Clothing treatment device and method for controlling clothing treatment device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a clothing treatment device comprising: a drum for accommodating clothing; a driving unit for rotating the drum; a circulation duct in which a circulation fan for circulating air inside the drum is loaded; a heat exchanger arranged inside the circulation duct so as to heat the air; and a compressor for supplying a refrigerant for heating the air to the heat exchanger, wherein the driving unit repeats driving and stopping in at least one from among a heating step, a constant-rate step and a decreasing-rate step, and the actual operation rate of the driving unit in the constant-rate step and / or the decreasing-rate step is set to be greater than the actual operation rate of the driving unit in the heating step.

Description

Garment treatment device and method for controlling the garment treatment device

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment treatment device and a control method thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to a garment treatment device and a control method thereof that places garments into a drum and then rotates the drum to dry moisture.

[0002]

[0003] A garment treatment device is a device that can wash, dry, or both wash and dry garments (laundry items or drying items), and includes washing machines, dryers, and combined washing machines and dryers.

[0004] Recently, a clothing treatment device utilizing a heat pump has emerged that can intensively dry clothing. This conventional device supplied hot air generated by the heat pump to clothing stored within a drum, while simultaneously rotating the drum to ensure that the clothing was evenly exposed to the hot air, thereby drying the clothing.

[0005] This garment treatment device is equipped with a front-load type drum with a rotating shaft parallel to the ground or an inlet positioned at the front, and is equipped to dry garments by supplying hot air into the drum while rotating the drum while containing the garments. As a result, the garments can be dried by being evenly exposed to the hot air as they rise and fall in accordance with the rotation of the drum while being placed at the bottom of the drum.

[0006] However, since the purpose of these clothing treatment devices is to dry clothes, wet clothes are initially placed in the drum.

[0007] In such a garment treatment device, as the moisture evaporates during the drying cycle, the weight of the clothes inside the drum may gradually become lighter. Therefore, the load on the motor may gradually decrease as the drying cycle is performed. However, in the early stages of the drying cycle, the weight of the clothes, including moisture, may cause excessive power consumption when the motor is driven compared to the later stages of the drying cycle. In addition, wet clothes may rise less than when they are dry, and problems may arise in which the clothes become bunched or twisted while moving within the drum. Therefore, in such a garment treatment device, continuous rotation of the drum in the early stages of the drying cycle may be disadvantageous for power consumption or stable drum rotation compared to the later stages of the drying cycle.

[0008] Furthermore, wet clothing not only weighs more than dry clothing, but also has a higher adhesive strength, which can lead to extremely strong adhesion between the clothing and the drum walls. Therefore, when rotating a drum containing wet clothing, the weight of the wet clothing may prevent it from being lifted sufficiently, and the clothing may shift within the drum, causing it to clump or twist.

[0009] Additionally, if clothing becomes twisted or bunched up while wet, it can cause wrinkles or damage to the clothing even after it dries.

[0010] In addition, the above-mentioned clothes that are bunched up or twisted may move in accordance with the rotation of the drum and push the door that closes the entrance of the drum, which may cause the moisture and hot air inside the drum to leak out.

[0011] Additionally, if the clothing is twisted or bunched up, it may cause unbalance inside the drum, which may cause an overload on the motor that rotates the drum or interfere with the normal operation of the motor.

[0012] Recently, a garment treatment device has been developed that prevents wrinkles by slowing down the drum rotation speed when the humidity level of the garment is low and speeding up the drum rotation speed when the humidity level is high. (See European Patent Publication No. 2008 / 000726.)

[0013] However, the above conventional clothing treatment device has the problem of worsening twisting or bunching of clothing because the drum rotates at a higher rotation speed when the clothing is wet with high humidity than when it is dry.

[0014] Additionally, a garment treatment device has emerged that intermittently rotates a drum after the drying cycle is complete to remove wrinkles from clothing. (See Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0144288)

[0015] However, these clothing treatment devices also had the problem of having difficulty solving the problem of twisting or bunching of wet clothing by rotating the drum at high speed for a long time in the early stage of the drying process, while lowering the drum's operating rate in the latter stage of the drying process and rotating the drum intermittently.

[0016] In addition, a clothing treatment device that uses a control method to drive the drum at a slower speed in the latter half of the cycle and to lower the continuous rotation time of the drum in order to eliminate clumping of clothes when performing the drying cycle after the dehydration cycle as a washing / drying machine has also appeared (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-235440).

[0017] However, these clothing treatment devices also had the problem that the drum rotated faster in the early stage of the drying cycle than in the later stage of the drying cycle, and the drum rotated continuously for a longer period of time, which could not improve the clumping or twisting of the clothing.

[0018] This type of bunching or twisting is more likely to occur with larger loads of clothing than with smaller loads. This is because smaller loads of clothing have more room to move within the drum without touching other garments, so even with continuous drum rotation, the likelihood of bunching or twisting is lower than with larger loads.

[0019] However, in conventional clothing treatment devices, there has been no disclosure of a technology for controlling the rotation speed and operating rate of the drum differently depending on the weight of the clothing loaded into the drum.

[0020]

[0021] The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device capable of minimizing twisting or bunching of wet clothing while performing a drying process.

[0022] The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device capable of eliminating twisting or bunching of clothing during the drying process.

[0023] The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device capable of minimizing changes in humidity and temperature in an external space where the clothing treatment device is installed while performing a drying course.

[0024] The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device capable of reducing power consumption of a driving unit that rotates a drum while performing a drying course.

[0025] The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device capable of providing an optimal rotation method of a drum according to the dryness level of clothing while performing a drying course.

[0026]

[0027] In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a clothing treatment device and a control method thereof capable of optimally applying the drum's positive and negative agitation and operating rate to each section of a drying course, in order to solve the problems of increased twisting of clothing, restriction of a motor that rotates a drum, moisture leakage from a door, and a performance coefficient (reduction of evaporation efficiency).

[0028] For example, the actual operating rate can be controlled to be smaller in the early stage of the drying process than in the later stage.

[0029] In particular, in the case where the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a large capacity and the bath ratio (Liter / kg) obtained by dividing the drum capacity by the maximum drying load becomes small, the drum normal and reverse stirring and operating rate can be optimally designed for each section in the drying course to prevent the problem from worsening.

[0030] In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a clothing treatment device including a cabinet having an opening, a door for opening and closing the opening, a drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet to accommodate clothing, a heat supply unit for supplying air inside the drum to dry the clothing, and a control unit for controlling the heat supply unit to perform a drying course for drying the clothing.

[0031] The drum can be controlled to rotate at a lower operating rate (ratio of time spent rotating to time spent stopping) or with more rotational changes in direction at the beginning of the drying course when the internal temperature is below a reference value than at the end of the drying course when the internal temperature is above a reference value.

[0032] The garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a circulation duct for circulating air inside the drum, and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the circulation duct.

[0033] The drum can be controlled to rotate at a lower operating rate or with a greater change in rotation direction at the beginning of the drying course when the temperature inside the circulation duct is below a reference value than at the end of the drying course when the temperature inside the circulation duct is above a reference value.

[0034] The above heat supply unit may further include a plurality of heat exchangers arranged in the circulation duct to cool and heat the air, and a compressor that supplies a refrigerant that heats the air to one of the plurality of heat exchangers.

[0035] The drum can be controlled to rotate at a lower operating rate or with a greater change in rotation direction at the beginning of the drying course when the operating speed (hz) of the compressor is driven to a set value or higher or to a maximum value, than at the end of the drying course when the operating speed (hz) of the compressor is reduced to a set value or lower.

[0036] The drum may be stopped for a longer period of time than it is rotated at the beginning of the drying course.

[0037] The above drum may rotate for a longer period of time during which it is continuously stopped than during which it is continuously rotated at the beginning of the above drying course.

[0038] At the beginning of the drying process, the actual rotation rate of the drum may be set to 50% or less. Specifically, at the beginning of the drying process, the actual rotation rate of the drum may be set to 30% or less and 15% or more.

[0039] The above drum can rotate for a longer time than the time it stops rotating at the end of the above drying course.

[0040] The above drying course may be composed of a series of control methods for performing a drying process including a heating step in which the operating speed of the compressor increases to a set value or higher or to a maximum value, a constant rate step in which the operating speed of the compressor begins to decrease, and a deceleration step in which the temperature inside the circulation duct increases to a target value or higher or the dryness of the clothing increases to a certain value or higher.

[0041] The above drum can be controlled to rotate at a lower operating rate in the heating step than in the reduction step.

[0042] The above drum can be controlled to rotate at a lower operating rate in the above rate step than in the above rate step.

[0043] The drum may rotate at a lower operating rate than the constant rate stage in the heating step or may rotate at the same operating rate as the constant rate stage.

[0044] The drum can be controlled to rotate in a direction that is changed more in the heating step than in the constant rate step or the deceleration step.

[0045] When the drum is rotated, it can rotate at a rotational speed that allows the clothes to move higher than the rotation center of the drum in the drying course.

[0046] When the above drum rotates, it can rotate at the same rotation speed throughout the drying course.

[0047] The drum may be designed so that the maximum capacity volume ratio (bath ratio) of the clothing to the maximum capacity weight is set to 13 to 14.

[0048] In the garment treatment device of the present invention, the heating step may be set so that the actual operating rate (ratio of the rotating time to the stopping time) of the drum is lower than that of the deceleration step.

[0049] The heating step may be set to cause the drum to stop for a longer period than the deceleration step when the drum stops and the drum rotates again.

[0050] The above heating step may be set so that the rotation direction of the drum changes more than the above reduction step.

[0051] The above heating step may be set to have a lower operating rate of the drum than the above rate step.

[0052] The above heating step may be set to cause the drum to be stopped for a longer period than the above rate step.

[0053] The above heating step can be set so that the rotation direction of the drum changes more than the above rate step.

[0054] The above heating step may be set so that the rotation direction of the drum changes more than the above reduction step.

[0055] The above heating step may be set to change the rotation direction more times than the above reduction step.

[0056] The above heating step may be set to have a longer time for the drum to stop when it rotates again after stopping than the above reduction step.

[0057] The above heating step may be set to change the rotation direction more times when the drum rotates again after stopping than in the above constant rate step.

[0058] In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a method for controlling a clothing treatment device including a drum for accommodating clothing, a driving unit for rotating the drum, a circulation duct in which a circulation fan for circulating air inside the drum is installed, a heat exchanger disposed inside the circulation duct for heating the air, and a compressor for supplying a refrigerant for heating the air to the heat exchanger.

[0059] The above control method may include a heating step of driving the compressor while driving the circulation fan and the driving unit so that the temperature of the refrigerant reaches a target temperature; a constant rate step of driving the circulation fan and the driving unit until the dryness of the clothing reaches a specific value after the temperature of the refrigerant reaches the target temperature; and a deceleration step of driving the circulation fan and the driving unit until the dryness of the clothing reaches a completion value higher than the specific value.

[0060] The driving unit is provided to repeat driving and stopping in at least one of the heating step, the constant rate step, and the deceleration step, and the actual operating rate of the driving unit in at least one of the constant rate step and the deceleration step can be set to be greater than the actual operating rate of the driving unit in the heating step.

[0061] In the above-mentioned rate step, the actual operating rate of the driving unit can be set to be greater than the actual operating rate of the driving unit in the above-mentioned heating step or the above-mentioned rate step.

[0062] In the above-mentioned rate step, the actual operating rate of the driving unit can be set to be equal to or greater than the actual operating rate of the driving unit in the above-mentioned heating step.

[0063] In the above-mentioned rate reduction step, the actual operating rate of the driving unit can be set to be equal to or greater than the actual operating rate of the driving unit in the above-mentioned rate reduction step.

[0064] In the above heating step, the drum can rotate so that the time it is continuously stopped is longer than the time it is continuously rotated.

[0065] In the above heating step, the actual operating rate of the driving unit can be set to 50% or less.

[0066] In the above heating step, the actual operating rate of the driving unit can be set to 30% or less and 20% or more.

[0067] At least one of the above-mentioned rate step and the above-mentioned rate step may be set such that the time for which the drum rotates is longer than the time for which the drum stops.

[0068] In at least one of the above-mentioned rate step and the above-mentioned rate step, the actual rotation rate of the drum may be set to be greater than the actual rotation rate of the drum in the above-mentioned heating step.

[0069] The drum can rotate continuously for a longer time than the heating step in at least one of the constant rate step and the constant rate step.

[0070] The above-described rate step allows the drum to rotate continuously for a longer period of time than the above-described heating step or the above-described rate step.

[0071] The above heating step or the above rate step may change the rotation direction of the drum more frequently than the above rate step.

[0072] The above drum may rotate at a rotational speed such that, when rotated, the clothing may move upwards above the center of rotation of the drum.

[0073] The above drum can rotate at the same rotation speed each time it rotates.

[0074] The drum may be designed so that the maximum capacity volume ratio (bath ratio) of the clothing to the maximum capacity weight is set to 13 to 14.

[0075] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a fan motor mounted on the circulation duct, spaced apart from the driving unit, and rotating the circulation fan.

[0076] The above driving unit may be provided to rotate the drum independently of the circulation fan.

[0077] In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a method for controlling a clothing treatment device including a drum for accommodating clothing, a driving unit for rotating the drum, a circulation duct for circulating air inside the drum, a heat exchanger disposed inside the circulation duct for heating the air, and a compressor for supplying a refrigerant for heating the air to the heat exchanger.

[0078] The above control method may include a heating step of increasing the temperature of the refrigerant to a target temperature while rotating the drum; a constant rate step of rotating the drum until the dryness of the clothing reaches a specific value after the temperature of the refrigerant reaches the target temperature; and a decreasing rate step of rotating the drum until the dryness of the clothing reaches a completion value higher than the specific value.

[0079] The above heating step or the above rate step may be set so that the actual operating rate of the driving unit is smaller than that of the above rate step.

[0080] The above rate step may be set so that the actual operating rate of the driving unit is equal to or smaller than that of the above rate step.

[0081] The heating step may be set to cause the drum to stop for a longer period of time than the deceleration step and to rotate the drum again.

[0082] The above heating step may be set so that the rotation direction of the drum changes more than the above reduction step.

[0083] The heating step may be set such that the drum stops for a longer period of time than the constant rate step and the drum rotates again.

[0084] The above heating step can be set so that the rotation direction of the drum changes more than the above rate step.

[0085] The device further includes a circulation fan mounted on the circulation duct to circulate the internal air of the drum, and a fan motor coupled to the circulation fan to rotate the circulation fan, and the driving unit may be provided to rotate the drum independently of the circulation fan.

[0086] In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a method for controlling a clothing treatment device including a drum for accommodating clothing, a driving unit for rotating the drum, a circulation duct in which a circulation fan for circulating air inside the drum is installed, a heat exchanger disposed inside the circulation duct for heating the air, and a compressor for supplying a refrigerant for heating the air to the heat exchanger.

[0087] The above control method may include a heating step of driving the compressor while driving the circulation fan and the driving unit so that the temperature of the refrigerant reaches a target temperature; a constant rate step of driving the circulation fan and the driving unit until the dryness of the clothing reaches a specific value after the temperature of the refrigerant reaches the target temperature; and a deceleration step of driving the circulation fan and the driving unit until the dryness of the clothing reaches a completion value higher than the specific value.

[0088] In the above reduction step, the actual operating rate of the driving unit can be set to be greater than the actual operating rate of the driving unit in the above heating step.

[0089] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a fan motor mounted on the circulation duct and independently controlled from the driving unit to rotate the circulation fan.

[0090] The above driving unit may be provided to rotate the drum independently of the circulation fan.

[0091] In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a method for controlling a clothing treatment device including a drum for accommodating clothing, a driving unit for rotating the drum, a circulation duct for circulating air inside the drum, a heat exchanger disposed inside the circulation duct for heating the air, and a compressor for supplying a refrigerant for heating the air to the heat exchanger.

[0092] The above control method may include a heating step in which the operating speed (hz) of the compressor is increased or maintained at a target value while rotating the drum, a constant rate step in which the operating speed of the compressor is decreased or maintained at a set value while rotating the drum, and a decreasing rate step in which the temperature of air discharged outside the drum is increased while rotating the drum.

[0093] The above heating step may be set so that the rotation direction of the drum changes more than the above reduction step.

[0094] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a circulation fan mounted on the circulation duct to circulate the internal air of the drum, and a fan motor coupled to the circulation fan but controlled independently from the driving unit to rotate the circulation fan.

[0095] The above driving unit may be provided to rotate the drum independently of the circulation fan.

[0096] The above heating step may be set to change the rotation direction more times than the above reduction step.

[0097] The above heating step may be set to have a longer time for the drum to stop when it rotates again after stopping than the above reduction step.

[0098] The above heating step may be set to change the rotation direction more times when the drum rotates again after stopping than in the above constant rate step.

[0099]

[0100] The present invention has the effect of minimizing twisting or bunching of wet clothing while performing a drying cycle.

[0101] The drying process of the present invention has the effect of eliminating twisting or bunching of clothing.

[0102] The present invention has the effect of minimizing changes in humidity and temperature in an external space where a clothing treatment device is installed while performing a drying course.

[0103] The present invention has the effect of reducing power consumption of a driving unit that rotates a drum while performing a drying course.

[0104] The present invention has the effect of providing an optimal rotation method of the drum according to the dryness level of clothing while performing a drying course.

[0105]

[0106] Figure 1 illustrates the appearance of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0107] Figure 2 illustrates the internal structure of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0108] Figure 3 illustrates the base structure of the clothing treatment device of Figure 2.

[0109] Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the internal structure of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0110] Figure 5 illustrates a base and a rear plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0112] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the internal structure of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0113] Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of a control method for a clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0114] Figure 9 illustrates the state of the clothing treatment device when the control method of Figure 8 is performed.

[0115] Figure 10 illustrates a state in which clothing is placed inside a drum.

[0116] Figure 11 shows the internal state when the drum rotates during the drying process.

[0117] Figure 12 illustrates a state in which a large amount of clothing is loaded into the drum.

[0118] Figure 13 illustrates a method of rotating a drum of a garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0119] Figure 14 illustrates an example of applying a protective motion in a drying cycle in a clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0120] Figure 15 shows the change in power consumption according to the drum operating rate when drying a large amount of clothes in the heating stage.

[0121] Figure 16 shows the change in power consumption according to the drum operating rate when drying a large amount of clothes in the constant rate stage.

[0122] Figure 17 shows the change in power consumption according to the drum operating rate when drying a small amount of clothing in the heating stage.

[0123] Figure 18 shows the change in power consumption according to the drum operating rate when drying a small amount of clothes in the constant rate stage.

[0124] Figure 19 illustrates an embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention rotates while changing the rotational direction of the drum.

[0125] Fig. 20 illustrates an embodiment in which the control method of Fig. 19 is performed together with actual operating rate control.

[0126] Figure 21 illustrates an example in which the control method for drum rotation of the present invention is applied in a drying course.

[0127] Figure 22 illustrates the energy saving effect according to the progress of the drying course when the control method of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is applied.

[0128] Figure 23 illustrates the energy saving effect of each component when the control method of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is applied.

[0129] Figure 24 illustrates that the energy rating is improved when the control method of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is applied.

[0130] Figure 25 illustrates that the sealing effect of the door is improved when the control method of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is applied.

[0131] Figure 26 illustrates an example in which the applicability of the control method of the garment treatment device of the present invention varies depending on the maximum volume compared to the maximum weight capacity of the drum.

[0132] Figure 27 illustrates an embodiment in which the control method of the garment treatment device of the present invention varies depending on the capacity of the garment.

[0133] Figure 28 illustrates a problem that occurs when there is a small amount of clothing.

[0134] Fig. 29 illustrates an embodiment of controlling the rotation speed of a drum when a small amount of clothing is input.

[0135] Fig. 30 illustrates an embodiment of controlling the rotation speed of a drum when there is a large amount of clothing.

[0136] Figure 31 illustrates a control method for setting the rotation control of the drum differently depending on the weight of the clothing.

[0137] Figure 32 illustrates an example of performing a drying course when a continuous rotation step is performed.

[0138] Figure 33 illustrates an example of performing a drying course when a single rotation step is performed.

[0139] Figure 34 illustrates the change in the performance coefficient of the drying course when the garment treatment device of the present invention applies the protective motion and the normal motion.

[0140] Figure 35 illustrates an embodiment of controlling a compressor in a clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0141] Figure 36 illustrates the effect when the compressor control and rotation control are performed simultaneously.

[0142] Figure 37 illustrates the effectiveness of the clothing treatment device of the present invention when drying a large amount of clothing.

[0143] Figure 38 illustrates the effectiveness of the clothing treatment device of the present invention when drying a small amount of clothing.

[0144]

[0145] 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 assigned 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.

[0146] Figure 1 illustrates the appearance of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0147] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may be equipped with a dryer capable of executing any drying course that performs a drying process to remove moisture from clothing.

[0148] The garment treatment device of the present invention may include a cabinet (100) having an exterior and an opening (111) at the front through which garments are taken in and out, and a door (130) that is rotatably provided at the front of the cabinet (100) and opens and closes the opening (111).

[0149] The above cabinet (100) may be provided with a front panel (110) having the opening (111), side panels (140) arranged on both sides of the front panel (110), and an upper panel (150) arranged above the front panel (110) and the side panel (140).

[0150] The front panel (110) may be provided with a control panel (117) having an operation unit (118) for operating the garment treatment device and a display unit (119) for externally displaying the status of the garment treatment device.

[0151] In addition, the water removed by drying the clothes can be collected in a drain tank (120), and the drain tank (120) can be accommodated in the cabinet (100) and be provided to be drawn in and out toward the front of the front panel (110).

[0152] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may have any structure as long as it has components for drying clothing placed inside.

[0153] However, regardless of which embodiment the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with, it is preferable to be equipped with a front-load type so that even if a large amount of clothing is loaded, hot air can be supplied to evenly dry it.

[0154] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the internal structure of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0155] The garment treatment device of the present invention may include a drum (200) that is rotatably installed inside a cabinet (100) to accommodate garments.

[0156] The garment treatment device of the present invention may include a support member (400) provided inside the cabinet (100) to rotatably support the drum (200).

[0157] The above support member (400) may include a front plate (410) that rotatably supports the front of the drum (200) and a rear plate (420) that rotatably supports the rear of the drum (200).

[0158] The front plate (410) and the rear plate (420) may be provided in a plate shape facing the drum (200) and may be placed vertically on the ground.

[0159] The front plate (410) and the rear plate (420) may have a plurality of rollers installed to support the drum (200).

[0160] The garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a driving unit (500) that rotates the drum (200).

[0161] The above driving unit (500) may include a motor (510) that provides power to rotate the drum (200), a pulley (550) that is coupled to the motor (510) and rotates, and a belt (570) that connects the pulley (550) and the drum (200) to transmit rotational power.

[0162] The garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a base (800) positioned lower than the drum (200). The base (800) is provided to provide a space for installing electrical components such as a motor (510), and may form the bottom surface of the garment treatment device of the present invention, or may be installed and positioned on the bottom panel of the cabinet (100).

[0163] The garment treatment device of the present invention may include a circulation duct (820) provided on the base (800) to circulate air in the drum (200). The circulation duct (820) may include an exhaust duct (823) that extends to the rear of the drum (200) to move air, and may further include an inlet duct (821) that extends to the front of the drum (200) to suck in air.

[0164] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a heat supply unit (900) provided in a circulation duct (820) to exchange heat with air discharged from a drum (200).

[0165] The above heat supply unit (900) may include an evaporator (910) mounted on a circulation duct (820) to cool air discharged from a drum (200), a condenser (920) positioned downstream of the evaporator (910) to heat air passing through the evaporator (910), a compressor (930) to supply refrigerant that heats the air to the condenser, and an expansion valve (940) to expand the refrigerant passing through the condenser (820) to lower the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0166] The above compressor and the expansion valve (940) are placed outside the circulation duct (820).

[0167] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a circulation fan (950) coupled to the circulation duct (820) to circulate air inside the drum.

[0168] The above circulation fan (950) may further include an impeller placed inside the circulation duct (820) and a fan motor (951) mounted on the impeller and mounted outside the circulation duct (820) to rotate the impeller.

[0169] The above fan motor (951) can be understood as a motor that is mounted at the rear of the circulation duct (820) and drives the circulation fan (950).

[0170] The above fan motor (951) is provided separately from the driving motor (510) of the driving unit (500) and can be controlled independently of the driving motor (510).

[0171] As a result, the circulation fan (950) can be controlled independently from the driving unit (500). In other words, the driving unit (500) can repeat stopping and driving separately from the circulation fan (950).

[0172] Accordingly, the driving unit (500) may be provided to rotate the drum (200) independently of the circulation fan (950).

[0173] Figure 3 illustrates the base structure of the clothing treatment device of Figure 2.

[0174] The above base (800) can be divided into the circulation duct (820) and the device installation part (810) placed outside the circulation duct (820).

[0175] The above circulation duct (820) may include a moving duct (822) disposed on one side of the base (800) and in which an evaporator (910) and a condenser (920) are installed. The moving duct (822) may be provided to connect the inlet duct (821) and the exhaust duct (823).

[0176] A circulation fan (950) for moving the air may be installed in the above-mentioned exhaust duct (823). The circulation fan (950) may apply negative pressure inside the circulation duct (820) to induce air to flow in from the inlet duct (821) (direction I) and be discharged to the exhaust duct (823). (direction II)

[0177] The above compressor (930), driving unit (500), and circulation fan (950) can be installed in the device installation unit (810) located on one side of the moving duct (820).

[0178] A water collecting unit may be placed between the compressor (930) and the moving duct (820) to collect water condensed in the evaporator (910). A drainage pump may be installed in the water collecting unit to discharge water into the drainage tank (120).

[0179] The above moving duct (820) may be positioned offset to one side from the center of the base (800). The width of the moving duct (820) may correspond to half the width of the base (800).

[0180] Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the internal structure of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0181] The garment treatment device of the present invention may include a drum (200) accommodated inside the cabinet (100) to accommodate garments, a driving unit (500) that rotates the drum (200), a heat exchange unit (900) that supplies hot air to the drum (200), and a base (800) that is provided with a circulation duct (820). The circulation duct (820) is provided to communicate with the drum (200). Air discharged from the drum (200) can be supplied to the circulation duct (820). In addition, air discharged from the circulation duct (820) can be supplied back to the drum (200).

[0182] The above driving unit may include a driving unit (500) that provides power to rotate the drum (200). The driving unit may be directly connected to the drum (200) to rotate the drum (200). For example, the driving unit may be provided as a DD (Direct Drive unit) type. Accordingly, the driving unit can control the rotational direction or rotational speed of the drum (200) by directly rotating the drum (200) by omitting components such as belts and pulleys.

[0183] The above driving unit (500) can rotate at a high RPM. For example, it can rotate at a much higher RPM than the RPM at which the clothes inside the drum (200) can rotate while attached to the inner wall of the drum (200).

[0184] However, there is a problem that the drying efficiency decreases because the clothes inside the drum (200) are continuously attached to the inner wall of the drum (200) and rotate, and the part attached to the inner wall of the drum is not exposed to hot air.

[0185] If the rotor (520) is rotated at a low RPM so that the clothes inside the drum (200) roll or are stirred without being attached to the inner wall of the drum (200), a problem may occur in which the output or torque that the driving unit can generate is not properly utilized.

[0186] Accordingly, the driving unit of the garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a reducer (600) that can increase torque while utilizing the maximum output of the driving unit (500) by reducing the RPM.

[0187] The drum (200) may be provided in a cylindrical shape to accommodate clothing. Furthermore, unlike drums used for washing, there is no need to introduce water into the drum (200) used only for drying, and there is no need to discharge liquid water condensed within the drum (200) to the outside of the drum (200). Accordingly, the drum (200) may omit the through holes provided along the circumference. In other words, the drum (200) used only for drying may be formed differently from the drum (200) used for washing.

[0188] The above drum (200) may be provided in an integral cylindrical shape, but may also be manufactured in a form in which a drum body (210) including a circumferential surface and a drum rear surface (220) forming a rear surface are combined.

[0189] An inlet (211) for clothes to enter and exit may be provided at the front of the drum body (210). A driving unit for rotating the drum may be connected to the rear of the drum back surface (220). The drum body (210) and the drum back surface (220) may be joined by a fastening member such as a bolt, but are not limited thereto. If the drum body (210) and the drum back surface (220) are joined so that they can rotate together, they may be joined using various methods.

[0190] The drum body (210) may be equipped with a lift (213) that pulls the clothes contained therein upward so that the clothes can be mixed as the drum rotates. As the drum (200) rotates, the clothes contained therein can be repeatedly raised and lowered by the lift (213). The clothes contained within the drum (200) can be evenly exposed to hot air through the repeated raising and lowering. Therefore, the drying efficiency is increased and the drying time is shortened.

[0191] A reinforcing bead (212) may be formed on the circumference of the drum body (210). The reinforcing bead (212) may be provided to be recessed or protruding on the inside / outside along the circumference of the drum (200). A plurality of such reinforcing beads may be provided, and may be provided spaced apart from each other. The reinforcing beads may form a certain pattern and may be provided on the inside / outside of the circumference.

[0192] The rigidity of the drum body (210) can be increased by the reinforcing beads (212). Therefore, even if a large amount of clothing is accommodated in the drum body (210) or a sudden rotational force is transmitted through the driving unit, the drum body (210) can be prevented from being twisted. In addition, when the reinforcing beads (212) are provided, the gap between the clothing and the inner circumference can be increased compared to when the circumference of the drum body (210) is provided as a flat surface, so that the hot air supplied to the drum (200) can be more effectively introduced between the clothing and the drum (200). The reinforcing beads have the effect of increasing the durability of the drum and increasing the drying efficiency of the clothing treatment device.

[0193] Typically, in the case of a DD type washing machine, the driving unit is fixedly coupled to a tub that accommodates the drum (200), and the drum (200) can be supported by the tub by being coupled to the driving unit. However, since the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped to intensively perform a drying cycle, the tub fixed to the cabinet (100) to accommodate the drum (200) is omitted.

[0194] Accordingly, the garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a support member (400) provided to fix or support the drum (200) or the driving member inside the cabinet (100).

[0195] The support member (400) may include a front plate (410) disposed in front of the drum (200) and a rear plate (420) disposed in the rear of the drum (200). The front plate (410) and the rear plate (420) may be provided in a plate shape and may be disposed to face the front and rear of the drum (200). The distance between the front plate (410) and the rear plate (420) may be set to be equal to the length of the drum (200) or longer than the length of the drum (200). The front plate (410) and the rear plate (420) may be fixed to and supported by the bottom surface or base (800) of the cabinet (100).

[0196] The front plate (410) may be placed between the front panel forming the front surface of the cabinet and the drum (200). In addition, the front plate (410) may be provided with an input communication hole (412) communicating with the input port (211). Since the front plate (410) is provided with the input communication hole (412), clothes can be put into or taken out of the drum (200) while supporting the front surface of the drum (200).

[0197] The front plate (410) may include a duct connection portion (416) provided on the lower side of the injection communication hole (412). The duct connection portion (416) may form the lower surface of the front plate (410).

[0198] The front plate (410) may include a duct communication hole (417) penetrating the duct connection portion (416). The duct communication hole (417) is provided in a hollow shape and can guide air discharged through the drum inlet (211) to the lower side of the drum (200). In addition, the air discharged through the drum (211) can be guided to a circulation duct (820) located at the lower side of the drum (200).

[0199] A filter unit (not shown) may be installed in the above duct communication hole (417) to filter out lint or large foreign substances generated from clothing. The filter unit filters the air discharged from the drum (200), thereby preventing foreign substances from accumulating inside the clothing treatment device and preventing the accumulation of foreign substances from interfering with air circulation.

[0200] Since the above-mentioned inlet (211) is positioned at the front, it is preferable that the driving unit be installed on the rear plate (420) rather than the front plate (410). The driving unit may be provided to be mounted and supported on the rear plate (420). Accordingly, the driving unit can rotate the drum (200) while its position is stably fixed through the rear plate (420).

[0201] At least one of the front plate (410) and the rear plate (420) can rotatably support the drum (200). At least one of the front plate (410) and the rear plate (420) can rotatably accommodate the front or rear end of the drum (200).

[0202] For example, the front of the drum (200) may be rotatably supported on the front plate (410), and the rear of the drum (200) may be spaced apart from the rear plate (420) but connected to the driving unit (500) mounted on the rear plate (420) so as to be indirectly supported on the rear plate (420). As a result, the area where the drum (200) comes into contact with or rubs against the support unit (400) can be minimized, and unnecessary noise or vibration can be prevented from occurring.

[0203] Of course, the drum (200) may be provided to be rotatably supported on both the front plate (410) and the rear plate (420).

[0204] At least one support wheel (415) for supporting the front of the drum (200) may be provided at the lower portion of the front plate (410). The support wheel (415) may be rotatably provided on the rear surface of the front plate (410). The support wheel (415) may be rotated while in contact with the lower portion of the drum (200).

[0205] When the drum (200) is rotated by the driving unit, the drum (200) may be supported by a rotating shaft connected to a reducer connected to the rear. When clothing is accommodated within the drum (200), the load imposed on the rotating shaft by the clothing may increase. Therefore, the rotating shaft is at risk of bending due to the load.

[0206] When the support wheel (415) supports the front lower portion of the drum (200), the load applied to the rotation shaft can be reduced. Accordingly, the rotation shaft can be prevented from bending and noise generated by vibration can be prevented.

[0207] The above support wheels (415) are provided at positions symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of rotation of the drum (200) to support the load of the drum (200). It is preferable that the support wheels (415) are provided at the lower left and right sides of the drum (200) to support the drum (200). However, this is not limited to this, and a greater number of support wheels (415) may be provided depending on the operating environment of the drum (200).

[0208] The circulation duct (820) provided in the above base (800) can form a path for circulating the air inside the drum (200) and then reintroducing it into the drum (200).

[0209] The above circulation duct (820) may include an inlet duct (821) into which air discharged from the drum (200) is introduced, an exhaust duct (823) that supplies air to the drum (200), and a moving duct (822) that connects the inlet duct (821) and the exhaust duct (823).

[0210] When air is discharged from the front of the drum (200), the moving duct (822) may be located on the front side of the circulation duct (820). And the discharge duct (823) may be located on the rear side of the circulation duct (820).

[0211] The above exhaust duct (823) may further include a blower (8231) that discharges air to the outside of the circulation duct (820), and a circulation fan (950) may be installed in the blower.

[0212] The above blower (8231) may be provided on the rear side of the discharge duct (823). Air discharged through the blower (8231) may move to the drum (200).

[0213] A duct cover (830) is attached to the upper side of the above-mentioned circulation duct (820), so as to partially shield the open upper surface of the circulation duct (820). The duct cover (830) can prevent air from leaking out of the circulation duct (820). In other words, the duct cover (830) can form one side of a flow path through which air circulates.

[0214] In addition, the heat exchange unit (900) provided in the base (800) may include a first heat exchanger (910) provided inside the circulation duct (820) to cool air and a second heat exchanger (920) provided inside the circulation duct (820) to heat air cooled in the first heat exchanger (910).

[0215] The first heat exchanger (910) can dehumidify air discharged from the drum (200), and the second heat exchanger (920) can heat the dehumidified air. The heated air can be supplied to the drum (200) again to dry clothes contained in the drum (200).

[0216] The first heat exchanger (910) and the second heat exchanger (920) may be provided as heat exchangers through which refrigerant flows. When provided as heat exchangers through which refrigerant flows, the first heat exchanger (910) may be provided as an evaporator, and the second heat exchanger (920) may be provided as a condenser. The refrigerant moving along the first heat exchanger (910) and the second heat exchanger (920) may be provided to exchange heat with air discharged from the drum (200).

[0217] The heat exchange unit (900) may include a circulation fan (950) installed in the circulation duct (820) to generate air flow inside the circulation duct (820). In addition, the heat exchange unit (900) may further include a fan motor (951) that rotates the circulation fan (950). The circulation fan (950) may rotate by receiving rotational power from the fan motor (951). When the circulation fan (950) operates, air dehumidified in the first heat exchanger (910) and heated in the second heat exchanger (920) may move to the rear of the drum (200).

[0218] The circulation fan (950) may be installed in any one of the inlet duct (821), the moving duct (822), and the exhaust duct (823). Since the circulation fan (950) is designed to rotate, noise may be generated when the circulation fan (950) operates. Therefore, it is preferable that the circulation fan (950) be placed at the rear of the circulation duct (820).

[0219] The above circulation fan (950) may be installed in the blower (8231). In addition, the fan motor (951) may be positioned at the rear of the blower (8231). When the circulation fan (950) rotates by the fan motor (951), the air inside the circulation duct (820) may be discharged to the outside of the circulation duct (820) through the blower (8231).

[0220] The above circulation fan (950) may include an impeller placed inside the circulation duct (820), and the fan motor (951) may be understood to be configured to be mounted on the impeller and mounted outside the circulation duct (820) to rotate the impeller.

[0221] The above fan motor (951) is provided separately from the driving motor (510) of the driving unit (500) and can be controlled independently of the driving motor (510).

[0222] As a result, the circulation fan (950) can be controlled independently from the driving unit (500). In other words, the driving unit (500) can repeat stopping and driving separately from the circulation fan (950).

[0223] Since it is preferable that the inlet (211) of the drum (200) be positioned at a relatively high position so that the user can easily take out clothes located inside the drum (200), it is preferable that the circulation duct (820) and the heat exchange unit (900) be positioned at the bottom of the drum (200).

[0224] A rear plate (420) may be provided at the rear of the drum (200) to guide air discharged from the circulation duct (820) to the drum (200). The rear plate (420) may be provided to be spaced apart from the rear surface (220) of the drum. The circulation duct (820) may receive air inside the drum (200) through the front plate (410) and supply air to the drum (200) through the rear plate (420). The air discharged from the circulation duct (820) may be guided to the drum (200) by passing through the rear plate (420).

[0225] The above base (800) may further include a connector (850) that guides the air discharged from the circulation duct (820) to the rear plate (420). The connector (850) may guide the discharged air to be evenly distributed throughout the entire rear plate (420).

[0226] The above connector (850) can be installed in the blower (8231). That is, the connector (850) can guide the air discharged from the blower (8231) to the rear plate (420). The hot air supplied to the rear plate (420) can be introduced into the interior of the drum (200) through the drum rear surface (220).

[0227] The drum (200) of the garment treatment device of the present invention is not rotated indirectly by being coupled to a belt or the like, but is directly connected to a driving unit located at the rear of the drum (200) and can be rotated. Therefore, unlike the drum of a conventional dryer which is provided in a cylindrical shape with the front and rear open, the rear of the drum of the garment treatment device of the present invention is shielded and can be directly coupled to the driving unit.

[0228] The drum back surface (220) may be provided to shield the rear of the drum body (210) and provide a coupling surface directly coupled to the driving unit. That is, the drum back surface (220) may be provided to be connected to the driving unit and receive rotational power to rotate the entire drum (200). As a result, an input port (211) for inserting clothes may be formed at the front of the drum body (210) and the rear may be shielded by the drum back surface (220).

[0229] The drum back surface (220) may be provided with a bushing (300) that connects the driving unit and the drum back surface (220). The bushing (300) may be provided on the drum back surface (220) to form a center of rotation of the drum (200). The bushing (300) may be provided as an integral part with the drum back surface (220), but may be provided with a material that has greater rigidity or durability than the drum back surface (220) in order to be firmly connected to the rotation shaft that transmits power. The bushing (300) may be mounted and connected to the drum back surface (220) so as to be coaxial with the center of rotation of the drum back surface (220).

[0230] The drum back surface (220) may include a peripheral portion (221) coupled to the outer surface of the drum body (210) and a mounting plate (222) provided on the inner side of the peripheral portion (221) and capable of being coupled to the driving unit. The bushing portion (300) may be seated and coupled to the mounting plate (222). The rotating shaft that rotates the drum is coupled to the mounting plate (222) through the bushing portion (300), thereby providing an effect of more secure coupling. In addition, deformation of the drum back surface (220) may be prevented.

[0231] The drum back surface (220) may include a suction hole (224) formed through a penetration between the peripheral portion (221) and the mounting plate (222) and connecting the front and rear surfaces of the drum back surface (220). Hot air supplied through the circulation duct (820) may be introduced into the drum body (210) through the suction hole (224). The suction hole (224) may be provided as a plurality of holes formed through the drum back surface (220) or may be provided as a mesh-shaped net.

[0232] The rear of the above rear plate (420) may include a driving unit (500) that rotates the drum (200) and a reducer (600) that reduces the rotational force of the driving unit (500) and transmits it to the drum (200).

[0233] A driving unit (500) may be placed at the rear of the rear plate (420). In addition, the driving unit (500) may be coupled to the rear of the rear plate (420) via the reducer (600).

[0234] The above-described reducer (600) is fixed to the rear surface of the rear plate (420), and the driving unit (500) can be coupled to the rear surface of the reducer (600). That is, the rear plate (420) can provide a support surface on which the reducer (600) or the driving unit (500) is supported. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the driving unit (500) can also be coupled to the rear plate (420).

[0235] Figure 5 illustrates a base and a rear plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0236] Referring to Fig. 5(a), the rear plate (420) may be positioned at the rear of the drum. The rear plate (420) may guide hot air discharged from the circulation duct (820) to the drum. That is, the rear plate (420) may be positioned at the rear of the drum to form a flow path so that the hot air is evenly supplied to the entire drum.

[0237] The above rear plate (420) may include a rear panel (421) facing the rear surface of the drum, and a duct portion (423) formed by being recessed rearward from the rear panel (421) to form a flow path. The duct portion (423) may be formed by being pressed rearward from the rear panel (421). The duct portion (423) may be formed to accommodate a portion of the rear surface of the drum.

[0238] The above duct section (423) may include an inlet section (4233) located at the rear of the circulation flow section and a flow section (4231) located at the rear of the drum. The flow section (4231) may be provided to accommodate a portion of the drum. The flow section (4231) may accommodate a portion of the drum, thereby forming a flow passage provided at the rear of the drum.

[0239] The above-mentioned fluid part (4231) may be provided in an annular shape to face the suction hole formed on the back surface of the drum. The above-mentioned fluid part (4231) may be provided to be recessed in the rear panel (421). That is, the above-mentioned fluid part (4231) may be provided to have an open front and may form a flow path together with the back surface of the drum.

[0240] When the front of the above-mentioned flow section (4231) is provided to be open, the hot air moved to the flow section (4231) can be moved directly to the drum without passing through a separate component. Therefore, heat loss caused by the hot air passing through a separate component can be prevented. In other words, there is an effect of reducing the heat loss of the hot air, thereby increasing the drying efficiency.

[0241] The rear plate (420) may include a mounting portion (425) provided on the radially inner side of the moving portion (4231). The mounting portion (425) may provide a space in which a reducer (600) or a driving portion (500) is coupled. That is, the rear plate (420) may include a mounting portion (425) provided on the inner side, and a moving portion (4231) provided in an annular shape on the radially outer side of the mounting portion (425).

[0242] Specifically, the flow portion (4231) may include a flow outer peripheral portion (4231a) that surrounds the inner space through which hot air flows from the outside. In addition, the flow portion (4231) may include a flow inner peripheral portion (4231b) that surrounds the inner space through which hot air flows from the inside. That is, the flow outer peripheral portion (4231a) may form the outer perimeter of the flow portion (4231), and the flow inner peripheral portion (4231b) may form the inner perimeter of the flow portion (4231).

[0243] In addition, the flow portion (4231) may include a flow depression surface (4232) that forms the rear surface of the flow path through which the hot air moves. The flow depression surface (4232) may be provided to connect the flow outer peripheral portion (4231a) and the flow inner peripheral portion (4231b). That is, a space through which the hot air discharged from the circulation duct (820) flows may be formed by the flow inner peripheral portion (4231b), the flow outer peripheral portion (4231a), and the flow depression surface (4232).

[0244] In addition, the hot air can be guided toward the drum by preventing the hot air from leaking backwards by the flow depression surface (4232). That is, the flow depression surface (4232) can mean the depression surface of the flow part (4231).

[0245] The above inlet (4233) may be positioned facing the circulation duct (820). The above inlet (4233) may be positioned facing the blower (8231). The above inlet (4233) may be provided to be recessed rearward from the rear panel (421) to prevent interference with the blower (8231). The upper side of the above inlet (4233) may be connected to the flow portion (4231).

[0246] A garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a connector (850) connected to a blower (8231). The connector (850) may guide hot air discharged from the blower (8231) to a flow portion (4231). The connector (850) may have a flow path formed therein to guide the hot air discharged from the blower (4231) to the flow portion (4231). That is, the connector (850) may form a flow path connecting the blower (8231) and the flow portion (4231). The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path provided inside the connector (850) may be provided to increase as it gets farther away from the blower (8231).

[0247] The connector (850) may be positioned to face the inlet (4233). The inlet (4233) may be formed to be recessed toward the rear to prevent interference with the connector (850). In addition, the upper end of the connector (850) may be provided to partition the flow portion (4231) and the inlet portion (4233). That is, the hot air discharged from the connector (850) may be introduced into the flow portion (4231), but may be prevented from being introduced into the inlet portion (4233).

[0248] The connector (850) may be provided to evenly supply hot air to the flow portion (4231). The connector (850) may be provided so that its width increases as it moves away from the blower (8231). The upper end of the connector (850) may be positioned along the circumferential extension of the flow outer portion (4231a).

[0249] Accordingly, the hot air discharged from the connector (850) can be supplied entirely to the flow section (4231) without moving to the inlet section (4233). The connector (850) prevents the hot air from being concentrated on one side of the flow section (4231), thereby evenly supplying the hot air within the drum. Accordingly, the drying efficiency of clothes is increased.

[0250] The above connector (850) may be configured such that its width increases toward the upstream side, so that the speed of the hot air moving along the connector (850) decreases in accordance with the flow direction. That is, the connector (850) may function as a diffuser that controls the speed of the hot air. The connector (850) may reduce the speed of the hot air, thereby preventing the hot air from being supplied to only a specific part of the drum.

[0251] Due to the shape of the connector (850) described above, the inlet portion (4233), which is provided to face the connector (850) and is provided to prevent interference with the connector (850), may also be provided to have a width that increases as it gets farther away from the blower portion (8231). Due to the shape of the inlet portion (4233), the duct portion (423) may have an overall shape like a '9' when viewed from the front.

[0252] Since the above drum is provided to rotate during the drying process, the drum may be provided at a predetermined distance from the moving part (4231). Hot air may flow out through the space provided.

[0253] Accordingly, the garment treatment device may further include a sealing member (450) that prevents hot air from leaking into the space between the drum and the moving member (4231). The sealing member (450) may be positioned along the perimeter of the moving member (4231).

[0254] The sealing portion (450) may include a first sealing portion (451) provided along the outer circumference of the moving portion (4231). The first sealing portion (451) may be provided between the drum and the outer circumference of the moving portion (4231). In addition, the first sealing portion (451) may be provided to contact both the drum rear surface (220) and the rear plate (420) to more effectively prevent leakage.

[0255] Meanwhile, the first seal (451) may be provided to be in contact with the front surface of the connector (850). In addition, the first seal (451) may be provided to be in contact with the upper end of the connector (850). The connector (850) may form a flow path through which hot air flows together with the flow portion (4231). Therefore, the first seal (451) may be provided to be in contact with the connector (850) to prevent hot air from leaking between the drum and the connector (850).

[0256] The sealing portion (450) may include a second sealing portion (452) provided along the inner circumference of the moving portion (4231). The second sealing portion (452) may be provided between the drum and the inner circumference of the moving portion (4231). In addition, the second sealing portion (452) may be provided to contact both the drum rear surface (220) and the rear plate (420). The second sealing portion (452) may prevent hot air moving along the moving portion (4231) from leaking toward the mounting portion (425).

[0257] Since the drum (200) rotates during the operation of the garment treatment device, continuous friction is applied to the sealing portion (450) by the drum back surface (220). Therefore, it is preferable that the sealing portion (450) be made of a material that can seal between the drum back surface (220) and the moving portion (4231) without its performance being degraded by the frictional force and frictional heat generated by the rotation.

[0258] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a circulation fan (950) coupled to the circulation duct (820) to circulate air inside the drum.

[0259] The above circulation fan (950) may further include an impeller placed inside the circulation duct (820) and a fan motor (951) mounted on the impeller and mounted outside the circulation duct (820) to rotate the impeller.

[0260] The above fan motor (951) can be understood as a motor that is mounted at the rear of the circulation duct (820) and drives the circulation fan (950).

[0261] The above fan motor (951) is provided separately from the driving motor (510) of the driving unit (500) and can be controlled independently of the driving motor (510).

[0262] As a result, the circulation fan (950) can be controlled independently from the driving unit (500). In other words, the driving unit (500) can repeat stopping and driving separately from the circulation fan (950).

[0263] Referring to FIG. 5(b), the reducer (600) is supported on the rear plate (420), and the driving unit (500) can be coupled to the reducer (600). That is, the rear plate (420) can be provided to support both the reducer (600) and the driving unit (500).

[0264] At the rear of the above rear plate (420), a driving unit (500) that provides rotational power and a reduction gear (600) that reduces the power of the motor unit and transmits it to the drum can be positioned.

[0265] The above reducer (600) may be installed on the rear plate (420) so as to be located inside the duct section (423). The above reducer (600) may be located radially inside the moving section (4231) so as to prevent interference with the moving section (4231).

[0266] The gear device inside the reducer (600) may be damaged by the heat of the hot air moving along the above-mentioned moving part (4231). Therefore, the above-mentioned moving part (4231) and the above-mentioned reducer (600) may be provided to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

[0267] The above reducer (600) can be coupled to pass through the rear plate (420). Therefore, the reducer (600) can be connected to a drum positioned in front of the rear plate (420).

[0268] The above motor unit (500) may include a stator (510) that generates a rotating magnetic field, a rotor (520) that rotates by the stator (510), a drive shaft (530) that rotates by the rotor (520) to rotate the internal structure of the reducer (600), and a washer unit (540) that connects the rotor (520) and the drive shaft (530).

[0269] The stator (510) can be coupled to the reducer (600). The stator (510) can be coupled to the reducer (600) and installed to be spaced apart from the rear plate (420). At this time, the reducer (600) can be positioned between the drum and the motor unit to support the drum and the motor unit to be spaced apart from the rear plate (420). That is, the reducer (600) can become the center supporting the drum and the motor unit.

[0270] Meanwhile, the stator (510) may include a main body (511) provided in a ring shape, a fixed rib (512) extending from the inner circumference of the main body (511) and coupled to the stator coupling portion (613) of the reducer, a tooth (514) provided to extend from the outer circumference along the circumference of the main body (511) and to allow a coil to be wound, and a pole shoe (515) provided at the free end of the tooth (514) to prevent the coil from being separated.

[0271] The rotor (520) may include a rotor body (521) having a hollow cylindrical shape. In addition, the rotor (520) may include an installation body (522) that is recessed forward from the rear surface of the rotor body (521). The rotor (520) may have permanent magnets arranged along the inner surface of the rotor body (521).

[0272] The above rotor (520) is coupled to a drive shaft (530) so that the rotational power of the rotor (520) can be transmitted to the outside through the drive shaft (530). The drive shaft (530) can be connected to the rotor (520) through a washer portion (540).

[0273] Additionally, the driving unit (500) may include a washer unit (540) that supports the driving shaft (530). The washer unit (540) may include a washer coupling body (541) that is coupled to the rotor. The washer coupling body (541) may be provided in a disc shape.

[0274] The washer portion (540) may include a receiving body (542) accommodated in the rotor. The receiving body (542) may be provided to protrude rearward from the washer coupling body (541). The washer portion (540) may include a shaft support hole (543) provided to penetrate the center of the receiving body (542). The driving shaft (530) may be inserted into the shaft support hole (543) and supported by the washer portion (540).

[0275] In addition, the washer part (540) may include a washer coupling hole (5412) provided through the washer coupling body (541). In addition, the installation body (522) may include a rotor coupling hole (526) provided at a position corresponding to the washer coupling hole (5412). That is, the washer part (540) and the rotor (520) may be coupled to each other by a coupling member that simultaneously penetrates and couples the washer coupling hole (5412) and the rotor coupling hole (526). That is, the washer part (540) and the rotor (520) may be coupled to rotate together.

[0276] In addition, the washer part (540) may include a washer engaging protrusion (5411) that protrudes rearward from the washer engaging body (541). In addition, the installation body (522) may include a washer engaging protrusion receiving hole (525) that is provided to correspond to the washer engaging protrusion (5411). The washer engaging protrusion (5411) may be inserted into the washer engaging protrusion receiving hole (525) to support the coupling of the washer part (540) and the rotor (520).

[0277] In addition, the rotor (520) may include a rotor installation hole (524) that is provided through the center of the installation body (522). The rotor installation hole (524) may accommodate a receiving body (542). Accordingly, the washer portion (540) may rotate together with the drive shaft (530) by the rotor (520) and may firmly support the coupling of the drive shaft (530) and the rotor (520). Therefore, there is an effect of ensuring the durability and reliability of the entire drive portion (500).

[0278] Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0279] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may be equipped with a washing and drying machine that can also perform a washing cycle to remove foreign substances from clothing.

[0280] In this case, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may include a tub (190) accommodated inside the cabinet (100) to store water, and a drum (200) rotatably accommodated in the tub (190) to store water.

[0281] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may include a water supply unit (160) that supplies water to the tub (190) and a drain unit (170) that drains water to the tub (190).

[0282] The above water supply unit (160) may include a water supply valve (161) coupled to the cabinet (10) and connected to an external water source to selectively supply water, and a water supply pipe (162) extending from the water supply valve (16) and delivering water supplied from the external water source. The water supply pipe (162) may be coupled to the tub (190), or its end may be coupled to a gasket that connects the front panel (110) and the tub (190).

[0283] The above drainage unit (170) may include a drain pipe connected to the lower portion of the tub (190) to drain water from the tub (190), a drain pump that provides power to drain water supplied from the drain pipe to the outside of the cabinet (100), and a drain pipe that extends from the drain pump to the outside of the cabinet (100) to drain water.

[0284] Meanwhile, the garment treatment device of the present invention can place the circulation duct (820) for circulating the air of the drum (200) above the drum (200). Accordingly, the garment treatment device of the present invention can place the circulation duct (820) without obstruction to the drainage unit (170).

[0285] The above circulation duct (820) can be supported by being installed on the tub (190).

[0286] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can be fixed by coupling the driving unit (500) to the tub (190).

[0287] The above driving unit (500) may include a stator (510) coupled to the rear of the tub (190), a rotor (520) rotated by the stator (510), and a rotation shaft (530) connecting the rotor (520) and the drum (200).

[0288] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a circulation fan (950) coupled to the circulation duct (820) to circulate air inside the drum.

[0289] The above circulation fan (950) may further include an impeller placed inside the circulation duct (820) and a fan motor (951) mounted on the impeller and mounted outside the circulation duct (820) to rotate the impeller.

[0290] The above fan motor (951) can be understood as a motor that is mounted at the rear of the circulation duct (820) and drives the circulation fan (950).

[0291] The above fan motor (951) is provided separately from the driving motor (510) of the driving unit (500) and can be controlled independently of the driving motor (510).

[0292] As a result, the circulation fan (950) can be controlled independently from the driving unit (500). In other words, the driving unit (500) can repeat stopping and driving separately from the circulation fan (950).

[0293] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the internal structure of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0294] The above circulation duct (820) may be arranged to extend in an L-shape from the upper portion of the tub (190) to secure the volume through which air moves or the area of ​​the evaporator and condenser.

[0295] That is, the circulation duct (820) can extend forward from one side of the upper rear portion of the tub (190), and then extend to the other side of the upper front portion of the tub (190).

[0296] The above circulation duct (820) may include an inlet duct (821) extending from the rear to the front of the tub (190), a moving duct (822) extending from the inlet duct to the front other side of the tub (190) or a gasket, and an exhaust duct (823) extending downward from the moving duct and communicating with the inside of the gasket.

[0297] The above heat supply unit (900) can be placed on the upper part of the tub (190).

[0298] The above evaporator (910) and the above condenser (920) can be installed inside the moving duct (822), and the above compressor (930) can be installed on the upper part of the above tub (190).

[0299] The above compressor (930) may be placed at the rear of the moving duct (822).

[0300] The above moving duct (822) can extend left and right from the top of the tub (190), and a filter, an evaporator (910), and a condenser (920) can be sequentially arranged inside.

[0301] The above circulation fan (950) may be provided to communicate with the above circulation duct (820).

[0302] The above circulation fan (950) may be installed inside the circulation duct (820) and may include a housing connecting the moving part and the discharge part.

[0303] The above circulation fan (950) is positioned in front of the tub (190) to evenly distribute the weight of the rear of the tub (190) to which the driving unit (500) is coupled. The above circulation fan (950) can be driven to move air from the inlet to the outlet.

[0304] As a result, in the above embodiment, the circulation duct (820) in the base (800) can be omitted.

[0305] Meanwhile, the garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a detection sensor capable of detecting the dryness of the garment in at least one of the drum (200) or the front plate (410) in all embodiments.

[0306] For example, the detection sensor may be equipped with an electrode sensor, and when in contact with the clothing, the intensity of the current detected may vary depending on the moisture content or dryness of the clothing. Accordingly, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can determine the dryness of the clothing through the electrode sensor.

[0307] In addition, the garment treatment device of the present invention may further include at least one of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of air discharged from the drum (200) in all embodiments, and a refrigerant sensor that detects at least one of the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant exposed from the compressor (930).

[0308] The above temperature sensor can be regarded as the temperature inside the drum (200), and can be installed in the inlet duct (821) to detect the temperature discharged from the drum (200).

[0309] Accordingly, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can detect whether the temperature inside the drum (200) is rising and whether the temperature of the refrigerant is rising through the temperature sensor and the refrigerant sensor, and can also calculate the dryness of the clothing through this.

[0310] The above electrode sensor, the temperature sensor and the refrigerant sensor are known technologies and can be equipped with sensors used in general dryers.

[0311] In addition, the garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a control unit that is installed inside the control panel or cabinet (100) and drives the entire electric appliance to perform an arbitrary drying course.

[0312] The above control unit may be provided as a PCB panel that is equipped to perform the drying course by controlling the heat supply unit (900), the driving unit (500), and the circulation fan (950).

[0313] Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of a control method for a clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0314] The garment treatment device of the present invention can execute any course for performing a drying cycle. When the arbitrary course is executed and the drying cycle is performed, the garment treatment device of the present invention can commonly perform a detection step (S0) for detecting the weight of garments accommodated in the drum (200), a heating step (S1) for supplying air to the garments while increasing the temperature of the air, a constant-rate step (S2) for continuously supplying heated air to dry the moisture in the garments, a decreasing-rate step (S3) for drying a significant amount of moisture in the garments and greatly increasing the temperature inside the drum (200), and a cooling step (S4) for lowering the temperature of the garments and the temperature inside the drum (200) when the drying of the garments is completed to prevent damage to the garments and safety accidents.

[0315] The above detection step (S0) is a step of detecting at least one of the weight and unbalance of the clothing through a load detected by the driving unit (500) by rotating the drum (200).

[0316] The above heating step (S1), the above rate step (S2), and the above rate reduction step (S3) are steps for supplying heated air (hot air) to the inside of the drum (200) by driving the compressor (930) and the circulation fan (950).

[0317] The above cooling step (S4) is a step of lowering the temperature inside the drum (200) by driving the circulation fan (950) and blocking the operation of the compressor (930).

[0318] Figure 9 illustrates the state of the clothing treatment device when the control method of Figure 8 is performed.

[0319] When the heating step (S1) is performed, the compressor (930) can be controlled to start operating and accelerate to the target speed (H1, Hz).

[0320] The target speed (H1) may be the maximum performance speed at which the compressor (930) can operate at its maximum. Alternatively, the target speed (H1) may correspond to the fastest speed at which the compressor (930) operates throughout the entire drying cycle. In this case, the target speed (H1) may be lower than the maximum performance speed at which the compressor (930) can operate.

[0321] In the above heating step (S1), when the driving speed of the compressor (930) reaches the target speed (H1), the compressor (930) can be controlled so that the driving speed is maintained until the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) reaches the target temperature (T1).

[0322] For example, when the compressor (930) is driven at the target speed (H1) for a first time (t1), the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) can reach the target temperature (T1).

[0323] Alternatively, in the heating step (S1), when the driving speed of the compressor (930) reaches the target speed (H1), the compressor (930) can be controlled to maintain the driving speed until the temperature detected in the circulation duct (820) reaches the set temperature.

[0324] The above set temperature may be the temperature inside the circulation duct (820) corresponding to when the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor reaches the target temperature (T1). The above set temperature may be detected in the inlet duct (821).

[0325] In the above heating step (S1), the circulation fan (950) can be controlled to operate and circulate the air inside the drum (200). As a result, the refrigerant passing through the evaporator (910) is heated, and the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) also rises, and moisture in clothing contained inside the drum (200) can also evaporate.

[0326] Since the clothing passing through the above heating step (S1) is in a wet state, even if some moisture is dried, the dryness level may not increase significantly. Accordingly, the temperature inside the drum (200) may not increase significantly or may be maintained due to the vaporization heat of moisture evaporated from the clothing even if hot air is supplied.

[0327] When the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) reaches the target temperature (T1), the constant rate step (S2) may be performed. The constant rate step (S2) may correspond to a step performed from when the temperature of the refrigerant reaches the target temperature (T1) until the dryness of the clothing reaches the set value.

[0328] In the above-mentioned rate step (S2), since the temperature of the refrigerant can be maintained or stably increased, the compressor (930) can be controlled to reduce the driving speed from the target speed (H1) to the stable speed (H3).

[0329] The above stable speed (H3) can be set to a speed that can maintain the temperature of the hot air supplied to the drum (200), and can be set lower than the target speed (H1).

[0330] In the above rate step (S2), the compressor (930) may be driven by gradually lowering the speed from the target speed (H1) to the stable speed (H3).

[0331] Accordingly, in the above-mentioned rate step (S2), the power consumption per unit time can be less than that in the heating step (A1).

[0332] In the above-mentioned constant rate step (S2), the circulation fan (950) can be continuously operated without stopping. Accordingly, in the above-mentioned constant rate step (S2), hot air can be continuously supplied into the inside of the drum (200).

[0333] Thus, moisture contained in the clothing can continuously evaporate. However, in the constant-rate step (S2), since the dryness of the clothing is low and the moisture content is high, moisture can continuously evaporate from the clothing. Therefore, even if the constant-rate step (S2) continues, the temperature inside the drum (200) and the temperature of the refrigerant do not rise significantly or can be maintained.

[0334] The above-mentioned constant-rate step (S2) may continue for a second time (t2) until the dryness of the clothing rises above a specific value (D1) or until the temperature inside the drum (200) rises above the drying temperature (D1). For example, the specific value (D1) may correspond to a moisture content of the clothing being 50% or less. For example, if the dryness is 0 when wet and 100 when completely dried, the specific value (D1) may correspond to a state corresponding to 70.

[0335] In addition, the above-mentioned rate step (S2) can be performed until the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor exceeds the target temperature (T1). That is, the above-mentioned rate step (S2) can be performed until the temperature of the refrigerant becomes lower than the target temperature (T1) due to a decrease in the operating speed of the compressor, but becomes higher than the target temperature (T1) again.

[0336] As a result, it can be seen that the above-mentioned rate step (S2) is performed until the temperature inside the drum (200) rises due to a decrease in the amount of moisture dried in the clothing, which reduces the heat of vaporization.

[0337] The above drying temperature (D1) may be set to a temperature higher than room temperature. For example, it may be set to 45 degrees Celsius or higher.

[0338] The above second time (T2) may be set longer than the above first time (T1).

[0339] When the dryness of the clothing increases, or the temperature inside the drum (200) increases above the drying temperature (D1), or the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) increases again above the target temperature (T1), or the dryness of the clothing reaches a specific value (D1), the rate reduction step (S3) may be performed.

[0340] The above-mentioned reduction step (S3) may be performed for a third time (t3) until the drying of the clothing is completed or the completion of drying can be guaranteed, in which case there is a portion of the clothing where drying is completed or a small amount of moisture evaporated from the clothing exists.

[0341] In the above reduction step (S3), the circulation fan (950) can be controlled to continuously operate, and the compressor (930) can also be controlled to continuously operate at the stable speed (H3).

[0342] Since the above-mentioned reduction step (S3) is a state in which the drying of clothes is considerably progressing and continuing, the temperature of the refrigerant may continue to rise and may rise to the danger temperature (T3), and the temperature inside the drum (200) may also rise to the end temperature (D2).

[0343] When either the danger temperature (T3) or the end temperature (D2) is reached in the above-mentioned reduction step (S3), the above-mentioned cooling step (S4) can be performed.

[0344] Additionally, the above-described reduction step (S3) may be terminated when the dryness of the clothing reaches a completion value. The completion value may correspond to a state in which the dryness is 95 or higher.

[0345] In the above cooling step (S4), the operation of the compressor (930) is blocked, and only the circulation fan (950) can be operated. As a result, air, not heated air, is supplied to the inside of the drum (200), thereby lowering the temperature of the clothing and the inside of the drum (200). During this process, any moisture remaining in the clothing may also be dried.

[0346] The above cooling step (S4) can be performed for a fourth time (t4) until the temperature inside the clothing or the drum (200) reaches a safe temperature or room temperature.

[0347] When the above cooling step (S4) is completed, the operation of the circulation fan (950) may also be terminated.

[0348] Meanwhile, the drum (200) can be controlled to rotate from the detection step (S0) to the cooling step (S4).

[0349] In particular, since hot air is supplied to the inside of the drum (200) in the heating step (S1), the constant-rate step (S2), and the decreasing-rate step (S3), the drum (200) is controlled to rotate, thereby stirring the clothing so that the clothing can be evenly exposed to the hot air. As a result, damage to the clothing or non-drying of the clothing can be prevented.

[0350] However, considering that the moisture content of the clothes varies during the drying cycle, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can control at least one of the rotation speed, rotation direction, and the ratio of the time that the drum rotates to the time that it is stopped (hereinafter, the actual operating rate) of the drum (200) differently in the heating step (S1), the constant rate step (S2), and the decreasing rate step (S3). This is because it takes into account that if the moisture content of the clothes is high, the clothes are likely to clump together, and if the moisture content of the clothes is low, the clothes are likely to spread out from each other.

[0351] In addition, the garment treatment device of the present invention can control at least one of the rotation speed, rotation direction, and the ratio of the time that the drum is rotating to the time that it is stopped (hereinafter, the actual operating ratio) of the drum (200) differently in the heating step (S1), the constant rate step (S2), and the decreasing rate step (S3) according to the weight or volume of the garment accommodated in the drum (200). This is in consideration of the fact that if the weight of the garment is large, the garment is likely to be bunched up, and if the weight of the garment is small, the garment is likely to be easily spread out inside the drum.

[0352] In addition, the garment treatment device of the present invention can control at least one of the rotation speed, rotation direction, and the ratio of the time the drum is rotating to the time it is stationary (hereinafter, actual operating ratio) of the drum (200) differently according to changes in the volume that the drum can accommodate compared to the weight that the drum can accommodate (hereinafter, bath ratio). This is in consideration of the fact that as the diameter of the drum increases, the imbalance that occurs when the drum (200) rotates may increase.

[0353] Hereinafter, an embodiment is described in which at least one of the rotation speed, rotation direction, and ratio of the time the drum is rotating to the time it is stopped (hereinafter, actual operating ratio) of the drum (200) is controlled differently according to each condition in the drying process.

[0354] Figure 10 illustrates a state in which clothing is placed inside a drum.

[0355] Before the drying process begins, clothes may be placed inside the drum (200). Even if the clothes (L1) are small in quantity, they may be wet with a high moisture content.

[0356] The above clothing (L1) can be placed in close contact with the bottom surface of the drum (200) in a state in which the volume is reduced compared to when it is dry. In this state, when hot air is supplied to the inside of the drum (200), the area of ​​the clothing (L1) that is in contact with the inner wall of the drum is not exposed to the hot air and is therefore not dried, and only the area exposed to the inside of the drum is exposed to the hot air and can be dried.

[0357] To prevent this, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can rotate the drum (200) during the drying process to stir or change the arrangement of the clothing so that the entire surface of the clothing can be evenly exposed to hot air.

[0358] Figure 11 illustrates the internal state when the drum rotates during the drying process.

[0359] Referring to Fig. 11(a), clothing may be placed inside the drum (200) to perform a drying process. The clothing may be wet clothing with a very high moisture content.

[0360] For example, the above clothing may have completed a washing cycle and have a moisture content of 100 percent.

[0361] Referring to Fig. 11(b), when the drum (200) is rotated in the detection step (A0) or the heating step (A1), the clothing (200) can be moved along the rotational direction of the drum (200) within the drum (200), and its arrangement can be changed and stirred. The clothing can be evenly exposed to hot air flowing into the drum (200).

[0362] However, since the clothing is wet, it is heavier due to the weight of water than when it is dry, and thus the extent to which it rises within the drum (200) may be very small.

[0363] Additionally, since the surface of the clothing is wet, it is more compressed than when dry, and friction and adhesion may also be greatly increased.

[0364] Referring to Fig. 11(c), when the drum (200) continuously rotates while the clothing is wet, the wet clothing may come into contact with and adhere to each other while moving. As a result, when the drum (200) rotates, the clothing may not loosen or disintegrate, but rather may become more clumped or twisted together. The longer the drum (200) rotates, the more severe the clumping or twisting of the clothing may become.

[0365] Accordingly, friction between the garments may intensify, resulting in damage to the garments or even shrinkage. Furthermore, even after the drying process has progressed to the constant rate stage (A2) and the shrinkage stage (A3), clumped or twisted areas of the garments may not dry or may become more wrinkled.

[0366] Figure 12 illustrates a state in which a large amount of clothing is loaded into the drum.

[0367] Referring to Fig. 12(a), a drying process can be performed with a large quantity of clothing (L2) loaded inside the drum (200). When the drying process is performed, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can rotate the drum (200) so that the surface of the clothing can be evenly exposed to hot air.

[0368] Referring to Fig. 12(b), when the drum (200) rotates, the large quantity of clothing may change position or move while being stirred within the drum (200). If the large quantity of clothing is wet, like a small quantity of clothing, the clothing may clump together or become more twisted.

[0369] The clothes lumped together in this way can move as one lump in the same direction as the drum (200) rotates, and can concentrate a very strong impact in the direction of movement.

[0370] When a large amount of wet clothes like this hit the door (130), the door (130) may be momentarily pushed forward from the front panel (110), and a gap (g) of a certain level may be generated between the door (130) and the opening (111). As a result, when the drying cycle is performed, the circulation fan (950) is also driven, so that moisture inside the drum (200) may leak out through the gap (g), and the humidity and temperature of the place where the clothes treatment device is installed may change, or an adverse effect may occur in which electrical components such as the control panel (117) located near the front panel (111) are exposed to moisture.

[0371] Additionally, since the wet clothing weighs more than when dry, a greater load may be required to rotate the drum (200). As a result, even when the same clothing is placed in the drum (200), the energy required to rotate the drum (200) when wet may be much greater than the energy required to rotate the drum (200) when dry.

[0372] In addition, the clothing (L1, L2) may cause strong unbalance inside the drum (200), consume more energy to rotate the drum (200), or cause unnecessary vibration or noise to be generated in the drum (200).

[0373] Accordingly, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can set the operating rate of the driving unit (500) to be lower when the clothing is wet, change the rotation direction more, or set the rotation speed of the drum to be lower than when the clothing is dry.

[0374] This can prevent wet clothes from rubbing against each other and becoming twisted or bunched up, and can also relieve the eccentricity of bunched or twisted clothes.

[0375] Figure 13 illustrates a method of rotating a drum of a garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0376] Referring to Fig. 13(a), the clothing treatment device of the present invention can rotate the drum (200) at a constant speed during the drying cycle, or rotate the drum (200) so that the time for which the drum (200) rotates per unit time is longer than the time for which the drum (200) stops.

[0377] In this way, the clothes can be dried by sequentially rising and falling inside the drum (200) and being stirred while being evenly exposed to the hot air introduced into the drum (200).

[0378] The present invention may be limited to cases where the drum (200) rotates at a constant speed or rotates continuously in one direction when the dryness of the clothing is high or the weight of the clothing is a small amount lower than the reference value.

[0379] For example, the above reference value may correspond to half of the maximum weight that the garment treatment device of the present invention can carry out the drying process.

[0380] The motion of rotating the above drum (200) at a constant speed can be defined as a normal motion.

[0381] Referring to Fig. 13(b), the garment treatment device of the present invention can rotate the drum (200) so that the actual rotation rate of the drum (200) is low.

[0382] For example, the garment treatment device of the present invention can rotate the drum (200) so that the actual rotation rate of the drum (200) is less than 50 percent.

[0383] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can rotate the drum (200) to lower the actual rotation rate of the drum (200) when the moisture content of the clothing is high and the dryness is low, or when the weight of the clothing is greater than a reference value.

[0384] As a result, the garment treatment device of the present invention can prevent the garment from being bunched or twisted by minimizing the rotation of the drum (200) in a state where bunching or twisting of the garment may become severe.

[0385] In addition, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can save energy by minimizing the rotation of the drum (200) in a situation where the clothing is heavy due to moisture content.

[0386] When the garment treatment device of the present invention rotates the drum (200) at a low operating rate, the drum (200) may be rotated so that the time for which the drum is stopped is longer than the time for which the drum is rotated. For example, when the drum (200) is rotated intermittently and discontinuously, the operating rate of the drum (200) may be less than 50 percent.

[0387] The motion in which the above drum (200) rotates by repeating stops and rotations can be defined as a protection motion. Since performing the above protection motion involves controlling the rotation method of the drum, it can also be defined as rotation control.

[0388] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can prevent moisture from leaking between the door (130) and the opening (111) through the above-described protective motion, and can also eliminate twisting and bunching of clothing, and can also reduce power consumption of the driving unit (500).

[0389] Figure 14 illustrates an example of applying a protective motion in a drying cycle in a clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0390] In general, clothing is dried while undergoing a drying process, so the moisture content is highest in the heating step (S1) and lowest in the drying step (S2).

[0391] The above protective motion has the effect of preventing the clothing from twisting and bunching when wet, and also reducing the load on the driving unit (500). However, if the clothing is dry, it may delay the even drying of the entire clothing, which may cause a drying delay, and the drying process may last longer, so the protective motion may need to be relaxed or omitted.

[0392] Considering this, the garment treatment device of the present invention can drive the drum (200) in a protective motion at least in the heating step (S1).

[0393] The above heating step (S1) is the initial state of the dry course, and even if the drying of the clothes progresses to some extent in the heating step (S1), the moisture content of the clothes cannot but remain very high compared to the constant rate step (S2) and the decreasing rate step (S3).

[0394] Accordingly, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can control the time for which the drum is continuously stopped at the beginning of the drying course, such as the heating step (S1), to be longer than the time for which the drum is continuously rotated.

[0395] Meanwhile, since the drying of the clothes is more advanced in the constant rate step (S2) and the deceleration step (S3) than in the heating step (S1), even if the drum (200) rotates at the same speed, the degree of clumping or twisting of the clothes may be lower than in the heating step (S1). In consideration of this, the clothes treatment device of the present invention can strengthen the protection motion in the heating step (S1) more than in the constant rate step (S2) and the deceleration step (S3). For example, the clothes treatment device of the present invention can strengthen the protection motion in the heating step (S1), and weaken or omit the protection motion in the constant rate step (S2) and the deceleration step (S3). Since the heating step (S1) is the beginning of the drying course, and the deceleration step (S3) corresponds to the end of the drying course, the clothes treatment device of the present invention can strengthen the protection motion in the beginning of the drying course more than in the end of the drying course.

[0396] Strengthening the above protective motion may mean rotating the drum (200) at a lower operating rate, weakening the protective motion may mean rotating the drum (200) at a higher operating rate, and omitting the protective motion may mean operating in a normal motion.

[0397] In summary, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can control the drum (200) to rotate at a lower operating rate (ratio of rotation time to stop time) at the beginning of the drying course when the internal temperature is below a reference value than at the end of the drying course when the internal temperature is above a reference value.

[0398] Specifically, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can control the drum (200) to rotate at a lower operating rate at the beginning of the drying course when the temperature inside the circulation duct is lower than the set temperature than at the end of the drying course when the temperature inside the circulation duct is higher than the set temperature.

[0399] The above heating step (S1) is a section in which the driving speed of the compressor (930) is accelerated to and maintained at the maximum speed. Therefore, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can control the drum (200) to rotate at a lower operating rate at the beginning of the drying course in which the driving speed (hz) of the compressor is driven to a set value or higher or to a maximum value, than at the end of the drying course in which the driving speed (hz) of the compressor is reduced to a set value or lower.

[0400] The garment treatment device of the present invention can set the actual operation rate of the drum (200) to less than 50 percent at the beginning of the drying course. That is, the drum (200) can be controlled to rotate for a longer heating stop time (ta) than the heating rotation time (TA) during which it rotates in the heating step (S1).

[0401] For example, the heating rotation time (TA) may correspond to 6 seconds, and the heating pause time (ta) may correspond to 19 seconds.

[0402] The garment treatment device of the present invention can set the actual operation rate of the drum (200) to 50 percent or more at the end of the drying cycle. This ensures the rotation time of the drum (200), thereby evenly exposing the garments to hot air, thereby increasing drying efficiency and preventing drying delays.

[0403] That is, the drum (200) can be controlled to rotate for a longer time than the rotation time (TC) during which it rotates in the rotation step (S3) and the stopping time (tc).

[0404] The above rate stop time (tc) can be set shorter than the above heating stop time (ta).

[0405] As a result, the heating step (S1) may cause the drum (200) to stop for a longer period than the rate reduction step (S3) when the drum stops and the drum rotates again.

[0406] In addition, the above-described reduction rotation time (TC) may be set longer than the above-described heating rotation time (TA). As a result, the heating step (S1) may cause the drum (200) to rotate for a shorter time than the reduction step (S3) when the drum stops and the drum rotates again.

[0407] In summary, the drum (200) can be controlled to rotate at a lower operating rate in the heating step (S1) than in the reduction step (S3). In other words, the drum (200) can rotate in the heating step (S1) so that the operating rate of the drum is lower than in the reduction step (S3).

[0408] The above-mentioned constant rate step (S2) is an intermediate step of the above-mentioned drying process, and corresponds to a step in which the drying degree of the clothing is higher than that of the heating step (S1), but lower than that of the reduction rate step (S3). Therefore, in the above-mentioned constant rate step (S2), the clothing may be less clumped than in the heating step (S1), but more clumped than in the reduction rate step (S3).

[0409] Taking this into consideration, the drum (200) can be controlled to rotate at a lower operating rate in the rate step (S2) than in the rate reduction step (S3).

[0410] The drum (200) can be controlled to rotate at a lower operating rate in the heating step (S1) than in the constant rate step (S2). In other words, the drum can rotate at a lower operating rate in the heating step (S1) than in the constant rate step (S2).

[0411] In the above-mentioned rate step (S2), the rate rotation time (TB) during which the drum rotates can be set to be equal to or longer than the rate stopping time (tb) during which the drum stops.

[0412] In addition, the constant rotation time (TB) may be set longer than the heating rotation time (TA), and the constant stop time (tb) may be set shorter than the heating stop time (tb).

[0413] That is, in the above-mentioned rate step (S2), the actual rotation rate of the drum can be set to 50 percent or more.

[0414] As a result, the drum can be stopped for a longer period in the heating step (S1) than in the rate step (S2).

[0415] Of course, unlike the drawing, the drum (200) can rotate at the same operating rate as the heating step (S1) because the clothes are wetter in the constant rate step (S2) than in the drying step (S3). In addition, the operating rate of the drum rotation in the constant rate step (S2) can be set to 50 percent or less.

[0416] Meanwhile, the drum (200) can be controlled to rotate at the same rotation speed throughout the drying course. That is, the drum (200) can rotate at the same speed during the heating rotation time (TA), the constant rotation time (TB), and the deceleration rotation time (TC).

[0417] As a result, the garment treatment device of the present invention can set the actual rotation rate of the drum to be lower than the reduction rate stage (S3) in at least one of the heating stage (S1) and the constant rate stage (S2) in which the garment is wet.

[0418] Accordingly, the garment treatment device of the present invention can shorten the time required for the drying cycle by preventing the garment from wrinkling by eliminating twisting and bunching of the garment and creating an environment in which the garment can be dried evenly.

[0419] In addition, the garment treatment device of the present invention can prevent moisture inside the drum (200) from leaking out by reducing the amount of impact applied to the door (130) when the garment comes into contact with the door (130).

[0420] In addition, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can prevent the clumping of the clothing and eliminate eccentricity, thereby significantly reducing the load of the driving unit (500) and the power consumption of the compressor (930) and the circulation fan (350).

[0421] Figure 15 shows the change in power consumption according to the drum operating rate when drying a large amount of clothes in the heating stage.

[0422] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can prevent the clothing from twisting or bunching by repeatedly rotating and stopping the drum (200) when drying a large amount of clothing (L2) in the heating step (S1).

[0423] The above-mentioned large quantity of clothing (L2) can correspond to the maximum weight of clothing that can be accommodated in the drum (200).

[0424] Referring to Fig. 15, in the garment treatment device of the present invention, when the drum (200) containing the large quantity of garments (L2) is rotated at an operating rate of 80 percent or more in the heating step (S1), the effect of preventing the garments from bunching or twisting is reduced, and the power consumption also increases beyond a set value. This is because the large quantity of garments (L2) are in a state of containing moisture and are therefore much heavier than in a dry state, and therefore the energy required by the driving unit (500) to rotate them is excessive.

[0425] In addition, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, if the drum (200) containing the large quantity of clothing (L2) is rotated at an operating rate of 20% or less in the heating step (S1), the clothing can be prevented from bunching or twisting, but the power consumption increases compared to when the drum (200) is rotated at an operating rate of 20% or more. Furthermore, it can be seen that the power consumption exceeds the set value when the drum (200) is rotated at an operating rate of 13% or less. This is because the clothing is not stirred inside the drum (200), so that the drying of the clothing is not sufficiently performed, and therefore, sufficient heat is not supplied to the evaporator (910), so that it takes a long time for the compressor (930) to operate at the maximum speed and maximum temperature. In other words, if the operating rate is too low, the duration of the heating step (S1) of the heating step (S1) becomes longer, which may actually increase the power consumption.

[0426] In addition, the clothing treatment device of the present invention consumes the least power when the drum (200) rotates at an operating rate of 20% to 30% in the heating step (S1) while handling a large amount of clothing (L2).

[0427] In summary, the garment treatment device of the present invention can control the drum (200) to rotate at a rotation rate of 13% to 80% in the heating step (S1) when a large quantity of garments (L2) are placed in the drum (200). This can save energy by reducing power consumption while alleviating the phenomenon of garments bunching and twisting.

[0428] Most preferably, the garment treatment device of the present invention can control the drum (200) to rotate at a rate of 20% to 30% in the heating step (S1) when a large quantity of garments (L2) are placed in the drum (200). This ensures an optimal state in which clumping and twisting of the garments are prevented to the greatest extent possible while also consuming the least amount of power.

[0429] Figure 16 shows the change in power consumption according to the drum operating rate when drying a large amount of clothes in the constant rate stage.

[0430] Although the above constant rate step (S2) is performed after the heating step (S1), the large quantity of clothes (L2) accommodated in the drum (200) still remains in a state of very high moisture content. That is, since the temperature inside the drum (200) does not rise even when hot air is supplied due to the vaporization heat of moisture evaporated from the clothes in the constant rate step (S2), it can be seen that the moisture content of the large quantity of clothes (L2) inside the drum (200) is still high in the constant rate step (S2). Therefore, if the drum (200) is rotated continuously without interruption in the constant rate step (S2) or the drum (200) is rotated at a high operating rate, the clothes may become bunched or twisted at any time.

[0431] Referring to FIG. 16, it can be seen that in the garment treatment device of the present invention, when the drum (200) containing the large quantity of garments (L2) is rotated at an operating rate of 80 percent or more in the constant rate step (S2), the power consumption is higher than when the drum (200) is rotated at an operating rate of 80 percent or less. This is because the large quantity of garments (L2) are still heavy due to the moisture they contain, and therefore, a lot of energy is required for the driving unit (500) to continuously rotate them.

[0432] In addition, in the garment treatment device of the present invention, when the drum (200) containing the large quantity of garments (L2) is rotated at an operating rate of 20 percent or less in the constant rate step (S2), the power consumption suddenly increases compared to when the operating rate is low. Specifically, it can be confirmed that when the drum rotates at an operating rate of 16% or less, the power consumption is similar to when the drum rotates at an operating rate of 80% or more. This is because the garments are not sufficiently stirred inside the drum (200), so drying of the garments is not completely performed, and the temperature inside the drum (200) does not sufficiently rise, and the garments that are not dried because they are stuck to the inner wall of the drum and are not exposed to the hot air come into contact with the electrode sensor, making it slow to enter the deceleration section.

[0433] In addition, it can be seen that the clothing treatment device of the present invention uses the least power consumption when the drum (200) rotates the large quantity of clothing (L2) at a rotation rate of 20% to 30% in the rotation step (S2).

[0434] As a result, the garment treatment device of the present invention can control the drum (200) to rotate at a rotation rate of 16% to 80% in the rotational speed step (S2) when a large quantity of garments (L2) are fed into the drum (200). This saves energy by reducing power consumption while alleviating the phenomenon of garments bunching and twisting.

[0435] Most preferably, the garment treatment device of the present invention can control the drum (200) to rotate at a rotation rate of 20% to 30% in the rotational speed step (S2) when a large quantity of garments (L2) are loaded into the drum (200). This ensures an optimal state in which the clumping and twisting of the garments are prevented to the greatest extent possible while also consuming the least amount of power.

[0436] Figure 17 shows the change in power consumption according to the drum operating rate when drying a small amount of clothing in the heating stage.

[0437] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can prevent twisting or bunching of the clothing by repeatedly rotating and stopping the drum (200) when drying a small amount of clothing (L1) in the heating step (S1).

[0438] The above small amount of clothing (L1) may correspond to a weight less than half of the maximum weight of clothing that can be accommodated in the drum (200).

[0439] Referring to FIG. 17, it can be seen that in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, even when a small amount of clothing (L1) is placed in the drum (200) in the heating step (S1), as in the case of a large amount of clothing (L2), power consumption increases as the operating rate increases from 30% to 100%, and power consumption increases as the operating rate decreases from 20% to 0%.

[0440] In addition, even when a small amount of clothing (L1) is placed in the drum (200) in the heating step (S1), it can be confirmed that the power consumption is the lowest when the drum rotates at a rotation rate of 20 to 30%, as in the case of a large amount of clothing (L2).

[0441] This can be understood as being because, in the case of wet clothing with a very high moisture content, regardless of the amount of clothing, if the drum rotates at a high operating rate, the weight inside the drum (200) increases due to the weight of the moisture contained in the clothing, requiring a lot of energy to drive the driving unit (500), and if the drum rotates at a low operating rate, the clothing is not dried evenly, slowing down the time to enter the constant rate stage (S2), so the operating time of the compressor (930) and the circulation fan (950) actually increases, requiring a lot of energy.

[0442] Therefore, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can prevent twisting or bunching of clothing while reducing power consumption by rotating the drum (200) in the range of 20 to 80% of the actual operating ratio in the heating step (S1), and can optimally rotate the drum (200) in the range of 20 to 30%.

[0443] Figure 18 shows the change in power consumption according to the drum operating rate when drying a small amount of clothes in the constant rate stage.

[0444] In the above rate step (S2), when the clothing is small (L1), it can be confirmed that the change in power consumption according to the actual operating rate is different from that of a large amount of clothing (L2).

[0445] This can be understood as being because, unlike a large amount of clothing (L2), in the case of a small amount of clothing (L1), drying of the clothing is significantly achieved by passing only the heating step (S1), so the clothing exhibits the characteristics of a dry clothing rather than the characteristics of a wet clothing.

[0446] However, even when the clothing is in a small amount (L1) in the above-mentioned rate step (S2), it can be confirmed that the power consumption is the lowest when the drum (200) is rotated in the range of 20 to 30% of the actual operating rate.

[0447] Therefore, considering power consumption, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can perform the operation rate in the range of 20 to 30% in the case of a small amount of clothing (L1) in the above-mentioned rate step (S2).

[0448] Alternatively, in the case of a small amount of clothing (L1) in the above-described constant-rate step (S2), the clothing treatment device of the present invention may rotate the drum (200) at a rate higher than the operating rate of 30%, comprehensively considering both the prevention of drying delay and the securing of drying performance of the clothing. For example, the drum (200) may be rotated at an operating rate of 80 to 100%, or 30 to 70%.

[0449] Figure 19 illustrates an embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention rotates while changing the rotational direction of the drum.

[0450] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can be controlled to relieve clumping or twisting of clothing by changing the rotation direction of the drum from time to time when performing a drying course.

[0451] That is, the garment treatment device of the present invention can induce knotted or twisted garments to be untied again by changing the rotation direction of the drum.

[0452] Referring to Fig. 19(a), the drum (200) can be rotated in one direction to raise the clothes from the bottom to the top of the drum (200) and expose them to hot air flowing into the inside of the drum (200).

[0453] The drum (200) can continuously rotate in one direction to repeatedly induce clothing inside the drum (200) to fall as much as possible from the inner wall of the drum (200). The clothing can be dried by being exposed to hot air introduced into the drum (200) as it rises and falls.

[0454] For example, the clothing may rise above the rotation center (O) of the drum (200) and then fall toward the lower part of the drum (200).

[0455] However, when the clothing is wet and contains moisture, the clothing is heavy and has strong adhesive properties, so it may move along the rotational direction of the drum (200), but may not rise sufficiently and may roll down to the bottom of the drum (200). During this process, the clothing may clump or twist on itself, and may become tangled or clumped with other clothing when in contact with other clothing.

[0456] Referring to Fig. 19(b), after rotating the drum (200) in one direction, the rotation of the drum (200) can be stopped.

[0457] The above drum (200) may be temporarily stopped.

[0458] Alternatively, the drum (200) may be stopped for a certain period of time. Even when the drum (200) is stopped from rotating, hot air can be supplied to the interior of the drum (200). During this process, the drying of the clothing can be performed to a certain extent. When the drum (200) is stopped for a certain period of time, the phenomenon of the clothing becoming twisted or bunched up can be stopped without worsening.

[0459] Referring to Fig. 19(c), the drum (200) may begin to rotate again. At this time, the drum (200) may rotate in a direction different from the direction in which it rotated before stopping. That is, the drum (200) may rotate in a direction opposite to the one direction. As a result, the garment may move in the opposite direction to when the drum (200) rotates in one direction, and may fall while rising.

[0460] During this process, tangled or bunched clothing may begin to unravel, and as the drum (200) rotates repeatedly, the eccentricity inside the drum (200) may also be resolved.

[0461] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can repeat this process in the drying cycle.

[0462] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can rotate at a rotation speed that ensures that the clothing rises above the rotation center (O) of the drum (200) during the process of performing any drying course, except for the detection step (S0). That is, since the drum (200) rotates with the actual operating rate set, when the drum (200) rotates, it rotates at a fast speed that can sufficiently raise the clothing, and when excessive impact, twisting, bunching, or friction accumulates on the clothing, the drum (200) can be stopped to resolve this.

[0463] Fig. 20 illustrates an embodiment in which the control method of Fig. 19 is performed together with actual operating rate control.

[0464] In order to prevent the twisting and bunching of wet clothes while performing a drying course from causing wrinkles or damage to the clothes themselves, pushing the door (130), increasing the load of the driving unit (500), or causing unbalance in the drum (200), the clothing treatment device of the present invention can apply both setting the actual driving rate of the driving unit (500) and driving it, and changing the rotational direction of the drum.

[0465] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can control the rotation direction of the drum to be changed when the drum (200) rotates again, taking into account the occurrence of a situation in which the drum (200) stops when the driving unit (500) is driven by setting the actual operating rate.

[0466] The clothing treatment device of the present invention lowers the operating rate of the driving unit (500) so that even if the drum (200) rotates, a certain level of twisting and bunching occurs in wet clothing, and in the case of a large amount of clothing, even if the time for which the drum (200) continuously rotates is short, the twisting and bunching of the clothing may be aggravated. Therefore, the drum (200) can be rotated by changing the rotational direction at least once during each section in which the drum (200) stops and then rotates again.

[0467] For example, the drum (200) can rotate clockwise for a rotation time (T).

[0468] Thereafter, the drum (200) can be stopped for a stopping time (t) longer than the rotation time (T) during which the drum (200) rotates according to the actual operating rate set in the driving unit (500).

[0469] The drum (200) can be rotated again with a rotation time (T) shorter than the stop time (t). In this process, the drum (200) can be rotated counterclockwise for the rotation time (T).

[0470] Afterwards, it can be stopped again for a stopping time (t).

[0471] When the above drum (200) rotates again, it can rotate again in a clockwise direction for a rotation time (T).

[0472] The above-described process may be repeated as the above drying course progresses.

[0473] As a result, in the garment treatment device of the present invention, when the drum (200) is driven according to the set operating rate of the driving unit (500) in the heating step (S1), the constant rate step (S2), and the decreasing rate step (S3), the drum (200) can be controlled to change the rotational direction of the drum (200) at least once during all processes of stopping and then rotating again.

[0474] Figure 21 illustrates an example in which the control method for drum rotation of the present invention is applied in a drying course.

[0475] Fig. 21 may correspond to the control method of Fig. 14 with the addition of changing the rotation direction of the drum.

[0476] When the above drying process is performed, if the drum (200) is set to rotate by repeating rotation and stopping rather than rotating without stopping, the rotation direction of the drum (200) may be controlled to always change when the drum (200) stops rotating and then rotates again, but the number of times the drum's rotation direction is changed may be set to be less than the number of times the drum (200) stops rotating and repeats rotating.

[0477] For example, when the clothing is wet and has a high moisture content, the rotation direction of the drum (200) can be changed more to resolve twisting and bunching of the clothing, thereby improving the eccentricity inside the drum (200).

[0478] However, if the rotation direction of the drum (200) is changed, friction between the clothes may become severe as the clothes move in a different direction from the direction in which they have been rotating inside the drum (200). Considering this, if the clothes are dry or have a low moisture content, the rotation direction of the drum (200) may be maintained for a longer period of time to reduce the time or situation in which the clothes are subject to friction, thereby preventing the clothes from becoming fluffy or damaged.

[0479] The above clothing may be wet at the beginning of the drying process, but as the drying process progresses, the drier it becomes.

[0480] Accordingly, the garment treatment device of the present invention can focus on preventing the garments from bunching or twisting by frequently changing the rotation direction of the drum at the beginning of the drying cycle. However, as the drying cycle progresses, the rotation direction of the drum is maintained or the drum continues to rotate, so that rather than preventing the garments from bunching or twisting, the device can focus on rapidly drying the garments while preventing the production of lint.

[0481] In summary, the drum (200) can be controlled to rotate with a greater change in rotation direction at the beginning of the drying course when the internal temperature is below the reference value than at the end of the drying course when the internal temperature is above the reference value.

[0482] Specifically, the drum (200) can be controlled to rotate with a greater change in rotation direction at the beginning of the drying course when the temperature inside the circulation duct is below the set temperature than at the end of the drying course when the temperature inside the circulation duct is above the set temperature.

[0483] The drum (200) can be controlled to rotate with a greater change in rotational direction at the beginning of the drying course when the operating speed (hz) of the compressor is driven to the target speed (H1) than at the end of the drying course when the operating speed (hz) of the compressor is reduced below the target speed (H1).

[0484] The initial stage of the above drying course and the stage where the compressor is driven to the target speed (H1) is the heating stage, and the remaining stages may be the constant rate stage (S2) and the decreasing rate stage (S3).

[0485] Accordingly, the drum (200) can be controlled to rotate in a direction that changes more in the heating step (S1) than in the rate step (S2) or the rate reduction step (S3).

[0486] The above heating step (S1) may be set to change the rotation direction of the drum (200) more times than the above reduction step (S3).

[0487] The above heating step (S1) can be set to change the rotation direction more times than the above constant rate step (S2).

[0488] In the above heating step (S1), the frequency of changing the rotation direction when rotating for the heating rotation time (TA), then stopping for the heating stop time (ta), and then rotating again for the heating rotation time (TA) can be set to be greater than the frequency of changing the rotation direction in the constant rate step (S2) and the deceleration step (S3).

[0489] For example, in the heating step (S1), the rotation direction can be controlled to change each time the heating step (S1) rotates for a heating rotation time (TA), then stops for a heating stop time (ta), and then rotates again for the heating rotation time (TA). As a result, bunching and twisting of the clothing can be prevented, and bunching and twisting of the clothing can be resolved when they occur.

[0490] The above heating rotation time (TA) and the above heating stop time (ta) can be set in the same manner as in the previously described embodiment.

[0491] In the above constant rate step (S2), when the rotation for the constant rate rotation time (TB) and then stopping for the constant rate stop time (tb) are repeated two or three times or more, the rotation direction of the drum (200) can be controlled to change in the next constant rate rotation time (TB). As a result, in the constant rate step (S2), the occurrence of fluff due to friction of clothing can be prevented.

[0492] The above constant rotation time (TB) and the constant stopping time (tb) can be set in the same manner as in the previously described embodiment.

[0493] In the above-described reduction step (S3), when the rotation for the reduction rotation time (TC) and then stopping for the reduction rotation time (tc) are repeated 4 and 5 times, the rotation direction of the drum (200) can be controlled to change at the next reduction rotation time (TC). Alternatively, in the above-described reduction step (S3), the rotation direction of the drum may not change at all, or the drum may be controlled to continuously rotate without stopping. Accordingly, in the above-described reduction step (S3), it is possible to focus more on drying the clothes while preventing the clothes from becoming fluffy.

[0494] The above-described reduction rotation time (TC) and the above-described reduction stop time (tc) can be set in the same manner as in the previously described embodiment.

[0495] That is, when the clothing treatment device of the present invention performs an arbitrary drying course, the rotation direction of the drum can also be selectively changed when the drum (200) is rotated and stopped repeatedly by setting the operating rate.

[0496] Figure 22 illustrates the energy saving effect according to the progress of the drying course when the control method of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is applied.

[0497] The garment treatment device of the present invention can rotate the drum (200) by lowering the operating rate of the driving unit (500) when the garment is heavy due to moisture content, and can rotate the drum (200) by increasing the operating rate of the driving unit (500) when the garment is dried and becomes lighter in weight. As a result, the garment can be optimally dried while preventing the garment from bunching, twisting, and wrinkling.

[0498] The protective motion of the garment treatment device of the present invention can be viewed as a concept that includes at least one of repeating rotation and stop of the drum (200) according to the actual operating rate and changing the rotation direction of the drum (200).

[0499] The normal motion of the garment treatment device of the present invention may correspond to continuous rotation of the drum without stopping, similar to drum driving, and since it rotates continuously, it may be assumed that the rotation direction of the drum does not change.

[0500] The garment treatment device of the present invention can reduce power consumption by 6.5% when performing the same drying cycle compared to a conventional garment treatment device that rotates the drum only in normal motion.

[0501] Specifically, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can reduce power consumption by 16.4% in the heating step (S1).

[0502] This can be understood as an effect that occurs because the driving unit (500) does not continuously rotate the drum (200) containing the clothes that have become heavy due to moisture in the heating step (S1), and thus the driving time of the driving unit (500) is secured to stop.

[0503] In particular, the effect can be maximized when the actual operating rate of the driving unit (500) is in the range of 20 to 30%.

[0504] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can reduce power consumption by 6.8% in the above-mentioned rate step (S2).

[0505] This can be understood as an effect that occurs because the driving unit (500) does not continuously rotate the drum (200) containing heavy clothing that still contains moisture even in the constant rate stage (S2), and thus the driving time of the driving unit (500) is secured to stop.

[0506] In particular, the effect can be maximized when the actual operating rate of the driving unit (500) is in the range of 20 to 30%.

[0507] However, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can increase power consumption by 6.8% in the reduction step (S3).

[0508] This can be understood as an effect that occurs because the drying time is slightly extended due to the time for which the rotation of the drum (200) stops according to the actual operating rate set in the driving unit (500) in the above-mentioned reduction step.

[0509] However, since energy consumption increases in the above-mentioned reduction step (S3) but energy decreases throughout the entire drying process, it can be seen that the application of the protective motion is meaningful in that it can prevent lumping, twisting, and wrinkling of clothing in the above-mentioned reduction step (S3) and prevent adverse effects caused by them.

[0510] Of course, the garment treatment device of the present invention can drive the drum (200) in normal motion in the reduction step (S3).

[0511] Figure 23 illustrates the energy saving effect of each component when the control method of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is applied.

[0512] When the control method in which the protective motion is applied is applied to the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the power consumption of the driving unit (500) can be reduced by 39%.

[0513] Accordingly, it can be confirmed that not only is overload of the driving unit (500) prevented, but also the lifespan of the driving unit (500) and the durability of the entire clothing treatment device can be guaranteed.

[0514] Of course, since the completion of drying of clothes may be delayed due to the accompanying stoppage of the driving unit (500), the power consumption of the compressor (930) may increase by 4.3%, and the power consumption of the fan (950) may increase by 9.5%.

[0515] However, since the power reduction of the driving unit (500) is sufficient to compensate for this, it can be confirmed that the clothing treatment device of the present invention can save 6.5% energy compared to when performing the drying course in normal motion.

[0516] Figure 24 illustrates that the energy rating is improved when the control method of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is applied.

[0517] In general, the energy rating applied to a dryer such as the clothing treatment device of the present invention is calculated as a consumption efficiency rating that is officially set based on the power consumption (wh) generated during one drying process based on the standard drying capacity (kg).

[0518] Since drying a large number of clothes with the same amount of power consumption results in better drying performance, the lower the energy rating, the better.

[0519] It can be confirmed that the garment treatment device of the present invention is much superior to the conventional garment treatment device that operates only in normal motion because its energy rating is lower.

[0520] Figure 25 illustrates that the sealing effect of the door is improved when the control method of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is applied.

[0521] It can be confirmed that the displacement of the door (130) opening from the opening (111) is smaller than that of a conventional clothing treatment device through a control method utilizing a protective motion.

[0522] As a result of the displacement of the door (130) being smaller than that of a conventional clothing treatment device, the clothing treatment device of the present invention prevents the clothing from bunching or twisting by applying a rotation rate to the drum (200) when performing a drying course, so it can be confirmed that the force applied to the door (130) is not concentrated when the clothing moves in the drum (200).

[0523] Regardless of where humidity is detected along the perimeter of the door (130), the garment treatment device of the present invention can confirm that the change in humidity around the door (130) is naturally smaller than that of a conventional garment treatment device.

[0524] Figure 26 illustrates an example in which the applicability of the control method of the garment treatment device of the present invention varies depending on the maximum volume compared to the maximum weight capacity of the drum.

[0525] The control method using the protective motion in the garment treatment device of the present invention can be maximized as the amount or weight of the garments fed into the drum (200) increases.

[0526] If the clothes being placed inside the drum (200) are close to the maximum number of clothes that the drum (200) can accommodate or the maximum number of clothes that the driving unit (500) can perform the drying process for, the control method of applying the above-mentioned babysitting may be effective.

[0527] If the actual weight of the clothes loaded is 40% of the maximum allowable weight for carrying out the drying course that can be accommodated in the drum (200), the load required for the driving unit (500) to rotate the drum (200) may not be much. In addition, since sufficient space is secured inside the drum (200) for the clothes to move, even if the drum (200) is rotated continuously for a long time, the clothes may not be bunched up or twisted, or the degree of such bunching or twisting may be small.

[0528] In addition, when the diameter of the drum (200) increases, the amount of clothing accommodated in the drum (200) also increases, but even for the same amount of clothing, the eccentric force applied to the driving unit (500) becomes stronger than when the diameter is small, so a large load may be applied to drive the driving unit (500).

[0529] Taking this into comprehensive consideration, the control method of the garment treatment device of the present invention can further reduce the power consumption of the driving unit (500) when applying the protective motion of the garment treatment device of the present invention as the ratio of the maximum weight that the drum (200) can accommodate to the maximum volume (hereinafter, bath ratio) becomes smaller.

[0530] The above bath ratio is a condition that varies depending on the design conditions of the drive unit and drum of the garment treatment device of the present invention. However, for convenience of explanation, it is defined as the bath ratio of the drum below.

[0531] In other words, as illustrated in Fig. 26, when the garment treatment device of the present invention expands from the diameter D1 to D2, thereby increasing the weight of garments it can accommodate compared to the increased volume, the bath ratio can be reduced. As the accommodated volume increases, more wet garments can be accommodated, and accordingly, the bath ratio of the drum can be reduced.

[0532] As the bath ratio decreases, the load applied to the driving unit (500) may increase, and as a large amount of clothing is input, twisting and bunching of the clothing may become more severe.

[0533] In the garment treatment device of the present invention, when the bath ratio is 13 or less, a larger amount of garments are fed into the drum than when the bath ratio is 13 or more, so the load required to drive the driving unit (500) increases, and the garments may become more bunched or twisted.

[0534] Therefore, the control method applying the protective motion in the garment treatment device of the present invention can be effective when applied under the condition that the bath ratio of the drum is set to 13 or less.

[0535] In addition, the effect of applying the protective motion can be maximized when the bath ratio of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is formed to be 10.5 or less.

[0536] For example, if the drum (200) has a diameter of 27 inches, which is larger than that of a typical dryer, the maximum clothing capacity (maximum drying load) can be set to 22 kg, and in this case, the bath ratio can be set to 10.5 or less.

[0537] When the diameter and length of the drum (200) are designed in this way, the control method applying the protective motion of the clothing treatment device of the present invention can be applied as is.

[0538] Conversely, when the drum (200) of the garment treatment device of the present invention has a bath ratio of 13 or more, a general control method with a normal motion applied may be applied rather than a control method with the above-mentioned protective motion applied.

[0539] The execution conditions of the control method of the protective motion including at least one of the change in the operating rate and rotation direction of the garment treatment device of the present invention may be set to the bath ratio of the drum.

[0540] Figure 27 illustrates an embodiment in which the control method of the garment treatment device of the present invention varies depending on the capacity of the garment.

[0541] Referring to Fig. 27(a), a small amount of clothing (L1) can be loaded into the drum (200), and referring to Fig. 27(b), a large amount of clothing (L2) can be loaded into the drum (200).

[0542] The small amount of clothing (L1) may correspond to less than half of the maximum weight that the drum (200) can accommodate, and the large amount of clothing (L2) may correspond to or more than half of the maximum weight that the drum (200) can accommodate.

[0543] The garment treatment device of the present invention can control at least one of the rotation speed, operating rate, and rotation direction of the drum differently depending on the amount of clothes input.

[0544] Figure 28 illustrates a problem that occurs when there is a small amount of clothing.

[0545] In general, when a drying process is performed to remove moisture from clothing by performing any drying cycle, the drum (200) rotates at a speed that allows the clothing to rise and fall above the rotation axis (530). As a result, the clothing is separated from the inner wall of the drum (200) and is directly exposed to the hot air introduced into the drum (200), allowing it to be evenly dried.

[0546] However, when a small amount of clothing (L1) is placed inside the drum (200), the amount of clothing placed at the bottom of the drum (200) is also small, so the height between the upper clothing (A) that rises above the rotation axis (530) and the lower clothing (B) placed below the rotation axis (530) or the lower surface of the drum (200) is formed relatively high.

[0547] As a result, the upper garment (A) may fall onto the lower garment (B) or the lower surface of the drum (200) with a large impact, which may cause the garment to shrink.

[0548] In addition, the lower garment (B) may collide and rub against the upper garment (A) as it rises, causing damage such as pilling.

[0549] Accordingly, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can be operated at a lower rotation speed of the drum (200) when a small amount of clothing (L1) is placed in the drum (200) than when a large amount of clothing (L2) is placed in the drum (200).

[0550] Fig. 29 illustrates an embodiment of controlling the rotation speed of a drum when a small amount of clothing is input.

[0551] When a small amount of clothing (L1) is placed inside the drum (200), the clothing treatment device of the present invention can perform a rolling motion that controls the driving unit (500) to rotate the drum (200) at a speed at which the clothing (L1) does not rise above the rotational axis (530) or the rotational center (O) of the drum. As a result, not only is the shock of the small amount of clothing (L1) falling eliminated, but also the friction between the clothing (L1) is reduced to prevent damage.

[0552] Meanwhile, even if the clothing (L1) does not rise sufficiently, a small amount of clothing (L1) can be dried because the contact area with each other is not large and can be sufficiently exposed inside the drum.

[0553] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can rotate the drum (200) in a rolling motion throughout the heating step (S1), the constant rate step (S2), the reduction rate step (S3), and the cooling step (S4) when a small amount of clothing (L1) is placed in the drum (200).

[0554] Meanwhile, when performing this rolling motion, a protective motion may be applied and the aforementioned method of changing the actual operating rate and rotation direction may be applied.

[0555] Alternatively, in the case where a small amount of clothing (L1) is accommodated in the drum (200), the clothing treatment device of the present invention does not easily cause the clothing to clump or become tangled with each other, the force pushing the door (130) is not large, and even if it contains moisture, the load on the driving unit (500) that rotates the drum (200) is not large, so the drum (200) can be rotated in a normal motion.

[0556] Accordingly, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can prevent damage to a small amount of clothing (L1) and also prevent drying delay of the small amount of clothing (L1), thereby reducing power consumption.

[0557] Fig. 30 illustrates an embodiment of controlling the rotation speed of a drum when there is a large amount of clothing.

[0558] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can control the driving unit (500) so that, when a large amount of clothing (L2) is fed into the drum (200), the drum (200) rotates at a speed at which the clothing can rise and fall above the rotation axis (530) and the rotation center (O) of the drum (200).

[0559] In this case, the driving unit (500) can rotate the drum (200) in a tumbling motion that rotates the drum (200) at a speed lower than the speed at which the clothing sticks to the inner wall of the drum and rotates once.

[0560] When a large amount of clothing (L2) is placed in the drum (200), the height from which the clothing falls may be relatively small because all the clothing in the tumbling drum does not rise and fall at once, but rises and falls sequentially.

[0561] Accordingly, as the clothing (L2) rises higher than the center of rotation (O) and falls, a large amount of clothing (L2) can be evenly exposed to the hot air flowing into the drum (200) and dried.

[0562] When a large amount of clothing (L2) is input into the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the driving unit (500) can be controlled by a control method in which the protective motion described in FIGS. 14 and 21 is applied when performing any drying course.

[0563] In this way, the clumping and twisting of the clothing (L2) can be eliminated, the door (130) can be prevented from being opened arbitrarily, and the load on the driving unit (500) can be reduced, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0564] Figure 31 illustrates a control method for setting the rotation control of the drum differently depending on the weight of the clothing.

[0565] In general, since the drum (200) is installed inside the garment treatment device without being replaced, the bath ratio of the drum (200) is fixed. Therefore, the garment treatment device of the present invention can determine whether to perform a control method with a protective motion applied based on the amount of laundry injected into the garment, regardless of the bath ratio of the drum (200).

[0566] In addition, in order for the garment treatment device of the present invention to set the driving method of the driving unit (500) differently according to the weight of the garments loaded into the drum (200), it is essential to detect the weight of the garments.

[0567] To this end, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can perform a rotation step (S10) of detecting the weight of the clothing through a current value applied or output to the driving unit (500) by rotating the drum (200) when any drying course is performed and the drying process is executed.

[0568] The above drum rotation step (S10) may be a step corresponding to the detection step (S0) described above.

[0569] The aforementioned detection step (S0) can be understood as a concept that includes not only detecting the weight through the rotation of the drum, but also detecting the weight of the clothing through a load sensor, if one is provided.

[0570] When the above rotation step (S10) is performed, a judgment step (S20) for determining whether the weight of the detected clothing is greater than or equal to a reference value can be performed.

[0571] The above reference value may correspond to half of the maximum weight that can be accommodated in the drum (200). For example, if the drying capacity is set to 22 kg, the above reference value may correspond to 11 kg.

[0572] If it is determined in the above judgment step (S20) that the clothing is a small amount of clothing (L1), a continuous rotation step (S30) of rotating the drum (200) in the normal motion can be performed.

[0573] The above continuous rotation step (S30) can be performed throughout the entire section from the heating step (S1) to the constant rate step (S2), the deceleration step (S3), and the cooling step (S4), and can be performed until the drying course is completed.

[0574] In the above continuous rotation step (S30), the driving unit (500) may be controlled so that the drum (200) rotates in a rolling motion. However, in the above continuous rotation step (S30), the drum (200) may be controlled so that it rotates in a tumbling motion.

[0575] When the above continuous rotation step (S30) is determined, the driving unit (500) is controlled to operate with the actual operating rate set to 100%, and the drum (200) can rotate continuously without interruption. As a result, a small amount of clothing (L1) can be quickly dried, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0576] If it is determined in the above judgment step (S20) that the clothing is a large quantity of clothing (L2), the drum (200) can be rotated with the protective motion to perform an intermittent rotation step (S40) accompanied by repeated rotation stops of the drum.

[0577] The above-mentioned single rotation step (S40) can be performed in at least one of the entire sections from the heating step (S1) to the constant rate step (S2), the deceleration step (S3), and the cooling step (S4).

[0578] The execution of the above-mentioned single rotation step (S40) may correspond to the application of the control method illustrated in Fig. 14 or Fig. 21.

[0579] In the above-mentioned single rotation step (S40), the driving unit (500) can be controlled so that the drum (200) rotates in a tumbling motion.

[0580] Figure 32 illustrates an example of performing a drying course when a continuous rotation step (S30) is performed.

[0581] In the above detection step (S0), a drum rotation step (S10) may be performed. The drum rotation step (S10) may rotate the drum in a rolling motion, rotate the drum (200) more slowly than the rolling motion, or rotate the drum (200) less than one rotation.

[0582] Accordingly, when performing the above detection step (S0), the power consumption of the driving unit (500) can be reduced, and the weight of the clothing can be quickly detected.

[0583] When it is determined that the above continuous rotation step (S30) is to be performed, the drum (200) can rotate without interruption at a constant speed from the heating step (S1) to the cooling step (S4).

[0584] From the above heating step (S1), the drum (200) can rotate faster than the speed at which the drum rotates in the above detection step (S0).

[0585] The above heating step (S1), the above rate step (S2), and the above rate reduction step (S3) can be performed in a rolling motion.

[0586] Figure 33 illustrates an example of performing a drying course when a single rotation step (S40) is performed.

[0587] In the above detection step (S0), the drum rotation step (S10) can be performed.

[0588] The above drum rotation step (S10) may rotate the drum in a rolling motion, rotate the drum (200) more slowly than the rolling motion, or rotate the drum (200) less than one rotation.

[0589] Accordingly, when performing the above detection step (S0), the power consumption of the driving unit (500) can be reduced, and the weight of the clothing can be quickly detected.

[0590] The above heating step (S1), the rate step (S2), and the rate reduction step (S3) can be performed in a tumbling motion when the drum rotates.

[0591] This can lead to a large amount of clothing being dried quickly and evenly, thereby reducing overall power consumption.

[0592] In addition, the heating step (S1), the rate step (S2), and the rate reduction step (S3) can be performed in the same manner as the embodiment applied in Fig. 21. As a result, the clumping and twisting of clothing can be prevented, while the power consumption of the driving unit can also be reduced.

[0593] Figure 34 illustrates the change in the performance coefficient of the drying course when the garment treatment device of the present invention applies the protective motion and the normal motion.

[0594] When the clothing treatment device of the present invention performs a drying course by applying the above-mentioned protective motion, the overall coefficient of performance (COP) increases compared to when the drying course is performed by applying the normal motion.

[0595] It can be understood that when the drum (200) rotates in a protective motion in at least one of the heating stage (S1), the constant rate stage (S2), and the decreasing rate stage (S3), the twisting and bunching of the clothing is resolved, and the entire clothing is evenly exposed to hot air, so that the clothing is quickly dried.

[0596] In particular, in the constant rate stage (S2) and the decreasing rate stage (S3), since the clothes are dried to a certain level or higher, when the protective motion is applied, the clothes are exposed to more hot air by repeatedly rising and falling without being bunched or twisted, so the drying efficiency can be increased.

[0597] However, in the heating step (S1), since it is the initial stage of the drying process, the clothes are not sufficiently dried, and the moisture content of the clothes is very high, so the clothes are also the heaviest in weight. Therefore, even if the protective motion is applied in the heating step (S1), the clothes may not be clumped or twisted, but the clothes may not be able to rise sufficiently inside the drum (200) and may fall, and the adhesive strength of the clothes to the inner wall of the drum may also be strengthened, preventing them from being evenly exposed inside the drum.

[0598] In addition, since the heating step (S1) operates the driving unit (500) at a lower operating rate than the constant rate step (S2) and the deceleration step (S3), the time during which the clothing rises inside the drum (200) and is exposed to hot air can be reduced.

[0599] Accordingly, the drying performance may be lower in at least some sections of the heating step (S1) than when the drum (200) is continuously dried without interruption. If the drying performance is reduced in this way, the moisture content of the air flowing into the evaporator (910) also relatively decreases, and accordingly, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor (930) inevitably decreases, so the efficiency of the compressor (930) may decrease. Accordingly, the performance coefficient may temporarily decrease when the protective motion is applied at the beginning of the drying process compared to when the normal motion is applied.

[0600] Even so, if the driving unit (500) is driven in normal motion in the heating stage (S1), the clumping and twisting of the clothing may become more severe, increasing the load on the driving unit (500), and the door (130) may also experience a problem of receiving a strong force to open at the opening (111).

[0601] To this end, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can control the compressor (930) differently when the protective motion is applied in the heating step (S1) than when the normal motion is applied.

[0602] Figure 35 illustrates an embodiment of controlling a compressor in a clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0603] The present invention can control the driving speed and driving time of the compressor (930) differently from the conventional clothing treatment device.

[0604] For example, when the heating step (S1) of the present invention is performed, the driving speed and driving time of the compressor (930) can be controlled differently from the heating step of a conventional clothing treatment device.

[0605] Controlling the operating speed and operating time of the compressor (930) differently can be defined as compressor control.

[0606] The above compressor control can be selectively applied depending on the weight of the clothing or the bath ratio of the drum.

[0607] For example, the above compressor control may be set to be applied simultaneously when the drum (200) is set to rotate in the above protective motion.

[0608] If the above protection motion is determined to be performed, the above compressor control may also be determined to be performed.

[0609] For example, if it is determined that at least one of the heating step (S1), the rate step (S2), and the rate reduction step (S3) is to be performed with the above protection motion, it may be determined that compressor control is to be performed in the heating step (S1).

[0610] When the above heating step (S1) is performed and the protective motion is set to be performed, the maximum driving speed of the compressor (930) can be controlled to be lower than when the normal motion is performed.

[0611] If the maximum driving speed of the compressor (930) is set to the first target speed (H1) when the normal motion is applied, the maximum driving speed of the compressor (930) can be set to the second maximum speed (H2) which is lower than the first target speed (H1) when the protective motion is applied.

[0612] In this way, the performance coefficient can be increased in the heating stage (S1) section by lowering the power consumption of the compressor by driving the compressor (930) at a lower speed in the heating stage (S1).

[0613] Meanwhile, when the heating step (S1) is performed in a protective motion, the maximum driving speed of the compressor (930) decreases, so the target temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) may also decrease.

[0614] For example, if the heating step (S1) is performed in normal motion and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) is set to reach the first target temperature (T1), if the heating step (S1) is performed in protective motion and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) is set to rise to the second target temperature (T2) lower than the first target temperature,

[0615] When the heating step (S1) is performed with the above protection motion, if the temperature of the refrigerant reaches the second target temperature (T2), the constant rate step (S2) can be performed even before the temperature of the refrigerant reaches the first target temperature (T1). That is, from this point on, the operating speed of the compressor (930) can be reduced.

[0616] In addition, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, when the heating step (S1) is performed in the protective motion, the temperature of the refrigerant and the operating speed of the compressor are lower in the heating step (S1) than when the heating step (S1) is performed in the normal motion, so the temperature flowing into the inside of the drum (200) or the circulation duct (820) can also be lowered.

[0617] Of course, even when the heating step (S1) is performed as a protective motion, the operating speed of the compressor (930) can be set so that the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) can rise to the first target temperature (T1) in the constant rate step (S2).

[0618] As a result, the garment treatment device of the present invention can improve the coefficient of performance by reducing the maximum operating speed or average operating speed of the compressor (930) in the heating step (S1) or the initial stage of the drying process, when the drying process is performed in the protective motion, compared to when the drying process is performed in the normal motion, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor.

[0619] Meanwhile, even if the driving speed of the compressor (930) is lowered, the driving speed of the circulation fan (950) can be maintained at the same speed as or increased to a speed that is greater than that when the heating step (S1) is performed in the normal motion. Accordingly, when the heating step (S1) is performed in the protective motion, the clothes can be dried in a similar manner to when the heating step (S1) is performed in the normal motion.

[0620] In the present invention, when the heating step (S1) is performed and the protective motion is set to be performed, the time for which the compressor (930) operates can be set to be longer than when the normal motion is performed.

[0621] In this way, the temperature of the air flowing into the drum (200) can be compensated for by lowering the maximum temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930).

[0622] In the present invention, when the heating step (S1) is performed and the protective motion is set to be performed, the time for the compressor (930) to reach the target speed (H) can be set to be slower than when the normal motion is performed.

[0623] Accordingly, when the evaporation amount of the clothing is sufficiently secured and the evaporator (910) can sufficiently exchange heat with the air flowing into the circulation duct (920), the compressor (930) can be operated at maximum to secure a performance coefficient.

[0624] In the present invention, if the compressor (930) is set to operate for a first time (t1) when the heating step (S1) is performed in a normal motion, the compressor (930) may be set to operate for an extended time (t11) longer than the first time (t1) when the heating step (S1) is performed in a protective motion.

[0625] That is, the present invention can compensate for the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) reaching the maximum temperature late by increasing the duration of the heating step (S1).

[0626] Meanwhile, whether the above drying course is performed in normal motion or protective motion can be determined according to the bath ratio of the drum (200) (see FIG. 26) or the weight of the clothes loaded into the drum (200) (see FIG. 31).

[0627] In the case where it is determined whether the garment treatment device of the present invention will be operated in a protective motion according to the bath ratio of the drum (200), since the bath ratio of the drum (200) is completely determined by design, the heating step (S1) can always be operated by accelerating the compressor (930) to the second target speed (H2), or the compressor (930) can always be operated for an extended time (t11).

[0628] That is, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the operating speed of the compressor (930) can be set differently when the bath ratio is above or below the set value.

[0629] For example, when the bath ratio of the drum (200) is below the set value, the maximum operating speed of the compressor can be controlled to be lower than when the bath ratio of the drum (200) is above the set value.

[0630] The above setting value can be determined to be 13 or less.

[0631] For example, the above setting value can be determined as 10.5.

[0632] However, in the case where the clothing treatment device of the present invention determines whether to perform the drying course in a protective motion according to the weight of the clothing loaded into the drum (200), the driving speed control of the compressor (930) can be determined according to the weight of the clothing detected in the detection step (S0).

[0633] For example, in the garment treatment device of the present invention, the driving speed of the compressor (930) can be set differently when the weight of the garment is above or below a reference value.

[0634] The above reference value may correspond to half of the maximum capacity.

[0635] Specifically, when the weight of the detected clothing is greater than or equal to a reference value, the maximum operating speed of the compressor (930) can be controlled to be lower than when the weight of the clothing is less than or equal to the reference value.

[0636] If the maximum driving speed of the compressor (930) is set to the first target speed (H1) when the weight of the clothing is less than or equal to the reference value, the maximum driving speed of the compressor (930) may be set to the second target speed (H2) that is less than the first target speed (H1) when the weight of the clothing is greater than or equal to the reference value.

[0637] In this way, the performance coefficient can be increased in the heating stage (S1) section by lowering the power consumption of the compressor by driving the compressor (930) at a lower speed in the heating stage (S1).

[0638] Meanwhile, when the heating step (S1) is performed in a situation where the weight of the clothing is greater than the reference value, the maximum driving speed of the compressor (930) decreases, and therefore the target temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) may also decrease.

[0639] For example, if the heating step (S1) is performed when the weight of the clothing is below a reference value, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) is set to reach a first target temperature (T1), and if the heating step (S1) is performed when the weight of the clothing is above a reference value, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) can be set to rise to a second target temperature (T2) lower than the first target temperature.

[0640] When the heating step (S1) is performed when the weight of the above clothing is greater than the reference value, the constant-temperature step (S2) can be performed even before the temperature of the refrigerant reaches the first target temperature (T1) when the temperature of the refrigerant reaches the second target temperature (T2). That is, from this point on, the operating speed of the compressor (930) can be reduced.

[0641] In addition, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, when the heating step (S1) is performed when the weight of the clothing is greater than or equal to the reference value, the temperature of the refrigerant and the operating speed of the compressor are lowered in the heating step (S1), so that the temperature flowing into the inside of the drum (200) or the circulation duct (820) can be lowered.

[0642] Of course, even when the heating step (S1) is performed when the weight of the clothing is greater than the reference value, the operating speed of the compressor (930) can be set so that the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) can rise to the first target temperature (T1) in the constant rate step (S2).

[0643] As a result, the garment treatment device of the present invention can improve the coefficient of performance by reducing the maximum operating speed or average operating speed of the compressor (930) in the heating step (S1) or initial section of the drying course when the drying course is performed when the weight of the garment is above a reference value, thereby reducing the power consumption of the compressor, compared to when the drying course is performed when the weight of the garment is below a reference value.

[0644] Meanwhile, even if the driving speed of the compressor (930) is lowered, the driving speed of the circulation fan (950) can be maintained at the same speed as or increased to a higher speed than when the heating step (S1) is performed in the normal motion. Accordingly, when the heating step (S1) is performed when the weight of the clothing is above a reference value, the drying performance of the clothing can be secured similarly to when the heating step (S1) is performed when the weight of the clothing is below a reference value.

[0645] The present invention can set the time for the compressor (930) to operate to be longer when the weight of the clothing is greater than or equal to a reference value when the heating step (S1) is performed than when the weight of the clothing is less than or equal to the reference value.

[0646] In this way, the temperature of the air flowing into the drum (200) can be compensated for by lowering the maximum temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930).

[0647] The present invention can set the time for the compressor (930) to reach the target speed (H) to be slower when the weight of the clothing is greater than or equal to a reference value when the heating step (S1) is performed than when the weight of the clothing is less than or equal to the reference value.

[0648] Accordingly, when the evaporation amount of the clothing is sufficiently secured and the evaporator (910) can sufficiently exchange heat with the air flowing into the circulation duct (920), the compressor (930) can be operated at maximum to secure a performance coefficient.

[0649] In the above heating step (S1), when the weight of the clothing detected is greater than or equal to a reference value, the speed at which the circulation duct reaches the maximum temperature can be set to be slower than when the weight of the clothing is less than or equal to the reference value.

[0650] In the present invention, if the compressor (930) is set to operate for a first time (t1) when the heating step (S1) is performed when the weight of the clothing is less than or equal to a reference value, the compressor (930) may be set to operate for an extended time (t11) longer than the first time (t1) when the heating step (S1) is performed when the weight of the clothing is greater than or equal to a reference value.

[0651] That is, the present invention can compensate for the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (930) reaching the maximum temperature late by increasing the duration of the heating step (S1).

[0652] In the garment treatment device of the present invention, when the weight of the garment is greater than or equal to a reference value, the compressor (930) can be driven at the maximum driving speed for a longer period of time than when the weight of the garment is less than or equal to the reference value.

[0653] Figure 36 illustrates the effect when the compressor control and rotation control are performed simultaneously.

[0654] When the above drying course is performed while simultaneously performing the above compressor control and rotation control, it can be confirmed that the performance coefficient increases in the section where the performance coefficient was lowered when the rotation control was performed.

[0655] Accordingly, even if the garment treatment device of the present invention performs rotation control through the control of the compressor (930), it is expected that the drying course can be performed by increasing the coefficient of performance from the heating stage (S1), and as a result, power consumption will be reduced, thereby increasing energy efficiency.

[0656] Figure 37 illustrates the effectiveness of the clothing treatment device of the present invention when drying a large amount of clothing.

[0657] The data of a conventional clothing treatment device may include performing a drying course without performing rotation control and compressor control at all, and may include a case in which the drying course is performed in a conventional manner without performing rotation control and compressor control in the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0658] When the garment treatment device of the present invention detects that a large amount of garments have been fed into the drum (200), and performs rotation control such as a protective motion, it can be confirmed that the energy rating is much higher than that of a conventional garment treatment device.

[0659] Furthermore, when performing rotation control and simultaneously performing the compressor control described above, it can be confirmed that the energy rating is slightly higher.

[0660] Through this data, it can be confirmed that rotation control is more effective in increasing the energy rating than compressor control in the case of a large amount of clothing (L2).

[0661] This can be understood as the reason that, in the case of a large amount of clothing (L2), lowering the load of the driving unit (500) has a greater effect on reducing power consumption than lowering the speed of the compressor (930).

[0662] Accordingly, when the garment treatment device of the present invention detects that a large quantity of garments (L2) are accommodated in the drum (200) in the detection step (S0), it performs rotation control, thereby significantly reducing power consumption. In addition, the garment treatment device of the present invention can further reduce power consumption by additionally performing compressor control when performing the rotation control.

[0663] The above rotation control can be performed by setting the actual operating rate differently throughout the entire drying process, and the compressor control can also be performed in the heating stage (S1).

[0664] Figure 38 illustrates the effectiveness of the clothing treatment device of the present invention when drying a small amount of clothing.

[0665] When the garment treatment device of the present invention detects that a small amount of material has been put into the drum (200), and performs rotation control such as a protective motion, it can be confirmed that the energy rating is higher than that of a conventional garment treatment device.

[0666] However, when performing rotation control and simultaneously performing the aforementioned compressor control, it can be confirmed that the degree to which the energy rating increases is much higher than when performing only rotation control without performing compressor control.

[0667] Through this data, it can be confirmed that, for small amounts of clothing (L2), compressor control is more effective in increasing the energy rating than rotation control.

[0668] Therefore, when the garment treatment device of the present invention detects that a small amount of garments (L2) are accommodated in the drum (200) in the detection step (S0), it can reduce power consumption by necessarily performing compressor control.

[0669] In addition, when performing compressor control, rotation control can also be performed simultaneously to further reduce power consumption. The rotation control can be performed by setting the actual operating rate differently throughout the drying process, and the compressor control can also be performed in the heating stage (S1).

[0670] Of course, if the garment treatment device of the present invention detects that a small amount of clothing (L2) is accommodated in the drum (200) in the detection step (S0), rotation control may be omitted when performing compressor control. This allows for a shortened drying time for a small amount of clothing (L1).

[0671] The present invention may be implemented in various modified forms, and its scope 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 method for controlling a garment treatment device comprising a drum for accommodating garments, a driving unit for rotating the drum, a circulation duct in which a circulation fan for circulating air inside the drum is installed, a heat exchanger disposed inside the circulation duct for heating the air, and a compressor for supplying a refrigerant for heating the air to the heat exchanger, A heating step of driving the compressor while driving the circulation fan and the driving unit so that the temperature of the refrigerant reaches the target temperature; A constant rate step of driving the circulation fan and the driving unit until the dryness of the clothing reaches a specific value after the temperature of the refrigerant reaches the target temperature; A rate reduction step for driving the circulation fan and the driving unit until the drying degree of the clothing reaches a completion value higher than the specific value; The above driving unit is provided to repeat driving and stopping in at least one of the heating step, the rate step, and the rate reduction step, The actual operating rate of the driving unit in at least one of the above rate step and the above rate reduction step is A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the operating rate of the driving unit is set to be greater than the actual operating rate of the driving unit in the above heating step.

2. In paragraph 1, A control method for a clothing processing plant, characterized in that the actual operating rate of the driving unit in the above-mentioned rate step is set to be greater than the actual operating rate of the driving unit in the above-mentioned heating step or the above-mentioned rate step.

3. In paragraph 1, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the actual operating rate of the driving unit in the above-mentioned rate step is set to be equal to or greater than the actual operating rate of the driving unit in the above-mentioned heating step.

4. In paragraph 1, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the actual operating rate of the driving unit in the above-mentioned rate step is set to be equal to or greater than the actual operating rate of the driving unit in the above-mentioned rate step.

5. In paragraph 1, In the above heating step, the drum A control method for a clothing treatment device characterized in that the device rotates so that the continuous stopping time is longer than the continuous rotating time.

6. In paragraph 1, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the operating rate of the driving unit in the heating step is set to 50% or less.

7. In paragraph 6, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the operating rate of the driving unit in the heating step is set to 30% or less and 20% or more.

8. In paragraph 1, At least one of the above rate step and the above rate reduction step A control method for a garment treatment device, characterized in that the time for which the drum rotates is set longer than the time for which the drum stops.

9. In paragraph 1, The actual rotation rate of the drum in at least one of the above-mentioned rate step and the above-mentioned rate step is A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the actual rotation rate of the drum is set to be greater than the actual rotation rate of the drum in the above heating step.

10. In paragraph 9, The above drum is In at least one of the above rate steps and the above rate steps A control method for a clothing treatment device characterized in that it rotates continuously for a longer period than the above heating step.

11. In paragraph 9, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the above-mentioned rate step is such that the drum rotates continuously for a longer period of time than the above-mentioned heating step or the above-mentioned rate step.

12. In paragraph 1, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the rotation direction of the drum changes more frequently in the heating step or the rate step than in the rate reduction step.

13. In paragraph 1, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that, when the drum rotates, the clothes rotate at a rotational speed that allows the clothes to move upwards above the rotation center of the drum.

14. In paragraph 1, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the drum rotates at the same rotational speed each time it rotates.

15. In paragraph 1, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the drum is designed so that the ratio of the maximum weight of clothing to the maximum volume of clothing (bath ratio) is set to 13 to 14.

16. In paragraph 1, It further includes a fan motor mounted on the above circulation duct and spaced apart from the driving unit and rotating the above circulation fan, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the driving unit is provided to rotate the drum independently of the circulation fan.

17. A method for controlling a garment treatment device comprising a drum for accommodating garments, a driving unit for rotating the drum, a circulation duct for circulating air inside the drum, a heat exchanger disposed inside the circulation duct for heating the air, and a compressor for supplying a refrigerant for heating the air to the heat exchanger, A heating step in which the temperature of the refrigerant is increased to a target temperature while rotating the drum; A constant rate step of rotating the drum until the dryness of the clothing reaches a specific value after the temperature of the refrigerant reaches the target temperature; A drying step for rotating the drum until the drying degree of the clothing reaches a completion value higher than the specific value; A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the heating step or the rate step is set to have a lower operating rate of the driving unit than the rate step.

18. In paragraph 17, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the above rate step is set to have an actual operating rate of the driving unit equal to or smaller than that of the above rate step.

19. In paragraph 17, The above heating step is higher than the above reduction step. A method for controlling a garment treatment device, characterized in that the drum is set to stop for a longer period of time when the drum stops and the drum rotates again.

20. In paragraph 17, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the heating step is set so that the rotation direction of the drum changes more than the reduction step.

21. In paragraph 17, A control method for a garment treatment device, characterized in that the heating step is set to cause the drum to stop for a longer period of time than the constant rate step when the drum stops and the drum rotates again.

22. In paragraph 17, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the heating step is set so that the rotation direction of the drum changes more than the constant rate step.

23. In paragraph 17, A method for controlling a clothing treatment device, characterized in that it further includes a circulation fan mounted on the circulation duct to circulate the internal air of the drum, and a fan motor coupled to the circulation fan to rotate the circulation fan, and the driving unit is provided to rotate the drum independently of the circulation fan.

24. A method for controlling a garment treatment device comprising a drum for accommodating garments, a driving unit for rotating the drum, a circulation duct in which a circulation fan for circulating air inside the drum is installed, a heat exchanger disposed inside the circulation duct for heating the air, and a compressor for supplying a refrigerant for heating the air to the heat exchanger, A heating step of driving the compressor while driving the circulation fan and the driving unit so that the temperature of the refrigerant reaches the target temperature; A constant rate step of driving the circulation fan and the driving unit until the dryness of the clothing reaches a specific value after the temperature of the refrigerant reaches the target temperature; A rate reduction step for driving the circulation fan and the driving unit until the drying degree of the clothing reaches a completion value higher than the specific value; In the above reduction step, the actual operating rate of the driving unit is A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the operating rate of the driving unit is set to be greater than the actual operating rate of the driving unit in the above heating step.

25. In paragraph 24, It further includes a fan motor mounted on the above circulation duct and controlled independently from the driving unit to rotate the circulation fan. A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the driving unit is provided to rotate the drum independently of the circulation fan.

26. A method for controlling a garment treatment device comprising a drum for accommodating garments, a driving unit for rotating the drum, a circulation duct for circulating air inside the drum, a heat exchanger disposed inside the circulation duct for heating the air, and a compressor for supplying a refrigerant for heating the air to the heat exchanger, A heating step for increasing or maintaining the operating speed (hz) of the compressor at a target value while rotating the drum; A rate step in which the operating speed of the compressor is lowered or maintained at a set value while rotating the drum; A reduction step in which the temperature of air discharged outside the drum increases while rotating the drum; A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the heating step is set so that the rotation direction of the drum changes more than the reduction step.

27. In paragraph 26, It further includes a circulation fan mounted on the circulation duct to circulate the internal air of the drum, and a fan motor coupled to the circulation fan but independently controlled from the driving unit to rotate the circulation fan. A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the driving unit is provided to rotate the drum independently of the circulation fan.

28. In paragraph 26, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the number of times the rotation direction is changed in the heating step is set to be greater than that in the reduction step.

29. In paragraph 26, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the heating step is set to have a longer time for the drum to stop when it rotates again after stopping than the deceleration step.

30. In paragraph 26, A control method for a clothing treatment device, characterized in that the heating step is set to change the rotation direction more times when the drum rotates again after stopping than in the constant-rate step.

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