Clothes care apparatus and controlling method therefor

Abstract

A clothes care apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: a tub; a water level sensor detecting a water level in the tub; a heat exchanger arranged on the tub; a nozzle provided to spray water to the heat exchanger; a water supply valve for opening or closing a water supply flow path for supplying water to the nozzle; a drain line for guiding, to the tub, condensed water generated by the heat exchanger or water sprayed by the nozzle; and a controller.

Description

Garment treatment device and its control method

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a garment treatment device including a drying device and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] A garment treatment device is a device for treating and / or managing garments. The garment treatment device may include a washing machine and a dryer. The washing machine may include a combined washing machine and dryer.

[0003] A washing machine with a dryer is a device that uses the driving force of a motor to mix laundry, water, and detergent inside a tub together, thereby washing through friction between them.

[0004] The cycles performed by the dryer-type washing machine may include a washing cycle in which detergent and water are supplied to a tub containing laundry and the drum is rotated to wash the laundry, a rinsing cycle in which water is supplied to the tub and the drum is rotated to rinse the laundry, and a dehydration cycle in which water is discharged from the tub and the drum is rotated to remove moisture from the laundry.

[0005] The cycle performed by a washing machine with a dryer may include a drying cycle in which heat generated by a drying device is blown into a space containing laundry to dry laundry. The washing machine with a dryer may include a drying device to perform the drying cycle.

[0006] Clothes treatment devices, such as washing machines and dryers, contain various components and / or devices, and component failures can occur. Conventional clothes treatment devices suffer from the inability to detect failures in various components and / or devices.

[0007] The disclosed invention provides a garment treatment device and a control method thereof that can detect the water level within a tub and determine whether various components and / or devices are malfunctioning. A malfunction may be expressed in various terms, such as abnormal, defective, or flawed.

[0008] The disclosed invention provides a clothes treatment device and a control method thereof capable of automatically cleaning a heat exchanger and detecting abnormal conditions of a water supply valve, a drain line, and a nozzle used to perform cleaning of the heat exchanger.

[0009] A clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment includes: a tub; a water level sensor for detecting a water level within the tub; a heat exchanger disposed on an upper portion of the tub; a nozzle provided to spray water onto the heat exchanger; a water supply valve for opening or closing a water supply path for supplying water to the nozzle; a drain line for guiding condensate generated by the heat exchanger or water sprayed by the nozzle to the tub; and a control unit. The control unit can detect a change in the water level within the tub based on a signal transmitted from the water level sensor, and sequentially determine the states of each of the water supply valve, the drain line, and the nozzle based on the change in the water level within the tub.

[0010] A method for controlling a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment includes: detecting a change in a water level in a tub using a water level sensor; determining a state of a water supply valve connected to a nozzle configured to spray water into a heat exchanger based on the change in the water level in the tub; determining a state of a drain line that guides condensate generated by the heat exchanger or water sprayed by the nozzle to the tub based on the change in the water level in the tub; and determining a state of the nozzle based on the change in the water level in the tub.

[0011] The disclosed clothing treatment device and its control method can determine whether various parts and / or devices are broken by using a sensor capable of detecting the water level in the tub.

[0012] The disclosed clothing treatment device and its control method can automatically clean a heat exchanger and detect abnormal conditions of a water supply valve, a drain line, and a nozzle used to perform cleaning of the heat exchanger.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a part of a configuration arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from a different direction than that illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0017] FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing a part of a drying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which a nozzle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure cleans a heat exchanger.

[0019] Figure 7 is an exploded view of a nozzle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a nozzle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, taken from a different direction than that shown in FIG. 7.

[0021] Figure 9 illustrates a portion of a cross-section along line A-A' shown in Figure 7.

[0022] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of part B shown in Figure 9.

[0023] Fig. 11 is a control block diagram of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 12 is a flowchart briefly showing a control method of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of a modified control method of the clothing treatment device described in Fig. 12.

[0026] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing in detail the control method of the clothing treatment device described in Figs. 11 and 12.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an embodiment that can be added to the control method of the garment treatment device described in FIG. 14.

[0028] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0029] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0030] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] In this document, each of the phrases "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 any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0032] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0033] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0034] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0035] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0036] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0037] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0038] Washing machines according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. A washing machine is an example of a clothing treatment device, and the term "clothing treatment device" encompasses devices that wash clothing (laundry items, drying items), devices that dry clothing, and devices that can perform both washing and drying of clothing.

[0039] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include top-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet for loading or removing laundry is provided facing upward, or front-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet is provided facing forward. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines of other loading methods other than top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines.

[0040] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed using a water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed by rotating the drum to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry. The front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine with a dryer that can dry the laundry contained inside the drum. The washing machine with a dryer may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the washing machine with a dryer may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine with a washing method other than the washing method described above.

[0041] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a housing that accommodates various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet formed on one side.

[0042] A washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry compartment. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the interior of the housing to be viewed.

[0043] A washing machine may include a tub provided within a housing to store water. The tub may be provided in a generally cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be positioned within the housing such that the tub opening corresponds to a laundry inlet.

[0044] The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated when the drum rotates, thereby reducing the vibrations transmitted to the housing.

[0045] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0046] The drum may be positioned within the tub such that the drum opening provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may be sequentially passed through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening to be accommodated within the drum or taken out from the drum.

[0047] The drum rotates within the tub and can perform each of the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations. The cylindrical wall of the drum is formed with a number of perforations, allowing water stored in the tub to flow into or out of the drum.

[0048] A washing machine may include a drive device configured to rotate a drum. The drive device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may be connected to the drum by penetrating the tub.

[0049] The driving device can rotate the drum forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, or drying cycle.

[0050] A washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to a tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided on the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub via the detergent supply device. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0051] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water source. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0052] A washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to a tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to add detergent for each wash cycle, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically supplies a predetermined amount of detergent during a wash cycle. The detergent supply device may include a detergent compartment for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through a water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a comprehensive term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent compartment may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0053] A washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in a tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve provided in the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump provided on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water in the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0054] The washing machine may include a control panel positioned on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for a user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0055] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal. The at least one input interface can include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. The at least one input interface can include, for example, 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.

[0056] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user. For example, at least one output interface can convey information related to the washing cycle, the operating time of the washing machine, and the washing / rinsing / spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine can be output via a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0057] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0058] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0059] The communication module can transmit data to or receive data from external devices (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance). For example, the communication module can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

[0060] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with the external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0061] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0062] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0063] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances through a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine, such as a drive motor and a water inlet valve. The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one cycle, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to a user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum, or control the water inlet valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0064] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory storing program-type data, and at least one processor performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0065] Hereinafter, various embodiments of a garment treatment device will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings. While a washing machine / dryer is described as an example of a garment treatment device, the concepts of the present disclosure are not limited to washing machines / dryers, and can be applied to various devices for treating and / or managing garments.

[0066] The terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right” used in the description below are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0067] For example, the X-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction, the Y-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction.

[0068] FIG. 1 illustrates a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a component arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a component arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from a different direction than that illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of a drying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a garment treatment device (1) according to various embodiments may include a housing (10) that accommodates various components therein. The housing (10) may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet (11) formed on one side. The laundry inlet (11) may be provided to face approximately forward.

[0070] The garment treatment device (1) may include a laundry door (17) for opening and closing the laundry inlet (11). The laundry door (17) may be rotatably mounted to the housing (10) by a hinge. At least a portion of the laundry door (17) may be transparent or translucent so as to allow the interior of the housing (10) to be visible. For example, the laundry door (17) may include tempered glass.

[0071] The garment treatment device (1) may include a lower door (18) configured to allow access to a lower detergent supply device (60). The garment treatment device (1) may include an upper door (19) configured to allow access to an upper detergent supply device (50) and a filter (95).

[0072] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a tub (20) provided inside the housing (10) to store water. The tub (20) is provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening (21) formed on one side, and may be arranged inside the housing (10) so that the tub opening (21) corresponds to the laundry inlet (11). The tub opening (21) may be provided to face approximately forward.

[0073] The tub (20) can be connected to the housing (10) by a damper (25). The damper (25) can absorb vibrations generated when the drum (30) rotates and attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing (10).

[0074] A clothing treatment device (1) may include a drum (30) configured to accommodate laundry. At least one lifter (33) may be provided inside the drum (30) to perform washing by raising and lowering laundry.

[0075] The drum (30) may be placed inside the tub (20) such that the drum opening (31) provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet (11) and the tub opening (21). Laundry may pass through the laundry inlet (11), the tub opening (21) and the drum opening (31) in sequence to be accommodated inside the drum (30) or taken out from the drum (30). The drum opening (31) may be provided to face approximately forward.

[0076] The drum (30) can perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration process while rotating inside the tub (20). A plurality of holes (32) are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum (30), so that water stored in the tub (20) can flow into the inside of the drum (30) or flow out from the outside of the drum (30).

[0077] The garment treatment device (1) may include a driving device (36) configured to rotate a drum (30). The driving device (36) may include a driving motor (36a) and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated by the driving motor (36a) to the drum (30). The rotating shaft may pass through the tub (20) and be connected to the drum (30).

[0078] The driving device (36) can rotate the drum (30) forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, or drying cycle.

[0079] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a water supply device (40) configured to supply water to the tub (20). The water supply device (40) may include a water supply valve (41, 42) that can be connected to an external water source. For example, the water supply valve (41, 42) may include a hot water valve (41) for supplying hot water and a cold water valve (42) for supplying cold water.

[0080] The water supply device (40) may include water supply pipes (43, 44). The water supply pipes (43, 44) may be provided as flexible hoses, plastic pipes, or metal pipes. The water supply pipes (43, 44) may be connected to water supply valves (41, 42). For example, the water supply pipes (43, 44) may include a hot water pipe (43) connected to a hot water valve (41), and a cold water pipe (44) connected to a cold water valve (42).

[0081] At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) can guide water from the water supply valve (41, 42) to the tub (20). At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) can extend from the water supply valve (62) to the tub (20). Water can be supplied to the lower detergent supply device (60) via the tub (20). Water can also be supplied to the lower detergent supply device (60) without passing through the tub (20).

[0082] The water supply valves (41, 42) can open or close the water supply pipes (43, 44). The water supply valves (41, 42) can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub (20). For example, the water supply valves (41, 42) may include solenoid valves that open and close in response to an electrical signal.

[0083] The garment treatment device (1) may include a detergent supply device (50, 60) configured to supply detergent to the tub (20). The detergent supply device (50, 60) may include an upper detergent supply device (50) and a lower detergent supply device (60). The term "detergent" may be used as a comprehensive term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc.

[0084] The upper detergent supply device (50) may be located at the upper part of the tub (20). The upper detergent supply device (50) may be located above the tub (20) in the vertical direction. The upper detergent supply device (50) may include a manual detergent supply device that requires the user to add detergent for each wash, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically adds a predetermined amount of detergent during the wash. The upper detergent supply device (50) may be connected to the tub (20) via a detergent connection pipe (51). For example, the upper detergent supply device (50) may be configured to supply solid detergent and / or fabric softener to the tub (20). However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above-described examples.

[0085] The lower detergent supply device (60) may be located at the bottom of the tub (20). The lower detergent supply device (60) may be located vertically lower than the tub (20). The lower detergent supply device (60) may include a manual detergent supply device that requires the user to add detergent for each wash, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically adds a predetermined amount of detergent during the wash. For example, the lower detergent supply device (60) may be provided to supply liquid detergent and / or fabric softener to the tub (20). The type of detergent is not limited to the above-described examples.

[0086] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a drainage device (70) configured to discharge water contained in the tub (20) to the outside. The drainage device (70) may include a drainage pump (71) for discharging water in the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10).

[0087] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a circulation pump (76) to circulate water in the tub (20) back to the tub (20) through the lower detergent supply device (60).

[0088] The drainage device (70) can be connected to the tub (20) through a tub connection pipe (72). The drainage device (70) can discharge water from the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10) through a drain pipe (73).

[0089] The garment treatment device (1) may include a water level sensor (200) that detects the water level within the tub (20). The water level sensor (200) may be located outside the tub (20). For example, the water level sensor (200) may be installed at the bottom of the upper detergent supply device (50). The location of the water level sensor (200) is not limited to the example.

[0090] The water level sensor (200) can be connected to a connecting hose (201) extending from a branch pipe (72a) of a tub connecting pipe (72). The water level sensor (200) can be installed at the end of the connecting hose (201) connected to the tub connecting pipe (72). The water level of the connecting hose (201) can be the same as the water level of the tub (20).

[0091] When the water level in the tub (20) rises, the water level in the connecting hose (201) rises. When the water level in the connecting hose (201) rises, the pressure inside the connecting hose (201) may increase. The water level sensor (200) can detect a change in pressure inside the connecting hose (201) and can detect a water level inside the tub (20) corresponding to the pressure inside the connecting hose (201). The water level sensor (200) can generate an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure inside the connecting hose (201). The frequency of the electrical signal generated by the water level sensor (200) may vary depending on the change in pressure inside the connecting hose (201).

[0092] As another example, the water level sensor (200) may be installed inside the tub (20). As the water level inside the tub (20) rises, the pressure applied to the water level sensor (200) increases. The water level sensor (200) can detect the water level inside the tub (20) corresponding to the pressure.

[0093] The garment treatment device (1) may include a control panel (100) arranged on one side of the housing (10). The control panel (100) may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the garment treatment device (1). The user interface may include at least one input interface (101) and at least one output interface (102).

[0094] For example, at least one input interface (101) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal. At least one input interface (101) can include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. At least one input interface (101) can 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.

[0095] At least one output interface (102) can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the garment treatment device (1) to the user. For example, at least one output interface (102) can convey information related to the washing course, the operating time of the garment treatment device (1), and the washing / rinsing / spin-drying settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the garment treatment device (1) can be output through a screen, an indicator, a voice, etc. At least one output interface (102) can include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0096] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a drying device (80) for drying laundry accommodated inside a drum (30). The drying device (80) may be configured to heat air and supply it to the inside of a tub (20). The drying device (80) may be configured to dry and heat air discharged from the tub (20) and circulate the dried and heated air into the inside of the tub (20) to dry clothing inside the drum (30). The drying device (80) according to various embodiments may be arranged on top of the tub (20).

[0097] The drying device (80) may include a drying case (81). The drying case (81) may include a drying base (81a) and a drying cover (81b) that is coupled to the drying base (81a) and is provided to form a path through which air can move. The drying cover (81b) may cover the open upper surface of the drying base (81a).

[0098] Referring to FIG. 5, as an example, the drying device (80) may include a rear cover (81c) that is attachable to the rear side of the drying base (81a). The rear cover (81c) may form at least a portion of the rear of the drying device (80). A water supply valve (41, 42) may be mounted on the rear cover (81c).

[0099] The drying device (80) may be provided in a heat pump manner. The drying device (80) may include a fan (87a), a compressor (91), a condenser (92), an evaporator (93), an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe (94) through which refrigerant circulates. The compressor (91), the condenser (92), the evaporator (93), and the expansion valve, which constitute the heat pump, may be arranged in a drying case (81). In addition, the drying device (80) may further include a cooling fan (91a) for cooling the compressor (91). For example, the drying device (80) may be formed as a single module.

[0100] The compressor (91) compresses the refrigerant, and the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant can move to the condenser (92). The condenser (92) can cool the refrigerant and heat the surrounding air. The heated air can be introduced into the drum (30) to dry clothes.

[0101] The refrigerant expanded through the expansion valve can absorb heat in the evaporator (93) and cool the surrounding air. That is, the evaporator (93) can cool the high-temperature, humid air that has passed through the inside of the drum (30) to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed passes through the condenser (92) and can be heated again while exchanging heat with the refrigerant passing through the condenser (92). That is, the condenser (92) can heat the air that has passed through the evaporator (93). The condenser (92) and the evaporator (93) correspond to heat exchangers. The condenser (92) may be referred to as a 'first heat exchanger'. The evaporator (93) may be referred to as a 'second heat exchanger'.

[0102] For example, the drying device (80) may further include a drying heater (99). The drying heater (99) may increase the drying efficiency of the drying device (80). The heat pump components of the drying device (80) may also be replaced with the drying heater (99).

[0103] The drying heater (99) can heat the air flowing into the interior of the drying device (80). The drying heater (99) can be placed in the heating path (86). The drying heater (99) can be placed downstream from the condenser (92) along the flow of air passing through the drying device (80). In addition, the drying heater (99) can be provided in a relatively small size so as to minimize the resistance of the path. For example, the drying heater (99) can be a sheath heater.

[0104] A drying device (80) according to various embodiments may be placed on the upper side of the tub (20). An inlet passage (85) through which air discharged from the tub (20) flows may be formed in the drying device (80). A heating passage (86) may be formed in the drying device (80) for heat exchange with air flowing into the drying device (80) through the inlet passage (85). A supply passage (87) may be formed in the drying device (80) for supplying air that has passed through the heating passage (86) and has undergone heat exchange to the tub (20).

[0105] An inlet passage (85) may be provided so that air passing through the interior of the tub (20) may be introduced into the drying device (80). The inlet passage (85) may be located on the upper side of the tub (20). The inlet passage (85) may be connected to an exhaust passage (P) formed at the rear of the tub (20).

[0106] The drying device (80) may include an inlet guide (84) connected to the tub (20). The inlet guide (84) may guide air discharged from the tub (20) to an inlet passage (85). The inlet passage (85) may be communicated with an exhaust passage (P) formed in the tub (20) through the inlet guide (84). Air passing through the exhaust passage (P) may be introduced into the inlet passage (85) of the drying device (80) through the inlet guide (84).

[0107] A filter (95) may be provided in the inlet passage (85) to filter out foreign substances such as lint contained in the air flowing in through the exhaust passage (P) from the tub (20). The air flowing in through the inlet passage (85) may pass through the filter (95) and then move to the heating passage (86). The filter (95) may be located on the passage through which the air flowing into the drying device (80) moves to the evaporator (93) and the condenser (92).

[0108] A heat exchanger (92, 93) may be arranged in the heating passage (86). The heat exchanger (92, 93) may include a condenser (92) and an evaporator (93). The air flowing into the heating passage (86) may be humid because it has passed through the interior of the tub (20). The humid air may be cooled in the evaporator (93) arranged in the heating passage (86) to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed in the evaporator (93) may be reheated by passing through the condenser (92).

[0109] The drying device (80) may include a nozzle (96) for cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93). The nozzle (96) may be provided in the heating passage (86). The nozzle (96) may receive water from the water supply device (40) and spray water toward the heat exchanger (92, 93). The water sprayed from the nozzle (96) may clean one side of the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0110] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device (1) may include a drain line (97) for guiding water discharged from the drying device (80) to the tub (20). The drain line (97) may be provided with a flexible hose, plastic pipe, or metal pipe. The drain line (97) may guide condensate generated in the heat exchanger (92, 93) of the drying device (80) to the outside of the drying device (80). The drain line (97) may guide water sprayed by the nozzle (96) for cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) to the outside of the drying device (80).

[0111] The drain line (97) can be connected to the drain device (70). The drain line (97) can be connected to the drain pump (71). Water discharged from the drying device (80) can flow to the drain device (70) along the drain line (97). Water flowing into the drain device (70) through the drain line (97) can be guided to the tub (20). Condensed water flowing into the tub (20) can be discharged to the outside of the clothes treatment device (1) by the operation of the drain pump (71).

[0112] The supply path (87) may be arranged to supply heated air back into the interior of the tub (20) by passing through the condenser (92). The supply path (87) may be connected to the heating path (86) and may extend downward to discharge heated air toward the opening of the tub (20).

[0113] A fan (87a) may be provided in the supply path (87) to cause air to flow into the interior of the tub (20). That is, the fan (87a) may be provided to supply air to the laundry inside the drum (30). For example, the fan (87a) may include a sirocco fan.

[0114] The inlet path (85), the heating path (86), and the supply path (87) can circulate air into the interior of the tub (20) and the drying device (80).

[0115] The clothing treatment device (1) may be arranged so that air discharged from the tub (20) sequentially passes through the inlet path (85), heating path (86), and supply path (87) of the drying device (80) located on the upper side of the tub (20), and then is supplied to the interior of the tub (20).

[0116] Heated air from the drying device (80) can be supplied into the interior of the drum (30). In order to secure an area where the heated air supplied into the interior of the drum (30) comes into contact with the laundry, the tub exhaust port (27) may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet (26) through which the heated air from the drying device (90) is supplied to the tub (20). In order to increase the distance and / or time that the heated air flows inside the drum (30) so that it can come into more contact with the laundry, the tub exhaust port (27) may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet (26) through which the heated air from the drying device (80) is supplied to the tub (20). The supply path (87) for supplying the heated air into the interior of the drum (30) and the tub exhaust port (27) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. By increasing the area where the heated air comes into contact with the laundry, the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0117] The air inlet (26) and the tub exhaust port (27) can be positioned to maximize the use of heated air provided from the drying device (80). For example, the air inlet (26) can be positioned adjacent to the front of the tub (20), and the tub exhaust port (27) can be positioned adjacent to the rear of the tub (20).

[0118] The clothing treatment device (1) according to various embodiments may further include an exhaust path (P) for moving air discharged from the inside of the tub (20) to the drying device (80). The exhaust path (P) may be provided so that air discharged from the tub exhaust port (27) flows to the inlet path (85) of the drying device (80). The exhaust path (P) may be provided so as to discharge moist air that has passed through the tub (20). For example, the exhaust path (P) may be provided at the rear of the tub (20).

[0119] The air inside the tub (20) can be discharged to the tub duct (28) through the tub exhaust port (27) formed at the rear of the tub (20). The air discharged to the tub duct (28) can flow along the exhaust path (P) and be supplied to the drying device (80).

[0120] The garment treatment device (1) according to various embodiments may include a tub duct (28) for forming at least a portion of an exhaust path (P). For example, the tub duct (28) may be formed integrally with the tub (20). For example, the tub (20) may include the tub duct (28). The tub duct (28) may be provided to surround the tub exhaust port (27).

[0121] The garment treatment device (1) according to various embodiments may include a duct cover (29) for forming at least a portion of an exhaust path (P). The duct cover (29) may be provided to cover an open rear surface of a tub duct (28). For example, the tub (20) may include the duct cover (29). The duct cover (29) may form at least a portion of an exhaust path (P) through which air discharged through the tub exhaust port (27) flows to the drying device (80).

[0122] According to various embodiments, a clothing treatment device (1) can form an exhaust path (P) by combining a duct cover (29) with a tub duct (28).

[0123] According to one embodiment, a tub duct (28) may include a recessed portion (28a) that forms a portion of an exhaust path (P) through which air discharged from the inside of the tub (20) flows. A reinforcing rib (23) for reinforcing the rigidity of the tub (20) may be provided on the back surface of the tub (20), and the recessed portion (28a) may be provided as a portion that is recessed from an end of the reinforcing rib (23) protruding from the back surface of the tub (20). The recessed portion (28a) may be provided as a portion of the back surface of the tub (20) where the reinforcing rib (23) is not formed. A tub exhaust port (27) for discharging air from the inside of the tub (20) may be formed in the recessed portion (28a). The tub duct (28) may include a partition rib (28d) provided along the periphery of the recessed portion (28a). The partition rib (28d) can separate the area where the reinforcing rib (23) is formed and the area where the recessed portion (28a) is formed on the back surface of the tub (20).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the tub (20) may include a duct connection portion (28b) that forms another portion of the exhaust path (P) through which air passing through the recess portion (28a) flows. The duct connection portion (28b) may protrude radially outward from the outer surface of the tub (20). The duct connection portion (28b) may protrude approximately upward from the outer surface of the tub (20). For example, the duct connection portion (28b) may protrude upward from the rear end of the tub (20). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the duct connection portion (28b) may be positioned in various ways depending on the position of the drying device (80).

[0125] The duct connection portion (28b) can connect the inlet guide (84) of the drying device (80) and the tub duct (28). The duct connection portion (28b) can extend the exhaust passage (P) upward. The duct connection portion (28b) can form a portion of the exhaust passage (P) together with the recess portion (28a), the partition rib (28d), and the duct cover (29).

[0126] The duct connection portion (28b) may be formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape with open upper and rear surfaces. The duct cover (29) may cover the open rear surface of the duct connection portion (28b). The duct cover (29) may be formed to only form one side of the exhaust passage, thereby facilitating the connection and sealing structure.

[0127] The duct cover (29) can cover the tub duct (28) and the duct connection portion (28b). The duct cover (29) can cover an open side of the tub duct (28) and an open rear side of the duct connection portion (28b). An exhaust path (P) can be formed by the duct cover (29) covering the recessed portion (28a) and the duct connection portion (28b). Since the exhaust path (P) is connected to the inlet path (85), air introduced into the exhaust path (P) through the tub exhaust port (27) can move along the exhaust path (P) and be introduced into the drying device (80) through the inlet path (85).

[0128] Although not shown in the drawing, the duct connection portion (28b) may be provided in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with only the upper surface through which air is discharged open and the rear surface not open. In this case, the duct cover (29) may only cover the tub duct (28).

[0129] Meanwhile, the duct connection portion (28b) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in a configuration included in the tub duct (28). The duct connection portion (28b) of the tub duct (28) according to one embodiment may extend from the recess portion (28a) to the inflow guide (84). The tub duct (28) may be connected to the inflow guide (84) by the duct connection portion (28b). Hereinafter, the duct connection portion (28b) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be described in a configuration included in the tub duct (28).

[0130] The tub duct (28) may include a step portion (28c) for expanding the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust passage (P). The exhaust passage (P) may be provided so that the width of the portion formed by the duct connection portion (28b) is greater than the width of the portion formed in the recess portion (28a) by the step portion (28c).

[0131] The water supply valves (41, 42) of the clothing treatment device (1) can be positioned by utilizing the space left by this mounting structure. In one embodiment, the water supply valves (41, 42) can be mounted between the inlet guide (84) and the cooling fan (91a). The water supply valves (41, 42) can be positioned at the center of the rear of the drying device (80). The water supply valves (41, 42) can be positioned at the rear of the condenser (92). The water supply valves (41, 42) can be positioned in an area separated from the flow path through which drying air flows. The positions of the water supply valves (41, 42) are not limited to those exemplified.

[0132] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a washing water heater (24). The washing water heater (24) is provided at the lower side of the tub (20) and can heat the washing water during washing. In addition, the water supply device (40) can supply a certain amount of water to the lower side of the tub (20) through the exhaust passage (P) during the drying cycle, and the washing water heater (24) can heat the water supplied into the interior of the tub (20) through the water supply device (40), the exhaust passage (P), and the tub exhaust port (27) to generate steam. That is, the steam generated by the water supply device (40) and the washing water heater (24) can come into contact with the clothing during the drying cycle, thereby preventing wrinkles from forming on the clothing as much as possible.

[0133] That is, the clothing treatment device (1) is a washing / drying combined washing machine, and unlike a conventional dryer, can include a washing water heater (24) for heating washing water, and can generate steam by utilizing the washing water heater (24) and a water supply device (40) for cleaning the exhaust duct (P) to prevent wrinkles from forming on the clothing during the drying cycle.

[0134] Fig. 6 illustrates a state in which a nozzle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure cleans a heat exchanger. Fig. 7 illustrates an exploded view of a nozzle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 illustrates an exploded view of a nozzle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from a different direction than that illustrated in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 illustrates a portion of a cross-section taken along line A-A' illustrated in Fig. 7. Fig. 10 illustrates an enlarged view of part B illustrated in Fig. 9.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 6, a nozzle (96) according to one embodiment may be configured to clean a heat exchanger (92, 93). The nozzle (96) may be configured to clean an air inlet portion of the heat exchanger (92, 93). The nozzle (96) may be configured to clean at least a portion of the evaporator (93). The nozzle (96) may be configured to clean a portion of the evaporator (93) into which air passing through the filter (95) is introduced. The nozzle (96) may be configured to clean a portion of the evaporator (93) that is contaminated by air passing through the evaporator (93) and exchanging heat with the evaporator (93). The nozzle (96) may be positioned adjacent to the air inlet portion of the evaporator (93).

[0136] The nozzle (96) can be connected to a water supply device (40), and water can be supplied from the water supply device (40) to the nozzle (96). The nozzle (96) can be connected to a water supply pipe (43, 44). The water supply pipe (43, 44) can form a water supply path for supplying water to the nozzle (96). The water supply valve (41, 42) can open or close the water supply path.

[0137] For example, the water supply device (40) may include a hot water valve (41), a cold water valve (42), a hot water pipe (43), and a cold water pipe (44). The hot water valve (41) may be referred to as a first water supply valve. The cold water valve (42) may be referred to as a second water supply valve. The hot water pipe (43) may be referred to as a first water supply path. The cold water pipe (44) may be referred to as a second water supply path.

[0138] The nozzle (96) may be connected to a cold water pipe (44). When the cold water valve (42) is opened, cold water may be supplied from an external water source to the nozzle (96) through the cold water pipe (44). Alternatively, the nozzle (96) may be connected to a hot water pipe (43). When the hot water valve (41) is opened, hot water may be supplied to the nozzle (96) through the hot water pipe (43).

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, the nozzle (96) may include a nozzle case (110) that accommodates components for spraying water supplied from a water supply device (40) to a heat exchanger (92, 93). A path may be formed inside the nozzle case (110) for spraying water supplied from the water supply device (40) to the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0140] The nozzle case (110) may include a nozzle base (111) with one side open, and a nozzle cover (116) provided to cover the open side of the nozzle base (111). The nozzle cover (116) may be coupled to the nozzle base (111). For example, the nozzle cover (116) may be coupled to the nozzle base (111) by heat-fusion processing. For this purpose, the nozzle base (111) may include a base fusion portion (115), and the nozzle cover (116) may include a cover fusion portion (118). The method of coupling the nozzle cover (116) to the nozzle base (111) is not limited thereto, and the nozzle cover (116) may be coupled to the nozzle base (111) by a fastening member.

[0141] The nozzle base (111) may include a water supply port (112) connectable to a water supply pipe (43, 44) of a water supply device (40). The water supply port (112) may be located at one end along the length of the nozzle (96). Water flowing into the nozzle (96) through the water supply port (112) may be provided to the opposite end of the one end along the length of the nozzle (96).

[0142] The nozzle base (111) may include a nozzle discharge portion (113) for discharging water flowing into the nozzle (96). The nozzle discharge portion (113) may be provided to face the heat exchanger (92, 93). The nozzle discharge portion (113) may extend along the length direction of the nozzle (96). The nozzle discharge portion (113) may be provided in a slit shape. The nozzle discharge portion (113) may also be provided in a hole shape.

[0143] The nozzle base (111) may include a nozzle receiving portion (114) for receiving a spray part (121). The nozzle receiving portion (114) may extend in the same direction as the nozzle discharge portion (113) extends. The nozzle receiving portion (114) may be provided so that a spray sealing member (131) to which the spray part (121) is coupled is seated. The nozzle discharge portion (113) may be provided in the nozzle receiving portion (114).

[0144] The nozzle cover (116) may include a fixing rib (117) provided to fix the spraying portion (121) when the nozzle cover (116) is coupled to the nozzle base (111). The fixing rib (117) may extend in the direction in which the nozzle cover (116) is coupled to the nozzle base (111). Referring to FIG. 9, the fixing rib (117) may be provided to pressurize the spray sealing member (131) when the nozzle cover (116) is coupled to the nozzle base (111).

[0145] The nozzle (96) may include a spraying portion (121) accommodated in a nozzle case (110). The spraying portion (121) may be accommodated in a nozzle receiving portion (114) of the nozzle case (110). The spraying portion (121) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle (96). The spraying portion (121) may have a plate shape. The spraying portion (121) may be inserted into a spray sealing member (131).

[0146] Referring to FIG. 10, the injection unit (121) may include a plurality of injection holes (121a). The plurality of injection holes (121a) may be provided to face the nozzle discharge unit (113). The plurality of injection holes (121a) may be arranged along the direction in which the injection unit (121) extends. The plurality of injection holes (121a) may have a relatively smaller size than the nozzle discharge unit (113). As the plurality of injection holes (121a) are provided in a fine size, the plurality of injection holes (121a) may increase the flow rate of water supplied to the nozzle (96) and discharge it to the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0147] The nozzle (96) may include a spray sealing member (131). The spray sealing member (131) may be provided to prevent water supplied to the interior of the nozzle case (110) from leaking to the exterior of the nozzle case (110). The spray sealing member (131) may be provided to be accommodated in the nozzle receiving portion (114).

[0148] The spray sealing member (131) may be provided so as to be combined with the spraying portion (121). The spray sealing member (131) may be provided so as to cover the edge of the spraying portion (121). The spray sealing member (131) may be provided with an insertion portion (132) so that the spraying portion (121) can be inserted into the interior thereof. The spraying portion (121) may be inserted into the insertion portion (132) of the spray sealing member (131).

[0149] The spray sealing member (131) may include a spray opening (133) for exposing a plurality of spray holes (121a) of the spraying member (121) when the spraying unit (121) is coupled to the spray sealing member (131). The spray opening (133) may be provided to correspond to the plurality of spray holes (121a) of the spraying unit (121). The spray opening (133) may be provided to correspond to the nozzle discharge portion (113). Water discharged from the plurality of spray holes (121a) of the spraying unit (121) may be discharged to the outside of the nozzle (96) through the spray opening (133) of the spray sealing member (131) and the nozzle discharge portion (113) of the nozzle case (110).

[0150] The nozzle (96) may include a case sealing member (141). The case sealing member (141) may seal between the nozzle (96) and the drying case (81) when the nozzle (96) is mounted on the drying case (81). The case sealing member (141) may prevent water flowing into the interior of the nozzle (96) from leaking out of the nozzle (96). The case sealing member (141) may seal between the nozzle base (111) and the nozzle cover (116). The case sealing member (141) may be positioned adjacent to the water supply port (112) of the nozzle case (110).

[0151] According to this configuration, the nozzle (96) allows water supplied from the water supply device (40) to flow into the interior of the nozzle case (110) through the water supply port (112), and to be discharged toward the heat exchanger (92, 93) at an increased flow rate through a plurality of injection holes (121a), injection openings (133), and nozzle discharge portions (113).

[0152] Fig. 11 is a control block diagram of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 11, the garment treatment device (1) may include a control unit (300). The control unit (300) may be electrically connected to various components and / or devices of the garment treatment device (1) and may control various components and / or devices. For example, the control unit (300) may control a driving device (36), a water supply device (40), a drainage pump (71), a circulation pump (76), a drying device (80), and a fan (87a). In addition, the control unit (300) may be electrically connected to a control panel (100), a communication interface (150), and a water level sensor (200). The control unit (300) may control the control panel (100), the communication interface (150), and the water level sensor (200).

[0154] The control unit (300) may include a processor (310) and a memory (320). The memory (320) may include volatile memory (e.g., S-RAM, D-RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM). The processor (310) and the memory (320) may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. In addition, multiple processors and multiple memories may be provided. The processor (310) may process various data and various signals using instructions, data, programs, and / or software stored in the memory (320). The processor (310) may include one core or multiple cores. The processor (310) may generate control signals for controlling components of the garment treatment device (1).

[0155] The driving device (36) can rotate the drum (30) under the control of the control unit (300). The driving device (36) can include a driving motor (36a). The control unit (300) can control the driving motor (36a) to adjust the rotation speed of the drum (30).

[0156] The water supply device (40) can selectively supply water to the tub (20) and the nozzle (96). The water supply device (40) may include a water supply pipe (43, 44) connected to an external water source and a water supply valve (41, 42) for opening or closing the water supply pipe. The water supply device (40) may include a first water supply valve (41) and a second water supply valve (42). As described above, the first water supply valve (41) may correspond to a hot water valve. The second water supply valve (42) may correspond to a cold water valve. The water supply pipes (43, 44) may include a first water supply pipe corresponding to a hot water pipe (43) and a second water supply pipe corresponding to a cold water pipe (44).

[0157] The control unit (300) can control the opening and closing of each of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42). The control unit (300) can adjust the opening degree of each of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42). The first water supply valve (41) can open or close the first water supply pipe based on an electrical signal transmitted from the control unit (300). The second water supply valve (42) can open or close the second water supply pipe based on an electrical signal transmitted from the control unit (300).

[0158] The water supply pipes (43, 44) can form a water supply path for supplying water to the nozzle (96). For example, the nozzle (96) can be connected to a first water supply pipe and / or a second water supply pipe. When the nozzle (96) is connected to the first water supply pipe, water can flow into the nozzle (96) when the first water supply valve (41) is opened. When the nozzle (96) is connected to the second water supply pipe, water can flow into the nozzle (96) when the second water supply valve (41) is opened.

[0159] The drain pump (71) can discharge water inside the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10). The control unit (300) can control the drain pump (71) so that the water inside the tub (20) is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe (73).

[0160] The circulation pump (76) can send water inside the tub (20) to the lower detergent supply device (60). Water that has passed through the circulation pump (76) and the lower detergent supply device (60) can return to the tub (20). The control unit (300) can control the circulation pump (76) so that the water inside the tub (20) circulates through the lower detergent supply device (60).

[0161] The drying device (80) can remove moisture contained in the air, heat the air, and supply the heated air to the tub (20). The control unit (300) can operate the drying device (80) to dry laundry located inside the drum (30). To generate dried and heated air, the drying device (80) can include a fan (87a), a compressor (91), a heat exchanger (92, 93), and an expansion valve.

[0162] The control unit (300) can control the fan (87a), compressor (91), and expansion valve included in the drying device (80). The control unit (300) can operate the fan (87a) so that dried and heated air is supplied into the drum (30). The control unit (300) can adjust the rotation speed of the fan (87a). The flow rate of the air supplied into the drum (30) can vary depending on the rotation speed of the fan (87a).

[0163] The compressor (91) compresses low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and discharges it as high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. For example, the compressor (91) can compress the refrigerant through the reciprocating motion of a piston or the rotary motion of a rotor. The discharged gaseous refrigerant can be delivered to the condenser (92). The control unit (300) can adjust the operating frequency and / or rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor (91). As the operating frequency and / or rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor (91) increases, the heat released around the condenser (92) can increase. The control unit (400) can adjust the opening of the expansion valve. The expansion valve can be provided as a capillary tube for controlling the pressure of the liquid refrigerant and an electronic expansion valve whose opening can be controlled by an electric signal. The low-temperature and low-pressure two-phase refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve is introduced into the evaporator (93).

[0164] The control unit (300) can control the water supply valves (41, 42) to clean the heat exchangers (92, 93) of the drying device (80). Water can be sprayed from the nozzle (96) into the heat exchangers (92, 93) by opening at least one of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42).

[0165] The control panel (100) can obtain various user inputs and output various information regarding the operation of the garment treatment device (1). The control panel (100) can include an input interface (101) and an output interface (102).

[0166] The control unit (300) can control the operation of the garment treatment device (1) based on user input obtained through the control panel (100). For example, the control unit (300) can turn the garment treatment device (1) on or off based on user input for turning the garment treatment device (1) on or off. The control unit (300) can determine the operation course of the garment treatment device (1) based on user input for setting the operation course of the garment treatment device (1).

[0167] The operation courses of the clothing treatment device (1) can be provided in various ways. For example, the operation courses of the clothing treatment device (1) can be broadly classified into a washing course, a drying course, and a heat exchanger cleaning course.

[0168] Washing courses may be provided in various ways depending on the type of laundry (e.g., clothing, blankets, underwear, etc.) and material (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.). For example, the washing courses may include at least one of a standard course, a heavy-duty course, a delicate course, a blanket course, a baby clothes course, a towel course, a boiling course, and an outdoor clothing course. Each of the plurality of washing courses may include different washing settings (e.g., washing temperature, number of rinse cycles, spin-drying strength, etc.). When one of the plurality of washing courses is selected through the control panel (100) or an external user device, the control unit (300) may control the clothing treatment device (1) to perform a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spin-drying cycle corresponding to the selected washing course. In addition, the washing courses may include a rinsing and spin-drying course, a rinsing course, and a spin-drying course excluding the washing cycle. The washing courses are not limited to those exemplified.

[0169] Drying courses may also be provided in various ways depending on the type of the object to be dried (e.g., clothing, blankets, underwear, etc.) and the material (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.). For example, the drying courses may include at least one of standard drying, strong drying, delicate clothing drying, blanket drying, baby clothing drying, towel drying, and outdoor clothing drying. Each of the plurality of drying courses may include different drying settings (e.g., drying temperature, drying time, etc.). When one of the plurality of drying courses is selected through the control panel (100) or an external user device, the control unit (300) may control the clothing treatment device (1) to perform a drying process corresponding to the selected drying course. The drying courses are not limited to those exemplified.

[0170] Meanwhile, the control unit (300) can automatically clean the heat exchanger (92, 93) included in the drying device (80) before completing the drying process. The disclosed clothing treatment device (1) performs cleaning of the heat exchanger (92, 93) every time the drying process is performed, thereby removing contamination (e.g., dust, lint) from the heat exchanger (92, 93) and keeping the heat exchanger (92, 93) clean. The heat exchanger cleaning can be performed for a set heat exchanger cleaning time. The drying process can be terminated after the heat exchanger cleaning is completed.

[0171] A heat exchanger cleaning course may be provided to separately perform cleaning of the heat exchanger (92, 93) regardless of whether a drying process is performed. When the heat exchanger cleaning course is selected through the control panel (100) or an external user device, the control unit (300) can perform cleaning of the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0172] The control unit (300) can control the control panel (100) to output various information regarding the operation of the garment treatment device (1). For example, the control panel (100) can visually and / or audibly output information regarding the operation course, operation time, washing settings, rinsing settings, spin-drying settings, and / or drying settings of the garment treatment device (1). In addition, the control panel (100) can output information regarding abnormal conditions of the garment treatment device (1).

[0173] The communication interface (150) may include various communication circuits for performing wired and / or wireless communication with external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and / or other home appliances). The user devices may include various electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, notebooks, smartwatches, stationary tablets, and speakers. User input may be obtained through the user devices as well as the control panel (100).

[0174] The communication interface (150) may include at least one of a short-range communication circuit and a long-range communication circuit. The communication interface (150) may transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication interface (150) may support cellular communication, wireless local area network (WLAN), home radio frequency (RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth, AD-HOC, and / or Zigbee. The communication technologies supported by the communication interface (150) are not limited to those exemplified.

[0175] The communication interface (150) can also communicate with external devices via an access point (AP). The access point can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the garment treatment device (1) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The garment treatment device (1) can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0176] The water level sensor (200) can detect the water level within the tub (20). The water level sensor (200) can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the water level within the tub (20) to the control unit (300). The control unit (300) can determine the water level within the tub (20) based on the signal transmitted from the water level sensor (200). The control unit (300) can determine the water level within the tub (20) based on the frequency value of the signal transmitted from the water level sensor (200).

[0177] Factors affecting the water level within the tub (20) may vary. For example, when the water supply path that supplies water to the nozzle (96) to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93) of the drying device (80) is opened, water may be sprayed from the nozzle (96) toward the heat exchanger (92, 93). The water sprayed from the nozzle (96) to the heat exchanger (92, 93) may flow into the tub (20) through the drain line (97). That is, the water level within the tub (20) may increase due to the water sprayed from the nozzle (96).

[0178] Additionally, the water level in the tub (20) may increase even when the water supply valve (41, 42) is opened to supply water to the tub (20).

[0179] There may also be cases where the water supply path supplying water to the tub (20) and / or nozzle (96) is unintentionally opened. For example, if a failure occurs in the water supply valve (41, 42) connected to the nozzle (96) via the water supply pipe (43, 44), i.e., if a leak occurs in the water supply valve (41, 42), the water level in the tub (20) may unintentionally increase.

[0180] If a leak occurs in the water supply valve (41, 42), the water level in the tub (20) may continue to rise. In this case, not only may the clothing treatment device (1) malfunction, but the user may also be placed in a dangerous situation.

[0181] The disclosed garment treatment device (1) can detect a failure of a water supply valve and provide appropriate measures in response to the failure of the water supply valve. The control unit (300) of the garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment can determine a water leak of the water supply valve (41, 42) based on an increase in the water level in the tub (20) within a predetermined waiting time after the garment treatment device (1) is turned on. That is, the control unit (300) can identify a water leak in at least one of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42) related to the supply of water to the tub (20) or the nozzle (96).

[0182] Additionally, the control unit (300) can stop the operation of the garment treatment device (1) based on determining a failure of the water supply valve (41, 42). The control unit (300) can provide error information corresponding to a failure of the water supply valve (41, 42) through a user interface. The error information can be provided in the form of at least one of text, image, and sound.

[0183] The control unit (300) may also control the communication interface (150) to transmit error information corresponding to a failure of the water supply valve (41, 42) to the user device. If error information of the garment treatment device (1) is provided through the user device, the user can check whether the garment treatment device (1) is broken regardless of location.

[0184] If no change in the water level in the tub (20) is detected despite the expected increase in the water level in the tub (20), a malfunction of the clothing treatment device (1) may be suspected.

[0185] For example, when a drying process is performed, condensate may be generated by the evaporator (93) of the drying device (80). The condensate may flow into the tub (20) through the drain line (97), and an increase in the water level in the tub (20) due to the inflow of the condensate may be expected. However, if the drain line (97) is blocked, the condensate may not move to the tub (20), and thus the water level in the tub (20) may not increase. If the condensate is not discharged through the drain line (97), a breakdown of the drying device (80) may occur.

[0186] The disclosed garment treatment device (1) can detect a blockage in the drain line (97) and provide appropriate measures in response to the blockage in the drain line (97). The control unit (300) of the garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment can determine a blockage in the drain line (97) based on the water level in the tub (20) being maintained constant for a predetermined water level detection time after the start of the drying cycle.

[0187] Additionally, the control unit (300) can stop the operation of the garment treatment device (1) based on determining whether the drain line (97) is clogged. The control unit (300) can provide error information corresponding to the clogging of the drain line (97) through a user interface. The error information can be provided in the form of at least one of text, image, and sound.

[0188] The control unit (300) may also control the communication interface (150) to transmit error information corresponding to a blockage in the drain line (97) to the user device. When error information of the garment treatment device (1) is provided through the user device, the user can check whether the garment treatment device (1) is broken regardless of location.

[0189] If the drying process is not performed or if the drying process is performed but no increase in the water level in the tub (20) is expected, the judgment regarding the failure of the drain line (97) may be withheld. For example, the control unit (300) may withhold the judgment regarding the condition of the drain line (97) according to the operation course of the garment treatment device (1) selected by the user.

[0190] When a drying process is performed according to a course for drying clothing made of materials that absorb relatively little water (e.g., delicate clothing or outdoor clothing), even if the drying process is performed, little condensate may be generated in the drying device (80). If the amount of condensate generated in the drying device (80) is small, changes in the water level in the tub (20) may not be detected, and it may be impossible to determine whether the drain line (97) is clogged. In this case, determination of the condition of the drain line (97) may be withheld.

[0191] Additionally, for objects to be dried formed of materials susceptible to heat damage, the drying process may not be permitted. If the drying process is not performed, condensate will not be generated by the drying device (80), making it impossible to determine whether the drain line (97) is clogged. In this case, the determination of the condition of the drain line (97) may also be withheld.

[0192] The heat exchanger cleaning process may not include a drying process. If the heat exchanger (92, 93) is cleaned without a drying process according to the selection of the heat exchanger cleaning process, condensate is not generated in the drying device (80), and thus the control unit (300) may withhold judgment regarding the condition of the drain line (97).

[0193] When cleaning of the heat exchanger is performed, an increase in the water level within the tub (20) may be expected due to water sprayed from the nozzle (96). However, if the nozzle (96) is blocked, water cannot be sprayed from the nozzle (96), and thus the water level within the tub (20) may not increase. If the nozzle (96) malfunctions, cleaning of the heat exchanger (92, 93) may be incomplete or may not actually be performed.

[0194] The disclosed garment treatment device (1) can detect clogging of the nozzle (96) and provide appropriate measures in response to the clogging of the nozzle (96). The control unit (300) of the garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment can determine clogging of the nozzle (96) based on the detection that the water level in the tub (20) is lower than the target water level after the heat exchanger cleaning time has elapsed.

[0195] Additionally, the control unit (300) can stop the operation of the garment treatment device (1) based on determining whether the nozzle (96) is clogged. The control unit (300) can provide error information corresponding to the clogging of the nozzle (96) through a user interface. The error information can be provided in the form of at least one of text, image, and sound.

[0196] The control unit (300) may also control the communication interface (150) to transmit error information corresponding to a clogging of the nozzle (96) to the user device. If error information of the garment treatment device (1) is provided through the user device, the user can check whether the garment treatment device (1) is broken regardless of location.

[0197] The control unit (300) can determine whether the nozzle (96) is clogged based on the detection that the water level in the tub (20) is lower than the target water level after performing the heat exchanger cleaning a predetermined threshold number of times. The threshold number of times can be two or more and can be determined in various ways depending on the design. Since water is sprayed through the nozzle (96) for a short time during the heat exchanger cleaning, the clogging of the nozzle (96) may not be accurately determined by performing the heat exchanger cleaning only once. The disclosed clothing treatment device (1) can more accurately determine whether the nozzle (96) is clogged by performing the heat exchanger cleaning multiple times.

[0198] In addition, when performing heat exchanger cleaning a predetermined threshold number of times, the control unit (300) can increase the heat exchanger cleaning time before performing the next heat exchanger cleaning after performing the heat exchanger cleaning. If the water pressure of the external water source is relatively low, the water level in the tub (20) may not increase within a short period of time. The disclosed clothing treatment device (1) can more accurately determine whether the nozzle (96) is clogged by performing the heat exchanger cleaning multiple times while increasing the heat exchanger cleaning time.

[0199] Fig. 12 is a flowchart briefly showing a control method of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 12, the control unit (300) of the garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment can sequentially determine the states of each of the water supply valves (41, 42), the drain line (97), and the nozzle (96). The control unit (300) can first determine the state of the water supply valves (41, 42) (1201), then determine the state of the drain line (97) (1202), and then determine the state of the nozzle (96) (1203).

[0201] The control unit (300) can determine the condition of the drain line (97) if the water supply valves (41, 42) are normal. If the water supply valves (41, 42) are abnormal, the condition of the drain line (97) cannot be determined because the water level in the tub (20) increases due to a leak in the water supply valves (41, 42).

[0202] The control unit (300) can determine the status of the nozzle (96) if the water supply valves (41, 42) and the drain line (97) are normal. If the drain line (97) is abnormal, the water level in the tub (20) does not increase even if water comes out of the nozzle (96), so the status of the nozzle (96) cannot be determined.

[0203] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing in detail the control method of the clothing treatment device described in Fig. 12.

[0204] Referring to FIG. 13, the control unit (300) of the garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment can identify a change in the water level within the tub (20) during a predetermined waiting time after the garment treatment device (1) is turned on (1301, 1302). The control unit (300) can identify a change in the water level within the tub (20) based on a signal transmitted from the water level sensor (200).

[0205] The control unit (300) can determine a failure of the water supply valve (41, 42) based on an increase in the water level in the tub (20) within a predetermined waiting time after the power of the clothing treatment device (1) is turned on (1303). The control unit (300) can identify a leak in at least one of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42) related to the supply of water to the tub (20) or the nozzle (96).

[0206] The control unit (300) can control the control panel (100) to stop the operation of the garment treatment device (1) based on determining a failure of the water supply valve (41, 42) and provide first error information corresponding to the failure of the water supply valve (41, 42) (1304). The first error information can be provided in the form of at least one of text, an image, and sound.

[0207] The control unit (300) may determine that the water supply valves (41, 42) are normal based on the fact that the water level in the tub (20) does not increase for a predetermined waiting time after the power of the garment treatment device (1) is turned on (1305). If the water supply valves (41, 42) are normal, there is no leakage, and thus the water level in the tub (20) may not change. In other words, if the water level in the tub (20) remains constant for a predetermined waiting time after the power of the garment treatment device (1) is turned on, the water supply valves (41, 42) may be determined to be normal.

[0208] The control unit (300) can perform a drying process based on whether the water supply valves (41, 42) are normal (1306). To perform the drying process, the control unit (300) can operate the drying device (80). That is, the control unit (300) can operate the fan (87a) and the compressor (91) to dry the drying object within the drum (30). In addition, the control unit (300) can further operate the drying heater (99).

[0209] When the drying process is performed, condensate may be generated by the evaporator (93) of the drying device (80). The control unit (300) may identify a change in the water level within the tub (20) during a predetermined water level detection time after the start of the drying process (1307).

[0210] The control unit (300) may determine that the drain line (97) is clogged based on the fact that the water level within the tub (20) does not increase for a predetermined water level detection time after the start of the drying process (1308). If the drain line (97) is clogged, condensate cannot flow into the tub (20), and thus, a change in the water level within the tub (20) due to condensate may not occur. In other words, if the water level within the tub (20) remains constant for a predetermined water level detection time after the start of the drying process, the drain line (97) may be determined to be abnormal.

[0211] The control unit (300) can control the control panel (100) to stop the operation of the garment treatment device (1) based on determining a blockage in the drain line (97) and provide second error information corresponding to the blockage in the drain line (97) (1309). The second error information can be provided in the form of at least one of text, an image, and sound.

[0212] The control unit (300) can determine that the drain line (97) is normal based on an increase in the water level in the tub (20) within a predetermined water level detection time after the start of the drying process (1310).

[0213] The control unit (300) can perform heat exchanger cleaning based on whether the water supply valves (41, 42) and the drain line (97) are normal (1311). For heat exchanger cleaning, the control unit (300) can control the water supply valves (41, 42) so that water is sprayed from the nozzle (96) into the heat exchanger (92, 93) during the heat exchanger cleaning time. The control unit (300) can automatically perform cleaning of the heat exchanger (92, 93) before completing the drying process. If the judgment regarding the status of the drain line (97) is pending, heat exchanger cleaning can be performed based on whether the water supply valves are normal.

[0214] The control unit (300) can identify whether the water level in the tub (20) has increased after the heat exchanger cleaning time has elapsed (1312). The control unit (300) can determine whether the nozzle (96) is clogged based on the detection that the water level in the tub (20) is lower than the target water level after the heat exchanger cleaning time has elapsed (1313).

[0215] The control unit (300) can control the control panel (100) to stop the operation of the garment treatment device (1) based on determining whether the nozzle (96) is clogged and provide third error information corresponding to the clogging of the nozzle (96) (1314). The third error information can be provided in the form of at least one of text, image, and sound.

[0216] If the water level in the tub (20) is detected to be higher than or equal to the target water level after the heat exchanger cleaning time has elapsed, the control unit (300) can determine that the state of the nozzle (96) is normal (1315).

[0217] In this way, the disclosed garment treatment device (1) can sequentially determine the status of each of the water supply valves (41, 42), the drain line (97), and the nozzle (96). In addition, the disclosed garment treatment device (1) can provide the user with error information corresponding to a failure of each of the water supply valves (41, 42), the drain line (97), and the nozzle (96). Therefore, the convenience of repairing the garment treatment device (1) can be improved.

[0218] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an embodiment that can be added to the control method of the garment treatment device described in Fig. 13.

[0219] Referring to FIG. 14, the control unit (300) of the garment treatment device (1) can perform heat exchanger cleaning (1401) based on the normal operation of the water supply valves (41, 42) and the drain line (97). To clean the heat exchanger, the control unit (300) can control the water supply valves (41, 42) so that water is sprayed from the nozzle (96) into the heat exchanger (92, 93) during the heat exchanger cleaning time.

[0220] If the water level in the tub (20) is detected to be higher than or equal to the target water level after the heat exchanger cleaning time has elapsed, the control unit (300) can determine that the state of the nozzle (96) is normal (1402, 1403).

[0221] The control unit (300) can determine whether the number of heat exchanger cleaning cycles corresponds to a predetermined threshold number of cycles based on the detection that the water level within the tub (20) is lower than the target water level after the heat exchanger cleaning time has elapsed (1404). The threshold number of cycles may be two or more and may be determined in various ways depending on the design.

[0222] If the number of heat exchanger cleanings does not correspond to a predetermined threshold number, the garment treatment device (1) can increase the heat exchanger cleaning time (1405) and perform the heat exchanger cleaning again (1401). In other words, if the control unit (300) detects that the water level in the tub (20) is lower than the target water level after performing the heat exchanger cleaning, the control unit (300) can increase the heat exchanger cleaning time before performing the next heat exchanger cleaning. The disclosed garment treatment device (1) can more accurately determine whether the nozzle (96) is clogged by performing the heat exchanger cleaning multiple times while increasing the heat exchanger cleaning time.

[0223] The garment treatment device (1) may perform heat exchanger cleaning multiple times without changing the heat exchanger cleaning time. That is, step 1405 may be omitted.

[0224] If the number of heat exchanger cleaning cycles reaches a predetermined threshold number, the control unit (300) can determine whether the nozzle (96) is clogged (1406). In other words, the control unit (300) can determine whether the nozzle (96) is clogged based on the detection that the water level in the tub (20) is lower than the target water level after performing the heat exchanger cleaning cycle a predetermined threshold number of times. The disclosed garment treatment device (1) can more accurately determine whether the nozzle (96) is clogged by performing the heat exchanger cleaning cycle multiple times.

[0225] Fig. 15 shows an embodiment of a modified control method of the clothing treatment device described in Fig. 12.

[0226] Referring to FIG. 15, the control unit (300) of the garment treatment device (1) can determine the operation course of the garment treatment device (1) based on user input obtained through the control panel (100) or a user device (1501). As described above, the operation course of the garment treatment device (1) selectable by the user can be provided in various ways.

[0227] When the power of the garment treatment device (1) is turned on and the operation course is determined, the control unit (300) of the garment treatment device (1) can identify the status of the water supply valves (41, 42) (1502). The method for identifying the status of the water supply valves (41, 42) corresponds to steps 1302, 1303, 1304, and 1305 described in FIG. 13.

[0228] The control unit (300) can decide whether to withhold judgment on the status of the drain line (97) according to the operation course of the clothing treatment device (1) (1503).

[0229] For example, the control unit (300) may withhold a judgment regarding the condition of the drain line (97) based on the selection of a course for drying clothes made of a material that absorbs relatively little water (e.g., delicate clothes or outdoor clothes). If the amount of condensate generated by the drying device (80) is small, a change in the water level in the tub (20) may not be detected, and it may not be possible to determine whether the drain line (97) is clogged. In addition, the control unit (300) may withhold a judgment regarding the condition of the drain line (97) based on the selection of an operation course that does not include a drying process. If the drying process is not performed, condensate is not generated by the drying device (80), and therefore it may not be possible to determine whether the drain line (97) is clogged.

[0230] If the status of the water supply valves (41, 42) is normal and the judgment regarding the status of the drain line (97) is not pending, the control unit (300) can identify the status of the drain line (97) (1504). The method for identifying the status of the drain line (97) corresponds to steps 1306, 1307, 1308, 1309, and 1310 described in FIG. 13.

[0231] If the status of the water supply valves (41, 42) is normal and the judgment regarding the status of the drain line (97) is pending, the control unit (300) can identify the status of the nozzle (96) (1505). The method for identifying the status of the nozzle (96) corresponds to steps 1311, 1312, 1313, 1314, and 1315 described in FIG. 13.

[0232] A clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment includes: a tub; a water level sensor for detecting a water level within the tub; a heat exchanger disposed on an upper portion of the tub; a nozzle provided to spray water onto the heat exchanger; a water supply valve for opening or closing a water supply path for supplying water to the nozzle; a drain line for guiding condensate generated by the heat exchanger or water sprayed by the nozzle to the tub; and a control unit. The control unit can detect a change in the water level within the tub based on a signal transmitted from the water level sensor, and sequentially determine the states of each of the water supply valve, the drain line, and the nozzle based on the change in the water level within the tub.

[0233] The control unit can determine a leak in the water supply valve based on an increase in the water level in the tub within a predetermined waiting time after the power of the garment treatment device is turned on.

[0234] The control unit may determine that the water supply valve is normal based on the water level in the tub remaining constant for a predetermined waiting time after the power of the garment treatment device is turned on.

[0235] The control unit may perform a drying process based on the water supply valve being normal, and determine a blockage in the drain line based on the water level in the tub being maintained constant for a predetermined water level detection time after the start of the drying process.

[0236] The control unit may perform a drying process based on the water supply valve being normal, and determine that the drain line is normal based on the water level in the tub increasing within a predetermined water level detection time after the start of the drying process.

[0237] The control unit may perform heat exchanger cleaning by controlling the water supply valve during the heat exchanger cleaning time based on whether the water supply valve and the drain line are normal, thereby spraying water into the heat exchanger. The control unit may determine that the nozzle is clogged based on whether the water level in the tub is detected to be lower than the target water level after the heat exchanger cleaning time has elapsed.

[0238] The control unit can determine clogging of the nozzle based on the water level in the tub being detected to be lower than the target water level after the heat exchanger cleaning is performed a predetermined threshold number of times.

[0239] The control unit may increase the heat exchanger cleaning time after performing the heat exchanger cleaning and before performing the next heat exchanger cleaning.

[0240] The control unit may stop the operation of the garment treatment device based on determining a failure of the water supply valve, a blockage of the drain line, or a blockage of the nozzle. The control unit may provide a first error message corresponding to a failure of the water supply valve, a second error message corresponding to a blockage of the drain line, or a third error message corresponding to a blockage of the nozzle through a user interface.

[0241] The above control unit can withhold judgment on the state of the drain line according to the operation course of the garment treatment device selected by the user.

[0242] A method for controlling a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment includes: detecting a change in a water level in a tub using a water level sensor; determining a state of a water supply valve connected to a nozzle configured to spray water into a heat exchanger based on the change in the water level in the tub; determining a state of a drain line that guides condensate generated by the heat exchanger or water sprayed by the nozzle to the tub based on the change in the water level in the tub; and determining a state of the nozzle based on the change in the water level in the tub.

[0243] Determining the state of the water supply valve may include determining a leak in the water supply valve based on an increase in the water level in the tub within a predetermined waiting time after the clothes treatment device is powered on.

[0244] The state of the above water supply valve can be determined to be normal based on the water level in the tub remaining constant for a predetermined waiting time after the power of the garment treatment device is turned on.

[0245] Determining the condition of the drain line may include performing a drying process based on the condition of the water supply valve being normal; and determining a blockage of the drain line based on the water level in the tub being maintained constant for a predetermined water level detection time after the start of the drying process.

[0246] Determining the state of the drain line may include performing a drying process based on the state of the water supply valve being normal; and determining the state of the drain line as normal based on the water level in the tub increasing within a predetermined water level detection time after the start of the drying process.

[0247] Determining the state of the nozzle may include: performing heat exchanger cleaning by controlling the water supply valve during the heat exchanger cleaning time based on whether the state of the water supply valve and the state of the drain line are normal; and determining clogging of the nozzle based on whether the water level in the tub is detected to be lower than the target water level after the heat exchanger cleaning time has elapsed.

[0248] Determining the clogging of the nozzle may be based on detecting that the water level in the tub is lower than the target water level after performing the heat exchanger cleaning a predetermined threshold number of times.

[0249] Determining clogging of the nozzle may include increasing the heat exchanger cleaning time after performing the heat exchanger cleaning and before performing the next heat exchanger cleaning.

[0250] The control method may further include: stopping the operation of the garment treatment device based on determining a failure of the water supply valve, a blockage of the drain line, or a blockage of the nozzle; and providing a first error message corresponding to a failure of the water supply valve, a second error message corresponding to a blockage of the drain line, or a third error message corresponding to a blockage of the nozzle through a user interface.

[0251] Decisions regarding the status of the above drain line may be withheld depending on the operating course of the garment treatment device selected by the user.

[0252] The disclosed clothing treatment device and its control method can determine whether various parts and / or devices are broken by using a sensor capable of detecting the water level in the tub.

[0253] The disclosed clothing treatment device and its control method can automatically clean a heat exchanger and detect abnormal conditions of a water supply valve, a drain line, and a nozzle used to perform cleaning of the heat exchanger.

[0254] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments.

[0255] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0256] The methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included 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 storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0257] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. Tub; A water level sensor for detecting the water level in the above tub; A heat exchanger placed on the upper part of the above tub; A nozzle provided to spray water into the above heat exchanger; A water supply valve for opening or closing a water supply path for supplying water to the above nozzle; A drain line that guides condensate generated by the heat exchanger or water sprayed by the nozzle to the tub; and A clothing treatment device including a control unit that detects a change in the water level within the tub based on a signal transmitted from the water level sensor, and sequentially determines the status of each of the water supply valve, the drain line, and the nozzle based on the change in the water level within the tub.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit A garment treatment device that determines a water leak in the water supply valve based on an increase in the water level in the tub within a predetermined waiting time after the power of the garment treatment device is turned on.

3. In paragraph 1, The above control unit A garment treatment device that determines that the water supply valve is normal based on the water level in the tub remaining constant for a predetermined waiting time after the power of the garment treatment device is turned on.

4. In paragraph 1, The above control unit The drying process is performed based on the above water supply valve being normal, A clothes treatment device that determines whether the drain line is clogged based on the water level in the tub remaining constant for a predetermined water level detection time after the start of the drying process.

5. In paragraph 1, The above control unit The drying process is performed based on the above water supply valve being normal, A clothes treatment device that determines that the drain line is normal based on an increase in the water level in the tub within a predetermined water level detection time after the start of the drying process.

6. In paragraph 1, The above control unit Based on the above water supply valve and the above drain line being normal, heat exchanger cleaning is performed by controlling the water supply valve during the heat exchanger cleaning time to spray water into the heat exchanger, A clothes treatment device that determines clogging of the nozzle based on the water level inside the tub being detected to be lower than the target water level after the heat exchanger cleaning time has elapsed.

7. In paragraph 6, The above control unit A clothes treatment device that determines clogging of the nozzle based on the water level inside the tub being detected to be lower than the target water level after performing the heat exchanger cleaning a predetermined threshold number of times.

8. In paragraph 7, The above control unit A clothes treatment device that increases the heat exchanger cleaning time before performing the next heat exchanger cleaning after performing the above heat exchanger cleaning.

9. In paragraph 1, The above control unit Stopping the operation of the garment treatment device based on determining a failure of the above water supply valve, a blockage of the above drain line, or a blockage of the above nozzle, A garment treatment device providing a first error message corresponding to a failure of the water supply valve, a second error message corresponding to a blockage of the drain line, or a third error message corresponding to a blockage of the nozzle through a user interface.

10. In paragraph 1, The above control unit A garment treatment device that reserves judgment on the condition of the drain line according to an operation course of the garment treatment device selected by a user.

11. Detect changes in water level in the tub using a water level sensor; Determine the state of a water supply valve connected to a nozzle configured to inject water into the heat exchanger based on the change in water level in the above tub; Based on the change in water level within the tub, the state of the drain line that guides the condensate generated by the heat exchanger or the water sprayed by the nozzle to the tub is determined; A method for controlling a garment treatment device, comprising: determining a state of the nozzle based on a change in water level within the tub.

12. In paragraph 11, Determining the status of the above water supply valve is: A method for controlling a garment treatment device, comprising: determining a water leak in the water supply valve based on an increase in the water level in the tub within a predetermined waiting time after the power of the garment treatment device is turned on.

13. In paragraph 11, The condition of the above water supply valve is A method of controlling a garment treatment device, wherein the water level in the tub is determined to be normal based on the water level being maintained constant for a predetermined waiting time after the power of the garment treatment device is turned on.

14. In paragraph 11, Determining the condition of the above drainage line is: The drying process is performed based on the condition of the above water supply valve being normal; A method for controlling a garment treatment device, comprising: determining a blockage in the drain line based on the water level in the tub being maintained constant for a predetermined water level detection time after the start of the drying process; 15. In paragraph 11, Determining the condition of the above drainage line is: The drying process is performed based on the condition of the above water supply valve being normal; A method for controlling a clothes treatment device, comprising: determining the state of the drain line as normal based on an increase in the water level in the tub within a predetermined water level detection time after the start of the drying process;

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