KR20220114695A - Apparatus for laundry treatment and method of controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a clothes treatment apparatus. The clothes treatment apparatus of the present invention comprises: a clothes treatment room where clothes are accommodated; and a machine room including a steam generating device which is separated from the clothes treatment room and generates steam supplied to the clothes treatment room. The steam generating device includes: a heating device which heats water to generate the steam; a housing having a water supplying port through which the water is introduced and a steam discharging port through which the steam generated by heating the water by the heating device is discharged; and a temperature sensor measuring a temperature of an inner space of the housing. The temperature sensor is located around a water inlet and measures a temperature of the water flowing into the housing through the water inlet. An objective of the present invention is to provide the clothes treatment apparatus capable of determining whether or not the water is normally supplied to the steam generating device without an additional component, and a control method thereof.

Description

Clothing treatment apparatus and its control method {APPARATUS FOR LAUNDRY TREATMENT AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME}

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 on clothes.

Recently, a clothes treatment apparatus 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 for removing 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 directly applying heat to the clothes. .

The clothes treatment apparatus may have a steam generator for supplying steam to the clothes. In order for the steam generator to generate steam, the water stored in the water supply tank must be supplied. There is a demand for a method that can determine whether or not it is being performed normally.

KR 10-1430477 B1

The present invention provides a laundry treatment apparatus capable of determining whether water is being supplied normally to the steam generator without additional components when water stored in a water supply tank is supplied to the inside of a housing of the steam generator, and a clothes treatment apparatus thereof We want to provide a control method.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a laundry treatment apparatus having a machine room including a laundry treatment room in which clothes are accommodated, and a steam generator that is separated from the laundry treatment room and generates steam to be supplied to the laundry treatment room. The steam generator includes a housing having a heating device for heating water to generate steam, a water inlet through which water is introduced, and a steam outlet through which steam generated by heating water by the heating device is discharged, and the interior of the housing It provides a clothing treatment apparatus comprising a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the space, wherein the temperature sensor is located around the water supply port, and measures the temperature of water flowing into the housing through the water supply port .

According to an embodiment, the water inlet may be provided on one side of the housing, and the temperature sensor may be located under the water inlet to measure the temperature of water flowing into the housing through the water inlet and falling.

According to an embodiment, the housing includes a first space in which water is heated by the heating device, a second space having a steam outlet through which steam generated by the heating device is discharged, and the first and second spaces. It may include a space separation unit having a first flow path that divides the space, but allows the steam generated by the heating device to move to the steam outlet.

According to an embodiment, the temperature sensor may be provided on the first flow path to measure the temperature of steam.

According to an embodiment, the water supply port is provided on the first flow path, and the temperature sensor is located below the water supply port, and can measure the temperature of water flowing into the housing through the water supply port and falling. have.

According to an embodiment, the space separation unit may include a plurality of partition walls positioned between the heating device and the steam outlet, and one of the plurality of partition walls may be provided in front of the water supply port.

According to an embodiment, the control unit may further include a control unit for determining whether there is an abnormality in the supply water in the steam generator using a value measured by the temperature sensor.

According to an embodiment, a water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the housing may be provided, and a bottom surface of the space in which the water level detecting means is provided may be formed to be inclined.

According to an embodiment, the housing includes a first space in which water is heated by the heating device, a second space having a steam outlet through which steam generated by the heating device is discharged, and the first and second spaces. Separating a space, and including a space separator having a first flow path for allowing the steam generated by the heating device to move to the steam outlet, wherein the water level sensing means is provided in the second space, and the second space may be inclined such that the bottom surface is lowered toward the first space side.

In addition, the present invention provides a steam generator provided in a machine room separated from a laundry treatment room in which clothes are accommodated and generating steam supplied to the laundry treatment room. a housing having a water inlet, a steam outlet through which steam generated by heating water by the heating device is discharged, and a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the inner space of the housing, wherein the temperature sensor is located around the water inlet It provides a steam generator, characterized in that it also measures the temperature of the water flowing into the housing through the water supply port.

According to the present invention, when water stored in the water supply tank is supplied to the inside of the housing of the steam generator, it can be determined whether the water is normally supplied to the steam generator without a separate additional component.

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 inside of a laundry treatment room according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view showing the overall appearance of the steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a view showing one side of the steam generator of FIG. 3 .
FIG. 5 is a view showing a rear surface of the steam generator of FIG. 3 .
FIG. 6 is a view showing the front of the steam generator of FIG. 3 .
7 is a view schematically showing a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a view schematically showing another longitudinal cross-sectional view of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a view schematically showing a cross-sectional view of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a diagram schematically illustrating first and second flow paths according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a diagram schematically illustrating first and second flow paths according to another embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a diagram illustrating a control method of a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a step-by-step flow chart embodying the steam stroke step of FIG. 12 .
14 is a step-by-step flowchart of a process for determining whether water supply is abnormal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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 numerals 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 this 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 ordinal numbers such as first, second, 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 a component is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another component, it is understood that the other component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but other components 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 the present 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 is to be understood that this does not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

clothes processing equipment

1 is a view showing the exterior of a clothes treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view showing the inside of a clothes treatment room according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a laundry treatment chamber 11 in which clothes are accommodated, and a laundry treatment chamber 11 separated from the lower portion of the laundry treatment chamber 11 . ) may include a machine room 20 provided with various devices for dehumidifying, heating, or circulating the internal air to remove dust, odor, 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 .

An external surface of the cabinet or 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 clothes treatment chamber 11 has a space for receiving or mounting clothes therein. In order to circulate the air inside the clothes treatment chamber 11, an air inlet 12a through which the air inside the clothes treatment chamber 11 is sucked; An air outlet 12b for re-supplying the air sucked from the air inlet 12a back into the laundry treatment chamber 11 may be provided in the laundry treatment chamber 11 .

In this case, the air inlet 12a and the air outlet 12b may be provided on the bottom surface of the laundry treatment room 11 adjacent to the machine room 20 . Here, the floor surface is a horizontal surface that separates the laundry treatment room 11 and the machine room 20 and does not necessarily indicate only a horizontal flat shape.

The positions of the air inlet 12a and the air outlet 12b in the laundry treatment chamber 11 are not particularly limited, but according to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , the air inlet 12a is located in the laundry treatment room 11 . It may be located on the front door 40 side, and the air outlet 12b may be located on the rear rear side of the laundry treatment chamber 11 .

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 generator 100 and the steam spray unit 13 are connected to each other by a hose, and the steam generated by the steam generator 100 can be supplied to the steam spray unit 13 through a flow path formed along the hose. have.

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 in 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 at the time of a water filling notification to replenish water and then the casing. It is desirable to be able to mount it back 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 control unit (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 preferable to detect or determine whether there is a water level and output a water filling notification to the outside when the water level is low.

Meanwhile, in addition to the water supply tank 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 the steam supply 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 into 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 with more than a predetermined height using the 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, in the machine room 20 , there is a steam generator 100 for generating steam using water supplied from the water supply tank 31 , and a water supply port of the steam generator 100 in the water supply tank 31 . A feed water pump device for supplying water to 170 may be provided.

3 is a view showing an overall appearance of a steam generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a view showing one side of the steam generating device of FIG. 3, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are the steam generating devices of FIG. 3, respectively It is a view showing the back and front of the device.

3 to 6 , 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 drawing, 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 preferable 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, but as a preferred example, it may be a ceramic heater capable of generating heat with rapid temperature change and easy temperature control. have. 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. 3 to 6 , 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 main 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 the 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 .

The water inlet 170 is formed through the housing 110 so that water flows into it from the outside. Here, the location of the water inlet 170 is not particularly limited, but is preferably formed on one side of the housing 110 . .

Accordingly, the water introduced into the housing 110 through the water supply port 170 located on one side of the housing 110 may fall downward along the flow path indicated by reference numeral b in FIG. After making contact with the temperature sensor 160 located at the lower portion of the sphere 170 , water may be stored in the housing 110 .

The water supply port 170 may be located on the upper surface of the housing 110, but reduces noise generated by water flowing into the housing 110 and falling, and facilitates the installation of a water supply hose for connection with the water pump device. In order to do this, it is preferably located on one side of the housing 110 .

As will be described later, a partition wall may be provided in front of the water supply port 170 inside the housing 110 , and the water introduced through the water supply port 170 is guided to fall downward by the partition wall, so that the water is transferred to the temperature sensor It is desirable to be able to contact (160).

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

The temperature sensor 160 may be inserted and installed from the outside to the inside of the housing 110 , and the installation position is not particularly limited, but according to a preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor 160 is inserted into the housing 110 through the water supply port 170 . It may be installed to be located in the vicinity of the water supply port 170 so as to measure the temperature of the incoming water.

More preferably, as shown in FIG. 7 , the measuring part of the temperature sensor 160 is located at the lower part of the water supply port 170 , and the water flowing into the housing 110 through the water supply port 170 and falling By making this contact, the temperature sensor 160 is preferably able to measure the temperature of the water flowing in through the water supply port 170 relatively accurately.

In addition, the temperature sensor 160 is located above the water level sensing means 150 for detecting the water level in the housing 110, and when water is supplied to the housing 110 in a low water level through the water supply port 170, water will fall. It is preferable to allow

If the temperature sensor 160 is for measuring the surrounding temperature, the type is not particularly limited, and preferably, any one capable of measuring the temperature of a fluid including a liquid and a gas is sufficient.

Specifically, the temperature sensor 160 preferably measures the temperature of the water by contacting the falling water when water flows in through the water supply port 170 , and when water does not flow through the water supply port 170 . The temperature sensor 160 is preferably capable of measuring the temperature of the inner space of the housing 110 .

That is, when water is heated by the heating device 120 to generate steam, the temperature sensor 160 may measure the temperature of the generated steam, and the control unit (not shown) may be measured by the temperature sensor 160 . Using the value, it is possible to determine whether steam is generated.

To this end, the temperature sensor 160 is located below the water supply port 170 so that the water flowing in through the water supply port 170 can contact, and at the same time, the steam generated by the heating device 120 is discharged through the steam outlet ( 130) is preferably located on the flow path discharged to the outside.

In addition, the control unit may operate the water pump device to generate a control command to supply water from the water supply tank 31 to the inside of the housing 110 and transmit a control signal, and then the control unit may transmit a control signal, as will be described later, the temperature sensor 160 ) can be used to determine whether the water supply is abnormal.

On the other hand, the steam generator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a water level sensing means 150 for sensing or measuring the height of the water contained in the housing 110 .

Although the installation height of the water level sensing means 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited, it is preferable that the upper part of the heating device 120 and the upper part of the temperature sensor 160 are installed. That is, when the heating device 120 is exposed to the air, such as a ceramic heater, it may be overheated and cause a fire or malfunction. It is preferable to stop the operation of the heating device 120 so that the heating device 120 is not operated in a state exposed to the air when the water is not supplied normally.

In addition, in the steam generator 100 , a plurality of water level detecting means 150 may also be provided to measure a plurality of water levels, but the water level detecting means 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided in the housing 110 . Only one may be installed at a predetermined height.

Accordingly, the control unit can detect whether there is water at the corresponding height at which the water level sensing unit 150 is installed by measuring the conductivity using the water level sensing unit 150, and using this, the control unit is the water level sensing unit 150) Based on the installed height, it is possible to determine the high/low level of the water level in the housing 110 .

For example, when water is sensed by the water level sensing means 150, the control unit may determine that it is a high level (or full water level) in the housing 110, and if the water level sensing unit 150 does not detect water, the control unit controls the housing 110 You can judge that it is my low water level.

When the control unit determines that the water level in the housing 110 is low by using the water level detecting means 150 , the water stored in the water supply tank 31 may be introduced into the housing 110 by operating the water supply pump device.

Meanwhile, the steam generator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a safety device 180 for detecting abnormal overheating of the heating device 120 and blocking the current supplied to the heating device 120 . can do.

That is, in addition to the control of the operation of the heating device 120 by the control unit, it is preferable to use the stabilizer 180 in addition to prevent a fire or failure of the steam generating device 100 in a double layer.

Meanwhile, FIG. 7 is a view schematically showing a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a view schematically showing another longitudinal cross-sectional view of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. to be.

7 and 8 , the housing 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention is generated by the first space S1 in which water is heated by the heating device 120 and the heating device 120 . may include a second space S2 having a steam outlet 130 through which steam is discharged, and in this case, the first and second spaces S1 and S1 to separate the first and second spaces S1 and S2. S2) may further include a space separation unit (113 ~ 115) interposed between.

Here, the first space S1 refers to a space in which the 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 may be a plate shape, and the partition wall may include a shape in which a protrusion is added to at least a portion on one surface.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, any one of the partition walls, preferably the third partition wall 115 located in front of the temperature sensor 160 or the water inlet 170, is the temperature sensor 160 or the water inlet. It may further include at least one guide wall (115a, 115b) formed to protrude by a predetermined height in the (170) direction.

A 'C'-shaped groove is formed by the third partition wall 115 and the guide walls 115a and 115b protruding therefrom, and water flows into the housing 110 from the water supply port 170 toward the formed groove. By the inflow, water can be guided downward along the inner wall of the groove without being dispersed. In addition, the temperature sensor 160 is provided in the groove, so that the water guided downward along the inner wall of the groove is concentrated on the temperature sensor 160 , so that the temperature sensor 160 is introduced through the water supply port 170 . It is possible to measure the temperature of water relatively accurately.

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 and second flow paths f1 and f2 .

Specifically, FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating first and second flow paths according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first flow path f1 may indicate the flow of fluid moving along the inner wall of the housing 110 , and the second flow path f2 may indicate the flow of the fluid moving along the inner wall of the housing 110 .

As shown in FIG. 10( 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 a first opening op1 and the second partition wall 114 having a 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 the third partition wall 115 .

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 the height 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 In this case, the vertical lengths of the first and second partition walls 113 and 114 may be the same (see FIG. 8 ).

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 at the center between the first and second partition walls 113 and 114 . However, a position between the first partition wall 113 located in the front and the second partition wall 114 located in the rear is sufficient.

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 separated 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.

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

As shown in FIG. 11( 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, on the side of the first space S1 . ) may include a third partition wall 115' that blocks 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, the distance between the third, first, and second partition walls 115', 113', and 114' may be uniformly disposed.

Meanwhile, as described above, the water level detecting means 150 is provided to sense the water level in the housing 110 . In this case, the water level detecting means 150 is preferably provided in the second space S2 .

Accordingly, the first space S1 where 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 heating device 120 is separated. ) can shorten the time for initial steam spraying by heating only a relatively small amount of water accommodated in the separated first space (S1) of the entire space and quickly vaporizing it, and the heating provided in the first space (S1) The shaking of the water surface generated when water is vaporized by the device 120 is blocked by the space separating units 113 to 115, so that when the water level detecting means 150 provided in the second space S2 detects the water level Detection errors or errors can be minimized.

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, only a relatively small amount of water is heated and evaporated quickly, thereby shortening the initial steam injection time, 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, it is preferable that the bottom surface (a) of the second space (S2) in which the water level sensing means 150 is provided has an inclined shape.

The water level detecting means 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed at a predetermined height in the housing 110 to determine the low/high water level depending on whether water is detected, so the water level detecting means is caused by the shaking of the water surface. The measurement result by (150) may output different values at an irregularly high speed. Accordingly, there is a problem in that the control unit for determining the water level may make an erroneous determination due to chattering.

Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by forming the bottom surface (a) forming the space provided with the water level sensing means 150 to be inclined, when the water surface is formed along the inclined surface, the shaking of the water surface or the change of the water level is The problem of erroneous determination of the control unit that determines the water level based on the offset of chattering irregularly changed by the inclined surface can be solved.

Here, the angle of inclination of the bottom surface a is not particularly limited, and the bottom surface of the second space S2 may be inclined downward so that the bottom surface of the second space S2 becomes lower toward the first space S1 side. That is, the bottom surface (a) may have an inclined surface so that water in the housing 110 is collected into the first space S1.

On the other hand, when the heating device 120 heats and vaporizes the water contained in the housing 110, the heating device 120 prevents unheated water from being supplied from the outside around the heating device 120, and the temperature sensor 160 connects the water supply port ( In order to relatively accurately measure the temperature of the water introduced through 170 , the water supply port 170 is preferably provided in the second space S2 .

The water supply port 170 is preferably located above the temperature sensor 160, and according to another embodiment, shaking or noise of the water surface generated when the water supplied from the outside through the water supply port 170 falls. In order to reduce , the inner end of the water inlet 170 is extended to the vicinity of the third bulkhead 115, or a guide wall 115a protruding from the third bulkhead 115 located in front of the water inlet 170, 115b) may be provided to face the inside of the groove formed by the guide walls 115a and 115b.

Water supplied to the second space S2 may fall along the guide walls 115a and 115b and be stored in the housing 110 , and may contact the temperature sensor 160 during the dripping process.

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 in which the heating device 120 is provided. (See Figures 10 and 11). That is, the water introduced through the water inlet 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. 10(b) and 11(b), the first and second partition walls 113, 113', 114, and 114' are formed on one side 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 flow path.

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. 10(b) and 11(b) respectively 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, thereby minimizing contact with each other, thereby preventing re-liquefaction of the generated steam. can do.

On the other hand, as described above, in order to measure the temperature of water flowing in through the water inlet 170 located under the water inlet 170 , a temperature sensor 160 may be provided in the lower portion of the water inlet 170 . have.

In addition, the temperature sensor 160 may measure the temperature of the steam, and in order to measure the temperature of the steam relatively accurately, the steam generated by being heated by the heating device 120 moves toward the steam outlet 130 . It is preferably provided on the first flow path.

Specifically, the temperature sensor 160 is located in the upper portion of the housing 110, but is preferably located in the lower portion of the water supply port (170). In other words, the temperature sensor 160 may be provided toward the third barrier rib 115 provided in front, and more preferably located between the two guide walls 115a and 115b protruding from the third barrier rib 115 . may be arranged to do so.

Accordingly, the control unit can determine whether there is an abnormality in the steam generation in the steam generating device using the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 when the heating device 120 is operating using the temperature sensor 160 . , it is possible to determine whether the supply water is abnormal by using the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 when the water supply pump device is operating.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may determine whether the water supply is abnormal by using the temperature change measured by the temperature sensor 160 before and after the operation of the water pump device. Abnormalities in water supply may refer to all cases where there is no or insufficient water supply due to a failure of the water supply pump device or clogging of the water supply hose or water supply port 170 .

Hereinafter, a method for the control unit to determine whether the water supply is abnormal according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Control method of clothes processing equipment

12 is a diagram illustrating a control method of a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 12 , in the method of controlling a clothes treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, a steam operation step (S10) in which the heating device 120 of the steam generator 100 heats water to generate steam (S10). ) and then a drying operation step (S20) of supplying hot air into the laundry treatment chamber 11 to dry the inside of the laundry treatment chamber 11 .

13 is a step-by-step flow chart embodying the steam stroke step of FIG. 12 .

Looking at the steam stroke step (S10) in detail, as shown in FIG. 13 , in the control method of the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the heating device 120 of the steam generator 100 generates water. A step of generating steam by heating (S120), a step of determining whether the water level in the housing 110 using the water level detecting means 150 is above a preset specified water level (S130), and if the water level is less than the specified water level, A water supply step (S140) of supplying water to the water supply port 170 of the steam generator 100 by operating the water supply pump device, and the steam generator through the water supply port 170 using the temperature sensor 160 ( It may include a step (S150) of measuring the first temperature of the water flowing into the housing 110 of the 100) and determining whether there is an abnormality in the water supply into the housing 110 by using this.

That is, the control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention uses the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 to transfer the water stored in the water supply container 31 into the housing 110 of the steam generator 100 . When water is supplied, it may be determined whether water is normally supplied to the steam generator 100 .

First, the heating device 120 is operated to generate steam, and the step of spraying steam through the steam outlet 130 ( S120 ) is a steam injection time according to a steam generation command input from the user through the input unit, or from the user. The controller may operate the heating device 120 to generate and/or spray steam for a preset time, such as a steam spraying time, according to any one of the inputted clothes treatment courses.

At this time, the control unit may determine whether steam is generated in the housing 110 , and specifically, the control unit uses the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 for measuring the temperature of the inner space of the housing 110 to steam It can be determined whether or not this has occurred, but it is of course possible to determine whether steam is generated in the steam generating device 100 by using various methods other than this.

For example, if water is vaporized by the operation of the heating device 120 and steam is being generated, the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 160 may be 100° C. Otherwise, the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 160 may be Since the measured temperature value is less than 100°C, the controller may determine whether steam is generated based on the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 160 .

At this time, in order to accurately measure the temperature of the steam, the temperature sensor 160 is preferably provided on the first flow path f1 and in the second space S2 as described above, and the controller is the first flow path. By measuring the temperature of the steam flowing along the first flow path f1 using the temperature sensor 160 installed on (f1), it is possible to determine whether steam is generated.

After the steam generator 100 generates steam and starts spraying steam through the steam spraying unit 13, the control unit generates steam for a preset time or sprays steam for a preset time, It may be determined whether the steam injection time has been reached (S131).

If, after starting steam generation and/or steam spraying, if the steam spraying time has not been reached so far, the steam spraying (S120) is continued, otherwise, when the current steam spraying time is reached, the heating device 120 The operation may be stopped and the steam stroke step (S10) may be terminated.

After operating the heating device 120 to generate steam, and spraying the generated steam to the laundry treatment chamber 11 (S120), the control unit detects the water level in the housing 110 using the water level detecting means 150 . (S130) can be done.

The water level sensing means 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided at a predetermined height in the housing 110, and the water level in the housing 110 is high and low based on the corresponding height depending on whether water is detected at the installation height. can be judged

Accordingly, the control unit may determine whether to operate the feed water pump device according to whether a predetermined water level is detected using the water level detecting means 150 . That is, after the initial steam is generated and steam is sprayed, if a predetermined water level is not detected by the water level detecting means 150, the water pump device is operated (S140) and the water contained in the water supply tank 31 is transferred to the housing 110. ), and on the contrary, if a predetermined water level is not detected by the water level detecting means 150, the steam generation and spraying process (S120) may be continued.

At this time, since the steam generator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can repeatedly generate steam in a short cycle for a relatively small volume of water by dividing the space in the housing 100 , after the initial steam generation and spraying In the step (S140) of operating the water pump, it is preferable to supply water by a water supply amount q2 that is less than the water supply amount q1 input into the first housing 110 .

That is, when starting the steam operation step (S10) for the first time, before the steam spraying step (S120), the control unit determines whether a predetermined water level is detected using the water level detecting means 150, and when the predetermined water level is detected, the steam spraying step Steam can be generated and sprayed in (S120), but if a predetermined water level is not detected, the water supply pump device is operated (S121), but at this time, the amount of water supplied into the housing 110 (q1) is, as described above, steam spray It is preferable that the amount of water supplied into the housing 110 by the operation (S140) of the water pump device after step (S120) is greater than the amount of water supplied (q2).

For example, the amount of water supplied to the housing 110 in step S121 may be 200ml, the amount of water supplied to the housing 110 in step S140 may be 50ml, and the amount of steam injected in step S120 is preferably 50ml. .

Looking at this series of processes in detail, when the steam administration step (S10) is first started, the control unit determines whether a predetermined water level is detected using the water level detecting means 150 (S110), and the current water level is When it is determined that the water level is lower than the specified water level, the water supply pump may be operated a predetermined number of times or operated by a predetermined water supply amount (S121, S122) to supply 200ml of water into the housing 110.

At this time, if the water supply pump device is operated for a preset number of times or for a preset amount of water supply (S121, S122), but the water level detected by the control unit using the water level detecting means 150 is still not below the predetermined level, abnormal water supply , and accordingly, the operation of the feed water pump device is stopped and an error can be displayed externally using various output means (S123).

When the control unit determines that the current water level is a high water level higher than the predetermined water level using the water level detecting means 150 before the initial steam injection (S12), the control unit generates steam and releases the generated steam through the steam outlet 130. can be sprayed (S120). At this time, the amount of steam to be sprayed may be 50ml.

Then, if the water level in the housing 110 measured again is high, the steam spraying state (S120) can be maintained to spray 50 ml of steam, and after spraying the steam at least one time, the water level in the housing 110 is the low water level When it is determined that there is, the water supply pump may be operated for a preset number of times or by a preset amount of water supply (S140) to supply the housing 110 with the amount of steam generated, that is, the amount of water equivalent to 50 ml.

Here, the control unit determines that the current water level is a low water level below the predetermined water level, and when the water pump device is operated for water supply in the housing 110, the temperature sensor 160 is used to the housing (170) through the water supply port (170) 110) A first temperature of the water flowing into the interior may be measured, and the controller may determine whether there is an abnormality in the water supply inside the housing 110 using the first temperature.

Unlike the method of starting the steam stroke step (S10) and determining whether the water supply is abnormal before the first steam spraying step (S120), the temperature sensor 160 is used to determine whether the water supply is abnormal after the first steam spraying step (S120) Thus, it is possible to determine whether the water supply is abnormal.

Specifically, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may determine whether the water supply is abnormal by using the temperature change measured by the temperature sensor 160 , that is, depending on whether a temperature change has occurred.

14 is a step-by-step flowchart of a process for determining whether water supply is abnormal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 14 , after the steam spraying step S21 , the control unit may measure the second temperature using the temperature sensor 160 ( S220 ). Although not shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , before operating the feed water pump device ( S230 ), the control unit uses the temperature sensor 160 provided on the housing 110 internal space, preferably the first flow path f1 . 2 The temperature (for example, 100° C.) may be measured. Of course, in this case, after the step (S120) of generating steam and spraying the steam, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 may be the temperature of steam vaporized by the heated water.

Next, the control unit can supply water to the inside of the housing 110 through the water supply port 170 by operating the water supply pump device (S230, S140), and thereafter, the control unit operates a temperature sensor (S230, S140) provided under the water supply port 170 ( 160) may be used to measure the first temperature (eg, 20° C.).

The controller may compare the measured first and second temperatures (S250), calculate a temperature change of the first and second temperatures, and determine whether the water supply is abnormal using the temperature change (S260).

Specifically, when the control unit calculates the temperature change that the first temperature is lower than the second temperature, it can be determined that water is normally supplied through the water supply port 170 by the water supply pump device, and on the contrary, the control unit determines that the first temperature is lower than the first temperature. If the temperature change is calculated as the temperature being equal to or greater than the second temperature, it may be determined that the water supply through the water supply port 170 is abnormally performed by the water supply pump device.

That is, the control unit may calculate a temperature change based on the first and second temperatures measured using the temperature sensor 160 ( S150 ), and the calculated temperature change does not fall within a preset range, and sets the range. If it deviates, it can be determined that a temperature change has occurred, and it can be determined that normal water supply is made. Accordingly, the control unit detects a predetermined water level using the water level detecting means 150, and sprays steam (S120) or operates the feed water pump device (S140) depending on whether the water level is high or low based on the predetermined water level (S140). can do.

Conversely, if the control unit determines that the water supply by the water pump device is abnormal water supply rather than the normal water supply water because the temperature change calculated using the first and second temperatures falls within the preset range, the control unit restarts the water supply pump device by the preset number of times. It may operate or retry to supply ( S140 , S160 ) the water accommodated in the water supply container 31 as much as a preset water supply amount.

If the control unit operates the water supply pump device a preset number of times or allows water to be supplied as much as a preset amount of water supply, the first temperature is measured again ( S220 ) using the temperature sensor 160 to supply water into the housing 110 . abnormality can be judged.

That is, the control unit can determine whether the water supply is abnormal by comparing the first and second temperatures, and the control unit determines whether the water supply is abnormal after determining whether the water supply is abnormal. It is possible to stop the operation of the heating device 120 in operation and display an error externally using various output means (S170).

Thereafter, in the control method of the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the steam spraying time is reached after the steam spraying step (S120) (S131), or it is determined that the water level is low after the steam spraying step (S120), but abnormal water supply , the drying operation step (S20) of supplying hot air in the laundry treatment room 11 to dry the inside of the laundry treatment room 11 may be further included.

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

Accordingly, in the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the steam injection time is completed (S131) and the operation of the heating device 120 is stopped, so that the steam stroke step (S10) is normally terminated and then the drying cycle step (S20) can be performed, of course, it is preferable to perform the drying operation step (S20) even after the abnormal steam operation 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 introduced into the machine room may be dehumidified and heated through the evaporator and the condenser.

The steps shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 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 illustration, 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
12a: air inlet 12b: air outlet
13: steam injection unit 20: machine room
31: water tank 32: drain tank
40: door 100: steam generator
110: housing 111: cover
112: main body 113: first partition wall
114: second barrier rib 115: third barrier rib
120: heating device 130: steam outlet
140: drain 150: water level sensing means
160: temperature sensor 170: water inlet
180: safety device

Claims (10)

A laundry treatment apparatus having a machine room comprising: a laundry treatment room in which clothes are accommodated; and a steam generator that is separated from the laundry treatment room and generates steam to be supplied to the laundry treatment room;
The steam generator is
a heating device for heating water to generate steam;
a housing having a water inlet through which water is introduced and a steam outlet through which steam generated by heating water by the heating device is discharged; and
a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the inner space of the housing;
including,
and the temperature sensor is located around the water supply port and measures the temperature of water flowing into the housing through the water supply port. The method of claim 1,
The water supply port is provided on one side of the housing,
and the temperature sensor is located below the water supply port and measures the temperature of water flowing into the housing through the water supply port and falling. The method of claim 1,
The housing is
A first space in which water is heated by the heating device, a second space having a steam outlet through which the steam generated by the heating device is discharged, and the first and second spaces are separated, but by the heating device and a space separator having a first flow path for allowing the generated steam to move to the steam outlet. 4. The method of claim 3,
and the temperature sensor is provided on the first flow path and measures the temperature of steam. 5. The method of claim 4,
The water supply port is provided on the first flow path,
and the temperature sensor is located below the water supply port and measures the temperature of water flowing into the housing through the water supply port and falling. 6. The method of claim 5,
The space separating unit includes a plurality of partition walls positioned between the heating device and the steam discharge port, wherein one of the plurality of partition walls is provided in front of the water supply port. 6. The method of claim 5,
a control unit that determines whether there is an abnormality in the water supply in the steam generator using a value measured by the temperature sensor;
The laundry treatment apparatus further comprising a. The method of claim 1,
and a water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the housing is provided, and a bottom surface of the space in which the water level detecting means is provided is inclined. 9. The method of claim 8,
The housing is
A first space in which water is heated by the heating device, a second space having a steam outlet through which the steam generated by the heating device is discharged, and the first and second spaces are separated, but by the heating device A space separation unit having a first flow path for allowing the generated steam to move to the steam outlet,
and the water level sensing means is provided in the second space, and the second space is inclined so that a bottom surface thereof is lowered toward the first space. 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 steam generator comprising:
a heating device for heating water to generate steam;
a housing having a water inlet through which water is introduced and a steam outlet through which steam generated by heating water by the heating device is discharged; and
a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the inner space of the housing;
including,
The temperature sensor is positioned around the water supply port, and the steam generator, characterized in that it measures the temperature of water flowing into the housing through the water supply port.

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