Laundry care apparatus and method of controlling same

Abstract

A laundry care apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a tub; an upper detergent supply device provided at an upper portion of the tub; a lower detergent supply device provided at a lower portion of the tub; a heat exchanger disposed above the tub; a nozzle device provided to spray water to the heat exchanger; a first tube for supplying water to the upper detergent supply means; a second tube for supplying water to the nozzle means; a third pipe for supplying water to the tub; the water supply device is connected to the first pipe, the second pipe and the third pipe; and a controller controlling the water supply device to supply water to at least one of the upper detergent supply device, the nozzle device, or the tub to perform at least one of a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a dewatering operation, or a drying operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a garment care device including a drying element and a method for controlling it. Background Technology

[0002] Garment care appliances are devices used to handle and / or care for clothing. Garment care appliances include washing machines and dryers. Washing machines may include dryer combo machines (washer-dryer combos).

[0003] A dryer-washing machine is a device that uses the driving force of a motor to agitate the laundry, water, and detergent together in a tub, thereby washing the clothes through mutual friction.

[0004] The process performed by a dryer-washing machine may include: a washing process in which detergent and water are supplied to a tub in which laundry is contained and the laundry is washed while the drum is rotating; a rinsing process in which water is supplied to the tub and the laundry is rinsed by the rotating drum; and a spin-drying process in which water is drained from the tub and water is removed from the laundry by the rotating drum.

[0005] The process performed by a dryer-washing machine may include drying the laundry by blowing hot air generated from a drying element into a holding space containing the laundry. The dryer-washing machine may include a drying element that performs the drying process. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a garment care device including a detergent supply device having a structure for preventing leakage.

[0007] This disclosure provides a garment care device and a method for controlling it, the garment care device selectively supplying water to at least one detergent supply device, nozzle device or drum according to a washing process, rinsing process, dehydration process or drying process.

[0008] This disclosure provides a garment care device and a method for controlling it, which can prevent moisture leakage during the drying process via a detergent supply device.

[0009] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a garment care device may include: a tub; an upper detergent supply device above the tub; a heat exchanger above the tub; a nozzle device configured to spray water onto the heat exchanger to clean the heat exchanger; a water supply device for supplying water and including: a first pipe configured to direct water supplied by the water supply device to the upper detergent supply device, a second pipe configured to direct water supplied by the water supply device to the nozzle device, and a third pipe configured to direct water supplied by the water supply device to the tub; and a controller configured to control the water supply device to supply water to at least one of the first pipe, the second pipe, or the third pipe, wherein water supplied to the first pipe will be directed to the upper detergent supply device, water supplied to the second pipe will be directed to the nozzle device, and water supplied to the third pipe will be directed to the tub, thereby performing at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, or a drying process.

[0010] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a garment care device may include: a tub; an upper detergent supply device above the tub; a heat exchanger above the tub; a nozzle device configured to spray water onto the heat exchanger to clean the heat exchanger; a water supply device for supplying water and including: a first pipe configured to direct water supplied by the water supply device to the upper detergent supply device; a second pipe configured to direct water supplied by the water supply device to the nozzle device; and a third pipe configured to direct water supplied by the water supply device to the tub; and a controller, a method for controlling the garment care device may include: determining an operating process of the garment care device based on user input; determining, based on the determined operating process, to perform at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, or a drying process; controlling the water supply device to supply water to at least one of the first pipe, the second pipe, or the third pipe, wherein water supplied to the first pipe will be directed to the upper detergent supply device, water supplied to the second pipe will be directed to the nozzle device, and water supplied to the third pipe will be directed to the tub, thereby performing at least one of the washing process, rinsing process, spin-drying process, or drying process.

[0011] According to this disclosure, the garment care device can prevent leakage through a detergent supply device.

[0012] According to this disclosure, the garment care device and the method for the controller can selectively supply water to at least one of a detergent supply device, a nozzle device, or a tub, depending on the washing process, rinsing process, dehydration process, or drying process.

[0013] According to this disclosure, a garment care device and a method for controlling it can prevent moisture leakage during the drying process via a detergent supply device. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1A garment care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a garment care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 A portion of a component disposed in a garment care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 The embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in relation to... Figure 3 A component of a garment care device positioned in different directions.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a portion of a drying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 A portion of the components related to the water supply of the garment care device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 7 A detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an exploded view showing a portion of the components of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 9 A dispensing guide for a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 10 A detergent cap is shown for a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 11 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken by line A-A' is shown in the figure.

[0025] Figure 12 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken by line B-B' is shown in the figure.

[0026] Figure 13 Showing the detergent box from Figure 12 The image shows the detergent dispensed from the container.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a control block diagram of a garment care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a flowchart that briefly illustrates the entire process that can be performed by the garment care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a table illustrating a method for controlling a garment care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments described in the specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples of this disclosure, and various modifications may be made to replace the embodiments and drawings of this disclosure when the application is filed.

[0031] The same reference numerals or symbols shown in the accompanying drawings are components or parts that perform essentially the same function.

[0032] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one item or multiple items.

[0033] As used herein, each of the expressions “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C” and “at least one of A, B or C” may include one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with the corresponding expression in the expression.

[0034] The term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] It will be understood that the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used only to distinguish one part from another, and are not intended to limit the corresponding parts in other respects (such as importance or order).

[0036] When one (e.g., the first) component is said to be “connected” or “linked” to another (e.g., the second) component, whether or not the terms “functionally” or “communically” are used, it means that one component can be connected to another component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or via a third component.

[0037] It will be understood that when the terms “comprising,” “including,” “including…” and / or “containing…” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the mentioned features, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements or combinations thereof.

[0038] The expression “connected,” “linked,” “supported,” or “in contact” between one component and another includes cases where the components are directly “connected,” “linked,” “supported,” or “in contact” with each other, as well as cases where the components are indirectly “connected,” “linked,” “supported,” or “in contact” with each other through a third component.

[0039] It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as being "on" or "above" another component, it can be directly on the other component, or there may be an intermediate component.

[0040] Washing machines according to various embodiments of this disclosure can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. The washing machine is an example of a garment care device, and a garment care device can be a concept including a device capable of washing clothes (objects to be washed and objects to be dried), a device capable of drying clothes, and a device capable of both washing and drying clothes.

[0041] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include top-loading or front-loading washing machines. In a top-loading washing machine, the laundry inlet for loading or unloading laundry is provided facing upwards, while in a front-loading washing machine, the laundry inlet is provided facing forward. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include load-bearing washing machines other than top-loading and front-loading washing machines.

[0042] In top-loading washing machines, laundry is washed using water flow generated by a rotating body such as an agitator. In front-loading washing machines, laundry is washed by repeatedly raising and lowering it via a rotating drum. Front-loading washing machines may include dryer-combination washing machines capable of drying laundry stored in the drum. Dryer-combination washing machines may include a hot air supply device for supplying hot air to the drum and a condenser device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, dryer-combination washing machines may include a heat pump device. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines using washing methods other than those described above.

[0043] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a housing therein for accommodating various components. The housing may be provided in the form of a box, which includes a laundry inlet on one side.

[0044] The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing via hinges. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow visibility into the interior of the housing.

[0045] The washing machine may include a tub disposed inside the housing to store water. The tub may be formed in a generally cylindrical shape, with an opening formed on one side of the tub. The tub may be arranged inside the housing such that the opening corresponds to the inlet of the laundry.

[0046] The drum can be connected to the housing via a damper. The damper absorbs the vibrations generated when the drum rotates and reduces the vibrations transmitted to the housing.

[0047] A washing machine may include a drum that holds laundry.

[0048] The drum can be positioned inside the tub such that a drum opening on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry can pass sequentially through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening, and then be contained in or removed from the drum.

[0049] The drum can perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying while rotating inside the tub. Multiple through holes can be formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum to allow water stored in the tub to be introduced into or drained from the drum.

[0050] A washing machine may include a drive mechanism configured to rotate a drum. The drive mechanism may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may pass through a tub to connect to the drum.

[0051] The drive mechanism can perform corresponding operations according to the washing, rinsing and / or dehydration or drying process by rotating the drum in the forward or reverse direction.

[0052] The washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve disposed within the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub through the detergent supply device. Alternatively, water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0053] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the controller. The water supply valve can allow or prevent water from being supplied to the tank from an external water source. The water supply valve may include a solenoid valve configured to open and close in response to an electrical signal.

[0054] The washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device and an automatic detergent supply device. A manual detergent supply device requires the user to input the detergent to be used for each wash, while an automatic detergent supply device stores a large quantity of detergent and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount during the wash cycle. The detergent supply device may include a detergent dispenser for storing the detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent to the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through a water supply line may be mixed with the detergent via the detergent supply device. The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied to the tub. The term "detergent" may include, for example, detergent for pre-wash, detergent for main wash, fabric softener, bleach, etc. The detergent dispenser may be divided into a storage area for pre-wash detergent, a storage area for main wash detergent, a storage area for fabric softener, and a storage area for bleach.

[0055] The washing machine may include a drain device configured to drain water contained in a tub to the outside. The drain device may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve disposed on the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump disposed on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water from the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0056] The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side of the casing. The control panel provides a user interface for interaction between the user and the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0057] The at least one input interface can convert sensory information received from the user into electrical signals. The at least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a process selection dial (or process selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin set button. The at least one input interface may include, for example, a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touch screen, a scroll wheel, and / or a microphone.

[0058] The at least one output interface can visually or audibly send information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user. For example, the at least one output interface can send information to the user related to the washing process, the washing machine's operating time, and the wash / rinse / spin settings. Information about the operation of the washing machine can be output via a screen, indicator, or voice. The at least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker.

[0059] The washing machine may include a communication module for wired and / or wireless communication with external devices.

[0060] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-range wireless communication module.

[0061] The communication module can send data to or receive data from external devices (e.g., servers, user equipment, and / or home appliances). For example, the communication module can establish communication with servers and / or user equipment and / or home appliances, and send and receive various types of data.

[0062] For communication, the communication module can establish a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between external devices and support the execution of communication through the established communication channel. Depending on the implementation, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the respective communication module can communicate with external devices through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or the Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0063] Short-range wireless communication modules may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication modules, near-field communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication modules, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication modules, ultra-wideband (UWB) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, and microwave (uWave) communication modules.

[0064] The remote wireless communication module may include communication modules that perform various types of remote wireless communication, and may include mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.

[0065] According to the implementation, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as servers, user equipment, and other household appliances via an access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or user equipment is connected to to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or user equipment can connect to the server via the WAN. The controller can control various components of the washing machine (e.g., the drive motor and water supply valve). The controller can control various components of the washing machine according to user input to perform at least one operation including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying. For example, the controller can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum, or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0066] The controller may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller may include: at least one memory for storing algorithmic and program-type data for controlling the operation of components in a washing machine; and at least one processor configured to perform the aforementioned operations using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips, or may include one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Alternatively, the memory and processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0067] In the following, various embodiments of garment care apparatus according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the hereinafter, a washer-dryer combo washer (washer-dryer combo) is described as an example of a garment care apparatus, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various devices for handling and / or caring for garments can be used as garment care apparatuses.

[0068] The terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” etc., used in the following description are defined based on the accompanying drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0069] For example, the X-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction, the Y-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction.

[0070] Figure 1 A garment care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a garment care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 A portion of a component disposed in a garment care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 The embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in relation to... Figure 3 A component of a garment care device positioned in different directions. Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a portion of a drying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The garment care device 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing 10 for accommodating various components therein. The housing 10 may be provided in the form of a box including a laundry inlet 11 on one side. The laundry inlet 11 may be provided to face generally forward.

[0072] The garment care device 1 may include a laundry door 17 for opening and closing the laundry inlet 11. The laundry door 17 may be rotatably mounted to the housing 10 via hinges. At least a portion of the laundry door 17 may be transparent or translucent to allow visibility into the interior of the housing. For example, the laundry door 17 may include tempered glass.

[0073] The garment care device 1 may include a lower door 18 providing access to the lower detergent supply device 60. The garment care device 1 may include an upper door 19 providing access to the upper detergent supply device 50 and the filter 95.

[0074] The garment care device 1 may include a tub 20 disposed inside a housing 10 to store water. The tub 20 may be formed in a generally cylindrical shape, with a tub opening 21 formed on one side of the tub 20. The tub may be disposed inside the housing 10 such that the tub opening 21 corresponds to the laundry inlet 11. The tub opening 21 may be provided to face substantially forward. The laundry door 17 can open or close the tub opening 21.

[0075] The drum 20 can be connected to the housing 10 via a damper 25. The damper 25 can absorb the vibrations generated when the drum 30 rotates, and the damper 25 can reduce the vibrations transmitted to the housing 10.

[0076] The garment care device 1 may include a drum 30 for receiving laundry. At least one lifter 33 may be installed in the drum 30 to lift and lower the laundry for washing.

[0077] The drum 30 can be arranged inside the tub 20 such that the drum opening 31 corresponds to the laundry inlet 11 and the tub opening 21. Laundry can pass sequentially through the laundry inlet 11, the tub opening 21, and the drum opening 31, and then be contained in or removed from the drum 30. The drum opening 31 can be provided to face substantially forward.

[0078] The drum 30 can perform each operation according to washing, rinsing and / or spin-drying while rotating inside the tub 20. A plurality of through holes 32 may be formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum 30 to allow water stored in the tub 20 to be introduced into or removed from the drum 30.

[0079] The garment care device 1 may include a drive mechanism 36 configured to rotate a roller 30. The drive mechanism 36 may include a drive motor 36a and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor 36a to the roller 30. The rotating shaft may pass through a tub 20 to connect to the roller 30.

[0080] The drive unit 36 ​​can perform corresponding operations according to the washing, rinsing and / or dehydration or drying process by rotating the drum 30 in the forward or reverse direction.

[0081] The garment care device 1 may include a water supply device 40. The water supply device 40 may include water supply valves 41 and 42 that can be connected to an external water source. For example, water supply valves 41 and 42 may include a first water supply valve 41 for supplying hot water and a second water supply valve 42 for supplying cold water. The first water supply valve 41 may be referred to as a hot water supply valve. The second water supply valve 42 may be referred to as a cold water supply valve.

[0082] The water supply device 40 may include water supply pipes 43 and 44 and water supply valves 41 and 42. Water supply pipes 43 and 44 may be flexible hoses, plastic pipes, or metal pipes. Water supply pipes 43 and 44 may be connected to water supply valves 41 and 42. For example, water supply pipes 43 and 44 may include a first water supply pipe 43 connected to a first water supply valve 41 and a second water supply pipe 44 connected to a second water supply valve 42. The first water supply pipe 43 may be referred to as a hot water pipe. The second water supply pipe 44 may be referred to as a cold water pipe.

[0083] At least one of water supply pipes 43 and 44 can direct water from water supply valves 41 and 42 to tank 20. At least one of water supply pipes 43 and 44 can extend from water supply valve 42 to tank 20. Water can be supplied to lower detergent supply device 60 through tank 20. Water can also be supplied to lower detergent supply device 60 without passing through tank 20.

[0084] Water supply valves 41 and 42 can open or close water supply pipes 43 and 44. Water supply valves 41 and 42 can allow or prevent water from being supplied to tank 20 from an external water source. For example, water supply valves 41 and 42 may include solenoid valves configured to open and close in response to an electrical signal.

[0085] The garment care device 1 may include detergent supply devices 50 and 60 for supplying detergent to a tub 20. Detergent supply devices 50 and 60 may include an upper detergent supply device 50 and a lower detergent supply device 60. The term "detergent" may include, for example, detergents for pre-washing, detergents for main washing, fabric softeners, bleach, etc.

[0086] The top detergent supply device 50 may be located above the tub 20. The top detergent supply device 50 may be vertically positioned above the tub 20. The top detergent supply device 50 may be a manual detergent supply device that requires user input of the amount of detergent to be used for each wash, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large quantity of detergent and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount during washing. The top detergent supply device 50 may be connected to the tub 20 via a detergent connection pipe 51. For example, the top detergent supply device 50 may supply solid detergent and / or fabric softener to the tub 20. However, the types of detergent are not limited to the examples above.

[0087] The detergent connection tube 51 can be U-shaped. The detergent connection tube 51 can be provided as a flexible hose, plastic tube, or metal tube. One end of the detergent connection tube 51 can be connected to the upper detergent supply device 50, and the other end can be connected to the tub 20. In the vertical direction relative to the ground, one end and the other end of the detergent connection tube 51 can be positioned higher than the bend of the detergent connection tube 51. Therefore, water can accumulate in the bend of the detergent connection tube 51. The water accumulated in the bend of the detergent connection tube 51 can prevent water in the tub 20 from being discharged to the outside through the upper detergent supply device 50.

[0088] The detergent supply device 60 may be located below the tub 20. The detergent supply device 60 may be located vertically below the tub 20. The detergent supply device 60 may include a manual detergent supply device that requires the user to input the detergent to be used for each wash, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount during washing. For example, the detergent supply device 60 may supply liquid laundry detergent and / or fabric softener to the tub 20. However, the types of detergent are not limited to the above examples.

[0089] The garment care device 1 may include a drain device 70 for discharging water contained in the tank 20 to the outside. The drain device 70 may include a drain pump 71 for discharging water in the tank 20 to the outside of the housing 10.

[0090] The garment care device 1 may include a circulation pump 76 that circulates water in the tub 20 back to the tub 20 through a lower detergent supply device 60.

[0091] The drain device 70 can be connected to the bucket 20 via the bucket connection pipe 72. The drain device 70 can discharge water from the bucket 20 to the outside of the housing 10 via the drain pipe 73.

[0092] The laundry care device 1 may include a water level sensor 200 for detecting the water level in the tub 20. The water level sensor 200 may be located outside the tub 20. For example, the water level sensor 200 may be installed below the upper detergent supply device 50. The location of the water level sensor 200 is not limited to this.

[0093] The water level sensor 200 can be connected to a connecting hose 201 extending from a branch pipe 72a of the bucket connecting pipe 72. The water level sensor 200 can be installed at one end of the connecting hose 201 connected to the bucket connecting pipe 72. The water level in the connecting hose 201 can be the same as the water level in the bucket 20.

[0094] As the water level in tank 20 increases, the water level in connecting hose 201 also increases. This increase in water level in connecting hose 201 increases the pressure within it. Water level sensor 200 can detect this pressure change in connecting hose 201 and can detect the water level in tank 20 corresponding to the pressure in connecting hose 201. Water level sensor 200 can generate an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure in connecting hose 201. The frequency of the electrical signal generated by water level sensor 200 can vary according to the pressure change in connecting hose 201.

[0095] In another example, the water level sensor 200 can be installed inside the tank 20. As the water level in the tank 20 increases, the pressure applied to the water level sensor 200 can increase. The water level sensor 200 can detect the water level in the tank 20 corresponding to the pressure.

[0096] The garment care device 1 may include a control panel 100 disposed on one side of the housing 10. The control panel 100 provides a user interface for interaction between the user and the garment care device 1. The user interface may include at least one input interface 101 and at least one output interface 102.

[0097] For example, the at least one input interface 101 can convert sensory information received from the user into electrical signals. The at least one input interface 101 may include a power button, an operation button, a process selection dial (or process selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin set button. The at least one input interface 101 may include a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touch screen, a scroll wheel, and / or a microphone.

[0098] The at least one output interface 102 can visually or audibly transmit information related to the operation of the garment care device 1 to the user. For example, the at least one output interface 102 can transmit information related to the washing process, the operating time of the garment care device 1, and the washing / rinsing / spinning settings to the user. Information regarding the operation of the garment care device 1 can be output via a screen, indicator, or voice. The at least one output interface 102 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker.

[0099] The garment care device 1 may include a drying device 80 for drying laundry contained in the drum 30. The drying device 80 can heat air and supply the heated air into the interior of the drum 20. The drying device 80 can dry and heat air discharged from the drum 20 and circulate the dried and heated air within the drum 20 to dry the laundry in the drum 30. According to various embodiments, the drying device 80 may be positioned above the drum 20.

[0100] The drying device 80 may include a drying housing 81. The drying housing 81 may include a drying base 81a and a drying cover 81b, the drying cover 81b being coupled to the drying base 81a to form a flow path through which air can pass. The drying cover 81b may cover the open upper surface of the drying base 81a.

[0101] Reference Figure 5 For example, the drying device 80 may include a rear cover 81c, which may be attached to the rear side of the drying base 81a. The rear cover 81c may form at least a portion of the rear of the drying device 80. Water supply valves 41 and 42 may be mounted to the rear cover 81c.

[0102] The drying device 80 can be configured as a heat pump. The drying device 80 may include a fan 87a, a compressor 91, a condenser 92, an evaporator 93, an expansion valve, and a refrigerant line 94 for allowing refrigerant circulation. The compressor 91, condenser 92, evaporator 93, and expansion valve constituting the heat pump may be housed within the drying housing 81. For example, the drying device 80 may further include a cooling fan 91a for cooling the compressor 91. For example, the drying device 80 may be formed as a single module.

[0103] Compressor 91 compresses the refrigerant, and the compressed, high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant moves to condenser 92. Condenser 92 cools the refrigerant to heat the surrounding air. The heated air flows into drum 30 to dry laundry.

[0104] The refrigerant, expanded through the expansion valve, can absorb heat from the evaporator 93 and cool the surrounding air. That is, the evaporator 93 can remove moisture by cooling the hot, humid air passing through the drum 30. The air, from which moisture has been removed, can pass through the condenser 92 and be reheated while exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the condenser 92. In other words, the condenser 92 can heat the air that has passed through the evaporator 93. The condenser 92 and evaporator 93 can correspond to heat exchangers. The condenser 92 can be referred to as the "first heat exchanger." The evaporator 93 can be referred to as the "second heat exchanger."

[0105] For example, the drying device 80 may further include a drying heater 99. The drying heater 99 can improve the drying efficiency of the drying device 80. The heat pump component of the drying device 80 can be replaced by the drying heater 99.

[0106] The dryer heater 99 can heat the air introduced into the dryer device 80. The dryer heater 99 can be disposed in the heating flow path 86. The dryer heater 99 can be disposed downstream of the condenser 92 along the airflow through the dryer device 80. Additionally, the dryer heater 99 can be provided in a relatively small size to reduce flow path resistance. For example, the dryer heater 99 can be a sheath heater.

[0107] A drying device 80, according to various embodiments, can be disposed above the container 20. An inlet flow path 85 can be formed in the drying device 80, into which air discharged from the container 20 flows. A heating flow path 86 can be formed in the drying device 80 for heat exchange of the air introduced into the drying device 80 through the inlet flow path 85. The drying device 80 can be provided with a supply flow path 87 through which the air undergoing heat exchange during the heating flow path 86 is supplied to the container 20.

[0108] The inlet flow path 85 allows air passing through the interior of the container 20 to flow into the drying device 80. The inlet flow path 85 can be located above the container 20. The inlet flow path 85 can communicate with the exhaust flow path P formed at the rear of the container 20.

[0109] The drying device 80 may include an inlet guide 84 connected to the container 20. The inlet guide 84 guides air discharged from the container 20 to an inlet flow path 85. The inlet flow path 85 may communicate with an exhaust flow path P formed in the container 20 via the inlet guide 84. Air that has passed through the exhaust flow path P may flow into the inlet flow path 85 of the drying device 80 via the inlet guide 84.

[0110] A filter 95 can be installed in the inlet flow path 85 to filter out foreign matter, such as lint, contained in the air flowing in from the barrel 20 through the exhaust flow path P. The air flowing into the inlet flow path 85 can flow into the heating flow path 86 after passing through the filter 95. The filter 95 can be located in the flow path through which air flowing into the drying device 80 moves to the evaporator 93 and the condenser 92.

[0111] Heat exchangers 92 and 93 can be disposed on the heating flow path 86. Heat exchangers 92 and 93 may include a condenser 92 and an evaporator 93. Because the air flowing into the heating flow path 86 has already passed through the interior of the barrel 20, the introduced air can be humid. The humid air can be cooled in the evaporator 93 disposed in the heating flow path 86 to remove moisture. The air that has already had moisture removed from it in the evaporator 93 can pass through the condenser 92 and can be reheated.

[0112] The drying device 80 may include a nozzle device 96 to clean heat exchangers 92 and 93. The nozzle device 96 may be arranged in the heating flow path 86. The nozzle device 96 may receive water from the water supply device 40 and may spray water toward the heat exchangers 92 and 93. The water sprayed from the nozzle device 96 may clean one side of the heat exchangers 92 and 93.

[0113] Simultaneously, the garment care device 1 may include a drain line 97 to guide water discharged from the drying unit 80 to the tank 20. The drain line 97 may be provided as a flexible hose, plastic pipe, or metal pipe. The drain line 97 may guide condensate generated in the heat exchangers 92 and 93 of the drying unit 80 to the outside of the drying unit 80. The drain line 97 may also guide water sprayed by the nozzle device 96 for cleaning the heat exchangers 92 and 93 to the outside of the drying unit 80.

[0114] Nozzle device 96 can clean heat exchangers 92 and 93. Nozzle device 96 can be configured to clean the area where air is introduced into heat exchangers 92 and 93. Nozzle device 96 can be configured to clean at least a portion of evaporator 93. Nozzle device 96 can be configured to clean a portion of evaporator 93 through which air flows. Nozzle device 96 can be configured to clean a portion of evaporator 93 contaminated by air that exchanges heat with evaporator 93 as it passes through evaporator 93. Nozzle device 96 can be located near the area where air is introduced into evaporator 93.

[0115] Drain line 97 can be connected to drain device 70. Drain line 97 can be connected to drain pump 71. Water discharged from dryer 80 can flow along drain line 97 to drain device 70. Water flowing into drain device 70 through drain line 97 can be directed to tank 20. Condensate flowing into tank 20 can be discharged to the outside of garment care device 1 by the operation of drain pump 71.

[0116] The supply path 87 can supply the air heated while passing through the condenser 92 back into the interior of the barrel 20. The supply path 87 can communicate with the heating path 86 and extend downward to discharge the heated air toward the opening of the barrel 20.

[0117] A fan 87a may be provided on the supply flow path 87 to allow air to flow into the drum 20. That is, the fan 87a may supply air to the laundry in the drum 30. For example, the fan 87a may include a sirocco fan.

[0118] The inlet flow path 85, the heating flow path 86, and the supply flow path 87 allow air to circulate into the interior of the barrel 20 and the drying device 80.

[0119] In the garment care device 1, air discharged from the drum 20 can pass sequentially through the inlet flow path 85, the heating flow path 86 and the supply flow path 87 of the drying device 80 located above the drum 20, and can then be supplied to the drum 20.

[0120] Heated air in the drying unit 80 can flow into the drum 30. To ensure sufficient contact area between the heated air supplied to the drum 30 and the laundry, a drum exhaust port 27 can be positioned opposite the air inlet 26 through which the heated air in the drying unit 80 flows into the drum 20. To increase the distance and / or time the heated air travels within the drum 30, thereby increasing contact between the heated air and the laundry, the drum exhaust port 27 can be positioned opposite the air inlet 26 through which the heated air in the drying unit 80 flows into the drum 20. The supply path 87 for supplying heated air to the drum 30 and the drum exhaust port 27 can be arranged spaced apart from each other. By increasing the contact area between the heated air and the laundry, drying efficiency can be improved.

[0121] The air inlet 26 and the barrel exhaust port 27 can be arranged to maximize the use of the heated air supplied from the drying device 80. For example, the air inlet 26 can be located near the front of the barrel 20, and the barrel exhaust port 27 can be located near the rear of the barrel 20.

[0122] Reference Figure 3 The washing machine according to the embodiment may include a diaphragm 22 connecting the tub opening 21 of the tub 20 and the laundry inlet 11 of the housing 10. The diaphragm 22 connects the laundry inlet 11 and the tub opening 21. The diaphragm 22 prevents laundry placed in the laundry inlet 11 from falling between the housing 10 and the tub 20, and serves to connect the front end of the tub 20 and the housing 10 regardless of vibration during the washing process. For this purpose, the diaphragm 22 may be formed of an elastic material. For example, the diaphragm 22 may include a plastic material, such as rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0123] In the washing machine according to an embodiment, the diaphragm 22 may include a conduit portion 22a provided to connect to a supply conduit 87b forming a supply flow path 87. The conduit portion 22a may extend upward from one side of the diaphragm 22, which has a cylindrical shape with open sides. A flow path may be formed inside the conduit portion 22a to allow airflow. The conduit portion 22a may be formed adjacent to the upper end of the diaphragm 22. The conduit portion 22a may be integrally formed with the diaphragm 22 and have the same material. Alternatively, the conduit portion 22a may be provided separately from the diaphragm 22 and may be coupled to the diaphragm 22. Additionally, the conduit portion 22a may be provided separately from the diaphragm 22 and the tub 20 and may be coupled to the tub 20. The conduit portion 22a may be integrally formed with the tub 20. An air inlet 26 may be formed at one end of the conduit portion 22a.

[0124] The garment care device 1 according to various embodiments may further include an exhaust flow path P to allow air discharged from inside the drum 20 to flow to the drying device 80. The exhaust flow path P may be arranged to allow air discharged from the drum exhaust port 27 to flow into the inlet flow path 85 of the drying device 80. The exhaust flow path P may be arranged to discharge humid air that has passed through the drum 20. For example, the exhaust flow path P may be provided at the rear of the drum 20.

[0125] Air in the barrel 20 can be discharged into the barrel pipe 28 through the barrel exhaust port 27 formed at the rear of the barrel 20. The air discharged from the barrel pipe 28 can flow along the exhaust flow path P and be supplied to the drying device 80.

[0126] The garment care device 1 according to various embodiments may include a tubular conduit 28 forming part of an exhaust flow path P. For example, the tubular conduit 28 may be integrally formed with a tub 20. For example, the tub 20 may include the tubular conduit 28. The tubular conduit 28 may surround a tubular exhaust port 27.

[0127] The garment care device 1 according to various embodiments may include a pipe cover 29 forming part of an exhaust flow path P. The pipe cover 29 may cover the open rear side of the tub pipe 28. For example, the tub 20 may include the pipe cover 29. The pipe cover 29 may form at least a portion of the exhaust flow path P, through which air discharged through the tub exhaust port 27 flows to the drying device 80.

[0128] In the garment care device 1 according to various embodiments, the exhaust flow path P can be formed by connecting the pipe cover 29 and the tub pipe 28.

[0129] The barrel conduit 28 according to an embodiment may include a recessed portion 28a that forms part of an exhaust flow path P through which air discharged from the interior of the barrel 20 flows. Reinforcing ribs 23 may be arranged on the rear surface of the barrel 20 to enhance the rigidity of the barrel 20. The recessed portion 28a may be recessed from the end of the reinforcing rib 23 that protrudes from the rear surface of the barrel 20. The recessed portion 28a may be a portion of the rear surface of the barrel 20 through which the reinforcing rib 23 is not formed. A barrel exhaust port 27 may be formed in the recessed portion 28a to discharge air from the interior of the barrel 20. The barrel conduit 28 may include a separating rib 28d provided along the periphery of the recessed portion 28a. The separating rib 28d may distinguish the area in the rear surface of the barrel 20 from the area in which the reinforcing rib 23 is formed from the area in which the recessed portion 28a is formed.

[0130] The container 20 according to an embodiment may include a pipe connection portion 28b that forms another portion of the exhaust flow path P, through which air passing through the recessed portion 28a flows. The pipe connection portion 28b may protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the container 20. The pipe connection portion 28b may protrude generally upward from the outer peripheral surface of the container 20. For example, the pipe connection portion 28b may protrude upward from the rear end of the container 20. However, the pipe connection portion 28b is not limited to this and may be located in various positions depending on the position of the drying device 80.

[0131] The pipe connection portion 28b can connect the barrel pipe 28 and the inlet guide 84 of the drying device 80. The pipe connection portion 28b can extend the exhaust flow path P upward. The pipe connection portion 28b, together with the recessed portion 28a, the partition rib 28d, and the pipe cover 29, can form part of the exhaust flow path P.

[0132] The pipe connection portion 28b can be formed into a cuboid shape with an open top surface and a rear surface. The pipe cover 29 can cover the open rear side of the pipe connection portion 28b. Only one side of the exhaust flow path can be formed by the pipe cover 29, thereby facilitating connection and sealing.

[0133] The pipe cover 29 can cover the barrel pipe 28 and the pipe connection portion 28b. The pipe cover 29 can cover one open side of the barrel pipe 28 and the open rear side of the pipe connection portion 28b. The pipe cover 29 covers the recessed portion 28a and the pipe connection portion 28b, thus forming an exhaust flow path P. Because the exhaust flow path P is connected to the inlet flow path 85, the air flowing into the exhaust flow path P through the barrel exhaust port 27 can move along the exhaust flow path P and can flow into the drying device 80 through the inlet flow path 85.

[0134] Although not shown, the pipe connection portion 28b can be provided in a cuboid shape, with only the upper surface open for air venting and the rear surface closed. In this case, the pipe cover 29 can cover only the barrel pipe 28.

[0135] Meanwhile, the pipe connection portion 28b according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be included in the barrel pipe 28. The pipe connection portion 28b of the barrel pipe 28 according to the embodiments extends from the recessed portion 28a to the inlet guide 84. The barrel pipe 28 can be connected to the inlet guide 84 via the pipe connection portion 28b. Hereinafter, the pipe connection portion 28b according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can be described as being included in the barrel pipe 28.

[0136] The barrel pipe 28 may include a stepped portion 28c to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust flow path P. The exhaust flow path P may be provided in such a way that the width of the area formed by the pipe connection portion 28b through the stepped portion 28c is greater than the width of the area formed in the recessed portion 28a.

[0137] The arrangement of the water supply valves 41 and 42 of the garment care device 1 can be determined by utilizing the remaining space created by the aforementioned installation structure. In one embodiment, the water supply valves 41 and 42 can be installed between the inlet guide 84 and the cooling fan 91a. The water supply valves 41 and 42 can be located at the center of the rear surface of the drying device 80. The water supply valves 41 and 42 can be located behind the condenser 92. The water supply valves 41 and 42 can be located in an area separated from the flow path through which the drying air flows. The positions of the water supply valves 41 and 42 are not limited to the above positions.

[0138] The garment care device 1 may include a wash water heater 24. The wash water heater 24 may be arranged below the tub 20 and can heat the wash water during washing. Additionally, a water supply device 40 can supply a predetermined amount of water to the lower side of the tub 20 via an exhaust passage P during the drying process. The wash water heater 24 can heat the water supplied to the tub 20 through the water supply device 40, the exhaust passage P, and the tub exhaust port 27 to generate steam. That is, the steam generated by the water supply device 40 and the wash water heater 24 can come into contact with the laundry during the drying process, thereby preventing wrinkles from forming on the laundry.

[0139] That is, unlike existing dryers, the garment care device 1 of the dryer-combination washing machine may include a wash water heater 24 for heating the wash water, and steam may be generated using the wash water heater 24 and a water supply device 40 for cleaning the exhaust flow path P, thereby preventing wrinkles from forming on the laundry during the drying process.

[0140] Figure 6A portion of the components related to the water supply of a garment care device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0141] In the following description, in the garment care device 1 according to the embodiment, the second water supply valve 42 is described as being connected to the upper detergent supply device 50, the nozzle device 96, and the tub 20; however, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The second water supply valve 42 may be connected to at least one of the upper detergent supply device 50, the nozzle device 96, or the tub 20. Furthermore, the first water supply valve 41 may be connected to at least one of the upper detergent supply device 50, the nozzle device 96, or the tub 20.

[0142] For ease of description, the second water supply valve 42 can be referred to as a "water supply valve", the second water supply pipe 44 can be referred to as a "water supply pipe", and the upper detergent supply device 50 can be referred to as a "detergent supply device".

[0143] Reference Figure 6 According to the embodiment, the water supply pipe 44 may include a first pipe 441, a second pipe 442, and a third pipe 443. The first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443 may be provided as flexible hoses, plastic pipes, or metal pipes. The first pipe 441 may also be referred to as the first connecting pipe. The second pipe 442 may be referred to as the second connecting pipe. The third pipe 443 may be referred to as the third connecting pipe.

[0144] The first pipe 441 can connect the water supply valve 42 and the upper detergent supply device 50. The water supply valve 42 can be controlled to supply at least a portion of the water supplied from an external water source to the upper detergent supply device 50 via the first pipe 441. The first pipe 441 can guide the water supplied from the external water source to the upper detergent supply device 50. The first pipe 441 can form a flow path for water to flow from the water supply valve 42 to the upper detergent supply device 50.

[0145] The second pipe 442 can connect the water supply valve 42 and the nozzle device 96. The water supply valve 42 can be controlled to supply at least a portion of the water supplied from an external water source to the nozzle device 96 through the second pipe 442. The second pipe 442 can guide the water supplied from the external water source to the nozzle device 96. The second pipe 442 can form a flow path for water to flow from the water supply valve 42 to the nozzle device 96.

[0146] The third pipe 443 can connect the water supply valve 42 and the tank 20. The water supply valve 42 can be controlled to supply at least a portion of the water supplied from an external water source to the tank 20 via the third pipe 443. The third pipe 443 can guide the water supplied from the external water source to the upper front end of the tank 20. The third pipe 443 can form a flow path for water to flow from the water supply valve 42 to the tank 20. The third pipe 443 can be connected to a portion of the diaphragm 22. The third pipe 443 can be connected to the portion of the diaphragm 22 adjacent to the air inlet 26.

[0147] In this embodiment, the water supply valve 42 may include multiple valves. For example, the water supply valve 42 may include a first valve 42a, a second valve 42b, and a third valve 43c. The first valve 42a may be connected to a first pipe 441. The second valve 42b may be connected to a second pipe 442. The third valve 43c may be connected to a third pipe 443. Once the first valve 42a is open, water can be supplied to the detergent supply device 50 through the first pipe 441. Once the second valve 42b is open, water can be supplied to the nozzle device 96 through the second pipe 442. Once the third valve 43c is open, water can be supplied to the tank 20 through the third pipe 443. The first valve 42a, the second valve 42b, and the third valve 43c may be controlled by a controller 300.

[0148] In this embodiment, the water supply valve 42 may correspond to a four-way valve. A movable piston assembly may be provided in the water supply valve 42 to direct water from an external water supply source to at least one of the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, or the third pipe 443. That is, a flow path switching structure may be provided inside the water supply valve 42. The water supply valve 42 may be controlled to direct water to at least one of the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, or the third pipe 443.

[0149] The upper detergent supply device 50 can be connected to the tub 20 via a detergent connection pipe 51. The detergent connection pipe 51 can be provided in a U-shape. One end of the detergent connection pipe 51 can be connected to the upper detergent supply device 50, and the other end can be connected to the tub 20. In the vertical direction relative to the ground, one end and the other end of the detergent connection pipe 51 can be positioned higher than the bend of the detergent connection pipe 51. Therefore, water can accumulate in the bend of the detergent connection pipe 51. The water accumulated in the bend of the detergent connection pipe 51 can prevent water in the tub 20 from being discharged to the outside through the upper detergent supply device 50.

[0150] Figure 7 A detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8 This is an exploded view showing a portion of the components of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 A dispensing guide for a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 10 A detergent cap is shown for a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken by line A-A' is shown in the figure. Figure 12 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken by line B-B' is shown in the figure. Figure 13 Showing the detergent box from Figure 12The image shows the detergent dispensed from the container.

[0151] Reference Figures 7 to 11 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the detergent supply device 50 can supply water, supplied through the water supply valve 42 and the first pipe 441, together with detergent to the tank 20. For example, the detergent supply device 50 can mix water with additional detergent or bleach and supply it to the tank 20.

[0152] The detergent supply device 50 may include a detergent housing 510. The detergent housing 510 may include a housing body 511 for receiving a detergent cartridge 540. The housing body 511 may include a mounting opening 511a through which the detergent cartridge 540 is inserted into or removed from the housing body 511. At least a portion of the detergent cartridge 540 may be mounted to or detached from the detergent housing 510 by passing through the mounting opening 511a.

[0153] The detergent container 510 may include a detergent discharge section 512 for water and detergent mixed in the detergent cartridge 540 and for discharging detergent into the detergent container 20. The detergent discharge section 512 may be located in the lower portion of the container body 511. The detergent discharge section 512 may be connected to a detergent connection pipe 51. Water and detergent mixed inside the detergent container 510 may be supplied to the container 20 through the detergent discharge section 512 and the detergent connection pipe 51.

[0154] The detergent case 510 may include a case guide 513 for guiding water and / or detergent overflowing from the detergent dispenser 540 to a lower portion of the case body 511. The case guide 513 may be recessed outward from the inner surface of the case body 511. The case guide 513 may also include a portion protruding from the outer surface of the case body 511. In the event of water and / or detergent overflowing from the detergent dispenser body 541 through the side drain hole 543 of the detergent dispenser 540, the case guide 513 may guide the water and / or detergent into the detergent case 510.

[0155] The detergent case 510 may include a detergent cartridge track 514 for supporting the detergent cartridge 540 when it is attached to the detergent case 510. The detergent cartridge 540 can be guided by the detergent cartridge track 514 while being attached to or detached from the detergent case 510. The detergent cartridge track 514 can support a side portion of the detergent cartridge body 541. The detergent cartridge track 514 can extend along the inner surface of the case body 511.

[0156] The detergent case 510 may include a case mounting portion 516 that attaches to a cap mounting portion 526 of the detergent cap 520. For example, the case mounting portion 516 may protrude from the outer surface of the case body 511, and the cap mounting portion 526 may include, but is not limited to, a hole or recess that can receive the case mounting portion 516. The case mounting portion 516 may also include a hole or recess shape, and the cap mounting portion 526 may also include a protrusion.

[0157] The detergent supply device 50 may include a detergent cap 520 that can be coupled to a detergent cartridge 510. The detergent cartridge 510 may have a box shape with an open top, and the detergent cap 520 may cover the open top of the detergent cartridge 510. The detergent cap 520 may include a cover body 521 formed to cover the open top of the detergent cartridge 510.

[0158] The detergent cap 520 may include a cap mounting portion 526 that is connected to a shell mounting portion 516 of the detergent housing 510. The cap mounting portion 526 extends downward from the cap body 521. When the detergent cap 520 is installed onto the detergent housing 510, the shell mounting portion 516 can be connected to the cap mounting portion 526, so that the detergent cap 520 can be secured to the detergent housing 510.

[0159] The detergent cap 520 may include a water supply port 523 connected to the first pipe 441. The water supply port 523 may protrude from the cap body 521. Water that has passed through the first pipe 441 may flow into the detergent supply device 50 through the water supply port 523.

[0160] Reference Figure 11 The detergent cap 520 may include a cover partition 525 for guiding detergent and / or water overflowing from the rear drain hole 544 of the detergent cartridge 540 into the interior of the detergent housing 510. The cover partition 525 prevents detergent and / or water overflowing from the rear drain hole 544 of the detergent cartridge 540 from leaking to the outside of the detergent supply device 50.

[0161] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The detergent supply device 50 may include a dispensing guide 530 for dispensing water introduced through the water supply port 523 into the entire detergent dispenser 540. For example, the dispensing guide 530 may be mounted to the detergent cap 520, but is not limited thereto, and may also be mounted to the detergent case 510.

[0162] With the dispensing guide 530 installed on the detergent cap 520, a flow path can be formed to allow water introduced through the water supply port 523 to flow into the detergent dispenser 540. The dispensing guide 530 can be located in the upper part of the detergent dispenser 540. The dispensing guide 530 may include a guide body 531 to form a space for water flow when the dispensing guide 530 is installed on the detergent cap 520.

[0163] The dispensing guide 530 may include a guide mounting portion 536 for mounting the dispensing guide 530 onto the detergent cap 520. When the guide mounting portion 536 is mounted onto a portion of the detergent cap 520, the dispensing guide 530 may be secured to the detergent cap 520.

[0164] The dispensing guide 530 may include a port receiving portion 533 for receiving a portion of the water supply port 523. When the dispensing guide 530 and detergent cap 520 are connected, the water supply port 523 may be disposed in the port receiving portion 533. The port receiving portion 533 may be located at one end of the dispensing guide 530. The dispensing guide 530 may be arranged to allow at least a portion of the water introduced through the water supply port 523 received in the port receiving portion 533 located at one end of the dispensing guide to flow to the opposite end.

[0165] The dispensing guide 530 may include a guide discharge portion 532 for discharging water introduced through the water supply port 523 into the detergent dispenser 540. The guide discharge portion 532 may include a plurality of holes arranged at predetermined intervals in a direction away from the port receiving portion 533. Water flowing in through the water supply port 523 can be evenly supplied to the detergent dispenser 540 through the guide discharge portion 532.

[0166] To allow water flowing into the detergent cartridge 510 in the event that water flowing into the dispensing guide 530 overflows from the space formed between the dispensing guide 530 and the detergent cap 520, the dispensing guide 530 may include a guide drain hole 534. Water flowing downward through the guide drain hole 534 may flow downward through detergent cartridge drain holes 542, 543, and 544 formed in the detergent cartridge 540 into the detergent cartridge 510.

[0167] The dispensing guide 530 may include a positioning portion 535 for securing the detergent dispenser 540 in a corresponding position when it is inserted into the detergent case 510 and when it is removed from the detergent case 510. The positioning portion 535 may extend downward from the guide body 531. The positioning portion 535 may be located at the front end of the guide body 531. For example, the positioning portion 535 may include a portion having a recessed shape.

[0168] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 11 The dispensing guide 530 may include a guide partition 538 to prevent detergent and / or water from overflowing toward the front drain hole 542 of the detergent dispenser 540. For example, the guide partition 538 may include a first guide partition 538a and a second guide partition 538b. The first guide partition 538a and the second guide partition 538b may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. The second guide partition 538b may be arranged to face a portion of the upper surface of the detergent dispenser body 541. The first guide partition 538a and the second guide partition 538b can prevent detergent and / or water in the detergent dispenser body 541 from overflowing from the detergent dispenser 540 by widening the flow path of detergent and / or water from the detergent dispenser body 541 to the outside of the detergent dispenser 540.

[0169] The dispensing guide 530 may include guide ribs 537 for guiding water and / or detergent overflowing from the detergent dispenser body 541 through the rear drain hole 544. Guide ribs 537 can guide detergent and / or water through the rear drain hole 544 of the detergent dispenser 540 into the detergent housing 510. Guide ribs 537 can prevent water and / or detergent overflowing from the detergent dispenser body 541 from leaking to the outside of the detergent housing 510.

[0170] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 10 The detergent supply device 50 may include a detergent dispenser 540 for containing detergent. The detergent dispenser 540 may be detachably mounted to the detergent housing 510. The detergent dispenser 540 may include a detergent dispenser body 541 forming a space 541a for containing detergent. With the detergent dispenser body 541 mounted to the detergent housing 510, the detergent dispenser body 541 may be supported by a detergent dispenser track 514.

[0171] The detergent dispenser 540 may include a detergent dispenser handle 548, which is exposed on the outside of the detergent housing 510 when the detergent dispenser 540 is attached to the detergent housing 510. The detergent dispenser handle 548 may be located at the front end of the detergent dispenser body 541. The detergent dispenser handle 548 may include a recessed portion to allow a user to grip the handle.

[0172] In the event of water and / or detergent overflowing from the detergent dispenser 540, the detergent dispenser 540 may include detergent dispenser drain holes 542, 543, and 544 to guide the overflowing water and / or detergent into the detergent housing 510. The detergent dispenser drain holes 542, 543, and 544 may include at least one of a front drain hole 542, a side drain hole 543, or a rear drain hole 544. For example, the detergent dispenser drain holes 542, 543, and 544 may include a front drain hole 542 formed at the front end of the detergent dispenser body 541, a side drain hole 543 formed at the side end of the detergent dispenser body 541, and a rear drain hole 544 formed at the rear end of the detergent dispenser body 541.

[0173] The detergent dispenser 540 may include an insertion retaining portion 545 arranged to interfere with a positioning retaining portion 535, so as to be secured in the insertion position when the detergent dispenser 540 is inserted into the detergent case 510. The insertion position can represent the position where the detergent dispenser 540 is fully installed into the detergent case 510. The detergent dispenser 540 may include a withdrawal retaining portion 546 arranged to interfere with the positioning retaining portion 535 to be secured in the withdrawal position when the detergent dispenser 540 is withdrawn from the detergent case 510. The withdrawal position can represent the position where the detergent dispenser 540 is withdrawn (pulled out) from the detergent case 510 by a predetermined length to allow a user to add detergent into the detergent dispenser 540. The insertion retaining portion 545 may be located at the front end of the detergent dispenser body 541, and the withdrawal retaining portion 546 may be located at the rear end of the detergent dispenser body 541.

[0174] Reference Figure 12 With the detergent cartridge 540 inserted into the detergent case 510, the insertion fixing portion 545 can be connected to the position fixing portion 535. For example, the position fixing portion 535 may include a portion with a recessed shape, and the insertion fixing portion 545 may include a portion with a protruding shape to allow at least a portion to be inserted into the position fixing portion 535, but is not limited thereto. The position fixing portion 535 may also have a protruding shape, and the insertion fixing portion 545 may also include a portion with a recessed shape. When the insertion fixing portion 545 is located in the position fixing portion 535, the detergent cartridge 540 can be fixed in the position where the detergent cartridge 540 is inserted into the detergent case 510.

[0175] Reference Figure 13 By applying a predetermined or greater force to the detergent dispenser 540, the detergent dispenser 540 can be pulled out from the detergent case 510. When the detergent dispenser 540 is pulled out from the detergent case 510, the insertion fixing part 545 can be separated from the position fixing part 535.

[0176] When the detergent cartridge 540 is pulled out of the detergent case 510 to the pulled-out position, the pull-out retaining portion 546 can be engaged with the position retaining portion 535. For example, the position retaining portion 535 may include a portion with a recessed shape, and the pull-out retaining portion 546 may include a portion with a protruding shape to allow at least a portion to be inserted into the position retaining portion 535, but is not limited thereto. The position retaining portion 535 may also have a protruding shape, and the pull-out retaining portion 546 may also include a portion with a recessed shape. When the pull-out retaining portion 546 is located in the position retaining portion 535, the detergent cartridge 540 can be secured in the position where the detergent cartridge 540 is pulled out of the detergent case 510.

[0177] The detergent dispenser 540 may include a siphon cap 547 and a siphon tube 547a for discharging detergent and water from the detergent dispenser body 541 into the detergent container 510. The detergent and water in the detergent dispenser body 541 may be discharged into the detergent container 510 via the detergent dispenser discharge portion 549 through the siphon cap 547 and the siphon tube 547a.

[0178] Furthermore, although not shown, the garment care device 1 according to the embodiment may further include a fourth tube that can be connected to a portion of the upper detergent supply device 50 that is connected to the first tube 441. Unlike the first tube 441, which supplies water to the interior of the detergent dispenser 540, the fourth tube can supply water to the exterior of the detergent dispenser 540 within the detergent housing 510. For example, the fourth tube can be connected to a portion of the lower part of the detergent housing 510. In the garment care device 1 according to the embodiment, water supplied through the first tube 441 can pass through the detergent dispenser 540 and be supplied to the tub 20, while water supplied through the fourth tube 441 can be supplied to the tub 20 without passing through the detergent dispenser 540. The garment care device 1 according to the embodiment can control the amount of water supplied through the first tube 441 and the fourth tube, thereby preventing water from overflowing from the detergent dispenser 540.

[0179] Figure 14 This is a control block diagram of a garment care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0180] Reference Figure 14The garment care device 1 may include a controller 300. The controller 300 may be electrically connected to various components and / or devices of the garment care device 1 and may control these components and / or devices. For example, the controller 300 may control a drive unit 36, a first water supply valve 41, a second water supply valve 42, a drain pump 71, a circulation pump 76, a drying device 80, and a fan 87a. Additionally, the controller 300 may be electrically connected to a control panel 100, a communication interface 150, and a water level sensor 200. The controller 300 may control the control panel 100, the communication interface 150, and the water level sensor 200.

[0181] The controller 300 may include a processor 310 and a memory 320. The memory 320 may include volatile memory (e.g., static random access memory (S-RAM) and dynamic random access memory (D-RAM)) and non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) and erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM)). The processor 310 and memory 320 may be implemented as separate chips or a single chip. Alternatively, multiple processors and multiple memories may be provided. The processor 310 may use instructions, data, programs, and / or software stored in the memory 320 to process various data and signals. The processor 310 may include one or more processing cores. The processor 310 may generate control signals for controlling the components of the garment care device 1.

[0182] The control panel 100 can receive various user inputs and output various information about the operation of the garment care device 1. The control panel 100 may include an input interface 101 and an output interface 102.

[0183] The controller 300 can control the operation of the garment care device 1 based on user input obtained via the control panel 100. For example, the controller 300 can turn the garment care device 1 on or off based on user input for turning it on or off. The controller 300 can determine the operation process of the garment care device 1 based on user input for setting the operation process of the garment care device 1.

[0184] The controller 300 of the garment care device 1 can determine the operation process of the garment care device 1 based on user input obtained through the control panel 100 or user equipment. Various operation processes of the garment care device 1 can be provided. For example, the operation process of the garment care device 1 can be broadly divided into a washing process, a drying process, and a heat exchanger cleaning process.

[0185] Various washing processes can be provided based on the type of laundry (e.g., clothes, bedding, underwear, etc.) and the material of the laundry (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.). For example, washing processes may include at least one of the following: standard washing process, intensive washing process, delicate garment washing process, bedding washing process, baby clothing washing process, towel washing process, boil washing process, or outdoor clothing washing process. Each of the multiple washing processes may include different washing settings (e.g., washing temperature, number of rinses, spin-drying intensity, etc.).

[0186] In response to selection of one of multiple washing processes via control panel 100 or external user equipment, controller 300 can control garment care device 1 to perform a washing process, rinsing process, or spin-drying process corresponding to the selected washing process. Additionally, washing processes may include rinsing-spin-drying processes, rinsing processes, and spin-drying processes. Washing processes are not limited to the examples above.

[0187] Various drying processes can be provided depending on the type of object to be dried (e.g., clothing, bedding, underwear, etc.) and the material of the object (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.). For example, the drying process may include at least one of standard drying, heavy-duty drying, delicate clothing drying, bedding drying, baby clothing drying, towel drying, or outdoor clothing drying. Each of the multiple drying processes may include different drying settings (e.g., drying temperature, drying time, etc.).

[0188] In response to selection of one of multiple drying processes via control panel 100 or external user equipment, controller 300 can control garment care device 1 to execute a drying process corresponding to the selected drying process. The drying processes are not limited to the examples above. To execute the drying process corresponding to the selected drying process, controller 300 can operate drying device 80. That is, controller 300 can operate fan 87a and compressor 91 to dry the object to be dried in drum 30. Additionally, controller 300 can further operate drying heater 99 to execute the drying process.

[0189] In response to the selection of a washing process corresponding to the type and material of the laundry, the controller 300 can automatically select or recommend a drying process corresponding to the selected washing process. Conversely, in response to the selection of a drying process corresponding to the type and material of the object to be dried, the controller 300 can automatically select or recommend a washing process corresponding to the selected drying process. The controller 300 can store (memorize) the washing and drying processes selected by the user, and can provide a wash-dry process integrating the stored washing and drying processes via the control panel 100 the next time the garment care device is operated.

[0190] Meanwhile, the controller 300 can automatically clean the heat exchangers 92 and 93 included in the drying device 80 before the drying process is completed. In order to clean the heat exchangers, the controller 300 can control the water supply valve 42 to spray water from the nozzle device 96 to the heat exchangers 92 and 93 during a predetermined heat exchanger cleaning time.

[0191] The garment care device 1 according to this disclosure can clean heat exchangers 92 and 93 each time a drying process is performed, thereby removing contaminants (e.g., dust, lint) from heat exchangers 92 and 93 and keeping heat exchangers 92 and 93 clean. Heat exchanger cleaning can be performed during a set heat exchanger cleaning time. The drying process can be terminated after heat exchanger cleaning is completed.

[0192] A heat exchanger cleaning process can also be provided to clean heat exchangers 92 and 93 separately, regardless of whether a drying process is performed. Controller 300 can clean heat exchangers 92 and 93 in response to selection of the heat exchanger cleaning process via control panel 100 or external user equipment.

[0193] The controller 300 can control the control panel 100 to output various information regarding the operation of the garment care device 1. For example, the control panel 100 can visually and / or audibly output information regarding the operation progress, operation time, washing settings, rinsing settings, spin-drying settings, and / or drying settings of the garment care device 1. In addition, the control panel 100 can output information regarding abnormal conditions of the garment care device 1.

[0194] Communication interface 150 may include various communication circuits for performing wired and / or wireless communication with external devices (e.g., servers, user equipment, and / or other household appliances). User equipment may include various electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, stationary tablets, and speakers. User input is available not only through control panel 100 but also through user equipment.

[0195] Communication interface 150 may include at least one of short-range or long-range communication circuits. Communication interface 150 can send data to or receive data from external devices. For example, communication interface 150 may support cellular communication, wireless local area network (WLAN), home radio frequency (HomeRF), infrared communication, ultra-wideband (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, and self-organizing and / or Zigbee. The communication technologies supported by communication interface 150 are not limited to those described above.

[0196] The communication interface 150 can communicate with external devices via an access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the garment care device 1 is connected to to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The garment care device 1 can connect to the server via the WAN.

[0197] The garment care device 1 can be connected to other household appliances and / or electronic devices via the communication interface 150. The garment care device 1 can send information related to its operation (e.g., information related to the washing and / or drying processes) to these other household appliances and / or electronic devices. The washing and / or drying processes can be selected not only via the control panel 100 but also via other household appliances and / or electronic devices. Furthermore, information about the garment care device 1 can be displayed not only on the control panel 100 but also on other household appliances and / or electronic devices.

[0198] The water level sensor 200 can detect the water level in the tank 20. The water level sensor 200 can send an electrical signal corresponding to the water level in the tank 20 to the controller 300. The controller 300 can determine the water level in the tank 20 based on the signal sent from the water level sensor 200. The controller 300 can also determine the water level in the tank 20 based on the frequency value of the signal sent from the water level sensor 200.

[0199] The drive device 36 can rotate the roller 30 under the control of the controller 300. The drive device 36 may include a drive motor 36a. The controller 300 can control the drive motor 36a to adjust the rotational speed of the roller 30.

[0200] The water supply device 40 of the garment care device 1 may include a first water supply valve 41 and a second water supply valve 42. The water supply device 40 can be connected to an external water supply source. The first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply valve 42 can be connected to an external water supply source. As described above, the first water supply valve 41 may correspond to a hot water supply valve, and the second water supply valve 42 may correspond to a cold water supply valve.

[0201] The controller 300 can control the water supply device 40. The controller 300 can control the opening and closing of the first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply valve 42 respectively. The controller 300 can adjust the opening degree of each of the first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply valve 42. The first water supply valve 41 can open or close the first water supply pipe 43 based on an electrical signal sent from the controller 300.

[0202] The second water supply valve 42 can selectively supply water to the upper detergent supply device 50, the nozzle device 96, and the tank 20. As described above, the second water supply pipe 44 may include a first pipe 441, a second pipe 442, and a third pipe 443. The second water supply valve 42 can be connected to the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443. The first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443 may be referred to as the first water supply path, the second water supply path, and the third water supply path, respectively. For ease of description, the second water supply valve 42 may be referred to as a "water supply valve".

[0203] The controller 300 can control the water supply device 40 to supply water to at least one of the upper detergent supply device 50, the nozzle device 96, or the tub 20, thereby performing at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process, a dehydration process, or a drying process. The water supply device 40 can open or close at least one of the first, second, or third water supply paths based on an electrical signal sent from the controller 300. Specifically, the controller 300 can control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the upper detergent supply device 50 through the first pipe 441. The controller 300 can control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the nozzle device 96 through the second pipe 442. The controller 300 can control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the tub 20 through the third pipe 443.

[0204] The second water supply valve 42 may include a first valve 42a, a second valve 42b, and a third valve 43c. The controller 300 can control the opening and closing of each of the first valve 42a, the second valve 42b, and the third valve 43c. The controller 300 can adjust the opening degree of each of the first valve 42a, the second valve 42b, and the third valve 43c. Once the first valve 42a is open, water can be supplied to the upper detergent supply device 50 through the first pipe 441. Once the second valve 42b is open, water can be supplied to the nozzle device 96 through the second pipe 442. Once the third valve 42c is open, water can be supplied to the tank 20 through the third pipe 443.

[0205] The water supply valve 42 can be provided as a single four-way valve. When the water supply valve 42 is provided as a four-way valve, the piston assembly in the water supply valve 42 can move under the control of the controller 300. When the piston assembly of the water supply valve 42 moves, the flow of water through each of the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443, or the flow of water through each of the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443, can be blocked.

[0206] The drain pump 71 can discharge water from the tank 20 to the outside of the housing 10. The controller 300 can control the drain pump 71 to discharge water from the tank 20 to the outside through the drain pipe 73.

[0207] The circulation pump 76 allows water in the tank 20 to flow to the lower detergent supply device 60. Water that has passed through the circulation pump 76 and the lower detergent supply device 60 can return to the tank 20. The controller 300 can control the circulation pump 76 to allow water in the tank 20 to pass through the lower detergent supply device 60 and circulate.

[0208] The drying device 80 can remove moisture from the air, heat the air, and supply the heated air to the drum 20. The controller 300 can operate the drying device 80 to dry the laundry in the drum 30. To generate dry and heated air, the drying device 80 may include a fan 87a, a compressor 91, heat exchangers 92 and 93, and an expansion valve.

[0209] The controller 300 can control the fan 87a, compressor 91, and expansion valve included in the drying device 80. The controller 300 can operate the fan 87a to supply dried and heated air to the drum 30. The controller 300 can adjust the rotational speed of the fan 87a. The airflow rate supplied to the drum 30 can vary according to the rotational speed of the fan 87a.

[0210] Compressor 91 can discharge high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant by compressing low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. For example, compressor 91 can compress the refrigerant by the reciprocating motion of a piston or the rotational motion of a rotor. The discharged gaseous refrigerant can be delivered to condenser 92. Controller 300 can adjust the operating frequency and / or revolutions per minute (RPM) of compressor 91. As the operating frequency and / or RPM of compressor 91 increases, the heat discharged around condenser 92 can increase. Controller 300 can adjust the opening of expansion valve. The expansion valve can be provided as an electronic expansion valve and a capillary tube; the opening of the electronic expansion valve can be adjusted by an electrical signal, and the capillary tube is used to control the pressure of the liquid refrigerant. The low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve can flow into evaporator 93.

[0211] The controller 300 can control the water supply device 40 to clean the heat exchangers 92 and 93 of the drying device 80. The controller 300 can control the second water supply valve 42 to allow the nozzle device 96 to spray water onto the heat exchangers 92 and 93. For example, when the second valve 42b constituting the second water supply valve 42 is open, water can be sprayed from the nozzle device 96 onto the heat exchangers 92 and 93.

[0212] Figure 15 This is a flowchart that briefly illustrates the entire process that can be performed by the garment care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0213] Reference Figure 15The garment care device 1 can perform at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, or a drying process based on an operating procedure selected by the user. For example, the operating procedure of the garment care device 1 can be determined as a standard washing process and a standard drying process. A standard washing process may include a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process. A standard drying process may include a drying process. The garment care device 1 can sequentially perform a washing process 1501, a rinsing process 1502, a spin-drying process 1503, and a drying process 1504.

[0214] The garment care device 1 can also selectively perform at least one of the washing process 1501, rinsing process 1502, spin-drying process 1503, or drying process 1504 according to the operation progress. For example, the garment care device 1 can perform both rinsing process 1502 and spin-drying process 1503 in response to the selection of the rinsing-spin-drying process. The garment care device 1 can perform only the spin-drying process 1503 in response to the selection of the standard drying process.

[0215] In order to perform the washing process 1501, the controller 300 of the garment care device 1 can control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the tub 20. In addition, once at least one of the first water supply valve 41 or the second water supply valve 42 is opened, water can flow into at least one of the upper detergent supply device 50 or the lower detergent supply device 60.

[0216] Water supplied to tub 20 can pass through detergent supply device 60. Detergent introduced into detergent supply device 60 can flow into tub 20 along with water. When the water level in tub 20 reaches a predetermined level, controller 300 can close the first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply valve 42 to stop water supply to tub 20. Thereafter, controller 300 can rotate drum 30 to agitate the laundry in drum 30.

[0217] When detergent for washing process 1501 is also introduced into the upper detergent supply device 50, the controller 300 can control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the upper detergent supply device 50 as well. Once water is supplied to the upper detergent supply device 50, the detergent introduced into the upper detergent supply device 50 can flow into the tank 20 together with the water.

[0218] To deliver detergent to the tank 20, at least one of the upper detergent supply device 50 or the lower detergent supply device 60 can be used.

[0219] Once the washing process 1501 is completed, the rinsing process 1502 can be performed. The rinsing process 1502 can be performed once or more. In order to perform the rinsing process 1502, the controller 300 can control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the tank 20.

[0220] In the case of multiple rinsing processes 1502, during the first rinse, fabric softener introduced into at least one of the upper detergent supply device 50 or the lower detergent supply device 60 can flow into the tub 20 along with water. For example, the controller 300 can control the second water supply valve 42 to move the fabric softener introduced into the upper detergent supply device 50 into the tub 20. Water can be supplied to the upper detergent supply device 50 through the second water supply valve 42 and the first pipe 441.

[0221] When the water level in the tub 20 reaches the predetermined level, the controller 300 can control the water supply device 40 to stop supplying water to the tub 20. That is, the controller 300 can close the first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply valve 42 to stop the water supply to the tub 20. After that, the controller 300 can rotate the drum 30 to agitate the laundry in the drum 30.

[0222] Once the rinsing process 1502 is complete, the spin-drying process 1503 can be performed. To perform the spin-drying process 1503, the controller 300 can operate the drain pump 71 to discharge the water in the tub 20 to the outside of the garment care unit 1. Additionally, the controller 300 can cause the drum 30 to rotate at a relatively high speed. By rapidly rotating the drum 30, water can be separated from the laundry due to centrifugal force.

[0223] Once the dehydration process 1503 is completed, the drying process 1504 can be performed. To perform the drying process 1504, the controller 300 can operate the drying device 80 to supply hot air to the drum 20 and the roller 30. In addition, the controller 300 can rotate the roller 30 at a relatively low speed.

[0224] Immediately after entering the drying process 1504 or before the start of the drying process 1504, water can be supplied to the upper detergent supply device 50 for a predetermined time period (e.g., 1 second) to prevent water leakage from the tub 20. As described above, the detergent connection pipe 51 connecting the tub 20 and the upper detergent supply device 50 can be U-shaped, and the bent portion of the detergent connection pipe 51 can be filled with water by supplying water to the upper detergent supply device 50. The water-blocked (water-filled) detergent connection pipe 51 prevents water in the tub 20 from being discharged to the outside through the upper detergent supply device 50.

[0225] Once the drying process 1504 is complete, the garment care device 1 can be stopped and turned off.

[0226] Figure 16 This is a table illustrating a method for controlling a garment care device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0227] Reference Figure 16 Table 1600, based on the operating process selected by the user input to the garment care device 1, can determine whether to perform at least one of the washing, rinsing, spin-drying, or drying processes. To perform at least one of the washing, rinsing, spin-drying, or drying processes, the controller 300 can control the water supply device 40 to supply water to at least one of the upper detergent supply device 50, the nozzle device 96, or the tub 20.

[0228] The first water supply path for supplying water to the detergent supply device 50 can refer to the first pipe 441. The second water supply path for supplying water to the nozzle device 96 can refer to the second pipe 442. The third water supply path for supplying water to the tank 20 can refer to the third pipe 443. As described above, the water supply device 40 can be connected to the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443. The controller 300 can control the water supply device 40 to open or close each of the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443.

[0229] For example, the second water supply valve 42 may include a first valve 42a for opening or closing the first water supply path, a second valve 42b for opening or closing the second water supply path, and a third valve 43c for opening or closing the third water supply path.

[0230] In another example, the second water supply valve 42 may be provided as a single valve with a flow path switching structure to direct water to at least one of the first water supply flow path, the second water supply flow path, or the third water supply flow path.

[0231] To perform the washing process, the controller 300 can control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the tub 20 and prevent water supply to the detergent supply device 50 and the nozzle device 96. For example, during the washing process, the controller 300 can close the first valve 42a to close the first water supply path connected to the detergent supply device 50, close the second valve 42b to close the nozzle device 96 connected to the second water supply path, and open the third valve 42c to open the third water supply path connected to the tub 20.

[0232] When the third water supply path is opened, water can be supplied to the tank 20. The water supplied to the tank 20 can pass through the lower detergent supply device 60, and the detergent contained in the lower detergent supply device 60 can be automatically introduced into the tank 20. When the detergent is introduced into the tank 20, the washing process can be performed. The user can select automatic detergent dispensing from the control panel 100. In response to the selection of automatic detergent dispensing, the detergent contained in the lower detergent supply device 60 can be automatically dispensed into the tank 20.

[0233] To perform the rinsing process, the controller 300 can control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the tub 20 and the upper detergent supply device 50, and prevent water from being supplied to the nozzle device 96. For example, during the rinsing process, the controller 300 can open the first valve 42a to open the first water supply path connected to the upper detergent supply device 50, close the second valve 42b to close the second water supply path connected to the nozzle device 96, and open the third valve 42c to open the third water supply path connected to the tub 20.

[0234] The control for opening the first water supply path for supplying water to the upward detergent supply device 50 can be set to default for the rinsing process. Alternatively, the opening of the first water supply path can be controlled according to user settings.

[0235] For example, a user can select a manual setting on the control panel 100 for manually adding fabric softener and / or bleach. The user can add fabric softener and / or bleach to the upper detergent supply device 50. The controller 300 can operate the first valve 42a to move the water supplied to the upper detergent supply device 50, along with the fabric softener and / or bleach added to the upper detergent supply device 50, to the tub 20 during the rinsing process.

[0236] When the user selects the automatic setting for automatically adding fabric softener and / or bleach on the control panel 100, the controller 300 can close the first valve 42a to shut off the first water supply path connected to the upper detergent supply device 50.

[0237] During the spin-drying process, water can be supplied to the tub 20 for a predetermined time period to clean the door 17. To clean the door 17 based on the start of the spin-drying process, the controller 300 can control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the tub 20 and prevent water supply to the upper detergent supply device 50 and nozzle device 96 for a predetermined door cleaning time (e.g., 3 seconds). For example, to clean the door 17 during the spin-drying process, the controller 300 can close the first valve 42a to close the first water supply path connected to the upper detergent supply device 50, close the second valve 42a to close the second water supply path connected to the nozzle device 96, and open the third valve 42c to open the third water supply path connected to the tub 20.

[0238] Water sprayed through the third pipe 443 toward the upper front side of the drum 20 can clean the door 17 located in front of the drum 20. Door cleaning can be performed early in the spin-drying process. After the door cleaning time has elapsed, all water supply paths can be shut off. As the spin-drying process continues, the water supplied to the drum 20 to clean the door 17 can be discharged to the outside of the garment care device 1.

[0239] During the drying process, water can be supplied to the upper detergent supply device 50 for a predetermined period of time to prevent moisture in the tub 20 from leaking to the outside. Based on the start of the drying process, the controller 300 can control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the upper detergent supply device 50 and block the supply of water to the tub 20 and nozzle device 96 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1 second) to prevent moisture from leaking from the tub 20. For example, during the early drying process, the controller 300 can open the first valve 42a to open the first water supply path connected to the upper detergent supply device 50. Once water is supplied to the upper detergent supply device 50, the bend in the detergent connection pipe 51 connecting the tub 20 and the upper detergent supply device 50 can be blocked by water (filled with water), preventing moisture in the tub 20 from leaking to the outside through the upper detergent supply device 50.

[0240] When the drying device 80 is operating during the drying process, the controller 300 can shut off all water supply paths. In other words, when hot air is supplied to the tub 20 and the drum 30, water may not be supplied to the upper detergent supply device 50, the nozzle device 96, and the tub 20.

[0241] The garment care device 1 can clean the heat exchangers 92 and 93 included in the drying device 80 before the drying process is completed. Water can be supplied to the nozzle device 96 for a predetermined time period to clean the heat exchangers. The controller 300 can control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the nozzle device 96 before the drying process is completed and to prevent water supply to the tub 20 and the upper detergent supply device 50 for a predetermined heat exchanger cleaning time (e.g., 1 second). For example, the controller 300 can close the first valve 42a to close the first water supply path connected to the upper detergent supply device 50, open the second valve 42b to open the second water supply path connected to the nozzle device 96, and close the third valve 42c to close the third water supply path connected to the tub 20. By cleaning the heat exchangers 92 and 93, contaminants (e.g., dust, lint) on the heat exchangers 92 and 93 can be removed, and the heat exchangers 92 and 93 can be kept clean.

[0242] According to an embodiment, the garment care device 1 may include: a tub; an upper detergent supply device above the tub; a heat exchanger above the tub; a nozzle device configured to spray water onto the heat exchanger to clean it; a water supply device for supplying water, and including a first pipe configured to guide water supplied by the water supply device to the upper detergent supply device, a second pipe configured to guide water supplied by the water supply device to the nozzle device, and a third pipe configured to guide water supplied by the water supply device to the tub; and a controller configured to control the water supply device to supply water to at least one of the first pipe, the second pipe, or the third pipe, wherein water supplied to the first pipe will be guided to the upper detergent supply device, water supplied to the second pipe will be guided to the nozzle device, and water supplied to the third pipe will be guided to the tub, thereby performing at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, or a drying process.

[0243] The controller can be configured to control the water supply device to supply water to the third pipe to be directed to the tank, prevent water from being supplied to the first pipe to prevent water from being directed to the upper detergent supply device, and prevent water from being supplied to the second pipe to prevent water from being directed to the nozzle device, thereby performing the washing process.

[0244] The controller can be configured to control the water supply device to supply water to the first pipe to be directed to the upper detergent supply device, to supply water to the third pipe to be directed to the tub, and to prevent water from being supplied to the second pipe to prevent water from being directed to the nozzle device, thereby performing the rinsing process.

[0245] The garment care device 1 may further include a door configured to open and close a laundry inlet on one side of the tub. A third pipe is further configured to direct water supplied by a water supply device to the door for cleaning. A controller may be configured to control the water supply device to supply water to the third pipe for cleaning the door, prevent water from being supplied to the first pipe to prevent water from being directed to the upper detergent supply device, and prevent water from being supplied to the second pipe to prevent water from being directed to the nozzle device for a predetermined door cleaning time, thereby cleaning the door based on the start of the spin-drying process.

[0246] The controller can be configured to control the water supply device for a predetermined door cleaning time based on the entry into the drying process: supplying water to a first tube that will be directed to the upper detergent supply device, blocking water supply to a third tube to prevent water from being directed to the tank, and blocking water supply to a second tube to prevent water from being directed to the nozzle device, thereby preventing water from leaking from the tank.

[0247] The garment care device 1 may further include a connecting tube provided in a U-shape and configured to connect to a detergent supply device and a tub.

[0248] The controller can be configured to control the water supply device to continue for a predetermined heat exchanger cleaning time before the drying process is completed: supplying water to the second pipe to be directed to the nozzle device, preventing water from being supplied to the third pipe to prevent water from being directed to the tank, and preventing water from being supplied to the first pipe to prevent water from being supplied to the upper detergent supply device.

[0249] The water supply device may further include: a first valve configured to be connected to a first pipe; a second valve configured to be connected to a second pipe; and a third valve configured to be connected to a third pipe. The controller may be configured to control the first, second, and third valves to supply water to at least one of the first, second, or third pipes, wherein water supplied to the first pipe will be directed to an upper detergent supply device, water supplied to the second pipe will be directed to a nozzle device, and water supplied to the third pipe will be directed to a tank.

[0250] The controller can be configured to determine whether to perform at least one of the washing, rinsing, dehydrating, or drying processes based on the user-selected operating procedures.

[0251] According to an embodiment, the garment care device 1 includes: a tub; an upper detergent supply device above the tub; a heat exchanger above the tub; a nozzle device configured to spray water onto the heat exchanger to clean the heat exchanger; a water supply device for supplying water and including a first pipe configured to guide water supplied by the water supply device to the upper detergent supply device, a second pipe configured to guide water supplied by the water supply device to the nozzle device, and a third pipe configured to guide water supplied by the water supply device to the tub; and a controller, a method for controlling the garment care device 1 may include: determining the operation process of the garment care device based on user input; determining, based on the determined operation process, to perform at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, or a drying process; controlling the water supply device to supply water to at least one of the first pipe, the second pipe, or the third pipe, wherein the water supplied to the first pipe will be guided to the upper detergent supply device, the water supplied to the second pipe will be guided to the nozzle device, and the water supplied to the third pipe will be guided to the tub, thereby performing the at least one of the washing process, rinsing process, spin-drying process, and drying process determined to be performed.

[0252] The water supply control device may further include controlling the water supply device to supply water to a third pipe to be directed to the tank, preventing water from being supplied to the first pipe to prevent water from being directed to the upper detergent supply device, and preventing water from being supplied to the second pipe to prevent water from being directed to the nozzle device, thereby performing the washing process.

[0253] The water supply control device may further include controlling the water supply device to supply water to a third pipe to be directed to the tank, supplying water to a first pipe to be directed to the upper detergent supply device, and preventing water from being supplied to a second pipe to prevent water from being directed to the nozzle device, thereby performing the rinsing process.

[0254] The garment care device further includes a door configured to open and close a laundry inlet on one side of the tub, and a third pipe further configured to direct water supplied by a water supply device to the door for cleaning. Controlling the water supply device may further include controlling the water supply device to continuously clean the door for a predetermined time: supplying water to the third pipe to be directed to the door for cleaning, preventing water from being supplied to the second pipe to prevent water from being directed to the nozzle device, and preventing water from being supplied to the first pipe to prevent water from being directed to the upper detergent supply device, thereby cleaning the door based on the start of the spin-drying process.

[0255] The water supply control device may further include: based on the entry into the drying process, controlling the water supply device to continuously supply water to a first pipe for a predetermined period of time to be directed to an upper detergent supply device, preventing water from being supplied to a third pipe to prevent water from being directed to the tank, and preventing water from being supplied to a second pipe to prevent water from being directed to a nozzle device, thereby preventing water in the tank from leaking out of the tank.

[0256] The water supply control device may further include controlling the water supply device to continue for a predetermined heat exchanger cleaning time before the drying process is completed: supplying water to the second pipe to be directed to the nozzle device, preventing water from being supplied to the third pipe to prevent water from being directed to the tank, and preventing water from being supplied to the first pipe to prevent water from being directed to the upper detergent supply device.

[0257] The water supply device may include: a first valve configured to supply water to an upper detergent supply device; a second valve configured to supply water to a nozzle device; and a third valve configured to supply water to a tank. Controlling the water supply device may include controlling the first, second, and third valves to supply water to at least one of a first pipe, a second pipe, or a third pipe, wherein water supplied to the first pipe is directed to the upper detergent supply device, water supplied to the second pipe is directed to the nozzle device, and water supplied to the third pipe is directed to the tank.

[0258] As mentioned above, the garment care device can prevent leakage through the detergent supply device.

[0259] The garment care device and its control method may selectively supply water to at least one of the detergent supply devices, nozzle devices or drums according to the washing process, rinsing process, dehydration process or drying process.

[0260] The garment care device and its control method can prevent moisture leakage through the detergent supply device during the drying process.

[0261] The disclosed embodiments can be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions can be stored as program code, and when executed by a processor, the instructions can create program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments.

[0262] Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, when a storage medium is referred to as “non-transitory,” it is understood that the storage medium is tangible and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but rather that data is stored in the storage medium semi-permanently or temporarily. For example, a “non-transitory storage medium” may include a buffer for temporarily storing data.

[0263] According to various implementations, methods according to the various embodiments disclosed herein can be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product can be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., an optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or through an online application store (e.g., the Play Store). TM This can be done either by direct distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading) between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) can be stored at least semi-permanently or temporarily generated in a storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a relay server.

[0264] Although this disclosure has been shown and described in conjunction with specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that changes and modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A garment care device, comprising: bucket; A detergent supply device above the bucket; The heat exchanger above the barrel; A nozzle device is configured to spray water onto the heat exchanger to clean the heat exchanger; Water supply device for supplying water and includes: The first pipe is configured to direct water supplied by the water supply device to the upper detergent supply device. The second pipe is configured to guide water supplied by the water supply device to the nozzle device, and The third pipe is configured to guide water supplied by the water supply device to the bucket; as well as The controller is configured to control the water supply device to supply water to at least one of the first pipe, the second pipe, or the third pipe, wherein the water supplied to the first pipe will be directed to the upper detergent supply device, the water supplied to the second pipe will be directed to the nozzle device, and the water supplied to the third pipe will be directed to the tub, thereby performing at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process, a dehydration process, or a drying process.

2. The garment care device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to control the water supply device to supply water to the third pipe to be directed to the tank, prevent water from being supplied to the first pipe to prevent water from being directed to the upper detergent supply device, and prevent water from being supplied to the second pipe to prevent water from being directed to the nozzle device, thereby performing the washing process.

3. The garment care device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to control the water supply device to supply water to the first pipe to be directed to the upper detergent supply device, to supply water to the third pipe to be directed to the tub, and to prevent water from being supplied to the second pipe to prevent water from being directed to the nozzle device, thereby performing the rinsing process.

4. The garment care device according to claim 1, further comprising: The door is configured to open and close the laundry inlet on one side of the tub. The third pipe is further configured to direct water supplied by the water supply device to the door for cleaning the door, and The controller is configured to control the water supply device to continuously clean the door for a predetermined time: supplying water to the third pipe to be directed to the door to clean the door, preventing water from being supplied to the first pipe to prevent water from being directed to the upper detergent supply device, and preventing water from being supplied to the second pipe to prevent water from being directed to the nozzle device, thereby cleaning the door based on the start of the dehydration process.

5. The garment care device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to, based on the entry into the drying process, control the water supply device for a continuous predetermined period of time: supplying water to the first pipe to be directed to the upper detergent supply device, preventing water from being supplied to the third pipe to prevent water from being directed to the bucket, and preventing water from being supplied to the second pipe to prevent water from being directed to the nozzle device, thereby preventing water from leaking from the bucket.

6. The garment care device of claim 5, further comprising a connecting tube having a U-shape and configured to connect the upper detergent supply device and the tub.

7. The garment care device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to control the water supply device to continue for a predetermined heat exchanger cleaning time before the drying process is completed: supplying water to the second pipe to be directed to the nozzle device, preventing water from being supplied to the third pipe to prevent water from being directed to the tank, and preventing water from being supplied to the first pipe to prevent water from being supplied to the upper detergent supply device.

8. The garment care device according to claim 1, wherein... The water supply device further includes: A first valve is configured to be connected to the first pipe; The second valve is configured to be connected to the second pipe; as well as The third valve is configured to be connected to the third pipe, and The controller is configured to control the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve to supply water to at least one of the first pipe, the second pipe, or the third pipe, wherein the water supplied to the first pipe is directed to the upper detergent supply device, the water supplied to the second pipe is directed to the nozzle device, and the water supplied to the third pipe is directed to the tank.

9. The garment care device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to determine whether to execute at least one of the washing process, the rinsing process, the dehydration process, or the drying process based on the operation process selected by the user.

10. A method for controlling a garment care device, the garment care device comprising a tub, an upper detergent supply device above the tub, a heat exchanger above the tub, a nozzle device configured to spray water onto the heat exchanger to clean the heat exchanger, and a water supply device for supplying water and comprising: A first pipe is configured to direct water supplied by the water supply device to the upper detergent supply device; a second pipe is configured to direct water supplied by the water supply device to the nozzle device; and a third pipe is configured to direct water supplied by the water supply device to the tank. The method includes: Through the controller The operation process of the garment care device is determined based on user input; Based on the determined operation process, determine to perform at least one of the washing process, rinsing process, dehydration process, or drying process; The water supply device is controlled to supply water to at least one of the first pipe, the second pipe, or the third pipe, wherein the water supplied to the first pipe is directed to the upper detergent supply device, the water supplied to the second pipe is directed to the nozzle device, and the water supplied to the third pipe is directed to the tub, thereby performing at least one of the washing process, the rinsing process, the dehydration process, or the drying process.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Controlling the water supply device further includes: controlling the water supply device to supply water to the third pipe to be guided to the tank, preventing water from being supplied to the first pipe to prevent water from being guided to the upper detergent supply device, and preventing water from being supplied to the second pipe to prevent water from being guided to the nozzle device, thereby performing the washing process.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Controlling the water supply device further includes controlling the water supply device to supply water to the third pipe to be directed to the tank, to supply water to the first pipe to be directed to the upper detergent supply device, and to prevent water from being supplied to the second pipe to prevent water from being directed to the nozzle device, thereby performing the rinsing process.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the garment care device further comprises a door configured to open and close a laundry inlet on one side of the tub, and the third conduit is further configured to direct water supplied by the water supply device to the door for cleaning the door, wherein: Controlling the water supply device further includes controlling the water supply device to continuously clean the door for a predetermined time: supplying water to the third pipe to be directed to the door to clean the door, preventing water from being supplied to the second pipe to prevent water from being directed to the nozzle device, and preventing water from being supplied to the first pipe to prevent water from being directed to the upper detergent supply device, thereby cleaning the door based on the start of the dehydration process.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein, Controlling the water supply device further includes, based on entering the drying process, controlling the water supply device to continuously supply water to the first pipe for a predetermined period of time to be directed to the upper detergent supply device, preventing water from being supplied to the third pipe to prevent water from being directed to the bucket, and preventing water from being supplied to the second pipe to prevent water from being directed to the nozzle device, thereby preventing water in the bucket from leaking out of the bucket.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Controlling the water supply device further includes: controlling the water supply device to continue for a predetermined heat exchanger cleaning time before the drying process is completed; supplying water to the second pipe to be directed to the nozzle device; preventing water from being supplied to the third pipe to prevent water from being directed to the tank; and preventing water from being supplied to the first pipe to prevent water from being directed to the upper detergent supply device.

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