Clothes dryer and control method thereof

Abstract

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a clothes dryer and a control method thereof. The clothes dryer may comprise: a main body including an input unit and a display unit; a drum in which an object to be dried is accommodated; a heat pump including an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor, and provided to supply hot air to the drum; a condensate tank storing condensate generated by the heat pump; a drain pump configured to pump the stored condensate; and a control unit. The control unit may be configured to: receive a drying course selected by a user input via a user interface; detect the weight of the object to be dried accommodated in the drum; determine a start time for driving the drain pump on the basis of at least one of the drying course and the weight of the object to be dried; and drive the drain pump upon reaching the start time for driving.

Description

Clothes dryer and method of controlling the same

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a clothes dryer, and more particularly, to a control method for reducing noise generated from a drain pump.

[0002] A clothes dryer is a home appliance that dries wet laundry (hereinafter referred to as "items to be dried") using high-temperature, dry air. During the drying cycle, a clothes dryer rotates a drum containing items to be dried and supplies high-temperature, dry air into the drum, thereby removing moisture from the items to be dried.

[0003] Humid air passing through the drying object can be converted into low-temperature, dry air by the evaporator included in the heat pump. During this process, moisture contained in the air can be discharged as condensate. This condensate is stored in a drainage tank along the bottom of the dryer (e.g., the base) and can be discharged by a drain pump.

[0004] Meanwhile, condensate remaining within the drain pump can function as a lubricant to reduce friction during operation. Therefore, if the amount of condensate remaining in the drain pump falls below a critical level, friction between internal components (e.g., friction between bearings and shafts) can cause abnormal noise during operation.

[0005] A clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a technology for reducing noise generated when a drain pump operates.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a clothes dryer may include a main body including an input unit and a display unit, a drum for accommodating a drying object, an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor, a heat pump configured to supply hot air to the drum, a condensate tank for storing condensate generated by the heat pump, a drain pump configured to pump the stored condensate, and a control unit. The control unit may be configured to receive a drying course selected by a user input through the user interface, detect a weight of the drying object accommodated in the drum, determine a start time of the drain pump based on at least one of the drying course and the weight of the drying object, and drive the drain pump in response to reaching the start time of the driving.

[0007] A method for controlling a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of receiving a drying course selected by a user input through a user interface, an operation of detecting a weight of an object to be dried received in a drum, an operation of determining a start time of driving the drain pump based on at least one of the drying course or the weight of the object to be dried, and an operation of driving the drain pump in response to reaching the start time of driving.

[0008] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0009] A clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can determine the start time of operation of a drain pump through various data and reduce noise generated when the drain pump operates.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a base of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a base according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a control flowchart for determining the start time of a drain pump in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a control flowchart for determining a timing for starting operation of a drain pump in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a control flowchart for determining a timing for starting operation of a drain pump in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a control flowchart for determining a start time for driving a drain pump in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] The embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "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" can each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish the corresponding component from other corresponding components, and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). 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.

[0022] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to one embodiment, one or more components or operations of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components in a manner identical to or similar to that performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration.

[0023] Hereinafter, in this document, the x-axis direction will be defined as the front-to-back direction of the clothes dryer, the y-axis direction will be defined as the left-to-right direction of the clothes dryer, and the z-axis direction will be defined as the up-to-down direction of the clothes dryer. However, the terms "front-to-back direction," "left-to-right direction," and "up-to-down direction" used in this document are defined based on the drawings depicted, and the shape and position of each component are not limited thereby.

[0024] A clothes dryer to be described below (e.g., clothes dryer (1) of FIG. 1) can supply dry air generated by a heat pump method to a drum (e.g., drum (20) of FIG. 3). Condensate generated in the process of generating dry air can be stored in a condensate tank (e.g., condensate tank (100) of FIG. 2), and when the condensate stored in the condensate tank (100) exceeds a predetermined volume, it can be pumped out by a drain pump (e.g., drain pump (110) of FIG. 5). When the drain pump (110) operates, the condensate present inside the drain pump (110) can perform a lubricating function to reduce friction generated when the internal components of the drain pump (110) operate. When the drain pump (110) starts to operate, if the condensate present inside the drain pump (110) is below a critical level, noise may be generated due to friction between components included in the drain pump (110) (e.g., impeller, blades, or bearings).

[0025] Accordingly, the clothes dryer (1) according to the present disclosure can determine the start time of operation of the drain pump (110) so that the drain pump (110) can start operation when a certain level of condensate exists inside the drain pump (110).

[0026] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a clothes dryer (1) can supply dry air into the inside of a drum (23) to dry an object to be dried. The clothes dryer (1) can be classified into a heater type, a heat pump type, or a hybrid type based on a method for generating dry air. The hybrid type can heat air by using, for example, a heater type and a heat pump type together or alternately. It is assumed that the clothes dryer (1) to be described in this document is a heat pump type or hybrid type clothes dryer (1). In addition, the clothes dryer (1) to be described in this document can also be applied to a dryer-type washing machine including a heat pump.

[0029] According to one embodiment, a clothes dryer (1) may include a body (10). The body (10) may form the exterior of the clothes dryer (1). The body (10) may be composed of at least one material selected from the group consisting of metal and plastic. The clothes dryer (1) may be provided in various shapes, but may be provided in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the main body (10) may include a front surface (11), an upper surface cover (12), a side surface cover (13), a rear surface cover (14), or a lower surface (15). The components included in the main body (10) may be configured individually or may be configured integrally. For example, the side surface cover (13) and the rear surface cover (14) included in the main body (10) may be formed integrally to form a side and rear surface cover. The front surface (11), the upper surface cover (12), the side surface cover (13), the rear surface cover (14), or the lower surface (15) included in the main body (10) may form an internal housing. The internal housing may include an internal space in which various components constituting the clothes dryer (1) may be stored or mounted.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the main body (10) may include an input / output unit (17). The input / output unit (17) may include an input unit (17a, 17b) for receiving a user's input and an output unit for visually or audibly transmitting information to the user. The input / output unit (17) may be located on the front of a panel (18) located at the top of the main body (10).

[0032] According to one embodiment, the input unit (17, 17c) may include a dial button (17a). The dial button (17a) may be implemented as a dial or a jog shuttle. The dial button (17a) may be implemented as a wheel and may receive user input by rotating it clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the input unit (17a, 17c) may include a button (17c). The button (17c) may receive a user input by touch or pressing. The button (17c) may detect a user's touch by electrostatic or pressure-sensitive means, or may detect an input by physical pressing.

[0034] In one embodiment, the output unit may include a display (17b). The display (17b) may visually output information to be conveyed to the user. Although not shown, the output unit may include a speaker (not shown) to audibly output information to be conveyed to the user.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the main body (10) may include a base (90). The base (90) may be provided at the lower portion of the main body (10) to form a lower surface (15). For example, the base (90) may form a bottom surface in the internal housing of the main body (10). A leg (19) for supporting the main body (10) may be positioned at the lower surface (15). The legs (19) may be arranged in multiple pieces so as to stably support the main body (10).

[0036] According to one embodiment, a drum (20) may be disposed within the body (10) to accommodate the material to be dried. The drum (20) may include an opening (25) located at the front for introducing the material to be dried. The drum (20) may be rotatably disposed within the inner housing of the body (10).

[0037] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) may include a door (30). The door (30) may open and close an opening (25) located on the front (11) of the main body (10). The door (30) may be rotatably coupled to the front (11) by a hinge.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) may include a duct cover (26). The rear duct cover (26) may be positioned on the rear cover (14) of the main body (10) to form a path through which dry air generated by a heat pump (e.g., heat pump (70) of FIG. 5) is introduced into the drum (20).

[0039] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) may include a condensate tank (100). The condensate tank (100) may be located at the bottom of the rear cover (14). The condensate tank (100) may store condensate generated when moist air passing through the drum (20) is changed into dry air by the heat pump (70). The condensate tank (100) may include a main body (101) and a cover (105) detachably coupled to the main body.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) may include a drain pump (110). The drain pump (110) may pump condensate stored in a condensate tank (100). The drain pump (110) may drain the condensate stored in the condensate tank (100) to the outside or to a drain tank (16).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) may include a drain tank (16). The drain tank (16) may be located at the upper portion of the front (11). The drain tank (16) may store condensate pumped from the condensate tank (100) by the drain pump (110). The drain tank (16) may be located at the upper portion of the front (11). The drain tank (16) may be detachably coupled to the main body (10).

[0042] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) may include an assembly receiving portion (65). The assembly receiving portion (65) may be located inside the main body (10) to be accessible to a heat exchanger (e.g., the compressor (71) and the condenser (72) of FIG. 3). The assembly receiving portion (65) may provide a space for a filter assembly (50) or a dehumidifying assembly (80) to be selectively coupled inside the main body (10). An assembly cover (40) for opening and closing the assembly receiving portion (65) may be provided on the front side of the main body (10). The assembly cover (40) may be rotatably coupled via a coupling hinge (42). The assembly cover (40) may include a coupling protrusion (41). The coupling protrusion (41) may secure the assembly cover (40) to the main body (10) when the assembly cover (40) closes the assembly receiving portion (65).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the filter assembly (50) can be detachably mounted inside the main body (10) through the assembly receiving portion (65). The filter assembly (50) can collect foreign substances (e.g., lint) contained in the circulating air discharged from the drum (20) and introduced into the heat exchange portions (71, 72). The filter assembly (50) can additionally collect foreign substances not filtered out by the combination filter (29) for primarily collecting foreign substances contained in the circulating air discharged from the drum (20). The filter assembly (50) can include a main body and a filter (not shown) located inside the main body. When the filter assembly (50) is mounted, the clothes dryer (1) can perform a drying process for drying an object to be dried (e.g., wet clothes) placed in the drum (20). While the clothes dryer (1) performs the drying process, the assembly receiving portion (65) can be closed.

[0044] According to one embodiment, a dehumidifying assembly (80) may be detachably mounted inside the main body (10) to dehumidify the surrounding space of the clothes dryer (1). When the dehumidifying assembly (80) is mounted, the clothes dryer (1) may perform a dehumidifying process. While the clothes dryer (1) performs the dehumidifying process, the assembly receiving portion (65) may be opened.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the filter assembly (50) and the dehumidifying assembly (80) may include a grip portion (or handle) for easy removal.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the filter assembly (50) and the dehumidifying assembly (80) may include an identification area. The identification area may be located in an area (e.g., an upper side) of the filter assembly (50) and the dehumidifying assembly (80).

[0047] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It may be understood that Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a clothes dryer (1) when a filter assembly (50) is mounted.

[0048] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 may be understood as showing a cross-sectional view of a clothes dryer (1) when a dehumidifying assembly (80) is mounted.

[0049] The embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4 can optionally be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0050] Referring to Fig. 3, a drum (20) may be rotatably installed inside the main body (10). A plurality of lifters (24) may be arranged inside the drum (20) along the circumferential direction of the drum (20). The plurality of lifters (24) raise or drop the drying object, thereby allowing the drying object to come into contact with hot air while floating inside the drum (23).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the drum (20) can be rotated by a drive motor (31) (e.g., the drive motor (31) of FIG. 5). The drive motor (31) can be positioned on the base (90). The drive motor (31) can drive a pulley (32) and a belt. The pulley (32) rotates by the rotational force of the drive motor (31), and the belt can transmit power corresponding to the rotational force of the pulley (32) to the drum (20).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the drum (20) may include an inlet (21) through which air is introduced into the inside of the drum (23) and an outlet (22) through which air is discharged from the inside of the drum (23) to the outside of the drum. The inlet (21) may be formed on one side of the drum (20), and the outlet (22) may be formed on the other side of the drum (20). The inlet (21) may be, for example, a rear-side opening of the drum (20). The outlet (22) may be, for example, a front-side opening of the drum (20) (e.g., the opening (25) of FIG. 1).

[0053] According to one embodiment, high-temperature dry air may be introduced into the drum (20) through the inlet (21) to dry the object to be dried contained in the drum (20). The air used to dry the object to be dried may be discharged out of the drum (20) through the outlet (22). The air discharged out of the drum (20) through the outlet (22) may contain a large amount of moisture.

[0054] According to one embodiment, a base (90) may be positioned below the drum (20). A heat pump (70) forming a refrigerant cycle may be mounted on the base (80). The heat pump (70) may include an evaporator (71), a condenser (72), a compressor (e.g., the compressor (73) of FIG. 5), or an expansion device. By forming a refrigerant cycle circulating in the heat pump (70), dry air to be introduced into the drum (20) may be generated. In addition, a blower fan (34, 35) or a drive motor (31) may be mounted on the base (90). A base cover (94) may be arranged on the upper portion of the base (90) to cover components such as the heat pump (70), the blower fan (34, 35), and the drive motor (31). The base cover (94) may form a duct structure together with the base (90).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the blower fans (34, 35) may include a first blower fan (34) and a second blower fan (35) (e.g., the second blower fan (35) of FIG. 5). The first blower fan (34) may be positioned at the rear of the unit receiving portion (65) to move air passing through the drum (20) and the filter assembly (50) and the dehumidifying assembly (80) to the heat pump (70). The second blower fan (35) may be positioned at the rear of the heat pump (70) to cause air passing through the heat pump (70) to rise along the rear duct (26) and be introduced into the drum (20). Unlike the illustration, either the first blower fan (34) or the second blower fan (35) may be omitted.

[0056] According to one embodiment, a refrigerant cycle can be formed by heating and condensing circulating air by a heat pump (70). The refrigerant cycle can correspond to a series of circulating processes consisting of compression-condensation-expansion-evaporation. The main body (10) can include an evaporator (71), a condenser (72), a compressor (73), and an expansion device to form a refrigerant cycle. The evaporator (71) and the condenser (72) can exchange heat with air, and the evaporator (71) and the condenser (72) can be collectively referred to as heat exchangers (71, 72).

[0057] According to one embodiment, while the clothes dryer (1) performs a drying process, a closed flow path may be formed inside the main body (10). The closed flow path may be understood as an air movement path (e.g., an arrow shown in FIG. 3) formed so that air inside the drum (20) circulates between the heat pump (70) and the drum (20). The closed flow path may be formed so that air outside the main body (10) does not flow into the drum (20) or air inside the drum (20) does not flow out to the outside of the main body (10). In other words, the air flow may form a closed loop.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, when the dehumidifying assembly (80) is mounted on the assembly receiving portion (65), an open flow path may be formed inside the main body (10). The open flow path may be understood as an air movement path (e.g., an arrow shown in FIG. 4) formed so that external air is sucked into the inside of the clothes dryer (1), passes through the heat exchangers (71, 72) and the drum (20), and then discharged to the outside of the clothes dryer (1), or as an air movement path formed so that external air is sucked into the inside of the clothes dryer (1), passes through the heat exchangers (71, 72), and then discharged to the outside of the clothes dryer (1). The suction end or the discharge end of the open flow path may each be communicated with the outside of the main body (10). That is, the air flow may form an open loop.

[0059] According to one embodiment, after removing the pre-mounted filter assembly (50), the dehumidifying assembly (80) can be mounted in the assembly receiving portion (65).

[0060] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a base (90) of a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a base (90) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 may be understood as a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 5, viewed in the y-axis direction.

[0062] The components illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 may correspond to at least some or all of the components of FIGS. 1 to 4, and the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6 may be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0063] Referring to Fig. 5, a base (90) may be positioned at the bottom of a drum (20). The base (90) may have an outer shape formed by a base body (91). A heat pump (70) and a driving motor (31) may be positioned on the base (90), and a blower fan (35) and a condensate tank (100) may be positioned at the rear of the base (90).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the blower fan (35) may be located at the rear of the base body (91). The blower fan (35) may form an airflow so that dry air passing through the heat pump (70) is introduced into the drum (20).

[0065] In one embodiment, a heat pump (70) may be positioned on a base (90). The heat pump (70) may include an evaporator (71), a condenser (72), and a compressor (73). Although not shown, the heat pump (70) may further include an expansion valve.

[0066] In one embodiment, a heat pump (70) can convert humid air passing through a drum (20) into high-temperature, dry air. The evaporator (71) can include a plurality of heat-dissipating elements through which refrigerant circulates. Humid air can pass through the evaporator (71) and be converted into low-temperature, dry air.

[0067] In one embodiment, low-temperature dry air passing through the evaporator (71) may pass through a condenser (72). The condenser (72) may include a plurality of heat dissipation members through which superheated refrigerant compressed by the compressor (73) circulates. The superheated refrigerant releases heat as it passes through the condenser (72), and low-temperature dry air flowing into the condenser (72) may be heated as it passes through the condenser (72).

[0068] According to one embodiment, when the humid air discharged from the drum (20) is cooled in the evaporator (71), condensate may be generated. The generated condensate may be collected into a condensate tank (100) along the base body (91). When a critical level or more of condensate is collected in the condensate tank (100), a drain pump (110) may pump the condensate collected in the condensate tank (100). The drain pump (110) may pump the condensate to move it to a drain tank (e.g., the drain tank (16) of FIG. 1) or may pump the condensate to discharge it to the outside.

[0069] According to one embodiment, a portion of the rear surface (104) of the condensate tank may be opened to form an inlet (95) for condensate to flow in. The inlet (95) may be a passage through which condensate flowing along the base body (91) may flow in. The bottom of the base body (91) may be formed to be inclined. The bottom of the base body (91) may be inclined so that the rear direction of the clothes dryer (1) is lower than the front direction. By forming the bottom of the base body (91) to be inclined, condensate formed in the base (90) may be collected into the condensate tank (100) toward the inlet (95).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the condensate tank (100) may be located at the rear of the base (90). The condensate tank (100) may be located in a sunken portion of a portion of the base body (91). The condensate tank (100) may be detachably coupled to a rear cover of the main body (10) (e.g., rear cover (14) of FIG. 2).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the condensate tank (100) may include a main body (101) forming an exterior. A first drain hole (142) and a second drain hole (143) may be positioned on an upper surface (102) of the main body (101). The first drain hole (142) and the second drain hole (143) may be implemented as openings that can be connected to a connecting pipe (e.g., a guide pipe (114) of FIG. 6).

[0072] According to one embodiment, a connecting pipe (114) connected to the first drain hole (142) can form a path for condensate to move from the condensate tank (100) to the drain tank (16). A connecting pipe (not shown) connected to the second drain hole (143) can form a path for condensate to move from the condensate tank (100) to the outside.

[0073] According to one embodiment, a drainage pump (110) and a water level sensor (150) may be positioned in the main body (101). The lower end of the water level sensor (150) may be positioned inside the main body (101), and the upper end of the water level sensor (150) may be positioned to protrude from the upper surface (102) of the main body (101). The water level sensor (150) may generate a current signal when the condensate collected in the condensate tank (100) exceeds a critical level (e.g., full).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the drain pump (110) can pump condensate collected in the condensate tank (100). The drain pump (110) can pump the condensate to move it to the drain tank (16) or to drain it to the outside.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the drain pump (110) may be operated in response to the condensate collected in the condensate tank (100) being above a predetermined level, or may be operated at a predetermined cycle by a control unit (e.g., control unit (710) of FIG. 7).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the drain pump (110) may be accommodated in a housing (112) formed on the upper portion (102) of the condensate tank. The drain pump (110) may include a motor (120), an impeller (121), and blades (122). The motor (120) may be, for example, either a brushless DC motor (hereinafter referred to as a BLDC motor) or an AC motor. One end of the impeller (121) may be connected to the motor (120), and the other end of the impeller (121) may be connected to the blades (122). The impeller (121) may transmit rotational force generated from the motor (120) to the blades (122), and may pump condensate collected in the condensate tank (100) by the rotation of the blades (122).

[0077] In one embodiment, the drain pump (110) can pump condensate into a discharge pipe (113). The discharge pipe (113) can be connected to a guide pipe (114), and the condensate can be discharged along the guide pipe (114) into a drain (16) or to the outside.

[0078] In one embodiment, when the drain pump (110) is driven, noise may be generated due to friction between components constituting the drain pump (110). For example, when the drain pump (110) is driven, noise may be generated due to friction between the shaft (121) and an adjacent bearing (not shown) as it rotates, which may degrade the user experience.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the drain pump (110) may generate different levels of noise depending on the amount of condensate stored in the condensate tank (100). For example, if the amount of condensate stored in the condensate tank (100) is below a predetermined level, a high level of noise may be generated when the clothes dryer (1) starts a drying cycle. For example, if the amount of condensate stored in the condensate tank (100) is above a predetermined level, a low level of noise may be generated when the clothes dryer (1) starts a drying cycle as the condensate present in the drain pump (110) serves a lubricating function.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can reduce noise generated from the drain pump (110) by controlling the operation of the drain pump (110) to start when the amount of condensate collected in the condensate tank (100) is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a block diagram (700) of a clothes dryer (1) (e.g., the clothes dryer (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] At least some of the configurations illustrated in FIG. 7 may correspond to the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, and the embodiments of FIG. 7 may be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 7, the clothes dryer (1) may include a control unit (710), a user interface (720), a detection unit (730), a communication unit (740), a storage unit (750), and a driving unit (760).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit (710) can control various components of the clothes dryer (1) (e.g., drive motor (31), drain pump (110)).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (710) can control various components of the clothes dryer (1) to perform at least one drying operation for drying an input object according to a user input. For example, the control unit (710) can control the drive motor (31) to adjust the rotation speed of a drum (e.g., drum (20) of FIG. 1), or control the drain pump (100) to drain condensate collected in a condensate tank (e.g., condensate tank (100) of FIG. 2).

[0086] Although not shown, if the clothes dryer (1) is implemented as a washer / dryer, the control unit (710) may control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one cycle, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to user input. For example, the control unit (710) may control a drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of a drum, or control a water supply valve of a water supply device to supply water to a tub.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit (710) may include hardware such as a CPU or a memory (e.g., a storage unit (750)), and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit (710) may include at least one memory that stores data in the form of a program, an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, and at least one processor that performs the above-described 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.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the user interface (720) may include an input unit (17a, 17c) for receiving user input (e.g., the input unit (17a, 17c) of FIG. 1) and a display unit (17b) for displaying operation information of the clothes dryer (1) and input information corresponding to the user input (e.g., the display (17b) of FIG. 1).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the input unit (17a, 17c) can receive input regarding course information to be performed by the clothes dryer (1). The course information can include, for example, a normal drying course, a quick drying course, or a dehumidifying course. The input unit (17a, 17c) can receive any one of a drying start command, a pause command, or a drying end command.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the input units (17a, 17c) may receive inputs for target dryness levels corresponding to each course. For example, the input units (17a, 17c) may receive inputs for target dryness levels corresponding to each drying course in response to receiving inputs for the normal drying course and the quick drying course. The target dryness levels may include a first dryness level, a second dryness level, and a third dryness level. The first dryness level may correspond to a normal level of dryness. The second dryness level may correspond to a dryness level that is relatively drier than the first dryness level, for example. The third dryness level may correspond to a dryness level that is relatively drier than the second dryness level, for example.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the input unit (17a, 17c) may receive information on a target indoor humidity or a target dehumidification time in response to receiving an input for a dehumidification course. The target indoor humidity may be understood as, for example, the target humidity of an indoor space that the clothes dryer (1) intends to dehumidify. The target dehumidification time may be understood as the total time for the clothes dryer (1) to perform the dehumidification course.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the display unit (17b) may display course information or target dryness (or target indoor humidity) selected by the user. The display unit (17b) may display information on the drying load, total drying time (or total dehumidification time), and remaining drying time (or remaining dehumidification time).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the display unit (17b) may display the temperature inside the drum (e.g., the drum (20) of FIG. 2) or the temperature around the clothes dryer (1). Although not shown, the display unit (17b) may be configured as a touch screen panel (TSP) and may receive input from a user through the display unit (17b).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the detection unit (730) may include a plurality of detection units (731, 733, 735, 737). The detection unit (730) may indirectly or directly detect the state of the drying object in the drum (20) or the heat pump (70) (e.g., the heat pump (70) of FIG. 5). The detection unit (730) may also indirectly or directly detect the state around the clothes dryer (1). The plurality of detection units (731, 733, 735, 737) may include a first detection unit (731), a second detection unit (733), a third detection unit (735), and a fourth detection unit (737).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the first detection unit (731) may include a current sensor that detects a current applied to the motor (31) (e.g., the drive motor (31) of FIG. 5). The first detection unit (731) may detect the current applied to the motor (31) to recognize operation information of the motor (31) and output a detected electric signal. The electric signal may include, for example, at least one of a current signal, a voltage signal, or a power signal.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the first detection unit (731) can output a power signal required to rotate the drum (20) at a target speed during initial operation. The control unit (710) can determine a drying load corresponding to the weight or volume of the drying object fed into the drum (20) based on the power signal received from the first detection unit (731).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the second detection unit (733) may include a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor. The humidity sensor may include, for example, a first humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the air existing around the clothes dryer (1), a second humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the air flowing into the drum (20), and a third humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the air discharged from the drum (20). The first to third humidity sensors may be temperature and humidity sensors capable of detecting both the temperature of the air. The temperature sensor may include, for example, a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the air existing around the clothes dryer (1), a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the air flowing into the drum (20), and a third temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the air discharged from the drum (20). The first humidity sensor may be located, for example, on the rear of a panel (e.g., panel (18) of FIG. 1).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the third detection unit (735) may include an electrode sensor for detecting the dryness of a drying target existing inside the drum (20). The electrode sensor may be located at the lower front side of the drum (20). The electrode sensor may be implemented as a plate bar configured to allow current to flow due to moisture. The third detection unit (735) may be referred to as a dryness sensor.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the electrode sensor can detect an electric signal corresponding to the amount of moisture contained in the wet drying object by coming into contact with the wet drying object, and output the detected electric signal. The detected electric signal may be a signal for detecting the humidity of the drying object. The electric signal may be output as a pulse-shaped signal. The control unit (710) can determine the dryness level of the drying object based on the electric signal output by the third detection unit (735).

[0100] In addition, the detection unit (730) may include one or more detection units for indirectly or directly detecting the state of the drying target within the drum (20) or the heat pump (70) (e.g., the heat pump (70) of FIG. 5). For example, the detection unit (730) may include sensors for obtaining information on the superheating degree of the evaporator (e.g., the evaporator (73) of FIG. 3). The sensors may include, for example, a temperature sensor located at the inlet side or the outlet side of the evaporator (71) and detecting the temperature at the inlet or outlet of the evaporator (71) and a pressure sensor detecting the pressure at the outlet side of the evaporator (71).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the fourth detection unit (737) can detect that either a filter assembly (e.g., the filter assembly (50) of FIG. 1) or a dehumidifying assembly (e.g., the dehumidifying assembly (80) of FIG. 1) is mounted in the assembly receiving unit (e.g., the assembly receiving unit (65) of FIG. 1). The fourth detection unit (737) can be located in the assembly receiving unit (65). The fourth detection unit (737) can detect an identification area included in the filter assembly (50) or the dehumidifying assembly (80). For this purpose, different identification areas can be located in a predetermined area of ​​the filter assembly (50) or the dehumidifying assembly (80). The identification areas can be positioned at a position corresponding to the fourth detection unit (737) when the filter assembly (50) and the dehumidifying assembly (80) are mounted in the clothes dryer (1). The above identification areas may be provided at different locations using the same identification means (e.g., a magnet), or the above identification areas may be provided using different identification means.

[0102] In one embodiment, the communication unit (740) can transmit data to or receive data from an external device. External devices may include, for example, home appliances such as washing machines and clothes managers, user terminals (e.g., smartphones), and hub devices. In the following, this document will focus on the case where the external device is a washing machine.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (740) may include a wired communication module (741) that exchanges data with the washing machine via wire, a wireless communication module that exchanges data wirelessly, and a communication interface.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the wired communication module (741) can exchange data with the washing machine via a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART). The wired communication module (741) can exchange data with the washing machine using a communication standard such as RS-422 or RS-485 via the universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter. In addition, the wired communication module (741) can exchange data with the washing machine using Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 technology standard). The wired communication module (741) can include a communication circuit (e.g., a network interface controller) including a processor and / or memory that modulates / demodulates data for wired communication.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (743) can exchange data with the washing machine using various wireless communication standards. The wireless communication module (743) can connect to a wireless repeater using Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 technology standard) wireless communication and exchange data with the washing machine via the wireless repeater. The wireless communication module (743) can exchange data with the washing machine using Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1 technology standard) or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4 technology standard) wireless communication. The wireless communication module (743) can also exchange data with the washing machine using near field communication (NFC). The wireless communication module (743) can include a communication circuit (e.g., a wireless network interface controller) including a processor and memory that decode / encode data for wireless communication.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the communication interface (745) may form a wired channel or a wireless channel for exchanging data with the washing machine.

[0107] According to one embodiment, data detected by the washing machine can be received via the communication unit (740). The washing machine can detect the dry weight of the laundry before washing and the wet weight of the laundry after washing. The washing machine can predict the dryness (or moisture content) of the laundry to be dried to be fed into the clothes dryer (1) based on the degree of dehydration to be performed during the dehydration cycle. Accordingly, the clothes dryer (1) can determine the timing at which the drain pump (e.g., the drain pump (110) of FIG. 5) will start operating based on the information received from the washing machine.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the storage unit (750) can remember or store a program and data for generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the clothes dryer (1).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the storage unit (750) may store or memorize data including a program for controlling a drying course according to a drying course and drying settings (e.g., drying temperature, drying time, and target dryness) according to the drying course. In addition, the storage unit (750) may memorize or store the currently selected drying course and drying settings based on user input.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the storage unit (750) can remember or store programs and data for controlling the operation of the compressor (73) (e.g., the compressor (73) of FIG. 5) and the blower fans (34, 35) (e.g., the first blower fan (34) of FIG. 3 or the second blower fan (35) of FIG. 5) based on the drying settings according to the drying course.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the driving unit (760) may generate a driving current for driving components included in the clothes dryer (1) in response to a control command of the control unit (710). The driving unit (760) may include a first driving unit (761) for driving the driving motor (31), a second driving unit (763) for driving the compressor (73), and a third driving unit (765) for driving the drain pump (110). Although not shown, each of the driving units (761, 763, 765) may include, for example, a power supply unit, an inverter, a rectifier, and a smoothing unit. The driving units (761, 763, 765) may generate a driving current signal for driving each of the components (e.g., the driving motor (31), the compressor (73), and / or the drain pump (110)) in response to a control command of the control unit (710).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the first driving unit (761) can drive the driving motor (31) at a rotation speed corresponding to a control command of the control unit (710). The first driving unit (761) can generate a driving current for driving the driving motor (31) according to the control command of the control unit (710). The driving motor (31) is connected to the drum (20) and / or the blower fan (34, 35) and can output a rotational force for rotating the drum (20) and / or the blower fan (34, 35). The driving motor (31) can generate a driving force from power supplied from an external power source and output a rotational force for rotating the drum (20) and / or the blower fan (34, 35). The driving motor (31) is provided in one or more units, so that one driving motor (31) can rotate the drum (20) and the blower fan (34, 35) together, or a plurality of driving motors (31) can be connected to the drum (20) and the blower fan (34, 35), respectively, so that the drum (20) and the blower fan (34, 35) can be rotated independently.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the second driving unit (763) can generate a driving current for driving the heat pump (70) according to a control command of the control unit (710). The second driving unit (763) can operate the heat pump (70) to heat and dry the air to be introduced into the drum (20) in response to the control command of the control unit (710). The second driving unit (763) can drive the compressor (73) or control the opening rate of the expansion valve in response to the control command of the control unit (710).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the third driving unit (765) can generate a driving current to drive the drain pump (110) according to a control command of the control unit (710). The third driving unit (765) can drive the drain pump (110) at a rotation speed corresponding to the control command of the control unit (710). The third driving unit (765) can rotate the motor included in the drain pump (110) at a predetermined speed, and in response to the rotation speed of the motor, the drain pump (110) can pump water collected in the condensate tank (100) (e.g., the condensate tank (100) of FIG. 2) at a predetermined speed.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the control unit (710) can control the overall operation of the clothes dryer (1). The control unit (710) can include at least one processor that generates a control signal for controlling the operation of the clothes dryer (1). The control unit (710) can include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and data for generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the clothes dryer (1). In this case, the control unit (710) and the storage unit (750) can be configured as one unit.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the control unit (710) may include a timer module for counting the operating time of the clothes dryer (1).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the control unit (710) can control the operation of the clothes dryer (1) based on a drying load corresponding to the volume or weight of the object to be dried. The control unit (710) can also control the operation of the dryer based on a drying course or target dryness level input to the input unit (17a, 17c).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the control unit (710) can obtain the weight of the drying target from the first detection unit (731).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the control unit (710) can obtain the dryness of the drying target from the third detection unit (733).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the control unit (710) may determine a time point to start driving the drain pump (110) based on one or more pieces of information obtained. The control unit (710) may determine a time point to start driving the drain pump (110) based on the amount of condensate to be collected in the condensate tank (100) over time after the clothes dryer (1) starts the drying process. The control unit (710) may obtain, for example, a drying course, a weight of an object to be dried put into the drum (20) and / or a dryness level of the object to be dried, and may predict the amount of condensate to be collected in the condensate tank (100) over time based on the obtained information. The control unit (710) may start driving the drain pump (110) in response to a time point when condensate is collected at a predetermined ratio or more relative to the full water level of the condensate tank (100).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the control unit (710) can identify whether the clothes dryer (1) is connected to an external device (e.g., a washing machine). The control unit (710) can identify whether the clothes dryer (1) is connected to the washing machine from the communication unit (750). If the clothes dryer (1) is identified as being connected to the washing machine, the control unit (710) can obtain the dry weight of the object to be dried before washing, the degree of dehydration, and the weight of the object to be dried after washing from the washing machine. The control unit (710) can determine the time to start driving the drain pump (110) based on at least one piece of information obtained from the washing machine.

[0122] Hereinafter, specific control operations for determining the start time of operation of the drainage pump (110) by the control unit (710) will be described in FIG. 8 and below.

[0123] FIG. 8 is a control flowchart for determining a start time for driving a drain pump (e.g., drain pump (110) of FIG. 5) of a clothes dryer (e.g., clothes dryer (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] FIG. 9 is a control flowchart for determining a timing for starting operation of a drain pump in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] FIG. 10 is a control flowchart for determining the start time of operation of a drain pump in a clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 may be understood as a control flowchart for determining the start time of operation of a drain pump (110) when the clothes dryer (1) is connectable to an external device (e.g., a washing machine). Accordingly, at least some of the operations illustrated in FIG. 10 may correspond to the operations illustrated in FIG. 9, and the differences will be primarily described.

[0126] FIGS. 9 and 10 may be understood as control flowcharts illustrating detailed operations of FIG. 8, and at least some of the operations illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 may correspond to the operations illustrated in FIG. 8. In addition, some of the operations to be described below in FIG. 8 may be repeated or omitted, and the order may be changed as necessary.

[0127] The embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 10 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 8, the clothes dryer (1) may collect at least one piece of data necessary to determine the start time of the operation of the drain pump (110) in step 810. The at least one piece of data may include, for example, a drying course, a weight of an object to be dried, and / or a dryness level of the object to be dried. For example, the clothes dryer (1) may receive a drying course through a user interface (e.g., an input unit (17a, 17c) or a display unit (17b) of FIG. 1).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the at least one data may be detected through at least one detection unit (e.g., detection unit (730) of FIG. 7) included in the clothes dryer (1), or may be received from an external device (e.g., a washing machine) connected to the clothes dryer (1).

[0130] According to one embodiment, at least one piece of data required to determine the start time of operation of the drain pump (110) may vary depending on the drying course to be performed by the clothes dryer (1). For example, when the clothes dryer (1) performs a dehumidification course to dehumidify the surrounding space, at least one piece of data may include the temperature or humidity of the surrounding space.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can determine the start time of operation of the drain pump (110) in step 820. The clothes dryer (1) can determine the start time of operation of the drain pump (110) based on at least one piece of data collected in step 810.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can predict the amount of condensate to be collected in a condensate tank (e.g., the condensate tank (100) of FIG. 2) based on at least one piece of data collected. The clothes dryer (1) can determine the point in time when the amount of condensate to be collected in the condensate tank (100) exceeds a predetermined level as the point in time when the drain pump (110) is to be started to operate.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) may start driving the drain pump (110) in response to the arrival of the driving start time of the drain pump (110) at operation 830. The clothes dryer (1) may drive the drain pump (110) by repeating driving and stopping of the drain pump (110) at a predetermined cycle. The clothes dryer (1) may additionally drive the drain pump (110) in response to a water level sensor (e.g., the water level sensor (150) of FIG. 5) detecting that the condensate tank (100) is full.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 9, the clothes dryer (1) can obtain a drying course to be performed in operation 910. The clothes dryer (1) can obtain a drying course selected by a user input through a user interface (e.g., input unit (17a, 17c) of FIG. 1, display unit (17b) or input unit (720) of FIG. 7). The drying course may include, for example, a normal drying course, a quick drying course and a dehumidifying course. The quick drying course may be understood as a drying course that takes a shorter time for the total drying process than the normal drying course, and when the clothes dryer (1) performs the quick drying course, it can operate the compressor (e.g., compressor (73) of FIG. 5) and the drive motor (e.g., drive motor (31) of FIG. 5) at a higher speed than when performing the normal drying course.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can determine whether a dehumidification course has been input at operation 920. The clothes dryer (1) can determine whether a dehumidification course has been input by whether a dehumidification course has been input by inputting the input unit (17a, 17c). The clothes dryer (1) can also determine whether a dehumidification course has been input by detecting whether a dehumidification assembly (e.g., the dehumidification assembly (80) of FIG. 1) is mounted.

[0136] According to one embodiment, in response to detecting that a dehumidification course is entered, the clothes dryer (1) may perform operation 1100. Operation 1100 will be described in FIG. 11.

[0137] According to one embodiment, in response to detecting that a dehumidification course is not input, that is, in response to detecting that a normal drying course or a quick drying course is input, the clothes dryer (1) can detect the weight and dryness of the object to be dried in operation 930.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can obtain the current applied to the drive motor (31) from the first detection unit (e.g., the first detection unit (731) of FIG. 7) in order to detect the weight of the object to be dried placed in the drum (e.g., the drum (20) of FIG. 2). The clothes dryer (1) can calculate a predicted value of the weight of the object to be dried based on the current applied to the drive motor (31) obtained from the first detection unit (731).

[0139] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can obtain the dryness of the object to be dried from a third detection unit (e.g., the third detection unit (735) of FIG. 7).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can determine the start time of driving the drain pump (110) in operation 940. The clothes dryer (1) can determine the start time of driving the drain pump (110) based on the drying course input in operation 910 and the predicted weight value of the object to be dried calculated in operation 930. The start time of driving the drain pump (110) can be determined, for example, as a time when the amount of condensate collected in a condensate tank (e.g., the condensate tank (100) of FIG. 2) is collected at a predetermined ratio relative to the full water level. The predetermined ratio can be set, for example, to a time when the condensate tank (100) is 1 / 5 to 1 / 3 relative to the full water level. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may vary depending on a user's setting or an initial setting.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can determine the start time of operation of the drain pump (110) based on a control table set in advance from a storage unit (e.g., the storage unit (750) of FIG. 7). For example, the control table can be understood as a table in which the start time of operation of the drain pump (110) corresponding to a drying course, a drying load (weight) of the object to be dried, and a dryness level of the object to be dried is stored.

[0142] For example, the start time of operation of the drainage pump (110) according to the weight and moisture content of the drying object in the standard drying course and the rapid drying course can be expressed in . Here, the drying object is assumed to be a towel with a moisture content of 60%.

[0143] Weight prediction value (w) Less than 6 kg (w1) 6 kg to 9 kg (w2) 9 kg to 12 kg (w3) 12 kg to 16 kg (w4) 16 kg to 20 kg (w5) Standard drying course drainage pump start time (t1) 30 minutes (t11) 25 minutes (t12) 20 minutes (t13) 18 minutes (t14) 15 minutes (t15) Rapid drying course drainage pump start time (t2) 20 minutes (t21) 16 minutes (t22) 13 minutes (t23) 10 minutes (t24) 8 minutes (t25)

[0144] can be understood as illustrating the start time of operation of the drain pump (110) in response to the weight of the object to be dried when the clothes dryer (1) performs a standard drying course and a quick drying course. However, it is not limited to what is illustrated, and when the clothes dryer (1) performs a drying course, it can be changed according to the rotation speed of the compressor (e.g., compressor (73) of FIG. 5) and the drive motor (e.g., drive motor (31) of FIG. 5) and / or the type and dryness of the object to be dried. In addition, it can be changed according to the detailed product specifications of the parts constituting the clothes dryer (1).

[0145] According to one embodiment, when the clothes dryer (1) performs a standard drying course, in response to the predicted weight value of the object to be dried being less than 6 kg (w1), the dryer can start operating the drain pump (110) from a point in time (t11) 30 minutes after the start of drying.

[0146] According to one embodiment, when the clothes dryer (1) performs a standard drying course, in response to the predicted weight value of the object to be dried being 6 kg to 9 kg (w2), the dryer can start driving the drain pump (110) from a point in time (t12) that is 25 minutes after the start of drying.

[0147] According to one embodiment, when the clothes dryer (1) performs a standard drying course, in response to the predicted weight value of the object to be dried being 9 kg to 12 kg (w3), the dryer can start operating the drain pump (110) from a point in time (t13) 20 minutes after the start of drying.

[0148] According to one embodiment, when the clothes dryer (1) performs a standard drying course, in response to the predicted weight value of the object to be dried being 12 kg to 16 kg (w4), the dryer can start driving the drain pump (110) from a point in time (t14) that is 18 minutes after the start of drying.

[0149] According to one embodiment, when the clothes dryer (1) performs a standard drying course, in response to the predicted weight value of the object to be dried being 16 kg to 20 kg (w5), the dryer can start driving the drain pump (110) 15 minutes after the start of drying (t15).

[0150] According to one embodiment, when the clothes dryer (1) performs a quick drying course, in response to the predicted weight value of the object to be dried being less than 6 kg (w1), the dryer can start operating the drain pump (110) from a point in time (t21) 20 minutes after the start of drying.

[0151] According to one embodiment, when the clothes dryer (1) performs a quick drying course, in response to the predicted weight value of the object to be dried being 6 kg to 9 kg (w2), the dryer can start driving the drain pump (110) from a point in time (t22) that is 16 minutes after the start of drying.

[0152] According to one embodiment, when the clothes dryer (1) performs a quick drying course, in response to the predicted weight value of the object to be dried being 9 kg to 12 kg (w3), the dryer can start driving the drain pump (110) from a point in time (t23) that is 13 minutes after the start of drying.

[0153] According to one embodiment, when the clothes dryer (1) performs a quick drying course, in response to the predicted weight value of the object to be dried being 12 kg to 16 kg (w4), the dryer can start operating the drain pump (110) 10 minutes after the start of drying (t24).

[0154] According to one embodiment, when the clothes dryer (1) performs a quick drying course, in response to the predicted weight value of the object to be dried being 16 kg to 20 kg (w5), the dryer can start operating the drain pump (110) from a point in time (t25) that is 8 minutes after the start of drying.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can determine whether the driving start time of the drain pump (110) has been reached at operation 950. For example, the clothes dryer (1) can determine whether the driving start time has been reached from a timer module built into the control unit (710).

[0156] According to one embodiment, in response to the arrival of the driving start time, the clothes dryer (1) may start driving the drain pump (110) at operation 960. The clothes dryer (1) may repeat the operation and stop of the drain pump (110) at a predetermined cycle. For example, in response to the arrival of the driving start time, the clothes dryer (1) may operate the drain pump (110) at a predetermined cycle of operating it for 20 seconds and then resting it for 4 minutes. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the clothes dryer (1) may operate the drain pump (110) at a preset cycle.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 10, operation 1010 may correspond to operation 910 of FIG. 9.

[0158] In one embodiment, operation 1020 may correspond to operation 920 of FIG. 9.

[0159] In one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can detect whether it is connected to an external device (e.g., a washing machine) at operation 1030. The external device may include, for example, a washing machine and a clothes manager, and may include devices capable of detecting or obtaining information about the target drying object. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed below that the external device is a washing machine.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can detect whether it is connected to the washing machine through a communication unit (e.g., the communication unit (740) of FIG. 7). The clothes dryer (1) can detect whether it is connected to the washing machine by wire and / or wirelessly.

[0161] According to one embodiment, in response to the connection of the clothes dryer (1) and the washing machine, additional information about the object to be dried may be acquired from the washing machine at operation 1050. The additional information may include, for example, the weight of the object to be dried before washing and the weight after dehydration. The additional information may include, for example, the type of the object to be dried. The additional information may include, for example, the degree of dehydration of the object to be dried (e.g., the rotation speed of the washing machine drum when the washing machine performs a dehydration cycle).

[0162] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can detect the weight and dryness of the object to be dried in operation 1060. The clothes dryer (1) can directly detect the weight and dryness of the object to be dried from the first detection unit (731) and the third detection unit (735). The clothes dryer (1) can indirectly detect the weight and dryness of the object to be dried based on additional information acquired in operation 1050. The clothes dryer (1) can calculate the weight and dryness of the object to be dried by comprehensively considering the weight and dryness of the object to be dried detected from the first detection unit (731) and the third detection unit (735) and the additional information acquired from the washing machine.

[0163] According to one embodiment, operation 1070 may correspond to operation 940 of FIG. 9. The clothes dryer (1) may determine the start time of operation of the drain pump (110) in response to the weight and dryness of the object to be dried detected in operation 1060.

[0164] In one embodiment, operation 1080 may correspond to operation 950 of FIG. 9.

[0165] In one embodiment, operation 1090 may correspond to operation 960 of FIG. 9.

[0166] FIG. 11 is a control flowchart for determining a start time for driving a drain pump (e.g., a drain pump (110) of FIG. 5) of a clothes dryer (e.g., a clothes dryer (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 may be understood as a control flowchart for determining a start time for driving a drain pump (110) of a clothes dryer (1) when a dehumidification course is input in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0167] The embodiment of FIG. 11 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 7 to 10.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 11, the clothes dryer (1) can detect that a dehumidification course is input in operation 1100. The clothes dryer (1) can detect that a dehumidification course is input in response to the dehumidification course being input from an input unit (e.g., input units (17a, 17c) of FIG. 7). Alternatively, the clothes dryer (1) can detect that a dehumidification course is input by detecting that a dehumidification assembly (e.g., a dehumidification assembly (80) of FIG. 1) is mounted from a fourth detection unit (e.g., a fourth detection unit (727) of FIG. 7).

[0169] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can sense the ambient temperature in operation 1110.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can sense ambient humidity at operation 1120.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can detect the temperature and humidity of the air around the clothes dryer (1) from a temperature and humidity sensor included in a second detection unit (e.g., the second detection unit (733) of FIG. 7) located at the rear of a panel (e.g., the panel (18) of FIG. 1).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can determine the start time of driving the drain pump (110) in operation 1130. The clothes dryer (1) can determine the start time of driving the drain pump (110) when performing a drying process based on the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air detected in operations 1110 and 1120.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can determine the start time of operation of the drain pump (110) based on a preset control table from a storage unit (e.g., the storage unit (750) of FIG. 7). For example, the control table can be understood as a table in which the start time of operation of the drain pump (110) corresponding to the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air is stored.

[0174] For example, the start time of operation of the drainage pump (110) according to the humidity of the surrounding air can be expressed in . Here, the temperature of the surrounding air is assumed to be room temperature (e.g., 25°C).

[0175] Ambient air humidity (h) 30-45% (h1) 45-60% (h2) 60-75% (h3) 75-90% (h4) Dehumidification course drainage pump start time (t3) 20 minutes (t31) 15 minutes (t32) 10 minutes (t33) 7 minutes (t34)

[0176] can be understood as illustrating the start time of operation of the drain pump (110) in response to the humidity of the surrounding air when the clothes dryer (1) performs a dehumidification course. However, it is not limited to what is illustrated, and when the clothes dryer (1) performs a dehumidification course, it can be changed according to the rotation speed of the compressor (e.g., compressor (73) of FIG. 5) and the drive motor (e.g., drive motor (31) of FIG. 5) and / or the type and dryness of the object to be dried. In addition, it can be changed according to the detailed product specifications of the components constituting the clothes dryer (1) or the temperature of the surrounding air.

[0177] According to one embodiment, when the clothes dryer (1) performs a dehumidification course, the operation of the drain pump (110) can be started from a point in time (t31) 20 minutes after the start of drying in response to the humidity value of the surrounding air being 30% to 45% (h1).

[0178] According to one embodiment, when the clothes dryer (1) performs a dehumidification course, the operation of the drain pump (110) can be started from a point in time (t32) 15 minutes after the start of drying, in response to the humidity value of the surrounding air being 45% to 60% (h2).

[0179] According to one embodiment, when the clothes dryer (1) performs a dehumidification course, the operation of the drain pump (110) can be started from a point in time (t33) 10 minutes after the start of drying, in response to the humidity value of the surrounding air being 60% to 75% (h3).

[0180] According to one embodiment, when the clothes dryer (1) performs a dehumidification course, the operation of the drain pump (110) can be started from a point in time (t34) that is 70 minutes after the start of drying, in response to the humidity value of the surrounding air being 75% to 90% (h4).

[0181] According to one embodiment, the clothes dryer (1) can determine whether the driving start time of the drain pump (110) has been reached at operation 950. For example, the clothes dryer (1) can determine whether the driving start time has been reached from a timer module built into the control unit (710).

[0182] According to one embodiment, in response to the arrival of the driving start time, the clothes dryer (1) may start driving the drain pump (110) at operation 960. The clothes dryer (1) may repeat the operation and stop of the drain pump (110) at a predetermined cycle. For example, in response to the arrival of the driving start time, the clothes dryer (1) may operate the drain pump (110) at a predetermined cycle of operating it for 20 seconds and then resting it for 4 minutes. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the clothes dryer (1) may operate the drain pump (110) at a preset cycle.

[0183] A clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a control method for reducing noise generated during operation of the clothes dryer (1) by determining the start time of operation of the drain pump (120).

[0184] A clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce noise generated when the drain pump (120) is operated by collecting information required for the operation of the drain pump (120) in response to the drying course.

[0185] A clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect the input of a drying course and reduce noise generated when a drain pump (120) is operated.

[0186] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0187] A clothes dryer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., clothes dryer (1) of FIG. 1) may include a user interface, a drum (20) for accommodating a drying object, an evaporator (71), a condenser (72), and a compressor (73), and may include a heat pump (70) configured to supply hot air to the drum (20), a condensate tank (100) for storing condensate generated by the heat pump (70), a drainage pump (110) configured to pump the stored condensate (100), and a control unit (710). The control unit (710) may be configured to receive a drying course selected by a user input through the user interface (810; 910; 1010), detect the weight of the drying object accommodated in the drum (810; 930; 1040), determine the start time of driving the drain pump based on at least one of the drying course or the weight of the drying object (820; 940; 1050), and drive the drain pump in response to reaching the start time of driving (830; 960; 1070).

[0188] A clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a dryness sensor (733) positioned on the drum (20) and outputting an electric signal in response to contact with an object to be dried. The control unit (710) may be configured to obtain dryness information of the object to be dried from the dryness sensor (735) (810; 930; 1040), and determine a start time for driving the drain pump (110) based on at least one of the drying course, the weight of the object to be dried, and the dryness information (820; 940; 1050).

[0189] A clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a blower fan (34, 35) for supplying hot air to the drum (20). The control unit (710) may be configured to obtain a control table for operating the blower fan (34, 35) and the compressor (73) in response to the drying course, and to determine the driving start time based on the control table (820; 940; 1050).

[0190] In a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication unit (740) that performs communication with a washing machine may be further included. The control unit (710) may be configured to detect a connection with the washing machine (1030), obtain additional information from the washing machine (1050), and determine a start time for driving the drain pump (110) based on the additional information (820; 940; 1050).

[0191] In a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the additional information may include the weight of the drying object before and after washing, and the rotation speed required for dehydration of the drying object.

[0192] A clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a filter assembly (50). The control unit (710) may determine that a normal drying course or a quick drying course included in the drying course has been input in response to detecting that the filter assembly (50) is mounted.

[0193] A clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor (733). The control unit (710) may be configured to determine (1130) a start time for driving the drainage pump (110) based on a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor (733) and a humidity sensed by the humidity sensor (733), in response to an indoor dehumidification course included in the drying course selected by a user input from the input unit (17a; 17c; 720) (17a; 17c; 720).

[0194] A clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a filter assembly (80). The control unit (710) may be configured to determine (1100) that the indoor dehumidification course has been entered in response to detecting that the dehumidification assembly (80) is mounted.

[0195] In a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving start time can be determined as a time when the volume of condensate stored in the condensate tank (100) exceeds a critical level.

[0196] In a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving start time may be a time when the volume of condensate stored in the condensate tank (100) is 1 / 5 to 1 / 3 of the full water level.

[0197] A method for controlling a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation (810; 910; 1010) of receiving a drying course selected by a user input through a user interface, an operation (810; 930; 1060) of detecting a weight of an object to be dried received in a drum (20), an operation (820; 940; 1070) of determining a start time of driving the drain pump (110) based on at least one of the drying course or the weight of the object to be dried, and an operation (830; 960; 1090) of driving the drain pump (110) in response to reaching the start time of driving.

[0198] A method for controlling a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation (810; 930; 1040) of obtaining dryness information of the object to be dried from a dryness sensor and an operation (820; 940; 1050) of determining a driving time of the drain pump (110) based on at least one of the drying course, the weight of the object to be dried, and the dryness information.

[0199] A method for controlling a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of obtaining a control table for operating a blower fan (34, 35) and a compressor (73) in response to the drying course, and an operation (820; 940; 1070) of determining the driving start time based on the control table.

[0200] A method for controlling a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of obtaining additional information from a washing machine and an operation (820; 940; 1070) of determining a start time for driving the drain pump (110) based on the additional information.

[0201] In a control method of a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the additional information may include the weight of the drying object before and after washing, and the rotation speed required for dehydration of the drying object.

[0202] A method for controlling a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation for determining that a normal drying course or a quick drying course included in the drying course has been input in response to detecting that the filter assembly (50) is mounted.

[0203] A method for controlling a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation (1130) of determining a start time for driving the drain pump (110) based on a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor (733) and a humidity sensed by the humidity sensor (733), in response to an indoor dehumidification course included in the drying course selected by a user input from the input unit (17a; 17c; 720) being input (1100).

[0204] A method for controlling a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation (1100) of determining that the indoor dehumidification course has been entered in response to detecting that the dehumidification assembly (80) is mounted.

[0205] In a control method of a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving start time can be determined as a time when the volume of condensate stored in the condensate tank (100) exceeds a critical level.

[0206] In a control method of a clothes dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving start time may be a time when the volume of condensate stored in the condensate tank (100) is 1 / 5 to 1 / 3 of the full water level.

Claims

1. In the clothes dryer (1), User interface; A drum (20) in which a drying object is accommodated; A heat pump (70) including an evaporator (71), a condenser (72) and a compressor (73), and provided to supply hot air to the drum (20); A condensate tank (100) for storing condensate generated by the above heat pump (70); A drain pump (110) configured to pump the stored condensate (100); and Includes a control unit (710), The above control unit (710) Receiving the drying course selected by user input through the user interface (810; 910; 1010), Detecting the weight of the drying object accommodated in the drum (810; 930; 1040), Determine the start time of the operation of the drainage pump based on at least one of the drying course or the weight of the drying object (820; 940; 1050), A clothes dryer (1) configured to drive the drain pump (830; 960; 1070) in response to the arrival of the above driving start time.

2. In paragraph 1, It further includes a dryness sensor (733) located on the drum (20) and outputting an electric signal in response to contact with a drying target, The above control unit (710) Obtaining dryness information of the drying target from the dryness sensor (735) (810; 930; 1040), A clothes dryer (1) configured to determine the start time of operation of the drain pump (110) based on at least one of the drying course, the weight of the drying object, and the dryness information (820; 940; 1050).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, It further includes a blower fan (34, 35) for supplying hot air to the drum (20). The above control unit (710) Obtain a control table to operate the blower fan (34, 35) and the compressor (73) in response to the above drying course, A clothes dryer (1) configured to determine the driving start time based on the above control table (820; 940; 1050).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, It further includes a communication unit (740) that performs communication with the washing machine, The above control unit (710) Detecting the connection to the washing machine (1030) and obtaining additional information from the washing machine (1050), A clothes dryer (1) configured to determine the start time of operation of the drain pump (110) based on the above additional information (820; 940; 1050).

5. In paragraph 4, The above additional information includes the weight of the drying object before and after washing, and the rotation speed required for dehydration of the drying object, a clothes dryer (1).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, Further comprising a filter assembly (50), The above control unit (710) A clothes dryer (1) that determines that a normal drying course or a quick drying course included in the drying course has been entered in response to detecting that the above filter assembly (50) is mounted.

7. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor (733), The above control unit (710) In response to the indoor dehumidification course included in the drying course selected by the user input from the above input unit (17a; 17c; 720) (17a; 17c; 720), A clothes dryer (1) configured to determine (1130) the start time of driving the drain pump (110) based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor (733) and the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor (733).

8. In paragraph 7, Further comprising a filter assembly (80), The above control unit (710) A clothes dryer (1) configured to determine that the indoor dehumidification course has been entered (1100) in response to detecting that the above dehumidification assembly (80) is mounted.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above driving start time is determined as the time when the volume of condensate stored in the condensate tank (100) exceeds a critical level, in a clothes dryer (1).

10. In paragraph 9, The above operation start time is a time when the volume of condensate stored in the condensate tank (100) is 1 / 5 to 1 / 3 of the full water level, in a clothes dryer (1).

11. In the control method of a clothes dryer (1), An action of receiving a drying course selected by user input through a user interface (810; 910; 1010); Action (810; 930; 1060) of detecting the weight of a dry object received in a drum (20); An operation (820; 940; 1070) of determining the start time of operation of the drainage pump (110) based on at least one of the drying course or the weight of the drying object; and A method comprising an operation (830; 960; 1090) of driving the drainage pump (110) in response to reaching the driving start time.

12. In paragraph 11, An operation of obtaining dryness information of the drying target from a dryness sensor (810; 930; 1060); and A method comprising an operation (820; 940; 1070) of determining the driving time of the drainage pump (110) based on at least one of the drying course, the weight of the drying object, and the dryness information.

13. In paragraph 11 or 12, An operation of obtaining a control table to operate the blower fan (34, 35) and the compressor (73) in response to the above drying course; and A method comprising an operation (820; 940; 1070) of determining the driving start time based on the control table.

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, An action (1050) to obtain additional information from the washing machine; and A method comprising an operation (820; 940; 1070) of determining the start time of operation of the drainage pump (110) based on the above additional information.

15. In paragraph 14, The above additional information includes the weight of the drying object before and after washing, and the rotation speed required for dehydration of the drying object.

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