Clothing processing apparatus and control method therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothing processing apparatus and a control method therefor, the clothing processing apparatus recognizing whether a fixer has been removed on the basis of a vibration value of at least one of a housing and a tub, and outputting information about the removal of the fixer. The clothing processing apparatus of the present invention includes: a housing which forms the exterior and includes a rear frame; a user interface provided on one side surface of the housing and providing information on the clothing processing apparatus; a tub provided in the housing; a fixer fastened to the tub through the rear frame to fix the tub to the housing; a vibration sensor provided in the housing and detecting vibration of the housing; and a control unit for controlling the clothing processing apparatus. The control unit of the clothing processing apparatus determines that the fixer is in an unremoved state on the basis of a vibration value of the housing received from the vibration sensor being equal to or greater than a reference value during a dewatering process, stops the dewatering process on the basis of the unremoved state, and controls the user interface to output information on the unremoved state of the fixer.

Description

Garment processing device and control method thereof

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a garment treatment device and a control method thereof for preventing vibration and damage.

[0002] A garment handling device is a device for handling and / or managing garments. A garment handling device may include various devices such as a washing machine, a dryer, a washer / dryer, and a garment manager.

[0003] A dryer is a device that dries objects such as clothing by circulating air.

[0004] A washing machine is a device that washes laundry by tumbling laundry, washing water, and detergent inside the drum together through the rotation of the drum.

[0005] The cycles performed by the washing machine may include a washing cycle for washing laundry, a rinsing cycle for rinsing laundry, and a spin-drying cycle for removing moisture from the laundry.

[0006] A washing machine with a dryer function may include a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spin-drying cycle, as well as a drying cycle that blows heat generated in a drying device into a drum to dry laundry.

[0007] The garment treatment device may be equipped with a fixing member for securing the tub to the housing. The fixing member of the garment treatment device is intended to prevent the tub from shaking during transportation of the garment treatment device and to prevent damage to the garment treatment device due to shaking of the tub.

[0008] The fixers of these garment handling devices must be removed from the tub and housing by the operator or user when installing the garment handling device in the garment handling space.

[0009] If the garment treatment device is operated without removing the fixer from the tub and housing, vibrations from the tub will be transmitted to the housing via the fixer. This may cause vibrations in the garment treatment device, which may result in noise and damage to the garment treatment device.

[0010] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a garment treatment device and a control method thereof that recognizes whether a fixer has been removed based on a vibration value of at least one of a housing and a tub, and outputs information regarding the removal of the fixer.

[0011] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a garment treatment device comprises: a housing forming an exterior appearance and including a rear frame; a user interface provided on one side of the housing and providing information about the garment treatment device; a tub provided within the housing; a fixer fastened to the tub by penetrating the rear frame to fix the tub to the housing; a vibration sensor provided within the housing and detecting vibration of the housing; and a control unit for controlling the garment treatment device. The control unit of the garment treatment device determines that the fixer is not removed based on a vibration value of the housing received from the vibration sensor during a dehydration process being equal to or greater than a reference value, and controls the user interface to stop the dehydration process based on the non-removal state and output information about the non-removal state of the fixer.

[0012] A housing of a garment treatment device according to one aspect includes a plurality of frames, each frame comprising a front frame, an upper frame, side frames, and a rear frame. A vibration sensor may be provided in any one of the plurality of frames.

[0013] The control unit of the clothing treatment device according to one aspect recognizes that the fixer is not removed based on the first ratio, which is the ratio of the vibration value of the housing to the reference value, being greater than or equal to the first reference ratio, and recognizes that the fixer is removed based on the first ratio being less than the first reference ratio.

[0014] The control unit of the garment treatment device according to one aspect recognizes the time during which the first ratio is maintained above the first reference ratio and recognizes the fixer as not being removed based on the recognized time being above the preset time.

[0015] A garment treatment device according to one aspect further includes a drum provided inside a tub and capable of rotation; and a speed sensor for detecting the rotation speed of a drive motor connected to the drum. A control unit of the garment treatment device according to one aspect determines whether a fixer is removed based on determining that the rotation speed of the drive motor detected by the speed sensor has reached a reference rotation speed.

[0016] The control unit of the garment treatment device according to one aspect recognizes whether the fixer is removed based on the determination that the execution time of the dehydration process has reached the reference time.

[0017] According to one aspect, a garment treatment device is provided in a tub and further includes another vibration sensor that detects vibration of the tub and outputs a vibration value of the tub in response to the detected vibration of the tub. A control unit of the garment treatment device according to one aspect determines whether a fixer is removed based on the vibration value of the tub and the vibration value of the housing received from the other vibration sensor.

[0018] The control unit of the garment treatment device according to one aspect obtains a second ratio, which is a ratio of a vibration value of a tub to a vibration value of a housing during a dehydration process, and recognizes that the fixer is not removed based on the second ratio being less than a second reference ratio, and recognizes that the fixer is removed based on the second ratio being greater than or equal to the second reference ratio.

[0019] The control unit of the garment treatment device according to one aspect recognizes whether the fixer is removed based on the determination that the execution time of the dehydration process has reached the reference time.

[0020] According to another aspect, a garment treatment device includes: a housing; a tub provided within the housing; a drum provided within the tub and rotatably provided; a fixer connecting the housing and the tub, the fixer being removably connected; a vibration sensor detecting vibration of the tub and outputting a vibration value for the detected vibration of the tub; a control unit for increasing the rotation speed of the drum based on the rotation time of the drum during a dehydration process reaching a reference time, recognizing a first vibration value received from the vibration sensor before the reference time, recognizing a second vibration value received from the vibration sensor after the reference time, and recognizing whether the fixer has been removed based on the first vibration value and the second vibration value; and a user interface for outputting guidance information corresponding to whether the recognized fixer has been removed.

[0021] The control unit of the garment treatment device according to another aspect controls the rotation speed of the drum to be maintained at a first reference rotation speed from the start of the dehydration process until the reference time is reached, and controls the rotation speed of the drum to be increased to a second reference rotation speed based on the rotation time of the drum reaching the reference time.

[0022] The control unit of the garment treatment device according to another aspect recognizes that the fixer is not removed based on the third ratio, which is the ratio of the second vibration value to the first vibration value, being less than the third reference ratio, and recognizes that the fixer is removed based on the third ratio being greater than or equal to the third reference ratio.

[0023] The control unit of the garment treatment device according to another aspect recognizes whether the fixer has been removed during the dehydration process, and controls the dehydration process to stop based on the recognition that the fixer has not been removed.

[0024] A method for controlling a garment treatment device according to another aspect detects vibration of a housing based on the dehydration process being performed, recognizes whether a fixer connecting the housing and the tub is removed based on a vibration value of the housing for the detected vibration of the housing, outputs guidance information corresponding to whether the fixer is removed through a user interface, and controls the stop of the dehydration process based on the recognition that the fixer is not removed.

[0025] Recognizing whether a fixer has been removed includes recognizing that the fixer has not been removed based on a first ratio, which is a ratio of a vibration value of the housing to a reference value, being greater than or equal to a first reference ratio, and recognizing that the fixer has been removed based on a first ratio being less than the first reference ratio.

[0026] Recognizing whether a fixer has been removed includes recognizing a time during which the first ratio, which is a ratio of a vibration value of the housing to a reference value, is maintained above the first reference ratio if the first ratio is greater than or equal to the first reference ratio, recognizing that the fixer has not been removed based on the recognized time being greater than or equal to a preset time, and recognizing that the fixer has been removed based on the recognized time being less than or equal to the preset time.

[0027] Recognizing whether the fixer has been removed includes recognizing whether the fixer has been removed based on determining that the time for performing the dehydration process has reached a reference time.

[0028] Recognizing whether the fixer has been removed includes recognizing a vibration value of the tub received from another vibration sensor provided in the tub, and recognizing whether the fixer has been removed based on the recognized vibration value of the tub and the vibration value of the housing.

[0029] Recognizing whether the fixer has been removed includes recognizing that the fixer has not been removed based on a second ratio, which is a ratio of the vibration value of the tub to the vibration value of the housing, being less than a second reference ratio, and recognizing that the fixer has been removed based on a second ratio being greater than or equal to the second reference ratio.

[0030] Recognizing whether the fixer has been removed includes recognizing whether the fixer has been removed based on determining that the time for performing the dehydration process has reached a reference time.

[0031] According to the disclosed invention, the disclosed invention can enable a user to easily and quickly recognize whether the fixer has been removed by outputting guidance information for guiding the removal of the fixer based on whether the fixer that fixes the tub to the housing has been removed.

[0032] The disclosed invention can prevent vibration and noise from occurring due to non-removal of the fixer.

[0033] The disclosed invention can prevent malfunction and damage of a garment treatment device by stopping the operation of the garment treatment device when it is recognized that the fixer has not been removed.

[0034] The disclosed invention outputs guidance information on the generation of vibration and noise due to failure to remove a fixer and guidance information on the cessation of operation of a garment treatment device, thereby preventing a user from misrecognizing a defect or breakdown in the garment treatment device, and preventing requests for inspection services of the garment treatment device due to misrecognition, thereby reducing manpower, cost, and time waste for inspection services.

[0035] The disclosed invention can improve the safety of a garment treatment device, improve the quality and marketability of the garment treatment device, and further secure the competitiveness of the garment treatment device.

[0036] Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 3 is an internal example diagram of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4 is an exemplary view of the rear of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0041] Figure 6 is a control configuration diagram of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0042] Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 are graphs of vibration values ​​detected by a vibration sensor of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 11 is a control flowchart of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 13 is a control configuration diagram of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 14 is a graph of vibration values ​​detected by a vibration sensor of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0047] Fig. 15 is a control flowchart of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0048] Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0049] Figure 17 is a control configuration diagram of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0050] Figures 18a, 18b and 19 are graphs of vibration values ​​detected by a vibration sensor of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0051] Figure 20 is a control flowchart of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0052] 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.

[0053] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] A washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in a tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve provided in the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump provided on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water in the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0078] 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.

[0079] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal. The at least one input interface can include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. The at least one input interface can include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0080] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user. For example, at least one output interface can convey information related to the washing cycle, the operating time of the washing machine, and the washing / rinsing / spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine can be output via a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0081] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0082] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0083] The communication module can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance), or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication module can establish communication with a server and / or a user device and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

[0084] 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).

[0085] 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.

[0086] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Hereinafter, various embodiments of a garment treatment device will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings. While a washing machine / dryer is described as an example of a garment treatment device, the concepts of the present disclosure are not limited to washing machines / dryers, and can be applied to various devices for treating and / or managing garments.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional diagram of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of the inside of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the garment treatment device (1) may include a housing (10) that forms the exterior of the garment treatment device (1) and accommodates various components therein.

[0094] 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.

[0095] The housing (10) may include a plurality of frames. For example, the housing (10) may include a front frame (10a), an upper frame (10b), a side frame (10c), a rear frame (10d, see FIG. 4), and a bottom frame (10e, see FIG. 5). The plurality of frames may be provided so as to be connectable. The housing (10) may be formed by connecting the plurality of frames. Alternatively, the plurality of frames may be formed integrally.

[0096] The garment treatment device (1) may include a door (17) for opening and closing the laundry inlet (11). The door (17) may be rotatably mounted to the housing (10) by a hinge. At least a portion of the door (17) may be transparent or translucent to allow the interior of the housing (10) to be visible. For example, the door (17) may include tempered glass.

[0097] The garment treatment device (1) may include a control panel (100) arranged on one side of the housing (10). The control panel (100) may include a user interface for interaction between a user and the garment treatment device (1). The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0098] For example, at least one input interface may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0099] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button.

[0100] At least one input interface may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0101] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the garment treatment device (1) to the user. For example, at least one output interface can convey information related to the washing cycle, the operating time of the garment treatment device (1), and the washing / rinsing / spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the garment treatment device (1) can be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc.

[0102] At least one output interface may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, or the like.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the clothing treatment device (1) may include a tub (20) provided inside the housing (10) and containing washing water.

[0104] The tub (20) may be provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening (21) formed on one side. The tub opening (21) may be arranged to correspond to the laundry inlet (11). The tub opening (21) may be provided to face approximately forward. The tub opening (21) may be opened or closed by a door (17).

[0105] 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).

[0106] A clothing treatment device (1) may include a drum (30) for receiving laundry. The drum (30) may include a drum opening (31) for inserting laundry and at least one lifter (33) for performing washing by raising and dropping laundry.

[0107] The drum opening (31) may be provided to correspond to the laundry inlet (11) and the tub opening (21). The drum opening (31) may be provided to face approximately forward. 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).

[0108] 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) can be provided in the cylindrical wall of the drum (30). The plurality of holes (32) can perform a flow path function to allow the washing water stored in the tub (20) to flow into the inside of the drum (30) or flow out from the outside of the drum (30).

[0109] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a driving device that rotates the drum (30).

[0110] The driving device may include a driving motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated from the driving motor to the drum (30). The rotating shaft may pass through the tub (20) and be connected to the drum (30).

[0111] The driving device can rotate the drum (30) forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, or drying cycle.

[0112] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a water supply device (40) that supplies water from an external water source to the tub (20).

[0113] The water supply device (40) may include a water supply valve (41, 42) for supplying water or blocking the water supply. For example, the water supply valve (41, 42) may include a first water supply valve (41) for supplying hot water and a second water supply valve (42) for supplying cold water.

[0114] The first water supply valve (41) may be referred to as a hot water valve. The second water supply valve (42) may be referred to as a cold water valve.

[0115] Additionally, the water supply device (40) may include a water supply pipe (43, 44). The water supply pipe (43, 44) may be provided as a flexible material hose, plastic pipe, or metal pipe.

[0116] Water supply pipes (43, 44) may be provided with water supply valves (41, 42). For example, the water supply pipes (43, 44) may include a first water supply pipe (43) provided with a first water supply valve (41) and a second water supply pipe (44) provided with a second water supply valve (42). The first water supply pipe (43) may be referred to as a hot water pipe. The second water supply pipe (44) may be referred to as a cold water pipe.

[0117] At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) can guide water from the water supply valve (41, 42) to the tub (20). At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) can extend from the water supply valve (42) to the tub (20).

[0118] The water supply valves (41, 42) can open or close the water supply pipes (43, 44). The water supply valves (41, 42) can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub (20). For example, the water supply valves (41, 42) may include solenoid valves that open and close in response to an electrical signal.

[0119] The garment treatment device (1) may include a detergent supply device (50) that supplies detergent to the tub (20). The detergent may be used as a term encompassing a pre-wash detergent, a main wash detergent, a fabric softener, a bleach, etc.

[0120] The detergent supply device (50) may include a manual detergent supply device that allows the user to add detergent, or an automatic detergent supply device that allows some of the detergent stored in advance to be automatically added.

[0121] The detergent supply device (50) may be connected to the tub (20) via a detergent connection pipe (51). For example, the detergent supply device (50) may be configured to supply solid detergent and / or fabric softener to the tub (20). However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above-described examples.

[0122] The detergent connection pipe (51) may be provided in a U shape. The detergent connection pipe (51) may be provided as a flexible hose, plastic pipe, or metal pipe. One end of the detergent connection pipe (51) may be connected to a detergent supply device (50), and the other end of the detergent connection pipe (51) may be connected to a tub (20).

[0123] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a drainage device (70) for discharging washing water contained in the tub (20) to the outside. The drainage device (70) may include a drainage pump (71) for pumping washing water in the tub (20) and discharging the pumped washing water to the outside of the housing (10).

[0124] The drain device (70) can be connected to the tub (20) through a tub connection pipe (72). The drain device (70) can discharge the washing water of the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10) through a drain pipe (73).

[0125] The clothing treatment device (1) may further include a circulation pump (76) for pumping washing water in the tub and circulating the pumped washing water back to the tub (20).

[0126] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a water level sensor (200) that detects the water level within the tub (20). The water level sensor (200) may be located outside the tub (20) and may be provided in a connecting hose (201) connected to the tub (20). The water level of the connecting hose (201) may be the same as the water level of the tub (20). The location of the water level sensor (200) is not limited to that exemplified.

[0127] The water level detection principle of the water level sensor (200) is explained as follows.

[0128] When the water level in the tub (20) of the garment treatment device rises, the water level in the connecting hose (201) rises. When the water level in the connecting hose (201) rises, the pressure inside the connecting hose (201) may increase. The water level sensor (200) can detect a change in pressure inside the connecting hose (201) and can detect a water level inside the tub (20) corresponding to the pressure inside the connecting hose (201).

[0129] The water level sensor (200) can generate an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure inside the connecting hose (201). The frequency of the electrical signal generated by the water level sensor (200) can vary depending on the change in pressure inside the connecting hose (201).

[0130] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a drying device (80) for drying laundry accommodated inside the drum (30). The drying device (80) may heat air and supply the heated air to the inside of the tub (20).

[0131] The drying device (80) may include a heat pump and may further include a drying heater (99). The drying heater (99) may increase the drying efficiency of the drying device (80).

[0132] The components of the heat pump of the drying device (80) may be replaced with a drying heater (99).

[0133] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device (1) may include a drain line (97) for guiding water discharged from the drying device (80) to the tub (20). The drain line (97) may be provided with a flexible hose, plastic pipe, or metal pipe. The drain line (97) may guide condensate generated in the heat exchanger (92, 93) of the drying device (80) to the outside of the drying device (80). The drain line (97) may guide water sprayed by the nozzle device (96) for cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) to the outside of the drying device (80).

[0134] The nozzle device (96) can clean the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0135] The drain line (97) can be connected to the drain device (70). The drain line (97) can be connected to the drain pump (71). Water discharged from the drying device (80) can flow to the drain device (70) along the drain line (97). Water flowing into the drain device (70) through the drain line (97) can be guided to the tub (20). Condensed water flowing into the tub (20) can be discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1) by the operation of the drain pump (71).

[0136] Heated air from the drying device (80) can be supplied to the interior of the drum (30). In order to secure an area where the heated air supplied to the interior of the drum (30) comes into contact with the laundry, the tub exhaust port (27) can 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).

[0137] The clothing treatment device (1) according to various embodiments may further include an exhaust path (P) for moving air discharged from the inside of the tub (20) to the drying device (80). The exhaust path (P) may be provided so that air discharged from the tub exhaust port (27) flows to the inlet path (85) of the drying device (80). The exhaust path (P) may be provided so as to discharge moist air that has passed through the tub (20). For example, the exhaust path (P) may be provided at the rear of the tub (20).

[0138] The air inside the tub (20) can be discharged to the tub duct (28) through the tub exhaust port (27) formed at the rear of the tub (20). The air discharged to the tub duct (28) can flow along the exhaust path (P) and be supplied to the drying device (80).

[0139] 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).

[0140] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a washing water heater (24). The washing water heater (24) is provided at the lower side of the tub (20) and can heat the washing water during washing.

[0141] In addition, the water supply device (40) can supply a certain amount of water to the lower side of the tub (20) through the exhaust path (P) during the drying cycle, and the washing water heater (24) can heat the water supplied into the interior of the tub (20) through the water supply device (40), the exhaust path (P), and the tub exhaust port (27) to generate steam. That is, the steam generated by the water supply device (40) and the washing water heater (24) can come into contact with the clothes during the drying cycle, thereby preventing wrinkles from forming on the clothes as much as possible.

[0142] In FIGS. 1 to 3, the clothing treatment device (1) is exemplified as a washing machine with a dryer, but is not limited thereto. The clothing treatment device (1) may correspond to a washing machine that does not include a drying device.

[0143] When transporting a washing machine or dryer to a user, the tub is fixed to the housing using multiple fixers during manufacturing to prevent the washing machine or dryer from malfunctioning or being damaged.

[0144] A washer / dryer combination or washing machine may include multiple removable fixers. This is described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Hereinafter, a washing machine will be described as an example of a garment treatment device.

[0145] FIG. 4 is an exemplary view of the rear of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0146] As shown in Fig. 4, a plurality of fixers (F, Fixer) can be fastened to the rear frame (10d) of the clothing treatment device (1).

[0147] A plurality of fixers (F) may be fastened to different locations of the rear frame (10d). For example, a plurality of fixers (F) may be fastened to the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right of the rear frame (10d), respectively. However, the fastening locations and number of fixers (F) are not limited to those exemplified.

[0148] The rear frame (10d) may include a plurality of fastening holes. A fastening member may be provided on the rear of the tub (20). For example, the fastening member may include a nut. The positions of the plurality of nuts provided on the rear of the tub may correspond to the positions of the plurality of fastening holes, respectively.

[0149] Each of the fixers (F) can be connected to a fastening member on the rear of the tub (20) by passing through a fastening hole in the rear frame (10d) of the housing.

[0150] Each fixer (F) may include a bolt (F1) and a packing member (F2).

[0151] The bolt (F1) of each fixer (F) can be connected to the fastening member on the rear of the tub (20) by passing through the fastening hole of the rear frame (10d).

[0152] The packing member (F2) can be made of rubber material, paper material, plastic material, etc.

[0153] The packing member (F2) of each fixer is provided between the rear frame (10d) and the bolt (F1), and by preventing friction between the rear frame (10d) and the bolt (F1), the rear frame (10d) can be prevented from being damaged by the bolt (F1).

[0154] The bolt (F1) of each fixer can pass through the packing member (F2) and then pass through the fastening hole of the rear frame (10d) to be connected to the fastening member on the rear of the tub (20).

[0155] In order to use the clothing treatment device (1) normally, multiple fixers (F) must be removed.

[0156] When the drum (30) in the garment treatment device (1) rotates while a plurality of fixers (F) are not removed from the garment treatment device, the vibration generated by the rotation of the drum (30) is transmitted to the tub (20), and the vibration of the tub (20) can be transmitted to the housing (10) through the fixers (F). At this time, since both the tub (20) and the housing (10) vibrate, a very large vibration can occur, which can cause damage to the garment treatment device (1).

[0157]

[0158] As shown in FIG. 5, the garment treatment device (1) may further include a plurality of springs (23) and a plurality of dampers (25) for offsetting vibrations generated by the rotation of the drum (30), and may further include a vibration sensor (500) for detecting vibrations generated in the garment treatment device.

[0159] A plurality of springs (23) can absorb vibrations generated in the tub (20) by the rotation of the drum (30) and transmitted to the housing (10), thereby reducing vibrations transmitted to the housing (10).

[0160] A plurality of springs (23) may be provided inside the housing (10) and outside the tub (20). The plurality of springs (23) may connect the upper surface of the tub (20) and the inner surface of the housing (10). The plurality of springs (23) may connect the upper surface of the tub (20) and the upper frame (10d).

[0161] A plurality of dampers (25) can absorb vibrations generated in the tub (20) by the rotation of the drum (30) and transmitted to the housing (10), thereby reducing vibrations transmitted to the housing (10).

[0162] A plurality of dampers (25) may be provided inside the housing (10) and outside the tub (20). The plurality of dampers (25) may connect the lower surface of the tub (20) and the inner surface of the housing (10). The plurality of dampers (25) may connect the lower surface of the tub (20) and the bottom frame (10e).

[0163] The vibration sensor (500) is provided inside the housing (10), but may be provided in front of the upper frame (10d).

[0164] The vibration sensor (500) is provided in an inner frame provided inside the housing (10), but may be provided in front of the inner frame.

[0165] The inner frame may be a frame for dividing an area where electric components are provided and an area where washing components are provided.

[0166] The inner frame may be a frame for dividing an area where washing components and drying components are provided.

[0167] The location of the vibration sensor (500) is not limited to this. The vibration sensor (500) may also be provided on the upper frame (10b), the side frame (10c), the rear frame (10d), and / or the bottom frame (10e).

[0168] The vibration sensor (500) can detect vibration of the housing (10).

[0169] The vibration sensor (500) can detect vibration of the upper frame (10d).

[0170] The vibration sensor (500) may be, but is not limited to, a capacitive type MEMS acceleration sensor, a piezoresistive type MEMS acceleration sensor, a resistive type vibration sensor, a capacitive type vibration sensor, an optical vibration sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a gyro sensor.

[0171] Figure 6 is a control configuration diagram of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0172] The clothing treatment device (1) includes a water supply device (40), a drainage pump (71), a circulation pump (76), a drying device (80), and a water level sensor (200), and may include a drying device.

[0173] Descriptions of the water supply device (40), drainage pump (71), circulation pump (76), drying device (80), and water level sensor (200) are described in FIGS. 1 and 2, and are omitted here.

[0174] The garment treatment device (1) may further include a driving device (36), a control panel (100), a communication interface (150), a vibration sensor (500), and a control unit (300), and may further include a speed sensor (250).

[0175] The driving device (36) can rotate the drum (30) based on a control command from the control unit (300).

[0176] The driving device (36) may include a driving motor (36a).

[0177] The drive motor (36a) can rotate in a first direction, can rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and can rotate at a rotation speed corresponding to a control command of the control unit (300).

[0178] The first direction can be forward and clockwise. The second direction can be reverse and counterclockwise.

[0179] The drive motor (36a) is connected to the drum (30) and can transmit rotational force to the drum (30).

[0180] The drum (30) can rotate in conjunction with the operation of the drive motor (36a).

[0181] The drum (30) can rotate in a first direction, can rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and can rotate at a rotation speed corresponding to the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a).

[0182] The control panel (100) can receive user input and output various information regarding the operation of the garment treatment device (1). The control panel (100) can be a user interface.

[0183] The control panel (100) may include an input interface (101) and an output interface (102).

[0184] The input interface (101) receives user input.

[0185] The input interface (101) can receive at least one of a driving start command, a driving pause command, a driving stop command, a washing course, and option information.

[0186] Here, the washing cycle may include standard washing, blanket washing, boiling, wool washing, towel washing, and rapid washing. The washing cycle may further include a tub wash for cleaning the inside of the garment treatment device.

[0187] The optional information may include at least one of the following: the amount of wash water, the temperature of the wash water, the wash time of the wash cycle, the number of rinse cycles, the intensity of the spin-dry cycle, and the spin-dry cycle time. Furthermore, if the garment treatment device is capable of a drying cycle, the optional information may further include the dryness level.

[0188] The input interface (101) may include hardware devices such as switches, pedals, keyboards, mice, trackballs, various levers, handles, sticks, etc., in addition to buttons and jog dials.

[0189] Additionally, the input interface (101) may include a GUI (Graphical User Interface), i.e., a software device, such as a touch pad. The touch pad may be implemented as a touch screen panel (TSP) and may form a mutual layer structure with the display unit.

[0190] The output interface (102) outputs operation information of the garment treatment device (1).

[0191] The output interface (102) may include a display (102a) and a speaker (102b).

[0192] The display unit (102a) displays operation information of the clothing treatment device, displays the remaining time during operation, and can also display washing course and option information selected by the user.

[0193] The display unit (102a) can display guidance information corresponding to the start, end, and pause of operation of the garment treatment device in the form of text or emoticons.

[0194] The display unit (102a) can display information on the non-removal of the fixer.

[0195] The display unit (102a) can display guidance information on how to remove the fixer.

[0196] The display unit (102a) can also display the fastening positions of the fixers and the number of fixers.

[0197] The display unit (102a) can display guidance information on the stoppage of the operation of the clothing treatment device due to non-removal of the fixer, and can display guidance information on the vibration and noise of the clothing treatment device due to non-removal of the fixer.

[0198] For example, the display unit (102a) may display guidance information such as 'the dehydration process of the garment treatment device has been stopped due to non-removal of the fixer, and vibration and noise are generated.'

[0199] The display unit (102a) can display guidance information such as ‘Operation will be performed again from the dehydration process when the fixer is removed.’

[0200] The display unit (102a) includes a plurality of seven segments.

[0201] The display unit (102a) may be provided as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital light processing (DLP) panel, a plasma display panel, an electroluminescence (EL) panel, an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel, an electrochromic display (ECD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, but is not limited thereto.

[0202] The speaker (102b) can output an alarm sound corresponding to the start, end, or pause of operation of the garment treatment device.

[0203] The speaker (102b) can output information about the non-removal of the fixer as a warning sound.

[0204] The speaker (102b) can output guidance information on how to remove the fixer in the form of a voice.

[0205] The speaker (102b) can output guidance information about the stoppage of the operation of the clothing treatment device due to the failure to remove the fixer as a guidance voice, and can output guidance information about the vibration and noise of the clothing treatment device due to the failure to remove the fixer as a guidance voice.

[0206] The communication interface (150) may include various communication circuits for performing wired and / or wireless communication with external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and / or other home appliances). The user devices may include various electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, notebooks, smartwatches, stationary tablets, and speakers. User input may be obtained through the user devices as well as the control panel (100).

[0207] The communication interface (150) may include at least one of a short-range communication circuit and a long-range communication circuit. The communication interface (150) may transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication interface (150) may support cellular communication, wireless local area network (WLAN), home radio frequency (RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth, AD-HOC, and / or Zigbee. The communication technologies supported by the communication interface (150) are not limited to those exemplified.

[0208] The communication interface (150) can also communicate with external devices via an access point (AP). The access point can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the garment treatment device (1) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The garment treatment device (1) can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0209] The communication interface (150) can transmit non-removal information of the fixer to the user device in response to a control command of the control unit (300).

[0210] The communication interface (150) can transmit guidance information on a method of removing a fixer to a user device, can transmit guidance information on the cessation of operation of a garment treatment device due to failure to remove a fixer to a user device, and can transmit guidance information on vibration and noise of a garment treatment device due to failure to remove a fixer to a user device.

[0211] The speed sensor (250) can detect the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a) and output the detected rotation speed of the driving motor (36a) to the processor (310).

[0212] The speed sensor (250) can also detect the rotation speed of the drum and output the detected rotation speed of the drum to the processor (310).

[0213] The vibration sensor (500) can be provided in the housing (10). The vibration sensor (500) can be provided in the upper frame (10b) or in the inner frame.

[0214] The vibration sensor (500) detects the vibration of the housing (10) and transmits the vibration value of the housing for the detected vibration of the lower body to the processor (310).

[0215] The vibration sensor (500) can detect vibration of the upper frame (10b) of the housing (10) and can also detect vibration of the inner frame of the housing (10).

[0216] If the dehydration process is performed without removing the fixers (F), the vibration of the tub (20) may be transmitted to the housing (10) through the fixers (F). Accordingly, the vibration value of the housing (10) detected by the vibration sensor (500) after the start of the dehydration process may increase rapidly.

[0217] When the dehydration process is performed with the fixers (F) removed, the vibration of the tub (20) is damped by the springs and dampers, and the damped vibration can be transmitted to the housing (10). Accordingly, the vibration value of the housing (10) detected by the vibration sensor (500) after the start of the dehydration process can be much smaller than the vibration value in a state where the fixers are not removed.

[0218] The control unit (300) can be electrically connected to various components and / or devices of the clothing treatment device (1) and can control various components and / or devices.

[0219] The control unit (300) can be electrically connected to the drive motor (36a), the control panel (100), the communication interface (150), and the vibration sensor (500).

[0220] The control unit (300) can control the drive motor (36a), control panel (100), communication interface (150), and vibration sensor (500).

[0221] The control unit (300) may include a processor (310) and a memory (320). In addition, the control unit (300) may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories.

[0222] The processor (310) may be implemented as a memory (not shown) that stores data regarding an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within a garment treatment device or a program that reproduces the algorithm, and a processor (not shown) that performs the aforementioned operations using the data stored in the memory. In this case, the memory and processor may each be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0223] The processor (310) can perform the above-described operation using data stored in the memory (320).

[0224] The processor (310) may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the processor (310) may include one or more processor chips that perform the aforementioned operations using an algorithm for controlling the operations of components within a garment treatment device, at least one memory that stores program-type data, and data stored in the at least one memory, or may include one or more processing cores.

[0225] The processor (310) can process various data and various signals using instructions, data, programs and / or software stored in the memory (320).

[0226] The processor (310) can generate a control signal for controlling components of the clothing treatment device (1).

[0227] The processor (310) may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of the artificial intelligence model, and may include a graphics-only processor (GPU), etc.

[0228] The memory (320) can store data for an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the garment treatment device or a program reproducing the algorithm.

[0229] The memory (320) may be implemented as at least one of a non-volatile memory element such as a cache, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable ROM), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and a flash memory, a volatile memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a CD-ROM, but is not limited thereto.

[0230] The memory (320) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks.

[0231] The processor (310) controls the overall operation of the garment treatment device (1).

[0232] The processor (310) determines the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the rinsing time, the dehydration intensity and the dehydration time based on the washing course and option information input to the input interface (101), and can control the operation of the clothing treatment device based on the determined washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the rinsing time, the dehydration intensity and the dehydration time.

[0233] The processor (310) can also control the output interface (102) to output a washing course and at least one option information selected by the user through the input interface (101).

[0234] The processor (310) may change at least one of the washing time, the number of rinses, the rinsing time, the dehydration intensity, and the dehydration time determined based on the weight of the laundry detected by the weight detection unit (not shown) when controlling the operation of the clothing treatment device, and may also control the operation of the clothing treatment device based on the changed information.

[0235] The processor (310) can obtain the rotation direction, rotation angle, rotation speed and rotation time of the drum for each cycle and each cycle execution time based on the recognized weight of laundry and the washing course and option information selected by the user during the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle, and control the operation of the drive motor (36a) based on the obtained rotation direction, rotation speed, rotation angle and rotation time of the drum (130).

[0236] The processor (310) can obtain the rotation speed, rotation direction, and rotation time of the drive motor (36a) based on the recognized weight of laundry and the washing course and option information selected by the user during the dehydration process, and control the operation of the drive motor (36a) based on the obtained rotation speed, rotation time, and rotation direction of the drive motor (36a).

[0237] When controlling the operation of the garment treatment device, the processor (310) can obtain a target water level based on the weight of the laundry detected by the weight detection unit (not shown), and control at least one of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42) based on the obtained target water level and the water level detected by the water level sensor (200).

[0238] The processor (310) can control at least one of the first and second water supply valves based on the type information of the washing water received from the input interface (101).

[0239] The processor (310) can perform a drainage process by controlling the drain pump (71) based on the completion of the washing process and the rinsing process.

[0240] The processor (310) can control the drain pump (71) during the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process, and can perform the drainage process by controlling the drain pump (71) based on the completion of the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process.

[0241] The processor (310) can receive the vibration value of the housing detected by the vibration sensor (500) when the drum (30) is rotating, and can recognize whether the fixers are removed based on the received vibration value of the housing (10).

[0242] The state in which the drum (30) rotates may include a state in which the drum rotates during the dehydration process.

[0243] The state in which the drum rotates may include the state in which the drive motor rotates.

[0244] The processor (310) can count the time from the start of the dehydration process and recognize the vibration value of the received housing when the counted time reaches the reference time.

[0245] The processor (310) can compare the vibration value of the housing with the first reference value.

[0246] The processor (310) can recognize the removal of fixers when the vibration value of the housing is less than the first reference value.

[0247] If the vibration value of the housing is greater than or equal to the first reference value, the processor (310) can obtain a ratio of the vibration value of the housing (10) to the first reference value and compare the obtained ratio with the first reference ratio.

[0248] Here, the first reference value and the first reference ratio may be information obtained through a test and may be information that is preset and stored.

[0249] The first reference value may be the vibration value of the housing detected by the vibration sensor (500) with the fixers removed.

[0250] The first reference value may be the vibration value of the housing detected by the vibration sensor (500) when performing the dehydration process with the fixers removed.

[0251] The first reference value may be the vibration value of the housing detected by the vibration sensor (500) when the time for performing the dehydration process with the fixers removed exceeds the reference time.

[0252] The reference time is information obtained through the test, which may be preset and stored. The reference time may be approximately 60 seconds.

[0253] The first standard ratio may be approximately 10.

[0254] The processor (310) can determine whether fixers are removed based on the acquired ratio and the first reference ratio. This is described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10.

[0255] Figure 7 is a graph (a) showing the vibration value of the housing when the fixers are removed and (b) showing the vibration value of the housing when the fixers are not removed, when the dehydration process is performed without loading laundry into the drum.

[0256] As shown in graphs a and b of Fig. 7, at a point in time when a reference time (approximately 60 seconds) has elapsed from the start of the dehydration process, the vibration value of the housing with the fixers removed is approximately 0.2 mm, and the vibration value of the housing with the fixers removed is approximately 2.8 mm. In other words, it can be seen that the vibration value of the housing with the fixers not removed is approximately 10 times greater than the vibration value of the housing with the fixers removed.

[0257] Figure 8 is a graph (a) showing the vibration value of the housing when the fixers are removed and the graph (b) showing the vibration value of the housing when the fixers are not removed, when the dehydration process is performed with laundry loaded into the drum.

[0258] As shown in graphs a and b of Fig. 8, at a point in time when a reference time (approximately 60 seconds) has elapsed from the start of the dehydration process, the vibration value of the housing with the fixers removed is approximately 0.1 mm, and the vibration value of the housing with the fixers removed is approximately 2.0 mm. In other words, it can be seen that the vibration value of the housing with the fixers not removed is approximately 10 times greater than the vibration value of the housing with the fixers removed.

[0259] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, regardless of whether laundry is loaded, it can be seen that the vibration value of the housing when the fixers are not removed is approximately 10 times greater than the vibration value of the housing when the fixers are removed.

[0260] Figure 9 is a graph (a, b) showing the vibration value of the housing when the garment treatment device is installed on a hard floor surface and the fixers are not removed, and a graph (c, d) showing the vibration value of the housing when the garment treatment device is installed on a soft floor surface and the fixers are not removed.

[0261] Figure 10 is a graph (a) of the vibration value of the housing when the garment treatment device is installed on a hard floor surface and the fixers are removed, and graphs (b, c, d) of the vibration value of the housing when the garment treatment device is installed on a soft floor surface and the fixers are removed.

[0262] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, regardless of the type of floor surface on which the garment treatment device is installed, it can be seen that the vibration value of the housing when the fixers are not removed is approximately 10 times greater than the vibration value of the housing when the fixers are removed.

[0263] In the graphs of FIGS. 9 and 10, the vibration value on the vertical axis can be converted into units of mm by dividing the vibration sensor value by 327.68.

[0264] The processor (310) may recognize that the fixers are not removed based on the fact that the acquired ratio is greater than or equal to the first reference ratio, and may recognize that the fixers are removed based on the fact that the acquired ratio is less than the first reference ratio. For example, the processor (310) may recognize that the fixers are not removed based on the fact that the vibration value of the housing is recognized as being 10 times or more the first reference value.

[0265] The processor (310) can recognize the time during which the acquired ratio is maintained above the first reference ratio if the acquired ratio is above the first reference ratio, and can recognize the non-removal of fixers based on the recognized time being above a preset time, and can recognize the removal of fixers based on the recognized time being below a preset time.

[0266] The preset time may be a preset and stored value, obtained through testing. The preset time may be approximately 3 seconds.

[0267] For example, the processor (310) may recognize that the fixers are not removed based on the fact that the vibration value of the housing is maintained at 10 times or more of the first reference value for 3 seconds or more.

[0268] The processor (310) can recognize whether the fixer is removed during the dehydration process and control the dehydration process to be stopped based on the recognition that the fixer is not removed.

[0269] When the processor (310) recognizes that the fixer has not been removed, it can control the output interface (102) to output guidance information for stopping the dehydration process due to the fixer not being removed.

[0270] The processor (310) can maintain control of the dehydration process based on what is recognized as the removal of the fixer.

[0271] When comparing the vibration value of the recognized housing with the first reference value, the processor (310) counts the time from the start of the dehydration process, and when the counted time reaches the reference time, the processor (310) recognizes the vibration value of the housing detected by the vibration sensor (500) and compares the vibration value of the recognized housing with the first reference value.

[0272] The processor (310) controls the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) to increase when the execution time of the dehydration process reaches a reference time, and can end the recognition of whether or not the fixer has been removed based on the determination that the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) detected by the speed sensor (250) during the control of increasing the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) has reached the reference rotation speed.

[0273] That is, the processor (310) can control the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) to increase until the reference rotation speed is reached when a reference time has elapsed from the start point of the dehydration process.

[0274] The processor (310) can control the rotation of the drive motor (36a) to stop when the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) reaches the reference rotation speed and the fixer is recognized as not being removed, and can control the rotation of the drive motor (36a) to maintain the rotation when the fixer is recognized as being removed, thereby maintaining the dehydration process.

[0275] The reference rotation speed may be information obtained through a test or information that is preset and stored. The reference rotation speed may be a rotation speed of approximately 500 rpm.

[0276] The processor (310) can recognize whether the fixer is removed when the current section during the dehydration process is a preset resonance section. The preset resonance section is a section when the rotation speed of the driving motor is approximately between 200 rpm and 500 rpm, and may be a section in which vibration of the tub occurs.

[0277] The processor (310) can recognize whether the fixer is removed based on the vibration value of the housing detected by the vibration sensor when the current section during the dehydration process is a preset resonance section.

[0278] The processor (310) can also control the communication interface (150) to transmit guidance information about the non-removal of the fixer to a pre-registered user device when it is recognized that the fixer has not been removed.

[0279] The processor (310) can also control the communication interface (150) to transmit information on the suspension of the dehydration process due to non-removal of the fixer and information on the occurrence of vibration and noise to a pre-registered user device.

[0280] When the processor (310) receives fixer removal information from the input interface (101), the operation of the garment treatment device can be resumed from the dehydration process.

[0281] When fixer removal information is received from the user device, the processor (310) can resume operation of the garment treatment device from the dehydration process.

[0282] The processor (310) can also control the communication interface (150) to transmit the received inspection service request command to the service server when an inspection service request command for fixer removal is received from the input interface (101).

[0283] The processor (310) can also recognize whether the fixer is removed based on the vibration value of the housing detected by the vibration sensor (500) and a preset value. In this case, the processor (310) can recognize that the fixer is not removed if the vibration value of the housing detected by the vibration sensor (500) is greater than or equal to the preset value, and can recognize that the fixer is removed if the vibration value of the housing detected by the vibration sensor (500) is less than the preset value. Here, the preset value may be a value obtained and stored through a test. The preset value may include a value obtained by the vibration value of the housing in a state where the fixer is removed and a preset multiple.

[0284] The memory (320) can store information on the first reference value, the first preparation rate, the reference time, and the reference rotation speed.

[0285] The memory (320) can store information about a preset time and can store information about a pre-registered user device.

[0286] At least one component may be added or deleted to correspond to the performance of the garment treatment device illustrated in Fig. 6. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be altered to correspond to the performance or structure of the garment treatment device.

[0287] Meanwhile, each component illustrated in FIG. 6 represents software and / or hardware components such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0288] Fig. 11 is a control flowchart of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0289] The garment treatment device identifies whether the current operation is a dehydration operation (1001). Here, the dehydration operation may be the first dehydration operation performed after purchase and installation of the garment treatment device.

[0290] If the current cycle is identified as a dehydration cycle, the garment treatment device can count the time from the start of the dehydration cycle (1002) and determine whether the counted time has reached a reference time (1003). Here, the counted time may include the time it takes to perform the dehydration cycle.

[0291] When the garment processing device determines that the counted time standard time has been reached, it increases the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) (1004). At this time, the rotation speed of the drum (30) can also be increased by increasing the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a).

[0292] The garment treatment device can increase the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) until the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) detected by the speed sensor (250) reaches a reference rotation speed when increasing the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a). For example, the garment treatment device can increase the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) from approximately 100 rpm to approximately 500 rpm.

[0293] When the clothing treatment device increases the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a), it can recognize the vibration value of the housing detected by the vibration sensor (500) (1005).

[0294] The vibration value of the housing detected by the vibration sensor (500) may include the vibration value of the upper frame.

[0295] The garment processing device can recognize the vibration value of the housing detected by the vibration sensor (500) between the time when the counted time reaches the reference time and the time when the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a) reaches the reference rotation speed.

[0296] The garment treatment device can identify whether the vibration value of the housing is greater than or equal to a first reference value (1006). At this time, if the garment treatment device recognizes that the vibration value of the housing is less than the first reference value, the device recognizes that the fixers have been removed and can maintain and control the rotation of the drive motor (36a). In other words, the garment treatment device can maintain and control the dehydration process (1012).

[0297] When the clothing treatment device recognizes that the vibration value of the housing is greater than or equal to the first reference value, it obtains the ratio of the vibration value of the housing (10) to the first reference value (1007), and can compare the obtained ratio with the first reference ratio.

[0298] The garment processing device can recognize non-removal of fixers based on the obtained ratio being greater than or equal to the first reference ratio, and can recognize removal of fixers based on the obtained ratio being less than the first reference ratio.

[0299] The clothing processing device can recognize the time during which the acquired ratio is maintained above the first reference ratio (1008), and can recognize the non-removal of fixers based on the recognized time being greater than or equal to a preset time (1009), and can recognize the removal of fixers based on the recognized time being less than or equal to a preset time (1010).

[0300] The garment treatment device can recognize whether the fixer has been removed during the dehydration process and control the dehydration process to stop based on the recognition that the fixer has not been removed (1011).

[0301] The clothing treatment device can stop the dehydration process by controlling the rotation of the drive motor (36a) to stop when the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) reaches the reference rotation speed and the fixer is recognized as not being removed.

[0302] The garment treatment device can also stop the dehydration process if it is recognized that the fixer is not removed before the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a) reaches the reference rotation speed.

[0303] When the garment treatment device recognizes that the fixer has not been removed, it can output guidance information about the fixer not being removed and guidance information about the stoppage of the dehydration process due to the fixer not being removed through the output interface (102) (1011).

[0304] Outputting guidance information through the output interface (102) may include displaying information on non-removal of the fixer through the display unit (102a), displaying guidance information on a method of removing the fixer through the display unit (102a), and displaying the fastening positions of the fixers and the number of fixers through the display unit (102a).

[0305] Outputting guidance information through the output interface (102) may include displaying guidance information on the cessation of operation of the garment treatment device due to non-removal of the fixer through the display unit (102a), and may include displaying guidance information on vibration and noise of the garment treatment device due to non-removal of the fixer through the display unit (102a).

[0306] Outputting guidance information through the output interface (102) may include outputting information about non-removal of the fixer as a warning sound through the speaker (102b), outputting guidance information about the cessation of operation of the garment treatment device due to non-removal of the fixer as a guidance voice, and outputting guidance information about vibration and noise of the garment treatment device due to non-removal of the fixer as a guidance voice.

[0307] The garment treatment device can also transmit guidance information about the non-removal of the fixer to a pre-registered user device based on the recognition that the fixer is not removed.

[0308]

[0309] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0310] A garment treatment device (1b) according to another embodiment may also include a plurality of fixers fastened during manufacturing to prevent the garment treatment device from being damaged during transport.

[0311] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the garment treatment device (1: 1b) may further include a plurality of springs (23) and a plurality of dampers (25) for offsetting vibrations generated by the rotation of the drum (30), and may further include a vibration sensor (400) for detecting vibrations generated in the garment treatment device.

[0312] A plurality of springs (23) can absorb vibrations generated in the tub (20) by the rotation of the drum (30) and transmitted to the housing (10), thereby reducing vibrations transmitted to the housing (10).

[0313] A plurality of springs (23) may be provided inside the housing (10) and outside the tub (20). The plurality of springs (23) may connect the upper surface of the tub (20) and the inner surface of the housing (10). The plurality of springs (23) may connect the upper surface of the tub (20) and the upper frame (10d).

[0314] A plurality of dampers (25) can absorb vibrations generated in the tub (20) by the rotation of the drum (30) and transmitted to the housing (10), thereby reducing vibrations transmitted to the housing (10).

[0315] A plurality of dampers (25) may be provided inside the housing (10) and outside the tub (20). The plurality of dampers (25) may connect the lower surface of the tub (20) and the inner surface of the housing (10). The plurality of dampers (25) may connect the lower surface of the tub (20) and the bottom frame (10e).

[0316] A vibration sensor (400) can be provided inside the tub (20).

[0317] The vibration sensor (400) can detect the vibration of the tub (20) and output a vibration value for the detected vibration of the tub.

[0318] The vibration sensor (400) may be, but is not limited to, a capacitive type MEMS acceleration sensor, a piezoresistive type MEMS acceleration sensor, a resistive type vibration sensor, a capacitive type vibration sensor, an optical vibration sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a gyro sensor.

[0319] Fig. 13 is a control configuration diagram of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0320] The garment treatment device (1b) of another embodiment includes a water supply device (40), a drain pump (71), a circulation pump (76), a drying device (80), and a water level sensor (200), and may include a drying device. The water supply device (40), the drain pump (71), the circulation pump (76), the drying device (80), and the water level sensor (200) of the garment treatment device (1b) of another embodiment are the same as the water supply device (40), the drain pump (71), the circulation pump (76), the drying device (80), and the water level sensor (200) of the garment treatment device (1a) of one embodiment, and thus, description thereof is omitted.

[0321] The garment treatment device (1b) of another embodiment may further include a driving device (36), a control panel (100), a communication interface (150), a vibration sensor (400), and a control unit (301), and may further include a speed sensor (250).

[0322] The driving device (36), control panel (100), communication interface (150), and speed sensor (250) of the garment treatment device (1b) of another embodiment are the same as the driving device (36), control panel (100), communication interface (150), and speed sensor (250) of the garment treatment device (1a) of one embodiment, and thus, description thereof is omitted.

[0323] A vibration sensor (400) can be provided inside the tub (20).

[0324] The vibration sensor (400) can detect the vibration of the tub (20) and output a vibration value for the detected vibration of the tub.

[0325] The configuration of the control unit (301) of another embodiment is the same as the configuration of the control unit (300) of one embodiment, so description thereof is omitted.

[0326] Among the configurations of the processor (311) of another embodiment, only the configurations that are different from the configuration of the processor (310) of one embodiment will be described.

[0327] The processor (311) can receive the vibration value of the tub detected by the vibration sensor (400) when the drum (30) is rotating, and can recognize whether the fixers are removed based on the received vibration value of the tub.

[0328] The state in which the drum (30) rotates may include a state in which the drum rotates during the dehydration process.

[0329] The state in which the drum rotates may include a state in which the drive motor (36a) rotates.

[0330] The processor (311) can count the time from the start of the dehydration process and control the drive motor (36a) to increase the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) when the counted time reaches a reference time. Here, the counted time may be the execution time of the dehydration process.

[0331] The processor (311) can control the drive motor (36a) so that the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) reaches a first reference rotation speed when the dehydration process starts, and can control the drive motor (36a) so that the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) reaches a second reference rotation speed when the execution time of the dehydration process reaches a reference time.

[0332] The second reference rotation speed may be a rotation speed that is faster than the first reference rotation speed.

[0333] The first reference rotation speed may be a rotation speed of approximately 100 rpm, and the second reference rotation speed may be a rotation speed of 500 rpm.

[0334] The processor (311) can recognize the vibration value of the tub detected by the vibration sensor (400) before and after the reference time based on the reference time. That is, the processor (311) can recognize the first vibration value for the vibration of the tub before reaching the reference time, and recognize the second vibration value for the vibration of the tub after reaching the reference time.

[0335] The processor (311) can recognize a first vibration value as the vibration value of the tub when the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a) is the first reference rotation speed, and can recognize a second vibration value as the vibration value of the tub when controlling the increase in the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a).

[0336] The processor (311) can recognize any one of the maximum value, minimum value, average value, and median value among the first vibration values ​​recognized while the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a) rotates at the first reference rotation speed as the first vibration value for non-removal recognition of the fixer.

[0337] The processor (311) can recognize the second vibration value as the vibration value of the tub while controlling the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a) to increase from the first reference rotation speed to the second reference rotation speed.

[0338] The processor (311) can recognize the second vibration value as the vibration value of the tub while the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a) increases from approximately 200 rpm to approximately 500 rpm.

[0339] The processor (311) can recognize any one of the maximum value, minimum value, average value and median value among the recognized second vibration values ​​while controlling the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a) to increase from the first reference rotation speed to the second reference rotation speed as the second vibration value for non-removal recognition of the fixer.

[0340] The processor (311) obtains a ratio of the second vibration value to the first vibration value when the second vibration value is greater than or equal to the first vibration value, and can compare the obtained ratio with the second reference ratio.

[0341] Here, the second reference ratio may be information obtained through testing and stored in advance. For example, the second reference ratio may be approximately 3.

[0342] The processor (311) can determine whether fixers are removed based on the acquired ratio and the second reference ratio. This is explained with reference to FIG. 14.

[0343] Figure 14 is a graph (a) of the vibration value of the tub during the dehydration process with the fixers removed, and a graph (b) of the vibration value of the tub during the dehydration process with the fixers not removed. In the graph of Figure 14, the vibration value on the vertical axis is the value of the vibration sensor, and the unit can be converted to mm by dividing it by 327.68.

[0344] As shown in graph a of Fig. 14, it can be seen that the first vibration value is approximately 700 while the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a) is maintained at the first reference rotation speed before reaching the reference time from the start time of the dehydration process. It can be seen that the second vibration value is approximately 3900 while the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a) is increased to the second reference rotation speed after reaching the reference time from the start time of the dehydration process.

[0345] As shown in graph b of Fig. 14, it can be seen that the first vibration value is approximately 700 while the rotation speed of the driving motor is maintained at the first reference rotation speed before reaching the reference time from the start of the dehydration process. It can be seen that the second vibration value is approximately 1800 while the rotation speed of the driving motor is controlled to increase to the second reference rotation speed after reaching the reference time from the start of the dehydration process.

[0346] As illustrated in Fig. 14, when the rotation speed of the driving motor increases with the fixer removed, the vibration value of the tub increases due to the resonance of the tub. That is, when the fixer is removed, the difference between the vibration value of the tub when the driving motor is at the first reference rotation speed and the vibration value when it is faster than the first reference rotation speed increases.

[0347] On the other hand, when the fixer is not removed, the vibration of the tub is transmitted to the housing through the fixer when the drum rotates. As a result, the tub resonance phenomenon does not occur in the section where the rotation speed of the driving motor increases, so the vibration value of the tub does not increase. In other words, when the fixer is not removed, the difference between the vibration value of the tub when the driving motor is at the first reference rotation speed and the vibration value when it is faster than the first reference rotation speed becomes small.

[0348] The processor (311) may recognize that the fixers are not removed based on the fact that the acquired ratio is less than the second reference ratio, and may recognize that the fixers are removed based on the fact that the acquired ratio is greater than or equal to the second reference ratio. For example, the processor (311) may recognize that the fixers are not removed based on the fact that the second vibration value is recognized as being less than three times the first vibration value.

[0349] The processor (311) can recognize that the fixers are removed if the acquired ratio is greater than or equal to the second reference ratio and the time for which the acquired ratio is maintained greater than or equal to the second reference ratio increases for a preset period of time, and can also recognize that the fixers are not removed if the time for which the acquired ratio is maintained greater than or equal to the second reference ratio is less than or equal to the preset period of time and the acquired ratio decreases.

[0350] The preset time may be a preset and stored value, obtained through information obtained by the test.

[0351] The processor (311) can recognize the second vibration value when the current section during the dehydration process is a preset resonance section. The preset resonance section is a section when the rotation speed of the driving motor is approximately between 200 rpm and 500 rpm, and may be a section in which vibration of the tub occurs.

[0352] The processor (311) recognizes a first vibration value detected by the vibration sensor (400) when the current section during the dehydration process is not a preset resonance section, recognizes a second vibration value detected by the vibration sensor (400) when the current section during the dehydration process is a preset resonance section, and can recognize whether or not the fixer is removed based on the first and second vibration values.

[0353] The processor (311) can recognize whether the fixer is removed during the dehydration process and control the dehydration process to stop based on the recognition that the fixer is not removed.

[0354] When the processor (311) recognizes that the fixer has not been removed, it can control the output interface (102) to output guidance information for stopping the dehydration process due to the fixer not being removed.

[0355] The processor (311) can maintain control of the dehydration process based on what is recognized as the removal of the fixer.

[0356] The processor (311) can control the rotation of the drive motor (36a) to stop when the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) reaches the second reference rotation speed and the fixer is recognized as not being removed, and can control the rotation of the drive motor (36a) to maintain the rotation when the fixer is recognized as being removed, thereby maintaining the dehydration process.

[0357] The processor (311) can also control the rotation of the drive motor (36a) to stop if it is recognized that the fixer has not been removed before the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) reaches the second reference rotation speed.

[0358] The second reference rotation speed may be information obtained through a test or information that is preset and stored. The second reference rotation speed may be a rotation speed of approximately 500 rpm.

[0359] The processor (311) can also control the communication interface (150) to transmit guidance information about the non-removal of the fixer to a pre-registered user device when it is recognized that the fixer has not been removed.

[0360] The processor (311) can also control the communication interface (150) to transmit information on the stoppage of the dehydration process due to non-removal of the fixer and information on the occurrence of vibration and noise to a pre-registered user device.

[0361] When the processor (311) receives fixer removal information from the input interface (101), the operation of the garment treatment device can be resumed from the dehydration process.

[0362] When fixer removal information is received from the user device, the processor (311) can resume operation of the garment treatment device from the dehydration process.

[0363] The processor (311) can also control the communication interface (150) to transmit the received inspection service request command to the service server when an inspection service request command for fixer removal is received from the input interface (101).

[0364] The memory (321) stores information about the first reference rotation speed, the second reference rotation speed, and the reference time.

[0365] The memory (321) can store information about a preset time and information about a second reference ratio.

[0366] At least one component may be added or deleted to correspond to the performance of the garment treatment device illustrated in Fig. 13. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be altered to correspond to the performance or structure of the garment treatment device.

[0367] Meanwhile, each component illustrated in FIG. 13 refers to software and / or hardware components such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0368] Figure 15 is a control flowchart of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0369] The garment treatment device identifies whether the current operation is a dehydration operation (1021). Here, the dehydration operation may be the first dehydration operation performed after purchase and installation of the garment treatment device.

[0370] The garment treatment device can count the time from the start of the dehydration process if the current process is identified as a dehydration process (1022). That is, the garment treatment device can count the time it takes to perform the dehydration process.

[0371] The clothing treatment device can control the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a) to a first reference rotation speed.

[0372] The garment treatment device can recognize the vibration value detected by the vibration sensor (400) as the first vibration value while controlling the rotation speed of the driving motor to the first reference rotation speed (1023).

[0373] The garment treatment device can recognize one of the maximum value, minimum value, average value, and median value among the vibration values ​​detected by the vibration sensor (400) as the first vibration value while controlling the rotation speed of the driving motor to the first reference rotation speed.

[0374] The garment treatment device can identify whether the counted time has reached a reference time (1024). Here, the counted time may include the time taken to perform the dehydration process.

[0375] When the garment processing device identifies that the counted time has reached the reference time, the device can control the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) to increase from the first reference rotation speed to the second reference rotation speed (1025).

[0376] Controlling the increase in the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) may include controlling the increase in the rotation speed of the drum.

[0377] When controlling the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) to increase the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) from the first reference rotation speed to the second reference rotation speed, the section in which the rotation speed of the drive motor increases may be a preset resonance section.

[0378] The preset resonance section is a section where the rotation speed of the driving motor is between approximately 200 rpm and 500 rpm, and may be a section where vibration of the tub occurs.

[0379] The garment processing device recognizes the vibration value of the tub detected by the vibration sensor (400) as a second vibration value while controlling the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a) to increase (1026).

[0380] The garment treatment device can recognize any one of the maximum value, minimum value, average value, and median value among the vibration values ​​of the tub detected by the vibration sensor (400) as the second vibration value while controlling the increase in the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a).

[0381] The clothing processing device can obtain a ratio of the second vibration value to the first vibration value (1028) if the second vibration value is greater than or equal to the first vibration value (1027), and can identify whether the obtained ratio is less than the second reference ratio (1029).

[0382] For example, the garment processing device may recognize non-removal of fixers based on the obtained ratio being less than the second reference ratio (1030), and may recognize removal of fixers based on the obtained ratio being greater than or equal to the second reference ratio.

[0383] As another example, the garment processing device may recognize the removal of fixers if the acquired ratio is greater than or equal to the second reference ratio and the time for which the acquired ratio is maintained above the second reference ratio increases for a preset period of time. Conversely, the garment processing device may also recognize the non-removal of fixers if the time for which the acquired ratio is maintained above the second reference ratio is less than or equal to the preset period of time and the acquired ratio decreases.

[0384] The garment treatment device can control the dehydration process to stop based on what is recognized as non-removal of the fixer (1031).

[0385] If the garment treatment device recognizes that the fixer has not been removed, it can control the output interface (102) to output guidance information for stopping the dehydration process due to the fixer not being removed (1031).

[0386] The garment treatment device can maintain and control the dehydration process based on what is perceived as the removal of the fixer (1032).

[0387] Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0388] A garment treatment device according to another embodiment may also include a plurality of fixers fastened during manufacture to prevent the garment treatment device from being damaged during transport.

[0389] A garment treatment device (1c) according to another embodiment may also include a plurality of removable fixers.

[0390] Another embodiment of the garment treatment device (1c) may further include a plurality of springs (23) and a plurality of dampers (25) for offsetting vibrations generated by the rotation of the drum (30), and may further include a first vibration sensor (500) and a second vibration sensor (400) for detecting vibrations generated in the garment treatment device.

[0391] The first vibration sensor (500) is provided inside the housing (10), but may be provided in front of the upper frame (10d).

[0392] The first vibration sensor (500) is provided in an inner frame provided inside the housing (10), but may be provided in front of the inner frame.

[0393] The location of the first vibration sensor (500) is not limited to this. The first vibration sensor (500) may also be provided on the upper frame (10b), the side frame (10c), the rear frame (10d), and / or the bottom frame (10e).

[0394] The first vibration sensor (500) can detect vibration of the housing (10).

[0395] The first vibration sensor (500) can detect the vibration of the upper frame (10d) and output a vibration value for the detected vibration of the housing. Hereinafter, the vibration value output from the first vibration sensor (500) will be described as the vibration value of the housing.

[0396] The second vibration sensor (400) can be provided inside the tub (20).

[0397] The second vibration sensor (400) can detect the vibration of the tub (20) and output a vibration value for the detected vibration of the tub. Hereinafter, the vibration value output from the second vibration sensor (400) will be described as the vibration value of the tub.

[0398] Figure 17 is a control configuration diagram of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0399] Another embodiment of the garment treatment device (1c) includes a water supply device (40), a drain pump (71), a circulation pump (76), a drying device (80), and a water level sensor (200), and may include a drying device. The water supply device (40), the drain pump (71), the circulation pump (76), the drying device (80), and the water level sensor (200) of the garment treatment device (1c) of another embodiment are the same as the water supply device (40), the drain pump (71), the circulation pump (76), the drying device (80), and the water level sensor (200) of the garment treatment device (1a) of one embodiment, and thus, a description thereof is omitted.

[0400] Another embodiment of the garment treatment device (1c) may further include a driving device (36), a control panel (100), a communication interface (150), a first vibration sensor (500), a second vibration sensor (400), and a control unit (302), and may further include a speed sensor (250).

[0401] The driving device (36), control panel (100), communication interface (150), and speed sensor (250) of the garment treatment device (1c) of another embodiment are the same as the driving device (36), control panel (100), communication interface (150), and speed sensor (250) of the garment treatment device (1a) of one embodiment, and thus, description thereof is omitted.

[0402] The configuration of the control unit (302) of another embodiment is the same as the configuration of the control unit (300) of one embodiment, so description thereof is omitted.

[0403] Among the configurations of the processor (312) of another embodiment, only the configurations that are different from the configuration of the processor (310) of one embodiment will be described.

[0404] The processor (312) receives the vibration value of the housing detected by the first vibration sensor (500) and the vibration value of the tub detected by the second vibration sensor (400) when the drum (30) is rotating, and can recognize whether the fixers are removed based on the received vibration value of the housing and the vibration value of the tub.

[0405] The state in which the drum (30) rotates may include a state in which the drum rotates during the dehydration process.

[0406] The state in which the drum rotates may include a state in which the drive motor (36a) rotates.

[0407] The processor (312) can count the time from the start of the dehydration process and control the drive motor (36a) to increase the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) when the counted time reaches the first reference time. Here, the counted time may be the execution time of the dehydration process.

[0408] The first reference time may be pre-stored information. For example, the first reference time may be approximately 60 seconds.

[0409] When controlling the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a), the processor (312) can control the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) to increase so that the rotation speed of the drive motor reaches the reference rotation speed.

[0410] The reference rotation speed may be preset and stored information. For example, the reference rotation speed may be a rotation speed of approximately 500 rpm.

[0411] The processor (312) can recognize the vibration value of the housing detected by the first vibration sensor (500) and the vibration value of the tub detected by the second vibration sensor (400) while controlling the increase in the rotation speed of the driving motor.

[0412] The processor (312) can recognize the vibration value of the housing and the vibration value of the tub between the time when the dehydration process is performed at the second reference time and the time when the rotation speed of the driving motor reaches the reference rotation speed (the third reference time).

[0413] The second and third reference times may be preset and stored information. For example, the second reference time may be approximately 90 seconds, and the third reference time may be approximately 130 seconds. In this case, the processor (312) may recognize the vibration values ​​of the housing and the vibration values ​​of the tub during the dehydration process between 90 and 130 seconds.

[0414] The processor (312) can recognize any one of the maximum value, minimum value, average value, and median value among the vibration values ​​of the housing between the second reference time and the third reference time while performing the dehydration process as the vibration value of the housing for recognizing whether the fixer has been removed.

[0415] The processor (312) can recognize any one of the maximum value, minimum value, average value, and median value among the vibration values ​​of the tub between the second reference time and the third reference time while performing the dehydration process as the vibration value of the tub for recognizing whether the fixer is removed.

[0416] When the minimum value among the vibration values ​​of the tub between the second reference time and the third reference time while performing the dehydration process is recognized as the vibration value of the tub for recognizing whether the fixer has been removed, the processor (312) can recognize the minimum value among the vibration values ​​of the housing between the second reference time and the third reference time while performing the dehydration process as the vibration value of the housing for recognizing whether the fixer has been removed.

[0417] The processor (312) obtains a ratio of the vibration value of the tub to the vibration value of the housing when the vibration value of the tub is greater than or equal to the vibration value of the housing, and can compare the obtained ratio with a third reference ratio or a fourth reference ratio.

[0418] Here, the third and fourth reference ratios may be information obtained through testing and stored in advance. For example, the third reference ratio may be approximately 10.

[0419] The fourth-period readiness rate is lower than the third-period readiness rate, and may be approximately 5 or less.

[0420] The third criterion ratio may be information for recognizing the removal of a fixer. The fourth criterion ratio may be information for recognizing the non-removal of a fixer.

[0421] The processor (312) can determine whether fixers are removed based on the acquired ratio, the third reference ratio, and the fourth reference ratio. This is described with reference to FIGS. 18a, 18b, and 19.

[0422] Fig. 18a is a graph (a) of the vibration value of the housing during the dehydration process with the fixers removed and a graph (b) of the vibration value of the tub, and Fig. 18b is an enlarged view of the graphs at the second reference time and the third reference time among the graphs shown in Fig. 18a.

[0423] As shown in Fig. 18b, it can be seen that the ratio of the vibration value of the housing and the vibration value of the tub is 10 or more when the fixers are removed.

[0424] Figure 19 is a graph (a) of the vibration value of the housing during the dehydration process with the fixers not removed and a graph (b) of the vibration value of the tub.

[0425] As shown in Fig. 19, it can be seen that the ratio of the vibration value of the housing and the vibration value of the tub is less than 10 and approximately 5 or less when the fixers are not removed.

[0426] As shown in Fig. 19, even if the ratio of the vibration value of the housing and the vibration value of the tub exceeds 5 when the fixers are not removed, it is only temporary and decreases to approximately 5 or less.

[0427] As shown in FIGS. 18a, 18b and 19, when the rotation speed of the driving motor reaches the reference rotation speed with the fixer removed, the vibration of the tub is not transmitted to the housing, so the difference between the vibration value of the tub and the vibration value of the housing increases.

[0428] On the other hand, when the rotation speed of the driving motor reaches the reference rotation speed while the fixer is not removed, the vibration of the tub is transmitted to the housing through the fixer, so that the difference between the vibration value of the tub and the vibration value of the housing becomes smaller.

[0429] In the graphs of FIGS. 18a, 18b and 19, the vibration value on the vertical axis can be converted into units of mm by dividing the vibration sensor value by 327.68.

[0430] The processor (312) may recognize that the fixers are not removed based on the obtained ratio being less than the third reference ratio, and may recognize that the fixers are removed based on the obtained ratio being greater than or equal to the third reference ratio. For example, the processor (312) may recognize that the fixers are not removed based on the recognition that the vibration value of the tub is less than 10 times the vibration value of the housing, and may recognize that the fixers are removed based on the recognition that the vibration value of the tub is 10 times or more the vibration value of the housing.

[0431] The processor (312) can also recognize that the fixer is not removed if the acquired ratio is less than the third reference ratio and decreases to less than the fourth reference ratio.

[0432] The processor (312) can recognize whether the fixer is removed during the dehydration process and control the dehydration process to stop based on the recognition that the fixer is not removed.

[0433] When the processor (312) recognizes that the fixer has not been removed, it can control the output interface (102) to output guidance information for stopping the dehydration process due to the fixer not being removed.

[0434] The processor (312) can maintain control of the dehydration process based on what is recognized as the removal of the fixer.

[0435] The processor (312) can control the rotation of the drive motor (36a) to stop when the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) reaches the reference rotation speed and the fixer is recognized as not being removed, and can control the rotation of the drive motor (36a) to maintain the rotation when the fixer is recognized as being removed, thereby maintaining the dehydration process.

[0436] The processor (312) can also control the communication interface (150) to transmit guidance information about the non-removal of the fixer to a pre-registered user device when it is recognized that the fixer has not been removed.

[0437] The processor (312) can also control the communication interface (150) to transmit information on the suspension of the dehydration process due to non-removal of the fixer and information on the occurrence of vibration and noise to a pre-registered user device.

[0438] When the processor (312) receives fixer removal information from the input interface (101), the operation of the garment treatment device can be resumed from the dehydration process.

[0439] When fixer removal information is received from the user device, the processor (312) can resume operation of the garment treatment device from the dehydration process.

[0440] The processor (312) can also control the communication interface (150) to transmit the received inspection service request command to the service server when an inspection service request command for fixer removal is received from the input interface (101).

[0441] The memory (322) stores information about the reference rotation speed and the first, second, and third reference times.

[0442] The memory (321) can store information about the third and fourth reference ratios.

[0443] At least one component may be added or deleted to correspond to the performance of the garment treatment device illustrated in Fig. 17. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be altered to correspond to the performance or structure of the garment treatment device.

[0444] Meanwhile, each component illustrated in FIG. 17 represents software and / or hardware components such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0445] Figure 20 is a control flowchart of a garment treatment device according to another embodiment.

[0446] The garment treatment device identifies whether the current operation is a dehydration operation (1041). Here, the dehydration operation may be the first dehydration operation performed after purchase and installation of the garment treatment device.

[0447] The garment treatment device can count the time from the start of the dehydration process if the current process is identified as a dehydration process (1042). In other words, the garment treatment device can count the time it takes to perform the dehydration process.

[0448] When the counted time reaches the first reference time (1043), the clothing treatment device can control the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) to increase so that the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) increases (1044).

[0449] The first reference time may be pre-stored information. For example, the first reference time may be approximately 60 seconds.

[0450] The garment treatment device can control the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) to increase when controlling the rotation speed of the drive motor (36a) so that the rotation speed of the drive motor reaches a reference rotation speed. The reference rotation speed may be preset information. For example, the reference rotation speed may be a rotation speed of approximately 500 rpm.

[0451] The garment treatment device can recognize the vibration value of the housing detected by the first vibration sensor (500) and the vibration value of the tub detected by the second vibration sensor (400) while controlling the increase in the rotation speed of the driving motor.

[0452] The garment treatment device can recognize the vibration value of the housing and the vibration value of the tub between the time when the dehydration process is performed at the second reference time and the time when the rotation speed of the driving motor reaches the reference rotation speed (i.e., the third reference time) (1045).

[0453] The second and third reference times may be preset and stored information. For example, the second reference time may be approximately 90 seconds, and the third reference time may be approximately 130 seconds.

[0454] The garment treatment device can recognize any one of the maximum, minimum, average, and median values ​​of the vibration values ​​of the housing between the second reference time and the third reference time while performing the dehydration process as the vibration value of the housing for recognizing whether the fixer has been removed.

[0455] The garment treatment device can recognize any one of the maximum, minimum, average, and median values ​​of the vibration values ​​of the tub between the second reference time and the third reference time while performing the dehydration process as the vibration value of the tub to determine whether the fixer has been removed.

[0456] If the vibration value of the tub is greater than or equal to the vibration value of the housing (1046), the garment treatment device obtains a ratio of the vibration value of the tub to the vibration value of the housing (1047), and can compare the obtained ratio with a third reference ratio.

[0457] The garment processing device can identify whether the obtained ratio is less than the third reference ratio (1048), and if the obtained ratio is identified as less than the third reference ratio, it can be recognized as non-removal of the fixer (1049).

[0458] When the rotation speed of the driving motor reaches the reference rotation speed in a state where the fixer is not removed, the vibration of the tub is transmitted to the housing through the fixer, so that the difference between the vibration value of the tub and the vibration value of the housing becomes small. Therefore, the clothing treatment device can recognize that the fixer is not removed when the obtained ratio is identified as being less than the third reference ratio.

[0459] The garment processing device can identify whether the obtained ratio is less than the fourth reference ratio when the obtained ratio is identified as less than the third reference ratio, and can recognize non-removal of the fixer when the obtained ratio is identified as less than the fourth reference ratio.

[0460] That is, the clothing processing device can recognize that the fixer is not removed if the acquired ratio is less than the third standard ratio and decreases to less than the fourth standard ratio.

[0461] The garment treatment device can recognize whether the fixer has been removed during the dehydration process and control the dehydration process to stop based on the recognition that the fixer has not been removed (1050).

[0462] If the garment treatment device recognizes that the fixer has not been removed, it can control the output interface (102) to output guidance information for stopping the dehydration process due to the fixer not being removed (1050).

[0463] The garment treatment device can recognize the removal of the fixer when the obtained ratio is identified as being greater than or equal to the third reference ratio.

[0464] That is, when the rotation speed of the driving motor reaches the reference rotation speed with the fixer removed, the vibration of the tub is not transmitted to the housing, so the difference between the vibration value of the tub and the vibration value of the housing increases. Therefore, the clothing treatment device can recognize the removal of the fixer when the obtained ratio is identified as being higher than the third reference ratio.

[0465] The garment treatment device can maintain and control the dehydration process based on what is perceived as the removal of the fixer (1051).

[0466] The disclosed garment treatment device and its control method can prevent a malfunction of the garment treatment device by recognizing whether a fixer has been removed and providing information on whether the fixer has been removed to a user.

[0467] 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.

[0468] 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.

[0469] The methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0470] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. In a clothing processing device, A housing forming the exterior and including a rear frame; A user interface provided on one side of the housing and providing information about the garment treatment device; A tub provided within the housing; A fixer that penetrates the rear frame and is fastened to the tub to secure the tub to the housing; A vibration sensor provided in the housing and detecting vibration of the housing; and A control unit for controlling the above clothing treatment device is included; A garment treatment device in which the control unit determines that the fixer is not removed based on a vibration value of the housing received from the vibration sensor during the dehydration process being greater than a reference value, stops the dehydration process based on the non-removal state, and controls the user interface to output information about the non-removal state of the fixer.

2. In paragraph 1, The above housing includes a plurality of frames consisting of a front frame, an upper frame, a side frame, and the rear frame, The above vibration sensor is a clothing processing device provided on one of the plurality of frames.

3. In paragraph 1, the control unit, The fixer is recognized as not being removed based on the first ratio, which is the ratio of the vibration value of the housing to the reference value, being greater than or equal to the first reference ratio, and the fixer is recognized as being removed based on the first ratio being less than the first reference ratio. A clothing processing device that recognizes the time during which the first ratio is maintained above the first reference ratio and recognizes the fixer as not being removed based on the recognized time being above a preset time.

4. In paragraph 1, A drum provided inside the above tub and capable of rotation; and Further comprising a speed sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the drive motor connected to the drum, A clothing treatment device in which the control unit recognizes whether the fixer has been removed based on determining that the rotation speed of the driving motor detected through the speed sensor has reached a reference rotation speed, or recognizes whether the fixer has been removed based on determining that the execution time of the dehydration process has reached a reference time.

5. In paragraph 1, Further comprising another vibration sensor provided in the above tub, detecting vibration of the tub and outputting a vibration value of the tub for the detected vibration of the tub, The above control unit is a clothing treatment device that recognizes whether the fixer has been removed based on the vibration value of the tub and the vibration value of the housing received from the other vibration sensor.

6. In paragraph 5, the control unit, A clothing treatment device that, during the dehydration process, obtains a second ratio, which is a ratio of a vibration value of the tub to a vibration value of the housing, and recognizes that the fixer is not removed based on the second ratio being less than a second reference ratio, and recognizes that the fixer is removed based on the second ratio being greater than or equal to the second reference ratio.

7. In paragraph 5, the control unit, A garment treatment device that recognizes whether the fixer has been removed based on determining that the execution time of the dehydration process has reached a reference time.

8. Housing; A tub provided within the housing; A drum provided inside the above tub and rotatable; A fixer that connects the housing and the tub, but is removably connected; A vibration sensor that detects vibration of the tub and outputs a vibration value for the detected vibration of the tub; A control unit that increases the rotation speed of the drum based on the rotation time of the drum reaching a reference time during the dehydration process, recognizes a first vibration value received from the vibration sensor before the reference time, recognizes a second vibration value received from the vibration sensor after the reference time, recognizes whether the fixer has been removed based on the first vibration value and the second vibration value, and controls the dehydration process to stop based on the recognition that the fixer has not been removed; and A garment processing device including a user interface that outputs guidance information corresponding to whether the above recognized fixer is removed.

9. In paragraph 8, the control unit, A clothing treatment device that controls the rotation speed of the drum to be maintained at a first reference rotation speed from the start time of the dehydration process until the reference time is reached, and controls the rotation speed of the drum to be increased to a second reference rotation speed based on the rotation time of the drum reaching the reference time.

10. In paragraph 8, the control unit, A clothing treatment device that recognizes that the fixer is not removed based on the third ratio, which is the ratio of the second vibration value to the first vibration value, being less than a third reference ratio, and recognizes that the fixer is removed based on the third ratio being greater than or equal to the third reference ratio.

11. Detecting vibration of the housing based on the dehydration process being performed, Recognize whether the fixer connecting the housing and the tub has been removed based on the vibration value of the housing for the vibration of the housing detected above, Output guidance information corresponding to whether or not the above recognized fixer has been removed through the user interface, A method for controlling a garment treatment device for controlling the stop of the dehydration process based on the recognition that the fixer is not removed.

12. In paragraph 11, recognizing whether the fixer has been removed is It is recognized that the fixer is not removed based on the first ratio, which is the ratio of the vibration value of the housing to the reference value, being greater than or equal to the first reference ratio, A method of controlling a garment treatment device, comprising recognizing removal of the fixer based on the first ratio being less than the first reference ratio.

13. In paragraph 11, recognizing whether the fixer has been removed is If the first ratio, which is the ratio of the vibration value of the housing to the reference value, is greater than or equal to the first reference ratio, the time during which the first ratio is maintained greater than or equal to the first reference ratio is recognized, Recognize that the fixer has not been removed based on the above-mentioned recognized time being greater than a preset time, A method of controlling a garment treatment device, comprising recognizing removal of the fixer based on the recognized time being less than a preset time.

14. In paragraph 11, recognizing whether the fixer has been removed is A method for controlling a garment treatment device, comprising recognizing whether the fixer has been removed based on determining that the execution time of the dehydration process has reached a reference time.

15. In paragraph 11, recognizing whether the fixer has been removed is Recognize the vibration value of the tub received from another vibration sensor provided in the above tub, It is recognized that the fixer is not removed based on the second ratio, which is the ratio of the vibration value of the tub to the vibration value of the housing, being less than the second reference ratio, A method for controlling a garment treatment device, comprising recognizing removal of the fixer based on the second ratio being greater than or equal to the second reference ratio.

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