Control method of a laundry treatment apparatus

Abstract

A control method for a garment handling device, the garment handling device comprising: a drum; a flow path section for guiding air discharged from the drum to the drum; a conveying section for moving air along the flow path section; a heat exchange section comprising a compressor, a pressure regulator, a first heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air in the flow path section and the refrigerant discharged from the pressure regulator, and a second heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the air passing through the first heat exchanger and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a water collection section for storing condensate; and a steam generator comprising: a heat exchange step for operating the conveying section and the heat exchange section; a heat exchange termination step for terminating the operation of the conveying section and the heat exchange section; a heat exchanger cleaning step for supplying steam to the first heat exchanger using the steam generator; a flow path cleaning step for operating the conveying section to move steam along the flow path section; and a water collection section cleaning step performed after the flow path cleaning step for supplying hot water generated by injecting steam from the steam generator into the first heat exchanger to the water collection section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a garment processing device and a method for controlling the garment processing device. Background Technology

[0002] A garment processing device is a general term for devices that can perform the washing of washable objects (cleaning objects) such as garments, the drying of dryable objects (drying objects), and the washing and drying of the aforementioned objects.

[0003] Conventional garment drying apparatus includes a drum that provides space for storing garments, a flow path that guides air discharged from the drum to the drum, a conveying section that moves the air along the flow path, and a heat exchange section that sequentially dehumidifies and heats the air flowing into the flow path.

[0004] The heat exchange section in the above structure includes a first heat exchanger that cools the air inside the flow path section and a second heat exchanger that heats the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger. Air discharged from the roller is condensed by the first heat exchanger, therefore a water collection section for collecting condensate is provided inside or outside the flow path section. The condensate stored in the water collection section is discharged to the outside of the garment handling device through a drain section or stored in a drain tank provided inside the garment handling device.

[0005] In conventional garment processing devices, steam is injected into the interior of the drum, causing the conveyor section to run and circulate the steam inside the drum along the flow path section, thereby managing the hygiene of the drum or flow path section (Korean Patent No. 10-1467775). However, conventional garment processing devices that use steam to sterilize the drum and flow path section employ a method of circulating the steam injected into the drum through the conveyor section, which has the disadvantage of making it difficult to effectively sterilize the flow path section or the heat exchangers (first heat exchanger, second heat exchanger) located inside the flow path section.

[0006] In other words, some of the steam injected into the drum condenses inside, making it difficult to supply to the flow path. Even when the steam is injected into the drum and moves towards the flow path, its temperature or humidity decreases during this movement (resulting in reduced sterilization power). This makes it difficult to effectively sterilize the flow path and heat exchanger. If relatively low-temperature steam is desired to sterilize the flow path or heat exchanger, the space requiring sterilization needs to be kept at high humidity. However, the aforementioned drawbacks of conventional garment processing devices lead to the need to increase the amount of steam supplied for sterilization and the time required for steam sterilization.

[0007] On the other hand, in a clothing treatment device with a heat pump as the heat exchanger, during heat pump operation, the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger (evaporator) is at a relatively low temperature, while the refrigerant passing through the second heat exchanger (condenser) is at a relatively high temperature. This means that immediately after the heat pump finishes operating, the temperature of the first heat exchanger is lower than that of the second heat exchanger. Therefore, if sterilization of the first heat exchanger is desired using steam, a large amount of steam is required. To reduce the amount of steam required for sterilization of the first heat exchanger, increasing its temperature could be considered. However, this would require increasing the heat pump's operating time (increasing energy consumption).

[0008] In addition, in conventional garment handling devices where the water collection section is located outside the flow path section, it is difficult to supply steam moving along the flow path section to the water collection section, thus making it difficult to clean or sterilize the water collection section. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a garment treatment device and a control method for the garment treatment device that can manage the hygiene of the heat exchange section, the circulation path and the water collection section.

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a garment treatment device and a method for controlling the garment treatment device that can sterilize a first heat exchanger for condensing air with a relatively small amount of steam.

[0012] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothing treatment device and a control method for easily removing foreign matter accumulated in the water collection section.

[0013] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothing treatment device that can remove residual water inside a steam generator and a control method for the clothing treatment device.

[0014] means of solving technical problems

[0015] The present invention provides a control method for a clothing processing device, the clothing processing device comprising: a drum for storing clothing; a flow path for guiding air discharged from the drum to the drum; a conveying section for moving air along the flow path; a heat exchange section comprising a compressor for moving refrigerant along a refrigerant pipe, a pressure regulator disposed on the refrigerant pipe, a first heat exchanger for dehumidifying the air by exchanging heat between the air flowing into the flow path and the refrigerant discharged from the pressure regulator, and a second heat exchanger for heating the air by exchanging heat between the air passing through the first heat exchanger and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a water collection section for storing condensate removed from the air passing through the first heat exchanger; and a steam generator for heating water to generate steam.

[0016] The control method includes: a heat exchange step, which operates the conveying section and the heat exchange section; a heat exchange termination step, which terminates the operation of the conveying section and the heat exchange section; a heat exchanger cleaning step, which supplies steam to the first heat exchanger using the steam generator; a flow path cleaning step, which operates the conveying section to move steam along the flow path; and a water collection section cleaning step, which is performed after the flow path cleaning step is completed, and supplies hot water generated by injecting steam into the first heat exchanger using the steam generator to the water collection section.

[0017] The heat exchanger cleaning step is performed when the aforementioned conveying unit is not in operation until the time for supplying steam to the aforementioned first heat exchanger reaches a preset reference time.

[0018] During the above-mentioned heat exchanger cleaning process, the above-mentioned flow path cleaning process begins when the time for supplying steam to the first heat exchanger reaches the above-mentioned reference time.

[0019] After the heat exchanger cleaning step is completed, the flow path cleaning step is started.

[0020] The above control method further includes: a waiting step, which maintains the heat exchange unit in a state of operation termination after the heat exchange termination step is performed, and starts the water collection unit cleaning step after the waiting step is completed.

[0021] When the temperature of the first heat exchanger is above the preset reference temperature, the above waiting step ends.

[0022] Set the above reference temperature to 40 to 50 degrees Celsius.

[0023] The temperature of the first heat exchanger is set to at least one of the refrigerant temperature between the pressure regulator and the first heat exchanger and the refrigerant temperature between the first heat exchanger and the compressor.

[0024] When the temperature difference between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger is below a preset reference temperature difference, the waiting step ends.

[0025] The temperature of the first heat exchanger is set to at least one of the refrigerant temperature between the pressure regulator and the first heat exchanger and the refrigerant temperature between the first heat exchanger and the compressor. The temperature of the second heat exchanger is set to at least one of the refrigerant temperature between the compressor and the second heat exchanger and the refrigerant temperature between the second heat exchanger and the pressure regulator.

[0026] Perform the above waiting steps during the preset waiting time.

[0027] The waiting time is set to the time required for the temperature of the first heat exchanger to reach 40 to 50 degrees Celsius or the time required for the refrigerant to reach temperature equilibrium.

[0028] The above control method further includes a cleaning water discharge step, in which the water inside the water collection part is discharged to the outside of the water collection part after the cleaning step of the water collection part is completed.

[0029] The above control method further includes a condensate drainage step, which is performed before the above heat exchanger cleaning step, to drain the condensate inside the water collection section to the outside of the water collection section.

[0030] The present invention provides a control method for a clothing processing device, the clothing processing device comprising: a drum for storing clothing; a flow path for guiding air discharged from the drum to the drum; a conveying section for moving air along the flow path; a heat exchange section comprising a compressor for moving refrigerant along a refrigerant pipe, a first heat exchanger for dehumidifying the air by exchanging heat between the air flowing into the flow path and the refrigerant, and a second heat exchanger for heating the air by exchanging heat between the air passing through the first heat exchanger and the refrigerant; a water collection section for storing condensate removed from the air passing through the first heat exchanger; and a steam generator for heating water to generate steam.

[0031] The control method includes: a heat exchange step, which operates the conveying section and the heat exchange section; a heat exchange termination step, which terminates the operation of the conveying section and the heat exchange section; a heat exchanger cleaning step, which supplies steam to the first heat exchanger using the steam generator; a flow path cleaning step, which operates the conveying section to move steam along the flow path; and a water collection section cleaning step, which supplies water from inside the steam generator to the water collection section.

[0032] In the above-mentioned water collection section cleaning step, water at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius or higher but lower than 100 degrees Celsius is supplied to the water collection section.

[0033] After a preset cleaning time has elapsed after water supply to the aforementioned water collection section is completed, the aforementioned control method executes a cleaning water discharge step to discharge the water inside the aforementioned water collection section to the outside of the aforementioned water collection section.

[0034] The control method described above performs a condensate discharge step, which discharges the condensate inside the water collection section to the outside of the water collection section, before starting the heat exchanger cleaning step described above.

[0035] Invention Effects

[0036] The present invention provides a garment treatment apparatus and a control method for the garment treatment apparatus that can manage the hygiene of the heat exchange section, the circulation path and the water collection section.

[0037] The present invention provides a garment treatment apparatus and a method for controlling the garment treatment apparatus, which can sterilize a first heat exchanger for condensing air with a relatively small amount of steam.

[0038] The present invention provides a garment processing device that can easily remove foreign matter accumulated in the water collection section and a control method for the garment processing device.

[0039] This invention provides a clothing treatment device that can remove residual water from inside a steam generator, and a control method for the clothing treatment device. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example of a garment handling device is shown.

[0041] Figure 4 An example of a flow path section is shown.

[0042] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An example of a water collection section, drainage section, and cleaning section is shown.

[0043] Figure 7 and Figure 8 An example of a steam generator is shown.

[0044] Figure 9 An example of a control method for a garment handling device is shown.

[0045] Figure 10 Another embodiment of the control method for the garment handling device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the garment handling apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the garment processing device 100 includes: a cabinet 1; a roller 2, which is rotatably disposed inside the cabinet to provide space for storing the processing objects (garments, etc.); a flow path 3, which is disposed inside the cabinet 1 to supply the roller 2 with high-temperature dry air (air with a temperature higher than the indoor air temperature and a dryness higher than the indoor air dryness) to remove moisture from the garment; and a heat exchange section 4.

[0048] The aforementioned flow path 3 is configured to discharge the air inside the aforementioned roller 2 to the outside of the roller and then resupply it to the roller. Therefore, the aforementioned roller 2 and the flow path 3 form a circulating flow path, and the aforementioned heat exchange section 4 is configured to be a device (such as a heat pump) that sequentially dehumidifies and heats the air flowing into the interior of the aforementioned circulating flow path.

[0049] The aforementioned cabinet 1 includes a front panel 11 located on the front side of the garment handling device and a base 15 forming the bottom surface of the garment handling device. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the front panel 11 includes an input section 112 for receiving control commands from the user and a display section 113 for outputting information such as control commands selectable by the user. The front panel 11 includes a cabinet loading port 111 that communicates with the roller 2, and the cabinet loading port 111 is opened and closed via a door 19.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the roller 2 includes: a roller body 21, which is formed as a cylinder with its front and rear sides open; a front cover 22 (front side of the roller), which forms the front side of the roller body 21; and a rear cover 23 (rear side of the roller), which forms the rear side of the roller body 21.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the front cover 22 has a roller inlet 221 that connects the inside and outside of the roller body 21, and the rear cover 23 has a roller supply inlet 231 that allows external air to flow into the roller body 21. In addition, the rear cover 23 has a roller shaft 233 that forms the rotation center of the roller body 21.

[0052] Inside the aforementioned drum body 21 is a lifter 24. The lifter 24 is a unit that causes the clothes to rise and fall repeatedly inside the drum. The lifter 24 is formed by a board extending from the aforementioned front cover 22 to the rear cover 23, protruding from the aforementioned drum body 21 toward the rotation center of the aforementioned drum 2 (protruding from the circumference of the drum toward the rotation center of the drum).

[0053] The front cover 22 is rotatably fixed to the front support portion 12 (first support portion), and the rear cover 23 is rotatably fixed to the rear support portion 13 (second support portion).

[0054] The first support portion 12 includes: a support panel 121, which is fixed inside the cabinet 1; a support panel through hole 122 (connecting hole), which is provided to pass through the support panel 121; and a support body 123, which is fixed to the support panel 121 in a manner surrounding the support panel through hole 122 and rotatably supports the roller body 21.

[0055] The aforementioned support body 123 is configured to be inserted into the aforementioned roller inlet 221, and the aforementioned roller inlet 221 is connected to the aforementioned cabinet inlet 111 through the aforementioned support panel through hole 122. Therefore, clothing supplied to the aforementioned cabinet inlet 111 moves into the interior of the aforementioned roller body 21 through the aforementioned support panel through hole 122 and the aforementioned roller inlet 221.

[0056] The support panel 121 is also provided with a mounting groove 124 so that the front cover 22 is firmly supported on the support panel 121. The mounting groove 124 is provided on the support panel 121 in such a way that it surrounds the support body 123, thereby forming an annular groove for receiving the free end of the front cover 22 that forms the roller inlet 221.

[0057] The support panel 121 is also provided with a circumferential surface support portion 126 that rotatably supports the circumferential surface of the front cover 22 or the circumferential surface of the roller body 21. The circumferential surface support portion is composed of rollers that are rotatably fixed to the support panel 121.

[0058] The roller 2 can be rotated by the drive unit 25, and the second support unit 13 can rotatably support the roller shaft 233 of the drive unit.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the second support portion 13 includes: a fixed panel 131 to which the drive portion 25 is fixed; and a fixed panel through hole 133 disposed on the fixed panel, through which the roller shaft 233 passes. As shown, the fixed panel 131 forms the rear side (rear panel) of the cabinet 1.

[0060] like Figure 2As shown, the drive unit 25 includes: a stator 251, which is fixed to the fixed panel 131 to form a rotating magnetic field; a rotor 252, which rotates through the rotating magnetic field; a drive shaft 253, which is fixed to the rotor 252; and a power transmission unit 254, which is fixed to the fixed panel 131 to transmit the rotational motion of the drive shaft 253 to the roller shaft 233.

[0061] The stator 251 can be fixed to either the power transmission part 254 or the fixing panel 131. When the stator 251 is fixed to the power transmission part 254, when the fixing panel 131 vibrates, the power transmission part 254 and the stator 251 vibrate together, thus minimizing the eccentricity of the roller shaft 233 and the drive shaft 253.

[0062] In order to prevent the drive unit 25 from being exposed to the outside and to minimize the heat loss caused by the flow path 3, the cover panel 17, which prevents the drive unit and the flow path body 321 from being exposed to the outside, can be fixed to the fixed panel 131.

[0063] The aforementioned flow path 3 includes: an exhaust flow path 31, which is fixed to the aforementioned base 15; a supply flow path 32, which is disposed on the aforementioned fixed panel 131; and a heat exchange flow path 33, which connects the aforementioned exhaust flow path and the aforementioned supply flow path and is provided with the aforementioned heat exchange section 4. The aforementioned heat exchange flow path 33 may be disposed on the aforementioned base 15.

[0064] The support panel 121 is provided with a roller exhaust port 125 for discharging air from inside the roller body 21 to the flow path 3. The exhaust flow path 31 is formed by a flow path connected to the roller exhaust port 125. The roller exhaust port 125 is provided on the support body 123 and communicates with the through hole 122 of the support panel (communicating with the roller inlet). A filter 127 for filtering air is installed in the roller exhaust port 125 (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, the supply flow path 32 is composed of a flow path that supplies air from the heat exchange flow path 33 to the roller body 21. The supply flow path 32 includes: a flow path body 321, which is disposed on the fixed panel 131; a first connecting body 322, which connects the flow path body 321 and the heat exchange flow path 33; and a second connecting body 323, which connects the flow path body 321 and the rear cover 23 of the roller.

[0066] The aforementioned flow path body 321 may be formed by a groove formed by bending one surface of the aforementioned fixing panel 131 facing the aforementioned rear cover 23 in a direction away from the aforementioned rear cover. In this case, the aforementioned flow path body 321 may be formed by an annular flow path surrounding the aforementioned drive unit 25.

[0067] The second connecting body 323 is composed of a first sealing member 323a and a second sealing member 323b fixed to the fixed panel 131. The first sealing member 323a is configured to surround the outer edge of the flow path body 321, and the second sealing member 323b is configured to surround the inner edge of the flow path body 321. As explained above, the flow path body 321 can be formed in a shape similar to a ring surrounding the drive unit 25. The inner edge of the flow path body refers to the edge with a shorter diameter (the edge closer to the drive unit), and the outer edge of the flow path body refers to the edge with a longer diameter.

[0068] The first sealing element 323a is made of tubular fiber, one end of which is fixed to the fixing panel 131, and the free end contacts the rear cover 23. The second sealing element 323b is made of tubular fiber, one end of which is fixed to the fixing panel 131, and the free end contacts the rear cover 23. As an example of the fiber, felt can be cited.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, the heat exchange flow path 33 is a flow path that guides the air flowing into the exhaust flow path 31 to the first connecting body 322 of the supply flow path. The interior of the heat exchange flow path 33 is divided into a flow path forming space 331 (installation space) and a drainage space 332 by a partition wall 333.

[0070] The aforementioned flow path forming space 331 can be configured as a space for forming a path for air discharged from the aforementioned roller body 21 to move towards the aforementioned supply flow path 32, and the aforementioned drainage space 332 can be configured as a space for providing a path for condensate discharged from the air moving along the aforementioned flow path forming space 331. The aforementioned drainage space 332 is located at the lower part of the aforementioned flow path forming space 331. The aforementioned heat exchange section 4 can be provided in the aforementioned flow path forming space 331, and a partition wall through hole 334 can be provided in the aforementioned partition wall 333 to discharge the condensate inside the aforementioned flow path forming space 331 to the aforementioned drainage space 332.

[0071] The aforementioned heat exchange section 4 includes: a heat absorption section 41 (first heat exchanger) and a heating section 42 (second heat exchanger), which are disposed inside the aforementioned flow path forming space 331; a refrigerant pipe 48, which provides a flow path for refrigerant circulation, to which the first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 42 are fixed; a compressor 45, which compresses the refrigerant and circulates the refrigerant along the aforementioned refrigerant pipe 48; and a pressure regulator 47, which is disposed in the aforementioned refrigerant pipe 48 to regulate the pressure of the refrigerant. The refrigerant in the first heat exchanger 41 absorbs heat from the air, and the refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 42 releases heat to the air. Therefore, the air passing through the first heat exchanger 41 is cooled (condensation is produced), and the air passing through the second heat exchanger 42 is heated.

[0072] The heat exchange section 4 may be provided with a conveying section 5 (fan) to allow air to flow from the roller 2 into the exhaust flow path 31 and then be resupplyed to the roller 2 through the supply flow path 32. The conveying section 5 may be disposed between the second heat exchanger 42 and the first connecting body 322.

[0073] The aforementioned garment processing device includes: a first heat exchanger temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the first heat exchanger 41; and a second heat exchanger temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the second heat exchanger 42.

[0074] The aforementioned first heat exchanger temperature sensor is configured to include at least one of a first sensor 481 and a second sensor 428. The first sensor 481 detects the temperature of the refrigerant between the pressure regulator 47 and the first heat exchanger 41, and the second sensor 428 detects the temperature of the refrigerant between the first heat exchanger 41 and the compressor 45.

[0075] On the other hand, the second heat exchanger temperature sensor is configured to include at least one of a third sensor 483 and a fourth sensor 484. The third sensor 483 detects the temperature of the refrigerant between the compressor 45 and the second heat exchanger 42, and the fourth sensor 484 detects the temperature of the refrigerant between the second heat exchanger 42 and the pressure regulator 47.

[0076] The condensate flowing into the drainage space 332 is discharged to the water collection section 6 through the drain outlet 335.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, the water collection section 6 can be composed of a water collection cavity 61 that provides space for storing condensate. The water collection cavity 61 includes: a cavity body 611, which is fixed to the base 15 and can store water (condensate); and a cavity cover 612, which is fixed to the cavity body and forms the upper surface of the water collection cavity 61.

[0078] The cavity body 611 is disposed on the base 15 in a manner located outside the flow path 3, and is connected to the drainage space 332 through the drain outlet 335.

[0079] In order to sense the amount of condensate stored in the cavity body 611, the water collection section 6 may also include a water level sensing section 63. In this case, the water level sensing section 63 may be composed of a plurality of electrodes extending from the cavity cover 612 to the bottom surface of the cavity body 611.

[0080] The condensate inside the aforementioned water collection chamber 61 can be discharged through the drain section 7. The drain section 7 includes: a drain pump 71, which discharges the condensate inside the aforementioned water collection chamber 611; and a drain pipe 72, which guides the condensate discharged from the drain pump 71 to the outside of the aforementioned cabinet 1 (drain outlet, etc.). On the other hand, the drain pipe 72 guides the condensate to a drain tank 73 located inside the aforementioned cabinet 1. Figure 1 As shown, the drainage tank 73 can be configured to be pulled out from the front panel 11 of the cabinet 1.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, in order to manage the hygiene of the aforementioned garment handling device 100, cleaning units 91, 92, and 93 are provided inside the aforementioned cabinet 1. The aforementioned cleaning units include at least one of the following three cleaning units: a first cleaning unit 91, which can spray steam into the aforementioned first heat exchanger 41; a second cleaning unit 92, which can supply hot water to the aforementioned water collection unit 6; and a third cleaning unit 93, which can spray water into the aforementioned first heat exchanger 41. Figure 5 The example shown is a case that includes a first cleaning unit 91, a second cleaning unit 92, and a third cleaning unit 93.

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown, the first cleaning unit 91 includes: a steam jetting unit 911 disposed in the flow path 3 to jet steam into the first heat exchanger 41; and a steam supply pipe 912 that guides steam supplied from the steam generator 8 to the steam jetting unit 911. To adjust the amount or pressure of steam supplied to the first heat exchanger 41, the garment processing apparatus 100 may include a steam supply pipe valve for controlling the opening and closing of the steam supply pipe 912.

[0083] The second cleaning unit 92 supplies water heated by the steam generator 8 to the water collection unit 6. In this case, the second cleaning unit 92 includes: a discharge passage 921 that guides water from inside the steam generator 8 to the water collection chamber 61; and a discharge passage valve 922 that controls the opening and closing of the discharge passage 921.

[0084] The aforementioned discharge path 921 can be configured as a path connecting the steam generator 8 and the side or bottom of the cavity body 611 (see reference). Figure 6 It can also be configured as a flow path connecting the steam generator 8 and the cavity cover 612 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0085] The bottom surface of the steam generator 8 is located at a higher position than the bottom surface of the water collection chamber 61, so as to supply water from the steam generator 8 to the water collection chamber 61.

[0086] The aforementioned third cleaning section 93 can be provided in the aforementioned flow path section 3 to spray water into the aforementioned first heat exchanger 41. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the third cleaning unit 93 includes: a cleaning water spray unit 931, which is fixed inside the flow path unit 3; a cleaning water supply pipe 932, which supplies water to the cleaning water spray unit 931; and a cleaning water valve 933, which controls the opening and closing of the cleaning water supply pipe 932.

[0087] The aforementioned water supply pipe 932 can be configured to connect a water source located outside the aforementioned clothing processing device 100 to the aforementioned water spray unit 931, or it can be configured to guide the condensate inside the aforementioned water collection chamber 61 to the aforementioned water spray unit 931.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, the cleaning water jet section 931 is fixed to the upper surface of the flow path forming space 331, and the water flowing into the cleaning water jet section 931 is discharged through the jet port 934 to the front side or upper surface of the first heat exchanger 41.

[0089] like Figure 7 As shown, the steam generator 8 includes: a storage body 81, which is fixed to the base 15 for storing water; a heater 82, which is disposed inside the storage body 81 for heating the water; a water supply pipe 85, which supplies water to the storage body 81; and a water supply valve 86, which controls the opening and closing of the water supply pipe 85.

[0090] To sense the water level inside the storage unit 81, a water level sensing unit 83 may be provided in the steam generator 8. The water level sensing unit 83 may be configured to sense only one of the highest or lowest water levels set in the storage unit 81, or it may be configured to sense both the highest and lowest water levels. Additionally, to detect the temperature inside the storage unit 81 or the temperature of the water stored in the storage unit, a temperature sensing unit 84 may also be provided in the steam generator 8.

[0091] The discharge path 921 of the second cleaning section can be formed by a discharge pipe fixed to the storage body 81 and connected to the bottom surface of the storage body 81. The discharge path valve 922 can be used to control the opening and closing of the discharge pipe.

[0092] like Figure 8 As shown, the second cleaning unit 92 further includes: a discharge chamber 923 disposed on the base 15; and a water collection chamber connecting pipe 924, which connects the discharge chamber 923 and the water collection chamber 61.

[0093] In this case, the discharge passage 921 may be formed by a discharge pipe extending from the bottom of the storage body 81 to the bottom of the discharge chamber 923, so as to supply water inside the steam generator 8 to the discharge chamber 923, and the discharge passage valve 922 may be used to control the opening and closing of the discharge passage 921.

[0094] Preferably, the bottom surface of the storage body 81 is located at a higher position than the bottom surface of the discharge chamber 923, and the bottom surface of the discharge chamber 923 is located at a higher position than the bottom surface of the water collection chamber 61, so that the hot water inside the steam generator 8 can easily move to the water collection chamber 61. In this case, the water collection chamber connecting pipe 924 can be formed by a flow path that slopes downward toward the chamber body 611.

[0095] In conventional garment processing devices, steam is injected into the interior of the drum, and the conveyor unit operates to circulate the steam inside the drum along the flow path, thereby managing the hygiene of the drum or flow path. However, conventional garment processing devices that circulate the steam injected into the drum to sterilize the drum and flow path have the disadvantage of requiring a long time or making it difficult to clean or sterilize the water collection chamber 61 when sterilizing the flow path 3 and heat exchange unit 4.

[0096] In other words, some of the steam injected into the drum condenses inside, making it difficult to supply to the flow path. Even when steam is injected into the drum and moves towards the flow path, its temperature or humidity decreases during this movement, hindering effective sterilization of the flow path and heat exchanger. If relatively low-temperature steam is desired for sterilizing the flow path or heat exchanger, the space requiring sterilization must maintain high humidity. However, the aforementioned drawbacks of conventional garment processing devices necessitate increasing the amount of steam supplied for sterilization and result in lengthy sterilization times.

[0097] The aforementioned garment processing device 100 sprays steam into the interior of the flow path section 3 through the first cleaning section 91, thereby easily sterilizing the flow path section and the heat exchange section. It can also clean or sterilize the water collection chamber 61 through the second cleaning section 92, and clean the first heat exchange section 41 and the water collection section 6 through the third cleaning section 93.

[0098] Figure 9 This invention illustrates a control method for a garment treatment device that sequentially cleans or sterilizes the aforementioned heat exchange section 4, the circulation path (the path formed by the drum body and the flow path section), and the water collection section 6.

[0099] Figure 9 The control method includes: a heat exchange step (S10) to operate the above-mentioned conveying section 5 and the above-mentioned heat exchange section 4; a heat exchange termination step (S13) to stop the operation of the above-mentioned conveying section and the above-mentioned heat exchange section; a heat exchanger cleaning step (S30) to supply steam to the above-mentioned first heat exchanger 41 through the above-mentioned steam generator 8; a flow path cleaning step (S40) to operate the above-mentioned conveying section 5 so that steam moves along the above-mentioned circulation flow paths 21 and 3; and a water collection section cleaning step (S50) to supply hot water to the above-mentioned water collection chamber 61 to clean the above-mentioned water collection section 6.

[0100] The heat exchange step (S10) described above is a step in which the heat exchange unit 4 and the conveying unit 5 are operated to allow the refrigerant and air to exchange heat. The heat exchange step (S10) can be performed either with clothes being placed into the drum body 21 or without clothes being placed into the drum body 21 (the drum body is empty). In the former case, the heat exchange step (S10) can be defined as a drying step to remove water from the clothes.

[0101] The heat exchange step (S10) described above may consist of a heat exchange unit operation step (S11) that operates the heat exchange unit 4 and a transport unit operation step (S12) that operates the transport unit 5.

[0102] The above-mentioned heat exchange section operation step (S11) may be a step in which the control unit operates the above-mentioned compressor 45 and the above-mentioned pressure regulator 47 to guide the refrigerant and air to exchange heat. The above-mentioned conveying section operation step (S12) may be a step in which the control unit moves the air along the above-mentioned circulation path (the flow path composed of the roller and the flow path section) through the above-mentioned conveying section 5.

[0103] The heat exchange step (S10) is performed during a preset time period. That is, after a set time has elapsed since the heat exchange step (S10) begins, the control method executes a heat exchange termination step (S13) to end the operation of the heat exchanger and the conveying unit.

[0104] During the heat exchange step (S10) described above, condensate can flow into the water collection chamber 61. Therefore, during the heat exchange step (S10) or after the heat exchange completion step (S13), the control method executes the condensate drainage step (S20). The condensate drainage step (S20) may be a step in which the drain pump 71 moves the condensate inside the water collection chamber 61 to the drain tank 73 or the outside of the cabinet 1.

[0105] The condensate draining step (S20) can be performed at any time before the start of the above-mentioned water collection section cleaning step (S50). However, considering that the hot water formed by the condensation of the steam injected into the first heat exchanger 41 in the above-mentioned heat exchanger cleaning step (S30) can be supplied to the water collection chamber 61, it is preferable to perform the condensate draining step (S20) before the start of the above-mentioned heat exchanger cleaning step (S30).

[0106] The heat exchanger cleaning step (S30) described above is a step of cleaning or sterilizing the first heat exchanger 41 by supplying steam generated from the steam generator 8 to the first cleaning section 91. The heat exchanger cleaning step (S30) includes: a water supply step of supplying water to the steam generator 8; a steam generation step of operating the heater 82 of the steam generator to generate steam; and a steam supply step (S31) of opening the steam supply pipe 912 of the first cleaning section 91 to inject steam into the first heat exchanger 41.

[0107] When the first heat exchanger 41 is kept at a certain temperature or above for a certain period of time, the cleaning or sterilization effect of the first heat exchanger 41 can be improved. Therefore, in the steam supply step (S31), it is preferable to supply steam to the first heat exchanger 41 during a preset reference time period and to prevent the conveying unit 5 from operating.

[0108] That is, the steam supply step (S31) is executed from the time the first cleaning unit 91 injects steam into the first heat exchanger 41 until the reference time has elapsed (S32). When the time for supplying steam to the first heat exchanger 41 reaches the reference time, the control method ends the steam supply (S33).

[0109] The steam supply termination step (S33) described above may be the step of shutting off the steam supply pipe 912 of the first cleaning section. Alternatively, the steam supply termination step (S33) may also consist of the step of stopping the operation of the heater 82 of the steam generator and the step of shutting off the steam supply pipe 912 of the first cleaning section.

[0110] When the heat exchanger cleaning step (S30) is completed, the control method causes the conveying unit 5 to operate and execute the flow path cleaning step (S40). During the flow path cleaning step (S40), the steam (or highly humidified air) inside the flow path 3 moves along the supply flow path 32, the drum body 21, the exhaust flow path 31, and the heat exchange flow path 33. Therefore, through the flow path cleaning step (S40), the control method can clean or sterilize the drum body 21, the filter 127, the exhaust flow path 31, the heat exchange flow path 33, and the supply flow path 32.

[0111] The aforementioned flow path cleaning step (S40) can be started either after the completion of the aforementioned heat exchanger cleaning step (S30) or during the execution of the aforementioned heat exchanger cleaning step (S30). In the latter case, it is preferable to start the aforementioned flow path cleaning step (S40) when the time for executing only the aforementioned heat exchanger cleaning step (S30) (the time for supplying steam to the first heat exchanger when the conveying section is not operating) reaches the aforementioned reference time.

[0112] When the above-mentioned flow path cleaning step (S40) is completed, the above-mentioned control method executes the above-mentioned water collection part cleaning step (S50). The above-mentioned water collection part cleaning step (S50) is a step of supplying the water collection chamber 61 with hot water generated by the steam generated by the steam generator 8 and injected into the first heat exchanger 41.

[0113] During the operation of the heat exchange section 4, the refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger 41 is at a relatively low temperature, while the refrigerant passing through the second heat exchanger 42 is at a relatively high temperature. Therefore, immediately after the operation of the heat exchange section 4 ends, the temperature of the refrigerant adjacent to the first heat exchanger 41 is lower than the temperature of the refrigerant adjacent to the second heat exchanger 42.

[0114] However, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the operation of the heat exchange section 4 ended (after a certain period of time has elapsed since the operation of the compressor ended), the refrigerant temperature reaches an equilibrium state. That is, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the operation of the heat exchange section ended, the temperature of the refrigerant adjacent to the first heat exchanger 41 and the temperature of the refrigerant adjacent to the second heat exchanger 42 become the same. This means that the temperature of the refrigerant in the region of the refrigerant pipe 48 where the first heat exchanger 41 is fixed increases after the operation of the heat exchange section 4 ends, and the temperature of the refrigerant in the region where the second heat exchanger 42 is fixed decreases after the operation of the heat exchange section 4 ends. After a certain period of time has elapsed since the operation of the heat exchange section 4 ended, the temperature of the first heat exchanger 41 and the temperature of the second heat exchanger 42 become the same.

[0115] Therefore, when the refrigerant reaches temperature equilibrium, the steam generated by the steam generator 8 is injected into the first heat exchanger 41. This not only provides a small amount of steam for cleaning or sterilizing the first heat exchanger 41 in a short time, but also converts the steam into water (hot water) at a higher temperature than room temperature. The steam converted into hot water moves to the water collection chamber 61 through the drain space 332 and the drain outlet 335, thereby cleaning or sterilizing the water collection chamber 61.

[0116] While steam can be injected into the first heat exchanger 41 before the refrigerant reaches temperature equilibrium, it is difficult to clean or sterilize the water collection chamber 61. This is because if steam is injected into the first heat exchanger 41 before the refrigerant reaches temperature equilibrium, water (cold water) at a temperature below room temperature will be supplied to the water collection chamber 61 since the refrigerant temperature in the first heat exchanger 41 is below room temperature.

[0117] The water collection section cleaning step (S50) is characterized by the ability to supply hot water to the water collection chamber 61 by utilizing the aforementioned phenomenon. Specifically, after executing the heat exchange termination step (S13), the control method performs a waiting step (S41) to maintain the heat exchange section 4 in a state of completed operation, and then begins the water collection section cleaning step (S50) after the waiting step (S41) ends. Its purpose is to inject steam after the temperature of the first heat exchanger 41 rises to a desired level, thereby improving the sterilization effect of the first heat exchanger and supplying high-temperature water to the water collection section 6. In this case, the flow path cleaning step (S40) is performed from the completion of the heat exchanger cleaning step (S30) until the end of the waiting step (S41).

[0118] In the aforementioned waiting step (S41), maintaining the state of the heat exchange unit's operation being completed means maintaining the state of the compressor 45's operation being completed. However, in the aforementioned waiting step (S41), the conveying unit 5 is controlled to either operate or remain in the state of being completed. In the aforementioned waiting step (S41), when the conveying unit 5 is operating, the time required for the refrigerant to reach temperature equilibrium can be shortened.

[0119] After performing the heat exchange termination step (S13), the waiting step (S41) is maintained for a preset time (waiting time). That is, after the heat exchange termination step (S13), the water collection section cleaning step (S50) is started when the waiting time has elapsed.

[0120] Regarding the aforementioned waiting time, it can be set to either the time required for the refrigerant to reach temperature equilibrium after the heat exchange completion step (S13) is executed, or it can be set to the time required for the refrigerant temperature to reach 40 to 50 degrees Celsius. The time required for the refrigerant temperature to reach 40 to 50 degrees Celsius after the heat exchange completion step (S13) can be set experimentally.

[0121] Unlike the above, the waiting step (S41) can also be terminated when the temperature of the first heat exchanger 41 is above a preset reference temperature. That is, the water collection section cleaning step (S50) can be started after the heat exchange termination step (S13) when the temperature of the first heat exchanger 41 reaches the reference temperature. The reference temperature can be set to 40 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius.

[0122] On the other hand, the temperature of the first heat exchanger 41 can be detected by the first heat exchanger temperature sensors 481 and 482. That is, the temperature of the first heat exchanger 41 can be determined as at least one of the refrigerant temperature between the pressure regulator 47 and the first heat exchanger 41 and the refrigerant temperature between the first heat exchanger 41 and the compressor 45.

[0123] Unlike the above, the waiting step (S41) can also be terminated when the temperature difference between the first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 42 is below a preset reference temperature difference. That is, the water collection section cleaning step (S50) can be started after the heat exchange termination step (S13) when the temperature difference between the first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 42 is below the reference temperature difference.

[0124] The temperature of the first heat exchanger 41 can be detected by the first heat exchanger temperature sensors 481 and 482, and the temperature of the second heat exchanger 42 can be detected by the second heat exchanger temperature sensors 483 and 484.

[0125] That is, the temperature of the first heat exchanger 41 can be determined as at least one of the refrigerant temperature between the pressure regulator 47 and the first heat exchanger 41 (the temperature detected by the first sensor) and the refrigerant temperature between the first heat exchanger 41 and the compressor 45 (the temperature detected by the second sensor), and the temperature of the second heat exchanger 42 can be determined as at least one of the refrigerant temperature between the compressor 45 and the second heat exchanger 42 (the temperature detected by the third sensor) and the refrigerant temperature between the second heat exchanger 42 and the pressure regulator 47 (the temperature detected by the fourth sensor).

[0126] In order to maximize the temperature of the hot water generated by the condensation of steam, the above-mentioned water collection section cleaning step (S50) can be started when the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first heat exchanger 41 (the temperature detected by the first sensor) and the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger 41 (the temperature detected by the second sensor) both reach the above-mentioned reference temperature.

[0127] The above-mentioned water collection section cleaning step (S50) includes: a hot water supply step (S51), in which steam is injected into the first heat exchanger 41 after the above-mentioned waiting step (S41) ends, and the steam is converted into hot water; and a cleaning step (S52), in which a preset cleaning time is waited after the above-mentioned hot water supply step (S51) is completed, thereby cleaning or sterilizing the above-mentioned water collection chamber 61.

[0128] In order to minimize the temperature drop of the hot water supplied to the water collection chamber 61 and prevent the hot water from scattering toward the second heat exchanger 42, it is preferable that the conveying section 5 is not operated during the water collection section cleaning step (S50).

[0129] In order to use hot water to separate foreign objects adhering to the inside of the water collection chamber 61 or to sterilize the water collection chamber 61, it is preferable to set the cleaning time to 30 seconds or more and 10 minutes or less. Therefore, the above control method can easily remove foreign objects accumulated in the water collection chamber 61.

[0130] When the above-mentioned water collection part cleaning step (S50) is completed, the above-mentioned control method can perform the cleaning water discharge step (S60) to move the water inside the water collection chamber 61 to the outside of the drain tank 73 or the cabinet 1.

[0131] Figure 10 Another embodiment of a control method is shown, which allows for sequential cleaning or sterilization of the heat exchange section 4, circulation paths 21 and 3, and water collection section 6. Figure 10 The control method is similar to the method used to perform the water collection section cleaning step (S50) by utilizing the hot water inside the steam generator 8. Figure 9 The implementation methods differ.

[0132] Right now, Figure 10 The control method also performs the flow path cleaning step (S40) for a preset time after completing the heat exchanger cleaning step (S30), and performs the water collection part cleaning step (S50) when the flow path cleaning step (S40) ends.

[0133] The water collection section cleaning step (S50) of this embodiment includes: a hot water supply step (S53), in which the discharge flow path 921 of the second cleaning section is opened to supply hot water inside the steam generator 8 to the water collection chamber 61; and a cleaning step (S54), in which the water collection chamber 61 is cleaned or sterilized after the hot water supply step (S53) is completed and the cleaning time is waited.

[0134] The hot water supply step (S53) described above may be a step of supplying water with a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius or higher than a preset cleaning water reference temperature to the water collection chamber 61. The cleaning water reference temperature may be set to a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius or higher and lower than 100 degrees Celsius. The cleaning time may be set to a time of 30 seconds or more and 10 minutes or less.

[0135] When the above-mentioned water collection section cleaning step (S50) is completed, the control method of this embodiment can also perform a cleaning water discharge step (S60) to move the water inside the water collection chamber 61 to the outside of the drain tank 73 or the cabinet 1. Therefore, the control method of this embodiment can not only clean or sterilize the heat exchange section 4, the flow path section 3 and the water collection section 6, but also remove residual water inside the steam generator 8.

[0136] The above-described garment processing device and control method are merely one example of the present invention, and therefore the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

Claims

1. A control method for a garment handling apparatus, the garment handling apparatus comprising: a drum for storing garments; a flow path for guiding air discharged from the drum to the drum; a conveying section for moving air along the flow path; a heat exchange section comprising a compressor for moving refrigerant along a refrigerant pipe, a pressure regulator disposed on the refrigerant pipe, a first heat exchanger for dehumidifying the air by exchanging heat between the air flowing into the flow path and the refrigerant discharged from the pressure regulator, and a second heat exchanger for heating the air by exchanging heat between the air passing through the first heat exchanger and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; and a water collection section for storing condensate removed from the air passing through the first heat exchanger. and a steam generator, which heats water to produce steam. The control method for the aforementioned garment handling device is characterized by comprising: The heat exchange step enables the aforementioned conveying unit and the aforementioned heat exchange unit to operate; The heat exchange termination step ends the operation of the aforementioned conveying section and the aforementioned heat exchange section. The heat exchanger cleaning step involves supplying steam to the first heat exchanger using the aforementioned steam generator. The flow path cleaning step involves operating the aforementioned conveying section to move steam along the aforementioned flow path; and The water collection section cleaning step is performed after the flow path section cleaning step is completed, and hot water generated by injecting steam into the first heat exchanger using the steam generator is supplied to the water collection section.

2. The control method for the garment handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger cleaning step is performed when the aforementioned conveying unit is not in operation until the time for supplying steam to the aforementioned first heat exchanger reaches a preset reference time.

3. The control method for the garment handling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the above-mentioned heat exchanger cleaning process, the above-mentioned flow path cleaning process begins when the time for supplying steam to the first heat exchanger reaches the above-mentioned reference time.

4. The control method of the garment handling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, After the heat exchanger cleaning step is completed, the flow path cleaning step is started.

5. The control method for the garment handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The water discharge step involves draining the water inside the water collection section to the outside of the water collection section after the water collection section cleaning step is completed.

6. The control method for the garment handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The condensate drainage step is performed before the above-mentioned heat exchanger cleaning step, and the condensate inside the water collection section is drained to the outside of the water collection section.

7. A control method for a garment handling apparatus, the garment handling apparatus comprising: a drum for storing garments; a flow path for guiding air discharged from the drum to the drum; a conveying section for moving air along the flow path; a heat exchange section comprising a compressor for moving refrigerant along a refrigerant pipe, a first heat exchanger for dehumidifying the air by exchanging heat between the air flowing into the flow path and the refrigerant, and a second heat exchanger for heating the air by exchanging heat between the air passing through the first heat exchanger and the refrigerant; and a water collection section for storing condensate removed from the air passing through the first heat exchanger. and a steam generator, which heats water to produce steam. The control method for the aforementioned garment handling device is characterized by comprising: The heat exchange step enables the aforementioned conveying unit and the aforementioned heat exchange unit to operate; The heat exchange termination step ends the operation of the aforementioned conveying section and the aforementioned heat exchange section. The heat exchanger cleaning step involves supplying steam to the first heat exchanger using the aforementioned steam generator. The flow path cleaning step involves operating the aforementioned conveying section to move steam along the aforementioned flow path; and The water collection section cleaning step involves supplying water from inside the steam generator to the water collection section.

8. The control method for the garment handling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the above-mentioned water collection section cleaning step, water with a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius or higher and lower than 100 degrees Celsius is supplied to the water collection section.

9. The control method of the garment handling device according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: In the water drainage step, after a preset cleaning time has elapsed after water has been supplied to the water collection unit, the water inside the water collection unit is drained to the outside of the water collection unit.

10. The control method of the garment handling device according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The condensate drainage step is performed before the above-mentioned heat exchanger cleaning step, and the condensate inside the water collection section is drained to the outside of the water collection section.

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