Clothes processing apparatus and method for controlling same

Abstract

A clothes processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a tub; a water level sensor for sensing the level of water in the tub; a heat exchanger disposed above the tub; a nozzle device provided to spray water to the heat exchanger; a water supply device for supplying water to the nozzle device; a drain line for guiding condensed water generated by the heat exchanger or water sprayed by the nozzle device to the tub; a drain filter; a drain device for discharging water stored in the tub to the outside; and a control part for determining providing of error information or continuously performing cleaning of the heat exchanger according to whether at least one of the drain line and the drain filter is clogged.

Description

Garment treatment device and its control method

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0007] According to one embodiment, a garment treatment device may include: a tub; a water level sensor for detecting a water level in the tub; a heat exchanger disposed on an upper portion of the tub; a nozzle device configured to spray water into the heat exchanger; a water supply device for supplying water to the nozzle device; a drain line for guiding condensed water generated by the heat exchanger or water sprayed by the nozzle device to the tub; a drain device including a drain filter and for discharging water stored in the tub to the outside; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the garment treatment device.

[0008] The control unit controls the water supply device to spray water onto the heat exchanger for cleaning the heat exchanger, identifies a change in the water level within the tub based on a signal transmitted from the water level sensor, determines whether at least one of the drain line and the drain filter is clogged based on the change in the water level within the tub, and determines whether to provide error information or continue cleaning the heat exchanger based on whether at least one of the drain line and the drain filter is clogged.

[0009] In a method for controlling a clothes treatment device including a heat exchanger disposed on the upper part of a tub, a drain line for guiding condensate generated by the heat exchanger or water sprayed onto the heat exchanger by a nozzle device to the tub, and a drain device for discharging water stored in the tub to the outside, the control method according to one embodiment may include: controlling a water supply device to spray water onto the heat exchanger through the nozzle device for cleaning the heat exchanger; identifying a change in a water level within the tub using a water level sensor for detecting a water level within the tub; determining whether at least one of the drain line and a drain filter included in the drain device is clogged based on the change in the water level within the tub; and determining whether to provide error information through a control panel or to continue cleaning the heat exchanger, depending on whether at least one of the drain line and the drain filter is clogged.

[0010] The disclosed clothing treatment device and its control method can automatically clean a heat exchanger and detect whether a drain line used for cleaning the heat exchanger is clogged and / or whether a drain filter is clogged.

[0011] In addition, the disclosed clothing treatment device and its control method can provide a notification corresponding to whether the drain line is clogged and / or whether the drain filter is clogged, and can prevent a breakdown of the clothing treatment device by taking appropriate measures.

[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-section of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a part of a configuration arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration arranged inside a garment treatment device according to one embodiment from a different direction than that illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0016] Figure 5 is an exploded view showing a part of a drying device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 illustrates a state in which a nozzle device according to one embodiment cleans a heat exchanger.

[0018] Figure 7 is a control block diagram of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a flowchart explaining in more detail the control method of the clothing treatment device described in Fig. 8.

[0021] 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.

[0022] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Washing machines according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. A washing machine is an example of a clothing treatment device, and the term "clothing treatment device" encompasses devices that wash clothing (laundry items, drying items), devices that dry clothing, and devices that can perform both washing and drying of clothing.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The drum rotates within the tub and can perform each of the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations. The cylindrical wall of the drum is formed with a number of perforations, allowing water stored in the tub to flow into or out of the drum.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0051] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] The drum (30) can perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration process while rotating inside the tub (20). A plurality of holes (32) are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum (30), so that water stored in the tub (20) can flow into the inside of the drum (30) or flow out from the outside of the drum (30).

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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.

[0072] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a water supply device (40) configured to supply water to the tub (20). The water supply device (40) may include a water supply valve (41, 42) that can be connected to an external water source. For example, the water supply valve (41, 42) may include a hot water valve (41) for supplying hot water and a cold water valve (42) for supplying cold water.

[0073] The water supply device (40) may include water supply pipes (43, 44). The water supply pipes (43, 44) may be provided as flexible hoses, plastic pipes, or metal pipes. The water supply pipes (43, 44) may be connected to water supply valves (41, 42). For example, the water supply pipes (43, 44) may include a hot water pipe (43) connected to a hot water valve (41), and a cold water pipe (44) connected to a cold water valve (42).

[0074] At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) can guide water from the water supply valve (41, 42) to the tub (20). At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) can extend from the water supply valve (62) to the tub (20). Water can be supplied to the lower detergent supply device (60) via the tub (20). Water can also be supplied to the lower detergent supply device (60) without passing through the tub (20).

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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). In addition, the drainage device (70) may include a drainage filter (74).

[0080] Foreign substances contained in water can be prevented from being discharged to the outside by the drain filter (74). The drain filter (74) can filter foreign substances contained in the condensate generated by the heat exchanger (92, 93). The drain filter (74) can filter foreign substances contained in water that is sprayed to the heat exchanger (92, 93) through the nozzle device (96) and then guided to the tub (20) along the drain line (97). In addition, the drain filter (74) can filter foreign substances contained in water discharged to the outside from the tub (20).

[0081] The drain filter (74) may have various shapes. For example, the drain filter (74) may have a T-shape. The drain filter (74) may be provided in the drain device (70) so as to be detachable from the drain device (70). If the drain filter (74) becomes clogged, the user may remove the drain filter (74) from the drain device (70) and clean the drain filter (74). The user may reattach the cleaned drain filter (74) to the drain device (70).

[0082] The clothing treatment device (1) may include a circulation pump (76) to circulate water in the tub (20) back to the tub (20) through the lower detergent supply device (60).

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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).

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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).

[0092] 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).

[0093] 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).

[0094] The drying device (80) may be provided in a heat pump manner. The drying device (80) may include a fan (87a), a compressor (91), a condenser (92), an evaporator (93), an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe (94) through which refrigerant circulates. The compressor (91), the condenser (92), the evaporator (93), and the expansion valve, which constitute the heat pump, may be arranged in a drying case (81). In addition, the drying device (80) may further include a cooling fan (91a) for cooling the compressor (91). For example, the drying device (80) may be formed as a single module.

[0095] 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.

[0096] The refrigerant expanded through the expansion valve can absorb heat in the evaporator (93) and cool the surrounding air. That is, the evaporator (93) can cool the high-temperature, humid air that has passed through the inside of the drum (30) to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed passes through the condenser (92) and can be heated again while exchanging heat with the refrigerant passing through the condenser (92). That is, the condenser (92) can heat the air that has passed through the evaporator (93). The condenser (92) and the evaporator (93) correspond to heat exchangers. The condenser (92) may be referred to as a 'first heat exchanger'. The evaporator (93) may be referred to as a 'second heat exchanger'.

[0097] 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).

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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).

[0100] 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).

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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).

[0103] 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).

[0104] 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).

[0105] 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).

[0106] 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).

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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).

[0110] 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).

[0111] Heated air from the drying device (80) can be supplied into the drum (30). In order to secure an area where the heated air supplied into the drum (30) comes into contact with the laundry, the tub exhaust port (27) may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet (26) through which the heated air from the drying device (90) is supplied to the tub (20). In order to increase the distance and / or time that the heated air flows inside the drum (30) so that it can come into more contact with the laundry, the tub exhaust port (27) may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet (26) through which the heated air from the drying device (80) is supplied to the tub (20). The supply path (87) for supplying the heated air into the 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.

[0112] 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).

[0113] 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).

[0114] 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).

[0115] 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).

[0116] 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).

[0117] 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).

[0118] 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).

[0119] 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).

[0120] 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).

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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).

[0124] Meanwhile, the duct connection portion (28b) according to one embodiment may be provided as 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 inlet guide (84). The tub duct (28) may be connected to the inlet 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 as a configuration included in the tub duct (28).

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which a nozzle device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure cleans a heat exchanger.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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).

[0134] Figure 7 is a control block diagram of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0135] 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 a driving device (36), a water supply device (40), a drainage pump (71), a circulation pump (76), a drying device (80), and a fan (87a). In addition, the control unit (300) may be electrically connected to a control panel (100), a communication interface (150), and a water level sensor (200). The control unit (300) may control the control panel (100), the communication interface (150), and the water level sensor (200).

[0136] 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).

[0137] 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).

[0138] The water supply device (40) can selectively supply water to the tub (20) and the nozzle device (96). The water supply device (40) may include a water supply pipe (43, 44) connected to an external water source and a water supply valve (41, 42) for opening or closing the water supply pipe. The water supply device (40) may include a first water supply valve (41) and a second water supply valve (42). As described above, the first water supply valve (41) may correspond to a hot water valve. The second water supply valve (42) may correspond to a cold water valve. The water supply pipes (43, 44) may include a first water supply pipe corresponding to a hot water pipe (43) and a second water supply pipe corresponding to a cold water pipe (44).

[0139] The control unit (300) can control the opening and closing of each of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42). The control unit (300) can adjust the opening degree of each of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42). The first water supply valve (41) can open or close the first water supply pipe based on an electrical signal transmitted from the control unit (300). The second water supply valve (42) can open or close the second water supply pipe based on an electrical signal transmitted from the control unit (300).

[0140] The water supply pipes (43, 44) can form a water supply path for supplying water to the nozzle device (96). For example, the nozzle device (96) can be connected to a first water supply pipe and / or a second water supply pipe. When the nozzle device (96) is connected to the first water supply pipe, water can flow into the nozzle device (96) when the first water supply valve (41) is opened. When the nozzle device (96) is connected to the second water supply pipe, water can flow into the nozzle device (96) when the second water supply valve (41) is opened.

[0141] 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).

[0142] The drainage device (70) may include a drainage filter (74). The drainage filter (74) can prevent foreign substances contained in water from being discharged to the outside. If a large amount of foreign substances accumulates in the drainage filter (74), the drainage filter (74) may become clogged. If the drainage filter (74) becomes clogged, water guided to the drainage device (70) through the drainage line (97) cannot flow into the tub (20). If the drainage filter (74) becomes clogged, water may flow back into the drying device (80) along the drainage line (97).

[0143] If the drain line (97) is blocked, condensate generated by the heat exchanger (92, 93) or water sprayed from the heat exchanger (92, 93) through the nozzle device (96) cannot flow into the tub (20). That is, if the drain line (97) is blocked, water cannot be discharged from the drying device (80), and a breakdown of the drying device (80) may occur.

[0144] Therefore, it is necessary to control the operation of the clothing treatment device (1) in response to whether the drain filter (74) is clogged and / or whether the drain line (97) is clogged. The control unit (300) of the clothing treatment device (1) can determine whether at least one of the drain filter (74) and the drain line (97) is clogged by detecting whether the water level of the tub (20) changes according to the spraying of water through the nozzle device (96).

[0145] 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).

[0146] The drying device (80) can remove moisture contained in the air, heat the air, and supply the heated air to the tub (20). The control unit (300) can operate the drying device (80) to dry laundry located inside the drum (30). To generate dried and heated air, the drying device (80) can include a fan (87a), a compressor (91), a heat exchanger (92, 93), and an expansion valve.

[0147] The control unit (300) can control the fan (87a), compressor (91), and expansion valve included in the drying device (80). The control unit (300) can operate the fan (87a) so that dried and heated air is supplied into the drum (30). The control unit (300) can adjust the rotation speed of the fan (87a). The flow rate of the air supplied into the drum (30) can vary depending on the rotation speed of the fan (87a).

[0148] The compressor (91) compresses low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and discharges it as high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. For example, the compressor (91) can compress the refrigerant through the reciprocating motion of a piston or the rotary motion of a rotor. The discharged gaseous refrigerant can be delivered to the condenser (92). The control unit (300) can adjust the operating frequency and / or rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor (91). As the operating frequency and / or rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor (91) increases, the heat released around the condenser (92) can increase. The control unit (400) can adjust the opening of the expansion valve. The expansion valve can be provided as a capillary tube for controlling the pressure of the liquid refrigerant and an electronic expansion valve whose opening can be controlled by an electric signal. The low-temperature and low-pressure two-phase refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve is introduced into the evaporator (93).

[0149] 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 at least one of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42) included in the water supply device (40) to clean the heat exchanger. Water can be sprayed from the nozzle device (96) to the heat exchanger (92, 93) according to the opening of at least one of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42).

[0150] 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).

[0151] 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).

[0152] The operating courses of the clothing treatment device (1) can be provided in various ways. For example, the operating courses of the clothing treatment device (1) can be broadly classified into a washing course, a drying course, and a heat exchanger cleaning course.

[0153] Washing courses may be provided in various ways depending on the type of laundry (e.g., clothing, blankets, underwear, etc.) and material (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.). For example, the washing courses may include at least one of a standard course, a heavy-duty course, a delicate course, a blanket course, a baby clothes course, a towel course, a boiling course, and an outdoor clothing course. Each of the plurality of washing courses may include different washing settings (e.g., washing temperature, number of rinse cycles, spin-drying strength, etc.). When one of the plurality of washing courses is selected through the control panel (100) or an external user device, the control unit (300) may control the clothing treatment device (1) to perform a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spin-drying cycle corresponding to the selected washing course. In addition, the washing courses may include a rinsing and spin-drying course, a rinsing course, and a spin-drying course excluding the washing cycle. The washing courses are not limited to those exemplified.

[0154] Drying courses may also be provided in various ways depending on the type of the object to be dried (e.g., clothing, blankets, underwear, etc.) and the material (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.). For example, the drying courses may include at least one of standard drying, strong drying, delicate clothing drying, blanket drying, baby clothing drying, towel drying, and outdoor clothing drying. Each of the plurality of drying courses may include different drying settings (e.g., drying temperature, drying time, etc.). When one of the plurality of drying courses is selected through the control panel (100) or an external user device, the control unit (300) may control the clothing treatment device (1) to perform a drying process corresponding to the selected drying course. The drying courses are not limited to those exemplified.

[0155] Meanwhile, the control unit (300) can automatically clean the heat exchanger (92, 93) included in the drying device (80) before completing the drying process. The disclosed clothing treatment device (1) performs cleaning of the heat exchanger (92, 93) every time the drying process is performed, thereby removing contamination (e.g., dust, lint) from the heat exchanger (92, 93) and keeping the heat exchanger (92, 93) clean. The heat exchanger cleaning can be performed for a preset heat exchanger cleaning time. The drying process can be terminated after the heat exchanger cleaning is completed.

[0156] A heat exchanger cleaning course may be provided to separately perform cleaning of the heat exchanger (92, 93) regardless of whether a drying process is performed. When the heat exchanger cleaning course is selected through the control panel (100) or an external user device, the control unit (300) can perform cleaning of the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0157] 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).

[0158] 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).

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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).

[0161] The water level sensor (200) can detect the water level within the tub (20). The water level sensor (200) can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the water level within the tub (20) to the control unit (300). The control unit (300) can identify the water level within the tub (20) based on the signal transmitted from the water level sensor (200). The control unit (300) can determine the water level within the tub (20) based on the frequency value of the signal transmitted from the water level sensor (200).

[0162] Factors affecting the water level within the tub (20) may vary. For example, when the water supply path for supplying water to the nozzle device (96) to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93) of the drying device (80) is opened, water may be sprayed from the nozzle device (96) toward the heat exchanger (92, 93). The water sprayed from the nozzle device (96) to the heat exchanger (92, 93) may flow into the tub (20) through the drain line (97). That is, the water level within the tub (20) may increase due to the water sprayed from the nozzle device (96).

[0163] For another example, even when the water supply valve (41, 42) is opened to supply water to the tub (20), the water level in the tub (20) may increase. In addition, when the drying process is performed, condensate may be generated by the evaporator (93) of the drying device (80). The condensate may flow into the tub (20) through the drain line (97), and an increase in the water level in the tub (20) due to the flow of the condensate may be expected.

[0164] If the drain line (97) is blocked, water cannot flow into the tub (20). If the drain line (97) is blocked, condensate generated by the drying process or water sprayed from the nozzle device (96) for heat exchanger cleaning cannot move to the tub (20). Therefore, even if the drying process or heat exchanger cleaning is performed, the water level in the tub (20) may not increase. If water is not discharged through the drain line (97) during the drying process or heat exchanger cleaning, the drying device (80) may malfunction.

[0165] In addition, if a lot of foreign substances accumulate in the drain filter (74) included in the drain device (70), the drain filter (74) may become clogged. If the drain filter (74) becomes clogged, water guided to the drain device (70) through the drain line (97) cannot flow into the tub (20). That is, if the drain filter (74) is clogged, the water level in the tub (20) may not increase. If the drain filter (74) becomes clogged, water may flow back into the drying device (80) along the drain line (97). This may cause a malfunction of the clothing treatment device (1). In addition, water may flow into the drum (30), reducing drying efficiency.

[0166] The disclosed clothing treatment device (1) can detect a blockage in the drain line (97) and / or a blockage in the drain filter (74), and can provide appropriate measures in response to the blockage in the drain line (97) and / or a blockage in the drain filter (74). The clothing treatment device (1) can perform heat exchanger cleaning to determine whether the drain line (97) and / or the drain filter (74) are blocked.

[0167] For cleaning the heat exchanger, water may be sprayed through the nozzle device (96) for a predetermined spray time (e.g., 1 second). When the spray time has elapsed, the spraying of water through the nozzle device (96) may be paused for a predetermined time interval (e.g., 3 seconds). In other words, one heat exchanger cleaning may include spraying water on the heat exchanger for the spray time (e.g., 1 second) and stopping the spraying of water for a predetermined time interval (e.g., 3 seconds). When the heat exchanger cleaning is performed multiple times, water may be sprayed through the nozzle device (96) for the spray time at predetermined time intervals (e.g., 3 seconds).

[0168] After water is sprayed onto the heat exchanger (92, 93) for cleaning the heat exchanger, the control unit (300) can identify a change in the water level within the tub (20) based on a signal transmitted from the water level sensor (200). The control unit (300) can determine whether at least one of the drain line (97) and the drain filter (74) is clogged based on the change in the water level within the tub (20).

[0169] For example, the control unit (300) may determine a blockage in at least one of the drain line (97) and the drain filter (74) based on whether the amount of change in the water level in the tub (20) is less than a predetermined reference value or whether the water level in the tub (20) is lower than a predetermined reference level. The reference value for the amount of change in the water level and the reference level for the water level may be determined based on the critical number of times for heat exchanger cleaning or the reference time for heat exchanger cleaning, which will be described later.

[0170] If at least one of the drain line (97) and the drain filter (74) is blocked, water sprayed into the heat exchanger (92, 93) may not flow smoothly into the tub (20). That is, if at least one of the drain line (97) and the drain filter (74) is blocked, the change in the water level inside the tub (20) may be relatively small even though water is sprayed into the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0171] The control unit (300) can identify a change in the water level in the tub (20) after performing heat exchanger cleaning a predetermined threshold number of times. The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) so that heat exchanger cleaning is performed the threshold number of times. For example, the threshold number of times may be 7 times, but may be determined in various ways depending on the design. Since water is sprayed through the nozzle device (96) for a short time during one heat exchanger cleaning, the clogging of the drain line (97) and / or the clogging of the drain filter (74) may not be accurately determined by performing the heat exchanger cleaning only once. The disclosed clothing treatment device (1) can more accurately determine whether the drain line (97) and / or the drain filter (74) are clogged by performing the heat exchanger cleaning multiple times.

[0172] Additionally, the control unit (300) may identify a change in the water level within the tub (20) after performing heat exchanger cleaning for a predetermined reference time. The reference time corresponds to the time for spraying water into the heat exchanger (92, 93) to determine whether at least one of the drain line (97) and the drain filter (74) is clogged. The reference time may be set shorter than the entire heat exchanger cleaning time. The heat exchanger cleaning may be performed a critical number of times within the reference time.

[0173] The control unit (300) can identify a change in the water level within the tub (20) based on the elapse of a predetermined waiting time after the heat exchanger cleaning is performed a critical number of times. The control unit (300) can also identify a change in the water level within the tub (20) based on the elapse of the waiting time after the heat exchanger cleaning is performed for a reference time. That is, the control unit (300) can detect the water level within the tub (20) after waiting for the waiting time after water is sprayed onto the heat exchanger (92, 93) through the nozzle device (96). Since it may take time for the water sprayed through the nozzle device (96) to reach the tub (20), the water level within the tub (20) must be measured after the waiting time has elapsed so that the change in the water level within the tub (20) can be detected more accurately.

[0174] The control unit (300) can determine the clogging of the drain line (97) and / or the clogging of the drain filter (74) based on the fact that the change in the water level in the tub (20) is relatively small after performing the heat exchanger cleaning a critical number of times or performing the heat exchanger cleaning for a standard time.

[0175] The control unit (300) can determine whether to provide error information or continue cleaning the heat exchanger, depending on whether at least one of the drain line (97) and the drain filter (74) is blocked.

[0176] The control unit (300) can control the control panel (100) to provide error information based on determining a clogging of at least one of the drain line (97) and the drain filter (74). The error information can include various information for notifying the user of the clogging of the drain line (97) and / or the drain filter (74). The error information can be provided in the form of at least one of text, image, and sound. The error information can also include drain filter cleaning information that guides cleaning of the drain filter (74).

[0177] In addition, the control unit (300) may control the communication interface (150) to transmit error information corresponding to a blockage of the drain line (97) and / or a blockage of the drain filter (74) to the user device. When error information of the garment treatment device (1) is provided through the user device, the user can check whether the garment treatment device (1) is broken regardless of location.

[0178] The control unit (300) may stop the operation of the clothing treatment device (1) based on determining a blockage in at least one of the drain line (97) and the drain filter (74). If the clothing treatment device (1) continues to operate despite the blockage in the drain line (97) and / or the drain filter (74), water generated during the operation of the clothing treatment device (1) may not be discharged to the outside, and thus, a malfunction in the clothing treatment device (1) may occur.

[0179] The control unit (300) can determine that the state of the drain line (97) and the state of the drain filter (74) are normal when the water level in the tub (20) is higher than or equal to a predetermined reference water level or when the amount of change in the water level in the tub (20) is higher than or equal to a predetermined reference value. The control unit (300) can determine whether to continue performing heat exchanger cleaning based on determining that the state of the drain line (97) and the state of the drain filter (74) are normal.

[0180] In other words, if the drain line (97) and the drain filter (74) are not blocked, the control unit (300) can continue to clean the heat exchanger. The control unit (300) can repeatedly clean the heat exchanger so that the water level inside the tub (20) reaches a predetermined target level. By cleaning the heat exchanger so that the water level inside the tub (20) reaches a predetermined target level, the heat exchanger can be sufficiently cleaned even if the water pressure of the external water source is low. The control unit (300) can end the cleaning of the heat exchanger based on the water level inside the tub (20) reaching a predetermined error range from the target level as the heat exchanger cleaning is repeatedly performed.

[0181] Although the operation of the garment treatment device (1) has been described as being controlled by the control unit (300), it is not limited thereto. The operation of the garment treatment device (1) may also be described as being controlled by the processor (310). In order for the garment treatment device (1) to perform various operations, the processor (310) may execute various instructions stored in the memory (320).

[0182] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment.

[0183] Referring to Fig. 8, the garment treatment device (1) can perform heat exchanger cleaning (801). The control unit (300) of the garment treatment device (1) can control the water supply device (40) to spray water onto the heat exchanger (92, 93) through the nozzle device (96) for heat exchanger cleaning. After performing the heat exchanger cleaning, the garment treatment device (1) can identify a change in the water level in the tub (20) (802). The control unit (300) can control the water level sensor (200) to identify a change in the water level in the tub (20). The garment treatment device (1) can determine whether at least one of the drain line (97) and the drain filter (74) is clogged based on the change in the water level in the tub (20) (803). The clothing treatment device (1) can determine whether to provide error information through the control panel (100) or continue cleaning the heat exchanger (804) depending on whether at least one of the drain line (97) and the drain filter (74) is clogged.

[0184] Fig. 9 is a flowchart explaining in more detail the control method of the clothing treatment device described in Fig. 8.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 9, the garment treatment device (1) can perform heat exchanger cleaning a predetermined threshold number of times (901). As described above, one heat exchanger cleaning cycle may include spraying water onto the heat exchanger for a predetermined spray time (e.g., 1 second) and stopping the water spray for a predetermined time interval (e.g., 3 seconds). The threshold number of times may be changed according to settings.

[0186] Although the heat exchanger cleaning is performed a critical number of times, it is not limited thereto. As described above, the garment treatment device (1) may perform heat exchanger cleaning for a predetermined reference time. The reference time corresponds to the time for spraying water into the heat exchanger (92, 93) to determine whether at least one of the drain line (97) and the drain filter (74) is clogged. The reference time may be set shorter than the entire heat exchanger cleaning time. The heat exchanger cleaning may be performed a critical number of times within the reference time.

[0187] The garment treatment device (1) can perform heat exchanger cleaning a critical number of times or perform heat exchanger cleaning for a standard time and then wait for a waiting time (902). Since it may take time for water sprayed through the nozzle device (96) to reach the tub (20), the water level inside the tub (20) must be measured after the waiting time has elapsed so that the change in the water level inside the tub (20) can be detected more accurately. The garment treatment device (1) can detect the change in the water level inside the tub (20) based on the elapsed waiting time after performing heat exchanger cleaning a critical number of times or performing heat exchanger cleaning for a standard time.

[0188] The clothing treatment device (1) can determine whether at least one of the drain line (97) and the drain filter (74) is clogged based on a change in the water level in the tub (20) detected after a waiting time has elapsed. For example, the clothing treatment device (1) can determine whether at least one of the drain line (97) and the drain filter (74) is clogged based on whether the water level in the tub (20) is lower than a predetermined reference water level or whether the amount of change in the water level in the tub (20) is smaller than a predetermined reference value (903, 904). The reference value for the amount of change in the water level and the reference water level for the water level can be changed according to a critical number of times for heat exchanger cleaning or a reference time for heat exchanger cleaning.

[0189] The garment treatment device (1) can provide error information (905) through the control panel (100) based on determining a clog in at least one of the drain line (97) and the drain filter (74). The error information can include various information for notifying the user of the clog in the drain line (97) and / or the clog in the drain filter (74). The error information can be provided in the form of at least one of text, image, and sound. The error information can also include drain filter cleaning information that guides cleaning of the drain filter (74).

[0190] In addition, the clothing treatment device (1) can stop the operation of the clothing treatment device (1) based on determining a blockage in the drain line (97) and a blockage in at least one of the drain filters (74).

[0191] The clothing treatment device (1) can determine that the state of the drain line (97) and the state of the drain filter (74) are normal when the water level in the tub (20) is higher than or equal to a predetermined reference water level or when the amount of change in the water level in the tub (20) is higher than or equal to a predetermined reference value (906). The clothing treatment device (1) can determine whether to continue cleaning the heat exchanger based on determining that the state of the drain line (97) and the state of the drain filter (74) are normal (907).

[0192] According to one embodiment, a garment treatment device may include: a tub; a water level sensor for detecting a water level in the tub; a heat exchanger disposed on an upper portion of the tub; a nozzle device configured to spray water into the heat exchanger; a water supply device for supplying water to the nozzle device; a drain line for guiding condensed water generated by the heat exchanger or water sprayed by the nozzle device to the tub; a drain device including a drain filter and for discharging water stored in the tub to the outside; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the garment treatment device.

[0193] The control unit controls the water supply device to spray water onto the heat exchanger for cleaning the heat exchanger, identifies a change in the water level within the tub based on a signal transmitted from the water level sensor, determines whether at least one of the drain line and the drain filter is clogged based on the change in the water level within the tub, and determines whether to provide error information or continue cleaning the heat exchanger based on whether at least one of the drain line and the drain filter is clogged.

[0194] The control unit can determine a blockage in at least one of the drain line and the drain filter based on whether the amount of change in the water level in the tub is less than a predetermined reference value or whether the water level in the tub is lower than a predetermined reference water level.

[0195] The control unit controls the water supply device so that the heat exchanger cleaning is performed a critical number of times, and can identify a change in the water level in the tub after the heat exchanger cleaning is performed the critical number of times.

[0196] The above control unit can identify a change in the water level in the tub based on the elapse of a predetermined waiting time after the heat exchanger cleaning is performed the above threshold number of times.

[0197] The above control unit can control the water supply device to spray water onto the heat exchanger for a predetermined spray time and to stop spraying water for a predetermined time interval in order to perform the heat exchanger cleaning once.

[0198] The garment treatment device may further include a control panel that outputs information related to the operation of the garment treatment device. The control unit may control the control panel to provide the error information based on determining a blockage in at least one of the drain line and the drain filter.

[0199] The above control unit can control the control panel to provide drain filter cleaning information that guides cleaning of the drain filter.

[0200] The control unit can repeatedly perform cleaning of the heat exchanger so that the water level in the tub reaches a predetermined target water level based on determining that the state of the drain line and the state of the drain filter are normal.

[0201] The control unit can terminate the cleaning of the heat exchanger based on the water level in the tub reaching a predetermined error range from the target water level as the cleaning of the heat exchanger is repeatedly performed.

[0202] In a method for controlling a clothes treatment device including a heat exchanger disposed on the upper part of a tub, a drain line for guiding condensate generated by the heat exchanger or water sprayed onto the heat exchanger by a nozzle device to the tub, and a drain device for discharging water stored in the tub to the outside, the control method according to one embodiment may include: controlling a water supply device to spray water onto the heat exchanger through the nozzle device for cleaning the heat exchanger; identifying a change in a water level within the tub using a water level sensor for detecting a water level within the tub; determining whether at least one of the drain line and a drain filter included in the drain device is clogged based on the change in the water level within the tub; and determining whether to provide error information through a control panel or to continue cleaning the heat exchanger, depending on whether at least one of the drain line and the drain filter is clogged.

[0203] Determining whether at least one of the drain line and the drain filter is clogged may include determining whether at least one of the drain line and the drain filter is clogged based on whether the amount of change in the water level in the tub is less than a predetermined reference value or whether the water level in the tub is lower than a predetermined reference water level.

[0204] Controlling the water supply device may include controlling the water supply device so that the heat exchanger cleaning is performed a threshold number of times. Identifying a change in the water level within the tub may be performed after the heat exchanger cleaning is performed a threshold number of times.

[0205] Identifying the change in water level within the tub may be performed based on a predetermined waiting time elapsed after the heat exchanger cleaning has been performed the number of times specified above.

[0206] Controlling the water supply device may include controlling the water supply device to spray water into the heat exchanger for a predetermined spray time and to stop spraying water for a predetermined time interval in order to perform a single cleaning of the heat exchanger.

[0207] Providing the above error information may include providing drain filter cleaning information that guides cleaning of the drain filter.

[0208] The above heat exchanger cleaning can be performed repeatedly so that the water level in the tub reaches a predetermined target water level based on determining that the state of the drain line and the state of the drain filter are normal.

[0209] The repeated performance of the above heat exchanger cleaning can be terminated based on the water level in the tub reaching a predetermined error range from a predetermined target water level.

[0210] The disclosed clothing treatment device and its control method can automatically clean a heat exchanger and detect whether a drain line used for cleaning the heat exchanger is clogged and / or whether a drain filter is clogged.

[0211] In addition, the disclosed clothing treatment device and its control method can provide a notification corresponding to whether the drain line is clogged and / or whether the drain filter is clogged, and can prevent a breakdown of the clothing treatment device by taking appropriate measures.

[0212] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments.

[0213] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0214] The methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0215] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. Tub; A water level sensor that detects the water level in the above tub; A heat exchanger placed on the upper part of the above tub; A nozzle device provided to spray water into the above heat exchanger; A water supply device that supplies water to the above nozzle device; A drain line that guides condensate generated by the heat exchanger or water sprayed by the nozzle device to the tub; A drainage device including a drainage filter and discharging water stored in the tub to the outside; and A control unit for controlling the operation of a garment treatment device; The above control unit Control the water supply device so that water is sprayed onto the heat exchanger for cleaning the heat exchanger, Identifying a change in the water level in the tub based on a signal transmitted from the water level sensor, Based on the change in the water level in the tub, determining whether at least one of the drain line and the drain filter is clogged; A clothes treatment device that determines whether to provide error information or continue cleaning of the heat exchanger, depending on whether at least one of the drain line and the drain filter is clogged.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit A clothing treatment device that determines whether at least one of the drain line and the drain filter is clogged based on whether the amount of change in the water level in the tub is less than a predetermined reference value or whether the water level in the tub is lower than a predetermined reference water level.

3. In paragraph 1, The above control unit Control the water supply device so that the heat exchanger cleaning is performed a critical number of times, A clothes treatment device that identifies a change in the water level in the tub after the heat exchanger has been cleaned the above critical number of times.

4. In paragraph 3, The above control unit A clothing treatment device that identifies a change in the water level in the tub based on the elapse of a predetermined waiting time after the heat exchanger cleaning is performed the above critical number of times.

5. In paragraph 3, The above control unit A clothes treatment device that controls the water supply device to spray water onto the heat exchanger for a predetermined spray time and stop spraying water for a predetermined time interval in order to perform the above heat exchanger cleaning once.

6. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a control panel for outputting information related to the operation of the garment treatment device; The above control unit A garment treatment device that controls the control panel to provide the error information based on determining a blockage in at least one of the drain line and the drain filter.

7. In paragraph 6, The above control unit A clothes treatment device that controls the control panel to provide drain filter cleaning information that guides cleaning of the drain filter.

8. In paragraph 1, The above control unit A clothing treatment device that repeatedly performs cleaning of the heat exchanger so that the water level in the tub reaches a predetermined target water level based on determining that the state of the drain line and the state of the drain filter are normal.

9. In paragraph 8, The above control unit A clothing treatment device that terminates cleaning of the heat exchanger based on the water level in the tub reaching a predetermined error range from the target water level as the heat exchanger cleaning is repeatedly performed.

10. A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, comprising: a heat exchanger disposed on the upper part of a tub; a drain line guiding condensate generated by the heat exchanger or water sprayed onto the heat exchanger by a nozzle device to the tub; and a drain device discharging water stored in the tub to the outside. Controlling the water supply device so that water is sprayed onto the heat exchanger through the nozzle device for cleaning the heat exchanger; Identifying a change in the water level within the tub by using a water level sensor that detects the water level within the tub; Based on the change in the water level in the tub, determining whether at least one of the drain line and the drain filter included in the drain device is clogged; A method for controlling a clothes treatment device, comprising: providing error information through a control panel or determining whether to continue cleaning the heat exchanger, depending on whether at least one of the drain line and the drain filter is clogged.

11. In paragraph 10, Determining whether at least one of the above drain line and the above drain filter is clogged, A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, comprising: determining a blockage in at least one of the drain line and the drain filter based on whether the amount of change in the water level in the tub is less than a predetermined reference value or whether the water level in the tub is lower than a predetermined reference water level; 12. In paragraph 10, Controlling the above water supply device is: Controlling the water supply device so that the heat exchanger cleaning is performed a critical number of times; Identifying changes in water level within the above tub is: A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, which is performed after the heat exchanger cleaning is performed the above critical number of times.

13. In paragraph 12, Identifying changes in water level within the above tub is: A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, which is performed based on the elapse of a predetermined waiting time after the heat exchanger cleaning is performed the above critical number of times.

14. In paragraph 12, Controlling the above water supply device is: A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, comprising: controlling the water supply device to spray water onto the heat exchanger for a predetermined spray time and to stop spraying water for a predetermined time interval, in order to perform the above heat exchanger cleaning once.

15. In paragraph 10, Providing the above error information is: A method for controlling a clothes treatment device, comprising: providing drain filter cleaning information that guides cleaning of the drain filter.

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