Laundry treating apparatus and control method of laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a laundry treating apparatus including a drum for storing laundry, a flow path portion guiding air discharged from the drum to the drum, a heat exchange portion sequentially performing dehumidification and heating on air flowing into the flow path portion, a water collecting portion for storing condensed water discharged from the heat exchange portion, and a steam generator heating water to generate steam, and a control method of the laundry treating apparatus, the control method of the laundry treating apparatus being characterized by including a water supply step of supplying water to the steam generator, a heating step of heating water inside the steam generator, and a cleaning step of supplying water inside the steam generator to the water collecting portion when a temperature of the water inside the steam generator reaches a predetermined set temperature.

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] 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

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a garment processing device and a method for controlling the garment processing device for managing the hygiene of the water collection section.

[0010] In addition, 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.

[0011] In addition, 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.

[0012] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a garment processing apparatus and a method for controlling the garment processing apparatus for managing the hygiene of the heat exchange section.

[0013] means of solving technical problems

[0014] 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 heat exchange section for sequentially dehumidifying and heating the air flowing into the flow path section; a water collection section for storing condensate discharged from the heat exchange section; and a steam generator for heating water to generate steam. The control method of the clothing processing device includes: a water supply step of supplying water to the steam generator; a heating step of heating the water inside the steam generator; and a cleaning step of supplying the water inside the steam generator to the water collection section when the temperature of the water inside the steam generator reaches a predetermined set temperature.

[0015] After the water supply to the above-mentioned water collection section is completed, the above-mentioned cleaning steps are maintained during the preset cleaning time.

[0016] Set the cleaning time to a duration of 30 seconds or more but less than 10 minutes.

[0017] The above control method further includes a cleaning water discharge step, in which the water inside the water collection section is discharged to the outside of the water collection section after the cleaning step is completed.

[0018] The above control method further includes a condensate drainage step, in which the condensate inside the water collection section is drained to the outside of the water collection section before the above cleaning step is started.

[0019] Perform the condensate draining step described above before starting the water supply steps.

[0020] Set the above temperature to 60 degrees Celsius or higher.

[0021] Set the above temperature setting to below 100 degrees Celsius.

[0022] The present invention provides a garment processing apparatus, comprising: a drum for storing garments; a flow path for guiding air discharged from the drum to the drum; a heat exchange section comprising: a first heat exchanger for dehumidifying air flowing into the flow path section; and a second heat exchanger for heating air passing through the first heat exchanger; a water collection section for storing condensate removed from the air passing through the first heat exchanger; a steam generator for heating water to generate steam; a first cleaning section for supplying steam from the steam generator to the heat exchange section; and a second cleaning section for supplying water from the steam generator to the water collection section.

[0023] The first cleaning section sprays steam into the first heat exchanger.

[0024] The second cleaning section includes: a discharge flow path that guides water from inside the steam generator to the water collection section; and a discharge flow path valve that controls the opening and closing of the discharge flow path.

[0025] The aforementioned discharge path connects the bottom surface of the aforementioned steam generator to the aforementioned water collection section.

[0026] The bottom surface of the steam generator is located at a higher position than the bottom surface of the water collection section.

[0027] The aforementioned garment processing device also includes a base, the aforementioned water collection part is disposed on the aforementioned base, and the second washing part includes: a discharge chamber disposed on the aforementioned base; a water collection chamber connecting pipe that connects the aforementioned discharge chamber to the aforementioned water collection part; a discharge flow path that discharges water from the aforementioned steam generator into the aforementioned discharge chamber; and a discharge flow path valve that controls the opening and closing of the aforementioned discharge flow path.

[0028] The bottom surface of the steam generator is located at a higher position than the bottom surface of the discharge chamber, and the bottom surface of the discharge chamber is located at a higher position than the bottom surface of the water collection section.

[0029] The aforementioned discharge path is located on the bottom surface of the aforementioned steam generator.

[0030] Invention Effects

[0031] The present invention provides a garment processing device and a method for controlling the garment processing device for managing the hygiene of the water collection section.

[0032] In addition, 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.

[0033] In addition, the present invention provides a clothing treatment device that can remove residual water inside a steam generator and a control method for the clothing treatment device.

[0034] In addition, the present invention provides a garment handling apparatus for managing the hygiene of the heat exchange section and a method for controlling the garment handling apparatus. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example of a garment handling device is shown.

[0036] Figure 4 An example of a flow path section is shown.

[0037] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An example of a water collection section, drainage section, and cleaning section is shown.

[0038] Figure 7 and Figure 8 An example of a steam generator is shown.

[0039] Figure 9 An example of a control method for a garment handling device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the garment handling apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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).

[0047] The aforementioned front cover 22 is rotatably fixed to the front support portion 12 (first support portion), and the aforementioned rear cover 23 is rotatably fixed to the rear support portion 13 (second support portion).

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] like Figure 2 As 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 ).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The condensate flowing into the drainage space 332 is discharged to the water collection section 6 through the drain outlet 335.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] like Figure 5As 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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 ).

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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 disadvantages of requiring a long time to sterilize the flow path 3 and heat exchange unit 4, and having difficulty sterilizing the interior of the water collection chamber 61.

[0090] 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. Furthermore, the second cleaning section 92 can clean or sterilize the water collection chamber 61. Additionally, the garment processing device can clean the flow path section 3 or the first heat exchange section 41 through the third cleaning section 93.

[0091] Figure 9 An example of a control method for removing foreign matter remaining in the water collection chamber 61 or for sterilizing the water collection chamber 61 is shown.

[0092] The control method includes: a water supply step (S20) to supply water to the steam generator 8; a heating step (S30) to heat the water inside the steam generator 8; and a cleaning step (S40) to supply the water inside the steam generator 8 to the water collection chamber 61 when the temperature of the water inside the steam generator 8 reaches a predetermined set temperature.

[0093] The water supply step (S20) is the step in which the water supply valve 86 opens the water supply pipe 85 to supply water to the storage body 81 of the steam generator. The water supply step (S20) is performed until the water level inside the storage body 81 reaches the set water level (S31, S32), and the water level inside the storage body 81 is determined by the water level detection unit 83.

[0094] The heating step (S30) can be started together with the water supply step (S20) or after the water supply step (S32) is completed. During the heating step (S30), the control method determines whether the water temperature inside the storage body 81 has reached the predetermined set temperature by the temperature detection unit 84 (S33).

[0095] When it is determined that the water temperature inside the storage body 81 has reached the set temperature, the control method ends the heating step (S34) and begins the cleaning step (S40). The cleaning step (S40) is the step in which the discharge flow path valve 922 of the second cleaning unit opens the discharge flow path 921 to supply the hot water inside the storage body 81 to the water collection chamber 61.

[0096] In order to separate foreign objects adhering to the inside of the water collection chamber 61 from the surface of the water collection chamber 61, the cleaning step (S40) is maintained for a preset cleaning time after water supply to the water collection chamber 61 is completed. In addition, the set temperature can be set to a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius or higher and lower than 100 degrees Celsius to sterilize the inside of the water collection chamber 61.

[0097] When the set temperature is set to 60 degrees Celsius or higher and below 100 degrees Celsius, it is preferable to set the cleaning time to 30 seconds or more and 10 minutes or less. This is because experiments have confirmed that sterilization of the water collection chamber 61 can be achieved at the set temperature and cleaning time.

[0098] When it is determined that the cleaning time has elapsed after the hot water inside the steam generator 8 has been supplied to the water collection chamber 61 (S41), the control method performs a cleaning water discharge step (S60) to discharge the water inside the water collection chamber 61 to the outside of the water collection chamber 61 through the drain section 7.

[0099] On the other hand, the best effect is achieved when the water collection chamber 61 is cleaned or sterilized through the above process while the interior of the water collection chamber 61 is empty. Therefore, the above control method may further include a condensate discharge step (S10) that discharges the condensate inside the water collection chamber 61 to the outside of the water collection chamber 61 before starting the above cleaning step (S40). Figure 9 An example is shown in which the above-mentioned condensate draining step (S10) is performed before the above-mentioned water supply step (S20) begins.

[0100] The aforementioned condensate drainage step (S10) involves using the drain pump 71 to move the water inside the water collection chamber 61 to the drain tank 73 or discharge it to the outside of the cabinet 1. Therefore, through the aforementioned control method, the water collection chamber 61 can be cleaned or sterilized, and residual water in the steam generator 8 can also be removed.

[0101] 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 processing apparatus, the garment processing apparatus comprising: a drum for storing garments; a flow path for guiding air discharged from the drum to the drum; a heat exchange section for sequentially dehumidifying and heating the air flowing into the flow path section; a water collection section for storing condensate discharged from the heat exchange section; and a steam generator for heating water to generate steam. The control method for the aforementioned garment handling device is characterized by comprising: Water supply step: Water is supplied to the steam generator mentioned above; The heating step involves heating the water inside the steam generator; and In the cleaning process, when the temperature of the water inside the steam generator reaches a predetermined set temperature, the water inside 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, After the water supply to the above-mentioned water collection section is completed, the above-mentioned cleaning steps are maintained during the preset cleaning time.

3. The control method for the garment handling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: The cleaning water drainage step involves draining the water inside the water collection unit to the outside of the water collection unit after the cleaning step is completed.

4. The control method for the garment handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The condensate drainage step involves draining the condensate inside the water collection section to the outside of the water collection section before starting the above-mentioned cleaning steps.

5. The control method for the garment handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Set the above temperature to a temperature above 60 degrees Celsius and below 100 degrees Celsius.

6. A garment processing device, characterized in that, It possesses: A roller, used for storing clothes; The flow path section guides the air discharged from the aforementioned roller to the aforementioned roller; The heat exchange section includes: a first heat exchanger for dehumidifying air flowing into the flow path section; and a second heat exchanger for heating air that has passed through the first heat exchanger. A water collection section is used to store condensate removed from the air passing through the first heat exchanger described above; A steam generator that heats water to produce steam; The first cleaning unit is capable of supplying steam from inside the steam generator to the heat exchange unit; and The second cleaning unit is capable of supplying water from inside the steam generator to the water collection unit.

7. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first cleaning section sprays steam into the first heat exchanger.

8. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second cleaning section includes: a discharge flow path that guides water from inside the steam generator to the water collection section; and a discharge flow path valve that controls the opening and closing of the discharge flow path.

9. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The aforementioned discharge path connects the bottom surface of the aforementioned steam generator to the aforementioned water collection section.

10. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the steam generator is located at a higher position than the bottom surface of the water collection section.

11. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The garment processing device also includes a base, on which the aforementioned water collection section is disposed. The second cleaning section includes: a discharge chamber disposed on the base; a water collection chamber connecting pipe connecting the discharge chamber to the water collection section; a discharge flow path discharging water from inside the steam generator into the discharge chamber; and a discharge flow path valve controlling the opening and closing of the discharge flow path.

12. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the steam generator is located at a higher position than the bottom surface of the discharge chamber, and the bottom surface of the discharge chamber is located at a higher position than the bottom surface of the water collection section.

13. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The aforementioned discharge path is located on the bottom surface of the aforementioned steam generator.

Images