RU2789288C1 - Laundry processing device and a method for controlling a laundry processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: laundry equipment.

SUBSTANCE: device for processing laundry is disclosed, including a supply pipe of a water outlet device for supplying water stored in a water collector to a water outlet device, a water supply pipe designed to connect the water outlet device and the water collector to each other, and a water level sensor of the water collector for measuring the water level inside the water collector, and a controller made with the ability to control the device for laundry processing, which includes a water level measurement operation in which the water level sensor of the water collector measures the water level in the water collector during the drying operation, and the operation of cleaning water supply, in which, when the water level in the water collector is below the specified reference water level associated with cleaning, the water supply valve is controlled to supply water stored in the water outlet device to the water collector.

EFFECT: improving the operation of the device that provides washing and drying of laundry.

18 cl, 8 dwg

Description

The field of technology to which the invention belongs

[1] The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus and a method for controlling the laundry treating apparatus.

Background of the invention

[2] Laundry treatment apparatus refers to the general term of a laundry washing apparatus, a laundry drying apparatus, and a laundry washing and drying apparatus.

[3] Known laundry treatment devices for drying laundry may include a drum that defines a laundry storage area, a passage that defines a passage that re-supplies air discharged from the drum into the drum, a first heat exchanger that cools the air, supplied to the channel from the drum to remove moisture contained in the air, a second heat exchanger that heats the air passed through the first heat exchanger, and a fan that moves the air passing through the second heat exchanger into the drum.

[4] In the prior art laundry treating apparatus having the above structure, the air discharged from the drum is dried and heated while passing through the heat exchangers, and then re-supplied to the drum. Thus, contaminants such as fluff remain in the heat exchangers. In order to solve such a problem, each of some known laundry treating devices is configured to include a filter for filtering the air supplied to the first heat exchanger or nozzles for ejecting water to the filter or heat exchanger (EP2691567B1).

[5] A conventional laundry treatment apparatus that ejects water to remove impurities from a filter or a heat exchanger generally uses water (condensate) discharged from air passing through the first heat exchanger during drying of laundry. The method for supplying the condensate generated during the drying of laundry to the filter is mainly divided into a potential energy circuit and a pump circuit.

[6] The potential energy method (KR101410595) includes moving the condensate generated during drying to a water outlet vessel located at the top of the drum, and then draining the water from the water outlet vessel to a filter or heat exchanger at the time when the filter needs to be cleaned. The pump method (EP2691567B1) involves supplying the condensate formed during drying to a filter or heat exchanger by means of a pump.

[7] The two methods as described above have a disadvantage in that whether a filter or a heat exchanger can be cleaned, and the degree of cleaning thereof is determined based on the amount of condensate generated during drying. That is, in both methods, the filter or heat exchanger is cleaned only by the condensate formed during drying, without the process of determining whether the amount (reference water level associated with cleaning) of condensate necessary to clean the filter or heat exchanger has been collected, and the process in which, when less condensate has been collected than the amount needed for cleaning, water is added. Thus, in both methods, the known laundry treatment apparatus has the disadvantage that the apparatus does not sufficiently clean the filter or heat exchanger when the amount of condensate is small.

Disclosure of invention

Technical problem

[8] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a laundry treatment apparatus and a method for controlling the laundry treatment apparatus, wherein when the water level in a condensate storage tank is lower than the water level required for cleaning a filter or heat exchanger assembly, the tank is configured to receiving water from a water supply source (water outlet) located inside the casing, or a water supply source located outside the casing.

[9] Furthermore, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a laundry treatment apparatus and a method for controlling the laundry treatment apparatus, wherein when the amount of water (condensate) generated when air passes through the heat exchanger during drying is less than the amount of wash water, necessary to clean the filter assembly or heat exchanger, the laundry treating device is configured to direct a user to supply wash water.

[10] Further, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a laundry treatment apparatus and a method for operating the laundry treatment apparatus, wherein, when the amount of condensate generated during drying is less than the amount of wash water required to clean the filter assembly or heat exchanger, the apparatus for treating laundry, it is configured to forcibly prevent the user from draining the condensate formed during drying, so that the filter assembly or heat exchanger must be cleaned during subsequent drying.

[11] Furthermore, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a laundry treating apparatus and a method for controlling the laundry treating apparatus, wherein the laundry treating apparatus is configured to predict the amount of condensate that may be generated during a drying operation before the drying operation is started, and when the predicted amount of condensate is less than the amount of wash water required to clean the filter assembly or heat exchanger, the device is configured to direct a user to supply wash water.

Solution

[12] The present disclosure describes a method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus, the method including a drying step of successively drying and heating the air discharged from the drum to supply heated low-moisture air to the drum, a water level sensing step in which the level sensor water tank water level measures the water level in the water tank in which the water generated in the drying process is stored during the drying operation, the water discharge operation in which, when the dryness of the laundry is lower than the predetermined reference dryness degree, and the water level in the water tank is greater than or equal to the predetermined reference level associated with cleaning, water from the sump passes into a water outlet having a region formed therein for storing water therein, a cleaning operation in which, when the dryness of the laundry is higher than or equal to the predetermined reference dryness, and the water level in the sump greater than or equal to the reference water level associated with treatment, catchment water ka is supplied to the water-jet ejector for cleaning the filter unit that filters the air moving to the heat exchanger, and the washing water supplying operation in which, when the dryness of the laundry is higher than or equal to the dryness set by the support, and the water level in the sump is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, water from the outlet device is supplied to the water collector.

[13] When the dryness of the laundry reaches the target dryness set to a dryness higher than the reference dryness, the control method may complete the drying operation and may perform the last water discharge operation by moving the water stored in the water trap to the water outlet through the supply pipe of the water outlet. device after the drying operation is completed. The reference dryness may be set to 40-50% or more of the target dryness.

[14] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus is described, in which the laundry treating apparatus includes a drum having a laundry storage area formed therein, a passage forming a path for supplying air discharged from the drum back to a drum, a fan for moving air through the channel, a heat absorber for removing moisture from the air supplied to the channel, a heat emitter located inside the channel for heating the air passing through the heat absorber, a water collector for storing water discharged from the air passing through the absorber heat sink, a filter unit located in the channel for filtering the air moving to the heat sink, a water outlet having a water storage area formed therein, a water outlet supply pipe for supplying water stored in the water collector to the water outlet, a water jet ejector for ejecting water to the filter assembly, the supply pipe to the water a hand-operated ejector for supplying water stored in the sump to the water jet ejector, a water supply pipe configured to connect the water outlet and the sump to each other, a water supply valve for controlling the opening and closing of the water supply pipe, and a sump water level sensor for measuring the water level inside the sump, the method including a drying step in which a fan, a heat sink and a heat emitter operate to effect heat exchange between the air and the laundry in the drum, a water level measuring step in which a sump water level sensor measures the water level in the sump during the drying operation, a feeding step a wash water in which, when the water level in the sump is lower than a predetermined reference water level associated with cleaning, the water supply valve is controlled to supply water stored in the water outlet to the sump, and a cleaning operation in which, after completion of the wash water supply operation, the water is supplied from the water collector to the water jet ejector to clean the filter assembly.

[15] In one embodiment of the method, each of the wash water supply operation and the cleaning operation is started when the dryness of the laundry, measured using at least one of the sensor electrode or the humidity sensor, is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference dryness, wherein the humidity sensor measures the humidity of the air passing from the drum into the channel, and the sensor-electrode is configured to contact the laundry and measure the amount of moisture contained in the laundry.

[16] In one embodiment of the method, the method further includes a terminating step in which, when the dryness of the laundry measured by at least one of the moisture sensor or the sensor-electrode reaches a target dryness that is higher than the reference dryness, the drying operation is completed, and the last water discharge operation, in which, after the completion of the drying operation, the water stored in the water collector passes to the water discharge device for discharging water through the supply pipe of the water discharge device.

[17] In one embodiment of the method, the reference dryness may be set to 40-50% or more of the target dryness.

[18] In one embodiment of the method, the method further includes a water discharge step in which, when the water level in the sump measured after completion of the cleaning operation is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference water level associated with the outlet, the water stored in the sump passes into the water outlet through the supply pipe of the water outlet.

[19] In one embodiment of the method, the method further includes a water discharge step in which, when the dryness of the air passing from the drum to the channel is lower than the reference dryness, and the water level in the sump is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference water level associated with outlet, the water stored in the sump passes into the outlet through the outlet pipe of the outlet.

[20] In one embodiment of the method, when the water level in the sump measured after completion of the washing water supply operation is greater than or equal to the reference water level associated with cleaning, the cleaning operation starts when the water level in the sump measured after the completion of the washing water supply operation water reaches the reference water level associated with cleaning, and when the water level in the sump, measured after the completion of the washing water supply operation, is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, the cleaning operation starts when the specified reference time has elapsed since completion wash water supply operations.

[21] In one embodiment of the method, the method further includes at least one of a notification operation in which, when the water level in the sump measured after completion of the washing water supply operation is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning , a message asking the user not to drain the water stored in the water outlet is output by at least one of the display panel or the speaker, or a blocking operation in which, when the water level in the water trap, measured after completion of the washing water supply operation , lower than the reference water level associated with the purge, an interlock is activated to block the water outlet.

[22] In one embodiment of the method, the method further includes a notification step in which, when the water level in the sump measured after completion of the wash water supplying step is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, a prompt message is issued to the user for supplying water to the water outlet with at least one of the display panel or the speaker, and a connecting operation in which, during the notification operation or after completion of the notification operation, the water supply valve opens the water supply pipe to connect the water outlet and the water collector to each other, moreover, when the water level in the sump, measured after completion of the connection operation, is greater than or equal to the reference water level associated with cleaning, the cleaning operation starts when the water level in the sump reaches the reference water level associated with cleaning, and when the water level in the sump , measured after completion of op connection iteration, lower than the reference water level associated with the cleaning, the cleaning operation starts when the specified reference time has elapsed after the completion of the notification operation.

[23] In one embodiment of the method, the method further includes at least one of a notification operation, in which, when the water level in the sump measured after completion of the connection operation is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, the message prompting the user not to drain the water stored in the water outlet is output by at least one of the display panel or the speaker, or a blocking operation in which, when the water level in the water trap, measured after completion of the connection operation, is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, the lock is activated to block the water outlet.

[24] In one embodiment of the method, the method further includes a predictive operation that is performed before starting the drying operation, and in which the amount of water collected in the sump before the reference dryness level is reached is predicted based on the amount of laundry measured by the laundry amount sensor, and a prediction result notification operation, in which, when the sum of the water level measured by the outlet water level sensor measuring the water level inside the outlet and the water level corresponding to the predicted amount measured in the prediction operation is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, a message, requesting the user to supply water to the water outlet, is output by at least one of the display panel or the speaker.

[25] In one embodiment of the method, the prediction result notification operation may start when the sum of the water level measured by the outlet water level sensor, the water level measured by the catchment water level sensor, and the water level corresponding to the predicted amount measured in the prediction operation, lower than the reference water level associated with the cleaning.

[26] In one embodiment of the method, the method further includes a detergent injection request operation in which, when a cleaning request using detergent is input to an input interface receiving a control command from a user after the completion of the last water discharge operation, a message is output with a request to inject detergent into the water outlet by at least one of the display panel or the speaker, and a mixed liquid supply operation in which the water supply valve is controlled such that the mixed liquid of water and detergent stored in the water outlet , is supplied to the sump, a mixed liquid ejection operation in which the mixed liquid stored in the sump is supplied to the water jet ejector to clean the filter assembly, and a mixed liquid discharge operation in which the mixed liquid from the sump flows to the water outlet after completion of the ejection operation, see swallowed liquid.

[27] In one embodiment of the method, the method further includes a filter unit drying step in which, after the mixed liquid draining operation is completed, a fan is driven to dry the filter unit.

[28] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry treating apparatus is described, comprising a casing having a laundry inlet formed on its front surface, a drum rotatably disposed in the casing, and having a laundry storage area formed therein, and communicating with a laundry inlet, a channel forming a path for supplying air discharged from the drum back to the drum, a fan for circulating air from the drum through the channel, a heat exchanger including a heat absorber for removing moisture from the air supplied to the channel, and a heat emitter located inside the channel for heating the air passing through the heat absorber, a water collector for storing water removed from the air passing through the heat absorber, a filter assembly located in the channel for filtering the air moving towards the heat absorber, a water outlet device, including in a housing for storing water, located with the possibility detachable in the housing and having a water storage area formed therein, and an inlet configured to pass through the water storage housing, a water outlet supply pipe for directing the water stored in the water collector to the inlet, a water jet ejector configured to ejection of water to at least one of the filter assembly or heat sink, the water jet ejector supply pipe for supplying water stored in the water collector to the water jet ejector, the water supply device including an outlet formed by to pass through the water storage body, to discharge water from the water storage body through it, the water outlet valve to open and close the water outlet, the valve actuator to control the water outlet valve to open the water outlet when the water storage case is fixed on the casing, a water supply pipe for directing water, discharged from the water outlet to the water trap, and a water supply valve for controlling the opening and closing of the water supply pipe, a water trap water level sensor configured to detect the water level inside the water trap, and a controller configured to control the water supply valve to move water from the housing to storing water in the sump when the water level measured by the sump water level sensor is below a predetermined reference water level associated with cleaning.

[29] In one embodiment of the device, the device further includes a connection hole configured to pass through the upper surface of the water storage case, a water supply hole of the storage case formed to pass through the upper surface of the case and located above the connection hole, and a water inlet door configured to open and close the water inlet.

[30] In one embodiment of the device, the water supply hole of the storage case may be formed in the front portion adjacent to the laundry inlet, between the front portion and the rear portion of the top surface of the case.

[31] In one embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus further includes a water outlet mounting hole formed to pass through one surface of the housing, wherein the water storage housing is removed from the housing or inserted into the housing through the water outlet mounting hole, a panel attached to of the water storage case and attached to or detachable from the mounting hole of the water outlet, a panel water supply hole formed to pass through the panel, a connection hole formed to pass through the upper surface of the water storage case, and a section forming a path made for guiding the water flowing into the water supply hole of the panel to the connection hole.

[32] In one embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus further includes a water outlet mounting hole formed to pass through one surface of the housing, wherein the water storage housing is removed from the housing or inserted into the housing through the water outlet mounting hole, a panel attached to of the water storage housing and attached to or detachable from the water outlet mounting hole, and a latch, the latch including a rod fastener located on at least one of the water storage panel or housing, and a rod located on housing and connected with the possibility of detachment with the fastening means of the rod.

[33] In one embodiment of the device, when the water level in the sump, measured after the supply of water from the water storage housing to the sump through the water supply device, is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, the controller is configured to control the latch such so that the water storage case is fixed to the casing.

[34] In one embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus further includes a float level gauge rising or lowering in a height direction of the water storage housing according to a water level inside the water storage housing, a permanent magnet attached to the float level gauge, and a magnetic force sensor, located in the housing to transmit the magnitude of the magnetic force applied by the permanent magnet to the controller.

Favorable results of the invention

[35] The present disclosure can implement a laundry treatment apparatus and a method for controlling the laundry treatment apparatus, wherein when the water level in a condensate storage basin is lower than the water level required for cleaning a filter assembly or a heat exchanger, the basin is configured to obtain water from a water supply source (water outlet) located inside the casing, or from a water supply source located outside the casing.

[36] In addition, the present disclosure can implement a laundry treatment apparatus and a method for controlling the laundry treatment apparatus, wherein when the amount of water (condensate) generated by passing air through the heat exchanger during drying is less than the amount of wash water required for cleaning the filter or heat exchanger assembly, the laundry treating device is configured to direct a user to supply wash water.

[37] In addition, the present disclosure can implement a laundry treatment apparatus and a method for controlling the laundry treatment apparatus, wherein, when the amount of condensate generated during drying is less than the amount of wash water required to clean the filter assembly or the heat exchanger, the apparatus for processing laundry is configured to forcibly prevent the user from removing the condensate generated during drying, so that the filter assembly or heat exchanger must be cleaned during subsequent drying.

[38] In addition, the present disclosure can implement a laundry treating apparatus and a method for controlling the laundry treating apparatus, wherein the laundry treating apparatus is configured to predict the amount of condensate that may be generated during the drying operation before the drying operation starts, and when the predicted amount condensate is less than the amount of wash water needed to clean the filter assembly or heat exchanger, the device is configured to direct a user to supply wash water.

Brief description of the drawings

[39] FIG. 1 is an example of a laundry treating device.

[40] FIG. 2 is an example of a heat exchanger and a cleaning device located in a laundry treating device.

[41] Fig. 4 is one example of a water supply hole of the water storage case and a water supply hole of the panel formed to supply water to the water outlet.

[42] Figures 5-8 show embodiments of a method for controlling a laundry treating device.

The best embodiment of the invention

[43] Below, preferred embodiments of the laundry treating apparatus and methods for controlling the same may be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configuration or control method of the apparatus to be described below is only intended to describe examples of the laundry treating apparatus and its control method, and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The same reference numerals in the description designate the same elements.

[44] FIG. 1 shows one example of a laundry treating device 100. The laundry treating device 100 may include a casing 1, a drum rotatably mounted in the casing and having a laundry storage area formed therein, a passage 3 that defines a path for re-supplying air discharged from the drum 2 into the drum 2 , and heat exchanger 4, which dehumidifies and heats the air supplied to channel 3 and then re-supplies it to drum 2.

[45] The case 1 may be configured to include a front panel 11 forming the front surface of the laundry treating device, a back panel 15 forming the rear surface of the laundry treating device, and a top panel 13 forming the upper surface of the laundry treating device.

[46] The front panel 11 has a laundry case inlet 111 formed therein and configured to communicate with the drum 2. The laundry case inlet 111 can be configured to open and close with a door 112 pivotally connected to the case.

[47] The control panel 117 may be located on the front panel 11. The control panel 117 may include an input interface 118 for receiving a control command from a user and a display 119 for outputting information such as a control command selected by the user.

[48] The input interface 118 may include a power supply request block that requests power to be supplied to the laundry treating device, a mode input interface that allows the user to select a desired mode from a plurality of modes, and an execute request block that requests the start of the selected mode. user. The display 119 may include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting texts and numbers, and a speaker capable of outputting audio signals and sounds.

[49] When the drum 2 is configured as a cylindrical drum body 21 with open front and rear surfaces, the casing 1 may include a first leg 17 rotatably supporting the front surface of the drum 2 and a second leg 19 rotatably supporting the rear surface of the drum 2 .

[50] The first support 17 may include a first fixed member 171 fixed inside the casing 1, a laundry drum inlet 173 configured to pass through the first fixed member and communicate the laundry casing inlet 111 with the inside of the drum body 21, and a first support member 175 located on the first fixed member 171 and mounted on the front surface (first opening) of the drum body 21.

[51] The first fixed member 171 may have any shape as long as the inlet 173 of the laundry drum is formed therein and the first support member 175 is disposed thereon. 21 drums. The diameter of the first support member 175 may be larger than the diameter of the inlet 173 of the laundry drum, and may be smaller than the diameter of the front surface of the drum body 21. In this case, the inlet 173 of the laundry drum may be located inside the area defined by the first support member 175.

[52] The first support 17 may be configured to further include a connecting member 177 connecting the laundry case inlet 111 and the laundry drum inlet 173 to each other. The connecting member 177 may be formed in a tubular form extending from the inlet 173 of the laundry drum to the inlet 111 of the laundry casing. The connecting member 177 may have an air outlet 178 formed therein that communicates with the channel 3. As shown in FIG. in the form of a through hole formed to pass through the connecting element 177.

[53] As shown in FIG. 1, the second support 19 may include a second fixed member 191 fixed inside the case 1, and a second bearing member 195 located on the second fixed member 191 and mounted on the back surface (second opening) of the case. 21 drums. The second support 19 may have an air inlet 198 formed therein for passing through the second fixed member 191 and communicating the inside of the drum body 21 with the inside of the casing 1. In this case, the channel 3 may be configured to connect the air outlet 178 and the air inlet 198 with each other.

[54] The cylindrical drum body 21 having an empty inner region formed therein can be rotated by various types of drives. Figure 1 shows one example in which the drive can be configured to include a motor 23 fixed inside the casing 1, a pulley 25 rotated by the motor, and a belt 27 connecting the peripheral surface of the pulley 25 and the peripheral surface of the housing 21 of the drum each with a friend.

[55] In this case, the first support 17 may include a first roller 179 rotatably supporting the peripheral surface of the drum body 21. The second support 19 may have a second roller 199 which rotatably supports the peripheral surface of the drum body.

[56] The passage 3 may be configured to include an exhaust pipe 31 connected to the air outlet 178, a supply pipe 33 connected to the air inlet 198, and a connection pipe 35 connecting the exhaust pipe and the supply pipe to each other.

[57] The heat exchanger 4 can be made in the form of a plurality of devices that ensure the sequential execution of dehumidification and heating of the air supplied to the channel 3.

[58] Figure 2 shows one example in which the heat exchanger is in the form of a heat pump.

[59] The heat exchanger 4 shown in FIG. 2 may include a fan 49 that moves air through the duct 3, a first heat exchanger (heat sink) 41 that removes moisture from the air passing into the duct 3, and a second heat exchanger (heat emitter). ) 43 located inside the channel 3 for heating the air passing through the first heat exchanger 41.

[60] The fan 49 may be configured to include an impeller 491 located within the duct 3 and an impeller motor 493 rotating the impeller 491. The impeller 491 may be located in any of the exhaust pipe 31, the connecting pipe 35, and feed pipe 33. Figure 2 shows one example in which the impeller 491 is installed in the feed pipe 33 (located behind the heat emitter).

[61] The heat sink 41 may be formed as a plurality of metal plates arranged in the Y-axis direction (in the connection pipe 35 width direction) or the Z-axis direction (in the connection pipe height direction). The heat emitter 43 may be formed as a plurality of metal plates arranged along the width direction of the connection pipe or the height direction of the connection pipe. The heat sink 41 and the heat emitter 43 may be arranged in series in the connecting pipe 35 in the direction from the outlet pipe 31 to the supply pipe 33, and may be connected to each other through a refrigerant pipe 48 which forms a refrigerant circulation path.

[62] The refrigerant may be passed through the refrigerant pipe 48 by a compressor 45 located outside the passage 3. A pressure regulator 47 may be provided on the refrigerant pipe 48 to adjust the pressure of the refrigerant passed through the heat emitter 43.

[63] The heat sink 41 may refer to a means for cooling the air and evaporating the refrigerant by transferring heat from the air passing into the outlet port 31 to the refrigerant. The heat emitter 43 may refer to means for heating the air and condensing the refrigerant by transferring heat from the refrigerant passed through the compressor 45 to the air. In this case, the moisture contained in the air may be collected on the lower surface of the connecting pipe 35 over the surface of the heat sink 41 when the air passes through the heat sink 41.

[64] The water collector 37 may be disposed in the laundry treating apparatus 100 to collect water removed from the air passing through the heat absorber 41. Figure 2 shows an example in which the water collector 37 is located inside the connecting pipe 35.

[65] The sump 371 and 372 in FIG. 2 may include a sump body 371 that is fixed to the lower surface of the connection pipe 35 and communicates with the inside of the connection pipe. To prevent contact of the heat sink 41 and the heat emitter 43 with water (condensate) stored in the sump case 371, the heat exchanger support 372 may be further located inside the sump case 371. The heat exchanger support 372 may be configured to include a base plate 373 with which the heat sink 41 and the heat emitter 43 are in contact, a limiter 375 for maintaining the distance between the base plate 373 and the bottom surface of the sump housing 371, and a through hole 376 of the base plate, configured to pass through the base plate 373.

[66] The through hole 376 of the base plate may be formed only in the portion of the base plate 373 in which the heat sink 41 is supported, or may be formed in the portion of the base plate 373 in which the heat sink is supported and in the portion in which the heat emitter is supported. When the base plate through hole 376 is formed under the heat emitter 43, the water transferred to the heat emitter 43 through the base plate 373 can be discharged into the sump body 371 (thus preventing a decrease in heat transfer efficiency that may otherwise occur when the heat emitter comes into contact with water) .

[67] To minimize the accumulation of contaminants (lint) discharged from the drum body 21 onto the heat sink 41 and the heat emitter 43, an air filter assembly may be further disposed in the laundry treating apparatus 100. Figure 2 shows one example in which the filter assembly includes a first filter assembly 51 located in the connecting pipe 35 and a second filter assembly 53 located in the outlet pipe 31.

[68] The second filter unit 53 may be configured as a means for filtering the air passing from the drum body 21 to the exhaust pipe 31. The first filter unit 51 may be located between the second filter unit 53 and the heat sink 41, and may be configured as a means to filter the air that has passed through the second filter assembly.

[69] The first filter assembly 51 may be removably disposed in the connecting pipe 35. In this case, the filter mounting hole 113 (see FIG. 1) through which the first filter assembly 51 is withdrawn may be formed in the case front panel 11 , and a mounting hole door 114 for opening and closing the filter mounting hole may be disposed thereon. The channel 3 may have a channel through hole 34 (see FIG. 2) formed therein into which the first filter assembly 51 is inserted. Therefore, the user can separate the first filter unit 51 from the laundry treating apparatus and remove impurities remaining in the first filter unit 51 and clean the second filter unit when necessary.

[70] As shown in FIG. 2, the first filter assembly 51 may include a first frame 511 inserted into the channel through hole 34 and disposed between the second filter assembly 53 and the heat sink 41, and filters 515 and 517 that are disposed in the first frame and filter fluids (air and water) moving into the heat sink 41 and the sump body 371.

[71] The first frame 511 may be formed into various shapes depending on the cross-sectional shape (Y-Z plane and X-Z plane) of the connecting pipe 35. FIG. 2 shows an example where the first frame 511 has a hexagon-like shape.

[72] In this case, an air inlet port may be formed on the top surface of the first frame 511 to supply air passed through the second filter assembly 53 to the inside of the first frame 511. A handle 513 protruding toward the filter mounting hole 113 may be located on the front surface of the first frame 511. The filters 515 and 517 may include a first filter 515 located on the rear surface of the first frame 511 and a second filter 517 located on the bottom surface of the first frame 511. The rear surface of the first frame refers to the surface of the first frame 511, facing the absorber 41 heat. The bottom surface of the first frame may refer to its surface facing the bottom surface of the connecting pipe 35, and may be formed as a surface facing the air inlet.

[73] The second filter assembly 53 may include a second frame 531 that is removably inserted into the exhaust pipe 31 through the air outlet 178, and a third filter 533 that is located in the second frame to filter the air. The diameter of the filter opening formed in each of the first filter 515 and the second filter 517 can be set to be smaller than the diameter of the filter opening formed in the third filter 533.

[74] As shown in FIG. 1, the laundry treating device 100 may further include a cleaning device 6 that uses the water stored in the water collector body 371 to clean the first filter unit 51, and a water outlet 7 that discharges the water from the collector housing 371 to the outer side of the collector housing 371.

[75] As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning device 6 may be configured as a means for cleaning at least one of the first filter 515, the second filter 517, and the heat absorber 41 by ejecting the water stored in the sump case 371, to the first filter node 51. The cleaning device 6 may be configured to include a water jet ejector 65, which is located in the channel 3 and supplies water to the first filter assembly 51, and a pump 61, which moves the water stored in the water collector housing 371 to the water jet ejector 65.

[76] The pump 61 may be connected to the water collector body 371 through the first connection pipe 611, and may be connected to the water jet ejector 65 through the second connection pipe 613. and the water outlet 7 with only one pump 61, the laundry treating device 100 may further include a channel switch 63. In this case, the channel switch 63 may be connected to the pump 61 via the second connection pipe 613. The water jet ejector 65 may be connected to the channel switch 63 via the water jet ejector supply pipe 631. The water outlet 7 may be configured to be connected to the channel switch 63 via the outlet pipe 633 .

[77] The channel switch 63 may include a valve that controls the opening and closing of the water jet supply pipe 631 and a valve that controls the opening and closing of the water outlet supply pipe 633. Therefore, the laundry treating device 100 can control the valves located in the channel switch 63 so that the water stored in the water collector body 371 can be supplied to the water jet ejector 65 or the water outlet 7.

[78] The water jet ejector 65 may be in the form of nozzles that can be fixed on the connecting pipe 35 and eject water to the first filter 515 and the second filter 517, respectively, or may be in the form of nozzles to eject water to the first filter 515, the second the filter 517 and the front surface of the heat sink 41, respectively.

[79] FIG. 2 shows one example in which the water jet ejector 65 includes a channel through hole 651 passing through the connecting pipe 35 and connected to the water jet ejector supply pipe 631, the first guide 653 that guides the water supplied from the through hole channel, the first filter 515, and the second guide 655, configured to direct at least part of the water supplied through the first guide 653 to the front surface of the heat sink 41. In this case, the second guide 655 may be configured as means for supplying water to the front surface of the heat sink 41 through the first filter 515. That is, the first filter 515 may be positioned between the first guide 653 and the second guide 655 when the first filter assembly 51 is fixed. on the connecting pipe 35. The second guide 655 may be in the form of an inclined surface inclined downward from the top surface of the connecting pipe 35 to the first filter 515.

[80] The guide through hole 654 may be further formed in the first guide 653. The guide through hole 654 may refer to the hole passing through the first guide 653. Thus, the water supplied to the channel through hole 651 can be supplied to the front region of the absorber 41 heat through the through hole 654 of the guide. The front region of the heat sink refers to its area facing the first filter 515 along a vertical line passing through the center of the heat sink 41 .

[81] As shown in FIG. 3, the water outlet 7 may include a water storage case 72 that is removably disposed on the casing 1 and has a water storage area formed therein, and an inlet 722 configured to passing through the water storage housing 72 and supplying water discharged from the water outlet supply pipe 633 to the water storage housing 72.

[82] The water storage case 72 may be in the form of a drawer-type container that can be withdrawn from or retracted into the case 1. In this case, a water outlet mounting hole into which the water storage case 72 is inserted should be formed in the front panel 11 of the casing 1. The panel 71 may be fixed on the front surface of the water storage case 72. The panel 71 may be configured to be removably coupled to the water outlet mounting hole 115 to form a portion of the front panel 11.

[83] The groove 711 into which the user's hand is inserted may be further formed in the panel 71. In this case, the panel 71 may function as a handle for allowing the user to remove the water storage case 72 from the case or insert it into the case.

[84] The inlet 722 may be configured to receive water discharged from the nozzle 722a fixed on the case 1. The nozzle 722a may be fixed on the top panel 13 of the case so that the nozzle is positioned above the inlet 722 when the case 72 is for storage. water is inserted into the casing 1. In this case, the water outlet supply pipe 633 must be configured to connect the nozzle 722a and the channel switch 63 to each other.

[85] The water outlet 7 having the above structure can be configured such that the user removes the water storage case 72 from the case 1 and then inverts or tilts the water storage case 72 toward the inlet 722, so that the water inside the case 72 flows out. water storage can be removed. The connection hole 721 may be configured to pass through the top surface of the water storage case 72 so that water from the water storage case 72 is easily discharged through the inlet 722.

[86] The laundry treating apparatus 100 described above has a favorable cleaning result of the first filter unit 51 and the heat absorber 41 using the water stored in the water collector case 371 during operation of the heat exchanger 4. However, when the amount of water stored in the water collector body 371 , is small, the cleaning of the first filter unit 51 and the heat absorber 41 cannot be reliably performed. This is because, when the amount of laundry loaded into the drum body 21 is small, the amount of water collected in the sump body 371 during operation of the heat exchanger 4 may be small. When the amount of water stored in the water collector case is small, the water jet ejector 65 cannot supply enough water to clean the first filter unit 51 and the heat absorber 41.

[87] In order to solve the above-described problem, the laundry treating device 100 may further include a water supply source 8 that directs water from the water storage body 72 to the water collector body 371 .

[88] As shown in FIG. 3, the water supply source 8 may be configured to include a water outlet 81 configured to discharge water from the water storage housing 72 to its outside, a water outlet valve 82 configured to open and close water outlet 81, a valve actuator 83 that opens the water outlet 81 by actuating the water outlet valve 82 when the water storage case 72 is fixed to the case 1, a water supply pipe 84 that directs the water discharged from the water outlet 81 into the case 371 of the water collector, and a water supply valve 85 which opens or closes the water supply pipe 84 in accordance with a control signal from a controller (not shown).

[89] The water supply pipe 84 may be formed as a pipe directly connecting the water storage body 72 and the water collector body 371 to each other. That is, the water supply pipe 84 may be formed as a pipe, one end of which is connected to the water outlet 81, and the other end is directly connected to the sump body 371.

[90] Unlike the method shown in the drawing, the water supply pipe 84 may be configured to discharge water to the top of the heat sink 41 or the heat emitter 43 to supply water to the water collector body 371. In this case, the water discharged from the water supply pipe 84 may pass through the heat sink or heat emitter and then move to the water collector body 371 through the through hole 376 of the base plate. The method in which water is moved into the sump body 371 through the heat sink 41 or heat emitter 43 has the advantage that the heat sink 41 or heat emitter 43 can be cleaned when water is refilled into the sump body 371. Therefore, if necessary, the water supply pipe 84 can be configured to directly connect the water storage housing 72 and the water collector housing 371 to each other, and can be configured to discharge water to the top of the heat sink or heat emitter.

[91] However, in a method in which water moves into the water collector body 371 through the heat sink 41 or heat emitter 43, it may take a long time for water to be supplied to the water collector body 371 (it may take a long time for water to pass through the heat sink or heat emitter). In addition, when water remains on the surface of the heat sink or heat emitter (when contaminants remaining in the heat exchanger absorb water), more water may be required to add wash water to the sump body 371. Therefore, in order to reduce the time spent supplying water to the water collector body 371 and to minimize the amount of water required to replenish the water collector body, the method in which the water supply pipe 84 directly connects the water storage body 72 and the water collector body 371 to each other would be expedient.

[92] The water storage case 71 may have a fastening means 811 formed on its rear surface and formed as a concave curved groove recessed to the panel 71. The water outlet 81 may be formed as a through hole formed inside the fastening means 811 , configured to pass through the water storage housing 71 .

[93] The water outlet valve 82 may include a first valve body 821 that is located inside the water storage body 72 and covers the water outlet 81, a second valve body 823 located inside the fastening means 811, a body connecting rod 825 that is inserted into the water outlet 81 and connects the first valve body 821 and the second valve body 823 to each other, the valve body through hole 827 configured to pass through the second valve body 823, and the spring 829 disposed on the fastening means 811 to generate a force which pushes the second valve body 823 in the direction away from the water outlet 81 (the direction in which the position in which the first valve body 821 closes the water outlet is maintained).

[94] The valve actuator 83 may be configured to include a fastener 831 inserted into the fastener 811 to actuate the water outlet valve 82 and a body through hole 833 configured to pass through the fastener. The fastener 831 may have a shape that can be inserted into the fastener 811 when the water storage case 72 is inserted into the casing 1.

[95] As shown in FIG. 1, the fastening member 831 pushes the second valve body 823 towards the water outlet 81 when the water storage body 72 is inserted into the housing 1. When the second valve body 823 moves toward the water outlet 81, the first the valve body 821 opens the water outlet 81 . Thus, water flowing onto the fastener 811 through the water drain hole 81 can pass through the through hole 827 of the valve body to the through hole 833 of the body. Since the body through hole 833 is connected to the sump body 371 via the water supply pipe 84, the laundry treating apparatus 100 can control the water supply valve 85 to supply water from the water storage body 72 to the sump body 371.

[96] With the water supply source 8 described above, the water outlet 7 can function as a water supply source (as located in the laundry treating apparatus) that supplies water to the water collector 37, as well as a means for allowing the user to discharge the water collected in the water collector 37.

[97] Although not shown in the drawing, the water supply device 8 may include a water supply connection pipe connecting the water supply source located on the outside of the casing and the water collector body 371 to each other, and a connection pipe valve for opening or closing the connection pipe. source of water supply in accordance with the control signal of the controller.

[98] The water outlet 7 may further include a water outlet water level sensor 93 that detects the water level in the water storage case 72. As shown in FIG. 3, the outlet water level sensor 93 may include a float level gauge 931 that moves up or down in the Z-axis direction (in the height direction of the water storage case) based on the water level inside the water storage case 72, a permanent magnet 935 fixed to the float level gauge; and a magnetic force sensor 937 that is located outside the water storage case 72 and measures the amount of magnetic force generated by the permanent magnet 935. The magnetic force sensor 937 may be fixed to the case 1 and may be configured to transmitting a control signal, which varies depending on the magnitude of the magnetic force, to a controller (not shown). In order for the float 931 to be positioned within the measuring range of the magnetic force sensor 937, the float guide 933 forming the float path can be further located inside the water storage case 72. The laundry treating device 100 may use the outlet water level sensor 93 to determine the amount of water that can be supplied to the water collector 37.

[99] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the laundry treating device 100 may preferably be configured to include a sump water level sensor 92 that senses the water level in the sump body 371 and transmits it to the controller. When the sump water level sensor 92 is disposed, the laundry treating device can determine the transfer time of the water stored in the sump body 371 to the water storage body 72, and thus prevent the water from the sump body 371 from flowing back to the connecting pipe 35.

[100] The sump water level sensor 92 may be any device that can detect the water level inside the sump body 371. Fig. 1 shows an example of a sensor that detects the water level by detecting the position of a float level gauge that is installed on the bottom surface of the sump body 371 and moves up and down based on the water level. Figure 2 shows an example of a sensor made up of a plurality of electrodes of different lengths (the number of electrodes electrically connected to each other may vary according to the water level).

[101] When the water level sensed by the sump water level sensor 92 is lower than the predetermined reference water level associated with cleaning, the controller located in the laundry treating apparatus may control the water supply valve 85 to move water from the water storage housing 72 to housing 371 water collector. Thus, the laundry treating device 100 can minimize the problem that the first filter assembly or the heat sink is not cleaned due to lack of water in the water collector body 371 .

[102] The laundry treating apparatus 100, as described above, can determine whether or not to transfer the water stored in the water outlet 7 to the sump 37 using only the water sump water level sensor 92, and can control the operation time and duration of the water supply valve 85, which opens and closes the water supply pipe 84, so as to control the time of supplying water to the sump 37 and the amount of water to be supplied to the sump.

[103] To determine the degree of dryness of the laundry to determine the stop time of the operation of the heat exchanger 4 based on the degree of dryness, the sensors 95 and 96 for measuring the degree of dryness may be located in the device 100 for the treatment of clothes. The sensor for measuring the degree of dryness can be made in the form of at least one of the sensor electrode 95, which can be made to contact the laundry and the amount of moisture contained in the laundry, and the humidity sensor 96, which can measure the humidity of the air passing from drum 2 to channel 3.

[104] As shown in FIG. 2, sensor electrode 95 may be configured to include a first electrode 951 and a second electrode 952 that are secured to the first fixed member 171 and make contact with the laundry within the drum body 21. As the degree of dryness increases, the amount of moisture contained in the laundry decreases, so that the electrical resistance of the laundry increases. Thus, the laundry treating device 100 can determine the measured electrical resistance when the two electrodes are connected to each other through the laundry to determine the degree of dryness of the laundry.

[105] In one example, as the degree of dryness of the laundry increases, the amount of moisture contained in the air passing into the channel 3 may decrease. The laundry treating apparatus 100 may also determine the degree of dryness of the laundry based on the humidity of the air supplied to the channel 3 obtained by the humidity sensor 96 .

[106] Although not shown in the drawings, a laundry amount sensor for detecting the amount of laundry stored in the drum body 21 may be further provided in the laundry treating apparatus 100. The laundry amount sensor may be in the form of a means for transmitting to the controller the amount of current supplied to the drive motor 23 for rotating the drum body 21 at a constant rotation speed, or may be in the form of a means for transmitting to the controller the number of revolutions of the drum body when a specific value is applied. current to the motor 23 for a specific time.

[107] As shown in FIG. 3, the laundry treating device 100 may further include a latch 91 that prevents the water storage body 72 from being removed from the casing 1. The latch 91 may be configured to include a rod fastener 913, located on the water storage case 72, a rod 911 removably connected to the rod fastener 913, and an actuator 915 located on the casing 1 for controlling the position of the rod.

[108] FIG. 3 shows an example in which the rod fastener 913 is installed on the top surface of the water storage case 72. Alternatively, the rod fastener 913 may be located at a position other than the top surface of the water storage case, or may be located on the panel 71. The rod fastener 913 may be of any shape, provided that the rod fastener has a the area into which the free end of the 911 rod is inserted.

[109] The actuator 915 may be any device, as long as the device can control the position of the rod 911. Figure 3 shows one example in which the actuator 915 includes a device including a housing 915a fixed on the case, and a coil 915b, which is located inside the case and generates a magnetic field when current is applied to it. In this case, the rod 911 must be made in the form of a metal rod. One end of the rod can be connected to the body 915a while the rod is located in the center of the coil 915b.

[110] In addition, the actuator 915 may further include a spring 915c that creates a restoring force to return the rod 911 to its original position when the current supply to the coil 915b is turned off. The initial position of the rod 911 can be set to the point where the rod is at a distance from the fastener 913 of the rod.

[111] When the cleaning of the first filter unit 51 and the heat sink 41 is performed in a state where the water level in the water collector body 371 is lower than the predetermined reference water level associated with cleaning, or when the cleaning of the first filter unit and the heat sink 41 is not performed, the latch 91 can be controlled to secure the water storage case 72 to the casing 1. This is because the use of the water generated when the laundry treating apparatus 100 performs a new drying cycle together with the water stored in the water storage case 72 to clean the first unit the filter and heat sink can minimize the possibility that the first filter assembly 51 and heat sink 41 may not be cleaned in a subsequent drying cycle.

[112] In one example, the laundry treating device 100 may further include a water supply passage of the water storage body for supplying water to the water storage body 72 by a user. As shown in Fig. 4, the water supply channel of the water storage case may be formed in the top panel 13 of the casing and the panel 71.

[113] That is, the water supply passage of the water storage body may be configured to include water supply openings 131 of the water storage body configured to pass through the top panel 13, and a water supply opening door 133 that is connected to rotatable with a top panel to open and close the water supply hole 131 of the water storage case. The water supply hole 131 of the water storage case may be configured to be located above the connection hole 721 formed in the water storage case when the water storage case 72 is inserted into the casing 1.

[114] The water supply hole 131 of the water storage case may be formed in the front portion (closer to the laundry inlet) between the front portion and the rear portion of the case top panel 13. This is because water can be more easily supplied to the water storage case 72 when the water supply hole 131 of the water storage case can be formed at the front portion rather than at the rear portion of the top panel.

[115] In contrast to the method described above, the water supply passage of the water storage case may be configured to include water supply holes 713 of the panel configured to pass through the panel 71 and a portion 715 forming a passage that guides water, extending into the water supply hole 713 of the panel, into the connection hole 721 formed on the top surface of the water storage case. The panel water inlet 713 may be configured to open or close with a panel door 714 pivotally connected to the panel.

[116] The water supply passage of the water storage body may be configured differently from the structure shown in FIG. That is, when the display 119 located on the control panel displays a message requesting the supply of rinsing water, the user can pull out the water storage case 72 from the casing 1 and can supply water to the connection hole 721 or the inlet 722. In this case, the water supply passage The water storage housing can be made as a connection hole 721 or an inlet hole 722.

[117] When the water supply passage 131 or 713 and 715 of the water storage body as described above is formed in the laundry treating apparatus 100, the latch 91 that prevents the water storage body 72 from being removed from the case 1 may not be disposed in the laundry treatment apparatus 100. laundry processing.

[118] FIGS. 5 to 8 show examples of the control method of the laundry treating device 100 having the above construction. The control methods in FIGS. 5 to 8 have a first common feature that when the amount of water stored in the water collector case 371 is insufficient, the water stored in the water storage case 72 is used, the second common feature is that when the amount of water stored in the water storage case 72 is insufficient to clean the first filter or heat absorber assembly, the water storage case 72 is prevented from being removed from the casing 1.

[119] The control method in FIG. 5 may be configured to include a drying operation S20 while exchanging heat between the air and the laundry inside the drum body 21. The drying step S20 may be configured to include steps S21 of rotating the drum body 21 with the motor 23, steps S22 of driving the fan 49 to circulate air inside the drum body, and steps S23 of driving the heat exchanger 4.

[120] The fan driving operation S22 may refer to a process in which the controller rotates the impeller 491 with the impeller motor 493. The operation S23 of driving the heat exchanger 4 may refer to a process in which the controller drives the compressor 45 and the pressure regulator 47 to exchange heat between the air supplied to the duct and the refrigerant. During the drying operation S20, the control method may perform the measurement operation S25.

[121] The measurement operation S25 may be configured to include at least one of a dryness degree determination operation in which the dryness sensors 95 and 96 measure the degree of dryness of the laundry,

[122] a sump water level detection operation in which the sump water level sensor 92 measures the water level in the sump body 371, a water outlet water level detection operation in which the water outlet water level sensor 93 measures the water level in the water storage case 72, or a duration measurement operation in which a timer (not shown) measures the duration of the drying operation S20. The process of measuring the degree of dryness can be performed using at least one of the sensor-electrode 95 or sensor 96 humidity.

[123] The measurement operation S25 may be configured to execute S24 every time the predetermined reference period has elapsed since the beginning of the drying operation S20, and may be configured to end when the drying operation S20 is completed. Unlike the method shown in the drawing, the measurement operation S25 can be configured to measure dryness, water level, and duration in real time.

[124] The control method in FIG. 5 may determine whether the dryness of the laundry measured in measurement operation S25 reaches the predetermined target dryness of S27. The operation S27 of determining whether the measured dryness has reached the target dryness may be performed within the same period as the reference period.

[125] When it is determined that the dryness measured in the measurement operation S25 has reached the target dryness, the control method in FIG. 5 may end the drying operation and the measurement operation S60. The completion operation S60 may be configured to include a rotation completion process of the motor 23, a fan 49 completion process, a heat exchanger completion process, and a measurement operation completion process. Unlike the method described above, the completion operation S60 can be completed when the time during which the drying operation S20 is performed reaches a predetermined target time.

[126] When the drying operation S60 is completed, the control method proceeds to the last water discharge operation S70 while transferring water from the water collector 37 to the water outlet 7 through the water outlet supply pipe 633. That is, the last water discharge operation S70 may refer to the process of controlling the pump 61 and the channel switch 63 so that the water from the sump case 371 moves to the water storage case 72 through the water outlet supply pipe 633 .

[127] In one example, when the dryness measured in measurement step S25 has not reached the target dryness, the control method in FIG. The reference dryness may be set to a dryness lower than the target dryness and may be set to a dryness at which heat exchange between the laundry and the air is active.

[128] The reference dryness may be set to 40-50% or more of the target dryness. In the known laundry treating apparatus, when the dryness of the laundry is 40% to 50% or more of the target dryness, heat exchange between the laundry and the air becomes active. When the heat exchange is active, the air expelled from the drum body contains more contaminants such as fluff than the air expelled from the drum body at the beginning of the drying operation when the heat exchange is not active. This may mean that at the point in time when the dryness exceeds 40-50% of the target dryness, the amount of pollutants supplied to the filter assemblies 51 and 53 and the heat exchanger 4 may increase rapidly. Therefore, the reference dryness may be set to 40-50% or more of the target dryness. When the filter assembly and the heat exchanger are cleaned when the current dryness reaches the reference dryness, deterioration in drying efficiency (which may increase the duration of the drying operation) caused by impurities remaining in the filter assemblies 51 and 53 and the heat exchanger 4 can be minimized.

[129] When the dryness measured in measurement step S25 is greater than or equal to the reference dryness, the control method in FIG. 5 may continue with the water level detection step S32 to determine whether the water level in the water collector body 371 measured in the measurement step S25 has reached the predetermined reference water level associated with cleaning. When it is determined that the water level in the sump body 371 has reached the reference water level associated with cleaning, the control method may perform a cleaning operation S50 while supplying water from the sump 37 to the water jet ejector 65.

[130] In the cleaning operation S50, the passage switch 63 may open the water jet ejector supply pipe 631 and may close the water outlet supply pipe 633. Therefore, when the pump 61 operates in the cleaning operation S50, the water stored in the water collector body 371 is supplied to the water jet ejector 65 through the water jet ejector supply pipe 631 .

[131] When the water jet ejector 65 can be configured to eject water to the first filter 515 of the first filter unit 51, the cleaning operation S50 may be a cleaning process of the first filter. When the water jet ejector 65 can be configured to eject water to each of the first filter 515 and the heat sink 41, the cleaning operation S50 can be a cleaning process for both the first filter 515 and the heat sink 41. In one example, when the water jet ejector 65 can be configured to eject water to each of the first filter 515, the second filter 517, and the heat sink 41, the cleaning operation S50 can be a cleaning process of all of the first filter 515, the second filter 517, and the heat sink 41 .

[132] When it is determined that the dryness measured in the measuring operation S25 is greater than or equal to the reference dryness, but the water level in the water collector body 371 is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, the control method proceeds to the washing water supplying operation S34 when transferring the water stored in the water outlet 7 to the sump 37. In the wash water supply operation S34, the controller controls the water supply valve 85 to allow water to flow from the water storage case 72 to the sump body 371. When the water storage body 72 is installed at a higher position than the position of the water collector body 371, the water stored in the water storage body 72 can be simply transferred to the water collector body 371 by the water supply valve 85 opening the water supply pipe 84.

[133] When the water storage body 72 is installed at the same vertical level as the water collector body 371 or at a lower vertical level than the water collector body 371, the water supply device 8 must be configured to include a water supply pump, which moves water from the water storage housing 72 to the water collector housing 371 . In this case, the wash water supply operation S34 may be a process of moving water from the water storage body 72 to the water collector body 371 with the water supply pump, the water supply pipe, and the water supply valve.

[134] When the wash water supply operation S34 is completed, the control method determines whether the water level inside the water collector body has reached the reference level S36 associated with cleaning. When the water level in the sump body measured after completion of the wash water supplying step S36 is greater than or equal to the cleaning-related reference water level, the control method proceeds to the cleaning step S50 as described above.

[135] However, when the water level in the sump body measured in step S36 after completion of the washing water supplying step is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, the cleaning step S50 preferably starts when the predetermined reference time period has elapsed S43 from the completion time. step S36 for supplying wash water. This is because performing the cleaning step S50 even when the amount of wash water is insufficient is more advantageous because the drying time is shortened than not performing the cleaning step S50.

[136] In one example, when the water level in the sump measured after completion of the wash water supplying operation S36 is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, the control method may be configured to perform at least one of the display operation a message asking not to drain the water stored in the water storage case 72 on the display 119, or actuating the latch 91 to secure the water storage case 72 to the casing 1.

[137] The message display operation can be performed using at least one of the display panel located in the display 1119 or a speaker. When the operation of attaching the water outlet 7 to the case 1 is performed, the locked position of the water storage case 72 can be unlocked when the sum of the water level sensed by the water outlet water level sensor 93 and the water level sensed by the water collector water level sensor 92 during the subsequent operation drying time is greater than or equal to the reference water level associated with cleaning.

[138] After completion of the cleaning operation S50, the control method determines whether the water level in the sump body 371 has reached the predetermined reference level in S31 associated with the outlet. When the water level in the sump case 371 is greater than or equal to the reference water level associated with the outlet, the control method may execute the water outlet operation S33 while controlling the pump 61 and the channel switch 63 so that the water from the sump case 371 moves to the water storage case 72 . In the water discharge operation S33, the passage switch 63 may close the water jet ejector supply pipe 631, and may open the water outlet supply pipe 633. Therefore, when the pump 61 operates in the water discharge operation S33, the water from the water collector housing 371 can move to the water storage housing 72 through the water outlet supply pipe 633 .

[139] The reference water level associated with the release may be set equal to the reference water level associated with purification, or may be set higher than the reference water level associated with purification. However, when the reference water level associated with the outlet is set higher than the reference water level associated with the cleaning, there can always be water in the sump body 371 if the current water level does not reach the reference water level associated with the outlet. Thus, there is an effect that it is not necessary to proceed to the wash water supplying step S34 every time the cleaning step S50 is performed.

[140] In one example, the water discharge operation S33 may start even when the dryness measured in the measurement operation S25 is lower than the reference dryness, and the water level measured by the sump water level sensor 92 is higher than or equal to the reference water level associated with the discharge . This is to prevent the water stored in the sump body 371 from flowing back into the passage 3 (preventing water from the sump body from flowing back to the heat sink).

[141] The laundry treating device 100 that implements the above-described control method may not have a water level sensor 93 of the outlet. That is, the measurement operation S25 in the present embodiment can be performed without being able to perform the water level measurement operation of the water outlet. This is because if there is one water level sensor 92 located on the water tank 37, the water level in the water tank 37 can be determined, it can be determined whether a wash water supply operation S34 is required to move the water stored in the water outlet 7 , into the sump 37, the execution time of the wash water supply step S34 can be adjusted by controlling the operation time of the water supply valve 85, which opens and closes the water supply pipe 84, and the amount of water to be supplied to the sump 37 can be adjusted by adjusting the operation time of the water supply valve 85 .

[142] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a method for controlling a laundry treating device. The difference between the method of this embodiment and the method of FIG. 5 is that, in this embodiment, when the water level in the sump body 371 measured in S36 after completion of the washing water supply operation is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning , notification operation S38 is executed, which displays a message requesting that the user should supply water to the water outlet 7 on the display 119.

[143] That is, the drying operation S20, the steps S24 and S25 of measuring the dryness, the water level, the duration, etc., in accordance with the reference period, the operations S27 and S50 of completing the drying operation when the dryness of the laundry reaches the target dryness , and the last water discharge operation S70, which continues after completion of the drying operation, which constitute the method of FIG. 6, may be the same as described with reference to the method of FIG.

[144] In addition, the cleaning operations S30, S32 and S50, which are performed when the dryness of the laundry reaches the reference dryness, and the water level in the sump body reaches the reference water level associated with cleaning, and the washing water supply operation S34, which is performed when the dryness of the laundry reaches the reference dryness, but the water level in the sump body does not reach the reference water level associated with cleaning, S34, which constitutes the method of FIG. 6, may be the same as described with reference to the method of FIG. 5.

[145] In one example, the notification operation S38 in the control method of FIG. 6 may be performed using at least one of the display panel located in the display 119 or a speaker. When the water supply request message is displayed on the display 119, the user can pull out the water storage case 72 from the case 1, and then the user can supply water to the connection hole 721 or the inlet 722 formed in the water storage case.

[1468] After the user supplies water to the water storage case 72, the user can insert the water storage case 72 into the case 1 to connect the water storage case 72 to the water supply device 8 . When the water storage case 72 is inserted into the case 1, the valve actuator 83 of the water supply device 8 can open the water outlet valve 82 located in the water storage case, so that the inside of the water storage case 72 can be connected to the water supply pipe 84.

[147] When the water supply passage 131 of the water storage body or 713 and 715 as shown in FIG. 4 is formed in the laundry treating apparatus 100, the user may also be able to supply water to the water storage body 72 through the water supply opening 131 of the water storage case or the panel water supply hole 713 formed in the top panel 13 of the case.

[148] The control method in FIG. 6 may proceed to connection operation S40 while controlling the water supply valve to open the water supply pipe 84 85 during notification operation S38 or after completion of notification operation S38. When the user has supplied water to the water storage case 72, the water from the water storage case 72 can be transferred to the sump case 371 by connecting operation S40.

[149] When the connection operation S40 is completed, the control method in FIG. 6 may determine whether the water level in the water collector body 371 measured after completion of the notification operation is higher than or equal to the reference level associated with cleaning S41. When the water level in the sump body measured after completion of the notification operation is greater than or equal to the reference water level associated with the cleaning in S41, the control method shown in Fig. 6 may start the cleaning operation S50.

[150] However, when the water level in the sump body measured after completion of the notification operation is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning S41, the control method in FIG. 6 may be preferably configured to start the cleaning operation S50 when the reference gap time elapsed after completion of notification operation S38. This is because performing the cleaning step S50 even if the amount of wash water is insufficient can shorten the drying time and thus is more beneficial than not performing the cleaning step S50.

[151] When the cleaning operation S50 is started, since the reference period of time has elapsed after the completion of the notification operation S38, the method in FIG. water, on the display 119, or the operation of actuating the latch 91 to secure the water storage case 72 to the case 1.

[152] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a method for controlling a laundry treating device. The difference between the method of this embodiment and the method of FIG. 6 is that, in this embodiment, before starting the drying operation S20, a prediction operation S10 is additionally performed in predicting whether the water required for the cleaning operation S50 is collected during the drying operation. .

[153] The prediction operation S10 may include an operation in which the laundry amount sensor determines the amount of laundry stored in the drum body 21 while the drive motor 23 rotates the drum body 21, and an operation in which the amount of water collected in the body 371 of the water collector during the drying operation S20 is determined based on the measured amount of laundry. The operation in which the amount of water collected in the water collector body 371 during the drying operation S20 is determined can be performed by the controller comparing the amount of condensate based on the amount of laundry obtained from the experiments with the amount of laundry measured in the laundry amount determination operation.

[154] In one example, since the amount of water contained in the laundry may vary depending on the type of laundry (material of the laundry), the operation in which the amount of water collected in the water collector body 371 during the drying operation S20 is determined can be performed with the ability to predict the amount of condensation generated based on the amount of laundry and the material of the laundry. The electrical resistance of laundry that absorbs a lot of water may be lower than the electrical resistance of laundry that absorbs less water. Therefore, when the controller in the laundry treating apparatus can be configured to obtain the resistance measured by the sensor electrode 95, the amount of collected condensate can be determined which varies based on the material of the laundry with the same amount of laundry.

[155] The control method of FIG. 7, upon completion of the prediction operation S10, may perform a comparison operation S15 in determining whether the sum of the water level inside the water storage housing 72 measured by the outlet water level sensor 93 and the water level corresponding to the predicted the amount determined in prediction operation S10 is greater than or equal to the reference water level associated with purification.

[156] When the sum of the water level inside the water storage case 72 and the water level corresponding to the predicted amount is greater than or equal to the reference water level associated with cleaning, the control method in FIG. 7 may proceed to the drying operation S20. However, when the sum of the water level inside the water storage case 72 and the water level corresponding to the predicted amount is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, the control method in FIG. 7 may perform a notification operation S17 (prediction result notification operation) when the user requests to supply water to the water storage case 72 on the display 119.

[157] During the prediction result notification operation S17 or after completion of the prediction result notification operation S17, the control method in FIG. 7 can perform connection operation S19 while controlling the water supply valve 85 to open the water supply pipe 84 to connect the water storage body 72 to the water collector body 371.

[158] Unlike the method described above, the comparison operation S15 can be configured to determine whether the sum of the water level measured by the outlet water level sensor 93, the water level measured by the water collector water level sensor 92, and a water level corresponding to the predicted amount determined in the prediction operation S10, the reference water level associated with cleaning.

[159] The control process after the drying operation S20 may be the same as the control process of the control method in FIG. Its detailed description has been omitted.

[160] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a method for controlling a laundry treating device. The difference between the method of this embodiment and the methods of FIGS. 5 to 6 is that the method of this embodiment may further include additional cleaning steps S80, S81, S83, S85, S87, and S89 when cleaning the first filter and absorber assembly 51 41 heat using detergent according to the desire of the user.

[161] The control method in FIG. 8 may include, after completion of the last water discharge operation S70, a request check operation S80 to determine whether an additional cleaning request has been input to the input interface 118. When the input interface 118 receives a request for additional cleaning, the control method proceeds to step S81 of requesting the input of detergent when a message requesting input of detergent into the water storage case 72 is displayed on the display 119. The user can input a request for additional cleaning into the laundry treating apparatus through an input interface located on the control panel. The input time for a request for additional cleaning may be any time until the end of the laundry processing device.

[162] In the detergent injection request operation S81, the user can pull out the water storage body 72 from the casing 1 and supply detergent through the connection hole 721 or the inlet 722. Since the detergent injection request operation S81 starts after the last discharge operation S70 is completed, water, water is stored in the water storage case 72. Therefore, the user can introduce any type of detergent into the water storage case 72. Detergent types may include liquid detergent, powder detergent, or capsule detergent (detergent in which the capsule surrounding the detergent dissolves in water over time).

[163] After completion of the detergent input request step S81, the control method in FIG. water into the water collector body 371, step S85 of ejecting the mixed liquid while supplying the mixed liquid stored in the water collecting body 371 to the water jet ejector 65 for cleaning the first filter and heat absorber assembly, and step S87 of discharging the mixed liquid while moving the mixed liquid out of the body 371 the water collector to the water storage case 72 after completion of the mixed liquid ejection operation S85.

[164] After completion of the mixed liquid discharge step S87, the control method in FIG. 8 may execute the channel drying step S89 while driving the fan 49 to dry the first filter and heat absorber assembly. Therefore, the control method can hygienically handle the first filter assembly and the heat sink.

[165] In contrast to the method shown in FIG. 8, the request verification operation S80 and the detergent input request operation S81 may be performed before the last water discharge operation S70. The mixed liquid supply operation S83, the mixed liquid ejection operation S85, the mixed liquid discharge operation S87, and the channel drying operation S89 may be performed after the last water discharge operation S70.

[166] According to the laundry treating apparatus and the control method thereof as described above, when the water level in the condensate storage tank is lower than the water level required for cleaning the filter or the heat exchanger, the tank can receive water from a water supply source (outlet device) located inside the casing, or a water supply located outside the casing, thus minimizing the possibility that the filter assembly or heat exchanger may not be cleaned.

[167] In addition, according to the laundry treating apparatus and the control method described above, when the amount of condensate generated during drying is less than the amount of wash water required to clean the filter or the heat exchanger, the device can guide the user to supply wash water. water, thus minimizing the chance that the filter assembly or heat exchanger may not be cleaned.

[168] In addition, according to the laundry treating apparatus and the control method described above, when the amount of condensate generated during drying is less than the amount of wash water required to clean the filter or the heat exchanger, the apparatus can forcibly prevent the user from removing the condensate. formed during drying, so as to achieve the effect that the filter unit or heat exchanger is cleaned during the subsequent drying operation.

[169] Although not shown in the drawing, the cleaning operation S50 in the above-described control methods may be performed without being performed several times during the drying operation S20, but only be performed once before the drying operation S20 is completed. In this case, the operation S30 in FIGS. 5 to 8 of determining whether the dryness has reached the reference dryness may be changed to an operation of determining whether the current time has reached the predetermined cleaning time since the start of the drying operation S20. The cleaning time may be set to a time at which the predetermined duration remains until the time at which the drying operation S20 is completed. The predetermined duration may be set to the duration required to perform the cleaning operation S50 once using the cleaning device 6 .

The laundry treating apparatus and the control method of the laundry treating apparatus as described above can be modified and implemented in various forms, and the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

Claims (72)

1. A method for controlling a laundry treating device, in which the laundry treating device comprises a drum having an area for storing laundry formed therein, a channel forming a path for supplying air discharged from the drum back into the drum, a fan for moving air along the channel, a heat sink for removing moisture from the air supplied to the channel, a heat emitter located inside the channel for heating the air passing through the heat sink, a water collector for storing water discharged from the air passing through the heat sink, a filter unit located in the channel for filtering air moving towards the heat sink, a water outlet having a water storage area formed therein, a water outlet supply pipe for supplying water stored in the water collector to the water outlet, a water jet ejector for discharging water to the filter assembly, a water jet ejector supply pipe for supplying water stored in the catchment ike, into the water jet ejector, a water supply pipe configured to connect the water outlet and the water collector to each other, a water supply valve for controlling the opening and closing of the water supply pipe, and a water collector water level sensor for measuring the water level inside the water collector, the method including a drying operation in which the fan, the heat sink and the heat emitter operate to effect heat exchange between the air and the laundry in the drum; a water level detecting step in which the water level sensor of the sump measures the water level in the sump during the drying operation; a wash water supplying step in which, when the water level in the sump is lower than the predetermined reference water level associated with cleaning, the water supply valve is controlled to supply water stored in the sump to the sump; And a cleaning step in which, after completion of the wash water supply step, water is supplied from the water collector to the water jet ejector to clean the filter assembly. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the wash water supply operation and the cleaning operation is started when the dryness of the laundry, measured using at least one of the sensor electrode or the humidity sensor, is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference dryness, wherein the humidity sensor measures the humidity of the air passing from the drum into the channel, and the sensor-electrode is configured to contact the laundry and measure the amount of moisture contained in the laundry. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the method further comprises a completion step in which, when the dryness of the laundry measured by at least one of the moisture sensor or the sensor electrode reaches a target dryness higher than the reference dryness, the drying operation ends; And the last water outlet operation in which, after the drying operation is completed, the water stored in the water collector passes into the water outlet through the outlet pipe of the water outlet. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the method further includes a water releasing step, wherein when the water level in the sump, measured after completion of the cleaning step, is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference water level associated with the releasing, the water stored in collector, passes into the water outlet through the supply pipe of the water outlet. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the method further includes a water discharge step wherein when the dryness of the air passing from the drum to the channel is below the reference dryness and the water level in the sump is greater than or equal to the predetermined reference water level associated with the outlet, the water stored in the water collector passes into the water outlet through the outlet pipe of the outlet. 6. The method according to claim 2, wherein when the water level in the sump measured after the completion of the washing water supply operation is higher than or equal to the reference water level associated with cleaning, the cleaning operation starts when the water level in the sump measured after the completion of the supply wash water, reaches the reference water level associated with cleaning, wherein, when the water level in the sump measured after completion of the wash water supply operation is below the reference water level associated with cleaning, the cleaning operation starts when the predetermined reference time has elapsed since the end of the wash water supply operation. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the method further comprises at least one of a notification operation, in which, when the water level in the sump, measured after completion of the rinsing water supply operation, is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, a message is output asking the user not to drain the water stored in the water outlet using at least one from the display panel or loudspeaker; or a blocking operation in which, when the water level in the sump, measured after completion of the washing water supplying operation, is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, the latch is actuated to block the water outlet. 8. The method of claim 2, wherein the method further comprises a notification step in which, when the water level in the sump, measured after completion of the washing water supply operation, is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, a message is output requesting the user to supply water to the water outlet using at least one of the display panel or loudspeaker; And a connection operation in which, during the notification operation or after completion of the notification operation, the water supply valve opens the water supply pipe to connect the water outlet and the water collector to each other, moreover, when the water level in the sump, measured after completion of the connection operation, is higher than or equal to the reference water level associated with cleaning, the cleaning operation begins when the water level in the sump reaches the reference water level associated with cleaning, moreover, when the water level in the sump measured after completion of the connection operation is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, the cleaning operation starts when a predetermined reference time has elapsed after completion of the notification operation. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the method further includes at least one of a notification operation in which, when the water level in the sump measured after completion of the connection operation is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, a message requesting the user not to drain the water stored in the water outlet is output by at least one of the panel display or loudspeaker; or a blocking operation in which, when the water level in the sump, measured after completion of the connection operation, is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, the latch is actuated to block the water outlet. 10. The method of claim 2, wherein the method further includes a prediction operation that is performed before starting the drying operation, and in which the amount of water collected in the sump before the reference dryness is reached is predicted based on the amount of laundry measured using the laundry amount sensor; And a prediction result notification step in which, when the sum of the water level measured by the outlet water level sensor detecting the water level inside the outlet and the water level corresponding to the predicted amount measured in the prediction operation is lower than the reference water level associated with cleaning, a message requesting the user to supply water to the water outlet is output by at least one of the display panel or the speaker. 11. The method of claim 3, wherein the method further includes a detergent injection request operation, in which, when a cleaning request using detergent is inputted to an input interface receiving a control command from a user after completion of the last water discharge operation, a message is output requesting detergent input to the water outlet using at least at least one of the display panel or loudspeaker; And a mixed liquid supply step in which the water supply valve is controlled such that a mixed liquid of water and detergent stored in the water outlet is supplied to the water collector; a mixed liquid ejection step in which the mixed liquid stored in the sump is supplied to the water jet ejector to clean the filter assembly; And a mixed liquid discharge step in which the mixed liquid inside the water collector passes to the water outlet after completion of the mixed liquid ejection step. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further includes a filter assembly drying step in which, upon completion of the mixed liquid discharge operation, the fan is driven to dry the filter assembly. 13. Device for processing linen, containing: a case having a laundry inlet formed in its front surface; a drum rotatably disposed within the casing and having a laundry storage area formed therein and in communication with the laundry inlet; a channel defining a path for supplying air discharged from the drum back to the drum; a fan to circulate air inside the drum along the channel; a heat exchanger including a heat sink for removing moisture from the air supplied to the duct, and a heat emitter located inside the duct for heating the air passing through the heat sink; a sump for storing water removed from the air passing through the heat sink; a filter unit disposed in the passage for filtering air passing into the heat sink; a water outlet including a water storage case removably disposed in the case and having a water storage area formed therein, and an inlet configured to pass through the water storage case; a water outlet supply pipe for directing the water stored in the water collector to the inlet; a water jet ejector configured to eject water onto at least one of the filter or heat sink assembly; a water jet ejector supply pipe for supplying water stored in the water collector to the water jet ejector; water supply device, including a water outlet port formed to pass through the water storage case to discharge water from the water storage case through it; a water outlet valve for opening and closing the water outlet; a valve actuator for controlling the water outlet valve to open the water outlet when the water storage case is fixed to the case; a water supply pipe for directing water discharged from the water outlet to the water collector; And a water supply valve for controlling the opening and closing of the water supply pipe; a sump water level sensor configured to detect a water level inside the sump; And a controller configured to control the water supply valve to move water from the water storage housing to the sump when the water level measured by the sump water level sensor is below a predetermined reference water level associated with cleaning. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus further comprises a connection hole formed to pass through the upper surface of the water storage case; a water supply hole of the storage case formed to pass through the upper surface of the case and located above the connection hole; And a water inlet door configured to open and close the water inlet. 15. The device according to claim 13, in which the device further comprises a water outlet mounting hole formed to pass through one surface of the case, the water storage case being removed from the case or inserted into the case through the water outlet mounting hole; a panel fixed to the water storage case and fixed to the water outlet mounting hole or detachable from the water outlet mounting hole; a water supply hole of the panel formed to pass through the panel; a connection hole formed to pass through the upper surface of the water storage case; And a section forming a path configured to direct water passing into the water supply hole of the panel to the connection hole. 16. The device according to claim 13, in which the device further comprises a water outlet mounting hole formed to pass through one surface of the case, the water storage case being removed from the case or inserted into the case through the water outlet mounting hole; a panel fixed to the water storage case and fixed to the water outlet mounting hole or detachable from the water outlet mounting hole; And a latch, wherein the latch includes a rod fastener disposed on at least one of the water storage panel or housing, and a rod located on the casing and releasably connected to the rod fastener. 17. The apparatus of claim. 16, wherein when the water level in the sump, measured after supplying water from the water storage housing to the sump through the water supply device, is below a reference water level associated with cleaning, the controller is configured to control the latch in such a way that the water storage case is fixed on the casing. 18. The device according to claim 13, in which the device further comprises a float level gauge that rises or falls in the height direction of the water storage case according to the water level inside the water storage case; a permanent magnet fixed on a float level gauge; And a magnetic force sensor located in the housing for transmitting the magnitude of the magnetic force acting from the permanent magnet to the controller.

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