U.S. patent application number 12/041785 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-25 for fabric processing apparatus.
Invention is credited to Sog Kie HONG, Dong Won Kim.
Application Number | 20080229515 12/041785 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39434304 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080229515 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HONG; Sog Kie ; et
al. |
September 25, 2008 |
FABRIC PROCESSING APPARATUS
Abstract
A fabric processing apparatus is provided that is capable of
refreshing fabric articles and then maintaining the refreshed state
of the fabric articles while they remain stored in a processing
space of the apparatus. Condensed fluid generated in the processing
space and in a condensing chamber, and fluid remaining in a steam
supplying device after processing, are directed to a storage unit
through corresponding fluid discharging channels. The flow of fluid
through the fluid discharging channels is controlled by
corresponding fluid discharge valves so that moisture and odors
generated by fluid accumulated in the storage unit cannot flow back
into processing space and contaminate the refreshed fabric
articles.
Inventors: |
HONG; Sog Kie; (Seoul,
KR) ; Kim; Dong Won; (Seoul, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KED & ASSOCIATES, LLP
P.O. Box 221200
Chantilly
VA
20153-1200
US
|
Family ID: |
39434304 |
Appl. No.: |
12/041785 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/149.3 ;
68/5C |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 73/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/149.3 ;
68/5.C |
International
Class: |
D06B 5/00 20060101
D06B005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 5, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0021565 |
Claims
1. A fabric processing apparatus, comprising: a case that defines a
processing space configured to receive fabric articles for
processing; a steam supplying device that selectively supplies
steam to the processing space; a dry air supplying device that
selectively supplies dry air to the processing space; a storage
unit that receives fluid from the processing space and the steam
supplying device; a first discharging channel that extends between
the processing space and the storage unit; a second discharging
channel that extends between the steam supplying device and the
storage unit; a valve system that regulates a flow of fluid between
the processing space and the storage unit, and between the steam
supplying device and the storage unit, so as to selectively allow
fluids to flow from the processing space and the steam supplying
device into the storage unit, and to prevent fluids and odors in
the storage unit from flowing into the processing space and the
steam supplying device.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve system comprises: a
first discharging valve provided with the first discharging
channel, wherein the first discharging valve regulates a flow of
fluid between the processing space and the storage unit; and a
second discharging valve provided with the second discharging
channel, wherein the second discharging valve regulates a flow of
fluid between the steam supplying device and the storage unit.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first discharging valve is
open when the steam supplying device or the dry air supplying
device operates, and the first discharging valve is closed when the
steam supplying device and the dry air supplying device stop
operating.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first discharging valve is
open during operation of the apparatus to direct condensed fluid
accumulated in the processing space through the first channel and
into the storage unit, and the first discharging valve is closed
when the apparatus is not operating to prevent moisture and odors
generated by fluid collected in the storage unit from flowing back
through the first discharging channel and into the processing
space.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second discharging valve
is closed when the steam supplying device operates, and the second
discharge valve is open when the steam supplying device stops
operating.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second discharging valve
remains closed while the steam supplying device operates and is
opened as soon as the steam supplying device stops operating, and
wherein the second discharging valve remains open for a
predetermined amount of time after the steam supplying device stops
operating and is closed after the predetermined amount of time has
elapsed.
7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second discharging valve
is closed during operation of the apparatus to maintain fluid in
the steam supplying device for generation of steam during
operation, and the second discharging valve is opened when the
apparatus stops operation so as to drain residual fluid from the
steam supplying device through the second discharging channel and
into the storage unit.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second discharging valve
remains open for a predetermined amount of time after the apparatus
stops operating, and is closed after the predetermined amount of
time has elapsed so as to prevent moisture and odors generated by
fluid collected in the storage unit from flowing back through the
second discharging channel and into the processing space.
9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the case comprises: an outer
case; and an inner case provided within the outer case so as to
define the processing space.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the steam supplying device
comprises: a housing that receives and stores fluid from an
external source; a heater provided in the housing that heats fluid
stored in the housing to generate steam; and a nozzle that injects
steam generated by the heater into the processing space.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the storage unit is
detachably coupled to a lower portion of the outer case, and
wherein the first discharging channel extends from a lower portion
of the inner case to the storage unit, and the second discharging
channel extends from a lower portion of the housing to the storage
unit.
12. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the storage unit is
detachably coupled to a lower portion of the outer case, and
wherein the first discharging channel extends from a lower portion
of the case to the storage unit, and the second discharging channel
extends from a lower portion of the steam supplying device to the
storage unit.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the valve system comprises:
a regulating device that regulates a flow of fluid between the case
and the storage unit, and between the steam supplying device and
the storage unit, through the first and second discharging
channels, respectively, wherein the regulating device includes a
first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet; and a body portion that
extends from the outlet of the regulating device to the storage
unit, wherein a discharging end of the first discharging channel is
coupled to the first inlet of the regulating device, and a
discharging end of the second discharging channel is coupled to the
second inlet of the regulating device.
14. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a condensing
chamber that receives air discharged from the processing space and
condenses the discharged air; a third discharging channel that
extends between the condensing chamber and the storage unit so as
to direct fluid from the condensing chamber into the storage unit;
and a third discharging valve provided with the third discharging
channel, wherein the third discharging valve regulates a flow of
fluid between the condensing chamber and the storage unit.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first and third
discharging valves are open when the steam supplying device or the
dry air supplying device operate, and are closed when the steam
supplying device or the dry air supplying device stop
operating.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: a condensing
chamber formed between the inner and outer cases, wherein the
condensing chamber receives air discharged from the processing
space and condenses the discharged air through heat exchange with
the outer case; a third discharging channel that extends between
the condensing chamber and the storage unit so as to direct fluid
from the condensing chamber into the storage unit; and a third
discharging valve provided with the third discharging channel,
wherein the third discharging valve is open when the steam
supplying device or the dry air supplying device operates so as to
direct condensed fluid from the condensing chamber into the storage
unit.
17. A method of operating a fabric processing apparatus having a
case that defines a processing space in which fabric articles are
received for processing, the method comprising: operating a steam
supplying device and supplying steam to the processing space;
opening a first discharging valve and directing fluid from the
processing space through a first discharging channel and into a
fluid storage unit; turning off the steam supplying device after a
first predetermined amount of time has elapsed and a steam cycle is
complete; turning on a dry air supplying device and supplying dry
air to the processing space; turning off the dry air supplying
device after a second predetermined amount of time has elapsed and
a drying cycle is complete, and closing the first discharging
valve; opening a second discharging valve and directing fluid from
the steam supplying device through a second discharging channel and
into the fluid storage unit; and closing the second discharging
valve after a third predetermined amount of time has elapsed.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: opening a third
discharging valve when the first discharging valve is opened;
discharging humid air from the processing space into a condensing
unit, and condensing the humid air in the condensing unit; and
directing condensed fluid from the condensing unit through a third
discharging channel and into the fluid storage unit.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein closing the first and third
discharging valves comprises blocking respective portions of the
first and third discharging channels so as to prevent moisture and
odors generated by fluid collected in the storage unit from flowing
back through the first and third discharging channels and into the
processing space.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein opening the second discharging
valve comprises draining residual fluid remaining in the steam
supplying device when the apparatus has stopped operating into the
storage unit through the second discharging channel, and closing
the second discharging valve comprises blocking a portion of the
second discharging channel so as to prevent moisture and odors
generated by fluid collected in the storage unit from flowing back
through the second discharging channel and into the steam supplying
device.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(a) to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0021565, filed in
Korea on Mar. 5, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] This relates to a fabric processing apparatus and, more
particularly, to a fabric processing apparatus that prevents odors
and moisture from re-entering a processing space.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] In general, a fabric processing apparatus is an apparatus
for refreshing fabric articles such as, for example, clothing,
bedding, linens and the like. Such an apparatus may remove wrinkles
and odors using steam, hot air, refreshing chemicals and the like.
Odors and moisture removed from the fabric articles should be
contained once removed so as to prevent re-contamination of the
fabric articles and improve performance and reliability of the
fabric processing apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The embodiments will be described in detail with reference
to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to
like elements wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fabric processing
apparatus according to an embodiment as broadly described
herein;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the fabric processing
apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a refreshing unit of the
fabric processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the refreshing
unit shown in FIG. 3;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram of the fabric processing
apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fluid discharging device
of the fabric processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a fabric processing apparatus
according to another embodiment as broadly described herein;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram of the fabric processing
apparatus shown in FIG. 7; and
[0015] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the operation of a fabric
processing apparatus as embodied and broadly described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] A fabric processing apparatus and embodied and broadly
described herein may include a processing space that receives
fabric articles to be refreshed. The fabric articles may be placed
in the processing space, and steam may be supplied to the
processing space. Then, dry air may be supplied to the processing
space to dry the fabric articles. This application of steam and dry
air removes contamination sources from the fabric articles to
reduce the number of times a particular article must be washed, and
removes wrinkles from the articles to reduce or eliminate the need
for ironing.
[0017] During processing, steam supplied to the processing space
may be condensed, leaving residual condensed fluid in the
processing space after the articles are completely processed.
Therefore, a fabric processing apparatus may include a fluid
discharging device that gathers and discharges the condensed fluid.
Odors and the like absorbed by the steam/condensed fluid during
processing should be kept from flowing back into the processing
space as the condensed water/residual fluid is gathered by the
discharging device to prevent the odors from re-contaminating the
processed fabric articles.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, a fabric processing apparatus 100 as
embodied and broadly described herein may include an outer case 110
that defines an external surface of the fabric processing apparatus
100, and an inner case 120 provided in the outer case 110 that
defines a fabric processing space 125. An inlet 111 through which
fabric articles may be received into and discharged from the
processing space 125 may be formed on the front surface of the
outer case 110. A door 112 that opens and closes the inlet 111 may
be rotatably coupled to the outer case 110.
[0019] An opening and closing sensor that senses the opening and
closing of the door 112, and a locking device that prevents
unwanted opening of the door 112, may be provided with the door 112
and the outer case 110, as shown in FIG. 1. The locking device may
include, for example, a door latch 113 provided on a rear surface
of the door 112 and a door switch 114 provided on a corresponding
front surface of the outer case 110. The positions of the latch 113
and the switch 114 may be adjusted and/or reversed as appropriate
for a particular fabric processing apparatus. The door latch 113
may be inserted into the door switch 114 when the door 112 is
closed to provide a locking force of a predetermined magnitude so
that the door latch 113 is not released from the door switch 114.
The locking device may include other structures as appropriate.
[0020] The fabric processing apparatus 100 may also include a
control panel 116 that may be used to control the operation of the
apparatus 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the control panel
116 is provided in the door 112. Other locations may also be
appropriate. For example, the control panel 116 may be provided in
either the outer case 110 or the inner case 120. The control panel
116 may include a manipulating unit 115 to manipulate operation of
the apparatus 100 through the control panel 116.
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner case 120 may be
smaller than the outer case 110 so that the inner case 120 fits
within the outer case 110. The inner case 120 may include two side
surface units 121 that form the opposite lateral side surfaces of
the processing space 125, a top surface unit 122 that forms the top
surface of the processing space 125, a bottom surface unit 123 that
forms the bottom surface of the processing space 125, and a rear
surface unit 124 that forms the rear surface of the processing
space 125.
[0022] A hanging unit 126 on which fabric articles may be hung in
the processing space 125 may be provided in the inner case 120. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the hanging unit 126 includes a rod
126a having its opposite ends connected to the opposite lateral
side surface units 121 so as to extend horizontally across the
processing space 125, and a plurality of racks 126b provided on the
rod 126a to accommodate fabric articles for processing. The racks
126b may be fixed to the rod 126a and separated from each other by
a predetermined distance. Alternatively, the racks 126b may be
movable along the rod 126a. In alternative embodiments, the hanging
unit 126 may include a plurality of racks 126b directly mounted in
the inner case 120, and/or racks 126b having various different
structures. Likewise, a plurality of hanging units 126 may be
provided in the processing space 125.
[0023] A discharge hole 127 may guide air from the inner case 120
to an air discharging duct 130 that extends through the outer case
110 to discharge air from the inner case 120 to the outside of the
outer case 110. In addition, an air suction duct 131 may extend
through the outer case 110 to an air receiving hole 128 to guide
outside air into the inner case 120. The air discharging hole 127
and air discharging duct 130 form an air discharging channel, and
the air suction duct 131 and air receiving hole 128 form an air
suction channel. Each of these channels may be formed of a hose, a
pipe, ducting, or other material as appropriate.
[0024] The fabric processing apparatus 100 may include a refreshing
unit 190 that generates the steam and dry air used to refresh the
fabric articles in the processing space 125. The refreshing unit
190 may include a steam supplying device 140 (see FIG. 5) that
supplies steam to the processing space 125 to remove wrinkles and
odors from articles in the processing space 125. The steam
supplying device 140 may include a supply tank 141 that stores
fluid, a steam housing 142 that receives fluid from the tank 141, a
steaming heater 143 provided in the steam housing 142 to heat the
fluid in the steam housing 142 and to generate steam, and a steam
nozzle 144 that injects the steam generated by the steaming heater
143 into the processing space 125.
[0025] A flow of fluid along a supplying channel 145 that extends
from the supply tank 141 to the steam housing 142 may be regulated
by a supplying valve 146. A steam channel 147 that guides the steam
generated by the steam housing 142 to the steam nozzle 144 may be
formed between the steam housing 142 and the steam nozzle 144. A
level sensor 148 that senses the level of fluid supplied to the
steam housing 142 through the supplying channel 144 may be provided
in the steam housing 142. The steaming heater 143 may include a
sheath heater that penetrates a portion of the steam housing 142.
Other types of heaters may also be appropriate.
[0026] The refreshing unit 190 of the fabric processing apparatus
100 may also include a dry air supplying device 150 to supply dry
air to the processing space 125. The dry air supplying device 150
draws outside air in through the air suction duct 131 and the air
receiving hole 128, generates high temperature dry air, and
supplies the dry air to the processing space 125. The dry air
supplying device 150 may include a drying housing 151 connected to
the air receiving hole 128, a blower fan 152 provided in the drying
housing 151, and a drying heater (not shown) that heats air as it
flows through the drying housing 151 and is discharged to the
processing space 125 through a discharging hole 154.
[0027] The drying housing 151 may be, for example, a duct shaped
member in which the blower fan 152 and the drying heater are
mounted. A suction hole 153 may be formed in a side of the drying
housing 151 to correspond to the air receiving hole 128 so as to
suction outside air in through the air suction duct 131. The
discharging hole 154 may be formed on the other side of the drying
housing 151 to discharge high temperature dry air into the
processing space 125.
[0028] A case 160 may be provided in the processing space 125 to
house the steam supplying device 140 and the dry air supplying
device 150. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the case 160
is positioned in the lower portion of the inner case 120. Other
positions for the case 160, both within the inner case 120 and
outside of the outer case 110, may also be appropriate. A tank
coupling unit 161 may detachably couple the tank 141 to the case
160 so that fluid may be easily supplemented and exchanged. In
alternative embodiments, the tank 141 may be connected to an
external source through an additional channel and valve so that
fluid may be automatically resupplied as necessary. In addition,
the case 160 may include on one side thereof a hole through which
the steam nozzle 144 of the steam supplying device 140 may extend.
The discharging hole 154 of the dry air supplying device 150 may be
provided on the other side of the case 160. Other arrangements may
also be appropriate, based on the arrangement of the various
components within the case 160.
[0029] The fabric processing apparatus 100 may also include a fluid
discharging device 170 that discharges condensed and residual fluid
accumulated the inner case 120 to the outside. The discharging
device 170 may include a storage unit 171 that may be detachably
coupled to the outer case 110. The storage unit 171 may include a
space for storing the condensed and residual fluid. Fluid
discharging channels may guide the condensed and residual fluid
from the inner case 120 and the steam supplying device 140 to the
storage space of the storage unit 171, and fluid discharging valves
provided along the fluid discharging channels may regulate the flow
of fluid to the storage unit 171 to prevent odors and moisture from
flowing from the storage unit 171 back into the processing space
125.
[0030] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the storage unit
171 is detachably coupled to the lower part of the outer case 110,
corresponding to the rest of the refreshing unit 190, and is in the
form of a drawer. A gripping groove 172 may be provided on a front
surface of the storage unit 171 to facilitate removal and
replacement of the storage unit 171. A level sensor 173 that senses
the level of fluid accumulated in the storage unit 171 may also be
provided in the storage unit 171. Condensed fluid generated the
inner case 120 may be stored in the storage unit 171 when the
processing apparatus 100 operates, and residual fluid from the
steam supplying device 140 may be stored in the storage unit 171
when the processing apparatus 100 stops operating. When the fluid
collected in the storage unit 171 reaches a set level or is left
for a set time, the storage unit 171 may be detached from the outer
case 110, emptied, and replaced.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 5, the water discharging channels may
include a first fluid discharging channel 174 that guides condensed
fluid from the inner case 120 to the storage unit 171, and a second
fluid discharging channel 175 that guides residual fluid from the
steam housing 142 of the steam supplying device 140 to the storage
unit 171. One end of the first discharging channel 174 may be
connected to the bottom surface unit 123 of the inner case 120, and
one end of the second discharging channel 175 may be connected to
the bottom surface of the steam housing 142. In certain
embodiments, the bottom surface unit 123 may be inclined downward
toward the end of the first discharging channel 174 connected
thereto, and the bottom surface of the steam housing 142 may be
inclined downward toward the end of the second discharging channel
175 connected thereto.
[0032] The fluid discharging valves may include a first fluid
discharging valve 176 provided on the first discharging channel 174
to regulate the flow of condensed fluid between the inner case 120
and the storage unit 171, and a second fluid discharging valve 177
provided on the second discharging channel 175 to regulate the flow
of fluid between the steam housing 142 and the storage unit
171.
[0033] The first discharging valve 176 may be opened when the
processing apparatus 100 operates, and may be closed when the
processing apparatus 100 stops operating. That is, when the steam
supplying device 140 or the dry air supplying device 150 operates,
the first discharging valve 176 may be opened so that condensed
fluid may be essentially continuously discharged from the inner
case 120 to the storage unit 171. On the other hand, when the steam
supplying device 140 or the dry air supplying device 150 stops
operating, the first discharging valve 176 may be closed to block
the first discharging channel 174 and prevent any moisture and
odors generated by the fluid collected in the storage unit 171 from
flowing backward into the processing space 125.
[0034] The second discharging valve 177 may be closed when the
processing apparatus 100 operates, and may be opened when the
processing apparatus 100 stops operating. That is, when the steam
supplying device 140 or the dry air supplying device 150 operates,
the second discharging valve 177 may be closed to prevent the fluid
in the steam housing 142 from leaking out of the steam housing 142
and into the storage unit 171. On the other hand, when the steam
supplying device 140 or the dry air supplying device 150 stops
operating, the second discharging valve 177 may be opened so that
any fluid remaining in the steam housing 142 may be discharged to
the storage unit 171. The second discharging valve 177 may be
closed again when a pre-set open time for the second discharging
valve 177 is reached while the processing apparatus 100 remains
inoperative. Therefore, when residual fluid in the steam housing
142 is discharged to the storage unit 171, the second discharging
valve 177 may be closed to prevent moisture and odors generated by
the fluid collected in the storage unit 171 from flowing backward
into the processing space 125, or back into the steam housing 142,
where it could be used during a subsequent steaming operation.
[0035] Another example of the fluid discharging valves of the fluid
discharging device 170 are shown in FIG. 6. More specifically,
fluid discharging valves may be independently provided on the
plurality of fluid discharging channels, as illustrated in FIG. 5,
or a valve assembly 180 may be connected to the plurality of fluid
discharging channels at the storage unit 171, as illustrated in
FIG. 6.
[0036] The valve assembly 180 may include a valve body 181 that is
connected to the storage unit 171, and a fluid discharging valve
182 connected to the first and second discharging channels 174 and
175. For this purpose, the fluid discharging valve 182 may include
an outlet 183 connected to the valve body 181 and two inlets 184
and 185 that correspond to the first and second discharging
channels 174 and 175. The discharging valve 182 may include first
and second discharging valves that share the outlet 183 and that
correspond to the inlets 184 and 185.
[0037] Operation of a fabric processing apparatus as embodied and
broadly described herein will now be described.
[0038] First, the processing apparatus 100 operates the steam
supplying device 140 to supply steam to the processing space 125,
and then operates the dry air supplying device 150 to supply dry
air to the processing space 125 when the steaming process is
completed. The fabric articles arranged in the processing space 125
are refreshed by the steaming process and the drying process.
Hereinafter, the steaming process and the drying process will be
described in more detail.
[0039] In the steaming process, fluid is supplied from the fluid
supply tank 141 to the steam housing 142, and the fluid in the
steam housing 142 is heated by the steaming heater 143 to generate
steam. The steam flows to the steam nozzle 144 along the steam
channel 147 and is injected to the inner case 120 through the steam
nozzle 144 to remove wrinkles and odors from the fabric articles in
the processing space 125.
[0040] The drying process may be carried out after the steaming
process has been completed. In the drying process, the blower fan
152 of the dry air supplying device 150 is operated, and dry air is
introduced into the drying housing 151 through the air receiving
hole 128 and the air suction duct 131. This dry air is heated by
the drying heater, and the dry, heated air is discharged into the
processing space 125 through the discharging hole 154 of the drying
housing 151. The high temperature dry air absorbs moisture from the
fabric articles that have been refreshed by the steam supplied
during the steaming process. Moisture laden air is discharged to
the outside of the processing space 125 through the air discharging
hole 127 and the air discharging duct 130.
[0041] During the steaming process, the high temperature steam
supplied by the steam supplying device 140 may be condensed so that
condensed fluid is generated in the inner case 120. This may occur
because the temperature of the inner case 120 may be lower than the
temperature of the steam at an initial stage of the steaming
process. When this happens, the inner case 120 may be saturated
with moisture at a latter portion of the steaming process. In
addition, the condensed fluid may also be generated in the inner
case 120 during the drying process. This may occur because,
although dry air is supplied to the inner case 120, the temperature
in the vicinity of the air discharging hole 127 of the inner case
120 may be relatively low, causing the humid air discharged through
the air discharging hole 127 to be condensed.
[0042] As described above, when condensed fluid generated during
the operation of the fabric processing apparatus 100 accumulates in
the inner case 120, this condensed fluid may significantly increase
the drying load for the drying process which is to follow.
Therefore, the first fluid discharging valve 176 of the fluid
discharging device 170 is opened so that the condensed fluid in the
inner case 120 may be discharged to the storage unit 171. More
specifically, condensed fluid generated during the steaming process
and the drying process may flow to the lower side of the inner case
120 along the inner surface of the inner case 120 and may be
discharged to the first fluid discharging channel 174 connected to
the bottom surface unit 123 of the inner case 120. Then, the
condensed fluid flows along the first fluid discharging channel 174
to the first fluid discharging valve 176. At this time, since the
first fluid discharging valve 176 is opened, the condensed fluid
may flow into the storage unit 171. Therefore, since it is possible
to prevent accumulation of condensed fluid in the processing space
125 and subsequent deterioration of the efficiency of the drying
process, a drying time may be reduced and energy may be
conserved.
[0043] In addition, during the steaming process, the second fluid
discharging valve 177 remains closed to prevent the fluid stored in
the steam housing 142 from leaking into the second fluid
discharging channel 175. That is, when the second fluid discharging
valve 177 is closed during operation of the processing apparatus
100, the fluid is stably stored in the steam housing 142, thus
preventing waste. Further, the steaming heater 143 does not sink in
the fluid in the steam housing 142, but is exposed to the outside
to prevent the steaming heater 143 from being overheated.
Therefore, the stability and reliability of the steam supplying
device 140 may be enhanced.
[0044] When operation of the fabric processing apparatus 100 is
stopped, the first and second fluid discharging valves 176 and 177
may be closed to prevent odors and moisture from flowing backward
into the inner case 120 or the steaming housing 142. When operation
of the apparatus 100 is first stopped, the second fluid discharging
valve 177 may be opened for a set time to allow residual fluid to
be drained from the steaming housing 142. After the set time has
elapsed, the second fluid discharging valve 177 may be closed to
prevent backflow as described above.
[0045] When the apparatus 100 stops operating and the first fluid
discharging valve 176 is closed, it is possible to prevent odors
and moisture generated by the fluid collected in the storage unit
171 from being introduced into the inner case 120 through the first
fluid discharging channel 174. Therefore, it is possible to prevent
the fabric articles refreshed by the steaming process and the
drying process from being re-contaminated by odors and moisture
flowing backward into the inner case 120.
[0046] In the case where the processing apparatus 100 has stopped
operating and the second fluid discharging valve 177 is opened for
the set time, the residual fluid in the steam housing 142 is
discharged to the storage unit 171 along the second fluid
discharging channel 175. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the
fluid remaining after the steaming process from being left in the
steaming housing 142 for a long time. When fluid is left in the
steaming housing 142 for a long time after operation has stopped,
moisture and odors generated by this residual fluid may be
introduced into the inner case 120, or steam may be generated from
this rotten residual fluid in a subsequent steaming process. When
the second fluid discharging valve 177 is closed after the set time
has elapsed and fabric articles are kept in the processing space
125 for a long time, it is possible to prevent moisture and odors
generated by the fluid accumulated in the storage unit 171 from
flowing backward through the second fluid discharging channel
175.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a clothes processing apparatus
according to another embodiment as broadly described herein, and
FIG. 8 is an associated schematic flow diagram. The fabric
processing apparatus 200 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 is different
from the fabric processing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to
5 in that it may include a condensing chamber 229. The condensing
chamber 229 may be formed between the inner case 120 and the outer
case 110, and may be connected to the storage unit 171 by a third
fluid discharging channel 278 and a third fluid discharging valve
279. The condensing chamber 229 may condense humid air discharged
from the processing space 125.
[0048] The condensing chamber 229 may be formed between the rear
surface unit 124 of the inner case 120 and a corresponding inner
surface of the outer case 110. Condensed air from the condensing
chamber 229 may be introduced into the processing space 125 through
the air receiving hole 128 formed in the lower part of the rear
surface unit 124. Air and moisture from the processing space 125
may be discharged into the condensing chamber 229 through the air
discharging hole 127 formed in the rear part of the top surface
unit 122.
[0049] When humid air is introduced into the condensing chamber 229
from the processing space 125 through the air discharging hole 127,
the humid air exchanges heat with the relatively low temperature
outer air using the outer case 110 as a heat exchanging medium,
causing the humid air to be condensed. The outer case 110 may be
formed of a material having high thermal conductivity such as, for
example, steel and aluminum, to improve heat exchange performance
with the humid air.
[0050] The fabric processing apparatus 200 may also include a fluid
discharging device 270 that discharges condensed fluid generated in
the inner case 120 and the condensing chamber 229, as well as
residual fluid in the steam supplying device 140. The fluid
discharging device 270 may include the storage unit 171 as
described above, fluid discharging channels as described above that
guide the condensed and residual fluid from the inner case 120, the
condensing chamber 229, and the steam supplying device 140 to the
storage space of the storage unit 171, and fluid discharging valves
as described above that regulate the flow of fluid through the
channels to prevent odors and moisture from flowing backward into
the processing space 125 from the storage unit 171.
[0051] The fluid discharging channels may include the first fluid
discharging channel 174 that guides condensed fluid generated in
the inner case 120 to the storage unit 171, the second fluid
discharging channel 175 that guides residual fluid in the steaming
housing 142 of the steaming supplying device 140 to the storage
unit 171, and a third fluid discharging channel 278 that guides
condensed fluid generated in the condensing chamber 229 to the
storage unit 171. The first and second fluid discharging channels
174 and 175 may have the same structure as the first and second
fluid discharging channels of the fabric processing apparatus 100
illustrated in FIG. 5. One end of the third fluid discharging
channel 278 may be connected to the bottom surface of the
condensing chamber 229. The bottom surface of the condensing
chamber 229 may be inclined downward toward the portion thereof
connected to the third fluid discharging channel 278.
[0052] The fluid discharging valves may include the first fluid
discharging valve 176 provided on the first fluid discharging
channel 174 to regulate the flow of condensed fluid between the
inner case 120 and the storage unit 171, the second fluid
discharging valve 177 provided on the second fluid discharging
channel 175 to regulate the flow of fluid between the steam housing
142 and the storage unit 171, and a third fluid discharging valve
279 provided on the second fluid discharging channel 175 to
regulate the flow of condensed fluid between the condensing chamber
229 and the storage unit 171. The first and second fluid
discharging valves 176 and 177 may have the same structure as the
first and second fluid discharging valves of the fabric processing
apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0053] The third fluid discharging valve 279 may be opened when the
processing apparatus 200 operates and may be closed when the
processing apparatus 200 stops operating. That is, when the steam
supplying device 140 or the dry air supplying device 150 operates,
the third fluid discharging valve 279 may be opened so that the
condensed fluid generated in the condensing chamber 229 may be
discharged to the storage unit 171. On the other hand, when the
steam supplying device 140 or the dry air supplying device 150
stops operating, the third water discharging valve 279 may be
closed to prevent moisture and odors generated by the fluid
collected in the storage unit 171 from flowing backward into the
processing space 125 through the condensing chamber 229.
[0054] The fluid discharging device 270 may have a similar
structure to the structure of the fluid discharging device 170
illustrated in FIG. 6. That is, a valve assembly connected to the
first, second, and third water discharging channels 177, 178, and
279 may be provided with the storage unit 171.
[0055] Operation of the fabric processing apparatus as embodied and
broadly described herein will now be described with reference to
FIG. 9. First, the steam supplying device 140 is operated to
generate steam and to supply steam to the processing space 125
(S100). At this time, the first discharging valve 176 is opened so
that any condensed fluid generated in the processing space 125 may
be directed to the storage unit 171 through the first discharging
channel 174 (S200). If the fabric processing apparatus is also
equipped with a condensing chamber 229, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8,
then the third discharging valve 279 is also opened at this time so
that condensed fluid from the condensing chamber 229 may be
directed to the storage unit 171 through the third discharging
channel 278 (S250).
[0056] Upon completion of the steam cycle (S300), the steam
supplying device 140 is turned off, and the dry air supplying
device 150 is turned on (S400) to begin the drying cycle. Upon
completion of the drying cycle (S500), the dry air supplying device
150 is turned off (S600), and the first discharging valve 176 and
the third discharging valve 279 are closed (S700) to prevent any
moisture and odors generated by fluid collected in the storage unit
171 from flowing back into the processing space 125. At this point,
the steaming and drying cycles of the fabric processing apparatus
have been completed, and the apparatus enters a storage mode in
which fabric articles are held in the processing space until
removal.
[0057] Once the dry air supplying device 150 is turned off and the
first and third discharging valves 176 and 279 have been closed
(S600, S700), the second discharging valve 177 is opened to drain
any fluid remaining in the steaming housing 151 into the storage
unit 171 (S800). Once a predetermined amount of time has elapsed
(S900), the second discharging valve 177 is closed to prevent any
moisture and odors generated by fluid collected in the storage unit
171 from flowing back into the steam housing 151 and being used in
a subsequent steaming operation.
[0058] Additional details regarding the structure and functionality
of fabric treatment/refreshing apparatuses can be found in Korean
Patent Application Nos. 37889/2006, 43405/2006, 131041/2006 and
131040/2006, the entirety of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0059] In a fabric processing apparatus as embodied and broadly
described herein, since the fluid discharging valves are provided
on the plurality of fluid discharging channels that discharge
condensed and residual fluid to the storage unit so that the fluid
discharging channels are closed by the fluid discharging valves
when the processing apparatus stops operating, it is possible to
prevent odors and moisture generated by fluid accumulated in the
storage unit from flowing back into the processing space along the
fluid discharging channels.
[0060] Additionally, condensed fluid in the processing space may be
discharged to the storage unit when the processing apparatus
operates so that an operation load on the processing apparatus may
be reduced, and odors and moisture generated by fluid accumulated
in the storage unit may be prevented from flowing back into the
processing space when the processing apparatus stops operating,
thus improving the operation reliability of the processing
apparatus.
[0061] A fabric processing apparatus as embodied and broadly
described herein may include a case that limits a processing space
in which fabric articles are accommodated therein, a steam
supplying device that supplies steam to the processing space, a
storage unit connected to the processing space by a first water
discharging channel and connected to the steam supplying device by
a second water discharging channel, and first and second water
discharging valves provided on the first and second water
discharging channels to intermit a flow of water discharged to the
storage unit and to prevent a bad smell and moisture from flowing
backward from the storage unit.
[0062] The fabric processing apparatus may also include a dry air
supplying device that supplies dry air to the processing space. The
first water discharging valve is opened when the steam supplying
device or the dry air supplying device operates and is closed when
the steam supplying device or the dry air supplying device stops
operating. The second water discharging valve is closed when the
steam supplying device operates and is opened when the steam
supplying device stops operating. The second water discharging
valve is closed when a time for which the second water discharging
valve is opened when the steam supplying device stops operating is
no less than a set time.
[0063] The case may include an outer case to a lower part of which
the storage unit is detachably provided and an inner case provided
in the outer case to limit the processing space and the first water
discharging channel is connected to the lower part of the inner
case. The steam supplying device may include a steaming housing
that receives water from an outside to store the received water, a
steaming heater provided in the steaming housing to heat the water
in the steaming housing and to generate steam, and a steam nozzle
that injects the steam generated by the steaming heater to the
processing space. The second water discharging channel is connected
to the lower part of the steaming housing.
[0064] A fabric processing apparatus in accordance with another
embodiment as broadly described herein may include a case that
limits a processing space in which fabric articles are accommodated
and a condensing chamber that condenses humid air in the processing
space therein, a steam supplying device that supplies steam to the
processing space, a storage unit connected to the processing space
by a first water discharging channel, connected to the steam
supplying device by a second water discharging channel, and
connected to the condensing chamber by a third water discharging
channel, and first, second, and third water discharging valves
provided on the first, second, and third water discharging channels
to intermit a flow of water discharged to the storage unit and to
prevent a bad smell and moisture from flowing backward from the
storage unit.
[0065] The fabric processing apparatus may also include a dry air
supplying device that suctions air in the condensing chamber to
supply dry air to the processing space. The first and third water
discharging valves are opened when the steam supplying device or
the dry air supplying device operates and is closed when the steam
supplying device or the dry air supplying device stops operating.
The second water discharging valve is closed when the steam
supplying device operates and is opened when the steam supplying
apparatus stops operating. The second water discharging valve is
closed when a time for which the second water discharging valve is
opened when the steam supplying device stops operating is no less
than a set time.
[0066] The case may include an outer case to a lower part of which
the storage unit is detachably provided and an inner case provided
in the outer case to limit the processing space and to form a
condensing chamber between the inner case and the outer case. The
first water discharging channel is connected to the lower part of
the inner case. The third water discharging channel is connected to
the lower part of the condensing chamber. In addition, the steam
supplying device may include a steaming housing that receives water
from an outside to store the received water, a steaming heater
provided in the steaming housing to heat the water in the steaming
housing and to generate steam, and a steam nozzle that injects the
steam generated by the steaming heater to the processing space. The
second water discharging channel is connected to the lower part of
the steaming housing.
[0067] A fabric processing apparatus in accordance with another
embodiment as broadly described herein may include a case that
limits a processing space in which fabric articles are accommodated
therein, a steam supplying device that supplies steam to the
processing space, a storage unit to which condensed water generated
by the processing space is received through a first water
discharging channel and to which water that remains in the steam
supplying device is received through a second water discharging
channel, and a valve assembly connected to the storage unit and the
first and second water discharging channels to intermit a flow of
water discharged to the storage unit and to prevent a bad smell and
moisture from flowing backward from the storage unit.
[0068] The valve assembly may include a valve body that is
connected to the storage unit and in which a channel is formed and
a water discharging valve including an outlet connected to the
valve body and two inlets corresponding to the first and second
water discharging channels. The processing apparatus may also
include a condensing chamber formed in the case to condense humid
air received from the processing space. Condensed water generated
by the condensing chamber is received to the storage unit through a
third water discharging channel. The water discharging valve of the
valve assembly may include an outlet connected to the valve body
and three inlets corresponding to the first, second, and third
water discharging channels.
[0069] Any reference in this specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "example embodiment," "certain embodiment,"
"alternative embodiment," etc., means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment as broadly
described herein. The appearances of such phrases in various places
in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it
is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the
art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in
connection with other ones of the embodiments.
[0070] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
numerous variations and modifications are possible in the component
parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement
within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended
claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the
component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be
apparent to those skilled in the art.
* * * * *