Garment treatment apparatus and control method for garment treatment apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control method for a garment treatment apparatus comprising: an accommodation unit providing a space accommodating an object to be dried; a flow path unit capable of re-supplying, to the accommodation unit, air discharged from the accommodation unit; a refrigerant flow path forming a circulation flow path of a refrigerant; a first heat exchanger positioned inside the flow path unit to transfer heat energy of air to the refrigerant; a second heat exchanger positioned inside the flow path unit to transfer heat energy of the refrigerant to the air; a compressor moving the refrigerant along the refrigerant flow path; and a control valve controlling the pressure of the refrigerant moving from the second heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger by controlling the degree of opening, the control method comprising: a drying step of supplying air to the accommodation unit by controlling the compressor and the control valve; a first determination step of determining the degree of opening of the control valve during the drying step; a second determination step of determining the degree of superheat of an observation refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger and moving to the compressor during the drying step; and a heat exchanger clogging detection step of determining that a reference amount or more of foreign materials exist in the first heat exchanger, when the degree of opening of the control valve is less than a reference degree of opening and the degree of superheat of the observation refrigerant is greater than a reference degree of superheat.

Description

Garment treatment device and method for controlling the garment treatment device

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothing treatment device and a method for controlling the clothing treatment device.

[0002] Garment treatment equipment is a general term for equipment for washing or drying the target of treatment (laundry or dry items such as clothing).

[0003] Among the conventional clothing treatment devices capable of drying the subject matter, there were those equipped with a receiving section that provides a space for receiving the subject matter, a circulation path that draws air from inside the receiving section to the outside and then resupplies it to the receiving section, and a heat exchange section that is equipped inside the circulation path and sequentially performs dehumidification and heating of the air.

[0004] When air is supplied to the receiving unit through the heat exchange unit and the circulation path, the subject of treatment is dried, and foreign substances (lint, etc.) generated during the drying process of the subject of treatment can move to the heat exchange unit along the circulation path.

[0005] Because foreign matter can accumulate in the heat exchanger, increasing drying time, some conventional garment treatment devices include a filter to filter the air discharged from the receiving unit. However, because filters struggle to remove foreign matter of all sizes from the air, the presence of such filters has made it difficult to completely prevent foreign matter from remaining in the heat exchanger.

[0006] Therefore, when a conventional garment treatment device observed a decline in drying efficiency, it was necessary to distinguish whether the cause was a filter clog or a heat exchanger clog and notify the user of appropriate measures based on the cause. For example, if the heat exchanger was clogged with debris, reducing drying efficiency, and the user was instructed to clean the filter, the problem would not be resolved.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device and a control method thereof capable of determining whether a foreign substance remains in a heat exchanger exceeding a standard amount.

[0008] In addition, the present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a clothing treatment device and a control method thereof that can distinguish between clogging of a filter and clogging of a heat exchanger.

[0009] In addition, the present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a clothing treatment device and a control method thereof that can distinguish between clogging of a filter and clogging of a heat exchanger and take measures for each cause.

[0010] The present invention provides a method for controlling a clothes treatment device, comprising: a receiving portion providing a space for receiving a drying object; a flow path portion capable of resupplying air discharged from the receiving portion to the receiving portion; a refrigerant flow path forming a refrigerant circulation path; a first heat exchanger positioned within the flow path portion for transferring thermal energy of air to the refrigerant; a second heat exchanger positioned within the flow path portion for transferring thermal energy of the refrigerant to the air; a compressor for moving the refrigerant along the refrigerant flow path; and a control valve for controlling the pressure of the refrigerant moving from the second heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger by controlling the degree of opening.

[0011] The above control method may include a drying step of supplying air to the receiving unit by controlling the compressor and the control valve; a first determination step of determining the opening degree of the control valve during the drying step; a second determination step of determining the superheat degree of the observed refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger and moving to the compressor during the drying step; and a heat exchanger blockage detection step of determining that a foreign substance exceeding a standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger if the opening degree of the control valve is smaller than the reference opening degree and the superheat degree of the observed refrigerant is greater than the reference superheat degree.

[0012] If the average superheat value of the observed refrigerant measured over a preset standard time period is greater than the standard superheat, the heat exchanger blockage detection step can determine that a foreign substance exceeding the standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger.

[0013] If the superheat of the observed refrigerant measured for a preset reference time period includes a value higher than the reference superheat and a value lower than the reference superheat, the heat exchanger blockage detection step can determine that a foreign substance exceeding the reference amount exists in the first heat exchanger.

[0014] The above superheat can be defined as a value obtained by subtracting the saturation temperature corresponding to the pressure of the observed refrigerant from the temperature of the observed refrigerant.

[0015] The above superheating degree can be defined as the value obtained by subtracting the saturation temperature set at the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor from the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor.

[0016] The above control method further includes a third judgment step of judging the pressure of the observed refrigerant; and if the pressure of the observed refrigerant is lower than a preset reference pressure, the heat exchanger blockage detection step can determine that a foreign substance exceeding the reference amount exists in the first heat exchanger.

[0017] The above heat exchanger blockage detection step can determine that a foreign substance exceeding the standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger when the opening degree of the control valve is smaller than the standard opening degree, the superheat degree of the observed refrigerant is larger than the standard superheat degree, and the pressure of the observed refrigerant is lower than the preset standard pressure.

[0018] The above reference pressure can be set differently depending on the opening degree of the above control valve.

[0019] The above control method further includes a third judgment step of judging the pressure of the observed refrigerant; and if the difference between the maximum pressure and the minimum pressure of the observed refrigerant is lower than a preset reference pressure, the heat exchanger blockage detection step can determine that a foreign substance exceeding the reference amount exists in the first heat exchanger.

[0020] The above control method further includes a third judgment step of judging the pressure of the observed refrigerant; and if the pressure of the observed refrigerant measured for a preset reference time includes a value higher than the reference pressure and a value lower than the reference pressure, the heat exchanger blockage detection step can determine that a foreign substance exceeding the reference amount exists in the first heat exchanger.

[0021] The above control method further includes a filter clogging detection step for determining whether a foreign substance exceeding a preset filtration standard amount exists in a filter that filters air supplied to the first heat exchanger; and the heat exchanger clogging detection step can be executed only when it is determined that a foreign substance below the filtration standard amount exists in the filter.

[0022] If the value obtained by subtracting the pressure of the air passing through the filter from the pressure of the air supplied to the filter is less than a preset standard pressure difference, the filter clogging detection step can determine that there is a foreign substance in the filter less than the filtration standard amount.

[0023] If it is determined that there is a foreign substance exceeding the filtration standard amount in the above filter, the control method can execute a notification step for requesting cleaning of the filter.

[0024] If it is determined that a foreign substance exceeding the standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger, the control method may execute a notification step of notifying a blockage in the first heat exchanger or requesting cleaning of the first heat exchanger.

[0025] The present invention provides a method for controlling a clothes treatment device, comprising: a receiving portion providing a space for receiving a drying object; a first flow path capable of resupplying air discharged from the receiving portion to the receiving portion; a second flow path forming a movement path of air separated from the first flow path; a refrigerant flow path forming a refrigerant circulation flow path; a first heat exchanger positioned within the first flow path for transferring thermal energy of air to the refrigerant; a second heat exchanger positioned within the first flow path for transferring thermal energy of the refrigerant to the air; a third heat exchanger positioned within the second flow path for switching functions between a heat absorption function and a heat generating function; a compressor for moving the refrigerant along the refrigerant flow path; and a control valve for controlling the pressure of the refrigerant moving from the second heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger by controlling the degree of opening.

[0026] The above control method may include a drying step of supplying air to the receiving unit by operating the compressor and the control valve; a switching step of switching the third heat exchanger from a heat-absorbing function to a heat-generating function; a first determination step of determining the opening degree of the control valve after completion of the switching step; a second determination step of determining the superheat degree of the observed refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger and moving to the compressor after completion of the switching step; and a heat exchanger blockage detection step of determining that a foreign substance exceeding a standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger if the opening degree of the control valve is smaller than the reference opening degree and the superheat degree of the observed refrigerant is greater than the reference superheat degree.

[0027] If the superheat of the observed refrigerant measured for a preset reference time period includes a value higher than the reference superheat and a value lower than the reference superheat, the heat exchanger blockage detection step can determine that a foreign substance exceeding the reference amount exists in the first heat exchanger.

[0028] The above control method further includes a third judgment step of judging the pressure of the observed refrigerant; and if the pressure of the observed refrigerant is lower than a preset reference pressure, the heat exchanger blockage detection step can determine that a foreign substance exceeding the reference amount exists in the first heat exchanger.

[0029] The above control method further includes a filter clogging detection step for determining whether a foreign substance exceeding a preset filtration standard amount exists in a filter that filters air supplied to the first heat exchanger; and the heat exchanger clogging detection step can be executed only when it is determined that a foreign substance below the filtration standard amount exists in the filter.

[0030] If it is determined that there is a foreign substance exceeding the filtration standard amount in the above filter, the control method can execute a notification step for requesting cleaning of the filter.

[0031] If it is determined that a foreign substance exceeding the standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger, the control method may execute a notification step of notifying a blockage in the first heat exchanger or requesting cleaning of the first heat exchanger.

[0032] The present invention provides a clothing treatment device and a control method thereof capable of determining whether a foreign substance remains in a heat exchanger exceeding a standard amount.

[0033] In addition, the present invention provides a clothing treatment device and a control method thereof capable of distinguishing between clogging of a filter and clogging of a heat exchanger.

[0034] In addition, the present invention provides a clothing treatment device and a control method thereof that can distinguish between clogging of a filter and clogging of a heat exchanger and take measures for each cause.

[0035] Figures 1, 2, and 3 illustrate an example of a garment treatment device comprising a first treatment device and a second treatment device.

[0036] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate examples of a receiving section, an exhaust section, and a drum provided in the first processing device.

[0037] Figures 6, 7, and 8 illustrate examples of a second processing device.

[0038] Figure 9 illustrates an example of the operation of a heat exchanger.

[0039] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a method for controlling a clothing treatment device.

[0040] Fig. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a method for controlling a clothing treatment device.

[0041] Figures 12 to 16 illustrate another example of a clothing treatment device comprising a first treatment device and a second treatment device.

[0042] The configuration or control method of the device described below is only for explaining an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and reference numbers used identically throughout the specification represent identical components.

[0043] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprise," "include," or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and therefore, unless specifically defined, do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0044] Expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements, such as "in which direction", "along which direction", "parallel", "perpendicularly", "centered", "concentric" or "coaxial", not only strictly indicate such arrangements, but also indicate a state of relative displacement with an angle or distance such that tolerance or the same function is obtained.

[0045] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., used herein may be used to describe various components; however, these components are not limited by these terms, and these terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. Accordingly, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component.

[0046] In addition, terms such as “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “front end,” “rear end,” “top,” and “bottom” used in this specification are defined based on the drawings or defined based on the configuration or arrangement / arrangement state between configurations, and the shape and position of each configuration are not limited by these terms.

[0047] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a garment treatment device and its control method will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a clothing treatment device (100) may be provided to include a first treatment device (100a, clothing treatment module) that provides a space for accommodating a treatment object (clothing, etc.) and a space for heat exchange between the treatment object and air, and a second treatment device (100b, air treatment module) that heat-exchanges air that has completed heat exchange with the treatment object with a refrigerant.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second processing device (100b) can be detachably fixed to one side of the first processing device (100a), and the air supplied to the first processing device (100a) through the second processing device (100b) can be high-temperature dry air (air having a temperature higher than room temperature and a humidity lower than the humidity of air at room temperature).

[0050] The above first treatment device (100a) may be provided to include a cabinet (1, first cabinet), a receiving section (2, 4) provided inside the first cabinet to receive a treatment target, and an exhaust section (3, first exhaust section) that guides air discharged from the receiving section to the second treatment device (100b) (to the outside of the first treatment device).

[0051] The above first cabinet (1) may be provided to include a front panel (11, first front panel) having an inlet (111), and a rear panel (12, first rear panel) providing a space in which the second processing device (100b) is mounted.

[0052] The front panel (11) may be provided with a control panel (115) for controlling the garment treatment device (100) and a door (113) for opening and closing the inlet (111), and the rear panel (12) may be provided with a supply port (121) connected to the chamber discharge hole (652) of the second treatment device (100b) and an outlet (123) connected to the chamber inlet hole (651) of the second treatment device.

[0053] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the receiving portion may be provided to include a drum (4) that provides a space for receiving a processing object, and a housing (2) that is fixed inside the first cabinet (1) and provides a space for receiving the drum (4). The drum (4) may be rotatably fixed inside a receiving chamber (21) of the housing.

[0054] The front surface of the receiving chamber (21) may be provided to be closed by the first front panel (11), and the rear surface of the receiving chamber (21) may be provided to be closed by the first rear panel (12). The front surface (front open surface) of the receiving chamber (21) may be provided in a shape that surrounds the inlet (111), and the rear surface (rear open surface) of the receiving chamber (21) may be provided in a shape that surrounds the supply port (121). Therefore, the inlet (111) and the supply port provided in the first rear panel (12) can be viewed as being connected to each other through the receiving chamber (21).

[0055] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the receiving chamber (21) may be provided to include an upper surface (22), a lower surface (23, bottom surface), a first side surface (24), and a second side surface (25). The upper surface (22) may be provided to be spaced apart from the upper surface of the first cabinet (1), the first side surface (24) may be provided to contact the first side surface of the first cabinet (1), and the second side surface (25) may be provided to contact the second side surface of the first cabinet (1).

[0056] In order to prevent air introduced into the receiving chamber (21) through the supply port (121) from leaking into the space formed between the front surface of the receiving chamber (21) and the first front panel (11), a chamber sealer (211) may be provided on the front surface of the receiving chamber (21).

[0057] The above first exhaust section (3) may be provided to include an exhaust chamber (31, first exhaust chamber) forming a space separated from the receiving chamber (21), an exhaust duct (34) guiding air introduced into the first exhaust chamber (31) to the second processing device (100b), and an exhaust fan (35, first exhaust fan) provided inside the exhaust duct.

[0058] The first exhaust chamber (31) may be provided inside the first cabinet (1) so as to be positioned at the lower portion of the receiving chamber (21), and may be connected to the receiving chamber (21) through a chamber communication hole (32) provided to penetrate the lower surface (23) of the receiving chamber (penetrating the upper surface of the first exhaust chamber).

[0059] One side of the first exhaust chamber (31) may be provided to be opened and closed by an exhaust cover (33). FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which the exhaust cover (33) is provided to open and close an open surface formed in front of the first exhaust chamber (31).

[0060] The exhaust cover (33) may be provided as a detachable panel on the first cabinet (1), or may be provided as a panel with one end rotatably fixed to the first cabinet (1). The exhaust cover (33) may be provided to form the front surface of the first processing device (100a) together with the first front panel (11).

[0061] In order to filter the air introduced into the first exhaust chamber (31), a filter (36) may be provided inside the first exhaust chamber (31). In order to increase the filtration amount, the filter (36) may be fixed at an angle inside the first exhaust chamber (31). That is, the filter (36) may be fixed to the first exhaust chamber (31) so that the upper end is closer to the exhaust cover (33) than the lower end (see FIG. 3), or the lower end may be fixed so that the lower end is closer to the exhaust cover (33) than the upper end (see FIG. 5). Unlike as shown in the drawing, the filter (36) may also be provided in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the first exhaust chamber (31).

[0062] The above drum (4) may be provided as a drum body (41) that is rotatably installed inside the receiving chamber (21) and stores the processing target.

[0063] The drum body (41) is provided in a cylindrical shape with an empty interior, and a drum support member (45) that supports a lower circumference of the drum body (41) (a circumference of the drum body located below a horizontal line passing through the center of rotation of the drum body) may be provided in the receiving chamber (21). The drum support member (45) may be provided as a roller that is rotatably fixed inside the receiving chamber (21), and may be provided at each corner where the lower surface (23) and both sides (24, 25) of the receiving chamber (21) meet.

[0064] As illustrated in Fig. 4, a drum inlet (413) communicating with the inlet (111) may be provided on the front surface (drum front surface, 411) of the drum body (41). Accordingly, objects to be processed, such as clothing, introduced into the inlet (111) can move into the drum body (41) through the drum inlet (413).

[0065] A lifter (415) may be provided inside the drum body (41). The lifter (415) may be provided as a board that protrudes from the circumference of the drum body (41) toward the center of rotation of the drum body. The lifter (415) has the effect of promoting heat exchange between the treatment object and air by causing the treatment object to drop or roll inside the drum body (41) when the drum body (41) rotates.

[0066] A drum rotation shaft (44) may be provided on the rear surface (412) of the drum body. Accordingly, the circumference of the drum body (41) may be supported on the lower surface (23) of the receiving chamber via the drum support member (45), and the rear surface (412) of the drum body may be rotatably supported on the first rear panel (12) via the drum rotation shaft (44).

[0067] As illustrated in Fig. 5, a drum supply port (42) may be provided on the rear surface (412) of the drum body to guide air supplied from the supply port (121) into the interior of the drum body (41). The drum rotation axis (44) may be provided at the center of the rear surface (412) of the drum body, and the drum supply port (42) may be provided with a plurality of drum penetration holes arranged to surround the drum rotation axis (44).

[0068] Air introduced into the drum body (41) through the drum supply port (42) can be discharged to the receiving chamber (21) through the drum exhaust port (43). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the circumference of the drum body (41) can be divided into a front circumference (416) connected to the drum front surface (411) and a rear circumference (417) connected to the drum rear surface (412), and the drum exhaust port (43) can be provided as a plurality of through holes provided in the front circumference (416).

[0069] In order to facilitate the movement of air discharged from the drum exhaust port (43) to the exhaust chamber (31) (to improve drying efficiency), it is preferable that at least a portion of the chamber communication hole (32) be provided so that the drum exhaust port (43) is positioned within a space projected on the lower surface (23) of the receiving chamber.

[0070] The lower surface (23) of the receiving chamber and the upper surface of the first exhaust chamber (31) may be provided as the same surface. That is, the receiving chamber (21) and the first exhaust chamber (31) may be provided as spaces separated from each other through the lower surface (23). In this case, the chamber communication hole (32) may be provided as a hole penetrating the lower surface (23).

[0071] To ensure that the air supplied through the supply port (121) flows directly into the drum body (41) (to improve drying efficiency), a guide path (122) may be further provided inside the receiving chamber (21).

[0072] The above guide passage (122) may be provided in a pipe shape such that one end contacts the first rear panel (12) to surround the supply port (121), and the other end contacts the rear surface (412) of the drum body to surround the entire drum supply port (42). The guide passage (122) may be provided to be fixed to the first rear panel (12), or may be provided to be fixed to the rear surface (412) of the drum body. Fig. 4 illustrates an example in which the guide passage (122) is fixed to a guide bracket (124) provided on the first rear panel (12).

[0073] As shown in Fig. 5, when the first exhaust fan (35) operates, the air inside the receiving chamber (21) moves from the receiving chamber (21) to the first exhaust chamber (31) through the chamber communication hole (32), and the air inside the first exhaust chamber (31) is supplied to the second treatment device (100b) through the exhaust duct (34) and the outlet (123).

[0074] The air supplied to the second treatment device (100b) through the chamber inlet hole (651) is dehumidified and heated by the heat exchange unit (7), and the air that has passed through the heat exchange unit (7) is discharged from the second treatment device (100b) through the chamber discharge hole (652). The air discharged from the chamber discharge hole (652) will move into the drum body (41) through the supply port (121), the guide path (122), and the drum supply port (42) and exchange heat with the treatment target.

[0075] The air that has completed heat exchange inside the drum body (41) moves to the first exhaust chamber (31) through the drum exhaust port (43) and the chamber communication hole (32), and the air inside the first exhaust chamber (31) moves to the chamber inlet hole (651) through the filter (36) and the exhaust duct (34).

[0076] The drum body (41) may be provided to rotate by a driving unit (5). The driving unit (5) may be provided to include a motor (51) that operates according to a control signal of a first control unit, and a belt (512) that connects a rotational shaft (driving shaft, 511) of the motor and a circumference of the drum body (41). The belt (512) may be provided to connect a rear circumference (417) of the drum body and the driving shaft (511).

[0077] The above motor (51) is characterized in that it is fixed to the receiving chamber (21) or the first cabinet (1) and is positioned at a point higher than the drum body (41) in the external space of the receiving chamber (21). When the motor (51) is fixed so that the driving shaft (511) is positioned at a point higher than the uppermost end of the drum body (41), the tension of the belt (512) will be maintained by the weight of the drum body (41).

[0078] The above motor (51) can be fixed to the upper surface (22) of the receiving chamber, and the upper surface (22) of the receiving chamber can be provided with a chamber penetration hole (223) through which the belt (512) is inserted into the receiving chamber (21).

[0079] In order to prevent air inside the receiving chamber (21) from leaking into the first cabinet (1) through the chamber penetration hole (223), the clothing treatment device (100) may further be provided with a penetration hole cover (28).

[0080] In order to determine whether there is a foreign substance exceeding a preset amount (filtration standard amount) in the filter (36), the clothing treatment device (100) may be equipped with a filter clogging detection unit (85).

[0081] The above filter clogging detection unit (85) may be provided to include a first sensor (851) that measures the pressure of air supplied to the filter (36), and a second sensor (852) that measures the pressure of air passing through the filter (36).

[0082] The first sensor (851) may be fixed to the first exhaust chamber (31) so as to be positioned between the chamber communication hole (32) and the filter (36), and the second sensor (852) may be fixed to the first exhaust chamber (31) so as to be positioned between the filter (36) and the first exhaust fan (35).

[0083] In this case, the first control unit may be provided to detect clogging of the filter by determining whether the difference between the pressure of the air supplied to the filter (36) and the pressure of the air passing through the filter (36) is greater than or equal to a preset reference pressure difference. For example, the first control unit may determine that a foreign substance exceeding a filtration standard amount is present in the filter (36) if the difference between the pressure values ​​measured by the two pressure sensors (851, 852) is greater than the reference pressure difference.

[0084] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the second processing device (100b) may be provided to include a cabinet (6, second cabinet) detachably fixed to the rear surface (12, first rear panel) of the first processing device (100a), and a heat exchange unit (7) provided inside the second cabinet (6).

[0085] The second cabinet (6) may be provided to include a base panel (63) forming the bottom surface of the second processing device, a front panel (61, second front panel) provided on a surface facing the first rear panel (12) and forming one side of the second processing device, a rear panel (62, second rear panel) forming the other side of the second processing device, and an upper panel (64) forming the upper surface of the second processing device.

[0086] Inside the second cabinet (6), a first flow path (65, first heat exchange chamber) and a second flow path (66, 67) may be provided.

[0087] The above first flow path (65) forms an air movement path parallel to the height direction (Y-axis direction) of the second treatment device (100b), and may be provided as a first heat exchange chamber in which the first heat exchanger (71) and the second heat exchanger (72) provided in the heat exchange unit (7) are mounted.

[0088] The second flow path (66, 67) may be provided with a second heat exchange chamber (66) in which a third heat exchanger (73) provided in the heat exchange section (7) is mounted, and a mounting chamber (67) in which a compressor provided in the heat exchange section (7) is mounted. The second heat exchange chamber (66) and the mounting chamber (67) may be provided so as to be connected to each other to form a single flow path through which air can move along the height direction of the second treatment device.

[0089] It is preferable that the first flow path (65) and the second flow path (66, 67) are formed as independent flow paths, and FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which the two flow paths are formed through a partition wall (613) that divides the interior of the second cabinet (6).

[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first flow path (65) receives air discharged from the first treatment device (100a) through the chamber inlet hole (651), and air inside the first flow path (65) can be supplied to the first treatment device (100a) through the chamber discharge hole (652).

[0091] The second rear panel (62) may be provided to include a chamber first rear panel (621) forming the rear surface of the first flow path (65), and a chamber second rear panel (622) forming the rear surface of the second flow path (66, 67).

[0092] The second treatment device (100b) may be equipped with an exhaust unit (69, second exhaust unit). The second exhaust unit (69) is a means for moving air along the second flow path (66, 67), and the second exhaust unit (69) may be equipped to include an exhaust chamber (691, second exhaust chamber) connecting the second flow path (66, 67) and the outside of the second cabinet (6), and an exhaust fan (692, second exhaust fan) for moving air along the exhaust chamber (691).

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the heat exchange unit (7) may be provided with a refrigerant passage (76) forming a refrigerant circulation passage, a first heat exchanger (71) fixed to the refrigerant passage (76) and positioned inside the first passage section (65) to absorb heat from air, a second heat exchanger (72) fixed to the refrigerant passage (76) and positioned inside the first passage section (65) to release heat to air passing through the first heat exchanger (71), a third heat exchanger (73) fixed to the refrigerant passage (76) and positioned in the second heat exchange chamber (66), a compressor (74) located in the mounting chamber (67) to move the refrigerant along the refrigerant passage (76), and a passage switching unit (75) to control the movement path of the refrigerant passing through the second heat exchanger (72).

[0094] The first heat exchanger (71) is a means (evaporator, or heat absorber) that absorbs heat from the air flowing into the first flow path (65) and removes water vapor contained in the air (condenses water vapor). The second heat exchanger (72) is a means (condenser, or heat generator) that releases heat to the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger and heats the air.

[0095] The first heat exchanger (71) is preferably positioned below the second heat exchanger (72) and is inclined downward toward the bottom surface of the first flow path (65). When the first heat exchanger (71) is fixed to the first flow path (65) with an inclined structure, it is effective in easily removing condensate from the surface of the first heat exchanger (71).

[0096] In addition, when the first heat exchanger (71) is fixed to the first flow path (65) in an inclined structure, the first heat exchanger (71) having a heat exchange area larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow path (65) can be mounted, and through this, the air and the first heat exchanger (71) have the effect of more effectively exchanging heat with the air.

[0097] In order to remove the condensate falling from the first heat exchanger (71), a drainage part may be provided on the bottom surface of the first flow path (65). The drainage part may be provided to include a collection chamber (654) provided on the bottom surface of the first flow path (65) to provide a space for storing condensate, and a drain pipe (655) for discharging condensate from the collection chamber (654) to the outside of the second cabinet (6).

[0098] The third heat exchanger (73) may perform the same function (heat absorption function) as the first heat exchanger, or may perform the same function (heat generation function) as the second heat exchanger. Fig. 9 illustrates an example of the flow path conversion part (75) that enables the function conversion of the third heat exchanger (73).

[0099] The above-described refrigerant conversion unit (755) may be provided to include a valve body (751) that provides a space for storing refrigerant, a refrigerant inlet (752) that introduces refrigerant into the valve body, a first connection pipe (753) that connects the inside of the valve body (751) with the outside, a second connection pipe (754) that connects the inside of the valve body (751) with the outside, a third connection pipe (755) that connects the inside of the valve body (751) with the outside, and a conversion valve (756) that is movably provided within the valve body and connects two of the three connection pipes to each other.

[0100] The above switching valve (756) may be provided to reciprocate between a first point and a second point that are preset. At the first point, the switching valve (756) may be provided to connect the second connecting pipe (754) and the third connecting pipe (755) (the refrigerant inlet is connected to the first connecting pipe), and at the second point, the switching valve (756) may be provided to connect the first connecting pipe (753) and the second connecting pipe (754) (the refrigerant inlet is connected to the third connecting pipe).

[0101] In this case, the refrigerant passage (76) includes a first refrigerant pipe (761) that guides the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (74) to the second heat exchanger (72), a second refrigerant pipe (762) that guides the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger (72) (refrigerant that has completed heat exchange with air in the second heat exchanger) to the refrigerant inlet (752), and a third refrigerant pipe (763) that guides the refrigerant discharged from the first connection pipe (753) to the third heat exchanger (73). A control valve (77) that controls the pressure of the refrigerant may be provided in the third refrigerant pipe (763).

[0102] In addition, the refrigerant passage (76) may be provided to include a fourth refrigerant pipe (764) that guides the refrigerant that has passed through the third heat exchanger (73) to the third connecting pipe (755), a fifth refrigerant pipe (765) that guides the refrigerant discharged from the second connecting pipe (754) to the first heat exchanger (71), and a sixth refrigerant pipe (766) that guides the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (71) to the compressor (74).

[0103] By means of the above-mentioned euro conversion unit (75), the third heat exchanger (73) can be supplied with refrigerant that has passed through the control valve (77), or can be supplied with refrigerant that has not passed through the control valve (77).

[0104] The process of removing moisture from the treatment target (drying process) can proceed more quickly as the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and air passing through the first heat exchanger (71) and the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and air passing through the second heat exchanger (72) increase. If the cross-sectional area of ​​the first heat exchanger (71) and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second heat exchanger (72) are designed to be large in order to increase the amount of heat exchange, the problem of the overall volume of the second treatment device (100b) increasing due to the increase in the volume of the heat exchange unit (7) may occur, and in some cases, the problem of the compressor overheating may occur.

[0105] The above heat exchange unit (7) can switch the function of the third heat exchanger (73) between the heat absorption function and the heat generation function through the above-mentioned flow conversion unit (75). Therefore, the heat exchange unit (7) can supply high-temperature dry air to the first treatment device (100a) more quickly and effectively by setting the function of the third heat exchanger (73) to either the heat absorption function or the heat generation function in a specific section during the execution of the drying cycle divided into the preheating section, the constant rate section, and the deceleration section.

[0106] The above preheating period is defined as a period in which the dryness hardly changes and the temperature of the clothing increases, the above constant drying rate period is defined as a period in which the dryness rapidly increases (the moisture content rapidly decreases) and the temperature of the clothing hardly changes, and the above falling drying rate period can be defined as a period in which the dryness hardly changes and the temperature of the clothing increases.

[0107] At the beginning of the drying cycle (preheating section), the temperature of the air discharged from the drum body (41) (the temperature of the air flowing into the first heat exchange chamber) is low. Therefore, at the beginning of the drying cycle, the temperature of the air supplied to the drum body (41) can be increased only by increasing the amount of energy absorbed by the refrigerant (heat absorption), thereby shortening the time required to enter the constant rate section (shortening the time required to proceed with the preheating section).

[0108] Figure 9 illustrates a case where the switching valve (756) is located at the first point. In this case, the switching valve (756) can guide the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger (72) to the control valve (77), and the refrigerant that has passed through the control valve (77) will pass through the third heat exchanger (73) and then be supplied to the first heat exchanger (71) via the valve body (751).

[0109] Accordingly, when the second exhaust fan (92) is in operation, the refrigerant passing through the third heat exchanger (73) can absorb heat energy from the air moving along the second flow path (66, 67). Accordingly, the heat exchanger (7) can shorten the execution time (drying time) of the drying cycle by shortening the execution time of the preheating section.

[0110] Meanwhile, in the latter half of the drying cycle (after the latter half of the constant rate section, or the above-described deceleration section), the temperature of the air discharged from the drum body (41) is high, so the amount of energy absorbed by the refrigerant increases. Therefore, in the latter half of the drying cycle, the heat absorbed by the refrigerant must be quickly released to bring forward the end point of the drying cycle and stably control the heat exchanger (7) (to prevent overheating of the compressor, etc.).

[0111] When the above switching valve (756) is located at the second point, the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger (72) will be supplied to the third heat exchanger (73), and the refrigerant that has passed through the third heat exchanger will be supplied to the first heat exchanger (71) through the control valve (77) and the valve body (751).

[0112] Therefore, when the exhaust fan (35) is operated, the second heat exchanger (72) can release heat to the air moving along the first heat exchange chamber (65), and when the second exhaust fan (92) is operated, the third heat exchanger (73) can release heat to the air moving along the second flow path. Therefore, the heat exchange unit (7) can effectively release heat absorbed by the refrigerant in the latter part of the drying cycle, thereby shortening the drying time and preventing overheating of the compressor.

[0113] The above clothing treatment device (100) may further include a temperature sensor (78) that measures the temperature of the refrigerant (observation refrigerant) supplied to the compressor (74), and a pressure sensor (79) that measures the pressure of the refrigerant supplied to the compressor (74).

[0114] As shown in Fig. 9, the temperature sensor (78) and the pressure sensor (79) may be provided in the sixth refrigerant pipe (766, a refrigerant pipe connecting the first heat exchanger and the compressor among the refrigerant paths, an observation refrigerant path).

[0115] The above control valve (77) may be provided to control the degree of opening based on at least one of the temperature of the observed refrigerant measured by the temperature sensor (78) and the pressure of the observed refrigerant measured by the pressure sensor (79). If the degree of opening of the control valve (77) is small, the flow rate of the refrigerant discharged from the control valve (77) will decrease, and if the degree of opening of the control valve (77) is large, the flow rate of the refrigerant discharged from the control valve (77) will increase.

[0116] The heat exchanger (7) described above can be controlled by a control unit (8, second control unit), and the second control unit (8) can be provided in the third flow path (68). As shown in Fig. 8 (b), the third flow path (68) can be provided as a flow path for supplying outside air to the space between the third heat exchanger (73) and the second exhaust fan (69) when the second exhaust fan (692) is in operation.

[0117] The second control unit (8) may be provided to include a board fixing plate (81) located inside the third flow path (68), a circuit board (83) fixed to the board fixing plate (81), and a control circuit provided on the circuit board (83) to control the heat exchange unit (7).

[0118] The above board fixing plate (81) can be fixed to one side (mounting side, 661) of the second heat exchange chamber. The control circuit provided in the circuit board (83) can be provided as a circuit capable of controlling at least one of the compressor (74) and the control valve (77), and an inverter circuit or inverter driver that controls the rotational speed (operating frequency) of the compressor (74) can be an example.

[0119] For cooling the control circuit, the second control unit (8) may be provided with a cooling unit (84). The cooling unit (84) may be provided with a plurality of cooling fins that are fixed to the circuit board (83) and connected to the control circuit. That is, the cooling unit (84) may be provided by arranging a plurality of cooling fins parallel to the height direction (Y-axis direction) of the second heat exchange chamber (66) so as to be spaced apart along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the second heat exchange chamber (66).

[0120] The cooling unit (84) may be provided to exchange heat with air moving along the third flow path (68). To this end, a chamber supply port (662) connecting the third flow path (68) and the second heat exchange chamber (66) may be provided on the mounting surface (661), and the cooling unit (84) may be provided to be positioned at the chamber supply port (662).

[0121] In order to facilitate the supply of air from the third flow path (68) to the second heat exchange chamber (66) through the chamber supply port (662) (to facilitate heat exchange of the cooling unit), the clothing treatment device (100) may further be provided with flow path forming parts (821, 822). Fig. 7 illustrates an example in which the flow path forming parts (821, 822) are provided on the board fixing plate (81). The flow path forming parts may be provided as a first spacer (821) and a second spacer (822) provided on opposite ends of the board fixing plate (81) to maintain a gap between the board fixing plate (81) and the mounting surface (661).

[0122] Fig. 10 illustrates an example of a control method for a clothing treatment device equipped with the above-described heat exchange unit (7).

[0123] The control method of Fig. 10 may be provided to include a drying step (S10) of supplying air to the receiving unit (2, 4) to remove moisture from the processing target (drying target), a first judgment step (S41) of determining the degree of opening of the control valve (77) during the drying step, and a second judgment step (S43) of determining the degree of superheating of the observed refrigerant during the drying step.

[0124] The above drying step (S10) is a process of supplying high-temperature dried air (air having a temperature higher than room temperature, air having a humidity lower than that of air at room temperature) to the receiving unit through the heat exchange unit (7).

[0125] In the above drying step (S10), the compressor (74) moves the refrigerant along the refrigerant path (76). The clothing treatment device (100) can control the flow rate or velocity of the refrigerant moving along the refrigerant path (76) by controlling the output of the compressor (74) (controlling the rotational speed of the impeller provided inside the compressor).

[0126] In the above drying step (S10), the control valve (77) controls the pressure of the refrigerant supplied to the first heat exchanger (71) by controlling the degree of opening of the refrigerant passage. The degree of opening of the control valve (77) can be controlled by at least one of the temperature and pressure of the observed refrigerant (refrigerant moving along the sixth refrigerant pipe, refrigerant flowing into the compressor) measured by the temperature sensor (78) and the pressure sensor (79).

[0127] For example, when the temperature or pressure of the observed refrigerant is low, the control valve (77) may lower the opening degree to reduce the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the first heat exchanger (71), and when the temperature and pressure of the observed refrigerant are high, the opening degree of the control valve (77) may be increased to increase the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the first heat exchanger (71).

[0128] The above first judgment step (S41) may be provided as a step for checking the opening degree of the above-described control valve (77), and the above second judgment step (S43) may be provided as a step for checking the superheat degree of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor (74).

[0129] In the present invention, the degree of superheat of the refrigerant is defined as the value obtained by subtracting the saturation temperature from the temperature of the refrigerant. Accordingly, the degree of superheat of the observed refrigerant measured in the second determination step (S43) may be defined as the value obtained by subtracting the saturation temperature set to the pressure of the observed refrigerant measured by the pressure sensor (79) from the temperature of the observed refrigerant measured by the temperature sensor (78).

[0130] If the opening degree of the control valve measured in the first judgment step (S41) is equal to or greater than the standard opening degree, or if the superheat degree measured in the second judgment step (S43) is equal to or less than the preset standard superheat degree, the control method proceeds to the step (S47) of judging the dryness degree of the drying target.

[0131] The above dryness determination step (S47) may be provided as a step for determining whether the dryness of the subject to be processed has reached a preset target dryness. In addition, the dryness determination step (S47) may be provided to determine whether the time set in the drying step (S10) has elapsed, and may be provided to compare the moisture content of the subject to be dried with a reference moisture content. If it is determined in the dryness determination step (S47) that the dryness of the subject to be dried has reached the target dryness, the control method terminates the drying step (S10).

[0132] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the opening degree of the control valve measured in the first judgment step (S41) is less than the standard opening degree, the control method can determine that a foreign substance exists in the first heat exchanger (71) in an amount greater than a preset standard amount. This is because, if foreign substances accumulate in the first heat exchanger (71), the amount of air passing through the first heat exchanger (71) may decrease, the superheat of the observed refrigerant may decrease due to the decrease in the amount of air passing through the first heat exchanger, and the opening degree of the control valve (77) may decrease due to the decrease in superheat (reducing the amount of refrigerant supplied to the first heat exchanger).

[0133] When the control valve (77) adjusts the opening degree of the refrigerant passage based on the superheat of the observed refrigerant, the superheat of the observed refrigerant is usually normalized. However, when a foreign substance accumulates in the first heat exchanger (71) exceeding a reference amount, it has been confirmed that the superheat of the observed refrigerant measured after the opening degree of the refrigerant passage is reduced does not maintain the preset reference superheat. Therefore, when the measured superheat is determined to be greater than the reference superheat in the second judgment step (S43), the control method can determine that a foreign substance exists in the first heat exchanger (71) exceeding a reference amount.

[0134] In order to determine whether the amount of foreign substances remaining in the first heat exchanger (71) is greater than or equal to a reference amount based on the degree of opening of the control valve and the degree of superheat of the observed refrigerant confirmed in the above-described judgment steps (S41, S43), the control method may include a heat exchanger blockage detection step (S50).

[0135] The above heat exchanger blockage detection step (S50) may be provided to determine that a foreign substance exceeding a standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger when the opening degree of the control valve (77) is smaller than the standard opening degree and the superheat degree of the observed refrigerant is greater than a preset standard superheat degree. The standard superheat degree may be set to a single value or may be set to a superheat range value having a maximum value and a minimum value.

[0136] Unlike the above, the heat exchanger blockage detection step (S50) may be provided to determine that there is a foreign substance exceeding the standard amount in the first heat exchanger (71) when the average superheat value of the observed refrigerant measured over a preset standard time period is greater than the standard superheat value.

[0137] In addition, the heat exchanger blockage detection step (S50) may be provided to determine that a foreign substance exceeding the standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger (71) when the superheat of the observed refrigerant measured for a preset standard time period fluctuates around the standard superheat.

[0138] That is, the heat exchanger blockage detection step (S50) may be provided to determine that a foreign substance exceeding the reference amount exists in the first heat exchanger (71) when the superheat of the observed refrigerant measured during the reference time includes a value higher than the reference superheat and a value lower than the reference superheat.

[0139] According to the experiment, the phenomenon in which the superheat of the observed refrigerant fluctuates around the reference superheat was observed more significantly when the foreign matter remaining in the first heat exchanger (71) was wet than when it was dry.

[0140] In order to more accurately determine the blockage of the first heat exchanger (71), the control method may further include a third determination step (S45) for determining the pressure of the observed refrigerant.

[0141] If heat exchange between the refrigerant and air becomes difficult due to foreign substances remaining in the first heat exchanger (71), the pressure of the observed refrigerant may be lower than the reference pressure (the pressure of the observed refrigerant set differently depending on the opening degree of the control valve). Accordingly, the heat exchanger blockage detection step (S50) may be provided so as to determine that a foreign substance exceeding a reference amount exists in the first heat exchanger (71) if the pressure of the observed refrigerant is lower than the reference pressure.

[0142] Considering that the pressure of the above-mentioned observed refrigerant may fluctuate, the heat exchanger blockage detection step (S50) may be provided to determine that a foreign substance exceeding a standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger (71) when the pressure of the above-mentioned observed refrigerant measured for a preset standard time period includes a value higher than the standard pressure and a value lower than the standard pressure.

[0143] In addition, the heat exchanger blockage detection step (S50) may be provided to determine that a foreign substance exceeding a standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger (71) when the difference between the maximum pressure and the minimum pressure of the observed refrigerant is lower than a preset standard pressure.

[0144] If it is determined that a foreign substance exceeding a standard amount is present in the first heat exchanger (71), the control method may proceed with a notification step (S51) to notify the user of a blockage in the first heat exchanger. The notification step (S51) may be provided to notify the user of a blockage in the first heat exchanger through a display unit provided in the control panel (115).

[0145] Meanwhile, if the number of executions of the above notification step (S51) is less than the preset standard number of executions (S60), the control method may proceed with the heat exchanger cleaning request step (S80, first notification step) that requests the user to clean the first heat exchanger (71). However, if the number of executions of the above notification step (S51) is greater than or equal to the preset standard number of executions (S60), the control method may proceed with the error notification step (S70, second notification step) that notifies the user of a malfunction or failure of the above clothing treatment device (100).

[0146] It is preferable that the above-described control method be performed when the filter (36) for filtering the air supplied to the first heat exchanger (71) is not blocked by foreign substances. If the filter (36) is blocked by foreign substances, it will be difficult to determine that the changes in the opening degree of the control valve, the superheat degree of the observed refrigerant, and the pressure of the observed refrigerant are due to foreign substances present in the first heat exchanger.

[0147] That is, the above control method is provided to further include a filter clogging detection step (S30) for determining whether foreign substances exceeding the filtration standard amount remain in the filter (36), and it is preferable that the heat exchanger clogging detection step (S50) is performed when it is determined that foreign substances below the filtration standard amount exist in the filter (36).

[0148] The above filter clogging detection step (S30) may be provided to determine that foreign substances less than the filtration standard amount are present in the filter (36) if the difference between the pressure of the air supplied to the filter (36) and the pressure of the air passing through the filter (36) is less than a preset standard pressure difference. The pressure of the air supplied to the filter (36) may be measured through the first sensor (851), and the pressure of the air passing through the filter (36) may be measured through the second sensor (852).

[0149] If it is determined that the foreign matter present in the filter (36) is greater than the filtration standard amount (S30, if the value obtained by subtracting the pressure of the air discharged from the filter from the pressure of the air supplied to the filter is greater than the standard pressure difference), the control method may proceed to a filter cleaning request step (S90, third notification step) that requests the user to clean the filter.

[0150] It was confirmed that the change in the opening degree of the above-described control valve, the change in the superheat degree of the observed refrigerant, and the change in the pressure of the observed refrigerant were significantly observed when the function of the third heat exchanger (73) was switched from a heat-absorbing function to a heat-generating function.

[0151] Fig. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a control method reflecting the experimental results described above. That is, the control method of Fig. 11 is characterized in that the heat exchanger blockage detection step (S50) is initiated after the function of the third heat exchanger (73) is switched from a heat absorption function to a heat generation function.

[0152] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the control method may be provided to include a drying step (S10) of supplying air to the receiving portion (2, 4) by operating the compressor (74) and the control valve (77), a setting step (S11) of setting the function of the third heat exchanger (73) to a heat absorption function, and a switching step (S13) of switching the function of the third heat exchanger to a heat generating function when the dryness reaches a preset standard dryness level.

[0153] The above setting step (S11) is a step for controlling the switching valve (756) to set the function of the third heat exchanger (73) to the same function as the function of the first heat exchanger (71). This is in consideration of the fact that the time required to enter the constant rate section can be shortened by increasing the amount of heat energy absorbed by the refrigerant at the beginning of the drying cycle (the beginning of the drying stage).

[0154] The above switching step (S13) may be provided to be initiated when the dryness of the drying target reaches a preset reference dryness (S12). The reference dryness must be set to a dryness lower than the target dryness.

[0155] Unlike the above, the switching step (S13) may be provided to be initiated when the execution time of the drying step (S10) reaches a preset switching reference time, or when the temperature of the air discharged from the receiving unit (2, 4) reaches a preset switching reference temperature. The switching reference time may be set to 10 to 20 minutes, and the switching reference temperature may be set to 50 to 55 degrees Celsius.

[0156] When the above switching step (S13) is completed, the control method of FIG. 11 can execute the filter clogging detection step (S30), the first judgment step (S41), the second judgment step (S43), the third judgment step (S45), and the heat exchanger clogging detection step (S50). The filter clogging detection step (S30), each judgment step (S41, S43, S45), and the heat exchanger clogging detection step (S50) can be provided as the same steps as the steps provided in the control method of FIG. 10.

[0157] If it is determined through the above-described process that the amount of foreign substances present in the first heat exchanger (71) is greater than the reference amount, the control method of Fig. 11 can execute the notification step (S51). After completion of the notification step (S51), the control method of Fig. 11 can proceed with the error notification step (S70) and the heat exchanger cleaning request step (S80) according to the condition (S60).

[0158] Meanwhile, if it is confirmed as a result of the filter clogging detection step (S30) that there is a foreign substance exceeding the filtration standard amount in the filter (36), the control method of FIG. 11 can proceed to the filter cleaning request step (S90).

[0159] The control methods of FIGS. 10 and 11 can also be applied to the clothing treatment devices of FIGS. 12 to 16.

[0160] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a clothing treatment device. The clothing treatment device (200) according to this embodiment may also be equipped to include a first treatment device (200a, clothing treatment module) that provides a space for washing or drying a treatment target such as clothing, and a second treatment device (200b, air treatment module) that is detachably coupled to the first treatment device (200a) for drying a treatment target placed in the first treatment device.

[0161] The first treatment device (200a) may be provided to include a first cabinet (91), and the second treatment device (200b) may be provided to include a second cabinet (93). As shown in the drawing, the second treatment device (200b) may be provided to be positioned above the first treatment device (200a), and in this case, the exterior of the clothing treatment device (200) may be formed by a combination of the first cabinet (91) and the second cabinet (93).

[0162] The first cabinet (91) includes a front panel (911, first front panel) forming the front surface of the first processing device (200a). As illustrated in FIG. 13, the first front panel (911) may be provided with a control panel (913) for controlling the garment processing device (200) and a cabinet penetration hole (912) communicating with the interior of the first processing device (200a).

[0163] The first processing device (200a) may be provided with a mounting space (914) to which the second processing device (200b) is fixed. The mounting space (914) may be provided as an open space formed on the upper surface of the first cabinet (91).

[0164] A first control unit (919) for controlling at least one of the first processing device (200a) and the second processing device (200b) may be provided inside the first cabinet (91). The first control unit (919) may be provided to receive a control signal from an input unit of the control panel (913) or to transmit a control signal to a display unit of the control panel (913).

[0165] A receiving portion (92) forming a washing space or drying space for the subject matter may be provided within the first cabinet (91). The receiving portion (92) may be provided with a tub forming a water storage space and an air movement path, and a drum rotatably provided within the tub to form a space for receiving the subject matter. The drum may be provided to rotate via a driving unit.

[0166] The above tub provides a space for storing water and can be fixed inside the first cabinet (91) via a tub support member (923). The front surface of the tub may be provided with an inlet (921) communicating with the inlet of the drum, and a door (922) fixed to the tub so that the inlet (921) can be opened and closed.

[0167] Since the door (922) is not rotatably fixed to the first front panel (911) but is rotatably fixed to the tub, it is preferable that the cabinet penetration hole (912) be provided in a size and position that does not interfere with the rotation of the door (922) (rotation for opening or closing the inlet).

[0168] The above tub can be connected to the second treatment device (200b) via the tub supply part (924) and the tub exhaust part (925). That is, the second treatment device (200b) can be detachably connected to the tub supply part (24) and the tub exhaust part (25).

[0169] The above tub is supplied with water through a water supply unit (926), and the water inside the tub can be discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (200) through a drain unit (927).

[0170] As illustrated in Fig. 14, the second processing device (200b) may be provided to include a flow path (94, 95) provided inside the second cabinet (93), and a heat exchanger (96) provided in the flow path to remove moisture from the air (dehumidify) or heat the air.

[0171] The second cabinet (93) may include a support frame (931) mounted on the first cabinet (91), a side panel (965, second side panel) fixed to the support frame (931) to form a side surface of the second cabinet, a rear panel (936, second rear panel) fixed to the support frame (931) to form a rear surface of the second cabinet, and an upper panel (937) fixed to the support frame (61) to form an upper surface of the second cabinet. The second rear panel (936) may be provided with a panel exhaust port that connects the interior of the second cabinet (93) with the exterior.

[0172] A frame panel (932) may be provided on the front surface of the above support frame (931). The frame panel (932) may be provided to form a space in which a portion of the above-described guiding section (94, 95) is supported.

[0173] Furthermore, the support frame (931) may be provided with a front panel (938, second front panel) forming the front surface of the second cabinet. The second front panel (938) may be provided in a shape that surrounds the frame panel (932) so that the frame panel (932) is not exposed to the outside. In addition, the second front panel (938) may be rotatably fixed to the support frame (931), the frame panel (932), or the upper panel (937) so that the user can easily access the frame panel (932).

[0174] The above frame panel (932) may be provided with a first panel through hole (932a), a second panel through hole (932b), and a third panel through hole (932c) that connect the inside of the second cabinet (93) with the outside.

[0175] The above panel first through-hole (932a) may be provided to be opened and closed by a panel first door (933) rotatably fixed to the frame panel (932), and the above panel second through-hole (932b) may be provided to be opened and closed by a panel second door (934) rotatably fixed to the frame panel (932).

[0176] The second front panel (938) may be provided to be rotatable toward the upper portion of the second cabinet (93), and the panel first door (933) may be provided to be rotatable toward the lower portion of the second cabinet (93).

[0177] The first door (933) of the panel may be provided with a space for mounting a second control unit (97) that controls the second processing device (200b). In this case, the first through-hole (932a) of the panel may be a control unit outlet that exposes the second control unit (97) to the outside of the second cabinet (93).

[0178] The above-mentioned euro section (94, 95) may be equipped with a filter for filtering air discharged from the tub, and the second panel through-hole (932b) may be a filter outlet for drawing the filter out to the outside of the second cabinet (93).

[0179] The above-mentioned flow path may be provided to include a first flow path (94) that is connected to the tub and forms an air circulation path, and a second flow path (95) that forms an outside air movement path. In this case, the panel third through-hole (932c) may be a means (panel supply opening) for supplying air from outside the second cabinet (93) to the second flow path (95).

[0180] The first flow path (94) may be provided to include an exhaust flow path (941) connected to the tub exhaust part (925), an air supply flow path (942) connected to the tub air supply part (924), a heat exchange flow path (943, 947) connected to the exhaust flow path, and a fan (first flow fan) for moving air, and a blower flow path (948) connecting the heat exchange flow path (943, 947) and the air supply flow path (942). As illustrated in FIG. 15, the flow path parts (94, 95) may be fixed to the support frame (931) via a support panel (939).

[0181] The above exhaust path (941) may be provided as an exhaust duct that is detachably fixed to the tub exhaust part (25) of the first treatment device, and the above supply path (942) may be provided as an supply duct that connects the above blower path (948) and the above tub supply part (924).

[0182] The above heat exchange path may be provided with a heat exchange duct (947) fixed to the support panel (939). The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger provided in the heat exchange unit (99) may be mounted inside the heat exchange duct (947).

[0183] The above heat exchange duct (947) may be provided so as to be directly connected to the exhaust passage (941), or may be provided so as to be connected to the exhaust passage (941) through a filter duct (943). The filter duct (943) is a space in which a filter (946) that filters air moving to the heat exchange duct (947) is installed.

[0184] A filter outlet (944) connected to the second panel penetration hole (932b) may be provided on one side of the filter duct (943), and an exhaust duct connection portion (945) connected to the exhaust path (941) may be provided on the other side of the filter duct (943) (such as the bottom surface of the filter duct).

[0185] In order to determine whether a preset amount of foreign substances is present in the filter (946), the garment treatment device (200) according to the present embodiment may be equipped with a filter clogging detection unit. The filter clogging detection unit (98) may be equipped to include a first sensor (981) that measures the pressure of air supplied to the filter (946), and a second sensor (982) that measures the pressure of air passing through the filter (946).

[0186] The second duct (95) is a means for introducing outside air into the second cabinet (93), and can be fixed to the support frame (931) or the second side panel (935).

[0187] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the second flow path (95) may be provided to include a first outside air duct (952) provided inside the second cabinet (93) to allow outside air to flow in, a second outside air duct (955) connected to the first outside air duct (952) and equipped with a third heat exchanger (963) provided in the heat exchanger (96), and a second flow fan (956) that moves air.

[0188] The first outdoor air duct (952) may be provided as a flow path extending along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second cabinet, and the second outdoor air duct (955) may be provided as a flow path extending along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the second cabinet. The second flow fan (956) may be provided on one surface of the second outdoor air duct (955).

[0189] One side of the first outdoor air duct (952) may be fixed to the frame panel (932). The first outdoor air duct (952) may be provided to receive outdoor air through at least one of a first inlet (953) and a second inlet (954). The first inlet (953) may be provided to be connected to the panel supply hole (932c) provided in the frame panel, and the second inlet (954) may be provided to receive outdoor air through a third flow path (98) provided in the frame panel (932).

[0190] The second control unit (97) may be provided as a circuit board for controlling the second processing device (200a), and the circuit board may be provided with a control circuit for controlling at least one of the flow path unit and the heat exchange unit. In this case, the third flow path unit (98) may be formed by a fixing plate to which the second control unit (97) is fixed, and a communication hole provided in the panel first door (933).

[0191] The third flow path (98) may include a third flow path first outlet (981) that discharges air into the second cabinet (93) and a third flow path second outlet (982) that is connected to the second inlet (954) (that discharges air to the second inlet).

[0192] In order to cool the control circuit provided in the second control unit (97), a heat dissipation unit (971) may be provided inside the third flow unit (98).

[0193] The first inlet (953) and the second inlet (954) may be provided to supply air from outside the second cabinet (93) through an outside air supply port (951) provided in the second front panel (938).

[0194] The heat exchanger (96) may be provided to include a first heat exchanger (961) provided in the first flow path (94) to remove moisture from air, a second heat exchanger (962) provided in the first flow path (94) to heat air, a third heat exchanger (963) provided in the second flow path (95) to exchange heat with outside air, a refrigerant flow path (966) forming a circulation path of refrigerant passing through the heat exchangers, and a compressor (964) to move the refrigerant along the refrigerant flow path.

[0195] The above refrigerant pipe (966) may be equipped with a control valve (967) that can control the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant, and a flow path conversion unit (965) that controls the movement path of the refrigerant discharged from the second heat exchanger (962).

[0196] The above refrigerant path (966) may be provided to include a first refrigerant pipe (9661) that guides the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (964) to the second heat exchanger (962), a second refrigerant pipe (9662) that guides the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger (962) (refrigerant that has completed heat exchange with air in the second heat exchanger) to the flow path conversion unit (965), a third refrigerant pipe (9663) and a fourth refrigerant pipe (9664) that connect the flow path conversion unit (965) and the third heat exchanger (963), a fifth refrigerant pipe (9665) that connects the flow path conversion unit (965) and the first heat exchanger (961), and a sixth refrigerant pipe (9666) that guides the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger (961) to the compressor (964).

[0197] The above control valve (967) may be provided in the third refrigerant pipe (9663) and positioned between the flow path conversion unit (965) and the third heat exchanger (963). The sixth refrigerant pipe (9666) may be provided with a pressure sensor (969) and a temperature sensor (968) for measuring the pressure and temperature of the observed refrigerant.

[0198] Since the above-described clothing treatment device and control method relate to an example of the present invention, the scope of the present invention cannot be limited to the above-described structure or control method.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a clothes treatment device, comprising: a receiving section providing a space in which a drying object is received; a flow path section capable of re-supplying air discharged from the receiving section to the receiving section; a refrigerant flow path forming a refrigerant circulation flow path; a first heat exchanger positioned inside the flow path section and transferring thermal energy of air to the refrigerant; a second heat exchanger positioned inside the flow path section and transferring thermal energy of the refrigerant to the air; a compressor moving the refrigerant along the refrigerant flow path; and a control valve controlling the pressure of the refrigerant moving from the second heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger by controlling the degree of opening; A drying step of supplying air to the receiving section by controlling the compressor and the control valve; A first judgment step for judging the opening degree of the control valve during the progress of the above drying step; During the drying step, a second judgment step is performed to determine the superheat level of the observed refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger and moving to the compressor; and A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized by including a heat exchanger blockage detection step for determining that a foreign substance exceeding a standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger when the opening degree of the control valve is smaller than the standard opening degree and the superheat degree of the observed refrigerant is greater than the standard superheat degree.

2. In paragraph 1, A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that if the average superheat value of the observed refrigerant measured for a preset standard time period is greater than the standard superheat, the heat exchanger blockage detection step determines that a foreign substance exceeding the standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger.

3. In paragraph 1, A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that if the superheat of the observed refrigerant measured for a preset standard time period includes a value higher than the standard superheat and a value lower than the standard superheat, the heat exchanger blockage detection step determines that a foreign substance exceeding the standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger.

4. In paragraph 1, A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the above superheating degree is defined as a value obtained by subtracting a saturation temperature corresponding to the pressure of the observed refrigerant from the temperature of the observed refrigerant.

5. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a third judgment step of judging the pressure of the above-mentioned observed refrigerant; A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that if the pressure of the above-mentioned observed refrigerant is lower than a preset reference pressure, the heat exchanger blockage detection step determines that a foreign substance exceeding the reference amount exists in the first heat exchanger.

6. In paragraph 5, A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the above-mentioned standard pressure is set differently depending on the opening degree of the above-mentioned control valve.

7. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a third judgment step of judging the pressure of the above-mentioned observed refrigerant; A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that if the difference between the maximum pressure and the minimum pressure of the observed refrigerant is lower than or equal to a preset reference pressure, the heat exchanger blockage detection step determines that a foreign substance exceeding the reference amount exists in the first heat exchanger.

8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a third judgment step of judging the pressure of the above-mentioned observed refrigerant; A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that if the pressure of the observed refrigerant measured for a preset standard time period includes a value higher than the standard pressure and a value lower than the standard pressure, the heat exchanger blockage detection step determines that a foreign substance exceeding the standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, It further includes a filter clogging detection step for determining whether there is a foreign substance exceeding a preset filtration standard amount in the filter that filters the air supplied to the first heat exchanger; A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the heat exchanger blockage detection step is executed only when it is determined that foreign substances less than the filtration standard amount are present in the filter.

10. In paragraph 9, A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that if the value obtained by subtracting the pressure of air passing through the filter from the pressure of air supplied to the filter is less than a preset standard pressure difference, the filter clogging detection step determines that a foreign substance less than the filtration standard amount exists in the filter.

11. In paragraph 9, A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that it executes a notification step for requesting cleaning of the filter when it is determined that foreign substances exceeding the filtration standard amount are present in the filter.

12. In paragraph 9, A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that if it is determined that a foreign substance exceeding the standard amount is present in the first heat exchanger, a notification step for notifying a blockage in the first heat exchanger or requesting cleaning of the first heat exchanger is executed.

13. A method for controlling a clothes treatment device, comprising: a receiving section providing a space in which a drying object is received; a first flow section capable of re-supplying air discharged from the receiving section to the receiving section; a second flow section forming a path for air movement separated from the first flow section; a refrigerant flow section forming a refrigerant circulation flow section; a first heat exchanger positioned inside the first flow section and transferring thermal energy of air to the refrigerant; a second heat exchanger positioned inside the first flow section and transferring thermal energy of the refrigerant to the air; a third heat exchanger positioned inside the second flow section and capable of switching functions between a heat absorption function and a heat generating function; a compressor moving the refrigerant along the refrigerant flow section; and a control valve controlling the pressure of the refrigerant moving from the second heat exchanger to the first heat exchanger by controlling the degree of opening; A drying step of supplying air to the receiving section by operating the compressor and the control valve; A conversion step for converting the third heat exchanger from a heat-absorbing function to a heat-generating function; A first judgment step for judging the opening degree of the control valve after completion of the above switching step; A second judgment step for judging the superheating of the observed refrigerant passing through the first heat exchanger and moving to the compressor after completion of the above conversion step; and A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized by including a heat exchanger blockage detection step for determining that a foreign substance exceeding a standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger when the opening degree of the control valve is smaller than the standard opening degree and the superheat degree of the observed refrigerant is greater than the standard superheat degree.

14. In paragraph 13, A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that if the superheat of the observed refrigerant measured for a preset standard time period includes a value higher than the standard superheat and a value lower than the standard superheat, the heat exchanger blockage detection step determines that a foreign substance exceeding the standard amount exists in the first heat exchanger.

15. In paragraph 13, Further comprising a third judgment step of judging the pressure of the above-mentioned observed refrigerant; A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that if the pressure of the above-mentioned observed refrigerant is lower than a preset reference pressure, the heat exchanger blockage detection step determines that a foreign substance exceeding the reference amount exists in the first heat exchanger.

16. In any one of paragraphs 13 to 15, It further includes a filter clogging detection step for determining whether there is a foreign substance exceeding a preset filtration standard amount in the filter that filters the air supplied to the first heat exchanger; A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the heat exchanger blockage detection step is executed only when it is determined that foreign substances less than the filtration standard amount are present in the filter.

17. In paragraph 16, A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that it executes a notification step for requesting cleaning of the filter when it is determined that foreign substances exceeding the filtration standard amount are present in the filter.

18. In paragraph 16, A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that if it is determined that a foreign substance exceeding the standard amount is present in the first heat exchanger, a notification step for notifying a blockage in the first heat exchanger or requesting cleaning of the first heat exchanger is executed.

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