Washing machine with induction heater and control method thereof

Abstract

This application relates to a washing machine with an induction heater and a control method thereof. The washing machine includes: a tub; a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and holding clothes; an induction heater disposed in the tub and configured to heat the outer peripheral surface of the opposing drum; a motor configured to drive the drum to rotate; a user interface including a process selection unit and an option selection unit, the process selection unit being configured to allow a user to select one of the processes, and the option selection unit being configured to allow a user to select option information related to the process selected from the process selection unit; and a processor configured to control the drum RPM and the drive of the induction heater, wherein the process selection unit includes a default heating-spinning wash-dry process, the heating-spinning being configured to heat the drum by driving the induction heater while the drum rotates during spin-drying.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the original invention patent application with application number 201980081949.X (international application number: PCT / KR2019 / 017564, application date: December 12, 2019, invention title: washing machine with induction heater and control method thereof). Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a washing machine, and more particularly to a washing machine that can heat the drum via an induction heater and a control method for the washing machine. Background Technology

[0003] A washing machine includes: a tub (or outer tub) for holding wash water; and a drum (or inner tub) rotatably mounted in the tub. Clothes are loaded in the drum and washed by detergent and wash water as the drum rotates.

[0004] To improve washing performance by promoting detergent activation and contaminant decomposition, hot wash water is supplied to the tub or the wash water is heated within the tub. For this purpose, a recessed heater housing is formed in the bottom of the tub, and the heater can be installed within this heater housing. Such heaters are typically sheathed heaters.

[0005] Washing is completed along with the spin-drying process. Spin-drying refers to removing water from clothes by using the centrifugal force of a high-RPM rotating drum. After spin-drying, users can air-dry the clothes or use a dryer. Therefore, it is recommended to remove as much water as possible from the clothes during the spin-drying cycle. In other words, the moisture content should be reduced as much as possible.

[0006] However, increasing the duration of dehydration limits the amount of water that can be separated from clothing using centrifugal force. Therefore, the traditional approach is to determine the dehydration RPM (Refresh Rate Per Moment) and dehydration time to balance energy consumption and dehydration efficiency.

[0007] To improve dehydration efficiency, a heating-dehydration process can be used. Heating-dehydration refers to a technique invented to reduce the moisture content of clothing by raising the temperature of the wash water during the dehydration process and reducing the viscosity of the water contained in the clothing.

[0008] The heating point for the heating-dehydration process can be during dehydration after initial heating or during the dehydration process. Alternatively, heating can be performed before or during dehydration.

[0009] Such heat-spinning can be performed in clothing appliances that have both washing and drying functions. In other words, clothing appliances with washing and drying functions may include a heater configured to heat the air used for this heat-spinning and a jacket heater configured to heat the wash water. Here, such clothing appliances with washing and drying functions may include a fan and ductwork for supplying heated air to the drum.

[0010] The power consumed by the motor during spin-drying can vary based on the RPM and the eccentricity of the clothes. The higher the RPM and the greater the eccentricity of the clothes, the greater the power consumed by the motor. The maximum permissible power (in other words, the maximum instantaneous power) of the washing machine is limited. Specifically, the maximum instantaneous power of the washing machine is preset below the permissible power value to protect the machine. Therefore, given the maximum permissible power of each segment of the load (excluding the heater) during spin-drying, an upper limit for the heater's output is preset, and this upper limit is maintained during spin-drying. In other words, heating and spin-drying are performed based on the heater's output with a fixed value.

[0011] Therefore, the washing machine's power stability can be guaranteed, but there may be malfunctions in the effective use of heating and spin-drying. In particular, even at low RPM and with small eccentricity, only the limited output of the heater can be used, which may reduce efficiency.

[0012] The material exhibits a property that the stress leading to deformation decreases as temperature increases. As the dehydration RPM increases, the stress applied to the system (e.g., the drum and bearings) also increases. Therefore, the system is likely to deform at high RPMs as temperature rises. Considering system stability, the maximum heating temperature during the heat-spin-dry process can be set based on the maximum RPM. In other words, the upper limit of the heating temperature is preset, and heat-spin-drying is performed based on this upper limit. As an example, when the maximum target RPM for dehydration in the garment equipment is 1200 RPM, the upper limit of the heating temperature can be preset to 60°C.

[0013] Therefore, because a fixed upper temperature limit is used (in other words, a temperature ceiling is used), heating will not be carried out at or above this upper temperature limit, even if additional heating is possible, resulting in low efficiency. In particular, even if additional heating is possible at low RPMs, heating will not be carried out at the upper temperature limit or above, inevitably leading to a decrease in efficiency.

[0014] Meanwhile, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP 2004-135998A (hereinafter referred to as "the cited document") discloses a dryer or a dryer with a washing function that can heat the drum by means of a microwave heating device, an electromagnetic induction device or an infrared heating device.

[0015] The cited literature discloses the basic characteristics of drying via a heated drum. Furthermore, it discloses heating the wash water or rinse water during washing or rinsing to improve washing performance and reduce drying time after spin-drying.

[0016] Therefore, this cited document does not disclose a method for controlling dehydration by heating the drum during the dehydration process. In particular, it does not disclose drum rotation and drum heating related to the rotary RPM during the dehydration process. Furthermore, it does not disclose drum heating related to instantaneous power during the dehydration process.

[0017] Therefore, it is necessary to effectively heat the drum during the dehydration process to ensure optimal dehydration performance.

[0018] In traditional washing machines with both washing and drying functions, washing is the primary function, while drying is a secondary function. Unlike dryers that only have a drying function, washing machines with both washing and drying functions allow drying to be selected as an option.

[0019] For this reason, traditional washing machines with washing and drying functions do not offer multiple drying functions, and disadvantageously, users are not allowed to select different drying processes or functions.

[0020] Furthermore, in traditional washing machines with washing and drying functions, it is difficult to perform washing and drying automatically based on a selected process sequence.

[0021] In certain areas, electricity prices are relatively low at midnight, so washing or drying can be done at that time. However, due to noise issues, effective washing or drying cannot be performed.

[0022] As one example, unless sufficient dehydration is performed during the midnight-mode-based washing process, it may frequently be necessary to perform a spin-drying cycle again. As another example, unless sufficient drying is performed during the midnight-mode-based drying process, it may frequently be necessary to perform a drying cycle again.

[0023] Therefore, there is a need for a washing machine that allows users to select and provide different drying conditions. In particular, there is a need for a washing machine that can effectively spin-dry and dry while washing or drying at midnight. Summary of the Invention

[0024] Technical issues

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

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

[0027] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof, which allows a user to easily select between a heated spin-dry configuration for spin-drying via a heated drum and a conventional spin-dry configuration for spin-drying without heating the drum.

[0028] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a method for controlling the washing machine, which allows a user to select a process when they wish to perform washing and drying.

[0029] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof, which allows a user to select different drying processes based on whether heating-spinning and / or heating-spinning conditions are performed.

[0030] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof, the washing machine may include a default heating-spinning drying process provided in a process selection unit and a spin-drying option provided in an option unit for selecting whether to perform heating-spinning, so that the user can easily select different spin-drying and drying conditions.

[0031] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof, which can ensure good dehydration performance by effectively reducing the water content even at low RPM of the drum.

[0032] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof, which can effectively ensure spin-drying performance even in washing environments that require low noise and low vibration.

[0033] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine and its control method, which can satisfy dehydration performance and / or drying function by allowing the user to select a night mode or a silent mode in an environment requiring low noise or low vibration, and in this mode, automatically controlling heating-spin-drying. In particular, the washing machine can satisfy dehydration performance and / or drying function even when spin-drying at a relatively low RPM by automatically increasing the heating amount.

[0034] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine and its control method that can ensure stability and improve user satisfaction with spin-drying by varying the output of the heater based on the spin-drying RPM. In particular, the object is to provide a washing machine and its control method that can effectively perform spin-drying and drying in environments requiring quiet operation and low vibration.

[0035] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof, which can increase the heater output to as close as possible to the maximum permissible power value. In particular, the object is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can effectively perform spin-drying and drying at midnight when quiet operation and low vibration are required.

[0036] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof, which can perform a drying function without having a fan, ducts configured to circulate air and an additional heater configured to heat the air.

[0037] Solution to the problem

[0038] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a washing machine comprising: a tub; a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and holding clothes; an induction heater disposed in the tub and configured to heat the outer peripheral surface of the opposing drum; a motor configured to drive the drum to rotate; a user interface including a process selection unit and an option selection unit, the process selection unit being configured to allow a user to select one of a plurality of processes, the option selection unit being configured to allow a user to select option information related to the process selected from the process selection unit; and a processor configured to control the drum RPM and the drive of the induction heater, wherein the process selection unit may include a default heat-spin-dry wash-dry process, the heat-spin-dry process being configured to heat the drum by driving the induction heater while the drum rotates during spin-drying.

[0039] The washing-drying process can be configured to automatically and sequentially perform drying after washing, rinsing, and dehydration.

[0040] Users can intuitively select heating-dehydration through the selection unit, which can improve ease of use.

[0041] The target RPM of the drying drum can be lower than that of the dehydration drum. The dehydration time can be set to be longer than the drying time. In particular, the drying time can be set to the maximum permissible time. Drying can end when the drying conditions are met before the maximum permissible time.

[0042] The washing-drying process may include a process with multiple corresponding target RPMs having the drum, and these target RPMs are preset to be different from each other.

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

[0044] The processor can control the output of the induction heater to be variable during the heating-dehydration phase of the first wash-dry process.

[0045] The washing machine may further include an instantaneous power output unit configured to calculate and output an instantaneous output, wherein the processor controls the output of the induction heater to be variable based on the output of the instantaneous power output unit. Therefore, the drum can be heated to its maximum permissible output, thereby reducing heating time.

[0046] The processor can control the target heating temperature, which rises during the first washing-drying process by means of the induction heater, to be set higher than the target heating temperature during the second washing-drying process.

[0047] The option selection unit may include an option that allows the user to choose whether to perform the heating-dehydration.

[0048] The option selection unit may include options that allow the user to select the target RPM and target temperature of the roller in the heating-dehydration process.

[0049] As the target RPM of the roller selected by the user increases, the corresponding target temperature can be set to decrease.

[0050] The washing-drying process may include: a process configured to automatically and sequentially perform drying after washing, rinsing, and dehydration; and a process configured to perform washing, rinsing, and dehydration, and to perform heat-dehydration during the dehydration process. Therefore, a default heat-dehydration process and a default drying process can be selected, thereby providing the user with different heat-dehydration and drying conditions via the process selection unit.

[0051] The drying process may include multiple processes in which the target RPMs of the rollers are set to be different from each other during the dehydration.

[0052] The target drum RPM and target drum temperature during the dehydration process having the drying process can be higher than the target drum RPM and target drum temperature during the dehydration process ending after the heating-dehydration.

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

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

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

[0056] The option selection unit may include options that allow the user to select the target drum RPM and target temperature during the heating-dehydration process.

[0057] Embodiments of this disclosure may also provide a washing machine, the washing machine comprising: a tub; a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and holding clothes; an induction heater disposed in the tub and configured to heat the outer peripheral surface of the opposing drum; a motor configured to drive the drum to rotate; a user interface including a process selection unit and an option selection unit, the process selection unit being configured to allow a user to select one process from a plurality of processes, the option selection unit being configured to allow a user to select option information related to the process selected from the process selection unit; and a processor configured to control the drum RPM and the drive of the induction heater.

[0058] The process selection unit may include: a default washing-drying process of heating-spinning, wherein the heating-spinning is configured to heat the drum by driving the induction heater while the drum rotates in the spin-drying process; and a regular washing process of spin-drying, wherein the driving of the induction heater is excluded in the spin-drying process.

[0059] Therefore, the user can select whether to perform heating-spinning via the process selection unit. The user can also select whether to perform drying. Therefore, the washing machine according to this disclosure is very easy and intuitive to use. In addition, additional options related to heating-spinning or drying can be provided, thereby providing different spin-drying and drying conditions.

[0060] The washing-drying process may include multiple processes based on the target drum RPM classification during the heating-dehydration process.

[0061] Therefore, regardless of the RPM, which is most associated with noise and vibration during dehydration, optimal dehydration and drying results can be provided.

[0062] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0063] The advantage of this disclosure is that it provides a washing machine and its control method, which can apply a convection heating method using an induction heater to solve the problems of conventional heating, dehydration and / or drying methods that use heated air.

[0064] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a washing machine and its control method that allow a user to easily select between heated spin-drying (configured to spin-dry via a heated drum) and conventional spin-drying (configured to spin-dry without a heated drum).

[0065] Furthermore, the advantage of this disclosure is that it provides a washing machine and a control method thereof, which allows a user to select a process when they wish to perform washing and drying.

[0066] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a washing machine and its control method that allow a user to select different drying processes based on whether heating-spinning and / or heating-spinning conditions are performed.

[0067] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a washing machine and its control method, which may include a default heating-spinning drying process provided in a process selection unit and a spin-drying option provided in an option unit for selecting whether to perform heating-spinning, thereby enabling the user to easily select different spin-drying and drying conditions.

[0068] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a washing machine and its control method that can ensure good dehydration performance by effectively reducing the water content even at low RPM of the drum.

[0069] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a washing machine and its control method that can effectively ensure spin-drying performance even in washing environments requiring low noise and low vibration.

[0070] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a washing machine and its control method that can satisfy dehydration performance and / or drying function by allowing the user to select a night mode or a silent mode in an environment requiring low noise or low vibration, and in this mode, automatically controlling heating and dehydration. In particular, the washing machine can satisfy dehydration performance and / or drying function even when dehydrating at a relatively low RPM by automatically increasing the heating amount.

[0071] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a washing machine and its control method that can ensure stability and improve user satisfaction with spin-drying by adjusting the heater output based on the spin-drying RPM. In particular, the objective is to provide a washing machine and its control method that can effectively perform spin-drying and drying even in environments requiring quiet operation and low vibration.

[0072] Furthermore, the effect of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine and its control method that can increase the heater output to as close as possible to the maximum permissible power value. In particular, the object is to provide a washing machine and its control method that can effectively perform spin-drying and drying at midnight when quiet operation and low vibration are required.

[0073] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a washing machine and its control method that can perform a drying function without having a fan, ducts configured to circulate air, and an additional heater configured to heat the air. Attached Figure Description

[0074] The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are therefore not limiting of the invention, and wherein:

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

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

[0077] Figure 3 It is a curve describing the output change of the induction heater installed in the washing machine;

[0078] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a control panel disposed in a washing machine according to one implementation;

[0079] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a control method for a washing machine according to one implementation;

[0080] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a dehydration cycle according to one embodiment of the control method; and

[0081] Figure 7 It is shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 A diagram showing the specific steps provided in the heater control steps of the dehydration cycle;

[0082] Figure 8This is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a control panel disposed in a washing machine according to another embodiment;

[0083] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a control method for a washing machine according to another implementation;

[0084] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a control panel disposed in a washing machine according to another embodiment;

[0085] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a control method for a washing machine according to another embodiment; and

[0086] Figure 13 This is a graph showing a comparison between the target heating temperature and the drying time based on the washing / drying process according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0087] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 1 A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0088] Regardless of the drawing number, identical or equivalent parts may be provided with the same drawing reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0089] For the purpose of a brief description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the dimensions and outlines of the elements shown in the drawings may be enlarged or reduced. It should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited to the drawings.

[0090] The accompanying drawings are provided to aid in the easy understanding of the various technical features, and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited to the drawings. Therefore, this disclosure should be understood to extend to any alternatives, equivalents, and substitutes other than those specifically listed in the drawings.

[0091] A washing machine according to one embodiment may include: a cabinet 1 defining an external design; a tub 2 disposed within the cabinet; and a drum 3 rotatably mounted within the tub 2 and holding clothing (e.g., items to be washed, dried, and refurbished). As one embodiment, clothing may be items to be washed when washed with wash water. Clothing may be items to be dried when washed with heated air. Clothing may be items to be refurbished when refurbished with heated air, cold air, or steam. Therefore, the washing, drying, or refurbishing of clothing can be performed within the drum 3 disposed in the washing machine.

[0092] The cabinet 1 may have: a cabinet opening located on the front side of the cabinet 1 for introducing clothing; and a door 12 rotatably connected to the cabinet to open and close the cabinet opening.

[0093] The door 12 may include: a circular door frame 121; and a transparent window 122 disposed in the central area of ​​the door frame.

[0094] In this example, as a way to help easily understand the specific structure of the washing machine described later, the direction relative to the center of cabinet 1 toward door 12 can be defined as the forward direction.

[0095] Additionally, the direction opposite to the direction facing door 12 can be defined as the rear direction. Relative to the front and rear directions defined above, the right and left directions can be naturally defined.

[0096] The tank 2 can be formed in a cylindrical shape, with its longitudinal axis parallel to the bottom of the cabinet or tilted at an angle of 0 to 30 degrees relative to the bottom, defining a predetermined space for storing water. The tank 2 may include a tank opening 21 communicating with the cabinet opening.

[0097] The barrel 2 can be fixed to the lower surface (or bottom) of the cabinet 1 by means of a lower support member 13, which includes a support rod 13a and a damper 13b connected to the support rod 13a. Therefore, the vibration generated in the barrel 2 by the rotating roller 3 can be stopped or damped.

[0098] In addition, the flexible support 14 fixed to the upper surface of the cabinet 1 can be connected to the upper surface of the barrel 2 in order to dampen the vibration transmitted from the barrel 2 to the cabinet 1.

[0099] The roller 3 can be formed in a cylindrical shape, with its longitudinal axis parallel to or inclined at an angle of 0 to 30 degrees relative to the lower surface (or bottom) of the cabinet 1. The roller 3 may include a roller opening 31, which is formed on the front side and communicates with the barrel opening 21. The angles formed by the central axis of the barrel 2 and the central axis of the roller 3 relative to the bottom can be equal.

[0100] The drum 3 may include a plurality of through holes 33 extending through the outer peripheral 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 through the through holes 33.

[0101] An elevator 35 may also be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 3 to agitate the clothes during the rotation of the drum. The drum 3 can be rotated by means of a drive unit 6 located on the rear side of the tub 2.

[0102] The drive unit 6 may include: a stator 61 fixed to the rear surface of the barrel 2; a rotor 63 rotatable based on electromagnetic interaction with the stator; and a shaft 65 configured to connect the roller 3 and the rotor 63 to each other via the rear surface of the barrel 2.

[0103] The stator 61 can be fixed to the rear surface of the bearing housing 66, which is disposed in the rear surface of the barrel 2. The rotor 63 can be constructed of a rotor magnet 632 and a rotor housing 631, the rotor magnet 632 being disposed in the outer region in the radial direction relative to the stator, and the rotor housing 631 being configured to connect the rotor magnet 632 and the shaft 65 to each other.

[0104] The bearing housing 66 may include multiple bearings 68 supporting the shaft 65.

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

[0106] Additionally, the washing machine according to this embodiment may also include a water supply hose 51 configured to receive water from an external water source. The water supply hose 51 may form a channel configured to supply water to the tub 2.

[0107] In addition, a gasket 4 can be installed between the cabinet opening and the bucket opening 21. The gasket 4 can be configured to prevent water from leaking from the bucket to the cabinet 1 and to prevent vibrations from the bucket 2 from being transmitted to the cabinet 1.

[0108] Additionally, the washing machine according to this embodiment may also include a drainage unit 52 configured to drain the water held in the tub 2 to the outside of the cabinet 1.

[0109] The drainage unit 52 may include: a drain pipe 522 that forms a drainage channel for water held in the tank 2; and a drainage pump 521 configured to generate a pressure difference within the drain pipe 522.

[0110] More specifically, the drain pipe 522 may include: a first drain pipe 522a configured to connect the lower surface of the bucket 2 to the drain pump 521; and a second drain pipe 522b, one end of which is connected to the drain pump 521 to form a channel for water to flow to the outside of the cabinet 1.

[0111] In addition, the washing machine may also include a heating unit 8, which is configured to induction heat the drum 3.

[0112] Heating unit 8 can be mounted on the circumference of barrel 2 and configured to inductively heat the circumference of roller 3 using a magnetic field. A magnetic field is generated when current is applied to a coil wound with wire. Therefore, this heating unit can be considered an induction heater. Once such an induction heater is activated, the circumference of the roller opposite to the induction heater 8 will be quickly heated to a very high temperature.

[0113] The heating unit 8 can be controlled by a controller 9 fixedly mounted in the cabinet 1, and the controller 9 can be configured to control the drive of the heating unit 8 to control the temperature inside the tub. The controller 9 may include: a processor configured to control the drive of the washing machine; and an inverter processor configured to control the heating unit. In other words, the drive of the washing machine and the drive of the heating unit 8 can be controlled by using a single processor.

[0114] However, in order to prevent processor overload and improve control efficiency, separate processors are set up for controlling the drive of the washing machine and for controlling the drive of the heating unit, and they are communicatively connected to each other.

[0115] A temperature sensor 95 can be installed in the container 2. The temperature sensor 95 can be connected to the controller 9 to transmit information about the temperature inside the container 2 to the controller 9.

[0116] Temperature sensor 95 can be located near the bottom of the drum. Therefore, the position of temperature sensor 95 can be lower than the lowest area of ​​the drum. Figure 1 In this design, the temperature sensor 95 is positioned in contact with the bottom of the tub. However, the temperature sensor 95 can also be spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom. This is to allow the wash water or air to surround the temperature sensor in order to measure the temperature of the wash water or air. Although the temperature sensor 95 passes through the tub assembly from bottom to top, it can also pass through the tub assembly from front to back. In other words, it can pass through the front (or the surface forming the tub opening) rather than the circumference of the tub.

[0117] Therefore, when the washing machine is operated to heat the wash water using the induction heater 8, the temperature sensor can sense whether the wash water has been heated to the target temperature. The drive of the induction heater can be controlled based on the temperature sensing result.

[0118] In addition, when all the washing water is drained, the temperature sensor 95 can sense the temperature of the air. Specifically, it can sense the temperature of the air heated by the induction heater 8; in other words, it can sense the drying temperature.

[0119] Meanwhile, the washing machine according to one embodiment may include a drying temperature sensor 96. The drying temperature sensor 96 may have a different mounting location and a different temperature measurement target than the temperature sensor 95 described above. Therefore, it is possible to sense whether the air is heated to the target temperature based on the temperature sensed by the drying temperature sensor. The drive of the induction heater can be controlled based on the temperature sensing result performed by the drying temperature sensor.

[0120] The drying temperature sensor 96 can be located in the upper region of the drum 2, close to the induction heater 8. In other words, the drying temperature sensor 96 can be disposed in the inner surface of the drum 2 to sense the temperature of the outer peripheral surface of the opposing drum 3. The aforementioned temperature sensor 95 is configured to sense nearby water or air, while the drying temperature sensor 96 can be configured to sense the temperature of the drum.

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

[0122] Temperature sensor 95 can be configured to determine whether to maintain the drive of the induction heater until the target temperature, or to change the output of the induction heater. Drying temperature sensor 96 can be configured to determine whether the drum is overheating or whether the drum is continuously heated during dehydration or drying. When it is determined that the drum is overheating or the air is heated to the target temperature, the drive of the induction heater can be forced.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the washing machine can have a drying function. In this case, the washing machine according to this embodiment can be a washing machine with washing and drying functions or a washing machine with a drying function. For this purpose, the washing machine may also include: a fan 72 configured to blow air into the tub 2; and a duct 71 in which the fan 72 is installed. Here, the drying function can be performed even without providing such additional components. In other words, the air can be cooled on the inner circumferential surface of the tub, and moisture can be condensed and discharged. That is, moisture condensation can be performed for the drying function even without air circulation. In order to improve drying efficiency through more efficient moisture condensation, a coolant can be supplied to the tub. Preferably, the surface area where the coolant encounters the tub (in other words, the surface area where the coolant contacts the air) is wide. For this purpose, the coolant can be supplied in a manner that is widely dispersed from the rear surface of the tub or certain areas or both side surfaces of the tub. This supply of coolant can flow along the inner surface of the tub instead of being drawn into the drum. Therefore, the duct or fan for drying can be omitted, thereby simplifying the manufacture and assembly of the washing machine.

[0124] In this case, there is no need to provide an additional heater for drying. In other words, the induction heater 8 can be used for drying. Specifically, an induction heater can be used to heat the wash water during washing, heat the clothes during spin-drying, and heat the item to be dried during drying.

[0125] Once the induction heater 8 is driven together with the drum 3, the entire outer circumferential surface of the drum can be significantly heated. The heated drum can exchange heat with the wet clothes, and the clothes can be heated. Of course, the air inside the drum can also be heated. Therefore, when supplied to the drum 3, air can exchange heat, and air with evaporated moisture can be exhausted outside the drum 3. In other words, air can circulate between the pipe 71 and the drum 3. Here, a fan 72 can be driven to circulate the air.

[0126] The air supply and exhaust locations can be determined to ensure that air is supplied evenly to the object being dried or the clothes being washed and that humid air is smoothly discharged. For this purpose, air can be supplied from the upper front area of ​​the drum 3 and discharged from the lower rear area of ​​the drum (in other words, from the lower rear area of ​​the tub).

[0127] Air discharged through the rear lower region of the drum can flow along pipe 71. Moisture can be condensed from the humid air by means of the refrigerant supplied to pipe 71 via refrigerant channel 51 formed in pipe 71. As moisture condenses from the humid air, the humid air can be transformed into low-temperature drying air, and this low-temperature drying air can flow along pipe 71 and be resupplied to drum 3.

[0128] Because the air is not directly heated, the temperature of the heated air may be lower than that of the air heated in a conventional heater-operated dryer. Therefore, it is expected to prevent damage or deformation of clothing that could be caused by high temperatures. Additionally, clothing may overheat in a drum heated to high temperatures.

[0129] However, as mentioned above, the induction heater is driven together with the drum, and the clothes repeatedly rise and fall with the movement of the drum. Furthermore, the heating point of the drum is located in the upper region, not the lower region. Therefore, overheating of the clothes can be effectively prevented.

[0130] A control panel 92 may be provided on the front or top surface of the washing machine. The control panel can provide a user interface. Various commands from the user can be input into the control panel, and various information can be displayed on the control panel. In other words, the control panel 92 may include: an operating unit configured for convenient user operation; and a display unit configured to display information.

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

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

[0133] In particular, the washing machine according to this embodiment may also include a refrigerant valve 97 configured to transform a hot, humid air environment into a low-temperature drying air environment. The refrigerant valve 97 can supply cold water to the tub or pipes to cool the air and condense moisture from it.

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

[0135] A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a door locking mechanism 98. The door locking mechanism may be configured to prevent the door from opening during washing machine operation. According to the illustrated embodiment, the opening of the door may be restricted during or even after washing machine operation when the internal temperature is a preset temperature or higher.

[0136] Furthermore, 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 operating units 921 provided in the control panel 92, and control the overall drive of the washing machine based on these signals.

[0137] Meanwhile, the controller 9 may include: a main processor configured to control the conventional drive of the washing machine; and an auxiliary processor configured to control the drive of the induction heater. The main processor and the auxiliary processor may be independently configured and communicatively connected to each other.

[0138] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the output of the induction heater can be variable. The output of the induction heater can be increased within the maximum permissible conditions or range to reduce heating time and thus achieve maximum effect. For this purpose, a washing machine according to one embodiment may include an instantaneous power output unit 99, which will be described in detail later.

[0139] The following text will refer to Figure 3 The output variation of the induction heater applicable to embodiments of this disclosure is described in detail.

[0140] The maximum permissible power can be preset in the washing machine. Specifically, the washing machine can be manufactured to be actuated at a preset value less than the maximum permissible power. Figure 3 This is referred to as the system's permitted power.

[0141] The most power-consuming hardware in a washing machine is likely the induction heater 8 and the motor configured as a rotating drum (in other words, the drive unit 6).

[0142] like Figure 3 As shown, the power used in the drive unit (in other words, the instantaneous power consumed in the drive unit) tends to increase more as the RPM rises. Furthermore, the instantaneous power also tends to increase more as the eccentricity of the clothing increases. An increase in the power used in the drive unit indicates that the instantaneous power consumed in the entire system may also increase. Specifically, it can be calculated that most of the instantaneous power consumed in the entire system is the power consumed in the drive unit.

[0143] During the heating-spinning process, the control panel 92, various valves 97, drain pump 521, various sensors 95 and 96, as well as the induction heater 8 and drive unit 6 may also consume power. Therefore, once the permissible power value in the washing machine is determined, the upper limit of the total power available in the washing machine can be preset with margin in mind.

[0144] In traditional washing machines, the output of the jacket heater during heating and spin-drying can be preset. Specifically, the output of the jacket heater can be preset to a value less than the maximum power value obtained by subtracting the maximum power value (excluding the maximum power allowed for the jacket heater during heating and spin-drying) from the total power limit.

[0145] A simplified description of this is as follows. When the permissible power of the washing machine system is 100 and the margin is 10, the total power limit can be 90. When the maximum power value excluding the jacket heater during the spin-drying process is 70, the output of the jacket heater should be set to less than 20. Here, the maximum power value excluding the jacket heater can be the sum of all power consumed by the hardware excluding the jacket heater in the maximum RPM and in a severely eccentric environment (severe eccentric environment).

[0146] The output variation of a sheathed heater is quite limited. When using such a sheathed heater, it is best to use it in harsh environments rather than in conventional ones.

[0147] To address this issue, the washing machine according to this embodiment may further include an instantaneous power output unit 99, specifically configured as an output unit for calculating instantaneous power or calculating and outputting instantaneous power. Such an instantaneous power output unit 99 may be set independently of the controller 9, or partially independently of the controller. Alternatively, it may be disposed within the controller.

[0148] As mentioned above, the hardware component using the highest power in the heating-dehydration process, besides the induction heater 8, is likely the motor, or in other words, the drive unit 6. The maximum power of other hardware components besides the induction heater and drive unit in the heating-dehydration process can be preset. The maximum power of these other hardware components can be relatively low.

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

[0150] As an example, the input current and DC link voltage of the motor 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 to the motor and the AC input voltage applied to the washing machine.

[0153] Therefore, the instantaneous power output unit 99 may include devices, elements, or circuits configured to sense current and voltage. It may be a unit configured to calculate the 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 output of the induction heater can be obtained by subtracting the calculated instantaneous power of the motor and the calculated values ​​of other hardware components from the total power limit.

[0155] Here, the instantaneous power of the motor may vary over a wide range because the RPM and the eccentricity of the washing machine change drastically. Therefore, the motor power can be a calculated value of instantaneous power or current power. Conversely, the maximum output of other hardware components can vary over a moderate or narrow range, so the maximum output can be preset as an upper limit and used as a fixed value. Here, the maximum output of other hardware components can also be calculated based on the instantaneous power. However, the output values ​​of other hardware components are relatively small, thus it is not ruled out that additional devices or circuits are used to measure or calculate the power based on the output value as a fixed value.

[0156] Simultaneously, 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 during heating and spin-drying can be the sum of the outputs of the induction heater, motor, and other hardware components. Therefore, the difference between the overall instantaneous power and the upper limit of total power may mean that additional power can be increased from the output of the induction heater. As one embodiment, when the current overall instantaneous power is 50 and the upper limit of total power is 90, it means that the maximum power of the induction heater can be increased by 40.

[0157] According to this implementation, the output of the induction heater is guaranteed as much as possible within the permissible power state of the current system. Specifically, when the motor consumes a lot of power, the heater output can be reduced. When the motor consumes a small amount of current, the heater output can be increased.

[0158] Figure 4 An embodiment of a control panel 92 including a control unit 921 and a display unit 922 is shown on the front side.

[0159] The operating unit 921 may include a process selection unit 9215 to allow the user to select one of the washing processes. Multiple washing processes may vary depending on the type and purpose of the clothing. The user can select a specific process within the washing process, and the processor can be configured to perform the selected specific washing process based on preset control logic.

[0160] The washing process can include washing cycles, rinsing cycles, and spin-drying cycles. These cycles can be performed sequentially to complete the washing process. During each washing cycle, one or more cycle durations, drum movement speeds, and spin-drying RPMs can be set differently.

[0161] As an example, during a routine or allergy care process, the dehydration RPM can be preset to approximately 1000 RPM or 1200 RPM. During silent processes, lingerie / wool processes (or delicate processes), and night mode, the dehydration RPM can be set to approximately 400 RPM to 800 RPM. In certain processes, the dehydration RPM can be set to be adjustable if necessary. In another specific process, the dehydration RPM can be set to be fixed.

[0162] To change the dehydration RPM, a conventional dehydration option unit 9211 can be provided. In the conventional dehydration option unit 9211, the user can change the dehydration RPM set by the process selection. As an example, when the default dehydration RPM is set to 1000 RPM in the conventional process, the user can change the dehydration RPM to 800 RPM via the conventional dehydration option unit 9211. In this case, dehydration can proceed to the target RPM of 800 RPM while the conventional process is being performed.

[0163] Here, the spin-drying RPM refers to the target RPM during the spin-drying cycle. When the drum rotates at a low RPM, the distribution and rotation of clothes are avoided. After finally reaching the target RPM, the drum's rotation can be maintained at the target RPM for a preset period of time.

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

[0165] The standard dehydration option unit 9211 allows the user to select one of the dehydration RPM steps.

[0166] According to this embodiment, a heating-spinning option unit 9212 can be provided. The heating-spinning option unit 9212 may be a selection unit configured to select whether to heat the clothes by driving an induction heater during the spin-drying cycle.

[0167] When the temperature of clothing rises, it can more effectively promote the removal of moisture from the clothing through centrifugal force. Therefore, the drum rotation combined with heating may promote dehydration efficiency more effectively than drum rotation alone.

[0168] The user can select a specific process via process selection unit 9215 and also select heating-dehydration option unit 9212 to improve dehydration efficiency. Here, the user can select heating-dehydration option unit 9212 to perform heating only during the dehydration process of the selected specific process. However, the processor can control the output of the induction heater based on instantaneous power while simultaneously performing heating-dehydration.

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

[0170] When a wash is required late at night or in a relatively quiet environment, the user can select a silent process or a night mode process via the process selection unit 9215. In such a process, the drum's movement speed (or the speed at which the drum rotates during its basic rotation in the drum operating section) can be reduced to minimize noise during the wash. Here, the wash duration may be increased compared to other processes to ensure washing performance.

[0171] While washing performance can be guaranteed during such night mode or silent mode processes, spin-drying performance is difficult to guarantee. Because noise and vibration can occur during high-speed spin-drying, the target RPM for spin-drying is set lower in such processes. While the target RPM for spin-drying in a regular process is approximately 1200 RPM or higher, the target RPM for spin-drying in such processes might be around 800 RPM.

[0172] Therefore, after dehydration, a lot of moisture remains in the clothes, allowing users to determine that they have not been properly dehydrated.

[0173] However, according to this embodiment, when dehydration is performed at a low target RPM, the output of the induction heater can be increased, thereby enhancing the dehydration performance by increasing the temperature. In other words, both water removal promoted by evaporation and water removal promoted by centrifugal force can be performed.

[0174] During the spin-drying process, the wash water can be largely drained from the drum. Specifically, because the wash water is drained, very little wash water remains in the drum. Therefore, when the induction heater operates to heat the drum and clothes, the temperature inside the drum may rise. At this point, the temperature sensor 95 can sense the temperature inside the drum. In other words, once it is determined that the temperature sensor 95 has sensed the target heating temperature, the processor executes to stop driving the induction heater to end heating. When the induction heater stops driving, the temperature inside the drum can decrease. Therefore, if the temperature inside the drum drops from the target heating temperature to a preset temperature or lower (e.g., 5°C), the induction heater can restart. Once the heating temperature reaches the target heating temperature again, the induction heater can stop driving.

[0175] Basically, the processor 9 can drive the induction heater 8 simultaneously with the roller being driven. The driving of the roller and the induction heater can be synchronized. However, in this case, fabric damage caused by heat is likely to occur at the beginning or end of the roller's rotation. This is because the induction heater may heat the roller to a very high temperature instantaneously, while at the beginning and end of the roller's rotation, the roller's rotational RPM is very low, increasing the contact time between the roller and the garment.

[0176] The tumbling mode of the drum can be between 40 RPM and 60 RPM. During this time, the garments can repeatedly rise and fall. Therefore, the starting point of the induction heater drive may be later than the starting point of the drum rotation. As an example, when the drum rotation begins and accelerates, and it takes approximately 1 second for the drum RPM to reach the tumbling RPM, the starting point of the induction heater drive can be approximately 0.5 seconds after the drum rotation begins. Here, once the drum RPM reaches the tumbling RPM, the induction heater drive can begin.

[0177] However, the time required to reach the heating target may become shorter than the actual heating time. Therefore, to prevent heat damage to the fabric while ensuring sufficient heating time, the processor can control the induction heater to be driven after the drum rotation begins (or after the motor is turned on), but before the drum RPM reaches the tumbling RPM. For this purpose, the driving time of the induction heater can be set to either during a preset drum rotation period or when the drum RPM reaches a preset value.

[0178] Algorithms configured to disperse clothes and avoid resonance through repeated drum rotation and pauses can be applied to spin-drying. In other words, the drum RPM can be accelerated from the start of spin-drying and reach the target RPM, and then spin-drying can be stopped.

[0179] Therefore, the spin cycle can be divided into initial spin and final spin. Final spin is the part where the drum rotates at the target RPM for rigorous dehydration. Once final spin is complete, the spin cycle can end. Initial spin can be the part that prepares for the final, actual dehydration. In initial spin, the drum can be driven at an intermediate RPM lower than the final target RPM to determine if garment distribution and resonance occur due to the drum rotating at a low RPM. The time required for this process can vary based on garment distribution and load.

[0180] Once the induction heater is driven to the target heating temperature during the initial dehydration, and then refuses to heat during the later dehydration stage, a heating-dehydration process can be initiated. At this point, even if the roller RPM has not reached the target heating temperature after the initial dehydration, the later dehydration stage can still proceed. This is because the initial dehydration stage can transition to the later dehydration stage instantaneously.

[0181] In the later stages of spin drying, heating-spinning can begin when the induction heater is driven to the target temperature. At this point, the heating-spinning process can end immediately after the later stages of spin drying. Afterwards, the spin drying time can be reduced in the heated environment, and the user cannot immediately remove the clothes because the heating temperature must be lowered.

[0182] Heating-dehydration can be performed during both the initial and later stages of the dehydration process. In this case, the duration of the heating environment can be increased, making it more likely that the target heating temperature will be reached. Furthermore, it is more likely that the target heating temperature will be reached in the early stages of the later dehydration process, rather than just before the end of the later dehydration. Therefore, it is more likely that the clothes can be removed immediately after dehydration.

[0183] The washing machine according to this embodiment may be a washing machine without a drying function. However, heating-spinning can be performed using an induction heater 8. In particular, heating-spinning can be performed while spin-drying at a low spin-drying RPM, allowing for more effective spin-drying during nighttime washing or silent washing modes. Such an effect is not achievable in conventional washing machines. Furthermore, at a low spin-drying RPM, the output of the induction heater can be increased relatively more because the instantaneous power at a low spin-drying RPM may be relatively low.

[0184] Unlike sheathed heaters, the induction heater in this embodiment can have its output controlled by a frequency converter. Therefore, approximately linear output control can be facilitated, allowing for immediate sensing of instantaneous power changes (especially instantaneous power changes in the motor) so that the output of the induction heater can be controlled within the maximum permissible range when necessary.

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

[0186] Korean Patent 10-2017-0101333 (hereinafter referred to as the "Reference Application") discloses a washing machine including an induction heater. Therefore, the technical features disclosed in that Reference Application can be applied to embodiments of this disclosure, provided they do not exclude or contradict this disclosure. In particular, the induction heater structure or mounting structure and the coolant supply structure can be equivalently applied to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0187] The drum, the clothes, and the air inside the tub and drum can be heated by an induction heater. Of course, the water contained in and expelled from the clothes can also be heated. Therefore, the air inside the tub and drum can become hot and humid. The humid environment after spin-drying may remain unchanged. To prevent this, a coolant can be supplied to the inner surface of the tub.

[0188] Specifically, the coolant can flow along the rear or side surface of the drum to allow moisture to condense from the hot, humid air. The condensate can then be drained from the drum along with the water collected from the clothes during the spin-drying process.

[0189] During the heating-dehydration process, the coolant valve can be opened periodically or intermittently to remove moisture from the air and to more effectively carry out the heating-dehydration. Furthermore, the hot, humid environment after dehydration can easily transition to a low-temperature drying environment. Such a coolant can cause temperature sensor malfunctions. Therefore, the temperature sensor can be located in the lower front region of the drum, as the coolant will come into contact with air on the rear or rear side surface of the drum and will be discharged through this region.

[0190] The washing machine according to this embodiment can be a washing machine with washing and drying functions. In this case, the washing machine may also include ducts and a fan configured to force air circulation. Unlike conventional washing machines, the washing machine according to this disclosure does not require an additional heater for drying, thus simplifying the entire system. In washing machines with drying functions, condensing moisture from humid air is important. This condensation can occur in the space defined by an additional duct rather than in the space defined by the tub. In this case, the wash water temperature sensor can be disposed on the rear surface of the tub, spaced upwards at a predetermined distance from the bottom of the tub. This distance can be approximately 10 to 15 millimeters, thereby preventing the coolant from directly contacting the wash water temperature sensor and effectively sensing the temperature of the humid air.

[0191] The coolant can be supplied to pipes instead of a tank. As the coolant falls from the upper section of the pipe, which extends upwards from the lower part of the tank, moisture can condense from the cooled air.

[0192] Such piping and cooling structures can facilitate the transformation of the high-temperature, humid environment in the drums and rollers into a low-temperature drying environment after heating-dehydration or drying is completed.

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

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

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

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

[0197] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 5 and Figure 6 A detailed description of a control method for a washing machine according to one embodiment is provided. Figure 5 This is an example of a control flow for a washing process that includes washing or drying. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An embodiment of the dehydration control process shown.

[0198] When the user enters pause / start after making a selection, the door can be locked first (S10), followed by the detection of the amount of laundry (S20). Therefore, washing (S30) and rinsing (S40) can be performed based on the sensed amount of laundry.

[0199] When the user selects the washing process, a spin-drying process (S50) can be performed after rinsing (S40). In other words, the drum can rotate at high speed and remove moisture from the clothes. A regular spin-drying process (S53) or a heated spin-drying process (S54) can be performed based on the user's selection (or by default).

[0200] Both conventional spin-drying and heated spin-drying can include an initial spin-drying and a subsequent spin-drying. Unlike conventional spin-drying, heated spin-drying can be configured to heat both the drum and the garment using an induction heater in the middle of the spin-drying cycle.

[0201] Once the user selects the heat-spin or dry option, the spin cycle will perform heat-spin. When the user selects only the wash cycle or regular spin, the spin cycle will perform regular spin.

[0202] In the conventional dehydration process S53, a maximum duration can be preset. Therefore, after dehydration begins, a time count can be performed S531, and it can be determined whether the preset time period has elapsed S532. Afterward, the drum rotation can end S533, and the dehydration cycle can end.

[0203] Even in the heating-dehydration S54, a maximum duration can be preset. Therefore, heating-dehydration time counting S546 can be performed, and it can be determined whether the preset time period has elapsed S547. Afterwards, the drum rotation can end S548, and the dehydration cycle can end. The heating unit can be controlled after the drum drive starts (in other words, the heating unit is driven S541). The heating unit can be driven intermittently, periodically, or continuously. Here, once the temperature reaches the target heating temperature, the heating unit drive can be paused. When the temperature drops, the heating unit drive can resume.

[0204] Simultaneously, during the spin cycle, a maximum duration can be set for each of the initial spin and the final spin. When the roller RPM reaches the target RPM and the roller rotates during the final spin, the preset final spin time can be equal to the maximum permissible time. Here, the preset time can be varied based on the amount of laundry. However, the initial spin may be a step attempting to enter the final spin, and the initial spin may fail to enter the final spin when the opportunity arises. In this case, the initial spin may last for a long period. Once the maximum permissible initial spin time has elapsed, the spin cycle may end without entering the final spin. Therefore, the preset time period in S532 and S547 can be the duration of the final spin once the final spin begins.

[0205] Meanwhile, the initial dehydration can be a process of untangling clothes by tumbling them after the rinsing cycle has finished draining. This process helps to distribute the clothes and resolve any misalignment issues. After this distribution and resolution of misalignment, the main dehydration process can then begin.

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

[0207] Initial dehydration is achieved through a tumbling drive, in which the drum rotates repeatedly in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Therefore, the heating of the drum can be controlled during the initial dehydration process. In other words, the drum can only be heated when it is rotating. When paused, the drum may not be heated.

[0208] Simultaneously, the later dehydration stage allows the drum to rotate in one direction at a dehydration RPM. Therefore, drum heating can be performed continuously during the later dehydration stage. In other words, drum heating can begin when the drum is rotating at a preset RPM or higher. Drum heating can end before the drum stops. This is the drum heating control logic related to drum rotation. As an example, drum heating can also be stopped even during the later dehydration stage 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 implemented to forcibly reduce the temperature inside the drum.

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

[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] Thoroughly drying an object through dehydration and heat-dehydration is not easy. When high-temperature heating is carried out in a essentially sealed space, the evaporated moisture remains within that space. For this reason, heat-dehydration performs better than conventional dehydration. However, this cannot be called "drying." Specifically, when drying is performed continuously after dehydration, dehydration can be heat-dehydration, not conventional dehydration.

[0217] This is because the drum, rollers, and the object being dried are all under heat during the heat-dehydration process. Therefore, heating during dehydration followed by drying is more effective in improving drying performance than not heating before drying.

[0218] When a process including drying is selected via the process selection unit, or when a washing process is selected via the process selection unit and then drying is selected via the drying option unit, heating-dehydration can be performed. In other words, heating-dehydration can be performed by default during dehydration even without selecting a separate heating-dehydration option unit. Here, the target heating temperature can be set based on the currently selected process or independently of the selected process.

[0219] Meanwhile, drying time is traditionally longer than dehydration time. Since preliminary drying occurs during the heating-dehydration process, the overall drying time can be reduced. Furthermore, when drying is complete, the temperature inside the drum may become high, and the user cannot immediately open the door. At this point, cold air circulation and / or coolant supply can cool the inside of the drum sufficiently to allow the door to open. However, in this case, additional time is required to cool the door.

[0220] Therefore, the target heating temperature during drying can be equal to or lower than the target temperature for heating-dehydration. As an example, the target heating 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 night mode, a heat-spin-dry option can be executed without considering the heat-spin-drying option. In this case, the RPM may be relatively low during heat-spin-drying, and the target heating temperature may be relatively high. As an example, the target heating temperature could be 60°C. The permissible temperature for door opening could be 50°C. Once heat-spin-drying is complete, the induction heater is activated along with air circulation and coolant supply for drying. In this case, the target heating temperature during drying can be equal to the permissible door opening temperature.

[0222] Furthermore, when drying is performed during a regular washing process, dehydration can be carried out at a relatively high RPM until the target heating temperature is approximately 70°C. Even under these conditions, the target heating temperature during the drying process can be equal to the permissible door opening temperature.

[0223] Therefore, the door can be opened immediately after drying. Because drying is carried out at a relatively low temperature, fabric deformation or damage can be minimized.

[0224] The following text will refer to Figure 7 This section describes in detail the control flow of the induction heater during the heating-dehydration process. The flowchart shown here is a... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The specific and detailed illustration of the heating-dehydration S54 shown is provided.

[0225] Once the heating-dehydration cycle S54 begins, the drum can rotate, and the induction heater can be driven S541. Control steps S5411 can be performed at appropriate times to control not only the motor and induction heater, but also other loads including the coolant valve and drain pump.

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

[0227] When the temperature reaches the target heating temperature, the induction heater drive can be paused (S5415). This pause may not signify the completion of the heating-dehydration cycle. This is because the completion of the heating-dehydration cycle (S5447) can be determined based on various conditions. As an example, it can be determined whether the target heating-dehydration time period (S5415) has elapsed after the induction heater pauses. When the conditions are met, the induction heater drive can be finally terminated, and the drum rotation can be stopped, completing only the heating-dehydration process (S548).

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

[0229] Instantaneous power calculation S5413 can be performed unless the temperature reaches the target heating temperature after the induction heater is driven.

[0230] The 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, the 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 good clothing distribution during the current heating-spinning process, a low instantaneous power value can be calculated. Therefore, the output of the induction heater can be controlled to have a higher output.

[0231] The temperature determination (S5412), instantaneous power calculation (S5413), and induction heater output change control (S5414) can be repeatedly performed during the heating-dehydration process. Here, when the target heating temperature is reached during the heating-dehydration process, the induction heater can be temporarily paused.

[0232] The reference temperature used to pause the induction heater after activation can be different from the reference temperature used to restart the induction heater after pausing. In other words, the reference temperature in S5414 can change based on the state of the induction heater (e.g., based on whether the induction heater is activated or paused). As an example, when the target heating temperature is 70°C, the temperature may rise to 70°C during the activation of the induction heater, and then the induction heater can be paused. When the temperature reaches 65°C during the pause of the induction heater, it can be restarted. The activation, pausing, and restarting of the induction heater can be repeated repeatedly during the heating-dehydration process, just as the output of the induction heater changes.

[0233] In this embodiment, heating is performed on the outer circumferential surface of the drum using an induction heater. In other words, the induction heater heats the outer circumferential surface of the drum, rather than heating the air or circulating heated air. Therefore, specific components can be heated using an induction heater, rather than the entire system (e.g., only the drum). During the operation of the heater, the construction of components such as the drum, bearing housing, shaft, and bearings can be heated as little as possible, thereby preventing degradation of the heat resistance of the components. In particular, the drum can be made of stainless steel, which allows it to have high heat resistance. Even if the drum is heated at a relatively high output at a low dehydration RPM, there will be no degradation in durability and reliability. In particular, the output of the induction heater can be varied based on the instantaneous power quantity so that the maximum output of the induction heater can be used in real time.

[0234] Specifically, when the garment's eccentricity is small, a larger induction heater output can be used, and this can be very effective. When spinning at a low RPM late at night, the induction heater output can be sufficiently enhanced to expect very effective spin-drying performance. Furthermore, effective spin-drying performance can likely be expected over shorter periods or at even lower RPMs than regular spin-drying. Therefore, when drying subsequently occurs, a reduction in drying time and energy consumption can be expected.

[0235] In the above embodiments, the dehydration and drying performance can be improved by changing the output of the induction heater based on the instantaneous power (especially at low RPM).

[0236] The following describes in detail one embodiment that varies the heat supplied by the induction heater based on a target heating temperature, which varies based on RPM during the heating-dehydration process. Similar to the embodiments described above, improved dehydration and drying performance at different RPMs is expected in this embodiment.

[0237] Figure 8 An embodiment is shown comprising the front side (in other words, the front surface of the user interface 92) of a control panel 92, including a manipulation unit 921 and a display unit 922. Essentially, this embodiment can be similar to the embodiment described above (see...). Figure 4 ), and therefore omit the same features or characteristics.

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

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

[0240] As described above, a target dehydration RPM can be preset by default in a specific process selected via process selection unit 9215. This preset target dehydration RPM can be preset after being changed via regular dehydration option unit 9211. Therefore, once heating-dehydration is selected, the target heating temperature can be set based on the final preset target dehydration RPM.

[0241] The target RPM for dehydration can include multiple stages 922a, 922b, 922c, and 922d. As an example, these stages can be set to 800 RPM, 1000 RPM, 1200 RPM, and 1400 RPM. For these stages, the target heating temperatures can be preset to 75°C, 70°C, 65°C, and 60°C, respectively. Figure 8 The diagram shows the target RPM stages for dehydration and the corresponding target heating temperatures set for these stages. The target RPM for dehydration can be displayed as RPM values ​​or qualitative expressions (e.g., ultra-high speed, high speed, low speed, and ultra-low speed).

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

[0243] In this case, such a phase can be divided into more specific phases or fewer than three phases. When the dehydration target RPM is divided into three phases depending on the situation, the heating target temperature can be set with a difference of 10°C.

[0244] When a wash is required late at night or in a relatively quiet environment, the user can select a silent process or a night mode process via the process selection unit 9215. In such a process, the drum's movement speed (or the speed at which the drum rotates during its basic rotation in the drum operating section) can be reduced to minimize noise during the wash. Here, the wash duration may be increased compared to other processes to ensure washing performance.

[0245] While washing performance can be guaranteed during such night mode or silent processes, spin-drying performance is difficult to guarantee. Because noise and vibration can occur during high-speed spin-drying, the target RPM for spin-drying is set low in such processes. While the target RPM for spin-drying in a regular process is approximately 1200 RPM or higher, the target RPM for spin-drying in such processes might be around 800 RPM.

[0246] Therefore, after dehydration, a lot of moisture remains in the clothes, making it clear to the user that they have not been properly dehydrated.

[0247] However, according to this embodiment, when dehydration is performed at a low target RPM, the target heating temperature can be increased, thereby enhancing the dehydration performance by means of the increased temperature. In other words, both water removal promoted by evaporation and water removal promoted by centrifugal force can be performed.

[0248] The control method for the washing machine according to this embodiment can be similar to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The control method shown is omitted here, and therefore repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0249] The following text will refer to Figure 9 Describe in detail the relationship between the target dehydration RPM and the target heating temperature.

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

[0251] Once the drum rotates and the induction heater drive S541 starts, S542 can proceed.

[0252] As an example, the target dehydration RPM can be divided into four stages. The first RPM can be below 800 RPM, and the second RPM can be below 1000 RPM. The third RPM can be below 1200 RPM, and the fourth RPM can be above 1200 RPM. The target heating temperature S543 can be set based on the current target dehydration RPM. As an example, the target heating temperatures for the four stages can be set to 75°C, 70°C, 65°C, and 60°C, respectively. In other words, as the target dehydration RPM decreases, the target heating temperature can be set higher.

[0253] The induction heater can be activated for heating-dehydration when the current RPM reaches a predetermined RPM, or when the drum is driven, or after a predetermined period of time following its activation.

[0254] Temperature measurement can be performed during heating-dehydration (S5441), and it can be checked whether the measured temperature has reached the target heating temperature. When the measured current temperature reaches the target heating temperature, the drive of the induction heater can be paused (S5452). The drive of the induction heater can be maintained (S5451) unless the target heating temperature is reached.

[0255] The drive control of the induction heater can continue until the end of the heating-dehydration process, and the end of the heating-dehydration process can be determined based on time. In other words, it can be determined whether a preset time period S547 has elapsed, and the drive of the induction heater can eventually end after the preset time period to complete only the heating-dehydration process.

[0256] The above implementation may include a step of setting a target dehydration RPM S542 and a preset target dehydration RPM, and a step of setting a higher heating target temperature as the preset target dehydration RPM decreases. Furthermore, this implementation may include a heating-dehydration step based on the set target dehydration RPM and 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 an example, a user might prefer natural drying after washing. In this case, highly efficient natural drying would be necessary to facilitate the drying process. A user might also prefer washing and drying at midnight, allowing them to wear the clothes as usual the next morning without additional drying. If so, washing and drying at night minimizes vibration and noise while still achieving effective drying. Furthermore, a user might prefer automatic washing and drying under normal conditions.

[0264] To effectively meet the drying requirements of such users and improve ease of use, this 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 essentially include multiple washing processes 9215a. Such washing processes can sequentially and automatically perform washing, rinsing, and dehydration. Here, specific control variables for each washing process can be set differently (e.g., one or more of the following: washing water volume, washing water temperature, washing time, rinsing cycle frequency, presence of steam supply, washing time and degree of washing (mechanical power difference), and dehydration target RPM).

[0266] In this embodiment, the user can select the 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-spin-drying by default, and the heating-spin-drying is performed by heating the drum while the drum rotates by driving the induction heater.

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

[0268] Therefore, users can select only one process from the process selection unit without choosing additional options, so that washing and drying can be performed automatically. Users can then put on their clothes immediately after the washing and drying process is complete.

[0269] Multiple wash-dry processes with drying cycles can be provided. In other words, the user can select different drying conditions. As one embodiment, multiple wash-dry processes can be provided based on the target RPM of the drum. These processes may include: a process with a relatively low target RPM of the drum during dehydration (or a first wash-dry process); and a process with a relatively high target RPM of the drum (or a second wash-dry process).

[0270] In the first wash-dry process, the target RPM of the drum during dehydration can be low, allowing it to be configured for washing and drying in a quiet environment or late at night. The second wash-dry process can be performed under normal conditions.

[0271] When the target RPM of the roller changes, the change in the output of the induction heater and / or the change in the heating target facilitated by using the induction heater according to the above embodiment can be applied equally.

[0272] In other words, because the RPM of the dehydration drum is low, the amount of water separated by centrifugal force may be reduced. However, by increasing the heat, satisfactory dehydration performance can eventually be obtained, which may even affect the drying function set up later.

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

[0274] Users can also choose a conventional wash-dry process as an embodiment of the second wash-dry process 9215c. In this case, drying can be performed after heating and dehydration at a relatively high RPM, thereby promoting a reduction in drying time and efficient drying. Therefore, users can choose the second wash-dry process when they wish to perform a quick wash and dry in the morning or afternoon.

[0275] The duration of the first wash-dry process can be relatively longer than the duration of the second wash-dry process. Of course, the control logic for the drying process after heating-dehydration can be identical. As an example, the drum drive mode or target RPM, target heating temperature, and drying completion time conditions can be identical during the drying process. Therefore, it is expected that the amount of water remaining after heating-dehydration will be greater in the first wash-dry process than in the second wash-dry process, and it can be said that the duration of the second wash-dry process is relatively shorter.

[0276] However, washing and drying can be done late at night, with relatively less time constraints. This is because low noise and low vibration may be more important requirements late at night than reduced operating time. In this case, the same level of drying performance can be achieved by increasing the heat and / or heating time during hot drying and increasing the drying time.

[0277] During the first wash-dry process, the processor can control the output of the induction heater during the heating-spin-drying phase 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 change of the induction heater can be performed only during the first wash-dry process. As another embodiment, the output change can even be performed during the second wash-dry process.

[0278] The processor can control the target heating temperature, which is raised during the first wash-dry process by the induction heater, to be higher than the target heating temperature during the second wash-dry process. In other words, the processor can control the heat to increase even more.

[0279] Simultaneously, the wash-dry process selectable from the process selection unit can include: a wash-dry process configured to perform drying by default; and another wash-dry process configured not to perform drying. The latter wash-dry process can be configured to begin and end a heating-spinning process by default. This process can end after heating-spinning, rather than after conventional dehydration, thereby enabling efficient dehydration. In other words, compared to conventional dehydration, the drying effect promoted by heating-spinning can significantly reduce the moisture content, thus achieving rapid drying in the latter wash-dry process under natural drying conditions.

[0280] The washing-drying process configured to end after heating-dehydration can be a third washing-drying process 9215d. As an example, it can be a natural washing-drying process.

[0281] Furthermore, in the three washing-drying processes mentioned above, the target heating temperature during the heating-dehydration phase can be different from each other. Specifically, the target heating temperature during the heating-dehydration phase of the first washing-drying process can be set to the highest, and the target heating temperature during the heating-dehydration phase of the third washing-drying process can be set to the lowest. Simultaneously, the target RPM during the heating-dehydration phase of the third washing-drying process can be set to the highest, and the target RPM during the heating-dehydration phase of the first washing-drying process can be set to the lowest. The target RPM range can be approximately 800 to 1400 RPM, and the target heating temperature during heating-dehydration can range from approximately 60°C to 75°C.

[0282] It can provide multiple wash-dry processes, and the target RPM and heating target temperature of each process can be set differently, so that users can easily select one of the different wash-dry conditions according to the situation.

[0283] Additionally, this embodiment may also provide dehydration options 9211 and 9212. As an example, the user can select the standard dehydration option 9211 and change the target RPM for the selected washing process. Here, the variable target RPM or a range of variable target RPMs can be changed based on a specific washing process. As an example, the user can select the heat-spin-dry option 9212 and change the dehydration of the selected washing process to heat-spin-dry. Here, the heat-spin-dry selection can be limited based on a specific washing process. As an example, the heat-spin-dry selection can be limited in functional garment processes or wool processes.

[0284] Furthermore, the washing-drying process can be performed by default with heating and spin-drying. In this case, since the user has selected the heating and spin-drying option 9212, heating and spin-drying can be excluded from the selection. However, heating and spin-drying can be performed during the washing-drying process, and it can be a process that offers both spin-drying and drying options. Therefore, the user can be informed and the following can be displayed on the user interface screen: heating and spin-drying can be performed by default during the washing-drying process, thus excluding the heating and spin-drying option from the selection. Here, it is even possible to select the heating and spin-drying option during the washing-drying process, thereby excluding that heating and spin-drying option from the selection.

[0285] Meanwhile, the washing-drying process can be performed by default as described above, using heating-spinning. Here, the heating-spinning option 9212 can be an option selection unit for changing the heating-spinning conditions, rather than for excluding the heating-spinning performance.

[0286] Figure 10 An embodiment of selecting a conventional wash-dry process from the wash-dry process is shown. When the default is heat-spin-dry, the user can change the drum RPM conditions and target temperature conditions during heat-spin-dry via heat-spin-dry option 9212. This is because low noise and low vibration may be necessary during a conventional wash-dry process. This could even occur when the user is listening to music or studying while using the washing machine. The characteristics of the letters displayed on the screen can be equivalent to the reference... Figure 8 The characteristics described.

[0287] Figure 11 An embodiment of selecting a natural wash-dry process from the wash-dry process is shown. When heated spin-drying is performed by default during the natural wash-dry process, the user can change the drum RPM conditions and target temperature conditions during heated spin-drying using heated spin-drying option 9212. This is because low noise and low vibration may be required during the natural wash-dry process. This is most likely to occur when the user is listening to music or studying while using the washing machine. The characteristics of the letters displayed on the display may be equivalent to the reference. Figure 8 The characteristics described.

[0288] However, during the heated spin-drying process in an overnight washer-dryer, the variation in drum RPM and target temperature conditions may be limited compared to regular and natural washer-dryers. In other words, when a user selects the heated spin-drying option, these limitations should be communicated to the user via a buzzer or display. This is to prevent excessive noise due to errors at night, as overnight washer-dryers generally require low noise and low vibration. If a high spin-drying RPM is desired during an overnight washer-dryer, the user should select a regular washer-dryer or a regular washer-dryer with the heated spin-drying option, instead of an overnight washer-dryer.

[0289] Therefore, users can easily and intuitively use the washing machine's user interface based on the inclusion and exclusion relationships between the process selection unit and the option selection unit.

[0290] The following text will refer to Figure 12 A control method for a washing machine according to one embodiment is described in detail. The control method according to this embodiment can be similar to the one mentioned above. Figure 5 Control methods.

[0291] When a regular washing process is selected from the process selection unit, the following steps can be performed: Figure 5 The control method shown is as follows. When the washing-drying process is selected from the process selection unit, the following can be performed: Figure 12 The control method shown.

[0292] Once the process is input to the process selection unit S1, it can be determined which process was input to S2. It can be determined whether the natural wash-dry process S2a or the overnight wash-dry process S2b was selected. Unless neither process is selected, it can be determined that the regular wash-dry process was selected.

[0293] Once the corresponding process is determined, the laundry load sensing S20, washing S30, rinsing S40, and spin-drying S50 can be performed based on the selected process.

[0294] In the case of a nighttime wash-dry process, a standby step S3 can be initiated before the load sensing S20. Specifically, in this process, after the selected process is determined among other processes, load sensing can begin immediately. However, during a nighttime wash-dry process, the current time S3a can be measured, and the measured time can be compared with a power-saving time zone S3b. When the current time reaches the power-saving time zone, load sensing S20 can finally begin the process.

[0295] As described above, the washing-drying process can default to heating-dehydration in dehydration S50. However, the target temperature and dehydration RPM during heating-dehydration can be changed via heating-dehydration options. Therefore, all conditions selected from the process selection unit and the heating-dehydration options can be reflected in the heating-dehydration process. Thus, heating-dehydration can be performed at the final target temperature and dehydration RPM.

[0296] Furthermore, with the help of the heating-dehydration option, heating-dehydration can be eliminated during all or some of the washing-drying process. Therefore, it can be determined whether to perform heating-dehydration in the dehydration S50, and heating-dehydration or regular dehydration can be performed based on the determined result.

[0297] In the case of a natural wash-dry process after dehydration, the process can end. In the case of a regular wash-dry process or an overnight wash-dry process, the process can end after drying S70.

[0298] Therefore, you can select either the wash-dry process or the regular wash process from the process selection unit. Once the regular wash process is selected, you can select the heat-spin-dry process via the options unit. You can select the wash-dry process and then change the heat-spin-dry options.

[0299] Therefore, different washing and wash-drying processes can be offered, and a variety of performance options are available in terms of dehydration and drying. Users can intuitively and easily select their desired settings, and the washing machine can operate based on these selections.

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

[0301] As shown in the diagram, during the natural wash-dry process, heating-dehydration can be performed only in sections AB. At this point, the target heating temperature may be relatively low (e.g., 60°C). In this case, heating-dehydration can be performed at the highest RPM.

[0302] The heating-spinning process in a regular wash-dry cycle can be equivalent to the heating-spinning process in a natural wash-dry cycle. However, drying can be performed after heating-spinning.

[0303] Compared to other heat-dehydration processes, the target heating temperature during heat-dehydration in nighttime drying processes can be relatively high (e.g., 75°C). The heat-dehydration duration can be relatively longer than in other processes. Drying can be performed after heat-dehydration.

[0304] The drying process in an overnight wash-dry cycle can be equivalent to that in a regular wash-dry cycle. However, because the heating-spin-drying process requires a longer time, the overall spin-drying and drying time, including the drying process itself, may be longer. Since the target heating temperatures are equal, the time required to complete the drying process in both processes may be equal when both processes have the same amount of laundry and the same moisture content.

[0305] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations can be made to this disclosure without departing from its spirit or scope. Therefore, it is intended that any modifications and alterations to this disclosure fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0306] Since the present features can be embodied in various forms without departing from their features, it should also be understood that, unless otherwise specified, the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be broadly regarded as being within the scope defined in the appended claims. Therefore, all variations and modifications that fall within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof should be included in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine, the washing machine comprising: bucket; A roller, which is rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold clothing; An induction heater, located in the barrel and configured to heat the outer peripheral surface of the drum; A motor, located at the rear of the barrel and configured to drive the drum to rotate; An instantaneous power output unit is configured to calculate instantaneous power and output the instantaneous power to the washing machine; A processor configured to control the drive of the drum and to control the heating-dehydration operation by controlling the drive of the induction heater; as well as A temperature sensor, connected to the processor and configured to sense the temperature inside the barrel. The processor is configured to control the output of the induction heater to be variable based on the instantaneous power output by the instantaneous power output unit. The heating-spinning operation is configured to heat the drum by driving the induction heater while the drum rotates during spin-drying, and to heat the garment by driving the induction heater during the rotation of the drum to perform the heating-spinning operation. The processor is configured to: calculate the overall instantaneous power during the heating-spinning operation based on the current heating-spinning operation, and determine the output power of the induction heater differently based on the calculated overall instantaneous power during the heating-spinning operation and the total power limit of the washing machine.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, As the current dehydration RPM increases, the instantaneous power increases and the output of the induction heater decreases; conversely, as the current dehydration RPM decreases, the instantaneous power decreases and the output of the induction heater increases.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The instantaneous power output unit is also configured to calculate the instantaneous power of the motor used to drive the drum based on the following: The input current and DC link voltage applied to the motor; The input current and input voltage applied to the motor; or The input current applied to the motor and the AC input voltage applied to the washing machine.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The processor drives the induction heater while the drum is being driven.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature sensor is located near the bottom of the barrel.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is also configured to pause the operation of the induction heater based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaching the target heating temperature.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The induction heater is controlled by controlling the inverter of the washing machine.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: A control panel configured to provide a user interface, wherein the control panel includes a heat-spinning option unit configured to select whether to heat the garment by driving the induction heater during a spin cycle.

9. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein, The control panel also includes: A process selection unit, configured to allow a user to select one of multiple washing processes; and An option selection unit is configured to allow a user to select option information related to a process selected from the process selection unit, and the option selection unit includes options allowing a user to select a target dehydration RPM and a target heating temperature for the drum in the heating-dehydration operation.

10. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein, The multiple washing processes include a silent process and a night mode process, and When washing is required late at night or in a relatively quiet environment, users can choose between a silent process or a night mode process.

11. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The driving time of the induction heater is set to be during a preset time period when the drum rotates.

12. The washing machine according to claim 11, wherein, The preset time period varies based on the amount of clothing.

13. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is also configured to control the induction heater to restart based on the temperature inside the barrel dropping from the target heating temperature to a preset temperature or lower.

14. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: A door, which is rotatably connected to the cabinet of the washing machine and configured to open and close the opening of the cabinet; as well as A door locking mechanism configured to keep the door closed. The door lock mechanism keeps the door locked if the sensed temperature is higher than or equal to a preset temperature.

15. The washing machine according to claim 14, further comprising: A conduit configured to circulate air, wherein air supplied from the upper front region of the drum and discharged from the lower rear region of the drum flows along the conduit; and A fan located in the duct and configured to generate the air circulation.

16. The washing machine according to claim 15, wherein, The washing machine's washing-drying operation is configured to perform the heating-spinning operation by default.

17. A control method for operating a washing machine, the washing machine comprising: bucket; A drum, rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to hold clothes; an induction heater, located in the tub and configured to heat the outer circumferential surface of the drum; a motor, located at the rear of the tub and configured to drive the drum to rotate; an instantaneous power output unit, configured to calculate instantaneous power and output the instantaneous power to the washing machine; and a processor, configured to control the drive of the drum and to control the heating-spinning operation by controlling the drive of the induction heater. The control method includes the following steps: and a temperature sensor connected to the processor and configured to sense the temperature inside the barrel. The output of the induction heater is controlled to be variable based on the instantaneous power output by the instantaneous power output unit; and The drum is heated by driving the induction heater as it rotates during spin-drying, and the garments are heated by driving the induction heater during the rotation of the drum to perform the heat-spin-drying operation. Specifically, based on the ongoing heating-spinning operation, the overall instantaneous power during the heating-spinning process is calculated, and the output power of the induction heater is determined differently based on the calculated overall instantaneous power during the heating-spinning process and the total power limit of the washing machine.

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