KR100901718B1 - Temperature and humidity controlling apparatus of dryer, and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling temperature and humidity of a dryer and a method of controlling the same are disclosed.

The temperature-humidity control device of the dryer disclosed in the dryer that can dry the drying object contained in the drum disposed in the dryer body,

Temperature-humidity control unit for controlling at least one of the temperature and humidity of the gas via the drum by water cooling; A water tank for storing the liquid via the temperature and humidity control unit; A circulation unit for circulating the liquid between the temperature and humidity control unit and the water tank; A drain part capable of discharging the liquid to the outside; And a control unit controlling the circulation unit and the drainage unit.

According to the temperature and humidity control apparatus of the disclosed dryer, the amount of water required for the operation of the dryer can be reduced, waste of water can be prevented, and the state of water supplied to the heat exchanger can be more easily matched to the required level. There is this.

Water tank, heat exchange, reduction, circulation, drainage

Description

Temperature and humidity controlling apparatus of the dryer and its control method

The present invention relates to a dryer, and more particularly, to an apparatus for controlling temperature and humidity of a dryer and a control method thereof.

In general, a clothes dryer is a device that blows hot air generated by a heater into a drum to absorb moisture of a drying object and to dry the drying object. Treatment of wet air generated by drying a drying object by absorbing moisture According to the method, it is classified into exhaust type clothes dryer and condensation clothes dryer.

Exhaust type clothes dryer uses a method of exhausting the humid air discharged from the drum to the outside of the dryer. However, an exhaust duct for exhausting the vaporized water in the drum to the outside is required, and in particular, since the combustion product carbon monoxide and the like are exhausted, there is a disadvantage in that the exhaust duct must be extended to be installed outside.

On the other hand, the condensation type clothes dryer uses a method of condensing the humid air exhausted from the drum in a heat exchanger to remove moisture, and then sending the removed dry air back to the drum for recycling. However, it is not easy to use gas as a heat source because dry flow forms a closed loop.

The ductless dryer is a dryer that overcomes the disadvantages of the exhaust type clothes dryer and the condensation type clothes dryer. That is, the ductless dryer can be maintained at low cost by using gas as a heat source, and there is an advantage of not having to install a separate exhaust duct extending to the outside.

On the other hand, in the conventional clothes dryer, the water supplied from the external water source and heat exchanged in the heat exchanger is discharged to the outside again after such heat exchange and discarded. Therefore, the amount of water consumed for dehumidification during operation of the dryer is large, and improvement is required.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for controlling the temperature and humidity of a dryer having a structure capable of reducing the amount of water consumed during operation of the dryer and a control method thereof.

In the dryer temperature and humidity control apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, in the dryer capable of drying the drying object contained in the drum disposed in the dryer body,

Temperature-humidity control unit for controlling at least one of the temperature and humidity of the gas via the drum by water cooling; A water tank for storing the liquid used for the water cooling via the temperature and humidity control unit; A circulation unit for circulating the liquid between the temperature and humidity control unit and the water tank; A drain part capable of discharging the liquid to the outside; And a control unit controlling the circulation unit and the drainage unit.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a temperature and humidity control device of a dryer, the method comprising: detecting a degree of pollution in the water tank; And selectively operating the circulation part and the drain part according to the detected pollution degree value.

According to an apparatus for controlling the temperature and humidity of a dryer according to an aspect of the present invention, by supplying wastewater that has undergone heat exchange while passing through a heat exchanger to a water tank, and cooling the water in the water tank and recycling it as cooling water for the heat exchanger, The amount can be reduced and waste of water can be prevented.

According to the temperature and humidity control device of the dryer, the water tank is coupled to the dryer body in the form of a cartridge, it is possible to easily replace the water supplied to the heat exchange unit by a simple replacement of the water tank. Therefore, the state of the water supplied to the heat exchange part can be more easily matched to the required level.

Hereinafter, an apparatus for controlling temperature and humidity of a dryer according to embodiments of the present invention and a method of controlling the same will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, a ductless dryer will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention can be applied to a general condensation dryer or the like.

1 is a view schematically showing a dryer employing a temperature and humidity control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a plan view of a dryer employing a temperature and humidity control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Arrows indicate the flow of air.

1 and 2 together, the ductless dryer according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 110; A drum 120 rotatably installed in the main body 110; Hot air supply unit 140 for providing hot air into the drum 120; A heat exchange part 150 for removing moisture contained in the air exhausted from the drum 120; A circulation duct 180 for inducing air exhausted from the drum 120 to the heat exchange unit 150; A filter 200 installed in the circulation duct 180 and filtering lint included in the air flowing out of the drum 120; And a sealing part S for preventing lint from leaking through a gap between the installation part at which the filter 200 is installed.

A door 111 for injecting clothes into the drum 120 is installed on the front surface of the main body 110, and a foot 113 for supporting the main body 110 is installed below the main body 110. In the main body 110, a belt 131 for rotating the drum 120 and a motor 135 for providing a driving force to the belt 131 are installed. A pulley 137 on which the belt 131 is caught is provided on the shaft of the motor 135.

The drum 120 is a barrel having an inner space to allow the clothes to be dried, etc. to be inserted therein, and a plurality of lifters 121 are installed therein to lift the clothes.

The hot air supply unit 140 is a valve 141 for supplying and blocking gas and a gas burner 143 for generating hot air by mixing the gas exhausted from the valve 141 with air provided from the outside, and generated It includes a hot air supply duct 145 connecting the gas burner 143 and the drum 120 so that hot air is supplied to the drum 120. The hot air supply unit 140 may be provided with a flame rod extending to the edge of the flame in order to detect the flame current and indirectly determine the amount of carbon monoxide (CO) through the value of the flame current.

The valve 141 is preferably to use a solenoid valve so that the gas injection amount can be sensitively adjusted.

The gas combustor 143 is connected to the valve 141 and mixes and combusts the gas exhausted from the valve 141 with external air to heat the air with heat generated at this time. The hot air generated by heating is provided to the drum 120 through the hot air supply duct 145.

The heat exchanger 150 is composed of a fin 151 and a tube 153, and condenses the hot and humid air exiting the drum 120 by cold water to make it dry by condensing it with cold water. . The inlet of the heat exchange part 150 is connected to the drum 120 by the circulation duct 180, and the outlet thereof is connected to the exhaust duct 161.

The heat exchanger 150 may be defined as a temperature and humidity control unit for controlling at least one of the temperature and humidity of the gas via the drum 120. Here, although the heat exchanger 150 has been presented as a temperature and humidity control unit, this is exemplary and various other temperature and humidity control means may be presented.

The pin 151 is a thin metal plate having excellent conductivity, and the plurality of thin plates are stacked such that the plurality of thin plates contact and pass vertically with hot and humid air at minute intervals from each other.

The tube 153 has a low temperature (22 ° C.) of water circulating therein and penetrates the pin 151 in a reciprocating manner. Both ends of the tube 153 are connected to a water hose (not shown) for supplying and recovering low temperature water. The lower part of the heat exchange part 150 is provided with a drip tray (not shown) which collects condensed water that is generated during the condensation process and falls.

The circulation duct 180 is a filter installation duct 181 providing a space in which the filter 200 is installed, and a fan installation duct connected to the filter installation duct 181 and providing a space in which the fan 133 is installed. 182 and a connection duct 183 connecting the fan installation duct 182 and the heat exchange part 150. Here, the fan 133 is connected to the shaft of the motor 135 receives a driving force from the motor 135. Of course, a plurality of motors 135 may be configured to provide driving force to the belt 131 and the fan 133, respectively.

On the other hand, the upper end of the dryer body 110 is disposed in the water tank 400 for storing the water via the heat exchange unit 150 for water cooling, and cooling the stored water to the heat exchange unit 150. . This will be described later.

3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the temperature and humidity control device of the dryer according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed, Figure 4 is a state in which the water tank constituting the temperature and humidity control device of the dryer according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed The rear perspective view is shown.

3 and 4 together, the heat exchanger 150 and the adjusting unit case 300 surrounding the heat exchanger 150 is installed on the bottom of the dryer body 110 according to the present embodiment. One side of the control unit case 300 is in communication with the connection duct 183, the other side of the control unit case 300 is in communication with the exhaust duct (161).

The heat exchange part 150 is installed inside the control part case 300, and the control part case 300 surrounds the heat exchange part 150 as a whole. The adjusting part case 300 may be sealed to maintain airtightness.

In the heat exchange part 150, the refrigerant flowing through the tube 153 and the air flowing from the drum 120 through the connection duct 183 are heat exchanged. Water may be used as such a refrigerant. In the heat exchange process as described above, moisture in the air is condensed to generate condensed water. This condensed water flows along the heat exchange part 150 and is directed to the lower part of the control part case 300.

The lower part of the adjusting part case 300 is a water tank for receiving condensate flowing down as described above. One side of the adjusting part case 300 is disposed at the bottom of the adjusting part case 300, that is, the lowermost water tank 350 communicating with the water tank and the communication pipe 351.

The bottom tank 350 is formed at a position relatively lower than the tank that is the lower portion of the control unit case 300. Therefore, the condensed water accommodated in the lower portion of the control unit case 300 may be introduced into the lowermost tank (350).

The bottom water tank 350 is connected to the condensate outflow pipe 255. In addition, a pump may be further installed in the lowermost tank 350. Then, the condensed water accommodated in the lowermost water tank 350 by the pump may flow out through the condensate outlet pipe 255.

Meanwhile, the condensate outlet pipe 255 may be coupled to the refrigerant inlet pipe 251, the refrigerant outlet pipe 253, and the pipe coupling plate 257 to be modularized. This module is the piping module 250 shown in FIG. As the pipes are modular as described above, the installation and removal of the pipes can be easily performed.

Here, the refrigerant inlet pipe 251 is a passage through which a refrigerant, for example, water, is introduced into the heat exchange unit 150 from the outside, and the refrigerant outlet pipe 253 is a refrigerant passing through the heat exchange unit 150. It is a passage that flows out.

Also, reference numerals 254 and 256 denote control valves for respective pipes. Solenoid valve can be applied to such a control valve.

In this embodiment, the water tank 400 is coupled to the upper portion of the dryer body 110 through the coupling portion 401. The water tank 400 is disposed above the dryer body 110, for example, at a position higher than the heat exchanger 150 as shown. In such a water tank 400, water passing through the heat exchange part 150 is stored and cooled. In this embodiment, the water stored in the water tank 400 is air cooled.

Since the water tank 400 is coupled to the dryer body 110 through the coupling part 401, when the coupling part 401 is released, the water tank 400 is separated from the dryer body 110. Can be. In this manner, the water tank 400 may be detachable with respect to the dryer body 110.

A lower storage water supply pipe 414 is connected to an inflow side of the refrigerant inflow pipe 251. The lower storage water supply pipe 414 is connected to the upper storage water supply pipe 411 with an opening / closing valve 412 interposed therebetween. The upper storage water supply pipe 411 is connected to the water tank 400.

It is configured as described above, the water stored in the water tank 400 sequentially the upper storage water supply pipe 411, the on-off valve 412, the lower storage water supply pipe 414 and the refrigerant inlet pipe 251 in sequence. It may be supplied to the heat exchange unit 150 via.

The opening and closing valve 412 is connected to the drain pipe 420 together with the storage water supply pipes 411 and 413. The on-off valve 412 selectively opens and closes the lower storage water supply pipe 413 or the drain pipe 420 according to a control signal of the control unit 450 of FIG. 5. Then, water lowered along the upper storage water supply pipe 411 may flow along the lower storage water supply pipe 413 to be supplied to the heat exchange unit 150, or may be discharged to the outside along the drain pipe 420. have.

When the water contained in the water tank 400 along the drain pipe 420 is discarded, the water in the water tank 400 may be contaminated to an extent that is not suitable for reuse.

A reflux pipe 414 is connected to the outlet side of the refrigerant outlet pipe 253. The other side of the reflux tube 414 is connected to the water tank 400. In order to prevent backflow, the reflux tube 414 may be connected to an upper portion of the water tank 400. Water passing through the heat exchange part 150 through the water tank connection pipe 414 may be stored in the water tank 400.

The circulation pump 440 may be installed on the reflux pipe 414. The circulation pump 440 provides power for circulating water through the water tank 400, the heat exchange unit 150, and pipes therebetween. Such a circulation pump 440 may be disposed on the reflux pipe 414 as described above, or may be disposed at another portion on the circulation path of such water.

In addition, a drain pump (not shown) may be installed on the drain pipe 420. The drain pump may provide power to drain water through the water tank 400 and the drain pipe 420.

Here, the upper storage water supply pipe 411, the on-off valve 412, the lower storage water supply pipe 414 and the reflux pipe 414 may constitute a circulation portion, the upper storage water supply pipe 411 The open / close valve 412 and the drain pipe 420 may constitute a drain part.

Meanwhile, the water level detection sensor 402 may be installed in the water tank 400. The water level sensor 402 detects the water level of the stored water in the tank 400 and transfers the information to the controller 450. When the high water level in the water tank 400 is detected by the water level sensor 402, the on / off valve 412 is operated to close the lower storage water supply pipe 413 or the operation of the circulation pump 440 is stopped. . Then, the movement of water to the tank 400 may be stopped.

In addition, a water temperature sensor 403 may be installed in the water tank 400. The water temperature sensor 403 detects the temperature of the stored water in the water tank 400. The detected temperature value is a data for determining whether the storage water is cooled to a temperature suitable for being supplied to the heat exchange part 150. Depending on the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 403, it may be determined whether or not the water supply from the water tank 400 to the heat exchange unit 150.

In addition, the contamination detection sensor 404 may be installed in the water tank 400. The pollution detection sensor 440 detects the pollution of the storage water in the water tank 400. The detected pollution level becomes data for determining whether the storage water is suitable for supplying the heat exchange unit 150. According to the pollution degree detected by the pollution degree sensor 404, whether water is supplied from the water tank 400 to the heat exchange unit 150, or the water of the water tank 400 to the outside through the drain pipe 420 Whether or not to be discharged can be determined.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling the opening and closing valve in the temperature and humidity control device of the dryer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 is a heat exchange unit in the temperature and humidity control device of the dryer according to the first embodiment of the present invention Figure 7 is a rear perspective view showing the water supply of the tank, Figure 7 is a rear perspective view showing the water discharged to the outside in the temperature and humidity control apparatus of the dryer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

5 to 7 together, in the present exemplary embodiment, the controller 450 may include the water level sensor 402, the water temperature sensor 403, and the pollution degree sensor 404 installed in the water tank 400. Receives information on the state of the water stored in the), and transmits a signal for controlling the on-off valve 412 according to the information. In particular, the control unit 450 may control the open / close valve 412 according to the pollution degree in the water tank 400 detected by the pollution detection sensor 404.

The determination information of the controller 450 and the detected values of the sensors 402, 403, and 404 may be displayed on the display unit 470.

On the other hand, the input unit 460 that the user can directly operate the control unit 450 may be further installed. The user may directly transmit a command to the controller 450 through the input unit 460. For example, when a user inputs a command for the operation of the opening / closing valve 412 through the input unit 460, the control unit 450 according to the command, the lower storage water supply pipe 413 or the drain pipe ( A signal may be sent to the on / off valve 412 to open 420.

An example of a control method of the temperature and humidity control device of the dryer is as follows.

When the degree of contamination in the water tank 400 is the main criterion, the degree of pollution in the water level sensor 400 detects the degree of contamination in the water tank 400, and transmits the detected value to the controller 450. Then, the controller 450 selectively operates the circulation part or the drain part according to the detected pollution degree value.

In detail, the controller 450 determines whether the detected pollution degree value reaches a preset reference value. If the detected contamination level value reaches the reference value as a result of the determination, the on / off valve 412 is controlled. The drain pipe 420 is opened. Then, the drain is operated, the water in the tank 400 may be discharged to the outside.

On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if the detected contamination level did not reach the reference value, the opening and closing the lower storage water supply pipe 413 by controlling the valve 412. Then, the circulation unit is operated so that water in the water tank 400 may be supplied to the heat exchange unit 150.

6 illustrates a case where the open / close valve 412 closes the drain pipe 420 and opens the lower storage water supply pipe 413 according to the signal of the controller 450 as described above.

As shown in FIG. 6, water stored in the water tank 400 passes through the upper storage water supply pipe 411, the open / close valve 412, the lower storage water supply pipe 413, and the refrigerant inlet pipe 251. By entering the heat exchange unit 150, it can be heat exchanged. The heat-exchanged water may be refluxed to the water tank 400 through the refrigerant outlet pipe 253 and the reflux pipe 414 while the temperature is raised. Water may be circulated between the water tank 400 and the heat exchange part 150 along the path as described above.

On the other hand, according to the signal of the control unit 450 as described above, the on-off valve 412 closes the lower storage water supply pipe 413 and the drain pipe 420 is shown in FIG.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, water stored in the water tank 400 may be discharged to the outside via the upper storage water supply pipe 411, the open / close valve 412, and the drain pipe 420.

Hereinafter, an apparatus for controlling temperature and humidity of a dryer according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In carrying out this description, descriptions that overlap with those described in the above-described first embodiment will be replaced by the description thereof and will be omitted herein.

8 is a rear perspective view showing a temperature and humidity control apparatus of a dryer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the water tank 510 may be coupled to the dryer body 110 in the form of a cartridge.

In detail, a water tank case 500 is coupled to an upper portion of the dryer body 110, and an accommodation hole 505 is formed in the water tank case 500 to accommodate the water tank 510.

The water tank 510 in which water is stored in the water tank case 500 may be detachable.

The tank 510 is provided with holes 512 and 511 to communicate with the upper storage water supply pipe 411 and the reflux pipe 414, respectively. These holes 512 and 511 may be closed by a separate plug or the like, and may be opened by release of such a plug when the upper reservoir water supply pipe 411 and the reflux tube 414 communicate with each other.

Reference numeral 514 denotes a stopper 514 for blocking a hole for supplying water to the tank 510, and reference numeral 513 denotes a handle 513 for holding the tank 510.

As described above, the water tank 510 is coupled to the dryer body 110 in the form of a cartridge, so that the water supplied to the heat exchange unit 150 may be easily replaced by the replacement of the water tank 510. Therefore, the state of the water supplied to the heat exchange unit 150 can be more easily matched to the required level.

According to an apparatus for controlling the temperature and humidity of a dryer according to an aspect of the present invention and a method for controlling the same, a dryer is operated by supplying wastewater that has undergone heat exchange while passing through a heat exchanger to cool the water in the tank and recycling it with cooling water for the heat exchanger. The amount of water required can be reduced, and there is an effect that waste of water can be prevented.

According to the temperature-humidity control apparatus and the control method of the dryer, the water tank is coupled to the dryer body in the form of a cartridge, it is possible to easily replace the water supplied to the heat exchange unit by a simple replacement of the water tank. Therefore, there is an effect that can more easily match the state of the water supplied to the heat exchanger to the required level.

While the invention has been shown and described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art can variously modify the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. And that it can be changed. Nevertheless, it will be clearly understood that all such modifications and variations are included within the scope of the present invention.

According to the apparatus for controlling the temperature and humidity of a dryer and a control method thereof according to an aspect of the present invention, since the amount of water required to operate the dryer can be reduced, and waste of water can be prevented, the industrial applicability thereof is high.

1 is a view schematically showing a dryer employing a temperature and humidity control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a plan view of a dryer employing a temperature and humidity control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the temperature and humidity control device of the dryer according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed.

Figure 4 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which the water tank constituting the temperature and humidity control device of the dryer according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration for the on-off valve control in the temperature and humidity control apparatus of the dryer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a rear perspective view showing the water supply to the heat exchange unit in the temperature and humidity control device of the dryer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a rear perspective view showing the water discharged to the outside in the temperature and humidity control device of the dryer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a rear perspective view showing a temperature and humidity control apparatus of the dryer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

110: dryer body 150: heat exchanger

153: heat exchange pipe 251: refrigerant inlet pipe

253: refrigerant outlet pipe 400, 510: water tank

402: water level detection sensor 403: water temperature detection sensor

404: pollution detection sensor 411: upper storage water supply pipe

412: on-off valve 413: lower storage water supply pipe

414: reflux pipe 420: drain pipe

500: Countertop Case

Claims (18)

In the dryer which can dry the drying object accommodated in the drum arrange | positioned in a dryer main body, Temperature-humidity control unit for controlling at least one of the temperature and humidity of the gas via the drum by water cooling; A water tank for storing the liquid used for the water cooling via the temperature and humidity control unit; A circulation unit for circulating the liquid between the temperature and humidity control unit and the water tank; A drain part capable of discharging the liquid to the outside; And And a control unit for controlling the circulation unit and the drainage unit. The method of claim 1, The control unit controls the temperature and humidity of the dryer, characterized in that for controlling the circulation unit and the drain portion in accordance with the degree of contamination in the water tank. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit is a temperature and humidity control device of the dryer, characterized in that for selectively operating the circulation unit and the drain. The method of claim 2, The temperature and humidity control device of the dryer, characterized in that the pollution level sensor for detecting the contamination level in the tank is disposed. The method of claim 4, wherein The control unit is a temperature and humidity control apparatus of the dryer, characterized in that for operating the drainage, when the pollution degree detected by the pollution detection sensor reaches a reference value. The method of claim 4, wherein The control unit is a temperature and humidity control device of the dryer, characterized in that for operating the circulation unit, if the pollution degree detected by the pollution detection sensor does not reach the reference value. The method of claim 4, wherein And a display unit for displaying a value detected by the contamination detection sensor. The method of claim 1, And an input unit for inputting a control command to at least one of the circulation unit and the drainage unit. The method of claim 1, The circulation unit temperature and humidity control device of the dryer, characterized in that it comprises a circulation pump for circulation of the liquid. The method according to claim 1 or 9, The drain unit is a temperature and humidity control device of the dryer, characterized in that it comprises a drain pump for draining the liquid. The method of claim 1, And an open / close valve configured to selectively open and close the circulation part and the drainage part. The method of claim 11, The control unit is a temperature and humidity control device of the dryer, characterized in that for operating the on-off valve so that the circulation portion and the drain portion selectively open and close according to the degree of contamination in the water tank. The method of claim 1, The water tank is a temperature and humidity control device of the dryer, characterized in that detachable to the dryer body. The method of claim 13, The water tank is a temperature and humidity control device of the dryer, characterized in that replaceable in the cartridge method to the dryer body. In the temperature and humidity control device of the dryer of claim 1, Detecting a degree of contamination in the tank; And And selectively operating the circulation part and the drain part according to the detected pollution degree value. The method of claim 15, And selectively operating the circulation unit and the drainage unit may include determining whether the detected pollution degree value reaches a reference value. The method of claim 16, And, if the detected pollution level reaches the reference value, operating the drainage unit. The method of claim 16, And if the detected contamination value does not reach the reference value, operating the circulation unit.

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