the drainage tank 8 through the supply pipe 72.

[0082] The recovery port 623 penetrates the cover 62 to communicate with the storage body 61 , so that the condensed water discharged from the drainage tank 8 can move to the storage body 61 through the recovery pipe 73 and the recovery port 623 .

[0083] The clothes processing device of the above structure needs to maintain a space between the chamber inlet 633 and the bottom surface of the storage body 61, so it is inevitable that condensed water remains inside the storage body 61. The phenomenon of condensed water remaining inside the storage body 61 may become a factor that makes the sanitation management of the storage body 61, the heat exchange part 3 and the drum 17 difficult.

[0084] In order to minimize the problem of residual condensed water in the water collecting portion 6 , a condensed water removing portion 9 may be further provided in the laundry treating apparatus 100 .

[0085] Preferably, the condensed water removal unit 9 includes at least one of a heating unit 91 for heating water in the water collecting unit 6 and an exhaust unit 92 for exhausting air in the water collecting unit 6 to the outside of the water collecting unit. Figure 5 1 and 2 are diagrams showing a state where the heating unit 91 and the exhaust unit 92 are provided.

[0086] The storage body 61 is provided with a body through hole 611 penetrating through the bottom surface, and the heating part 91 may include: a heating body 911, which is composed of a conductor and closes the body through hole 611; and a heater 912, which heats the heating body 911 and is located outside the water collecting part 6.

[0087] The heating body 911 forms the bottom surface of the storage body 61 , so when the heater 912 is in operation, all condensed water inside the storage body 61 can be evaporated.

[0088] The exhaust unit 92 can exhaust the water vapor inside the water collecting unit 6 to the inside of the housing 1 or the outside of the housing. As an example, the accompanying drawings show the exhaust unit 92 that exhausts the water vapor to the inside of the housing 1 .

[0089] The exhaust part 92 may include: an exhaust duct 921, the inlet of which is fixed to the exhaust port (a hole passing through the cover) 624 of the cover, and the outlet of which is located inside the box body 1; and an exhaust fan 922, which moves the air inside the storage body 61 toward the exhaust duct 921.

[0090] If the exhaust duct 921 is always kept in an open state, when the heat exchange unit 3 is operated to dry the clothes stored in the drum 17, a part of the air passing through the first heat exchanger 31 can be discharged through the water collecting part 6 and the exhaust duct 921. Therefore, a valve 923 for controlling the opening and closing of the exhaust duct 921 can also be provided in the exhaust unit 92.

[0091] The valve 923 may include: a valve body 924 having a shape capable of opening and closing the exhaust duct 921 or the exhaust port 624 ; and a valve motor 925 controlling a rotation angle of the valve body 924 .

[0092] The valve body 924 may be rotatably fixed to the exhaust pipe 921 or may be rotatably fixed to the cover 62. For example, Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a state in which the valve body 924 provided in the exhaust duct 921 opens the exhaust duct 921 .

[0093] If a drying step for drying clothes or a sterilization step for sterilizing the drum or the heat exchanger is performed, condensed water is stored in the storage body 61. When the impeller 713 rotates, the condensed water inside the storage body 61 is discharged to the drain tank 8 through the supply port 622. After the impeller 713 stops rotating, the condensed water remaining inside the storage body 61 can be removed by operating the heater 912 and the exhaust fan 922 in a state where the exhaust duct 921 is open.

[0094] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the heating unit 91 . The heating unit of this embodiment is characterized in that it is composed of a film heater (or plate heater) 914 that heats the bottom surface of the storage body 61 .

[0095] The film heater 914 may include: a fixing plate 915 fixed to the bottom surface of the storage body 61 and located outside the water collecting part 6 ; and a heater 916 buried inside the fixing plate 915 . Figure 8 In an embodiment, the main body through hole 611 may not be provided on the bottom surface of the storage main body 61 .

[0096] In order to shorten the time of removing the condensed water inside the water collecting part 6, an actuator 93 may be further provided inside the water collecting part 6. The actuator 93 may be composed of an impeller (water collecting part impeller) provided on the bottom surface of the storage body 61 and rotated by a motor (located outside the water collecting part) or an ultrasonic generator provided inside the storage body 61.

[0097] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing an example of a control method of the above-mentioned clothing processing apparatus 100.

[0098] In the above-mentioned laundry processing device 100, the drain port 51 is located between the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32, and the circulation fan 36 is located behind the second heat exchanger 32 (between the second heat exchanger and the second pipe). Therefore, when the circulation fan 36 is running, negative pressure can be generated inside the water collecting part 6, so Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The present invention relates to a control method for preventing the operating time point of the circulation fan 36 and the operating time point of the exhaust fan 922 from overlapping.

[0099] Fig. 9 The control method is a sterilization step for sterilizing the drum by supplying heated air to the drum, characterized in that before starting the sterilization step, a step of removing condensed water inside the water collecting part 6 (a first residual water removal step) is performed.

[0100] The first residual water removing step may include an exhaust step of exhausting air in the water collecting portion 6 through the exhaust part 92 and a heating step of heating condensed water in the water collecting portion 6 by the heating part 91 .

[0101] The exhaust step may include a step of opening the exhaust duct 921 with the valve 923 and a step of operating the exhaust fan 922 to exhaust the air inside the water collecting part.

[0102] The heating step, as a step in which the heating unit 91 supplies heat energy to the water collecting unit 6, may be started simultaneously with the exhaust step, or may be started during or before the exhaust step. Preferably, the heating unit 91 operates continuously for a preset first reference time (shortening the execution time of the first residual water removal step) during the heating step.

[0103] If the first residual water removal step is completed, the control method performs the sterilization step, and the sterilization step may be a step of operating the heat exchange part 3 to supply high-temperature dry air to the drum 17 within a preset time.

[0104] If the sterilization step is completed, the control method may perform a second residual water removal step of removing condensed water generated in the sterilization step. The second residual water removal step may be a step of operating the circulation fan 36 of the heat exchange unit and the heating unit 91 of the condensed water removal unit 9 while closing the exhaust duct 921.

[0105] The second residual water removal step is characterized in that the circulation fan 36 is operated instead of the exhaust fan 922. If the circulation fan 36 is operated without operating the compressor 34, not only the drum 17 can be cooled, but also the air in the water collecting part 6 can be moved to the circulation flow path 2. Therefore, if the heating part 91 is operated while the circulation fan 36 is operating, the condensed water in the water collecting part 6 can be removed. In the second residual water removal step, the heating part 91 can be repeatedly operated and interrupted within a preset second reference time.

[0106] because Fig. 9 The control method is performed before the sterilization step starts and after the sterilization step ends, thereby preventing or minimizing the residual condensed water in the water collection part.

[0107] Fig.10 The control method is characterized in that it consists of a drying step and a residual water removing step (third residual water removing step).

[0108] The drying step is a step of supplying air to the inside of the drum 17 by operating the compressor 34 and the circulation fan 36 , and the third residual water removing step is a step of evaporating condensed water inside the water collecting part 6 by operating the exhaust part 92 and the heating part 91 .

[0109] The third residual water removal step may include the steps of causing the valve 923 to open the exhaust duct 921 after the drying step is completed, operating the exhaust fan 922 to exhaust the air from the water collection part 6, and supplying heat energy to the inside of the water collection part through the heating part 91.

[0110] The third residual water removal step may be divided into a first interval in which the heating unit 91 is continuously operated and a second interval in which the heating unit 91 is repeatedly operated and interrupted after the first interval. In this case, the first interval may start when the exhaust unit 92 starts operating (when the valve and the exhaust fan are operating), and the second interval may end when the exhaust unit ends operating (when the valve and the exhaust fan are operating).

[0111] because Fig.10 The residual water removal step is performed for a preset time after the drying step, thereby preventing or minimizing the residual condensed water in the water collecting part.

[0112] Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a clothes treating apparatus. In the clothes treating apparatus of this embodiment, a circulation fan 36 is located between the inlet (drum exhaust hole 143 ) of the first duct 21 and the first heat exchanger 31 .

[0113] In this embodiment, since the drain port 51 for supplying condensed water to the water collecting portion 6 is located between the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32, and the circulation fan 36 is located in front of the first heat exchanger 31, when the circulation fan 36 is running, the pressure inside the water collecting portion 6 may become high. Fig.12 and Fig.13 It involves Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a control method of a clothes processing device, Fig.12 and Fig.13 The control method is characterized in that the operation time point of the circulation fan 36 and the operation time point of the exhaust fan 922 can overlap.

[0114] Fig.12 The control method is characterized in that the sterilization step and the residual water removal step are performed simultaneously.

[0115] Fig.12The sterilization step is a step of sterilizing the drum by operating the heat exchange unit 3 to supply high-temperature dry air (air with a temperature higher than normal temperature and a humidity lower than the humidity of the space where the laundry processing device is installed) to the drum. The sterilization step is performed by operating the heat exchange unit 3, and this step can be set to operate only the compressor 34 and the circulation fan 36, or can be set to operate the compressor, the circulation fan and the regulating valves 34, 36, 35.

[0116] Fig.12 The control method performs a residual water removal step during the sterilization step. The residual water removal step may include a step of operating the exhaust unit 92 and a step of operating the heating unit 91.

[0117] The step of operating the exhaust unit 92 may include the step of causing the valve 923 to open the exhaust duct 921 and the step of operating the exhaust fan 922. The step of operating the heating unit 91 may include a first interval of continuously operating the heating unit 91, a second interval of repeatedly operating and interrupting the heating unit 91, and a third interval of repeatedly operating and interrupting the heating unit (in a cycle shorter than the repetition cycle set in the second interval).

[0118] In the sterilization step, the compressor 34 may end its operation before the circulation fan 36, the second interval may end at the time when the compressor ends its operation, and the third interval may end at the time when the circulation fan 36 ends its operation. On the other hand, the exhaust section operation step (the step of operating the valve and the exhaust fan) of the residual water removal step may end at the time when the circulation fan 36 ends its operation.

[0119] because Fig.12 The residual water removal step is performed for a preset time after the operation of the compressor ends, thereby preventing or minimizing the residual condensed water in the water collecting part.

[0120] Fig.13 The control method is characterized in that a residual water removing step is performed during the execution of the drying step.

[0121] Fig.13 The drying step is a step of removing moisture from the clothes inside the drum by operating the heat exchange part 3 to supply high-temperature dry air to the drum.

[0122] Fig.13The residual water removal step includes the step of operating the exhaust unit 92 and the step of operating the heating unit 91, and is started during the execution of the drying step. The step of operating the exhaust unit 92 may include the step of the valve 923 opening the exhaust duct 921 and the step of the exhaust fan 922 exhausting the air of the water collecting unit 6. The step of operating the heating unit 91 may include a first interval of continuously operating the heating unit 91 and a second interval of repeatedly operating and interrupting the heating unit 91 (opening and closing control of the heating unit).

[0123] because Fig.13 The residual water removal step is set to be performed for a preset time after the drying step is completed, so Fig.13 The control method can prevent or minimize the residual condensed water in the water collecting part after the drying step is completed.

[0124] The structure and control method of the above-mentioned clothes processing device are an illustration of an example of the present application, and the scope of rights of the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned structure and control method.

Claims

1. A clothes processing device, characterized in that: include: The drum provides a space for accommodating the drying object; A circulation flow path for resupplying air exhausted from the drum to the drum; a heat exchange unit including a circulation fan for moving air along the circulation flow path, a first heat exchanger for dehumidifying the air moving along the circulation flow path, and a second heat exchanger for heating the air passing through the first heat exchanger; a water collecting portion connected to the circulation flow path and storing condensed water discharged from the air passing through the first heat exchanger; A heating part, heating the water inside the water collecting part; as well as The exhaust part discharges the air inside the water collecting part to the outside of the water collecting part.

2. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water collection part comprises: a storage body storing condensed water discharged from the air passing through the first heat exchanger; a cover forming a top surface of the storage body; and A main body through hole, penetrating through the bottom surface of the storage main body; The heating unit comprises: a heating body, which is composed of a conductor and closes the body through hole; and A heater heats the heating body and is located outside the water collecting portion.

3. The clothes treating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heating body is arranged to form a bottom surface of the storage body.

4. The clothes treating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The exhaust section comprises: an exhaust duct penetrating the cover to communicate with the interior of the storage body; an exhaust fan, disposed in the exhaust duct, to exhaust air from inside the storage body; and A valve controls the opening and closing of the exhaust duct.

5. The clothes treating device according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes an exhaust port, the exhaust port is arranged to penetrate the cover, and one end of the exhaust duct is fixed to the exhaust port; The valve comprises: a valve body rotatably fixed to the exhaust duct or the cover and capable of opening and closing the exhaust port; and The valve motor controls the rotation angle of the valve body.

6. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating portion is composed of a film heater fixed to the bottom surface of the storage body and located outside the water collecting portion.

7. The clothes treating device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The film heater comprises: a fixing plate fixed to the bottom surface of the storage body and located outside the water collecting part; and The heater is embedded in the fixing plate.

8. The clothes treating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An actuator is further included, the actuator forming a water flow inside the water collecting part or vibrating the condensed water stored in the water collecting part.

9. The clothes treating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: Also includes: A drainage box is arranged to be located at a higher position than the water collecting part and provide a space for storing condensed water; as well as The drain unit includes a drain pump for moving condensed water in the storage body to the outside of the storage body and a drain pipe for guiding the condensed water discharged from the drain pump to the drain tank.

10. A method for controlling a clothes processing device, characterized in that: The laundry processing device comprises: The drum provides a space for accommodating the drying object; A circulation flow path for resupplying air exhausted from the drum to the drum; a heat exchange unit including a circulation fan for moving air along the circulation flow path, a compressor for moving refrigerant along the refrigerant pipe, a first heat exchanger fixed to the refrigerant pipe and dehumidifying the air moving along the circulation flow path, and a second heat exchanger fixed to the refrigerant pipe and heating the air passing through the first heat exchanger; a water collecting portion for storing condensed water discharged from the air passing through the first heat exchanger; a heating part for heating water in the water collecting part; and An exhaust part, for exhausting the air inside the water collecting part to the outside of the water collecting part; The control method of the laundry processing device comprises: an exhaust step of exhausting the air inside the water collecting part through the exhaust part; The heating part heats the condensed water inside the water collecting part; and A sterilization step of operating the compressor and the circulation fan to supply heated air to the drum after the exhaust step and the heating step are completed.

11. The control method of the clothes processing device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The heating step is started simultaneously with the exhaust step, or is started during the exhaust step, or is started before the exhaust step is performed.

12. The control method of the clothes processing device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The method also includes operating the circulation fan and the residual water removal step of the heating unit after the sterilization step is completed.

13. The control method of the clothes processing device according to claim 12, characterized in that: In the heating step, the heating unit is continuously operated for a preset first reference time; In the residual water removing step, the heating unit repeatedly operates and stops within a preset second reference time.

14. A method for controlling a clothes processing device, characterized in that: The laundry processing device comprises: The drum provides a space for accommodating the drying object; A circulation flow path for resupplying air exhausted from the drum to the drum; a heat exchange unit including a circulation fan for moving air along the circulation flow path, a compressor for moving refrigerant along the refrigerant pipe, a first heat exchanger fixed to the refrigerant pipe and dehumidifying the air moving along the circulation flow path, and a second heat exchanger fixed to the refrigerant pipe and heating the air passing through the first heat exchanger; a water collecting portion for storing condensed water discharged from the air passing through the first heat exchanger; a heating part for heating water in the water collecting part; and An exhaust part, for exhausting the air inside the water collecting part to the outside of the water collecting part; The control method of the laundry processing device comprises: a drying step of operating the compressor and the circulation fan to supply air to the inside of the drum; and A residual water removing step is performed after the drying step by operating the exhaust unit and the heating unit to evaporate the condensed water in the water collecting unit.

15. The control method of the clothes processing device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The residual water removal step comprises: continuously operating the first interval of the heating unit; and After the first interval is completed, the heating unit is repeatedly operated and interrupted in a second interval.

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