Clothes treating apparatus and method for controlling same

Abstract

A clothes treating apparatus, according to the present disclosure, comprises: a drying apparatus which comprises a heat exchanger, a compressor, and a fan, and has formed therein a drain hole for draining condensate water generated by the heat exchanger; a tub which is provided on the lower side of the drying apparatus and stores the condensate water drained through the drain hole; a water level sensor which detects the water level of the tub; and a control unit which starts a drying cycle, operates the drying apparatus on the basis of the starting of the drying cycle, and determines a drying load to be one among a no load and a small load on the basis that the water level of the tub does not reach a preset water level while a preset time elapses after the starting of the drying cycle.

Description

Clothing treatment device and its control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a garment treatment device including a drying device and a control method thereof.

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

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

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

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

[0006] Dryers use electrode sensors built into the drum to detect the residual moisture content (or dryness) of the item being dried, and terminate the drying process based on this information. However, washing machines with dryers do not have electrode sensors built into the drum due to factors such as corrosion of the electrode sensors.

[0007] Washing machines with dryers lack electrode sensors inside the drum, making it impossible to determine the end of the drying cycle. Therefore, they either perform the drying cycle for a set amount of time or terminate it based on changes in the weight of the item. Consequently, there is a risk of misjudging the drying progress of the item. This can lead to overdrying or underdrying of the item during drying.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a garment treatment device and a control method thereof capable of preventing overdrying or underdrying of a garment during a drying process.

[0009] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a clothing treatment device may include: a drying device including a heat exchanger, a compressor, and a fan, and having a drainage hole formed to drain condensate generated by the heat exchanger; a tub provided on a lower side of the drying device and storing condensate drained through the drainage hole; a water level sensor detecting a water level of the tub; and a control unit that starts a drying cycle, operates the drying device based on the start of the drying cycle, and determines a drying load as one of no load and a small load based on the water level of the tub not reaching a preset water level during a preset time period after the start of the drying cycle.

[0011] A method for controlling a clothes treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a drying device including a heat exchanger, a compressor, and a fan, and a drainage hole formed to drain condensate generated by the heat exchanger; and a tub provided on a lower side of the drying device and storing condensate drained through the drainage hole, the method comprising: starting a drying cycle; operating the drying device based on the start of the drying cycle; and determining a drying load as one of no load and a small load based on the water level of the tub not reaching a preset water level during a preset time period after the start of the drying cycle.

[0012] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:

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

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

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

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

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a network of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a control block of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a drainage operation according to the water level of a tub in a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a flowchart for distinguishing between a small load and a no-load in a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates changes in the water level of a tub when the drying load is a small load and when there is no load in a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a flowchart for controlling the speed of a fan and a drum when the drying load is a small load in a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a flowchart for determining a drying load as a weight load or a bulk load in a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates a drying process in a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the drying load is a weight load and a bulk load.

[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates a part of a configuration arranged inside a garment treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates a control block of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a garment treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 17 illustrates changes in the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the drum when the drying load is no load and when the drying load is a small load in a garment treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for detecting an empty container (dry cloth) in a garment treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for detecting a small load in a garment treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] The various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, as discussed below in FIGS. 1 through 19 and in this patent document, are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in appropriately arranged systems or devices.

[0033] 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.

[0034] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Washing machines according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. A washing machine is an example of a clothing treatment device, and the term "clothing treatment device" encompasses devices that wash clothing (laundry items, drying items), devices that dry clothing, and devices that can perform both washing and drying of clothing.

[0044] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include top-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet for loading or removing laundry is provided facing upward, or front-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet is provided facing forward. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines of other loading methods other than top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines.

[0045] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed using a water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed by rotating the drum to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry. The front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine with a dryer that can dry the laundry contained inside the drum. The washing machine with a dryer may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the washing machine with a dryer may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine with a washing method other than the washing method described above.

[0046] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a housing that accommodates various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet formed on one side.

[0047] A washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry compartment. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the interior of the housing to be viewed.

[0048] A washing machine may include a tub provided within a housing to store water. The tub may be provided in a generally cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be positioned within the housing such that the tub opening corresponds to a laundry inlet.

[0049] The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated when the drum rotates, thereby reducing the vibrations transmitted to the housing.

[0050] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0051] The drum may be positioned within the tub such that the drum opening provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may be sequentially passed through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening to be accommodated within the drum or taken out from the drum.

[0052] The drum rotates within the tub and can perform each of the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations. The cylindrical wall of the drum is formed with a number of perforations, allowing water stored in the tub to flow into or out of the drum.

[0053] A washing machine may include a drive device configured to rotate a drum. The drive device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may be connected to the drum by penetrating the tub.

[0054] The driving device can rotate the drum forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, or drying cycle.

[0055] A washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to a tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided on the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub via the detergent supply device. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0056] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water source. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0057] A washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to a tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to add detergent for each wash cycle, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically supplies a predetermined amount of detergent during a wash cycle. The detergent supply device may include a detergent compartment for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through a water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a comprehensive term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent compartment may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0058] A washing machine may include a drain device configured to discharge water contained in a tub to the outside. The drain device may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve provided on the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump provided on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water in the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0059] The washing machine may include a control panel positioned on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for a user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0060] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0061] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. The at least one input interface 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.

[0062] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0063] For example, at least one output interface may transmit information related to the washing cycle and operating time of the washing machine, as well as washing / rinsing / spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0064] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0065] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0066] The communication module can transmit data to or receive data from external devices (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance). For example, the communication module can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

[0067] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with the external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances through a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine, such as a drive motor and a water inlet valve. The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one cycle, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to a user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum, or control the water inlet valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0071] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory storing program-type data, and at least one processor performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0072] Hereinafter, various embodiments of a garment treatment device will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings. While a washing machine is described as an example of a garment treatment device, the concepts of the present disclosure are not limited to washing machines and can be applied to various devices for treating and / or managing garments.

[0073] The terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right” used in the description below are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0074] For example, the X-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction, the Y-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction.

[0075] FIG. 1 illustrates a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a component arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a component arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from a different direction than that illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a garment treatment device (1) according to various embodiments may include a housing (10) that accommodates various components therein. The housing (10) may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet (11) formed on one side. The laundry inlet (11) may be provided to face approximately forward.

[0077] The garment treatment device (1) may include a laundry door (17) for opening and closing the laundry inlet (11). The laundry door (17) may be rotatably mounted to the housing (10) by a hinge. At least a portion of the laundry door (17) may be transparent or translucent so as to allow the interior of the housing (10) to be visible. For example, the laundry door (17) may include tempered glass.

[0078] The garment treatment device (1) may include a lower door (18) configured to allow access to a lower detergent supply device (60). The garment treatment device (1) may include an upper door (19) configured to allow access to an upper detergent supply device (50) and a filter (95).

[0079] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a tub (20) provided inside the housing (10) to store water. The tub (20) is provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening (21) formed on one side, and may be arranged inside the housing (10) so that the tub opening (21) corresponds to the laundry inlet (11). The tub opening (21) may be provided to face approximately forward.

[0080] The tub (20) can be connected to the housing (10) by a damper (25). The damper (25) can absorb vibrations generated when the drum (30) rotates and attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing (10).

[0081] A clothing treatment device (1) may include a drum (30) configured to accommodate laundry. At least one lifter (33) may be provided inside the drum (30) to perform washing by raising and lowering laundry.

[0082] The drum (30) may be placed inside the tub (20) such that the drum opening (31) provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet (11) and the tub opening (21). Laundry may pass through the laundry inlet (11), the tub opening (21) and the drum opening (31) in sequence to be accommodated inside the drum (30) or taken out from the drum (30). The drum opening (31) may be provided to face approximately forward.

[0083] The drum (30) can perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration process while rotating inside the tub (20). A plurality of holes (32) are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum (30), so that water stored in the tub (20) can flow into the inside of the drum (30) or flow out from the outside of the drum (30).

[0084] The garment treatment device (1) may include a driving device (36) configured to rotate a drum (30). The driving device (36) may include a motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated by the motor to the drum (30). The rotating shaft may pass through the tub (20) and be connected to the drum (30).

[0085] The driving device (36) can rotate the drum (30) forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, or drying cycle.

[0086] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a water supply device (40) configured to supply water to the tub (20). The water supply device (40) may include a water supply valve (41, 42) that can be connected to an external water source. For example, the water supply valve (41, 42) may include a hot water valve (41) for supplying hot water and a cold water valve (42) for supplying cold water.

[0087] The water supply device (40) may include a water supply pipe (43, 44). The water supply pipe (43, 44) may be connected to a water supply valve (41, 42). For example, the water supply pipe (43, 44) may be provided as a hose or pipe made of a flexible material.

[0088] For example, the water supply pipes (43, 44) may include a hot water pipe (43) connected to a hot water valve (41) and a cold water pipe (44) connected to a cold water valve (42). At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) may guide water from the water supply valve (41, 42) to the tub (20). At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) may extend from the water supply valve (41, 42) to the tub (20). Water may be supplied to the lower detergent supply device (60) via the tub (20). Water may also be supplied to the lower detergent supply device (60) without passing through the tub (20).

[0089] The water supply valves (41, 42) can open or close the water supply guides (43, 44) in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valves (41, 42) can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub (20). The water supply valves (41, 42) can include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0090] The garment treatment device (1) may include a detergent supply device (50, 60) configured to supply detergent to the tub (20). The detergent supply device (50, 60) may include an upper detergent supply device (50) and a lower detergent supply device (60). The term "detergent" may be used as a comprehensive term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc.

[0091] The upper detergent supply device (50) may be located at the upper part of the tub (20). The upper detergent supply device (50) may be located above the tub (20) in the vertical direction. The upper detergent supply device (50) may include a manual detergent supply device that requires the user to add detergent for each wash, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically adds a predetermined amount of detergent during the wash. The upper detergent supply device (50) may be connected to the tub (20) via a detergent connection pipe (51). For example, the upper detergent supply device (50) may be provided to supply solid detergent and / or fabric softener to the tub (20). However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above-described examples.

[0092] The lower detergent supply device (60) may be located at the bottom of the tub (20). The lower detergent supply device (60) may be located below the tub (20) in the direction of gravity. The lower detergent supply device (60) may include a manual detergent supply device that requires the user to add detergent to be used for each wash, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically adds a predetermined amount of detergent during the wash. For example, the lower detergent supply device (60) may be provided to supply liquid detergent and / or fabric softener to the tub (20). However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above-described examples.

[0093] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a drainage device (70) configured to discharge water contained in the tub (20) to the outside. The drainage device (70) may include a drainage pump (71) for discharging water in the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10).

[0094] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a circulation pump (76) to circulate water in the tub (20) back to the tub (20) through the lower detergent supply device (60).

[0095] The drainage device (70) can be connected to the tub (20) through a tub connection pipe (72). The drainage device (70) can discharge water from the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10) through a drain pipe (73).

[0096] A connecting hose (121a) can be connected to the branch pipe (72a) of the tub connecting pipe (72) so as to detect the water level within the tub (20) through pressure changes. This connecting hose (121a) can be connected to a water level sensor (121) installed at the bottom of the upper detergent supply device (50).

[0097] The garment treatment device (1) may include a control panel (15) arranged on one side of the housing (10). The control panel (15) may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the garment treatment device (1).

[0098] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a drying device (80) for drying laundry accommodated inside a drum (30). The drying device (80) may be configured to heat air and supply it to the inside of a tub (20). The drying device (80) may be configured to dry and heat air discharged from the tub (20) and circulate the dried and heated air into the inside of the tub (20) to dry clothing inside the drum (30). The drying device (80) according to various embodiments may be arranged on top of the tub (20).

[0099] The drying device (80) may include a drying case (81) in which a heat pump system for drying air may be installed. The drying case (81) may include a drying base (81a) and a drying cover (81b) that is coupled to the drying base (81a) and is provided to form a path through which air can move. The drying cover (81b) may cover the open upper surface of the drying base (81a).

[0100] A drying device (80) according to various embodiments may include a heat pump system. The heat pump system may include a compressor (91), a heat exchanger (92, 93) (a condenser (92) and an evaporator (93)), an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe (94) through which refrigerant circulates.

[0101] The compressor (91), condenser (92), evaporator (93), etc., which constitute the heat pump system, may be placed in a drying case (81). For example, the drying device (80) may include a cooling fan (91a) for cooling the compressor (91). As an example, the drying device (80) may be mounted as a single module.

[0102] The compressor (91) compresses the refrigerant, and the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant can move to the condenser (92). The condenser (92) can cool the refrigerant and heat the surrounding air. The heated air can be introduced into the drum (30) to dry clothes.

[0103] The refrigerant expanded through the expansion valve can absorb heat in the evaporator (93) and cool the surrounding air. That is, the evaporator (93) can cool the high-temperature, humid air that has passed through the inside of the drum (30) and remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed passes through the condenser (92) and can be reheated through heat exchange with the refrigerant passing through the condenser (92). That is, the condenser (92) can heat the air that has passed through the evaporator (93).

[0104] For example, the drying device (80) may further include a drying heater (99). The drying heater (99) may increase the drying efficiency of the drying device (80). For example, the drying device (80) may also replace heat pump components with the drying heater (99).

[0105] The drying heater (99) can heat the air flowing into the interior of the drying device (80). The drying heater (99) can be placed in the heating path (86). The drying heater (99) can be placed downstream from the condenser (92) along the flow of air passing through the drying device (80). In addition, the drying heater (99) can be provided in a relatively small size so as to minimize the resistance of the path. For example, the drying heater (99) can be a sheath heater.

[0106] A drying device (80) according to various embodiments may be placed on the upper side of the tub (20). An inlet passage (85) through which air discharged from the tub (20) flows may be formed in the drying device (80). A heating passage (86) may be formed in the drying device (80) for heat exchange with air flowing into the drying device (80) through the inlet passage (85). A supply passage (87) may be formed in the drying device (80) for supplying air that has passed through the heating passage (86) and has undergone heat exchange to the tub (20).

[0107] An inlet passage (85) may be provided so that air passing through the interior of the tub (20) may be introduced into the drying device (80). The inlet passage (85) may be located on the upper side of the tub (20). The inlet passage (85) may be connected to an exhaust passage (P) formed at the rear of the tub (20).

[0108] The drying device (80) may include an inlet guide (84) connected to the tub (20). The inlet guide (84) may guide air discharged from the tub (20) to an inlet passage (85). The inlet passage (85) may be communicated with an exhaust passage (P) formed in the tub (20) through the inlet guide (84). Air passing through the exhaust passage (P) may be introduced into the inlet passage (85) of the drying device (80) through the inlet guide (84).

[0109] A filter (95) may be provided in the inlet passage (85) to filter out foreign substances such as lint contained in the air flowing in through the exhaust passage (P) from the tub (20). The air flowing in through the inlet passage (85) may pass through the filter (95) and then move to the heating passage (86).

[0110] A condenser (92) and an evaporator (93) may be arranged in the heating passage (86). The air flowing into the heating passage (86) may be hot and humid because it has passed through the interior of the tub (20). The hot and humid air may be cooled in the evaporator (93) arranged in the heating passage (86) to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed in the evaporator (93) may be reheated by passing through the condenser (92).

[0111] The drying device (80) may include a washing device (96) for washing the condenser (92) and / or the evaporator (93). The washing device (96) may be provided in the heating passage (86). The washing device (96) may receive water from the water supply device (40) and spray the washing water toward the condenser (92) and / or the evaporator (93).

[0112] Meanwhile, a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a drain line (97) for guiding water discharged from a drying device (80). The drain line (97) may guide the washing water sprayed by the washing device (96) for washing the heat exchanger (92, 93) to the outside of the drying device (80).

[0113] In addition, the drain line (97) can guide condensate generated in the heat exchanger (92, 93) of the drying device (80) to the outside of the drying device (80). The drain line (97) can be connected to a drain device (70). Water discharged from the drying device (80) can flow to the drain device (70) along the drain line (97). For example, the condensate can flow from the drying device (80) to the drain pump (71) along the drain line (97) formed between the drying case (81) and the drain pump (71). The drain line (97) can be provided with a hose, a pipe, a duct, or the like to form a condensate path through which the condensate can move. The drain line (97) can connect a drain hole formed in the drying base (81a) and the drain pump (71). The condensate can be discharged from the drying device (80) through the drain hole, pass through the drain line (97), and flow into the drain pump (71). Condensate introduced by the drain pump (71) can be stored in the lower part of the tub (20) via the tub connection pipe (72). Therefore, condensate generated during the drying process can be stored in the lower part of the tub (20). If condensate is stored in the lower part of the tub (20), it may not be drained immediately.

[0114] The supply path (87) may be arranged to supply heated air back into the interior of the tub (20) by passing through the condenser (92). The supply path (87) may be connected to the heating path (86) and may extend downward to discharge heated air toward the opening of the tub (20).

[0115] A fan (87a) may be provided in the supply path (87) to cause air to flow into the interior of the tub (20). That is, the fan (87a) may cause air to flow and supply it to laundry inside the drum (30), and may transmit the internal air of the drum (30) to the drying device (80). For example, the fan (87a) may include a sirocco fan.

[0116] The inlet path (85), the heating path (86), and the supply path (87) can circulate air into the interior of the tub (20) and the drying device (80).

[0117] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a clothing treatment device (1) can supply air discharged from a tub (20) to the interior of the tub (20) after sequentially passing through an inlet passage (85), a heating passage (86), and a supply passage (87) of a drying device (80) located on the upper side of the tub (20).

[0118] The clothing treatment device (1) according to various embodiments may further include an exhaust passage (P) for allowing air discharged from the interior of the tub (20) to flow to the drying device (80). The exhaust passage (P) may be connected to an inlet passage (85) of the drying device (80).

[0119] An exhaust path (P) may be provided to discharge moist air passing through the tub (20). For example, the exhaust path (P) may be provided at the rear of the tub (20).

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

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

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

[0123] According to one embodiment, a tub duct (28) may include a recessed portion (28a) forming a portion of an exhaust path (P) through which air discharged from the inside of the tub (20) flows. A tub exhaust port (27) for discharging air from the inside of the tub (20) may be formed in the recessed portion (28a).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0131] The air inside the tub (20) can be discharged to the tub duct (28) through the tub exhaust port (27) formed in the tub (20). The air discharged to the tub duct (28) can flow along the exhaust path (P) and be supplied to the drying device (80).

[0132] Heated air from the drying device (80) can be supplied into the interior of the drum (30). In order to secure an area where the heated air supplied into the interior of the drum (30) comes into contact with the laundry, the tub exhaust port (27) may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet (26) through which the heated air from the drying device (80) is supplied to the tub (20). In order to increase the distance and / or time that the heated air flows inside the drum (30) so that it can come into more contact with the laundry, the tub exhaust port (27) may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet (26) through which the heated air from the drying device (80) is supplied to the tub (20). The supply path (87) for supplying the heated air into the interior of the drum (30) and the tub exhaust port (27) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. By increasing the area where the heated air comes into contact with the laundry, the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0133] The clothing treatment device (1) according to various embodiments may include a washing water heater (24). The washing water heater (24) is provided at the lower side of the tub (20) and can heat the washing water during washing.

[0134] FIG. 5 illustrates a network of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 5, the clothing treatment device (1) can communicate with other home appliances (not shown), user devices (2), or servers (3).

[0136] The other appliance may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the other appliance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a refrigerator, a dishwasher, an electric range, an electric oven, an air conditioner, a washing machine, a dryer, and a microwave oven. Furthermore, the other appliance may include various types of home appliances not shown in the drawings, such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television. Furthermore, the aforementioned appliances are merely examples.

[0137] The server (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, a garment treatment device (1), or a user device (2), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, a garment treatment device (1), or a user device (2), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. The server (3) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, or a data station. The server (3) may be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on function, detailed configuration of function, or data, and may transmit and receive data through communication between each server and process the transmitted and received data.

[0138] The server (3) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering a garment processing device (1) by linking it to a user account, and managing or controlling the registered garment processing device (1). For example, a user can access the server (3) through a user device (2) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (3) can register the garment processing device (1) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3) can link identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the garment processing device (1) to the user account, thereby registering, managing, and controlling the garment processing device (1).

[0139] The user device (2) may include a communication module capable of communicating with the garment treatment device (1) or the server (3), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to the user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the user device (2), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the user device (2) is stored.

[0140] The user device (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc.

[0141] A program for controlling the garment treatment device (1), i.e., an application, may be stored in the memory of the user device (2). The application may be sold installed in the user device (2) or downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0142] A user can access a server (3) by executing an application installed on a user device (2), create a user account, and register a garment processing device (1) by communicating with the server (3) based on the logged-in user account.

[0143] For example, if the garment treatment device (1) is operated so that the garment treatment device (1) can be connected to the server (3) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (2), the garment treatment device (1) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the garment treatment device (1) in the corresponding user account on the server (3).

[0144] A user can control a garment treatment device (1) using an application installed on a user device (2). For example, when a user logs into a user account using an application installed on the user device (2), a garment treatment device (1) registered to the user account appears, and when a control command for the garment treatment device (1) is input, the control command can be transmitted to the garment treatment device (1) via the server (3).

[0145] A network can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0146] A network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a short-range wireless network that does not use an access point (AP). Short-range wireless networks may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Z-Wave.

[0147] An access point (AP) can connect a garment processing device (1) or a user device (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3) is connected. The garment processing device (1) or a user device (2) can be connected to the server (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0148] The access point (AP) can communicate with the clothing treatment device (1) or user device (2) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0149] According to various embodiments, the garment treatment device (1) may be directly connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) without going through an access point (AP).

[0150] The clothing treatment device (1) can be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a long-distance wireless network or a short-distance wireless network.

[0151] For example, the garment treatment device (1) can be connected to the user device (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0152] As another example, the garment treatment device (1) can be connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0153] As another example, the clothing treatment device (1) can be connected to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and connected to a user device (2) or a server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0154] If the garment treatment device (1) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it can also function as a connection relay. Accordingly, the garment treatment device (1) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected. In addition, other home appliances can connect the garment treatment device (1) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected.

[0155] The garment treatment device (1) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3) via a network. For example, the garment treatment device (1) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user device (2), or the server (3) when a request is received from the server (3), when a specific event occurs in the garment treatment device (1), or periodically or in real time. When the server (3) receives information about its operation or status from the garment treatment device (1), it can update the stored information about the operation or status of the garment treatment device (1), and transmit the updated information about the operation and status of the garment treatment device (1) to the user device (2) via a network. Here, updating information can include various operations in which existing information is changed, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information, an operation of replacing existing information with new information, etc.

[0156] The garment treatment device (1) can obtain various information from other home appliances, user devices (2), or servers (3), and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the garment treatment device (1) can obtain information related to the function of the garment treatment device (1) (e.g., cooking methods, washing instructions, etc.) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (3), and output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0157] The garment treatment device (1) can operate according to a control command received from another home appliance, a user device (2), or a server (3). For example, if the garment treatment device (1) obtains prior approval from the user so that it can operate according to a control command from the server (3) even without a user input, the garment treatment device (1) can operate according to a control command received from the server (3). Here, the control command received from the server (3) may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through the user device (2) or a control command based on preset conditions.

[0158] The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the clothing treatment device (1) or the server (3) via the communication module. For example, the user device (2) can transmit information about the user's location, health status, preferences, schedule, etc. to the server (3). The user device (2) can transmit information about the user to the server (3) with the user's prior consent.

[0159] The garment treatment device (1), user device (2), or server (3) may determine control commands using technologies such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the garment treatment device (1) or information regarding the user of the user device (2), process the information using technologies such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing results or control commands to the garment treatment device (1) or the user device (2) based on the processing results.

[0160] FIG. 6 illustrates a control block of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 6, the clothing treatment device (1) may include a driving device (36), a water supply device (40), a detergent supply device (50, 60), a drainage device (70), a drying device (80), a fan (87a), a user interface device (100), a communication unit (110), a sensor unit (120), and a control unit (130).

[0162] The driving device (36) may include a motor (36a) configured to rotate the drum (30). The driving device (36) may drive the motor (36a) to rotate the drum (30) forward or backward, thereby performing each operation according to the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and / or the dehydration cycle, the drying cycle, or the drying cycle alone.

[0163] The user interface device (100) may include at least one input interface (101) and at least one output interface (102).

[0164] At least one input interface (101) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0165] At least one input interface (101) may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin / dry / dry-only setting button. The at least one input interface (101) 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.

[0166] At least one output interface (102) can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the garment treatment device (1) to the user.

[0167] For example, at least one output interface (102) can transmit information related to the washing / drying course and the operating time of the garment treatment device (1), washing settings / rinsing settings / spin settings / drying settings / drying only settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the garment treatment device can be output through a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface (102) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0168] The communication unit (110) may include at least one communication module. The communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). 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).

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server (3), a user device (2), and other home appliances via a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the garment treatment device (1) or the user device (2) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The garment treatment device (1) or the user device (2) can be connected to the server (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0172] The sensor unit (120) may include at least one sensor that obtains information related to the status of the clothing treatment device (1). The sensor unit (120) may transmit sensor data collected by at least one sensor to the control unit (130).

[0173] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (120) may include a water level sensor (121) that detects the water level of the tub (20).

[0174] The water level sensor (121) may be installed at the end of the connecting hose (121a) connected to the tub connecting pipe (72). At this time, the water level of the connecting hose (121a) may be the same as the water level of the tub (20). As the water level of the tub (20) rises, the water level of the connecting hose (121a) rises, and as the water level of the connecting hose (121a) rises, the pressure inside the connecting hose (121a) may increase.

[0175] The water level sensor (121) can detect the pressure inside the connecting hose (121a) and output an electrical signal corresponding to the detected pressure to the control unit (130). The control unit (130) can obtain the water level of the connecting hose (121a), i.e., the water level of the tub (20), based on the pressure of the connecting hose (121a) detected by the water level sensor (121).

[0176] For example, the water level sensor (121) can detect a frequency that changes according to the pressure of the connecting hose (121a).

[0177] In one embodiment, the control unit (130) can obtain the water level of the tub (20) by analyzing the frequency (water level frequency) of an electrical signal corresponding to the output value of the water level sensor (121).

[0178] Meanwhile, a water level sensor (121) may be installed inside the lower part of the tub (20). As the water level of the tub (20) rises, the pressure applied to the water level sensor (121) increases, and accordingly, the water level sensor (121) can detect a frequency that changes according to the water level when the drum (30) rotates.

[0179] In one embodiment, the control unit (130) can obtain the water level of the tub (20) by analyzing the frequency (water level frequency) of an electrical signal corresponding to the output value of the water level sensor (121).

[0180] In one embodiment, the control unit (130) can control the driving device (36), the water supply device (40), the detergent supply device (50, 60), the drain device (70), the drying device (80), the fan (87a), etc. to perform at least one operation including a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a dehydration operation, and / or a drying operation.

[0181] In one embodiment, the control unit (130) can adjust the rotation speed of the motor (36a) to control the rotation speed of the drum (30).

[0182] In one embodiment, the control unit (130) can adjust the rotation speed of the fan (87a) to control the circulation speed of the internal and external air of the drum (30).

[0183] The control unit (130) can be electrically connected to the driving unit (36), the water supply unit (40), the detergent supply unit (50, 60), the drainage unit (70), the drying unit (80), the fan (87a), the user interface unit (100), the communication unit (110), and the water level sensor (121).

[0184] The control unit (130) may be composed of hardware such as a CPU, Micom, or memory, and software such as a control program.

[0185] The control unit (130) may be implemented by including an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the garment treatment device (1), at least one memory (132) storing data in the form of a program, and at least one processor (131) performing the aforementioned operation using the data stored in the at least one memory (132). In this case, the memory (132) and the processor (131) may each be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory (132) and the processor (131) may be implemented as a single chip.

[0186] The processor (131) can process output signals of the driving device (36), the water supply device (40), the detergent supply device (50, 60), the drain device (70), the drying device (80), the user interface device (100), the communication unit (110) and / or the water level sensor (121), and can include an operation circuit, a memory circuit and a control circuit that output control signals to the driving device (36), the water supply device (40), the detergent supply device (50, 60), the drain device (70), the drying device (80), the user interface device (100), the communication unit (110), etc. based on the processed output signals.

[0187] The memory (132) may include volatile memory such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM), and non-volatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM) and Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM).

[0188] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 7, first, the control unit (130) can start the drying process (200).

[0190] The drying process can be started after performing at least one of the washing process, rinsing process, and spin-drying process.

[0191] The control unit (130) can start the drying process by operating the fan (87a) and the compressor (91) of the heat pump system (200). As the fan (87a) and the compressor (91) operate, high-temperature dry hot air is supplied to the drying object contained in the drum (30), thereby drying the drying object.

[0192] During the drying process, the high temperature and humidity air discharged from the drum (30) is cooled in the evaporator (93), and at this time, the moisture in the air condenses to generate condensate. This condensate can be introduced into the tub (20). For example, the condensate can be introduced from the drying device (80) to the drain pump (71) through the drain line (97) connecting the drain hole formed in the drying case (81) and the drain pump (71). The condensate can be discharged from the drying device (80) through the drain hole, passed through the drain line (97), and introduced into the drain pump (71). The condensate introduced into the drain pump (71) can be stored in the lower part of the tub (20) through the tub connecting pipe (72). Therefore, the condensate generated during the drying process can be stored in the lower part of the tub (20). If the condensate is stored in the lower part of the tub (20), it may not be drained immediately. When the condensate level reaches a preset level, draining can proceed.

[0193] In one embodiment, the water level sensor (121) can detect the water level of the tub (20). In one embodiment, as the water level of the tub (20) rises, the water level of the connecting hose (121a) can rise. As the water level of the connecting hose (121a) rises, the pressure inside the connecting hose (121a) can increase. The water level sensor (121) can detect the pressure inside the connecting hose (121a). Accordingly, the water level sensor (121) can detect a frequency that changes according to the pressure inside the connecting hose (121a). The control unit (130) can obtain the water level of the tub (20) by analyzing the frequency (water level frequency) of the electrical signal corresponding to the output value of the water level sensor (121).

[0194] After the drying process starts, the drain pump (71) can be operated to initialize the water level of the tub (20). When the drying process starts, the control unit (130) can operate the drain pump (71) to drain the condensate stored in the tub (20), thereby initializing the water level of the tub (20).

[0195] The control unit (130) can obtain the water level of the tub (20) based on the output value of the water level sensor (121) during the drying process (202).

[0196] The control unit (130) can determine whether the water level of the tub (20) has not reached a preset level for a preset time during the drying process (204). At this time, the preset water level may be the drainage level at which the drainage pump (71) of the drainage device (70) operates.

[0197] The control unit (130) can maintain the drying process being performed (206) if the water level of the tub reaches the preset level during the preset time during the drying process (204, No).

[0198] The control unit (130) can terminate the drying process (208) if the water level of the tub does not reach the preset water level for a preset time during the drying process (204, example).

[0199] FIG. 8 illustrates a drainage operation according to the water level of a tub in a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0200] Referring to Fig. 8, the left vertical axis represents the water level frequency, the right vertical axis represents the rotation speed of the drainage pump (71), and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0201] The water level sensor (121) generally detects a lower water level frequency as the water level of the tub (20) increases, and may detect a higher water level frequency as the water level of the tub (20) decreases.

[0202] In the drying process, when the condensate in the tub (20) is completely drained, a water level frequency of around 25300 Hz is displayed.

[0203] When the water level of the tub (20) reaches the drainage level at which the drainage pump (71) operates (e.g., 24600 Hz or less), the drainage pump (71) operates and the condensate stored in the tub (20) is drained.

[0204] Then, the process of the condensate generated again during the drying process being stored in the tub (20) is repeatedly shown. It can be seen that as the drainage cycle increases, the residual moisture content of the drying material contained inside the drum (30) decreases.

[0205] For example, if the water level of the tub (20) first reaches the drain level after, for example, 20 minutes after the start of the drying process, and the water level of the tub (20) repeatedly reaches the drain level after the drain process, the drying load may be a weight load or a large load that is a larger load than a small load. This is because, when the drying load is a weight load or a large load, the moisture content of the object to be dried is large, and thus a relatively large amount of condensed water is repeatedly stored in the tub (20) during the drying process.

[0206] However, if the water level of the tub (20) does not reach the drain level for, for example, 60 minutes after starting the drying process, the drying load may be a small load or no load. In this case, a small load may be a load in which only a small amount of condensate is generated during the drying process due to the small moisture content of the object to be dried contained in the drum (30). A no load may include an empty drum state in which there is no object to be dried in the drum (30), or a dry state in which there is an object to be dried but the moisture content is almost zero.

[0207] Therefore, if the drying load is a small load or no load, the drying process can be terminated.

[0208] In this way, the water level of the tub (20) can be used to determine whether the drying load is a small load or no load while performing the drying process. This allows the drying process to be terminated early, thereby preventing unnecessary drying or overdrying of the drying material.

[0209] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a flowchart for distinguishing between a small load and a no-load in a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit (130) can determine the drying load as no load or small load if the water level of the tub (20) does not reach the preset water level for a preset time.

[0211] The control unit (130) can determine the drying load as no load or small load based on the water level of the tub (20) and its maintenance time.

[0212] In one embodiment, the control unit (130) can determine whether the water level of the tub (20) does not reach a preset level for a preset period of time (300).

[0213] If the water level of the tub (20) does not reach the preset water level for a preset time (300, example), the control unit (130) can determine whether the water level of the tub (20) is maintained below the first water level for a first time (302).

[0214] The control unit (130) can determine the drying load as no-load when the drum (30) is empty (304) if the water level of the tub (20) is maintained at a level lower than the first water level for a first time (302, example).

[0215] If the control unit (130) fails to maintain the water level of the tub (20) below the first water level for a first period of time (302, No), the control unit (130) may determine the drying load as a small load (306). For example, if the water level of the tub (20) exceeds the first water level for a first period of time, the control unit (130) may determine the drying load as a small load.

[0216] The control unit (130) can notify the user through at least one output interface (102) that the dry load is no load or a small load.

[0217] The control unit (130) can terminate the drying process when the drying load is no load.

[0218] The control unit (130) can immediately terminate the drying process when the drying load is no load. The control unit (130) can terminate the drying process after maintaining the drying process for a preset time when the drying load is no load.

[0219] The control unit (130) can terminate the drying process when the drying load is a small load.

[0220] The control unit (130) can immediately terminate the drying process when the drying load is a small load.

[0221] When the drying load is a small load, the control unit (130) can terminate the drying process after maintaining the drying process for a preset time.

[0222] When the drying load is a small load, the control unit (130) can perform a drying process corresponding to the small load and then terminate the drying process. The control unit (130) can perform a drying process according to control conditions (e.g., fan rotation speed, drum rotation speed, drying time, etc.) that match the small load and then terminate the drying process.

[0223] FIG. 10 illustrates changes in the water level of a tub when the drying load is a small load and when there is no load in a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0224] Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit (130) can determine the drying load as no-load, that is, the drum (30) is empty, if the water level of the tub (20) is maintained at a state lower than a first water level (e.g., water level frequency 25250 Hz) for a first time (t). The first water level can be determined from among water levels lower than the drain water level.

[0225] When the drying load is at no load, the drum (30) may be in an empty state with no objects to be dried, or even if there are objects to be dried, they may be in a dry state with almost no moisture content. Accordingly, since the water level of the tub (20) is extremely low even while the drying process is being performed, in such a water level state, it can be determined that the drying load is at no load.

[0226] Meanwhile, the control unit (130) can determine the drying load as a small load if the water level of the tub (20) is maintained in a state exceeding the first water level for a first time (t). At this time, the water level of the tub (20) is higher than the first water level (e.g., water level frequency 25250 Hz) and lower than the drainage water level at which the drainage pump (71) operates (e.g., water level frequency 24600 Hz).

[0227] When the drying load is a small load, the moisture content of the drying material contained in the drum (30) may be small, and only a small amount of condensate may be generated during the drying process. Accordingly, since the water level of the tub (20) is higher than that of the no-load state, in this water level state, it can be determined that the drying load is a small load.

[0228] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a flowchart for controlling the speed of a fan and a drum when the drying load is a small load in a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 11, the control unit (130) can determine whether the dry load is no load or a small load (400).

[0230] The control unit (130) can reduce the rotation speed of the fan (87a) (402) when the drying load is no load or a small load (400, example).

[0231] Additionally, the control unit (130) can reduce the rotational speed of the motor (51) to reduce the speed of the drum (30) (404).

[0232] In this way, when the drying load is no load or a small load, energy consumption can be reduced by reducing the rotation speed of the fan (87a) and the motor (51).

[0233] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a flowchart for determining a drying load as a weight load or a bulk load in a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0234] Referring to FIG. 12, the control unit (130) can operate the drain pump (71) when the water level of the tub (20) reaches a preset water level for a preset time.

[0235] The control unit (130) can determine the dry load as a bulk load if the time required for the water level of the tub (20) to reach a preset water level after operating the drainage pump (71) is shorter than a first time that is set to be shorter than the preset time.

[0236] For example, if the time it takes for the water level of the tub (20) to reach the drain water level Lref is T1, since T1 is a time shorter than the first time set shorter than the preset time, the dry load can be determined as a bulk load.

[0237] Additionally, the control unit (130) can determine the dry load as a weight load if the time required for the water level of the tub (20) to reach a preset water level is shorter than the preset time and longer than the first time.

[0238] For example, if the time it takes for the water level of the tub (20) to reach the drain water level Lref is T2, since T2 is shorter than the preset time and longer than the first time, the dry load can be determined as the weight load.

[0239] In this way, the rate of change in the water level of the tub (20) in the case of a large load may be greater than the rate of change in the water level of the tub (20) in the case of a weight load. This is because the moisture content of the drying material in the large load is greater than that in the weight load, and thus the amount of condensate is generated quickly and in large quantities. Accordingly, the drying load can be classified into a weight load and a large load based on the time required for the water level of the tub (20) to reach a preset level.

[0240] FIG. 13 illustrates a drying process in a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the drying load is a weight load and a bulk load.

[0241] Referring to Fig. 13, it is possible to determine whether the drying load is a weight load or a bulk load, so that a drying process suitable for the drying load can be performed.

[0242] In one embodiment, if the drying load is a weight load, the control unit (130) can perform a drying process corresponding to the weight load.

[0243] If the drying load is a weight load, the control unit (130) can perform a drying process according to control conditions that match the weight load. At this time, the control conditions can include drying time, rotation speed of the drum, rotation speed of the fan, frequency of the compressor, rotation speed of the compressor, etc.

[0244] In one embodiment, if the drying load is a large load, the control unit (130) can perform a drying process corresponding to the large load.

[0245] If the drying load is a large load, the control unit (130) can perform a drying process according to control conditions that match the large load.

[0246] In this way, an optimized drying process can be performed depending on whether the drying load is a weight load or a bulk load, thereby preventing the object from being under-dried.

[0247] FIG. 14 illustrates a part of a configuration arranged inside a garment treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 14, a clothing treatment device (1) according to another embodiment can heat air through a drying device (80) placed on the upper part of a tub (20) and supply the air to the inside of a drum (30).

[0249] The drying device (80) can dry and heat the air discharged from the drum (30) and circulate the dried and heated air into the interior of the drum (30) to dry the clothes inside the drum (30).

[0250] The clothing treatment device (1) can supply air discharged from the drum (30) into the interior of the drum (30) after sequentially passing through the inlet path (85), heating path (86), and supply path (87) of the drying device (80).

[0251] The air that has passed through the inside of the drum (30) can pass through the exhaust path (P) formed at the rear of the tub (20) and then flow into the inlet path (85) of the drying device (80) that is connected to the exhaust path (P).

[0252] Air introduced into the inlet passage (85) can be heated by passing through the heating passage (86) of the drying device (80). The high temperature and humidity air introduced into the heating passage (86) can be cooled in the evaporator (93) disposed in the heating passage (86) to remove moisture, and then passed through the condenser (92) to be heated again.

[0253] The heated air passing through the heating path (86) can be supplied back into the interior of the drum (30) through the supply path (87) connected to the heating path (86).

[0254] In this way, the inlet path (85), the heating path (86), and the supply path (87) can circulate air into the interior of the drum (30) and the drying device (80).

[0255] A clothing treatment device (1) according to another embodiment may include a first temperature sensor (500) and a second temperature sensor (510).

[0256] The first temperature sensor (500) may be provided to detect the inlet temperature of the drum (30).

[0257] The first temperature sensor (500) is installed on the supply path (87) and can detect the temperature of heated air heated in the drying device (80) and supplied into the interior of the drum (30).

[0258] The second temperature sensor (510) may be provided to detect the outlet temperature of the drum (30).

[0259] The second temperature sensor (510) is installed on the inlet path (85) and can detect the temperature of high temperature and humidity air discharged from the drum (30) and introduced into the drying device (80).

[0260] FIG. 15 illustrates a control block of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0261] Referring to FIG. 15, a clothing treatment device (1) according to another embodiment may include a driving device (36), a water supply device (40), a detergent supply device (50, 60), a drainage device (70), a drying device (80), a fan (87a), a user interface device (100), a communication unit (110), a sensor unit (120), and a control unit (130).

[0262] The sensor unit (120) may include at least one sensor that obtains information related to the status of the clothing treatment device (1). The sensor unit (120) may transmit sensor data collected by at least one sensor to the control unit (130).

[0263] The sensor unit (120) may include a water level sensor (121) that detects the water level of the tub (20), a first temperature sensor (500) that detects the inlet temperature of the drum (30), and a second temperature sensor (510) that detects the outlet temperature of the drum (30).

[0264] The control unit (130) can obtain the water level of the tub (20) by analyzing the frequency (water level frequency) of the electrical signal corresponding to the output value of the water level sensor (121).

[0265] The control unit (130) can obtain the temperature of the air supplied into the drum (30) (drum inlet temperature) from an electrical signal corresponding to the output value of the first temperature sensor (500).

[0266] The control unit (130) can obtain the temperature of the air discharged from the drum (30) (drum outlet temperature) from an electrical signal corresponding to the output value of the second temperature sensor (510).

[0267] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a garment treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0268] Referring to Fig. 16, first, the control unit (130) can start the drying process (600).

[0269] The drying cycle may begin after performing at least one of the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and spin-drying cycle. The drying cycle may be a drying cycle that only performs drying.

[0270] The control unit (130) can receive a user input for selecting either a washing and drying course including a washing process and a drying process or a drying-only course including only a drying process through the input interface (101).

[0271] The control unit (130) can perform an operation of determining the drying load as one of no load and small load based on the selection of the drying-only course.

[0272] The control unit (130) may not perform an operation of determining the drying load as one of no load and small load based on the selection of the washing and drying course.

[0273] The control unit (130) may also perform an operation of determining the drying load as one of no load and small load based on the selection of the washing and drying course.

[0274] The control unit (130) can start the drying process by operating the fan (87a) and the compressor (91) of the heat pump system. As the fan (87a) and the compressor (91) operate, high-temperature dry hot air can be supplied into the drum (30). The control unit (130) can start the drying process and then operate the drain pump (71) to initialize the water level of the tub (20). When the drying process starts, the control unit (130) can initialize the water level of the tub (20) by operating the drain pump (71) to drain the condensate stored in the tub (20).

[0275] The control unit (130) can perform an operation to detect whether the drying load is unloaded during the drying process. Unloaded may include an empty drum state with no drying material in the drum (30), or a dry state with almost no moisture content even if there is drying material in the drum (30).

[0276] The control unit (130) can perform an empty drum (dry bag) detection operation to detect whether the drum (30) is in an empty state with no drying material, or in a dry bag state with almost no moisture content even if there is drying material in the drum (30) (602).

[0277] The control unit (130) can perform an operation to detect whether the drum (30) is empty or whether the drying material inside the drum (30) is in a dry state based on changes in the inlet and outlet temperatures of the drum (30) and changes in the water level of the tub (20).

[0278] The control unit (130) can determine whether the drum (30) is empty or whether the drying material inside the drum (30) is in a dry state based on the empty drum (dry bag) detection operation (604).

[0279] The control unit (130) can terminate the drying process (606) based on whether the drum (30) is empty or the drying material inside the drum (30) is dry (604, example).

[0280] The control unit (130) can start an operation to detect whether the drying material in the drum (30) is a small load (608) based on whether the drum (30) is not empty or the drying material in the drum (30) is not dry (604, no).

[0281] During the drying process, the high temperature and humidity air discharged from the drum (30) is cooled in the evaporator (93), and at this time, moisture in the air condenses to generate condensate. This condensate can be introduced into the tub (20). The condensate generated during the drying process can be stored in the lower part of the tub (20). When the condensate level reaches a preset level, drainage can proceed.

[0282] As the water level of the tub (20) rises, the water level of the connecting hose (121a) may rise. As the water level of the connecting hose (121a) rises, the pressure inside the connecting hose (121a) may increase. The frequency that changes according to the pressure inside the connecting hose (121a) can be detected through the water level sensor (121).

[0283] If the water level of the tub (20) does not reach a preset level for a preset time during the drying process, the drying load can be determined as either no load or a small load. In this case, the preset water level may be the drainage water level at which the drainage pump (71) of the drainage device (70) operates.

[0284] For example, in the drying process, when the water level of the tub (20) reaches the drainage water level (e.g., 24600 Hz or lower) at which the drainage pump (71) operates, the drainage pump (71) operates and the condensate stored in the tub (20) is drained. At this time, when the condensate in the tub (20) is completely drained, a water level frequency of, for example, around 25300 Hz may appear.

[0285] Thereafter, the process of the condensate generated again during the drying process being stored in the tub (20) is repeatedly shown. As the drainage cycle increases, the residual moisture content of the drying material contained inside the drum (30) may decrease.

[0286] For example, if the water level in the tub (20) does not reach the drain level for 60 minutes after the drying process has started, the drying load may be a small load or no load. Accordingly, if the drying load is a small load or no load, the drying process may be terminated.

[0287] In this way, while performing the drying process, it is possible to determine whether the drying load is a small load or no load by using the water level of the tub (20).

[0288] In various embodiments, if only the change in the water level of the tub (20) is used to distinguish between no-load and small-load, it may take a long time. Furthermore, in the case of small-load where the moisture content of the drying material is low, it may be difficult to distinguish between no-load and small-load using only the change in the water level of the tub (20).

[0289] For example, when the moisture content of 1 kg of towel cloth exceeds 30%, the change in the water level of the tub (20) between no load and small load appears at a meaningful level, but when the moisture content of 1 kg of towel cloth is 30%, the change in the water level of the tub (20) is almost non-existent, and it may be difficult to distinguish between no load and small load based only on the change in the water level of the tub (20).

[0290] FIG. 17 illustrates changes in the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the drum when the drying load is no load and when the drying load is a small load in a garment treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0291] Referring to Fig. 17, when the drum (30) is empty in the drying process, “empty drum”, “Akg 0%” for the dry material with Akg moisture content of 0%, and “Bkg 0%” for the dry material with Bkg moisture content of 0% are shown.

[0292] In addition, a dried product "Ckg 30%" with a Ckg moisture content of 30%, a dried product "Ckg 40%" with a Ckg moisture content of 40%, a dried product "Ckg 50%" with a Ckg moisture content of 50%, and a dried product "Ckg 60%" with a Ckg moisture content of 60% are shown.

[0293] In the case of no-load of “empty drum”, “Akg 0%”, and “Bkg 0%”, it can be seen that the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the drum (30) is lower than the preset temperature (Tref).

[0294] For small loads of "Ckg 30%", "Ckg 40%", "Ckg 50%", and "Ckg 60%", it can be seen that the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the drum (30) exceeds a preset temperature (Tref). For example, the preset temperature (Tref) may be a temperature between 3°C and 8°C.

[0295] As the drying process progresses, when the drum (30) is empty or there is no load with a low moisture content of the object to be dried, it can be seen that the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the drum (30) is relatively smaller than when there is a small load with a high moisture content of the object to be dried. This is because the hot air supplied into the drum (30) is discharged as is outside the drum (30) as the moisture content of the object to be dried is lower.

[0296] These changes in drum inlet and outlet temperature differences under no-load and light-load conditions can be observed at the first point after the drying cycle begins.

[0297] For example, if the drum (30) is empty or the drying material is a dry cloth, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the drum may be 6℃ or less at 20 minutes after the drying process starts. Based on this, it can be estimated that the drying load is no-load. Thereafter, it can be determined whether the drying load is no-load or not using the change in the water level of the tub (20). That is, if the drying load is no-load, not only does the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the drum (30) become lower than a preset temperature, but there is also almost no change in the water level of the tub (20) after draining, so the drying load can be determined to be no-load.

[0298] Below, the operation to detect that the dry load is unloaded (empty barrel / dry bag) is described.

[0299] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for detecting an empty container (dry cloth) in a garment treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0300] Referring to FIG. 18, the control unit (130) can determine whether a first time has elapsed since the drying process began (700).

[0301] For example, the first hour may be 20 minutes after the drying process begins.

[0302] When the drying process begins, the fan (87a) and compressor (91) of the drying device (80) operate, and as the fan (87a) and compressor (91) operate, high-temperature dry hot air can be supplied into the drum (30). At the same time, the drain pump (71) operates to drain the condensate stored in the tub (20), thereby initializing the water level of the tub (20).

[0303] The high-temperature dry hot air generated by the drying device (80) is supplied into the drum (30) through the supply path (87), then discharged, flows into the inlet path (85), is heated through the heating path (86), and then passes through the supply path (87) and can be circulated into the inside of the drum (30).

[0304] The control unit (130) can detect the inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the drum (30) (702) in response to the first time elapsed (700, example).

[0305] The control unit (130) can detect the inlet temperature of the drum (30) through the first temperature sensor (500) at a first point in time when the first time has elapsed, and can detect the outlet temperature of the drum (30) through the second temperature sensor (510).

[0306] For example, the inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the drum (30) can be detected 20 minutes after the drying process begins.

[0307] The control unit (130) can determine whether the difference in inlet and outlet temperatures between the inlet and outlet temperatures of the drum (30) is less than or equal to a preset temperature (704).

[0308] The lower the moisture content of the object to be dried, the more likely it is that the hot air supplied into the drum (30) will be discharged directly out of the drum (30). Therefore, when the drum (30) is empty or unloaded with a low moisture content of the object to be dried at the first point in time after the first hour has elapsed since the start of the drying process, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the drum (30) may be relatively smaller than when the object to be dried is loaded with a small amount of moisture content of the object to be dried.

[0309] For example, when the drying load is no load, the drum inlet and outlet temperature difference may be less than 6℃ at 20 minutes after the drying process starts.

[0310] The control unit (130) can determine whether a second time has elapsed since the drying process began (706) based on whether the difference in temperature between the inlet and outlet of the drum (30) is lower than a preset temperature (704, example).

[0311] For example, the second time period may be 40 minutes after the drying process begins.

[0312] When the drying load is unloaded, the drum inlet / outlet temperature difference may be less than 6°C 20 minutes after the drying process begins. However, this alone does not confirm that the drying load is unloaded. It is necessary to confirm that the water level in the tub (20), which is essential for unloading, does not increase.

[0313] The control unit (130) can detect the water level of the tub (20) (708) in response to the second time elapsed (706, example).

[0314] The water level sensor (121) can detect the water level of the connecting hose (121a) which is the same as the water level of the tub (20). As the water level of the tub (20) rises, the water level of the connecting hose (121a) rises, and as the water level of the connecting hose (121a) rises, the pressure inside the connecting hose (121a) increases. The water level sensor (121) can detect a frequency that changes according to the pressure inside the connecting hose (121a) and output an electrical signal corresponding to the detected frequency to the control unit (130).

[0315] The control unit (130) can detect the water level of the connecting hose (121a), i.e., the water level of the tub (20), based on the frequency (water level frequency) detected by the water level sensor (121).

[0316] The control unit (130) can continuously determine whether the water level of the tub (20) is below the reference water level for a second time after the drying process begins (710).

[0317] For example, the reference water level may be the minimum water level after the drying process starts. When the drying process starts, the drain pump (71) operates to drain the condensed water stored in the tub (20), thereby initializing the water level of the tub (20) and the compressor (91) operates to generate high-temperature dry hot air. Vibration occurs in the clothing treatment device (1) due to the operations of the drain pump (71) and the compressor (91), and the minimum water level value at this time may be the reference water level value. For example, it may be the minimum water level value for 5 minutes after the compressor (91) operates.

[0318] The control unit (130) can determine that the drum (30) is an empty drum with no objects to be dried, or a dry cloth with almost no moisture content in the drum (30) based on the fact that the water level of the tub (20) is below the reference water level for a second consecutive hour (710, example) after the drying process has started (712). For example, if the water level of the tub (20) has never been higher than the reference water level for 40 minutes after the initial draining has ended after the drying process has started, the drying load can be determined to be no load.

[0319] The control unit (130) can terminate the drying process if the drying load is determined to be unloaded (714). Even if the preset time of 60 minutes has not elapsed since the start of the drying process, the drying process can be terminated early if the drying load is determined to be unloaded after 40 minutes.

[0320] In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not the drying load is no-load by utilizing the change in the water level of the tub (20). That is, when the drying load is no-load, not only does the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the drum (30) become lower than a preset temperature, but also there is almost no change in the water level of the tub (20) after draining, so the drying load can be determined to be no-load.

[0321] Meanwhile, the control unit (130) may start an operation to detect whether the drying material in the drum (30) is a small load based on whether the difference in temperature between the inlet and outlet of the drum (30) is not lower than the reference temperature (704, No) or whether the water level of the tub (20) is not lower than the reference water level (710, No) (608). Since the control unit (130) does not satisfy the condition that the drying load is no load, the control unit (130) may start an operation to detect whether the load is small.

[0322] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for detecting a small load in a garment treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0323] Referring to FIG. 19, the control unit (130) can determine whether a third time has elapsed since the drying process began (800).

[0324] For example, the third hour may be 60 minutes after the drying process begins.

[0325] The control unit (130) can detect the water level of the tub (20) through the water level sensor (121) based on the passage of the third time (800, example) (802).

[0326] The control unit (130) can determine whether the water level of the tub (20) exceeds a preset water level (804).

[0327] For example, the preset water level may be a drain water level. In the drying process, when the water level of the tub (20) reaches the drain water level (e.g., 24600 Hz or lower) at which the drain pump (71) operates, the drain pump (71) operates to drain the condensate stored in the tub (20).

[0328] The control unit (130) can terminate the small load detection operation (806) in response to the water level of the tub (20) exceeding a preset water level (804, example).

[0329] The control unit (130) can determine a small load of the drying material inside the drum (30) in response to the water level of the tub (20) being below a preset water level (804, No) for a third time period (808). Then, the drying process can be terminated (810).

[0330] For example, if the drying process starts 60 minutes after the drying process starts and the water level in the tub (20) does not reach the drainage level for 60 minutes after the initial drainage ends, the drying load can be determined as a small load.

[0331] A garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a drying device (80) including a heat exchanger (92, 93), a compressor (91), and a fan (87a), and having a drainage hole formed therein for draining condensate generated by the heat exchanger (92, 93); a tub (20) provided on a lower side of the drying device (80) and storing condensate drained through the drainage hole; a water level sensor (121) for detecting a water level of the tub (20); and a control unit (130) for starting a drying process, operating the drying device (80) based on the start of the drying process, and determining a drying load as one of no load and a small load based on the water level of the tub (20) not reaching a preset water level during a preset time elapsed after the start of the drying process.

[0332] It further includes a drain pump (71) for draining condensate stored in the tub (20), and the control unit (130) can operate the drain pump (71) based on the water level of the tub (20) reaching the preset water level.

[0333] The above control unit (130) can terminate the drying process when the drying load is determined to be no load or a small load.

[0334] The control unit (130) may determine the dry load as the no-load if the water level of the tub (20) is maintained at a level lower than the first water level for a first time period, and may determine the dry load as the small load if the water level of the tub (20) is not maintained at a level lower than the first water level for the first time period.

[0335] The above control unit (130) can reduce the rotation speed of at least one of the motor that rotates the drum (30) rotatably provided in the tub (20) and the fan (87a) when the drying load is determined to be the small load.

[0336] The device further includes a drainage pump (71) for draining condensate stored in the tub (20), and the control unit (130) determines the dry load as a weight load if the time required for the water level of the tub (20) to reach the preset water level after the drainage pump (71) is operated is shorter than the preset time and longer than the first time, and determines the dry load as a mass load if the time required for the water level of the tub (20) to reach the preset water level is shorter than the first time.

[0337] An input interface (101) for receiving a user input for selecting either a washing and drying course including a washing process and the drying process or a drying-only course including only the drying process; further comprising: the control unit (130) may perform an operation for determining the drying load as one of the no-load and the small load based on the selection of the drying-only course, and may not perform an operation for determining the drying load as one of the no-load and the small load based on the selection of the washing and drying course.

[0338] The drum (30) is rotatably provided in the tub (20); a first temperature sensor detecting an inlet temperature of the drum (30); and a second temperature sensor detecting an outlet temperature of the drum (30); and the control unit (130) may determine the drying load as the no-load based on the fact that the difference in the inlet and outlet temperatures of the drum (30) is lower than a preset temperature at a first point in time after the drying process starts, and the water level of the tub (20) is lower than a first water level lower than the preset water level for a first time period shorter than the preset time period.

[0339] The above control unit (130) can end the drying process if the drying load is determined to be no load even if the preset time has not elapsed since the start of the drying process.

[0340] Based on the difference in the inlet and outlet temperatures being higher than the preset temperature or the water level of the tub (20) being higher than the first water level, the control unit (130) can determine the drying load as the small load based on the water level of the tub (20) not reaching the preset water level for the preset time.

[0341] A method for controlling a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a drying device (80) including a heat exchanger (92, 93), a compressor (91), and a fan (87a), and having a drainage hole formed for draining condensate generated by the heat exchanger (92, 93); and a tub (20) provided on a lower side of the drying device (80) and storing condensate drained through the drainage hole, the method comprising: starting a drying cycle; operating the drying device (80) based on the start of the drying cycle; and determining a drying load as one of no load and a small load based on the fact that the water level of the tub (20) has not reached a preset water level during a preset time period after the start of the drying cycle.

[0342] It may further include operating a drain pump (71) for draining condensate stored in the tub (20) based on the water level of the tub (20) reaching the preset water level.

[0343] Determining the drying load may include terminating the drying process when the drying load is determined to be the no-load or the small load.

[0344] Determining the above dry load may include determining the dry load as the no-load if the water level of the tub (20) is maintained at or below the first water level for a first time period, and determining the dry load as the small load if the water level of the tub (20) is not maintained at or below the first water level for the first time period.

[0345] When the above drying load is determined to be the small load, it may further include reducing the rotation speed of at least one of a motor that rotates a drum (30) rotatably provided in the tub (20) and the fan (87a).

[0346] The method may further include determining the dry load as a weight load if the time required for the water level of the tub (20) to reach the preset level after the drain pump (71) for draining the condensate stored in the tub (20) is operated is shorter than the preset time and longer than the first time, and determining the dry load as a mass load if the time required for the water level of the tub (20) to reach the preset level is shorter than the first time.

[0347] An input interface for receiving a user input for selecting either a washing and drying course including a washing process and the drying process or a drying-only course including only the drying process; further comprising an operation for determining the drying load as one of the no-load and the small-load based on the selection of the drying-only course;

[0348] It may further include not performing an operation of determining the drying load as one of the no-load and the small load based on the selection of the washing and drying course.

[0349] The method further includes a drum (30) rotatably provided in the tub (20); a first temperature sensor detecting an inlet temperature of the drum (30); and a second temperature sensor detecting an outlet temperature of the drum (30); and determining the drying load may further include determining the drying load as the no-load based on a difference in the inlet and outlet temperatures of the drum (30) being lower than a preset temperature at a first point in time after the drying process starts, and a water level of the tub (20) being lower than a first water level lower than the preset water level for a first time period shorter than the preset time period.

[0350] The drying process may further include terminating the drying process when the drying load is determined to be no load even if the preset time has not elapsed since the start of the drying process.

[0351] Determining the above dry load may further include determining the dry load as the small load based on the water level of the tub (20) not reaching the preset water level for the preset time, if the difference in the inlet and outlet temperatures is higher than the preset temperature or the water level of the tub (20) is higher than the first water level.

[0352] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments.

[0353] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0354] 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 storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0355] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

[0356] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, various modifications and variations may occur to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is intended to encompass such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drying device comprising a heat exchanger, a compressor and a fan, and having a drain hole formed to drain condensate generated by the heat exchanger; A tub provided on the lower side of the drying device and storing condensate that is drained through the drain hole; A water level sensor for detecting the water level of the above tub; and A clothes treatment device comprising: a control unit that starts a drying process, operates the drying device based on the start of the drying process, and determines a drying load as one of no load and a small load based on the water level of the tub not reaching a preset water level during a preset time after the start of the drying process.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a drain pump for draining the condensate stored in the above tub; The above control unit, A clothes treatment device that operates the drain pump based on the water level of the tub reaching the preset water level.

3. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A clothing treatment device that terminates the drying process when the above drying load is determined to be the no-load or the small load.

4. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, If the water level of the above tub is maintained below the first water level for a first time period, the dry load is determined as the no-load, A clothing treatment device that determines the drying load as the small load if the water level of the tub is not maintained below the first water level for the first time period.

5. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A clothes treatment device that reduces the rotation speed of at least one of a motor that rotates a drum rotatably provided in the tub and the fan when the above drying load is determined to be the above small load.

6. In paragraph 1, A drum rotatably provided in the above tub; A first temperature sensor for detecting the inlet temperature of the drum; and The outlet temperature of the above drum further includes a second temperature sensor; The above control unit, At a first point in time after the above drying process starts, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the drum is lower than the preset temperature, A clothes treatment device that determines the drying load as the no-load based on the water level of the tub being lower than a first water level lower than the preset water level for a first time shorter than the preset time.

7. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, A clothing treatment device that terminates the drying process when the drying load is determined to be no load even if the preset time has not elapsed since the start of the drying process.

8. In paragraph 6, Based on the difference in temperature between the inlet and outlet of the drum being higher than the preset temperature or the water level of the tub being higher than the first water level, the control unit, A clothes treatment device that determines the drying load as the small load based on the water level of the tub not reaching the preset water level for the preset time.

9. A drying device including a heat exchanger, a compressor and a fan, and having a drainage hole formed for draining condensate generated by the heat exchanger; A method for controlling a clothes treatment device including a tub provided on the lower side of the drying device and storing condensate drained through the drainage hole, Start the drying process; Operating the drying device based on the start of the drying process; A method for controlling a clothes treatment device, comprising: determining a drying load as one of no load and a small load based on the water level of the tub not reaching a preset water level for a preset time after the start of the drying process; 10. In paragraph 9, A method for controlling a clothes treatment device, further comprising: operating a drain pump for draining condensate stored in the tub based on the water level of the tub reaching the preset water level.

11. In paragraph 9, Determining the above dry load is: If the water level of the above tub is maintained below the first water level for a first time period, the dry load is determined as the no-load, A method for controlling a clothes treatment device, comprising determining the drying load as the small load if the water level of the tub is not maintained below the first water level for the first time period.

12. In paragraph 9, A method for controlling a clothes treatment device, further comprising: reducing the rotation speed of at least one of a motor that rotates a drum rotatably provided in the tub and the fan, when the drying load is determined to be the small load.

13. In paragraph 9, The above clothing treatment device, A drum rotatably provided in the above tub; A first temperature sensor for detecting the inlet temperature of the drum; and The outlet temperature of the above drum further includes a second temperature sensor; Determining the above dry load is: At a first point in time after the above drying process starts, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the drum is lower than the preset temperature, A method for controlling a clothes treatment device further comprising determining the drying load as the no-load based on the water level of the tub being lower than a first water level lower than the preset water level for a first time shorter than the preset time.

14. In paragraph 13, A method for controlling a garment treatment device further comprising terminating the drying process when the drying load is determined to be no load even if the preset time has not elapsed since the start of the drying process.

15. In paragraph 13, Determining the above dry load is: A method for controlling a clothes treatment device further comprising determining the drying load as the small load based on the water level of the tub not reaching the preset water level for the preset time if the difference in the inlet and outlet temperatures is higher than the preset temperature or the water level of the tub is higher than the first water level.

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