EP2039824A2 - Laundry machine - Google Patents
Laundry machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2039824A2 EP2039824A2 EP08011437A EP08011437A EP2039824A2 EP 2039824 A2 EP2039824 A2 EP 2039824A2 EP 08011437 A EP08011437 A EP 08011437A EP 08011437 A EP08011437 A EP 08011437A EP 2039824 A2 EP2039824 A2 EP 2039824A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- steam generator
- steam
- water
- drum
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 119
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010981 drying operation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008400 supply water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000037303 wrinkles Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/40—Steam generating arrangements
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
- D06F34/22—Condition of the washing liquid, e.g. turbidity
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/02—Domestic laundry dryers having dryer drums rotating about a horizontal axis
- D06F58/04—Details
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/18—Washing liquid level
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/60—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to auxiliary conditioning or finishing agents, e.g. filling level of perfume tanks
- D06F2103/62—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to auxiliary conditioning or finishing agents, e.g. filling level of perfume tanks related to systems for water or steam used for conditioning or finishing
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/68—Operation mode; Program phase
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/38—Conditioning or finishing, e.g. control of perfume injection
- D06F2105/40—Conditioning or finishing, e.g. control of perfume injection using water or steam
Definitions
- the disclosure relates to a laundry machine to wash or dry laundry.
- the laundry machine may be a washing machine, a dryer, a drying and washing machine or the like.
- the laundry machine includes a steam generator.
- the disclosure relates more particularly to a laundry machine having a steam generator.
- pulsator type washing machine and a drum washing machine.
- drying and washing machine which can perform both washing and drying function.
- a dryer may be an electric home appliance which generally dries washed laundry, mainly, clothes using high-temperature air.
- the dryer generally includes a drum which accommodates the laundry therein, a driving device which drives the drum, a heating unit which heats air introduced into the drum, a blower unit to make the heated air to flow into the drum, and the like.
- Clothes dryers may be categorized based on a method of heating air.
- a dryer may be categorized by its heating means into electric type dryers and gas type dryers.
- electric dryer air is heated by using ohmic heating.
- gas type dryer air is heated by heat generated by gas exhaustion.
- Dryers may be categorized into condensation type (circulation type) dryers and exhaustion type dryers.
- condensation type dryer air is heat exchanged with laundry in the drum and the heat exchanged humid air is circulated, not discharged outside. The air is heat exchanged in a condenser and the condensed water is discharged outside.
- the exhaustion type dryer air is heat exchanged with laundry in the drum and the heat exchanged humid air is exhausted outside directly.
- dryers may be categorized based on a method of loading laundry into top loading type dryers and front loading type dryers.
- top loading type dryer laundry is loaded through a top of the dryer.
- front loading type dryer laundry is loaded through a front of the dryer.
- water When water is supplied into the steam generator over a required level, water may overflow through a steam line. Particularly, when water is supplied into the steam generator through a faucet and a water supply valve, if the water supply valve is out of order, water can continuously flow into the steam generator, thereby causing overflow. In case of a dryer, overflowing water may be introduced into the drum and wet the laundry. Further, since the dryer generally does not have a drain line for discharging water out of a drum or a tub, differently from the washing machine, the problem becomes worse.
- water can overflow the steam generator due to an error in the water supply to flow into the tub, thereby causing a problem.
- the present invention is related to a laundry machine that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
- An embodiment of the present invention comprises a drum in which laundry is put; a steam generator to generate steam; a water supply line connected to the steam generator; a steam line connected to the steam generator; and a valve placed in the steam line, wherein the valve is controlled to block overflowing water from the steam generator.
- water can be prevented from flowing to the drum through the steam line.
- the water supply line can be connected to a faucet and a water supply valve. In this case, even though water is over supplied to the steam generator due to a malfunction of the water supply valve or the like, the water does not flow into the drum by the valve installed on the steam line. However, when water is intended to be supplied to the drum through the steam line after passing through the steam generator, the valve installed on the steam line can be controlled according to the conditions.
- the valve installed on the steam line can be controlled according to a temperature of the steam generator.
- the temperature of the steam generator can be one of a temperature of a body of the steam generator, a temperature of atmosphere in the steam generator, and a temperature of water in the steam generator.
- the valve installed on the steam line can be controlled to be kept open.
- the valve installed on the steam line which maintains a closed state can be controlled to be opened when the temperature of the steam generator reaches 100 °C.
- the temperature of the steam generator would be lower than the preset temperature. In this case, since the valve installed on the steam line is in a closed state, overflowing water does not flow into the drum through the steam line.
- valve installed on the steam line can be controlled to be opened after a predetermined period of time after the heater of the steam generator is turned on, instead of being controlled according to a temperature as described above.
- the valve installed on the steam line can be controlled to be closed at the same time when the water supply valve is closed as water supply into the steam generator is completed. Even though the water supply valve is not closed due to a malfunction, water is not introduced into the drum by being blocked by the valve installed on the steam line.
- the valve installed on the steam line can be controlled according to an amount of water to be supplied into the steam generator. For example, if the amount of water supplied into the steam generator is equal to or larger than a preset amount, the valve is controlled to be closed.
- the preset amount can be set to be equal to or larger than an allowable water supply amount of the steam generator. Further, the preset amount can be set to be larger than a set amount by which water is supplied into the steam generator.
- the laundry machine can further include an instrument to measure an amount of water supplied into the steam generator.
- the instrument can be any device capable of detecting an amount of water supplied into the steam generator.
- the instrument can include an impeller installed on the water supply line and a detection unit to detect the number of rotation of the impeller. Accordingly, if the impeller rotates by a preset number or more, the valve installed on the steam line is closed.
- the instrument can include a water level sensor which senses a water level in the steam generator.
- the water level sensor senses a maximum allowable water level of the steam generator. If the maximum allowable water level is sensed by the water level sensor, the valve installed on the steam line can be controlled to be closed. In this case, the maximum allowable water level can be determined as a water level over which water is supplied to cause overflow through the steam line.
- the water level sensor can be configured to sense another preset level in the steam generator.
- the water level sensor can be configured to sense a first water level, a second water level and the maximum allowable water level. If a water level reaches the second water level, the water supply valve is controlled to be closed.
- the first water level is provided to prevent the heater installed in the steam generator from being exposed above the surface of the water. For example, if a water level in the steam generator gradually decreases and then reaches the first water level, the heater can be controlled to be turned off in order to prevent from being overheated.
- valve installed on the steam line can be controlled according to time.
- the valve can be controlled to be closed within a preset period of time after the water supply valve is closed as water supply into the steam generator is completed and, then, opened after a preset period of time.
- the water can be prevented from flowing into the drum.
- the water can be prevented from overflowing the steam generator and flowing into the drum.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a laundry machine according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the laundry machine shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged configuration view showing essential portions of the laundry machine shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIGs. 1 to 3 For convenience, a top-loading, electric, condensation dryer is explained as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
- a rotatable drum 20, a motor 70 which drives the drum 20 and a belt 68 are installed inside a cabinet 10 forming an external appearance of the dryer.
- a heater 90 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "hot air heater") which heats air to produce high-temperature air (hereinafter, referred to as "hot air") and a hot air supply duct 44 which supplies hot air produced in the hot air heater 90 to the drum 20 are installed at specific positions of the cabinet 10.
- an exhaust duct 80 which discharges humid air that has been heat-exchanged with laundry in the drum 20, and a blower unit 60 which sucks the humid air are installed in the cabinet 10.
- a steam generator 200 is installed at a specific position of the cabinet 10 to generate high-temperature steam.
- an indirect drive type dryer which rotates the drum 20 using the motor 70 and the belt 68 is shown and described in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, a direct drive type dryer which directly rotates the drum 20 by a motor directly connected to the rear surface of the drum 20 can be applied to the present invention.
- the cabinet 10 forming an external appearance of the dryer includes a base 12 forming a bottom surface, a pair of side covers 14 vertically installed on the base 12, a front cover 16 and a rear cover 18 respectively installed on the front and rear surfaces of the side covers 14, and a top cover 17 positioned at an upper portion of the side covers 14.
- a control panel 19 having various control switches and the like is generally disposed on the top cover 17 or the front cover 16.
- a door 164 is installed on the front cover 16.
- the rear cover 18 includes a suction port 182 which introduces outside air and an exhaust hole 184 serving a final passage to discharge air in the drum 20 to the outside.
- An inner space of the drum 20 serves as a drying chamber to perform a drying operation, and the drum 20 has a lift 22 therein.
- a front supporter 30 and a rear supporter 40 are installed between the drum 20 and the cabinet 10 (the front cover 16 and the rear cover 18).
- the drum 20 is rotatably installed between the front supporter 30 and the rear supporter 40.
- Sealing members are installed between the front supporter 30 and the drum 20 and between the rear supporter 40 and the drum 20, respectively, to prevent leakage. That is, the front supporter 30 and the rear supporter 40 close the front and rear surfaces of the drum 20 to form the drying chamber and serve to support a front end and a rear end of the drum 20.
- An opening is formed on the front supporter 30 such that the drum 20 communicates with the outside of the dryer.
- the opening is selectively opened and closed by the door 164.
- a lint duct 50 serving as a passage for discharging air of the drum 20 to the outside is connected to the front supporter 30, and a lint filter 52 is installed in the lint duct 50.
- the lint duct 50 is connected to one side of the blower unit 60, and the other side of the blower unit 60 is connected to the exhaust duct 80.
- the exhaust duct 80 communicates with the exhaust hole 184 disposed on the rear cover 18.
- the blower unit 60 when the blower unit 60 is operated, air in the drum 20 is discharged to the outside through the lint duct 50, the exhaust duct 80 and the exhaust hole 184. In this case, foreign matter such as nap is filtered by the lint filter 52.
- the blower unit 60 includes a blower 62 and a blower housing 64, and the blower 62 is connected to and driven by the motor 70 for driving the drum 20.
- An opening 42 generally having a number of through holes is formed on the rear supporter 40.
- the opening 42 is connected to the hot air supply duct 44.
- the hot air supply duct 44 communicates with the drum 20 to serve as a passage for supplying hot air to the drum 20. Accordingly, the hot air heater 90 is installed at a specific position of the hot air supply duct 44.
- the steam generator 200 is installed at a specific position of the cabinet 10 to generate steam and supply the steam into the drum 20.
- the steam generator 200 is described in detail below with reference to FIG. 3 .
- the steam generator 200 includes a water tank 210 for accommodating water therein, a heater 240 mounted in the water tank 210, a water level sensor 260 which measures a water level of the steam generator 200, and a temperature sensor 270 which measures a temperature of the steam generator 200.
- the water level sensor 260 includes a common electrode 262, a low water level electrode 264 and a high water level electrode 266. The water level sensor 260 detects a high water level and a low water level according to whether the common electrode 262 is electrically connected to the high water level electrode 266 or whether the common electrode is electrically connected to the low water level electrode 264.
- a water supply hose 220 for supplying water is connected to one side of the steam generator 200 and a steam hose 230 for discharging steam is connected to the other side of the steam generator 200. It is preferable to provide a nozzle 250 at a leading end of the steam hose 230.
- a faucet and a water supply valve 281 are connected to one end of the water supply hose 220.
- a leading end portion of the steam hose 230 or the nozzle 250, that is, a steam discharge port, is disposed at a specific position of the drum 20 to spray steam into the drum 20.
- the nozzle 250 is disposed at the front of the drum 20 in this embodiment, the nozzle 250 can be installed on the rear supporter 40.
- a valve 282 is installed on the steam hose 230.
- a controller opens the water supply valve 282 to supply water to the steam generator 200.
- the controller closes the water supply valve 282. In this case, the valve 282 installed on the steam hose is also closed.
- the controller turns on the heater 240 to heat water in the steam generator 200.
- the valve 282 installed on the steam hose 230 is opened.
- the steam generated in the steam generator 200 is supplied to the drum 20 through the steam hose 230.
- a flowmeter can be installed on the water supply hose to detect an amount of water supplied into the steam generator.
- the flowmeter is a conventional well-known impeller flowmeter.
- the amount of water supplied through the water supply hose is detected using the rotation number of the impeller.
- the controller receives a signal of the flowmeter and closes the water supply valve when the amount of water reaches a preset amount.
- the water level sensor can be used. For example, if a high water level is sensed by a high water level terminal of the water level sensor, the valve installed on the steam hose is closed. In another way, a terminal capable of sensing a water level higher than the water level sensed by the high water level terminal (so-called 'critical water level terminal') can be further provided and used. If a critical water level is sensed by the critical water level terminal, the valve of the steam hose is closed. In this case, the critical water level can be set as a maximum allowable water level of the steam generator.
- the present invention relates to a laundry machine to wash or dry the laundry. According to the present invention, even though water is excessively supplied to the steam generator and overflow is generated, it is possible to prevent the water from flowing into the drum. Particularly, even when there is an error in the water supply, it is possible to prevent water from overflowing the steam generator and flowing into the drum.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- this application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0096565, filed on September 21 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The disclosure relates to a laundry machine to wash or dry laundry. The laundry machine may be a washing machine, a dryer, a drying and washing machine or the like. Recently, the laundry machine includes a steam generator. The disclosure relates more particularly to a laundry machine having a steam generator.
- Generally, there are a pulsator type washing machine and a drum washing machine. There is also a drying and washing machine which can perform both washing and drying function.
- A dryer may be an electric home appliance which generally dries washed laundry, mainly, clothes using high-temperature air. The dryer generally includes a drum which accommodates the laundry therein, a driving device which drives the drum, a heating unit which heats air introduced into the drum, a blower unit to make the heated air to flow into the drum, and the like.
- Clothes dryers may be categorized based on a method of heating air. For example, a dryer may be categorized by its heating means into electric type dryers and gas type dryers. In the electric dryer, air is heated by using ohmic heating. In the gas type dryer, air is heated by heat generated by gas exhaustion. Dryers may be categorized into condensation type (circulation type) dryers and exhaustion type dryers. In the condensation type dryer, air is heat exchanged with laundry in the drum and the heat exchanged humid air is circulated, not discharged outside. The air is heat exchanged in a condenser and the condensed water is discharged outside. In the exhaustion type dryer, air is heat exchanged with laundry in the drum and the heat exchanged humid air is exhausted outside directly. Furthermore, dryers may be categorized based on a method of loading laundry into top loading type dryers and front loading type dryers. In the top loading type dryer, laundry is loaded through a top of the dryer. In the front loading type dryer, laundry is loaded through a front of the dryer.
- Recently, steam dryers for drying laundry and using steam are being released. Steam is used to release or remove wrinkles from the laundry.
- When water is supplied into the steam generator over a required level, water may overflow through a steam line. Particularly, when water is supplied into the steam generator through a faucet and a water supply valve, if the water supply valve is out of order, water can continuously flow into the steam generator, thereby causing overflow. In case of a dryer, overflowing water may be introduced into the drum and wet the laundry. Further, since the dryer generally does not have a drain line for discharging water out of a drum or a tub, differently from the washing machine, the problem becomes worse.
- Also in the washing machine, water can overflow the steam generator due to an error in the water supply to flow into the tub, thereby causing a problem.
- The present invention is related to a laundry machine that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
- Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or can be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention can be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
- An embodiment of the present invention comprises a drum in which laundry is put; a steam generator to generate steam; a water supply line connected to the steam generator; a steam line connected to the steam generator; and a valve placed in the steam line, wherein the valve is controlled to block overflowing water from the steam generator.
- In the above embodiment, water can be prevented from flowing to the drum through the steam line.
- The water supply line can be connected to a faucet and a water supply valve. In this case, even though water is over supplied to the steam generator due to a malfunction of the water supply valve or the like, the water does not flow into the drum by the valve installed on the steam line. However, when water is intended to be supplied to the drum through the steam line after passing through the steam generator, the valve installed on the steam line can be controlled according to the conditions.
- The valve installed on the steam line can be controlled according to a temperature of the steam generator. In this case, the temperature of the steam generator can be one of a temperature of a body of the steam generator, a temperature of atmosphere in the steam generator, and a temperature of water in the steam generator.
- When the temperature of the steam generator is equal to or larger than a preset temperature, the valve installed on the steam line can be controlled to be kept open. For example, the valve installed on the steam line which maintains a closed state can be controlled to be opened when the temperature of the steam generator reaches 100 °C. When water is over supplied to the steam generator and overflows the steam generator, the temperature of the steam generator would be lower than the preset temperature. In this case, since the valve installed on the steam line is in a closed state, overflowing water does not flow into the drum through the steam line.
- Meanwhile, the valve installed on the steam line can be controlled to be opened after a predetermined period of time after the heater of the steam generator is turned on, instead of being controlled according to a temperature as described above.
- In this case, the valve installed on the steam line can be controlled to be closed at the same time when the water supply valve is closed as water supply into the steam generator is completed. Even though the water supply valve is not closed due to a malfunction, water is not introduced into the drum by being blocked by the valve installed on the steam line.
- Further, the valve installed on the steam line can be controlled according to an amount of water to be supplied into the steam generator. For example, if the amount of water supplied into the steam generator is equal to or larger than a preset amount, the valve is controlled to be closed. In this case, the preset amount can be set to be equal to or larger than an allowable water supply amount of the steam generator. Further, the preset amount can be set to be larger than a set amount by which water is supplied into the steam generator.
- The laundry machine can further include an instrument to measure an amount of water supplied into the steam generator. The instrument can be any device capable of detecting an amount of water supplied into the steam generator.
- For example, the instrument can include an impeller installed on the water supply line and a detection unit to detect the number of rotation of the impeller. Accordingly, if the impeller rotates by a preset number or more, the valve installed on the steam line is closed.
- Further, the instrument can include a water level sensor which senses a water level in the steam generator. The water level sensor senses a maximum allowable water level of the steam generator. If the maximum allowable water level is sensed by the water level sensor, the valve installed on the steam line can be controlled to be closed. In this case, the maximum allowable water level can be determined as a water level over which water is supplied to cause overflow through the steam line.
- The water level sensor can be configured to sense another preset level in the steam generator. For example, the water level sensor can be configured to sense a first water level, a second water level and the maximum allowable water level. If a water level reaches the second water level, the water supply valve is controlled to be closed. The first water level is provided to prevent the heater installed in the steam generator from being exposed above the surface of the water. For example, if a water level in the steam generator gradually decreases and then reaches the first water level, the heater can be controlled to be turned off in order to prevent from being overheated.
- Further, the valve installed on the steam line can be controlled according to time. For example, the valve can be controlled to be closed within a preset period of time after the water supply valve is closed as water supply into the steam generator is completed and, then, opened after a preset period of time.
- According to the present invention, even though water is over-supplied to the steam generator, the water can be prevented from flowing into the drum. Particularly, even when there is an error in the water supply, the water can be prevented from overflowing the steam generator and flowing into the drum.
- It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
- The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a laundry machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the laundry machine shown inFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged configuration view showing essential portions of the laundry machine shown inFIG. 1 . - Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
- Hereinafter, a laundry machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to
FIGs. 1 to 3 . For convenience, a top-loading, electric, condensation dryer is explained as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. - A
rotatable drum 20, amotor 70 which drives thedrum 20 and abelt 68 are installed inside acabinet 10 forming an external appearance of the dryer. Further, a heater 90 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "hot air heater") which heats air to produce high-temperature air (hereinafter, referred to as "hot air") and a hot air supply duct 44 which supplies hot air produced in thehot air heater 90 to thedrum 20 are installed at specific positions of thecabinet 10. Further, anexhaust duct 80 which discharges humid air that has been heat-exchanged with laundry in thedrum 20, and ablower unit 60 which sucks the humid air are installed in thecabinet 10. Meanwhile, asteam generator 200 is installed at a specific position of thecabinet 10 to generate high-temperature steam. Although an indirect drive type dryer which rotates thedrum 20 using themotor 70 and thebelt 68 is shown and described in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, a direct drive type dryer which directly rotates thedrum 20 by a motor directly connected to the rear surface of thedrum 20 can be applied to the present invention. - The respective components are described in detail below.
- The
cabinet 10 forming an external appearance of the dryer includes a base 12 forming a bottom surface, a pair of side covers 14 vertically installed on thebase 12, afront cover 16 and arear cover 18 respectively installed on the front and rear surfaces of the side covers 14, and atop cover 17 positioned at an upper portion of the side covers 14. Acontrol panel 19 having various control switches and the like is generally disposed on thetop cover 17 or thefront cover 16. Adoor 164 is installed on thefront cover 16. Therear cover 18 includes asuction port 182 which introduces outside air and anexhaust hole 184 serving a final passage to discharge air in thedrum 20 to the outside. - An inner space of the
drum 20 serves as a drying chamber to perform a drying operation, and thedrum 20 has alift 22 therein. - Meanwhile, a
front supporter 30 and arear supporter 40 are installed between thedrum 20 and the cabinet 10 (thefront cover 16 and the rear cover 18). Thedrum 20 is rotatably installed between thefront supporter 30 and therear supporter 40. Sealing members (not shown) are installed between thefront supporter 30 and thedrum 20 and between therear supporter 40 and thedrum 20, respectively, to prevent leakage. That is, thefront supporter 30 and therear supporter 40 close the front and rear surfaces of thedrum 20 to form the drying chamber and serve to support a front end and a rear end of thedrum 20. - An opening is formed on the
front supporter 30 such that thedrum 20 communicates with the outside of the dryer. The opening is selectively opened and closed by thedoor 164. Further, alint duct 50 serving as a passage for discharging air of thedrum 20 to the outside is connected to thefront supporter 30, and alint filter 52 is installed in thelint duct 50. Thelint duct 50 is connected to one side of theblower unit 60, and the other side of theblower unit 60 is connected to theexhaust duct 80. Theexhaust duct 80 communicates with theexhaust hole 184 disposed on therear cover 18. Accordingly, when theblower unit 60 is operated, air in thedrum 20 is discharged to the outside through thelint duct 50, theexhaust duct 80 and theexhaust hole 184. In this case, foreign matter such as nap is filtered by thelint filter 52. Generally, theblower unit 60 includes ablower 62 and ablower housing 64, and theblower 62 is connected to and driven by themotor 70 for driving thedrum 20. - An
opening 42 generally having a number of through holes is formed on therear supporter 40. Theopening 42 is connected to the hot air supply duct 44. The hot air supply duct 44 communicates with thedrum 20 to serve as a passage for supplying hot air to thedrum 20. Accordingly, thehot air heater 90 is installed at a specific position of the hot air supply duct 44. - Meanwhile, the
steam generator 200 is installed at a specific position of thecabinet 10 to generate steam and supply the steam into thedrum 20. Thesteam generator 200 is described in detail below with reference toFIG. 3 . - The
steam generator 200 includes awater tank 210 for accommodating water therein, aheater 240 mounted in thewater tank 210, awater level sensor 260 which measures a water level of thesteam generator 200, and atemperature sensor 270 which measures a temperature of thesteam generator 200. Thewater level sensor 260 includes acommon electrode 262, a lowwater level electrode 264 and a highwater level electrode 266. Thewater level sensor 260 detects a high water level and a low water level according to whether thecommon electrode 262 is electrically connected to the highwater level electrode 266 or whether the common electrode is electrically connected to the lowwater level electrode 264. - A
water supply hose 220 for supplying water is connected to one side of thesteam generator 200 and asteam hose 230 for discharging steam is connected to the other side of thesteam generator 200. It is preferable to provide anozzle 250 at a leading end of thesteam hose 230. A faucet and awater supply valve 281 are connected to one end of thewater supply hose 220. A leading end portion of thesteam hose 230 or thenozzle 250, that is, a steam discharge port, is disposed at a specific position of thedrum 20 to spray steam into thedrum 20. Although thenozzle 250 is disposed at the front of thedrum 20 in this embodiment, thenozzle 250 can be installed on therear supporter 40. - Further, a
valve 282 is installed on thesteam hose 230. A controller opens thewater supply valve 282 to supply water to thesteam generator 200. When it is determined that the water level in thesteam generator 200 reaches a high water level based on a signal of thewater level sensor 260, the controller closes thewater supply valve 282. In this case, thevalve 282 installed on the steam hose is also closed. - Then, the controller turns on the
heater 240 to heat water in thesteam generator 200. As time goes by, when an inner temperature of thesteam generator 200 increases and reaches a preset temperature, thevalve 282 installed on thesteam hose 230 is opened. The steam generated in thesteam generator 200 is supplied to thedrum 20 through thesteam hose 230. - Meanwhile, a flowmeter can be installed on the water supply hose to detect an amount of water supplied into the steam generator. Generally, the flowmeter is a conventional well-known impeller flowmeter. The amount of water supplied through the water supply hose is detected using the rotation number of the impeller. The controller receives a signal of the flowmeter and closes the water supply valve when the amount of water reaches a preset amount.
- Further, the water level sensor can be used. For example, if a high water level is sensed by a high water level terminal of the water level sensor, the valve installed on the steam hose is closed. In another way, a terminal capable of sensing a water level higher than the water level sensed by the high water level terminal (so-called 'critical water level terminal') can be further provided and used. If a critical water level is sensed by the critical water level terminal, the valve of the steam hose is closed. In this case, the critical water level can be set as a maximum allowable water level of the steam generator.
- The present invention relates to a laundry machine to wash or dry the laundry. According to the present invention, even though water is excessively supplied to the steam generator and overflow is generated, it is possible to prevent the water from flowing into the drum. Particularly, even when there is an error in the water supply, it is possible to prevent water from overflowing the steam generator and flowing into the drum.
- It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (11)
- A laundry machine comprising:a drum in which laundry is placed;a steam generator to generate steam;a water supply line through which water is supplied to the steam generator;a steam line through which the generated steam is supplied to the drum; anda valve positioned in the steam line, wherein the valve is controlled between an open and closed position such that when the valve is in the closed position, the valve prevents communication between the steam generator and the drum.
- The laundry machine of claim 1, wherein the water supply line is connected to a water supply valve and the water supply valve is connected to a faucet.
- The laundry machine of claim 1, wherein the valve is controlled based on a temperature of the steam generator.
- The laundry machine of claim 3, wherein the valve is controlled to the open position when the temperature reaches a preset temperature.
- The laundry machine of claim 4, wherein the valve is controlled to the closed position when an amount of water supplied to the steam generator reaches a preset amount.
- The laundry machine of claim 2, wherein the valve is controlled to the closed position within a preset period of time after the water supply valve is closed and the valve is controlled to the open position when a temperature of the steam generator reaches a preset temperature.
- The laundry machine of claim 1, wherein the valve is controlled based on an amount of water supplied to the steam generator.
- The laundry machine of claim 7, further comprising an instrument to measure an amount of water flowing through the water supply line.
- The laundry machine of claim 8, wherein the instrument includes an impeller flowmeter.
- The laundry machine of claim 9, wherein the valve is controlled to the closed position when a rotation number of an impeller of the impeller flowmeter reaches a preset number.
- The laundry machine of claim 8, wherein the instrument comprises a sensor to sense a water level of the steam generator.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR1020070096565A KR20090030899A (en) | 2007-09-21 | 2007-09-21 | Laundry machine |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2039824A2 true EP2039824A2 (en) | 2009-03-25 |
EP2039824A3 EP2039824A3 (en) | 2009-06-17 |
EP2039824B1 EP2039824B1 (en) | 2014-01-22 |
Family
ID=40210518
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP08011437.4A Not-in-force EP2039824B1 (en) | 2007-09-21 | 2008-06-24 | Laundry machine |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090078007A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2039824B1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20090030899A (en) |
CN (1) | CN101392449A (en) |
Families Citing this family (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR100556503B1 (en) * | 2002-11-26 | 2006-03-03 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Control Method of Drying Time for Dryer |
DE102007007354B4 (en) * | 2006-02-20 | 2013-10-10 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Clothes dryer and method of control |
KR100830514B1 (en) * | 2006-06-12 | 2008-05-21 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | laundry dryer and method for controlling the same |
KR101341461B1 (en) * | 2006-12-15 | 2013-12-16 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Steam laundry dryer |
US7997006B2 (en) * | 2007-01-12 | 2011-08-16 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Laundry machine and control method thereof |
KR101348719B1 (en) | 2007-03-06 | 2014-01-16 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Apparatus for collecting foreign materials |
KR101432585B1 (en) * | 2007-03-06 | 2014-08-22 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Apparatus for collecting foreign materials and method for cleaning the same |
KR101441917B1 (en) * | 2007-03-06 | 2014-09-29 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Apparatus for collecting foreign materials and washing machine having the same |
KR101348718B1 (en) | 2007-03-06 | 2014-01-10 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Apparatus for collecting foreign materials and washing machine having the same |
KR101360205B1 (en) * | 2007-03-06 | 2014-02-12 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Apparatus for collecting foreign materials and washing machine having the same |
EP2767630B1 (en) | 2013-02-13 | 2019-09-25 | LG Electronics Inc. -1- | Laundry machine and control method of the same |
DE102014106468A1 (en) * | 2014-05-08 | 2015-11-12 | Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg | Steam cleaner |
CN106319826B (en) * | 2015-06-29 | 2021-04-27 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Washing machine with steam washing function and control method |
CN105603688A (en) * | 2015-12-30 | 2016-05-25 | 浙江欧莱科机电制造有限公司 | Control system of washing machine water treater |
US11091871B2 (en) | 2019-02-19 | 2021-08-17 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Pivoted faucet in a lid of a top load washing machine |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1469120A1 (en) | 2003-04-14 | 2004-10-20 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing method in steam injection type washing machine |
EP1600545A1 (en) | 2004-05-25 | 2005-11-30 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine having deodorizing means and control method thereof |
WO2006001612A1 (en) | 2004-06-23 | 2006-01-05 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing machine and method thereof |
US20060016020A1 (en) | 2004-07-20 | 2006-01-26 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing machine and method for controlling the same |
WO2007058477A1 (en) | 2005-11-15 | 2007-05-24 | Lg Electronics, Inc. | Apparatus of supplying and dicharging fluid and method of operating the same |
WO2007086672A1 (en) | 2006-01-26 | 2007-08-02 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Steam generator and washing machine therewith |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US16020A (en) * | 1856-11-04 | Joint fob | ||
US7681418B2 (en) * | 2006-08-15 | 2010-03-23 | Whirlpool Corporation | Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance using a temperature sensor |
US7707859B2 (en) * | 2006-08-15 | 2010-05-04 | Whirlpool Corporation | Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance |
US7591859B2 (en) * | 2006-08-15 | 2009-09-22 | Whirlpool Corporation | Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance using a weight sensor |
-
2007
- 2007-09-21 KR KR1020070096565A patent/KR20090030899A/en active Search and Examination
-
2008
- 2008-06-06 US US12/155,681 patent/US20090078007A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-06-24 EP EP08011437.4A patent/EP2039824B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2008-08-07 CN CNA2008101453342A patent/CN101392449A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1469120A1 (en) | 2003-04-14 | 2004-10-20 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing method in steam injection type washing machine |
EP1600545A1 (en) | 2004-05-25 | 2005-11-30 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine having deodorizing means and control method thereof |
WO2006001612A1 (en) | 2004-06-23 | 2006-01-05 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing machine and method thereof |
US20060016020A1 (en) | 2004-07-20 | 2006-01-26 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing machine and method for controlling the same |
WO2007058477A1 (en) | 2005-11-15 | 2007-05-24 | Lg Electronics, Inc. | Apparatus of supplying and dicharging fluid and method of operating the same |
WO2007086672A1 (en) | 2006-01-26 | 2007-08-02 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Steam generator and washing machine therewith |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN101392449A (en) | 2009-03-25 |
KR20090030899A (en) | 2009-03-25 |
EP2039824A3 (en) | 2009-06-17 |
US20090078007A1 (en) | 2009-03-26 |
EP2039824B1 (en) | 2014-01-22 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2039824A2 (en) | Laundry machine | |
EP2039823B1 (en) | Laundry machine | |
US7930838B2 (en) | Laundry dryer | |
US9551105B2 (en) | Controlling method of a dryer and a dryer with the same | |
KR101319874B1 (en) | control method of laundry dryer | |
KR101342367B1 (en) | Steam laundry dryer | |
US7520145B2 (en) | Washing machine combined with dryer and controlling method thereof | |
US8312642B2 (en) | Controlling method of a steam generator and a laundry machine with the same | |
US9657429B2 (en) | Laundry machine | |
AU2007240191B2 (en) | Laundry machine and control method thereof | |
KR101208532B1 (en) | laundry dryer | |
US20090172967A1 (en) | Dryer | |
KR20060061974A (en) | Apparatus for remove wrinkles of clothes and method thereof | |
US20070068036A1 (en) | Laundry cleaning appliance and control method thereof | |
EP2092106A1 (en) | Device of supplying water for laundry dryer and method for controlling the same | |
KR100640811B1 (en) | Device of supplying water for laundry dryer and method for controlling the same | |
KR101157612B1 (en) | Steam washing method for washing machine | |
KR100833866B1 (en) | Steam laundry dryer | |
KR101208531B1 (en) | laundry dryer | |
JPH09173697A (en) | Drum type washing and drying machine | |
JP7129596B2 (en) | clothes dryer | |
KR20100053036A (en) | Washing machine | |
KR100804108B1 (en) | Steam generator and control method thereof | |
KR20080007844A (en) | Laundry dryer |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL BA MK RS |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL BA MK RS |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20091215 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20100111 |
|
AKX | Designation fees paid |
Designated state(s): DE FR |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20130930 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): DE FR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602008030033 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20140306 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602008030033 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20141023 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602008030033 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20141023 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 9 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20160511 Year of fee payment: 9 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20160512 Year of fee payment: 9 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 602008030033 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST Effective date: 20180228 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180103 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20170630 |