Laundry treating apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

A laundry treating apparatus for drying laundry by supplying hot air while rotating a drum and a control method thereof are provided. The laundry treating apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a drum for accommodating laundry, a driving unit for rotating the drum, an air circulating unit for guiding air discharged from the drum to be re-introduced into the drum, a heat exchanging unit installed on a circulating flow path of the air circulating unit for performing heat exchange with the air, and a control unit for controlling the driving unit to perform a drying rotation mode for rotating the drum in one direction without a mode of a non-stop state while the air heated by the heat exchanging unit is supplied to the drum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to garment processing equipment and control methods thereof, and more specifically, to garment processing equipment and control methods thereof for drying garments by supplying hot air while rotating a drum. Background Technology

[0002] Garment handling equipment refers to any equipment configured to manage or process garments (such as clothes or bedding) in a household or in a place such as a commercial laundry facility by washing, drying, or removing wrinkles. Garment handling equipment may include washing machines, dryers, and washer-dryer combinations.

[0003] Specifically, a dryer dries clothes by supplying hot air to the object being processed, such as clothes loaded into a drum (or tub), while simultaneously rotating the drum (or tub) to expose the clothes evenly to the hot air, thereby evaporating the moisture contained in the clothes.

[0004] Regarding the garment processing device described above, Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2022-0031304 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 1") discloses a garment processing device and its control method.

[0005] Specifically, prior art 1 discloses a configuration that alternately executes a first acceleration mode and a first deceleration mode. In the first acceleration mode, the drum rotates at a speed that generates a centrifugal force of more than 1G in one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. In the first deceleration mode, the drum rotates at a speed that generates a centrifugal force of less than 1G in the same direction as the rotation direction set in the first acceleration mode.

[0006] However, the garment processing equipment in the prior art 1 is configured to operate in the above configuration only during the preheating and descent speed drying sections, while using a tumbling motion of 30 rpm or 20 rpm in the remaining sections, and performing roller stop and start at each section transition. As a result, friction may occur on the garment, leading to garment damage, such as abrasion, pilling, changes in fiber diameter, and changes in the spacing between fibers.

[0007] In addition, Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2022-0144287 (hereinafter referred to as "Prior Art 2") discloses a garment processing device.

[0008] Specifically, prior art 2 discloses a configuration in which, during the decreasing speed drying section where the drying of the clothes has already been significantly carried out, the roller accelerates to more than 1G after the rolling motion, or the rotational speed of the roller changes periodically, thereby reducing the mechanical force applied to the clothes and thus preventing the clothes from shrinking.

[0009] However, the garment handling equipment in the prior art 2 also uses tumbling motion in some sections, and performs the stopping and starting of the rollers at each section transition. As a result, frictional damage to the garments may occur.

[0010] As mentioned above, in garment processing equipment that dries clothes by supplying hot air while rotating a drum, it is necessary to achieve proper drying while minimizing frictional damage to the clothes; however, existing garment processing equipment and its control methods may not adequately meet this need. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] This disclosure relates to providing clothing processing equipment and control methods that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0013] Specifically, this disclosure relates to providing a garment processing apparatus that can minimize frictional damage to garments during the drying process by appropriately controlling the rotation of a roller containing the garments.

[0014] Additionally, this disclosure relates to a garment processing apparatus that allows garments to be uniformly exposed to hot air during the drying process by appropriately controlling the rotation of a roller containing the garments.

[0015] Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a garment processing apparatus that can prevent garments from being pushed to unintended positions by hot air during the drying process by appropriately controlling the pressure of the supplied hot air based on the rotation of the rollers.

[0016] The aspects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical aspects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description.

[0017] Technical solution

[0018] To achieve the above or other objectives, a garment processing apparatus and its control method according to one aspect of this disclosure can be configured to control the rotation of a drum in a manner that reduces frictional damage during the garment drying process. Specifically, a drying rotation mode can be implemented, wherein the drum rotates in one direction without stopping from the start to the end of garment drying.

[0019] Furthermore, the garment processing apparatus and control method according to one aspect of this disclosure can be configured such that a drying rotation cycle, which alternately executes a first rotation mode and a second rotation mode in a drying rotation mode, is repeated multiple times.

[0020] Furthermore, the garment processing apparatus and control method according to one aspect of this disclosure can be configured to control the rotation of the drum in a manner that allows the garment to be evenly exposed to hot air during the garment drying process. Specifically, a third rotation mode can be performed between consecutive drying rotation cycles.

[0021] Furthermore, the garment processing apparatus and its control method according to one aspect of this disclosure can be configured to perform a second rotation mode three or more but less than five times in each drying rotation cycle.

[0022] Furthermore, the garment processing apparatus and control method according to one aspect of this disclosure can be configured to detect the dryness level of the garment and change the execution of a third rotation mode based on the detected dryness level.

[0023] Furthermore, the garment handling apparatus and control method according to one aspect of this disclosure can be configured to prevent garments from being pushed by hot air even when the rotational speed of the drum is relatively low. Specifically, the blowing pressure of the drying fan can be reduced while executing the third rotation mode.

[0024] The technical solutions disclosed herein are not limited to the above-described technical solutions, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical solutions not mentioned above through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the main components of a garment processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating air circulation in a garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a drive unit for rotating a drum in a garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the operating state of the roller and drying fan during the drying rotation mode in a garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the state of the clothes in the drum during a first rotation mode and a second rotation mode in a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 7This is an exemplary diagram showing the state of clothing in a drum during a third rotation mode in a clothing processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 8 This is an illustrative diagram showing the test results of fabric abrasion based on respective drying movements in a garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a garment processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in describing the present disclosure, descriptions of well-known functions or configurations may be omitted in order to clarify the essential points of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a garment processing device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the main components of a garment processing device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating air circulation in a garment processing device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a drive unit for rotating a roller 30 in a garment handling apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] In the following description, the dryer is described as an example of the garment handling device 1000; however, the garment handling device 1000 may be a device configured to handle garments, such as wet or dry garments loaded into the drum 30, and is not limited to a dryer, but may be a washing machine or a washer-dryer.

[0037] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a garment processing device 1000 may include a cabinet 10, a drum 30 disposed within the cabinet 10 and configured to house and rotate garments therein, a drive unit 106 configured to rotate the drum 30, a heat exchange unit 200 configured to heat and circulate air through the drum 30 to dry the garments, a drying fan 110 configured to circulate air in the drum 30, a suction pipe 120 through which air circulated from the drum 30 is drawn, and a circulation channel 130 configured to guide the airflow.

[0038] The cabinet 10 can form the exterior of the garment handling equipment 1000 and can be configured to provide space for the roller 30 and other components to be housed therein. The cabinet 10 can have an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0039] The cabinet 10 may include a door 20 disposed on its front surface, and the door 20 may be configured to be hinged and rotated about one end to open and close the interior of the cabinet 10. The cabinet 10 may include a front cover 11, a top plate 16, side covers 12 and 13, a rear cover 15, and a base 14.

[0040] An opening can be formed in the front cover 11, and a door 20 configured to open and close the opening can be provided. The opening can communicate with the roller 30.

[0041] The control panel 17 may be located on the upper part of the front cover 11. The control panel 17 may include: a display (e.g., LCD, LED panel, etc.) configured to display the operating status of the garment handling device 1000; an input unit 800 (e.g., buttons, dial pad, touch screen, etc.) configured to receive operating commands for the garment handling device 1000 from the user; and an output unit 175 configured to output voice guidance, sound effects, or warning sounds corresponding to the operating status.

[0042] The input unit 800 may include at least one input device, such as a button, switch, or touchpad, disposed on the control panel 17. The input unit 800 may be configured to receive operation settings, including power input, operating mode, and clothing type. The input unit 800 may be configured to provide data regarding the operation settings to the controller 600 when the clothing type is selected and the power button is pressed.

[0043] The output unit 175 may include a display and a speaker or buzzer. The display is configured to show information about operation settings input via the input unit 800 and output the operating status of the garment handling device 1000. The speaker or buzzer is configured to output voice guidance, predetermined sound effects, or warning sounds. The display may include a menu screen for operation settings and operation control of the garment handling device 1000 and may be configured to output guidance messages or warnings including at least one of text, numbers, or images regarding operation settings or operating status.

[0044] The memory 104 can store control data for operating the garment processing device 1000, user-inputted operation setting data, data regarding operating modes, and reference data for determining errors in the garment processing device 1000. Furthermore, the memory 104 can store data detected or measured during the operation of the garment processing device 1000, as well as data transmitted and received via the communication unit 190. The memory 104 can be implemented as a storage device, such as ROM, RAM, EPROM, flash drive, or hard disk drive.

[0045] The communication unit 190 can be configured to send and receive data in a wired or wireless manner. The communication unit 190 can be configured to send and receive data by connecting to a network (e.g., a home network) formed within a building or within a predetermined area, connect to an external server (e.g., the Internet), and communicate with a terminal having control functions.

[0046] The communication unit 190 can be configured to transmit the operating status or drying process status of the garment handling device 1000, and to receive commands for the garment handling device 1000. The communication unit 190 can be configured to send and receive data using wireless communication technologies such as Zigbee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and WiBro.

[0047] The power supply unit 105 can be configured to convert commercial power into operating power and provide that operating power. The power supply unit 105 can be configured to interrupt overcurrent, rectify and smooth the supplied power, and supply a predetermined level of operating power.

[0048] The roller 30 can be formed as a cylinder and can have an open front portion and an open rear portion. The front portion can communicate with the opening. An inlet can be formed in the rear surface of the roller 30 to allow air to be introduced, and the inlet can be connected to an inlet duct 140 for air circulation. The inlet duct 140 can be connected to a circulation channel 130.

[0049] The drive unit 106 may include a motor fixedly mounted in the cabinet 10. The motor may be configured to provide driving force for rotating the drum 30 and the drying fan 110. Rotation of the drying fan 110 may cause air in the drum 30 to be introduced into the suction duct 120. The suction duct 120 may be connected to the circulation channel 130.

[0050] The rotation of the drying fan 110 causes the air discharged from the drum 30 to flow into the suction pipe 120, pass through the heat exchanger via the circulation channel 130, and be reintroduced into the drum 30 through the inlet pipe 140, thereby circulating the air.

[0051] The circulation channel 130 passing through the roller 30 can be formed in various ways. The circulation channel 130 can be connected to the roller 30 to form a closed loop for air circulation. In this case, some air can be discharged to the outside through the exhaust pipe 150 as needed.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the operating state of the roller 30 and drying fan 110 in a garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure during the drying rotation mode. Figure 6This is a diagram showing the state of the clothes in the drum 30 during a first rotation mode and a second rotation mode in a garment handling apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is an exemplary diagram showing the state of clothes in a drum during a third rotation mode in a garment handling apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is an illustrative diagram showing the test results of fabric abrasion based on respective drying movements in a garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Reference Figures 5 to 8 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a garment processing device 1000 may include a roller 30, a drive unit 106, an air circulation unit 100, a heat exchange unit 200, and a controller 600.

[0054] The roller 30 can be configured to hold clothes and use air (hot air) circulated through the circulation channel 130 to dry the clothes held therein.

[0055] The air circulation unit 100 can be configured to guide air discharged from the drum 30 and reintroduce air into the drum 30, and the air circulation unit 100 may include a suction pipe 120, a circulation channel 130, an inlet pipe 140 and a drying fan 110.

[0056] The heat exchange unit 200 can be disposed on the circulation channel 130 of the air circulation unit 100 to exchange heat with the circulating air, and can be configured to operate in a heat pump cycle by circulating refrigerant.

[0057] Clothes contained in the drum 30 can be dried by supplying heated air (hot air) to the drum 30. The air discharged from the drum 30 may contain moisture evaporated from the clothes during the drying process. The air can be introduced into the circulation channel 130, heated by the heat exchange unit 200, and supplied back to the drum 30.

[0058] Specifically, the heat exchange unit 200 may include a compressor, an evaporator 210, a condenser 220, and an expansion valve. The compressor, evaporator 210, and condenser 220 are connected via refrigerant piping through which refrigerant circulates. Specifically, heat exchange between the refrigerant and air in the evaporator 210 and condenser 220 results in heated air being supplied to the drum 30. In this configuration, the heat exchange unit 200 may exchange heat via a medium other than the refrigerant as needed.

[0059] Evaporator 210 can be configured to exchange heat between air and refrigerant introduced from drum 30 into circulation channel 130 via suction pipe 120, thereby recovering heat from the air passing through circulation channel 130. Additionally, evaporator 210 can be configured to condense moisture contained in the air passing through circulation channel 130.

[0060] The condenser 220 can be configured to exchange heat between the air and refrigerant that have passed through the evaporator 210, and the heated air can be reintroduced into the drum 30 through the inlet pipe 140. Air that has passed through the evaporator 210 and has a low temperature and low humidity can flow into the condenser 220 and can be heated to a high temperature and low humidity through heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0061] The refrigerant discharged from condenser 220 can pass through evaporator 210 and return to compressor. Compressor can compress refrigerant and discharge it back to condenser 220. Expansion valve can expand the refrigerant condensed in condenser 220 and supply the expanded refrigerant to evaporator 210.

[0062] The drive unit 106 can be configured to rotate the roller 30 so that the clothes are evenly exposed to hot air when they are being dried.

[0063] In this case, the clothes contained in the drum 30 can be in various states depending on the magnitude of the centrifugal force during the rotation of the drum 30.

[0064] For example, when the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the roller 30 is relatively large, the clothes can be pressed firmly or loosely against the inner circumferential surface of the roller 30 and can rotate together with the roller 30.

[0065] Conversely, when the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the drum 30 is relatively small, the clothes lifted inside the drum 30 may fall due to gravity and may be lifted up again due to the rotation of the drum 30. This process can be repeated, thus causing a falling impact on the clothes.

[0066] In particular, during the drying process of clothes, when the rotation of the roller 30 stops or the rotation direction of the roller 30 is reversed, the impact on the clothes falling may occur more frequently and to a greater extent, resulting in problems such as damage to the clothes due to friction.

[0067] Therefore, the rotation of the roller 30 needs to be controlled in a way that minimizes frictional damage to the clothes during the drying process.

[0068] The controller 600 can be configured to cause the drive unit 106 to perform a drying rotation mode in which the drum 30 rotates in one direction without stopping, while air heated by the heat exchange unit 200 is supplied to the drum 30.

[0069] The controller 600 can be configured to store operation setting data input from the input unit 800 in the memory 104, process data sent and received via the communication unit 190, and output the operation settings and operation status of the garment handling device 1000 through the output unit 175. When a terminal with an application for controlling the garment handling device 1000 and wirelessly connected to the garment handling device 1000 is present, the controller 600 can be configured to cause the communication unit 190 to send data from the garment handling device 1000 to the terminal.

[0070] The controller 600 can be configured to control the operation of the roller 30 and the drying fan 110 via the drive unit 106 based on operation settings input from the input unit 800, and to variably control the operation of the roller 30 and the drying fan 110 based on sensing values ​​from one or more sensors. The controller 600 can be configured to control the drive unit 106 during operation such that the rotational state of the roller 30 and the blowing state of the drying fan 110 are controlled.

[0071] That is, the controller 600 can be configured to control the operation of the drive unit 106. The operation of the drive unit 106 may include on / off control, operation time, and operation status.

[0072] Specifically, the controller 600 can be configured to cause the drive unit 106 to rotate the roller 30 in one direction from the start to the end of drying the clothes without stopping.

[0073] As mentioned above, during the drying process of clothes, damage to the clothes may occur when the rotation of the roller 30 stops or reverses.

[0074] Therefore, while heated air from the heat exchange unit 200 is supplied to the drum 30, it may be desirable to rotate the drum 30 in one direction without stopping in order to minimize frictional damage to the clothes during the drying process.

[0075] As described above, the garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can perform a drying rotation mode in which the roller 30 rotates in one direction without stopping, thereby preventing fabric abrasion caused by tumbling during acceleration after the roller 30 stops, and thus minimizing frictional damage to the garment.

[0076] In a garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 600 may be configured to cause the drive unit 106 to repeatedly perform multiple drying rotation cycles in a drying rotation mode, wherein a first rotation mode in which the roller 30 rotates at a speed of more than 1G and a second rotation mode in which the roller 30 rotates at a speed of more than 2G are alternately executed.

[0077] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, multiple drying rotation cycles can be performed in the drying rotation mode from the start to the end of the drying process.

[0078] In this case, the drying rotation cycle can be defined as a segment in which a first rotation mode and a second rotation mode are executed alternately, and can be executed such that the first rotation mode and the second rotation mode are alternately repeated multiple times as a cycle.

[0079] The first rotation mode can be defined as a segment in which the drum 30 rotates at a speed that generates a centrifugal force of more than 1G, and in this case, the rotational speed of the drum 30 can be referred to as the first speed.

[0080] The second rotation mode can be defined as a section in which the drum 30 rotates at a speed that generates a centrifugal force of more than 2G, and the speed of the drum 30 in this section can be referred to as the second speed.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, in the first rotation mode, the clothes contained in the drum 30 can be loosely pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the drum 30 due to centrifugal force, and can rotate together with the drum 30. In the second rotation mode, the clothes contained in the drum 30 can be firmly pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the drum 30 due to centrifugal force, and can rotate together with the drum 30.

[0082] Reference Figure 8 When using the drying rotational cycle motion described above to dry clothes, the drying time can be slightly increased compared to the existing tumbling motion, while fabric wear can be reduced by about 30%.

[0083] As described above, in a garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a drying rotation cycle that alternately executes a first rotation mode and a second rotation mode can be repeatedly performed during the drying rotation mode. Therefore, the garments can rotate while being firmly or loosely pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the roller 30, thereby preventing falling impacts while allowing the drying process of the garments to continue.

[0084] In a garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a controller 600 may be configured to cause the drive unit 106 to perform a third rotation mode between consecutive drying rotation cycles, in which the roller 30 rotates at a speed that generates a centrifugal force of less than 1G.

[0085] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the third rotation mode can be performed between continuous drying rotation cycles from the start of drying the clothes to the completion of drying.

[0086] The third rotation mode can be defined as the section in which the drum 30 rotates at a speed that generates a centrifugal force of less than 1G, and in this case, the rotational speed of the drum 30 can be referred to as the third speed.

[0087] like Figure 7 As shown, during the drying rotation cycle, the clothes rotating together with the drum 30 can be separated from the inner circumferential surface of the drum 30 in the third rotation mode, so that the position of the clothes in the drum 30 can be changed and the clothes can be mixed with each other.

[0088] refer to Figure 8 It can be observed that performing a third rotation mode between consecutive drying rotation cycles is more effective in terms of drying efficiency and reducing fabric wear than performing drying using drying rotation cycles alone.

[0089] As described above, in a garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since a third rotation mode is performed between drying rotation cycles, garments that are firmly or loosely pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the roller 30 can be periodically mixed during the drying process, thereby allowing the garments to be evenly exposed to hot air.

[0090] In a garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 600 may be configured to cause the drive unit 106 to perform a second rotation mode more than three times and less than five times in each drying rotation cycle.

[0091] As described above, when the first rotation mode and the second rotation mode are alternately executed in the drying rotation cycle, the drying performance can be increased with the increase of the number of alternations between modes.

[0092] However, when the number of alternations between modes becomes too high, the total drying time may increase, which may be undesirable in terms of drying efficiency, and the garments may be exposed to an environment that could cause damage during the drying process for a longer period of time.

[0093] Therefore, it may be desirable to appropriately control the number of times patterns alternate.

[0094] As described above, in the garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the second rotation mode is executed three to five times in each drying rotation cycle, the garments can be dried appropriately without excessively increasing the drying time.

[0095] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the garment handling apparatus 1000 may further include a sensor unit 700 configured to detect the dryness level of the garments contained in the drum 30. The controller 600 may be configured to cause the drive unit 106 to change the execution of a third rotation mode based on the dryness level of the garments detected by the sensor unit 700.

[0096] The sensor unit 700 may include multiple sensors configured to measure the voltage or current of the garment handling equipment 1000, detect the motor speed, temperature and humidity, and provide the detected information to the controller 600.

[0097] The sensor unit 700 may include a door sensing unit, a clothing sensing unit, a temperature sensing unit, a humidity sensing unit, and an electrode sensing unit. The sensor unit 700 may also include a pressure sensor configured to detect the pressure of the refrigerant in the heat exchange unit 200, a temperature sensor, and a speed sensing unit configured to detect the rotational speed of the motor in the drive unit 106 or the drum 30.

[0098] Whether the drying of the clothes is completed in the clothes handling equipment 1000 can be determined by the sensor unit 700. For example, the sensor unit 700 can detect the humidity in the drum 30 and determine whether the dryness level of the clothes has reached the predetermined level where drying is considered complete.

[0099] As mentioned above, since the third rotation mode allows the clothes being dried to be evenly exposed to hot air, the necessity of the third rotation mode may decrease as the drying process continues.

[0100] When the necessity of the third rotation mode decreases as drying progresses, it may be desirable to effectively manage the total drying time by changing the execution of the third rotation mode, such as reducing the duration of the third rotation mode or omitting the third rotation mode as needed.

[0101] As described above, in the garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the dryness level of the garment is detected and the execution of the third rotation mode is changed accordingly, the third rotation mode for mixing the garment can be executed only for the necessary duration during drying, thereby effectively managing the total drying time.

[0102] In a garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air circulation unit may include a drying fan 110 disposed on a circulation channel and configured to blow air. A controller 600 may be configured to control the drying fan 110 such that the blowing pressure is maximized while performing a drying rotation cycle, and to control the drying fan 110 such that the blowing pressure is reduced while performing a third rotation mode.

[0103] To maximize drying efficiency, it may be desirable to maximize the blowing pressure of the hot air through the drying fan 110. However, when the centrifugal force applied to the garment by the rotation of the roller 30 is insufficient, such as in the third rotation mode, relatively light garments may be pushed to an unintended position by the blowing pressure of the air through the drying fan 110.

[0104] Specifically, when the drying fan 110 blows air, an airflow is formed inside the drum 30 from the inlet pipe 140 toward the suction pipe 120, and the relatively light clothing can be pushed toward the suction pipe 120 by the blowing pressure of the air.

[0105] In this situation, the suction pipe 120 may be blocked by clothing, and the drying performance of the clothing processing equipment 1000 may be reduced as a result.

[0106] Therefore, when the rotational speed of the drum 30 is relatively low, such as in the third rotation mode, the clothes in the drum 30 may be more affected by the blowing pressure than by the centrifugal force, and it may be desirable to reduce the blowing pressure of the drying fan 110 to a certain extent.

[0107] In a garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the blowing pressure of the drying fan 110 is reduced while executing the third rotation mode, the garments can be prevented from being pushed to an unintended position by the blowing pressure in the third rotation mode.

[0108] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The control method for the garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be executed by the garment processing apparatus 1000, and will be referred to... Figures 1 to 8 Describe it.

[0109] In S100, the garment handling device 1000 switches from standby mode to operation mode in response to input of a predetermined operation signal, etc.

[0110] In S200, during the operation of the garment handling equipment 1000, air is circulated to guide the air discharged from the drum 30 back into the drum 30. In this case, the air can circulate through the suction pipe 120, the circulation channel 130, the inlet pipe 140, and the drying fan 110.

[0111] In S300, during air circulation, air undergoes heat exchange through a heat exchange unit 200 disposed on the circulation channel 130. The air discharged from the drum 30 may contain moisture evaporated from the clothes during the drying process. Air can be introduced into the circulation channel 130, heated by the heat exchange unit 200, and supplied back to the drum 30.

[0112] In S400, while supplying air heated by the heat exchange unit 200 to the drum 30, the drive unit 106 controls the drum 30 to rotate in one direction without stopping. In other words, the control is executed to perform a drying rotation mode in which the drum 30 rotates in one direction without stopping from the start of drying the clothes to the completion of drying.

[0113] Therefore, the control method of the garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent fabric abrasion caused by tumbling during the acceleration period after the roller 30 stops, thereby reducing frictional damage to the garment.

[0114] In S400, the drying rotation cycle is repeated multiple times, wherein a first rotation mode and a second rotation mode are executed alternately. In the first rotation mode, the drum 30 rotates at a speed that generates a centrifugal force of more than 1G, and in the second rotation mode, the drum 30 rotates at a speed that generates a centrifugal force of more than 2G.

[0115] S400 includes S410, which performs a drying rotation cycle that alternately executes a first rotation mode and a second rotation mode.

[0116] Specifically, in S410, after executing the first rotation mode (S411), the second rotation mode (S412) is executed, and in S413 it is determined whether the predetermined number of alternations between the first rotation mode and the second rotation mode has been reached. S411 and S412 are repeated alternately until the predetermined number of alternations is reached.

[0117] Therefore, in the control method of the garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the garment can rotate while being alternately and firmly pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the roller 30, so that the drying process of the garment can be carried out without producing a falling impact.

[0118] In S400, a third rotation mode is performed between continuous drying rotation cycles, in which the drum 30 rotates at a speed that generates a centrifugal force of less than 1G.

[0119] In other words, in S400, when it is determined in S413 that the predetermined number of alternations has been reached, S410 terminates and the third rotation mode (S420) is executed.

[0120] Therefore, in the control method of the garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the garments that are firmly or loosely pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the roller 30 are periodically mixed during the drying process, the garments can be evenly exposed to the hot air.

[0121] In S400, in the control method of the garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rotation mode is executed more than three times and less than five times in each drying rotation cycle.

[0122] In other words, in S413, the predetermined number of alternations is set to more than three and less than five. When the predetermined number of alternations is reached, S410 ends and S420 is executed.

[0123] Therefore, in the control method of the garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the drying of garments can be appropriately achieved without excessively increasing the drying time.

[0124] A control method for a garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes S500, wherein the dryness level of the garments contained in the drum 30 is detected by a sensor unit 700. In this case, S400 is executed such that the execution of a third rotation mode is changed according to the dryness level of the garments detected by the sensor unit 700.

[0125] In other words, in S500, the dryness level of the clothes is detected to determine the drying process, and the execution of S420 is changed according to the drying process.

[0126] Therefore, in the control method of the garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as the drying of the garments proceeds, the third rotation mode for mixing the garments is executed only for the necessary duration, thereby effectively managing the total drying time.

[0127] Meanwhile, in S500, the dryness level of the clothing is detected, and in S600, it is determined whether the predetermined dryness level has been reached, and S400 is executed until the predetermined dryness level is reached.

[0128] In the control method of the garment processing apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, S200 is performed by blowing air via the drying fan 110. In S400, the blowing pressure of the drying fan 110 is maximized while performing the drying rotation cycle, and the blowing pressure is reduced while performing the third rotation mode.

[0129] In other words, in S410, the blowing pressure is maximized to improve drying efficiency, and in S420, where the rotational speed of the drum 30 is relatively low, the clothes in the drum 30 are more affected by the blowing pressure than by the centrifugal force, and the blowing pressure is reduced to a certain extent.

[0130] Therefore, in the control method of the garment handling apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the third rotation mode where the rotation speed of the roller 30 is relatively low, the garment can be prevented from being pushed to an unintended position by the blowing pressure.

[0131] While specific exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made therein within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, such modifications or variations should not be considered as departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure, and this disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0132] Industrial applicability

[0133] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, since a drying rotation mode is performed in which the roller rotates in one direction from the start of drying the garment to the completion of drying without stopping, fabric abrasion caused by tumbling that occurs during acceleration after the roller stops is prevented, thereby reducing frictional damage to the garment.

[0134] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, since the drying rotation cycle, which alternates between the first rotation mode and the second rotation mode, can be repeatedly performed during the drying rotation mode, the clothes can rotate while being firmly or loosely pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the roller, thereby preventing falling impacts while allowing the drying process of the clothes to continue.

[0135] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, since a third rotation mode is performed between consecutive drying rotation cycles, the clothes that are firmly or loosely pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the drum are periodically mixed during the drying process, thereby allowing the clothes to be evenly exposed to the hot air.

[0136] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, since the second rotation mode is executed three or more times but less than five times in each drying rotation cycle, the clothes can be dried appropriately without excessively increasing the drying time.

[0137] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, since the dryness level of the garments is detected and the execution of the third rotation mode is changed accordingly, the third rotation mode for mixing garments can be executed only for the necessary duration during drying, thereby effectively managing the total drying time.

[0138] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, since the blowing pressure of the drying fan is reduced while the third rotation mode is being executed, it is possible to prevent the clothes from being pushed to an undesired position by the blowing pressure in the third rotation mode where the drum speed is relatively low.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, the garment processing device comprising: A roller, configured to hold clothing; A drive unit configured to rotate the drum; An air circulation unit is configured to guide air discharged from the roller and reintroduce air into the roller; A heat exchange unit is disposed on the circulation channel of the air circulation unit and configured to perform heat exchange with the air; as well as A controller is configured to cause the drive unit to perform a drying rotation mode, which is a mode in which the drum rotates in one direction without stopping while air heated by the heat exchange unit is supplied to the drum.

2. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to cause the drive unit to repeatedly execute a drying rotation cycle multiple times in the drying rotation mode, the drying rotation cycle being an alternating cycle of a first rotation mode and a second rotation mode, in the first rotation mode the drum rotates at a speed that generates a centrifugal force of more than 1G, and in the second rotation mode the drum rotates at a speed that generates a centrifugal force of more than 2G.

3. The garment processing equipment according to claim 2, wherein, The controller is configured to cause the drive unit to execute a third rotation mode between consecutive drying rotation cycles, the third rotation mode being a mode in which the drum rotates at a speed that generates a centrifugal force of less than 1G.

4. The garment processing equipment according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is configured to cause the drive unit to execute the second rotation mode more than three times and less than five times in each drying rotation cycle.

5. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a sensor unit configured to detect the dryness level of the garments contained in the drum, wherein, The controller is configured to cause the drive unit to change the execution of the third rotation mode based on the dryness level of the clothing detected by the sensor unit.

6. The garment processing equipment according to claim 3, wherein, The air circulation unit includes a drying fan disposed on the circulation channel and configured to blow air, wherein the controller is configured to control the drying fan such that the blowing pressure is maximized while performing the drying rotation cycle, and the blowing pressure is reduced while performing the third rotation mode.

7. A control method for a garment processing device, the control method comprising the following steps: Switch from standby mode to operation mode; Air is circulated through the air circulation unit to guide the air discharged from the drum and reintroduce the air into the drum; It exchanges heat with the air circulating through the heat exchange unit, which is located in the circulation channel through which the air circulates; as well as The control drive unit enables the execution of a drying rotation mode, which is a mode in which the drum rotates in one direction without stopping while air heated by the heat exchange unit is supplied to the drum.

8. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 7, wherein, The control steps include the following steps: repeatedly performing the drying rotation cycle multiple times, the drying rotation cycle including alternately executing a first rotation mode and a second rotation mode, in the first rotation mode, the drum rotates at a speed that generates a centrifugal force of more than 1G, and in the second rotation mode, the drum rotates at a speed that generates a centrifugal force of more than 2G.

9. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 8, wherein, The control steps include the following steps: executing a third rotation mode between consecutive drying rotation cycles, the third rotation mode including rotating the drum at a speed that generates a centrifugal force of less than 1G.

10. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 9, wherein, The control steps include the following steps: performing the second rotation mode more than three times and less than five times in each drying rotation cycle.

11. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 9, further comprising the following steps: The control steps include detecting the dryness level of the clothes contained in the drum using a sensor unit, wherein the control steps include changing the execution of the third rotation mode based on the dryness level of the clothes detected by the sensor unit.

12. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 9, wherein, The air circulation step is performed by blowing air through a drying fan, and the control step includes the following steps: controlling the drying fan such that the blowing pressure of the drying fan is maximized while the drying rotation cycle is performed, and reducing the blowing pressure of the drying fan while the third rotation mode is performed.

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