Laundry treating apparatus and method for controlling cleaning nozzle thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry treating apparatuses face inefficiencies due to foreign materials accumulating on lint filters and heat exchangers, leading to reduced blowing and heat exchange efficiency, and require manual cleaning, which is inconvenient and can miss small amounts of attached materials.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a cleaning nozzle system that automatically injects water into the lint filter and heat exchanger during specific drain courses, controlled by a controller that senses drum RPM and input current to enhance cleaning efficiency and prevent blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lint filter and heat exchanger are provided in the circulation path, then drying function is improved, but foreign materials accumulate on these components leading to reduced blowing efficiency and heat exchange efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-cleaning of the lint filter and heat exchanger during the drying process. The controller activates a cleaning nozzle to spray water onto the lint filter and heat exchanger surfaces, enabling them to clean themselves without external intervention, thus maintaining their functionality and efficiency throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation is performed in advance during the drying process before the foreign materials can significantly block the lint filter and heat exchanger. By proactively removing lint and foreign materials during intermediate drain courses, the system prevents efficiency degradation rather than addressing it after it occurs.
2Reliability
If cleaning operation is performed after washing course or drying course is terminated, then foreign materials are removed, but user convenience is reduced due to additional operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is merged with the existing drying process. The controller integrates the cleaning operation into the drying course by activating the cleaning nozzle during intermediate drain courses within the drying sequence. This combination allows the system to perform both drying and cleaning functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate cleaning operations and reducing total processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation continues throughout the drying process rather than being a separate discrete action. By performing cleaning during intermediate drain courses within the drying sequence, the system maintains continuous useful action, ensuring that the lint filter and heat exchanger remain clean throughout the entire drying operation without adding extra time.
3Measurement precision
If cleaning sensor or contaminant sensor is arranged at heat exchanger, then foreign materials can be detected, but small amounts of attached materials cannot be sensed leading to reduced driving efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a hydraulic cleaning approach by spraying water onto the lint filter and heat exchanger surfaces through the cleaning nozzle. This water spray effectively removes even small amounts of attached foreign materials that sensors might miss, ensuring thorough cleaning without relying solely on sensor detection capabilities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The automatic cleaning system improves blowing and heat exchange efficiency by removing foreign materials during the wash or rinse cycles, allowing for uninterrupted drying and reducing user inconvenience by integrating cleaning into the treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning nozzle provided at the circulation path, and configured to inject water
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator provided in the circulation path and configured to cool air, a condenser configured to heat the air
Implementation Method 3
the air is cooled through the heat exchange, and moisture included in the air is removed
Implementation Method 4
the relatively dry air having moisture removed therefrom is heated while passing through the condenser
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a laundry treating apparatus and a method for controlling a cleaning nozzle (220) thereof. The laundry treating apparatus includes: a main body (110) having a tub (140), and having a circulation path (160) along which air inside the tub is circulated after being taken out of the tub; a cleaning nozzle (220) provided at the circulation path (160), and configured to inject water; a water supply passage (240) having one side connected to a water supply source (242) and having another side connected to the cleaning nozzle (220); a water supply valve (250) configured to open and close the water supply passage (240); and a controller (270) configured to control the water supply valve such that water is supplied to the cleaning nozzle, wherein the controller (270) controls the water supply valve (250) such that water is supplied to the cleaning nozzle (220), at the time of at least one drain course among a plurality of drain courses. With such a configuration, the circulation path (160) may be automatically cleaned, and blowing efficiency and heat exchange efficiency may be enhanced.