Washing machine with induction heater and control method thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a washing machine having an induction heater and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to a washing machine capable of heating a drum by means of an induction heater, and a control method of the washing machine. The washing machine includes a tub, a drum rotatably installed in the tub and holding laundry, an induction heater provided in the tub and configured to heat an outer circumferential surface of the drum, a motor configured to drive to rotate the drum, a user interface including a process selection unit configured to allow a user to select one of processes and an option selection unit configured to allow the user to select option information related to the process selected from the process selection unit, and a processor configured to control an RPM of the drum and driving of the induction heater, wherein the process selection unit includes a default washing-drying process of heating-spinning, the heating-spinning being configured to heat the drum by driving the induction heater while the drum is rotated in spinning.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the original case application number 201980081949.X (International application number: PCT / KR2019 / 017564, filed on December 12, 2019, with the title of "Washing machine with induction heater and control method thereof"). TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine capable of heating a drum by an induction heater and a control method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0003] A washing machine includes a tub (or an outer tub) that holds washing water, and a drum (or an inner tub) rotatably installed in the tub. Laundry is loaded in the drum and is washed by a detergent and washing water as the drum rotates.

[0004] In order to improve washing efficiency by promoting activation of a detergent and decomposition of contaminants, high-temperature washing water is supplied to the tub or washing water is heated in the tub. To this end, a heater installation portion in the shape of a notch is formed in the bottom of the tub, and a heater can be installed in the heater installation portion. Such a heater is generally a sheathed heater.

[0005] Washing is completed as dehydration is completed. Dehydration refers to removal of water contained in laundry by using centrifugal force of a drum rotating at a high RPM. After dehydration is completed, a user can naturally dry laundry or use a dryer. Therefore, it is recommended to remove as much water as possible from laundry in a dehydration cycle. In other words, water content can be reduced as much as possible.

[0006] However, if the duration of dehydration is increased, the amount of water separated from laundry by centrifugal force is limited. Therefore, it is conventionally determined that the dehydration RPM (RPM) and the dehydration time are in a trade-off between energy consumption and dehydration efficiency.

[0007] In order to improve dehydration efficiency, heating-dehydration can be performed. Heating-dehydration refers to a technology invented to reduce water content of laundry by raising the temperature of washing water during dehydration and weakening the viscosity of water contained in laundry.

[0008] The heating time point of heating-dehydration can be when heating is performed after preliminary heating and dehydration or when heating is performed during dehydration. As another embodiment, heating can be performed before starting dehydration and during dehydration.

[0009] Such heating-spinning can be performed in a laundry appliance having both washing and drying functions. In other words, the laundry appliance having washing and drying functions can include a heater configured to heat air for such heating-spinning and a jacket heater configured to heat washing water. Here, the laundry appliance having washing and drying functions can include a fan and a duct provided to supply heated air to the drum.

[0010] The power consumed by the motor in spinning can vary based on RPM and laundry eccentricity. The higher the RPM and the larger the laundry eccentricity, the greater the power consumed by the motor. The maximum power allowed for the washing machine (in other words, the maximum instantaneous power) is limited. Specifically, the maximum instantaneous power of the washing machine is preset to be below a permissible power value in order to protect the washing machine. Therefore, in view of the maximum permissible power for each segment of all other loads other than the heater during spinning, the upper limit of the output of the heater is preset, and the upper limit of the output of the heater is preset during spinning. In other words, heating-spinning is performed based on the output of the heater having a fixed value.

[0011] Therefore, the power stability of the washing machine can be guaranteed, but there can be a problem in efficient use of heating-spinning. In particular, even in the case of low RPM and small eccentricity, only a limited output of the heater can be used, so that efficiency can be decreased.

[0012] Materials have a characteristic in which stress causing deformation decreases as temperature increases. When the spinning RPM increases, the stress applied to the system (e.g., the tub and the bearing) also increases. Therefore, as the temperature increases, the system is likely to be deformed at high RPM. In consideration of the stability of the system, the maximum value of the heating temperature in heating-spinning can be set based on the maximum RPM. In other words, the uppermost limit of the heating temperature is preset, and heating-spinning is performed based on the uppermost limit. As one embodiment, when the maximum target RPM of spinning in the laundry appliance is 1200 RPM, the uppermost limit of the heating temperature can be preset to 60°C.

[0013] Therefore, since one fixed temperature uppermost limit (in other words, one temperature uppermost limit) is used, even if additional heating is possible, heating is not performed at the one temperature uppermost limit or higher, which will result in low efficiency. In particular, even if additional heating is possible at low RPM, heating is not performed at the temperature uppermost limit or higher, so that efficiency cannot but decrease.

[0014] Meanwhile, Japanese Patent Laid-Open JP 2004-135998 A (hereinafter, referred to as “reference document”) discloses a dryer or a dryer having a washing function, which can heat a drum by means of a microwave heating device, an electromagnetic induction device, or an infrared ray heating device.

[0015] This reference discloses the basic feature of drying by heating the drum. In addition, this reference discloses heating the washing water or the rinsing water at the time of washing or rinsing to improve the washing effect and reduce the drying time after dehydration.

[0016] Therefore, this reference does not disclose a control method of dehydration by heating the drum during the dehydration process. In particular, this reference does not disclose the drum rotation and the drum heating related to the rotation RPM during the dehydration process. In addition, this reference does not disclose the drum heating related to the instantaneous power during the dehydration process.

[0017] Therefore, there is a need to ensure the optimal dehydration performance by effectively heating the drum during the dehydration process.

[0018] In a conventional washing machine having a washing and drying function, the washing is the main function and the drying is the auxiliary function. Unlike a dryer having only a drying function, the washing machine having a washing and drying function can allow the drying to be selected as an option.

[0019] For this reason, the conventional washing machine having a washing and drying function does not provide a variety of drying functions, and disadvantageously, the user is not allowed to select different drying processes or functions.

[0020] In addition, in the conventional washing machine having a washing and drying function, it is disadvantageous to automatically perform the washing and drying based on one selected process sequence.

[0021] In a specific region, the electricity price is relatively low at midnight, and thus the washing or drying can be performed at midnight. However, due to the noise problem, the effective washing or drying cannot be performed.

[0022] As one example, unless sufficient dehydration is performed in the washing process based on the midnight mode, it can frequently occur that the dehydration must be performed again. As another example, unless sufficient drying is performed in the drying process based on the midnight mode, it can also frequently occur that the drying must be performed again.

[0023] Therefore, there is a need for a washing machine which can allow the user to select different drying conditions and provide such different drying conditions. In particular, there is a need for a washing machine which can perform effective dehydration and drying when the washing or drying is performed at midnight. SUMMARY

[0024] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0025] Therefore, one object of the present disclosure is to solve the above and other problems.

[0026] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can apply a convection heating method using an induction heater to solve problems of a conventional heating, spin-drying and / or drying method using heated air.

[0027] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can allow a user to easily select a heat-spinning configured to perform spin-drying by heating a drum and a regular spin-drying configured to perform spin-drying without heating the drum.

[0028] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can allow a user to select one process when wishing to perform washing and drying.

[0029] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can allow a user to select different drying processes based on whether heat-spinning and / or heat-spinning conditions are performed.

[0030] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can include a drying process in which heat-spinning is performed by default in a process selection unit and a spin-drying option in which whether heat-spinning is performed is selected in an option unit, so that a user can easily select different spin-drying and drying conditions.

[0031] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can guarantee good spin-drying performance by effectively reducing a water content even at a low RPM of a drum.

[0032] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can effectively guarantee spin-drying performance even in a washing environment requiring low noise and low vibration.

[0033] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can satisfy spin-drying performance and / or a drying function by allowing a user to select a night mode or a silent mode in an environment requiring low noise or low vibration and controlling heat-spinning to be automatically performed in such a mode. In particular, the washing machine can satisfy the spin-drying performance and / or the drying function by automatically increasing a heating amount even when spin-drying is performed at a relatively low RPM.

[0034] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can guarantee stability by varying an output of a heater based on a spin-drying RPM and improve user satisfaction with spin-drying and drying. In particular, an object is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can effectively perform spin-drying and drying at midnight requiring silent operation and low vibration.

[0035] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can increase a heater output to be closest to a maximum permissible power value. In particular, it is an object to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can effectively perform dewatering and drying at midnight when a silent operation and low vibration are required.

[0036] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can perform a drying function without having a fan configured to circulate air, a duct, and an additional heater configured to heat air.

[0037] Solution to the problem

[0038] An embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a washing machine including a tub, a drum rotatably installed in the tub and holding laundry, an induction heater provided in the tub and configured to heat an outer circumferential surface of the drum opposite, a motor configured to drive to rotate the drum, a user interface including a process selection unit configured to allow a user to select one of a plurality of processes and an option selection unit configured to allow the user to select option information related to the process selected from the process selection unit, and a processor configured to control a drum RPM and driving of the induction heater, wherein the process selection unit can include a default wash-dry-dry process that proceeds heating-drying, the heating-drying being configured to heat the drum by driving the induction heater while the drum rotates in dewatering.

[0039] The wash-dry-dry process can be a process configured to automatically and sequentially perform drying after performing washing, rinsing, and dewatering.

[0040] The user can intuitively select heating-drying via the process selection unit, and thus convenience of use can be facilitated.

[0041] A target RPM of the drum in drying can be lower than a target RPM of the drum in dewatering. A time taken for dewatering can be set to be longer than a time taken for drying. In particular, a drying time can be set to be a maximum permissible time. When a drying condition is satisfied before the maximum permissible time, drying can end.

[0042] The wash-dry-dry process can include a process having a plurality of respective target RPMs of the drum, which are preset to be different from each other.

[0043] The heat-extraction time of one process (e.g., a first wash-extraction process) having a low target drum RPM in the extraction can be set to be longer than the heat-extraction time of another process (e.g., a second wash-extraction process) having a high target drum RPM in the extraction.

[0044] The processor can control the output of the induction heater to be variable during the heat-extraction of the first wash-extraction process.

[0045] The washing machine can further include a transient power output unit configured to calculate and output a transient output, wherein the processor controls the output of the induction heater to be variable based on the output of the transient power output unit. Accordingly, the drum can be heated with the maximum permissible output to reduce the heating time.

[0046] The processor can control a heating target temperature, which is raised by driving of the induction heater in the first wash-extraction process, to be set higher than a heating target temperature in the second wash-extraction process.

[0047] The option selection unit can include an option allowing a user to select whether to perform the heat-extraction.

[0048] The option selection unit can include an option allowing a user to select a target RPM and a target temperature of the drum in the heat-extraction.

[0049] As the target RPM of the drum selected by the user becomes higher, a corresponding target temperature can be set to become lower.

[0050] The wash-extraction processes can include a process configured to automatically and sequentially perform drying after washing, rinsing, and extraction, and a process configured to perform washing, rinsing, and extraction and to perform heat-extraction in the extraction. Accordingly, a heat-extraction default process can be selected, and a drying default process can be selected, so that different heat-extraction and drying conditions can be provided for a user via a process selection unit.

[0051] The process including the drying can include a plurality of processes in which respective target RPMs of the drum are set to be different from each other in the extraction.

[0052] A target drum RPM and a target drum temperature in the extraction of a process having the drying can be higher than a target drum RPM and a target drum temperature in the extraction of a process ending after the heat-extraction.

[0053] In the course having the drying, the heating-drying time in the dehydration having a low target drum RPM of the course (first washing-drying course) can be set to be longer than the heating-drying time in the dehydration having a high target drum RPM of the course (second washing-drying course).

[0054] The target drum RPM in the dehydration of the course (third washing-drying course) ended after the heating-drying can be equal to the target drum RPM in the second washing-drying course.

[0055] The dehydration time of the third washing-drying course can be equal to the dehydration time of the second washing-drying course.

[0056] The option selection unit can include an option allowing a user to select a target drum RPM and a target temperature in the heating-drying.

[0057] Embodiments of the disclosure can also provide a washing machine including a tub, a drum rotatably installed in the tub and holding laundry, an induction heater provided in the tub and configured to heat an outer circumferential surface of the drum, a motor configured to drive to rotate the drum, a user interface including a course selection unit configured to allow a user to select one of a plurality of courses and an option selection unit configured to allow a user to select option information related to a course selected from the course selection unit, and a processor configured to control a drum RPM and driving of the induction heater.

[0058] The course selection unit can include a washing-drying course in which heating-drying is performed by default, the heating-drying being configured to heat the drum by driving the induction heater while the drum rotates in the dehydration, and a regular washing course in which dehydration is performed, the driving of the induction heater being excluded in the dehydration.

[0059] Accordingly, a user can select whether to perform heating-drying via the course selection unit. The user can also select whether to perform drying. Accordingly, the washing machine according to the disclosure is very easy and intuitive to use. In addition, options related to heating-drying or drying can also be additionally provided, so that different dehydration and drying conditions can be provided.

[0060] The washing-drying course can include a plurality of courses classified based on a target drum RPM in the heating-drying.

[0061] Accordingly, the best dehydration and drying effects can be provided regardless of the RPM most related to noise and vibration in the dehydration.

[0062] Advantages of the Invention

[0063] An effect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can apply a convection heating method using an induction heater to solve problems of a conventional heating, spin-drying and / or drying method using heated air.

[0064] Further, an effect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can allow a user to easily select a heat-spin and a regular spin configured to perform spin-drying without heating a drum.

[0065] Further, an effect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can allow a user to select one process when wishing to perform washing and drying.

[0066] Further, an effect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can allow a user to select different drying processes based on whether to perform a heat-spin and / or a heat-spin condition.

[0067] Further, an effect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can include a drying process in which a heat-spin is performed by default in a process selection unit and a spin option in which whether to perform a heat-spin is selected in an option unit, thereby enabling a user to easily select different spin and drying conditions.

[0068] Further, an effect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can secure good spin-drying performance by effectively reducing a water content even at a low RPM of a drum.

[0069] Further, an effect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can effectively secure spin-drying performance even in a washing environment requiring low noise and low vibration.

[0070] Further, an effect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can satisfy spin-drying performance and / or a drying function by allowing a user to select a night mode or a silent mode in an environment requiring low noise or low vibration and controlling a heat-spin to be performed automatically in such a mode. In particular, the washing machine can satisfy spin-drying performance and / or a drying function by automatically increasing a heating amount even when spin-drying is performed at a relatively low RPM.

[0071] Further, the effect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can secure stability by varying the output of the heater based on the spin RPM and improve user satisfaction with spinning and drying. In particular, the object is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can effectively perform spinning and drying at midnight when silent operation and low vibration are required.

[0072] Further, the effect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can increase the heater output to the closest maximum permissible power value. In particular, the object is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can effectively perform spinning and drying at midnight when silent operation and low vibration are required.

[0073] Further, the effect of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can perform a drying function without having a fan configured to circulate air, a duct, and an additional heater configured to heat air. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0074] The present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0075] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0076] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] Figure 3 is a graph describing output variation of an induction heater provided in a washing machine;

[0078] Figure 4 is a view illustrating one embodiment of a control panel provided in a washing machine according to one embodiment;

[0079] Figure 5 is a view illustrating one embodiment of a control method of a washing machine according to one embodiment;

[0080] Figure 6 is a view illustrating a spin cycle according to one embodiment of the control method; and

[0081] Figure 7 is a view illustrating one embodiment of a control method of a washing machine according to one embodiment; Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a view illustrating specific steps provided in the heater control steps of the spin cycle illustrated in

[0082] Figure 8is a view showing one embodiment of a control panel provided in a washing machine according to another embodiment;

[0083] Figure 9 is a view showing one embodiment of a control method of a washing machine according to another embodiment;

[0084] Figure 10 and Figure 11 is a view showing one embodiment of a control panel provided in a washing machine according to still another embodiment;

[0085] Figure 12 is a view showing one embodiment of a control method of a washing machine according to still another embodiment; and

[0086] Figure 13 is a view showing a comparison between a heating target temperature and a drying time based on a washing / drying course according to still another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] Hereinafter, a washing machine according to one embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1

[0088] Regardless of figure numbers, the same or equivalent components can be provided with the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0089] For a brief description, the size and profile of the elements shown in the drawings can be exaggerated or reduced, and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the drawings.

[0090] The drawings are used to facilitate easy understanding of various technical features, and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the drawings. Accordingly, the disclosure should be understood to extend to any alternative, equivalent, and substitutional examples other than those specifically listed in the drawings.

[0091] A washing machine according to one embodiment can include a cabinet 1 defining an external design, a tub 2 provided in the cabinet, and a drum 3 rotatably installed in the tub 2 and holding laundry (e.g., a washing object, a drying object, and a refreshing object). As one embodiment, when laundry is washed by means of washing water, the laundry can be a washing object. When the washed laundry is dried by means of heated air, the laundry can be a drying object. When the dried laundry is refreshed by means of heated air, cold air, or steam, the laundry can be a refreshing object. Accordingly, washing, drying, or refreshing processes of the laundry can be performed in the drum 3 provided in the washing machine.

[0092] The cabinet 1 can have a cabinet opening provided at a front side of the cabinet 1 to introduce laundry, and a door 12 rotatably coupled with the cabinet to open and close the cabinet opening.​

[0093] The door 12 can include a circular door frame 121, and a transparent window 122 provided at a central area of the door frame.

[0094] In this example, a direction toward the door 12 with respect to the center of the cabinet 1 can be defined as a front direction, as a definition direction to help easily understand the specific structure of the washing machine which will be described later.

[0095] In addition, a direction opposite to the direction toward the door 12 can be defined as a rear direction. With respect to the front direction and the rear direction defined above, right and left directions can be naturally defined.

[0096] The tub 2 can be formed in a cylindrical shape, a longitudinal axis of which is oriented in parallel to the bottom of the cabinet or is maintained in an inclined state at an angle of 0 to 30 degrees with respect to the bottom, and defines a predetermined space for storing water. The tub 2 can include a tub opening 21 which is communicated with the cabinet opening.

[0097] The tub 2 can be fixed to the lower surface (or the bottom) of the cabinet 1 by means of a lower support 13 including a support bar 13a and a damper 13b connected to the support bar 13a. Thus, vibrations generated in the tub 2 by the rotation of the drum 3 can be stopped or damped.

[0098] In addition, a flexible support 14 fixed to the upper surface of the cabinet 1 can be connected to the upper surface of the tub 2 so as to damp vibrations transmitted from the tub 2 to the cabinet 1.

[0099] The drum 3 can be formed in a cylindrical shape, a longitudinal axis of which is oriented in parallel to the lower surface (or the bottom) of the cabinet 1 or is inclined at an angle of 0 to 30 degrees. The drum 3 can include a drum opening 31 formed at the front side and communicated with the tub opening 21. The angle formed by the central axis of the tub 2 and the central axis of the drum 3 with respect to the bottom can be equal.

[0100] The drum 3 can include a plurality of through-holes 33 penetrating the outer circumferential surface of the drum 3, so that air and washing water can flow between the inside of the drum 3 and the inside of the tub 2 via the through-holes 33.

[0101] A lifter 35 can be further provided in the inner circumferential surface of the drum 3 to agitate laundry during the rotation of the drum. The drum 3 can be rotated by means of a driving unit 6 provided at the rear side of the tub 2.

[0102] The driving unit 6 can include a stator 61 fixed to the rear surface of the tub 2, a rotor 63 rotatable based on electromagnetic interaction with the stator, and a shaft 65 provided to connect the drum 3 and the rotor 63 to each other via the rear surface of the tub 2.

[0103] The stator 61 can be fixed to a rear surface of a bearing housing 66, which is provided in a rear surface of the tub 2. The rotor 63 can be configured of rotor magnets 632, which are provided in an outer region with respect to a radial direction of the stator, and a rotor housing 631, which is provided to connect the rotor magnets 632 and the shaft 65 to each other.

[0104] The bearing housing 66 can include a plurality of bearings 68 that support the shaft 65.

[0105] A spider 67 can be provided in a rear surface of the drum 3 to smoothly transmit a rotational force of the rotor 63 to the drum 3, and the shaft 65 can be fixed to the spider 67 to transmit a rotational power of the rotor 63.

[0106] Meanwhile, the washing machine according to the present embodiment can further include a water supply hose 51 configured to receive water from an external water supply source. The water supply hose 51 can form a passage configured to supply water to the tub 2.

[0107] Further, a gasket 4 can be provided between the cabinet opening and the tub opening 21. The gasket 4 can be configured to prevent water from leaking from the tub to the cabinet 1 and to prevent vibration of the tub 2 from being transmitted to the cabinet 1.

[0108] Meanwhile, the washing machine according to the present embodiment can further include a drain unit 52 configured to drain water held in the tub 2 to the outside of the cabinet 1.

[0109] The drain unit 52 can include a drain pipe 522 forming a drain passage of water held in the tub 2, and a drain pump 521 configured to generate a pressure difference within the drain pipe 522.

[0110] More specifically, the drain pipe 522 can include a first drain pipe 522a provided to connect a lower surface of the tub 2 and the drain pump 521 to each other, and a second drain pipe 522b having one end connected to the drain pump 521 to form a passage for water flow to the outside of the cabinet 1.

[0111] Further, the washing machine can further include a heating unit 8 configured to inductively heat the drum 3.

[0112] The heating unit 8 can be installed to a peripheral surface of the tub 2 and configured to inductively heat a peripheral surface of the drum 3 by means of a magnetic field, which is generated upon application of an electric current to a coil having an electric wire wound therearound. Thus, it can be said that the heating unit is an inductive heater. Upon driving of such an inductive heater, the peripheral surface of the drum, which is opposed to the inductive heater 8, is rapidly heated to a very high temperature.

[0113] The heating unit 8 can be controlled by a controller 9 fixedly installed in the cabinet 1, and the controller 9 can be configured to control the driving of the heating unit 8 to control the temperature within the tub. The controller 9 can include a processor configured to control the driving of the washing machine, and a frequency converter processor configured to control the heating unit. In other words, the driving of the washing machine and the driving of the heating unit 8 can be controlled by using one processor.

[0114] However, in order to prevent the processor from being overloaded and to improve the control efficiency, the processor for controlling the driving of the washing machine and the processor for controlling the driving of the heating unit are independently provided while being communicatively connected to each other.

[0115] A temperature sensor 95 can be provided in the tub 2. The temperature sensor 95 can be connected to the controller 9 to transmit information about the temperature within the tub 2 to the controller 9.

[0116] The temperature sensor 95 can be provided near the bottom of the tub. Accordingly, the position of the temperature sensor 95 can be lower than the lowermost area of the drum. In Figure 1 In the embodiment, the temperature sensor 95 is provided in contact with the bottom of the tub. However, the temperature sensor 95 can be spaced apart from the bottom by a predetermined distance. This is to allow the washing water or air to surround the temperature sensor in order to measure the temperature of the washing water or air. Although the temperature sensor 95 is installed through the tub from the bottom to the top, it can be installed through the tub from the front side to the rear side. In other words, it can penetrate the front side (or the surface forming the opening of the tub) rather than the circumferential surface of the tub.

[0117] Accordingly, when the washing machine is operated to heat the washing water by means of the induction heater 8, the temperature sensor can sense whether the washing water is heated to the target temperature. The driving of the induction heater can be controlled based on the result of the temperature sensing.

[0118] In addition, when all of the washing water is discharged, the temperature sensor 95 can sense the temperature of the air. In particular, the temperature of the air heated by the induction heater 8, in other words, the drying temperature, can be sensed.

[0119] Meanwhile, the washing machine according to one embodiment can include a drying temperature sensor 96. The drying temperature sensor 96 can have a different installation position and a different temperature measurement object from the above-described temperature sensor 95. Accordingly, whether the air is heated up to the target temperature can be sensed based on the temperature sensed by the drying temperature sensor. The driving of the induction heater can be controlled based on the result of the temperature sensing by the drying temperature sensor.

[0120] The drying temperature sensor 96 can be located in an upper region of the tub 2 and close to the induction heater 8. In other words, the drying temperature sensor 96 can be provided in an inner surface of the tub 2 to sense a temperature of an outer circumferential surface of the opposed drum 3. While the above-mentioned temperature sensor 95 is configured to sense a nearby water or air, the drying temperature sensor 96 can be configured to sense a temperature of the drum.

[0121] Since the drum 3 is a rotatable element, a temperature of air near the outer circumferential surface of the drum 3 can be sensed to indirectly sense a temperature of the outer circumferential surface.

[0122] The temperature sensor 95 can be provided to determine whether to maintain driving of the induction heater until a target temperature or to change an output of the induction heater. The drying temperature sensor 96 can be provided to determine whether the drum is overheated or the drum is continuously heated during dehydration or drying. When it is determined that the drum is overheated or air is heated until a target temperature, driving of the induction heater can be forced.

[0123] A washing machine according to one embodiment can have a drying function. In this case, the washing machine according to the embodiment can be a washing machine having a washing and drying function or a washing machine having a drying function. To this end, the washing machine can further include a fan 72 configured to blow air into the tub 2 and a duct 71 in which the fan 72 is installed. Here, even if such components are not additionally provided, a drying function can be performed. In other words, air can be cooled at an inner circumferential surface of the tub, and moisture can be condensed to be discharged. That is, even without air circulation, moisture condensation can be performed to perform a drying function. To improve a drying efficiency through more efficient moisture condensation, a coolant can be supplied to the tub. It is preferable that a surface area at which the coolant meets the tub (in other words, a surface area at which the coolant contacts air) is wide. To this end, the coolant can be supplied in a case where it is widely spread from a rear surface of the tub or some areas or both side surfaces of the tub. Such supply of the coolant can flow along an inner surface of the tub, rather than being sucked into the drum. Accordingly, a duct or a fan for drying can be omitted, thereby making manufacturing and assembly of the washing machine easy.

[0124] In this case, it is not necessary to provide an additional heater for drying. In other words, the induction heater 8 can be used to perform drying. Specifically, one induction heater can be used to heat washing water in a washing process, to heat laundry in a dehydration process, and to heat a drying object in a drying process.

[0125] Once the induction heater 8 is driven together with the drum 3, the entire area of the outer circumferential surface of the drum can be significantly heated. The heated drum can exchange heat with the wet laundry, and the laundry can be heated. Of course, the air inside the drum can be heated. Thus, when supplied to the drum 3, the air can exchange heat, and the air having evaporated moisture can be discharged outside the drum 3. In other words, the air can be circulated between the duct 71 and the drum 3. Here, the fan 72 can be driven to circulate the air.

[0126] The air supply position and the air discharge position can be determined so as to uniformly supply air to the drying object or the laundry being washed and smoothly discharge the moist air. To this end, the air can be supplied from the front upper area of the drum 3 and discharged from the rear lower area of the drum, in other words, from the rear lower area of the tub.

[0127] The air discharged via the rear lower area of the tub can flow along the duct 71. Moisture can be condensed from the moist air by means of the condensing agent supplied to the duct 71 via the condensing agent passage 51 formed in the duct 71. When the moisture is condensed from the moist air, the moist air can be changed into low-temperature drying air, and this low-temperature drying air can flow along the duct 71 and be re-supplied to the drum 3.

[0128] Since the air is not directly heated, the temperature of the heated air can be lower than that of the heated air in a conventional heater-heated dryer. Thus, an effect of preventing damage or deformation of the laundry that can be caused by high temperature can be expected. In addition, the laundry can be overheated in a drum heated at high temperature.

[0129] However, as described above, the induction heater is driven together with the drum, and the laundry is repeatedly raised and lowered along with the driving of the drum. In addition, the heating position of the drum is located in the upper area of the drum, not in the lower area. Thus, the laundry can be effectively prevented from being overheated.

[0130] A control panel 92 can be provided in the front or top surface of the washing machine. The control panel can provide a user interface. Various commands of the user are input to the control panel, and various information can be displayed on the control panel. In other words, the control panel 92 can include a manipulation unit configured to facilitate manipulation by the user, and a display unit configured to display information.

[0131] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a system provided in a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0132] The controller 9 can implement to control driving of the heating unit (in other words, the induction heater 8 based on sensing of the temperature sensor 95 and the drying temperature sensor 96). The controller 9 can also control driving of a driving unit configured to rotate the drum by means of a motor, and driving of various sensors and hardware. The controller 9 can control various valves or pumps for water supply, drainage, and coolant supply, and fan control.

[0133] In particular, the washing machine according to the present embodiment can further include a coolant valve 97 configured to change a high-temperature humid air environment to a low-temperature drying air environment. The coolant valve 97 can supply cold water to the tub or a duct to cool the air and condense moisture from the air.

[0134] The drain pump 421 can be driven periodically or intermittently during dehydration and / or coolant supply.

[0135] The washing machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can include a door lock mechanism 98. The door lock mechanism can be provided to prevent the door from being opened during operation of the washing machine. According to the illustrated embodiment, the opening of the door can be restricted when the internal temperature is a preset temperature or higher during or even after operation of the washing machine.

[0136] In addition, the controller 9 can control various display units 922 provided in the control panel 92. The controller 9 can be provided with signals input from various manipulation units 921 provided in the control panel 92, and control the overall driving of the washing machine based on the signals.

[0137] Meanwhile, the controller 9 can include a main processor configured to control the general driving of the washing machine, and an auxiliary processor configured to control the driving of the induction heater. The main processor and the auxiliary processor can be independently provided and communicatively connected to each other.

[0138] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the output of the induction heater can be variable. The output of the induction heater can be enhanced within a maximum permissible condition or range in order to reduce the heating time, and thus the maximum effect can be obtained. To this end, the washing machine according to one embodiment can include a momentary power output unit 99, which will be described in detail later.

[0139] Hereinafter, the output change of the induction heater applicable to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail. Figure 3 The detailed description can be applicable to the output change of the induction heater of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] The maximum permissible power can be preset in the washing machine. In particular, the washing machine can be manufactured to be actuated at a preset value less than the maximum permissible power, which is referred to as a system permissible power in Figure 3

[0141] ​The hardware that consumes the most power in the washing machine can be the induction heater 8, the motor configured to rotate the drum (in other words, the drive unit 6).

[0142] As shown in FIG. 1, Figure 3 The power used in the drive unit (in other words, the instantaneous power consumed in the drive unit) tends to increase the higher the RPM rises, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0143] In the heating-spinning, the control panel 92, various valves 97, the drain pump 521, and various sensors 95 and 96, as well as the induction heater 8 and the drive unit 6, can also consume power. Thus, once the permissible power value in the washing machine is determined, the total power upper limit that can be used in the washing machine can be preset, taking into account the margin.

[0144] In a conventional washing machine, the output of the jacket heater in the heating-spinning can be preset. Specifically, the output of the jacket heater can be preset to be less than a value obtained by subtracting the maximum power value (the maximum power allowed for the jacket heater during the heating-spinning process) from the total power upper limit.

[0145] A simple description regarding this will be as follows. When the permissible power of the washing machine system is 100, and the margin is 10, the total power upper limit can be 90. When the maximum power value other than the jacket heater during the spinning process is 70, the output of the jacket heater should be set to be less than 20. Here, the maximum power value other than the jacket heater can be a value obtained by adding all the power consumed by the hardware other than the jacket heater in the maximum RPM and the laundry eccentric environment (severe eccentric environment).

[0146] The output change of the jacket heater is quite limited. When such a jacket heater is used, the heater can be used as much as possible in the regular environment, not in the severe environment.

[0147] To solve this problem, the washing machine according to the present embodiment can further include an instantaneous power output unit 99, specifically, an output unit configured to calculate the instantaneous power or to calculate and output the instantaneous power. Such an instantaneous power output unit 99 can be provided independently of the controller 9, or partially independently of the controller. Alternatively, it can be provided in the controller in a slave manner.

[0148] As described above, the hardware element using the maximum power in the heating-dewatering in addition to the induction heater 8 can be the motor, in other words, the drive unit 6. The maximum power of the other hardware element in the heating-dewatering in addition to the induction heater and the drive unit can be preset. The maximum power of the other hardware element can be relatively small.

[0149] Accordingly, the instantaneous power output unit 99 can be configured to estimate or calculate the instantaneous power of the motor driving the drum.

[0150] As one embodiment, the input current of the motor and the DC link voltage can be sensed, and the instantaneous power of the motor can be calculated based on the sensed current and voltage.

[0151] As another embodiment, the instantaneous power of the motor can be calculated based on the input current and voltage input to the motor.

[0152] As another embodiment, the instantaneous power of the motor can be calculated based on the input current input to the motor and the AC input voltage applied to the washing machine.

[0153] Accordingly, the instantaneous power output unit 99 can include a device, element or circuit configured to sense the current and voltage. It can be a unit configured to output the calculated instantaneous power of the motor.

[0154] Once the instantaneous power of the motor is calculated, the permissible output of the induction heater 8 can be calculated. Specifically, the permissible induction heater output can be a value obtained by subtracting the calculated instantaneous power of the motor and the calculated value of the other hardware element from the upper limit of the total power.

[0155] Here, the instantaneous power of the motor can vary in a wide variation because the RPM variation and the eccentricity variation of the washing machine are sharp. Accordingly, the power of the motor can be a calculated value of the instantaneous power or the current power. In contrast, the maximum output of the other hardware element can vary in a moderated or narrow variation, so that the maximum output can be preset as the upper limit and used as a fixed value. Here, the maximum output of the other hardware element can also be calculated based on the instantaneous power. However, the output value of the other hardware element is relatively small, so that an additional device or circuit for measuring or calculating the power based on the output value as a fixed value is not excluded.

[0156] Meanwhile, the instantaneous power output unit 99 can be configured to estimate or calculate the overall instantaneous power of the washing machine. As one embodiment, the overall instantaneous power of the washing machine can be calculated based on the AC input current and voltage applied to the washing machine. The overall instantaneous power in the heating-spinning can be the sum of the outputs of the induction heater, the motor, and other hardware elements. Accordingly, the difference between the overall instantaneous power and the total power upper limit can mean that the additional power of the induction heater output can be increased. As one embodiment, when the current overall instantaneous power is 50 and the total power upper limit is 90, it means that the maximum power of the induction heater can be increased by 40.

[0157] According to this embodiment, it means that the output of the induction heater is guaranteed as much as possible in the permitted power state in the current system. Specifically, when the motor consumes much power, the output of the heater can be reduced. When the motor consumes a small amount of current, the output of the heater can be increased.

[0158] Figure 4 One embodiment of the front side including the manipulation unit 921 and the display unit 922 provided in the control panel 92 is shown.

[0159] The manipulation unit 921 can include a process selection unit 9215 to allow a user to select one of washing processes. The plurality of washing processes can be different based on the type and purpose of laundry. The user can select one specific process among the washing processes, and the processor can be implemented to perform the selected specific washing process based on the preset control logic.

[0160] The washing process can include a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spinning cycle. Such cycles can be performed in sequence, and the washing process can be completed. In each washing process, one or more cycle durations, a moving rate of the drum, and a spinning RPM can be differently set.

[0161] As one embodiment, in a regular process or an allergy care process, the spinning RPM can be preset to about 1000 RPM or 1200 RPM. In a silent process, an underwear / wool process (or a delicate process), and a night mode, the spinning RPM can be set to about 400 RPM to 800 RPM. In a specific process, if necessary, the spinning RPM can be set to be changeable. In another specific process, the spinning RPM can be set to be unchangeable.

[0162] To change the dehydration RPM, a regular dehydration option unit 9211 can be provided. In the regular dehydration option unit 9211, a user can change the dehydration RPM set by the course selection. As one embodiment, when the dehydration RPM is set to 1000 RPM by default in the regular course, the user can change the dehydration RPM to 800 RPM via the regular dehydration option unit 9211. In this case, the dehydration can be performed to 800 RPM as the target RPM while the regular course is performed.

[0163] Here, the dehydration RPM refers to the target RPM in the dehydration cycle. When the drum rotates at a low RPM, the distribution and rotation of laundry are avoided. After the target RPM is finally reached, the rotation of the drum can be maintained at the target RPM for a preset period of time.

[0164] When washing is performed in a very quiet state (e.g., night mode), the default preset dehydration RPM (e.g., 600 RPM) can be limited to be changed via the regular dehydration option unit 9211.

[0165] The regular dehydration option unit 9211 can allow the user to select one of the dehydration RPM steps.

[0166] According to the present embodiment, a heat-dehydration option unit 9212 can be provided. The heat-dehydration option unit 9212 can be a selection unit configured to select whether to heat laundry by driving the induction heater during the dehydration cycle.

[0167] When the temperature of the laundry rises, water can be more greatly facilitated to be expelled from the laundry by the centrifugal force. Accordingly, the drum rotation together with the heating can be more facilitated to increase the dehydration efficiency than the drum rotation alone.

[0168] The user can select one specific course via the course selection unit 9215 and also select the heat-dehydration option unit 9212 to increase the dehydration efficiency. Here, the user can select the heat-dehydration option unit 9212 to perform the heating only in the dehydration process of the selected specific course. However, the processor can control the output of the induction heater based on the instantaneous power while the heat-dehydration is performed.

[0169] In other words, as the current dehydration RPM increases, the instantaneous power is increased more enough to decrease the output of the induction motor. Conversely, as the current dehydration RPM decreases, the instantaneous power is decreased more enough to increase the output of the heater.

[0170] When washing is required at a late night or a relatively quiet state, the user can select a quiet course or a night mode course via the course selection unit 9215. In such a course, the moving rate of the drum (or the rate at which the drum is substantially rotated in the drum operation portion) can be reduced to minimize the noise during washing. Here, the duration of washing can be increased compared to other courses to secure the washing performance.

[0171] While the washing performance can be secured in such a night mode course or a quiet course, it is difficult to secure the dehydration performance. Since noise and vibration can occur in a dehydration course at a high number of rotations, in such a course, the dehydration target RPM is set low. When the dehydration target RPM in a regular course is about 1200 RPM or more, in such a course, the dehydration target RPM can be about 800 RPM.

[0172] Accordingly, after dehydration, much moisture remains in the laundry, so that the user can determine that sufficient dehydration is not performed.

[0173] However, according to the present embodiment, when dehydration is performed at a low target RPM, even the output of the induction heater can be increased, so that the dehydration performance can be strengthened by the elevated temperature. In other words, moisture discharge promoted by moisture evaporation and moisture discharge promoted by centrifugal force can be performed.

[0174] In the dehydration course, the washing water can be substantially discharged from the tub. Specifically, because the washing water is discharged, the washing water remaining in the tub is little. Accordingly, when the induction heater is operated to heat the drum and the laundry, the temperature inside the tub can rise. At this time, the temperature sensor 95 can sense the temperature inside the tub. In other words, once it is determined that the temperature sensor 95 senses the heating target temperature, the processor is implemented to stop driving the induction heater to end the heating. When the driving of the induction heater is stopped, the temperature inside the tub can decrease. Accordingly, from when the temperature inside the tub decreases from the heating target temperature to a preset temperature or less (e.g., 5℃), the driving of the induction heater can be restarted. Once the heating temperature again reaches the heating target temperature, the driving of the induction heater can be stopped.

[0175] Basically, the processor 9 can drive the induction heater 8 while the drum is driven. The driving of the drum and the driving of the induction heater can be synchronized. However, in this case, fabric damage by heat can likely occur at the beginning or the end of drum rotation. This is because the induction heater can heat the drum to a very high temperature in an instant, and at the beginning and the end of drum rotation, the drum rotation RPM is very low, so that the contact time between the drum and the laundry increases.

[0176] The tumbling mode of the drum can be performed between 40 RPM and 60 RPM. At this time, laundry can repeatedly rise and fall. Accordingly, the start point of the induction heater driving can be later than the start point of the drum rotation. As an embodiment, when the drum rotation starts and accelerates, it takes about 1 second for the drum RPM to reach the tumbling RPM, the start point of the induction heater driving can be about 0.5 seconds after the drum rotation starts. Here, the driving of the induction heater can start as soon as the drum RPM reaches the tumbling RPM.

[0177] However, the time required to reach the heating target can become shorter than the heating time. Accordingly, in order to prevent the fabric from being damaged by heat and at the same time to secure sufficient heating time, the processor can control the induction heater to be driven after the drum rotation starts (or after the motor is turned on) before the drum RPM reaches the tumbling RPM. To this end, the driving time point of the induction heater can be set at the time when the drum rotation is performed for a preset period of time or the drum RPM reaches a preset RPM.

[0178] An algorithm configured to disperse laundry and avoid resonance by repeating drum rotation and pause can be applied to the dehydration. In other words, the drum RPM can be accelerated from the start of the dehydration and reach the dehydration target RPM, and then the dehydration can be performed without dehydration.

[0179] Accordingly, the dehydration cycle can be divided into initial dehydration and later dehydration. The later dehydration is a part in which the drum rotates at the dehydration target RPM to strictly perform the dehydration. Once the later dehydration is completed, the dehydration can be ended. The initial dehydration can be a part to prepare for the later true dehydration. In the initial dehydration, the drum can be driven at an intermediate RPM lower than the final dehydration target RPM to determine whether the laundry distribution and resonance occur because the drum rotates at a low RPM. The time required to perform such a process can vary depending on the laundry distribution and the amount of laundry.

[0180] When the induction heater is driven to the heating target temperature in the initial dehydration and the heating is refused in the later dehydration, heating-dehydration can be performed. At this time, even if the drum RPM does not reach the heating target temperature after the initial dehydration, the later dehydration can be performed. This is because the initial dehydration phase can instantaneously enter the later dehydration phase.

[0181] In the later dehydration, when the induction heater is driven to the heating target temperature, heating-dehydration can be performed. At this time, the heating-dehydration can be ended immediately after the later dehydration. Thereafter, the dehydration time can be reduced in the heating environment, and the user cannot immediately take out the laundry because the heating temperature must be lowered.

[0182] Heating-spinning can be performed during initial spinning and later spinning. In this case, the duration of heating the environment can be increased, and it is more likely to reach the heating target temperature. In addition, it is more likely to reach the heating target temperature at an early state of later spinning, rather than just before later spinning ends. Therefore, it is more likely to take out the laundry immediately after spinning.

[0183] The laundry machine according to the present embodiment can be a washing machine without a drying function. However, heating-spinning can be performed with the aid of the induction heater 8. In particular, heating-spinning can be performed while spinning at a low spin RPM, so that more effective spinning effects can be expected during a night wash mode or a silent mode. Such effects are not achievable in a conventional laundry machine. In addition, at a low spin RPM, the output of the induction heater can be increased relatively much, because the instantaneous power at a low spin RPM can be relatively low.

[0184] Unlike a jacket heater, the induction heater in the present embodiment can control the output with the aid of a frequency converter. Therefore, substantially linear output control can be facilitated, so that instantaneous power changes (in particular, instantaneous power changes of the motor) can be sensed immediately in order to control the output of the induction heater within a maximum permissible range, if necessary.

[0185] This means that the heating time is reduced, and only the overall time spent for washing or drying is reduced, so that it is more economical.

[0186] A Korean patent 10-2017-0101333 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “the cited application”) of the present applicant discloses a laundry machine including an induction heater. Therefore, the technical features disclosed in the cited application can be applied to the embodiments of the present disclosure, as long as they do not exclude and contradict the present disclosure. In particular, the induction heater structure or installation structure and the coolant supply structure can be equivalently applied to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0187] The drum, the laundry, and the air inside the tub and drum can be heated by the induction heater. Of course, the water contained in the laundry and discharged from the laundry can be heated. Therefore, the air inside the tub and drum can become high-temperature humid air. The humid environment after spinning can be maintained as it is. In order to prevent this, a coolant can be supplied to the inner surface of the tub.

[0188] In particular, the coolant can flow along the rear surface or the side surface of the tub, so as to condense moisture from the high-temperature humid air. The condensed water can be discharged from the tub together with the water collected from the laundry during spinning.

[0189] During the heating-spinning process, the coolant valve can be periodically or intermittently opened to remove moisture from the air and to more effectively perform the heating-spinning. In addition, the high-temperature, humid environment after spinning can easily become a low-temperature drying environment. Such a coolant can cause a sensing error of the temperature sensor. Accordingly, the temperature sensor can be disposed in the front lower region of the tub because the coolant will be in contact with the air of the rear surface or the rear side surface of the tub to be discharged via the rear lower region of the tub.

[0190] The washing machine according to the present embodiment can be a washing machine having a washing and drying function. In this case, the washing machine can further include a duct and a fan disposed to forcibly circulate air. Unlike a conventional washing machine, the washing machine according to the present disclosure does not require an additional heater to perform drying, so that the entire system can become very simple. In a washing machine having a drying function, condensing moisture from humid air is important. Such moisture condensation can be performed in a space defined in an additional duct rather than in a space defined in the tub. In this case, the wash water temperature sensor can be disposed in the rear surface of the tub, spaced a preset distance upward from the bottom of the tub. The distance can be about 10 to 15 mm, so that the coolant can be prevented from directly contacting the wash water temperature sensor, and thus the temperature of the humid air can be effectively sensed.

[0191] The coolant can be supplied to the duct rather than the tub. When the coolant falls from an upper region in a portion of the duct extending upward from the lower region of the tub, moisture can be condensed from the cooled air.

[0192] Such a duct and cooling structure can facilitate the high-temperature, humid environment in the tub and the drum to become a low-temperature, drying environment after the heating-spinning or drying is completed.

[0193] In a washing machine having a drying function, drying can be performed independently of washing, or automatically after washing.

[0194] As one embodiment, the process selection unit 9215 can include a process configured to continuously perform a washing cycle and a drying cycle. When a drying function is provided as a basic option, the user can select a washing process and a drying process from the process selection unit 9215 and the drying option unit 9216. Once the selected process is completed, drying can be automatically performed. Accordingly, the washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying cycles can be sequentially and automatically performed.

[0195] When the user selects only the drying option 9216, only a drying cycle can be performed.

[0196] The user can apply power to the washing machine through the power selection unit 9214, and then load a drying object or laundry into the drum 3. Thereafter, the user can select various processes and options from the process selection unit 9215 and the option units 9211, 9212, and 9216. Accordingly, when the user selects the start / pause selection unit 9213, the washing machine can operate based on the user-selected control logic.

[0197] Hereinafter, a control method of a washing machine according to one embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6 Figure 5 is one embodiment of a control flow of a washing process including a washing or drying process. Figure 6 Figure 5

[0198] When the user inputs pause / start after completing selection, door locking S10 can be performed first, and then laundry amount sensing S20 can be performed. Accordingly, washing S30 and rinsing S40 can be performed based on the sensed laundry amount.

[0199] When the user selects a washing process, dewatering S50 can be performed after rinsing S40. In other words, the drum can be rotated at high speed, and water can be removed from the laundry. Regular dewatering S53 or heat-dewatering S54 can be performed based on the user's selection or non-selection (or default).

[0200] Each of the regular dewatering and the heat-dewatering can include initial dewatering and late dewatering. Unlike the regular dewatering, the heat-dewatering can be configured to heat both the drum and the laundry by means of an induction heater in the middle of the dewatering cycle.

[0201] Once the user selects the heat-dewatering or the drying option, the dewatering cycle can perform heat-dewatering. When the user selects only the washing process or the regular dewatering, the dewatering cycle can perform regular dewatering.

[0202] In the regular dewatering S53, a maximum duration can be preset. Accordingly, time counting S531 can be performed after the dewatering starts, and it can be determined whether the preset time period has elapsed S532. Thereafter, the drum rotation can end S533, and the dewatering cycle can end.

[0203] ​​​Even in the heating-dehydrating S54, a maximum duration can be preset. Thus, a heating-dehydrating time count S546 can be performed, and it can be determined whether the preset time period has elapsed S547. Thereafter, the drum rotation can end S548, and the dehydrating cycle can end. The control of the heating unit (in other words, the driving of the heating unit S541) can be performed after the drum driving starts. The driving of the heating unit can be performed intermittently, periodically, or continuously. Here, once the temperature reaches the heating target temperature, the heating unit driving can be paused. When the temperature drops, the heating unit driving can be continued.

[0204] Meanwhile, in the dehydrating cycle, a maximum duration can be set for each of the initial dehydrating and the later dehydrating. When the drum RPM reaches the target RPM and the drum rotates in the later dehydrating, the preset later dehydrating time can be equal to the maximum permissible time. Here, the preset time can be changed based on the amount of laundry. However, the initial dehydrating can be a step to attempt to enter the later dehydrating, and the initial dehydrating can fail to enter the later dehydrating when the time comes. In this case, the initial dehydrating can be performed for a long period of time. Once the maximum permissible initial dehydrating time elapses, the dehydrating cycle can end without entering the later dehydrating. Thus, the preset time period in S532 and S547 can be the later dehydrating duration once the later dehydrating starts.

[0205] Meanwhile, the initial dehydrating can be a process of unwinding laundry by tumbling once the draining is completed after the rinsing cycle. Through this process, the laundry distribution can be performed and the laundry eccentricity problem can be solved. After such laundry distribution and laundry eccentricity solution, the main later dehydrating can be performed.

[0206] In this case, the drum heating can be performed only in the initial dehydrating or only in the later dehydrating. Alternatively, the drum heating can be performed in both the initial dehydrating and the later dehydrating.

[0207] The initial dehydrating can be performed by a tumbling drive in which the drum repeatedly rotates in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Thus, during the initial dehydrating process, the turning on and off of the drum heating can be controlled. In other words, only when the drum rotates, the drum can be heated. When paused, the drum can not be heated.

[0208] Meanwhile, the later dehydrating can rotate the drum in one direction at the dehydrating RPM. Thus, during the later dehydrating, the drum heating can be continuously performed. In other words, when the drum rotates above the preset RPM, the drum heating can start. The drum heating can end before the drum is paused. This is the drum heating control logic related to the drum rotation. As one embodiment, even during the later dehydrating, the drum heating can stop due to temperature conditions, etc.

[0209] After the spin-drying process S50 is completed, the door can be unlocked S83, and the washing operation can be stopped. In other words, the washing process is complete. However, when the heating-spin-drying process S50 is performed, the drum and tub temperatures may be very high after spin-drying. At this time, if the user opens the door, heat is likely to escape to the outside, and the user may feel uncomfortable or experience a safety accident. Therefore, the temperature inside the tub can be measured S81 after spin-drying is completed, and it can be determined whether the measured temperature is lower or higher than the preset temperature S82. When the measured temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the door can be unlocked S83. In other words, when the temperature inside the tub is higher than the preset temperature, the processor can maintain the door locked using the door lock mechanism.

[0210] At this point, if the measured temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the temperature can be repeatedly measured while only the drum is rotating. However, the rotation of the drum alone is not enough to lower the temperature, so the aforementioned coolant supply can be performed to forcibly lower the temperature inside the drum.

[0211] Simultaneously, after selecting the drying cycle S60 after determining whether to select the drying cycle (in other words, selecting drying in a washing machine with washing and drying functions), the drying process S70 can proceed. The door can be unlocked after measuring the temperature (e.g., after drying is complete).

[0212] The induction heater can be driven continuously, repeatedly, or intermittently in the heating-dehydration S50 until the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 95 reaches the target heating temperature.

[0213] Simultaneously, the total drive time of the induction heater during the heating-spinning process can be preset. In other words, the maximum drive time can be preset. Unless the clothes are properly dispersed, the clothes (e.g., socks) provided in the drum may create a large eccentricity sufficient to increase the initial spin-drying time. In certain specific cases, later spin-drying may not be possible because the eccentricity problem, a prerequisite for entering later spin-drying, cannot be resolved.

[0214] Therefore, the drive of the induction heater can be controlled by heating to the target temperature, and the maximum drive time of the induction heater can be set to ensure stability. The drive time of the heater can be set to be variable based on the amount of laundry (in other words, the quantity of laundry). When there is a large amount of laundry, the maximum heater drive time can be increased. However, the target temperature is independent of the amount of laundry and can be set based on the washing process.

[0215] Once the target heating temperature is reached, the induction heater can be activated, after which the temperature inside the tank may drop. Therefore, when the temperature drops to the predetermined level, the induction heater can be restarted. This prevents overheating while ensuring sufficient heating.

[0216] It is not easy to sufficiently dry the drying target by dehydration and heat-dehydration. When high-temperature heating is performed in a substantially tightly closed space, the evaporated moisture remains in the space. For this reason, the dehydration performance of heat-dehydration is better than that of conventional dehydration. However, it cannot be called "drying". Specifically, when drying is continuously performed after dehydration, the dehydration can be heat-dehydration, not conventional dehydration.

[0217] This is because the tub, the drum, and the drying target are in a heated state during heat-dehydration. Therefore, it is more effective to improve the drying performance by performing heating after dehydration and then performing drying than by performing drying without heating before performing drying.

[0218] When a process including drying is selected by the process selection unit, or when drying is selected by the drying option unit after a washing process is selected by the process selection unit, heat-dehydration can be performed. In other words, even if the heat-dehydration option unit is not additionally selected, heat-dehydration can be performed in dehydration by default. Here, the heating target temperature can be set based on the currently selected process or regardless of the selected process.

[0219] Meanwhile, the drying time is conventionally longer than the dehydration time. Since preliminary drying is performed during heat-dehydration, the overall drying time can be reduced. In addition, when drying is completed, the temperature inside the tub can become high, and the user cannot immediately open the door. At this time, the cold air circulation and / or the coolant supply can cool the inside of the tub enough to facilitate the door opening. However, in this case, additional time is required to cool the door.

[0220] Therefore, the heating target temperature in drying can be equal to or lower than the target temperature in heat-dehydration. As one embodiment, the heating target temperature during drying can be equal to a preset temperature that allows the door to be opened.

[0221] When washing and drying are performed in a night mode process, heat-dehydration can be performed regardless of the heat-dehydration option. At this time, during heat-dehydration, the RPM can be relatively low, and the heating target temperature can be relatively high. As one embodiment, the heating target temperature can be 60°C. The temperature that allows the door to be opened can be 50°C. Once heat-dehydration is completed, the induction heater is driven together with the air circulation and the coolant supply to perform drying. In this case, the heating target temperature in drying can be equal to the temperature that allows the door to be opened.

[0222] In addition, when drying is performed in a conventional washing process, dehydration can be performed at a relatively high RPM until the heating target temperature is about 70°C. Even in this case, the heating target temperature during the drying process can be equal to the temperature that allows the door to be opened.

[0223] Accordingly, the door can be opened immediately after the drying is completed. Since the drying is performed at a relatively low temperature, deformation or damage of the fabric can be minimized.

[0224] Hereinafter, a control procedure of the induction heater during the heating- dehydration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. Figure 7 The flowchart shown herein is a specific and detailed illustration of the heating- dehydration S54 shown in FIG. 6. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The flowchart shown herein is a specific and detailed illustration of the heating- dehydration S54 shown in FIG. 6.

[0225] Once the heating- dehydration cycle S54 is started, the drum can be rotated, and the induction heater can be driven S541. A control step S5411 can be performed at an appropriate point in time to control not only the motor and the induction heater, but also other loads including the coolant valve and the drain pump.

[0226] The driving of the induction heater can be performed until the heating target temperature is reached. In other words, during the heating- dehydration, it is continuously and repeatedly determined whether the heating target temperature is reached S5412.

[0227] When the temperature reaches the heating target temperature, the driving of the induction heater can be suspended S5415. Such suspension of the driving of the induction heater can not mean completion of the heating- dehydration cycle. This is because it can be determined whether the heating- dehydration cycle is completed S5447 based on various conditions. As one embodiment, it can be determined whether a target period of time for the heating- dehydration has elapsed after the induction heater is suspended S5415. When the condition is satisfied, the driving of the induction heater can be finally ended, and the drum rotation can be ended, only to complete the heating- dehydration S548.

[0228] Unless the heating- dehydration target time elapses, various load controls S5411 can be performed, and it can be again determined whether the target temperature is reached.

[0229] Unless the temperature reaches the heating target temperature after the driving of the induction heater, the instantaneous power calculation S5413 can be performed.

[0230] An initial output value of the induction heater can be preset, and the output value of the induction heater can be changed based on the calculated instantaneous power. In other words, a new output value of the induction heater can be calculated based on the instantaneous power value, and the output of the induction heater can be controlled based on the currently calculated output of the induction heater S5414. When the RPM is low, and there is a good distribution of laundry in the current heating- dehydration, a low instantaneous power value can be calculated. Accordingly, the output of the induction heater can be controlled to have a higher output.

[0231] Such temperature determination S5412, instantaneous power calculation S5413, induction heater output change control S5414 can be repeated during the heating-spinning process. Here, when the heating target temperature is reached during the heating-spinning process, the induction heater can be temporarily paused.

[0232] The reference temperature for pausing the induction heater after driving can be different from the reference temperature for re-driving the induction heater after pausing. In other words, the reference temperature in S5414 can be changed based on the state of the induction heater (e.g., based on whether the induction heater is driving or paused). As one embodiment, when the heating target temperature is 70℃, the temperature can rise to 70℃ during driving of the induction heater, and then the induction heater can be paused. When the temperature reaches 65℃ during pausing of the induction heater, the induction heater can be re-driven. Driving, pausing, and re-driving of the induction heater can be repeated during the heating-spinning process, just like the output change of the induction heater.

[0233] In the present embodiment, heating is performed in the outer circumferential surface of the drum by means of the induction heater. In other words, the induction heater heats the outer circumferential surface of the drum, rather than heating air or heating circulation of air. Thus, a specific component can be heated by using the induction heater, rather than the entire system (e.g., only the drum). During driving of the heater, the configuration of the tub, the bearing housing, the shaft, the bearing, etc. can be heated as little as possible, so that deterioration of the heat resistance of the components can be prevented. In particular, the drum can be made of stainless steel, so that it can have high heat resistance. Even if the drum is heated at a relatively high output at a low spinning RPM, durability and reliability deterioration does not occur. In particular, the output of the induction heater can be changed based on the instantaneous power amount, so that the maximum output of the induction heater is used in real time.

[0234] Specifically, when the laundry eccentricity is small, a larger induction heater output can be used, and this can be very effective. When spinning at a low RPM at midnight, the output of the induction heater can be sufficiently enhanced to expect very effective spinning performance. Further, effective spinning performance can be expected in a shorter period of time or at a lower spinning RPM than conventional spinning. Thus, when drying is performed thereafter, an effect of reduction in drying time and drying energy can be expected.

[0235] In the above-described embodiment, by changing the output of the induction heater based on the instantaneous power amount (especially at a low RPM), the spinning performance and drying performance can be improved.

[0236] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described in detail, which can vary the heat provided by the induction heater based on a heating target temperature that is varied based on the RPM in the heating-dehydrating process. In this embodiment, similar to the above-described embodiment, it is expected that the dehydrating performance and the drying performance at the RPM are improved.

[0237] Figure 8 One embodiment is shown, which shows a front side (in other words, a front surface of the user interface 92) of the control panel 92 including the manipulation unit 921 and the display unit 922 provided therein. Basically, this embodiment can be similar to the above-described embodiment (see Figure 4 ), and thus the same features or characteristics are omitted.

[0238] The user can select one specific process via the process selection unit 9212, and also select the heating-dehydrating option unit 9212 to improve the dehydrating efficiency. Here, the user can select the heating-dehydrating option unit 9212 only to perform heating during the dehydration of the selected specific process. However, the processor can set the heating target temperature to different temperatures through the driving of the induction heater based on the dehydration target RPM of the selected specific process.

[0239] Specifically, when the preset dehydration target RPM is higher, the heating target temperature can be set lower. Conversely, when the dehydration target RPM is lower, the heating target temperature can be set higher.

[0240] As described above, the dehydration target RPM can be preset by default in the specific process selected through the process selection unit 9215. Such preset dehydration target RPM can be preset after being changed via the regular dehydration option unit 9211. Thus, once the heating-dehydrating is selected, the heating target temperature can be set based on the finally preset current dehydration target RPM.

[0241] The dehydration target RPM can include a plurality of stages 922a, 922b, 922c, and 922d. As one embodiment, these stages can be set to 800 RPM, 1000 RPM, 1200 RPM, and 1400 RPM. For these stages, the heating target temperature can be preset to 75℃, 70℃, 65℃, and 60℃, respectively. In Figure 8 , the dehydration target RPM stages and the corresponding heating target temperatures set for these stages are shown. The dehydration target RPM can be displayed as RPM values or qualitative expressions (e.g., super high speed, high speed, low speed, and super low speed).

[0242] When the display unit 922 is implemented as a touch display, the user can select the dehydration target RPM and the heating target temperature via the display unit 922. Here, when a specific heating option is selected via the heating-dehydration option unit 9212, the selected dehydration target RPM and the heating target temperature can be displayed on the display unit 922.

[0243] In this case, such a phase can be divided into a more specific phase or three or less phases. When the dehydration target RPM is divided into three phases according to the situation, the heating target temperature can be set to have a difference of 10℃.

[0244] When washing needs to be performed at midnight or in a state of being relatively quiet, the user can select a quiet process or a night mode process via the process selection unit 9215. In such a process, the moving rate of the drum (or the rate at which the drum basically rotates in the drum operation portion) can be reduced to minimize noise during washing. Here, the duration of washing can be increased compared to other processes to secure washing performance.

[0245] Although washing performance can be secured in such a night mode process or a quiet process, it is difficult to secure dehydration performance. Since noise and vibration can occur during high revolution dehydration, the dehydration target RPM is set low in such a process. When it is about 1200 RPM or more in a regular process, the dehydration target RPM in such a process can be about 800 RPM.

[0246] Accordingly, after dehydration, much moisture remains in the laundry, so that the user can determine that sufficient dehydration has not been performed.

[0247] However, according to the present embodiment, when dehydration is performed at a low target RPM, the heating target temperature can even be raised, so that dehydration performance can be enhanced by the raised temperature. In other words, moisture discharge promoted by moisture evaporation and moisture discharge promoted by centrifugal force can be performed.

[0248] The control method of the washing machine according to the present embodiment can be similar to the control method shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 and thus a repeated description is omitted.

[0249] Hereinafter, the relationship between the target dehydration RPM and the heating target temperature will be described in detail with reference to Figure 9

[0250] Once the dehydration cycle is started, it can be determined whether to perform heating-dehydration (S542). The target dehydration RPM and the heating target temperature can be determined in this step. The current target dehydration RPM can be detected, and the heating target temperature can be processed to the corresponding current target dehydration RPM to set the target dehydration RPM.​

[0251] Once the drum rotation and induction heater driving S541 start, S542 can be performed.

[0252] As one embodiment, the target dewatering RPM can be divided into four stages. The first RPM can be 800 RPM or less, and the second RPM can be 1000 RPM or less. The third RPM can be 1200 RPM or less, and the fourth RPM can be 1200 RPM or more. The heating target temperature can be set based on the current target dewatering RPM S543. As one embodiment, the heating target temperatures of the four stages can be set to 75℃, 70℃, 65℃, and 60℃, respectively. In other words, as the target dewatering RPM becomes lower, the heating target temperature can be set to be higher.

[0253] The induction heater can be driven to perform the heat-dewatering when the current RPM reaches the predetermined RPM or after a predetermined period of time when or after the drum is driven.

[0254] Temperature measurement S5441 can be performed during the heat-dewatering, and it is checked whether the measured temperature reaches the heating target temperature. When the measured current temperature reaches the heating target temperature, the driving of the induction heater can be paused S5452. Unless the heating target temperature is reached, the driving of the induction heater can be maintained S5451.

[0255] The driving control of the induction heater can be performed until the heat-dewatering ends, and the end of the heat-dewatering can be based on time. In other words, it can be determined whether a preset period of time has elapsed S547, and the driving of the induction heater can finally end after the preset period of time to complete only the heat-dewatering.

[0256] The above embodiment can include a step of setting the heating target temperature higher as the preset dewatering target RPM becomes lower based on the set dewatering target RPM S542 and the preset dewatering target RPM. In addition, the present embodiment can include a step of performing heat-dewatering based on the set dewatering target RPM and the heating target temperature.

[0257] According to this embodiment, heating can be achieved by heating the outer peripheral surface of the drum using an induction heater. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the drum can be heated by using an induction heater instead of heated air or heated air circulation, thereby heating a specific component (e.g., only the drum) rather than the entire system. Therefore, when the induction heater is driven, heating of the components consisting of the drum, bearing housing, shaft, and bearings can be minimized. The heat resistance of these components may not deteriorate. In particular, the drum can be made of stainless steel, thus enhancing its heat resistance. Even if the drum is heated to a high temperature at a relatively low dehydration RPM, the drum will not experience a deterioration in durability and reliability. Therefore, in the drying process described below, when the drying is set to proceed, a reduction in drying time and drying energy can be expected.

[0258] As described above, this embodiment discloses the change of the output of the induction heater and the change of the target heating temperature during heating-dehydration.

[0259] The following describes an embodiment that allows a user to easily select different drying conditions and perform effective drying based on the selected conditions. Of course, the heating-dehydration characteristics mentioned above can be applied to this embodiment, and the characteristics of the embodiments mentioned above can also be applied to this embodiment in a similar or equivalent manner.

[0260] In conventional dryers with washing functions, or dryers with washing functions, washing is the primary function, while drying can be an optional function. Therefore, when the user selects a washing process via the process selection unit 9215, washing can be performed and completed based on the selected washing process. The washing process can be implemented automatically and complete a basic cycle constructed by preset washing, rinsing, and dehydration cycles.

[0261] For drying, users can select [option] after the washing process. Figure 4 The drying option 9216 allows for drying. Therefore, users can utilize... Figure 4 The process selection unit 9215 shown selects a specific washing process and selects a drying option 9216. Once the user selects a specific washing process, the selected washing process can be performed, and then drying can be performed automatically afterwards.

[0262] Therefore, traditional washing machines (such as dryers with washing functions) may not offer different drying conditions. Specifically, users cannot select one of the different drying conditions.

[0263] As one embodiment, a user can desire natural drying after washing. In this case, efficient natural drying can be required to facilitate natural drying. The user can desire to wash and dry at midnight and wear those clothes as usual in the morning of the next day without additional drying. If so, washing and drying can be performed at late night so that vibration and noise can be minimized while efficient drying can be achieved. In addition, the user can desire to automatically perform washing and drying in a regular case.

[0264] To effectively satisfy such a user's drying requirement and improve use convenience, the present embodiment can provide a process selection unit 9215 to include a washing-drying process. The processor can control the operation of the washing machine to perform and complete the process based on a specific washing-drying process selected by the user.

[0265] The process selection unit 9215 can basically include a plurality of washing processes 9215a. Such washing processes can sequentially and automatically perform washing, rinsing, and spinning. Here, specific control variables of each washing process can be differently set (e.g., one or more of a washing water amount, a washing water temperature, a washing time, a rinsing cycle frequency, a presence of steam supply, a washing time, and a washing degree (mechanical power difference), and a spinning target RPM).

[0266] In the present embodiment, the user can select a washing-drying process via the process selection unit 9215, and the washing-drying process can be performed by default. The washing-drying process can be configured to perform heating-spinning by default, and the heating-spinning is performed by heating the drum while spinning by driving the induction heater during drum rotation.

[0267] The washing-drying process can include a process configured to perform drying after spinning. In particular, when only the washing-drying process is selected from the process selection unit 9215, a process of performing heating-spinning by default and then performing drying can be provided.

[0268] Accordingly, the user can select only one process from the process selection unit without additionally selecting an option so as to automatically perform washing and drying. The user can be able to wear the clothes immediately after washing and drying in the operation completion of the washing machine.

[0269] A plurality of washing-drying processes having a drying cycle can be provided. In other words, the user can be able to select different drying conditions. As one embodiment, a plurality of washing-drying processes can be provided based on a target RPM of the drum. The processes can include a process (or a first washing-drying process) having a relatively low target RPM of the drum in spinning and a process (or a second washing-drying process) having a relatively high target RPM of the drum.

[0270] In the first washing-drying course, the drum target RPM in the dehydration can be low, so that it can be configured to perform washing and drying in a quiet environment or at midnight. The second washing-drying course can perform washing and drying in a regular environment.

[0271] When the drum target RPM is changed, the change of the output of the induction heater and / or the change of the heating target facilitated by using the induction heater according to the above-described embodiments can be equally applied.

[0272] In other words, because the drum RPM is low in the dehydration, the moisture separated by the centrifugal force can be reduced, but by increasing the heat, a satisfactory dehydration performance can be finally obtained, which can even affect the drying function set to be performed later.

[0273] The user can select the night washing-drying course as one embodiment of the first washing-drying course 9215b. In this case, since the drying can be performed after the heating-dehydration performed at a relatively low RPM, the washing and drying can be performed with low noise and low vibration. Therefore, when the washing and drying are selected at midnight to wear the washed and dried clothes immediately in the morning, the user can select the first washing-drying course.

[0274] The user can also select the regular washing-drying course as one embodiment of the second washing-drying course 9215c. In this case, the drying can be performed after the heating-dehydration performed at a relatively high RPM, so that the reduction of the drying time and efficient drying can be facilitated. Therefore, when the user wants to perform quick washing and drying in the morning or afternoon, the user can select the second washing-drying course.

[0275] The duration of the first washing-drying course can be relatively longer than that of the second washing-drying course. Of course, the control logic of the drying course after the heating-dehydration can be identical to each other. As one embodiment, the drum driving pattern or target RPM, the heating target temperature, and the drying completion time point condition can be identical in the drying course. Therefore, it is expected that the amount of moisture remaining after the heating-dehydration is more in the first washing-drying course than in the second washing-drying course, and it can be said that the duration of the second washing-drying course is relatively short.

[0276] However, the washing-drying can be performed at midnight, and the time is relatively not limited. This is because at midnight, low noise and low vibration can be more important requirements than the reduction of the duration. In this case, the same level of drying performance can be provided by increasing the heat and / or the heating time during the hot drying and increasing the drying time.

[0277] When the first washing-drying course is performed, the processor can control the output of the induction heater during the heating-dehydrating to be variable. As one embodiment, the output of the induction heater can be controlled to be variable based on the output of the instantaneous power output unit. The output variation of the induction heater can be performed only in the first washing-drying course. As another embodiment, the output variation can be performed even in the second washing-drying course.

[0278] The processor can control the heating target temperature raised by the driving of the induction heater in the first washing-drying course to be higher than the heating target temperature in the second washing-drying course. In other words, the processor can control the heat to be increased more.

[0279] Meanwhile, the washing-drying courses selectable from the course selection unit can include one washing-drying course configured to perform drying by default, and another washing-drying course configured not to perform drying. The latter washing-drying course can be a course configured to perform and end heating-dehydrating by default. This course can end after the heating-dehydrating, not after the regular dehydrating, so that efficient dehydrating can be performed. In other words, the drying effect facilitated by the heating-dehydrating can significantly reduce the moisture content as compared with the regular dehydrating, so that fast drying can be obtained in the latter washing-drying course in the case of natural drying.

[0280] The washing-drying course configured to end after the heating-dehydrating can be the third washing-drying course 9215d. As one embodiment, it can be a natural washing-drying course.

[0281] Meanwhile, among the above three washing-drying courses, the heating target temperature in the heating-dehydrating can be different from each other. Specifically, the heating target temperature in the heating-dehydrating of the first washing-drying course can be set to be the highest, and the heating target temperature in the heating-dehydrating of the third washing-drying course can be set to be the lowest. Meanwhile, the target RPM in the heating-dehydrating of the third washing-drying course can be set to be the highest, and the target RPM in the heating-dehydrating of the first washing-drying course can be set to be the lowest. The range of the target RPM can be about 800 to 1400 RPM, and the range of the heating target temperature in the heating-dehydrating can be about 60°C to 75°C.

[0282] A plurality of washing-drying courses can be provided, and the target RPM and the heating target temperature in each course can be set to be different, so that the user can easily select one of different washing-drying conditions according to the situation.

[0283] Meanwhile, the present embodiment can provide dehydration options 9211 and 9212. As one embodiment, a user can select a regular dehydration option 9211 and change a dehydration target RPM of a selected washing course. Here, a target RPM that can be changed or a range of a target RPM that can be changed can be changed based on a specific washing course, and as one embodiment, a user can select a heat-dehydration option 9212 and change a dehydration of a selected washing course to heat-dehydration. Here, the heat-dehydration selection can be limited based on a specific washing course. As one embodiment, the heat-dehydration selection can be limited in a functional laundry course or a wool course.

[0284] Further, heat-dehydration of a washing-drying course can be performed by default. In this case, since a user selects the heat-dehydration option 9212, heat-dehydration can be excluded from the selection. However, heat-dehydration can be performed in the washing-drying course, and the heat-dehydration can be a course that can provide selectable dehydration and drying. Accordingly, a user can be informed and the letter can be displayed on a display of a user interface that heat-dehydration can be performed by default in the washing-drying course, so that the heat-dehydration option can be excluded from the selection. Here, the heat-dehydration option can be selected even in the washing-drying course, so that the heat-dehydration option is excluded from the selection.

[0285] Meanwhile, the washing-drying course can be performed with heat-dehydration by default as described above. Here, the heat-dehydration option 9212 can be an option selection unit for changing heat-dehydration conditions, rather than a function for excluding heat-dehydration.

[0286] Figure 10 An embodiment of selecting a regular washing-drying course from the washing-drying course is shown. When heat-dehydration is performed by default, a user can change drum RPM conditions and target temperature conditions in heat-dehydration via the heat-dehydration option 9212. Since low noise and low vibration can be required in the regular washing-drying course if necessary. Such a situation can occur even when a user listens to music or studies while using the washing machine. The feature of the letter displayed on the display can be identical to the feature described with reference to Figure 8 the described feature.

[0287] Figure 11 An embodiment of selecting a natural washing-drying course from the washing-drying course is shown. When heat-dehydration is performed by default in the natural washing-drying course, a user can change drum RPM conditions and target temperature conditions in heat-dehydration via the heat-dehydration option 9212. This is because low noise and low vibration can be required in the natural washing-drying course. This can occur most likely when a user listens to music or studies while using the washing machine. The feature of the letter displayed on the display can be identical to the feature described with reference toFigure 8 The described features.

[0288] However, in the heating-spinning of the night washing-drying process, unlike the regular washing-drying process and the natural washing-drying process, the change of the drum RPM condition and the target temperature condition can be limited. In other words, when the user selects the heating-spinning option, the user can be informed of the selection limitation via the buzzer or the display. This is to prevent a huge noise from occurring due to an error at night in advance, because the night washing-drying process basically requires low noise and low vibration in the night washing-drying process. If the high spinning RPM in the night washing-drying process is desired, the user can select the regular washing-drying process or the regular washing-drying process with the heating-spinning option, instead of the night washing-drying process.

[0289] Accordingly, the user can easily and intuitively use the user interface of the washing machine based on the selection inclusion and selection exclusion relationship between the process selection unit and the option selection unit.

[0290] Hereinafter, a control method of a washing machine according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 12 The control method according to the embodiment can be similar to the control method mentioned above with reference to Figure 5 .

[0291] When the regular washing process is selected from the process selection unit, the control method shown in Figure 5 can be performed. When the washing-drying process is selected from the process selection unit, the control method shown in Figure 12 can be performed.

[0292] Once the process is input to the process selection unit S1, it can be determined which process is input S2. It can be determined whether the natural washing-drying process is selected S2a or the night washing-drying process is selected S2b. Unless both processes are not selected, it can be determined that the regular washing-drying process is selected.

[0293] When the corresponding process is determined, the laundry amount sensing S20, the washing S30, the rinsing S40, and the spinning S50 can be performed based on the selected process.

[0294] In the case of the night washing-drying process, a standby step S3 can be performed before the laundry amount sensing S20. Specifically, in this process, the laundry amount sensing can be started immediately after the selected process is determined in other processes. However, in the night washing-drying process, the current time can be measured S3a, and the measured time can be compared with the power saving time zone S3b, at which the laundry amount sensing S20 can finally start to perform the process when the current time reaches the power saving time zone.

[0295] As described above, the washing-drying course can perform the heating-spinning by default in the spinning S50. However, the target temperature and the spinning RPM in the heating-spinning can be changed via the heating-spinning option. Thus, all conditions selected from the course selection unit and the heating-spinning option can be reflected in the heating-spinning. Thus, the heating-spinning can be performed at the final target temperature and the spinning RPM.

[0296] Further, with the heating-spinning option, the heating-spinning can be excluded for all or some periods of the washing-drying course. Thus, it can be determined whether to perform the heating-spinning in the spinning S50, and the heating-spinning or the regular spinning can be performed based on the result of the determination.

[0297] In the case of the natural washing-drying course after the spinning, the course can be ended. In the case of the regular washing-drying course or the night washing-drying course, the course can be ended after the drying S70.

[0298] Thus, the washing-drying course and the regular washing course can be selected from the course selection unit. Once the regular washing course is selected, the heating-spinning can be selected via the option unit. The washing-drying course can be selected, and then the heating-spinning option can be changed.

[0299] Thus, different washing and washing-drying courses can be provided, and diversity in the spinning performance and the drying performance can be provided. Thus, the user can intuitively and easily select what he or she wants, and the washing machine can operate based on the selection of the user.

[0300] Figure 13 The relationship between the heating target temperature and the drying time in the washing-drying course is shown.

[0301] As shown in the drawing, in the natural washing-drying course, the heating-spinning can be performed only in the AB section. At this time, the heating target temperature can be relatively the lowest (e.g., 60°C). In this case, the heating-spinning can be performed at the highest RPM.

[0302] The heating-spinning of the regular washing-drying course can be identical to that of the natural washing-drying course. However, the drying can be performed after the heating-spinning.

[0303] The heating target temperature in the heating-spinning of the night washing-drying course can be relatively high (e.g., 75°C) compared to that of the heating-spinning of the other courses. The heating-spinning duration can be relatively longer than that of the other courses. The drying can be performed after the heating-spinning.

[0304] The drying of the overnight washing-drying process can be identical to the drying of the regular washing-drying process. The entire dehydration and drying time, including drying, can be increased due to the long time required for heating-dehydration. The heating target temperature is identical, so that when the two processes have the same amount of laundry and the same moisture content, the time required to complete the drying process in the two processes can be identical.

[0305] It will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims, and their equivalents.

[0306] Since the present features can be embodied in various forms without departing from their characteristics, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the foregoing details, but are to be broadly interpreted in the scope defined in the appended claims, and thus all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the claims or the equivalents of such scope are intended to be embraced by the claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising: a tub; a drum rotatably installed in the tub and configured to hold laundry; an induction heater located on the tub and configured to heat the drum; a motor configured to be driven to rotate the drum; and a user interface including: a process selection unit configured to allow a user to select one of a plurality of processes, an option selection unit configured to allow the user to select option information related to the process selected from the process selection unit, and a processor configured to control drum RPM and driving of the induction heater; wherein the processor is configured to allow the user to select a heat-spin operation configured to perform spinning and heating on the drum or a regular spin operation configured to perform spinning on the drum without heating, wherein the processor is configured to calculate overall instantaneous power during heat-spin based on the heat-spin operation being performed, and to differently determine power of output of the induction heater based on the calculated overall instantaneous power during heat-spin and an upper limit of total power of the washing machine. the washing machine sequentially performs washing, rinsing, and spinning, and 2. The laundry machine according to claim 1, wherein, wherein the processor is configured to allow the user to select the regular spin operation or the heat-spin operation. the spinning includes initial spinning and late spinning, and 3. The laundry machine according to claim 2, wherein, wherein the initial spinning is a process of unbinding laundry by tumbling once drainage after a rinsing cycle is completed, and the late spinning is a process of rotating the drum in one direction with spin revolutions per minute (RPM). the induction heater heats the drum during at least one of the initial spinning or the late spinning based on the heat-spin operation being performed.

4. The laundry machine according to claim 3, wherein, the washing machine determines whether to perform drying after spinning, and performs drying when it is determined to perform drying.

5. The laundry machine according to claim 1, wherein, a spinning target RPM of the drum is preset based on a selected process.

6. The laundry machine of claim 2, wherein, the processor sets a heating target temperature to different temperatures through driving of the induction heater based on a spinning target RPM of a selected specific process, and 7. The laundry machine according to claim 6, wherein, the heating target temperature is set lower when the spinning target RPM is higher, and the heating target temperature is set higher when the spinning target RPM is lower. the plurality of processes include a wash-dry process, and 8. The laundry machine of claim 5, wherein, wherein washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying are sequentially performed based on a selected wash-dry process. 9.The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising: a temperature sensor configured to measure temperature of washing water or air, and disposed near a bottom within the tub. the upper limit of total power that can be used in the washing machine is preset based on a margin once a permissible power value in the washing machine is determined.

10. The laundry machine of claim 1, wherein, ​ 11. A method of operating a laundry washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said method comprising the steps of: based on the heating-spinning operation being performed, calculating the overall instantaneous power during heating-spinning, and determining the power of the output of the induction heater differently based on the calculated overall instantaneous power during heating-spinning and the total power upper limit of the laundry washing machine.

Images