Clothes treatment apparatus

Abstract

A clothes treatment apparatus includes a cabinet, a door, and a steam unit. The clothes treatment apparatus further includes a heat pump unit that is located in the cycle chamber and that is configured to circulate and condition air in the treatment chamber. The clothes treatment apparatus further includes a water supply tank that is installed in the tank installation space, that is connected to the steam unit, and that is configured to supply water to the steam unit. The clothes treatment apparatus further includes a drainage tank that is separably installed in the tank installation space, that is configured to store condensed water generated in at least one of the treatment chamber or the heat pump unit. The clothes treatment apparatus further includes a water supply level sensor. The clothes treatment apparatus further includes a drainage level sensor.

Claims

1. A clothes treatment apparatus comprising: a cabinet; a treatment chamber disposed within the cabinet and configured to receive hung clothes; a cycle chamber disposed within the cabinet and below the treatment chamber; a tank module frame disposed forward of the cycle chamber; a steam unit disposed within the cycle chamber and configured to supply steam to the treatment chamber; a heat pump unit disposed within the cycle chamber and configured to condition and circulate air in the treatment chamber; a water supply tank that is mounted separably on the tank module frame, that is configured to be in fluid communication with the steam unit based on the water supply tank being mounted on the tank module frame, and that is configured to store water to generate steam for performing a plurality of cycles of the clothes treatment apparatus, the water supply tank being configured to supply the water to the steam unit; a first float case disposed at a rear side of the water supply tank, wherein an upper portion of the first float case is positioned at a level of water that generates steam for one cycle of the clothes treatment apparatus; a first float disposed within the first float case and configured to move up and down by buoyancy; and a first detecting sensor disposed at the tank module frame, the first detecting sensor facing the rear side of the water supply tank and the first float case, wherein the first detecting sensor is configured to, based on the first float being positioned at a bottom of the first float case, not sense the first float, wherein the first detecting sensor is configured to, based on the first float being positioned at the upper portion of the first float case, sense the first float, wherein, based on (i) the water supply tank not being mounted on the tank module frame or (ii) the first float being positioned below a detecting level at which the first detecting sensor can sense the first float in response to a decrease in water stored in the water supply tank, the first detecting sensor cannot sense the first float, and the clothes treatment apparatus is configured to output a water deficiency signal, and wherein the clothes treatment apparatus is configured to: based on a user manipulating the clothes treatment apparatus in a state in which the water deficiency signal is output, not start a cycle of the clothes treatment apparatus, and based on outputting the water deficiency signal while supplying steam to perform a cycle of the clothes treatment apparatus, continue to complete the cycle that is currently being performed.

2. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first float case is installed at a lower inward surface of the rear side of the water supply tank.

3. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit disposed within the cycle chamber and configured to control the steam unit and the heat pump unit in response to a signal from the first detecting sensor.

4. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: based on the first detecting sensor being failed to sense the first float during an operation of the clothes treatment apparatus, the control unit is configured to control the steam unit to keep supplying steam to the treatment chamber.

5. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to, based on the first detecting sensor sensing the first float, determine that water in the water supply tank is sufficient for operating the clothes treatment apparatus.

6. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the steam unit is configured to, based on the first detecting sensor being failed to sense the first float before an operation of the clothes treatment apparatus, withhold supplying of steam to the treatment chamber.

7. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first detecting sensor is located upward from a corresponding height of a bottom of the water supply tank.

8. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bottom the first float case is located above a bottom of the water supply tank.

9. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting level is provided as a level allowing for the supply of an amount of steam during a current cycle.

10. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first detecting sensor is disposed on the tank module frame and in the cycle chamber.

11. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a drainage tank mounted separably on the tank module frame and configured to store condensed water generated in the treatment chamber or the heat pump unit.

12. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: a second float case disposed at a rear side of the drainage tank; a second float disposed within the second float case and configured to move up and down by buoyancy; and a second detecting sensor facing the second float case.

13. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each of the first float and the second float includes a magnet such that each of the first detecting sensor and the second detecting sensor is configured to sense a magnetic force of the magnet.

14. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each length of the water supply tank and the drainage tank along a height direction of the cabinet is greater than each length of the water supply tank and the drainage tank along a front-rear direction of the cabinet.

15. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a lower end of the second float case is located above a lower end of the first float case, and an upper end of the second float case is located above an upper end of the first float case.

16. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the second detecting sensor is located above the first detecting sensor.

17. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each of the first detecting sensor and the second detecting sensor is provided at a rear surface of a facing side of the tank module frame toward the cycle chamber.

18. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a lower end of the second float case is located above an upper end of the first float case.

19. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a preset sensing area of the first detecting sensor is closer to an upper moving limit of the first float than a lower moving limit of the first float.

20. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the water supply tank includes: a first water storing space defined in the water supply tank, wherein a bottom of the first water storing space is flat, and a first water hole that is located at a rounded upper rear side of the water supply tank to supply water to the first water storing space or discharge water from the first water storing space therethrough, wherein the drainage tank includes: a second water storing space defined in the drainage tank, wherein a bottom of the second water storing space is flat, and a second water hole that is located at a rounded upper rear side of the drainage tank to supply water to the second water storing space or discharge water from the second water storing space therethrough, and wherein the first float case is located below the rounded upper rear side of the water supply tank, and the second float case is located below the rounded upper rear side of the drainage tank.

21. The clothes treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water supply tank comprises: a tank body that defines the rear side of the water supply tank and accommodates the first float case; and a tank cover coupled to a front surface of the tank body and configured to couple to the tank module frame.

22. A clothes treatment apparatus comprising: a cabinet; a treatment chamber disposed within the cabinet and configured to receive hung clothes; a cycle chamber disposed within the cabinet and below the treatment chamber; a tank module frame disposed forward of the cycle chamber; a steam unit disposed within the cycle chamber and configured to supply steam to the treatment chamber; a heat pump unit disposed within the cycle chamber and configured to condition and circulate air in the treatment chamber; a water supply tank mounted separably on the tank module frame, being in fluid communication with the steam unit based on the water supply tank being mounted on the tank module frame, and configured to supply water to the steam unit; a first float case disposed at a rear side of the water supply tank; a first float disposed within the first float case and configured to move up and down by buoyancy; and a first detecting sensor disposed at the tank module frame, the first detecting sensor facing the rear side of the water supply tank and the first float case, wherein the first detecting sensor is configured to, based on the first float being positioned at a bottom of the first float case, not sense the first float, wherein the first detecting sensor is configured to, based on the first float being positioned at an upper portion of the first float case, sense the first float, wherein, based on (i) the water supply tank not being mounted on the tank module frame or (ii) the first float being positioned below a detecting level at which the first detecting sensor can sense the first float in response to a decrease in water stored in the water supply tank, the first detecting sensor cannot sense the first float, and the clothes treatment apparatus is configured to output a water deficiency signal, wherein the water supply tank comprises: a tank body that defines the rear side of the water supply tank and accommodates the first float case, and a tank cover coupled to a front surface of the tank body and configured to couple to the tank module frame, and wherein a front side of a bottom portion of the tank body is recessed upward and configured to be spaced apart from the tank module frame.

23. A clothes treatment apparatus comprising: a cabinet; a treatment chamber disposed within the cabinet and configured to receive hung clothes; a cycle chamber disposed within the cabinet and below the treatment chamber; a tank module frame disposed forward of the cycle chamber; a steam unit disposed within the cycle chamber and configured to supply steam to the treatment chamber; a heat pump unit disposed within the cycle chamber and configured to condition and circulate air in the treatment chamber; a water supply tank mounted separably on the tank module frame, being in fluid communication with the steam unit based on the water supply tank being mounted on the tank module frame, and configured to supply water to the steam unit; a first float case disposed at a rear side of the water supply tank; a first float disposed within the first float case and configured to move up and down by buoyancy; and a first detecting sensor disposed at the tank module frame, the first detecting sensor facing the rear side of the water supply tank and the first float case, wherein the first detecting sensor is configured to, based on the first float being positioned at a bottom of the first float case, not sense the first float, wherein the first detecting sensor is configured to, based on the first float being positioned at an upper portion of the first float case, sense the first float, wherein, based on (i) the water supply tank not being mounted on the tank module frame or (ii) the first float being positioned below a detecting level at which the first detecting sensor can sense the first float in response to a decrease in water stored in the water supply tank, the first detecting sensor cannot sense the first float, and the clothes treatment apparatus is configured to output a water deficiency signal, wherein the water supply tank comprises: a tank body that defines the rear side of the water supply tank and accommodates the first float case, and a tank cover coupled to a front surface of the tank body and configured to couple to the tank module frame, and wherein the water supply tank further comprises a sensor fixing protrusion that protrudes rearward from an inside of the tank cover to the first float case and is in contact with the first float case.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example clothes treatment apparatus.

(2) FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an example cycle assembly.

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example cycle assembly.

(4) FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an example water supply tank.

(5) FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of an example water supply tank.

(6) FIG. 6 is a sectional perspective view of an example check assembly.

(7) FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of an example water supply tank.

(8) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example drainage tank.

(9) FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of an example drainage tank.

(10) FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of an example drainage tank.

(11) FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example clothes treatment apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(12) FIGS. 1 and 11 illustrate example clothes treatment apparatuses. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate example cycle assemblies. FIGS. 4, 5, and 7 illustrate example water supply tanks. FIG. 6 illustrates an example check assembly. FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 illustrate example drainage tanks.

(13) In some implementations, the clothes treatment apparatus includes a cabinet 10 and a door 20 configured to open and close the front of the cabinet 10.

(14) The interior of the cabinet 10 is partitioned into upper and lower interior parts by a partition plate 11. A treatment chamber 12, in which clothes are hung, is defined in the interior of the cabinet 10 above the partition plate 11. A cycle chamber 14, in which machinery is installed, is defined in the interior of the cabinet 10 below the partition plate 11.

(15) Clothes are hung in the treatment chamber 12. In the treatment chamber 12, wrinkles in the clothes are smoothed, or the clothes are deodorized, by the circulation of steam or air.

(16) A blowing unit 30 for circulating air in the treatment chamber 12, a steam unit 40 for supplying steam into the treatment chamber 12, a heat pump unit 50 for conditioning air, e.g., cooling, heating, or dehumidification, in the treatment chamber 12, and a control unit 60 for controlling the respective units 30, 40, and 50 are installed in the cycle chamber 14.

(17) In some implementations, an assembly of machinery, including the blowing unit 30, the steam unit 40, the heat pump unit 50, and the control unit 60, which are required to perform respective cycles of the clothes treatment apparatus, is defined as a cycle assembly.

(18) The blowing unit 30 includes a blowing fan 32 and an inlet duct 34.

(19) The inlet duct 34 is installed at the suction side of the blowing fan 32 to guide air in the treatment chamber 12 to the blowing fan 32.

(20) The blowing fan 32 is rotated to blow air. The blowing fan 32 suctions air from the treatment chamber 12, and discharges the suctioned air to the heat pump unit 50.

(21) When the steam unit 40 is powered on, heat is generated from the steam unit 40. The steam unit 40 converts water supplied from a water supply tank 80, which will be described hereinafter, into steam. The generated steam is discharged into the treatment chamber 12.

(22) In some implementations, a flow channel is defined such that the steam flows into the treatment chamber 12 via the heat pump unit 50.

(23) The heat pump unit 50 constitutes a heat pump cycle including a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion valve. Based on the operation mode of the heat pump unit 50, cooled air or heated air may be discharged into the treatment chamber 12.

(24) In some implementations, the heat pump unit 50 may dehumidify air supplied from the blowing unit 30.

(25) A tank module 70 for storing water is installed in front of the cycle chamber 14. The tank module 70 includes a water supply tank 80 for supplying water to the steam unit 40 and a drainage tank 90 for gathering and storing condensed water that is generated in the treatment chamber 12.

(26) Water from the water supply tank 80 flows to the steam unit 40 via a water supply pump 45.

(27) Water that is condensed in the treatment chamber 12, flows to the lower side of the treatment chamber 12 due to gravity, and is then pumped to the drainage tank 90 by a drainage pump 46. Water that is condensed in the heat pump unit 50 also flows to the drainage tank 90 via the drainage pump 46.

(28) The water supply pump 45 or the drainage pump 46 is controlled by the control unit 60.

(29) In some implementations, a tank module frame 71 is installed in front of the inlet duct 34.

(30) A tank installation space 73 is defined between the tank module frame 71 and the door 20. The tank module frame 71 is coupled to the partition plate 11 to isolate the cycle chamber 14 from the outside.

(31) A tank support bar 75, which interferes with at least one selected from between the water supply tank 80 and the drainage tank 90, is installed in front of the tank installation space 73.

(32) The tank support bar 75 prevents the water supply tank 80 or the drainage tank 90 from being unintentionally separated from the tank installation space 73. The tank support bar 75 supports the front of the water supply tank 80 and the front of the drainage tank 90.

(33) When the door 20 is opened and closed, therefore, the water supply tank 80 and the drainage tank 90 are prevented from being separated from the tank installation space 73.

(34) In some implementations, the lower end of the water supply tank 80 is placed on the upper end of the tank support bar 75, and the lower end of the drainage tank 90 is placed on the upper end of the tank support bar 75.

(35) A tank support end 79, which interferes with the tank support bar 75, is formed on at least one selected from between the water supply tank 80 and the drainage tank 90.

(36) The tank support end 79 is concavely recessed.

(37) The front of the tank support bar 75 and the front of the water supply tank 80 may form a continuous surface due to the tank support end 79. In addition, the front of the tank support bar 75 and the front of the drainage tank 90 may form a continuous surface due to the tank support end 79

(38) The water supply tank 80 and the drainage tank 90 are disposed in the tank installation space 73 such that the water supply tank 80 and the drainage tank 90 are arranged parallel to each other in rightward and leftward directions.

(39) When the door 20 is opened, the water supply tank 80 and the drainage tank 90 are exposed to a user.

(40) The water supply tank 80 and the drainage tank 90 may be withdrawn by the user.

(41) The water supply tank 80 and the drainage tank 90 may be separated from the tank module frame 71. The water supply tank 80 and the drainage tank 90 may be separably mounted in the tank installation space 73.

(42) The water supply tank 80 is connected to the steam unit 40 to supply water to the steam unit 40. The drainage tank 90 is connected to the treatment chamber 12 to store water discharged from the treatment chamber 12 or the heat pump unit 50.

(43) The water supply tank 80 includes a tank body 82, which is open at the front thereof, a tank cover 84 coupled to the front of the tank body 82, a decorative cover 86 coupled to the tank cover 84, a water supply check valve 110 installed in the tank body 82 for opening and closing a flow channel connected with the steam unit 40, and a water supply level sensor 100 for sensing the level of water stored in the tank body 82.

(44) The front of the tank body 82 is open. The water supply level sensor 100 is disposed in the tank body 82.

(45) The upper end of the tank body 82 is round at the rear side thereof.

(46) When the tank body 82 is separated, interference between the tank body 82 and the partition plate 11 is minimized.

(47) The user may easily pull and withdraw the water tank 80, which is disposed at the lower side of the clothes treatment apparatus, due to the round shape of the tank body 82.

(48) In some implementations, the water supply level sensor 100 includes a float 102 installed in the tank body 82 such that the float 102 can move upward and downward based on the level of water stored in the tank body 82, a float cabinet 105 installed in the tank body 82 in a state in which the float 102 is disposed in the float cabinet 105, and a sensor 104 installed at the tank module frame 71 to sense the float 102.

(49) The float 102 has a magnet. The sensor 104 senses the magnetic force of the magnet.

(50) The sensor 104 may be installed at the front or rear of the tank module frame 71.

(51) The sensor 104 may be installed through the tank module frame 71.

(52) Consequently, the sensor 104 may be located in any one selected from among the cycle chamber 14, the tank installation space 73, and the tank module frame 71.

(53) The float 102, which is installed in the water supply tank 80, is flush with the sensor 104. When the level of water stored in the water supply tank 80 is lowered, the float 102 moves lower than the sensor 104. When the sensor 104 fails to sense the float 102, therefore, the control unit 60 outputs a water deficiency signal. Even when the water deficiency signal is output, it is possible to supply a sufficient amount of steam during a cycle that is currently being performed.

(54) Since the sensor 104 constantly senses the float 102, the control unit 60 may determine whether the water supply tank 80 is mounted.

(55) For example, when the water supply tank 80 is not mounted, or when water is deficient, the control unit 60 outputs a water deficiency signal.

(56) When the user manipulates the clothes treatment apparatus in a state in which the water deficiency signal is output, therefore, the control unit 60 performs control such that the clothes treatment apparatus is not operated and outputs a water deficiency signal. At this time, the user may check the water supply tank 80.

(57) A float installation part 83, at which the float 102 is installed, is formed at the inside of the tank body 82. The float cabinet 105 is installed at the float installation part 83. The float 102 may move upward and downward along the float cabinet 105 by buoyancy.

(58) In some implementations, the float 102 is installed at the minimum level of water stored in the water supply tank 80, at which it is possible to supply an amount of steam corresponding to one cycle. Even when the sensor 104 fails to sense the float 102, and therefore the control unit 60 outputs a water deficiency signal, it is possible to supply an amount of steam corresponding to at least one cycle.

(59) That is, even when a water deficiency signal is sensed during the supply of steam, it is possible to supply a sufficient amount of steam until a cycle that is currently being performed is completed.

(60) The float cabinet 105, in which the float 102 is mounted, is manufactured by insert injection molding at the time of die slide injection (DSI) of the tank cover 84 and the tank body 82.

(61) Die slide injection (DSI) is for blow molding or molding of thin products. DSI conveys various advantages in that no post-processing, such as adhesion or assembly, is necessary after injection molding, it is possible to adjust the thickness of a wall more easily than when blow molding or gas molding, it is possible to provide an excellent surface shape or high dimensional accuracy, and it is possible to perform DSI instead of double injection or blow molding.

(62) The tank body 82 and the tank cover 84 are manufactured by insert injection molding using DSI. During the manufacture of the tank body 82 and the tank cover 84, the float cabinet 105 is installed in the tank body 82 and the tank cover 84 by insert injection molding. During the manufacture of the tank body 82 and the tank cover 84, the edge of the tank cover 84 is integrally coupled to the edge of the tank body 82.

(63) The tank cover 84 has a window 85, through which the user may check the level of water in the tank body 82. In addition, a grip 87, into which the user may insert his/her hand in order to hold the tank cover 84, is concavely formed at the tank cover 84.

(64) The grip 87 is formed at the tank cover 84 such that the grip 87 is concave from the front to the rear thereof.

(65) A sensor fixing part 88 is formed at the inside of the tank cover 84. The sensor fixing part 88 protrudes from the inside of the tank cover 84. When the tank cover 84 and the tank body 82 are coupled to each other, the sensor fixing part 88 comes into tight contact with the float cabinet 105.

(66) Since the sensor fixing part 88 tightly contacts the float cabinet 105, the float cabinet 105 is prevented from being separated from the float installation part 83.

(67) The sensor fixing part 88 may be integrally formed with the tank cover 84.

(68) The decorative cover 86 is formed to have a shape that is capable of covering the front of the tank cover 84. In addition, the decorative cover 86 is formed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the tank cover 84.

(69) A water hole 82 is formed at the upper side of the tank body 92. In addition, a water hole cover 89 for opening and closing the water hole 82 is disposed at the upper side of the tank body 92.

(70) The water hole cover 89 is made of a flexible material exhibiting high elasticity. One end of the water hole cover 89 is fixed to the tank body 82, and the other end of the water hole cover 89 may be bent in order to open and close the water hole 82.

(71) The water supply check valve 110 includes a check valve hole 111 formed at the lower side of the tank body 82 and a check assembly 112 coupled to the check valve hole 111 for regulating the water in the tank body 82.

(72) The check assembly 112 includes a check housing 113 coupled into the check valve hole 111, the check housing 113 having a check flow channel 114, through which water flows into the check housing 113, a valve 115 disposed in the check housing 113 for opening and closing the check flow channel 114, and a check elastic member 116 disposed between the valve 115 and the tank body 82 for applying elastic force to the valve 115.

(73) The small-diameter side of the valve 115 protrudes downward. When the valve 115 is placed on the tank module frame 71, the valve 115 may be pushed by the tank module frame 71, and may thus move upward. At this time, the check flow channel 114 is opened as the result of the movement of the valve 115. When the water supply tank 80 is separated from the tank module frame 71, the check flow channel 114 is closed by the elastic force of the check elastic member 116.

(74) The drainage tank 90 is identical in function to the water supply tank 80. The drainage tank 90 is disposed alongside the water supply tank 80.

(75) In the drainage tank 90, a drainage check valve 120 is installed at the rear side thereof, not at the lower side thereof, unlike the water supply tank 80.

(76) The water supply tank 80 receives water through the water hole 81, and discharges water through the water supply check valve 110. The drainage tank 90 may receive condensed water through the drainage check valve 120, and may discharge condensed water through the water hole 81.

(77) That is, the drainage check valve 120 of the drainage tank 90 may be disposed in a channel for receiving condensed water, not for discharging condensed water.

(78) In some implementations, condensed water may fall into the drainage tank 90 through the water hole 81. In addition, condensed water may be automatically discharged through the drainage check valve 120.

(79) Water that is condensed in the treatment chamber 12 and water that is condensed in the heat pump unit 50 are stored in the drainage tank 90.

(80) A float installation part 93, at which the float cabinet 105 is installed, is formed in the drainage tank 90.

(81) The float installation part 93 may be located at a height in the drainage tank 90 at which overflow does not occur even when an amount of condensed water that is generated during one cycle is stored therein.

(82) That is, the float installation part 93 is located at a height in the drainage tank 90 at which overflow does not occur even when an amount of condensed water that is generated during one cycle is stored in the drainage tank 90.

(83) When a drainage level sensor 101 of the drainage tank 90 senses a signal during the operation of the clothes treatment apparatus, therefore, the water in the drainage tank 90 does not overflow due to the condensed water that is additionally stored in the drainage tank 90.

(84) The drainage level sensor 101 of the drainage tank 90 is located higher than the water supply level sensor 100 in the water supply tank 80.

(85) The drainage level sensor 101 of the drainage tank 90 is identical in construction to the water supply level sensor 100 of the water supply tank 80. However, the drainage level sensor 101 of the drainage tank 90 is operated differently from the water supply level sensor 100 of the water supply tank 80.

(86) For example, the sensor 104 of the drainage tank 90 does not sense the float 102 in a normal state. When the level of condensed water rises, the sensor 104 of the drainage tank 90 senses the float 102, which has been raised by buoyancy.

(87) When the sensor 104 of the drainage tank 90 senses the float 102, the control unit 60 outputs a water drainage signal. When the water drainage signal is output, however, the overflow of condensed water does not occur during a cycle that is currently being performed.

(88) As is apparent from the above description, the clothes treatment apparatus has the following effects.

(89) It is possible to directly sense the amount of water stored in the water supply tank instead of estimating the amount of water stored in the water supply tank.

(90) It is possible to sense the level of water stored in the water supply tank without delay.

(91) It is possible to directly sense the level of water stored in the drainage tank without delay, thereby preventing water from overflowing the drainage tank.

(92) In the clothes treatment apparatus, the water supply level sensor is installed at the level of water that is required to generate enough steam for at least one cycle. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the supply of water from being interrupted while steam is being generated.

(93) In the clothes treatment apparatus, the drainage level sensor is installed at the level of water at which it is possible to store all of the water that is condensed during at least one cycle. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the condensed water from overflowing the drainage tank, or it is not necessary to drain the condensed water from the drainage tank, during the operation of the clothes treatment apparatus.