WO2023075406A1 - Laundry treating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A laundry treating apparatus is disclosed. A laundry treating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet; a tub provided inside the cabinet; a drum rotatably provided inside the tub and accommodating clothes; and a first temperature measurement unit and a second temperature measurement unit that are provided in the tub and measure air temperature inside the tub during a drying cycle for drying the clothes, wherein a water storage space for receiving water is formed on the bottom surface of the tub, the first temperature measurement unit is spaced apart from the water storage space and measures the temperature of dry air, the second temperature measuring unit is provided in the water storage space, and a protruding end protruding from the bottom surface of the tub toward the drum to measure temperature faces the drum, wherein the protruding end is exposed to air during the drying cycle.

Description

clothes handling device

The present invention relates to a laundry treatment apparatus, and more particularly to a laundry treatment apparatus capable of performing a drying cycle for drying laundry.

A clothes treatment device is a device that performs various treatment processes on clothes, such as washing or drying clothes, and includes a washing machine, a dryer, a refresher (styler), and the like.

Laundry handling apparatuses may be classified into a top loading method and a front loading method based on a method of putting laundry into a drum, and may include a cabinet forming an external appearance.

A washing machine or the like capable of washing clothes may put laundry such as clothes and bedding into a drum to remove contamination from the laundry. The washing process of clothes may include a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, a drying process, and the like.

The drying process of clothes is a process for drying clothes by removing moisture from clothes. High-temperature air is supplied to the inside of the tub in which a drum containing clothes is located, and the moisture in clothes is vaporized through a phase change. Moisture in the clothes can be removed by being transferred from the clothes into the air.

Meanwhile, as the drying cycle of the clothes progresses, the amount of moisture present in the clothes or the heating conditions required inside the tub may change. Therefore, the drying cycle of the clothes is preferably carried out by checking the drying state of the clothes.

Reference document KR 10-2020-0087032 discloses a laundry treatment apparatus capable of performing a drying cycle of clothes accommodated inside a drum. The laundry treatment apparatus of the reference document includes an upper temperature sensor and a lower temperature sensor for measuring the temperature inside the tub during the drying cycle of clothes, and the drying cycle is performed by reflecting the temperature values measured by the temperature sensors.

However, in the laundry treatment apparatus of the reference document, a heater for heating water is provided in a water storage space where water is accommodated at the bottom of the tub, and a lower temperature sensor is provided to measure the temperature of water in the water storage space heated by the heater. However, it is not suitable for measuring the air temperature inside the tub during the drying process.

For example, the lower temperature sensor in the reference document is provided to measure the temperature of water in the storage space, so that the height separated from the bottom surface of the storage space is limited, so that the temperature in the air comes into contact with the water remaining in the storage space during the drying process. may not be accurately measured.

In addition, the laundry treatment apparatus in the reference literature dehumidifies air by cooling a part of the tub by using cooling water during the drying cycle, and therefore, the cooling water after cooling the tub is stored in the water storage space, but is adjacent to the bottom surface of the water storage space. In order to expose the lower temperature sensor of the reference document to be located, the water storage limit of the water storage space is reduced, so there is difficulty in frequent operation of the drain pump or control of the water level.

On the other hand, the lower temperature sensor in the reference document is provided on the front surface of the tub to easily measure the temperature of the water heated by the heater, and therefore, the water storage limit is reduced because the distance from the deepest part where the drain hole exists in the water storage space is large.

Therefore, it is an important task in the art to develop a structure that can increase the efficiency of the drying process by efficiently measuring and utilizing the air temperature inside the tub, and further conveniently and effectively measure the temperature of wet air.

Embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of efficiently performing a drying process by measuring the air temperature inside the tub.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of effectively and conveniently measuring the temperatures of dry air and wet air inside a tub.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of effectively detecting a humidity value inside a tub and utilizing the humidity value in a drying operation.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of conveniently and accurately determining the temperature of wet air inside the tub.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention intend to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of measuring the temperature of moist air while effectively increasing the storage capacity of a water storage space provided inside the tub.

An embodiment of the present invention includes a first temperature measurement unit and a second temperature measurement unit. The first temperature measuring unit measures the temperature of the dry air inside the tub from the upper side of the inside of the tub, and the second temperature measuring unit measures the temperature of the wet air inside the tub from the lower side inside the tub.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a heating unit providing an electromagnetic field from the inside of the cabinet to the inside of the tub is provided, so that a separate air introduction structure for introducing heated air into the tub can be eliminated.

An embodiment of the present invention provides cooling water to the inner surface of the tub to cool a part of the tub, and dehumidifies the air inside the tub using the condensation effect of water vapor, so that a separate configuration for dehumidifying air outside the tub can be omitted. there is.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second temperature measuring unit is positioned in a water storage space in which the cooling water and the condensed water are accommodated, so that the second temperature measuring unit can measure the wet air temperature inside the tub.

In addition, the second temperature measuring unit protrudes from the bottom surface of the tub toward the drum, and the protruding end at which the temperature is directly measured is exposed above the water surface in the storage space, so that the temperature of the wet air reaching the saturated water vapor pressure can be measured and the storage space The storage capacity can be effectively increased.

As described above, the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet, a tub, a drum, a first temperature measuring unit, and a second temperature measuring unit.

A tub is provided inside the cabinet, and a drum is rotatably provided inside the tub and clothes are accommodated therein. A first temperature measuring unit and a second temperature measuring unit are provided in the tub and measure the air temperature inside the tub during a drying operation for drying clothes.

A water storage space accommodating water is formed on the bottom surface of the tub, the first temperature measuring unit is spaced apart from the water storage space to measure the temperature of dry air, and the second temperature measuring unit is provided in the water storage space. A protruding end protruding from the bottom surface of the tub toward the drum and having a temperature measured faces the drum, and the protruding end is exposed to the air during the drying cycle.

A control unit provided inside the cabinet derives a humidity value inside the tub from the measured values of the first temperature measurement unit and the second temperature measurement unit, and performs the drying operation by reflecting the humidity value. can

A drainage unit provided inside the cabinet and communicating with the water storage space to discharge water in the storage space to the outside of the tub, wherein the control unit controls the drainage unit to adjust the water level in the storage space during the drying cycle. The second temperature measuring unit may be maintained lower than the protruding end.

It is provided inside the cabinet and further includes a cooling unit for cooling at least a portion of the tub during the drying cycle, wherein the tub condenses water in the air by condensing at least a portion of the tub cooled by the cooling unit during the drying cycle. is generated, and the condensed water may be collected in the water storage space.

The cooling unit supplies cooling water to the inside of the tub to cool at least a portion of the tub, and the condensed water and the cooling water may be accommodated together in the storage space.

A cooling valve provided inside the cabinet and regulating the flow of cooling water provided to the cooling unit, and a drainage unit provided inside the cabinet and communicated with the water storage space to discharge water in the water storage space to the outside of the tub. and a control unit controlling the cooling valve or the drainage unit to maintain a water level in the storage space lower than that of the protruding end of the second temperature measuring unit during the drying operation.

The control unit may derive an amount of condensed water generated inside the tub from an amount of cooling water provided to the tub from the cooling unit, and derive a water level in the storage space from a total amount of the cooling water and the condensed water.

The tub connects the front surface and the rear surface between a front surface on which a tub opening is formed to communicate the inside and outside of the tub, a rear surface located on the opposite side of the front surface, and the front surface and the rear surface. and a tub circumferential surface including the bottom surface, and the bottom surface of the tub may correspond to a lowermost end surface of the tub circumferential surfaces.

In the tub, a portion of the circumference of the tub is recessed downward to form the water storage space and the bottom surface, and the circumference of the tub is located around the water storage space and defines the water storage space together with the bottom surface. It includes a circumferential surface, and the second temperature measuring unit may be spaced apart from the circumferential surface of the water storage in the water storage space.

The tub may include a drainage hole formed in the water storage space to discharge water. The second temperature measuring unit may be positioned adjacent to the drain hole.

The tub includes a front portion including a front surface and a portion of the tub circumference surface and a rear portion including a rear surface and a remainder of the tub circumference surface, and a coupling line is formed at which the front portion and the rear portion are coupled. The second temperature measuring unit may be located between the drain hole and the coupling line.

The first temperature measuring part may include a protruding end toward the drum and measure a temperature, and a distance between the protruding end of the second temperature measuring part and the drum may be shorter than a distance between the protruding end of the first temperature measuring part and the drum. there is.

A cooling unit provided inside the cabinet and supplying cooling water into the tub during the drying cycle to cool at least a portion of the tub, wherein the tub cools at least a portion of the tub by the cooling water during the drying cycle. Moisture in the air is condensed to generate condensed water, the cooling water and the condensed water are accommodated in the storage space, and before the cooling water is supplied into the tub by the cooling unit, the measured value of the second temperature measuring unit is 1It may be higher than the measured value of the temperature measuring part.

The tub connects the front surface and the rear surface between a front surface on which a tub opening is formed to communicate the inside and outside of the tub, a rear surface located on the opposite side of the front surface, and the front surface and the rear surface. and a circumferential surface of the tub including the bottom surface, and the first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit may be provided on the circumferential surface of the tub.

The first temperature measuring unit may be provided on an upper portion of the circumferential surface of the tub, and the second temperature measuring unit may be provided on the bottom surface located below the circumferential surface of the tub.

The heating part may be provided at an upper end of the circumferential surface of the tub, and the first temperature measuring part may be positioned apart from the heating part.

The first temperature measuring unit may be positioned between a horizontal center line passing through the center of the tub and the heating unit.

The heating unit may provide an electromagnetic field to the inside of the tub, and the drum may be heated by an induced current generated by the electromagnetic field, thereby heating air inside the tub.

On the other hand, one embodiment of the present invention is a cabinet, a tub provided inside the cabinet, a drum provided rotatably inside the tub and accommodating clothes, and provided in the tub, in a drying cycle for drying clothes, the tub A first temperature measuring unit and a second temperature measuring unit are included to measure internal air temperature, and a water storage space accommodating water is formed on the bottom surface of the tub, and the first temperature measuring unit is spaced apart from the water storage space to dry the water. The temperature of the air is measured, the second temperature measuring unit is provided in the water storage space, and at least a part of the drying process is exposed to the air on the water surface to measure the temperature of wet air, and the second temperature measuring unit and the drum The shortest distance may be shorter than the shortest distance between the first temperature measuring unit and the drum.

On the other hand, one embodiment of the present invention is a cabinet, a tub provided inside the cabinet and having a water storage space formed on the bottom surface for accommodating water, a drum provided rotatably inside the tub and accommodating clothes, and the inside of the cabinet. a heating unit for heating the air inside the tub in a drying cycle for drying clothes; a first temperature measuring unit and a second temperature measuring unit provided in the tub for measuring the temperature of the air inside the tub in the drying cycle. A temperature measuring unit provided inside the cabinet, a drainage unit communicating with the water storage space and discharging water in the storage space, and a heating unit to control the drying operation, and controlling the drainage unit to perform the drying operation in the storage space. The first temperature measurement unit is spaced apart from the water storage space to measure the temperature of dry air, and the second temperature measurement unit is provided in the water storage space to measure the temperature of wet air. During the drying cycle, the control unit may control the drainage unit to adjust the water level of the water storage space so that the protruding end, the temperature of which is measured by the second temperature measuring unit, is exposed to the air above the water surface.

Embodiments of the present invention may provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of efficiently performing a drying process by measuring the air temperature inside the tub.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of effectively and conveniently measuring the temperatures of dry air and wet air inside the tub.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a laundry treatment apparatus that can effectively detect the humidity value inside the tub and utilize it in the drying process.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention may provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of conveniently and accurately determining the temperature of wet air inside the tub.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of measuring the temperature of wet air while effectively increasing the storage capacity of the water storage space provided inside the tub.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a perspective view illustrating a tub of a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is an exploded view showing a heating unit of the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a view showing a state in which a water storage space recessed inside a tub is formed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a view showing a state in which a water storage space is formed in a non-indented form inside a tub according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a view schematically showing a first temperature measuring unit and a second temperature measuring unit when viewing the tub from the side in one embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a view showing a first temperature measuring unit viewed from the outside of the tub according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first temperature measuring unit of FIG. 8 cut along line A-A.

10 is a view showing a second temperature measuring unit viewed from the outside of the tub according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the second temperature measurement part of FIG. 10 cut along line B-B.

12 is a graph showing measured values of a first temperature measuring unit and a second temperature measuring unit during a drying process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

13 is a graph schematically showing changes in the water level of the storage space during the drying process in one embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention.

However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. And in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and similar reference numerals are attached to similar parts throughout the specification.

In this specification, redundant descriptions of the same components are omitted.

In addition, in this specification, when a component is referred to as being 'connected' or 'connected' to another component, it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component in the middle It should be understood that may exist. On the other hand, in this specification, when a component is referred to as 'directly connected' or 'directly connected' to another component, it should be understood that no other component exists in the middle.

In addition, terms used in this specification are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

Also, in this specification, a singular expression may include a plurality of expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In addition, in this specification, terms such as 'include' or 'having' are only intended to designate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and one or more It should be understood that the presence or addition of other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not precluded.

Also in this specification, the term 'and/or' includes a combination of a plurality of listed items or any item among a plurality of listed items. In this specification, 'A or B' may include 'A', 'B', or 'both A and B'.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 , a laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 10 . The cabinet 10 may be a component forming an exterior of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 .

A space may be formed inside the cabinet 10 , and components such as a tub 100 and a drum 30 described later may be provided in the inner space. The shape of the cabinet 10 may be various, such as a cylindrical shape and a polygonal column shape.

Although a hexahedron-shaped cabinet 10 is shown in FIG. 1, it is not necessarily limited thereto. However, for convenience of description, unless otherwise noted, the cabinet 10 is based on the hexahedral shape shown in FIG. Explain.

The cabinet 10 may be manufactured by combining a plurality of plates, molded to have a corresponding shape through a casting method or the like, or manufactured by bending or bending one material.

When the cabinet 10 includes a plurality of plates, the plurality of plates may include a front plate 11, a rear plate, a side plate, a lower plate, and an upper plate, and the plurality of plates are mutually coupled to form a cabinet (10) can be formed.

FIG. 1 shows a front plate 11 including a clothing opening 15 . However, this is for convenience of description, and the plate on which the clothing opening 15 is provided is not necessarily limited to the front plate 11. For example, the clothing opening 15 may be provided on the upper plate.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the clothing opening 15 may correspond to a through hole penetrating the front plate 11 and communicate the inside and outside of the cabinet 10 . The inside of the cabinet 10 may be exposed to the outside through the clothing opening 15 .

A user may insert or take out clothes into the cabinet 10 through the clothes opening 15 . That is, the clothing opening 15 may correspond to a passage through which clothing moves into and out of the cabinet 10 .

The tub 100 and the drum 30 may be positioned behind the clothing opening 15, and between the tub 100 and the drum 30 and the clothing opening 15, the tub 100 prevents water from flowing out. ) gaskets may be provided.

A clothing door 17 for opening and closing the clothing opening 15 may be provided on the front plate 11 . The clothing door 17 may be rotatably coupled to the front plate 11, close the clothing opening 15 by being in close contact with the front plate 11, or move away from the front plate 11 to open the clothing opening 15. ) can be opened.

Meanwhile, the cabinet 10 may include a control panel exposed to the outside, and at least a portion of the detergent supply device 80 for storing detergent by the user may be exposed to the outside of the cabinet 10 .

The control panel may be provided to guide the user through the processing of clothes or to receive an operation signal from the user. For example, the control panel may provide various types of information to the user through a display and a speaker, and may receive an operation signal from the user through a microphone or button.

Although FIG. 1 shows the control panel and the clothing opening 15 provided on the front plate 11, they may be provided on a side plate or an upper plate.

Meanwhile, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 corresponds to a view of the inside of the cabinet 10 viewed from the side.

Referring to FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the present invention may include a tub 100 and a drum 30 provided inside the cabinet 10 . The tub 100 may include a tub opening 105 installed inside the cabinet 10, receiving water therein, and facing the clothing opening 15.

The drum 30 is rotatably installed inside the tub 100, and clothes may be accommodated therein. The drum 30 may include a drum opening 35 facing the clothing opening 15 and the tub opening 105 .

Although FIG. 2 shows a front-loading type laundry handling apparatus 1 in which the clothes opening 15, the tub opening 105, and the drum opening 35 are all directed toward the front of the cabinet 10, the present invention does not require the front side. It is not limited to the loading method, but for convenience of explanation, the following description will be made based on the front loading method unless otherwise noted.

The tub 100 is provided inside the cabinet 10 and may be provided in various shapes such as a cylindrical shape or a polygonal column shape. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a cylindrical tub 100 will be described as a reference.

The tub 100 may be provided in a cylindrical shape having a substantially circular cross section, and includes a front surface 101 on which the tub opening 105 is formed, a rear surface 102 located on the opposite side of the front surface 101, and , It may include a tub circumference surface 103 located between the front surface 101 and the rear surface 102.

A space may be formed inside the tub 100 , and the inside and outside of the tub 100 may communicate with each other through the tub opening 105 . That is, the inner space of the tub 100 may be exposed to the outside of the tub 100 through the tub opening 105 .

The drum 30 is provided inside the tub 100 and may be provided in various shapes such as a cylindrical shape or a polygonal columnar shape. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a cylindrical drum 30 will be described as a reference.

The drum 30 may be provided in a cylindrical shape having a substantially circular cross section, and a drum opening 35 may be formed on one surface facing the front surface 101 of the tub 100 . A space may be formed inside the drum 30 , and the inside and outside of the drum 30 may communicate with each other through the drum opening 35 . The inner space of the drum 30 may be exposed to the outside of the drum 30 through the drum opening 35 .

The drum 30 may be provided so that the drum opening 35 faces the tub opening 105 inside the tub 100, and the tub 100 has the tub opening 105 inside the cabinet 10 for clothing. It may be provided to face the opening 15 . That is, the clothing opening 15, the tub opening 105, and the drum opening 35 may be aligned along one direction and face each other.

Clothes put into the cabinet 10 from the outside of the cabinet 10 through the clothes opening 15 pass through the tub opening 105 and the drum opening 35 to be accommodated in the drum 30 . That is, the tub opening 105 and the drum opening 35 together with the clothing opening 15 may serve as passages for moving clothes.

The tub 100 may contain water therein, and the drum 30 may have a through hole formed on a circumferential surface thereof. Accordingly, when water is supplied to the inside of the tub 100 in the process of treating the clothes, the water is supplied to the inside of the drum 30 through the through hole of the drum 30 so that the clothes and the water can come into contact.

Meanwhile, a water supply source connection unit 40 connected to an external water supply source 50 and through which water is transmitted from the external water supply source 50 may be provided inside the cabinet 10 . The external water supply source 50 means a target for supplying water from the outside of the cabinet 10 to the water supply source connection unit 40 .

The water supply source connection unit 40 may transfer water supplied from the external water supply source 50 to various configurations within the cabinet 10 . The water supply source connection unit 40 may include one or more valves for regulating the flow of water as needed.

The tub 100 is directly connected to the water supply source connection unit 40 to receive water, or as shown in FIG. 2, water and detergent are supplied together from the detergent supply device 80 receiving water from the water supply source connection unit 40. you may receive

Meanwhile, the drum 30 may be rotatably provided inside the tub 100 . A drive unit 70 for providing rotational force to the drum 30 may be provided inside the cabinet 10 , and the drive unit 70 may be provided between the tub 100 and the cabinet 10 .

Referring to FIG. 2 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the tub 100 is fixed inside the cabinet 10, the driving unit 70 may be installed on the rear surface 102 of the tub 100, and the drum ( 30) is coupled to a rotational shaft passing through the tub 100, and the driving unit 70 may provide rotational force to the drum 30 through the rotational shaft.

Meanwhile, a gasket of the tub 100 may be provided between the tub 100 and the front plate 11 . When water is supplied to the inside of the tub 100 for a laundry treatment process, for example, a washing or rinsing process, the water inside the tub 100 passes through the tub opening 105 to the outside of the cabinet 10 or the cabinet 10. The inside of the tub 100 may be discharged to the outside.

When water inside the tub 100 leaks out of the tub 100, it may cause corrosion or deterioration of other components, deterioration in hygiene, and failure of other components.

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, a tub ( 100) A gasket may be provided.

A heating unit 90 coupled to the tub 100 may be provided inside the cabinet 10 to heat air inside the tub 100 during the drying cycle. A detailed description of the heating unit 90 will be described later. do.

Meanwhile, one embodiment of the present invention may include a cooling unit 95 for cooling air during the drying process. The cooling unit 95 may have various types. For example, the cooling unit 95 may be various, such as a heat pump system or a cooling water type.

2 shows a cooling unit 95 utilizing cooling water according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2 , the cooling unit 95 may be connected to the water supply source connection unit 40 through the cooling passage 96 .

A cooling valve 97 for regulating the flow of water transferred from the water supply source connection unit 40 to the cooling unit 95 is provided in the water supply source connection unit 40, the cooling passage 96, and/or the cooling unit 95. can The cooling valve 97 may allow water to flow in an open state and block the water flow in a closed state.

The cooling unit 95 may be provided to cool at least a portion of the tub 100 by using cooling water in a drying cycle for drying clothes. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the cooling unit 95 provides cooling water to at least a part of the rear surface 102 or the tub circumferential surface 103 inside the tub 100 so that the rear surface 102 of the tub 100 ) or at least a part of the tub circumferential surface 103 may be cooled.

During the drying cycle, the high-temperature air heated by the heating unit 90 contacts at least a portion of the tub 100 cooled by the cooling water, so that moisture in the air can be condensed in the form of water droplets, and the condensed water is mixed with the cooling water. Together, they may be collected in the water storage space 110 of the tub 100.

Meanwhile, the water storage space 110 may be provided inside the tub 100 . The water storage space 110 may be provided under the tub 100 in consideration of the weight of water. For example, the water storage space 110 may be defined on the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100 .

The water storage space 110 may be defined by the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100 and the water storage circumferential surface 109 surrounding the water storage space 110 . The bottom surface 107 and the water storage circumferential surface 109 of the tub 100 may correspond to parts of the tub 100 . For example, the water storage circumferential surface 109 may correspond to a part of the front surface 101 , the rear surface 102 , and/or the tub circumferential surface 103 of the tub 100 . Cooling water provided by the cooling unit 95 or condensed water generated during the drying process may be accommodated in the water storage space 110 .

In the tub 100, a portion of the tub circumferential surface 103 is recessed downward to form the water storage space 110, and a water storage circumferential surface 109 positioned around the water storage space 110 is formed. It can be. For example, in the tub 100, the lower part of the tub circumferential surface 103 is indented downward, so that a water storage space 110 extending downward is defined therein, and the bottom surface 107 and the water storage circumferential surface 109 are formed. can be defined

However, one embodiment of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and as shown in FIG. 5, the tub circumferential surface 103 may be provided in a cylindrical shape having a constant shape along the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the tub ( 100) A part of the internal space may correspond to the water storage space 110.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the case where a part of the tub circumferential surface 103 is not recessed downward, a space in which water is stored in the drying process among the inner spaces of the tub 100 may be defined as the water storage space 110, A bottom surface 107 and a water storage circumference surface 109 may be defined based on the water storage space 110 .

Meanwhile, a drain hole 62 communicating with the water storage space 110 may be provided on the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100, and water stored in the water storage space 110 passes through the drain hole 62 to the tub 100. (100) Can be discharged to the outside. The drainage hole 62 may be connected to the drainage unit 60 located outside the tub 100 .

The drain unit 60 may include a drain pump for draining water, and the drain unit 60 may selectively drain water from the storage space 110 through operation of the drain pump or the like. The drainage unit 60 may discharge water discharged from the tub 100 to the outside of the cabinet 10 by pumping it.

Meanwhile, a first temperature measuring unit 200 and a second temperature measuring unit 300 for measuring air temperature may be provided in the tub 100 . The first temperature measuring unit 200 and the second temperature measuring unit 300 may be spaced apart from each other to measure temperatures of different parts of the inside of the tub 100 .

2 shows a state in which the first temperature measuring unit 200 is provided at the top of the tub 100 and the second temperature measuring unit 300 is provided at the bottom of the tub 100, but this is the first temperature measuring unit. 200 and the second temperature measurement unit 300 are only for explanation, and the first temperature measurement unit 200 and the second temperature measurement unit 300 must be located at the top or bottom of the tub 100. There is no need.

Meanwhile, the first temperature measuring unit 200 is located above the tub 100 to measure the temperature of the dry air inside the tub 100, and the second temperature measuring unit 300 is located below the tub 100. Thus, the temperature of the wet air inside the tub 100 can be measured.

In the present invention, wet air means air in a state in which saturated vapor pressure is formed, but air in a state in which a water vapor pressure relatively close to saturated vapor pressure is formed by being located close to the water surface (W) can also be understood as wet air. For example, the water storage space 110 or air in a position adjacent to the water storage space 110 may be understood as wet air.

In the present invention, dry air refers to air having a relative humidity in a general state, unlike wet air, and in the present invention, air in a state in which the water stored in the storage space 110 is sufficiently far away from the storage space 110 is not affected by dry air. can be understood as air.

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second temperature measuring unit 300 may be positioned on the water storage space 110 to measure the temperature of the wet air, and the first temperature measuring unit 200 may be provided in the tub ( 100) may be provided to measure the temperature of dry air.

The dry air temperature and the wet air temperature of the air inside the tub 100 can be used to determine the progress of the drying process. For example, the difference between the temperature of dry air and the temperature of wet air may be a factor for deriving the current humidity value of air, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the laundry treatment apparatus 1 may include the control unit 400 . The control unit 400 may be provided inside or outside the cabinet 10, and includes the aforementioned water supply source connection unit 40, the detergent supply device 80, the driving unit 70, the drainage unit 60, and the heating unit 90. , it may be electrically/signally connected to the cooling unit 95, the cooling valve 97, and the like.

That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 400 may be connected to various components capable of electrical/electronic control and may be provided to control the operating state of the various components, and to perform a washing cycle or a drying cycle of clothes. can be provided.

Meanwhile, FIG. 3 shows an appearance of the tub 100 provided inside the cabinet 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The tub 100 includes a front surface 101 including a tub opening 105, a rear surface 102 located on the opposite side of the front surface 101, the front surface 101 and the rear surface 102. ) may include a tub circumferential surface 103 connecting each other.

The heating unit 90 may be provided on the circumferential surface 103 of the tub, and the first temperature measurement unit 200 and the second temperature measurement unit 300 may also be provided on the circumference surface 103 of the tub. The aforementioned bottom surface 107 of the tub 100 may correspond to a part of the tub circumferential surface 103 .

The first temperature measuring unit 200 may be located on the upper part of the tub circumferential surface 103 , and the second temperature measuring unit 300 may be located on the lower part of the tub circumferential surface 103 . Here, the upper part of the tub circumferential surface 103 or the upper part of the tub 100 means a portion that exists above the horizontal center line (L) passing through the center of the tub 100 in cross section, and the lower part is higher than the horizontal center line (L). It means the part that exists below.

Meanwhile, FIG. 4 shows a heating unit 90 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The heating unit 90 may be provided to heat water or air by heating the inside of the tub 100 . For example, the heating unit 90 may be provided to increase the temperature of water in a washing operation or to increase the temperature of air existing in the tub 100 in a drying operation.

The heating unit 90 may be provided in various types and shapes. For example, the heating unit 90 may be provided in the form of a heat pump system using a refrigerant, or may be provided in the form of an electric heater that is heated by resistance by current, or by generating an electromagnetic field to generate an induced current in an object to generate electrical energy. It may be provided in the form of an electromagnetic field generator that heats the object by resistance.

4 shows a heating unit 90 in the form of an electromagnetic field generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4 , the heating unit 90 may include an induction coil 91 and a coil cover 92, and a coil coupling unit 93 for coupling the heating unit 90 to the tub 100. can be provided.

The induction coil 91 is provided to generate an electromagnetic field when current is supplied, and may be provided to be shielded from the outside by a coil cover 92 . The induction coil 91 may be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the tub 100 to provide an electromagnetic field to the inside of the tub 100 .

The tub 100 may be made of a material that does not generate induced current, for example, a non-conductive material such as plastic. Therefore, the electromagnetic field provided by the heating unit 90 including the induction coil 91 does not affect the tub 100, and the electromagnetic field passes through the tub 100 and can be provided to the inside of the tub 100. there is.

Meanwhile, unlike the tub 100, the drum 30 may be made of a material that generates an induced current, for example, a conductor such as metal or special ceramic. Therefore, an induced current, for example, an eddy current, may be formed in the drum 30 under the influence of the electromagnetic field provided by the heating unit 90 . Due to the formation of current, the drum 30 corresponding to the resistor can be heated by itself.

The drum 30 heated by the heating unit 90 may contribute to increasing the temperature of air or water inside the tub 100 . For example, the heating unit 90 heats the drum 30 to increase the temperature of the wash water provided inside the tub 100 in the washing process of clothes, or the temperature of the air inside the tub 100 in the drying process of clothes. The drum 30 may be heated to elevate. In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 400 is electrically/signally connected to the heating unit 90 to control the operation of the heating unit 90 .

Meanwhile, FIG. 5 shows a water storage space 110 in which the tub circumferential surface 103 of the tub 100 is indented and the inner space of the tub 100 is expanded, and FIG. 6 shows the tub 100 The circumferential surface 103 is constantly extended to have a circular cross section, and a portion of the inner space of the tub 100 corresponds to the water storage space 110 is shown.

In addition, FIGS. 5 and 6 schematically show the first temperature measuring unit 200 and the second temperature measuring unit 300 when the tub 100 is viewed from the front, and FIG. 6 shows the tub 100 from the side. When viewed from above, the second temperature measuring unit 300 and the second temperature measuring unit 300 are schematically shown.

An embodiment of the present invention including the first temperature measuring unit 200 and the second temperature measuring unit 300 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 . First, an embodiment of the present invention may include the aforementioned cabinet 10, tub 100, drum 30, first temperature measurement unit 200, and second temperature measurement unit 300.

The tub 100 is provided inside the cabinet 10, the drum 30 is rotatably provided inside the tub 100 and accommodates clothes, and the first temperature measurement unit 200 and the second temperature measurement The unit 300 is provided in each tub 100 and can measure the air temperature inside the tub 100 during a drying cycle for drying clothes.

A water storage space 110 accommodating water is formed on the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100, and the first temperature measuring unit 200 is spaced apart from the water storage space 110 to measure the temperature of dry air. And, the second temperature measuring unit 300 is provided in the water storage space 110, protrudes from the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100 toward the drum 30, and has a protruding end portion at which temperature is measured ( 305 faces the drum 30, and the protruding end 305 is positioned higher than the water level H3 of the water storage space 110 so that it is exposed to the air during the drying cycle, and the temperature of the wet air can be measured.

The shape of the water storage space 110 may vary. 5 and 7 show a state in which the bottom surface 103 of the tub circumferential surface 103 is recessed downward, and the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100 and the water storage space 110 are formed.

In addition, FIG. 6 shows an example in which the lower end of the tub circumferential surface 103 is not recessed downward, the tub 100 has a substantially circular cross section, and a part of the inner space of the tub 100 corresponds to the water storage space 110. is shown

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first temperature measuring unit 200 may be provided at a point spaced apart from the water storage space 110 to measure the temperature of dry air. For example, the first temperature measuring unit 200 may be located above the tub 100 .

8 shows the first temperature measuring unit 200 viewed from the outside of the tub 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 shows the first temperature measuring unit 200 of FIG. 8 along line A-A. A cut cross section is shown.

The first temperature measuring unit 200 may be located above the tub 100 among the tub circumferential surfaces 103, and the protruding end 205 corresponding to the part where the temperature is measured by penetrating the tub circumferential surface 103 ) may be located inside the tub 100.

The tub circumference 103 may be provided with a measurement coupling portion 230 for inserting and coupling the first temperature measurement unit 200 , and the measurement coupling portion 230 extends from the tub circumference 103 to the tub 100. ) may protrude outward.

The first temperature measurement unit 200 may include a fixing unit 210 disposed outside the tub 100 and coupled to the measurement coupling unit 230 . The fixing part 210 may be coupled to the measuring coupling part 230 by a coupling member 220 such as a bolt, and as the fixing part 210 is coupled and fixed to the measuring coupling part 230, the tub ( 100) The position of the first temperature measuring unit 200 inside may be fixed.

The first temperature measuring unit 200 may be provided in various types. For example, the first temperature measurement unit 200 may be a mechanical/electrical/radiation type thermometer or may be a thermistor type that determines temperature based on electrical characteristics. The second temperature measuring unit 300 is also the same.

The first temperature measuring unit 200 may include a protruding end 205 that is disposed inside the tub 100 and is exposed to the air and serves as a reference portion at which temperature is measured. That is, the temperature measurement value of the first temperature measurement unit 200 may be measured based on the protruding end portion 205 .

For example, when the first temperature measuring unit 200 and the second temperature measuring unit 300 are in the form of a thermistor, a thermistor chip having a variable resistance value may be disposed at the protruding end portion.

The first temperature measuring unit 200 is positioned within the tub 100 where the protruding end 205 of the first temperature measuring unit 200 is required through the combination of the measuring coupling unit 230 and the fixing unit 210. It can be fixed to improve the accuracy of the temperature measurement value.

Meanwhile, FIG. 10 shows the second temperature measuring unit 300 viewed from the outside of the tub 100, and FIG. 11 shows a cross section of the second temperature measuring unit 300 of FIG. 10 cut along line B-B. has been

Like the first temperature measuring unit 200, the temperature of the second temperature measuring unit 300 can be measured at the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300, and the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100 ), the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 may be disposed inside the tub 100 .

The second temperature measuring unit 300 may be provided in the water storage space 110 . For example, the second temperature measuring unit 300 may be positioned in the water storage space 110 inside the tub 100 by penetrating the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100 defining the water storage space 110 .

The second temperature measuring unit 300 may be provided in a form extending from the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100 toward the drum 30 . That is, the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 may be disposed toward the drum 30 .

The second temperature measuring unit 300 may be provided to measure the temperature of wet air by the water existing on the water storage space 110 . In one embodiment of the present invention, water may be accommodated in the water storage space 110 during the drying process.

During the drying cycle, the water received in the storage space 110 is cooling water provided by the cooling unit 95, condensed water generated from a part of the tub 100 cooled by the cooling unit 95, or wet air measurement. It may be water intentionally stored in the water storage space 110 for the purpose.

The temperature measured by the first temperature measurement unit 200 spaced apart from the water storage space 110 where water exists may be the temperature of dry air corresponding to air in a general state, and the temperature in the water storage space 110 where water exists The temperature measured by the positioned second temperature measuring unit 300 may correspond to saturated water vapor pressure due to evaporation of water or may be the temperature of wet air corresponding to air that can be handled in substantially the same state.

The temperature of the dry air and the temperature of the wet air measured inside the tub 100 during the drying cycle may serve as standards for determining the progress of the drying cycle or the drying state of clothes in a relative relationship.

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 400 may utilize the measured values measured by the first temperature measuring unit 200 and the second temperature measuring unit 300 and reflect them in performing the drying process.

For example, the control unit 400 compares and analyzes the measured values of the first temperature measurement unit 200 and the second temperature measurement unit 300 to obtain a constant rate section P2 corresponding to the highest practical drying efficiency of clothes during the drying cycle. It is possible to utilize the drying cycle by determining whether the drying efficiency of clothes is reduced and the state in which the clothes are sufficiently dried (P3) has been entered.

Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 5 to 7 again, in one embodiment of the present invention, the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 is higher than the water level H3 of the water stored in the water storage space 110 during the drying cycle. It may be arranged to measure the temperature of the wet air by being positioned high and exposed to the air.

As described above, the second temperature measuring unit 300 is provided to measure the temperature of wet air inside the tub 100, and therefore the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 is the water storage space 110 It is advantageous to be placed adjacent to the water of the water, but it is disadvantageous to grasp the temperature of the water when in direct contact with the water.

Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second temperature measuring unit 300 is disposed on the water storage space 110 and positioned adjacent to water to be advantageous in measuring the temperature of wet air, and at the same time, the second temperature measuring unit ( The protruding end 305 of 300) is positioned at least at a height higher than the water level H3 of the water storage space 110, so that the temperature of the wet air can be accurately and efficiently measured.

Furthermore, in order for the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 to be positioned above the water surface W, the height H2 of the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 itself is required to store water during the drying cycle. It may be a criterion for limiting the storage capacity of the space 110 .

Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second temperature measuring unit 300 is provided in a form extending upward from the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100 toward the drum 30, so that the second temperature measuring unit ( 300), the height H2 of the protruding end 305 can be conveniently adjusted, and the height H2 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 can be conveniently increased as needed to increase the storage capacity limit of the water storage space 110. can be effectively increased.

Furthermore, the surface of the second temperature measuring unit 300 has room for condensation of water vapor in the air in the form of water droplets, and along the extension direction of the second temperature measuring unit 300, the water droplets reach the second temperature due to their own weight. There is an advantageous effect that can be removed by flowing down from the measuring unit 300 to the bottom surface 107 .

In addition, since the second temperature measuring unit 300 penetrates the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100 in the water storage space 110 where water exists, a measuring gasket for preventing water from leaking out of the tub 100. A portion 340 may be included.

The measuring gasket unit 340 is provided to pass through the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100, and the second temperature measuring unit 300 penetrates the measuring gasket unit 340 to penetrate the water storage space of the tub 100 ( 110), the leak of water can be effectively prevented by the measuring gasket 340 at the junction of the second temperature measuring unit 300.

Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, as the second temperature measuring unit 300 protrudes upward from the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100, it is spaced apart from the circumferential side of the water storage space 110, and the water storage space 110 ), so that the temperature of the wet air can be measured at a point where the formation of saturated water vapor pressure by evaporation of water is relatively stable, the reliability of the measured value of the second temperature measuring unit 300 can be effectively increased.

Meanwhile, FIG. 12 shows a graph showing humidity values derived from measured values of the first temperature measuring unit 200 and the second temperature measuring unit 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 400 determines the humidity value inside the tub 100 from the measured values of the first temperature measurement unit 200 and the second temperature measurement unit 300. , and the drying process may be performed by reflecting the humidity value.

In the drying process of clothes, an important variable for determining the progress of the drying process may correspond to the humidity value of the air inside the tub 100. For example, in the process of changing the evaporation rate of moisture from clothes and drying efficiency, the value of humidity in the air may also have a specific pattern and show changes, and the execution step of the drying process may be determined using this.

The control of the drying process using the humidity value in the air inside the tub 100 is more precise and efficient than the control of the drying process through estimation of the drying state using only the temperature value in the air inside the tub 100.

In the graph of FIG. 12, the horizontal axis corresponds to the time axis in minutes, the left vertical axis corresponds to the temperature axis in Celsius, and the right vertical axis corresponds to the humidity axis in percent.

In addition, line M1 on the graph is a measured value of the first temperature measuring unit 200, line M2 is a measured value of the second temperature measuring unit 300, and line M3 is a measured value of the first temperature measuring unit 200 and the second temperature measuring unit 200. It is a humidity calculation value derived from the deviation value of the temperature measuring unit 300, and the line M4 is a humidity measurement value measured using an actual humidity sensor.

On the other hand, in the graph of FIG. 12, the increasing rate section (P1) corresponding to the initial stage of the drying cycle with increased drying efficiency, the constant rate section (P2) corresponding to the middle stage of the drying cycle while maintaining the maximum drying efficiency, and Drying efficiency decreases as the moisture falls below a certain level, and a rate reduction section (P3) corresponding to the end of the drying cycle is displayed.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 400 may derive the calculated humidity value M3 using the measured values of the first temperature measurement unit 200 and the second temperature measurement unit 300 . The humidity calculation value M3 is calculated in real time by a specific formula pre-stored in the control unit 400, or in the data map pre-stored in the control unit 400. It can also be derived by substituting the measured value.

Referring to the graph of FIG. 12, the humidity calculation value M3 derived by the control unit 400 from the measured values of the first temperature measurement unit 200 and the second temperature measurement unit 300 is the result of actually measuring humidity, which is humidity measurement. It can be confirmed that the value M4 is followed with high reliability.

Compared to determining the progress of the drying process by using the measured value M1 of the first temperature measuring unit 200 or the measured value M2 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 as it is, tracking the measured value M4 of humidity with high reliability Therefore, it is advantageous for efficient execution of the drying process to utilize the humidity calculated value M3, which has substantially the same or similar result.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 400 uses the humidity calculation value M3 derived from the measured values of the first temperature measurement unit 200 and the second temperature measurement unit 300 to obtain high humidity even without an actual humidity sensor. It has reliability and can effectively grasp the entry point of the constant rate section (P2) or the rate reduction section (P3) of the construction stroke.

Meanwhile, as described above, one embodiment of the present invention is provided inside the cabinet 10 and communicates with the water storage space 110 to discharge water in the water storage space 110 to the outside of the tub 100. It may further include a drainage part 60 to do.

The control unit 400 controls the drainage unit 60 to set the water level H3 of the water storage space 110 lower than the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 during the drying cycle. can be maintained

5 to 7, the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 measures the temperature of wet air, not the temperature of water, so that the second temperature measuring unit 300 measures the bottom surface of the tub 100. The height H2 from 107 may be equal to or greater than the height H3 from the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100 to the water surface W in the water storage space 110 .

Meanwhile, the height relationship between the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 and the water surface W is not only for adjusting the height of the second temperature measuring unit 300 but also for adjusting the amount of water stored in the water storage space 110. get affected.

That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the height H2 of the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 may be set according to the water storage permissible capacity of the water storage space 110 for the drying operation, and the preset second The water storage capacity of the water storage space 110 may be changed according to the height H2 of the protruding end 305 of the temperature measuring unit 300 .

The control unit 400 determines the storage capacity of the storage space 110 based on the height H2 of the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measurement unit 300, and when water exceeding the storage capacity is stored, drainage is performed. By operating the unit 60 , the water level H3 of the water storage space 110 may be adjusted below the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 .

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 can be stably exposed to the air above the water surface W, and the temperature of the wet air can be effectively measured.

Meanwhile, one embodiment of the present invention may include a heating unit 90 as described in FIG. 4 , the heating unit 90 is provided inside the cabinet 10, and the tub 100 in the drying cycle. ) can heat the air inside. The tub 100 may heat stagnant air inside the tub 100 by the heating unit 90 during the drying process.

That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, there is no air flow between the inside and outside of the tub 100 in the drying process, and the air inside the tub 100 is heated by the heating unit 90 in a stagnant state. It can have a dry structure.

In the circulation or exhaust type drying structure in which air flows outside the tub 100, it is easy to have a temperature sensor or humidity sensor on the air flow path outside the tub 100, whereas in the static drying structure, the tub 100 It is necessary to grasp the humidity value of the air inside.

That is, in an embodiment of the present invention, in a static drying structure in which air is heated and does not flow inside the tub 100, the first temperature measuring unit 200 for measuring the temperature of dry air and a water reservoir in which water is accommodated are stored. A humidity value inside the tub 100 can be effectively derived by using the second temperature measurement unit 300 that measures the temperature of wet air in the space 110 .

Meanwhile, one embodiment of the present invention may further include a cooling unit 95 as described above with reference to FIG. 2 . The cooling unit 95 is provided inside the cabinet 10 and may cool at least a portion of the tub 100 during the drying cycle.

In the tub 100 , condensed water is generated by condensing moisture in the air in at least a portion cooled by the cooling unit 95 during the drying cycle, and the condensed water may be collected in the water storage space 110 .

That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, even if water is not separately stored in the storage space 110 for the use of the second temperature measuring unit 300 during the drying cycle, water is effectively stored in the storage space 110 by condensate. Thus, a wet air measurement environment can be created.

In addition, by using the condensate removal method using the cooling unit 95, moisture in the air can be effectively removed even in a static drying structure, and the second temperature measurement unit 300 can be efficiently utilized.

Meanwhile, the cooling unit 95 supplies cooling water to the inside of the tub 100 to cool at least a portion of the tub 100 , and the condensed water and the cooling water may be accommodated together in the water storage space 110 .

As described above, the cooling unit 95 may be provided in various types, but in one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling unit 95 may be provided in a cooling water method for supplying cooling water to the inner surface of the tub 100 .

Since the cooling water is stored in the storage space 110 together with the condensed water, it is possible to effectively and conveniently create a water storage environment in the storage space 110 for measuring the temperature of the wet air.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, a cooling valve 97 provided inside the cabinet 10 and regulating the flow of cooling water supplied to the cooling unit 95, provided inside the cabinet 10 and controls the drainage unit 60 communicating with the water storage space 110 to discharge water in the storage space 110 to the outside of the tub 100 and the cooling valve 97 or the drainage unit 60 The controller 400 may further include a control unit 400 which maintains the water level H3 of the water storage space 110 lower than the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 during the drying cycle.

That is, the control unit 400 controls the cooling valve 97 in advance to reduce the supply amount of cooling water before the amount of water stored in the water storage space 110 exceeds the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300, or , By controlling the drainage unit 60 to drain water from the water storage space 110, the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 can effectively maintain a state exposed to the air.

Meanwhile, FIG. 13 is a graph conceptually illustrating a change in the water level H3 stored in the water storage space 110 during the drying process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 400 controls the amount of cooling water generated inside the tub 100 from the amount C1 of cooling water provided from the cooling unit 95 to the tub 100. The amount of condensed water (C2) may be derived, and the water level (H3) of the water storage space 110 may be derived from the total amount (C1+C2) of the cooling water and the condensed water.

Specifically, after at least a portion of the tub 100 starts to be cooled by the cooling unit 95 in the course of the drying cycle, the amount of condensed water (C2) generated on the inner surface of the cooled tub 100 is the cooling water. It may have a specific relationship with the amount of (C1) or the cooling progress time.

13 conceptually expresses the correlation between the amount of cooling water (C1) and the amount of condensed water (C2). 12, the horizontal axis is the time axis in minutes, and the vertical axis is the water level axis in mm.

Referring to FIG. 13 , first, the drying efficiency of drying moisture from clothes is maximized and the cooling water introduction time point t1 at which cooling water is supplied by the cooling unit 95 is displayed.

It is indicated that cooling water is stored in the water storage space 110 after the coolant introduction time t1, and the amount C1 of the cooling water stored in the water storage space 110 gradually increases over time.

On the other hand, condensed water generated on the inner surface of the tub 100 due to cooling activity by the cooling unit 95 after the cooling water inflow point t1 may be stored in the storage space 110, and accordingly, the amount of cooling water (C1) and The amount of water stored in the storage space 110 (C1+C2) in which the amount of condensed water (C2) is added is displayed.

On the other hand, the control unit 400 operates the drain pump of the drain unit 60 before the amount of stored water in the water storage space 110 reaches the height H2 of the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300. Water in the space 110 can be discharged, and FIG. 13 shows a draining time point t2 at which the drainage unit 60 operates.

However, FIG. 13 is only an example for explaining the water storage amount control method of the water storage space 110 in the present invention, and the amount of cooling water (C1) or the amount of condensate water (C2) has nonlinear characteristics unlike FIG. and the drainage time point t2 can be determined in various ways, and a certain amount of water is still stored for smooth measurement of the second temperature measuring unit 300 as well as when no water remains in the water storage space 110 after the drain is finished. It can also be made to exist in the space 110.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 400 omits the water level sensor for measuring the amount of water stored in the water storage space 110, but the amount of cooling water provided or the current amount of cooling water C1 from the time of supply or the amount of condensed water from the supply period The water level ( H3) can be effectively controlled.

On the other hand, in one embodiment of the present invention, the tub 100 surrounds the water storage space 110 and includes a water storage circumferential surface 109 defining the water storage space 110 together with the bottom surface 107, , The second temperature measuring unit 300 may be provided to be spaced apart from the water storage circumferential surface 109 in the water storage space 110 . The second temperature measuring unit 300 spaced apart from the water storage circumferential surface 109 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .

As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second temperature measuring unit 300 may have a shape protruding from the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100 toward the drum 30, and The second temperature measurement unit 300, which is not provided on the front surface 101 or the rear surface 102, may be spaced apart from the water reservoir circumference surface 109 by securing a degree of freedom in position.

The above-described drain hole 62 may be provided in the water storage space 110, and the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100 in the water storage space 110 is recessed toward the drain hole 62 for smooth drainage of water. can have a shape. That is, the drain hole 62 may be located at the deepest part of the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100, and the deepest part may be spaced apart from the water storage circumferential surface 109.

Therefore, when the second temperature measuring unit 300 comes into contact with or is adjacent to the water storage circumferential surface 109, the water storage space 110 is exposed to expose the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 to the air. It is disadvantageous to secure the storage capacity.

Furthermore, as described above, water vapor generated in the water storage space 110 may exist more stably on the inside spaced apart from the water storage circumferential surface 109 side.

Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second temperature measuring unit 300 is disposed at a distance from the water storage circumference surface 109 in the water storage space 110, so that the storage capacity can be effectively increased and the temperature of the wet air can be measured. Reliability can be effectively improved.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the tub 100 is formed in the water storage space 110 and includes a drain hole 62 through which water is discharged, and the second temperature measuring unit 300 is formed in the drain hole. It may protrude toward the drum 30 from the circumferential side of (62). The positional relationship between the second temperature measuring unit 300 and the drainage hole 62 is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 .

As described above, the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100 in the water storage space 110 may have a recessed shape such that the drainage hole 62 is the deepest part for smooth drainage of water. Since the second temperature measurement unit 300 is disposed on the circumferential side of the drain hole 62, it is easy to measure the air temperature corresponding to or substantially the same as the saturated water vapor pressure even when the amount of water stored in the water storage space 110 is small.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the tub 100 may be composed of divided bodies coupled to each other. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , a front portion of the front side of the tub 100 and a rear portion of the rear side of the tub 100 may be coupled to each other to form one tub 100 .

The front portion of the tub 100 may include the front surface 101 of the tub 100 and may include a drainage hole 62 . The rear portion of the tub 100 may include the rear surface 102 of the tub 100 and may be connected to the driving unit 70 .

In this example, the second temperature measuring unit 300 may be provided at the front of the tub 100 where the drainage hole 62 is provided. For example, the second temperature measuring unit 300 may be positioned between the drainage hole 62 and a coupling line where the front and rear portions of the tub 100 are coupled.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the tub 100 includes a front portion including a front surface 101 and a part of the tub circumferential surface 103, and a rear surface 102 and the rest of the tub circumferential surface 103. It includes a rear portion, and a coupling line to which the front portion and the rear portion are coupled may be formed.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first temperature measuring part 200 includes a protruding end 205 facing the drum 30 and measuring the temperature, and the protruding part 205 of the second temperature measuring part 300 A distance D2 between the end 305 and the drum 30 may be shorter than a distance D1 between the protruding end 205 of the first temperature measuring unit 200 and the drum 30 .

A distance D1 between the first temperature measuring unit 200 and the drum 30 and a distance D2 between the second temperature measuring unit 300 and the drum 30 are shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the height H2 of the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measurement unit 300 may be related to the storage capacity of the water storage space 110, and the protrusion of the second temperature measurement unit 300 Increasing the height H2 of the end 305 may be advantageous to ameliorate the inconvenience of frequent drainage.

As described above, the second temperature measuring unit 300 having an increased height H2 of the protruding end 305 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 has a distance D2 from the drum 30 of the first temperature measuring unit 200. ) and the drum 30 may be provided to be shorter than the distance (D1). Here, the distance to the drum 30 means the shortest distance.

5 to 7 show the protruding height H1 of the first temperature measuring unit 200 and the distance D1 between the drum 30 and the protruding height H2 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 and A distance D2 from the drum 30 is indicated. The distance D1 between the first temperature measuring unit 200 and the drum 30 may be longer than the distance D2 between the second temperature measuring unit 300 and the drum 30 .

According to the relationship between D1 and D2, in one embodiment of the present invention, before the cooling water is supplied into the tub 100 by the cooling unit 95, the measured value of the second temperature measuring unit 300 is 1 may be higher than the measured value of the temperature measuring unit 200.

Referring to FIG. 12 , it can be seen that the measured value M1 of the first temperature measuring unit 200 is lower than the measured value M2 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 before the coolant introduction point t1 . The measured values of the first temperature measuring unit 200 and the second temperature measuring unit 300 before the coolant introduction point t1 may reflect the distance from the drum 30 .

Specifically, in the case where water is not separately stored in the water storage space 110 before the cooling water is introduced through the cooling unit 95, the measured value of the second temperature measuring unit 300 before the cooling water inflow is the first Like the temperature measuring unit 200, it may correspond to the temperature of dry air.

In addition, as described above, in the heating unit 90 that heats air by forming an induced current in the drum 30, since the drum 30 corresponds to a heating element inside the tub 100, the closer to the drum 30, the Air temperature readings may increase.

As described above, the distance D2 between the second temperature measuring unit 300 and the drum 30 is determined to increase the storage capacity of the water storage space 110. It may be shorter than the distance D1, and thus, in an embodiment of the present invention, the measured value M2 of the second temperature measuring unit 300 is the measured value of the first temperature measuring unit 200 before the cooling water is introduced in the drying process. It can have a higher value than M1.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the tub 100 has a front surface 101 formed with a tub opening 105 communicating the inside and outside of the tub 100, and the opposite side of the front surface 101. A tub comprising a rear surface 102 and a bottom surface 107 connecting the front surface 101 and the rear surface 102 between the front surface 101 and the rear surface 102. A circumferential surface 103 may be included, and the first temperature measuring part 200 and the second temperature measuring part 300 may be provided on the circumferential surface 103 of the tub.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first temperature measuring unit 200 and the second temperature measuring unit 300 are provided from the tub circumferential surface 103 through the tub circumferential surface 103, so that the drum 30 The distance can be conveniently adjusted.

Meanwhile, the first temperature measuring unit 200 is provided on the upper part of the tub circumferential surface 103, and the second temperature measuring unit 300 is located on the bottom surface located below the tub circumferential surface 103. (107) may be provided. As described above, the upper and lower portions of the tub circumferential surface 103 may be defined based on the horizontal center line L passing through the center of the tub 100 .

In addition, the heating unit 90 may be provided at an upper end of the tub circumferential surface 103 , and the first temperature measuring unit 200 may be spaced apart from the heating unit 90 . Specifically, the first temperature measuring unit 200 may be positioned between a horizontal center line L passing through the center of the tub 100 and the heating unit 90 .

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, an effective position of the heating unit 90 for heating the drum 30 is secured, and at the same time, the first temperature measuring unit 200 is spaced apart from the water storage space 110 as much as possible to dry it. The air temperature can be measured reliably.

Meanwhile, as described above, the heating unit 90 provides an electromagnetic field to the inside of the tub 100, and the drum 30 is heated by an induced current generated by the electromagnetic field, so that the inside of the tub 100 Air can be heated.

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, even if the air inside the tub 100 is not circulated during the drying process, the air inside the tub 100 can be effectively heated, and the first temperature measuring unit 200 generates an electromagnetic field. By being spaced apart from the heating unit 90, the temperature can be measured stably.

Meanwhile, the laundry handling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 10, a tub 100 provided inside the cabinet 10, and rotatably provided inside the tub 100, and clothes A first temperature measurement unit 200 and a second temperature measurement unit provided in the accommodated drum 30 and the tub 100 and measuring the air temperature inside the tub 100 during a drying cycle for drying clothes. 300, a water storage space 110 accommodating water is formed on the bottom surface 107 of the tub 100, and the first temperature measuring unit 200 measures the water storage space 110 The second temperature measurement unit 300 is provided in the water storage space 110, and at least a part of the drying process is exposed to the air on the water surface W to measure the temperature of the wet air. , and the shortest distance D2 between the second temperature measuring unit 300 and the drum 30 is shorter than the shortest distance D1 between the first temperature measuring unit 200 and the drum 30. can

In addition, in the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a cabinet 10 is provided inside the cabinet 10, and a water storage space 110 accommodating water is formed on the bottom surface 107. a tub 100, a drum 30 rotatably provided inside the tub 100 and accommodating clothes, and a tub 100 provided inside the cabinet 10 and used in a drying cycle for drying clothes A heating unit 90 for heating internal air, a first temperature measurement unit 200 provided in the tub 100 and measuring the temperature of the air inside the tub 100 during the drying cycle, and a second temperature measurement The unit 300 is provided inside the cabinet 10 and communicates with the water storage space 110 to control the drainage part 60 and the heating part 90 for discharging water from the water storage space 110. It is provided to perform the drying process, and includes a control unit 400 that controls the drain unit 60 to adjust the water level H3 of the water storage space 110, and the first temperature measuring unit 200 It is spaced apart from the water storage space 110 to measure the temperature of dry air, and the second temperature measuring unit 300 is provided in the water storage space 110 to measure the temperature of wet air. The water level of the water storage space 110 ( H3) can be adjusted.

Although the present invention has been shown and described in relation to specific embodiments, it is known in the art that the present invention can be variously improved and changed without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention provided by the claims below. It will be self-evident to those skilled in the art.

Claims (21)

1. cabinet;

   a tub provided inside the cabinet;

   a drum rotatably provided inside the tub and accommodating clothes; and

   A first temperature measurement unit and a second temperature measurement unit provided in the tub and measuring the air temperature inside the tub during a drying cycle for drying clothes;

   A water storage space for receiving water is formed on the bottom surface of the tub,

   The first temperature measurement unit is spaced apart from the water storage space to measure the temperature of the dry air;

   The second temperature measuring unit is provided in the water storage space, and a protruding end protruding from the bottom surface of the tub toward the drum to measure temperature is exposed to the air during the drying cycle.
2. According to claim 1,

   and a control unit provided inside the cabinet and deriving a humidity value inside the tub from measured values of the first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit.
3. According to claim 2,

   A drainage unit communicating with the water storage space and discharging water in the water storage space to the outside of the tub; further comprising;

   The control unit controls the drainage unit so that the water level in the water storage space is lower than the protruding end of the second temperature measuring unit during the drying cycle.
4. According to claim 1,

   A cooling unit provided inside the cabinet and configured to cool at least a portion of the tub in the drying cycle;

   During the drying cycle, the condensed water generated in the at least part cooled by the cooling unit is collected in the water storage space.
5. According to claim 4,

   The cooling unit cools the at least part of the tub by supplying cooling water into the tub,

   The condensed water and the cooling water are accommodated together in the water storage space.
6. According to claim 5,

   a cooling valve provided inside the cabinet and regulating the flow of cooling water supplied to the cooling unit;

   a drainage unit communicating with the water storage space and discharging water in the water storage space to the outside of the tub; and

   and a control unit controlling the cooling valve or the drainage unit so that the water level in the water storage space is lower than the protruding end of the second temperature measuring unit during the drying cycle.
7. According to claim 6,

   wherein the control unit derives an amount of condensed water generated inside the tub from an amount of cooling water supplied to the tub from the cooling unit, and derives a water level in the storage space from a total amount of the cooling water and the condensed water.
8. According to claim 1,

   The tub,

   a front surface formed with a tub opening communicating the inside and outside of the tub;

   a rear face positioned opposite to the front face; and

   A tub circumferential surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface between the front surface and the rear surface and including the bottom surface;

   The bottom surface of the tub corresponds to the lowermost surface among the circumferential surfaces of the tub.
9. According to claim 8,

   In the tub, a portion of the circumferential surface of the tub is recessed downward to form the bottom surface and the water storage space,

   The tub circumference includes a water storage circumference defining a circumference of the water storage space,

   The second temperature measurement unit is positioned to be spaced apart from the water storage circumferential surface.
10. According to claim 1,

    The tub is located in the water storage space and includes a drain hole through which water is discharged.
11. According to claim 10,

    The second temperature measuring unit is positioned adjacent to the drain hole.
12. According to claim 10,

    The tub includes a front portion including a front surface and a portion of the tub circumference surface and a rear portion including a rear surface and a remainder of the tub circumference surface, and a coupling line is formed at which the front portion and the rear portion are coupled,

    The second temperature measuring unit is positioned between the drainage hole and the coupling line.
13. According to claim 1,

    The first temperature measuring unit includes a protruding end facing the drum and measuring a temperature,

    A distance between the protruding end of the second temperature measuring part and the drum is shorter than a distance between the protruding end of the first temperature measuring part and the drum.
14. According to claim 13,

    A cooling unit provided inside the cabinet and supplying cooling water to the inside of the tub during the drying cycle to cool at least a portion of the tub;

    In the tub, condensed water is generated by condensing moisture in the air in at least a portion cooled by the cooling water during the drying cycle,

    The cooling water and the condensed water are accommodated in the water storage space,

    Before the cooling water is supplied into the tub, the measured value of the second temperature measuring unit is higher than the measured value of the first temperature measuring unit.
15. According to claim 1,

    The tub,

    a front surface formed with a tub opening communicating the inside and outside of the tub;

    a rear face positioned opposite to the front face; and

    A tub circumferential surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface between the front surface and the rear surface and including the bottom surface;

    The first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit are provided on a circumferential surface of the tub.
16. According to claim 15,

    The first temperature measuring unit is provided on the upper portion of the circumferential surface of the tub,

    The second temperature measuring unit is provided on the bottom surface located below the circumferential surface of the tub.
17. According to claim 16,

    The heating unit is provided at an upper end of the circumferential surface of the tub,

    The first temperature measurement unit is positioned to be spaced apart from the heating unit.
18. According to claim 17,

    The first temperature measuring unit is positioned between a horizontal center line passing through the center of the tub and the heating unit.
19. According to claim 1,

    The heating unit provides an electromagnetic field into the tub,

    The drum is heated by an induced current generated by the electromagnetic field to heat air inside the tub.
20. cabinet;

    a tub provided inside the cabinet;

    a drum rotatably provided inside the tub and accommodating clothes; and

    A first temperature measurement unit and a second temperature measurement unit provided in the tub and measuring the air temperature inside the tub during a drying cycle for drying clothes;

    A water storage space for receiving water is formed on the bottom surface of the tub,

    The first temperature measurement unit is spaced apart from the water storage space to measure the temperature of the dry air;

    The second temperature measuring unit is provided in the water storage space, and at least a part of the drying process is exposed on the water surface to measure the temperature of wet air.

    The shortest distance between the second temperature measuring unit and the drum is shorter than the shortest distance between the first temperature measuring unit and the drum.
21. cabinet;

    a tub provided inside the cabinet and having a water storage space formed on a bottom surface for accommodating water;

    a drum rotatably provided inside the tub and accommodating clothes;

    a heating unit provided inside the cabinet to heat air inside the tub in a drying cycle for drying clothes;

    a first temperature measuring unit and a second temperature measuring unit provided in the tub and measuring the air temperature inside the tub during the drying cycle;

    a drainage unit provided inside the cabinet and communicating with the water storage space to discharge water from the water storage space; and

    A control unit provided to control the heating unit to perform the drying cycle and to control the water level in the water storage space by controlling the drainage unit;

    The first temperature measurement unit is spaced apart from the water storage space to measure the temperature of the dry air;

    The second temperature measuring unit is provided in the water storage space to measure the temperature of wet air,

    The control unit controls the drainage unit during the drying cycle to adjust the water level of the water storage space so that the protruding end whose temperature is measured by the second temperature measurement unit is exposed to the air above the water surface.

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