Clothing treatment apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a clothing treatment apparatus. In an embodiment, the clothing treatment apparatus comprises: a cabinet having an input opening provided at the front; a drum provided inside the cabinet and having a drum opening communicating with the input opening; and a driving unit provided behind the drum to rotate the drum. The clothing treatment apparatus performs a course including a tumble motion in which the drum rotates at a tumbling speed, which is a rotational speed at which the clothing accommodated in the drum rises to a predetermined position in the rotational direction of the drum and then falls. In the tumble motion, the tumbling speed is controlled to vary in a direction in which the current flowing through the driving unit during the rotation of the drum is reduced.

Description

Garment processing equipment

[0001] This application relates to a clothing treatment device and a control method thereof.

[0002] A clothing treatment device is a general term for a device that washes laundry, represented by clothing, a device that dries dry items, represented by clothing, and a combined device that washes laundry and dries dry items.

[0003] A laundry treatment device includes a tub that stores water and a rotatable drum within the tub. The drum holds clothes, and foreign substances are removed from the clothes by utilizing the water currents generated by the rotation of the drum and the movement of the clothes (laundry). The laundry treatment device includes a predetermined cycle for washing clothes. The cycle for washing clothes includes a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spin-drying cycle, and removes foreign substances attached to the clothes.

[0004] A clothes drying device includes a rotatable drum and a heat exchanger that supplies high-temperature, dry air to the drum to remove moisture from clothes. The drum holds clothes, and moisture is removed from the clothes as the air inside the drum exchanges heat. The clothes drying device includes an optional cycle for drying clothes. The cycle for drying clothes includes a drying cycle to remove moisture from the clothes.

[0005] The above washing, rinsing, and drying cycles include a tumbling section that performs a tumbling motion to agitize the clothes. In the case of a front-loading clothes treatment device with a door on the front of the cabinet, the tumbling section is a section in which the drum rotates at a tumbling speed, which is a speed at which clothes rise to a predetermined position in the direction of the drum's rotation and then fall. It is known that when the drum rotates, laundry is caught by the lifter, transported to the top of the drum, and then falls due to gravity, and the resulting mechanical force creates the effect of beating and kneading the laundry.

[0006] Tumbling motion is a motion that removes foreign matter from clothing by rolling it around in a drum, utilizing the drop and friction from water. The ideal clothing movement intended for tumbling motion is for the clothing to fall to the lowest point of the drum at a position approximately 90 to 180 degrees from the drum's rotational direction.

[0007] Meanwhile, the motion in which clothing falls to the lowest point of the drum at a position less than about 90 degrees from the direction of rotation of the drum is defined as rolling motion, and the motion in which clothing rotates while being in close contact with the inner surface of the drum is defined as filtration motion.

[0008] Conventional clothing treatment devices exhibited different clothing behaviors depending on the amount of clothing, volume of clothing, shape of clothing, moisture content of clothing, and tub water level, despite the rotation speed.

[0009] Conventional garment treatment devices check the amount of clothes loaded (the amount of laundry or the amount of dry items), set the tumbling speed, which is the rotation speed in the tumbling section, based on the checked amount of clothes (load), and rotate the drum constantly at the set tumbling speed. That is, conventional garment treatment devices set the tumbling speed and processing time of the drum based on the amount of load loaded, and the control unit adjusts the power supplied to the driving unit so as to constantly maintain the rotation speed of the drum at the determined tumbling speed.

[0010] Figure 1 is a drum rotation speed (RPM)-time graph in a tumbling section according to a conventional clothing treatment device.

[0011] In the tumbling section, the drum repeats rotation in the first direction (CW) and the second direction (CCW), but the rotation speed (RPM) remains constant until the tumbling section ends.

[0012] Conventional technology, which rotates at a constant tumbling speed determined by the load and agitates the laundry, suffers from a lack of adaptability to real-time changing washing environments. Furthermore, prolonged drum rotation can alter the characteristics of individual laundry piles, preventing the intended clothing movement from occurring consistently. In particular, the behavior of laundry within a drum rotating at a tumbling speed is quite complex. Prolonged drum rotation can lead to individual laundry items becoming entangled and colliding with adjacent laundry, potentially causing tangles. Specifically, tangles become more severe as the tumbling cycle duration increases. Tangles also increase torque current, reducing the washing efficiency. Tangles can also damage the clothing. Furthermore, the washing performance is uneven, resulting in low treatment efficiency and low energy efficiency relative to the treatment efficiency.

[0013] KR10-2020-0132590A (Prior Art 1) discloses a laundry treatment device and a control method thereof capable of setting the speed of a washing tub in a rolling motion, a tumble motion, and / or a filtration motion to optimize the flow characteristics of laundry placed in the washing tub. Prior Art 1 is a technology for setting the rotation speed in subsequent washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations, taking into account the flow characteristics of laundry.

[0014] Prior art 1 determines the rotation speed for the next cycle based on the decrease in the first derivative of the current change function obtained from the motor current detected while the washing tub is accelerating. Prior art 1 measures the motor current using the section where the washing tub is accelerating as the measurement section, and calculates the rotation speed for the next cycle based on this. In other words, prior art 1 is a technology that finds the optimal rotation speed by considering the characteristics of the fabric. However, since the drum rotates while maintaining the calculated optimal rotation speed constantly, the problem of fabric twisting occurring over time still persists. For example, even if a tumble motion is intended and the drum rotates at the optimal tumbling speed, the intended tumble motion does not occur over time, and instead, a rolling motion or a filtration motion appears. This phenomenon reduces the clothing treatment performance.

[0015] That is, the technology of finding the optimal rotation speed before the start of the stroke initiated by prior art 1 and maintaining the speed during the stroke cannot adapt to changes in the washing environment that change in real time, such as the tangling that occurs during the process of the drum rotating at the tumbling speed.

[0016] A technology for changing the rotation speed of the drum is CN107177956B (Prior Art 2). Prior Art 2 is a technology for changing the rotation speed of the drum during the spin-drying cycle. The spin-drying cycle is a cycle that removes moisture from clothing. It is advantageous to rotate the drum at a high speed during the spin-drying cycle. The drum rotates at a speed that keeps the clothing in close contact with the inner surface of the drum. The motion that rotates the drum during the spin-drying cycle is called the filtration motion. The resonance point of the washing machine is an issue during the spin-drying cycle.

[0017] Prior art 2 is a technology for avoiding resonance points during the spin-drying cycle. To avoid the resonance point, the rotation speed is controlled to increase in a wavelength-band manner according to a set pattern. Ultimately, the second set rotation speed and the third set rotation speed are alternated to perform spin-drying. Prior art 2 alternates the rotation speed in a set pattern in the filtration motion of the spin-drying cycle, which is different from the rotation speed that is varied in real time without a specific pattern in the tumble motion of the washing cycle and rinsing cycle, and is different from the expected effect of improving washing performance and saving energy in the washing cycle and rinsing cycle. On the other hand, prior art 2 is not a technology related to adapting to changes in the washing environment due to the twisting of fibers that occurs in real time during the process of the drum rotating at a tumbling speed.

[0018] In addition, there is CN111764098B (prior art 3), which is a technology that changes the motor control variables to be used in the spin-drying cycle based on the motor measurement values ​​generated during the washing cycle. Prior art 3 is also a technology related to the spin-drying cycle. In the spin-drying cycle, the higher the rotation speed of the drum, the more advantageous it is. However, since vibration and noise are issues, prior art 3 determines whether to continuously accelerate the rotation speed based on the eccentricity. In other words, prior art 3 is a technology that considers the eccentricity in order to solve the vibration and noise problems in the process of increasing the rotation speed to the maximum to improve the spin-drying performance. Prior art 3 controls the tumbling speed in real time during the washing and rinsing cycles, and is not related to adapting to changes in the washing environment.

[0019] In addition, there is a technology called CN107152989A (prior art 4) that sets a reference value (smaller average value) by referring to the average torque value per drum rotation of the previous / current stage in the prior art, and then determines that the eccentricity has increased if the difference from the current maximum value is large. Prior art 4 is only a method for detecting load imbalance, and is different from a technology that proposes adaptation to the washing environment by varying the tumbling speed in real time during the washing and rinsing cycles.

[0020] The present invention has as its object the provision of a clothing treatment device capable of effectively treating clothing.

[0021] The present invention has as its object the provision of a garment treatment device capable of solving a problem in which the intended garment behavior (garment trajectory) does not occur depending on the garment in a tumble motion.

[0022] One of the tasks of the present invention is to provide a clothing treatment device that prevents other clothing behaviors, such as rolling motion or filtration motion, other than the intended tumble motion from occurring as the shape of the clothing, the volume of the clothing, the moisture content of the clothing, the quantity of the tub, and the characteristics of the laundry pile change in real time, and maintains the intended ideal clothing behavior.

[0023] The present invention aims to provide a garment treatment device that prevents unnecessary power consumption from being wasted according to the garment trajectory in a tumble motion.

[0024] The present invention aims to provide a garment treatment device that prevents additional problems such as increased torque due to garment twisting and drum locking in a tumble motion.

[0025] The present invention has as its object the variably controlling the rotational speed of a drum in real time in a direction in which energy is reduced while the drum rotates.

[0026] The present invention has as its task the variable control of the rotational speed of the drum in real time in a direction that optimizes the trajectory of the clothing (load) inside the drum.

[0027] The present invention aims to control the drum rotation speed so as to change in response to a changing washing environment, thereby moving away from the existing stirring motion that operates at a fixed rotation speed, thereby increasing the processing efficiency (washing performance, energy efficiency, drying efficiency, etc.) in a given washing environment.

[0028] The present invention has as its object to provide energy reduction in a washing cycle or a rinsing cycle.

[0029] The present invention has as its object the provision of a clothing treatment device capable of improving washing performance.

[0030] The present invention has as its object to provide energy reduction in a drying process.

[0031] The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device capable of improving drying performance.

[0032] The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device that enables ultra-low water consumption washing.

[0033] The present invention aims to provide a laundry treatment device capable of washing clothes by overcoming the limitation of the amount of laundry that does not circulate.

[0034] The present invention provides a clothing treatment device. In an embodiment, the clothing treatment device includes: a cabinet having an input opening at the front; a drum having a drum opening provided inside the cabinet and communicating with the input opening; and a driving unit provided at a rearward position relative to the drum and configured to rotate the drum, and performs a course including a tumble motion in which the drum rotates at a tumbling speed, which is a rotation speed at which clothing accommodated in the drum rises to a predetermined position in the rotational direction of the drum and then falls, and in the tumble motion, the tumbling speed is controlled to vary in a direction in which a current flowing in the driving unit decreases when the drum rotates.

[0035] In an embodiment, the direction in which the current flowing to the driving unit decreases may be the direction in which the input current applied to the driving unit or the output current output from the driving unit decreases.

[0036] In an embodiment, the direction in which the current flowing in the driving unit decreases may be the direction in which the Q-axis current of the driving unit decreases.

[0037] In an embodiment, the tumbling speed can be controlled to vary for each set cycle.

[0038] In an embodiment, the current may be an average current during the set period.

[0039] In an embodiment, the tumbling speed may be changed at least three times while the drum continuously rotates in one direction.

[0040] In an embodiment, the tumbling speed in the tumble motion may be a comparison speed while the drum rotates during the set cycle, and may be varied to a reference speed that is a speed different from the comparison speed during the next set cycle, and may be varied to a change speed that is a speed different from the reference speed during the next set cycle.

[0041] In an embodiment, the change speed may be: i) a speed higher than the reference speed when the direction of change from the comparison speed to the reference speed and the direction of change from the comparison current, which is the current flowing in the driving unit when the drum rotates at the comparison speed, to the reference current, which is the current flowing in the driving unit when the drum rotates at the reference speed, are different, and ii) a speed lower than the reference speed when the direction of change from the comparison speed to the reference speed and the direction of change from the comparison current to the reference current are the same.

[0042] In the embodiment, the case of the above i) may be (a) when the reference speed is higher than the comparison speed and the reference current is lower than the comparison current, and (b) when the reference speed is lower than the comparison speed and the reference current is higher than the comparison current, and the case of the above ii) may be (c) when the reference speed is higher than the comparison speed and the reference current is higher than the comparison current, and iv) when the reference speed is lower than the comparison speed and the reference current is lower than the comparison current.

[0043] In an embodiment, the setting cycle may be n rotations of the drum.

[0044] In an embodiment, the n rotations may be at least 1 rotation and may be 1 / 3 or less of the total number of rotations while the drum continuously rotates in one direction.

[0045] In an embodiment, the setting period may be a setting time.

[0046] In an embodiment, the set time may be at least 1 second and less than 1 / 3 of the total rotation time of the drum rotating in one direction.

[0047] In an embodiment, the tumbling speed may be lower than a filtration speed, which is a speed at which the drum rotates more than once while maintaining the clothes adhered to the inner surface of the drum.

[0048] In an embodiment, the tumbling speed may be set to at least 30 RPM.

[0049] In an embodiment, the tumbling speed may be a speed at which clothing is lifted from the bottom of the drum by at least 90 degrees (deg) relative to the rotation direction of the drum by the rotation of the drum.

[0050] In an embodiment, the tumbling speed can be controlled to increase or decrease by a unit speed.

[0051] In an embodiment, the unit speed may be set to a value in the range of 0.5 to 5 RPM.

[0052] In an embodiment, the first comparison speed among the comparison speeds may be a first initial speed.

[0053] In an embodiment, the first initial speed may be a speed at which a centrifugal force acting on clothing on the inner surface of the drum is 1 G or less.

[0054] In an embodiment, the first reference speed among the reference speeds may be a second initial speed that is higher than the first initial speed.

[0055] In an embodiment, the cabinet further includes a tub having a tub opening communicating with the inlet opening, accommodating the drum, and storing water, wherein the course includes a washing cycle for separating foreign substances from the clothing, a rinsing cycle for removing the foreign substances, and a dehydration cycle for removing moisture from the clothing, and the tumble motion may be performed in at least one of the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle.

[0056] In an embodiment, the method further comprises: a circulation path that is provided to communicate with the drum and circulate air inside the drum; and a heat exchanger that includes an evaporator positioned inside the circulation path to cool the air and a condenser that heats the air passing through the evaporator; wherein the course includes a drying cycle that removes moisture from the clothing, and the tumble motion may be performed in the drying cycle.

[0057] According to various embodiments of the present invention, there is an effect of effectively treating clothing.

[0058] According to various embodiments of the present invention, when a tumble motion is performed, an ideal clothing flow trajectory can be obtained.

[0059] According to various embodiments of the present invention, as the shape of the garment, the volume of the garment, the moisture content of the garment, the number of tubs, and the characteristics of the laundry pile change in real time, the occurrence of other garment motions, such as rolling motion or filtration motion, other than the intended tumble motion can be prevented, and the intended ideal garment motion can be maintained. Accordingly, the garment handling performance can be improved.

[0060] According to various embodiments of the present invention, when a tumble motion is performed, unnecessary power consumption according to the clothing trajectory can be prevented from being wasted.

[0061] According to various embodiments of the present invention, when a tumble motion is performed, additional problems such as increased torque due to clothing twisting and drum locking can be prevented from occurring.

[0062] According to various embodiments of the present invention, there is an effect in which the trajectory of the clothing (load) inside the drum is optimized in real time.

[0063] According to various embodiments of the present invention, there is an effect of increasing treatment efficiency (washing efficiency or drying efficiency) in a given washing environment.

[0064] According to various embodiments of the present invention, there is an effect of reducing energy in the washing cycle or the rinsing cycle.

[0065] According to various embodiments of the present invention, there is an effect of improving washing performance.

[0066] According to various embodiments of the present invention, there is an effect of reducing energy in the drying process.

[0067] According to various embodiments of the present invention, drying performance can be improved.

[0068] According to various embodiments of the present invention, based on the amount of laundry, when the amount of laundry is appropriate, the washing effect can be increased while reducing energy consumption, or when the amount of laundry is too large and the tumbling motion is not appropriate, the energy consumption can be reduced.

[0069] According to various embodiments of the present invention, there is an effect that enables ultra-saving washing.

[0070] According to various embodiments of the present invention, there is an effect that enables washing by breaking through the limit of the amount of non-circulating laundry water.

[0071] Figure 1 is a drum rotation speed (RPM)-time graph in a tumbling section according to a conventional clothing treatment device.

[0072] Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0073] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the internal structure when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a washing machine (1).

[0074] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the relationship between each component and the control unit when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a washing machine (1).

[0075] Figure 5 illustrates an example of the internal structure when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a dryer (2).

[0076] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the relationship between each component and the control unit when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a dryer (2).

[0077] Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 8 illustrates an example of the internal structure of a composite device.

[0079] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the relationship between each component and the control unit when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped as a composite device (4).

[0080] Figure 10 is a drawing showing a drum motion used in the control method of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 10 (a) is a drawing showing rolling motion.

[0082] Figures 10 (b) and (c) are drawings showing tumbling motion.

[0083] Figure 10 (d) is a drawing showing filtration motion.

[0084] Figure 11 is a drum control method according to one embodiment of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0085] Fig. 12 is a drawing explaining one embodiment of the tumbling section (S21) of the present invention.

[0086] Fig. 13 is a drawing explaining another embodiment of the tumbling section (S21) of the present invention.

[0087] FIG. 14 is a drawing explaining a drum rotation step (S211) and a rotation speed change step (S212) in a tumbling section (S21) according to one embodiment of a clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 15 is an RPM-time graph for explaining the drum rotation step (S211) and the first change speed determination step (S2121).

[0089] Figure 16 is an RPM-time graph for explaining the second change speed determination step (S2121).

[0090] Figure 17 is a decision tree in which the rotation speed is determined in the rotation speed change step (S212) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Fig. 18 is a flowchart explaining the first control mode of the embodiment.

[0092] Figure 19 is a flowchart explaining the second control mode of the embodiment.

[0093] Figure 20 is a flowchart of an embodiment in which the first control mode and the second control mode are selected according to the amount of the gun.

[0094] Figure 21 is a flow chart of a control method of one embodiment for ultra-low water washing.

[0095] Fig. 22 is a flow chart of a control method of another embodiment for ultra-low water consumption washing.

[0096] Figures 23 and 24 are drawings showing how the circulation pump operates in ultra-low-temperature washing to resupply washing water to the drum.

[0097] Fig. 25 is a graph showing changes in rotation speed according to an embodiment in a tumbling section for ultra-low water washing.

[0098]

[0099] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification, identical or similar components are given identical or similar reference numerals even in different embodiments, and the description thereof is replaced with the first description. The singular expression used in this specification includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, it should be noted that the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification should not be construed as being limited by the attached drawings.

[0100] Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0101] A garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one of a washing machine (1) and a dryer (2). For example, a garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include both a washing machine (1) and a dryer (2).

[0102] A washing machine (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention is a front-load type. A dryer (2) according to an embodiment of the present invention is a front-load type. A front-load type has an opening for loading clothes at the front.

[0103] A garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet (10) forming an exterior. The cabinet (10) may each form the exterior of a washing machine (1) and a dryer (2). The cabinet (10) may form a common exterior of the washing machine (1) and the dryer (2). The cabinet (10) has an inlet opening communicating with a drum (30). Clothes can be taken out and taken out of the drum (30) through the inlet opening.

[0104] A garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a drum (30). The drum (30) is rotatably accommodated within a cabinet (10). The drum (30) is provided with a drum opening for loading garments. The drum opening of the drum (30) communicates with the loading opening of the cabinet (10). Garments are accommodated within the drum (30).

[0105] A garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a door (11). The door (11) is provided to open and close the input opening of the cabinet (10). The door (11) is coupled to the cabinet (10). The door (11) may be hinge-coupled to the cabinet (10). The door (11) may be rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10).

[0106] A garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a door detection unit (12). The door detection unit (12) detects whether the door (11) has closed the input opening. This prevents problems such as the drum (30) rotating while the door (11) has the input opening open. The detection unit (13) may be provided in any configuration as long as it can detect whether the door (11) has opened or closed the input opening of the cabinet (10). For example, the detection unit (13) may include a magnet disposed on the door (11) and a hall sensor disposed on the cabinet (10) to detect the magnet.

[0107] A garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a door locking unit (13). In order to prevent garments or water inside the drum (30) from leaking through the input opening, the door (11) needs to be selectively fixed to the cabinet (10). The door locking unit (13) can selectively lock the door (11) to the cabinet (10).

[0108] The door lock (13) may be provided in any configuration as long as it can selectively secure the door (11) to the cabinet (10) and prevent the opening from being opened unintentionally. For example, the door lock (13) may include a hook provided on the door (11) and inserted into the cabinet (10), a fastening member provided on the cabinet (10) to selectively secure the hook, and a fixing member that selectively maintains the fastening member and the hook in a coupled state. The fixing member may be provided as a solenoid or a magnet, and may also be provided in a mechanical configuration such as a push button structure.

[0109] Meanwhile, a garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention can perform a course for treating garments. When the garment treatment device is equipped with a washing machine (1), it is equipped to perform a washing course for removing foreign substances from garments. When the garment treatment device is equipped with a dryer (2), it is equipped to perform a drying course for removing moisture from garments.

[0110] A garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a control panel (100). The control panel (100) may receive a command to perform the course, display the status of performing the course, information required to perform the course, etc.

[0111] The control panel (100) may include one or more of a plurality of buttons or a touch panel for receiving commands from a user, a microphone for receiving a user's voice, a camera or proximity sensor for receiving a user's actions or status, a screen for providing visual information to a user, and a speaker for providing auditory information to a user.

[0112] The control panel (100) can be placed above the door (11) in the front of the cabinet (10). This ensures accessibility and identification.

[0113] When the clothes treatment device is equipped with a washing machine (1): The cabinet (10) may include a washing cabinet (10a). The door (11) may include a washing door (11a). The door detection unit (12) may include a washing door detection unit (12a). The door lock unit (13) may include a washing door lock unit (13a). The drum (30) may include a washing drum (30a). A plurality of holes may be formed on the circumference of the washing drum (30a). A lifter (31a) may be provided on the inner circumference of the washing drum (30a). The lifter (31a) is configured to protrude from the inner circumference of the washing drum (30a) and physically lift laundry when the washing drum (30a) rotates. Additionally, the washing machine (1) may further include a tub (20) capable of storing water. The tub (20) accommodates a washing drum (30a) and is accommodated in a washing cabinet (10a). The control panel (100) may include a washing control panel (100a) that receives commands to control the washing machine (1) or displays information about the washing machine (1).

[0114] When the clothes treatment device is equipped with a dryer (2): The cabinet (10) may include a drying cabinet (10b). The door (11) may include a drying door (11b). The door detection unit (12) may include a drying door detection unit (12b). The door lock unit (13) may include a drying door lock unit (13b). The drum (30) may include a drying drum (30b). Unlike the washing drum (30a), the drying drum (30b) may have a circumferential hole omitted. A lifter (31b) may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the drying drum (30b). The lifter (31a) is configured to protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the drying drum (30b) and physically lift laundry when the drying drum (30b) rotates. The control panel (100) may include a drying panel (100b) that receives commands to control the dryer (2) or displays information about the dryer (2).

[0115] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the internal structure when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a washing machine (1).

[0116] The garment treatment device of the embodiment may include a water supply unit (50) and a drain unit (60).

[0117] The water supply unit (50) is configured to supply water to the tub (20). The water supply unit (50) may include a water supply valve (51a), a water supply pipe (52a), and a detergent box (53a). The water supply valve (51a) is configured to selectively supply water by being connected to an external water source. The water supply valve (51a) may be coupled to the washing cabinet (10a). The water supply pipe (52a) extends from the water supply valve (51a) and is configured to deliver water supplied from an external water source. The detergent box (53a) stores detergent and receives water supplied from the water supply pipe (52a) and delivers it to the tub (20).

[0118] The drain unit (60) is configured to drain water stored in the tub (20). The drain unit (60) may include a drain pipe (61a), a drain pump (62a), and a drain pipe (63a). The drain pipe (61a) is configured to be connected to the lower portion of the tub (20) and to drain water from the tub (20). The drain pump (62a) provides power to discharge water from the drain pipe (61a) to the outside. The drain pipe (63a) is configured to extend from the drain pump (62a) to the outside of the washing cabinet (10a) and to discharge water.

[0119] The washing machine (1) may further include a circulation unit (65). The circulation unit (65) is configured to circulate water stored in the tub (20). The circulation unit (65) may include a discharge pipe (61a), a circulation pump (66a), and a circulation pipe (67a). The discharge pipe (61a) may have a common configuration with the drain unit (60). The discharge pipe may also be provided as a separate pipe from the discharge pipe (61a) of the drain unit. The discharge pipe (61a) is configured to be connected to the lower part of the tub (20) and to discharge water from the tub (20). The circulation pump (66a) provides power to circulate the water in the discharge pipe (61a). The circulation pipe (67a) is configured to extend from the circulation pump (66a) and supply water to the tub (20). When the circulation pump (66a) operates, the water stored in the tub (20) is guided to the circulation pump (66a) through the discharge pipe (61a), and the water guided to the circulation pump (66a) is supplied to the tub (20) again through the circulation pipe (67a) and circulated.

[0120] The garment treatment device of the embodiment may further include a water level sensor (21a). The water level sensor (21a) may be provided in any configuration as long as it can detect the water level inside the tub (20). For example, the water level sensor (21a) may include a water level pipe connected to the tub (20) and having a blocked end, and a sensing unit positioned above the water level pipe to detect pressure changes inside the water level pipe. Alternatively, the water level sensor (21a) may detect a frequency that changes according to the water level in order to detect the amount of water (water level) in the tub (20).

[0121] The garment treatment device of the embodiment may further include a support member (70a). The support member (70a) may include at least one of a suspension supporting the lower portion of the tub (20) and a spring supporting the upper portion of the tub (20).

[0122] The garment treatment device of the embodiment may include a driving unit (40). The driving unit (40) rotates the drum (30). In the embodiment, the driving unit (40) is provided at the rear of the drum (30). The driving unit (40) may include a washing driving unit (40a) that rotates the washing drum (30a).

[0123] The washing machine drive unit (40a) may include a stator (41a), a rotor (42a), and a rotation shaft (43a). The stator (41a) is coupled to the tub (20). The stator (41a) can generate a rotating magnetic field. The rotor (42a) rotates by the stator (41a). The rotation shaft (43a) is coupled to the rotor (42a) and may pass through the tub (20) to be coupled to the washing drum (30a).

[0124] The garment treatment device of the embodiment may include a control unit (101). The control unit (101) may control one or more of a driving unit (40), a water supply valve (51a), a drain pump (62a), a circulation pump (66), a locking unit (13a), and a water level sensor (21a). The control unit (101) may be built into the control panel (100) or may be arranged separately from the control panel (100).

[0125] The control unit (101) can provide a command to perform any course of processing clothes, such as washing clothes, to one or more of the driving unit (40), the water supply valve (51a), the drain pump (62a), the circulation pump (66), and the door lock unit (13a).

[0126] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the relationship between each component and the control unit when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a washing machine (1).

[0127] The control unit (101a) can interact with the control panel (100a). The control unit (101a) can receive commands inputted by the control panel (100a). The control unit (101a) can transmit the status of the washing machine (1) to the control panel (100a).

[0128] The control unit (101a) can receive data from the water level sensor (21a) and the door detection unit (12a). The control unit (101a) can receive the water level sensed by the water level sensor (21a). The control unit (101a) can receive the status of the door (11a) sensed by the door detection unit (12a).

[0129] The control unit (101a) can control the operation of the drive unit (40a), the water supply valve (51a), the drain pump (62a), the circulation pump (65a), and the door lock unit (13a). The drive unit (40a) can rotate the drum (30a) according to the control command of the control unit (101a). The water supply valve (51a) can be opened and closed according to the control command of the control unit (101a). The drain pump (62a) can operate according to the control command of the control unit (101a). The circulation pump (65a) can operate according to the control command of the control unit (101a). The door lock unit (13a) can lock the door (11a) according to the control command of the control unit (101a).

[0130] The washing machine (1) can perform a course for processing clothes according to the control command of the control unit (101a).

[0131] The washing machine (1) cycle may include a wash cycle, a rinse cycle, and a spin-dry cycle. The wash cycle separates foreign substances from clothing. The rinse cycle removes foreign substances separated from clothing. The spin-dry cycle removes moisture from clothing.

[0132] Figure 5 illustrates an example of the internal structure when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a dryer (2).

[0133] The drying cabinet (10b) may further include a base that is positioned lower than the drying drum (30b) and supports the dryer (2). A heat supply unit (90b) may be installed on the base.

[0134] The heat supply unit (90b) is configured to supply air into the interior of the drying drum (30b). The heat supply unit (90b) supplies air capable of drying clothes contained within the drying drum (30b). In an embodiment, the heat supply unit (90b) may include a circulation duct (91b), an evaporator (92b), a condenser (93b), a compressor (94b), an expansion valve (not shown), and a circulation fan (96b).

[0135] The circulation duct (91b) forms a path for circulating the air discharged from the drying drum (30b).

[0136] The evaporator (92b) is housed in the circulation duct (91b) and cools the air to condense moisture.

[0137] The condenser (93b) is housed in the circulation duct (91b), is placed downstream from the evaporator (92b), and heats the air.

[0138] The compressor (94b) supplies refrigerant that heats air to the condenser (93b).

[0139] An expansion valve (not shown) expands and cools the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (93b).

[0140] A circulation fan (96b) is placed inside the circulation duct (91b) to provide power to circulate air.

[0141] The garment treatment device of the embodiment may further include a sump (97b) and a collection tank (98b). The sump (97p) communicates with the circulation duct (91b) to collect water condensed in the evaporator (92b). The collection tank (98b) stores the water collected in the sump (97b).

[0142] The garment treatment device of the embodiment may further include a support member (70). The support member (70) rotatably supports the drying drum (30b). The support member (70) may include a support roller (70b) that rotatably supports at least one of the front and rear sides of the drying drum (30b).

[0143] The driving unit (40) of the garment treatment device of the embodiment may include a drying driving unit (40b) provided to rotate the drying drum (30b).

[0144] The drying drive unit (40b) may be positioned at the rear of the drying drum (30b) similar to the washing machine (1). The drying drive unit (40b) may include a drying stator (41b), a drying rotor (42b), and a drying rotation shaft (43b). The drying stator (41b) is positioned at the rear of the drying drum (30b). The drying stator (41b) may generate a rotating magnetic field. The drying rotor (42b) rotates by the drying stator (41b). The drying rotation shaft (43b) is connected to the drying rotor (42b) and the drying drum (30b). The drying drive unit (40b) of the embodiment may freely change the rotation direction and rotation speed of the drying drum (30b).

[0145] Meanwhile, the garment treatment device of the embodiment may further include a reducer (406b) that lowers the RPM of the drying rotation shaft (43b) and increases the torque. The reducer (406b) may be arranged between the drying drive unit (40b) and the drying drum (30b) to transmit the power generated by the drying drive unit (40b) to the drying drum (30b). The reducer (406b) may be connected to the drying rotation shaft (43b) to rotate, and may include a complex gearbox connected to the drying drum (30b). Accordingly, the reducer (406b) may transmit a torque that is strengthened to the drying drum (30b) while having a lower RPM than the drying rotation shaft (43b). As a result, the drying drum (30b) may rotate without clothes lint sticking to the inner wall of the drying drum (30b). The clothes can be evenly exposed to the hot air supplied inside the drying drum (30b) as they rise and fall from the drying drum (30b).

[0146] In another embodiment, the drying drive unit (40b) may be mounted on a base on which a circulation duct (91b) is installed. In this case, the drying drive unit (40b) may include a motor mounted on the base, a pulley connected to the motor and rotating, and a belt connecting the pulley to the outer surface of the drying drum (30b).

[0147] The garment treatment device of the embodiment may further include a drying control unit (101b) capable of controlling any one of the driving unit (40b), the heat supply unit (90b), the door detection unit (12b), and the door lock unit (13b). The drying control unit (101b) may be built into the control panel (100b) or may be arranged separately from the control panel (100b).

[0148] The drying control unit (101b) can provide a command to perform an arbitrary drying course for drying clothes by controlling one or more of the driving unit (40b), the heat supply unit (90b), the door lock unit (13b), and the door detection unit (12b).

[0149] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the relationship between each component and the control unit when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a dryer (2).

[0150] The control unit (101b) can interact with the control panel (100b). The control unit (101b) can receive commands inputted by the control panel (100b). The control unit (101b) can transmit the status of the dryer (2) to the control panel (100b).

[0151] The control unit (101b) can receive data from the door detection unit (12b). The control unit (101b) can receive the status of the door (11b) detected by the door detection unit (12b).

[0152] The control unit (101b) can control the operation of the drive unit (40b), the heat supply unit (90b), and the door lock unit (13b). The drive unit (40b) can rotate the drum (30b) according to the control command of the control unit (101b). The heat supply unit (90b) can operate according to the control command of the control unit (101b). The door lock unit (13b) can lock the door (11b) according to the control command of the control unit (101b).

[0153] The dryer (2) can perform a course for processing clothes according to the control command of the control unit (101a).

[0154] The dryer (2) course may include a drying cycle. The drying cycle is a cycle that removes moisture from clothing.

[0155] Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0156] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may include a composite device (4) capable of performing both a washing course and a drying course.

[0157] When the garment treatment device is equipped with a composite device (4), the cabinet (10) may include a composite cabinet (10d) forming the exterior of the composite device (4). The door (11) may include a composite door (11d) that opens and closes an input opening formed in the composite cabinet (10d).

[0158] The door detection unit (12) may include a composite detection unit (12d) that detects whether the composite door (11d) has opened or closed the input opening.

[0159] The door lock (13) may include a composite lock (13d) that secures the composite door (11d) to the composite cabinet (10d).

[0160] Figure 8 illustrates an example of the internal structure of a composite device (4).

[0161] The composite device (4) may include a composite tub (20d) and a composite drum (30d). The composite tub (20d) is accommodated in a composite cabinet (10d) and stores water. The composite drum (30d) is rotatably accommodated in the composite tub (20d).

[0162] The clothing treatment device of the embodiment may include a water supply unit (50d) that supplies water to a composite tub (20d) and a drain unit (60d) that drains water stored in the composite tub (20d).

[0163] The water supply unit (50d) may include a water supply valve (51d), a water supply pipe (52d), and a detergent box (53d). The water supply valve (51d) is coupled to the composite cabinet (10d) and is connected to an external water source to selectively supply water. The water supply pipe (52d) extends from the water supply valve (51d) and delivers water supplied from the external water source. The detergent box (53d) stores detergent and receives water supplied from the water supply valve (51d) and delivers it to the composite tub (20d).

[0164] The drainage unit (60d) includes a discharge pipe (61d), a drain pump (62d), and a drain pipe (63d). The discharge pipe (61d) is connected to the lower portion of the composite tub (20d) and is configured to discharge water from the composite tub (20d). The drain pump (62d) provides power to discharge water supplied from the discharge pipe (61d) to the outside of the composite cabinet (10d). The drain pipe (63d) is configured to extend from the drain pump (62d) to the outside of the composite cabinet (10d) and discharge water.

[0165] The garment treatment device of the embodiment may further include a water level sensor (21d). The water level sensor (21d) is configured to detect the water level inside the composite tub (20d). The water level sensor (21d) may be provided in any configuration as long as it can detect the water level inside the composite tub (20d).

[0166] The garment treatment device of the embodiment may include a composite support member (70d) that supports a composite tub (20d). The composite support member (70d) supports the composite tub (20d) with respect to the composite cabinet (10d). The composite support member (70d) may include at least one of a suspension that supports the lower portion of the composite tub (20d) and a spring that supports the upper portion of the composite tub (20d).

[0167] The clothing treatment device of the embodiment may include a driving unit having the same structure as the washing machine (1) described above.

[0168] The garment treatment device of the embodiment may be provided such that the heat supply unit (90) is connected to the composite tub (20d). The heat supply unit (90) may be provided with a base similar to the dryer (2) and may be provided on the base.

[0169] In the composite device (4) of the embodiment, since the composite tub (20d) is firmly supported by the composite cabinet (10d), the heat supply unit (90) can be installed and positioned on the composite tub (20d). In the embodiment, the heat supply unit (90) is installed on the upper portion of the composite tub (20d). This prevents interference or collision with the configuration of the drainage unit (60d) arranged on the lower portion of the composite tub (20d).

[0170] The heat supply unit (90d) of the embodiment may include a composite duct (91d), an evaporator (not shown), a condenser (not shown), a compressor (not shown), an expansion valve (not shown), and a circulation fan (96d).

[0171] The composite duct (91d) is installed along the front-rear direction of the composite tub (20d) and forms a path for circulating air inside the composite tub (20d).

[0172] An evaporator (not shown) is housed inside a composite duct (91d) and cools the air to condense moisture.

[0173] A condenser (not shown) is housed inside a composite duct (91d) and is placed downstream of an evaporator (not shown) to heat the air.

[0174] A compressor (not shown) supplies refrigerant to a condenser (not shown) that heats air.

[0175] An expansion valve (not shown) expands and cools the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (not shown).

[0176] The circulation fan (96d) provides power to circulate the air inside the composite duct (91d).

[0177] Meanwhile, since the composite tub (20d) is placed below the heat supply unit (90d), the water collection unit and water storage tank can be omitted. Water condensed inside the composite duct (91d) can be collected in the composite tub (20d) and discharged to the drain unit (60d).

[0178] The garment treatment device of the embodiment may include an integrated control unit (101d) that integrates a washing control unit and a drying control unit. The integrated control unit (101d) may be built into the control panel (100d) or may be placed inside a composite cabinet (10d) separate from the control panel (100d).

[0179] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the relationship between each component and the control unit when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped as a composite device (4).

[0180] The control unit (101d) can interact with the control panel (100d). The control unit (101d) can receive commands inputted by the control panel (100d). The control unit (101d) can transmit the status of the composite device (4) to the control panel (100d).

[0181] The control unit (101d) can receive data from the water level sensor (21d) and the door detection unit (12d). The control unit (101d) can receive the water level sensed by the water level sensor (21d). The control unit (101d) can receive the status of the door (11d) sensed by the door detection unit (12d).

[0182] The control unit (101d) can control the operation of the drive unit (40d), the water supply valve (51d), the drain pump (62d), the circulation pump (65d), the heat supply unit (90b), and the door lock unit (13d). The drive unit (40d) can rotate the drum (30d) according to the control command of the control unit (101d). The water supply valve (51d) can be opened and closed according to the control command of the control unit (101d). The drain pump (62d) can operate according to the control command of the control unit (101d). The circulation pump (65d) can operate according to the control command of the control unit (101d). The heat supply unit (90d) can operate according to the control command of the control unit (101d). The door lock unit (13d) can lock the door (11d) according to a control command from the control unit (101d).

[0183] The complex device (4) can perform a course for processing clothing according to the control command of the control unit (101d).

[0184] The course of the complex device (4) may include a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a spin-drying cycle, and a drying cycle. The washing cycle separates foreign substances from clothing. The rinsing cycle removes foreign substances separated from clothing. The spin-drying cycle removes moisture from clothing. The drying cycle removes moisture from clothing.

[0185] Figure 10 is a drawing showing a drum motion used in the control method of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0186] Drum drive motion refers to a combination of the rotational direction and rotational speed of the drum (30). The direction and point of fall of laundry located within the drum change depending on the drum drive motion. Consequently, the flow of laundry within the drum (30) changes. The drum drive motion is implemented by controlling the driving unit (40).

[0187] When the drum (30) rotates, the laundry is lifted by centrifugal force resulting from the rotation of the drum (30). In addition, the laundry is lifted by a lifter (31) provided on the inner surface of the drum (30).

[0188] By controlling the rotation speed and rotation direction of the drum (30), the degree of rise of the laundry can be controlled and the drop height applied to the laundry can be varied.

[0189] In washing machines, the rotation of the drum (30) can be controlled to adjust the impact of a drop. Furthermore, the mechanical forces, such as friction between laundry items, friction between laundry and water, and the impact of a drop on the laundry, can be varied. In other words, the degree to which laundry is tapped or rubbed for washing can be varied, and the degree to which the laundry is dispersed or flipped can be varied.

[0190] In the dryer, the degree of contact between laundry and air can be adjusted by controlling the rotation of the drum (30).

[0191] Figure 10 (a) is a drawing showing rolling motion.

[0192] The rolling motion is a motion in which the driving unit (40) rotates the drum (30) in the first or second direction, and laundry on the inner surface of the drum (30) is controlled to fall to the lowest point of the drum (30) at a position less than about 90 degrees in the direction of rotation of the drum (30).

[0193] Rolling motion is determined by the drum rotational speed within the range where centrifugal force and frictional force are less than the force of gravity (1G). In this specification, the speed at which rolling motion occurs is referred to as the rolling speed. Rolling speed can be practically indistinguishable from the tumbling speed described below. Therefore, it is preferable to define rolling speed as belonging to the tumbling speed.

[0194] The rolling speed is also related to the radius of the drum (30). Even at the same rotational speed, if the radius of the drum (30) is small, the centrifugal force increases. If the radius of the drum (30) is the same, the higher the rotational speed of the drum (30), the greater the centrifugal force generated on the laundry inside the drum (30). The difference in magnitude between the centrifugal force and gravity causes the laundry to flow differently inside the drum (30). Of course, the rotational force of the drum and the frictional force between the drum and the laundry must also be considered.

[0195] The rolling speed is also related to the height of the lifter (31) provided on the drum (30). When the height of the lifter (31) is low, the maximum rolling speed may be higher than when the height of the lifter (31) is high.

[0196] The rolling speed must take into account the rotational force of the drum (30), the frictional force between the drum (30) and the laundry, and the force of the lifter (31) to lift the laundry. The rolling speed is determined within a range where the sum of various forces applied to the laundry, including centrifugal force and frictional force, is less than gravity (1G).

[0197] In an embodiment, the rolling speed may be about 30 RPM.

[0198] When the driving unit (40) rotates the drum (30) at a rolling speed, laundry located at the lowest point (bottom) of the drum (30) rises to a predetermined height along the rotational direction of the drum (30) and then flows toward the lowest point (bottom) of the drum (30) as if rolling at a position less than about 90 degrees in the rotational direction from the lowest point (bottom) of the drum (30). Visually, when the drum (30) rotates clockwise, laundry continuously rolls in the three quadrants of the drum (30).

[0199] Laundry can be washed through friction with the washing water, friction between laundry items, and friction with the inner surface of the drum (30) through a rolling motion. In addition, the laundry is sufficiently turned over, so that the effect of gently rubbing the laundry can be achieved.

[0200] Figures 10 (b) and (c) are drawings showing tumbling motion.

[0201] The tumble motion is a motion in which the driving unit (40) rotates the drum (30) in the first or second direction, and laundry on the inner surface of the drum (30) falls to the lowest point of the drum at a position of about 90 to 180 degrees in the direction of rotation of the drum (30). The tumble motion is a form of washing clothes by beating them. The tumble motion is a drum driving motion generally used in washing and rinsing because mechanical power is generated simply by controlling the drum (30) to rotate in one direction at an appropriate RPM.

[0202] The tumble motion is determined by the drum rotation speed within the range where centrifugal force and frictional force are less than the force of gravity (1G). The tumble motion generates a greater centrifugal force than the rolling motion. The tumble motion is determined at a speed lower than the speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the clothing on the inner surface of the drum (30) becomes 2G or more. In this specification, the speed at which the tumble motion occurs is referred to as the tumbling speed. Meanwhile, the tumbling speed is lower than the filtration speed described below.

[0203] The tumbling speed is also related to the radius of the drum (30). Even at the same rotational speed, the smaller the radius of the drum (30), the greater the centrifugal force. If the radius of the drum (30) is the same, the greater the centrifugal force generated on the laundry inside the drum (30) as the rotational speed of the drum (30) increases. The difference in magnitude between the centrifugal force and gravity causes the laundry to flow differently inside the drum (30). Of course, the rotational force of the drum and the frictional force between the drum and the laundry must also be considered.

[0204] The tumbling speed is also related to the height of the lifter (31) provided on the drum (30). When the height of the lifter (31) is low, the maximum and minimum tumbling speeds may be higher than when the height of the lifter (31) is high.

[0205] The tumble speed must take into account the rotational force of the drum (30), the frictional force between the drum (30) and the laundry, and the force of the lifter (31) to lift the laundry. The tumble speed is determined within a range where the sum of various forces applied to the laundry, including centrifugal force and frictional force, is less than gravity (1G).

[0206] In an embodiment, the tumbling speed may be about 30 to 70 RPM.

[0207] Laundry loaded into the drum (30) is positioned at the lowest point (bottom) of the drum (30) before the driving unit (40) is driven. When the driving unit (40) provides torque to the drum (30), the drum (30) rotates. The lifter (31) provided on the inner surface of the drum (30) lifts the laundry from the lowest point within the drum (30) to a predetermined height. For example, when the driving unit (40) rotates the drum (30) at approximately 46 RPM, the laundry falls from the lowest point of the drum (30) at a position of approximately 90 to 110 degrees in the direction of rotation toward the lowest point of the drum (30).

[0208] Visually, the tumble motion is a form in which the drum (30) moves from the third quadrant to a part of the second quadrant at the lowest point of the drum (30) as it rotates clockwise, then leaves the inner surface of the drum (30) and falls to the lowest point of the drum (30).

[0209] In washing machines, tumble motion allows laundry to be washed through friction with the wash water and the impact caused by the drop, resulting in washing and rinsing with greater mechanical power than rolling motion. Furthermore, because the motion drops somewhat beyond the drum, it has the effect of separating tangled laundry and dispersing it.

[0210] For dryers, tumble motion increases the time laundry is suspended in the air, increasing the contact time between laundry and air, thus improving drying efficiency.

[0211] Figure 10 (d) is a drawing showing a filtration motion. The filtration motion is a motion in which the driving unit (40) rotates the drum (30) so that the laundry does not fall off the inner surface of the drum due to centrifugal force. When the filtration motion is in progress, even if the drum (30) rotates in one direction more than once, the laundry drum (30) located at the lowest side within the drum (30) rises to the highest point due to the rotation, but is not dropped from the drum (30) and rotates together with the drum (30).

[0212] The filtration motion can be determined by the drum rotation speed in the range where the centrifugal force and frictional force acting on the clothing at the high point of the inner surface of the drum (30) are greater than the gravity (1G). The filtration motion can be determined at a speed higher than the speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the clothing at the inner surface of the drum (30) is 2G or more. In this specification, the speed that causes the filtration motion is referred to as the filtration speed. In this specification, the boundary speed between the tumbling speed and the filtration speed is defined as the critical speed. According to the specification definition, the tumbling speed is a speed lower than the critical speed, and the filtration speed is a speed higher than the critical speed.

[0213] In the filtration motion, laundry is spread out and rotates against the inner surface of the drum (30). While the laundry rotates, the washing water adheres to the inner wall of the drum (30) due to centrifugal force. The washing water passes through the holes of the drum (30) due to centrifugal force and flows out into the tub (20).

[0214] Filtration motion increases the surface area of ​​the laundry that comes into contact with the wash water, while allowing the wash water to penetrate the laundry, thus achieving the effect of evenly supplying the wash water to the laundry.

[0215] Additionally, the filtration motion can achieve the effect of dehydrating the washing water contained in the laundry by using centrifugal force.

[0216] Figure 11 is a drum control method according to one embodiment of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0217] When the garment processing course is executed, the rotation of the drum (30) is controlled. The drum (30) control method may include a first rotation step (S1) and a second rotation step (S2).

[0218] The first rotation step (S1) is a step of rotating the drum (30) at a detection speed. The detection speed may be lower than the tumbling speed. The first rotation step (S1) may be performed during the laundry volume detection step. The laundry volume detection step is a step of detecting the amount of clothing (laundry volume) contained in the drum (30). The laundry volume can be detected using the load of the driving unit generated while rotating the drum, acceleration time, etc. Various known techniques can be applied as a method of detecting the laundry volume.

[0219] The second rotation stage (S2) may include a tumbling section (S21) and a filtration section (S22).

[0220] The tumbling section (S21) is a section in which the drum (30) rotates at a tumbling speed. In an embodiment, the tumbling speed in the tumbling section (S21) may be variable.

[0221] In the case of a washing machine (1), a tumbling section (S21) may be applied to at least one of the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle. In the case of a dryer (2), a tumbling section (S21) may be applied to the drying cycle. In the case of a combination device (4), a tumbling section (S21) may be applied to at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the drying cycle.

[0222] The filtration section (S22) is a section in which the drum (30) rotates at a filtration speed. In the case of a washing machine (1), the filtration section (S22) may be applied to the dehydration cycle. In addition, in an embodiment of the present invention, the filtration section (S22) may be applied during the tumbling section (S21) for ultra-low water consumption washing.

[0223] Fig. 12 is a drawing explaining one embodiment of the tumbling section (S21) of the present invention.

[0224] In the tumbling section (S21), the drum (30) rotates at a tumbling speed. The tumbling section (S21) may include a drum rotation step (S211) and a rotation speed change step (S212).

[0225] The drum rotation step (S211) is a step of rotating the drum (30) at a set speed. The set speed is a speed belonging to the tumbling speed.

[0226] The rotation speed change step (S212) is a step for changing the rotation speed of the drum (30). Specifically, it is a step for determining the change speed and rotating the drum (30) at the determined change speed.

[0227] The rotation speed change step (S212) is repeated until the tumbling section (S21) ends.

[0228] Fig. 13 is a drawing explaining another embodiment of the tumbling section (S21) of the present invention.

[0229] The tumbling section (S21) may include a first direction rotation step (S211a) and a second direction rotation step (S211b). The first direction rotation step (S211a) is a step of rotating the drum (30) in a first direction. In an embodiment, the first direction is clockwise. The second direction rotation step (S211b) is a step of rotating the drum (30) in a second direction. In an embodiment, the second direction is counterclockwise. Until the tumbling section (S21) ends, the drum (30) may alternately repeat the first direction rotation and the second direction rotation.

[0230] The tumbling section (S21) may include a rotation speed changing step (S212a) for changing the rotation speed of the drum rotating in the first direction. The rotation speed changing step (S212a) may be repeated until the rotation in the first direction is completed. In addition, the tumbling section (S21) may include a rotation speed changing step (S212b) for changing the rotation speed of the drum rotating in the second direction. The rotation speed changing step (S212b) may be repeated until the rotation in the first direction is completed.

[0231] FIG. 14 is a drawing explaining a drum rotation step (S211) and a rotation speed change step (S212) in a tumbling section (S21) according to one embodiment of a clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0232] The tumbling section (S21) includes the i-th rotation step (S2111), the i+1-th rotation step (S2112), and the i+2-th rotation step (S2122). That is, in the tumbling section (S21), the drum (30) rotates at a speed that changes at least three times.

[0233] In this specification, the i-th rotation step (S2111) is defined as a comparison rotation step. The i+1-th rotation step (S2112) is defined as a reference rotation step. The i+2-th rotation step (S2122) is defined as a change rotation step.

[0234] At each rotation stage, the drum (30) rotates at least a set number of cycles. At each rotation stage, the drum (30) rotates at least one cycle. One cycle may be n rotations based on the number of rotations of the drum (30). One cycle may be a set time based on the rotation time of the drum (30).

[0235] In the embodiment, at each rotation step, the drum (30) rotates at least n times, which is one cycle. Here, n is a defined number. n rotations means that the drum (30) rotates n times. For example, if n is 1.5, the drum (30) rotates 1.5 times. In the embodiment, n rotations is at least 1 rotation. At least 1 rotation is required to confirm the clothing behavior. In consideration of the stabilization time required to reach the set speed after the rotation speed change command, n rotations is set to 1 rotation or more. In addition, in order to ensure the reliability of the sensed value when sampling the comparison value and reference value for determining the change speed, n rotations is set to 1 rotation or more.

[0236] In the embodiment, n rotations is less than 1 / 3 of the total number of rotations while the drum (30) continuously rotates in one direction.

[0237] The number of rotations is not limited to integers such as 1, 2, or 3. It can also be 1.2 or 2.5 rotations. Preferably, the number of rotations is 2.

[0238] In an embodiment, the drum (30) rotates for a set time of at least one cycle at each rotation stage. In an embodiment, the set time is at least one second. At least one second is required to confirm the foam flow. Considering the stabilization time required to reach the set speed after the rotation speed change command, the set time is set to at least one second. In addition, in order to ensure the reliability of the sensed value when sampling the comparison value and reference value for determining the change speed, the set time is set to at least one second.

[0239] In the embodiment, the set time is less than 1 / 3 of the total rotation time while the drum (30) continuously rotates in one direction.

[0240] Preferably, the above setting time may be 2 seconds.

[0241] In this specification, the rotational speed of each rotation step is defined as follows.

[0242] - Rotation speed of the drum (30) in the comparison rotation step (S2111): Comparative speed

[0243] - Rotation speed of drum (30) of standard rotation stage (S2112): standard speed

[0244] - Rotation speed of drum (30) in change rotation step (S2122): Change speed

[0245] The comparison speed and the reference speed are different. The reference speed and the change speed are different. The comparison speed and the change speed can be the same or different.

[0246] Each step is explained in detail.

[0247] In the comparison rotation step (S2111), the drum (30) rotates at a comparison speed. When the drum (30) reaches the comparison speed (S2111a), the drum (30) rotates at the comparison speed for one cycle, which is a set cycle (S2111b).

[0248] During one cycle in which the drum (30) rotates at the comparison speed, the control unit (101) samples the comparison value (S2111c). The sampled comparison value is used to determine the change speed in the change speed determination step (S2121). The comparison value may be the power consumption of the driving unit (40). The comparison value may be the current flowing in the driving unit (40). The comparison value may be the Q-axis current (torque current) of the driving unit (40). The comparison value may be the rotational speed of the drum (30). The comparison value may be the product of the current of the driving unit (4) and the rotational speed of the drum (30). The comparison value may be the product of the Q-axis current of the driving unit (4) and the rotational speed of the drum (30). The comparison value may be an average value of each value measured in real time.

[0249] After the drum (30) rotates at a comparative speed, the reference rotation step (S2112) is performed.

[0250] In the reference rotation step (S2112), the drum (30) rotates at a reference speed. When the drum (30) reaches the reference speed (S2112a), the drum (30) rotates at a comparison speed for one cycle, which is a set cycle (S2112b).

[0251] During one cycle in which the drum (30) rotates at a comparative speed, the control unit (101) samples a reference value (S2112c). The sampled reference value is used to determine the change speed in the change speed determination step (S2121). The reference value may be the power consumption of the driving unit (40). The reference value may be the current flowing in the driving unit (40). The reference value may be the Q-axis current (torque current) of the driving unit (40). The reference value may be the rotational speed of the drum (30). The reference value may be the product of the current of the driving unit (4) and the rotational speed of the drum (30). The reference value may be the product of the Q-axis current of the driving unit (4) and the rotational speed of the drum (30). The reference value may be an average value of each value measured in real time.

[0252] After the drum (30) rotates at the standard speed, the change speed determination step (S2121) is performed.

[0253] The change speed determination step (S2121) determines the change speed for the change rotation step (S2122).

[0254] The change speed determination step (S2121) is different between the first control mode (S2M) and the second control mode (S2E). The change speed determination step (S2121) will be described in detail later.

[0255] Once the change speed is determined, the change rotation step (S2122) is performed.

[0256] In the change rotation step (S2122), the drum (30) rotates at a change speed. When the drum (30) reaches the change speed (S2122a), the drum (30) rotates at the change speed for one cycle, which is a set cycle (S2122b).

[0257] During one cycle in which the drum (30) rotates at a change speed, the control unit (101) samples the change value (S2122c). The sampled change value becomes a reference value in the subsequent change speed determination step (S2121). The change value may be the power consumption of the driving unit (40). The change value may be the current flowing in the driving unit (40). The change value may be the Q-axis current (torque current) of the driving unit (40). The change value may be the rotational speed of the drum (30). The change value may be the product of the current of the driving unit (4) and the rotational speed of the drum (30). The change value may be the product of the Q-axis current of the driving unit (4) and the rotational speed of the drum (30). The change value may be an average value of each value measured in real time.

[0258] When the change rotation step (S2122) is completed, the change speed determination step (S2121) is performed again.

[0259] To perform the change rate determination step (S2121) again, the comparison and reference reset step (S2124) is performed.

[0260] In the comparison and re-baseline step (S2124), the i+1st order is redefined as the ith order (S2124a). That is, the newly determined change rate is the change rate for the i+3rd rotation step. In the calculation for the i+3rd rotation step:

[0261] - The i+1 rotation step is defined as the i-th rotation step. That is, the reference rotation step is redefined as the comparison rotation step.

[0262] - The i+2 rotation step is defined as the i+1 rotation step. That is, the change rotation step is redefined as the reference rotation step.

[0263] In the scene where i=0 is assigned, the definitions reset according to the comparison and reference reset step (S2124) are organized as shown in the table below.

[0264] Rotation speed 1st change speed determination step 2nd change speed determination step 3rd change speed determination step... 1st rotation step 1st speed comparison rotation step 2nd rotation step 2nd speed standard rotation step Comparison rotation step 3rd rotation step 3rd speed change rotation step Standard rotation step Comparison rotation step 4th rotation step 4th speed change rotation step Standard rotation step 5th rotation step 5th speed change rotation step.........

[0265] In the first change speed determination step, the first speed, which is the rotation speed in the first rotation step, and the second speed, which is the rotation speed in the second rotation step, are compared, and the comparison value, which is the value sampled in the first rotation step, and the reference value, which is the value sampled in the second rotation step, are compared to determine the change speed. In the second change speed determination step, the second speed, which is the rotation speed in the second rotation step, and the fourth speed, which is the rotation speed in the third rotation step, are compared, and the comparison value, which is the value sampled in the second rotation step, and the reference value, which is the value sampled in the third rotation step, are compared to determine the change speed. In the third change speed determination step, the third speed, which is the rotation speed in the third rotation step, and the fourth speed, which is the rotation speed in the fourth rotation step, are compared, and the comparison value, which is the value sampled in the third rotation step, and the reference value, which is the value sampled in the fourth rotation step, are compared to determine the change speed.

[0266] The rotation speed change step is repeated until one-way rotation is completed (S2123).

[0267] Figure 15 is an RPM-time graph for explaining the drum rotation step (S211) and the first change speed determination step (S2121).

[0268] The rotation speed of the drum is changed by sensing the driving power consumption or driving current for each detailed section so that the rotation speed is decelerated or accelerated in real time.

[0269] The detailed section is divided into several sections by the rotation angle and sensed at the same cycle. In the embodiment, the cycle is n rotations or a set time based on the rotation time of the drum. When the cycle is n rotations, the n rotation section, which is the sampling section, is set to 1 rotation or more in consideration of the reliability of the sensed value and the stability time to reach the target speed after the RPM change command. When the cycle is the set time, the set time of the section in which the drum, which is the sampling section, rotates for the set time is set to 1 second or more in consideration of the reliability of the sensed value and the stability time to reach the target speed after the RPM change command.

[0270] To determine the change rate, sample values ​​from at least two intervals must be compared. The third interval is the judgment interval. Meanwhile, as illustrated in Figure 16, the fourth interval is the interval where the next judgment is made based on the results of the previous interval.

[0271] The first rotation step (S2111) is described. The first rotation step (S2111) is performed to sample the comparison value. The comparison value sampling starts after the transient state has passed after the driving unit (40) is started. That is, since the starting peak current is generated in the transient section before the drum (30) rotates at the first initial speed (a1), the comparison value is sampled during one cycle, which is a set cycle during which the drum (30) rotates, after the first speed (a1) is reached and a certain period of time has elapsed. The comparison value may be an average value of the values ​​measured in real time during one cycle during which the drum (30) rotates in the comparison rotation step (S2111).

[0272] In an embodiment, the first speed (a1) may be an RPM at which a centrifugal force acting on clothing on the inner surface of the drum is 1 G or less. In an embodiment, the first speed (a1) may be a tumbling speed used in the prior art. In an embodiment, the first speed (a1) may be approximately 40 RPM.

[0273] The second rotation step (S2112) is described. The reference rotation step (S2112) is performed to sample the reference value. In the first reference rotation step (S2112), the drum (30) rotates at a second initial speed (a1+u). The second initial speed is different from the first initial speed. In an embodiment, the second initial speed has a higher RPM than the first initial speed.

[0274] In an embodiment of the present invention, the rotational speed can be increased or decreased by a unit speed (u). The unit speed (u) can be a value in the range of 0.5 to 5 RPM. In an embodiment, the second initial speed (a1+u) is a speed that is increased by a unit speed (u) from the first speed (a1).

[0275] In general, as the RPM increases, the current flowing to the driving unit (40) decreases. Therefore, from an energy-saving perspective, it is advantageous for the second initial speed to be greater than the first initial speed. However, this does not exclude the case where the second initial speed is lower than the first initial speed.

[0276] When the rotation speed of the drum (30) reaches the second speed (a1+u) and a certain amount of time has elapsed, a reference value is sampled during one cycle, which is a set cycle during which the drum (30) rotates. The reference value may be an average value of values ​​measured in real time during one cycle during which the drum (30) rotates in the reference rotation step (S2112).

[0277] The first change speed determination step (S2121) compares the comparison value with the reference value to determine the change speed. The third speed, which is the change speed, can be a speed that adds a unit speed to the second speed (a1+u), or a speed that subtracts a unit speed.

[0278] Meanwhile, the change speed determination step (S2121) is different in the first control mode (S2M) and the second control mode (S2E). According to the change speed determination step (S2121) of the first control mode (S2M), the change speed is determined in a direction in which the power consumption of the driving unit increases. According to the change speed determination step (S2121) of the second control mode (S2E), the change speed is determined in a direction in which the current flowing to the driving unit decreases. The first control mode (S2M) and the second control mode (S2E) are described in detail below.

[0279] Figure 16 is an RPM-time graph for explaining the second change speed determination step (S2121).

[0280] In the second change speed determination step (S2121), the reference value sampled in the second rotation step (S2112) is substituted as the comparison value, and the change value sampled in the third rotation step (S2122) is substituted as the reference value to determine the change speed. The fourth speed, which is the change speed, can be a speed that adds a unit speed to the third speed (a1+2u), or a speed that subtracts a unit speed.

[0281] Figure 17 is a decision tree in which the rotation speed is determined in the rotation speed change step (S212) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0282] In the embodiment, the tumbling speed is changed after the drum (30) rotates for one cycle, which is a set cycle. The rotation speed is a speed within the tumbling speed range. The change speed is a speed different from the reference speed. The change speed is a speed higher or lower than the reference speed. The change speed is a speed increased or decreased by a unit speed from the reference speed. The unit speed can be set to a value in the range of 0.5 to 5 RPM. The unit speed in the first control mode (S2M) described below and the unit speed in the second control mode (S2E) may be the same value. For example, the unit speeds in the first control mode (S2M) and the second control mode (S2E) may be 1 RPM. The unit speed in the first control mode (S2M) and the unit speed in the second control mode (S2E) may have different values. For example, in the first control mode (S2M), the unit speed may be 1 RPM, while in the second control mode (S2E), the unit speed may be 2 RPM.

[0283] According to the change speed determination step (S2121) of the first control mode (S2M), the change speed is determined in the direction in which the power consumption of the driving unit increases. According to the change speed determination step (S2121) of the second control mode (S2E), the change speed is determined in the direction in which the current flowing to the driving unit decreases. Meanwhile, the first control mode (S2M) and the second control mode (S2E) are described in detail below.

[0284] The tumbling speed is the maximum value (a max ) and minimum value (a min ) has. The tumbling speed range may be a limit set to prevent the motor from entering an area where the motor efficiency drops sharply. The maximum value (a) in the tumbling speed range defined in this specification max) is a lower speed than the filtration speed, but may be a general filtration speed if necessary. The tumbling speed defined in the present invention refers to the range in which a tumbling motion occurs in the clothing during the rotation step. In other words, even if it is a range higher than the general filtration speed mathematically, if it is a speed in which a stirring motion occurs during the rotation step, it can be considered to belong to the tumbling speed.

[0285] The change speed is the minimum tumbling speed (a min ) is reached, the subsequent change velocity is reset to the initial velocity (a1). The initial velocity (a1) is the minimum tumbling velocity (a min ) and maximum value (a max ) is a value between .

[0286] The change speed is the maximum tumbling speed (a max ) is reached, the subsequent change rate is reset to the initial rate (a1).

[0287] In the embodiment, the tumbling speed may be 30 RPM to 70 RPM. Therefore, the minimum tumbling speed value (a min ) can be 30 RPM. The maximum tumbling speed (a max ) can be 70 RPM. The maximum value of the tumbling speed (a) in the first control mode (S2M) and the second control mode (S2E) max ) and minimum value (a min ) may be the same. Or, the maximum value of the tumbling speed (a) in the first control mode (S2M) and the second control mode (S2E) max ) and minimum value (a min ) may be different. For example, the maximum value of the tumbling speed (a) in the first control mode (S2M) max ) is 60 RPM, and the minimum value (a min ) can be 30 RPM. The maximum value of the tumbling speed in the second control mode (S2E) is (a max ) is 70 RPM, and the minimum value (a min ) can be 40 RPM.

[0288] When the rotation speed change number is repeated a set number of times, the subsequent change speed can be reset to the initial speed (a1). Or, when the set time has elapsed, the subsequent change speed can be reset to the initial speed (a1). The initial speed (a1) is the minimum tumbling speed value (a min ) and maximum value (a max ) is a value between .

[0289] The tumbling section may include at least one of the first control mode and the second control mode. Embodiments of the first control mode and the second control mode are described below.

[0290] Fig. 18 is a flowchart explaining the first control mode of the embodiment.

[0291] The first control mode (S2M) is a mode that changes the rotation speed in a direction that increases the power consumption of the driving unit (40) by comparing the sampled comparison value and the reference value.

[0292] Experiments on clothing treatment performance (e.g., the degree to which foreign substances are removed from clothing) and the output of the drive unit confirmed a correlation in which higher output of the drive unit resulted in higher treatment performance. In the above experiments, the output of the drive unit was calculated as the product of the rotational speed of the rotor and the current supplied to the stator, and the treatment performance was compared through reflectance before and after washing using a colorimeter.

[0293] The behavior of laundry within a drum rotating at tumbling speed is quite complex. This is because individual laundry items continuously interact with adjacent laundry, entangling and colliding with each other. This interaction between individual items can enhance washing performance. However, as the drum rotates for a long time, the characteristics of the laundry pile change as the laundry items entangle and collide with each other, resulting in clothes that behave differently from the intended behavior. This behavior is directly related to the laundry treatment performance. In other words, the longer the drum rotates, the lower the laundry treatment performance due to the changed characteristics of the laundry pile.

[0294] When the rotation speed is changed in the direction of increasing power consumption, the garment processing performance is improved because the ideal fabric flow (cloth behavior) is maintained. If the ideal fabric flow is maintained, the tangle can be prevented even if the holding time of the tumbling section is long. The longer the holding time of the tumbling section, the more severe the tangle. When the tangle occurs, the problem is that the torque current increases. On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the tangle is prevented, the longer the holding time of the tumbling section, the greater the energy saving effect is exhibited. That is, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the instantaneous power consumption may be high, but the energy consumed for the entire cycle is reduced.

[0295] Even if the shape of the garment, the volume of the garment, the moisture content of the garment, the number of tubs, and the characteristics of the laundry pile change in real time, the ideal fabric flow (clothing behavior) can be maintained by changing the rotation speed in the direction that increases power consumption. In other words, the intended tumble motion can be continuously generated, and even if the intermediate rolling motion or filtering motion is observed while the drum is rotating, the tumble motion is generated by changing the rotation speed in the direction of the tumble motion in real time.

[0296] The direction in which the power consumption of the driving unit (40) increases can be determined by one of the following three comparisons, for example. In this specification, the following three cases are collectively referred to as “comparing power consumption.”

[0297] 1) Comparison of driving unit power consumption

[0298] In order to determine the direction in which the power consumption of the driving unit (40) increases, the power consumption of the driving unit (40) can be compared. The power consumption of the driving unit (40) can be sampled while the drum rotates, and the sampled values ​​can be compared. Here, the power consumption can be an average value of the sampling period.

[0299] 2) Comparison of driving current

[0300] In order to determine the direction in which the power consumption of the driving unit (40) increases, the current of the driving unit (40) can be compared. The current of the driving unit (40) can be sampled while the drum rotates, and the sampled values ​​can be compared. The current of the driving unit (40) can be an input current applied to the driving unit (40) or an output current output. The current can be the Q-axis current of the driving unit. Here, the current can be an average value of the sampling period.

[0301] 3) Comparison of the product of the drive current and the drum rotation speed

[0302] In order to determine the direction in which the power consumption of the driving unit (40) increases, the product of the current of the driving unit (40) and the rotational speed of the drum can be compared. The current of the driving unit (40) can be sampled while the drum rotates, and the sampled values ​​can be compared. The current of the driving unit (40) can be an input current applied to the driving unit (40) or an output current output. The current of the driving unit (40) can be a Q-axis current. Here, the current and the rotational speed can be average values ​​of the sampling interval.

[0303] That is, the direction in which the driving unit power consumption increases may not only be the direction in which the driving unit power consumption increases, but also the direction in which the driving unit power consumption increases may be the same as the direction in which the driving unit current increases. In addition, the direction in which the driving unit power consumption increases may be the same as the direction in which the product of the driving unit current and the drum rotation speed increases.

[0304] Therefore, in this specification, the direction in which the above three values ​​increase is referred to as the direction in which the driving unit power consumption increases.

[0305] In the first control mode (S2M), the steps for determining the change speed, which is the rotation speed of the i+2nd rotation stage (S2122), are described. i is an arbitrary positive integer starting from 1.

[0306] In the change speed determination step (S2121), the drum rotation speed of the i-th rotation step (S2111) is defined as the 'comparative speed', and the power consumption of the driving unit sampled in the i-th rotation step (S2121) is defined as the 'comparative power consumption'. In the embodiment, the comparative power consumption is exemplified as the power consumption, but it can be the 'current of the driving unit' or the 'product of the current of the driving unit and the drum rotation speed'.

[0307] The drum rotation speed of the i+1 rotation step (S2112) is defined as the 'reference speed'. The power consumption of the driving unit sampled in the i+1 rotation step (S2112) is defined as the 'reference power consumption'. In the embodiment, the reference power consumption is exemplified as the power consumption, but it can also be the 'current of the driving unit' or the 'product of the current of the driving unit and the drum rotation speed'.

[0308] The reference speed is compared to the comparison speed (M1). Then, the comparison power consumption is compared to the reference power consumption (M2, M3).

[0309] 1) If the reference speed is greater than the comparison speed (YES):

[0310] 1-1) By comparing the comparative power consumption and the reference power consumption (M2), if the reference power consumption is greater than the comparative power consumption (YES), the change speed is determined to be higher than the reference speed (M4).

[0311] 1-2) By comparing the comparative power consumption and the reference power consumption (M2), if the reference power consumption is lower than the comparative power consumption (NO), the change speed is determined to be lower than the reference speed (M5).

[0312] 2) If the reference speed is less than the comparison speed (NO):

[0313] 2-1) By comparing the comparative power consumption and the standard power consumption (M3), if the standard power consumption is greater than the comparative power consumption (YES), the change speed is determined to be lower than the standard speed (M5).

[0314] 2-2) By comparing the comparative power consumption and the reference power consumption (M3), if the reference power consumption is lower than the comparative power consumption (NO), the change speed is determined to be higher than the reference speed (M4).

[0315] According to this algorithm, the rotation speed of the drum (30) is changed, but the rotation speed of the drum (30) is continuously changed in a direction in which the power consumption of the driving unit increases.

[0316] When the drive unit operates in a direction that increases power consumption, washing efficiency increases. Operating in a direction that increases power consumption maintains the ideal trajectory for effective washing. As washing efficiency increases, the ideal trajectory for effective washing continues. Maintaining the ideal trajectory reduces the likelihood of tangling or foaming, thereby reducing the energy consumed for washing.

[0317] Figure 19 is a flowchart explaining the second control mode of the embodiment.

[0318] The second control mode (S2E) is a mode that changes the rotation speed in a direction in which the current flowing to the driving unit (40) decreases by comparing the sampled comparison value and the reference value.

[0319] By changing the rotation speed in a direction in which the current flowing in the driving unit (40) decreases, electrical energy can be saved. In particular, when the amount of clothing accommodated in the drum is large, there is insufficient free space for the clothing to move freely within the drum. In other words, since the tumble effect is low due to interference between clothing, it may be difficult to achieve ideal fabric flow even if the rotation speed is varied. By changing the rotation speed in a direction in which the current flowing in the driving unit (40) decreases, fabric tangle can be prevented. Unlike the first control mode, this does not achieve ideal fabric flow, but energy can be saved in real time. In addition, the effect of preventing fabric tangle can be obtained as the rotation speed is varied.

[0320] Meanwhile, research has shown that when the load is high (less than 50%), clothing behavior becomes simpler and more uniform compared to when the load is low. As the load increases beyond a certain level, the free movement of individual laundry items decreases, and laundry moves in groups, exhibiting simple and uniform behavioral characteristics. Under high loads, the second control mode enables real-time energy savings. Furthermore, by varying the rotation speed, tangling can be prevented even when the drum rotates continuously for extended periods.

[0321] The direction in which the current flowing in the driving unit (40) decreases can be determined by the following comparison, for example. In this specification, the following cases are collectively referred to as ‘comparing the driving unit current.’

[0322] 1) Comparison of driving current

[0323] In order to determine the direction in which the current flowing in the driving unit (40) decreases, the current of the driving unit (40) can be compared. The current of the driving unit (40) can be sampled while the drum rotates, and the sampled values ​​can be compared. The current of the driving unit (40) can be an input current applied to the driving unit (40) or an output current output. The current can be the Q-axis current of the driving unit. Here, the current can be an average value of the sampling period.

[0324] Therefore, in this specification, the direction in which the driving current described above decreases is referred to as the direction in which the driving current decreases.

[0325] In the second control mode (S2E), the steps for determining the change speed, which is the rotation speed of the i+2nd rotation stage (S2122), are described. i is an arbitrary positive integer starting from 1.

[0326] In the change speed determination step (S2121), the drum rotation speed of the i-th rotation step (S2111) is defined as the 'comparison speed', and the current of the driving unit sampled in the i-th rotation step (S2121) is defined as the 'comparison current'.

[0327] The drum rotation speed of the i+1 rotation step (S2112) is defined as the 'reference speed'. The current of the driving unit sampled at the i+1 rotation step (S2112) is defined as the 'reference current'.

[0328] The reference speed is compared to the comparison speed (E1). Then, the comparison current is compared to the reference current (E2, E3).

[0329] 1) If the reference speed is greater than the comparison speed (YES):

[0330] 1-1) By comparing the comparison current and the reference current (E2), if the reference current is smaller than the comparison current (YES), the change speed is determined to be higher than the reference speed (E4).

[0331] 1-2) By comparing the comparative power consumption and the reference power consumption (E2), if the reference current is greater than the comparative current (NO), the change speed is determined to be lower than the reference speed (E5).

[0332] 2) If the reference speed is less than the comparison speed (NO):

[0333] 2-1) By comparing the comparison current and the reference current (E3), if the reference current is smaller than the comparison current (YES), the change speed is determined to be lower than the reference speed (E5).

[0334] 2-2) By comparing the comparison current and the reference current (E3), if the reference current is greater than the comparison current (NO), the change speed is determined to be higher than the reference speed (E4).

[0335] According to this algorithm, the rotation speed of the drum (30) is changed, but the rotation speed of the drum (30) is continuously changed in the direction in which the driving current decreases.

[0336] Operating the drive unit in a direction that reduces current consumption reduces the energy consumed during washing. Furthermore, varying the drum rotation speed during the tumbling cycle can reduce the likelihood of foaming or tangling.

[0337] Figure 20 is a flowchart of an embodiment in which the first control mode and the second control mode are selected according to the amount of the container.

[0338] When the course begins, the garment treatment device detects the amount of laundry (S11). It determines whether the amount of laundry is less than the standard value (S12).

[0339] If the amount is less than the reference value, the first control mode (S2M) is executed in the tumbling section.

[0340] If the amount is greater than the reference value, the second control mode (S2E) is executed in the tumbling section.

[0341] The threshold is determined based on whether the load exceeds an appropriate amount for tumble motion to occur. When visually observing the motion described in (b) and (c) of Fig. 10, it is appropriate to execute the first control mode (S2M). If not observed, it is appropriate to execute the second control mode (S2E). In an embodiment, the threshold may be 50% of the maximum load.

[0342] If the amount of laundry is greater than the standard value, it may be difficult for tumble motion to occur in an environment. Tumble motion requires that clothes fall from the top of the drum to the bottom, but if the drum is loaded with a large amount of load that prevents tumble motion, the device operates in the second control mode (S2E), which is a method of saving energy by changing the rotation speed in real time in the direction of reducing the driving unit current, rather than the first control mode (S2M) for ideal tumble motion. Therefore, based on the amount of laundry, if the amount of laundry is appropriate, the washing effect can be increased while reducing energy, or if the amount of laundry is large and not appropriate for tumble motion, the energy can be reduced.

[0343] The second control mode (S2E) is a mode for saving energy in an over-saturation environment. The range of the tumbling speed of the second control mode (S2E) may be higher than that of the first control mode (S2M). For example, the maximum value of the tumbling speed (a) in the first control mode (S2M) max) is 60 RPM, and the minimum value (a min ) can be 30 RPM. The maximum value of the tumbling speed in the second control mode (S2E) is (a max ) is 70 RPM, and the minimum value (a min ) can be 40 RPM. Generally, as the RPM increases, the drive current decreases. Therefore, the second control mode (S2E), which is an energy saving mode, can be set to a range where energy is reduced rather than a range for precisely obtaining a tumble motion.

[0344] Figure 21 is a flow chart of a control method of one embodiment for ultra-low water washing.

[0345] In an ultra-water-saving washing environment, circulating washing water is insufficient. To replenish the insufficient washing water, the drum (30) can be temporarily rotated at a filtration speed during the tumbling section (S22a). That is, a filtration motion can be temporarily performed during the tumbling section. In an embodiment, the drum (30) can be rotated at a speed of 100 RPM or more during the filtration motion. In the filtration motion, the amount of moisture contained in the clothing is dehydrated to increase the water level in the tub (20). According to an embodiment of the present invention, ultra-water-saving washing is possible by increasing the water level in the tub (20) through the filtration motion during the tumbling section.

[0346] In the tumbling section, the drum (30) rotates at a tumbling speed (S21a). In an embodiment, the tumbling speed rotation step (S21a) may have a variable rotation speed according to the first control mode (S2M) or the second control mode (S2E) described above.

[0347] After a certain amount of time has passed (YES), it is determined whether the water level in the tub (20) is higher than the standard water level (S21c).

[0348] If the water level is higher than the reference water level (YES), the circulation pump is operated to circulate the water in the tub (20) (S23).

[0349] If the water level is lower than the reference water level (NO), the drum (30) is rotated at a filtration speed (S22a). When rotating at the filtration speed, it is determined whether the UB (Unbalance; laundry eccentricity) is higher than the reference value (S22b).

[0350] If UB is higher than the reference value (YES), the drum (30) is rotated again at the tumbling speed. While the drum (30) rotates at the tumbling speed, foaming may occur. According to the first control mode (S2M) or the second control mode (S2E), foaming occurs. When foaming occurs, UB decreases. If the holding time at a fixed tumbling speed becomes long, there is a problem of foaming occurring, but according to an embodiment of the present invention, foaming is prevented in the tumbling speed rotation step (S21a), so that the probability of UB occurring in the filtration speed rotation step (S22a) is reduced. In addition, in the case of the embodiment of the present invention in which the clothes are stirred at a tumbling speed that changes in real time, compared to performing a filtration motion while stirring the clothes at a fixed tumbling speed, not only is the mechanical power strengthened to ensure washing performance, but also the filtration time can be increased, so that ultra-water-saving washing can be realized.

[0351] If UB is lower than the reference value (NO), the drum (30) is rotated at the filtration speed until the water level is higher than the reference level or a certain amount of time has elapsed.

[0352] When the water level is higher than the reference water level or a certain amount of time has passed (YES), the circulation pump is operated to circulate the water in the tub (20) (S23).

[0353] This movement is repeated until the tumbling period ends.

[0354] Fig. 22 is a flowchart of a control method for another embodiment of ultra-saving washing. Only the parts that differ from the embodiment referring to Fig. 21 are described.

[0355] Entering the stage of rotation at filtration speed (S22a), if UB is lower than the reference value, the drum (30) continues to rotate at filtration speed. If the water level rises above the reference level (S22d), the circulation pump is operated to circulate the water in the tub (20) (S23).

[0356] If the water level is lower than the reference water level and a certain amount of time has passed (S22e), additional water is supplied (S24) and the circulation pump is operated to circulate the water in the tub (20) (S23).

[0357] Here, the reference water level is the water level at which water remains at the bottom of the tub (20) even when the circulation pump operates for a set period of time and the water level in the tub (20) decreases. FIGS. 23 and 24 are drawings depicting how the circulation pump operates in ultra-saving washing, resupplying washing water to the drum. When the circulation pump operates, the water level in the tub (20) decreases, and if the water level is low, the circulation pump may be overloaded.

[0358] In conclusion, clothes can be washed in an ultra-water-efficient washing environment. According to embodiments of the present invention, improved mechanical power, improved chemical power, energy savings, and minimization of unbalance (UB) can be achieved simultaneously in an ultra-water-efficient washing environment.

[0359] Fig. 25 is a graph showing changes in rotation speed according to an embodiment in a tumbling section for ultra-low water washing.

[0360] This is explained with reference to the graph. In the tumbling section (S2), the drum can repeat rotation in the first direction (CW) and rotation in the second direction (CCW). While rotating in the first direction (CW) or the second direction (CCW), a tumbling speed rotation step (S21a) in which the drum rotates at a tumbling speed and a filtration speed rotation step (S22a) are repeated. The tumbling speed rotation step may be a section in which the drum rotates at the tumbling speed, but the rotation speed is changed. The rotation speed change is based on the first control mode or the second control mode described above. The filtration speed rotation step (S22) may be performed at least once in the tumbling section (S2).

[0361] The present invention may be implemented in various modified forms, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, if a modified embodiment includes elements of the claims of the present invention, it should be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cabinet with an input opening at the front; A drum having a drum opening provided inside the cabinet and communicating with the input opening; and It includes a driving unit that is provided at the rear of the drum and rotates the drum, In a garment treatment device that performs a course including a tumble motion in which the drum rotates at a tumbling speed, which is a rotational speed at which the garments received in the drum rise to a predetermined position in the rotational direction of the drum and then fall, In the above tumble motion, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the tumbling speed is controlled so that the current flowing to the driving unit decreases when the drum rotates.

2. In paragraph 1, The direction in which the current flowing through the above driving unit decreases is A clothing treatment device characterized in that the input current applied to the driving unit or the output current output from the driving unit is in a direction in which it decreases.

3. In paragraph 1, The direction in which the current flowing through the above driving unit decreases is A clothing treatment device characterized in that the Q-axis current of the above driving unit is in a direction in which it decreases.

4. In paragraph 1. A garment treatment device characterized in that the above tumbling speed is controlled to vary for each set cycle.

5. In paragraph 4, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the above current is an average current during the above setting cycle.

6. In paragraph 4, A garment treatment device characterized in that the tumbling speed is changed at least three times while the drum continuously rotates in one direction.

7. In paragraph 6, In the above tumble motion, the tumble speed is The above drum is a comparative speed while rotating the above setting cycle, During the next above setting cycle, the reference speed is changed to a speed different from the above comparison speed, A garment treatment device characterized in that the speed is changed to a speed different from the reference speed during the next setting cycle.

8. In paragraph 7, The above change rates are: i) If the direction of change from the comparative speed to the reference speed and the direction of change from the comparative current, which is the current flowing in the driving part when the drum rotates at the comparative speed, to the reference current, which is the current flowing in the driving part when the drum rotates at the reference speed, are different, then the speed is higher than the reference speed, ii) If the direction of change from the above comparison speed to the above reference speed and the direction of change from the above comparison current to the above reference current are the same, the speed is lower than the above reference speed. A garment processing device characterized by:

9. In paragraph 8, In the case of the above i), (a) the reference speed is higher than the comparison speed and the reference current is lower than the comparison current and (b) the reference speed is lower than the comparison speed and the reference current is higher than the comparison current. In the case of the above ii), (c) the reference speed is higher than the comparison speed and the reference current is higher than the comparison current and iv) the reference speed is lower than the comparison speed and the reference current is lower than the comparison current. A garment processing device characterized by:

10. In paragraph 4. A garment treatment device characterized in that the above setting cycle is n rotations of the drum.

11. In paragraph 10, A garment treatment device characterized in that the above n rotations are at least 1 rotation and less than 1 / 3 of the total number of rotations while the drum continuously rotates in one direction.

12. In paragraph 4, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the above setting cycle is a setting time.

13. In paragraph 12, A garment treatment device characterized in that the above setting time is at least 1 second and less than 1 / 3 of the total rotation time of the drum rotating in one direction.

14. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the tumbling speed is lower than the filtration speed, which is the speed at which the drum rotates more than once while maintaining the state in which the clothing adheres to the inner surface of the drum.

15. In paragraph 14, A garment treatment device characterized in that the tumbling speed is at least a speed at which garments are lifted from the bottom of the drum by 90 degrees (deg) or more in the direction of rotation of the drum by the rotation of the drum, or 30 rpm or more.

16. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the above tumbling speed is controlled to increase or decrease by a unit speed.

17. In paragraph 16, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the unit speed is set to a value in the range of 0.5 to 5 RPM.

18. In paragraph 7, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the first comparison speed among the above comparison speeds is a first initial speed.

19. In paragraph 18, A garment treatment device characterized in that the first initial speed is a speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the garment on the inner surface of the drum is 1G or less.

20. In paragraph 19, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the first reference speed among the above reference speeds is a second initial speed that is higher than the first initial speed.

21. In any one of the clauses 1 to 20, Further comprising a tub provided inside the cabinet, having a tub opening communicating with the inlet opening, accommodating the drum, and storing water; The above course is, It includes a washing cycle to separate foreign substances from the clothing, a rinsing cycle to remove the foreign substances, and a dehydration cycle to remove moisture from the clothing. A clothing treatment device characterized in that the above tumble motion is performed in at least one of the above washing cycle and the above rinsing cycle.

22. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 20, A circulation path provided to communicate with the drum and circulate air inside the drum; and It further includes a heat exchanger including an evaporator located inside the circulation path to cool the air, and a condenser to heat the air passing through the evaporator. The above course is, Including a drying process to remove moisture from the above clothing, A garment treatment device characterized in that the above tumble motion is performed in the above drying process.

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