Clothes treating apparatus and method for controlling clothes treating apparatus

Abstract

A clothes treating apparatus comprises: a tub; a heat pump including a compressor, a heat exchanger, and an expansion valve; a fan for blowing air having passed through the heat exchanger to the inside of the tub; a fan motor for driving the fan; a nozzle device for spraying water toward the heat exchanger; a water supply device for supplying water to the nozzle device; and a control unit, wherein the control unit drives the heat pump and the fan motor on the basis of the start of a drying process, operates the water supply device to spray water to the heat exchanger through the nozzle device when an input value of the fan motor for a first reference time after the start of the drying process is equal to or less than a threshold value, and ends the drying process or extends the operation time of the drying process on the basis of the input value of the fan motor for a second reference time after operating the water supply device.

Description

Garment treatment device and method for controlling the garment treatment device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a garment treatment device including a drying device and a method for controlling the garment treatment device.

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

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

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

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

[0006] The present disclosure provides a garment treatment device and a method for controlling the garment treatment device that accurately detects the degree of blockage of a path through which hot air is supplied to the inside of a drum.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a garment treatment device and a method for controlling the garment treatment device, which perform control according to the degree of blockage of a path through which hot air is supplied into the interior of a drum.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a garment treatment device and a method for controlling the garment treatment device that prevents deterioration of drying performance due to blockage of a euro.

[0009] The present disclosure provides a garment treatment device and a method for controlling the garment treatment device that can prevent user complaints that may arise due to deterioration in drying performance.

[0010] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a clothing treatment device includes: a tub; a heat pump including a compressor, a heat exchanger, and an expansion valve; a fan for blowing air passing through the heat exchanger into the interior of the tub; a fan motor for driving the fan; a nozzle device for spraying water toward the heat exchanger; a water supply device for supplying water to the nozzle device; and a control unit for driving the heat pump and the fan motor based on the start of a drying cycle, operating the water supply device to spray water to the heat exchanger through the nozzle device when an input value of the fan motor for a first reference time after the start of the drying cycle is below a threshold value, and terminating the drying cycle or extending the operation time of the drying cycle based on an input value of the fan motor for a second reference time after operating the water supply device.

[0012] A method for controlling a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: driving the heat pump and the fan motor based on the start of a drying cycle; spraying water to the heat exchanger when an input value of the fan motor for a reference time after the start of the drying cycle is below a threshold value; and ending the drying cycle or extending the operation time of the drying cycle based on an input value of the fan motor for a second reference time after spraying water to the heat exchanger.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0019] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of configurations of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations performed by a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 10 shows an example of a graph showing the input value of a fan motor over time according to the degree of blockage of the euro.

[0023] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a control method of a garment treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a control method of a garment treatment device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a control method of a garment treatment device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 14 illustrates an example of events detected by the garment treatment device of the present disclosure over time.

[0027] 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.

[0028] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Washing machines according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying cycles. 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The drum rotates within the tub and can perform washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0057] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0058] The communication module can transmit data to or receive data from external devices (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance). For example, the communication module can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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.

[0061] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] FIG. 1 illustrates a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a component arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a component arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from a different direction than that illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of a drying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a garment treatment device (1) according to various embodiments may include a housing (10) that accommodates various components therein. The housing (10) may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet (11) formed on one side. The laundry inlet (11) may be provided to face approximately forward.

[0069] The garment treatment device (1) may include a laundry door (17) for opening and closing the laundry inlet (11). The laundry door (17) may be rotatably mounted to the housing (10) by a hinge. At least a portion of the laundry door (17) may be transparent or translucent so as to allow the interior of the housing (10) to be visible. For example, the laundry door (17) may include tempered glass.

[0070] The garment treatment device (1) may include a lower door (18) configured to allow access to a lower detergent supply device (60). The garment treatment device (1) may include an upper door (19) configured to allow access to an upper detergent supply device (50) and a filter (95).

[0071] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a tub (20) provided inside the housing (10) to store water. The tub (20) is provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening (21) formed on one side, and may be arranged inside the housing (10) so that the tub opening (21) corresponds to the laundry inlet (11). The tub opening (21) may be provided to face approximately forward. The laundry door (17) may open or close the tub opening (21).

[0072] 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).

[0073] A clothing treatment device (1) may include a drum (30) configured to accommodate laundry. At least one lifter (33) may be provided inside the drum (30) to perform washing by raising and lowering laundry.

[0074] The drum (30) may be placed inside the tub (20) such that the drum opening (31) provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet (11) and the tub opening (21). Laundry may pass through the laundry inlet (11), the tub opening (21) and the drum opening (31) in sequence to be accommodated inside the drum (30) or taken out from the drum (30). The drum opening (31) may be provided to face approximately forward.

[0075] The drum (30) can perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration cycle while rotating inside the tub (20). A plurality of holes (32) are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum (30), so that water stored in the tub (20) can flow into the inside of the drum (30) or flow out from the outside of the drum (30).

[0076] The garment treatment device (1) may include a driving device (36) configured to rotate a drum (30). The driving device (36) may include a driving motor (36a) and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated by the driving motor (36a) to the drum (30). The rotating shaft may pass through the tub (20) and be connected to the drum (30).

[0077] The driving device (36) can rotate the drum (30) forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, or drying cycle.

[0078] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a water supply device (40). The water supply device (40) may include water supply valves (41, 42) that can be connected to an external water source. For example, the water supply valves (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. 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.

[0079] The water supply device (40) may include a water supply valve (41, 42) and a water supply pipe (43, 44). The water supply pipe (43, 44) may be provided as a flexible material hose, a plastic pipe, or a metal pipe. The water supply pipe (43, 44) may be connected to the water supply valve (41, 42). For example, the water supply pipe (43, 44) may include a first water supply pipe (43) connected to a first water supply valve (41), and a second water supply pipe (44) connected to 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.

[0080] 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). Water can be supplied to the lower detergent supply device (60) via the tub (20). Water can also be supplied to the lower detergent supply device (60) without passing through the tub (20).

[0081] 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.

[0082] The garment treatment device (1) may include a detergent supply device (50, 60) configured to supply detergent to the tub (20). The detergent supply device (50, 60) may include an upper detergent supply device (50) and a lower detergent supply device (60). The term "detergent" may be used as a comprehensive term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc.

[0083] The upper detergent supply device (50) may be located at the upper part of the tub (20). The upper detergent supply device (50) may be located above the tub (20) in the vertical direction. The upper detergent supply device (50) may include a manual detergent supply device that requires the user to add detergent for each wash, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically adds a predetermined amount of detergent during the wash. The upper detergent supply device (50) may be connected to the tub (20) via a detergent connection pipe (51). For example, the upper detergent supply device (50) may be configured to supply solid detergent and / or fabric softener to the tub (20). However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above-described examples.

[0084] The detergent connecting pipe (51) may be provided in a U shape. The detergent connecting pipe (51) may be provided as a flexible hose, plastic pipe, or metal pipe. One end of the detergent connecting pipe (51) may be connected to the upper detergent supply device (50), and the other end of the detergent connecting pipe (51) may be connected to the tub (20). In the vertical direction with respect to the ground, one end and the other end of the detergent connecting pipe (51) may be located higher than the bent portion of the detergent connecting pipe (51). Therefore, water may accumulate at the bent portion of the detergent connecting pipe (51). The water accumulated at the bent portion of the detergent connecting pipe (51) may prevent moisture inside the tub (20) from being discharged to the outside through the upper detergent supply device (50).

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

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

[0087] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a circulation pump (76) for circulating water in the tub (20) back into the tub (20).

[0088] In one embodiment, the circulation pump (76) can circulate water from the tub (20) through the lower detergent supply device (60) and back into the tub (20).

[0089] The circulation pump (76) may be directly connected to the tub (20) via the tub connection pipe (72), or may be connected to the tub (20) via the tub connection pipe (72) and the lower detergent supply device (60).

[0090] The circulation pump (76) may include a circulation path for discharging water supplied from the tub (20) through the tub connection pipe (72) back to the tub (20). The circulation path may be formed by a circulation pipe (77).

[0091] The circulation pipe (77) can guide water pumped by the circulation pump (76) to the upper side of the tub (20).

[0092] The upper side of the tub (20) may mean a position having a predetermined height from the bottom surface of the tub (20).

[0093] The circulation pipe (77) can guide water pumped by the circulation pump (76) into the interior of the drum (30). That is, the circulation path can guide water stored in the tub (20) into the interior of the drum (30).

[0094] A circulation valve (77v) may be placed in the circulation path formed by the circulation pipe (77). The circulation valve (77v) may open and close the circulation path formed by the circulation pipe (77).

[0095] When the circulation pump (76) operates with the circulation valve (77v) open, water stored on the bottom of the tub (20) moves to the circulation path through the tub connection pipe (72), and as a result, can fall into the interior of the drum (30).

[0096] The circulation pump (76) can operate during the washing cycle and / or the rinsing cycle, etc., and when the circulation pump (76) operates during the washing cycle and / or the rinsing cycle, etc., water falls on the laundry contained in the drum (30), thereby increasing the washing efficiency and / or the rinsing efficiency.

[0097] In the present disclosure, the term 'tube' may be referred to as a 'guide' in terms of guiding a fluid, or may be replaced with a term such as a 'hose'.

[0098] The drainage device (70) can be connected to the tub (20) through a tub connection pipe (72). The drainage device (70) can discharge water from the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10) through a drain pipe (73).

[0099] The garment treatment device (1) may include a water level sensor (200) that detects the water level within the tub (20). The water level sensor (200) may be located outside the tub (20). For example, the water level sensor (200) may be installed at the bottom of the upper detergent supply device (50). The location of the water level sensor (200) is not limited to the example.

[0100] The water level sensor (200) can be connected to a connecting hose (201) extending from a branch pipe (72a) of a tub connecting pipe (72). The water level sensor (200) can be installed at the end of the connecting hose (201) connected to the tub connecting pipe (72). The water level of the connecting hose (201) can be the same as the water level of the tub (20).

[0101] When the water level in the tub (20) rises, the water level in the connecting hose (201) rises. When the water level in the connecting hose (201) rises, the pressure inside the connecting hose (201) may increase. The water level sensor (200) can detect a change in pressure inside the connecting hose (201) and can detect a water level inside the tub (20) corresponding to the pressure inside the connecting hose (201). The water level sensor (200) can generate an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure inside the connecting hose (201). The frequency of the electrical signal generated by the water level sensor (200) may vary depending on the change in pressure inside the connecting hose (201).

[0102] As another example, the water level sensor (200) may be installed inside the tub (20). As the water level inside the tub (20) rises, the pressure applied to the water level sensor (200) increases. The water level sensor (200) can detect the water level inside the tub (20) corresponding to the pressure.

[0103] The garment treatment device (1) may include a control panel (100) arranged on one side of the housing (10). The control panel (100) may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the garment treatment device (1). The user interface may include at least one input interface (101) and at least one output interface (102).

[0104] For example, at least one input interface (101) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal. At least one input interface (101) can include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. At least one input interface (101) can include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0105] At least one output interface (102) can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the garment treatment device (1) to the user. For example, at least one output interface (102) can convey information related to the washing course, the operating time of the garment treatment device (1), and the washing / rinsing / spin-drying settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the garment treatment device (1) can be output through a screen, an indicator, a voice, etc. At least one output interface (102) can include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0106] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a drying device (80) for drying laundry accommodated inside the drum (30). The drying device (80) may be configured to heat air and supply it to the inside of the tub (20). The drying device (80) may be configured to dry and heat air discharged from the tub (20) and circulate the dried and heated air into the inside of the tub (20) to dry clothing inside the drum (30). The drying device (80) according to various embodiments may be arranged on top of the tub (20).

[0107] The drying device (80) may include a drying case (81). The drying case (81) may include a drying base (81a) and a drying cover (81b) that is coupled to the drying base (81a) to form a path through which air can move. The drying cover (81b) may cover the open upper surface of the drying base (81a).

[0108] Referring to FIG. 5, as an example, the drying device (80) may include a rear cover (81c) that can be coupled to the rear side of the drying base (81a). The rear cover (81c) may form at least a portion of the rear of the drying device (80). A water supply valve (41, 42) may be mounted on the rear cover (81c).

[0109] The drying device (80) may be provided in a heat pump manner. The drying device (80) may include a fan (87a), a compressor (91), a condenser (92), an evaporator (93), an expansion valve (91v, see FIG. 7), and a refrigerant pipe (94) through which refrigerant circulates. The compressor (91), the condenser (92), the evaporator (93), and the expansion valve (91v), which constitute the heat pump, may be arranged in a drying case (81). In addition, the drying device (80) may further include a cooling fan (91a) for cooling the compressor (91). For example, the drying device (80) may be formed as a single module.

[0110] The compressor (91), condenser (92), evaporator (93), expansion valve (91v), and refrigerant pipe (94) through which refrigerant circulates of the drying device (80) may be referred to as a heat pump.

[0111] The heat pump can dry and / or heat the air supplied to the interior of the tub (20).

[0112] The fan (87a) can blow air into the interior of the tub (20).

[0113] That is, the heat pump can heat the air supplied to the interior of the tub (20) by the fan (87a).

[0114] The compressor (91) compresses the refrigerant, and the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant can move to the condenser (92). The condenser (92) can cool the refrigerant and heat the surrounding air. The heated air can be introduced into the drum (30) to dry clothes.

[0115] The refrigerant expanded through the expansion valve (91v) can absorb heat in the evaporator (93) and cool the surrounding air. That is, the evaporator (93) can cool the high-temperature, humid air that has passed through the inside of the drum (30) to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed passes through the condenser (92) and can be heated again while exchanging heat with the refrigerant passing through the condenser (92). That is, the condenser (92) can heat the air that has passed through the evaporator (93). The condenser (92) and the evaporator (93) correspond to heat exchangers. The condenser (92) may be referred to as a 'first heat exchanger'. The evaporator (93) may be referred to as a 'second heat exchanger'.

[0116] For example, the drying device (80) may further include a drying heater (99). The drying heater (99) may increase the drying efficiency of the drying device (80). The heat pump components of the drying device (80) may also be replaced with the drying heater (99).

[0117] The drying heater (99) can heat the air flowing into the drying device (80). The drying heater (99) can be placed in the heating path (86). The drying heater (99) can be placed downstream from the condenser (92) along the air flow passing through the drying device (80). In addition, the drying heater (99) can be provided in a relatively small size so as to minimize the resistance of the path. For example, the drying heater (99) can be a sheath heater.

[0118] A drying device (80) according to various embodiments may be placed on the upper side of the tub (20). An inlet passage (85) through which air discharged from the tub (20) flows may be formed in the drying device (80). A heating passage (86) may be formed in the drying device (80) for heat exchange with air flowing into the drying device (80) through the inlet passage (85). A supply passage (87) may be formed in the drying device (80) for supplying air that has passed through the heating passage (86) and has undergone heat exchange to the tub (20).

[0119] An inlet passage (85) may be provided so that air passing through the interior of the tub (20) may be introduced into the drying device (80). The inlet passage (85) may be located on the upper side of the tub (20). The inlet passage (85) may be connected to an exhaust passage (P) formed at the rear of the tub (20).

[0120] The drying device (80) may include an inlet guide (84) connected to the tub (20). The inlet guide (84) may guide air discharged from the tub (20) to an inlet passage (85). The inlet passage (85) may be communicated with an exhaust passage (P) formed in the tub (20) through the inlet guide (84). Air passing through the exhaust passage (P) may be introduced into the inlet passage (85) of the drying device (80) through the inlet guide (84).

[0121] A filter (95) may be provided in the inlet passage (85) to filter out foreign substances such as lint contained in the air flowing in through the exhaust passage (P) from the tub (20). The air flowing in through the inlet passage (85) may pass through the filter (95) and then move to the heating passage (86). The filter (95) may be located on the passage through which the air flowing into the drying device (80) moves to the evaporator (93) and the condenser (92).

[0122] A heat exchanger (92, 93) may be arranged in the heating passage (86). The heat exchanger (92, 93) may include a condenser (92) and an evaporator (93). The air flowing into the heating passage (86) may be humid because it has passed through the interior of the tub (20). The humid air may be cooled in the evaporator (93) arranged in the heating passage (86) to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed in the evaporator (93) may be reheated by passing through the condenser (92).

[0123] The drying device (80) may include a nozzle device (96) for cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93). The nozzle device (96) may be provided in the heating passage (86). The nozzle device (96) may receive water from the water supply device (40) and spray water toward the heat exchanger (92, 93). The water sprayed from the nozzle device (96) may clean one side of the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0124] 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).

[0125] The nozzle device (96) may be configured to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93). The nozzle device (96) may be configured to clean the air-inlet portion of the heat exchanger (92, 93). The nozzle device (96) may be configured to clean at least a portion of the evaporator (93). The nozzle device (96) may be configured to clean a portion of the evaporator (93) into which air passing through the filter (95) is introduced. The nozzle device (96) may be configured to clean a portion of the evaporator (93) that is contaminated by air passing through the evaporator (93) and exchanging heat with the evaporator (93). The nozzle device (96) may be positioned adjacent to the air-inlet portion of the evaporator (93).

[0126] 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).

[0127] The supply path (87) may be arranged to supply heated air back into the interior of the tub (20) by passing through the condenser (92). The supply path (87) may be connected to the heating path (86) and may extend downward to discharge heated air toward the opening of the tub (20).

[0128] A fan (87a) may be provided in the supply path (87) to cause air to flow into the interior of the tub (20). That is, the fan (87a) may be provided to supply air to the laundry inside the drum (30). For example, the fan (87a) may include a sirocco fan.

[0129] The inlet path (85), the heating path (86), and the supply path (87) can circulate air into the interior of the tub (20) and the drying device (80).

[0130] The clothing treatment device (1) may be arranged so that air discharged from the tub (20) sequentially passes through the inlet path (85), heating path (86), and supply path (87) of the drying device (80) located on the upper side of the tub (20), and then is supplied to the interior of the tub (20).

[0131] Heated air from the drying device (80) can be supplied into the interior of the drum (30). In order to secure an area where the heated air supplied into the interior of the drum (30) comes into contact with the laundry, the tub exhaust port (27) may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet (26) through which the heated air from the drying device (80) is supplied to the tub (20). In order to increase the distance and / or time that the heated air flows inside the drum (30) so that it can come into more contact with the laundry, the tub exhaust port (27) may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet (26) through which the heated air from the drying device (80) is supplied to the tub (20). The supply path (87) for supplying the heated air into the interior of the drum (30) and the tub exhaust port (27) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. By increasing the area where the heated air comes into contact with the laundry, the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0132] The air inlet (26) and the tub exhaust port (27) can be positioned to maximize the use of heated air provided from the drying device (80). For example, the air inlet (26) can be positioned adjacent to the front of the tub (20), and the tub exhaust port (27) can be positioned adjacent to the rear of the tub (20).

[0133] Referring to FIG. 3, a washing machine according to one embodiment may include a diaphragm (22) connecting a tub opening (21) of a tub (20) and a laundry inlet (11) of a housing (10). The diaphragm (22) may connect the laundry inlet (11) and the tub opening (21). The diaphragm (22) may prevent laundry inserted into the laundry inlet (11) from falling between the housing (10) and the tub (20), and may function to connect the front end of the tub (20) and the housing (10) regardless of vibrations generated during the washing process. For this purpose, the diaphragm (22) may be formed of an elastic material. For example, the diaphragm (22) may include a plastic material such as rubber or TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomer).

[0134] In a washing machine according to one embodiment, the diaphragm (22) may include a duct portion (22a) that is provided to be connected to a supply duct (87b) forming a supply path (87). The duct portion (22a) may extend upward from a side surface of the diaphragm (22) having a cylindrical shape with both sides open. A path may be formed inside the duct portion (22a) to allow air to flow. The duct portion (22a) may be formed adjacent to the upper end of the diaphragm (22). The duct portion (22a) may be formed integrally with the diaphragm (22) and may have the same material. Alternatively, the duct portion (22a) may be provided separately from the diaphragm (22) and coupled to the diaphragm (22). Additionally, the duct portion (22a) may be provided separately from the diaphragm (22) and the tub (20) and may be coupled to the tub (20). The duct portion (22a) may also be formed integrally with the tub (20). An air inlet (26) may be formed at one end of the duct portion (22a).

[0135] 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).

[0136] 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).

[0137] The garment treatment device (1) according to various embodiments may include a tub duct (28) for forming at least a portion of an exhaust path (P). For example, the tub duct (28) may be formed integrally with the tub (20). For example, the tub (20) may include the tub duct (28). The tub duct (28) may be provided to surround the tub exhaust port (27).

[0138] 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).

[0139] According to various embodiments, a clothing treatment device (1) can form an exhaust path (P) by combining a duct cover (29) with a tub duct (28).

[0140] According to one embodiment, a tub duct (28) may include a recessed portion (28a) that forms a portion of an exhaust path (P) through which air discharged from the inside of the tub (20) flows. A reinforcing rib (23) for reinforcing the rigidity of the tub (20) may be provided on the back surface of the tub (20), and the recessed portion (28a) may be provided as a portion that is recessed from an end of the reinforcing rib (23) protruding from the back surface of the tub (20). The recessed portion (28a) may be provided as a portion of the back surface of the tub (20) where the reinforcing rib (23) is not formed. A tub exhaust port (27) for discharging air from the inside of the tub (20) may be formed in the recessed portion (28a). The tub duct (28) may include a partition rib (28d) provided along the periphery of the recessed portion (28a). The partition rib (28d) can separate the area where the reinforcing rib (23) is formed and the area where the recessed portion (28a) is formed on the back surface of the tub (20).

[0141] According to one embodiment, the tub (20) may include a duct connection portion (28b) that forms another portion of the exhaust path (P) through which air passing through the recess portion (28a) flows. The duct connection portion (28b) may protrude radially outward from the outer surface of the tub (20). The duct connection portion (28b) may protrude approximately upward from the outer surface of the tub (20). For example, the duct connection portion (28b) may protrude upward from the rear end of the tub (20). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the duct connection portion (28b) may be positioned in various ways depending on the position of the drying device (80).

[0142] The duct connection portion (28b) can connect the inlet guide (84) of the drying device (80) and the tub duct (28). The duct connection portion (28b) can extend the exhaust passage (P) upward. The duct connection portion (28b) can form a portion of the exhaust passage (P) together with the recess portion (28a), the partition rib (28d), and the duct cover (29).

[0143] The duct connection portion (28b) may be formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape with open upper and rear surfaces. The duct cover (29) may cover the open rear surface of the duct connection portion (28b). The duct cover (29) may be formed to only form one side of the exhaust passage, thereby facilitating the connection and sealing structure.

[0144] The duct cover (29) can cover the tub duct (28) and the duct connection portion (28b). The duct cover (29) can cover an open side of the tub duct (28) and an open rear side of the duct connection portion (28b). An exhaust path (P) can be formed by the duct cover (29) covering the recessed portion (28a) and the duct connection portion (28b). Since the exhaust path (P) is connected to the inlet path (85), air introduced into the exhaust path (P) through the tub exhaust port (27) can move along the exhaust path (P) and be introduced into the drying device (80) through the inlet path (85).

[0145] Although not shown in the drawing, the duct connection portion (28b) may be provided in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with only the upper surface through which air is discharged open and the rear surface not open. In this case, the duct cover (29) may only cover the tub duct (28).

[0146] Meanwhile, the duct connection portion (28b) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in a configuration included in the tub duct (28). The duct connection portion (28b) of the tub duct (28) according to one embodiment may extend from the recess portion (28a) to the inflow guide (84). The tub duct (28) may be connected to the inflow guide (84) by the duct connection portion (28b). Hereinafter, the duct connection portion (28b) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be described in a configuration included in the tub duct (28).

[0147] The tub duct (28) may include a step portion (28c) for expanding the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust passage (P). The exhaust passage (P) may be provided so that the width of the portion formed by the duct connection portion (28b) is larger than the width of the portion formed in the recess portion (28a) by the step portion (28c).

[0148] The water supply valves (41, 42) of the clothing treatment device (1) can be positioned by utilizing the space left by this mounting structure. In one embodiment, the water supply valves (41, 42) can be mounted between the inlet guide (84) and the cooling fan (91a). The water supply valves (41, 42) can be located at the center of the rear of the drying device (80). The water supply valves (41, 42) can be located at the rear of the condenser (92). The water supply valves (41, 42) can be located in an area separated from the flow path through which drying air flows. The positions of the water supply valves (41, 42) are not limited to those exemplified.

[0149] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a washing water heater (24). The washing water heater (24) is provided at the lower side of the tub (20) and can heat the washing water during washing. In addition, the water supply device (40) can supply a certain amount of water to the lower side of the tub (20) through the exhaust passage (P) during the drying cycle, and the washing water heater (24) can heat the water supplied into the interior of the tub (20) through the water supply device (40), the exhaust passage (P), and the tub exhaust port (27) to generate steam. That is, the steam generated by the water supply device (40) and the washing water heater (24) can come into contact with the clothing during the drying cycle, thereby preventing wrinkles from forming on the clothing as much as possible.

[0150] That is, the clothing treatment device (1) is a washing / drying combined washing machine, and unlike a conventional dryer, can include a washing water heater (24) for heating washing water, and can generate steam by utilizing the washing water heater (24) and a water supply device (40) for cleaning the exhaust duct (P) to prevent wrinkles from forming on the clothing during the drying cycle.

[0151] FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which a nozzle device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure cleans a heat exchanger.

[0152] Hereinafter, the garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is described as having a second water supply valve (42) connected to an upper detergent supply device (50), a nozzle device (96), and a tub (20), but is not limited thereto. The second water supply valve (42) may be configured to be connected to at least one of the upper detergent supply device (50), the nozzle device (96), and the tub (20). In addition, the first water supply valve (41) may be configured to be connected to at least one of the upper detergent supply device (50), the nozzle device (96), and the tub (20).

[0153] For convenience of explanation, the second water supply valve (42) may be referred to as a 'water supply valve'. The second water supply pipe (44) may be referred to as a 'water supply pipe', and the upper detergent supply device (50) may be referred to as a 'detergent supply device'.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 6, a nozzle device (96) according to one embodiment may be configured to clean a heat exchanger (92, 93). The nozzle device (96) may be configured to clean a portion of the heat exchanger (92, 93) into which air is introduced. The nozzle device (96) may be configured to clean at least a portion of the evaporator (93). The nozzle device (96) may be configured to clean a portion of the evaporator (93) into which air passing through the filter (95) is introduced. The nozzle device (96) may be configured to clean a portion of the evaporator (93) that is contaminated by air passing through the evaporator (93) and exchanging heat with the evaporator (93). The nozzle device (96) may be positioned adjacent to a portion of the evaporator (93) into which air is introduced.

[0155] The nozzle device (96) can be connected to the water supply device (40), and water can be supplied from the water supply device (40) to the nozzle device (96). The nozzle device (96) can be connected to a water supply pipe (43, 44). The water supply pipe (43, 44) can form a water supply path for supplying water to the nozzle device (96). The water supply valve (41, 42) can open or close the water supply path.

[0156] For example, the water supply device (40) may include a hot water valve (41), a cold water valve (42), a hot water pipe (43), and a cold water pipe (44). The hot water valve (41) may be referred to as a first water supply valve. The cold water valve (42) may be referred to as a second water supply valve. The hot water pipe (43) may be referred to as a first water supply path. The cold water pipe (44) may be referred to as a second water supply path.

[0157] The nozzle device (96) may be connected to a cold water pipe (44). When the cold water valve (42) is opened, cold water may be supplied from an external water source to the nozzle device (96) through the cold water pipe (44). Alternatively, the nozzle device (96) may be connected to a hot water pipe (43). When the hot water valve (41) is opened, hot water may be supplied to the nozzle device (96) through the hot water pipe (43).

[0158] The nozzle device (96) may include a path for spraying water supplied from the water supply device (40) to the heat exchanger (92, 93). The nozzle device (96) may include a discharge portion provided to face the heat exchanger (92, 93), and the water supplied from the water supply device (40) may be sprayed to the heat exchanger (92, 93) through the discharge portion. The discharge portion may extend along the length direction of the nozzle device (96). The discharge portion may be provided in a slit shape. The discharge portion may also be provided in a hole shape.

[0159] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of configurations of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 7, the garment treatment device (1) may include a control unit (300). The control unit (300) may be electrically connected to various components and / or devices of the garment treatment device (1) and may control various components and / or devices. For example, the control unit (300) may control the driving device (36), the first water supply valve (41), the second water supply valve (42), the drain pump (71), the circulation pump (76), and the drying device (80). In addition, the control unit (300) may be electrically connected to a control panel (100), a communication interface (150), and a sensor unit (160). The control unit (300) may control the control panel (100), the communication interface (150), and the sensor unit (160).

[0161] The control unit (300) may include a processor (310) and a memory (320). The memory (320) may include volatile memory (e.g., S-RAM, D-RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM). The processor (310) and the memory (320) may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. In addition, multiple processors and multiple memories may be provided. The processor (310) may process various data and various signals using instructions, data, programs, and / or software stored in the memory (320). The processor (310) may include one core or multiple cores. The processor (310) may generate control signals for controlling components of the garment treatment device (1).

[0162] The control panel (100) can obtain various user inputs and output various information regarding the operation of the garment treatment device (1). The control panel (100) can include an input interface (101) and an output interface (102).

[0163] The control unit (300) can control the operation of the garment treatment device (1) based on user input obtained through the control panel (100). For example, the control unit (300) can turn the garment treatment device (1) on or off based on user input for turning the garment treatment device (1) on or off. The control unit (300) can determine the operation course of the garment treatment device (1) based on user input for setting the operation course of the garment treatment device (1).

[0164] The control unit (300) of the garment treatment device (1) can determine the operation course of the garment treatment device (1) based on user input obtained through the control panel (100) or a user device. The operation course of the garment treatment device (1) can be provided in various ways. For example, the operation course of the garment treatment device (1) can be broadly classified into a washing course, a drying course, and a heat exchanger cleaning course.

[0165] Washing cycles may vary depending on the type of laundry (e.g., clothing, blankets, underwear, etc.) and material (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.). For example, a washing cycle may include at least one of a standard washing cycle, a heavy-duty washing cycle, a delicates cycle, a blanket cycle, a baby clothes cycle, a towel cycle, a boiling cycle, and an outdoor clothing cycle. Each of the multiple washing cycles may include different washing settings (e.g., washing temperature, number of rinse cycles, spin strength, etc.).

[0166] When one of multiple washing courses is selected via the control panel (100) or an external user device, the control unit (300) can control the garment treatment device (1) to perform a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydration process corresponding to the selected washing course. Furthermore, the washing course may include a rinse-dehydration course, a rinsing course, and a dehydration course. The washing courses are not limited to those exemplified.

[0167] Drying cycles may also vary depending on the type of object being dried (e.g., clothing, blankets, underwear, etc.) and material (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.). For example, a drying cycle may include at least one of standard drying, strong drying, delicate drying, blanket drying, baby clothes drying, towel drying, and outdoor clothing drying. Each of the multiple drying cycles may include different drying settings (e.g., drying temperature, drying time, etc.).

[0168] When one of a plurality of drying courses is selected through the control panel (100) or an external user device, the control unit (300) can control the clothing treatment device (1) to perform a drying process corresponding to the selected drying process. The drying process is not limited to the examples. To perform the drying process corresponding to the drying process, the control unit (300) can operate the drying device (80). That is, the control unit (300) can operate the fan (87a) and the compressor (91) to dry the drying object within the drum (30). In addition, the control unit (300) can further operate the drying heater (99) to perform the drying process.

[0169] When a washing course corresponding to the type and material of laundry is selected, the control unit (300) can automatically select or recommend a drying course corresponding to the selected washing course. Conversely, when a drying course corresponding to the type and material of the object to be dried is selected, the control unit (300) can automatically select or recommend a washing course corresponding to the selected drying course. The control unit (300) can memorize the washing and drying courses selected by the user, and can provide a washing and drying course that integrates the memorized washing and drying courses through the control panel (100) upon the next operation.

[0170] The control unit (300) can control the control panel (100) to output various information regarding the operation of the garment treatment device (1). For example, the control panel (100) can visually and / or audibly output information regarding the operation course, operation time, washing settings, rinsing settings, spin-drying settings, and / or drying settings of the garment treatment device (1). In addition, the control panel (100) can output information regarding abnormal conditions of the garment treatment device (1).

[0171] 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).

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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).

[0174] The garment treatment device (1) can be connected to other home appliances and / or electronic devices via a communication interface (150). The garment treatment device (1) can transmit information related to the operation of the garment treatment device (1) (e.g., information related to a washing cycle and / or a drying cycle) to the other home appliances and / or electronic devices. Selection of a washing cycle and / or a drying cycle can be performed not only on the control panel (100) but also on other home appliances and / or electronic devices. In addition, information regarding the garment treatment device (1) can also be displayed not only on the control panel (100) but also on other home appliances and / or electronic devices.

[0175] The sensor unit (160) may include at least one sensor that collects data for identifying the operating status of the clothing treatment device (1).

[0176] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (160) may include a first temperature sensor (161). The first temperature sensor (161) may measure the temperature at the inlet side of the evaporator (93). The temperature at the inlet side of the evaporator (93) may include the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the evaporator (93).

[0177] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (160) may include a second temperature sensor (162). The second temperature sensor (162) may measure the temperature at the outlet side of the evaporator (93). The temperature at the outlet side of the evaporator (93) may include the temperature of the refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator (93).

[0178] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (160) may include a third temperature sensor (163). The third temperature sensor (163) may measure the temperature at the outlet side of the compressor (91). The temperature at the outlet side of the compressor (91) may include the temperature of the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (91).

[0179] According to various embodiments, the sensor unit (160) may further include other sensors in addition to the temperature sensors (161, 162, 163) described above.

[0180] For example, the sensor unit (160) may further include a temperature sensor that measures the temperature at the inlet side of the compressor (91).

[0181] As another example, the sensor unit (160) may further include a sensor (voltage sensor or current sensor) that measures the input value of the fan motor (87ab).

[0182] The input value of the fan motor (87ab) may include the current consumption value consumed to drive the fan motor (87ab).

[0183] The driving device (36) can rotate the drum (30) under the control of the control unit (300). The driving device (36) can include a driving motor (36a). The control unit (300) can control the driving motor (36a) to adjust the rotation speed of the drum (30).

[0184] In the present disclosure, the control unit (300) controlling the drum (30) may include the control unit (300) controlling the drive motor (36a).

[0185] The water supply device (40) of the clothing treatment device (1) may include a first water supply valve (41) and a second water supply valve (42). The water supply device (40) may be connected to an external water source. The first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42) may be connected to the external water source. As described above, the first water supply valve (41) may correspond to a hot water valve. The second water supply valve (42) may correspond to a cold water valve.

[0186] The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40). The control unit (300) can control the opening and closing of each of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42). The control unit (300) can adjust the opening degree of each of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42). The first water supply valve (41) can open or close the first water supply pipe (43) based on an electrical signal transmitted from the control unit (300).

[0187] The second water supply valve (42) can selectively supply water to the upper detergent supply device (50), the nozzle device (96), and the tub (20). As described above, the second water supply pipe (44) can include a first pipe (441), a second pipe (442), and a third pipe (443). The second water supply valve (42) can be connected to the first pipe (441), the second pipe (442), and the third pipe (443). The first pipe (441), the second pipe (442), and the third pipe (443) can be referred to as a first water supply path, a second water supply path, and a third water supply path, respectively. For convenience of explanation, the second water supply valve (42) can be referred to as a 'water supply valve'.

[0188] The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to supply water to at least one of the upper detergent supply device (50), the nozzle device (96), and the tub (20) to perform at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the dehydration cycle, and the drying cycle. The water supply device (40) can open or close at least one of the first water supply path, the second water supply path, and the third water supply path based on an electrical signal transmitted from the control unit (300). That is, the control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to supply water to the upper detergent supply device (50) through the first pipe (441). The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to supply water to the nozzle device (96) through the second pipe (442). The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to supply water to the tub (20) through the third pipe (443).

[0189] The second water supply valve (42) may include a first valve (42a), a second valve (42b), and a third valve (43c). The control unit (300) may control the opening and closing of each of the first valve (42a), the second valve (42b), and the third valve (43c). The control unit (300) may adjust the opening of each of the first valve (42a), the second valve (42b), and the third valve (43c). When the first valve (42a) is opened, water may be supplied to the upper detergent supply device (50) through the first pipe (441). When the second valve (42b) is opened, water may be supplied to the nozzle device (96) through the second pipe (442). When the third valve (42c) is opened, water may be supplied to the tub (20) through the third pipe (443).

[0190] The water supply valve (42) may be provided as a four-way valve. When the water supply valve (42) is provided as a four-way valve, a piston assembly provided within the water supply valve (42) may move under the control of the control unit (300). As the piston assembly of the water supply valve (42) moves, water may flow through each of the first pipe (441), the second pipe (442), and the third pipe (443), or the flow of water through each of the first pipe (441), the second pipe (442), and the third pipe (443) may be blocked.

[0191] The drain pump (71) can discharge water inside the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10). The control unit (300) can control the drain pump (71) so that the water inside the tub (20) is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe (73).

[0192] The circulation pump (76) can send water inside the tub (20) to the lower detergent supply device (60). Water that has passed through the circulation pump (76) and the lower detergent supply device (60) can return to the tub (20). The control unit (300) can control the circulation pump (76) so that the water inside the tub (20) circulates through the lower detergent supply device (60).

[0193] The drying device (80) can remove moisture contained in the air, heat the air, and supply the heated air to the tub (20). The control unit (300) can operate the drying device (80) to dry the laundry located inside the drum (30). To generate dried and heated air, the drying device (80) can include a fan (87a), a fan motor (87ab), a compressor (91), a heat exchanger (92, 93), and an expansion valve (91v).

[0194] The control unit (300) can control the fan (87a), compressor (91), and expansion valve (91v) included in the drying device (80). The control unit (300) can operate the fan (87a) so that dried and heated air is supplied into the drum (30). The control unit (300) can adjust the rotation speed of the fan (87a). The flow rate of the air supplied into the drum (30) can vary depending on the rotation speed of the fan (87a).

[0195] The fan motor (87ab) can drive the fan (87a).

[0196] Controlling the fan (87a) by the control unit (300) may include controlling the fan motor (87ab) by the control unit (300).

[0197] The control unit (300) can rotate the fan (87a) by applying a driving current to the fan motor (87ab).

[0198] The fan (87a) can rotate at a speed proportional to air resistance. That is, the fan (87a) can rotate faster as the air resistance decreases, and can rotate slower as the air resistance increases.

[0199] As the fan (87a) rotates more slowly, the input value of the fan motor (87ab) may decrease. That is, if the duct (P) in which the fan (87a) is installed is blocked, the input value of the fan motor (87ab) may decrease because the air resistance increases.

[0200] The compressor (91) compresses low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and discharges it as high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. For example, the compressor (91) can compress the refrigerant through the reciprocating motion of a piston or the rotary motion of a rotor. The discharged gaseous refrigerant can be delivered to a condenser (92). The control unit (300) can adjust the operating frequency and / or rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor (91). As the operating frequency and / or rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor (91) increases, the heat released around the condenser (92) can increase. The control unit (300) can adjust the opening of the expansion valve (91v). The expansion valve (91v) can be provided as a capillary for adjusting the pressure of the liquid refrigerant and an electronic expansion valve whose opening can be adjusted by an electric signal. The low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve (91v) flows into the evaporator (93).

[0201] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the expansion valve (91v) based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (93). For example, the control unit (300) can reduce the opening degree of the expansion valve (91v) as the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (93) decreases, and can increase the opening degree of the expansion valve (91v) as the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (93) increases.

[0202] The temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (93) means the difference between the temperature at the inlet side of the evaporator (93) measured by the first temperature sensor (161) and the temperature at the outlet side of the evaporator (93) measured by the second temperature sensor (162).

[0203] The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93) of the drying device (80). The control unit (300) can control the second water supply valve (42) to spray water from the nozzle device (96) to the heat exchanger (92, 93). For example, when the second valve (42b) constituting the second water supply valve (42) is opened, water can be sprayed from the nozzle device (96) to the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0204] The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to remove foam generated in the rinsing cycle of the drying device (80). The control unit (300) can control the second water supply valve (42) to spray water into the interior of the drum (30). For example, when the third valve (43c) constituting the second water supply valve (42) is opened, water can be guided into the interior of the drum (30) through the third pipe (443). The water guided into the interior of the drum (30) through the third pipe (443) can remove foam remaining on the inside of the laundry door (17) and / or the diaphragm (22).

[0205] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operations performed by a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0206] Referring to FIG. 8, the clothing treatment device (1) can perform at least one of a washing cycle (1010), a rinsing cycle (1020), a dehydration cycle (1030), and a drying cycle (1040) based on an operation course selected by a user. For example, the operation course of the clothing treatment device (1) can be determined as a standard washing cycle and a standard drying cycle. The standard washing cycle can include a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydration cycle. The standard drying cycle can include a drying cycle. The clothing treatment device (1) can sequentially perform the washing cycle (1010), the rinsing cycle (1020), the dehydration cycle (1030), and the drying cycle (1040).

[0207] The clothing treatment device (1) may selectively perform at least one of the washing cycle (1010), the rinsing cycle (1020), the dehydration cycle (1030), and the drying cycle (1040) depending on the operation course. For example, the clothing treatment device (1) may perform the rinsing cycle (1020) and the dehydration cycle (1030) in response to selection of the rinse-dehydration course. The clothing treatment device (1) may perform the dehydration cycle (1030) in response to selection of the dehydration course. The clothing treatment device (1) may also perform only the drying cycle (1040) in response to selection of the standard drying course.

[0208] By means of the washing process (1010), laundry can be washed. Specifically, foreign substances attached to the laundry can be separated by the chemical action of the detergent and / or mechanical action such as dropping.

[0209] The washing process (1010) may include laundry measurement (1011) for measuring the amount of laundry, water supply (1012) for supplying water to the tub (20), washing (1013) for washing laundry by rotating the drum (30) at low speed, drainage (1014) for discharging water contained in the tub (20), and intermediate dehydration (1015) for separating water from laundry by rotating the drum (30) at high speed.

[0210] For washing (1013), the control unit (300) can control the driving device (36) to rotate the driving motor (36a) in a forward direction (e.g., clockwise) or reverse direction (e.g., counterclockwise). By the rotation of the drum (30), laundry falls from the upper side to the lower side of the drum (30), and the laundry can be washed by the falling.

[0211] For intermediate dehydration (1015), the control unit (300) can control the driving device (36) to rotate the driving motor (36a) at high speed. By the high-speed rotation of the drum (30), water can be separated from the laundry contained in the drum (30) and discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1).

[0212] Through the rinsing cycle (1020), laundry can be rinsed. Specifically, detergent or foreign substances left on the laundry can be washed away by water.

[0213] The rinsing process (1020) may include a water supply (1021) that supplies water to the tub (20), a rinse (1022) that drives the drum (30) to rinse laundry, a drain (1023) that discharges water contained in the tub (20), and an intermediate spin-drying (1024) that drives the drum (30) to separate water from laundry.

[0214] The water supply (1021), drainage (1023), and intermediate spin-drying (1024) of the rinsing cycle (1020) may be the same as the water supply (1012), drainage (1014), and intermediate spin-drying (1015) of the washing cycle (1010), respectively. During the rinsing cycle (1020), the water supply (1021), rinsing (1022), drainage (1023), and intermediate spin-drying (1024) may be performed once or multiple times.

[0215] By the dehydration process (1030), laundry can be dehydrated. Specifically, water is separated from the laundry by the high-speed rotation of the drum (30), and the separated water can be discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1).

[0216] The dehydration cycle (1030) may include a final dehydration cycle (1031) that separates water from the laundry by rotating the drum (30) at high speed. Due to the final dehydration cycle (1031), the last intermediate dehydration cycle (1024) of the rinsing cycle (1020) may be omitted.

[0217] For the final dehydration process (1031), the control unit (300) can control the driving device (36) to rotate the driving motor (36a) at high speed. By the high-speed rotation of the drum (30), water can be separated from the laundry contained in the drum (30) and discharged to the outside of the clothing treatment device (1). In addition, the rotation speed of the driving motor (36a) can be increased stepwise.

[0218] The control unit (300) can stop the drum (30) after rotating it at a preset maximum speed for a preset time based on the start of the final dehydration cycle (1031).

[0219] In one embodiment, the final dehydration cycle (1031) may include a low-speed dehydration section in which the drum (30) rotates at a preset intermediate speed (e.g., 500 RPM) lower than a preset maximum speed (e.g., 1100 RPM), and a high-speed dehydration section in which the drum (30) rotates at a preset maximum speed.

[0220] In the low-speed dehydration section, the drum (30) can be accelerated to a preset intermediate speed, maintained at the preset intermediate speed for a predetermined first time, and then decelerated.

[0221] In the high-speed dehydration section, the drum (30) may be accelerated to a preset maximum speed, maintained at the preset maximum speed for a predetermined second time, and then decelerated. In this case, the predetermined second time may be longer than the predetermined first time.

[0222] The control unit (300) can accelerate the drum (30) to a preset intermediate speed based on the start of the final dehydration cycle (1031), maintain the rotation of the drum (30) at the preset intermediate speed for a predetermined first time, then decelerate the drum (30), accelerate the drum (30) to a preset maximum speed, maintain the rotation of the drum (30) at the preset maximum speed for a predetermined second time, and then stop the drum (30) after rotating for a predetermined time.

[0223] The preset medium speed, preset maximum speed, predetermined first time, and predetermined second time may be changed depending on the weight of the laundry measured in the laundry measurement (1011) step, the quality of the laundry, the type of course selected by the user, and / or the spin-drying setting selected by the user.

[0224] The low-speed spin cycle may be omitted depending on the weight of the laundry measured in the laundry measurement (1011) step and / or the type of course selected by the user.

[0225] The final dehydration cycle (1031) may be terminated in response to the drum (30) being stopped after the high-speed dehydration section.

[0226] When the dehydration process (1030) is completed, the drying process (1040) can be performed. To perform the drying process (1040), the control unit (300) can operate the drying device (80) so that hot air is supplied into the tub (20) and the drum (30). In addition, the control unit (300) can rotate the drum (30) at a relatively low speed. The control unit (300) can supply hot air into the tub (20) and the drum (30) by operating the heat pump and rotating the fan (87a).

[0227] In the present disclosure, operating the heat pump may include operating a compressor (91).

[0228] Immediately after entering the drying cycle (1040) or before the drying cycle (1040) begins, water may be supplied to the upper detergent supply device (50) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1 second) to prevent moisture leakage within the tub (20). As described above, the detergent connection pipe (51) connecting the tub (20) and the upper detergent supply device (50) is provided in a U shape, and when water is supplied to the upper detergent supply device (50), the bent portion of the detergent connection pipe (51) can be filled with water. If the detergent connection pipe (51) is clogged with water, moisture within the tub (20) can be prevented from being discharged to the outside through the upper detergent supply device (50).

[0229] The drying cycle (1040) can be performed for a preset time. The operating time of the drying cycle (1040) can be preset based on the weight of the laundry, the quality of the laundry, the type of course selected by the user, and / or the drying setting selected by the user.

[0230] In the present disclosure, the term 'preset time' may mean a time preset according to the weight of the laundry, the quality of the laundry, the type of course selected by the user, and / or the drying setting selected by the user.

[0231] In the present disclosure, the 'operation time of the drying process (1040)' may mean the time between the start of the drying process (1040) and the end of the drying process (1040).

[0232] In the present disclosure, ‘the operating time of the drying process (1040) is extended’ may mean that the operating time of the drying process (1040) is extended by a predetermined amount of time from a preset time.

[0233] When the drying process (1040) is completed, the operation of the clothing treatment device (1) stops and the power can be turned off.

[0234] The control unit (300) can detect blockage of the flow path (P) during the drying process (1040). Detecting blockage of the flow path (P) may include detecting blockage of the flow path through which air blown by the fan (87a) flows.

[0235] Blockage of the Euro (P) may include blockage of the filter (95) and / or blockage of the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0236] A blockage of the filter (95) may mean that the flow of air through the filter (95) is restricted due to foreign substances being attached to the filter (95).

[0237] A blockage of the heat exchanger (92, 93) may mean that the flow of air through the heat exchanger (92, 93) is restricted due to foreign matter (lint) adhering to the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0238] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can determine the blockage of the flow path (P) based on the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the drying cycle (1040). The control unit (300) can determine the degree of blockage of the flow path (P) based on the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the drying cycle (1040).

[0239] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can determine the degree of blockage of the flow path (P) based on the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) during the drying cycle (1040).

[0240] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can determine the degree of blockage of the flow path (P) based on the temperature at the outlet side of the compressor (91) during the drying cycle (1040).

[0241] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0242] Referring to FIG. 9, the garment treatment device (1) may initiate a drying cycle (1040) (1100). Depending on user settings, the garment treatment device (1) may perform only the drying cycle (1040) or may perform the drying cycle (1040) in response to the completion of the dehydration cycle (1030).

[0243] The control unit (300) can control the drying device (80) to rotate the drum (30) at a predetermined speed and supply hot air to the drum (30) in response to the start of the drying process (1040).

[0244] Controlling the drying device (80) to supply hot air to the drum (30) may include operating a heat pump (91) to heat the air and driving a fan motor (87ab).

[0245] That is, the clothing treatment device (1) can drive the heat pump and fan motor (87ab) (1200) based on the start of the drying cycle (1040). Driving the heat pump may include driving the compressor (91). Driving the heat pump may also include driving the drying heater (99).

[0246] The clothing treatment device (1) can identify the input value of the fan motor (87ab) for a reference time period (1400) based on the passage of a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 1300) from the start of the drying cycle (1040). At this time, the reference time period can be preset to a time period during which a reliable input value of the fan motor (87ab) can be acquired, and can be set to, for example, 5 minutes.

[0247] The control unit (300) can identify the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time after the drying process (1040) has started. That is, the control unit (300) can identify the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time after the reference time has elapsed from the time the drying process (1040) has started.

[0248] The input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time may mean the average input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time. The average input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time may include the average current consumption (power consumption) of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time.

[0249] The clothing treatment device (1) can determine the degree of blockage of the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87) based on the input value of the fan motor (87ab) for a standard time (hereinafter referred to as the 'average input value') and perform control corresponding to the degree of blockage of the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87).

[0250] Fig. 10 shows an example of a graph showing the input value of the fan motor (87ab) over time according to the degree of blockage of the euro (P, 85, 86, 87).

[0251] Referring to Fig. 10, it can be confirmed that the input value of the fan motor (87ab) changes depending on the degree to which the path (P, 85, 86, 87) through which the air blown by the fan (87a) flows is blocked.

[0252] For example, if the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) is not blocked at all, the fan (87a) can rotate smoothly, so the input value of the fan (87a) is also relatively large.

[0253] When the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) is blocked by about 60%, the rotation speed of the fan (87a) slows down due to air resistance, thereby reducing the input value of the fan (87a), and as the degree of blockage of the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) increases, the input value of the fan (87a) may decrease.

[0254] That is, the input value of the fan (87a) is the largest when the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) is not blocked, and the smallest when the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) is completely blocked.

[0255] At the beginning of the drying cycle (1040), moisture from the laundry is not removed, so there is little change in the input value of the fan motor (87ab). Accordingly, the average input value measured over a reference time period from the start of the drying cycle (1040) corresponds to a highly reliable value.

[0256] In the case of a dryer without a tub (20), the airflow may decrease significantly as the weight of the laundry increases, resulting in a difference in the average input value. However, when comparing the change in the average input value according to the weight of the laundry using the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the weight of the laundry did not cause a significant difference in the average input value. In other words, the average input value was confirmed to be robust to the weight of the laundry.

[0257] This is because the tub (20) exists outside the drum (30), so the bypass amount of air blown by the fan (87a) increases regardless of the amount of laundry, and thus does not affect the average input value.

[0258] In addition, as a result of comparing the change in the average input value according to the outside temperature using the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outside temperature did not cause a significant difference in the average input value. In other words, it was confirmed that the average input value was robust to the outside temperature.

[0259] A clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect blockage of the flow paths (P, 85, 86, 87) with high reliability by indirectly estimating blockage of the flow paths (P, 85, 86, 87) using an average input value of a fan motor (87ab) that is robust to various factors.

[0260] In addition, the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect blockage of the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87) with high reliability by indirectly estimating blockage of the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87) using the average input value of the fan motor (87ab) in the initial stage of the drying cycle (1040).

[0261] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a control method of a garment treatment device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0262] Referring to FIG. 11, the control unit (300) can perform the drying process (1040) for a preset time (1530) based on whether the average input value is greater than the second reference value (NO in 1510). The second reference value is a value preset through experimentation and may be learned by an artificial intelligence model. In the present disclosure, the second reference value may also be referred to as a "threshold value" in that it serves as a standard for the degree of blockage of the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87).

[0263] Performing the drying process (1040) for a preset period of time may include performing the drying process (1040) for a preset period of time based on the user's settings, the quality of the laundry, and / or the weight of the laundry. In other words, performing the drying process (1040) for a preset period of time may include performing the drying process (1040) normally.

[0264] The control unit (300) can extend the operation time of the drying process (1040) based on the average input value being less than or equal to the second reference value (example of 1510) (1520).

[0265] Extending the operating time of the drying process (1040) may include performing the drying process (1040) for a longer period of time than a preset period of time.

[0266] For example, if the preset time is 1 hour, extending the operating time of the drying process (1040) may include performing the drying process (1040) for a time longer than 1 hour.

[0267] According to the present disclosure, when the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) is blocked, the drying performance can be secured by extending the operation time of the drying cycle (1040), thereby not causing user dissatisfaction.

[0268] The control unit (300) can perform an operation to notify the user of the blockage of the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87) after the end of the drying cycle (1040) based on the average input value being less than or equal to the second reference value (No of 1510) (1520).

[0269] The action of notifying the user of a blockage in the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) may include outputting a visual notification and / or an audible notification notifying of a blockage in the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) via at least one output interface (102).

[0270] Outputting a visual notification notifying a blockage in the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) may include outputting a visual indication indicating a blockage in the euro (P, 85, 86, 87).

[0271] Outputting an audible notification notifying a blockage in the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) may include outputting a sound indicating a blockage in the euro (P, 85, 86, 87).

[0272] The action of notifying the user of a blockage in the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) may include transmitting a signal notifying the user of a blockage in the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) to the user device via the communication interface (150). The user device may be configured to output a visual notification and / or an audible notification notifying the blockage in the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) in response to receiving the signal notifying the blockage in the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) from the garment treatment device (1).

[0273] According to the present disclosure, when the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) is blocked, the user can be notified of this, thereby inducing the user to clean the filter (95) or heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0274] According to various embodiments, the control unit (300) may perform at least one of an operation of extending the operation time of the drying cycle (1040) and an operation of notifying the user of a blockage in the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87) after the end of the drying cycle (1040). For example, the control unit (300) may perform only the operation of extending the operation time of the drying cycle (1040), may perform only the operation of notifying the user of a blockage in the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87) after the end of the drying cycle (1040), or may perform both the operation of extending the operation time of the drying cycle (1040) and the operation of notifying the user of a blockage in the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87) after the end of the drying cycle (1040).

[0275] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may control the water supply device (40) to supply water to the nozzle device (96) that sprays water toward the heat exchanger (92, 93) if the average input value is less than or equal to the second reference value. Spraying water toward the heat exchanger (92, 93) may include spraying water to the evaporator (93) and / or the condenser (92).

[0276] As described above, the blockage of the flow paths (P, 85, 86, 87) may include blockage of the filter (95) and blockage of the heat exchanger (92, 93). If the blockage of the flow paths (P, 85, 86, 87) is caused by blockage of the heat exchanger (92, 93), the control unit (300) can eliminate the cause of the blockage of the flow paths (P, 85, 86, 87) by performing an operation of cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) when the average input value is less than or equal to the second reference value.

[0277] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may perform an operation of cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) when the average input value is less than or equal to the second reference value, and then perform an operation (1400, FIG. 9) of identifying the input value of the fan motor (87ab) once again.

[0278] In this case, the control unit (300) may perform an operation to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93) if the average input value is less than or equal to the second reference value, and then identify the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time, and perform operations 1510, 1520, and 1530 based on the newly identified input value of the fan motor (87ab). Here, the reference time may be the same as or different from the reference time described in operation 1400 of FIG. 9.

[0279] If the input value of the newly identified fan motor (87ab) is greater than the second reference value, the control unit (300) can determine that the blockage of the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) is due to the blockage of the filter (95) and perform operation 1520.

[0280] When it is determined that the blockage of the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) is due to the blockage of the filter (95) and operation 1520 is performed, the control unit (300) can perform an operation to notify the user of the blockage of the filter (95).

[0281] The embodiment described above can also be applied to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, and any duplicate description in the description of FIGS. 12 and 13 will be omitted.

[0282] Meanwhile, according to the embodiment of FIG. 11, when the flow paths (P, 85, 86, 87) are blocked, the operation time of the drying process (1040) is extended in a lump without considering the degree of blockage of the flow paths (P, 85, 86, 87), so it may be difficult to respond appropriately to the degree of blockage of the flow paths (P, 85, 86, 87).

[0283] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a control method of a clothing treatment device (1) according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0284] Referring to FIG. 12, the control unit (300) can perform the drying process (1040) for a preset time based on whether the average input value is greater than the second reference value (NO of 1630) (1640).

[0285] Action 1640 corresponds to action 1530, so any duplicate explanation will be omitted.

[0286] The control unit (300) can immediately terminate the drying process (1040) or extend the operation time of the drying process (1040) based on the average input value being less than or equal to the first reference value (example of 1610).

[0287] In the present disclosure, the first reference value may be referred to as a "threshold value" in the sense that it is a value that serves as a criterion for severe blockage of the euro (P, 85, 86, 87). That is, in the present disclosure, the first reference value and the second reference value may each be referred to as a threshold value.

[0288] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can immediately terminate the drying process (1040) or extend the operation time of the drying process (1040) based on the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) when the average input value is less than or equal to the first reference value (example of 1610).

[0289] For example, if the average input value is lower than the first reference value (example of 1610), the control unit (300) can extend the operation time of the drying process (1040) regardless of the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) (1615).

[0290] The control unit (300) can immediately terminate the drying process (1040) based on the fact that the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) has fallen below a predetermined value (example of 1620) as the drying process (1040) continues when the average input value is lower than the first reference value (example of 1610).

[0291] The control unit (300) can perform the drying process (1040) while extending the operating time of the drying process (1040) based on the fact that the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) does not fall below a predetermined value (No of 1620) when the average input value is lower than the first reference value (Yes of 1610). When the drying process (1040) ends as time passes while the operating time of the drying process (1040) is extended, the control unit (300) can perform an operation to notify the user of the blockage of the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87).

[0292] Here, the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) may refer to the minimum opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) during the drying cycle (1040). Here, the predetermined value may be set as the minimum opening amount of the controllable expansion valve (91v) during the drying cycle (1040), but is not limited thereto.

[0293] That is, the control unit (300) can extend the operation time of the drying process (1040) when the average input value is lower than or equal to the first reference value (1615), but can immediately terminate the drying process (1040) based on the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) during the drying process (1040) falling below a predetermined value (example of 1620) (1625).

[0294] If the average input value is lower than the first reference value, the control unit (300) can immediately terminate the drying cycle (1040) if there is a history of the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) falling below a predetermined value during the drying cycle (1040). That is, the control unit (300) can immediately terminate the drying cycle (1040) in response to the fact that there is a history of the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) falling below a predetermined value during a reference time after the start of the drying cycle (1040) and the average input value is identified as lower than the first reference value.

[0295] When the control unit (300) immediately terminates the drying process (1040), it can perform an action to notify the user of a blockage in the euro (P, 85, 86, 87).

[0296] As previously explained, the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) is controlled by the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (93).

[0297] As the wind speed of the fan (87a) decreases due to the blockage of the euro (P, 85, 86, 87), the input value of the fan motor (87ab) decreases, and as a result, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (93) decreases. When the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (93) decreases, the expansion valve (91v) is controlled to have a smaller opening amount of the expansion valve (91v).

[0298] That is, terminating the drying process (1040) or extending the operating time of the drying process (1040) based on the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) may include terminating the drying process (1040) or extending the operating time of the drying process (1040) based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (93).

[0299] If the average input value is less than the first reference value, it is estimated that the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87) is blocked to some extent, but it is not possible to estimate exactly whether the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87) is blocked to the extent that hot air is hardly supplied to the inside of the drum (30) or the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87) is blocked to the extent that hot air is introduced into the inside of the drum (30).

[0300] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the clothing treatment device (1) can more accurately identify the degree of blockage of the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87) based on the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) when the average input value is lower than or equal to the first reference value.

[0301] The control unit (300) can extend the operating time of the drying process (1040) based on the fact that the average input value is greater than the first reference value and less than or equal to the second reference value (example of 1630) (1635). Here, the first reference value can be preset to a value less than the second reference value.

[0302] When the control unit (300) extends the operating time of the drying process (1040), it can perform an operation to notify the user of the blockage of the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) when the drying process (1040) ends.

[0303] According to the present disclosure, a clothes treatment device (1) is provided that more accurately identifies the degree of blockage of a euro (P, 85, 86, 87), and immediately terminates a drying cycle (1040) or extends the operation time of the drying cycle (1040) depending on the degree of blockage of the euro (P, 85, 86, 87).

[0304] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of FIG. 12, the control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to supply water to the nozzle device (96) that sprays water toward the heat exchanger (92, 93) if the average input value is less than or equal to the second reference value.

[0305] If the average input value is less than or equal to the second reference value, the control unit (300) can perform an operation to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93), and then perform an operation (1400, FIG. 9) to identify the input value of the fan motor (87ab) once again.

[0306] In this case, the control unit (300) can perform an operation to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93) if the average input value is less than or equal to the second reference value, and then identify the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time, and perform operations 1610, 1615, 1620, 1625, 1630, 1635, and 1640 based on the newly identified input value of the fan motor (87ab).

[0307] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may perform an operation of cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) first before performing operation 1625 if the average input value is less than or equal to the first reference value.

[0308] As previously described, the blockage of the flow paths (P, 85, 86, 87) may include blockage of the filter (95) and blockage of the heat exchanger (92, 93). If the blockage of the flow paths (P, 85, 86, 87) is caused by blockage of the heat exchanger (92, 93), the control unit (300) can eliminate the cause of the blockage of the flow paths (P, 85, 86, 87) by performing an operation of cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) when the average input value is less than or equal to the first reference value.

[0309] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may perform operation 1625 and perform an operation of cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) if the average input value is less than or equal to the first reference value.

[0310] That is, if the average input value is less than or equal to the first reference value, the control unit (300) may extend the operation time of the drying process (1040) and perform an operation to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0311] The control unit (300) can perform operation 1620 after performing an operation of cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0312] For example, the control unit (300) can immediately terminate the drying process (1040) (1625) based on the fact that the opening amount of the window valve (91v) has fallen below a predetermined value (example of 1620) after performing an operation to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0313] The control unit (300) may perform an operation of cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) if the average input value is lower than the first reference value, and may also perform operations 1610 and / or 1630 of comparing the average input value of the fan motor (87ab) with a threshold value (the first reference value and / or the second reference value).

[0314] That is, if the average input value is less than or equal to a threshold value (first reference value and / or second reference value), the control unit (300) may perform an operation of cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) and then perform operations 1610 and / or 1630 of comparing the average input value of the fan motor (87ab) for a reference time period with the first reference value and / or the second reference value. Here, the reference time period may be the same as or different from the reference time period described in operation 1400 of FIG. 9.

[0315] Meanwhile, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (93) may depend on factors other than the blockage of the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87), and even in the case of the embodiment of Fig. 12, a situation may occur in which the drying process (1040) is immediately terminated even though the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87) is not completely blocked.

[0316] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a control method of a clothing treatment device (1) according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0317] Referring to FIG. 13, the control unit (300) can perform the drying process (1040) for a preset time (1750) based on whether the average input value is greater than the second reference value (NO of 1740).

[0318] Action 1750 corresponds to actions 1640 and 1530, so overlapping explanations are omitted.

[0319] The control unit (300) can immediately terminate the drying process (1040) or extend the operation time of the drying process (1040) based on the average input value being less than or equal to the first reference value (example of 1710).

[0320] For example, if the average input value is lower than the first reference value (example of 1710), the control unit (300) can extend the operation time of the drying cycle (1040) regardless of the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) (1715).

[0321] The control unit (300) can perform the drying process (1040) while extending the operating time of the drying process (1040) based on the fact that the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) does not fall below a predetermined value (No of 1720) when the average input value is lower than the first reference value (Yes of 1710). When the drying process (1040) ends as time passes while the operating time of the drying process (1040) is extended, the control unit (300) can perform an operation to notify the user of the blockage of the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87).

[0322] The control unit (300) can terminate the drying process (1040) based on the fact that the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) has fallen below a predetermined value (example of 1720) as the drying process (1040) continues when the average input value is lower than the first reference value (example of 1710).

[0323] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can immediately terminate the drying cycle (1040) in response to the outlet temperature of the compressor (91) reaching a predetermined temperature (1725) when the average input value is lower than or equal to the first reference value (example of 1710) and the opening degree of the expansion valve (91v) falls below a predetermined value (example of 1720). Here, the predetermined temperature may be a temperature at which the refrigerant is estimated to be overheated and may be preset. For example, the predetermined temperature may be set to approximately 90 degrees Celsius, but is not limited thereto.

[0324] When the control unit (300) immediately terminates the drying process (1040), it can perform an action to notify the user of a blockage in the euro (P, 85, 86, 87).

[0325] As previously explained, the opening degree of the expansion valve (91v) is controlled by the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (93). However, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (93) may be reduced by other causes besides the blockage of the flow paths (P, 85, 86, 87).

[0326] When the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (93) decreases due to blockage of the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87), the temperature at the outlet of the compressor (91) inevitably also increases. If the temperature at the outlet of the compressor (91) does not increase, the phenomenon of the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (93) decreasing may not be due to blockage of the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87).

[0327] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can perform the drying process (1040) with the operating time of the drying process (1040) extended, even when the average input value is lower than or equal to the first reference value (example of 1710) and the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) falls below a predetermined value (example of 1720), if the temperature at the outlet side of the compressor (91) does not reach a predetermined temperature.

[0328] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the clothing treatment device (1) can more accurately identify the degree of blockage of the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87) based on the opening degree of the expansion valve (91v) and the outlet temperature of the compressor (91) when the average input value is lower than or equal to the first reference value.

[0329] The control unit (300) can extend the operating time of the drying process (1040) based on the fact that the average input value is greater than the first reference value and less than or equal to the third reference value (example of 1730) (1735). Here, the third reference value can be preset to a value less than the second reference value and greater than the first reference value.

[0330] The control unit (300) can extend the operation time of the drying process (1040) based on the fact that the average input value is greater than the third reference value and less than or equal to the second reference value (example of 1740) (1745).

[0331] In one embodiment, the ratio (hereinafter, “first ratio”) by which the operating time of the drying cycle (1040) is extended in operation 1735 and the ratio (hereinafter, “second ratio”) by which the operating time of the drying cycle (1040) is extended in operation 1745 may be different from each other. The ratio by which the operating time of the drying cycle (1040) is extended may mean an additional ratio with respect to a preset time. For example, if the preset time is 100 minutes and the ratio by which the operating time of the drying cycle (1040) is extended is 10%, the operating time of the drying cycle (1040) may be extended by 10 minutes, which is 10% of 100 minutes.

[0332] The first ratio may be greater than the second ratio. The first and second ratios may be preset, with the first ratio being set to approximately 20% and the second ratio being set to approximately 10%, but is not limited thereto. Meanwhile, the ratio by which the operating time of the drying cycle (1040) in operation 1715 is extended may be equal to or greater than the first ratio.

[0333] That is, the control unit (300) can extend the operation time of the drying process (1040) by a first ratio if the average input value is less than or equal to the third reference value, and can extend the operation time of the drying process (1040) by a second ratio if the average input value is greater than the third reference value and less than or equal to the second reference value.

[0334] When the control unit (300) extends the operating time of the drying process (1040), it can perform an operation to notify the user of the blockage of the euro (P, 85, 86, 87) when the drying process (1040) ends.

[0335] According to the present disclosure, by setting multiple reference values ​​to more accurately identify the degree of blockage of the euro (P, 85, 86, 87), the operation time of the drying process (1040) can be flexibly adjusted according to the blockage of the euro (P, 85, 86, 87).

[0336] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of FIG. 13, the control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to supply water to the nozzle device (96) that sprays water toward the heat exchanger (92, 93) if the average input value is less than or equal to the second reference value.

[0337] If the average input value is less than or equal to the second reference value, the control unit (300) can perform an operation to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93), and then perform an operation (1400, FIG. 9) to identify the input value of the fan motor (87ab) once again.

[0338] In this case, the control unit (300) can perform an operation to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93) if the average input value is less than or equal to the second reference value, and then identify the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time, and perform operations 1710, 1715, 1720, 1725, 1727, 1730, 1735, 1740, 1745, and 1750 based on the newly identified input value of the fan motor (87ab).

[0339] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may perform an operation of cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) first before performing operation 1727 if the average input value is less than or equal to the first reference value.

[0340] As previously described, the blockage of the flow paths (P, 85, 86, 87) may include blockage of the filter (95) and blockage of the heat exchanger (92, 93). If the blockage of the flow paths (P, 85, 86, 87) is caused by blockage of the heat exchanger (92, 93), the control unit (300) can eliminate the cause of the blockage of the flow paths (P, 85, 86, 87) by performing an operation of cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) when the average input value is less than or equal to the first reference value.

[0341] In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may perform operation 1715 and perform an operation of cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) if the average input value is less than or equal to the first reference value.

[0342] That is, if the average input value is less than or equal to the first reference value, the control unit (300) may extend the operation time of the drying process (1040) and perform an operation to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0343] The control unit (300) can perform operation 1720 after performing an operation of cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0344] For example, the control unit (300) can immediately terminate the drying process (1040) (1727) based on the fact that the opening amount of the window valve (91v) falls below a predetermined value and the outlet temperature of the compressor reaches a predetermined temperature after performing an operation to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0345] The control unit (300) may perform operations 1710, 1730 and / or 1740 of comparing the average input value of the fan motor (87ab) for a reference time period with the first reference value, the second reference value and / or the third reference value after performing an operation of cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) if the average input value is less than or equal to the first reference value and / or the second reference value. Here, the reference time period may be the same as or different from the reference time period described in operation 1400 of FIG. 9.

[0346] Fig. 14 illustrates an example of events detected by the clothing treatment device (1) of the present disclosure over time.

[0347] Referring to Fig. 14, the garment treatment device (1) can start a drying cycle (1040) at time t0. In response to the start of the drying cycle (1040), the garment treatment device (1) can control the drying device (80) to rotate the drum (30) and supply hot air into the interior of the drum (30).

[0348] Controlling the drying device (80) to supply hot air into the drum (30) may include driving a heat pump and a fan motor (87ab).

[0349] The clothing treatment device (1) can identify the input value of the fan motor (87ab) at a time t1 when the standard time (pd) has elapsed from the time t0 when the drying cycle (1040) begins.

[0350] Identifying the input value of the fan motor (87ab) may include identifying the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during a reference time (pd), from time point t0 to time point t1.

[0351] Identifying the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time (pd) may include identifying the average value of the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time (pd).

[0352] The clothing treatment device (1) can identify the degree of blockage of the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87) based on the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time (pd) and perform control corresponding to the degree of blockage of the flow path (P, 85, 86, 87).

[0353] For example, the clothing treatment device (1) can compare the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time (pd) with at least one reference value (e.g., a first reference value, a second reference value, and / or a third reference value).

[0354] Although not shown in the drawing, the clothing treatment device (1) may perform an operation of cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93) if the input value of the fan motor (87ab) for the first reference time (pd) is below a threshold value (first reference value or second reference value), and after performing the operation of cleaning the heat exchanger (92, 93), may perform operations to be described later based on the input value of the fan motor (87ab) for the second reference time. Here, the second reference time may be the same as or different from the first reference time (pd).

[0355] If the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time (pd) is lower than or equal to the first reference value, the clothing treatment device (1) can terminate the drying cycle (1040) or extend the operating time of the drying cycle (1040) based on the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v).

[0356] In one embodiment, the clothing treatment device (1) can extend the operation time of the drying cycle (1040) by a first ratio when the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time (pd) is greater than the first reference value and less than or equal to the third reference value.

[0357] In one embodiment, the clothing treatment device (1) can extend the operation time of the drying cycle (1040) by a second ratio that is smaller than the first ratio when the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time (pd) is greater than the third reference value and less than the second reference value.

[0358] In one embodiment, the clothing treatment device (1) can extend the operation time of the drying cycle (1040) when the input value of the fan motor (87ab) during the reference time (pd) is lower than or equal to the first reference value, and can immediately end the drying cycle (1040) at a time point t2 when the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) reaches lower than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0359] In one embodiment, the clothing treatment device (1) can extend the operation time of the drying cycle (1040) if the input value of the fan motor (87ab) for the reference time (pd) is lower than or equal to the first reference value, and can immediately end the drying cycle (1040) at a time t3 when the outlet temperature of the compressor (91) reaches a predetermined temperature after a time t2 when the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) reaches a predetermined value or lower.

[0360] According to the present disclosure, a clothes treatment device (1) is provided that can perform an operation corresponding to a blockage of a flow path (P, 85, 86, 87) based on an input value of a fan motor (87ab), an opening amount of an expansion valve (91v), and / or an outlet temperature of a compressor (91).

[0361] A clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a tub (20); a heat pump including a compressor (91), a heat exchanger (92, 93), and an expansion valve (91v); a fan (87a) for blowing air passing through the heat exchanger (92, 93) into the interior of the tub (20); a fan motor (87ab) for driving the fan (87a); a nozzle device (96) for spraying water toward the heat exchanger (92, 93); a water supply device (40) for supplying water to the nozzle device (96); And it may include a control unit (300) that drives the heat pump and the fan motor (87ab) based on the start of the drying cycle (1040), operates the water supply device (40) to spray water to the heat exchanger (92, 93) through the nozzle device (96) if the input value of the fan motor (87ab) for a first reference time after the start of the drying cycle (1040) is lower than or equal to the first reference value, and ends the drying cycle (1040) or extends the operation time of the drying cycle (1040) based on the input value of the fan motor (87ab) for a second reference time after the water supply device (40) is operated.

[0362] The control unit (300) can extend the operation time of the drying process (1040) if the input value of the fan motor (87ab) is greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value.

[0363] The control unit (300) can perform the drying process (1040) for a preset time if the input value of the fan motor (87ab) is greater than the second reference value.

[0364] The control unit (300) can extend the operating time of the drying process (1040) by a first ratio when the input value of the fan motor (87ab) is less than or equal to a third reference value that is less than the second reference value, and can extend the operating time of the drying process (1040) by a second ratio that is less than the first ratio when the input value of the fan motor (87ab) is greater than the third reference value and less than or equal to the second reference value.

[0365] The control unit (300) can terminate the drying process (1040) based on the input value of the fan motor (87ab) being lower than or equal to the first reference value and the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) being lower than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0366] The control unit (300) can terminate the drying process (1040) in response to the temperature at the outlet side of the compressor (91) reaching a predetermined temperature when the input value of the fan motor (87ab) is lower than or equal to the first reference value and the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) is lower than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0367] The control unit (300) extends the operation time of the drying process (1040) when the input value of the fan motor (87ab) is lower than or equal to the first reference value and the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) is lower than or equal to a predetermined value, but can terminate the drying process (1040) in response to the temperature at the outlet side of the compressor (91) reaching a predetermined temperature.

[0368] The control unit (300) can extend the operation time of the drying process (1040) based on the input value of the fan motor (87ab) being lower than or equal to the first reference value and the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) being greater than a predetermined value.

[0369] The control unit (300) can control the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (93).

[0370] The clothing treatment device (1) may further include a nozzle device (96) that sprays water toward the condenser (92) and the evaporator (93); and a water supply device (40) that supplies water to the nozzle device (96).

[0371] The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to supply water to the nozzle device when the input value of the fan motor (87ab) is below a threshold value.

[0372] A method for controlling a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: driving a heat pump and a fan motor (87ab) based on the start of a drying cycle (1040); spraying water to a heat exchanger (92, 93) when an input value of the fan motor (87ab) for a first reference time after the start of the drying cycle (1040) is below a threshold value; and ending the drying cycle (1040) or extending the operation time of the drying cycle (1040) based on the input value of the fan motor (87ab) for a second reference time after spraying water to the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0373] The control method of the clothing treatment device (1) may further include extending the operation time of the drying cycle (1040) when the input value of the fan motor (87ab) is greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value.

[0374] The control method of the clothing treatment device (1) may further include performing the drying process (1040) for a preset time when the input value of the fan motor (87ab) is greater than the second reference value.

[0375] Extending the operating time of the drying cycle (1040) may include extending the operating time of the drying cycle (1040) by a first ratio when the input value of the fan motor (87ab) is less than or equal to a third reference value that is less than the second reference value; and extending the operating time of the drying cycle (1040) by a second ratio that is less than the first ratio when the input value of the fan motor (87ab) is greater than the third reference value and less than or equal to the second reference value.

[0376] Terminating the drying process (1040) or extending the operating time of the drying process (1040) based on the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) may include terminating the drying process (1040) based on the input value of the fan motor (87ab) being equal to or lower than a first reference value and the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) being equal to or lower than a predetermined value.

[0377] Terminating the drying cycle (1040) or extending the operating time of the drying cycle (1040) based on the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) may include terminating the drying cycle (1040) in response to the outlet temperature of the compressor (91) reaching a predetermined temperature when the input value of the fan motor (87ab) is equal to or lower than the first reference value and the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) is equal to or lower than a predetermined value.

[0378] Terminating the drying process (1040) or extending the operating time of the drying process (1040) based on the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) may include extending the operating time of the drying process (1040) when the input value of the fan motor (87ab) is equal to or lower than the first reference value and the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, but terminating the drying process (1040) in response to the outlet temperature of the compressor (91) reaching a predetermined temperature.

[0379] Terminating the drying process (1040) or extending the operating time of the drying process (1040) based on the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) may include extending the operating time of the drying process (1040) based on the input value of the fan motor (87ab) being equal to or less than the first reference value and the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) being greater than a predetermined value.

[0380] The control method of the clothing treatment device (1) may further include controlling the opening amount of the expansion valve (91v) based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator (93).

[0381] Spraying water toward the heat exchanger (92, 93) may include supplying water to a nozzle device (96) that sprays water toward the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0382] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0383] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0384] Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0385] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0386] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. Tub; Heat pump including compressor, heat exchanger and expansion valve; A fan that blows air that has passed through the heat exchanger into the interior of the tub; A fan motor driving the above fan; A nozzle device for spraying water toward the above heat exchanger; A water supply device that supplies water to the above nozzle device; and including a control unit; The above control unit, Based on the start of the drying process, the heat pump and the fan motor are driven, If the input value of the fan motor is below the threshold value during the first reference time after the drying process starts, the water supply device is operated to spray water to the heat exchanger through the nozzle device, A clothing treatment device that terminates the drying process or extends the operation time of the drying process based on the input value of the fan motor for a second reference time after operating the water supply device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A clothing treatment device that extends the operation time of the drying cycle when the input value of the fan motor is greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value.

3. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, A clothing treatment device that performs the drying process for a preset time when the input value of the fan motor is greater than the second reference value.

4. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, If the input value of the fan motor is less than or equal to a third reference value that is less than the second reference value, the operation time of the drying process is extended by a first ratio, A clothing treatment device that extends the operation time of the drying cycle by a second ratio that is smaller than the first ratio when the input value of the fan motor is greater than the third reference value and less than the second reference value.

5. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A clothing treatment device that terminates the drying cycle based on the input value of the fan motor being lower than or equal to a first reference value and the opening amount of the expansion valve being lower than or equal to a predetermined value.

6. In paragraph 5, The above control unit, A clothing treatment device that terminates the drying cycle in response to the temperature at the outlet side of the compressor reaching a predetermined temperature when the input value of the fan motor is lower than or equal to the first reference value and the opening amount of the expansion valve is lower than or equal to the predetermined value.

7. In paragraph 5, The above control unit, A clothing treatment device that extends the operation time of the drying cycle when the input value of the fan motor is lower than or equal to the first reference value and the opening amount of the expansion valve is lower than or equal to the predetermined value, but ends the drying cycle in response to the temperature at the outlet side of the compressor reaching the predetermined temperature.

8. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A clothing treatment device that extends the operation time of the drying cycle based on the input value of the fan motor being lower than or equal to a first reference value and the opening amount of the expansion valve being higher than a predetermined value.

9. In paragraph 1, The above heat exchanger includes a condenser and an evaporator, The above control unit, A clothing treatment device that controls the opening amount of the expansion valve based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the evaporator.

10. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A clothing treatment device that controls the water supply device to supply water to the nozzle device when the input value of the fan motor is below the threshold value.

11. A method for controlling a clothes treatment device, comprising a heat pump including a compressor, a heat exchanger and an expansion valve, a fan for blowing air passing through the heat exchanger into the interior of a tub and a fan motor for driving the fan, Drive the heat pump and the fan motor based on the start of the drying process; If the input value of the fan motor is below the threshold value during the first reference time after the drying process starts, water is sprayed into the heat exchanger; A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, comprising: terminating the drying process or extending the operation time of the drying process based on the input value of the fan motor for a second reference time after spraying water into the heat exchanger.

12. In paragraph 11, A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, further comprising: extending the operation time of the drying cycle when the input value of the fan motor is greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value.

13. In paragraph 12, A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, further comprising: performing the drying process for a preset time when the input value of the fan motor is greater than the second reference value.

14. In paragraph 12, Extending the operating time of the above drying process is as follows: If the input value of the fan motor is less than or equal to a third reference value that is less than the second reference value, the operation time of the drying process is extended by a first ratio; A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, comprising: extending the operation time of the drying cycle by a second ratio that is smaller than the first ratio when the input value of the fan motor is greater than the third reference value and less than the second reference value.

15. In paragraph 11, Terminating the drying process or extending the operating time of the drying process based on the opening amount of the expansion valve is A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, comprising: terminating the drying cycle based on the input value of the fan motor being lower than or equal to a first reference value and the opening amount of the expansion valve being lower than or equal to a predetermined value.

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