Clothes treating apparatus

Abstract

A clothes treating apparatus may include a tub, a drum provided inside the tub and configured to be rotatable, and a dryer configured to supply dry air to inside of the tub. The dryer may include a rotating frame, a fixed frame, and an elastocaloric material connecting the rotating frame to the fixed frame and configured to emit heat or absorb heat by rotating by the rotating frame.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT / KR2026 / 001071 designating the United States, filed on Jan. 19, 2026, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0025428, filed on Feb. 26, 2025, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The disclosure relates to a clothes treating apparatus including a dryer.Description of Related Art

[0003] A clothes treating apparatus is an apparatus for treating and / or managing clothes. The clothes treating apparatus includes a washing machine and a dryer. The washing machine includes a washing machine with a drying function.

[0004] The washing machine with the drying function performs washing through friction by stirring laundry, a washing solvent (e.g., water, an organic solvent, etc.), and a detergent together inside a tub with a driving force of a driving motor.

[0005] Operations that are performed by the washing machine with the drying function include a washing cycle of supplying a detergent and washing solvent to a tub accommodating laundry and washing the laundry while rotating a drum, a rinsing cycle of rinsing the laundry by supplying a washing solvent to the tub and rotating the drum, and a dehydrating cycle of discharging the washing solvent from the tub and rotating the drum to remove water from the laundry.

[0006] The operations that are performed by the washing machine with the drying function include a drying cycle of blowing hot air generated by a dryer into a space where laundry is accommodated to dry the laundry. The washing machine with the drying function includes the dryer for performing the drying cycle.SUMMARY

[0007] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clothes treating apparatus with improved drying efficiency.

[0008] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clothes treating apparatus including a dryer capable of generating dry air without a refrigerant.

[0009] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clothes treating apparatus including a dryer with a simpler structure.

[0010] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a clothes treating apparatus having a large laundry capacity relative to an overall size.

[0011] A clothes treating apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a tub, a drum provided inside the tub and configured to be rotatable, and a dryer configured to supply dry air to inside of the tub. The dryer may include: a rotating frame configured to, during a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydrating cycle, to resist rotating and, during a drying cycle, rotate in conjunction with the drum; a fixed frame comprising a guide rail including a first section spaced apart from the rotating frame by a first distance and a second section spaced apart from the rotating frame by a second distance shorter than the first distance; an elastocaloric material connecting the rotating frame to the fixed frame and configured to rotate along the guide rail by the rotating frame; wherein elastocaloric material may be configured to emit heat according to application of stress while the elastocaloric material corresponds to the first section, and to absorb heat according to removal of the applied stress while the elastocaloric material corresponds to the second section.

[0012] A clothes treating apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a tub, a drum provided inside the tub and configured to be rotatable, a motor configured to provide a driving force to the drum, and a dryer positioned in a rear side of the motor and configured to heat air discharged from the tube and provide the air to the tub. The dryer may include: a rotating frame configured to, during a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydrating cycle, resist rotating and rotate during a drying cycle;an elastocaloric material configured to rotate by the rotating frame; wherein the elastocaloric material may be configured to absorb heat from air flowing into the dryer to condense a washing solvent contained in the air, and emit heat to the air to heat the air.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an example clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a clothes treating apparatus in a direction that is different from that of FIG. 3 according to various embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a side view of a part of a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a part of a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a part of a clothes treating apparatus, shown in a direction that is different from that of FIG. 6 according to various embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a dryer according to various embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a dryer, shown in a direction that is different from that of FIG. 8 according to various embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rotating frame, a fixed frame, and an elastocaloric material of a dryer according to various embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a side view of a rotating frame, a fixed frame, and an elastocaloric material of a dryer according to various embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a dryer operates in a first mode according to various embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a dryer operates in a second mode according to various embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a gear engagement of a dryer while the dryer operates in a second mode according to various embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a dryer operates in a third mode according to various embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing gear engagement of a dryer while the dryer operates in a third mode according to various embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 17 is a table showing example operations of a dryer according to various embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 18 is a top cross-sectional view of a dryer according to various embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 19 is a front cross-sectional view of a dryer according to various embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 20 is a front cross-sectional view of a dryer according to various embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of components of a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating example operations that are performed by a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of operating a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to particular embodiments, and it should be understood as including various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of a corresponding embodiment.

[0038] With regard to description of drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0039] A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of the items unless context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0040] 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 a corresponding expression among the expressions.

[0041] The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of a plurality of associated listed items.

[0042] As used herein, the terms "portion", "part, "module, or "member" may be implemented as software or hardware. According to embodiments, a plurality of "portions", "parts, "modules, or "members" may be implemented as a single component, or a single "portion", "part, "module, or "member" may include a plurality of components.

[0043] As used herein, such terms as "1st" and "2nd " or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (for example., importance or order).

[0044] When a certain (e.g., a first) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively" to another (e.g., second) component, it may refer, for example, to the certain component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or via a third component.

[0045] It will be understood that when the terms "includes," "comprises," "including," and / or "comprising," when used in this disclosure, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

[0046] It will be understood that when a certain component is referred to as being "connected to", "coupled to", "supported by" or "in contact with" another component, it can be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component. When a component is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another component, it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component through a third component.

[0047] It will also be understood that when a certain component is referred to as being "on" or "over" another component, it may be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be present.

[0048] The term 'identical' may include similar in attribute or similar within a certain range. The term 'identical' may refer to 'substantially identical'. The term 'substantially identical' should be understood that a value falling within the margin of error in manufacturing or a value corresponding to a difference within a meaningless range with respect to a reference value is included in the range of 'identical'.

[0049] A washing machine according to various embodiments may perform washing, rinsing, dehydrating, and drying cycles. The washing machine is an example of a clothes treating apparatus, and the clothes treating apparatus may be a concept including an apparatus for washing clothes (an object to be washed or an object to be dried), an apparatus for drying clothes, and an apparatus capable of performing both washing and drying.

[0050] The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine in which an inlet through which laundry is put or taken out opens upward, or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet opens in a front direction. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include another loading type of washing machine other than the top-loading washing machine and the front-loading washing machine.

[0051] The top-loading washing machine may wash laundry with water streams generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. The front-loading washing machine may wash laundry by rotating a drum to repeatedly raise and drop the laundry. The front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine with a drying function capable of drying laundry accommodated in a drum. The washing machine with the drying function may include a dryer for supplying hot air into the drum. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine using another washing method than the above-described washing methods.

[0052] A clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, as an example of the clothes treating apparatus, a washing machine with a drying function will be described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to a washing machine with a drying function and may be applied to various apparatuses for treating and / or managing clothes.

[0053] In the following description, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", etc. are defined based on the drawings, and shapes and positions of components are not limited by the terms. For example, the terms "front" and "rear" may be defined based on an X axis shown in the drawings. For example, the terms "left" and "right" may be defined based on an Y axis shown in the drawings. For example, the terms "upper" and "lower" may be defined based on a Z axis shown in the drawings. For example, an X-axis direction may be defined as a front-rear direction, an Y-axis direction may be defined as a left-right direction, and a Z-axis direction may be defined as an up-down direction.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a housing 10. The housing 10 may form an overall appearance of the clothes treating apparatus 1. The housing 10 may accommodate various components therein. The housing 10 may be in a form of a box with a laundry inlet 11 formed in one side. The laundry inlet 11 may open substantially forward.

[0056] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a door 15 for opening and closing the laundry inlet 11. The door 15 may be rotatably mounted to the housing 10 by a hinge. At least a portion of the door 15 may be transparent or translucent to show inside of the housing 10. For example, the door 15 may include tempered glass.

[0057] The clothing treating apparatus 1 may include a tub 20 provided inside the housing 10. The tub 20 may accommodate a washing solvent. The washing solvent may refer to a material used in a washing process. For example, water, a silicone-based solvent, liquid carbon dioxide, etc. may be used as the washing solvent. For example, an environmentally friendly solvent such as Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) or Dimethyl Isosorbide (DMI) may be used as the washing solvent. The tub 20 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. A tub opening 21 may be formed in one side of the tub 20, and the tub opening 21 may be arranged to correspond to the laundry inlet 11.

[0058] The tub 20 may be supported by a damper 25. The damper 25 may connect the tub 20 to the housing 10. The damper 25 may absorb vibrations generated while the drum 30 rotates to attenuate vibrations transferred to the housing 10.

[0059] The clothing treating apparatus 1 may include a drum 30 provided inside the tub 20. The drum 30 may accommodate an object to be washed and / or an object to be dried. The drum 30 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. A drum opening 31 may be formed in one side of the drum 30 and the drum opening 31 may be arranged to correspond to the laundry inlet 11. Laundry may be accommodated in the drum 30 or taken out from the drum 30 by passing through the laundry inlet 11, the tub opening 21, and the drum opening 31. The drum opening 31 may open substantially forward.

[0060] At least one lifter 33 may be provided inside the drum 30 to raise and drop laundry to perform washing.

[0061] A plurality of through holes 32 may be formed along a circumference of the drum 30. A washing solvent stored in the tub 20 may flow into the drum 30 or flow out of the drum 30.

[0062] The drum 30 may rotate inside the tub 20. The drum 30 may perform an operation according to a washing, rinsing, dehydrating and / or drying cycle while rotating inside the tub 20.

[0063] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a driving device 40 that rotates the drum 30. The driving device 40 may rotate the drum 30 in a forward or reverse direction. In the present disclosure, the forward and reverse directions are not limited to specific directions as long as the forward and reverse directions are opposite directions.

[0064] The driving device 40 may include a motor 41 and a shaft 42 for transferring a driving force generated by the motor 41 to the drum 30. The motor 41 may have a stator that generates a magnetic force while electricity is applied thereto, and a rotor that rotates by electromagnetically interacting with the stator. The shaft 42 may penetrate the tub 20 and be connected to the drum 30. One end of the shaft 42 may be connected to a rear side of the drum 30 and another end of the shaft 42 may be connected to a dryer 100.

[0065] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a user interface 90. For example, the user interface 90 may be positioned on one side of the housing 10. The user interface 90 may enable a user to interact with the clothes treating apparatus 1.

[0066] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the dryer 100 for drying laundry accommodated inside the drum 30. The dryer 100 may generate dry air. Here, the dry air may refer to air for drying laundry accommodated inside the drum 30 and may be relatively high-temperature, low-humidity air. The dryer 100 may heat air discharged from the tub 20 and supply the heated air to inside of the tub 20. The dryer 100 may reduce and / or remove moisture in air discharged from the tub 20 and then supply the air back to the tub 20. High temperature, low-humidity air discharged from the dryer 100 may dry laundry accommodated in the drum 30. During a drying cycle of the clothes treating apparatus 1, air may circulate between the tub 20 and the dryer 100.

[0067] The dryer 100 may be connected to the drum 30. The shaft 42 may connect the dryer 100 to the drum 30. Some components of the dryer 100 may rotate in conjunction with the drum 30. In the present disclosure, a first component being "in conjunction with" a second component may refer, for example, to the first component being directly or indirectly connected to the second component and thus affected by a movement and / or rotation of the second component. While some components of the dryer 100 rotate, the dryer 100 may generate dry air. Because the dryer 100 generates dry air using a driving force of the drum 30, the dryer 100 may not require a separate power source. For example, energy required to drive the dryer 100 may be saved. As a result, energy efficiency of a drying cycle of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be improved.

[0068] The dryer 100 may be disposed inside the housing 10. For example, the dryer 100 may be disposed in a rear side of the motor 41. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described example, and for example, the dryer 100 may be disposed above the tub 20 or below the tub 20. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the dryer 100 may be disposed in a space formed between the housing 10 and the tub 20 and there is no limitation on a location of the dryer 100.

[0069] The dryer 100 may also refer to a heat transfer device 100, a heat exchanger 100, a heat generator 100, a heater 100, a dehumidifier 100, a condenser 100, etc.

[0070] An existing clothes treating apparatus generates dry air using a heat pump that repeatedly compresses and expands a refrigerant. However, using the refrigerant may cause environmental pollution or safety issues due to refrigerant leakage. The heat pump has a complex structure because the heat pump includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a refrigerant pipe, etc. and thus occupies a large space within a housing, which results in a relatively small tub and drum and limits a laundry capacity.

[0071] The dryer 100 according to the present disclosure may generate dry air without using any refrigerant. The dryer 100 may use an elastocaloric material 130 to absorb heat from air or emit heat to air, which will be described in greater detail below. According to the present disclosure, the dryer 100 may be implemented to be environmentally friendly without using refrigerant. Because the dryer 100 does not include a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a refrigerant pipe, etc., the dryer 100 may have a simple structure and occupy a relatively small space inside the housing 10. Therefore, the tub 20 and the drum 30 may be implemented with relatively large sizes and a laundry capacity may also increase. Due to the tub 20 and the drum 30 having the relatively large sizes, a tumble effect may be maximized / increased and washing efficiency and drying efficiency of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be improved.

[0072] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a first guide flow path 81. The first guide flow path 81 may guide air discharged from the tub 20 to the dryer 100. Air discharged from the tub 20 may flow into the dryer 100 through the first guide flow path 81. For example, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a first duct 81a forming the first guide flow path 81. The first duct 81a may also be referred to as a first pipe 81a, a first channel 81a, a first tube 81a, a first conduit 81a, etc.

[0073] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a second guide flow path 82. The second guide flow path 82 may guide air discharged from the dryer 100 to the tub 20. Air (e.g., dry air) discharged from the dryer 100 may flow into the tub 20 through the second guide flow path 82. For example, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a second duct 82a forming the second guide flow path 82. The second duct 82a may also be referred to as a second pipe 82a, a second channel 82a, a second tube 82a, a second conduit 82a, etc.

[0074] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include at least one fan (not shown). The at least one fan may force air to flow, thereby facilitating air circulation. For example, the at least one fan may be positioned on the first guide flow path 81 and / or the second guide flow path 82.

[0075] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a clothes treating apparatus in a direction that is different from that of FIG. 3 according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a side view of a part of a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a part of a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments. FIG. 7 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of a part of a clothes treating apparatus shown in a direction that is different from that of FIG. 6 according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a dryer according to various embodiments. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a dryer shown in a direction that is different from that of FIG. 8 according to various embodiments.

[0076] The dryer 100 may include a rotating frame 110. The rotating frame 110 may be rotatable. The rotating frame 110 may be rotatable by a driving force provided to the drum 30. The rotating frame 110 may be rotatable by receiving a driving force of the motor 41. For example, the rotating frame 110 may receive a driving force generated by the motor 41 of the driving device 40 through the shaft 42 of the driving device 40, a shaft 140 of the dryer 100, and gears 150, 160, 170, and 180 of the dryer 100. The rotating frame 110 may not rotate during a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydrating cycle, and, during a drying cycle, the rotating frame 110 may rotate in conjunction with the drum 30. A detailed description thereof will be provided in greater detail below.

[0077] The rotating frame 110 may include a rotating body 113. For example, the rotating body 113 may have a substantially ring shape.

[0078] The rotating frame 110 may include a first gear 111. The first gear 111 may be coupled with a second gear 150 or a fourth gear 170, which will be described in greater detail below. The first gear 111 may include a first coupling portion 111a and a second coupling portion 111b. The first coupling portion 111a may be engaged with the second gear 150. The second coupling portion 111b may be engaged with the fourth gear 170. For example, the first coupling portion 111a may be a front portion of the first gear 111 and the second coupling portion 111b may be a rear portion of the first gear 111. For example, the first gear 111 may be formed on an inner side of the rotating body 113. For example, the first gear 111 may extend along a circumferential direction of the rotating body 113.

[0079] A rotation speed of the rotating frame 110 may be the same as or different from a rotation speed of the shaft 140. For example, a rotation speed of the rotating frame 110 may depend on a gear ratio of the first gear 111 and the gears 150, 160, 170, and 180. For example, the first gear 111 may rotate at the same speed as the shaft 140, at a higher speed than the shaft 140, or at a lower speed than the shaft 140.

[0080] The rotating frame 110 may include a stopper 112. The stopper 112 may partition the first coupling portion 111a and the second coupling portion 111b. The stopper 112 may prevent / block the second gear 150 from being coupled to the second coupling portion 111b. The stopper 112 may prevent / block the fourth gear 170 from being coupled to the first coupling portion 111a. For example, the stopper 112 may be formed on an inner side of the first gear 111. For example, the stopper 112 may have a substantially plate shape.

[0081] The rotating frame 110 may include a through hole 114. The shaft 140 of the dryer 100 may be positioned in the through hole 114. A diameter of the through hole 114 may be larger than that of the shaft 140 to allow the shaft 140 to move axially within the through hole 114. For example, the through hole 114 may be formed by penetrating the stopper 112.

[0082] The dryer 100 may include the fixed frame 120. The fixed frame 120 may be spaced apart from the rotating frame 110. The fixed frame 120 may not rotate.

[0083] The fixed frame 120 may include a guide rail 121. The elastocaloric material 130 may move along the guide rail 121. The guide rail 121 may include a first section 121a spaced apart from the rotating frame 110 by a first distance d1 (see FIG. 11). The guide rail 121 may include a second section 121b spaced apart from the rotating frame 110 by a second distance d2 that is shorter than the first distance d1 (see FIG. 11). The second section 121b may be disposed below the first section 121a. The guide rail 121 may include a third section 121c connecting the first section 121a and the second section 121b. The third section 121c may be formed between the first section 121a and the second section 121b.

[0084] The fixed frame 120 may include a first fixed body 122 and a second fixed body 123. The guide rail 121 may be formed on the first fixed body 122. The second fixed body 123 may extend from the first fixed body 122. The first fixed body 122 may be disposed inside a case 190 which will be described in greater detail below and the second fixed body 123 may be disposed outside the case 190.

[0085] The dryer 100 may include the elastocaloric material 130. The elastocaloric material 130 may cause a reversible thermal change based on application or removal of external stress. The elastocaloric material 130 may emit heat or absorb heat using an elastocaloric effect.

[0086] The elastocaloric material 130 may discharge heat to outside while external stress is applied thereto, and absorb external heat when the external stress is removed. In some cases, the elastocaloric material 130 may absorb external heat while external stress is applied thereto, and discharge the external heat when the external stress is removed. However, for convenience of description, a case where the elastocaloric material 130 discharges heat to the outside while external stress is applied thereto, and absorbs external heat when the external stress is removed will be described in greater detail below.

[0087] For example, the elastocaloric material 130 may be a kind of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy. The elastocaloric material 130 may include at least one material among NiTi, Ni50.1Ti49.9, or Ni50.2Ti49.8. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples, and the elastocaloric material 130 may include various materials.

[0088] The elastocaloric material 130 may connect the rotating frame 110 to the fixed frame 120. The elastocaloric material 130 may rotate by the rotating frame 110. The elastocaloric material 130 may rotate together with the rotating frame 110. The elastocaloric material 130 may rotate along the guide rail 121 of the fixed frame 120 by the rotating frame 110.

[0089] The elastocaloric material 130 may include a first side 131 connected to the rotating frame 110 and a second side 132 connected to the fixed frame 120.

[0090] The first side 131 of the elastocaloric material 130 may be fixed to the rotating frame 110. The first side 131 of the elastocaloric material 130 may rotate together with the rotating frame 110 while being fixed to the rotating frame 110.

[0091] The second side 132 of the elastocaloric material 130 may be inserted into the guide rail 121. The second side 132 of the elastocaloric material 130 may move along the guide rail 121 of the fixed frame 120. For example, a roller 133 may be formed on the second side 132 of the elastocaloric material 130.

[0092] The dryer 100 may include a plurality of elastocaloric materials 130. The plurality of elastocaloric materials 130 may be arranged along a rotation direction of the rotating frame 110. The plurality of elastocaloric materials 130 may be spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the rotating frame 110. The plurality of elastocaloric materials 130 may rotate at a substantially same speed. However, according to the present disclosure, there may be no limitation on the number of the elastocaloric materials 130.

[0093] The dryer 100 may include the shaft 140. The shaft 140 may rotate by a driving force provided to the drum 30. The shaft 140 of the dryer 100 may rotate by the shaft 42 of the driving device 40. The shaft 42 may transfer a driving force of the motor 41 to the shaft 140. Therefore, the shaft 140 of the dryer 100 may rotate in conjunction with the drum 30. While the shaft 140 rotates, the gears 150, 160, 170, and 180 may also rotate.

[0094] For example, the shaft 140 of the dryer 100 may be integrated into the shaft 42 of the driving device 40 or may be coupled to the shaft 42 of the driving device 40. For example, a coupler (not shown) may be provided to couple the shaft 140 of the dryer 100 to the shaft 42 of the driving device 40.

[0095] The shaft 140 may move in an axial direction. The shaft 140 may move along a longitudinal direction L of the shaft 140. The shaft 140 may move together with the gears 150, 160, 170, and 180. Thus, the first gear 111 of the rotating frame 110 may be engaged with the second gear 150 or the fourth gear 170.

[0096] To distinguish components from each other, the shaft 42 of the driving device 40 may be referred to as a first shaft 42, and the shaft 140 of the dryer 100 may be referred to as a second shaft 140.

[0097] The dryer 100 may include the second gear 150. The second gear 150 may rotate together with the shaft 140. The second gear 150 may rotate in the same direction as a rotation direction of the shaft 140. The second gear 150 may rotate in the same direction as a rotation direction of the drum 30. The second gear 150 may be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft 140. For example, the second gear 150 may be integrated into the shaft 140, or may be provided as a separate component from the shaft 140 and coupled to the shaft 140. For example, the second gear 150 may have a substantially disk shape.

[0098] The dryer 100 may include a third gear 160. The third gear 160 may be spaced apart from the second gear 150 along the longitudinal direction L of the shaft 140. The third gear 160 may rotate together with the shaft 140. The third gear 160 may rotate in the same direction as the rotation direction of the shaft 140. The third gear 160 may rotate in the same direction as the rotation direction of the drum 30. The third gear 160 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 140. For example, the third gear 160 may be integrated into the shaft 140, or may be provided as a separate component from the shaft 140 and coupled to the shaft 140. For example, the third gear 160 may have a substantially disk shape.

[0099] The dryer 100 may include the fourth gear 170. The fourth gear 170 may be rotatable in conjunction with the third gear 160 in an opposite direction of a rotation direction of the third gear 160. The fourth gear 170 may rotate in an opposite direction of a rotation direction of the shaft 140. The fourth gear 170 may rotate in an opposite direction of a rotation direction of the drum 30. The fourth gear 170 may be provided outside the third gear 160. For example, the fourth gear 170 may have a substantially ring shape.

[0100] The dryer 100 may include a fifth gear 180. The fifth gear 180 may transfer a rotational force of the third gear 160 to the fourth gear 170. The fifth gear 180 may be engaged with the third gear 160 and the fourth gear 170. The fifth gear 180 may rotate by being engaged with the third gear 160 and the fourth gear 170. The fifth gear 180 may be disposed in a space between an outer side of the third gear 160 and an inner side of the fourth gear 170. The fifth gear 180 may transfer a rotational force of the third gear 160 to the fourth gear 170 and may change a rotation direction such that the fourth gear 170 rotates in an opposite direction of a rotation direction of the third gear 160. The fifth gear 180 may rotate in the opposite direction of the rotation direction of the third gear 160. The fifth gear 180 may rotate in an opposite direction of a rotation direction of the drum 30. For example, the fifth gear 180 may have a substantially disk shape. For example, the dryer 100 may include a plurality of fifth gears 180 and the plurality of fifth gears 180 may be spaced apart from each other along a circumference of the third gear 160.

[0101] The ordinal numbers of the "first gear 111", "second gear 150", "third gear 160", "fourth gear 170" and "fifth gear 180" do not limit the corresponding components.

[0102] Details of movement in axial direction of the shaft 42 of the dryer 100 and engagements between the gears will be described in greater detail below.

[0103] The dryer 100 may include the case 190. The case 190 may be disposed between the rotating frame 110 and the fixed frame 120. The case 190 may receive air discharged from the tub 20. Dry air may be generated inside the case 190. A drying flow path 193 may be formed inside the case 190 to generate dry air.

[0104] The dryer 100 may include an outer case 191. The outer case 191 may cover a space between the rotating frame 110 and the fixed frame 120. The outer case 191 may be coupled to the fixed frame 120 and not rotate. For example, the outer case 191 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer case 191 may be provided as one component of the case 190.

[0105] The dryer 100 may include an inner case 192. The inner case 192 may be disposed inside the outer case 191. The inner case 192 may be rotatable by being coupled to the rotating frame 110. For example, the inner case 192 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The inner case 192 may be provided as one component of the case 190.

[0106] The dryer 100 may include the drying flow path 193 formed between the outer case 191 and the inner case 192. Air discharged from the tub 20 may flow through the drying flow path 193. The elastocaloric material 130 may be positioned in the drying flow path 193. The elastocaloric material 130 may absorb heat from air inside the drying flow path 193 or emit heat to air inside the drying flow path 193. The elastocaloric material 130 may repeatedly absorb heat and emit heat inside the drying flow path 193. Accordingly, air discharged from the tub 20 may be cooled and heated while flowing along the drying flow path 193. Air flowing along the drying flow path 193 may be lowered in humidity and raised in temperature. Air flowing along the drying flow path 193 may become dry air.

[0107] The dryer 100 may include an inlet 194. Air discharged from the tub 20 may flow into the inlet 194. Air discharged from the tub 20 may flow into the drying flow path 193 through the inlet 194. The inlet 194 may communicate with the drying flow path 193. The inlet 194 may communicate with the first guide flow path 81 (see FIG. 2). The inlet 194 may be formed in the case 190. The inlet 194 may be formed in the outer case 191.

[0108] The dryer 100 may include an outlet 195. The outlet 195 may discharge air dried by the elastocaloric material 130 while flowing through the drying flow path 193. Dry air in the drying flow path 193 may be discharged toward the tub 20 through the outlet 195. The outlet 195 may communicate with the drying flow path 193. The outlet 195 may communicate with the second guide flow path 82 (see FIG. 2). The outlet 195 may be formed in the case 190. The outlet 195 may be formed in the outer case 191.

[0109] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a rotating frame, a fixed frame, and an elastocaloric material of a dryer according to various embodiments. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a side view of a rotating frame, a fixed frame, and an elastocaloric material of a dryer according to various embodiments.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the dryer 100 may include the rotating frame 110, the fixed frame 120, and the elastocaloric material 130 connecting the rotating frame 110 to the fixed frame 120.

[0111] The rotating frame 110 and the elastocaloric material 130 may be rotatable and the fixed frame 120 may not rotate, as described above.

[0112] While the rotating frame 110 rotates, the elastocaloric material 130 may also rotate in conjunction with the rotating frame 110. At this time, the first side 131 of the elastocaloric material 130 may rotate together with the rotating frame 110 because the first side 131 is fixed to the rotating frame 110, and the second side 132 of the elastocaloric material 130 may move along the guide rail 121.

[0113] While the elastocaloric material 130 rotates along the guide rail 121, the elastocaloric material 130 may be repeatedly expanded and restored to an original state. That is, while the elastocaloric material 130 rotates along the guide rail 121, a process of applying stress to the elastocaloric material 130 and then removing the stress from the elastocaloric material 130 may be repeated. Therefore, the elastocaloric material 130 may repeatedly emit heat to the outside and absorb heat from the outside. During this process, air inside the dryer 100 may be heated and / or cooled.

[0114] While the elastocaloric material 130 passes through the first section 121a, the elastocaloric material 130 may be stretched. While the elastocaloric material 130 corresponds to the first section 121a, stress may be applied to the elastocaloric material 130. While the elastocaloric material 130 corresponds to the first section 121a, stress may be applied to the elastocaloric material 130 and the elastocaloric material 130 may emit heat to the outside. As a result, the elastocaloric material 130 may heat air flowing through the dry flow path 193.

[0115] While the elastocaloric material 130 passes through the second section 121b, the elastocaloric material 130 may return to the original state. While the elastocaloric material 130 corresponds to the second section 121b, the stress applied to the elastocaloric material 130 may be removed. While the elastocaloric material 130 corresponds to the second section 121b, the stress applied to the elastocaloric material 130 may be removed and the elastocaloric material 130 may absorb external heat. As a result, the elastocaloric material 130 may cool air flowing through the drying flow path 193. At this time, a washing solvent (e.g., water or an organic solvent) contained in the air may be condensed.

[0116] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second section 121b may be disposed below the first section 121a. Therefore, a washing solvent condensed by the elastocaloric material 130 may naturally move downward by gravity. The washing solvent condensed by the elastocaloric material 130 may be discharged to the outside of the dryer 100 through drain holes 196 or 197a which will be described in greater detail below (see alternate long and short dash line arrows in FIGS. 19 and 20).

[0117] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a dryer operates in a first mode according to various embodiments. FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a dryer disclosure operates in a second mode according to various embodiments. FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a gear engagement of a dryer while the dryer operates in a second mode according to various embodiments. FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a dryer operates in a third mode according to various embodiments. FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating gear engagement of a dryer while the dryer operates in a third mode according to various embodiments. FIG. 17 is a table showing example operations of a dryer according to various embodiments.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 17, the dryer 100 may operate in various modes. The dryer 100 may operate in a mode corresponding to each of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a dehydrating cycle, and a drying cycle.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 17, during a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydrating cycle, the dryer 100 may operate in a first mode M1.

[0120] During the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydrating cycle, the rotating frame 110 may be disposed between the second gear 150 and the third gear 160. During the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydration cycle, the rotating frame 110 may be disposed between the second gear 150 and the fourth gear 170. During the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydrating cycle, the rotating frame 110 may be disposed between the second gear 150 and the fifth gear 180. That is, the rotating frame 110 may not be coupled with the second gear 150 and the fourth gear 170. The first gear 111 of the rotating frame 110 may not be engaged with the second gear 150 and the fourth gear 170.

[0121] Because during the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydrating cycle, the first gear 111 of the rotating frame 110 is not coupled with the second gear 150 and the fourth gear 170, the rotating frame 110 may not rotate. During the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydrating cycle, the rotating frame 110 may be prevented / suppressed from rotating. Therefore, during the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydrating cycle, the elastocaloric material 130 may also not rotate. While the dryer 100 operates in the first mode M1, the dryer 100 may not generate dry air.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 17, during a drying cycle, the dryer 100 may operate in a second mode M2 or a third mode M3. The dryer 100 may operate in the second mode M2 or the third mode M3 based on a rotation direction of the drum 30.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 13, 14, and 17,according to the drum 30 rotating in a forward direction R1 during a drying cycle, the dryer 100 may operate in the second mode M2.

[0124] Based on the drum 30 rotating in the forward direction R1 during the drying cycle, the shaft 140 may move in a first direction A to cause the second gear 150 to be engaged with the first gear 111 of the rotating frame 110.The gears 140, 160, 170, and 180 may move in the first direction A together with the shaft 140, and the second gear 150 may be coupled to the first coupling portion 110a of the first gear 111. At this time, the stopper 112 may limit a movement of the shaft 140 in the first direction A to prevent / block the second gear 150 from intruding into the second coupling portion 110b.

[0125] While the drum 30 rotates in the forward direction R1 during the drying cycle, the rotating frame 110 may be coupled with the second gear 150. While the drum 30 rotates in the forward direction R1 during the drying cycle, the first gear 111 may be engaged with the second gear 150. According to the second gear 150 rotating in the forward direction (150R), the first gear 111 engaged with the second gear 150 may also rotate in the forward direction (110R). While the dryer 100 operates in the second mode M2, the second gear 150 and the rotating frame 110 may rotate in the forward direction. The elastocaloric material 130 connected to the rotating frame 110 may also rotate in the forward direction. While the dryer 100 operates in the second mode M2, the dryer 100 may generate dry air.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 15, 16, and 17, according to the drum 30 rotating in a reverse direction R2 during a drying cycle, the dryer 100 may operate in the third mode M3.

[0127] Based on the drum 30 rotating in the reverse direction R3 during the drying cycle, the shaft 140 may move in a second direction B to cause the fourth gear 170 to be engaged with the first gear 111 of the rotating frame 110. The first direction A and the second direction B and may be opposite directions in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 140. The gears 140, 160, 170, and 180 may move in the second direction B together with the shaft 140 and the fourth gear 170 may be coupled to the second coupling portion 110b of the first gear 111. At this time, the stopper 112 may limit a movement of the shaft 140 in the second direction B to prevent / block the fourth gear 170 from intruding into the first coupling portion 110a.

[0128] While the drum 30 rotates in the reverse direction R2 during the drying cycle, the rotating frame 110 may be coupled to the fourth gear 170. While the drum 30 rotates in the reverse direction R2 during the drying cycle, the first gear 111 may be engaged with the fourth gear 170. According to the third gear 160 rotating in the reverse direction (160R), the fifth gear 180 engaged with the third gear 160 may rotate in the forward direction (180R). According to the fifth gear 180 rotating in the forward direction (180R), the fourth gear 170 engaged with the fifth gear 180 may rotate in the forward direction (170R). According to the fourth gear 170 rotating in the forward direction (170R), the first gear 111 engaged with the fourth gear 170 may rotate in the forward direction (110R). In the third mode M3 of the dryer 100, the third gear 160 may rotate in the reverse direction and the fourth gear 170 and the rotating frame 110 may rotate in the forward direction. The elastocaloric material 130 connected to the rotating frame 110 may also rotate in the forward direction. While the dryer 100 rotates in the third mode M3, the dryer 100 may generate dry air.

[0129] The dryer 100 according to the present disclosure may be implemented with various gears and a combination of gears. The number, arrangement, and shapes of the gears included in the dryer 100 according to the present disclosure are not limited. For example, the fourth gear 170 may be omitted and the fifth gear 180 may be engaged directly with the first gear 111.

[0130] An example in which the rotating frame 110 rotates in the forward direction has been described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17, however, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described example. According to the present disclosure, the rotating frame 110 may be configured to rotate in only one direction regardless of a rotation direction of the drum 30. Accordingly, the elastocaloric material 130 may rotate only in the forward direction or only in the reverse direction during a drying cycle.

[0131] During a drying cycle, the drum 30 may rotate in both the forward and reverse directions. In a case where the drum 30 rotates in only one direction, laundry may become tangled or twisted, and drying efficiency of the laundry may be relatively low. However, in a case where the elastocaloric material 130 of the dryer 100 rotates in both the forward and reverse directions, a temperature distribution inside the dryer 100 may change. In a case where a rotation direction of the elastocaloric material 130 changes, a point where stress is applied to the elastocaloric material 130 and a point where the stress applied to the elastocaloric material 130 is removed may change, and a temperature deviation may continuously occur. For example, depending on a rotation direction of the elastocaloric material 130, a high temperature area and a low temperature area in the drying flow path 193 may continuously change, and accordingly, positions of the inlet 194 and the outlet 195 may need to be continuously changed. A non-uniform temperature distribution inside the dryer 100 may deteriorate energy efficiency of the dryer 100 and make operation control of the dryer 100 complicated.

[0132] According to the present disclosure, the elastocaloric material 130 of the dryer 100 may be configured to rotate in one direction. As described above, the elastocaloric material 130 may rotate in one direction regardless of a rotation direction of the drum 30. For example, while the drum 30 rotates in the forward direction R1, the shaft 140 may move in the first direction A, and the first gear 111 of the rotating frame 110 may be engaged with the second gear 150 and rotate in the forward direction (see FIGS. 13 and 14). For example, while the drum 30 rotates in the reverse direction R2, the shaft 140 may move in the second direction B, and the first gear 111 of the rotating frame 110 may be engaged with the fourth gear 170 and rotate in the forward direction (see FIGS. 15 and 16). For example, the elastocaloric material 130 may rotate in only one direction together with the rotating frame 110. As a result, a temperature distribution inside the dryer 100 may be maintained at a constant level. Consequently, energy efficiency of the dryer 100 may not be reduced, and operations of the dryer 100 may be easily controlled.

[0133] FIG. 18 is a top cross-sectional view of a dryer according to various embodiments. FIG. 19 is a front cross-sectional view of a dryer according to various embodiments. FIG. 20 is a front cross-sectional view of a dryer according to various embodiments.

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, the drying flow path 193 may be formed inside the dryer 100. The elastocaloric material 130 may absorb heat from air in the drying flow path 193 and emit heat to air inside the drying flow path 193. Therefore, humid air may flow along the drying path 193 and become high-temperature, low-humidity air. As a result, the dryer 100 may generate dry air.

[0135] The drying flow path 193 may include a cooling flow path 193b and a heating flow path 193a.

[0136] The cooling flow path 193b may be positioned to correspond to the second section 121b of the guide rail 121 of the fixed frame 120. The cooling flow path 193b may be positioned below the heating flow path 193a. The elastocaloric material 130 passing through the cooling flow path 193b may absorb heat from the outside. Accordingly, air flowed in through the inlet 194 may be cooled while flowing through the cooling flow path 193b. In addition, air flowed in through the inlet 194 may be condensed while flowing through the cooling flow path 193b. That is, a washing solvent (e.g., water, an organic solvent, etc.) may be separated from the air.

[0137] The heating flow path 193a may be positioned to correspond to the first section 121a of the guide rail 121 of the fixed frame 120. The heating flow path 193a may be positioned above the cooling flow path 193b. Based on a flow direction of air, the heating flow path 193a may be positioned downstream of the cooling flow path 193b. The elastocaloric material 130 passing through the heating flow path 193a may emit heat to the outside. Accordingly, air passed through the cooling flow path 193b may be heated while flowing through the heating flow path 193a. That is, a temperature of air from which moisture has been removed / reduced may be raised. Accordingly, dry air may be generated. The dry air may be discharged to the outside of the dryer 100 through the outlet 195.

[0138] In summary, air flowed (or flowing) in through the inlet 194 may pass through the cooling flow path 193b and the heating flow path 193a sequentially and then be discharged through the outlet 195. Humid air may become low-temperature, low-humidity air by passing through the cooling flow path 193b, and may become high-temperature, low-humidity air by passing through the heating flow path 193a.

[0139] The outer case 191 may not rotate and the inner case 192 may rotate by the rotating frame 110. Air around the inner case 192 may flow along a rotation direction of the inner case 192. Also, air may flow into the drying flow path 193 through the inlet 194 and may be discharged from the drying flow path 193 through the outlet 195. The inlet 194 and the outlet 195 of the dryer 100 may be set depending on a rotation direction of the inner case 192. That is, one of openings 194 and 195 of the dryer 100 may function as the inlet 194, and another one of the openings 194 and 195 of the dryer 100 may function as the outlet 195. A speed of air flowing through the cooling flow path 193b may increase. This may be because a rotation speed of the inner case 192 is added to an initial speed of air flowing in through the inlet 194. According to Bernoulli's principle, a sum of dynamic pressure and static pressure may be constant. Therefore, dynamic pressure of air flowing through the cooling flow path 193b may increase, and static pressure of air flowing through the cooling flow path 193b may decrease. On the other hand, a speed of air flowing through the heating flow path 193a may decrease. Therefore, dynamic pressure of air flowing through the heating flow path 193a may decrease, and static pressure of air flowing through the heating flow path 193a may increase. Pressure distributions of the cooling flow path 193b and the heating flow path 193a may have opposite tendencies, and thus, air may flow smoothly along the drying flow path 193 of the dryer 100.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, the dryer 100 may include a divider 198. The divider 198 may be positioned inside the drying flow path 193. The divider 198 may be positioned between the inlet 194 and the outlet 195. The divider 198 may prevent and / or reduce mixing of air flowing in through the inlet 194 and air flowing out through the outlet 195. The divider 198 may prevent / block and / or suppress mixing of air flowing through the cooling flow path 193b and air flowing through the heating flow path 193a. The divider 198 may restrict flow of air between the inlet 194 and the outlet 195. Accordingly, air flowed in through inlet 194 may naturally pass through the cooling flow path 193b and the heating flow path 193a and be discharged through the outlet 195. For example, the divider 198 may have a labyrinth seal structure.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 19, the dryer 100 may include a drain hole 196. The drain hole 196 may be formed in the outer case 191. The drain hole 196 may be formed by penetrating the outer case 191. The drain hole 196 may communicate inside of the drying flow path 193 with outside of the drying flow path 193. The drain hole 196 may discharge a washing solvent condensed by the elastocaloric material 130 inside the drying flow path 193. The drain hole 196 may discharge the washing solvent condensed in the cooling flow path 193b to the outside of the drying flow path 193. For example, the drain hole 196 may be formed to correspond to a downstream part of the cooling flow path 193b.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 20, the dryer 100 may include a porous member 197. The porous member 197 may be provided as a part of the outer case 191. The porous member 197 may include a drain hole 197a. The drain hole 197a may communicate the inside of the drying flow path 193 with the outside of the drying flow path 193. The drain hole 197a may discharge a washing solvent condensed by the elastocaloric material 130 inside the drying flow path 193. The drain hole 197a may discharge the washing solvent condensed in the cooling flow path 193b to the outside of the drying flow path 193. For example, the porous member 197 may be formed to correspond to the downstream part of the cooling flow path 193b.

[0143] FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of components of a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0144] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a controller (e.g., including circuitry) 300, the user interface (e.g., including circuitry) 90, a communication interface (e.g., including communication circuitry) 95, a storage chamber 51, a purifying module 52, a circulation pump 60, a drain pump 70, the motor 41, the dryer 100, a first temperature sensor 210, a second temperature sensor 220, and a weight sensor 230.

[0145] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the controller 300. The controller 300 may include various circuitry and control operations of the clothes treating apparatus 1. The controller 300 may be electrically connected to various components of the clothes treating apparatus 1. The controller 300 may generate control signals for controlling various components of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

[0146] The controller 300 may include various hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU) and memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller 300 may include at least one memory 320 that stores an algorithm for controlling operations of components in the clothes treating apparatus 1 and data in the form of a program, and at least one processor 310 that performs the above-described operations using data stored in the at least one memory 320. The memory 320 and the processor 310 may be implemented as separate chips. The processor 310 may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory 320 may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. The memory 320 and the processor 310 may be implemented as a single chip. The processor 310 may include various processing circuitry and / or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including the claims, the term “processor” may include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of at least one processor, individually and / or collectively in a distributed manner, may be configured to perform various functions described herein. As used herein, when “a processor”, “at least one processor”, and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor may perform all recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various of the recited / disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0147] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the user interface 90 including various circuitry for interacting with a user. The user interface 90 may include at least one input interface 91 and at least one output interface 92.

[0148] The at least one input interface 91 may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0149] For example, the at least one input interface 91 may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing / rinsing / dehydrating / drying setting button. For example, the at least one input interface 91 may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone, etc.

[0150] The at least one output interface 92 may visually or acoustically transfer information related to an operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1 to a user.

[0151] For example, the at least one output interface 92 may transfer information related to a course and an operation time of the clothes treating apparatus 1 or a washing setting / rinsing setting / dehydrating / drying setting to a user. Information related to an operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be output through a screen, an indicator, a voice, etc. For example, the at least one output interface 92 may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0152] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the communication interface 95 for communicating with an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance) by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0153] The communication interface 95 may include various communication circuitry and transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance) or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication interface 95 may establish communication with a server and / or a user device and / or a home appliance and transmit / receive various data to / from the server and / or the user device and / or the home appliance.

[0154] The communication interface 95 may include at least one of a short-range communication circuit or a long-distance communication circuit.

[0155] For example, the communication interface 95 may support cellular communication, a wireless local area network (WLAN), Home Radio Frequency (Home RF), infrared communication, Ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, AD-HOC, and / or Zigbee. Communication technologies supported by the communication interface 95 are not limited to the above-mentioned examples.

[0156] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the storage chamber 51 that stores a washing solvent. The storage chamber 51 may store water or an organic solvent. For example, the storage chamber 51 may store a washing solvent used in each of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydration cycle. For example, the storage chamber 51 may store a washing solvent collected during a drying cycle. For example, the storage chamber 51 may store a washing solvent condensed in the dryer 100.

[0157] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the purifying module 52 that purifies a washing solvent. The purifying module 52 may purify water or an organic solvent stored in the storage chamber 51. The purifying module 52 may remove foreign substances contained in the water or organic solvent stored in the storage chamber 51. A washing solvent purified in the purifying module 52 may be reused in a washing cycle and a rinsing cycle.

[0158] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the circulation pump 60 that circulates a washing solvent inside the tub 20. A washing solvent pumped by the circulation pump 60 may return to the tub 20. The controller 300 may control an operation of the circulation pump 60 to circulate water in the tub 20.

[0159] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the drain pump 70 that discharges a washing solvent inside the tub 20 to the outside of the tub 20. The controller 300 may control an operation of the drain pump 70 to drain water in the tub 20.

[0160] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the motor 41. The motor 41 may generate a driving force for rotating the drum 30. The controller 300 may control an operation of the motor 41. The controller 300 may control an operation of the motor 41 in correspondence to each of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a dehydration cycle, and a drying cycle. The controller 300 may control a rotation speed, a rotation direction, etc. of the motor 41.

[0161] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the dryer 100. The dryer 100 may dry air discharged from the tub 20. The dryer 100 may cool and / or heat air discharged from the tub 20. Air passed through the dryer 100 may be again supplied to the tub 20. The controller 300 may control an operation of the dryer 100 in correspondence to each of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a dehydration cycle, and a drying cycle.

[0162] For example, based on execution of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydrating cycle, the controller 300 may control the dryer 100 to operate in the first mode M1 (see FIG. 17). For example, based on the drum 30 rotating in the forward direction during a drying cycle, the controller 300 may control the dryer 100 to operate in the second mode M2 (see FIG. 17). For example, based on the drum 30 rotating in the reverse direction during a drying cycle, the controller 300 may control the dryer 100 to operate in the third mode M3 (see FIG. 17). For example, the controller 300 may control the shaft 140 to move in the axial direction for an operation of the dryer 100 in each mode.

[0163] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the first temperature sensor 210. The first temperature sensor 210 may measure a temperature of air discharged from the dryer 100 and flowing toward the tub 20. For example, the first temperature sensor 210 may be installed on the second guide flow path 82 (see FIG. 2). Temperature data measured by the first temperature sensor 210 may be transmitted to the controller 300.

[0164] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the second temperature sensor 220. The second temperature sensor 220 may measure a temperature of air discharged from the tub 20 and flowing toward the dryer 100. For example, the second temperature sensor 220 may be installed on the guide flow path 81 (see FIG. 2). Temperature data measured by the second temperature sensor 220 may be transmitted to the controller 300.

[0165] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the weight sensor 230. The weight sensor 230 may measure a weight of laundry accommodated in the drum 30. Weight data measured by the weight sensor 230 may be transmitted to the controller 300.

[0166] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating example operations that are performed by a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 22, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform at least one of a washing cycle 1010, a rinsing cycle 1020, a dehydrating cycle 1030, or a drying cycle 1040 based on an operation course selected by a user. For example, the operation course of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be set to a standard washing course and a standard drying course. The standard washing course may include a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydrating cycle. The standard drying course may include a drying cycle. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may sequentially perform the washing cycle 1010, the rinsing cycle 1020, the dehydrating cycle 1030, and the drying cycle 1040.

[0168] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may selectively perform at least one of the washing cycle 1010, the rinsing cycle 1020, the dehydrating cycle 1030, or the drying cycle 1040 according to an operation course. For example, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform the rinsing cycle 1020 and the dehydrating cycle 1030 in correspondence to a selection of a rinsing-dehydrating course. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform the dehydrating cycle 1030 in correspondence to a selection of a dehydrating course. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform only the drying cycle 1040 in correspondence to a selection of the standard drying course.

[0169] In the washing cycle 1010, laundry may be washed. Foreign materials attached to the laundry may be separated from the laundry by chemical actions of a detergent and mechanical actions such as dropping.

[0170] The washing cycle 1010 may include a laundry measurement operation 1011 of measuring an amount of laundry, a supply operation 1012 of supplying a washing solvent to the tub 20, a washing operation 1013 of rotating the drum 30 to wash the laundry, a drain operation 1014 of draining the washing solvent stored in the tub 20, and a midway dehydrating operation 1015 of rotating the drum 30 to separate the washing solvent from the laundry.

[0171] In the rinsing cycle 1020, the laundry may be rinsed. A detergent and / or foreign materials remaining in the laundry may be washed off by a washing solvent. In a case where waterless washing is performed, a cycle of filtering a washing solvent may be added instead of the rinsing cycle 1020.

[0172] The rinsing cycle 1020 may include a supply operation 1021 of supplying a washing solvent to the tub 20, a rinsing operation 1022 of driving the drum 20 to rinse the laundry, a drain operation 1023 of discharging the washing solvent stored in the tub 20, and a midway dehydrating operation 1024 of driving the drum 20 to separate the washing solvent from the laundry.

[0173] In the dehydrating cycle 1030, the laundry may be dehydrated. By a high-speed rotation of the drum 20, a washing solvent remaining in the laundry may be separated from the laundry.

[0174] The dehydrating cycle 1030 may include a final dehydrating operation 1031. By performing the final dehydrating operation 1031 of the dehydrating cycle 1030, a final midway dehydrating operation 1024 of the rinsing cycle 1020 may be omitted.

[0175] After the dehydrating cycle 1030 is completed, the drying cycle 1040 may be performed. To perform the drying cycle 1040, the controller 300 may operate the dryer 100 to supply dry air into the tub 20 and the drum 30.

[0176] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of operating a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments.

[0177] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may measure an initial weight of laundry (2010). The weight sensor 230 may detect a weight of the laundry accommodated in the drum 30.

[0178] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform a washing cycle (2020). For example, based on a start of the washing cycle 2020, the controller 300 may control the dryer 100 to operate in the first mode M1. The controller 300 may control a movement of the shaft 140 to cause the first gear 111 to be disposed between the second gear 150 and the fourth gear 170.

[0179] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform a rinsing cycle (2030). For example, based on a start of the rinsing cycle 2030, the controller 300 may control the dryer 100 to operate in the first mode M1. The controller 300 may control a movement of the shaft 140 to cause the first gear 111 to be disposed between the second gear 150 and the fourth gear 170.

[0180] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform a dehydrating cycle (2040). For example, based on a start of the dehydrating cycle 2040, the controller 300 may control the dryer 100 to operate in the first mode M1. The controller 300 may control a movement of the shaft 140 to cause the first gear 111 to be disposed between the second gear 150 and the fourth gear 170.

[0181] The controller 300 may compare a weight of the laundry after the dehydrating cycle terminates with the initial weight of the laundry (2050). The weight sensor 230 may detect a weight of the laundry accommodated in the drum 30.

[0182] Based on the weight of the laundry after the laundry cycle terminates exceeding a reference weight (NO in 2050), the controller 300 may perform control of again performing a dehydrating cycle. For example, a dehydrating time taken to again perform the dehydrating cycle may be different from a dehydrating time taken for the previous dehydrating cycle.

[0183] Based on the weight of the laundry after the dehydrating cycle terminates being less than the reference weight (YES in 2050), the controller 300 may control the motor 41 to reduce a rotation speed of the drum 30 in operation 2060.

[0184] The reference weight may vary depending on a selected course, a user setting, etc.

[0185] The controller 300 may identify whether the rotation speed of the drum 30 is 0 RPM (2070). That is, the controller 300 may identify whether the drum 20 has stopped rotating.

[0186] Based on the rotation speed of the drum 30 being not 0 RPM (NO in 2070), the controller 300 may control the motor 41 to reduce the rotation speed of the drum 30.

[0187] Based on the rotation speed of the drum 30 being 0 RPM (YES in 2070), the controller 300 may control various components to cause the clothes treating apparatus 1 to perform a drying cycle. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform the drying cycle (2080). For example, the controller 300 may control the dryer 100 to operate in the second mode M2 or the third mode M3. For example, based on the drum 30 rotating in the forward direction, the controller 300 may control a movement of the shaft 140 to cause the second gear 150 to be coupled to the first gear 111. For example, based on the drum 30 rotating in the forward direction, the controller 300 may control the shaft 140 to move in the first direction A. For example, based on the drum 30 rotating in the reverse direction, the controller 300 may control a movement of the shaft 140 to cause the fourth gear 170 to be coupled to the first gear 111. For example, based on the drum 30 rotating in the reverse direction, the controller 300 may control the shaft 140 to move in the second direction B.

[0188] The controller 300 may compare a temperature of air supplied to the tub 20 to a first reference temperature (2090). The first temperature sensor 210 may measure a temperature of air discharged from the dryer 100 and flowing toward the tub 20 and transfer a measured value to the controller 300. The controller 300 may compare the temperature obtained by the first temperature sensor 210 to the first reference temperature.

[0189] The first reference temperature may vary depending on a selected course, a user setting, etc.

[0190] Based on the temperature of air supplied to the tub 20 reaching the first reference temperature (YES in 2090), the controller 300 may control the motor 41 and / or a fan (not shown) to maintain the temperature of air supplied to the tub 20 at the first reference temperature (2100). For example, the controller 300 may control a rotation speed of the motor 41 and / or a rotation speed of the fan (not shown).

[0191] The controller 300 may compare a temperature of air discharged from the tub 20 to a second reference temperature (2110). The second temperature sensor 220 may measure a temperature of air discharged from the tub 20 and flowing toward the dryer 100 and transfer a measured value to the controller 300. The controller 300 may compare the temperature obtained by the second temperature sensor 220 to the second reference temperature.

[0192] The second reference temperature may vary depending on a selected course, a user setting, etc.

[0193] Based on the temperature of air discharged from the tub 20 reaching the second reference temperature (YES in 2110), the controller 300 may control the motor 41 and / or the fan (not shown) to maintain the temperature of air discharged from the tub 20 at the second reference temperature (2130). For example, the controller 300 may control a rotation speed of the motor 41 and / or a rotation speed of the fan (not shown).

[0194] Based on a temperature of air supplied to the tub 20 not reaching the first reference temperature and a temperature of air discharged from the tub 20 not reaching the second reference temperature (NO in 2090 and NO in 2110), the controller 300 may increase a rotation speed of a specific component of the dryer 100 (2120). For example, the controller 300 may increase a rotation speed of the motor 41 to increase rotation speeds of the rotating frame 110 and the elastocaloric material 130.

[0195] After a temperature of air supplied to the tub 20 reaches the first reference temperature and a temperature of air discharged from the tub 20 reaches the second reference temperature, the controller 300 may compare a weight of the laundry to the initial weight of the laundry (2140). The weight sensor 230 may detect a weight of the laundry accommodated in the drum 30.

[0196] Based on the weight of the laundry during the drying cycle being less than or equal to the initial weight of the laundry (YES in 2140), the controller 300 may control various components to cause the clothes treating apparatus 1 to terminate the drying cycle. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may terminate the drying cycle (2150). For example, the controller 300 may control the motor 41 to stop rotating the drum 30.

[0197] According to various example embodiments of the present disclosure, a clothes treating apparatus may include a tub, a drum provided inside the tub and configured to be rotatable, and a dryer configured to supply dry air to inside of the tub. The dryer may include a rotating frame configured to, during a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydrating cycle, be prevented from or resist rotating and, during a drying cycle, rotate in conjunction with the drum. The dryer may include a fixed frame including a guide rail having a first section spaced apart from the rotating frame by a first distance and a second section spaced apart from the rotating frame by a second distance that is shorter than the first distance. The dryer may include an elastocaloric material connecting the rotating frame to the fixed frame and configured to rotate along the guide rail by the rotating frame. The elastocaloric material may be configured to emit heat according to application of stress while the elastocaloric material corresponds to the first section. The elastocaloric material may be configured to absorb heat according to removal of the applied stress while the elastocaloric material corresponds to the second section.

[0198] The rotating frame may include a first gear. The dryer may include a shaft configured to rotate by a driving force provided to the drum. The dryer may include a second gear provided on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft and configured to be rotatable together with the shaft. The dryer may include a third gear spaced apart from the second gear along a longitudinal direction of the shaft, provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft, and configured to be rotatable together with the shaft. The dryer may include a fourth gear configured to be rotatable in conjunction with the third gear in an opposite direction of a rotation direction of the third gear.

[0199] During the drying cycle, while the drum rotates in a forward direction, the first gear of the rotating frame may be configured to be engaged with the second gear, and the second gear and the rotating frame may be configured to rotate in the forward direction. During the drying cycle, while the drum rotates in a reverse direction, the first gear of the rotating frame may be configured to be engaged with the fourth gear, the third gear may be configured to rotate in the reverse direction, and the fourth gear and the rotating frame may be configured to rotate in the forward direction.

[0200] Based on the drum rotating in the forward direction, the shaft may move in a first direction to cause the second gear to be engaged with the first gear of the rotating frame. Based on the drum rotating in the reverse direction, the shaft may move in a second direction to cause the fourth gear to be engaged with the first gear of the rotating frame.

[0201] The first direction and the second direction may be opposite directions along a longitudinal direction of the shaft.

[0202] During the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydrating cycle, the rotating frame may be disposed between the second gear and the third gear.

[0203] The dryer may include a fifth gear configured to be engaged with the third gear and the fourth gear. The fifth gear may transfer a rotational force of the third gear to the fourth gear.

[0204] A first side of the elastocaloric material may be fixed to the rotating frame. A second side of the elastocaloric material may be inserted into the guide rail.

[0205] The elastocaloric material may be provided as a plurality of elastocaloric materials. The plurality of elastocaloric materials may be spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the rotating frame.

[0206] The dryer may include an outer case covering a space between the rotating frame and the fixed frame; an inner case disposed inside the outer case; and a drying flow path formed between the outer case and the inner case, wherein air flows through the drying flow path.

[0207] The elastocaloric material may be positioned inside the drying flow path and configured to absorb heat from air inside the drying flow path or emit heat to air inside the drying flow path.

[0208] The dryer may include an inlet formed in the outer case to communicate with the drying flow path and receive air discharged from the tub; and an outlet formed in the outer case to communicate with the drying flow path and discharge air dried by the elastocaloric material while flowing through the drying flow path.

[0209] The dryer may include a divider positioned between the inlet and the outlet inside the drying flow path to prevent and / or reduce mixing of air received through the inlet and air to be discharged through the outlet.

[0210] The dryer may include a drain hole configured to communicate inside of the drying flow path with outside of the drying flow path and discharge a washing solvent condensed by the elastocaloric material inside the drying flow path.

[0211] The second section may be disposed below the first section.

[0212] According to various example embodiments of the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus may include a tub, a drum provided inside the tub and configured to be rotatable, a motor configured to provide a driving force to the drum, and a dryer disposed in a rear side of the motor and configured to heat air discharged from the tube and provide the air to the tub. The dryer may include a rotating frame configured to, during a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydrating cycle, be prevented from or resist rotating and rotate during a drying cycle. The dryer may include an elastocaloric material configured to rotate by the rotating frame. The elastocaloric material may absorb heat from air flowed into the dryer to condense a washing solvent contained in the air, and emit heat to the air to heat the air.

[0213] The dryer may include a fixed frame including a guide rail. The guide rail may have a first section spaced apart from the rotating frame by a first distance and a second section spaced apart from the rotating frame by a second distance that is shorter than the first distance.

[0214] The elastocaloric material may rotate along the guide rail. The elastocaloric material may be configured to emit heat according to application of stress while the elastocaloric material corresponds to the first section. The elastocaloric material may be configured to absorb heat according to removal of the applied stress while the elastocaloric material corresponds to the second section.

[0215] The rotating frame may include a first gear. The dryer may include a shaft connected to a rotating shaft of the motor and configured to be rotatable in the same direction as a rotation direction of the drum, a second gear configured to rotate together with the shaft, a third gear spaced apart from the second gear and configured to rotate together with the shaft, and a fourth gear configured to be rotatable in conjunction with the third gear in an opposite direction of a rotation direction of the third gear. During the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydrating cycle, the first gear may be disposed between the second gear and the third gear. According to the drum rotating in a forward direction during the drying cycle, the first gear may rotate in the forward direction by being engaged with the second gear. According to the drum rotating in a reverse direction during the drying cycle, the first gear may rotate in the forward direction by being engaged with the fourth gear.

[0216] The clothes treating apparatus may include a first guide flow path configured to guide air discharged from the tub to the dryer, and a second guide flow path configured to guide air discharged from the dryer to the tub.

[0217] According to the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus may generate dry air without using any refrigerant, thereby being environmentally friendly and increasing safety of use.

[0218] According to the present disclosure, because the clothes treating apparatus includes none of a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a refrigerant pipe, etc., the clothes treating apparatus may have a simple and compact structure.

[0219] The disclosure may be implemented including a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program codes, and when executed by a processor, the instructions may create a program module to perform operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0220] The computer-readable recording medium may include all kinds of recording media storing instructions that can be interpreted by a computer. For example, the computer-readable recording medium may be Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disc, a flash memory, an optical data storage device, etc.

[0221] The computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium, wherein the 'non-transitory storage medium' refers to a storage medium that is a tangible device, and may not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0222] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method according to various embodiments may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloadable or uploadable) online via an application store (e.g., Play StoreTM) or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. When distributed online, at least part of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable recording medium, such as a memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

[0223] Effects that may be achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0224] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternatives and / or variations of the various example embodiments may be made without departing from the true technical spirit and full technical scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Claims

1. A clothes treating apparatus comprising:a tub;a drum provided inside the tub and configured to be rotatable; anda dryer configured to supply dry air to inside of the tub,wherein the dryer comprises:a rotating frame configured to, during a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydrating cycle, resist rotating and, during a drying cycle, rotate in conjunction with the drum;a fixed frame comprising a guide rail including a first section spaced apart from the rotating frame by a first distance and a second section spaced apart from the rotating frame by a second distance shorter than the first distance; andan elastocaloric material connecting the rotating frame to the fixed frame and configured to rotate along the guide rail by the rotating frame, wherein the elastocaloric material is configured to emit heat according to application of stress while the elastocaloric material corresponds to the first section, and absorb heat according to removal of the applied stress while the elastocaloric material corresponds to the second section.

2. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe rotating frame comprises a first gear, andthe dryer comprises:a shaft configured to rotate by a driving force provided to the drum;a second gear provided on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft and configured to be rotatable together with the shaft;a third gear spaced apart from the second gear along a longitudinal direction of the shaft, provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft, and configured to be rotatable together with the shaft; anda fourth gear configured to be rotatable in engagement with the third gear in a direction opposite to a rotation direction of the third gear.

3. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 2, wherein, during the drying cycle,while the drum rotates in a forward direction, the first gear of the rotating frame is configured to be engaged with the second gear, and the second gear and the rotating frame are configured to rotate in the forward direction, andwhile the drum rotates in a reverse direction, the first gear of the rotating frame is configured to be engaged with the fourth gear, the third gear is configured to rotate in the reverse direction, and the fourth gear and the rotating frame are configured to rotate in the forward direction.

4. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the shaft is configured to:based on the drum rotating in the forward direction, move in a first direction such that the second gear engages with the first gear of the rotating frame, andbased on the drum rotating in the reverse direction, move in a second direction such that the fourth gear engages with the first gear of the rotating frame.

5. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe first direction and the second direction are opposite directions along the longitudinal direction of the shaft.

6. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 2, whereinduring the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydrating cycle, the rotating frame is disposed between the second gear and the third gear.

7. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 2, whereinthe dryer comprises a fifth gear configured to be engaged with the third gear and the fourth gear and configured to transfer rotational force from the third gear to the fourth gear.

8. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1, whereina first side of the elastocaloric material is fixed to the rotating frame, anda second side of the elastocaloric material is inserted into the guide rail.

9. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe elastocaloric material comprises a plurality of elastocaloric materials, andthe plurality of elastocaloric materials are spaced apart along a circumferential direction of the rotating frame.

10. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe dryer comprises:an outer case covering a space between the rotating frame and the fixed frame;an inner case disposed inside the outer case; anda drying flow path formed between the outer case and the inner case, wherein the drying flow path is configured to move air therethrough.

11. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 10, whereinthe elastocaloric material is positioned inside the drying flow path and configured to absorb heat from air inside the drying flow path or emit heat to air inside the drying flow path.

12. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 10, whereinthe dryer comprises:an inlet formed in the outer case and configured to communicate with the drying flow path and receive air discharged from the tub; andan outlet formed in the outer case and configured to communicate with the drying flow path and discharge air dried by the elastocaloric material while flowing through the drying flow path.

13. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 12, whereinthe dryer comprises:a divider disposed between the inlet and the outlet inside the drying flow path configured to prevent and / or reduce mixing of air received through the inlet and air to be discharged through the outlet.

14. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 10, whereinthe dryer comprises a drain hole configured to communicate inside of the drying flow path with outside of the drying flow path and discharge a washing solvent condensed by the elastocaloric material inside the drying flow path.

15. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 14, whereinthe second section is disposed below the first section.

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