KR20220064196A - Apparatus for laundary treatment - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a laundry treating device, capable of minimizing the entire size of a steam generating device and reducing initial steam spraying time, and a control method thereof. The laundry treating device includes the steam generating device for generating steam supplied to a laundry treating chamber by being installed in a machine room separated from the laundry treating chamber accommodating laundry. The control method of the laundry treating device includes a steam operating step of generating steam by heating water by a heating device of the steam generating device. The steam operating step includes: a step of sensing a water level in a housing of the steam generating device by a water level sensing unit including a low water level sensor and a high water level sensor; and a step of generating steam by heating the water by the heating device when the water is sensed at a high water level in the housing by the high water level sensor. The low water level sensor is to sense a low water level, and the high water level sensor is to sense the high water level at a higher position than the low water level sensor.

Description

Clothing treatment apparatus and its control method {APPARATUS FOR LAUNDARY TREATMENT}

The present invention relates to a laundry treatment apparatus and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to a laundry treatment apparatus capable of performing various treatments such as washing, drying, deodorizing, and wrinkle removal on clothing, and a method for controlling the same.

The clothes treatment apparatus is an apparatus for washing clothes, drying wet clothes, removing odors from clothes, or improving wrinkles of clothes, and the like.

Recently, a clothes treatment device has been developed such that a washing machine for washing clothes, a dryer for drying clothes, a refresher for refreshing clothes, a steamer for improving unnecessary wrinkles of clothes, etc. are implemented in one device. there is a trend

Here, the refresher is a device for making clothes comfortable and fresh, and performs functions such as drying clothes, supplying fragrance to clothes, preventing static electricity generation of clothes, or improving wrinkling of clothes. It refers to a device, and a steamer is a device that removes wrinkles from clothes by supplying steam to clothes. Unlike an iron, it may refer to a device that performs a function of improving and removing wrinkles from clothes without applying heat directly to clothes. .

Since the clothes treatment apparatus that supplies steam to clothes needs to heat water to generate steam, it optimizes the time for generating steam, and, along with this, energy consumed when heating water to generate steam (or calorific value) should be optimized, and the watering time and watering cycle of the water to be heated should be optimized.

KR 10-1430477 B1 KR 10-1430477 B1

An object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of shortening the initial steam spraying time and minimizing the overall size of the steam generating apparatus, and a method for controlling the same.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a method of controlling a clothes treatment apparatus, including a steam generator provided in a machine room separated from a clothes treatment room in which clothes are accommodated and configured to generate steam supplied to the clothes treatment room, wherein the steam A heating device of the generator includes a steam stroke step of generating steam by heating water, wherein the steam stroke step includes a low water level sensor for detecting a low water level, and a high water level at a position higher than the low water level sensor. The step of detecting the water level in the housing of the steam generating device by a water level detecting means including a high water level sensor, and when water is detected at a high level of the housing by the high level detecting sensor, the heating device heats the water to generate steam There is provided a method of controlling a laundry treatment apparatus, characterized in that it includes the step of generating it.

According to an embodiment, in the steam stroke step, when the high water level of the housing is not detected by the high water level sensor and the low water level of the water supply container is detected, water supply for supplying water in the housing from the water supply container It may further include the step of operating the pumping device.

According to an embodiment, operating the feed water pump device may include operating the feed water pump device for a predetermined time to supply water in the housing.

According to an embodiment, the steam stroke step further includes stopping the operation of the heating device when the high water level of the housing is not detected by the high water level sensor and the low water level of the water supply tank is not detected. And, the control method of the laundry treatment apparatus may further include a drying cycle step of supplying hot air in the laundry treatment chamber to dry the inside of the laundry treatment chamber.

According to an embodiment, when the heating device stops operating during the steaming step, or when the heating device stops operating after the steaming step is completed, hot air is supplied into the laundry treatment chamber to dry the inside of the laundry treatment room. It may further include a drying process step.

According to an embodiment, the steam stroke step may further include outputting a water filling notification to the water supply container when the high water level is not detected by the high water level sensor and the low water level of the water supply container is not detected. can

According to an embodiment, the steaming step may further include stopping the operation of the heating device when the low water level is not detected by the low water level detection sensor.

According to an embodiment, the housing divides a first space in which water is accommodated, a second space having a steam outlet through which steam generated by the heating device is discharged, and the first and second spaces, a space separation unit having a first flow path for allowing the steam generated by the heating device to move to the steam outlet, and a second flow path for sharing water between the first and second spaces, wherein the first and the second flow path may not be the same.

According to an embodiment, the steam stroke step further includes an initial water supply step of initially supplying water in the housing as much as an initial water supply amount, and after generating the steam, the high water level is detected by the high water level sensor. is not detected and the low water level of the water supply container is not detected, further comprising an intermediate water supply step of supplying an intermediate water supply amount of water in the housing from the water supply container, wherein the initial water supply amount may be greater than the intermediate water supply amount.

In addition, the present invention provides a method of controlling a steam generator to generate steam supplied to the laundry treatment room provided in a machine room separated from the laundry treatment room in which the clothes are accommodated, wherein the heating device of the steam generator heats water to A steam stroke step of generating steam, wherein the steam stroke step includes: a water level detecting means - the water level detecting means includes a low water level sensor for detecting a low water level, and a high water level at a position higher than the low water level detecting sensor. Including a high level sensor - This, detecting the water level in the housing of the steam generator, and when the high level is detected by the high level sensor, the heating device heats water to generate steam It provides a control method of a steam generator, characterized in that.

According to the present invention, by separating the space for receiving water in the steam generator into a space for heating water and a space for measuring the water level, even if a heating device with the same amount of heat is used in a housing for accommodating the same water, a relatively small capacity The initial steam injection time can be shortened by heating only water to vaporize quickly.

In order to expedite the initial steam injection, the space other than the space in which the heating device is provided can be reduced, so that the overall size of the steam generating device can be minimized.

In addition, since the space in which the water is vaporized is separated by the heating device, the shaking of the water surface generated during the vaporization of water does not affect the space for measuring the water level, thereby minimizing errors or errors in detecting the water level.

1 is a view showing the appearance of a clothes treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view showing the overall appearance of the steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a view showing one side of the steam generator of FIG. 2 .
FIG. 4 is a view showing the rear surface of the steam generator of FIG. 2 .
FIG. 5 is a view showing the front of the steam generator of FIG. 2 .
6 is a view schematically showing a cross-sectional view of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a diagram schematically illustrating first and second flow paths according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a diagram schematically illustrating first and second flow paths according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a diagram illustrating a control method of a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 to 13 are step-by-step flowcharts embodying the steam stroke step of FIG. 9 .
14 is a view showing a control method of a clothes treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a step-by-step flowchart illustrating the steam stroke step of FIG. 14 .

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or similar components are assigned the same reference numbers regardless of reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffixes “unit” and “unit” for the components used in the following description are given or used in consideration of ease of writing the specification only, and do not have a meaning or role distinct from each other by themselves. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical idea disclosed herein is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention , should be understood to include equivalents or substitutes.

Terms including an ordinal number such as 1st, 2nd, etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms.

The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

When an element is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another element, it is understood that it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, but other elements may exist in between. it should be On the other hand, when it is said that a certain element is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that the other element does not exist in the middle.

The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In this specification, terms such as "comprises" or "have" are intended to designate that the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification exist, but one or more other features It should be understood that this does not preclude the existence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

clothes processing equipment

1 is a view showing the appearance of a clothes treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 , in the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the laundry treatment chamber 11 in which the clothing is accommodated and the laundry treatment chamber 11 are separated from the lower portion of the laundry treatment chamber 11 inside the laundry treatment chamber 11 . It may include a machine room 20 provided with various devices for dehumidifying, heating, or circulating the air to remove dust, odors, wrinkles, or moisture remaining on clothes.

The laundry treatment room 11 and the machine room 20 may be implemented in a form provided in one cabinet, and a door 140 for opening and closing the laundry treatment room 11 may be provided in front of the laundry treatment room 11 .

The cabinet or the outer surface of the door 40 may include a display unit for informing the outside of the operating state of each component of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 and/or an input unit for receiving various operation inputs from a user.

The laundry treatment chamber 11 has a space for receiving or mounting clothes therein, and in order to circulate the air inside the laundry treatment room 11 , air sucked from the inside of the laundry treatment chamber 11 is again supplied to the inside of the laundry treatment room 11 . An air outlet 12 for re-supplying to the furnace may be provided on the bottom surface of the laundry treatment chamber 11 . In this case, the floor surface is a horizontal plane that separates the laundry treatment room 11 and the machine room 20 and does not necessarily indicate only a horizontal flat shape.

A steam spraying unit 13 for spraying steam generated by the steam generator 100 provided in the machine room 20 is located inside the laundry treatment room 11, specifically, on the rear side thereof, and is accommodated in the laundry treatment room 11. Steam can be sprayed toward clothing.

The steam generating device 100 and the steam spraying unit 13 are connected to each other by a hose, and the steam generated by the steam generating device 100 can be supplied to the steam spraying unit 13 through a flow path formed along the hose. there is.

On the other hand, a water supply tank 31 accommodating the water supplied to the steam generator 100 so that the steam generator 100 can generate steam is provided at the lower portion of the laundry treatment room 11 and in front of the machine room 20 . can be At this time, the water supply container 31 is implemented to be attached to and detached from the clothes treatment apparatus 1 in the shape of a substantially rectangular box, and the water supply container 31 is detached and detached when the user is notified of filling with water to replenish water and then the casing. It is desirable to be able to re-mount it to the

Although not shown in the drawing, the clothes treatment apparatus 1 may include a water supply pump device for supplying water from the water supply tank 31 to the water supply port 170 of the steam generator 100, and the water supply pump device includes: Water may be supplied to the steam generator 100 through a water supply hose connected to one surface of the water supply tank 31 .

At this time, the water supply tank 31 is provided with a water level sensor for detecting the water level, and the controller (not shown) uses the water level sensor provided in the water supply tank 31 to fill the water in the water tank 31 to a predetermined height or more. It is desirable to detect or determine whether there is a water level, and to output a water filling notification to the outside when the water level is low.

Meanwhile, in addition to the water supply container 31 , a drain container 32 through which condensed water is collected may be provided at a lower portion of the laundry treatment room 11 and in front of the machine room 20 . The condensed water generated by steam supply, etc. inside the laundry treatment chamber 11 or the machine room 20 may be collected in the sump, and the condensed water collected in the sump may be guided to the drain tube 32 by the condensate pump device.

Like the water supply tank 31, the drain tube 32 is implemented in a rectangular box shape so that it can be attached to and detached from the laundry treatment apparatus 1, so that the user can detach and detach the drain tube 32 when a condensate discharge notification is issued. It is desirable to be able to put it back on the casing after draining the water.

In addition, the drain tube 32 is also provided with a water level sensor for detecting the water level, and the control unit detects whether the water in the drain tube 32 is filled to a predetermined height or more using a water level sensor provided in the drain tube 32 . Alternatively, it is preferable to output a condensate discharge notification to the outside when the water level is high.

steam generator

As described above, the steam generator 100 for generating steam using the water supplied from the water supply tank 31 may be provided inside the machine room 20 .

2 is a view showing an overall appearance of a steam generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a view showing one side of the steam generating device of FIG. 2, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are respectively the steam generation of FIG. 2 It is a view showing the back and front of the device.

2 to 5 , the steam generator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 110 having a space for accommodating water therein, and heating the water contained in the housing 110 . It may include a heating device 120 for

The heating device 120 is a means for directly or indirectly heating and vaporizing the water contained in the housing 110 according to the control command generated by the control unit, and as shown in the figure, the It is located in the lower part to heat the water, and the vaporized steam may rise to the upper part of the housing 110 and be discharged to the outside through the steam outlet 130 .

The steam discharged through the steam outlet 130 may be supplied to the steam spraying unit 13 along the hose so that the steam spraying unit 13 may supply steam to the clothes accommodated in the laundry treatment chamber 11 .

The steam outlet 130 is a hole for discharging vaporized steam to the outside, and is located at the upper portion of the housing 110 , and is generated by the steam generator 100 provided in the machine room 20 under the clothes treatment room 11 . It is desirable to allow steam to easily flow to the steam spraying unit 13 in the laundry treatment chamber 11 .

The heating device 120 is a means for directly or indirectly heating water, and the present invention does not specifically limit the type thereof, but as a preferred example, it may be a ceramic heater capable of generating heat with rapid temperature change and easy temperature control. there is. The shape of the heating device 120 is not particularly limited, but as an example, it may be in the form of a rod having a circular cross-section.

In addition, it is preferable that the heating device 120 is implemented so that it can be mounted and detached from the housing 110 so that the operator can replace the heating device 120 as needed.

The housing 110 is not particularly limited as long as it has a space for accommodating water as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, but for example, the housing 110 has a substantially rectangular box shape to have a water accommodating space. It may include a main body 112 made of, and a cover 111 covering the opening of the main body 112 .

In this case, a sealing member (not shown) may be interposed between the upper edge of the body 112 and the bottom surface of the cover 111 facing it to have airtightness and watertightness.

As described above, the housing 110 may have a steam outlet 130 through which steam is discharged at an upper portion, and a drain port 140 as a hole for discharging the water contained in the housing 110 to the outside as opposed to the steam outlet 130 . ) may be located at the lower portion of the housing 110 , specifically on the bottom or on one side.

In addition, a water supply port 170 through which water supplied from the outside is introduced may be provided on one side of the housing 110, and the water accommodated in the external water supply container 31 through the water supply port 170 is supplied to the water supply pump device. It may be pressurized and introduced into the housing 110 .

Meanwhile, FIG. 6 is a view schematically showing a cross-sectional view of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the housing 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first space S1 in which water is heated by the heating device 120 , and steam generated by the heating device 120 . It may include a second space (S2) having the steam outlet 130 to be discharged, in this case, the first and second spaces (S1, S2) to separate the first and second spaces (S1, S2) It may further include space separation units 113 to 115 interposed therebetween.

Here, the first space S1 refers to a space in which water contained in the space is vaporized by the heating device 120 , and the second space S2 is the first space S1 through the space separation units 113 to 115 . ) may indicate a space for discharging the steam introduced from the steam outlet 130 to the outside. In this case, it is preferable that the first space S1 has a larger volume than the second space S2 , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The space separation units 113 to 115 are for separating the first and second spaces S1 and S2, and the space separation units 113 to 115 according to an embodiment of the present invention include the heating device 120 and the steam. It may include a plurality of barrier ribs positioned between the discharge ports 130 .

Here, the shape of the partition wall is not particularly limited as long as it is for separating the inner space of the housing 110, but as shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the partition wall may have a plate shape, and the partition wall has a shape in which a protrusion is added to at least a portion on one surface. It may also include

The plurality of partition walls of the space separation units 113 to 115 are provided to be spaced apart from each other between the inner wall of the housing 110 facing the distal end of the partition wall, and steam generated in the first space S1 through the spaced apart space The second space S2 may be moved to the steam outlet 130 . That is, the plurality of separation spaces formed between the plurality of partition walls and the inner wall of the housing 110 may form the first flow path f1 .

Specifically, FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating first and second flow paths according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7( a ), space separation units 113 to 115 may be interposed between the first and second spaces S1 and S2 , and the space separation units 113 to 115 may be disposed on the upper portion. Between the first partition wall 113 having the first opening op1 and the second partition wall 114 having the second opening op2 thereon, and the first and second openings op1 and op2 facing each other It may include a third partition wall 115 to block the. Of course, the distal end of the third partition wall 115 may also have a third opening op3 to be spaced apart from the inner wall of the housing 110 facing it.

Here, the vertical length of the third partition wall 115 is preferably longer than the vertical height of the first and second openings op1 and op2 so as to block the first and second openings op1 and op2. .

The lengths in the vertical direction of the first and second partition walls 113 and 114 are such that the steam generated in the first space S1 can move in the inner upper portion of the housing 110 and the first and second openings op1, It is preferable that the height of the third partition wall 115 is significantly longer than that of the first and second partition walls 113 and 114, although the length of the third partition wall 115 in the vertical direction is longer than the height of the first and second openings op1 and op2. It is preferable to be considerably shorter than the length in the vertical direction of

Assuming that the position of the first space S1 is the front and the position of the second space S2 is the rear, the positions of the third partition wall 115 are the first partition wall 113 located in the front and the second partition wall located in the rear side. It is sufficient as long as it is between the partition walls 114 , but it is preferably located in the center between the first and second partition walls 113 and 114 .

As a result, the steam generated in the first space S1 passes through the first opening op1 - the third opening op3 - the second opening op2 in sequence through the first U-shaped flow path f1. It may be discharged through the discharge port 130 .

That is, the steam generated by the heating device 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention is transmitted between the plurality of partition walls by the third partition wall 115 blocking between the first and second openings op1 and op2. It can be bypassed and discharged to the outside through the steam outlet 130 .

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the positions of the first to third partition walls 113 to 115 may be arranged differently from the previous embodiment.

8 is a diagram schematically illustrating first and second flow paths according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8( a ), the space separating parts 113 ′ to 115 ′ interposed between the first and second spaces S1 and S2 have a first partition wall having a first opening op1 thereon. 113 ′, a second partition wall 114 ′ having a second opening op2 thereon, and a first opening op1 positioned in front of the first partition wall 113 , that is, in the first space S1 side ) may include a third partition wall 115 ′ blocking the front. Of course, the distal end of the third partition wall 115 ′ may also have a third opening op3 to be spaced apart from the inner wall of the housing 110 facing it.

Similarly, assuming that the position of the first space S1 is the front and the position of the second space S2 is the rear, the position of the third partition wall 115' is located in front of the first partition wall 113'. However, it is preferable that the third, first, and second partition walls 115 ′, 113 ′, and 114 ′ are disposed so as to have a uniform spacing.

On the other hand, as described above, a water supply port 170 through which water supplied from the outside is introduced is provided on one side of the housing 110 , and the water accommodated in the water supply container 31 is pressurized by the water supply pump device and the water supply port 170 . ) through the housing 110 may be introduced into the interior.

The steam generator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a water level detecting means 150 for detecting the level of water introduced into the housing 110 and accommodated therein.

At this time, it is preferable that the water level detecting means 150 is provided in the second space S2 to sense the water level in the housing 110 .

Accordingly, the first space ( S1 ) in which water is heated and the second space ( S2 ) for measuring or sensing the water level in the housing 110 are separated by the space separation units 113 to 115 , so that the first space ( By heating only a relatively small amount of water accommodated in S1) and quickly vaporizing it, the time for initial steam spraying can be shortened, and the water surface generated when water is vaporized by the heating device 120 provided in the first space S1 By blocking the shaking by the space separation units 113 to 115 , it is possible to minimize a detection error or error when the water level detecting means 150 provided in the second space S2 detects the water level.

In other words, even if a heating device of the same amount of heat is used for the housing 110 containing the same water, according to the present invention, the initial steam injection time can be shortened by heating only a relatively small amount of water and quickly vaporizing it, and conversely, the initial steam injection In order to speed up the operation, since the space other than the space in which the heating device 120 is provided can be reduced, the overall size of the steam generating device 100 can be minimized.

In addition, when the heating device 120 heats and vaporizes the water contained in the housing 110 , the water supply port 170 is configured to prevent unheated water from being supplied to the vicinity of the heating device 120 from the outside. It is preferable to be provided in two spaces (S2).

At this time, the water supply port 170, as shown in FIG. 6, may be located on the upper portion of the housing 110, but is not limited thereto. In order to reduce the shaking or noise of the water surface that occurs when the water supplied from the water falls, the position of the water supply port 170 may be located below the water level detecting means 150 or the low water level detecting sensor 153, According to another embodiment, the inner end of the water inlet 170 is extended to the vicinity of the second partition wall 114, or a guide part tapered downward to the inner end of the water inlet 170 is additionally provided. Thus, the water introduced through the water supply port 170 may be guided to the lower inner side of the housing 110 .

In this way, the space separation units 113 to 115 may have a second flow path f2 so that water supplied to the second space S2 can be introduced into the first space S1 . That is, the water introduced through the water supply port 170 in the second space S2 may be shared with the first space S1 by the second flow path f2.

For this purpose, as shown in FIGS. 7(b) and 8(b), the first and second partition walls 113, 113', 114, and 114' are formed on one side of each of the first and second openings ( op1', op2'). One side of each of the first and second partition walls 113 , 113 ′, 114 , and 114 ′ is spaced apart from the inner wall of the housing 110 , thereby forming a water passage.

When the second flow path f2 flowing through the first and second openings op1' and op2' is formed, the first and second openings op1' and op2' do not face each other, It is preferable to place them in a staggered position.

Although the first 'and second' openings op1' and op2' shown in FIGS. 7(b) and 8(b) have different directions, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

As such, the first and second partition walls 113, 113', 114, and 114' are arranged in such a way that the first and second openings op1' and op2' are alternated with each other, so that the heating device is provided in the first space S1. The shaking of the water surface generated when water is vaporized by 120 may be blocked so as not to affect the second space S2.

As a result, in the steam generator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second spaces S1 and S2 are divided through the space separation units 113 to 115, but the first flow path ( By separating f1) and the second flow path f2 through which water moves, the lower part with water and the upper part with steam in the housing 110 are separated, and by minimizing contact with each other, re-liquefaction of generated steam is prevented can do.

On the other hand, the water level sensing means 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can sense or measure the height of the water accommodated in the housing 110 , but according to an embodiment, the standard in the housing 110 . A reference water level sensor 151 for detecting the water level, a low water level sensor 153 for detecting a low water level at a position higher than the reference water level sensor 151, and a high water level at a position higher than the low water level detection sensor 153 It may include a high water level sensor 152 for

Here, each of the reference water level sensor 151, the high water level sensor 152, and the low water level sensor 153 is a means for determining the high and low water level in the housing 110, and the control unit includes the reference water level sensor ( 151), the water level in the housing 110 can be determined based on the presence or absence of water at the corresponding height by sensing the conductivity through the high water level sensor 152 and the low water level sensor 153 .

For example, when water is detected by the high water level sensor 152 , the control unit may determine that the water level is high in the housing 110 , and when water is detected by the low water level sensor 153 , the control unit determines that the water level is the low level within the housing 110 . can do. When the control unit pre-stores the installation heights of the reference water level sensor 151 , the high water level sensor 152 , and the low water level sensor 153 , the specific water level in the housing 110 may also be grasped.

The reference water level sensor 151 is for detecting the lowest water level in the housing 110, and if the heating device 120 is exposed to the air, such as a ceramic heater, it overheats abnormally and causes a fire or malfunction, the control unit It is preferable to stop the operation of the heating device 120 when water is not detected by the reference water level sensor 151 .

Unexplained reference numeral 180 denotes a safety device for detecting abnormal overheating of the heating device 120 and blocking the current supplied to the heating device 120. In addition to the control of the heating device 120 by the controller, double steam It is preferable to prevent a fire or failure of the generator 100 .

Meanwhile, the steam generator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a temperature sensor 160 for measuring a temperature inside the housing 110 .

The temperature sensor 160 is inserted into the inside from the top of the housing 110, and the control unit generates steam in the housing 110, specifically the first space S1, based on the internal temperature measured through the temperature sensor 160. It is possible to determine whether or not it has occurred, or to determine a failure diagnosis for the heating device 120 .

The installation position of the temperature sensor 160 is not particularly limited, but according to another embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor 160 is not located above the housing 110, but is a water level sensing means, preferably a reference water level sensor ( 151 may be inserted into the housing 110 .

The reference water level sensor 151 is provided at the lowest position of the housing 110, and when detecting the internal temperature of the housing 110 at the position of the reference water level sensor 151, the control unit controls the temperature sensor 160. Through this, it is possible to easily determine whether the heating device 120 located under the housing 110 is abnormally overheated.

Control method of clothes treatment device - Part 1 Example

9 is a view showing a control method of a clothes treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 10 and 11 are each a step-by-step flowchart embodying the steam administration step of FIG. 9 .

As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 , in the control method of a clothes treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, a steam operation step in which the heating device 120 of the steam generator 100 heats water to generate steam. Including (S10), the steam stroke step (S10) includes the step (S210) of the water level detecting means 150 detecting the water level of the housing 110, and the high level of the housing 110 by the high level detecting sensor 152. It may include a step (S211) of determining whether or not has been detected, and a step (S220) of generating steam by heating the water by the heating device 120 when detecting the high level of the housing 110 (S220).

That is, the controller according to an embodiment of the present invention may control the operation of the heating device 120 based on whether the water level in the housing 110 is a high water level. The control unit generates steam by heating the water by operating the heating device 120 when the water level in the housing 110 is high using the high water level sensor 152, otherwise, when the water level in the housing 110 is less than the high level, water is supplied. The water level in the housing 110 may be supplied to a high water level by operating the water pump device according to the water level in the barrel 31 .

Here, the step of generating steam by operating the heating device 120 ( S220 ) includes a steam generation time according to a steam generation command input by the user or a steam generation time according to any one of the clothes treatment course inputted by the user. The heating device 120 may operate to generate steam for a preset time period.

Whether or not steam is generated in the housing 110 can be determined by the control unit using the temperature sensor 160 installed in the first space S1 to determine whether a high-temperature atmosphere is set in the first space S1, Of course, it is possible to determine whether or not steam is generated in the steam generating device 100 by various methods other than this.

The heating device 120 may heat and vaporize water to generate steam for a preset time, and when the preset time is completed (S221), the controller may stop the operation of the heating device 120 (S222) .

After the heating device 120 operates to generate steam (S220), the control unit may detect the water level in the housing 110 (S231), and when the high water level in the housing 110 is detected, the operation of the water pump device is controlled. It can be stopped (S241).

Thereafter, when the heating device 120 operates to generate steam (S220) and then, when the high water level in the housing 110 is not detected, the control unit operates the water pump device to pump the water contained in the water tank 31 to the housing 110 ) can be introduced into the interior for a certain period of time or by a certain amount. The water supply process is repeated until the water level in the housing 110 reaches the high water level, but it is preferable that the amount of intermediate water supplied at this time is less than the initial water supply amount.

Specifically, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the steam stroke step (S10) includes an initial water supply step (S271) of initially supplying water in the housing 110 as much as the initial water supply amount, as shown in FIG. 13; , after the steam is generated by heating by the heating device 120 (S220), the high level in the housing 110 is not detected (S231) by the high level sensor 152, and the housing 110 from the water supply tank 31 ) may include an intermediate water supply step (S272) of supplying an intermediate amount of water in the water.

Here, the initial water supply amount in the initial water supply step S271 is a steam generation command input by the user or a command according to any one of the clothes treatment courses input by the user to generate steam and supply steam to the clothes treatment room 11 . In order to do this, it indicates the amount of water supplied to the housing 110 initially, and the intermediate water supply amount of the intermediate water supply step S272 is the heating device 120 heating and vaporizing the water to lower the water level in the housing 110 and then additionally supply water It can indicate the amount of water.

At this time, in the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the water supply frequency can be increased by making the initial water supply amount more than the intermediate water supply amount and, conversely, the intermediate water supply amount less than the initial water supply amount. For example, when the initial water supply amount is 200 ml, and the steam generation and discharge amount is 50 ml, the intermediate water supply amount may be 50 ml.

As a result, after the heating device 120 initially generates steam, by heating a small amount of intermediate water supply at a frequent water supply frequency to generate steam, the effect of continuously generating steam without using a heating device with a large amount of heat there is

On the other hand, as described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit detects the high water level in the housing 110 (S211), it operates the heating device 120 to generate steam (S220), but if the housing 110 ) When the high water level is not detected because the water level is below the high level, the feed water pump device is operated (S213, S233) to determine whether the high level in the housing 110 is detected continuously or intermittently (S214, S231). Accordingly, it is possible to supply water in the housing 110 .

Here, before the step (S213, S233) of operating the water pump device, the control unit may detect the low water level in the water supply tank (31) (S212, S232).

When the low water level in the water supply tank 31 is not detected, that is, when water is not detected by the water level detecting means installed at a predetermined height (eg, low water level) of the water supply tank 31, the control unit fills the water supply tank 31 with water. It is possible to visually or audibly output a notification signal requesting (S215). When the water supply container 31 is not connected to the external raw water, the clothes treatment apparatus 1 outputs a water filling notification signal to the user to induce the user to replenish the water required for steam generation to the water supply container 31. can

In addition, when the low water level is not detected because the water level in the water supply tank 31 is less than the low water level, the control unit may stop the operation of the heating device 120 ( S242 ). That is, as described above, when the heating device 120 is exposed to air, such as a ceramic heater, abnormal overheating may cause a fire or malfunction. In this case, by stopping the operation of the heating device 120 , abnormal overheating of the heating device 120 can be prevented in advance.

Thereafter, in the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the operation of the heating device 120 may be stopped ( S242 ) due to insufficient water in the housing 110 during steam generation, but then the laundry treatment chamber 11 . The drying operation step (S20) of supplying internal hot air to dry the inside of the laundry treatment chamber 11 may be further included.

Even if the heating device 120 does not operate due to insufficient water in the housing 110 while the steam generator 100 generates steam and sprays steam into the laundry treatment chamber 11, the inside of the laundry treatment chamber 11 is still humid. Since it has an atmosphere, there is a risk that mold may be generated in the laundry treatment room 11 , and clothes accommodated in the laundry treatment room 11 may also become wet due to a humid atmosphere.

Accordingly, in the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the steam generation time is completed (S221) and the operation of the heating device 120 is stopped, thereby normally ending the steam stroke step (S10) and then the drying cycle step (S20) of course, it is preferable to perform the drying cycle step (S20) even after the abnormal steam cycle step (S10) is terminated due to lack of water in the housing 110 or the like.

Here, in order to supply hot air in the laundry treatment room 11 , a heater (eg, an electric heater or a gas heater) or a heat pump capable of heating air may be provided inside the machine room 20 . The laundry treatment apparatus according to the example may include a heat pump.

The heat pump is for dehumidifying and heating air, and may include an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve. As the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator, it absorbs the latent heat of the surrounding air, cools the air, and condenses and removes moisture from the air. In addition, when the refrigerant is condensed in the condenser through the compressor, it heats the surrounding air by discharging latent heat toward the surrounding air. The evaporator and the condenser are heat exchangers, and the air flowing into the machine room may be dehumidified and heated through the evaporator and the condenser.

On the other hand, in the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit detects the water level in the housing 110 (S210), and then detects the low water level using the low water level sensor (S251), the heating device ( 120) can be stopped (see FIG. 12).

The control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention may control the operation of the heating device 120 based on whether the water level in the housing 110 is a high water level, but when the water level in the housing 110 is a low water level, the heating device 120 ) can be controlled to stop the operation.

That is, the control unit blocks the current supply so that the heating device 120 does not operate when the water level in the housing 110 is low, so that the operation stop of the heating device 120 according to the low water level can be driven as a kind of safety device. .

The steps shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 to 13 or the steps according to an embodiment of the present invention described above are not essential, so a control method having more steps or fewer steps may be implemented.

Control method of laundry treatment device - Part 2 Example

14 is a diagram illustrating a control method of a clothes treatment apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a step-by-step flowchart illustrating the steam administration step of FIG. 14 .

9, 14 and 15 , in the control method of the clothes treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the heating device 120 of the steam generator 100 heats water to generate steam. Including a stroke step (S10), the steam stroke step (S10) is a step (S310) of the water level detecting means 150 detecting the water level of the housing 110, and the housing 110 by the low water level detecting sensor 153. It may include a step (S311) of determining whether the low water level of the housing 110 is sensed, and a step (S320) of the heating device 120 heating water to generate steam when the low water level of the housing 110 is detected.

That is, the controller (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present invention may control the operation of the heating device 120 based on whether the water level in the housing 110 is a low water level. If the water level in the housing 110 is low using the low water level sensor 153, the control unit operates the heating device 120 to heat the water to generate steam, otherwise, if the water level in the housing 110 is not the low water level, water is supplied. The water level in the housing 110 may be supplied to the low water level by operating the water pump device according to the water level in the barrel.

Here, the step of generating steam by operating the heating device 120 ( S320 ) is a steam generation time according to a steam generation command input from a user or a steam generation time according to any one of the user inputted clothes treatment course. The heating device 120 may operate to generate steam for a preset time period.

As described above, whether or not steam is generated can be determined by the controller using the temperature sensor 160 installed in the first space S1 to determine whether a high-temperature atmosphere in the first space S1 is set, but this It goes without saying that it can be determined whether steam is generated in the steam generating device 100 in various other methods.

The heating device 120 may heat and vaporize water to generate steam for a preset time period, and when the preset time is completed (S321), the controller may stop the operation of the heating device 120 (S322) .

When the heating device 120 operates to generate steam (S320), the control unit may detect the water level in the housing 110 (S331), and when the low water level in the housing 110 is detected, the operation of the water pump device It can be stopped (S341).

Thereafter, when the heating device 120 operates to generate steam (S320), if the low water level is not detected because the water level in the housing 110 is less than the low water level, the control unit operates the water supply pump device to operate the water supply container 31. Water may be introduced into the housing 110 for a predetermined time or by a predetermined amount. The water supply process is repeated until the water level in the housing 110 reaches the low water level, but at this time, it is preferable that the supplied intermediate water amount is less than the initial water supply amount.

Specifically, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the steam stroke step (S10) includes an initial water supply step (S271) of initially supplying water in the housing 110 as much as the initial water supply amount, as shown in FIG. 13; After the steam is generated by heating by the heating device 120 (S220), the low water level in the housing 110 is not detected (S331) by the low water level sensor 153, and the housing 110 from the water supply tank 31 ) may include an intermediate water supply step (S272) of supplying an intermediate amount of water in the water.

Here, the initial water supply amount in the initial water supply step S271 is a steam generation command input from the user or a command according to any one of the clothes treatment courses input from the user to generate steam and supply steam to the clothes treatment room 11 . In order to do this, it indicates the amount of water initially supplied to the housing 110, and the intermediate water supply amount of the intermediate water supply step (S272) is the heating device 120 heating and vaporizing the water to lower the water level in the housing 110 and then additionally supply water It can indicate the amount of water.

At this time, in the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the water supply frequency can be increased by making the initial water supply amount more than the intermediate water supply amount and, conversely, the intermediate water supply amount less than the initial water supply amount. For example, when the initial water supply amount is 200 ml, and the steam generation and discharge amount is 50 ml, the intermediate water supply amount may be 50 ml.

As a result, after the heating device 120 initially generates steam, by heating a small amount of intermediate water supply at a frequent water supply frequency to generate steam, it is possible to continuously generate steam without using a heating device with a large amount of heat. there is

Meanwhile, as described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit detects the low water level in the housing 110 (S311), it operates the heating device 120 to generate steam (S320), but if the housing 110 ) When the low water level is not detected because the water level is below the low level, the feed water pump device is operated (S313, S333) to determine whether the high level in the housing 110 is detected continuously or intermittently (S314, S334). Accordingly, the water supply in the housing 110 may be made up to a high level.

Next, when the high level in the housing 110 is detected ( S314 , S334 ), the heating device 120 may operate to generate steam during the steam generation time.

In the control method according to this embodiment, unlike the control method according to the above-described embodiment, the control unit uses both the low water level sensor 153 and the high water level sensor 152 in the housing 110 to control the water level in the housing 110 . Controls the feed water pump device to maintain the high water level, but when the water level in the housing 110 is higher than the low water level, the heating device 120 may be operated to generate steam.

That is, in the control method according to the present embodiment, the water level at which the control unit determines whether the heating device 120 operates or not and the water level at which the water pump stops the operation of the water supply pump device may be different.

Specifically, if the water level in the housing 110 does not reach the low water level, water is supplied from the water supply tank 31 using the water pump device, but the water level in the housing 110 reaches the high level, and if the water level does not reach the high level Alternatively, even between the low water level and the high water level, water is supplied from the water supply tank 31 by using the water supply pump device until the high water level is reached, and then the heating device 120 is operated to generate steam (S320).

Of course, even when the low water level in the housing is detected (S311), the heating device 120 may be operated to generate steam (S320).

On the other hand, before the step (S313, S333) of operating the water pump device, the control unit may detect the low water level in the water supply tank (31) (S312, 332).

When the low water level in the water supply tank 31 is not detected, that is, when water is not detected by the water level detecting means installed at a predetermined height (eg, low water level) of the water supply tank, the control unit requests the water supply tank 31 to be filled with water. A notification signal may be output visually or audibly (S315). When the water supply container 31 is not connected to the external raw water, the clothes treatment apparatus 1 outputs a water filling notification signal to the user to induce the user to replenish the water required for steam generation to the water supply container 31. can

In addition, when the low water level in the water supply tank 31 is not detected, the control unit may stop the operation of the heating device 120 ( S342 ). That is, as described above, when the heating device 120 is exposed to air, such as a ceramic heater, abnormal overheating may cause a fire or malfunction. By stopping the operation of the heating device 120 , abnormal overheating of the heating device 120 can be prevented in advance.

Thereafter, in the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the operation of the heating device 120 may be stopped ( S342 ) due to insufficient water in the housing 110 during steam generation, but then the laundry treatment chamber 11 . The drying operation step (S20) of supplying internal hot air to dry the inside of the laundry treatment chamber 11 may be further included.

Even if the heating device 120 does not operate due to insufficient water in the housing 110 while the steam generator 100 generates steam and sprays steam into the laundry treatment chamber 11, the inside of the laundry treatment chamber 11 is still humid. Since it has an atmosphere, there is a risk that mold may be generated in the laundry treatment room 11 , and clothes accommodated in the laundry treatment room 11 may also become wet due to a humid atmosphere.

Therefore, in the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the steam generation time is completed (S321) and the operation of the heating device 120 is stopped, so that the steam stroke step (S10) is normally ended, and then the drying cycle step (S20) ) is performed, of course, it is preferable to perform the drying cycle step (S20) even after the abnormal steam cycle step (S10) is terminated due to insufficient water in the housing 110 or the like.

Here, in order to supply hot air in the laundry treatment room 11 , a heater (eg, an electric heater or a gas heater) or a heat pump capable of heating air may be provided inside the machine room 20 . The laundry treatment apparatus according to the example may include a heat pump.

The above-described steps shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 or the steps according to an embodiment of the present invention described above are not essential, so a control method having more steps or fewer steps may be implemented.

As above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that it can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention.

Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims described later rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning, scope, and equivalent concept of the claims are included in the scope of the present invention. should be interpreted

1: Clothes processing device 11: Clothes processing room
12: air outlet 13: steam injection unit
20: machine room 31: water tank
32: drain container 40: door
100: steam generator 110: housing
111: cover 112: body
113: first partition 114: second partition
115: third bulkhead 120: heating device
130: steam outlet 140: drain port
150: water level detection means 151: reference water level detection sensor
152: high water level sensor 153: low water level sensor
160: temperature sensor 170: water inlet
180: safety device

Claims (10)

A method of controlling a clothes treatment apparatus, the method comprising: a steam generator provided in a machine room separated from a laundry treatment room in which clothes are accommodated, and configured to generate steam supplied to the laundry treatment room, the method comprising:
a steam operation step in which the heating device of the steam generator heats water to generate steam;
including,
The steam administration step is
Sensing the water level in the housing of the steam generator by a water level detecting means including a low water level sensor for detecting a low water level, and a high level detecting sensor for detecting a high level at a position higher than the low water level detecting sensor; and
generating steam by heating the water by the heating device when water is detected at a high level of the housing by the high water level sensor;
A method of controlling a laundry treatment apparatus comprising a. The method of claim 1,
The steam administration step is
operating a water pump device for supplying water in the housing from the water supply tank when the high water level of the housing is not detected by the high water level sensor and the low water level of the water supply tank is detected;
A method of controlling a clothes treatment apparatus, characterized in that it further comprises a. 3. The method of claim 2,
The step of operating the feed water pump device,
The control method of the laundry treatment apparatus, characterized in that the water supply pump is operated for a predetermined period of time to supply water in the housing. The method of claim 1,
The steam administration step is
stopping the operation of the heating device when the high water level of the housing is not detected by the high water level sensor and the low water level of the water supply tank is not detected;
further comprising,
The method for controlling the laundry treatment apparatus includes:
a drying operation step of supplying hot air in the laundry treatment room to dry the inside of the laundry treatment room;
A method of controlling a laundry treatment apparatus, characterized in that it further comprises a. The method of claim 1,
a drying operation step of supplying hot air into the laundry treatment chamber to dry the inside of the laundry treatment chamber when the heating device stops operating during the steam operation step or when the heating device stops operating after the steam operation step is completed;
Control method of the steam generator further comprising a. The method of claim 1,
The steam administration step is
when the high water level is not detected by the high water level sensor and the low water level of the water supply container is not detected, outputting a water filling notification for the water supply container;
A method of controlling a clothes treatment apparatus, characterized in that it further comprises a. The method of claim 1,
The steam administration step is
stopping the operation of the heating device when the low water level is not detected by the low water level detection sensor;
A method of controlling a clothes treatment apparatus, characterized in that it further comprises a. The method of claim 1,
The housing is
A first space in which water is accommodated, a second space having a steam outlet through which steam generated by the heating device is discharged, and the first and second spaces are separated, wherein the steam generated by the heating device is A space separation unit having a first flow path to be movable to the steam outlet and a second flow path for sharing water between the first and second spaces, wherein the first and second flow paths are not the same A method of controlling a laundry treatment apparatus, characterized in that it. The method of claim 1,
The steam administration step further includes an initial water supply step of initially supplying water in the housing as much as an initial water supply amount,
After the steam generating step, if the high water level is not detected by the high water level sensor and the low water level of the water supply container is not detected, an intermediate water supply step of supplying the water in the housing from the water supply tank by an intermediate water supply amount is further performed. including,
The method of claim 1, wherein the initial water supply amount is greater than the intermediate water supply amount. A method of controlling a steam generator provided in a machine room separated from a clothes treatment room in which clothes are accommodated to generate steam supplied to the clothes treatment room, the method comprising:
a steam operation step in which the heating device of the steam generator heats water to generate steam;
including,
The steam administration step is
Water level detecting means - The water level detecting means includes a low water level sensor for detecting a low water level, and a high level detecting sensor for detecting a high level at a position higher than the low water level detecting sensor - The water level in the housing of the steam generator detecting; and
generating steam by heating water by the heating device when the high water level is detected by the high water level sensor;
A control method of a steam generator comprising a.

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