Clothes dryer and control method thereof

Abstract

A laundry dryer and a method performed by the laundry dryer according to the present disclosure are designed to identify a degree of clogging of a filter for collecting foreign matter generated during a drying operation. To this end, the laundry dryer may include: a display; an expansion valve provided in the heat pump unit; and a control unit for identifying the degree of clogging of the filter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to clothes dryers. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a clothes dryer and its control method that detects foreign matter accumulated in a filter component and guides the filter cleaning based on data obtained by detecting the opening rate of an expansion valve. Background Technology

[0002] A clothes dryer is a household appliance used to dry wet clothes (hereinafter referred to as the drying object) using hot dry air.

[0003] Typically, when using a clothes dryer, foreign objects such as lint or dust are generated due to friction between the clothes being dried or between the clothes and the drum. When these foreign objects accumulate in the airflow path, the airflow inside the clothes dryer may not be smooth, and the volume of air used for drying may decrease. Furthermore, when foreign objects pass through components such as the motor and fan, the clothes dryer may malfunction. Therefore, a filter can be placed at a point in the airflow path to filter out these foreign objects.

[0004] However, the accumulation of foreign matter in the filter can interfere with airflow, and the foreign matter may leave the filter and enter the electronic components of the clothes dryer. Consequently, the drying performance of the clothes dryer may deteriorate. Therefore, in order to maintain the performance of the clothes dryer, it is necessary to remove foreign matter so that it does not accumulate in the filter at a predetermined level or higher.

[0005] The above information is presented as background information only to aid in understanding this disclosure. No decision is made, nor is any assertion made, regarding whether any of the above information can be used as prior art with respect to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to at least address the problems and / or disadvantages mentioned above, and to provide at least the advantages described below. Therefore, one aspect of this disclosure is to provide a clothes dryer and method capable of detecting foreign matter accumulated in a filter based on data provided from an expansion valve and sending a notification to guide filter cleaning.

[0008] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments presented.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] According to an aspect of this disclosure, a clothes dryer is provided. The clothes dryer includes: an expansion valve disposed in a heat pump; a memory storing one or more computer programs; and at least one controller. The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when operated by the at least one controller alone or together, cause the clothes dryer to perform the following operations: obtaining valve data corresponding to the opening rate of the expansion valve within a predetermined time period; generating multiple variables based on the obtained valve data; and identifying the clogging level of a filter based on the multiple variables. The multiple variables include the difference between a maximum valve data and a minimum valve data included in the valve data, the sum of the valve data, and the time when the valve data reaches a value below a predetermined value.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method performed by a clothes dryer including a heat pump is provided. The method may include: obtaining at least one valve data corresponding to an opening rate of an expansion valve included in the heat pump within a predetermined time period; generating multiple variables based on the valve data; and identifying a filter clogging level based on the multiple variables. The multiple variables include the difference between a maximum and a minimum valve data included in the valve data, the sum of the valve data, and the time when the valve data reaches a value below a predetermined value.

[0012] Technical effect

[0013] The clothes dryer according to embodiments of the present disclosure can detect the degree of accumulation of foreign matter filtered by the filter and provide it to the user.

[0014] The clothes dryer according to embodiments of the present disclosure can adaptively guide the user to clean the filter based on the degree of accumulation of foreign matter filtered by the filter.

[0015] Other aspects, advantages and salient features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which disclose various embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 This is a view showing the base of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 This is a view illustrating the refrigerant cycle generated in a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of identifying the level of filter clogging in a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of identifying the level of filter clogging in a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8 A user interface for displaying a filter cleaning notification on a display, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown; and Figure 9 A user interface for displaying a filter cleaning notification on an external device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same parts, components and structures. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to aid in a full understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. This description includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these are considered exemplary only. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted.

[0019] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are merely the inventor's choice to achieve a clear and consistent understanding of this disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description, which provides various embodiments of this disclosure, is for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the purpose of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0020] It should be understood that, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. Thus, for example, referring to “the surface of a component” includes referring to one or more such surfaces.

[0021] It should be understood that each box in a flowchart, as well as combinations of flowcharts, can be executed by one or more computer programs that include instructions. The entire one or more computer programs can be stored in a single memory device, or the one or more computer programs can be divided into different parts stored in multiple different memory devices.

[0022] Any of the functions or operations described herein (such as any functions or operations performed by a controller as described herein) can be processed by a processor or combination of processors. A processor or combination of processors is circuitry that performs processing and includes circuitry such as an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, a connectivity chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio codec chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), an integrated circuit (IC), and the like.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a clothes dryer 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a clothes dryer 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In other words, Figure 2 Is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view obtained at a point parallel to the xz plane.

[0025] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The x-axis direction can be defined as the front-to-back direction of the clothes dryer 1, the y-axis direction can be defined as the left-to-right direction of the clothes dryer 1, and the z-axis direction can be defined as the vertical direction of the clothes dryer 1. The terms "front-to-back direction," "left-to-right direction," and "vertical direction" used below are defined with respect to the accompanying drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited thereto.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the clothes dryer 1 can heat the air circulating therein to dry the items being dried. The clothes dryer 1 can be classified as a heater type, a heat pump type, or a hybrid type based on the method of heating the air. A hybrid type can, for example, use heater-type and heat pump-type methods together or alternately to heat the air. It is assumed that the clothes dryer 1 described in this disclosure is a heat pump type or a hybrid type clothes dryer 1. Therefore, the clothes dryer 1 may or may not include a heater (e.g., ...) as needed. Figure 4 Heater 75).

[0027] According to an embodiment, the clothes dryer 1 may include a body 10. The body 10 may form the exterior of the clothes dryer 1. The body 10 may be formed of at least one of metal or plastic. The clothes dryer 1 may be configured in various shapes, but may also be configured in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the main body 10 may include a front surface 11, an upper cover 12, left / right side covers 13, a rear cover 14, or a lower surface 15. Components included in the main body 10 may be configured separately or integrally. For example, the left / right side covers 13 and the rear cover 14 included in the main body 10 may be integrally formed to form side covers and a rear cover. The front surface 11, upper cover 12, left / right side covers 13, rear cover 14, or lower surface 15 included in the main body 10 may form an inner housing. The inner housing may include an internal space in which various components constituting the clothes dryer 1 can be stored or installed.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the water container 16 can be disposed in the main body 10. The water container 16 can be disposed at the upper part of the main body 10. The water container 16 can be assembled in a recessed portion formed at a point on the upper part of the front surface 11. The water container 16 can be detachably fixed to the recessed portion. The water container 16 can be configured to collect condensate generated by the refrigerant circulation of the clothes dryer 1.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the main body 10 may include a user interface 17. The user interface 17 may include a user input section for receiving user input and a user output section for transmitting information to the user visually or audibly.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the user input section may include a rotary button 17a. The rotary button 17a may be implemented as a dial or a jog shuttle. The rotary button 17a may have a wheel-like structure. The rotary button 17a can receive user input by rotating clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the user input section may include a button 17c. The button 17c can receive user input via touch or pressing. The button 17c can detect user touch capacitively or resistively, or input can be detected via physical pressing.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the user output unit may include a display 17b. The display 17b can visually output information to be transmitted to the user. The user output unit includes a speaker (not shown) and can audibly output information to be transmitted to the user.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the main body 10 may include a base 60. The base 60 may be disposed below the main body 10 to form a lower surface 15. For example, the base 60 may form a bottom surface within the inner housing of the main body 10. Support legs 19 for supporting the main body 10 may be disposed on the lower surface 15. The support legs 19 may separate the main body 10 from the bottom surface by a predetermined distance. For example, multiple support legs 19 may be disposed on the lower surface 15 to stably support the main body 10.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the clothes dryer 1 may include a drum 20 configured to receive the object to be dried within an inner housing. The drum 20 may include an inlet for placing the object to be dried therein. The inlet of the drum may be defined as a first opening 25. The drum 20 may be rotatably disposed within the inner housing of the main body 10.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the clothes dryer 1 may include a drive for rotating the drum 20 (e.g., Figure 5 The driver 160 may include a motor (e.g., a motor mounted on the base 60) Figure 3 Motor 31), pulley (e.g., Figure 3 (pulley 32) or belt (e.g., Figure 4 (Belt 33). Pulley 32 can be rotated by motor 31. Belt 33 can connect pulley 32 and roller 20 to transmit power from motor 31 to roller 20.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the roller 20 may include an inlet 21 through which air flows into the roller 20 and an outlet 22 through which air flows out of the roller 20. The inlet 21 may be formed on one side of the roller 20, and the outlet 22 may be formed on the other side of the roller 20. The inlet 21 may be, for example, a rear opening of the roller 20. The outlet 22 may be, for example, a front opening of the roller 20 (e.g., a first opening 25). For example, the front opening of the roller 20 may be the inlet of the roller.

[0038] According to an embodiment, hot dry air can be introduced into the drum 20 through inlet 21 to dry the object contained in the drum 20. The air used to dry the object can escape from the drum 20 through outlet 22. The air leaving the drum 20 through outlet 22 may contain a large amount of moisture.

[0039] According to an embodiment, multiple lifters 24 may be arranged inside the drum 20. The lifters 24 can raise or lower the object to be dried so that it comes into contact with hot air while the object is suspended in the space inside the drum 20.

[0040] According to an embodiment, a door 30 for opening and closing the first opening 25 can be mounted on the front surface of the body 10. The door 30 can be hinged to one side of the first opening 25 so that it is rotatable.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the base 60 may be disposed below the roller 20. (See reference) Figure 4 A heat pump 70, which forms a refrigerant cycle, can be mounted on a base 60. The heat pump 70 may include an evaporator 71, a condenser 72, a compressor 73, and an expansion valve 74. See below for reference. Figure 4 The refrigerant cycle circulating in the heat pump 70 is described in detail. Furthermore, a blower fan 34 or a drive motor 31 can be mounted on the base 60. A base cover can be provided on the base 60 to cover, for example, the heat pump 70. For example, the base cover 64 can form a piping structure together with the base 60.

[0042] According to an embodiment, a blower fan 34 may be mounted on a base 60. The blower fan 34 may generate blowing power based on power transmitted by a drive motor 31 to form an airflow path. For example, the blower fan 34 may exhaust air radially. For this purpose, the blower fan 34 may include a rotating shaft formed in a central portion and a plurality of blades formed in a circumferential direction around the rotating shaft.

[0043] According to an embodiment, a refrigerant cycle for heating and condensing air can be formed inside the main body 10. The refrigerant cycle can correspond to a series of cyclic processes including compression-condensation-expansion-evaporation. The main body 10 may include an evaporator 71, a condenser 72, a compressor 73, and an expansion valve 74 to form the refrigerant cycle. The evaporator 71 and the condenser 72 can exchange heat with the air.

[0044] According to an embodiment, when the clothes dryer 1 performs a drying operation, a closed flow path can be formed inside the main body 10. Here, the closed flow path can be understood as the air movement path formed by the heat pump 70 and the drum 20 circulating the air inside the drum 20 (see [link]). Figure 2 (The arrow in the image). A closed flow path can be formed so that air outside the main body 10 does not flow into the roller 20, or air inside the roller 20 does not flow out of the main body 10. In other words, the air flow can form a closed loop.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the clothes dryer 1 may include a first filter assembly (first filter) 80 detachably mounted on a passage through which air circulates. The first filter assembly 80 may include a filter member for filtering out foreign matter, such as lint that flows with the air circulating inside the drum 20. The filter member may include at least one of wool material, synthetic resin, or steel material. The filter member may be mounted on a filter frame that forms the appearance of the first filter assembly 80.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the first filter assembly 80 may be detachably / installed in a filter conduit. The filter conduit may be formed as a portion corresponding to a lower portion of the first opening 25 of the roller 20 that is cut or recessed. The filter conduit may have an injection port through which the first filter assembly 80 is inserted. The filter conduit may be positioned in the flow path through which air circulates during the drying operation.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the first filter assembly 80 can collect foreign matter generated when the clothes dryer 1 performs a drying operation. The user can remove the collected foreign matter by disassembling the first filter assembly 80 and then installing the cleaned first filter assembly 80 into the filter pipe.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the clothes dryer 1 may include a second opening 65 provided on the front surface of the main body 10 for servicing the heat pump 70. A dehumidifier (e.g., Figure 3 The dehumidifier 90 and the second filter assembly (second filter) 50 can be installed inside the body 10 through the second opening 65. The dehumidifier 90 and the second filter assembly 50 can be detachably installed on the assembly receiving portion 61 formed inside the body 10 through the second opening 65. In other words, the second filter assembly 50 or the dehumidifier 90 can be installed on the assembly receiving portion 61, and the dehumidifier 90 and the second filter assembly 1450 can be configured to be replaceable. A component cover 40 for opening and closing the second opening 65 can be provided on the front surface of the body 10.

[0049] For example, when the dehumidifier 90 is installed on the component housing 61, the clothes dryer 1 can perform a dehumidification operation to dehumidify the surrounding space. While the clothes dryer 1 is performing the dehumidification operation, the second opening 65 can be opened.

[0050] For example, when the second filter assembly 50 is installed on the assembly receiving portion 61, the dryer 1 can perform a drying operation to dry the object to be dried (such as clothes). When the clothes dryer 1 performs the drying operation, the second opening 65 can be closed.

[0051] According to an embodiment, with the component cover 40 closed at the second opening 65, the front surface of the component cover 40 and the front surface 11 of the body 10 can be connected to each other to form a smooth, stepless connection surface. The user can remove foreign matter, including lint or dust, attached to the heat pump 70 through the second opening 65.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the component cover 40 may include a connecting protrusion 41. The connecting protrusion 41 may protrude from the inner surface of the component cover 40. The body 10 may include a connecting groove 63 corresponding to the connecting protrusion 41. When the connecting protrusion 41 and the connecting groove 63 are engaged, the component cover 40 may be in a closed state. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the body 10 and the connecting protrusion 41 may be integrally formed, and the component cover 40 and the connecting groove 63 may be integrally formed. In other words, the connection between the body 10 and the component cover 40 may vary in various forms.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the component cover 40 may include a connecting hinge 42 that provides a rotation axis for rotation relative to the body 10. The connecting hinge 42 may be disposed below the component cover 40. The body 10 may include a connecting hinge mounting portion 62 corresponding to the connecting hinge 42. The connecting hinge 42 may be coupled to the connecting hinge mounting portion 62 for rotation, and by such rotation, the space (i.e., the component receiving portion 61) in which the dehumidifier 90 or the second filter assembly 50 is installed may be opened or closed.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the second filter assembly 50 can be detachably mounted on the dryer 1. The second filter assembly 50 can be detachably mounted inside the main body 10 through the second opening 65. The second filter assembly 50 can also collect foreign matter that has not been filtered by the first filter assembly 80 (including filter members). The second filter assembly 50 can be mounted on or detached from the assembly receiving portion 61. The second filter assembly 50 can prevent air from escaping from a closed flow path. In other words, the second filter assembly 50 can prevent the drying efficiency of the dryer 1 from deteriorating. The second filter assembly 50 can be disposed on the base 60.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a view showing the base 60 of a clothes dryer 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] refer to Figure 3 It is understood that the dehumidifier 90 is mounted on the base 60. However, the dehumidifier 90 can be removed, and the second filter assembly 50 can be mounted on the base 60.

[0057] According to an embodiment, motor 31 performs rotation and transmits the rotational force generated by the rotation to the drum (e.g., Figure 1 20-inch drum). Clothes dryer (e.g., Figure 1 The rotation speed of the drum 20 can be controlled by controlling the rotation speed of the motor 31.

[0058] According to an embodiment, in order to transmit the rotational force of the motor 31 to the drum 20, the clothes dryer 1 may include pulleys 32 and a belt (e.g., Figure 4The belt 33 (with pulley 32 receiving power from motor 31 and rotating, and the belt rotating by the rotation of pulley 32 to rotate drum 20) can be installed to wind around the outer surfaces of pulley 32 and drum 20. When pulley 32 is driven to rotate by motor 31, drum 20 can rotate.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the heat pump 70 may be mounted on a base. The heat pump 70 may include an evaporator 71, a condenser 72, a compressor 73, and an expansion valve 74. Although not shown, the heat pump 70 may also include a heater (e.g., Figure 4 Heater 75).

[0060] According to an embodiment, when the clothes dryer 1 performs a drying operation, the inside 23 of the drum 20 (e.g., Figure 2 The air used to dry the object inside the drum 20 (23) can be guided through the outlet 22 (e.g., Figure 2 (Outlet 22). The guided air can pass through a filter (e.g., Figure 1 The first filter assembly 80), and then can pass sequentially through the evaporator 71 and the condenser 72. The evaporator 71 and the condenser 72 are formed as a multi-tube structure and can exchange heat with adjacent air through the refrigerant flowing inside the tubes. Air that has passed through the condenser 72 can pass through inlet 21 (e.g., Figure 2 The inlet 21) is guided back into the interior 23 of the roller 20.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the refrigerant can circulate while undergoing a series of phase changes including compression-condensation-expansion-evaporation. The condenser 72 and the evaporator 71 can be implemented in the form of a heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat with air.

[0062] According to an embodiment, compressor 73 compresses and discharges refrigerant under high temperature and high pressure, and the discharged refrigerant flows into condenser 72. Condenser 72 condenses the compressed refrigerant and dissipates heat to the surroundings through the condensation process. Furthermore, expansion valve 74 expands the refrigerant condensed in condenser 72 under high temperature and high pressure to a low pressure state. Evaporator 71 evaporates the expanded refrigerant and removes heat from the surroundings through the evaporation process.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the expansion valve 74 can be implemented as an electronic expansion valve (EEV, hereinafter referred to as an expansion valve). The expansion valve 74 can be adjusted by an electrical signal to regulate the amount of opening.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the clothes dryer 1 can output an electrical signal to the expansion valve 74 to control the opening rate of the indicator valve. The clothes dryer 1 can output an electrical signal to the expansion valve 74 to control the opening angle (e.g., the degree of opening). The expansion valve 74 can respond to a controller (e.g., Figure 5 The controller 110 transmits an electrical signal to control the opening degree of the valve. Furthermore, when the expansion valve 74 transmits an electrical signal corresponding to the current opening rate to the controller 110, the clothes dryer 1 can detect information indicating the opening rate of the expansion valve 74. To transmit information about the opening angle corresponding to the current opening rate of the expansion valve 74 to the controller 110, a position sensor that detects the opening angle of the expansion valve 74 can be provided.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the clothes dryer 1 can detect superheat corresponding to the temperature difference between the refrigerant temperature introduced into the evaporator 71 and the refrigerant temperature discharged from the evaporator 71. The clothes dryer 1 can obtain superheat from the outlet of the evaporator (e.g., ...). Figure 4 Point P2) and the evaporator inlet (e.g., Figure 4 The temperature sensor at point P1 (e.g., Figure 5 Temperature sensors 120 detect the temperature at each point P1 and P2 to detect overheating. To prevent liquid refrigerant from being introduced into the compressor 73, the clothes dryer 1 can output an electrical signal to control the opening rate of the expansion valve 74.

[0066] According to an embodiment, one side (outlet) of the expansion valve 74 can be connected to the inlet P1 of the evaporator 71, and the other side (inlet) can be connected to the outlet P4 of the condenser 72.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the inlet of compressor 73 can be connected to the outlet P2 of evaporator 71, and the outlet of compressor 73 can be connected to the inlet P3 of condenser 72.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the expansion valve 74 can regulate superheat (i.e., the temperature difference between the inlet P1 and outlet P2 of the evaporator 71) by adjusting the refrigerant flow rate, or regulate the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 73.

[0069] According to an embodiment, when the clothes dryer 1 performs a drying operation, the hot and humid air discharged from the drum 20 can pass through the evaporator 71. Therefore, since the hot and humid air discharged from the drum 20 is cooled as it passes through the evaporator 71, it can be transformed into low-temperature dry air. In this case, condensate can be generated when the hot and humid air is cooled in the evaporator 71. The condensate can be moved to the water container 16 or discharged to the outside of the main body 10. Furthermore, the air dried at a low temperature after passing through the evaporator 71 can pass through the condenser 72. Therefore, since the low-temperature dry air discharged from the evaporator 71 is heated while passing through the condenser 72, it can be transformed into high-temperature dry air. The hot and dry air can be introduced into the drum 20 through the inlet 21 to dry the object. When the object is dried, the hot and humid air containing a large amount of moisture can be discharged through the outlet 22. The discharged air can pass through the evaporator 71 again. In other words, while drying the object contained in the drum 20, the air can circulate inside the main body 10.

[0070] Although not shown, the heater (e.g., Figure 4 The heater 75 can be installed inside the main body 10. The heater 75 can be installed in the flow path near the inlet 21 to supply air to the drum 20 via the condenser 72. The heater 75 can be configured to further increase the temperature of the air passing through the condenser 72. The air passing through the heater 75 can have a higher temperature than the air passing through the condenser 72. By installing the heater 75 inside the main body 10, the drying efficiency of the object being dried can be improved.

[0071] In the following text, regarding the refrigerant cycle, please refer to... Figure 4 It describes the flow of air and refrigerant.

[0072] Figure 4 This illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in a clothes dryer 1 (e.g., Figure 1 A view of the refrigerant circulation generated in the clothes dryer 1).

[0073] refer to Figure 4 It can be understood that arrows indicated by solid lines represent air flow, while arrows indicated by dashed lines represent refrigerant flow.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the air introduced into the drum 20 to dry the object can be discharged to the outlet 22. Before passing through the outlet 22 and being introduced into the heat pump 70, the air can pass through the filter 80 (e.g., Figure 1 The first filter assembly 80). Foreign objects (e.g., lint or dust) present in the air passing through the filter 80 can be filtered out.

[0075] According to an embodiment, air passing through filter 80 can be introduced into heat pump 70. A blower fan 34 driven by motor 31 can accelerate the speed at which air is directed into heat pump 70. As the air sequentially passes through evaporator 71 and condenser 72 included in heat pump 70, it can be changed from low-temperature, humid air to high-temperature, dry air.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the air discharged from the heat pump 70 can pass through the heater 75. The air passing through the heater 75 can be further heated. However, the heater 75 may be omitted depending on the type of clothes dryer 1 (e.g., heat pump type).

[0077] According to an embodiment, the refrigerant can exchange heat with the air while circulating through the heat pump 70.

[0078] According to an embodiment, compressor 73 compresses and discharges refrigerant under high temperature and high pressure, and the discharged refrigerant flows into condenser 72. Condenser 72 condenses the compressed refrigerant and dissipates heat to the surroundings through the condensation process. Furthermore, expansion valve 74 expands the refrigerant condensed in condenser 72 under high temperature and high pressure to a low pressure state. Evaporator 71 evaporates the expanded refrigerant and removes heat from the surroundings through the evaporation process.

[0079] According to an embodiment, when excessive dust accumulates in the first filter assembly 80 or the second filter assembly 50, only a portion of the air discharged from the drum 20 can be introduced into the heat pump 70. Therefore, compared to when sufficient air is introduced into the heat pump 70, to cool a smaller amount of air, the clothes dryer 1 can send a smaller amount of refrigerant to the evaporator 71, and for this purpose, the clothes dryer 1 can control the expansion valve 74 to open at a low opening rate. This can be one reason for the deterioration of the drying performance of the clothes dryer 1 on the items being dried. In other words, the clothes dryer 1 can determine the clogging level of filters 50 and 80 by detecting the opening rate of the expansion valve 74, and send information about the clogging levels of filters 50 and 80 to the user based on these levels. In the following, reference is made to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The description describes the control operation of the clothes dryer 1 to determine the clogging level of filters 50 and 80. Additionally, please refer to the following... Figure 5 The described filter 80 will focus primarily on the first filter assembly 80 commonly used in clothes dryers 1. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and Figure 6 and Figure 7 The control operations described herein can be applied to filters (e.g., first filter assembly 80 or second filter assembly 50) included in the clothes dryer 1 and removable by the user.

[0080] Figure 5This illustrates a clothes dryer 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., Figure 1 A block diagram of a clothes dryer 1).

[0081] refer to Figure 5 The clothes dryer 100 may include a controller 110, a temperature sensor 120, a transceiver 130, a memory 140, a user interface 150, a driver 160, or a heat pump 170 (e.g., Figure 1 At least one of the heat pumps 70. Although controller 110 is described herein in the singular for ease of description, controller 110 may be at least one controller 110. Controller 110 may be communicatively coupled to at least one of temperature sensor 120, transceiver 130, memory 140, user interface 150, driver 160, or heat pump 170. Memory 140 may store one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed individually or collectively by at least one controller 110, cause the electronic device to perform any of the functions or operations described herein.

[0082] According to an embodiment, temperature sensor 120 can be configured to detect the temperature of air at a point or the temperature of refrigerant at a point. One or more temperature sensors 120 can be provided. Temperature sensor 120 can be installed near the point where the temperature of air or refrigerant is to be measured.

[0083] For example, temperature sensor 120 can detect air coming from the roller (e.g., Figure 1 The temperature at the discharge point of the drum 20.

[0084] For example, temperature sensor 120 can detect the refrigerant input to the evaporator (e.g., Figure 3 The temperature of point P1 in the evaporator 71).

[0085] According to an embodiment, the clothes dryer 100 can determine the presence of refrigerant based on the temperature change value at point P1 where the refrigerant is introduced into the evaporator 71, detected by the temperature sensor 120.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the clothes dryer 100 may include various sensors such as humidity sensors, weight sensors, position sensors, door magnetic sensors, or proximity sensors.

[0087] For example, a position sensor can be installed in the expansion valve 171. The position sensor can sense the opening angle of the expansion valve 171. The position sensor can transmit information about the detected opening angle of the expansion valve 171 to the controller 110. The controller 110 can obtain valve data corresponding to the opening rate of the expansion valve 171 based on this information.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the transceiver 130 may be configured to transmit signals within the clothes dryer 100, or for communication between the clothes dryer 100 and external devices (e.g., Figure 9 2) Communication with external devices. Transceiver 130 can communicate with a server (not shown).

[0089] According to an embodiment, transceiver 130 can use at least one of the data communication schemes to perform data communication with a server or other peripheral electronic device, including wired local area network (LAN), wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless Broadband Internet (WiBro), Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX), Shared Wireless Access Protocol (SWAP), Wireless Gigabit Alliance (WAP), (WiGig), Ultra Wideband (UWB), and radio frequency (RF) communication.

[0090] According to an embodiment, transceiver 130 can send and receive data to and from external device 2 to perform the drying process. For example, transceiver 130 can receive an artificial intelligence model from an external server to obtain data related to the washing process.

[0091] According to an embodiment, memory 140 may be configured to store data required for operations to be performed by clothes dryer 100. Memory 140 may include volatile memory or non-transitory memory. Memory 140 may store the data required for operations to be performed by clothes dryer 100 in the form of a database.

[0092] For example, memory 140 may store information used to determine a filter (e.g., Figure 1 The formula for calculating the clogging level of the first filter component (80).

[0093] For example, memory 140 may store valve data obtained by the clothes dryer 100 over time from the expansion valve (e.g., Figure 3 The value of the opening rate of the expansion valve 74.

[0094] For example, memory 140 may pre-store data to be sent by clothes dryer 100 via user interface 150 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The information output by the display 17b or speaker. For example, memory 140 may store visual guidance messages for instructing filter management based on the clogging level of filter 80. For example, memory 140 may store auditory guidance messages for instructing filter management based on the clogging level of filter 80.

[0095] According to an embodiment, user interface 150 (e.g., Figure 1The user interface 17 may include a user input section and a user output section. The user input section can receive user input. The user input section may include a wheel (e.g., Figure 1 Wheel 17a) or button (e.g., Figure 1 Button 17c). The user output unit can output information to be transmitted to the user visually or audibly. The user output unit may include a display 151 (e.g., button 17c). Figure 1 The display (17b) or the speaker.

[0096] According to an embodiment, a driver 160 may be provided to rotate the roller 20 or drive a blower fan (e.g., Figure 3 The blower fan 34). The driver 160 may include a motor (e.g., Figure 3 Motor 31), blower fan, pulleys (e.g., Figure 3 (pulley 32) or belt (e.g., Figure 4 (33). The drive 160 can be operated or stopped by the controller 110 to adjust the rotational speed of the roller 20 or the movement speed of the air.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the controller 110 can operate the motor 31 included in the driver 160. The pulley 32 can receive power and rotate by the operation of the motor 31. When the belt 33 wound around the outer surface of the roller 20 rotates by the rotation of the pulley 32, the controller 110 can rotate the roller 20.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the controller 110 can operate the motor 31 included in the drive 160. By rotating the blower fan 34, which receives power through the operation of the motor 31, air can be circulated into the clothes dryer 1 along a flow path.

[0099] According to an embodiment, heat pump 170 can control the refrigerant to regulate the temperature or humidity of the air. Heat pump 170 may include an evaporator (e.g., Figure 3 Evaporator 71), condenser (e.g., Figure 3 The condenser 72), compressor (e.g., Figure 3 The compressor 73) or expansion valve 171 (e.g., Figure 3 Expansion valve 74).

[0100] According to an embodiment, the heat pump 170 can be operated or stopped by the controller 110. Therefore, the temperature or humidity of the air circulating through the clothes dryer 100 can be controlled.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the controller 110 can perform overall control related to the operation of the clothes dryer 100.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the controller 110 can obtain information detected by a sensor including the temperature sensor 120.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may receive user input transmitted through the user input section of the user interface 150, or may display the information to be transmitted to the user through the display unit (e.g., display 151) of the user interface 150.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the controller 110 can control the rotation of the roller 20 by operating or stopping the driver 160, and can control the airflow by operating or stopping the blower fan 34.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the controller 110 can control the flow of refrigerant to regulate the temperature or humidity of the air by operating or stopping the heat pump 170.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the controller 110 can control the opening rate of the expansion valve 171.

[0107] According to an embodiment, controller 110 can determine the clogging level of filter 80. Controller 110 can obtain data corresponding to the opening rate of expansion valve 171 to determine the clogging level of filter 80. This data will be referred to as "valve data". Controller 110 can obtain valve data by obtaining a pulse signal corresponding to the opening rate of expansion valve 74.

[0108] For example, controller 110 can obtain information about the current opening angle of expansion valve 74 detected by a position sensor disposed in expansion valve 74. Controller 110 can receive valve data corresponding to the opening rate of expansion valve 74 based on the obtained opening angle of expansion valve 74.

[0109] For example, valve data can have values ​​from 80 to 480. For example, when valve data indicates 80, it can be understood that expansion valve 74 is closed. For example, when valve data indicates 480, it can be understood that expansion valve 74 is fully open. For example, when valve data indicates 80 to 480, it can be understood that expansion valve 74 is partially open corresponding to the value indicated by the valve data.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the controller 110 can calculate the clogging level of the filter 80 based on the obtained valve data.

[0111] For example, controller 110 can acquire valve data in predetermined time units within a predetermined time period. For example, when a predetermined holding time (e.g., 5 minutes) has elapsed after the drying process of the dryer is performed, controller 110 can acquire valve data at predetermined time intervals (e.g., 1 minute). For example, the n valve data acquired by the controller can be defined in chronological order as first valve data v1, second valve data v2, third valve data v3, ... and nth valve data v n Here, n can be set to a natural number. For ease of description, it can be assumed that controller 110 acquires 25 valve data points per minute for 5 minutes after the drying process of the dryer is executed, and in the specification, it is assumed that controller 110 acquires the first valve data v1 to the 25th valve data v in chronological order. 25 .

[0112] For example, when multiple valve data sets with values ​​less than a predetermined value exist among the obtained valve data, the controller 110 can determine that the clogging level of the filter 80 is greater than or equal to a threshold level. For example, when multiple valve data sets v1 to v25 are present... 25 If data with a value less than 90 is present at least three times, the controller 110 can determine that the clogging level of the filter 80 is greater than or equal to the threshold level.

[0113] For example, controller 110 can perform operations to determine the clogging level of filter 80 based on at least some of the obtained valve data. Controller 110 can generate multiple factors for performing calculations based on the valve data. Table 1 below shows a calculation table for determining the clogging level of filter 80. The calculation table can be stored in memory 140 in the form of a database.

[0114] Table 1

[0115] The variables shown in Table 1 can be limited as follows.

[0116] According to an embodiment, X1 can be defined as the maximum value v among the valve data obtained by the controller 110 within a predetermined time. max and minimum value v min The difference between them. For example, X1 can be defined as indicating the difference between the first valve data v1 and the 25th valve data v. 25 The difference between the valve data indicating the maximum value and the valve data indicating the minimum value.

[0117] According to an embodiment, X2 can be defined as the sum of valve data values ​​obtained by the controller 110. For example, X2 can be defined as the sum of valve data values ​​from the first valve data v1 to the 25th valve data v1. 25 The sum of the indicated values.

[0118] According to an embodiment, t0 can be defined as the time when the value indicated by the valve data reaches the set valve data v. set The first moment. In other words, when the set valve data v set When the value is 100, t0 can be defined as the time elapsed until the value of the valve data obtained by the controller 110 is less than 100, and the unit can be defined as minutes. For example, when the set valve data v set When the time taken to obtain valve data with a value less than 100 from the valve data obtained by controller 110 is 15 minutes, it can be understood as t0=15. For example, when it is determined that the set valve data v is not reached among the valve data obtained within the predetermined time... set At that time, t0 can be set to 60.

[0119] According to an embodiment, v set It can be limited to a calculation formula used to calculate the valve data set. set It can be limited to v set ={(initial temperature (T0) - 25) / 2} + 80. Here, the initial temperature T0 can be defined as the initial temperature of the air at the point where the drying process is performed and the air is discharged from the drum.

[0120] According to an embodiment, Y can be defined as a calculation formula used to determine the clogging level of filter 80. Y can be defined as Y = X1 × 10000 / (X2 × t0). Based on the range of values ​​indicated by the values ​​of Y derived from the calculation formula, controller 110 can determine the clogging level of the airflow path. The data Y value used to determine the clogging level of filter 80 can be defined as "target data".

[0121] For example, when the Y value is less than 5, it can be determined that the level of blockage in the airflow path is normal. In other words, it can be understood that the air is circulating at a level where the performance of clothes dryer 1 has not deteriorated.

[0122] For example, when the Y value is greater than or equal to 5 and less than or equal to 8, it can be determined that the blockage level of the airflow path exceeds a first threshold level. For example, controller 110 can determine that the blockage level of filter 80 is approximately 75%.

[0123] For example, when the Y value exceeds 8, it can be determined that the blockage level of the airflow path exceeds a second threshold level. For example, controller 110 can determine that the blockage level of filter 80 is approximately 90%.

[0124] Therefore, when the Y value is 5 or greater, in order to maintain the drying performance of the clothes dryer 100, the clothes dryer 100 can determine to send a notification to instruct the user to manage the filter 80.

[0125] The formulas defined in Table 1 are cited as examples of formulas for determining the clogging level of filter 80, and unlike this, formulas for determining the clogging level of filter 80 can be applied in various ways.

[0126] According to an embodiment, the controller 110 can transmit a notification instructing the management of the filter 80 to the display 151 based on the clogging level of the filter 80. The controller 110 can also transmit data to the display 151 as a numerical value representing the clogging level of the filter 80.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the controller 110 can send signals to an external device (e.g., based on the clogging level of the filter 80). Figure 9 External device 2) transmits notifications instructing the management of filter 80. Controller 110 can transmit data to external device 2 as a numerical value indicating the clogging level of filter 80.

[0128] Figure 6 This illustrates an embodiment of a clothes dryer (e.g., according to the present disclosure). Figure 1 Clothes dryer 1 or Figure 5 The clothes dryer 100) identifies the filter (e.g., Figure 1 The flowchart shows the operation of the first filter component 80) with varying clogging levels.

[0129] Figure 7 This illustrates an embodiment of a clothes dryer (e.g., according to the present disclosure). Figure 1 Clothes dryer 1 or Figure 5 The clothes dryer 100) identifies the filter (e.g., Figure 1 The flowchart shows the operation of the first filter component 80) with varying clogging levels.

[0130] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The described operations can be repeated as needed. Some operations included in the operation can be omitted. At least some of the operations can be reordered.

[0131] refer to Figure 6 In operation 610, the clothes dryer 1 can determine whether the conditions for obtaining valve data are met. When predetermined conditions are met, the clothes dryer 1 can release data from the expansion valve (e.g., Figure 3 Expansion valve 74 or Figure 5 The expansion valve 171) obtains valve data.

[0132] For example, when clothes dryer 1 detects a load from the drum (e.g., Figure 1 If the initial air temperature of the air discharged from the drum 20 is outside the set temperature range, the clothes dryer 1 can determine that the conditions for obtaining valve data are not met.

[0133] For example, when clothes dryer 1 is in the process of feeding water into the evaporator (e.g., Figure 2 Points in the evaporator 71 (e.g., Figure 4 If the temperature detected at point P1 is outside the set temperature range, the clothes dryer 1 can determine that the conditions for obtaining valve data are not met. (Reference) Figure 7 The condition is described.

[0134] When the conditions for obtaining valve data are met, the clothes dryer 1 can obtain valve data from the expansion valve 74 during operation 620. The clothes dryer 1 can obtain valve data within a predetermined time period. For example, the clothes dryer 1 can obtain 25 minutes of valve data after a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) following the execution of the drying process. The clothes dryer 1 can receive valve data from the expansion valve 74 every minute within the 25 minutes.

[0135] According to an embodiment, in operation 630, the clothes dryer 1 can determine the level of clogging of the filter 80 based on the obtained valve data.

[0136] For example, the clothes dryer 1 can identify whether the filter 80 is clogged in response to receiving valve data values ​​below a predetermined threshold multiple times. Here, a clogged filter 80 can be understood as when the airflow required for the drying process to be performed is obstructed due to foreign matter collected in the filter 80. For example, when the clothes dryer 1 receives valve data values ​​less than 90 three or more times, the clothes dryer 1 can identify that the filter 80 is clogged.

[0137] For example, when multiple valve data points with values ​​less than a predetermined value are present among the obtained valve data, the clothes dryer 1 can determine that the clogging level of the filter 80 is greater than or equal to a threshold level. For example, when the clothes dryer 1 obtains five or more valve data points with values ​​less than 90, the clothes dryer 1 can determine that the filter 80 is clogged at a threshold level or higher.

[0138] For example, clothes dryer 1 can use data stored in a memory (e.g., Figure 5 The clogging level of filter 80 is determined by a calculation formula in the memory 140. The clothes dryer 1 can determine the clogging level of filter 80 based on the Y value calculated using Table 1 described above. For example, when the Y value calculated by the clothes dryer 1 is 5 or greater, the clothes dryer 1 can determine that filter 80 is clogged at a threshold level or greater (e.g., 75% or more of filter 80 is clogged with foreign objects).

[0139] In operation 640, the clothes dryer 1 can determine whether the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds a threshold level. The clothes dryer 1 can determine whether the filter 80 exceeds a threshold level corresponding to the clogging level determined in operation 630.

[0140] When it is determined that filter 80 is clogged beyond a threshold level, clothes dryer 1 can transmit information in operation 650 instructing the management of filter 80. Clothes dryer 1 can also display information to a monitor (e.g., Figure 1 The display 17b transmits information corresponding to the clogging level of the filter 80, and the display 17b can visually display this information. The clothes dryer 1 can transmit information to a speaker, and the speaker can audibly output the information.

[0141] According to an embodiment, the clothes dryer 1 can supply power to an external device (e.g., Figure 9 External device 2) transmits information instructing the filter 80 to manage the clothes dryer 1. External device 2 may include any devices (including mobile phones, tablets, wireless headphones, and smart home devices) connected to the clothes dryer 1 via wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB). The clothes dryer 1 may transmit information to external device 2, and external device 2 may display information visually or output information audibly.

[0142] refer to Figure 7 ,Can Figure 6 At least some of the operations shown correspond to each other. Figure 7 The operation of 750, 760, 770, and 780 can be combined with... Figure 6 Operations 620, 630, 640, and 650 correspond to this. In other words, Figure 7 Operations 710 to 740 shown can be understood as specific descriptions Figure 6 Operation 610. Therefore, the diagram mainly focuses on the differences.

[0143] In operation 710, the clothes dryer 1 can detect the initial temperature of the circulating air (e.g., Figure 5 The initial temperature T0). Here, the initial temperature T0 can refer to the air temperature at the point where it exits from the drum 20 after the drying process has begun. For this purpose, the clothes dryer 1 can obtain the air temperature from the outlet located at the exit of the drum 20 (e.g., the initial temperature T0). Figure 2 The temperature is detected by the temperature sensor at point 22 on the outlet.

[0144] In operation 720, the clothes dryer 1 can determine whether the initial temperature T0 of the circulating air meets a predetermined range. The predetermined range can be set, for example, from 0 degrees to 38 degrees. When the initial temperature T0 of the circulating air is within the predetermined range, the clothes dryer 1 can operate the compressor 73. When the initial temperature T0 of the circulating air is outside the predetermined range, the clothes dryer 1 does not obtain valve data.

[0145] When the initial temperature T0 of the circulating air meets the predetermined range, the clothes dryer 1 can operate the compressor 73 in operation 730.

[0146] In operation 740, the clothes dryer 1 can determine whether the amount of refrigerant circulating through the heat pump 70 is sufficient based on the superheat level. The clothes dryer 1 can determine this based on the input point of the evaporator 71 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 P1) and output point (e.g., Figure 4 The level of superheat is obtained by measuring the temperature difference between points P1 and P2. When the temperature difference between points P1 and P2 is less than a predetermined value, the clothes dryer 1 can determine that the amount of refrigerant circulating through the heat pump 70 is sufficient. When the amount of refrigerant is insufficient, the clothes dryer 1 may not be able to easily determine whether the filter 80 is blocked based on the valve data transmitted from the expansion valve 74. Therefore, when the amount of refrigerant is sufficient, the clothes dryer 1 can obtain the valve data.

[0147] When it is determined that the amount of refrigerant circulating through the heat pump 70 is sufficient, in operation 750, the clothes dryer 1 can obtain valve data from the expansion valve 74.

[0148] According to an embodiment, during operations 750 to 780, the clothes dryer 1 can determine the clogging level of the filter 80 based on the obtained valve data, and when the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds a threshold level, the clothes dryer 1 can transmit a notification instructing filter management to the display 17b or an external device 2.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the clothes dryer 1 can display a notification on the display 17b indicating filter management.

[0150] Figure 8 The display shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown on a display (e.g., Figure 1 The monitor 17b or Figure 5 The user interface for filter cleaning notifications on the display (151).

[0151] refer to Figure 8 When clothes dryer 1 is based on an expansion valve (e.g., Figure 3 The expansion valve 74) receives valve data detection collected in the filter (e.g., Figure 1When the amount of foreign matter in the first filter assembly 80) is determined and the clogging level of the filter 80 is greater than or equal to a threshold level, the clothes dryer 1 may display a message 800 on the display 17b. The message 800 includes a first message portion 810 indicating the clogging level of the filter 80 or a second message portion 820 indicating filter management.

[0152] According to an embodiment, the clothes dryer 1 may display a first message portion 810 on the display 17b indicating the clogging level of the filter 80. For example, the first message portion 810 may include the phrase "Current filter clogging level: ◇◇%". However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first message portion 810 may include various types of phrases indicating the clogging level of the filter 80.

[0153] According to an embodiment, the clothes dryer 1 may display a second message section 820 on the display 17b indicating the management of the filter 80. For example, the second message section 820 may include a phrase such as "Please clean the filter". However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second message section 820 may include various types of phrases indicating the management of the filter 80.

[0154] According to an embodiment, the clothes dryer 1 can audibly output information corresponding to the first message portion 810 and / or the second message portion 820 to a built-in speaker (not shown).

[0155] According to an embodiment, by outputting a first message portion 810 or a second message portion 820, a user can remove the collected foreign matter by disassembling the filter 80 and then reattach the filter to the clothes dryer 1.

[0156] Figure 9 A user interface for displaying a filter cleaning notification on an external device 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0157] refer to Figure 9 The clothes dryer 1 can be connected via a transceiver (e.g., Figure 5 The transceiver 130 transmits message 910 to external device 2. Message 910 may include an indication filter (e.g., Figure 1 The first message section 911 of the first filter component 80 indicates the blockage level, or the second message section 913 indicates the management of the filter 80. Figure 9 In this context, external device 2 is shown as a portable terminal, but is not limited to it, and may include various types of devices capable of receiving information from clothes dryer 1.

[0158] According to an embodiment, the external device 2 may display a message 910 on the display 900 that may include a first message portion 911 indicating the clogging level of the filter 80. For example, the first message portion 911 may include the phrase "Current filter clogging level: ◇◇%". However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first message portion 911 may include various types of phrases indicating the clogging level of the filter 80.

[0159] According to an embodiment, the external device 2 may display a message 910 on the display 900 that may include a second message portion 913 instructing the management of the filter 80. For example, the second message portion 913 may include a phrase such as “Please clean the filter”. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second message portion 913 may include various types of phrases instructing the management of the filter 80.

[0160] According to an embodiment, the external device 2 can audibly output information corresponding to the first message portion 911 and / or the second message portion 913 to a built-in speaker (not shown).

[0161] According to an embodiment, by outputting a first message portion 911 or a second message portion 913, a user can remove the collected foreign matter by disassembling the filter 80 and then reattach the filter to the clothes dryer 1.

[0162] Clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an expansion valve 74 or 171 included in a heat pump 70 or 170, a memory 140 storing one or more computer programs, and at least one controller 110. The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when operated alone or together by the at least one controller 110, cause the clothes dryer 1 or 100 to perform the following operations: obtain valve data corresponding to the opening rate of the expansion valve 74 over a predetermined time period; generate a plurality of variables X1, X2, and t0 based on the obtained valve data; and identify the clogging level of the filter 80 based on the plurality of variables X1, X2, and t0. The plurality of variables X1, X2, and t0 may include a maximum valve data v included in the valve data. max and minimum valve data v min The difference between them, the sum of valve data and v sum And when the valve data reaches a value lower than the predetermined value v set The time when the value is .

[0163] In the clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when operated alone or together by at least one controller 110, cause the clothes dryer 1 or 100 to identify whether the filter 80 is clogged in response to an acquired valve data value being less than a predetermined value at least three times.

[0164] In the clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a predetermined value v set It can be set based on the initial temperature of the air discharged from the drum 20 in response to the start of the drying cycle.

[0165] In the clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when run alone or together by at least one controller 110, cause the clothes dryer 1 or 100 to perform the following operations: generate target data Y based on a first variable X1, a second variable X2, and a third variable t0, and identify a clogging level of filter 80 as a first clogging level if the target data Y exceeds a first threshold level.

[0166] In the clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, when the target data Y exceeds a second threshold level higher than a first threshold level, one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when operated alone or together by at least one controller 110, can configure the clothes dryer 1 or 100 to identify the clogging level of the filter 80 as a second clogging level.

[0167] The second level of clogging can be understood as the amount of foreign matter collected in filter 80 being relatively larger than the first level of clogging.

[0168] In the clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when operated alone or together by at least one controller 110, can configure the clothes dryer 1 or 100 to obtain valve data in response to a predetermined time elapsed after operation of the compressor 73 included in the heat pump 70 or 170.

[0169] In the clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when operated alone or together by at least one controller 110, can configure the clothes dryer 1 or 100 to obtain valve data in response to a change in the temperature between the refrigerant introduced into the evaporator 71 included in the heat pump 70 or 170 and the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 71 exceeding a threshold level.

[0170] In the clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when operated alone or together by at least one controller 110, can configure the clothes dryer 1 or 100 to obtain valve data in response to the temperature of the air discharged from the drying operation being within a predetermined range.

[0171] The clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a position sensor that senses the opening angle of the expansion valve 74. The valve data may correspond to the opening angle of the expansion valve 74 detected by the position sensor.

[0172] The clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a display 17b. When the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds a threshold level, one or more computer programs may also include computer-executable instructions that, when operated alone or together by at least one controller 110, can configure the clothes dryer 1 or 100 to transmit a notification corresponding to the clogging level of the filter 80 to the display 17b or an external device 2.

[0173] The clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a display 17b. When the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds a threshold level, one or more computer programs may further include computer-executable instructions that, when operated alone or together by at least one controller 110, can configure the clothes dryer 1 or 100 to transmit a notification corresponding to the clogging level of the filter 80 to the display 17b.

[0174] The clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a display 17b. When the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds a threshold level, one or more computer programs may further include computer-executable instructions that, when operated alone or together by at least one controller 110, can configure the clothes dryer 1 or 100 to transmit a notification corresponding to the clogging level of the filter 80 to an external device 2.

[0175] A method for controlling a clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: obtaining at least one valve data corresponding to the opening rate of an expansion valve 74 within a predetermined time period 620; generating a plurality of variables X1, X2 and t0 based on the valve data; and identifying the clogging level of a filter 80 630 based on the plurality of variables X1, X2 and t0.

[0176] In a method for controlling a clothes dryer according to embodiments of the present disclosure, identifying the 630 blockage level may include: generating maximum valve data v included in valve data. max With minimum valve data v min The difference between them is used as the first variable X1; the sum of the generated valve data is used as the second variable X2; when the generated valve data reaches a value lower than the predetermined value v... set The time when the value is obtained is used as the third variable t0; and the degree of clogging of filter 80 is identified based on the first variable X1, the second variable X2, and the third variable t0. Multiple variables X1, X2, and t0 can include the maximum valve data v contained in the valve data. max With minimum valve data v min The difference between them, the sum of valve data and vsum And when the valve data reaches a value lower than the predetermined value v set The time when the value is .

[0177] The method for controlling a clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include identifying whether a filter 80 is clogged in response to an obtained valve data value being less than a predetermined value at least three times.

[0178] In the method for controlling a clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, a predetermined value v set It can be set based on the initial temperature of the air discharged from the drum 20 in response to the start of the drying cycle.

[0179] In a method for controlling a clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the target data Y exceeds a second threshold level higher than a first threshold level, identifying a clogging level 630 may include identifying a clogging level of filter 80 as a second clogging level, and wherein the second clogging level may be understood as the amount of foreign matter collected in filter 80 being relatively larger than the first clogging level.

[0180] In a method for controlling a clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, identifying the clogging level 630 may include generating target data Y based on multiple variables, and identifying the clogging level of filter 80 as a first clogging level if the target data Y exceeds a first threshold level.

[0181] In a method for controlling a clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, identifying the clogging level 630 may include identifying the clogging level of the filter 80 as a second clogging level if the target data Y exceeds a second threshold level higher than a first threshold level. The second clogging level can be understood as the amount of foreign matter collected in the filter 80 being relatively larger than the first clogging level.

[0182] In a method for controlling a clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, obtaining at least one valve data 620 may include obtaining the valve data in response to a predetermined time elapsed during an operating state in which a refrigerant is compressed to a high temperature and high pressure state, the refrigerant being used to convert hot, humid air into hot, dry air due to the drying operation.

[0183] In a method for controlling a clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, obtaining at least one valve data 620 may include obtaining the valve data in response to the difference between the temperature of the refrigerant supplied for converting hot, humid air into cold, dry air and the temperature of the refrigerant used for converting hot, humid air into cold, dry air exceeding a threshold level.

[0184] In a method for controlling a clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, obtaining at least one valve data 620 may include obtaining the valve data in response to the temperature of the air discharged from the drying operation being within a predetermined range.

[0185] In a method for controlling a clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, valve data may correspond to the opening angle of the expansion valve 74 detected by a position sensor disposed in the expansion valve 74.

[0186] The method for controlling a clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include transmitting a notification corresponding to the clogging level of the filter 80 to a display 17b or an external device 2 if the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds a threshold level.

[0187] The method for controlling a clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include transmitting a notification corresponding to the clogging level of the filter 80 to a display 17b if the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds a threshold level.

[0188] The method for controlling a clothes dryer 1 or 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include transmitting a notification corresponding to the clogging level of the filter 80 to an external device 2 if the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds a threshold level.

[0189] The terminology used herein is provided merely to describe some embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, each of the phrases such as “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 all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, the term “and / or” should be understood to include any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” are used only to specify the presence of a feature, component, part, or combination thereof described herein, but use of these terms does not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” may modify various components regardless of importance and / or order, and are used to distinguish a component from another component rather than to limit the component.

[0190] As used herein, the term “configured as” may be used interchangeably with the terms “suitable for,” “capable,” “designed to,” “suitable for,” “made of,” or “able to.” The term “configured as” does not substantially mean “specifically designed in hardware.” Rather, the term “configured as” can mean that a device can perform operations together with another device or part thereof. For example, “a device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C” could be a dedicated device performing the corresponding operations, or it could mean a general-purpose device capable of performing a variety of operations including the corresponding operations.

[0191] Meanwhile, the terms “upper side”, “lower side” and “front and rear direction” used in this disclosure are defined relative to the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0192] Although this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. Clothes dryer (1, 100), including: Expansion valve, included in the heat pump (70, 170); Memory, which stores one or more computer programs; as well as At least one controller (110). The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when run individually or jointly by the at least one controller (110), cause the clothes dryer (1, 100) to perform the following operations: Obtain valve data corresponding to the opening rate of the expansion valve (74) within a predetermined time period; Multiple variables (X1, X2, t0) are generated based on the obtained valve data, and The clogging level of the filter (80) is identified based on the multiple variables (X1, X2, t0), and Among them, the plurality of variables includes the maximum valve data (v) contained in the valve data. max ) and minimum valve data (v min The difference between ) and the sum of the valve data (v sum ) and when the valve data reaches a value lower than a predetermined value (v set The time when the value of ) is.

2. The clothes dryer (1, 100) according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more computer programs also include computer-executable instructions that, when run individually or jointly by the at least one controller (110), cause the clothes dryer (1, 100) to perform the following operations: The filter (80) is identified as being clogged if the obtained valve data value is less than a predetermined value at least three times.

3. The clothes dryer (1, 100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The predetermined value (v) set The temperature is set based on the initial temperature of the air discharged from the drum (20) in response to the start of the drying cycle.

4. The clothes dryer (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The one or more computer programs also include computer-executable instructions that, when run individually or jointly by the at least one controller (110), cause the clothes dryer (1, 100) to perform the following operations: Generate target data (Y) based on the first variable (X1), the second variable (X2), and the third variable (t0), and When the target data (Y) exceeds the first threshold level, the blockage level of the filter (80) is identified as the first blockage level.

5. The clothes dryer (1, 100) according to claim 4. in, The one or more computer programs also include computer-executable instructions that, when run individually or jointly by the at least one controller (110), cause the clothes dryer (1, 100) to perform the following operations: When the target data (Y) exceeds a second threshold level higher than the first threshold level, the clogging level of the filter (80) is identified as the second clogging level, and The second clogging level is relatively larger than the first clogging level in terms of the amount of foreign matter collected in the filter (80).

6. The clothes dryer (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The one or more computer programs also include computer-executable instructions that, when run individually or jointly by the at least one controller (110), cause the clothes dryer (1, 100) to perform the following operations: The valve data is obtained in response to a predetermined time elapsed after operation of the compressor (73) included in the heat pump (70, 170).

7. The clothes dryer (1, 100) according to claim 6, wherein, The one or more computer programs also include computer-executable instructions that, when run individually or jointly by the at least one controller (110), cause the clothes dryer to perform the following operations: The valve data is obtained in response to a change in the temperature between the refrigerant introduced into the evaporator (71) included in the heat pump (70, 170) and the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator exceeding a threshold level.

8. The clothes dryer (1, 100) according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more computer programs also include computer-executable instructions that, when run individually or jointly by the at least one controller (110), cause the clothes dryer (1, 100) to perform the following operations: The valve data is obtained in response to the temperature of the air discharged from the drying operation being within a predetermined range.

9. The clothes dryer (1, 100) according to claim 1 further includes: A position sensor senses the opening angle of the expansion valve (74). The valve data corresponds to the opening angle of the expansion valve (74) detected by the position sensor.

10. The clothes dryer (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: Display (17b). The one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when run individually or jointly by the at least one controller (110), cause the clothes dryer to perform the following operations: When the clogging level of the filter (80) exceeds a threshold level, a notification corresponding to the clogging level of the filter (80) is transmitted to the display (17b) or an external device (2).

11. A method performed by a clothes dryer (1, 100) including a heat pump (70, 170), the method comprising: Obtain at least one valve data corresponding to the opening rate of the expansion valve (74) included in the heat pump within a predetermined time period (620); Multiple variables (X1, X2, t0) are generated based on the valve data; and The clogging level of filter (80) is identified based on the multiple variables (X1, X2, t0). The multiple variables (X1, X2, t0) include the maximum valve data (v) contained in the valve data. max ) and minimum valve data (v min The difference between ) and the sum of the valve data (v sum ) and when the valve data reaches a value lower than a predetermined value (v set The time when the value of ) is.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The filter (80) is identified as being clogged in response to the obtained valve data value being less than the predetermined value at least three times.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The predetermined value (v) set The temperature is set based on the initial temperature of the air discharged from the drum (20) in response to the start of the drying cycle.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, Identifying the congestion level (630) includes: Generate target data (Y) based on the aforementioned multiple variables; and When the target data (Y) exceeds the first threshold level, the blockage level of the filter (80) is identified as the first blockage level.

15. The method according to claim 14, in, Identifying the blockage level (630) includes identifying the blockage level of the filter (80) as a second blockage level when the target data (Y) exceeds a second threshold level higher than the first threshold level, and The second clogging level is relatively larger than the first clogging level in terms of the amount of foreign matter collected in the filter (80).

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