Dryer and method for controlling dryer

Abstract

This dryer may comprise: a case coupled to a water tank which stores condensate water generated by a heat exchanger; a diaphragm coupled to the case and subjected to a force due to the water level of the water tank; and a force sensor provided between the case and the diaphragm.

Description

Dryer and method of controlling the dryer

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a dryer and a control method for the dryer that can determine whether a drying process is completed.

[0002] Typically, a dryer is a device that forces heated air into a drum to dry wet laundry. These clothes dryers are similar in appearance to drum-type washing machines, and utilize a heater and blower fan to force heated air into the drum to dry items.

[0003] To completely dry the object, the time required for the drying process may vary depending on the amount and wetness of the object.

[0004] In order to end the drying process at the optimal timing when the object to be dried is completely dry, a method for accurately measuring the dryness of the object to be dried is required.

[0005] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the dryness of a drying object can be accurately determined.

[0006] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the water level of a tank storing condensate can be accurately determined without leakage problems.

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, the drying process can be terminated at an optimal timing when the object to be dried is completely dried.

[0008] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0009] A dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a drum; a heat exchanger for heating air supplied into the drum; a tank for storing condensate generated by the heat exchanger; a sensor device including a force sensor for detecting force generated by the condensate stored in the tank; and at least one processor for determining whether a drying cycle is completed based on sensor data collected from the force sensor.

[0010] A control method of a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a tank storing condensate generated by a heat exchanger that heats air supplied into a drum; and a sensor device detecting force generated by the condensate stored in the tank, the sensor device including a case coupled to the tank, a diaphragm coupled to the case and applying force according to the water level of the tank; and a force sensor provided between the case and the diaphragm, the control method comprising: determining the water level of the tank based on sensor data collected from the force sensor; and determining whether a drying cycle is completed based on the water level of the tank.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates an example of the appearance of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2a illustrates an example of a cross-section of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2b illustrates another example of a cross-section of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates an example of the appearance of a water tank of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a control block diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a sensor device of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining an example of a method in which a force sensor of a sensor device according to one embodiment detects force.

[0019] FIG. 8a illustrates an example of the structure of a sensor device of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8b shows an example of the sensor device illustrated in Figure 8a being coupled to a water tank.

[0021] Fig. 9 illustrates another example of the structure of a sensor device of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 shows an example of the sensor device illustrated in Figure 9 being coupled to a water tank.

[0023] Figure 11 illustrates another example of the sensor device illustrated in Figure 9 being coupled to a tank.

[0024] Fig. 12a illustrates another example of a sensor device of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 12b illustrates another example of a sensor device of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 12c illustrates another example of a sensor device of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 13 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 14 illustrates another example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 15 is a drawing for explaining the operating cycle of a drainage pump according to one embodiment.

[0030] 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.

[0031] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] A dryer according to various embodiments can perform a drying process. A dryer is an example of a clothing treatment device, and a clothing treatment device is a concept encompassing a device that washes clothing (laundry items, drying items), a device that dries clothing, and a device that can perform both washing and drying of clothing.

[0041] A dryer according to one embodiment may include a washing machine capable of performing a drying cycle. Furthermore, the dryer according to one embodiment may include a garment care device for managing garments by supplying hot air to garments hung on a hanger.

[0042] Any device that performs a drying process capable of drying clothes as described below may correspond to a dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an exterior view of a dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 2a illustrates an example of a cross-section of a dryer according to one embodiment. FIG. 2b illustrates another example of a cross-section of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0044] The dryer shown in Fig. 2a is a dryer that can only perform a drying cycle for drying clothes.

[0045] The dryer illustrated in Fig. 2b is a dryer that can perform both a washing cycle for washing clothes and a drying cycle for drying clothes.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2a, and 2b, a dryer (1) according to one embodiment may include a main body (110) forming an exterior, a drum (120) rotatably installed in the main body (110) and containing items to be dried, a door (130) for opening and closing the drum (120), a driving device (60) for rotating the drum (120), and a heat pump device (75) for generating hot air for drying laundry (hereinafter, referred to as “items to be dried”) inside the drum (120).

[0047] A chamber (30a) formed by a drum (120) can accommodate a drying material.

[0048] The main body (110) may include a front cover (12). An opening (12a) is provided in the front cover (12), and a door (130) for opening and closing the opening (12a) may be rotatably installed in the front cover (12).

[0049] A user interface device (40) including an input interface for receiving a user's control command and an output interface for displaying various information about the operation of the dryer (1) or displaying a screen for guiding the user's input may be placed on the top of the front cover (12).

[0050] The drum (120) can be formed into a cylindrical shape with open front and rear sides.

[0051] The drum (120) can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise within the main body (110) by the driving force of the driving device (60).

[0052] A plurality of lifters (121) for tumbling the drying material may be provided on the inner surface of the drum (120). The plurality of lifters (121) may be formed to protrude toward the center from the inner surface of the drum (120).

[0053] A front support plate and a rear support plate are respectively provided on the front and rear sides of the drum (120). The front side of the drum (120) may be covered by a front support plate fixedly installed on the front side of the main body (110), and the rear side of the drum (120) may be covered by a rear support plate fixedly installed on the rear side of the main body (110).

[0054] Here, the front support plate and the rear support plate can rotatably support the drum (120).

[0055] To this end, a sliding pad to reduce frictional resistance may be provided at the portion where the front support plate and the drum (120) come into contact, and at the portion where the rear support plate and the drum (120) come into contact, respectively, and a roller to rotatably support the drum (120) may be provided at the lower portions of the front support plate and the rear support plate, respectively. Accordingly, the drum (120) can rotate smoothly.

[0056] During the drying process, the drum (30) can be driven to rotate by a driving device (60).

[0057] The driving device (60) may include a driving motor that generates power to rotate the drum (120) and a driving circuit for driving the driving motor.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the drive motor of the drive device (60) may be connected only to the drum (120), or may be connected to the drum (120) and the blower fan (151). In one embodiment, a pulley connected to the drum (120) may be coupled to one side of the shaft of the drive motor of the drive device (60), and a blower fan (151) may be coupled to the other side.

[0059] For convenience of explanation, below, a motor for rotating a drum (120) is defined as a drum motor, and a motor for rotating a blower fan (151) is defined as a fan motor.

[0060] However, the drum motor and the fan motor may be the same motor or different motors.

[0061] An electrode sensor (160) may be provided in the drum (120). As the object to be dried is rotated in the drum (120), it may come into contact with the electrode sensor (160), and the electric signal measured by the electrode sensor (160) may vary depending on the dryness of the object to be dried. That is, the electrode sensor (160) outputs an electric signal corresponding to the dryness of the object to be dried contained in the drum (120). Here, the dryness may mean the degree of dryness of the object to be dried.

[0062] The electrode sensor (160) can measure the dryness of the object to be dried by detecting the flow of current through moisture when moisture remains in the object to be dried. However, if the object to be dried tumbled on the outside of the drum (120) is completely dry, while the object to be dried tumbled on the inside of the drum (120) is somewhat wet, the dryness of the object to be dried detected by the electrode sensor (160) may be somewhat inaccurate.

[0063] In addition, when the dryer (1) is able to perform a washing cycle, water may flow into the drum (120), which may cause a malfunction of the electrode sensor (160).

[0064] The heat pump device (75) may include a heat exchanger (70), a compressor (73), and an expansion valve (not shown).

[0065] The heat exchanger (70) may include an evaporator (71) and a condenser (72).

[0066] The heat pump device (75) has a refrigerant circulation path that connects from a compressor (73) to a condenser (72), an expansion valve, and an evaporator (71) and then back to the compressor, and the condenser (72) and the evaporator (71) function as a heat exchanger (70).

[0067] The evaporator (71) may be located upstream of the condenser (72) based on the air flow.

[0068] The heat exchanger (70) can heat the air flowing into the drum (120).

[0069] Air that passes through the chamber (30a) formed by the drum (120) is dried while passing through the evaporator (71), heated while passing through the condenser (72), and can be introduced into the chamber (30a) again.

[0070] The blower fan (151) can cause air that has passed through the chamber (30a) formed by the drum (120) to pass through the evaporator (71) and the condenser (72) and then flow back into the chamber (30a).

[0071] That is, the blower fan (151) can create an air flow that circulates through the inside (chamber) (30a) of the drum (120) and the heat exchanger (70). To this end, the blower fan (151) can be provided within a duct (180) through which air discharged from the drum (120) flows.

[0072] In one embodiment, the blower fan (151) may be provided downstream of the condenser (72), but the location of the blower fan (151) is not limited thereto, and the blower fan (151) may be installed at any location without limitation as long as it can create air flow within the duct (180).

[0073] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment may include a lint removal device (90). In addition to a door (130) for opening and closing an opening (12a), a front cover (12) may further include an auxiliary door for opening and closing a space in which the lint removal device (90) is accommodated.

[0074] The user can withdraw or insert the lint removal device (90) through the auxiliary door.

[0075] The lint removal device (90) can collect and remove lint (fluff) contained in the air discharged from the chamber (30a). For this purpose, the lint removal device (90) may include a filter.

[0076] The lint removal device (90) may be placed within a duct (180) through which air discharged from the drum (120) flows. The lint removal device (90) may be placed upstream of the heat exchanger (70), and the lint removal device (90) may prevent lint from accumulating in the heat exchanger (70) by removing lint in the air passing through the drum (120).

[0077] According to various embodiments, the dryer (1) may further include a heater (170). The heater (170) is intended to heat the air supplied to the chamber (30a) more quickly and may be operated for a predetermined period of time at the beginning of the drying cycle.

[0078] In one embodiment, the heater (170) may be provided downstream of the heat exchanger (70).

[0079] The dryer (1a) illustrated in Fig. 2a and the dryer (1b) illustrated in Fig. 2b differ in the possibility of a washing cycle.

[0080] The dryer (1a) illustrated in Fig. 2a can perform a drying process by rotating the drum (120) and supplying hot air to the chamber (30a).

[0081] The dryer (1b) illustrated in Fig. 2b can perform not only a drying cycle in which a drum (120) rotates and supplies hot air to a chamber (30a), but also a washing cycle for washing laundry accommodated in the chamber (30a). The washing cycle may include a water supply cycle, a rinsing cycle, a washing cycle, and / or a spin-drying cycle.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 2a, in a dryer (1a) according to one embodiment, a heat exchanger (70), a blower fan (151), and a lint removal device (90) may be arranged at the lower portion of the main body (110). For example, the heat exchanger (70), the blower fan (151), and the lint removal device (90) may be arranged within a duct (180).

[0083] The first duct (181) is positioned at the lower side of the drum (120) and can guide air so that air discharged from the drum (120) is dehumidified and heated and then flows back into the drum (120). A heat exchanger (70) can be accommodated within the first duct (181). The first duct (181) can be referred to as a lower frame. A first circulation path (191) can be provided within the first duct (181).

[0084] The second duct (182) may be positioned at the rear of the drum (120) and may guide air toward the drum (120). Air passing through the heat exchanger (70) may be supplied to the drum (120) through the second duct (182). The second duct (182) may form a part of a circulation path (190). A blower fan (151) may be accommodated within the second duct (182). A second circulation path (192) may be provided within the second duct (182). In one embodiment, a heater (170) may be provided in the second duct (182).

[0085] The third duct (183) can be arranged in front of the drum (120) to guide air inside the drum (30a) toward the heat exchanger (70). The air inside the drum (30a) can flow to the heat exchanger (70) through the third duct (183). The third duct (183) can form a part of the circulation path (190). A third circulation path (193) can be provided within the third duct (183).

[0086] According to various embodiments, the lint removal device (90) may be provided within the first duct (181), the second duct (182), or the third duct (183).

[0087] In one embodiment, a lint removal device (90) may be provided in the third duct (183).

[0088] The second duct (182) and the third duct (183) can allow the air inside the drum (30a) to circulate through the circulation path (190) inside the main body (110).

[0089] The dryer (1a) may further include a circulation path (190). The circulation path (190) may include a first circulation path (191), a second circulation path (192), and a third circulation path (193). The first circulation path (191) may be formed by a first duct (181), the second circulation path (192) may be formed by a second duct (182), and the third circulation path (193) may be formed by a third duct (183).

[0090] The blower fan (151) can circulate air within the circulation path (190).

[0091] Referring to FIG. 2b, a dryer (1b) according to one embodiment may further include components for performing a washing cycle compared to the dryer (1a) illustrated in FIG. 2a.

[0092] In one embodiment, the dryer (1b) may include a tub (115) provided inside the main body (110), and a drum (120) provided inside the tub (115) to receive and rotate laundry.

[0093] A water supply device (14) may be provided on top of the tub (115). The water supply device (14) may include a water supply valve (14b) and water supply pipes (14a) for controlling water supply. In addition, a detergent supply device (80) for supplying detergent into the tub (115) during the water supply process may be installed on top of the tub (115). The detergent supply device (80) may be installed on the front cover (12). The detergent supply device (80) may be arranged inside the main body (110). Water flowing into the dryer (1) through the water supply device (14) may flow to the detergent supply device (80).

[0094] According to various embodiments, the detergent supply device (80) may be installed at the bottom of the tub (115).

[0095] The detergent supply device (80) can be connected to the tub (115) through the supply pipe (17). Washing water supplied through the water supply pipe (14a) is mixed with detergent through the detergent supply device (80), and the mixed water containing the washing water and detergent can be supplied into the interior of the tub (115).

[0096] Water supplied into the dryer (1b) through the water supply device (14) can flow into the detergent supply device (80). Water passing through the water supply pipe (14a) can flow into the detergent box. For example, the water supply pipe (14a) can be arranged above the detergent box and supply water to the detergent box arranged below. Detergent can be accommodated inside the detergent box, and water supplied into the detergent box from the water supply pipe (14a) can be mixed with the detergent. The water inside the detergent box mixed with the detergent can flow into the tub (115). For example, the supply pipe (17) can be connected to the detergent box and the tub (115) from below the detergent box and supply the water inside the detergent box mixed with the detergent to the tub (115).

[0097] The detergent box may be provided so as to be withdrawable from the front cover (12). According to various embodiments, the detergent box and the lint removal device (90) may be provided so as to be withdrawable from the front cover (12). Although the drawing shows the lint removal device (90) as being provided on the rear side of the tub (115), the lint removal device (90) may be provided on the side of the heat exchanger (70) on the upper side of the tub (115). The lint removal device (90) may be provided between the upper surface (11e) of the main body (110) and the tub (115). The heat exchanger (70) may be provided between the upper surface (11e) of the main body (110) and the tub (115).

[0098] The tub (115) stores a mixture of washing water and detergent, and may be formed in a roughly cylindrical shape. The tub (115) may be fixed to the interior of the main body (110). The opening (12a) of the front cover (12) and the tub (115) may be connected by a diaphragm. The diaphragm may seal the space between the front cover (12) and the tub (115).

[0099] A drainage device (50) including a drain pipe (not shown), a drain valve (not shown), a drain pump, etc. for draining water inside the tub (115) may be installed at the bottom of the tub (115).

[0100] The tub (115) is provided so that it can be elastically supported from the main body (110) by springs (not shown) at the top and dampers at the bottom. That is, the springs and dampers are provided so that when vibration generated when the drum (120) rotates is transmitted to the tub (115) and the main body (110), the vibration energy is absorbed between the tub (115) and the main body (110), thereby reducing the vibration transmitted to the tub (115) and the main body (110).

[0101] In a dryer (1b) according to one embodiment, a heat exchanger (70), a blower fan (151), and a lint removal device (90) may be arranged at the upper portion of the main body (110). For example, the heat exchanger (70), the blower fan (151), and the lint removal device (90) may be arranged within a duct (180).

[0102] The first duct (181) is positioned above the drum (120) and the tub (115) and can guide air so that air discharged from the drum (120) is dehumidified and heated and then flows back into the drum (120). A heat exchanger (70) can be accommodated within the first duct (181). The first duct (181) can be referred to as an upper frame. A first circulation path (191) can be provided within the first duct (181).

[0103] The second duct (182) may be positioned in front of the drum (120) and the tub (115) to guide air toward the drum (120). Air passing through the heat exchanger (70) may be supplied to the drum (120) through the second duct (182). The second duct (182) may form a part of a circulation path (190). A blower fan (151) may be accommodated within the second duct (182). A second circulation path (192) may be provided within the second duct (182).

[0104] The third duct (183) may be arranged at the rear of the drum (120) and the tub (115) to guide air inside the drum (30a) toward the heat exchanger (70). The air inside the drum (30a) may flow to the heat exchanger (70) through the third duct (183). The third duct (183) may form a part of a circulation path (190). A third circulation path (193) may be provided within the third duct (183). In one embodiment, a heater (170) may be provided in the third duct (183).

[0105] According to various embodiments, the lint removal device (90) may be provided within the first duct (181), the second duct (182), or the third duct (183).

[0106] In one embodiment, a lint removal device (90) may be provided in the first duct (182).

[0107] The second duct (182) and the third duct (183) can allow air inside the drum (30a) to circulate through the circulation path (190) inside the main body (110). In addition, since the air discharged from the second duct (182) can be introduced into the tub (115) and the drum (120) through the diaphragm, the diaphragm can also allow air to circulate through the circulation path (190) inside the main body (110).

[0108] The dryer (1b) may further include a circulation path (190). The circulation path (190) may include a first circulation path (191), a second circulation path (192), and a third circulation path (193). The first circulation path (191) may be formed by a first duct (181), the second circulation path (192) may be formed by a second duct (182), and the third circulation path (193) may be formed by a third duct (183).

[0109] The blower fan (151) can circulate air within the circulation path (190).

[0110] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 2a, 2b and 3, the second duct (182) can be communicated with the communication port (182c).

[0112] The air in the second circulation path (192) that has passed through the heat exchanger (70) can be introduced into the inside of the drum (30a) through the communication port (182c).

[0113] The third duct (183) can be connected to the communication port (183d).

[0114] Air introduced into the drum (30a) can be introduced into the third circulation path (193) through the ventilation hole (183d).

[0115] The third duct (183) can be connected to the first duct (181).

[0116] Air introduced into the third circulation path (193) can pass through the lint removal device (90) and be introduced into the first circulation path (191).

[0117] Air introduced into the first circulation path (191) can pass through the heat exchanger (70) and be introduced into the second circulation path (192).

[0118] In this way, the air dehumidified and heated by the heat exchanger (70) is introduced into the inside of the drum (30a), dries the object to be dried contained in the inside of the drum (30a), and then is introduced back into the circulation path (190) to be dehumidified and heated by the heat exchanger (70), and the process can be repeated.

[0119] In one embodiment, the dryer (1) may include a tank (250) for storing condensate generated in the heat exchanger (70).

[0120] A water tank (250) may be provided at the lower side of the heat exchanger (70). Condensate generated in the heat exchanger (70) may naturally flow into the water tank (250) by gravity. In addition, condensate generated in the heat exchanger (70) may flow into the water tank (250) by a guide (e.g., a hose, an opening arranged on a lower surface inclined in the direction of gravity, etc.).

[0121] A sensor device (250) may be provided in the water tank (250). The sensor device (250) may be provided on the lower surface of the water tank (250) so as to detect a force applied by the weight of water stored in the water tank. As will be described later, the sensor device (250) may include a force sensor (253, see FIG. 6) that detects a force.

[0122] The force sensor (253) can be connected to a wire (K) that can be extended outside the tank (250). The wire (K) can be electrically connected to an electrical component of the dryer (1) (e.g., a control unit (300, see FIG. 4)).

[0123] For example, when the control unit (300) is mounted on a printed circuit board provided on the rear side of a control panel, which is an example of a user interface device (40), the wire (K) can connect the printed circuit board provided on the rear side of the control panel and the force sensor (253).

[0124] The high temperature and humid air that has passed through the drying material inside the drum (30a) passes through the heat exchanger (70).

[0125] When hot and humid air passes through a relatively low-temperature evaporator (71), condensation may be generated around the evaporator (71), and this condensation may fall by gravity and flow into the tank.

[0126] Meanwhile, as the object to be dried is dried, the humidity of the air passing through the object to be dried decreases, and accordingly, the amount of condensate generated around the evaporator (71) may decrease.

[0127] Figure 4 illustrates an example of the appearance of a water tank of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 4, air introduced into the first duct (181) can pass through a heat exchanger (70) arranged in the first circulation path (191).

[0129] The first duct (181) may include a discharge path (195) inclined in the direction of gravity. The discharge path (195) may be provided at the lower side of the heat exchanger (70). The discharge path (195) may be provided at the lower side of the evaporator (71).

[0130] Condensate generated in the evaporator (71) can fall by gravity and flow into the discharge path (195).

[0131] Condensate flowing into the discharge path (195) can be discharged to the discharge port (196) along the slope by gravity.

[0132] A water tank (200) may be provided at the lower side of the outlet (196).

[0133] Condensate discharged through the outlet (196) can fall into the tank (200) and be received in the tank (200).

[0134] In one embodiment, the tank (200) may be of a type in which the upper part thereof is entirely open, or may be of a type in which an inlet port is provided in communication with the outlet port (196).

[0135] When the dryer (1) performs a drying process, high temperature and humid air is continuously introduced into the first circulation path (191), and accordingly, condensate may be continuously generated around the heat exchanger (70).

[0136] Accordingly, as long as the drying process continues, the water level of the tank (200) will continue to rise unless the object to be dried is dried.

[0137] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment may include a drain pump (210) for discharging condensate contained in a tank (200) to the outside.

[0138] As will be described later, the drain pump (210) can operate based on the satisfaction of certain conditions.

[0139] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment may include a sensor device (250) for detecting the water level of a water tank (200).

[0140] As will be described later, the sensor device (250) can measure values ​​that change according to the rise in the water level of the tank (200) (e.g., weight of water, pressure, ToF of signal, capacitance, etc. according to the rise in the water level of the tank).

[0141] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the dryness of the object to be dried can be measured more accurately by measuring the dryness of the object to be dried based on the water level of the tank detected by the sensor device (250).

[0142] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a control block diagram of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 5, a dryer (1) according to one embodiment may include a user interface device (40), a heat pump device (75), a driving device (60), a heater (170), a drain pump (210), a communication unit (330), a sensor device (250), and / or a control unit (300).

[0144] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment may further include a water supply device, a detergent supply device, a drainage device, etc., to perform a washing cycle.

[0145] Depending on the embodiment, the dryer (1) may not include some components (e.g., heater (170)).

[0146] The user interface device (40) may include at least one input interface (41) and at least one output interface (42).

[0147] At least one input interface (41) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0148] At least one input interface (41) may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin / dry setting button. The at least one input interface (41) may 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.

[0149] At least one output interface (42) can transmit various information related to the operation of the dryer (1) to the user by generating sensory information.

[0150] For example, at least one output interface (42) can transmit information related to a drying course and the operation time of the dryer (1), a washing course and the operation time of the dryer (1), and washing settings / rinsing settings / spin settings / drying settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the dryer (1) can be output to a screen, an indicator, a voice, etc. At least one output interface (42) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0151] The driving device (60) may include a drum motor that provides driving force to rotate the drum (120) and a driving circuit that drives the drum motor. The drum motor may operate based on a driving current supplied from the driving circuit. The driving device (60) may operate based on a control signal from the control unit (300).

[0152] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the drive device (60) to rotate the drum (120) during the drying process.

[0153] In one embodiment, the driving device (60) may include a fan motor that provides driving force to rotate the blower fan (151) and a driving circuit that drives the fan motor.

[0154] As explained above, the drum motor and fan motor may be the same motor or different motors.

[0155] A heat pump device (75) may include a compressor (73) for compressing a refrigerant, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger (70). The compressor (73) may operate based on a control signal from a control unit (300). The heat pump device (75) may heat air supplied to the inside of the drum (30a).

[0156] The heater (170) can also heat the air supplied to the inside of the drum (30a). The heater (170) can operate based on a control signal from the control unit (300).

[0157] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the compressor (73) and / or the heater (170) so that the temperature of the air flowing into the inside of the drum (30a) during the drying process is maintained at a predetermined target temperature.

[0158] To this end, the dryer (1) may include at least one temperature sensor (not shown) for measuring the temperature of air flowing into the interior of the drum (30a). At least one temperature sensor may be provided in the second duct (182). At least one temperature sensor may also be provided upstream of the heat exchanger (70). For example, at least one temperature sensor may be provided in the third duct (183).

[0159] The drain pump (210) can pump condensate stored in the tank (200) and discharge it to the outside. To this end, the drain pump (210) can be coupled to a guide (e.g., a drain hose) extending from the inside of the tank (200) to the outside. The drain pump (210) can operate based on a control signal from the control unit (300).

[0160] The communication unit (330) can communicate with external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and / or home appliances) via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0161] The communication unit (330) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0162] The communication unit (330) can transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication unit (330) can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or other home appliances, and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0163] To this end, the communication unit (330) 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 unit (330) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module may communicate with the external device through 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 different 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).

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] In one embodiment, the communication unit (330) can communicate with external devices such as a server, user devices, and other home appliances via a surrounding access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the dryer (1), other home appliances, and / or user devices are connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The dryer (1), other home appliances, and / or user devices can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0167] The sensor device (250) can detect the water level of the tank (200) that stores the condensate generated in the heat exchanger (70). The sensor data acquired by the sensor device (250) can be transmitted to the control unit (300). The control unit (300) can determine the water level of the tank (200) based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor device (250).

[0168] The control unit (300) can control various components of the dryer (1) (e.g., a driving device (60), a compressor (73), a heater (170), a user interface device (40), and a drain pump (210)). The control unit (300) can control various components of the dryer (1) to perform at least one operation including water supply, washing, rinsing, dehydration, and / or drying according to a user input. For example, the control unit (300) can control the driving device (60) to adjust the rotation speed of the drum (30), control the compressor (73) and / or the heater (170) to maintain the temperature of air flowing into the inside of the drum (30a) at a predetermined target temperature, or control the drain pump (210) to pump water stored in the water tank (200) to the outside.

[0169] The control unit (300) can process sensor data collected from the sensor device (250) and perform various operations based on the processed sensor data collected from the sensor device (250).

[0170] The control unit (300) may include hardware such as a CPU, Micom, or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit (300) may include at least one memory (320) that stores data in the form of a program and an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the dryer (1), and at least one processor (310) that performs the operations described above and operations to be described below using the data stored in the at least one memory (320). The memory (320) and the processor (310) may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor (310) may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory (320) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. In addition, the memory (320) and the processor (310) may be implemented as a single chip.

[0171] At least one memory (320) can store a cycle profile corresponding to a drying course and the operating time of the dryer (1), a washing course and the operating time of the dryer (1), and a washing setting / rinsing setting / spin setting / drying setting. The cycle profile can include the rotation speed of the drum (120) in the drying cycle, the target temperature of the air supplied to the inside of the drum (30a), etc.

[0172] The control unit (300) may be mounted on a printed circuit board provided on the rear of a control panel, which is an example of a user interface device (40).

[0173] The control unit (300) may be electrically connected to a user interface device (40), a heat pump device (75), a driving device (60), a heater (170), a drainage pump (210), a communication unit (330), and / or a sensor device (250).

[0174] Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a sensor device of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0175] According to one embodiment, a sensor device (250) may be provided in a water tank (200).

[0176] A sensor device (250) according to one embodiment can detect a force generated by condensate stored in a tank (200).

[0177] The sensor device (250) may include a case (251) coupled to the water tank (200), a diaphragm (257) coupled to the case (251) to which a force is applied according to the water level of the water tank (200), and a force sensor (253) provided between the case (251) and the diaphragm (257). The force according to the water level of the water tank (200) may include the weight of condensate according to the water level of the water tank (200).

[0178] A metal plate (255) may be placed between the diaphragm (257) and the force sensor (253). The metal plate (255) may transmit the displacement change of the diaphragm (257) to the force sensor (253).

[0179] In one embodiment, the case (251) may include a first coupling portion (251a, see FIG. 8a) for coupling to the tank (200). The first coupling portion may be implemented in various forms, such as a coupling protrusion, a coupling hinge, a coupling screw, a coupling hook, etc. As will be described later, the tank (200) may also be provided with a second coupling portion (202a of FIG. 8a, 212b of FIG. 9) that can be coupled to the case (251). The second coupling portion may be implemented in a form that can be coupled to the first coupling portion.

[0180] The case (251) can be fixed to the tank (200) through the first connecting portion.

[0181] In one embodiment, the case (251) may include a mounting portion on which a force sensor (253) may be mounted. The mounting portion may include a groove in the shape of the force sensor (253). The groove may include a hole (251h) through which a wire (K) of the force sensor (253) may pass. The wire (K) of the force sensor (253) may transmit sensor data collected from the force sensor (253) to the control unit (300). The wire (K) of the force sensor (253) may receive power from the control unit (300).

[0182] For this purpose, the wire (K) may include multiple signal transmission lines (e.g., power lines, sensor data output lines, etc.).

[0183] The force sensor (253) can be mounted on the mounting portion of the case (251).

[0184] A metal plate (255) may be placed on the upper side of the force sensor (253). The metal plate (255) may transmit the force pressed by the diaphragm (257) to the force sensor (253).

[0185] The metal plate (255) can be made of, for example, a stainless steel plate.

[0186] The diaphragm (257) may include a third connecting portion that is connectable with the case (251). For example, the diaphragm (257) may include a third connecting portion that is connectable with the first connecting portion of the case (251). The diaphragm (257) may be made of an elastic material and may be tightly connected to the upper side of the case (251).

[0187] The portion where the diaphragm (257) and the case (251) are joined may be waterproofed. For example, the diaphragm (257) may be provided in a form that covers the case (251), and a waterproof tape for joining the diaphragm (257) and the case (251) may surround the diaphragm (257) and the case (251).

[0188] Accordingly, the diaphragm (257) can be coupled to the upper side of the case (251).

[0189] The diaphragm (257) may include an insertion groove into which a metal plate (255) can be inserted.

[0190] A metal plate (255) can be provided between the insertion groove of the diaphragm (257) and the mounting portion of the case (251).

[0191] The diaphragm (257) may be formed of a material that undergoes displacement depending on the weight pressing on it. For example, the diaphragm (257) may be formed of a rubber and / or silicone material.

[0192] The diaphragm (257) may be made of a waterproof material.

[0193] The diaphragm (257) may be displaced depending on the water level of the tank (200). As the water level of the tank (200) increases, the force pressing the diaphragm (257) becomes stronger, and thus the displacement of the diaphragm (257) may increase. When the diaphragm (257) is displaced, a force is applied to the metal plate (255), and the force applied to the metal plate (255) may be applied to the force sensor (253).

[0194] The force sensor (253) may include a sensor capable of converting a force applied to the force sensor (253) into an electrical signal. The force sensor (253) may be configured as a device whose electrical characteristics change when a mechanical force is applied to the force sensor (253).

[0195] For example, the force sensor (253) can detect a change in electrostatic capacitance caused by a force applied to the force sensor (253) and output data related to the change in electrostatic capacitance.

[0196] As another example, the force sensor (253) may include a piezoelectric sensor that outputs an electrical signal when force is applied to the force sensor (253). The piezoelectric sensor may output an electrical signal according to mechanical deformation.

[0197] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a case (251) is coupled and fixed to a water tank (200), a diaphragm (257) is coupled to an upper side of the case (251), and a force sensor (253) is provided between the case (251) and the diaphragm (257), thereby preventing the force sensor (253) from being exposed to water and accurately measuring a force applied to the force sensor (253) according to the water level of the water tank (200).

[0198] In addition, the wire (K) connected to the force sensor (253) can be exposed to the outside of the water tank (200) through a hole (251h) formed in the case (251), so that the wire (K) can be prevented from being exposed to water.

[0199] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining an example of a method in which a force sensor of a sensor device according to one embodiment detects force.

[0200] Referring to Fig. 7, a cross-sectional view of the sensor device (250) can be seen. When force is applied to the diaphragm (257) due to the weight of the water stored in the tank (250), force may also be applied to the metal plate (255).

[0201] For example, when the diaphragm (257) receives a force in the direction of gravity, the metal plate (255) placed on the lower side of the diaphragm (257) can also receive a force in the direction of gravity.

[0202] When force is applied to the metal plate (255), force may also be applied to the force sensor (253).

[0203] For example, when a metal plate (255) receives a force in the direction of gravity, a force sensor (253) placed on the lower side of the metal plate (255) may also receive a force in the direction of gravity.

[0204] Since the case (251) placed on the lower side of the force sensor (253) is fixedly connected to the tank (200), the force sensor (253) can fully detect the force applied to the diaphragm (257) between the case (251) and the metal plate (255).

[0205] As a result, the force sensor (253) can detect the force generated by the condensate stored in the tank (250). The force sensor (253) can be connected to a wire (K) passing through a hole (251h) formed in the case (251), and this wire (K) can be connected to an electrical configuration of the dryer (1) (e.g., a control unit (300)).

[0206] The force sensor (253) can transmit an electrical signal (sensor data) corresponding to the force generated by the condensate stored in the tank (250) to the electrical components of the dryer (1) (e.g., the control unit (300)) through the wire (K).

[0207] Fig. 8a illustrates an example of the structure of a sensor device of a dryer according to one embodiment. Fig. 8b illustrates an example of the sensor device illustrated in Fig. 8a coupled to a water tank.

[0208] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the bottom surface (205) of the tank (200) according to one embodiment may include an opening (202).

[0209] A second coupling portion (202a) to which a first coupling portion (251a) of a case (251) can be coupled may be formed in an opening (202) formed in the bottom surface (205) of the tank (200). For example, the first coupling portion (251a) may include a coupling protrusion, and the second coupling portion (202a) may include a coupling groove that matches the coupling protrusion.

[0210] However, the examples of the first coupling portion (251a) and the second coupling portion (202a) are not limited thereto.

[0211] When the first coupling portion (251a) and the second coupling portion (202a) are completely coupled, the opening (202) formed on the bottom surface (205) of the tank (200) can be closed by the disappearing case (251).

[0212] As the opening (202) formed on the bottom surface (205) of the tank (200) is closed, the leakage problem of condensate stored in the tank (200) leaking out can be solved.

[0213] In addition, since the case (251) is coupled to the opening (202) formed in the bottom surface (205) of the tank (200), thereby forming the bottom surface of the tank (200), an effect similar to that of the force sensor (253) being provided directly on the bottom surface (205) of the tank (200) can be obtained.

[0214] That is, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step between the force sensor (253) and the bottom surface (205) of the water tank (200) is minimized, so that the force applied to the force sensor (253) can be accurately sensed according to the water level of the water tank (200).

[0215] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor device (250) is provided so as to be detachably attached to the tank (200), so that the sensor device (250) can be easily replaced at any time if there is a problem.

[0216] A sensor device (250) according to one embodiment may be coupled with an opening (202) formed in the bottom surface (205) of a water tank (200). When the case (251) is completely coupled to the water tank (200), there may be no step between the case (251) and the bottom surface (205) of the water tank (200).

[0217] Accordingly, a shape in which a diaphragm (257) rises from the bottom surface (205) of the tank (200) can be implemented. The space between the diaphragm (257) and the opening (202) can be waterproofed. For example, the space between the diaphragm (257) and the opening (202) can be treated with a waterproof tape.

[0218] The wire (K) of the force sensor (253) can be exposed toward the bottom surface (205) of the water tank (200) through a hole (251h) formed in the case (251).

[0219] In one embodiment, the force sensor (253) can transmit sensor data to the control unit (300) through a wire (K) passing through a hole formed in the case (251).

[0220] The force sensor (253) can receive power from the control unit (300) via a wire (K). For this purpose, there may be multiple wires (K).

[0221] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wire (K) connected to the force sensor (253) can be prevented from being exposed to water.

[0222] Fig. 9 illustrates another example of the structure of a sensor device of a dryer according to one embodiment. Fig. 10 illustrates an example of the sensor device illustrated in Fig. 9 coupled to a water tank.

[0223] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the tank (200) may include an inner housing (212) in which condensate is received and an outer housing (211) disposed outside the inner housing (212).

[0224] The inner housing (212) and the outer housing (211) may be formed integrally, and an empty space (212a) may be formed between the inner housing (212) and the outer housing (211).

[0225] A second coupling portion (212b) to which a case (251) can be coupled can be formed in the inner housing (212).

[0226] The second coupling portion (212b) of the inner housing (212) to which the case (251) can be coupled may include an opening (212a).

[0227] However, the outer housing (211) may not have an opening formed therein.

[0228] Accordingly, the condensate contained in the inner housing (212) can be prevented from being exposed to the outer housing (211).

[0229] Meanwhile, when the case (251) is coupled to the second coupling portion (212b) formed in the inner housing (212), the opening (212a) of the inner housing (212) can be closed. Since the case (251) is coupled to the opening formed in the inner housing (212) of the tank (200), thereby forming the surface of the inner housing (212) of the tank (200), an effect similar to that of the force sensor (253) being provided directly on the bottom surface (205) of the tank (200) can be obtained.

[0230] The case (251) may include a hole communicating with the space between the inner housing (212) and the outer housing (211).

[0231] The wire (K) of the force sensor (253) can be exposed to the space between the inner housing (212) and the outer housing (211) of the tank (200) through a hole formed in the case (251). The wire (K) can be exposed to the outside of the tank (200) through the space between the inner housing (212) and the outer housing (211) of the tank (200).

[0232] According to the present disclosure, even if no opening is formed in the water tank (200) itself, the wire (K) of the force sensor (253) can be exposed to the outside through a space where there is no exposure to water.

[0233] In one embodiment, the force sensor (253) can transmit sensor data to the control unit (300) via a wire (K) passing through the space between the inner housing (212) and the outer housing (211).

[0234] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wire (K) connected to the force sensor (253) can be prevented from being exposed to water.

[0235] Figure 11 illustrates another example of the sensor device illustrated in Figure 9 being coupled to a tank.

[0236] Referring to FIG. 11, the case (251) may be combined with the bottom surface of the tank (200), and an opening may not be formed in the bottom surface of the tank (200).

[0237] The force sensor (253) is exposed to the outside through a hole in the case (251) and can be exposed to the upper part of the tank (200) through the inside of the tank (200).

[0238] At this time, the hole of the case (251) and the wire (K) of the force sensor (253) can be waterproofed with a waterproof product such as waterproof tape.

[0239] In one embodiment, the force sensor (253) can transmit sensor data to the control unit (300) through a wire (K) that passes through the upper part of the tank (200) and is exposed to the outside of the tank (200).

[0240] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the wire (K) is well waterproofed, the situation of water leaking through the bottom surface of the tank (200) can be fundamentally prevented.

[0241] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the water level of the water tank (200) can be accurately determined by directly detecting the weight of water that changes according to the water level of the water tank (200) through a force sensor (253).

[0242] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the strength of the force applied to the diaphragm (257) can be directly measured according to the weight of the water in the tank (200) through the force sensor (253).

[0243] Fig. 12a illustrates another example of a sensor device of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0244] Referring to FIG. 12a, a sensor device (250) according to one embodiment may include a pressure sensor (250a).

[0245] In order to measure the pressure of the condensate stored in the tank (200), a guide (261a) (e.g., a rubber hose) may be provided on one side of the tank (200). A pressure sensor (250a) may be provided at the end of the guide (261a) provided on one side of the tank (200) to measure the water pressure that changes according to the water level of the tank (200).

[0246] In order to measure the water pressure that changes according to the water level of the water tank (200), the water level of the water tank (200) must rise to a specific level, so measuring the water level of the water tank (200) with a pressure sensor (250a) may be more inaccurate than measuring the water level of the water tank (200) with a force sensor (253).

[0247] In particular, a pressure sensor is often used as an example of a sensor for measuring the water level of the tub (115) of the dryer (1b) according to one embodiment, but since the size of the water tank (200) storing condensate is relatively much smaller than the size of the tub (115), the water level cannot be accurately measured with the pressure sensor.

[0248] Fig. 12b illustrates another example of a sensor device of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0249] Referring to FIG. 12b, a sensor device (250) according to one embodiment may include a proximity sensor (250b).

[0250] The proximity sensor (250b) may include an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and / or a radar sensor.

[0251] The proximity sensor (250b) may include an irradiation unit that irradiates a specific signal (e.g., an optical signal, an ultrasonic signal, a radar signal) and a reception unit that receives a reflection signal in which the specific signal is reflected by water stored in the tank (200).

[0252] The proximity sensor (250b) can measure the water level of the tank (200) based on the time of flight (ToF) of a specific signal.

[0253] However, since the size of the tank (200) storing the condensate is relatively small, measuring the water level of the tank (200) with a force sensor (253) may be more accurate than measuring the water level using the ToF method.

[0254] Fig. 12c illustrates another example of a sensor device of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0255] Referring to FIG. 12c, a sensor device (250) according to one embodiment may include a capacitance sensor (250c).

[0256] The electrostatic capacitance sensor (250c) can measure changes in electrostatic capacitance due to changes in the water level of the water tank (200).

[0257] The capacitance sensor (250c) may include two conductive electrodes, and may measure the water level of the water tank (200) based on changes in the capacitance between the electrodes as the water level of the water tank (200) changes.

[0258] However, since the size of the tank (200) storing the condensate is relatively small, the method of measuring the water level of the tank (200) using a force sensor (253) may be more accurate than the method of measuring the water level of the tank (200) using a capacitive method.

[0259] The sensor device (250) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a force sensor (253), so that the water level of the tank (200) can be determined more accurately than when employing other types of sensors.

[0260] Fig. 13 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0261] Referring to FIG. 13, a dryer (1) according to one embodiment can start a drying process (1100).

[0262] In the processes illustrated in Fig. 13, the sensor used to determine the water level of the tank (200) may be not only the force sensor (253), but also various sensors (250a, 250b, 250c) described above.

[0263] The dryer (1a) illustrated in Fig. 2a can start a drying process in response to receiving a command to start a drying process through a user interface device (40).

[0264] The dryer (1b) illustrated in Fig. 2b can start a drying process in response to receiving a command to start a drying process through a user interface device (40).

[0265] The dryer (1b) illustrated in Fig. 2b can sequentially start the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, spin-drying cycle, and drying cycle in response to receiving a start command of the washing cycle through the user interface device (40).

[0266] The control unit (300) can control the drive device, heater, and / or compressor to perform the drying process in response to receiving a command to start the drying process through the user interface device (40).

[0267] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can determine whether the drying process is completed based on sensor data collected from a force sensor (253) included in the sensor device (250).

[0268] For example, the control unit (300) may determine the water level of the tank (200) based on sensor data collected from the force sensor (253). Determining the water level of the tank (200) may include determining the amount of change in the water level of the tank (200) per unit time. Determining the amount of change in the water level of the tank (200) per unit time may include determining the amount of change in the force intensity value collected from the force sensor (253) per unit time.

[0269] Sensor data collected from the force sensor (253) may include a value of the strength of the force applied to the diaphragm (257).

[0270] The control unit (300) can determine the water level of the tank (200) corresponding to the force intensity value. To this end, the memory (320) can store a lookup table regarding the water level of the tank (200) that matches the force intensity value.

[0271] The control unit (300) can determine whether the water level change in the tank (200) per unit time is below a reference value (1300). At this time, the unit time may be a predetermined time and stored in the memory (320). For example, the unit time may be approximately 3 minutes, but is not limited thereto.

[0272] Depending on various embodiments, the reference value may be a preset value stored in advance in the memory (320), or may be a value determined based on the control unit (300) starting the drying process.

[0273] If the amount of change in the water level of the tank (200) per unit time is less than the reference value, this corresponds to a state in which the amount of condensate discharged from the heat exchanger (70) is reduced.

[0274] A decrease in the amount of condensate discharged from the heat exchanger (70) means that the dryness of the object to be dried is high.

[0275] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may determine that the drying process is completed based on the fact that the amount of change in the water level of the tank (200) per unit time is less than a reference value (example of 1300) (1400).

[0276] If the reference value is predetermined regardless of the weight or initial humidity of the object to be dried, the drying process may be judged to be completed even though the object to be dried is not completely dried.

[0277] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may determine a reference value based on the start of the drying process (1200). At this time, the reference value needs to be appropriately set to correspond to the initial weight and humidity of the object to be dried.

[0278] For example, the control unit (300) may determine a reference value based on the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (200) during the reference time after the drying process begins and a predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately 5 minutes) has elapsed. At this time, the reference time may be determined as a unit time, but is not limited thereto.

[0279] In the initial stage when the drying process begins, the amount of condensate generated is small because the air supplied to the inside of the drum (30a) is in a state before being heated.

[0280] Accordingly, the water level change in the tank (200) over a specified period of time after the drying process begins has low reliability as a reference value.

[0281] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the drying process starts and a predetermined time (e.g., about 5 minutes) has elapsed, the control unit (300) determines a reference value based on the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (200) during the reference time, thereby calculating an appropriate reference value corresponding to the weight and humidity of the object to be dried.

[0282] For example, when the drying process starts and a predetermined amount of time has passed, the control unit (300) can determine a value that is smaller by a predetermined amount than the value corresponding to the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (200) during the standard time as a reference value.

[0283] As another example, the control unit (300) may determine a value that is smaller by a predetermined percentage than the value corresponding to the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (200) during the standard time, when the drying process starts and a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0284] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by appropriately changing the reference values ​​corresponding to the weight and humidity of the object to be dried, the dryness of the object to be dried can be easily determined based on the amount of change in the water level of the tank (200) without measuring the weight or humidity of the object to be dried.

[0285] According to various embodiments, the control unit (300) may also auxiliary use an electrode sensor (160) to determine whether the drying process is complete.

[0286] For example, the control unit (300) may determine that the drying process is completed in response to the drying process completion condition being satisfied by the electrode sensor (160) and the drying process completion condition being satisfied by the force sensor (253).

[0287] The condition for completion of the drying process by the electrode sensor (160) may include that the number of times an electric signal is output by the electrode sensor (160) per unit time has decreased to a predetermined number or less.

[0288] That is, the control unit (300) can determine that the drying process is completed based on the fact that the number of times an electric signal is output by the electrode sensor (160) per unit time (e.g., about 1 minute) decreases to a predetermined number or less and the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (200) per unit time is less than a reference value.

[0289] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, reliability can be secured by utilizing two sensors in determining the dryness of a drying object.

[0290] The control unit (300) can control the driving device (60) to stop the drum (120) and / or the blower fan (151) based on the completion of the drying process.

[0291] The control unit (300) can stop the operation of the compressor (73) based on the completion of the drying process.

[0292] The control unit (300) can notify an external device (e.g., a user device) of the completion of the drying process through the communication unit (330) based on the completion of the drying process.

[0293] Meanwhile, the dryer (1) needs to operate the drain pump (210) to discharge the condensate in the water tank (200) to the outside when the water level in the water tank (200) reaches the standard water level.

[0294] The control unit (300) can operate the drainage pump (210) in response to the water level of the tank (200) reaching the reference water level.

[0295] The control unit (300) can stop the drainage pump (210) in response to the water level of the tank (200) reaching a predetermined minimum water level.

[0296] The control unit (300) may not consider the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (200) during the operation of the drainage pump (210) when determining the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (200) per unit time.

[0297] That is, the control unit (300) can determine the amount of change in the water level of the tank (200) only when the drainage pump (210) is not operating.

[0298] For example, if the unit time is set to 5 minutes and the drain pump (210) has been operating for 1 minute after 3 minutes have passed, the control unit (300) can determine the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (200) during the first 3 minutes and the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (200) during 2 minutes after the operation of the drain pump (210) ends as the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (200) per unit time.

[0299] Fig. 14 illustrates another example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0300] Referring to FIG. 14, a dryer (1) according to one embodiment can start a drying process (2100).

[0301] In the processes illustrated in Fig. 14, the sensor used to determine the water level of the tank (200) may be not only the force sensor (253), but also various sensor devices (250) (250a, 250b, 250c) described above.

[0302] The control unit (300) can calculate the time required for the water level of the tank (200) to reach a reference water level from a predetermined minimum water level (2300). At this time, the reference water level may be a predetermined value stored in the memory (320). According to various embodiments, the reference water level may be a preset value stored in advance in the memory (320), or a value determined by the control unit (300) based on the start of the drying process.

[0303] If the time required to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level is longer than the reference time, this corresponds to a state in which the amount of condensate discharged from the heat exchanger (70) is reduced.

[0304] A decrease in the amount of condensate discharged from the heat exchanger (70) means that the dryness of the object to be dried is high.

[0305] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may determine that the drying process is completed based on the time required for the water level of the tank (200) to reach a reference water level from a predetermined minimum water level being longer than the reference time (example of 2500) (2600).

[0306] That is, the control unit (300) can determine that the drying process is completed in response to the water level of the tank (200) not reaching the reference water level from the predetermined minimum water level for a reference time.

[0307] In one embodiment, the reference water level may be a reference water level corresponding to the operating conditions of the drainage pump (210). Accordingly, the control unit (300) may operate the drainage pump (210) based on the water level of the tank (200) reaching the reference water level (example of 2300) (2400).

[0308] According to various embodiments, the control unit (300) may operate the drain pump (210) until the water level of the tank (200) reaches a predetermined minimum water level. That is, the control unit (300) may stop the operation of the drain pump (210) when the water level of the tank (200) reaches a predetermined minimum water level.

[0309] If the reference time is predetermined regardless of the weight or initial humidity of the object to be dried, the drying process may be judged to be completed even though the object to be dried is not completely dry.

[0310] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may determine a reference time based on the start of the drying process (2200). At this time, the reference time needs to be appropriately set to correspond to the initial weight and humidity of the object to be dried.

[0311] For example, the control unit (300) may determine a reference time based on the time taken for the water level of the water tank (200) to reach a reference level from a predetermined minimum water level after the drying cycle starts and the drainage pump (210) operates a predetermined number of times. Determining the reference time based on the time taken for the water level of the water tank (200) to reach a reference level from a predetermined minimum water level may include determining the reference time based on the length of time taken for the water level of the water tank (200) to reach a reference level from a predetermined minimum water level.

[0312] In the initial stage when the drying process begins, the amount of condensate generated is small because the air supplied to the inside of the drum (30a) is in a state before being heated.

[0313] Accordingly, the time required for the water level of the tank (200) to reach the reference level from the predetermined minimum level is bound to be long. In other words, if the reference level is determined after the drying process has started and the drainage pump (210) is not in operation, the reliability is low.

[0314] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (300) determines a reference time based on the time taken until the water level of the water tank (200) reaches a reference water level from a predetermined minimum water level after the drying process starts and the drainage pump (210) operates a predetermined number of times (e.g., once), thereby calculating an appropriate reference time corresponding to the weight and humidity of the object to be dried.

[0315] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, data on the time when the water level of the water tank (200) reaches the reference water level immediately after the drying process starts is ignored because it has low reliability, and the reliability of the reference time can be increased by setting the time taken until the water level of the water tank (200) reaches the reference water level from a predetermined minimum water level after the drainage pump (210) operates at least once as the reference time.

[0316] For example, the control unit (300) may determine a reference time as a time that is a predetermined time longer than the time taken for the water level of the water tank (200) to reach a reference water level from a predetermined minimum water level after the drying process starts and the drainage pump (210) operates at least once.

[0317] As another example, the control unit (300) may determine the reference time as a time that is a predetermined percentage longer than the time taken for the water level of the water tank (200) to reach the reference water level from a predetermined minimum water level after the drying process starts and the drainage pump (210) operates at least once.

[0318] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by appropriately changing the reference time corresponding to the weight and humidity of the object to be dried, the dryness of the object to be dried can be easily determined based on the water level of the water tank (200) without measuring the weight or humidity of the object to be dried.

[0319] According to various embodiments, the control unit (300) may also auxiliary use an electrode sensor (160) to determine whether the drying process is complete.

[0320] For example, the control unit (300) may determine that the drying process is completed in response to the drying process completion condition being satisfied by the electrode sensor (160) and the drying process completion condition being satisfied by the force sensor (253).

[0321] The condition for completion of the drying process by the electrode sensor (160) may include that the number of times an electric signal is output by the electrode sensor (160) per unit time has decreased to a predetermined number or less.

[0322] That is, the control unit (300) can determine that the drying process is completed in response to the fact that the number of times an electric signal is output by the electrode sensor (160) per unit time (e.g., about 1 minute) decreases to a predetermined number or less and the water level of the water tank (200) does not reach the reference water level from the predetermined minimum water level for a reference time.

[0323] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, reliability can be secured by utilizing two sensors in determining the dryness of a drying object.

[0324] The control unit (300) can control the driving device (60) to stop the drum (120) and / or the blower fan (151) based on the completion of the drying process.

[0325] The control unit (300) can stop the operation of the compressor (73) based on the completion of the drying process.

[0326] The control unit (300) can notify an external device (e.g., a user device) of the completion of the drying process through the communication unit (330) based on the completion of the drying process.

[0327] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can accurately detect the water level of a water tank (200) through a force sensor (253), and accordingly accurately detect whether a drying process corresponding to the dryness of a material to be dried has been completed.

[0328] Fig. 15 is a drawing for explaining the operating cycle of a drainage pump (210) according to one embodiment.

[0329] Referring to FIG. 15, the control unit (300) can operate the drainage pump (210) according to the water level of the water tank (200). The water level of the water tank (200) can be measured by a sensor device (250). For example, the water level of the water tank (200) can correspond to a force intensity value measured by a force sensor (253).

[0330] The control unit (300) can operate the drain pump (210) in response to the water level of the tank (200) reaching the reference water level. For example, the control unit (300) can operate the drain pump (210) in response to the force intensity value measured by the force sensor (253) reaching the reference intensity value.

[0331] The control unit (300) can stop the drain pump (210) in response to the water level of the tank (200) reaching a predetermined minimum water level. For example, the control unit (300) can stop the drain pump (210) in response to the force intensity value measured by the force sensor (253) reaching a predetermined minimum intensity value.

[0332] At this time, the predetermined minimum water level may be 0 cm. That is, the predetermined force intensity value may be 0, but the predetermined minimum water level or the predetermined force intensity value is not limited thereto.

[0333] The control unit (300) can determine the reference time based on the time (h1 or h2) that the water level of the tank (200) reaches the reference water level from a predetermined minimum water level.

[0334] The control unit (300) can determine whether the drying process is complete based on the time (h1 or h2) it takes for the water level of the water tank (200) to reach the reference water level from a predetermined minimum water level.

[0335] For example, the control unit (300) may determine that the drying process is completed in response to the time (h1 or h2) for the water level of the tank (200) to reach the reference water level from a predetermined minimum water level being longer than the reference time.

[0336] According to various embodiments, the sensor device (250) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be installed in another part of the dryer (1) or in another home appliance (e.g., a dehumidifier, a humidifier, etc.) other than the dryer (1). In particular, the sensor device (250) according to one embodiment may be installed in a device having a small-sized water tank (200).

[0337] For example, a sensor device (250) according to one embodiment can be installed at the bottom of a tub (115) to detect the water level of the tub (115).

[0338] For example, a sensor device (250) according to one embodiment may be installed in a water tank (200) that contains water for providing steam to clothes in a clothes management device for managing clothes by supplying hot air to clothes hung on a hanger.

[0339] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor device (250) can accurately identify the amount of water to provide steam to clothing.

[0340] As another example, a sensor device (250) according to one embodiment may be provided in a detergent box of a detergent supply device (80).

[0341] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor device (250) can accurately identify the amount of detergent contained in the detergent container of the detergent supply device (80).

[0342] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a sensor device capable of accurately identifying the amount of water stored in a tank is provided, so that the dryer can perform various operations according to the water level of the tank.

[0343] A dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a drum (120); a heat exchanger (70) for heating air supplied into the drum (120); a tank (200) for storing condensate generated by the heat exchanger (70); a sensor device (250) including a force sensor (253) for detecting force generated by the condensate stored in the tank (200); and at least one processor (310) for determining whether a drying process is completed based on sensor data collected from the force sensor (253).

[0344] The above sensor device (250) may include a case (251) coupled to the water tank (200), and a diaphragm (257) coupled to the case (251) to which a force is applied according to the water level of the water tank (200).

[0345] The above force sensor (253) can be provided between the case (251) and the diaphragm (257).

[0346] The above sensor device (250) may further include a metal plate (255) placed between the diaphragm (257) and the force sensor (253).

[0347] The at least one processor (310) may determine the amount of change in the water level of the tank (200) per unit time based on the sensor data collected from the force sensor (253), and determine that the drying process is completed in response to the amount of change in the water level of the tank (200) per unit time being less than a reference value.

[0348] The at least one processor (310) may determine the reference value based on the amount of change in the water level of the tank (200) during the reference time when the drying process starts and a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0349] The above dryer (1) further includes a drainage pump (210) that discharges condensate in the water tank (200) to the outside of the water tank (200), and the at least one processor (310) can operate the drainage pump (210) based on the water level of the water tank (200) reaching a reference water level, and determine the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (200) only when the drainage pump (210) is not operated.

[0350] The at least one processor (310) may determine the water level of the tank (200) based on sensor data collected from the force sensor (253), and determine that the drying process is completed in response to the water level of the tank (200) not reaching the reference water level from the predetermined minimum water level for the reference time.

[0351] The above dryer (1) further includes a drain pump (210) that discharges condensate in the water tank (200) to the outside of the water tank (200), and the at least one processor (310) can operate the drain pump (210) in response to the water level of the water tank (200) reaching the reference water level.

[0352] The at least one processor (310) may stop the drain pump (210) in response to the water level of the tank (200) reaching the predetermined minimum water level, and determine the reference time based on the time taken until the water level of the tank (200) reaches the reference water level from the predetermined minimum water level after the drying process is started and the drain pump (210) operates a predetermined number of times.

[0353] The bottom surface of the above tank (200) includes an opening, the case (251) closes the opening and is coupled to the tank (200), and the force sensor (253) can transmit the sensor data to the at least one processor (310) through a wire passing through the hole formed in the case (251).

[0354] The above tank (200) includes an inner housing in which the condensate is received; and an outer housing disposed outside the inner housing; and the force sensor (253) can transmit the sensor data to the at least one processor (310) through a wire that passes through the space between the inner housing and the outer housing and is exposed to the outside of the tank (200).

[0355] The case (251) includes a hole communicating with the space between the inner housing and the outer housing, and the wire can pass through the hole.

[0356] The above dryer (1) further includes an electrode sensor (160) provided inside the drum (120), and the at least one processor (310) can determine that the drying process is completed in response to the completion condition of the drying process being satisfied by the electrode sensor (160) and the completion condition of the drying process being satisfied by the force sensor (253).

[0357] A control method of a dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a tank (200) for storing condensate generated by a heat exchanger (70) for heating air supplied into a drum (120), and a sensor device (250) for detecting force generated by the condensate stored in the tank (200), wherein the sensor device (250) includes a case (251) coupled to the tank (200), a diaphragm (257) coupled to the case (251) to which force is applied according to the water level of the tank (200), and a force sensor (253) provided between the case (251) and the diaphragm (257), wherein the water level of the tank (200) is determined based on sensor data collected from the force sensor (253); It may include determining whether the drying process is completed based on the water level of the above tank (200).

[0358] Determining the water level of the tank (200) based on the sensor data collected from the force sensor (253) may include determining the amount of change in the water level of the tank (200) per unit time based on the sensor data collected from the force sensor (253); and determining whether the drying process is completed based on the water level of the tank (200) may include determining that the drying process is completed in response to the amount of change in the water level of the tank (200) per unit time being less than a reference value.

[0359] The control method of the above dryer (1) may further include determining the reference value based on the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (200) during the reference time when the drying process starts and a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0360] The control method of the above dryer (1) further includes operating the drain pump (210) based on the water level of the water tank (200) reaching a reference water level; and determining the amount of change in the water level of the water tank (200) can be performed only when the drain pump (210) is not operated.

[0361] Determining whether the drying process is completed based on the water level of the water tank (200) may include determining that the drying process is completed in response to the water level of the water tank (200) not reaching the reference water level from the predetermined minimum water level for the reference time.

[0362] The control method of the above dryer (1) may further include operating the drainage pump (210) in response to the water level of the water tank (200) reaching the reference water level.

[0363] The control method of the above dryer (1) may further include: stopping the drain pump (210) in response to the water level of the water tank (200) reaching the predetermined minimum water level; and determining the reference time based on the time taken until the water level of the water tank (200) reaches the reference water level from the predetermined minimum water level after the drying process starts and the drain pump (210) operates a predetermined number of times.

[0364] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording 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. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0365] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0366] Additionally, a computer-readable recording 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.

[0367] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present 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 recording 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 on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0368] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. Drum; A heat exchanger for heating the air supplied into the drum; A tank for storing condensate generated by the above heat exchanger; A sensor device including a force sensor that detects the force generated by the condensate stored in the above tank; and A dryer comprising at least one processor that determines whether a drying cycle is completed based on sensor data collected from the force sensor.

2. In paragraph 1, The above sensor device, It further includes a case coupled to the above tank, and a diaphragm coupled to the case to which a force is applied according to the water level of the above tank. The above force sensor is a dryer provided between the case and the diaphragm.

3. In paragraph 1, At least one processor of the above, A dryer that determines the amount of change in water level of the tank per unit time based on sensor data collected from the force sensor, and determines that the drying process is completed in response to the amount of change in water level of the tank per unit time being less than a reference value.

4. In paragraph 3, At least one processor of the above, A dryer that determines the reference value based on the amount of change in the water level of the tank during the reference time after the above drying process starts and a predetermined time has elapsed.

5. In paragraph 3, Further comprising a drainage pump for discharging condensate within the tank to the outside of the tank; At least one processor of the above, A dryer that operates the drain pump based on the water level of the tank reaching a reference water level, and determines the amount of change in the water level of the tank only when the drain pump does not operate.

6. In paragraph 1, At least one processor of the above, A dryer that determines the water level of the tank based on sensor data collected from the force sensor, and determines that the drying process is completed in response to the water level of the tank not reaching a reference water level from a predetermined minimum water level for a reference time.

7. In paragraph 6, Further comprising a drainage pump for discharging condensate within the tank to the outside of the tank; At least one processor of the above, A dryer that operates the drain pump in response to the water level of the above tank reaching the reference water level.

8. In paragraph 7, At least one processor of the above, In response to the water level of the above tank reaching the above-mentioned minimum water level, the drain pump is stopped, A dryer that determines the reference time based on the time required for the water level of the water tank to reach the reference water level from the reference minimum water level after the drying process starts and the drainage pump operates a reference number of times.

9. In paragraph 2, The bottom surface of the above tank includes an opening, The above case closes the above opening and is coupled to the above tank, A dryer in which the force sensor transmits the sensor data to the at least one processor through a wire passing through a hole formed in the case.

10. In paragraph 1, A dryer in which the force sensor transmits the sensor data to the at least one processor through a wire that passes through the upper part of the tank and is exposed to the outside of the tank.

11. In paragraph 2, The above tank is, an inner housing in which the condensate is received; and An outer housing disposed outside the inner housing; A dryer in which the force sensor transmits the sensor data to the at least one processor through a wire that passes through the space between the inner housing and the outer housing and is exposed to the outside of the tank.

12. In paragraph 11, The case includes a hole communicating with the space between the inner housing and the outer housing, The above wire is a dryer that passes through the above hole.

13. In paragraph 1, Further comprising an electrode sensor provided inside the drum; At least one processor of the above, A dryer that determines that the drying process is completed in response to the completion condition of the drying process being satisfied by the electrode sensor and the completion condition of the drying process being satisfied by the force sensor.

14. In paragraph 2, A dryer wherein the sensor device further includes a metal plate disposed between the diaphragm and the force sensor.

15. A method for controlling a dryer including a tank for storing condensate generated by a heat exchanger that heats air supplied into a drum, and a sensor device for detecting force generated by the condensate stored in the tank, the sensor device including a case coupled to the tank, a diaphragm coupled to the case and applying force according to the water level of the tank, and a force sensor provided between the case and the diaphragm, Determining the water level of the tank based on sensor data collected from the force sensor; A control method for a dryer, comprising: determining whether a drying process is completed based on the water level of the water tank.

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