Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to determine a time point at which a drying process is to be terminated, on the basis of the weight of objects to be dried in a washing machine that has a drying function. To this end, the washing machine may comprise: a heater for heating dry air to be supplied into a drum; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the dry air; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the heater in response to activation of the drying function. Various other embodiments are possible.

Description

Washing machine and its control method

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a washing machine equipped with a drying device, and to a washing machine and method thereof that adaptively perform a drying cycle based on the weight of an object to be dried.

[0002] A drying device is a device that supplies hot air heated by a heater into the interior of a drum that rotates at low speed while containing wet clothes (items to be dried) to dry clothes. Recently, washing machines with this type of drying device can perform only the drying cycle or perform the drying cycle after the spin-drying cycle is completed in conjunction with the washing cycle.

[0003] The washing machine can determine when the drying cycle begins and ends based on the type of object being dried or the type of washing cycle (washing course). Furthermore, the washing machine can adjust the drying device's output while the drying cycle is being performed. The washing machine can acquire information for performing the drying cycle and determining the end point.

[0004] Meanwhile, if the object is not sufficiently dried, it can degrade the user experience due to underdrying. If the object is overdried, it can be damaged, the internal parts of the washing machine can overheat, and unnecessary power consumption can occur.

[0005] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a washing machine and a control method can be proposed that provide optimal drying performance and drying efficiency based on the weight of an object to be dried during a drying cycle.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a heater for heating dry air to be supplied into a drum, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the dry air, and a control unit for controlling operation of the heater in response to activation of a drying function. When a drying cycle is initiated by activation of the drying function, the control unit may control whether to operate the heater so that the temperature of the dry air is maintained constant based on a target control temperature, and may end the drying cycle in response to arrival of a drying end point within a preset reference operation section for initiating or ending the drying cycle. The drying end point may be identified by a weight of an object to be dried obtained in response to activation of the drying function.

[0007] A method for controlling operation of a heater in response to activation of a drying function in a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include, when a drying cycle is initiated by activation of the drying function, an operation of controlling operation of the heater so that the temperature of the drying air is maintained constant based on a target control temperature, and an operation of terminating the drying cycle in response to arrival of a drying end point within a preset reference operation section for initiating or terminating the drying cycle. The drying end point may be identified by a weight of an object to be dried obtained in response to activation of the drying function.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine can minimize power consumption for performing a drying cycle.

[0009] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide drying performance independently of the conditions required to dry the component parts or the target object.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart for controlling a drying cycle of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart for controlling a drying cycle of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart for controlling a drying cycle of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the current of a switching signal for operating a heater during a drying process and a graph showing the temperature change of drying air according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0018] In addition, the terms to be explained below are defined as follows. Laundry that is put into the drum (12) of the washing machine (1) and before the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and spin-drying cycle are performed will be referred to as a “laundry object.” Laundry that is put into the drum (12) before the washing machine (1) performs the drying cycle to dry the laundry object will be referred to as a “drying object.” The drying object that is dried after the washing machine (1) completes the drying cycle will be referred to as a “dry laundry.” The terms referred to above may be used interchangeably as needed, but may be collectively referred to as “laundry” when it is a transitional state between at least two states among “laundry object,” “drying object,” and “dry laundry,” or when it does not correspond to any of the three states.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment. That is, Fig. 1 can be understood as a cross-sectional view taken in one direction to illustrate the configuration of a washing machine equipped with a drying device (40).

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, a washing machine (1) may include a drying device (40) for drying an object to be dried. Hereinafter, the washing machine (1) according to the present disclosure is described with a focus on a front-load type washing machine, but is not limited thereto and may be applied to a washing machine equipped with a pulsator and a drying device (40). That is, the washing machine (1) may include a front-load type washing machine or a top-load type washing machine.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a drum-shaped water tank (11) provided inside the main body (10) for storing water (e.g., washing water and rinsing water) and a drum (12) provided rotatably inside the water tank (11) and having a plurality of dewatering holes formed therein.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a drive motor (13) may be provided at the bottom of the tank (11) to rotate the drum (12) and / or the pulsator (e.g., the pulsator (210) of FIG. 3) in a forward or reverse direction to perform washing, rinsing, and dehydration operations. The drive motor (13) may generate a torque to rotate the drum (12) and / or the pulsator (210). One side (e.g., the inner side) of the drum may be connected to the rotational axis of the drive motor (13).

[0023] According to one embodiment, the pulsator (210) may be provided to be rotatable on the inner surface of the drum (12). The pulsator (210) may rotate independently of the drum (12). That is, the pulsator (210) may rotate in the same direction as the drum (12) or in a different direction. The pulsator (210) may rotate at the same speed as the drum (12) or at a different speed.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the driving motor (13) may be provided in one or more pieces.

[0025] For example, when a single driving motor (13) is provided, the driving motor (13) can be connected to a drum (12), a pulsator (210), and a blower fan (41). The driving motor (13) can drive the drum (12), the pulsator (210), and the blower fan (41) together.

[0026] For example, when a plurality of driving motors (13) are provided, the driving motors (13) can be respectively connected to the drum (12), the pulsator (210) and the blower fan (41). Each driving motor (13) can drive the connected drum (12), the pulsator (210) and the blower fan (41).

[0027] According to one embodiment, a washing water heater (16) may be provided inside the lower part of the water tank (11) to heat water (e.g., washing water) to be supplied into the water tank (11) in response to the temperature of the washing water to be used in the washing cycle.

[0028] According to one embodiment, an opening (14) may be formed at the front of the tank (11) and the drum (12) so that a user can take out laundry from the front of the main body (10). A door (15) for opening and closing the opening (14) may be provided at the front of the main body (10). The door (15) may be hingedly connected to one front side of the main body (10). The door (15) may rotate about the front side of the main body (10) to open and close the opening (14).

[0029] According to one embodiment, a detergent supply portion (18) for supplying detergent and a water supply portion (20) for supplying washing water and rinsing water may be provided at the upper part of the tank (11).

[0030] For example, the detergent supply unit (18) may be internally partitioned into a single space or into multiple spaces. The detergent supply unit (18) may be provided on the front of the main body (10) to facilitate the introduction of detergent and rinse agent. Detergent or rinse agent may be stored in the multiple partitioned spaces.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the water supply unit (20) may be provided with a water supply pipe (22) for supplying water and a water supply valve (24) installed in the water supply pipe (22) to control the water supply of the water supply pipe (22). The water supply pipe (22) may be connected to a detergent supply unit (18) so that water supplied from the outside may be supplied toward the detergent supply unit (18). In order for the detergent in the detergent supply unit (18) to be supplied to the water tank (11) in a state of being dissolved in water, a separate connecting pipe (26) may be provided between the detergent supply unit (18) and the water tank (11) so that water passing through the detergent supply unit (18) may be supplied to the water tank (11) together with the detergent, and a water supply nozzle (28) may be provided at the outlet of the connecting pipe (26).

[0032] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a drainage unit (30) for draining water inside the tank (11). The drainage unit (30) may include a drainage pipe (31) connected to the lower part of the tank (11) to guide water in the tank (11) to the outside, and a drainage pump (32) installed in the drainage pipe (31).

[0033] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a dryer device (40). The dryer device (40) may include a blower fan (41) installed on the upper part of a water tank (11), a drying duct (42) connecting an outlet (41b) of the blower fan (41) and an air inlet (45) formed on the upper side of an opening (14) of the water tank (11), a condensation duct (43) installed on the rear of the water tank (11) to connect an air outlet (46) formed on the lower rear part of the water tank (11) and an intake port (41a) of the blower fan (41), and a heater (44) installed inside the drying duct (42) to generate high-temperature air to be supplied into the drum (12).

[0034] According to one embodiment, a spray nozzle (47) may be provided on the inner upper part of the condensation duct (43) to spray condensate (cold water) into the condensation duct (43) so that the moisture in the high temperature and humidity air generated by drying the object to be dried can be condensed and removed as it passes through the condensation duct (43). The spray nozzle (47) may be connected to a water supply unit (20) through a condensate supply pipe (48) and a condensate valve (49) to supply condensate.

[0035] According to one embodiment, a spray nozzle (47) may be provided on the inner upper part of the condensation duct (43) to spray condensed water (cold water) into the condensation duct (43) so that moisture can be condensed and removed during the process of high-temperature and humid air generated through drying of the drying object passing through the condensation duct (43). An outlet (43a) for discharging the condensed water may be formed on the lower side of the condensation duct (43). The condensed water discharged through the outlet (43a) may flow into the drain hose (31) of the drainage unit (30).

[0036] An example of the operation of a washing machine (1) equipped with a drying device (40) is as follows.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can perform at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a spin-drying cycle, and a drying cycle. Depending on the user's selection, the washing machine (1) can perform only one cycle among the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the spin-drying cycle, and the drying cycle, or can perform a combination of at least two cycles among the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the spin-drying cycle, and the drying cycle. The example described below can be understood as a case where the washing machine (1) sequentially performs all of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the spin-drying cycle, and the drying cycle.

[0038] As the washing cycle begins, the water supply valve (24) of the water supply device (20) opens, allowing water (washing water) to be supplied through the water supply pipe (22) and the detergent supply device (18) to the water tank (11). When the water supply is complete, the washing heater (16) is operated, and the washing water filled in the water tank (11) is heated to a temperature required for washing, and then the drum (12) is rotated in the forward or reverse direction by the driving motor (13), so that the washing cycle can be performed by frictional force with the drum (12) and the decomposition force of the detergent.

[0039] As the washing cycle ends, a rinsing cycle may begin. The washing machine (1) may repeat spin-drying and water supply during the rinsing cycle. As the rinsing cycle ends, a spin-drying cycle may be performed. The washing machine (1) may operate the drive motor (13) at high speed during the spin-drying cycle to rotate the drum (12) at high speed.

[0040] As the spin-drying cycle ends, the drying cycle can begin. The washing machine (1) can operate the drive motor (13) at a low speed to rotate the drum (12) at a low speed. The washing machine (1) can operate the heater (44) and the blower fan (41) so that the air inside the drum (12) is sucked in toward the blower fan (41) through the condensation duct (43) and then discharged back into the drum (12) through the drying duct (42) to circulate. As a result, the air in the drying duct (42) is heated by the heater (44) and flows into the drum (12) in a high-temperature, dry state, and the object to be dried inside the drum (12) is heated by the high-temperature, dry air (hot air) so that moisture contained in the object to be dried evaporates and can be dried. At this time, the air in the drying duct (42) is heated by the heater (44) and introduced into the drum (12) in a high-temperature, dry state, and the object to be dried inside the drum (12) is heated by the high-temperature, dry air (hot air) so that the moisture contained in the object to be dried evaporates and can be dried. As the drying process progresses, the high-temperature, dry air absorbs moisture from the object to be dried and changes into high-temperature, humid air and is transferred to the condensation duct (43). The high-temperature, humid air transferred to the condensation duct (43) comes into contact with condensed water (cold water) sprayed through the spray nozzle (47) and condenses and changes into dry air. The process of heating this dry air again by the heater (44) and introducing it into the drum (12) is repeated so that the object to be dried can be dried.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a washing machine (100) (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment. At least a portion of the configuration of FIG. 2 may correspond to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, the user interface (121) may include an input unit (user input) for obtaining input for an operation command of the washing machine (1). The input unit may be implemented as a button (not shown) provided on the upper front surface of the main body (e.g., the main body (10) of FIG. 1). The button may include a touch-type button or a dial-type button.

[0043] For example, the input unit may receive preset operation methods for washing, rinsing, dehydrating, or drying operations from the user. The input unit may also receive commands from the user regarding the number of cycles or operation times for the operations.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the input unit can transmit the received information to the controller (110).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the user interface (121) may include an output for visually or audibly outputting operation information. The output may be implemented as a display (not shown) provided on the upper front surface of the main body (10). The display may be implemented as a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the output unit can visually output information acquired by the input unit.

[0047] For example, the output section can visually output the remaining execution time for the above operations.

[0048] For example, the output unit may include a speaker for audibly outputting operation information. The output unit may output a guidance voice through the speaker to indicate the start or end of the above-described operations.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can transmit information or control signals to be output to the output unit.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the user interface (121) may be implemented as a touch screen panel that performs input and output functions simultaneously.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor (123) can detect the temperature of air or water. The temperature sensor (123) can include a thermistor. The temperature sensor (123) can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the electrical resistance value of the thermistor that changes according to temperature to the control unit (110).

[0052] According to one embodiment, a plurality of temperature sensors (123) may be implemented and installed at locations where the temperature is to be detected.

[0053] For example, the temperature sensor (123) can detect the temperature of washing water (or rinsing water) supplied into the drum (e.g., drum (12) of FIG. 1) during the washing cycle (or rinsing cycle).

[0054] For example, a temperature sensor (123) can detect the temperature of drying air (hot air) supplied to the drum (12) during the drying process. The temperature sensor (123) can be installed on a drying duct (e.g., drying duct (42) of FIG. 1) or on an air inlet (e.g., air inlet (45) of FIG. 1).

[0055] For example, a temperature sensor (123) can detect the temperature of drying air (hot air) discharged from a drum (12) during a drying cycle. The temperature sensor (123) may be installed on a drying duct (42) or on an air outlet (e.g., an air outlet (46) of FIG. 1).

[0056] According to one embodiment, based on information about the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (123), the control unit (110) can control the operation of the heater (44). Based on the temperature inside the drum (12) or the temperature of the dry air, the control unit (110) can operate or stop the heater (44) so ​​that the temperature satisfies a preset range.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the current sensor (125) can detect the current flowing on the driving motor (13) (e.g., the driving motor (13) of FIG. 1) and transmit a current signal corresponding thereto to the control unit (110). The control unit (110) can detect the weight of the drying object (or laundry object) or the degree of drying of the drying object (or laundry object) based on the current signal obtained from the current sensor (125).

[0058] For example, the control unit (110) can repeatedly turn the drive motor (13) on / off to rotate the drum (12) and / or the pulsator (210). The weight of the laundry can be measured based on the counter electromotive force value generated when the drive motor (13) is turned off.

[0059] For example, the control unit (110) can transmit a signal to the drive unit (200) to rotate the drum (12) and / or the pulsator (210) at a target operating speed, and measure the weight of the laundry based on the time it takes for the drum (12) and / or the pulsator (210) to reach the target operating speed.

[0060] For example, the control unit (110) may measure the load inside the drum (12) based on the sensing value obtained from the driving motor (13).

[0061] Not limited to the aforementioned method, the washing machine (1) can measure the load inside the drum (12) through various other methods. For example, the washing machine (1) can measure the weight of laundry using information obtained from a weight measurement sensor provided at the bottom of the drum (12).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can control the overall operation of the washing machine (1). The control unit (110) can transmit information necessary for the operation of the washing machine (1) or output information on the operating status of the washing machine (1).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) may include a processor (111) for generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the washing machine (1) and a memory (113) for storing or memorizing a program or data for generating the control signal. Hereinafter, the control signal generated from the control unit (110) may be understood as a control signal generated by the processor (111).

[0064] According to one embodiment, at least some of the processor (111), memory (113) and timer (115) may be configured independently of the control unit (110), or may be implemented integrally with it.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the processor (111) and the memory (113) may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. For example, the processor (111) may be implemented as a single processor or at least a plurality of processors, and the memory (113) may be implemented as one or a plurality of memory (e.g., volatile memory or non-volatile memory).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the memory (113) can remember or store programs and data for controlling the operation of the washing machine (1).

[0067] For example, the memory (113) may store a drying cycle course according to a selected washing cycle course. For example, depending on the type of drying cycle course, the total time for the washing machine (100) to perform the drying cycle, i.e., the time or operating power for the washing machine (100) to operate the heater (44), the blower fan (41), the drum (12), and / or the pulsator (210) to perform the drying cycle, may be stored. Here, the total time for the washing machine (100) to perform a preset drying cycle may be referred to as a “target drying time” or a “standard operating section.”

[0068] For example, a setting value for the target operating time of the heater (44) according to the weight of the drying object may be stored in a database (DB) in the memory (113). The database may be stored in the memory (113) as a table of target operating times corresponding to the weight of the drying object.

[0069] For example, the memory (113) may store a range of set temperatures inside the drum (12) according to the type of drying process (e.g., course of the drying process).

[0070] For example, the memory (113) may store the operating time of an additional drying process according to the occurrence of an event that performs an additional drying process.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the memory (113) can remember user input received through the input unit or information about the operation of the washing machine (1) (e.g., remaining time for each cycle of the washing machine).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the timer (115) can count the operating time of the washing machine (1). The timer (115) can be implemented in hardware and provided as a separate module, or implemented in software and provided as an integral part of the processor (110).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the timer (115) can count the time of the operation in which the washing machine (1) performs a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a spin-drying cycle, or a drying cycle.

[0074] In one embodiment, the timer (115) can count the time that the heater (44) is operated while the drying process is performed. For example, if the heater (44) is repeatedly operated and stopped, the timer (115) can count only the time that the heater (44) is operated.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can determine whether the time counted by the timer (115) exceeds the preset target operation time. For example, the control unit (110) can determine whether the time for which the heater (44) has been operating exceeds the preset target operation time. If the preset target operation time is exceeded, the control unit (110) can terminate the drying process.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can control the overall operation of the washing machine (1). For example, the control unit (110) can control to perform a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a spin-drying cycle, or a drying cycle.

[0077] For example, the control unit (110) can heat the drying air supplied into the drum (12) to perform the drying process. To this end, the control unit (110) can operate the heater (44) for a predetermined period of time.

[0078] For example, the control unit (110) may operate the blower fan (41) to supply dry air into the drum (12). As a result, the dry air may pass through the discharge port (e.g., discharge port (41b) of FIG. 1) of the blower fan (41) and the air inlet port (e.g., air inlet port (45) of FIG. 1) and be supplied into the drum (12). The dry air, which is high temperature and humidity and has passed through the drum (12), may be discharged through the air outlet port (e.g., air outlet (46) of FIG. 1).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can transmit a control signal to operate components connected to the driving unit (200).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the driving unit (200) may be operatively connected to a driving motor (13). The driving motor (13) may be connected to a drum (12), a pulsator (210), or a blower fan (41) to operate the drum (12), the pulsator (210), or the blower fan (41).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can determine the target operating time of the heater (44) to be operated during the drying cycle. The control unit (110) can obtain the weight of the drying object before the drying cycle is performed. The drying object can be understood as laundry after the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and spin-drying cycle are completed. The weight of the drying object can be referred to as the first weight.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) may determine the target operating time of the heater (44) based on the first weight. For example, the control unit (110) may determine the preset target operating time according to the first weight based on a database stored in the memory (113). The database may be understood as, for example, a table in which a relationship between the first weight and the target operating time is set. The first weight and the target operating time may be linearly proportional.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can operate the heater (44) to heat the drying air supplied into the drum (12) while the drying process is being performed. The control unit (110) can transmit a control signal to the heater (44). For example, the control signal can be a switching signal. The switching signal can be a pulse signal having a predetermined current value for turning the heater (44) on or off. The heater (44) that receives the control signal can repeat operation and stop operation.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) can operate or stop the heater (44) so ​​that the temperature inside the drum (12) and / or the temperature of the drying air satisfies a preset temperature range while the drying process is being performed. To this end, the control unit (110) can obtain the temperature inside the drum (12) or the temperature of the drying air from the temperature sensor (123).

[0085] For example, the control unit (110) may repeat an operation cycle of operating the heater (44) for a predetermined period of time and then stopping it for a predetermined period of time multiple times. Here, the predetermined period of time during which the heater (44) is operated during the drying process may be referred to as a “unit operation time,” and the predetermined period of time after the unit operation time during which the heater is stopped may be referred to as a “unit downtime.” The unit operation time and the unit downtime may be referred to as a “unit operation cycle.”

[0086] For example, while the drying process is being performed, the heater (44) may be repeated for n unit operation cycles. The unit operation cycles may be composed of a first unit operation cycle, a second unit operation cycle, … … a k-th unit operation cycle, … … an n-th operation cycle in chronological order. Here, k and n are natural numbers greater than or equal to 1, and n may be a natural number greater than or equal to k.

[0087] For example, the first unit operation cycle may be composed of a first unit operation time and a first unit downtime.

[0088] For example, the second unit operation cycle may be composed of a second unit operation time and a second unit downtime.

[0089] For example, the kth unit operation cycle may be composed of the kth unit operation time and the kth unit downtime.

[0090] For example, the nth unit operation cycle may be composed of the nth unit operation time and the nth unit downtime.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the unit operating time and unit rest time constituting each unit operating cycle may be the same or different.

[0092] In one embodiment, as the drying process progresses, the time of the unit operation cycle may decrease. That is, as the drying process progresses, the time it takes for the temperature of the drying air to reach the critical range may decrease.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) operates the heater (44) for a unit operating time so that the temperature of the dry air satisfies a critical range, and then stops operating it for a unit rest time, so that the control unit (110) can count the total sum of the unit operating times during which the heater (44) operates using a timer (115). The set of the unit operating times may be referred to as “cumulative operating time.”

[0094] In one embodiment, the control unit (110) can compare the accumulated operating time with the target operating time. The control unit (110) can terminate the drying process in response to the accumulated operating time exceeding the target operating time.

[0095] In one embodiment, the sum of the unit operation cycles may be less than or equal to the actual time for which the drying cycle is performed. That is, the washing machine (1) may perform the drying cycle for an additional predetermined amount of time if a specific event occurs after the completion of the nth unit operation cycle. The specific event for performing the additional drying cycle is described in detail in FIG. 4 and below.

[0096] According to one embodiment, since the control unit (110) operates the heater (44) during the drying cycle until the cumulative operation time reaches the target operation time, the end point of the drying cycle can be determined without a separate sensor. Since the control unit (110) controls the heater (44) to operate during the drying cycle until the cumulative operation time reaches the target operation time, the washing machine (100) can provide drying performance independently of factors affecting the drying cycle (e.g., the amount of moisture contained in the laundry, the temperature of the cold water supplied into the condensation duct (43).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) operates the heater (44) until the accumulated operation time reaches the target operation time, thereby terminating the drying cycle at a point in time earlier than the time at which the preset target drying time has elapsed. Accordingly, considering that most of the power consumed during the drying cycle is the electric energy required to operate the heater (44), the washing machine (100) can minimize the power consumed for performing the drying cycle separately from factors affecting the drying cycle.

[0098] FIGS. 3 to 5 are flowcharts of operations for controlling a drying cycle of a washing machine (1) (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIG. 1 or the washing machine (100) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment.

[0099] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, each control operation may be performed repeatedly as needed, or some operations may be omitted. Additionally, the order of the control operations may be changed as needed.

[0100] Figure 3 is an operation flow chart for controlling a drying cycle of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can detect the weight of the object to be dried in operation 310.

[0102] For example, the washing machine (1) may perform the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydration cycle in sequence, and then the above operation 310 may be performed. Here, the object to be dried may be understood as laundry that is fed into a drum (e.g., drum (12) of Fig. 1) and is subjected to the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydration cycle, and then the drying cycle.

[0103] For example, operation 310 can be performed independently of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydration cycle. Here, the object to be dried can be understood as laundry on which the drying cycle is to be performed.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can obtain a current signal of a driving motor (e.g., a driving motor (13) of FIG. 1) obtained from a current sensor (e.g., a current sensor (125) of FIG. 2) to detect the weight of an object to be dried. The washing machine (1) can obtain the weight of an object to be dried based on a counter electromotive force value generated by the driving motor (13) to rotate a drum (12) and / or a pulsator (e.g., a pulsator (210) of FIG. 2). The weight of the object to be dried may be referred to as a first weight.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may determine a target operating time for operating the heater (e.g., heater (44) of FIG. 1) based on the first weight in operation 320. Here, the target operating time may be understood as the total time for which the washing machine (1) intends to operate the heater (44) while the drying cycle is performed.

[0106] In one embodiment, the target operating time may be proportional to the first weight. That is, as the weight of the object to be dried detected by the washing machine (1) increases, the target operating time may increase. For example, the target operating time may be linearly proportional to the first weight.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can retrieve a preset target operating time based on a first weight from a memory (e.g., memory (113) of FIG. 2). The preset target operating time based on the first weight can be stored in the memory (113) in the form of a table.

[0108] In one embodiment, the target operating time may be shorter than the time for which the initially preset drying cycle is to be performed.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine the target operating time based on the weight of the laundry at the time it is loaded into the drum before the washing cycle is performed (this will be referred to as the third weight) and the first weight. That is, the washing machine (1) can determine the target operating time by comparing the third weight, which is the weight of the laundry before the washing cycle is performed, with the first weight.

[0110] For example, the washing machine (1) can predict the moisture content of the laundry before and after the washing and spin-drying cycles based on the first and third weights. Through this, the washing machine (1) can also determine a target operating time based on the moisture content of the laundry.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can operate the heater (44) in operation 330 so that the temperature of the drying air satisfies a threshold range. The washing machine (1) can operate or stop the heater (44) so ​​that the temperature of the drying air or the drum (12) satisfies a preset threshold range.

[0112] For example, the washing machine (1) can obtain the temperature of the drying air supplied to the drum (12) from the temperature sensor (123). The temperature sensor (123) for obtaining the temperature of the drying air may be provided on a drying duct (e.g., drying duct (42) of FIG. 1) or on an air inlet (e.g., air inlet (45) of FIG. 1).

[0113] For example, the washing machine (1) can obtain the temperature of the dry air discharged from the drum (12) from the temperature sensor (123). The temperature sensor (123) for obtaining the temperature of the dry air discharged from the drum (12) may be provided on the drying duct (42) or on an air outlet (e.g., an air outlet (46) of FIG. 1).

[0114] For example, the washing machine (1) can obtain the temperature inside the drum (12) from the temperature sensor (123). The temperature sensor (123) for obtaining the temperature inside the drum (12) can be provided inside the drum (12).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can operate or stop the heater (44) to satisfy a preset threshold range based on the temperature of the inside of the drum (12) and / or the drying air obtained from the temperature sensor (123).

[0116] For example, the washing machine (1) can operate the heater (44) so ​​that the temperature of the dry air obtained from the temperature sensor (123) satisfies a range between the first critical temperature and the second critical temperature. For example, the washing machine (1) can operate the heater (44) when the temperature of the dry air becomes lower than the first critical temperature, and can stop operating the heater (44) when the temperature of the dry air becomes higher than the second critical temperature. Here, the time from the time t1 when the temperature of the dry air becomes lower than the first critical temperature and the heater (44) is started to the time t1' when the temperature of the dry air becomes higher than the second critical temperature and the heater (44) is stopped may be referred to as a “(first) unit operating time.” At the time t2 when the temperature of the dry air becomes lower than the first critical temperature again, the washing machine (1) can operate the heater (44) again. The time from the time t1' to the time t2 may be referred to as a “(first) unit downtime.” The above (first) unit operating time and the above (first) unit rest time can be combined and referred to as the (first) unit operating cycle.

[0117] In one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can operate the heater (44) at least multiple times and then stop operating it. For example, while the drying cycle is being performed, the washing machine (1) can operate the heater (44) for n unit operating cycles.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may terminate the drying cycle if the accumulated operating time of the heater (44) exceeds the target operating time in operation 340. To this end, a timer (e.g., timer (115) of FIG. 2) may transmit the accumulated operating time, which is the time the heater (44) operates during the drying cycle, to the washing machine (1). The washing machine (1) may terminate the drying cycle in response to the fact that the accumulated operating time of the heater (44) exceeds the preset target operating time.

[0119] In one embodiment, the target operating time may be shorter than the time for which the preset drying cycle is initially performed. Accordingly, the washing machine (1) may terminate the drying cycle earlier than the preset drying cycle time.

[0120] According to one embodiment, since the washing machine (1) determines the point in time at which the drying cycle ends based on the accumulated operating time of the heater (44), the point in time at which the drying cycle ends can be determined without a separate sensor. In addition, the washing machine (1) can minimize power consumption independently of factors affecting the drying cycle (e.g., the amount of moisture contained in laundry, the temperature of cold water supplied into the condensation duct (43).

[0121] Figure 4 is an operation flow chart for controlling a drying cycle of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment.

[0122] At least some of the operations in FIG. 4 may correspond to the operations illustrated in FIG. 3. Therefore, the differences will be described in detail.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can detect the weight of the object to be dried, i.e., the first weight, in operation 410. Operation 410 may correspond to all or part of operation 310.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine the target operating time of the heater (44) based on the first weight in operation 420. Operation 420 may correspond to all or part of operation 320.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can operate the heater (44) so ​​that the temperature of the drying air satisfies the threshold range in operation 430. Operation 430 may correspond to all or part of operation 330.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine, in operation 440, whether the accumulated operating time of the heater (44) exceeds the target operating time. At least a part of operation 440 may correspond to all or a part of operation 340.

[0127] In response to the cumulative operating time of the heater (44) exceeding the target operating time, the washing machine (1) can determine in operation 450 whether the operating rate of the heater (44) is below a threshold level. Here, the operating rate of the heater (44) can be defined based on the unit operating time and unit rest time included in the unit operating cycle. The operating rate can be defined as the unit operating time relative to the unit operating cycle. That is, the operating rate can be defined as a value obtained by dividing the unit operating time by the unit operating cycle. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the operating rate can be defined in various ways. For example, the operating rate can be defined as a value obtained by dividing the unit operating time by the unit rest time. Hereinafter, in this document, a description will be given based on defining the unit operating time divided by the unit operating cycle as the operating rate.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the driving rate may include at least a plurality of driving rates corresponding to a unit operating cycle. The driving rates may include, for example, a first driving rate, a second driving rate, … … a k-th driving rate, … … an n-th driving rate, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0129] For example, the first driving rate can be defined as the first unit operating time divided by the first unit operating cycle.

[0130] For example, the second driving rate can be defined as the second unit operating time divided by the second unit operating cycle.

[0131] For example, the kth operating rate can be defined as the kth unit operating time divided by the kth unit operating cycle.

[0132] For example, the nth drive ratio can be defined as the nth unit operating time divided by the nth unit operating cycle.

[0133] For example, if the k-th unit operating time included in the k-th unit operating cycle is 80 seconds and the k-th unit rest time included in the k-th unit operating cycle is 60 seconds, the k-th operating ratio can be derived as approximately 0.57. For example, if the operating ratio is defined as a value obtained by dividing the unit operating time by the unit rest time, the k-th operating ratio can also be derived as approximately 1.33.

[0134] In one embodiment, as the drying cycle is performed, the operating rate may decrease. That is, as the drying cycle is performed, the time (unit operating time) for which the washing machine (1) operates the heater (44) to heat the drying air to a preset temperature (e.g., a first threshold temperature) may decrease. In addition, the time (unit downtime) for which the washing machine (1) stops operating the heater (44) while the drying air heated to the first threshold temperature is cooled to a second threshold temperature may increase or remain constant. As a result, as the drying cycle is performed, the proportion of the unit operating time included in the unit operating cycle may decrease, thereby decreasing the operating rate.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can store the operating rate of the heater (44) as the drying cycle is performed in the memory (e.g., the memory (115) of FIG. 2). The washing machine (1) can determine whether the operating rate of the heater (44) has reached a preset threshold level or lower. The preset threshold level may be, for example, 0.5. That is, the washing machine (1) can determine whether there exists a unit operating cycle in which the unit operating time is shorter than the unit rest time while the drying cycle is performed.

[0136] If there is no unit operation cycle in which the operation rate of the heater (44) reaches below the critical level, the washing machine (1) can perform an additional drying process in operation 460. If the operation rate of the heater (44) does not reach below the critical level, the washing machine (1) can determine that it must perform an additional drying process on the object to be dried. Accordingly, even if the target operation time is exceeded, the washing machine (1) can perform the drying process for a preset target drying time and then end the drying process.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) determines when to end the drying cycle based on the driving rate of the heater (44), thereby performing an additional drying cycle to remove moisture contained in the drying object so as to reach a target level of drying for the drying object.

[0138] Figure 5 is an operation flow chart for controlling a drying cycle of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment.

[0139] At least some of the operations in FIG. 5 may correspond to the operations illustrated in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4. Therefore, the differences will be primarily described.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can detect the weight of the object to be dried, i.e., the first weight, in operation 510. Operation 510 may correspond to at least a part of operation 310 or operation 410.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine the target operating time of the heater (44) based on the first weight in operation 520. Operation 520 can correspond to at least a part of operation 320 or operation 420.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can operate the heater (44) so ​​that the temperature of the drying air satisfies the threshold range in operation 530. Operation 530 may correspond to at least a part of operation 330 or operation 430.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine, in operation 540, whether the accumulated operating time of the heater (44) exceeds the target operating time. Operation 540 may correspond to at least a part of operation 340 or operation 440.

[0144] If the accumulated operating time of the heater (44) exceeds the target operating time, the washing machine (1) can determine in operation 550 whether there is a unit operating cycle in which the operating rate of the heater (44) reaches below the critical level. Operation 550 may correspond to at least a part of operation 450.

[0145] If there is a unit operation cycle in which the operation rate of the heater (44) reaches below the critical level, the washing machine (1) can detect the weight of the drying object stored in the drum (12) at operation 560. The weight of the drying object can be defined as the “second weight.”

[0146] In one embodiment, the second weight may be the same as or different from the first weight. For example, the second weight, which is the weight of the drying object on which the drying process has been performed, may be less than the first weight.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine, at operation 570, whether the dryness of the object to be dried satisfies a threshold level. The dryness of the object to be dried can be determined based on the weight of wet laundry before the drying cycle is performed (i.e., after the dehydration cycle is performed) and the weight of dried laundry after the drying cycle is performed.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the dryness may be defined as a change in the weight of the laundry compared to the first weight. That is, the dryness may be defined as dryness [%] = (first weight - second weight) / (first weight) * 100 [%]. For example, if the weight of the wet laundry after the spin-drying cycle is 10 kg (first weight) and the weight of the laundry after the drying cycle is performed (second weight) is 9.9 kg, the dryness may be derived as (10 - 9.9) / 10 * 100 = 1%.

[0149] In one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine the end point of the drying cycle based on the dryness level of the object to be dried. Thus, the washing machine (1) can determine the end point of the drying cycle to achieve the target dryness level of the object to be dried. For example, the target dryness level may be set to 0.2 to 0.3.

[0150] When the dryness of the object to be dried reaches a critical level, the washing machine (1) may end the drying cycle. For example, the washing machine (1) may end the drying cycle earlier than the target drying time has elapsed.

[0151] According to one embodiment, if there is no unit driving cycle in which the driving rate of the heater (44) reaches below the critical level, or if the dryness of the object to be dried does not satisfy the critical level, the washing machine (1) may additionally perform a drying cycle in operation 580. The operation 580 may correspond to at least a part of operation 460. The washing machine (1) may perform the drying cycle for a preset target drying time and then terminate the drying cycle.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can optimize the drying degree of the object to be dried while minimizing the power required to perform the drying process separately from factors affecting the drying process.

[0153] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the current of a switching signal for operating a heater (44) (e.g., heater (44) of FIG. 1) during a drying process according to one embodiment, and a graph showing the temperature change of drying air.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 6, while the drying cycle is being performed, the washing machine (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) can operate or stop the heater (44) so ​​that the temperature of the drying air satisfies a preset threshold range. Accordingly, while the drying cycle is being performed, the control unit (e.g., the control unit (110) of FIG. 2) can repeatedly output a control signal to operate the heater (44) in response to the passage of time. The control signal may be, for example, a pulse-type signal having a predetermined current. The predetermined current may be, for example, I h- It can be understood that graph (a) illustrates a pulse-shaped control signal output by the control unit (110) to the heater (44). Graph (b) can be understood as illustrating the temperature of dry air measured by a temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensor (123) of FIG. 2) over time. However, graph (b) is not limited to the temperature of dry air, and may also be the temperature inside a drum (e.g., drum (12) of FIG. 1) measured by the temperature sensor (123).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can operate or stop the heater (44) based on the temperature of the dry air obtained from the temperature sensor (123). For example, the washing machine (1) can operate the heater (44) so ​​that the temperature of the dry air satisfies a preset threshold range. The threshold range can be set to, for example, a first threshold temperature (T1) to a second threshold temperature (T2).

[0156] According to one embodiment, when the temperature of the drying air falls below a first threshold temperature (T1), the washing machine (1) can output a control signal to operate the heater (44). As a result, the heater (44) can heat the drying air. When the temperature of the drying air reaches a second threshold temperature (T2), the washing machine (1) can stop outputting the control signal. Due to the stoppage of the heater (44), the drying air can be cooled.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the dry air may be gradually heated by the operation of the heater (44). The temperature of the dry air may, for example, increase in the form of a logarithmic function in response to the operating time of the dry air. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the temperature of the dry air may increase in the form of an exponential function in response to the operating time of the dry air, or may increase in the form of a linear function with a constant slope in response to the operating time of the dry air.

[0158] In one embodiment, the drying air may be gradually cooled due to the shutdown of the heater (44). The temperature of the drying air may, for example, decrease in the form of a logarithmic function corresponding to the operating time of the drying air. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the temperature of the drying air may decrease in the form of an exponential function corresponding to the operating time of the drying air, or may decrease in the form of a linear function with a constant slope corresponding to the operating time of the drying air.

[0159] According to one embodiment, at time t1, the washing machine (1) may output a control signal to operate the heater (44) in response to the temperature of the drying air reaching a first threshold temperature (T1). The washing machine (1) may output the control signal until time t1' when the temperature of the drying air reaches a second threshold temperature (T2). The interval between time t1 and time t1' may be defined as a first unit operating time (d#1). The interval between time t1' and time t2 may be defined as a first unit pause time (d#1'). The interval between time t1 and time t2 may be defined as a first unit operating cycle (p#1). The washing machine (1) may derive a first operating rate which is a ratio of the first unit operating time (d#1) to the first unit operating cycle (p#1).

[0160] According to one embodiment, at time t2, the washing machine (1) may output a control signal to operate the heater (44) in response to the temperature of the drying air reaching the first threshold temperature (T1). The washing machine (1) may output the control signal until time t2' when the temperature of the drying air reaches the second threshold temperature (T2). The interval between time t2 and time t2' may be defined as a second unit operating time (d#2). The interval between time t2' and time t3 may be defined as a second unit pause time (d#2'). The interval between time t2 and time t3 may be defined as a second unit operating cycle (p#1). The washing machine (1) may derive a second operating rate which is a ratio of the second unit operating time (d#2) to the second unit operating cycle (p#2).

[0161] According to one embodiment, at time t3, the washing machine (1) may output a control signal to operate the heater (44) in response to the temperature of the drying air reaching the first critical temperature (T1). The washing machine (1) may output the control signal until time t3' when the temperature of the drying air reaches the second critical temperature (T2). The interval between time t3 and time t3' may be defined as a third unit operating time (d#3). The interval between time t3' and time t4 may be defined as a third unit pause time (d#3'). The interval between time t3 and time t4 may be defined as a third unit operating cycle (p#1). The washing machine (1) may derive a third operating rate which is a ratio of the third unit operating time (d#3) to the third unit operating cycle (p#3).

[0162] According to one embodiment, at time t(n-2), the washing machine (1) may output a control signal to operate the heater (44) in response to the temperature of the drying air reaching the first threshold temperature (T1). The washing machine (1) may output the control signal until time t(n-2)' when the temperature of the drying air reaches the second threshold temperature (T2). The interval between time t(n-2) and time t(n-2)' may be defined as the (n-2)th unit operation time (d#(n-2)). The interval between time t(n-2)' and time t(n-1) may be defined as the (n-2)th unit pause time (d#(n-2)'). The interval between time t(n-2) and time t(n-1) may be defined as the (n-2)th unit operation cycle (p#(n-2)). The washing machine (1) can derive the (n-2) operating rate, which is the ratio of the (n-2) unit operating time (d#(n-2)) to the (n-2) unit operating cycle (p#(n-2)).

[0163] According to one embodiment, at time t(n-1), the washing machine (1) can output a control signal to operate the heater (44) in response to the temperature of the drying air reaching a first threshold temperature (T1). The washing machine (1) can output the control signal until time t(n-1)' when the temperature of the drying air reaches a second threshold temperature (T2). The interval between the above time point t(n-1) and the above time point t(n-1)' can be defined as the (n-1)th unit operation time (d#(n-1). The interval between the above time point t(n-1)' and the above time point tn can be defined as the (n-1)th unit downtime (d#(n-1)'). The interval between the above time point t(n-1) and the above time point tn can be defined as the (n-1)th unit operation cycle (p#(n-1)). The washing machine (1) can derive the (n-1)th operation rate, which is the ratio of the (n-1)th unit operation time (d#(n-1)) to the (n-1)th unit operation cycle (p#(n-1)).

[0164] According to one embodiment, at time tn, the washing machine (1) can output a control signal to operate the heater (44) in response to the temperature of the drying air reaching a first threshold temperature (T1). The washing machine (1) can output the control signal until time tn' when the temperature of the drying air reaches a second threshold temperature (T2). The interval between time tn and time tn' can be defined as an nth unit operation time (d#n). The interval between time tn' and time tf can be defined as a first unit pause time (d#n'). The interval between time tn and time tf can be defined as an nth unit operation cycle (p#n). The washing machine (1) can derive an nth operation rate, which is a ratio of the nth unit operation time (d#n) to the nth unit operation cycle (p#n).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can derive the driving rate based on the continuous unit rest time and unit operating time.

[0166] For example, the washing machine (1) can derive an operating rate according to the ratio of the second unit operating time (d#2) to the time obtained by adding the first unit rest time (d#1') and the second unit operating time (d#2).

[0167] For example, the washing machine (1) can derive the operating rate according to the ratio of the third unit operating time (d#3) to the time obtained by adding the second unit rest time (d#2') and the third unit operating time (d#3).

[0168] For example, the washing machine (1) can derive an operating rate according to the ratio of the n-1st unit operating time (d#2) to the sum of the n-2nd unit rest time (d#(n-2)') and the n-1st unit operating time (d#(n-1)).

[0169] For example, the washing machine (1) can derive the operating rate according to the ratio of the nth unit operating time (d#n) to the sum of the n-1th unit rest time (d#(n-1)') and the nth unit operating time (d#n).

[0170] According to one embodiment, at time tf, the washing machine (1) can end the drying cycle.

[0171] In one embodiment, as the drying process time elapses, the time required to heat the drying air from the first critical temperature (T1) to the second critical temperature (T2) may decrease. Furthermore, as the drying process time elapses, the time required to cool the drying air from the second critical temperature (T2) to the first critical temperature (T1) may remain constant or increase. Consequently, as the drying process time elapses, the unit operating rate may decrease.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine a target operating time based on a first weight, which is the weight of the object to be dried. The washing machine (1) can terminate the drying cycle when the cumulative operating time, which is the sum of at least a plurality of unit operating times, reaches the target operating time.

[0173] According to one embodiment, when the accumulated operating time reaches the target operating time, the washing machine (1) can determine whether there is a unit operating cycle in which the operating rate of the heater (44) during the drying cycle is lower than a preset threshold level. The preset threshold level may be, for example, 0.5. If there is a unit operating cycle in which the operating rate of the heater (44) is lower than the threshold level, the washing machine (1) can end the drying cycle. If there is no unit operating cycle in which the operating rate of the heater (44) is lower than the threshold level, the washing machine (1) can perform an additional drying cycle for a preset time and then end the drying cycle.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can detect a third weight, which is the weight of the object to be dried, when the accumulated operating time reaches the target operating time. The washing machine (1) can derive the dryness level of the object to be dried by calculating the change in the third weight compared to the first weight. If the dryness level of the object to be dried satisfies a threshold level, the washing machine (1) can end the drying cycle. If the dryness level of the object to be dried does not satisfy the threshold level, the washing machine (1) can perform an additional drying cycle for a preset period of time and then end the drying cycle.

[0175] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIG. 1 or the washing machine (100) of FIG. 2) may include a heater (44) for heating dry air to be supplied into a drum (12), a temperature sensor (123) for detecting a temperature of the dry air, and a control unit (110) for controlling the operation of the heater (44) in response to activation of a drying function. When a drying process is initiated by activation of the drying function, the control unit (110) controls (330) whether to operate the heater (44) so ​​that the temperature of the dry air is constantly maintained based on a target control temperature, and may terminate (340) the drying process in response to the arrival of a drying end point within a preset reference operating section for initiating or terminating the drying process. The drying end point may be identified by the weight of the object to be dried obtained in response to activation of the drying function.

[0176] In a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (110) can determine that the drying end point has arrived when the cumulative operating time of the heater (44) measured after the drying process is initiated reaches a critical cumulative operating time. The critical cumulative operating time can be set based on the weight of the object to be dried obtained.

[0177] In a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the control unit (110) ends the drying process (340), it can determine (450) whether to resume the drying process based on the driving rate of the heater (44).

[0178] In a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (110) may determine (460) to resume the drying process when the driving rate of the heater (44) exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0179] In a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (110) can obtain the driving rate according to the ratio of the unit operating section of the heater (44) to the unit rest section of the heater (44). The unit rest section is continuous with the unit operating section, and the unit operating section is the elapsed time between the start time and the end time indicating the unit section in which the heater (44) operates, and the unit rest section may be one of the elapsed time between the end time and the start time indicating the unit section in which the heater (44) does not operate, or the elapsed time between the end time and the drying end time.

[0180] In a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (110) may obtain the driving rate according to the ratio of the unit operating section of the heater (44) to the unit rest section of the heater (44). The unit operating section is continuous to the unit rest section, and the unit rest section is the elapsed time between the end time and the start time indicating the unit section in which the heater (44) is not operated, and the unit operating time may be the elapsed time between the start time and the end time indicating the unit section in which the heater (44) is operated.

[0181] In a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (110) can end the resumed drying process at the end point of the preset standard operating section.

[0182] In a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (110) can terminate the resumed drying process if the driving rate is less than the predetermined threshold.

[0183] In a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the weight detection process is initiated by activating the drying function, the control unit (110) can measure the weight of the object to be dried, and when the weight detection process is completed, the drying process can be initiated.

[0184] In a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (110) can control the heater (44) to operate when the temperature of the dry air is substantially lower than the target control temperature, and can control the operation of the heater (44) to be stopped when the temperature of the dry air is substantially higher than the target control temperature.

[0185] A control method of a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation (330) of controlling whether the heater (44) operates so that the temperature of the drying air is kept constant based on a target control temperature when the drying cycle is initiated by activating the drying function, and an operation (340) of terminating the drying cycle in response to the arrival of a drying end point within a preset reference operating section for initiating or terminating the drying cycle. The drying end point may be identified (320) by the weight of the object to be dried obtained in response to the activation of the drying function.

[0186] A control method of a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation (340) of determining that the drying end point has arrived when the cumulative operating time of the heater (44) measured after the drying process is initiated reaches a critical cumulative operating time. The critical cumulative operating time may be set based on the weight of the object to be dried obtained.

[0187] A control method of a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of determining (450) whether to resume the drying process based on the driving rate of the heater (44) when the drying process is terminated (340, 440).

[0188] A control method of a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation (460) of determining to resume the drying process when the driving rate of the heater (44) exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0189] A control method of a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of obtaining the driving rate according to a ratio of a unit operating section of the heater (44) to a unit rest section of the heater (44). The unit rest section is continuous with the unit operating section, the unit operating section is a time elapsed between a start time and an end time indicating a unit section in which the heater (44) operates, and the unit rest section may be one of the time elapsed between the end time and the start time indicating a unit section in which the heater (44) does not operate or the time elapsed between the end time and the drying end time.

[0190] A control method of a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of obtaining the driving rate according to a ratio of a unit operating section of the heater (44) to a unit rest section of the heater (44). The unit operating section may be continuous with the unit rest section, the unit rest section may be a time elapsed between an end time and a start time indicating a unit section in which the heater (44) is not operated, and the unit operating time may be a time elapsed between the start time and the end time indicating a unit section in which the heater (44) is operated.

[0191] A control method of a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of terminating the resumed drying process at the end point of the preset standard operation section.

[0192] A control method of a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of terminating the resumed drying process when the driving rate is less than the predetermined threshold.

[0193] A method for controlling a washing machine (1, 100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of controlling the heater (44) to operate when the temperature of the dry air is substantially lower than the target control temperature, and an operation of controlling the heater (44) to stop operating when the temperature of the dry air is substantially higher than the target control temperature.

[0194] The terminology used herein is merely used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, a singular element should be understood to include plural elements unless the context clearly indicates only a singular element. As used herein, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. The terms "include," "have," "comprise," and the like used in this disclosure are intended only to specify the presence of a feature, component, part, or combination thereof described in this disclosure, and the use of these terms does not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. The expressions "first," "second," and the like used in this disclosure can modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the components.

[0195] The expression "configured to" used in the present disclosure can be appropriately used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "capable of," "designed to," "modified to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" may not necessarily mean only something "specially designed" in terms of hardware. Instead, in some situations, the expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" doing something together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated device for performing the corresponding operations, or a general-purpose device that can perform various operations including the corresponding operations.

[0196] Meanwhile, the terms “upper side,” “lower side,” and “front-rear direction” used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0197] Although the foregoing description in this disclosure has focused on specific embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, but rather encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. In the washing machine (1, 100), A heater (44) for heating dry air to be supplied into the drum (12); A temperature sensor (123) that detects the temperature of the above-mentioned dry air; and Including a control unit (110) that controls the operation of the heater (44) in response to activation of the drying function, The above control unit (110) When the drying process is initiated by activating the above drying function, the operation of the heater (44) is controlled (330) so that the temperature of the drying air is kept constant based on the target control temperature. In response to the arrival of the drying end point within the preset standard operating section for the start or end of the drying process, the drying process is ended (340). A washing machine (1, 100) in which the drying end point is identified by the weight of the drying object obtained in response to activation of the drying function.

2. In the first paragraph, the control unit (110) When the cumulative operating time of the heater (44) measured after the above drying process is initiated reaches the critical cumulative operating time, it is determined that the drying end point has arrived. The above critical cumulative operating time is set by the weight of the obtained drying object, washing machine (1, 100).

3. In the first or second paragraph, the control unit (110) A washing machine (1, 100) that determines (450) whether to resume the drying process based on the driving rate of the heater (44) when the drying process is terminated (340).

4. In the third paragraph, the control unit (110) A washing machine (1, 100) that determines (460) to resume the drying process when the driving rate of the heater (44) exceeds a predetermined threshold.

5. In the fourth paragraph, the control unit (110) The driving rate is obtained according to the ratio of the unit operating section of the heater (44) to the unit rest section of the heater (44). The above unit rest period is continuous with the above unit operating period, The above unit operation section is the elapsed time between the start time and the end time indicating the unit operation section of the heater (44). The above unit idle period is one of the elapsed time between the end time and the start time indicating the unit period in which the heater (44) is not operated or the elapsed time between the end time and the drying end time, the washing machine (1, 100).

6. In the fourth paragraph, the control unit (110) The driving rate is obtained according to the ratio of the unit operating section of the heater (44) to the unit rest section of the heater (44). The above unit operating section is continuous with the above unit rest section, The above unit pause period is the elapsed time between the end point and the start point indicating the unit period in which the heater (44) is not operating. The above unit operating time is the elapsed time between the start time and the end time indicating the unit section in which the heater (44) operates, the washing machine (1, 100).

7. In the third or fourth paragraph, the control unit (110) A washing machine (1, 100) that terminates the resumed drying process at the end point of the preset standard operation section.

8. In the fourth paragraph, the control unit (110) A washing machine (1, 100) that terminates the resumed drying process when the above driving rate is below the above predetermined threshold.

9. In the first paragraph, the control unit (110) When the weight detection process is initiated by activating the above drying function, the weight of the drying object is measured, A washing machine (1, 100) that starts the drying process when the above weight detection process is completed.

10. In the first paragraph, the control unit (110) If the temperature of the above-mentioned drying air is substantially lower than the above-mentioned target control temperature, the heater (44) is controlled to operate, A washing machine (1, 100) that controls the operation of the heater (44) to be stopped when the temperature of the drying air is substantially higher than the target control temperature.

11. A method for controlling the operation of a heater (44) in response to activation of a drying function by a washing machine (1, 100), When the drying process is initiated by activating the above drying function, an operation (330) for controlling whether the heater (44) is operated so that the temperature of the drying air is kept constant based on the target control temperature; and Including an operation (340) for terminating the drying process in response to the arrival of the drying end point within a preset standard operation section for starting or ending the drying process, A method in which the drying end point is identified (320) by the weight of the drying object obtained in response to activation of the drying function.

12. In paragraph 11, When the cumulative operating time of the heater (44) measured after the drying process is initiated reaches a critical cumulative operating time, an operation (340) is included for determining that the drying end point has arrived. A method wherein the above critical cumulative operating time is set by the weight of the obtained drying target.

13. In paragraph 11 or 12, A method including an operation (450) of determining whether to resume the drying process based on the driving rate of the heater (44) when the drying process is terminated (340, 440).

14. In paragraph 13, A method including an operation (460) of determining to resume the drying process when the driving rate of the heater (44) exceeds a predetermined threshold.

15. In paragraph 14, Includes an operation of obtaining the driving rate according to the ratio of the unit operating section of the heater (44) to the unit rest section of the heater (44), The above unit rest period is continuous with the above unit operating period, The above unit operating section is the elapsed time between the start time and the end time indicating the unit operating section of the heater (44). The above unit idle period is one of the elapsed time between the end time and the start time indicating the unit period in which the heater (44) is not operated or the elapsed time between the end time and the drying end time.

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