JP2010504140A - Method for controlling a textile processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus comprising a case forming a processing space, a steam supply device, and a dry air supply device is provided.
The method includes a steam mode, a dry mode, and a storage mode. In the steam mode, steam is supplied to the processing space by operating the steam supply device. In the dry mode, dry air is supplied to the processing space by operating the dry air supply device. In the storage mode, the humidity in the processing space is controlled by operating at least one of the steam supply device and the dry air supply device.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for controlling a fabric treatment apparatus, and more particularly to a method for controlling a fabric treatment apparatus including a storage mode.

  The fabric processing device is a device having a regeneration function for removing malodors and / or wrinkles contained in the fabric. By using the regeneration function to remove contaminating particles and wrinkles, the fabric in the fabric processing apparatus appears to be comfortably washed or ironed. Improves the utility of the fabric treatment device through a storage mode that allows the treated fabric to be stored in the device for several hours upon completion of the treatment process.

  Provided is a case for forming a processing space for storing a fabric, a steam supply device for supplying steam to the processing space, and a method for controlling a fabric processing device comprising a dry air supply device for supplying dry air to the processing space Is done. The method includes a steam mode, a drying mode, and a storage mode. In the steam mode, steam is supplied to the processing space by operating the steam supply device. In the dry mode, steam is supplied to the processing space by operating the dry air supply device. In the storage mode, the humidity in the processing space is controlled by operating at least one of the steam supply device and the dry air supply device.

  The fabric processing apparatus can include an operation unit for controlling the operation of the fabric processing apparatus by a user. The storage mode can be terminated by operating the operating unit.

  The case can include a door for opening and closing the processing space. The storage mode can be temporarily stopped when the door is opened and resumed when the door is closed.

  The fabric processing apparatus may include a moisture sensor disposed inside the processing space in order to sense the internal humidity of the processing space. In the storage mode, the sensed value of the moisture sensor can be maintained between the first predetermined value and a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value. In the storage mode, when the sensed value is larger than the second predetermined value, the dry air supply device can operate until the sensed value of the moisture sensor reaches the second predetermined value. In the storage mode, when the moisture sensor sense value is smaller than the second predetermined value, the steam supply device can operate until the moisture sensor sense value reaches the first predetermined value. The first and second predetermined values can be set or corrected by operating the operating unit.

  The fabric processing apparatus can also include a timer for measuring the time for operating the dry air supply device and the steam supply device. The storage mode includes at least one of a stop step for stopping the dry air supply device and the steam supply device during a predetermined time, and a dry air supply device and the steam supply device during a second predetermined time. Operating steps for operating. In the storage mode, the timer transmits the time for operating the fabric processing apparatus and the measured time value to the controller. The control unit selectively and repeatedly performs the stop step and the operation step. The first and second predetermined times can be set or corrected by operating the operating unit.

  According to another embodiment broadly described herein, a case for forming a processing space for storing fabrics, a steam supply device for supplying steam to the processing space, and a dry air supply for supplying drying air to the processing space There is provided a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus comprising an apparatus and an operating portion for controlling operation of the processing apparatus by a user. The method includes a storage mode for controlling steam in the processing space by operating at least one of the steam supply device and the dry air supply device, and the storage mode operates the operating unit. To advance or end.

  According to yet another embodiment broadly described herein, a fabric processing apparatus includes a case and a steam supply device. The case forms a processing space for storing the fabric, and the steam supply device is connected to the case for supplying steam to a plurality of positions in the processing space.

  The steam supply device may include a plurality of nozzles arranged in the case, a plurality of steam channels connected to the nozzles, and a steam generator for supplying steam to the steam channels. The steam supply device can also include a distributor disposed between the steam channel and the steam generator for distributing steam generated from the steam generator to the steam channel.

  A nozzle may be disposed on at least one of the side surfaces of the case forming the processing space. The nozzle can be disposed corresponding to the fabric in the treatment space to supply steam toward the fabric, or the fabric to supply steam toward the space between the fabrics in the treatment space. It can be arranged to correspond to the space between. In this case, a rack part can be arranged. The rack portion can include a plurality of hangers arranged horizontally at a predetermined interval. The nozzle can be disposed at a height equal to or lower than the center height of the fabric applied to the rack portion. The plurality of rack portions and nozzles can be arranged to correspond to each other.

  The nozzle can form a plurality of nozzle sets. At least one nozzle of the nozzle set is disposed at the same height at a predetermined interval. At least one of the nozzle sets can be disposed on at least one side surface of the case forming the processing space. At least one nozzle of the nozzle set can be arranged to correspond to the fabric so as to supply steam toward the fabric over the processing space. The nozzle set may include nozzles arranged corresponding to the spaces between the fabrics so as to supply steam toward the spaces between the fabrics in the processing space.

  The rack portion can be disposed in the case. The rack portion can include a plurality of hangers arranged horizontally at a predetermined interval. At least one of the nozzle sets may be disposed at a height equal to or lower than the center height of the fabric on the rack portion. At least one of the nozzle set and the rack part may be disposed in the case so as to correspond to each other.

  At least one of the nozzle sets may include a first nozzle set disposed at the rear of the case so as to be positioned behind the fabric applied to the rack portion. The nozzles of the first nozzle set can be arranged to correspond to the space between the fabrics. At least one of the nozzle sets may further include a second nozzle set disposed on the left and right sides of the case so as to face each other so as to be disposed on the left and right sides of the fabric hanging on the rack portion. At least one of the nozzle sets may include a third nozzle set disposed on the bottom side of the case so as to face the bottom side of the rack portion.

  According to yet other embodiments broadly described herein, the nozzles can form at least one of the nozzle sets. At least one nozzle of the nozzle set may be disposed in the case in the vertical direction with a predetermined interval. The spacing between the nozzles increases in the lower-up direction of the processing space.

A fabric treatment apparatus as broadly described and embodied herein supplies steam to a plurality of locations within a treatment space. As a result, steam is uniformly supplied to a plurality of positions in the processing space, and the performance of the regeneration operation does not change greatly based on the position in the processing space.
The garment treatment device broadly described and embodied herein can also reduce the time to supply steam to all fabrics in the treatment space, thus reducing the time to perform the regeneration operation, and the performance of the device. Can be improved.

1 is a perspective view of an exemplary fabric processing apparatus according to an embodiment broadly described herein. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the textile processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of the reproduction | regeneration apparatus of the textile processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a developed perspective view of the playback device shown in FIG. 3. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a fabric processing apparatus according to an embodiment broadly described herein. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus according to an embodiment broadly described herein. FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a fabric processing apparatus according to another embodiment broadly described herein. 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus according to yet another embodiment broadly described herein. 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus according to yet another embodiment broadly described herein. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary fabric processing apparatus according to yet another embodiment broadly described herein. It is sectional drawing of the textile processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a front view of the textile processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of the reproduction | regeneration apparatus of the textile processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is an expansion | deployment perspective view of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus shown in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view of an exemplary fabric processing apparatus according to yet another embodiment broadly described herein. FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary fabric processing apparatus according to another embodiment broadly described herein. FIG. 6 is a front view of an exemplary fabric processing apparatus according to yet another embodiment broadly described herein.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus according to the embodiments widely described herein will be described. However, for convenience of explanation, reference is made to the condensing type regenerator. However, the principle disclosed in the present specification can be applied to other types of reproducing apparatuses such as a discharge type. Similarly, for convenience of explanation, a fabric can be considered a garment. However, the regenerators broadly described and embodied herein are not limited to garment processing, but are used to process a variety of other fabrics such as bedding, cloth, linen, hand towels, etc. Can be done.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fabric processing apparatus 100 can include a main body 80 including an outer case 110 and an inner case 120 disposed in the outer case 110. The inner case 120 can form a processing space 125. The outer case 110 may include an inlet 111 formed in front of the outer case 110 in order to put in and take out the fabric to be processed by the fabric processing apparatus 100. A door 112 may be connected to the outer case 110 so as to open and close the inlet 111.

  An opening / closing sensor 113 may be provided between the door 112 and the outer case 110 to sense whether the door 112 is open or closed. The open / close sensor 113 can include a first contact 113a and a second contact 113b. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first contact 113 a is located behind the door 112, and the second contact 113 b is located in front of the outer case 110 so as to correspond to the first contact 113 a. However, other arrangements are also possible. For example, the positions of the first and second contacts can be changed from each other.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, anodic and cathodic currents can be supplied to the first contact 113a and the second contact 113b, respectively. The open / close sensor 113 can detect the open / closed state of the door 112 based on whether current flows from the first contact 113a to the second contact 113b. The open / close sensor 113 can include various other structures. For example, a detachable contact switch may be disposed on one of the door 112 or the outer case 110, or a position sensor for sensing the coordinates of the door 112 may be provided on the door 112. .

  Once the door 112 is closed by engaging the door 112 and the outer case 110, the lock unit 114 can be used to restrict the operation of the door 112. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lock unit 114 includes a door latch 114a provided at the rear of the door 112 and a door switch 114b provided at the front of the outer case 110 so as to correspond to the door latch 114a. Other arrangements are also possible. For example, the positions of the door latch 114a and the door switch 114b can be changed from each other. The door latch 114a is inserted into the door switch 114b when the door 112 is closed. The door switch 114b keeps the door 112 closed with respect to the outer case 110 so as to engage the door latch 114a. The lock part 114 can have various other structures.

  A control panel 116 having an operation unit 115 in at least one of the door 112 and the outer case 110 may be provided so that a user can directly operate and control the function of the fabric processing apparatus 100.

  The inner case 120 may be smaller than the outer case 110 so as to be positioned inside the outer case 110. The inner case 120 includes a side surface portion 121 that forms the opposite vertical side of the processing space 125, an upper surface portion 122 that forms the normal side of the processing space 125, a lower surface portion 123 that forms the bottom side of the processing space 125, and the processing space 125. The back portion 124 may be provided to form the rear vertical side.

  A hanger 126 may extend between the opposing vertical side surfaces 121 in the processing space 125. A discharge port 127 for discharging air and moisture can be formed in the condensation chamber 129 formed between the back surface portion 124 and the outer case 110 from the clothing processing space 125. An inlet 128 may be formed in the lower portion of the back portion 124 for the air flow between the processing space 125 and the condensation chamber 129.

  The condensation chamber 129 is a space in which air introduced through the discharge port 127, particularly air containing moisture, can be condensed as the temperature of the air decreases. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the upper part of the condensation chamber 129 communicates with the outlet 127, the lower part of the condensation chamber 129 communicates with the inlet 128, and the condensation chamber 129 is formed on the rear side of the main body 80. Is done. However, other locations such as, for example, the side of the main body 80 may be suitably possible based on, for example, the arrangement of the regenerator 200, the various outlets, and the fluid / steam path flowing through the device.

  Dry or moist air can be exhausted through the outlet 127. When moist air flows into the condensation chamber 129, the moist air uses the outer case 110 as a heat exchange medium to exchange heat with a lower temperature outside the air. Accordingly, the outer case 110 may be formed of a material having high thermal conductivity such as steel or aluminum in order to improve heat exchange performance. In order to sense the humidity level in the processing space 125, a humidity sensor 130 may be provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the fabric processing apparatus 100 may include a regeneration device 200 that processes and regenerates the fabric in the processing space 125. The regenerator 200 can include a steam supply device 140 for generating and supplying steam to the processing space 125 to remove contaminating particles and / or wrinkles from the fabric stored in the processing space 125. The steam supply device 140 includes a fluid supply tank 141 for storing fluid, a steam housing 142 for receiving fluid from the fluid supply tank 141, a fluid provided to and stored in the steam housing 142, A steam heater 143 for generating steam and a steam nozzle 144 for injecting steam into the processing space 125 may be provided. A supply channel (not shown) for guiding fluid from the fluid supply tank 141 to the steam housing 142 may be formed between the fluid supply tank 141 and the steam housing 142.

  In certain embodiments, the fluid supply tank 141 can store water. In an alternative embodiment, the fluid supply tank 141 can store other fluid mixtures that can make it easier to remove wrinkles, odors, etc. from the fabric during the regeneration process. In an alternative embodiment, fluid can be supplied to the steam supply device 140 via a pressurized line (not shown). The steam heater 143 may include, for example, a sheath heater that penetrates the lower portion of the steam housing 142 to heat the fluid stored in the steam housing 142 and generate steam.

  The regenerator 200 can also include a dry air supply device 150 that draws in air from the condensation chamber 129 or external air to generate high-temperature dry air and supplies the high-temperature dry air to the processing space 125. The drying air supply device 150 is provided in the drying housing 151 and the drying housing 151 that form an air channel between the inlet 128 and the processing space 125, and draws air from the condensation chamber 129 through the air inlet 128 for processing. A ventilation fan 152 for discharging to the space 125 and a drying heater (not shown) for heating the air before discharging to the processing space 125 may be provided. The drying housing 151 may have a duct shape having an inflow hole 153 on one side of the drying housing 151 in communication with the inlet 128 that draws in air. A discharge port 154 may be formed on the other side of the drying housing 151 in the processing space 125. Hot air can be discharged into the processing space 125 through the discharge port 154.

  A case 160 may be provided in the processing space 125 for housing the steam supply device 140 and the dry air supply device 150. Case 160 may be provided at the bottom of processing space 125 or at any other suitable location. A coupling part 161 may be formed on the case 160 so that the supply tank 141 can be detached. Since the supply tank 141 can be easily separated from the coupling portion 161, fluid can be easily added to the supply tank 141, and the supply tank 141 can be easily replaced. As an alternative, the supply tank 141 can be automatically filled from an external source via an additional fluid channel (not shown). A steam nozzle 144 of the steam supply device 140 can be provided on one side of the case 160, and a hole on the other side of the case 160 can communicate with the discharge port 154 of the dry air supply device 150. In an alternative embodiment, the playback device 200 may be housed in the case 160, and the case 160 may be connected to the outside of the outer case 110 to increase the size of the processing space 125.

  A discharge part 162 for collecting the residual fluid from the steam supply device 140 and the condensed fluid from the inner case 120 and the condensation chamber 129 may be detachably connected to the outer case 110. The discharge unit 162 condenses the storage unit 163 from the storage unit 163 and the internal case 120, the condensation chamber 129, and the steam supply device 140 detachably connected to the outer case 110 to store the condensed fluid and the residual fluid. An exhaust channel (not shown) for guiding fluid and residual fluid can be provided. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the discharge portion 162 is smoothly connected to the lower portion of the outer case 110. However, other arrangements may be appropriate based on the location of the relevant components.

  The discharge part 162 shown in FIG. 3 is detachably connected to the outer case 110 and is slidably opened and closed in the same manner as the drawer. A handle hole 164 may be provided in front of the storage unit 163 so that the user can hold the storage unit 163. As the fabric processing apparatus 100 operates, the fluid condensed from the inner case 120 and the condensation chamber 129 is collected in the storage unit 163. When the fabric processing apparatus 100 stops operating, fluid remaining in the vapor housing 142 can also be collected in the reservoir 163. If the storage unit 163 is filled to a predetermined level or if the storage unit 163 is maintained at the original location for a predetermined time or more, the storage unit 163 may be separated from the outer case 110 and become empty. In an alternative embodiment, the collected fluid can be sent to a building drain system where the apparatus is installed.

  For convenience of explanation, such a fluid / steam / air circulation process in which the regenerator 200 is provided at the bottom of the processing space 125 and the outlet 127 is provided in a normal part of the inner case 120 will be described. However, other arrangements that maintain proper circulation and flow are also possible. For example, the position of the regenerator 200 and the outlet 127 can be changed with each other, and a fan can be added to facilitate the desired circulation.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a fabric processing apparatus broadly described and embodied herein, and FIG. 6 is an illustration of a method for controlling the fabric processing apparatus broadly described and embodied herein. It is a flowchart. A method for controlling the fabric processing apparatus 100 includes: operating a steam supply device 140; a steam mode for supplying steam to the processing space 125; operating a dry air supply device 150; A dry mode for supplying dry air and a storage mode for controlling the humidity in the processing space 125 by operating at least one of the steam supply device 140 and the dry air supply device 150 are included. Hereinafter, the steam mode, the drying mode, and the storage mode will be described in detail.

  In the steam mode, the steam supply device 140 supplies steam to the processing space 125 to regenerate the fabric located in the processing space 125 (step S1). That is, the fluid is supplied from the supply tank 141 to the steam housing 142 of the steam supply device 140. The fluid in the steam housing 142 is heated by the steam heater 143 and is vaporized. The steam is supplied to the treatment space 125 and removes malodors, particles, wrinkles and the like of the fabric.

  In the dry mode, when the dry air supply device 150 ends the steam mode, the dry air is supplied to the processing space 125, and the dry air dries the fabric located in the processing space 125 (step S2). That is, the ventilation fan 152 of the dry air supply device 150 operates, the dry air passes through the inflow port 128, the dry air is heated by the drying heater, and the high-temperature dry air thus formed is discharged from the drying housing 151. It is discharged into the processing space 125 via the outlet 154. The humid air remaining in the processing space 125 is discharged to the condensation chamber 129 through the discharge port 127 and is condensed in the condensation chamber 129. The condensed dry air is re-supplied to the drying housing 151 via the inlet 128. Accordingly, the dry air circulates from the dry air supply device 150 through the treatment space 125 and to the condensation chamber 129, whereby moisture is removed from the fabric by the dry air.

  After the vapor mode and the drying mode are finished, the controller 170 performs an operation for the storage mode (step S3).

  In the storage mode, the humidity sensor 130 detects the humidity in the processing space 125, and the detected humidity is transmitted to the controller 170. The controller 170 controls the steam supply device 140 or the dry air supply device 150 to maintain the humidity in the processing space 125 between the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value (step S4). To S12).

  In other words, if the detected humidity is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value (step S5), the controller 170 causes the dry air supply device 150 to operate until the detected humidity reaches the second predetermined value (steps S7 and S8). Operate (step S6). On the other hand, if the detected humidity is equal to or lower than the second predetermined value (step S9), the controller 170 changes the steam supply device 140 until the detected humidity reaches the first predetermined value (steps S11 and S12). Operate (step S10). The first and second predetermined values can be stored in the controller 170 in advance.

  The open / close sensor 113 senses whether the door 112 is opened or closed. When the door 112 is closed (step S13), the controller 170 can repeatedly perform the above steps. When the open / close sensor 113 detects that the door 112 is open (step S13), the controller 170 can end the storage mode by stopping the steam supply device 140 and the dry air supply device 150 (step S13). S14). In certain embodiments, the storage mode can be stopped when the door 112 is opened and automatically restarted when the door 112 is closed. The storage mode can be completely terminated when the door 112 is opened, and can be restarted by operating the operation unit 115 when the door 112 is closed again.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of another fabric processing apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment broadly described herein, and FIG. 8 is a fabric processing generally described and embodied herein. 2 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an apparatus.

  The fabric processing apparatus 250 illustrated in FIG. 7 may include a timer 131 for measuring the operation time of the steam supply apparatus 140 or the dry air supply apparatus 150. In the present embodiment, the controller 170 can control the storage mode based on the operation time measured by the timer 131 in the method shown in FIG.

  When the steam mode in step S51 and the drying mode in step S52 are completed, the storage mode is started (step S53). Since the steam mode and the drying mode can be controlled as described above with respect to the method shown in FIG. 6, a detailed description of the steam mode and the drying mode is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the storage mode includes a stop step for stopping the dry air supply device 150 and the steam supply device 140 during a predetermined time, and the dry air supply device 150 and the steam supply device during a second predetermined time. An operation step for operating at least one of 140 may be included. In the storage mode, the timer 131 measures the operation time of the fabric processing apparatus 250 and transmits the measured time value to the controller 170. The controller 170 selectively and repeatedly performs the storing step and the operation step (Steps S54 and S60).

  More specifically, when the time value measured by the timer 131 is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time (step S55), the controller 170 determines that the device has operated sufficiently long, and the dry air supply device 150 The steam supply device 140 is stopped (step S56). When the measured time is less than the first predetermined time and less than the second predetermined time (steps S55 and S57), the controller 170 is within an allowable range defined as the first and second predetermined times. The dry air supply device 150 or the steam supply device 140 is operated until the measured time value reaches the second predetermined time (steps S57 and S58). The controller 170 selectively and repeatedly stops and / or operates the dry air supply device 150 or the steam supply device 140 during the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time. The first and second predetermined times may be values stored in the controller 170 in advance.

  The open / close sensor 113 detects whether the door 112 is opened or closed (steps S61 and S62). When the door 112 is closed, the controller 170 repeatedly performs the above steps. When the door 112 is opened, the controller 170 ends the storage mode.

  That is, the storage mode is stopped when the door 112 is opened, and the stop mode can be resumed when the door 112 is closed again. In certain embodiments, the storage mode can be completely terminated when the door 112 is opened, and when the door 112 is closed again, the storage mode can be restarted by operating the operating unit 115. In an alternative embodiment, the storage mode can be automatically resumed when the door 112 closes.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus according to yet another embodiment broadly described herein. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the storage mode is started, paused, and resumed according to the command received by the operation unit 115. In addition, a setting value can be input to the operation unit 115. That is, an initial setting value can be input, and the existing value can be changed via the operation unit 115. Regardless of whether the steam mode or the drying mode is completed, the storage mode can be started based on the command received by the operation unit 115.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, first and second predetermined values representing an allowable humidity range are input (step S101), and the storage mode is started (step S102). The moisture sensor 130 senses the humidity in the processing space 125 (step S103) and transmits the sensed humidity to the controller 170. The controller 170 selectively controls the steam supply device 140 or the dry air supply device 150 to define the humidity in the processing space 125 as a first predetermined value and a second predetermined value less than the first predetermined value. (Steps S104 to S111).

  More specifically, when the detected humidity is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value (step S104), the controller 170 determines that the humidity in the processing space 125 exceeds the allowable range, and the humidity is the second predetermined value. Is reached (steps S106 and S107), the dry air supply device 150 is operated (step S105). When the sensed humidity is less than the first and second predetermined values (steps S104 and S108), the controller 170 determines that the humidity in the processing space 125 is less than the allowable range, and the humidity is the first predetermined value. The steam supply device 140 is operated until the value is reached (steps S110 and S111). In a specific embodiment, the first and second predetermined values are values input to the operation unit 115 by the user.

  When the storage mode end command is received from the operation unit 115 to the controller 170 (step S112), the controller 170 ends the storage mode by stopping the steam supply device 140 and the dry air supply device 150. The storage mode can be temporarily stopped or can be resumed in response to a command input to the operation unit 115.

  The method for controlling a fabric treatment apparatus as broadly described and embodied herein can include a storage mode for controlling humidity within the treatment space 125. Therefore, the fabric can be stored in a more appropriate state, and the state of the fabric can be maintained in the treatment space 125 for a long time. Therefore, even if the fabric is not taken out from the fabric processing apparatus for a long time, it can be stored safely and maintained in an exhilarating state, so that the convenience and reliability of the apparatus can be improved.

  10-18 illustrate a fabric processing apparatus according to various other embodiments broadly described herein. As shown in FIG. 10, an embodiment of the fabric processing apparatus 300 may include an outer case 310 and an inner case 320 that is disposed in the outer case 310 and forms a processing space 325. The outer case 310 may include a door 312 that is rotatably connected to the inlet 311 and the outer case 310 to open and close the inlet 311.

  In order to sense the state of the door 312, an open / close sensor can be provided to the door 312 and the outer case 310, and to restrict the movement of the door 312 when the door 312 is closed, the door 312 and the outer case 310. A lock can be provided. The lock unit can include a latch 313 and a switch 314. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the latch 313 is provided behind the door 312, and the switch 314 is provided in front of the outer case 310 so as to correspond to the latch 313. However, such an arrangement can vary from one another. The latch 313 is inserted into the switch 314 when the door 312 is closed. The switch 314 holds the latch 313 to prevent the door 312 from being opened. The lock part is not limited to this structure and can have various other structures.

  A control panel 316 can be provided on the exterior surface of the fabric processing apparatus 300 for user access during operation of the fabric processing apparatus 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a control panel 316 can be provided on the door 312 to control the operation of the fabric processing apparatus 300. The control panel 316 may include an operation unit 315 that receives an input related to the operation of the fabric processing apparatus 300. In an alternative embodiment, the control panel 316 can be provided on the inner case 320.

  The inner case 320 includes a side surface portion 321 for forming opposing parallel sides of the processing space 325, an upper surface portion 322 for forming the normal side of the processing space 325, and a lower surface portion for forming the bottom side of the processing space 325. 323 and a back surface portion 324 for forming the rear side of the processing space 325 can be provided. A rack part 326 for placing a fabric in the processing space 325 may be provided in the inner case 320. The rack portion 326 may include a hanger bar 326 a that is opposed to the side surface portion 321 and is horizontally positioned in the processing space 325 in order to accommodate the plurality of hangers 326 b. The hanger 326b may be fixed to the hanger bar 326a with a predetermined interval, or may be arranged to be movable along the hanger bar 326a. The rack part 326 may have various other structures in order to accommodate hangers formed with various other structures. In addition, a plurality of rack portions 326 may be arranged in the processing space 325 at a predetermined interval.

  A discharge port 327 for discharging air from the processing space 325 to the condensation chamber 329 formed between the back surface portion 324 and the outer case 310 may be provided behind the upper surface portion 322. An inlet 328 may be provided at the bottom of the back surface 324 to allow air flow between the condensation chamber 329 and the processing space 325. Other arrangements for the outlet 327, the inlet 328, and the condensation chamber 329 may suitably be possible. When air, particularly moist air, enters the condensation chamber 329 from the processing space 325, the moist air uses the outer case 310 as a heat exchange medium to exchange heat with cold external air, and thus when the temperature drops. Condenses damp air. The outer case 310 may be formed of a material having high thermal conductivity such as steel or aluminum in order to improve the performance of exchanging heat with humid air.

  The fabric processing apparatus 300 supplies steam to a plurality of positions in the processing space 325 in order to remove wrinkles and contamination sources from the fabric C stored in the processing space 325 to regenerate the fabric C. A playback device 375 having 330 may be provided. The steam supply device 330 supplies a plurality of nozzles 331 provided to the inner case 320 to inject steam into the processing space 325, a plurality of steam channels 332 connected to the nozzles 331, and a steam channel 332. A steam generator 333 can be provided.

  The nozzles 331 can be positioned at various positions in the processing space 325. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the nozzle 331 can be positioned at a lower height than the center point of the fabric C on the hanger 326b. That is, since the steam tends to rise, the nozzle 331 can be positioned below the center of the fabric C. Although the hanger 326b shown in FIG. 12 is arrange | positioned at the fixed height in the inner case 320, the length of the textile fabric C may differ.

  The central point of the fabric C can be calculated empirically as the optimum height by predicting the variable length of the fabric C regenerated by the fabric processing apparatus 300 and estimating the frequency of processing the fabric C. Further, the center point of the fabric C can be set to the center point of the longest fabric C among the typical fabrics C regenerated by the fabric processing apparatus 300. Other methods for determining the position of the nozzle 331 may also be possible as appropriate.

  The nozzles 331 may form at least one nozzle set disposed in the inner case 320 at the same height and at a predetermined interval. However, the nozzle 331 can form a plurality of nozzle sets. The plurality of nozzle sets may include a first nozzle set 335 provided on the back surface 324 and a second nozzle set 336 provided on each of the two side surfaces 321. In certain embodiments, the first and second nozzle sets 335 and 336 can be located at the same height. Other arrangements may be possible as appropriate.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first nozzle set 335 may include a plurality of nozzles 331 provided on the back surface portion 324 and arranged substantially in parallel. Other arrangements may be possible as appropriate. The nozzles 331 of the first nozzle set 335 can be arranged corresponding to the spaces between the fabrics C so as to inject steam toward the spaces between the fabrics C. When arranged in this manner, the nozzle 331 of the first nozzle set 335 is placed in front of the processing space 325 in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal and horizontal directions of the hanger 326b in order to inject steam deeply into the space between the fabrics C. Inject steam.

  The second nozzle set 336 may include a plurality of nozzles provided on both side surfaces 321 in the front-rear direction and the substantially horizontal direction. Other arrangements may be possible as appropriate. The nozzles 331 of the second nozzle set 336 can be arranged corresponding to the fabric C so as to go to the front and rear of the fabric C toward the steam. The nozzles 331 of the second nozzle set 336 can send steam substantially parallel to the direction of the hanger 326b.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the fabric processing apparatus 300 may include a third nozzle set 337 provided on the lower surface 323 of the inner case 320. The nozzles 331 of the third nozzle set 337 can be arranged in the left-right direction at a predetermined interval in order to send steam upward. The steam injected by the third nozzle set 337 can be perpendicular to or cross the hanger 326b in order to inject steam into the lower part inside the fabric C.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the fabric processing apparatus 300 may include a plurality of rack portions 326 and nozzles 331 provided in the inner case 320. The plurality of rack portions 326 may be provided on the upper and lower portions of the inner case 320 that are separated by a predetermined interval, for example. The first and / or second and / or third nozzle sets 335, 336, and 337 may be provided in the inner case 320 corresponding to the rack portion 326. The plurality of rack portions 326 are different from each other in the inner case 320 while the first and / or second and / or third nozzle sets 335, 336, and 337 are appropriately disposed on the side surface portion of the inner case 320. Can be provided to any location.

  As shown in FIG. 15, a steam channel 332 can extend between the steam generator 333 and the nozzle 331 to guide the steam generated by the steam generator 333 to the nozzle 331. In a particular embodiment, the number of steam channels 332 is the same as the number of nozzles 331 so that each nozzle 331 has a corresponding steam channel 332, and the steam channel 332 has either the outer case 310 or the inner case 320. At least one of them is provided. In an alternative embodiment, each steam channel 332 can transmit steam to a plurality of nozzles 331. Vapor channel 332 can be formed of an internal vacant member such as, for example, a pipe, hose, or duct.

  Steam generator 333 is provided in steam supply tank 341 for storing fluid, steam housing 342 for receiving fluid from steam supply tank 341, and steam housing 342 for heating the fluid to generate steam. A steam heater 343 can be provided. A supply channel 344 extends between the steam supply tank 341 and the steam housing 342 so that fluid can be guided between the steam supply tank 341 and the steam housing 342 under the control of the supply valve 345. A fluid level sensor 346 can be used to sense the level of fluid supplied through the supply channel 344. The steam heater 343 can include a sheath heater that penetrates a portion of the steam housing 342 to heat the fluid stored in the steam housing 342 to generate steam.

  The steam supply device 330 may further include a distributor 334 coupled to the steam channel 332 and the steam generator 333 to distribute the steam generated by the steam generator 333. The distributor 334 can appropriately distribute the steam generated by the steam generator 333 to the nozzles 331 of the first and second nozzle sets 335 and 336. In certain embodiments, the distributor 334 can distribute the same amount of steam to each of the nozzles 331 of the first and second nozzle sets 335 and 336. In alternative embodiments, the distributor 334 can individually or collectively control the amount of steam distributed to each of the first and second nozzle sets 335 and 336.

  The distributor 334 shown in FIG. 15 is located generally adjacent to the steam housing 342. However, in alternative embodiments, the distributor 334 can be spaced a predetermined distance from the steam generator 333 and can be connected by an additional steam channel so that the distributor 334 is For example, it can be located outside the outer case 310.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the regenerator 375 can also include a dry air supply device 350 for supplying dry air to the clothing processing device 325. The dry air supply device 350 draws in air from the condensation chamber 329 or external air, generates hot dry air, and supplies the generated hot dry air to the processing space 325. Hereinafter, the dry air supply device 350 will be described based on drawing air from the condensation chamber 329.

  The dry air supply device 350 is provided in a dry air housing 351 that communicates with the inlet 328, a housing 351, draws air from the condensation chamber 329, and discharges the air to the processing space 325, and a discharge fan A dry air heater (not shown) may be provided to heat the air before it is discharged into the processing space 325 via the outlet 354.

  The dry air housing 351 can be duct-shaped with an inlet 328 connected to one side of the dry air housing 351 and thus forms a suction hole 353 into which air from the condensation chamber 329 is drawn. A discharge port 354 can be provided on the other side of the dry air housing 351 to discharge hot dry air to the processing space 325.

  The steam supply device 330 and the dry air supply device 350 may be housed in the case 360 disposed outside the outer case 310 or in the processing space 325. The case 360 may include a coupling portion 361 that detachably connects the supply tank 341 to the case 360. Since the supply tank 341 can be easily separated from the coupling portion 361, the supply tank 341 can be easily removed and replaced. In an alternative embodiment, fluid can be automatically supplied to the supply tank 341 by an external source via an additional supply channel (not shown). The case 360 can also include a hole that communicates with the discharge port 354 of the dry air supply device 350.

  The regenerator may also include an outlet 370 for discharging the condensed fluid accumulated in the inner case 320 and the condensation chamber 329 and the residual fluid from the steam generator 333 to the outside. The outflow part 370 is removably connected to the outer case 310 and has a storage part 371 and an inner case 320 having a space for storing condensed fluid and residual fluid, a condensing chamber 329, and a steam generator 333. An outflow channel for guiding the condensed fluid and the residual fluid may be provided in the storage space of the storage unit 371.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the storage portion 371 is connected to the lower portion of the outer case 310 and has a drawer shape that smoothly moves in and out of the outer case 310. A handle groove 372 may be provided on the outer surface of the reservoir 371. When the fabric processing apparatus is driven, the condensed fluid from the inner case 320 and the condensation chamber 329 is stored in the storage unit 371. When the fabric processing apparatus 300 is stopped, the residual fluid in the steam generator 333 is stored in the storage unit 371. When the storage unit 371 is filled to a predetermined level or the storage unit 371 is not empty for a predetermined time or more, the storage unit 371 is separated from the outer case 310 and the fluid in the storage unit 371 becomes empty.

  The outflow channel includes a first outflow channel 373 extending between the lower surface 323 of the inner case 320 and the storage unit 371, a second outflow channel 374 extending between the bottom side of the condensation chamber 329 and the storage unit 371, and a vapor housing 342. A third outflow channel 375 extending between the bottom side and the reservoir 371 can be provided. An outflow valve 346 may be provided along the third outflow channel 375 to limit the fluid in the vapor housing 342 from flowing out while the fabric processing apparatus 300 is driven.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the fabric processing apparatus according to the embodiments widely described in the present specification will be described.

The fabric processing apparatus 300 operates the fabric processing apparatus 300 to supply the steam into the processing space 325, and operates the dry air supply device 350 after the completion of the steam supply operation to thereby enter the processing space 325. The fabric stored in the processing space 325 is regenerated by a dry air supply operation for supplying dry air.
During the steam supply operation, fluid is supplied from the supply tank 341 to the steam housing 342 of the steam generator 333, and the fluid in the steam housing 342 is heated by the steam heater 343 to generate steam. The distributor 334 appropriately distributes the steam to the steam channel 332. Thereafter, the steam flows along the steam channel 332 to the nozzles 331 of the first and / or second and / or third nozzle sets 335, 336, and 337. The nozzle 331 injects steam into the processing space 325, and the injected steam regenerates the fabric in the processing space 325.

  Since the first, second, and third nozzle sets 335, 336, and 337 are arranged at different positions in the inner case 320, steam is supplied to a plurality of positions in the processing space 325 at the same time. Can do. Also, the steam can be supplied to a plurality of positions in a plurality of directions. Therefore, the time for filling the processing space 325 with steam can be reduced, and the steam density in the processing space 325 can be uniform. Therefore, the steam can uniformly process the fabric C in the processing space 325.

  More specifically, since the nozzles 331 of the first nozzle set 335 are arranged corresponding to the space between the fabrics C in the processing space 325, the vapor can penetrate deeply into the space, and a larger area of the fabric C. Contacted with. That is, the steam injected from the first nozzle set 335 passes through the space without being obstructed by the fabric C, and thus gently circulates in the front-rear side of the fabric C. Therefore, the performance of the regenerating operation can be improved, and the front and rear sides of the fabric C can be regenerated uniformly.

  The nozzles 331 of the first and second nozzle sets 335 and 336 are located at a predetermined height, for example, lower than the center point of the fabric C on the hanger 326b, so that the steam injected from the nozzle 331 is the fabric. Can rise while maintaining sufficient contact with C. As time and the contact area between the steam and the fabric C are increased, the performance of the regeneration operation can be improved and the amount of steam used can be reduced.

  The steam injected by the nozzle 331 can remove contaminant particles and malodor from the fabric C. Also, the steam can remove wrinkles from the fabric C so that the fabric C looks refreshingly washed / ironed.

  In the dry air supply operation, when the steam supply operation ends, the dry air supply device 350 operates to supply dry air into the processing space 325. That is, the ventilation fan 352 is turned on and air enters through the inflow port 328. After the dry air heater heats the air, the hot dry air is discharged into the processing space 325 through the discharge port 354 of the dry air housing 351. The hot dry air absorbs moisture from the regenerated fabric C and is discharged to the condensation chamber 329 through the discharge port 327. The discharged air is condensed in the condensation chamber 329 while exchanging heat with external air. Thereafter, air is re-supplied to the dry air housing 351 via the inlet 328. Accordingly, moisture can be removed by the air circulating in the dry air supply device 350 and the condensation chamber 329.

  FIG. 18 is a front view of a fabric processing apparatus according to yet another embodiment broadly described herein. A fabric processing apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 18 is provided on both side surface portions 321 and the back surface portion 324 of the inner case 320, and has a plurality of nozzles 431 arranged in a vertical direction at a predetermined interval. One nozzle set 435 can be provided. That is, the nozzles 431 of the first nozzle set 435 may be disposed on the back surface 324 of the inner case 320 with a predetermined interval in the left-right direction so as to oppose the space between the fabrics C in the processing space 325. it can. A plurality of nozzles 431 can be arranged in the vertical direction at a predetermined interval along the space between the fabrics C.

  Further, the nozzles 431 of the second nozzle set 436 can be positioned in the front-rear direction at a predetermined interval facing the fabric C in the processing space 325. A plurality of nozzles 431 of the second nozzle set 436 may be arranged in the vertical direction along the fabric C having a predetermined interval.

  The nozzles 431 of the first and second nozzle sets 435 and 436 can be connected to the steam channel 332 to collectively receive the steam, or can be connected to a plurality of steam channels 332 to individually store the steam. Can be accommodated. In certain embodiments, the distance between adjacent nozzles 431 can gradually decrease downward or gradually increase upward. Since the steam tends to rise in the processing space 325 after being injected by the first and second nozzle sets 435 and 436, such an arrangement causes more steam to be injected into the lower portion of the processing space 325. And gather at the top of the processing space 325.

In a specific embodiment, the first and second nozzle sets 435 and 436 may be disposed substantially horizontally on the back surface 324 and the side surfaces 321 at substantially the same height. In addition, the first and second nozzle sets 435 and 436 may be disposed at a height lower than the center point of the fabric C to be hung on the hanger 326b. Other arrangements may be possible as appropriate.
The fabric treatment apparatus 400 described and embodied broadly herein can supply steam uniformly to the fabric C using a relatively small amount of steam through the first and second nozzle sets 435 and 436. The nozzle 431 may be disposed on the side surface portion 321, the back surface portion 324, the bottom surface portion 323, and the top surface portion 322 of the inner case 320. Further, the nozzles 431 may be rearranged in various patterns according to the shape of the processing space 325, for example, diagonal lines, curved lines, polygons, circles, and other appropriate arrangement forms. Furthermore, the nozzle 431 can also be provided inside the door 312.

  Additional descriptions regarding the structure and function of the fabric processing / regenerating apparatus are described in Korean Patent Applications Nos. 2006-37889, 2006-43405, 2006, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 131041 and 2006-131040.

  A fabric treatment apparatus as broadly described and embodied herein provides steam to a plurality of locations within a treatment space. As a result, steam is uniformly supplied to a plurality of positions in the processing space, and the performance of the regenerator does not vary greatly depending on the position in the processing space.

  The garment processing apparatus broadly described and embodied herein can also reduce the time to supply steam to all fabrics in the processing space, thus reducing the time to perform the regeneration operation and improving the apparatus performance. it can.

  Any reference herein such as "one embodiment", "exemplary", "exemplary embodiment", "specific embodiment", "alternative embodiment", etc. It is meant that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with a form is included in at least one embodiment broadly described herein. Such expressions appearing in various positions in this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with any embodiment, it may affect that such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments. It is within the scope of the contractor.

  Although described with reference to many embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications and implementations can be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit and principle of the present specification. In particular, various variations and modifications of the components and / or the combined arrangement are possible within the scope of the appended claims, the description and the drawings. In addition to such component and / or arrangement variations and modifications, the use of alternatives will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (21)

A method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus comprising a case for forming a processing space, a steam supply device for supplying steam to the processing space, and a dry air supply device for supplying dry air to the processing space,
Supplying steam to the processing space by starting a steam mode and operating the steam supply device;
Supplying dry air to the processing space by starting a dry mode and operating the dry air supply device;
Maintaining the humidity in the processing space within a predetermined range by starting a storage mode and selectively controlling the steam supply device and the dry air supply device. Control method.   The method for controlling the fabric processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the step of starting the storage mode includes the step of starting the storage mode after the vapor mode or the drying mode is completed.   3. The fabric processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a step of receiving an end command and ending the storage mode based on the end command in an operation unit that controls the operation of the fabric processing apparatus. Control method.   The fabric processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising temporarily stopping the storage mode when the door connected to the case is opened, and resuming the storage mode when the door is closed. Control method.   Automatically closing the storage mode when a door connected to the case is opened, and resuming the storage mode based on an input received by an operation unit controlling operation of the fabric processing apparatus. The control method of the textile processing apparatus of Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.   Initiating the storage mode includes sensing humidity in the processing space using a moisture sensor, and in the processing space between a first predetermined value and a second predetermined value lower than the first predetermined value. The method for controlling a textile processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising the step of maintaining the humidity of the fabric processing apparatus.   When the humidity sensed in the storage mode is lower than the second predetermined value, the method further comprises operating the dry air supply device until the humidity sensed by the moisture sensor is equal to or higher than the second predetermined value. The control method of the textile processing apparatus of Claim 6 characterized by the above-mentioned.   If the detected humidity in the storage mode is higher than the first predetermined value, the method further comprises operating the steam supply device until the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is equal to or lower than the first predetermined value. The control method of the textile processing apparatus of Claim 6 characterized by these.   The method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising the step of setting or correcting the first and second predetermined values using an operation unit that controls the operation of the fabric processing apparatus. .   The storage mode includes a step of performing a storage cycle, and the storage cycle includes a step of stopping the dry air supply device and the steam supply device during a first predetermined elapsed time, and a second predetermined elapsed time. The method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a step of operating at least one of the dry air supply apparatus and the steam supply apparatus.   The method according to claim 10, further comprising repeating the storage cycle until an end command is received.   The termination command includes a signal indicating that a door connected to the case has been opened or a signal indicating that a termination request is input to an operation unit that controls the operation of the fabric processing apparatus. Item 12. A method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus according to Item 11.   The method for controlling a fabric processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising the step of setting or correcting the first and second predetermined times using an operation unit that controls the operation of the fabric processing apparatus. . A method for controlling a textile processing apparatus comprising:
Starting steam mode and supplying steam to the processing space;
Starting a drying mode and supplying dry air to the processing space;
Initiating a storage mode, wherein the storage mode includes selectively supplying steam and dry air to the processing space until a command to exit the storage mode is received. A method for controlling a textile processing apparatus.   The method according to claim 14, wherein the command includes a signal indicating that a door of the processing space has been opened.   15. The method of controlling a fabric processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the command includes a signal indicating that an end request is input to an operation unit that controls the operation of the fabric processing apparatus. A main body forming a processing space;
A door coupled to the main body and configured to selectively open and close the processing space;
A processing unit communicating with the main body,
A steam supply unit configured to supply steam to the processing space;
The processing unit comprising a dry air supply unit configured to supply dry air to the processing space;
A fabric processing apparatus comprising: a controller configured to selectively operate the steam supply unit and the dry air supply unit to maintain the humidity in the processing space within a predetermined range. . A humidity sensor configured to sense humidity in the processing space and transmit a corresponding signal to the controller;
An operation unit configured to receive an external operation command and transmit a corresponding signal to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to detect the humidity detected by the moisture sensor and the operation received by the operation unit. 18. The fabric processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the fabric processing apparatus is configured to selectively operate the steam supply unit and the dry air supply unit based on the command and the transmitted correspondence signal. A timer configured to monitor an elapsed time of operation of the steam supply unit and the dry air supply unit, and to transmit a corresponding signal to the controller;
An operation unit configured to receive an external operation command and transmit a corresponding signal to the controller, wherein the controller is received by the operation unit for an elapsed time of the operation measured by the timer. The fabric processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the steam supply unit and the dry air supply unit are selectively operated based on the received operation command and the transmitted corresponding signal. .   A door sensor configured to detect opening and closing of the door and transmit a corresponding signal to the controller; and the controller may detect the steam based on the opening and closing state of the door detected by the door sensor. The fabric processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the fabric processing apparatus is configured to selectively operate a supply unit and the dry air supply unit. A main body forming a processing space;
A door connected to the main body for selectively opening and closing the processing space;
A processing unit communicating with the main body;
A fabric processing apparatus comprising: at least one nozzle set provided at a position below the center of the processing space, wherein the at least one nozzle set contains steam from the processing unit; and the received steam The fabric processing apparatus is configured to discharge the water into the processing space.

Images