Clothes processing apparatus and method for controlling same

Abstract

Disclosed is a clothes processing apparatus comprising: a tub; a heat exchanger arranged on the upper part of the tub; a nozzle provided to spray water to the heat exchanger; a water supply device which opens or closes a water supply channel for supplying water to the nozzle; a drain device including a drain pump for discharging water flowing into the tub to the outside; a drain pipe connected to the drain pump so as to guide water sprayed from the nozzle to the drain pump; a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the tub; and a control unit for controlling operations of the water supply device and the drain device. The control unit may turn on the water supply device so that water is sprayed to the heat exchanger, count the number of times water is supplied on the basis of the detected water level failing to reach a target water level, and determine whether the drain pipe is clogged on the basis of whether the number of times water is supplied is a first reference number of times.

Description

Clothing processing device and control method thereof

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a clothing processing apparatus including a drying device and a method for controlling the same.

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

[0003] A washing machine with a drying function is a device that utilizes the driving force of a drive motor to agitate laundry, water, and detergent placed inside a tub, thereby enabling washing through mutual friction.

[0004] The processes performed by the washing machine combined with a dryer may include a washing process that washes the laundry by supplying detergent and water to a tub containing the laundry and rotating the drum, a rinsing process that rinses the laundry by supplying water to the tub and rotating the drum, and a spin-drying process that removes water from the laundry by draining water from the tub and rotating the drum.

[0005] The process performed by the combined dryer and washing machine may include a drying process in which heat generated from a drying device is blown into a receiving space containing the laundry to dry the laundry. To perform the drying process, the combined dryer and washing machine may include a drying device.

[0006] The disclosed invention provides a garment processing device and a control method thereof for determining blockage of a drain pipe when cleaning a heat exchanger.

[0007] A clothing processing device according to one embodiment comprises: a tub; a heat exchanger disposed on the upper part of the tub; a nozzle provided to spray water into the heat exchanger; a water supply device that opens or closes a water supply path to supply water to the nozzle; a drainage device including a drainage pump that discharges water flowing into the tub to the outside; a drain pipe connected to the drainage pump and guiding the water sprayed from the nozzle to the drainage pump; a water level sensor that detects the water level inside the tub; and a control unit that controls the operation of the water supply device and the drainage device. The control unit can turn on the water supply device to spray water into the heat exchanger, count the number of water supply cycles based on the detected water level not reaching a target water level, and determine whether the drain pipe is clogged based on whether the number of water supply cycles is a first reference number.

[0008] A control method according to one embodiment may include, in a control method for a clothing processing device, the step of turning on a water supply device that sprays water to the heat exchanger; the step of receiving an output value of a water level sensor that detects the water level of a tub that discharges the water to the outside; the step of counting the number of water supply cycles based on the fact that the received output value does not reach a target water level; and the step of determining whether the drain pipe is clogged based on whether the number of water supply cycles is a first reference cycle.

[0009] The disclosed clothing processing device and its control method can clear blockages by operating a drain pump during the residual water setting process in which blockages in the drain pipe cannot be determined, and can fill residual water without overflowing even in washing machines with various S-sump capacities.

[0010] The disclosed clothing processing device and its control method can detect blockage of the drain pipe during the residual water setting process, thereby improving detection accuracy and efficiency.

[0011] The technical problems and effects to be achieved in this document are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems and effects other than those mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the right side of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 shows an internal perspective view of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a part of a configuration disposed inside a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 3.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating the water level according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a flowchart describing step S940 of the control method described in FIG. 7 in more detail.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a flowchart describing step A of the control method described in FIG. 8 in more detail.

[0021] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

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

[0023] The singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or plural items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0024] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0025] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another corresponding component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0026] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that the component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0027] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0028] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0029] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0030] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0031] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] A washing machine according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying operations. A washing machine is an example of a clothing processing device, and a clothing processing device is a concept that encompasses a device for washing clothing (clothing to be washed, clothing to be dried), a device for drying clothing, and a device capable of performing both washing and drying of clothing.

[0033] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet for loading or unloading laundry is provided to face upward, or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet is provided to face forward. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines with loading methods other than top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines.

[0034] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed using a water flow generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed by rotating the drum to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry. A front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine capable of drying laundry contained inside the drum. The washing machine capable of drying may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensation device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. As an example, the washing machine capable of drying may include a heat pump device. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines with washing methods other than those described above.

[0035] A washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing that accommodates various components inside. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry input opening formed on one side.

[0036] The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing a laundry input. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by means of a hinge. At least one part of the door may be made transparent or translucent so that the interior of the housing is visible.

[0037] The washing machine may include a tub provided inside the housing to store water. The tub is provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be positioned inside the housing such that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.

[0038] The tub can be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated during the rotation of the drum and attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing.

[0039] The washing machine may include a drum designed to accommodate laundry.

[0040] The drum may be positioned inside the tub such that a drum opening provided on one side corresponds to a laundry inlet and a tub opening. Laundry may pass through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening in sequence to be received inside the drum or withdrawn from the drum.

[0041] The drum can rotate inside the tub and perform respective actions according to the washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying cycles. A number of holes are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum so that water stored in the tub can flow into the interior of the drum or out of the exterior of the drum.

[0042] The washing machine may include a drive unit configured to rotate the drum. The drive unit may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may pass through the tub and be connected to the drum.

[0043] The drive unit can rotate the drum in the forward or reverse direction to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, or drying cycles.

[0044] The washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to a detergent dispenser and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub via the detergent dispenser. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent dispenser.

[0045] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0046] The washing machine may include a detergent dispenser configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent dispenser may include a manual detergent dispenser in which the user must add the detergent to be used for each wash cycle, and an automatic detergent dispenser that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount during a wash cycle. The detergent dispenser may include a detergent container for storing detergent. The detergent dispenser may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during the water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with the detergent by passing through the detergent dispenser. The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied into the tub. The term "detergent" is used as a collective term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent container may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0047] The washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in a tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a first drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve provided in the drain pipe to open and close the first drain pipe, and a pump provided on the first drain pipe. The pump may pump water from the first drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0048] The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for the user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0049] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal. At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. At least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0050] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user. For example, at least one output interface can convey information related to the washing course, the washing machine's operating time, and washing settings, rinse settings, and spin settings to the user. Information regarding the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0051] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with an external device via wired and / or wireless means.

[0052] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0053] The communication module can transmit data to external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and / or home appliances) or receive data from external devices. For example, the communication module can establish communication with servers and / or user devices and / or home appliances and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0054] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a long-range communication network such as a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0055] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication modules, Near Field Communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication modules, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication modules, UWB (ultrawideband) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, microwave (uWave) communication modules, etc.

[0056] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0057] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices, such as a server, a user device, or other home appliances, through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine (e.g., drive motor, water supply valve). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one operation, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0058] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory for storing data in the form of a program, and at least one processor for performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0059] Hereinafter, a garment processing device according to various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, a washing machine combined with a dryer is described as an example of a garment processing device, but the concept of the present disclosure is not limited to a washing machine combined with a dryer and can be applied to various devices for processing and / or managing garments.

[0060] The terms "front," "rear," "left," and "right" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0061] For example, the X-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction, the Y-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction.

[0062] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the right side of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates an internal perspective view of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a part of a configuration disposed inside a clothing processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 3.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a clothing processing device (1) according to various embodiments may include a housing (10) that accommodates various components inside. The housing (10) may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet (11) formed on one side. The laundry inlet (11) may be provided to face approximately forward.

[0064] The garment processing device (1) may include a laundry door (17) for opening and closing a laundry input port (11). The laundry door (17) may be rotatably mounted to the housing (10) by means of a hinge. At least one part of the laundry door (17) may be made transparent or translucent so that the interior of the housing (10) is visible. For example, the laundry door (17) may include tempered glass.

[0065] The clothing processing device (1) may include a lower door (18) configured to allow access to a lower detergent supply device (60). The clothing processing device (1) may include an upper door (19) configured to allow access to an upper detergent supply device (50) and a filter (95).

[0066] The clothing processing device (1) may include a control panel (15) disposed on one side of the housing (10). The control panel (15) may provide a user interface for the user and the clothing processing device (1) to interact. The user interface may include at least one input interface (151) and at least one output interface (152).

[0067] The clothing processing device (1) may include a control box (16) for a control panel (15). The control box (16) may be electrically connected to the control panel (15). The control box (16) may supply power to the control panel (15). The control box (16) may process information input through the control panel (15). The control box (16) may control the control panel (15) so that the control panel (15) outputs information.

[0068] The clothing processing device (1) may include a tub (20) provided inside a housing (10) to store water. The tub (20) is provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening (21) formed on one side, and may be placed inside the housing (10) such that the tub opening (21) corresponds to the laundry input port (11). The tub opening (21) may be provided to face approximately forward.

[0069] The tub (20) can be connected to the housing (10) by a damper (25). The damper (25) can absorb vibrations generated when the drum (30) rotates and attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing (10).

[0070] The garment processing device (1) may include a diaphragm (22) for connecting the tub (20) and the housing (10). For example, the diaphragm (22) may extend between the laundry inlet (11) of the housing (10) and the tub opening (21) of the tub (20). The diaphragm (22) may be detachably mounted to the tub opening (21) of the tub (20). The diaphragm (22) may reduce the transmission of vibrations from the tub (20) to the housing (10). For example, the diaphragm (22) may include a material that is more flexible than the housing (10) and the tub (20).

[0071] The garment processing device (1) may include a drum (30) provided to receive laundry. At least one lifter (33) may be provided inside the drum (30) to perform washing by raising and dropping the laundry.

[0072] The drum (30) may be positioned inside the tub (20) such that a drum opening (31) provided on one side corresponds to a laundry inlet (11) and a tub opening (21). Laundry may pass through the laundry inlet (11), the tub opening (21), and the drum opening (31) in sequence to be received inside the drum (30) or withdrawn from the drum (30). The drum opening (31) may be provided to face approximately forward.

[0073] The drum (30) can rotate inside the tub (20) and perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying cycles. A plurality of through holes (32) are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum (30) so that water stored in the tub (20) can flow into the interior of the drum (30) or flow out of the drum (30).

[0074] The garment processing device (1) may include a driving device (not shown) configured to rotate a drum (30). The driving device may include a driving motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the driving motor to the drum (30). The rotating shaft may pass through the tub (20) and be connected to the drum (30).

[0075] The drive unit can rotate the drum (30) in the forward or reverse direction to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying or drying cycles.

[0076] The clothing processing device (1) may include a water supply device (40) configured to supply water to the tub (20). The water supply device (40) may include water supply valves (41, 42) that can be connected to an external water source. For example, the water supply valves (41, 42) may include a hot water valve (41) for supplying hot water and a cold water valve (42) for supplying cold water.

[0077] The water supply device (40) may include water supply pipes (43, 44). The water supply pipes (43, 44) may be made of a flexible material hose, plastic pipe, or metal pipe. The water supply pipes (43, 44) may be connected to water supply valves (41, 42). For example, the water supply pipes (43, 44) may include a hot water pipe (43) connected to a hot water valve (41) and a cold water pipe (44) connected to a cold water valve (42).

[0078] At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) can guide water from the water supply valve (41, 42) to the tub (20). At least one of the water supply pipes (43, 44) can extend from the water supply valve (41, 42) to the tub (20). Water can be supplied to the lower detergent supply device (60) through the tub (20). Water can also be supplied to the lower detergent supply device (60) without passing through the tub (20).

[0079] The water supply valves (41, 42) can open or close the water supply pipes (43, 44) in response to an electrical signal from the control unit (300). The water supply valves (41, 42) can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub (20). For example, the water supply valves (41, 42) may include a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0080] The garment processing device (1) may include a detergent supply device (50, 60) configured to supply detergent to a tub (20). The detergent supply device (50, 60) may include an upper detergent supply device (50) and a lower detergent supply device (60). The term "detergent" may be used as a general term encompassing pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc.

[0081] The upper detergent supply device (50) may be located on the upper part of the tub (20). The upper detergent supply device (50) may be located above the tub (20) in the vertical direction. The upper detergent supply device (50) may include a manual detergent supply device in which the user must add the detergent to be used each time laundry is performed, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of detergent during laundry. The upper detergent supply device (50) may be connected to the tub (20) through a detergent connecting pipe (51). For example, the upper detergent supply device (50) may be configured to supply solid laundry detergent and / or fabric softener, etc., to the tub (20). However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above-described example.

[0082] The lower detergent supply device (60) may be located at the bottom of the tub (20). The lower detergent supply device (60) may be located below the tub (20) in the vertical direction. The lower detergent supply device (60) may include a manual detergent supply device in which the user must add the detergent to be used each time laundry is performed, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of detergent during laundry. For example, the lower detergent supply device (60) may be provided to supply liquid laundry detergent and / or fabric softener, etc., to the tub (20). The type of detergent is not limited to the above examples.

[0083] The clothing processing device (1) may include a drainage device (70) configured to discharge water contained in the tub (20) to the outside. The drainage device (70) may include a drainage pump (71) for discharging water from the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10).

[0084] The clothing processing device (1) may include a circulation pump (76) for circulating water from the tub (20) back to the tub (20) via the lower detergent supply device (60).

[0085] The drainage device (70) can be connected to the tub (20) through the tub connecting pipe (72). The drainage device (70) can discharge water from the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10) through the first drain pipe (73).

[0086] The garment processing device (1) may include a drying device (80) for drying laundry contained inside a drum (30). The drying device (80) may be configured to heat air and supply it into the interior of a tub (20). The drying device (80) may be configured to dry and heat the air discharged from the tub (20), and to circulate the dried and heated air into the interior of the tub (20) to dry the clothes inside the drum (30). According to various embodiments, the drying device (80) may be placed on the upper part of the tub (20).

[0087] The drying device (80) may include a drying case (81) on which a heat pump for drying air may be installed. The drying case (81) may include a drying base (81a) and a drying cover (81b) coupled to the drying base (81a) to form a flow path through which air can move. The drying cover (81b) may cover at least a portion of the open upper surface of the drying base (81a). A drying flow path may be formed by the drying cover (81b) and the drying base (81a).

[0088] A drying device (80) according to various embodiments may be configured as a heat pump. The drying device (80) may include a compressor (91), a condenser (92), an evaporator (93), an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe (94) through which refrigerant circulates. The compressor (91), condenser (92), and evaporator (93), which constitute the heat pump, may be placed in a drying case (81). For example, the drying device (80) may include a cooling fan (91a) for cooling the compressor (91). As an example, the drying device (80) may be mounted as a single module.

[0089] The compressor (91) compresses the refrigerant, and the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant can move to the condenser (92). The condenser (92) can cool the refrigerant and heat the surrounding air. The heated air flows into the interior of the drum (30) to dry the clothes.

[0090] The refrigerant expanded by passing through the expansion valve can absorb heat in the evaporator (93) and cool the surrounding air. That is, the evaporator (93) can cool the high-temperature, high-humidity air that has passed through the inside of the drum (30) to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed passes through the condenser (92) and can be heated again by exchanging heat with the refrigerant passing through the condenser (92). That is, the condenser (92) can heat the air that has passed through the evaporator (93). The condenser (92) and the evaporator (93) correspond to heat exchangers. The condenser (92) can be referred to as the 'first heat exchanger'. The evaporator (93) can be referred to as the 'second heat exchanger'. In other words, the condenser (92) and the evaporator (93) can be referred to as heat exchangers (92, 93).

[0091] The drying device (80) may include an inlet guide (84) connected to the tub (20). The inlet guide (84) may guide air discharged from the tub (20) into the interior of the drying case (81). The inlet guide (84) may be in communication with an exhaust section (P) formed in the tub (20). Air passing through the exhaust section (P) may be introduced into the interior of the drying device (80) through the inlet guide (84).

[0092] A first end of the inlet guide (84) may be connected to the tub (20), and a second end opposite to the first end of the inlet guide (84) may be connected to the drying case (81). For example, the inlet guide (84) may be provided to reduce the transmission of vibrations from the tub (20) to the drying device (80). The inlet guide (84) may comprise a material that is more flexible than the tub (20) and / or the drying case (81).

[0093] The drying device (80) may include a filter (95) for filtering foreign substances, such as lint, contained in the air introduced from the tub (20) through the exhaust section (P). Air introduced into the interior of the drying device (80) through the inlet guide (84) may pass through the filter (95) and then move to the evaporator (93) and condenser (92). The filter (95) may be located on the path where the air introduced into the drying device (80) moves to the evaporator (93) and condenser (92). The filter (95) may be detachably mounted on the drying case (81).

[0094] The condenser (92) and evaporator (93) can be mounted in the drying case (81). The air flowing from the tub (20) into the drying device (80) may be humid air as it passes through the interior of the tub (20) and dries the laundry. The humid air can be cooled in the evaporator (93) of the drying device (80) to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed in the evaporator (93) can be heated again as it passes through the condenser (92).

[0095] The drying device (80) may include a nozzle (96) for cleaning the condenser (92) and / or evaporator (93). For example, the nozzle (96) may be mounted on the drying cover (81b) of the drying case (81). The nozzle (96) may be located above the condenser (92) and / or evaporator (93). The nozzle (96) may receive water from the water supply device (40) and spray cleaning water toward the condenser (92) and / or evaporator (93).

[0096] The clothing processing device (1) may include a second drain pipe (97) for guiding water discharged from the drying device (80) to the tub (20). The second drain pipe (97) may be provided as a hose made of a flexible material, a plastic pipe, or a metal pipe. The second drain pipe (97) may guide condensate generated in the heat exchangers (92, 93) of the drying device (80) to the outside of the drying device (80). The second drain pipe (97) may guide water sprayed by the nozzle (96) for cleaning the heat exchangers (92, 93) to the outside of the drying device (80).

[0097] The second drain pipe (97) can be connected to the drainage device (70). The second drain pipe (97) can be connected to the drainage pump (71). Water discharged from the drying device (80) can flow to the drainage device (70) along the second drain pipe (97). Water flowing into the drainage device (70) through the second drain pipe (97) can be guided to the tub (20). Condensate flowing into the tub (20) can be discharged to the outside of the clothing processing device (1) by the operation of the drainage pump (71).

[0098] The drying device (80) may include a fan (100) for supplying heated air, which has passed through the condenser (92), back into the interior of the tub (20). The fan (100) may be positioned on one side of the condenser (92). For example, the fan (100) may be located on the second side opposite to the first side where the evaporator (93) of the condenser (92) is located. The fan (100) may extend downward to supply heated air into the interior of the drum (30). In a clothing processing device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the fan (100) is located on the second side opposite to the first side where the evaporator (93) of the condenser (92) is located, space may be secured for a control box (16) located at the front end of the clothing processing device (1).

[0099] For example, the fan (100) may be connected to a diaphragm (22). The air discharge end of the fan (100) may be connected to the diaphragm (22). The diaphragm (22) may include a diaphragm connection part (22a) connected to the end of the fan (100). The diaphragm connection part (22a) may include an air inlet (26). Air discharged from the fan (100) may be supplied into the interior of the drum (30) through the air inlet (26).

[0100] The fan (100) may include a supply fan (101) for blowing heat-exchanged air into the interior of the tub (20). The supply fan (101) may be provided to supply air to the laundry inside the drum (30). For example, the supply fan (101) may be provided to draw in air in the direction of the rotational axis of the supply fan (101) and discharge air outwardly around the circumference of the supply fan (101). For example, the supply fan (101) may include a sirocco fan.

[0101] As the drying device (80) is connected to the tub (20), air for drying laundry inside the drum (30) can circulate between the drying device (80) and the tub (20). A clothing processing device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured so that air discharged from the tub (20) passes through the drying device (80) located above the tub (20) and is then supplied into the interior of the tub (20).

[0102] The heated air from the drying device (80) can be supplied into the interior of the drum (30). To ensure that the heated air supplied into the interior of the drum (30) comes into contact with the laundry, the tub exhaust port (27) may be positioned opposite the air inlet (26) through which the heated air from the drying device (80) is supplied to the tub (20). To increase the distance and / or time the heated air flows inside the drum (30) so that it can come into contact with the laundry more, the tub exhaust port (27) may be positioned opposite the air inlet (26) through which the heated air from the drying device (80) is supplied to the tub (20). The diaphragm (22) connected to the fan (100) for supplying the heated air into the interior of the drum (30) and the tub exhaust port (27) may be spaced apart. By increasing the contact area between the heated air and the laundry, the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0103] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air inlet (26) and the tub exhaust port (27) may be positioned to maximize the use of heated air provided from the drying device (80). For example, the air inlet (26) may be located at the front end of the tub (20), and the tub exhaust port (27) may be located at the rear end of the tub (20).

[0104] A clothing processing device (1) according to various embodiments may further include an exhaust section (P) for air discharged from inside a tub (20) to flow to a drying device (80). The exhaust section (P) may be provided so that air discharged from a tub exhaust port (27) flows to an inlet guide (84) of the drying device (80). The exhaust section (P) may be provided to discharge humid air that has passed through the tub (20). For example, the exhaust section (P) may be provided at the rear of the tub (20).

[0105] The air inside the tub (20) can be discharged into the tub duct (28) through the tub exhaust port (27) formed at the rear of the tub (20). The air discharged into the tub duct (28) can flow along the exhaust section (P) and be supplied to the drying device (80).

[0106] A clothing processing device (1) according to various embodiments may include a tub duct (28) for forming at least a portion of an exhaust section (P). For example, the tub duct (28) may be formed integrally with the tub (20). For example, the tub (20) may include the tub duct (28). The tub duct (28) may be arranged to surround the tub exhaust port (27).

[0107] A clothing processing device (1) according to various embodiments may include a tub duct (28) for forming at least a portion of an exhaust section (P). For example, the tub duct (28) may be formed integrally with the tub (20). For example, the tub (20) may include the tub duct (28). The tub duct (28) may be arranged to surround the tub exhaust port (27).

[0108] The garment processing device (1) may include a tub sealing member for sealing between the tub duct (28) and the duct cover (29). The tub sealing member may be provided along the edge of the tub duct (28) and / or the duct cover (29).

[0109] In the clothing processing device (1) according to various embodiments, an exhaust section (P) may be formed as a duct cover (29) is coupled to a tub duct (28).

[0110] A tub duct (28) according to one embodiment may include a recess (28a) that forms a part of an exhaust section (P) through which air discharged from the inside of the tub (20) flows. A reinforcing rib may be provided on the back surface of the tub (20) to reinforce the rigidity of the tub (20), and the recess (28a) may be provided as a recessed portion from the end of the reinforcing rib protruding from the rear surface of the tub (20). The recess (28a) may be provided as a portion of the back surface of the tub (20) where the reinforcing rib is not formed. A tub exhaust port (27) for discharging air from the inside of the tub (20) may be formed in the recess (28a).

[0111] A tub duct (28) according to one embodiment may include a duct connection (28b) that forms another part of the exhaust section (P) through which air passing through the recess section (28a) flows. The duct connection (28b) may protrude outward from the outer surface of the tub (20). The duct connection (28b) may protrude approximately upward from the outer surface of the tub (20).

[0112] The duct connection (28b) can connect the drying device (80) and the recess (28a). The duct connection (28b) can be connected to the inlet guide (84) of the drying device (80). The duct connection (28b) can form a single passage that forms an exhaust section (P) together with the recess (28a) and the duct cover (29).

[0113] The duct connection (28b) may be covered by a duct cover (29). One side of the duct connection (28b) may be open. The duct cover (29) may cover the open side of the duct connection (28b).

[0114] The duct cover (29) can cover both the recess section (28a) and the duct connection section (28b). For example, the duct cover (29) can cover both the open side of the recess section (28a) and the open side of the duct connection section (28b). An exhaust section (P) can be formed by the duct cover (29) covering the recess section (28a) and the duct connection section (28b). As an example, the duct cover (29) may cover only the recess section (28a).

[0115] The duct cover (29) may be provided to cover the open rear of the recess (28a) and / or the open rear of the duct connection (28b). The exhaust section (P) may be a single passage formed by the tub duct (28) and the duct cover (29) together.

[0116] The tub duct (28) may include a stepped portion (28c) to expand the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of air flow in the exhaust portion (P). The exhaust portion (P) may be configured such that the width of the portion formed by the duct connection portion (28b) is greater than the width of the portion formed by the recess portion (28a) by the stepped portion (28c). The stepped portion (28c) may be formed such that the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of air flow expands as it moves toward the direction of air flow in the exhaust portion (P). The clothing processing device (1) can secure the size of the exhaust portion (P) by the stepped portion (28c) and efficiently utilize the internal space of the housing (10).

[0117] The water supply valves (41, 42) of the garment processing device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have their placement position determined by utilizing the remaining space due to this mounting structure. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the water supply valves (41, 42) may be mounted between the inlet guide (84) and the cooling fan (91a). The water supply valves (41, 42) may be located in the center of the rear of the drying device (80). The water supply valves (41, 42) may be located behind the condenser (92). The water supply valves (41, 42) may be located in an area partitioned from the flow path through which drying air flows. The location of the water supply valves (41, 42) is not limited thereto. For example, the water supply valves (41, 42) may be mounted at the rear end of the drying case (81).

[0118] Meanwhile, a clothing processing device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a washing water heater (24). The washing water heater (24) is provided on the lower side of the tub (20) to heat the washing water during washing. Additionally, the water supply device (40) can supply a certain amount of water to the lower side of the tub (20) through the exhaust section (P) during the drying process, and the washing water heater (24) can generate steam by heating the water supplied into the interior of the tub (20) through the water supply device (40), the exhaust section (P), and the tub exhaust port (27). That is, the steam generated by the water supply device (40) and the washing water heater (24) can come into contact with the clothing during the drying process, thereby preventing wrinkles from forming on the clothing as much as possible.

[0119] That is, the clothing processing device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a washing / drying combined washing machine and, unlike a conventional dryer, may include a washing water heater (24) for heating the washing water, and can generate steam by utilizing the washing water heater (24) and a water supply device (40) for cleaning the exhaust part (P) to prevent wrinkles from forming on the clothing during the drying process as much as possible.

[0120] Meanwhile, the clothing processing device (1) may include a water level sensor (200) for detecting the water level inside the tub (20). The water level sensor (200) may be located outside the tub (20). For example, the water level sensor (200) may be installed at the bottom of the upper detergent supply device (50). The location of the water level sensor (200) is not limited to the examples provided.

[0121] The water level sensor (200) can be connected to a connecting hose (201) extending from a branch pipe of the tub connecting pipe (72). The water level sensor (200) can be installed at the end of the connecting hose (201) connected to the tub connecting pipe (72). The water level of the connecting hose (201) can be the same as the water level of the tub (20).

[0122] When the water level inside the tub (20) rises, the water level of the connecting hose (201) rises. When the water level of the connecting hose (201) rises, the pressure inside the connecting hose (201) may increase. The water level sensor (200) can detect changes in pressure inside the connecting hose (201) and can detect the water level inside the tub (20) corresponding to the pressure inside the connecting hose (201). The water level sensor (200) can generate an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure inside the connecting hose (201). The frequency of the electrical signal generated by the water level sensor (200) may vary depending on the change in pressure inside the connecting hose (201).

[0123] As another example, the water level sensor (200) may be installed inside the tub (20). When the water level inside the tub (20) rises, the pressure applied to the water level sensor (200) increases. The water level sensor (200) can detect the water level inside the tub (20) corresponding to the pressure.

[0124] The drying device (80) may include a nozzle (96) for cleaning the heat exchangers (92, 93). The nozzle (96) may receive water from the water supply device (40) and spray water toward the heat exchangers (92, 93). The water sprayed from the nozzle (96) may clean one side of the heat exchangers (92, 93).

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

[0126] The nozzle (96) can be connected to a water supply device (40), and water can be supplied from the water supply device (40) to the nozzle (96). The nozzle (96) can be connected to water supply pipes (43, 44), and water can be supplied from water supply valves (41, 42) to the nozzle (96). The water supply pipes (43, 44) can form a water supply path for supplying water to the nozzle (96). The water supply valves (41, 42) can open or close the water supply path.

[0127] For example, the water supply device (40) may include a hot water valve (41), a cold water valve (42), a hot water pipe (43), and a cold water pipe (44). The hot water valve (41) may be referred to as the first water supply valve. The cold water valve (42) may be referred to as the second water supply valve. The hot water pipe (43) may be referred to as the first water supply path. The cold water pipe (44) may be referred to as the second water supply path.

[0128] The nozzle (96) can be connected to the cold water pipe (44). When the cold water valve (42) is opened, cold water can be supplied to the nozzle (96) through the cold water pipe (44) from an external water source. Alternatively, the nozzle (96) can be connected to the hot water pipe (43). When the hot water valve (41) is opened, hot water can be supplied to the nozzle (96) through the hot water pipe (43).

[0129] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating the water level according to one embodiment.

[0130] Water supplied from the water supply valves (41, 42) to the nozzle (96) can be moved to the drainage pump (71) through the second drain pipe (97). When water is moved to the drainage pump (71), the water level can gradually increase and rise into the tub (20). Thus, the water level sensor (200) can detect the water level inside the tub (20).

[0131] The first to fifth water levels can be set according to the size of the garment processing device. For example, the first water level can be 0cc, which is the empty container, and the second water level can be 600cc, which is the water level up to the center of the drainage motor. The water level sensor (200) can detect the water level inside the tub (20) only when it reaches a certain water level. Therefore, since the first water level and the second water level cannot be accurately detected by the water level sensor (200), they may have the same water level frequency value. For example, the frequency value of the first water level and the frequency value of the second water level may be the same at 25,300Hz.

[0132] The certain water level may be a third water level. That is, the water level sensor (200) can accurately detect the water level inside the tub (20) when it is above a certain water level (e.g., a third water level). The frequency value of the third water level corresponding to the third water level may be, for example, 25,100 Hz.

[0133] The fourth water level may be a water level corresponding to the upper height of the drainage device (70). For example, the frequency value of the fourth water level may be 24,800 Hz.

[0134] The fifth water level may be the water level up to the end of the tub connecting pipe (72). The frequency value of the fifth water level may be 24600 Hz.

[0135] As the water level inside the tub (20) increases, the frequency value may decrease. That is, the clothing processing device (1) can determine whether the second drain pipe (97) is blocked based on whether the water level inside the tub (20) reaches a third water level. Alternatively, the clothing processing device (1) can determine whether the second drain pipe (97) is blocked based on whether the frequency value of the water level inside the tub (20) is less than or equal to the frequency value of the third water level.

[0136] FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 6, the clothing processing device (1) may include a control unit (300). The control unit (300) may be electrically connected to various parts and / or devices of the clothing processing device (1) and may control various parts and / or devices. For example, the control unit (300) may control a driving device, a water supply device (40), a drainage pump (71), a circulation pump (76), a drying device (80), and a fan (100). Additionally, the control unit (300) may be electrically connected to a control panel (15), a communication interface (150), and a water level sensor (200). The control unit (300) may control the control panel (15), the communication interface (150), and the water level sensor (200).

[0138] The communication interface (150) may include various communication circuits for performing wired communication and / or wireless communication with an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or other home appliance). The user device may include various electronic devices such as a smartphone, a notebook, a laptop, a smart watch, a stationary tablet, and a speaker. User input may be obtained through the user device as well as through the control panel (15).

[0139] The communication interface (150) may include at least one of a short-range communication circuit and a long-range communication circuit. The communication interface (150) may transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication interface (150) may support cellular communication, wireless local area network, home radio frequency (RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, AD-HOC, and / or Zigbee. The communication technologies supported by the communication interface (150) are not limited to those exemplified.

[0140] The communication interface (150) may also communicate with an external device through an access point (AP). The access point can connect the local network (LAN) to which the clothing processing device (1) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The clothing processing device (1) can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

[0141] The control unit (300) may include a processor (310) and a memory (320). The memory (320) may include volatile memory (e.g., S-RAM, D-RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM). The processor (310) and the memory (320) may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. Additionally, multiple processors and multiple memories may be provided. The processor (310) can process various data and various signals using instructions, data, programs and / or software stored in the memory (320). The processor (310) may include a single core or multiple cores. The processor (310) can generate control signals for controlling components of the clothing processing device (1).

[0142] The driving device can rotate the drum (30) according to the control of the control unit (300). The driving device may include a driving motor. The control unit (300) can control the driving motor to adjust the rotational speed of the drum (30).

[0143] The water supply device (40) can selectively supply water to the tub (20) and the nozzle (96). The water supply device (40) can supply water to the nozzle (96) when performing heat exchanger cleaning according to user input. The water supply device (40) can supply water to the tub (20) when performing a washing operation according to user input.

[0144] The water supply device (40) may include a water supply pipe (43, 44) connected to an external water source and a water supply valve (41, 42) for opening or closing the water supply pipe. The water supply device (40) may include a first water supply valve (41) and a second water supply valve (42). As previously described, the first water supply valve (41) may correspond to a hot water valve. The second water supply valve (42) may correspond to a cold water valve. The water supply pipes (43, 44) may include a first water supply pipe corresponding to a hot water pipe (43) and a second water supply pipe corresponding to a cold water pipe (44).

[0145] The control unit (300) can control the opening and closing of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42), respectively. The control unit (300) can adjust the opening degree of the first water supply valve (41) and the second water supply valve (42), respectively. The first water supply valve (41) can open or close the first water supply pipe based on an electrical signal transmitted from the control unit (300). The second water supply valve (42) can open or close the second water supply pipe based on an electrical signal transmitted from the control unit (300).

[0146] The water supply pipes (43, 44) can form a water supply path to supply water to the nozzle (96). For example, the nozzle (96) can be connected to the first water supply pipe and / or the second water supply pipe. When the nozzle (96) is connected to the first water supply pipe, water can flow into the nozzle (96) upon opening the first water supply valve (41). When the nozzle (96) is connected to the second water supply pipe, water can flow into the nozzle (96) upon opening the second water supply valve (41).

[0147] The drainage pump (71) can discharge water inside the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10). The control unit (300) can control the drainage pump (71) so that water inside the tub (20) is discharged to the outside through the first drain pipe (73).

[0148] The circulation pump (76) can send water in the tub (20) to the lower detergent supply device (60). Water that has passed through the circulation pump (76) and the lower detergent supply device (60) can return to the tub (20). The control unit (300) can control the circulation pump (76) so that the water in the tub (20) circulates through the lower detergent supply device (60).

[0149] The drying device (80) can remove moisture contained in the air, heat the air, and supply the heated air to the tub (20). The control unit (300) can operate the drying device (80) to dry laundry located inside the drum (30). To generate dry and heated air, the drying device (80) may include a fan (87a), a compressor (91), a heat exchanger (92, 93), and an expansion valve.

[0150] The control unit (300) can control the fan (87a), compressor (91), and expansion valve included in the drying device (80). The control unit (300) can operate the fan (87a) so that the dried and heated air is supplied into the drum (30). The control unit (300) can adjust the rotational speed of the fan (87a). The flow rate of the air supplied into the drum (30) may vary depending on the rotational speed of the fan (87a).

[0151] The compressor (91) compresses the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and discharges it as high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. For example, the compressor (91) can compress the refrigerant through the reciprocating motion of a piston or the rotational motion of a rotor. The discharged gaseous refrigerant can be delivered to the condenser (92). The control unit (300) can adjust the operating frequency and / or rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor (91). As the operating frequency and / or rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor (91) increases, the heat released around the condenser (92) can increase. The control unit (300) can adjust the opening of the expansion valve. The expansion valve may be provided as an electronic expansion valve whose opening can be adjusted by a capillary tube and an electrical signal to regulate the pressure of the liquid refrigerant. The low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve flows into the evaporator (93).

[0152] The control panel (15) can receive various user inputs and output various information regarding the operation of the clothing processing device (1). The control panel (15) may include an input interface (151) and an output interface (152).

[0153] For example, at least one input interface (151) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal. At least one input interface (151) may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. At least one input interface (151) may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone, etc.

[0154] At least one output interface (152) can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the garment processing device (1) to the user. For example, at least one output interface (152) can convey information related to the washing course, the operating time of the garment processing device (1), and washing settings / rinse settings / spin settings to the user. Information regarding the operation of the garment processing device (1) can be output via a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface (152) may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0155] The control unit (300) can control the control panel (15) to output various information regarding the operation of the clothing processing device (1). For example, the control panel (15) can visually and / or audibly output information regarding the operation course, operation time, washing settings, rinsing settings, spin settings, and / or drying settings of the clothing processing device (1). In addition, the control panel (15) can output information regarding abnormal conditions of the clothing processing device (1).

[0156] The control unit (300) can control the operation of the clothing processing device (1) based on user input obtained through the control panel (15). For example, the control unit (300) can turn the clothing processing device (1) on or off based on user input for turning the clothing processing device (1) on or off. The control unit (300) can determine the operation course of the clothing processing device (1) based on user input for setting the operation course of the clothing processing device (1).

[0157] The operation course of the clothing processing device (1) can be provided in various ways. For example, the operation course of the clothing processing device (1) can be broadly classified into a washing course, a drying course, and a heat exchanger cleaning course.

[0158] Washing courses may be provided in various ways depending on the type of laundry (e.g., clothing, bedding, underwear, etc.) and material (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.). For example, a washing course may include at least one of a standard course, a heavy course, a delicate clothing course, a bedding course, a baby clothes course, a towel course, a boiling course, and an outdoor clothing course. Each of the multiple washing courses may include different washing settings (e.g., wash temperature, number of rinses, spin intensity, etc.). When one of the multiple washing courses is selected via a control panel (15) or an external user device, the control unit (300) may control the clothing processing device (1) to perform a wash, rinse, and spin cycle corresponding to the selected washing course. Additionally, the washing course may include a rinse and spin cycle, a rinse course, and a spin cycle, excluding the wash cycle. The washing courses are not limited to those exemplified.

[0159] Drying courses may be provided in various ways depending on the type of object to be dried (e.g., clothing, bedding, underwear, etc.) and the material (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.). For example, a drying course may include at least one of standard drying, intense drying, delicate clothing drying, bedding drying, baby clothes drying, towel drying, and outdoor clothing drying. Each of the multiple drying courses may include different drying settings (e.g., drying temperature, drying time, etc.). When one of the multiple drying courses is selected via the control panel (15) or an external user device, the control unit (300) may control the clothing processing device (1) to perform a drying process corresponding to the selected drying course. The drying courses are not limited to those exemplified.

[0160] Meanwhile, the control unit (300) can automatically perform cleaning of the heat exchanger (92, 93) included in the drying device (80) before completing the drying process. The disclosed clothing processing device (1) can remove contamination (e.g., dust, lint) of the heat exchanger (92, 93) and keep the heat exchanger (92, 93) clean by performing cleaning of the heat exchanger (92, 93) whenever a drying process is performed. The heat exchanger cleaning can be performed for a preset heat exchanger cleaning time. The drying process can be terminated after the heat exchanger cleaning is completed.

[0161] A heat exchanger cleaning course may be provided to separately clean the heat exchangers (92, 93) regardless of whether a drying process is performed. When a heat exchanger cleaning course is selected via the control panel (15) or an external user device, the control unit (300) can perform cleaning of the heat exchangers (92, 93).

[0162] The water level sensor (200) can detect the water level inside the tub (20) and output an output value. Here, the output value may be the water level inside the tub (20). The water level sensor (200) can detect the water level inside the tub (20) and transmit it to the control unit (300).

[0163] The control unit (300) can receive an output value from the water level sensor (200). That is, the control unit (300) can receive the water level inside the tub (20) detected by the water level sensor (200). The water level sensor (200) can detect the actual water level, can detect the frequency value of an electrical signal corresponding to the water level, and can detect various other values, so it is not limited to this.

[0164] There may be various factors affecting the water level inside the tub (20). For example, when the water supply unit that supplies water to the nozzle (96) to clean the heat exchanger (92, 93) of the drying device (80) is opened, water may be sprayed from the nozzle (96) toward the heat exchanger (92, 93). The water sprayed from the nozzle (96) toward the heat exchanger (92, 93) may flow into the drain pump (71) through the second drain pipe (97). That is, the water level inside the tub (20) may increase due to the water sprayed from the nozzle (96).

[0165] As another example, the water level in the tub (20) may increase when the water supply valves (41, 42) are opened to supply water to the tub (20). Since the drain pump (71) is connected to the tub (20) through the tub connecting pipe (72), when the water supply valves (41, 42) are opened to supply water to the tub (20), water moves through the tub connecting pipe (72), and the water level in the tub (20) may increase. Additionally, when a drying process is performed, condensate may be generated by the evaporator (93) of the drying device (80). The condensate may flow into the drain pump (71) through the second drain pipe (97), and an increase in the water level in the tub (20) due to the inflow of condensate may be expected. The drain pump (71) may be connected to the tub (20).

[0166] The disclosed clothing processing device (1) can determine whether the second drain pipe (97) is clogged and can provide appropriate measures to respond to the clogging of the second drain pipe (97). The clothing processing device (1) can perform heat exchanger cleaning to determine whether the second drain pipe (97) is clogged.

[0167] If the second drain pipe (97) is blocked, the condensate generated by the heat exchanger (92, 93) or the water sprayed from the heat exchanger (92, 93) through the nozzle (96) cannot flow into the tub (20). Therefore, even if the heat exchanger is cleaned, the water level inside the tub (20) may not increase. That is, if the second drain pipe (97) is blocked, water cannot be discharged from the drying device (80), and the drying device (80) may malfunction.

[0168] Therefore, it is necessary to control the operation of the clothing processing device (1) in response to whether the second drain pipe (97) is clogged. The control unit (300) of the clothing processing device (1) can determine whether the second drain pipe (97) is clogged by detecting whether the water level inside the tub (20) reaches a target water level according to the spraying of water through the nozzle (96).

[0169] Specifically, before performing heat exchanger cleaning, water may be sprayed through the nozzle (96) for a predetermined spray time (e.g., 2 seconds). Once the spray time has elapsed, the spraying of water through the nozzle (96) may be paused for a certain time interval (e.g., 10 seconds). In other words, one spray may include spraying water onto the heat exchanger (92, 93) for a spray time (e.g., 2 seconds) and stopping the spraying of water for a certain time interval (e.g., 10 seconds). Spraying water onto the heat exchanger (92, 93) may also be expressed as supplying water to the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0170] Before cleaning the heat exchanger, after water is sprayed onto the heat exchanger (92, 93), the water level sensor (200) can detect the water level inside the tub (20). In other words, the water supply device (40) is turned on so that water is sprayed onto the heat exchanger (92, 93), and the water level sensor (200) can detect the water level inside the tub (20). Here, the water level may be an output value output from the water level sensor (200).

[0171] The control unit (300) can obtain the water level received from the water level sensor (200). In other words, the control unit (300) can obtain the output value received from the water level sensor (200).

[0172] Since it may take time for the water sprayed through the nozzle (96) to reach the drainage pump (71), the water level in the tub (20) must be measured after a waiting time has elapsed so that the change in the water level in the tub (20) can be detected more accurately.

[0173] The control unit (300) can determine whether the second drain pipe (97) is blocked based on whether the water level in the tub (20) reaches a preset target water level.

[0174] For example, the control unit (300) can determine whether the second drain pipe (97) is blocked based on whether the water level in the tub (20) is above the target water level.

[0175] If the second drain pipe (97) is blocked, water sprayed into the heat exchanger (92, 93) may not flow smoothly into the drain pump (71). That is, if the second drain pipe (97) is blocked, the change in the water level inside the tub (20) may be relatively small even though water has been sprayed into the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0176] The control unit (300) can count the number of times water is supplied based on the fact that the water level detected by the water level sensor (200) has not reached the target water level despite the water supply being performed. The control unit (300) can determine whether the second drain pipe (97) is clogged based on whether the number of times water is supplied is a predetermined first reference number.

[0177] For example, the first standard number of times may be 2 times, but it may be determined differently depending on the design. The spraying time and the first standard number of times may vary depending on the capacity of the sump installed in the clothing processing device (1). That is, the amount of water sprayed for the first standard number of times may be the maximum sump capacity. In other words, the amount of water supplied corresponding to the first standard number of times may be the maximum sump capacity.

[0178] The control unit (300) can repeat the process of spraying water through the nozzle (96) for a spraying time (e.g., 2 seconds) when the water level in the tub (20) does not reach the target water level and the counted number of water supply cycles does not reach the first reference number, and when the spraying time elapses, the spraying of water through the nozzle (96) is paused for a certain time interval (e.g., 10 seconds). The control unit (300) can obtain the water level in the tub (20) after the water is sprayed and after waiting for a waiting time.

[0179] Since water is sprayed through the nozzle (96) for a short period of time during a single water supply, the blockage of the second drain pipe (97) may not be accurately determined by performing the water supply only once. The disclosed clothing processing device (1) can more accurately determine whether the second drain pipe (97) is blocked by performing the water supply multiple times in the residual water setting for cleaning the heat exchanger.

[0180] The control unit (300) can discharge water from the drainage pump (71) to the outside of the housing (10) by turning on the drainage pump (71) based on the fact that the number of water supply cycles corresponds to a first reference cycle. The control unit (300) can reset the number of water supply cycles.

[0181] The control unit (300) can repeat the process of spraying water through the nozzle (96) for a spraying time (e.g., 2 seconds), and then, when the spraying time has elapsed, the spraying of water through the nozzle (96) is paused for a certain time interval (e.g., 10 seconds).

[0182] Nevertheless, if the water level in the tub (20) does not reach the target water level, the control unit (300) may provide error information based on whether the number of drainage cycles reaches a predetermined second standard number (e.g., 3 times). In other words, the control unit (300) turns on the drainage pump whenever the number of water supply cycles reaches a first standard number (e.g., 2 times), and may provide error information when the number of drainage cycles reaches a second standard number (e.g., 3 times).

[0183] Meanwhile, when the water level in the tub (20) reaches the target water level, the control unit (300) can turn on the drainage pump (71) to discharge the water inside the drainage pump (71) to the outside of the housing (10). The control unit (300) can turn on the drainage pump (71) for a certain period of time (e.g., 30 seconds). In this way, the process of setting the residual water before cleaning the heat exchanger can be completed.

[0184] After the residual water setting is completed, the control unit (300) may additionally perform a process of determining whether the second drain pipe (97) is clogged.

[0185] The control unit (300) can receive a first output value from the water level sensor (200) after turning on the drainage pump (71). Since the drainage pump (71) is turned on, for example, the first output value may be 0cc to 600cc.

[0186] The control unit (300) can turn on the water supply device (40) so that water is sprayed through the nozzle (96) for a predetermined spray time (e.g., 1 second). When the spray time has elapsed, the spraying of water through the nozzle (96) may be temporarily stopped for a certain time interval (e.g., 3 seconds). In other words, one heat exchanger cleaning may include spraying water onto the heat exchanger for a spray time (e.g., 1 second) and stopping the spraying of water for a certain time interval (e.g., 3 seconds). If water supply is performed multiple times, water may be sprayed through the nozzle (96) for a spray time at a certain time interval (e.g., 3 seconds). For example, the number of times may be 4 times, but may vary depending on the design.

[0187] After water is sprayed into the heat exchanger (92, 93), the control unit (300) can receive a second output value in the tub (20) from the water level sensor (200). Since it may take time for the water sprayed through the nozzle (96) to reach the drain pump (71), the control unit (300) can detect the water level in the tub (20) based on the elapsed time interval (e.g., 15 seconds) after spraying water during the spraying time. That is, the control unit (300) can receive a second output value after spraying into the heat exchanger (92, 93) multiple times.

[0188] The control unit (300) can determine whether the second drain pipe (97) is clogged based on the difference between the first output value and the second output value. For example, the control unit (300) can determine whether the second drain pipe (97) is clogged based on the difference between the first output value and the second output value being smaller than a reference value.

[0189] In another embodiment, the control unit (300) may determine the blockage of the second drain pipe (97) based on the water level in the tub (20) being lower than a predetermined reference water level.

[0190] The standard value regarding the amount of change in water level and the standard water level regarding the water level can be determined according to the standard number of times or the standard time regarding heat exchanger cleaning described below.

[0191] The control unit (300) can determine whether to provide error information or perform heat exchanger cleaning depending on whether the second drain pipe (97) is blocked.

[0192] The control unit (300) can control the control panel (15) to provide error information based on the determination that the second drain pipe (97) is clogged. The error information may include various information to notify the user of the clogging of the second drain pipe (97). The error information may be provided as at least one of text, an image, and sound. The error information may also include drain filter cleaning information that guides cleaning of the drain filter (74).

[0193] Additionally, the control unit (300) may control the communication interface (150) to transmit error information corresponding to the blockage of the second drain pipe (97) to a user device. When the error information of the clothing processing device (1) is provided through the user device, the user can check whether the clothing processing device (1) is malfunctioning regardless of location.

[0194] The control unit (300) can stop the operation of the clothing processing device (1) based on the determination that the second drain pipe (97) is blocked. If the clothing processing device (1) continues to operate despite the second drain pipe (97) being blocked, water generated during the operation of the clothing processing device (1) may not be discharged to the outside, and consequently, a malfunction of the clothing processing device (1) may occur.

[0195] Meanwhile, the control unit (300) can determine that the second drain pipe (97) is not clogged if the difference between the first output value and the second output value is greater than or equal to a reference value.

[0196] If the second drain pipe (97) is not blocked, the control unit (300) can turn on the drain pump (71) to discharge water from the drain pump (71) to the outside. The control unit (300) can turn on the drain pump (71) for a certain period of time (e.g., 20 seconds). That is, the control unit (300) can determine the state of the second drain pipe (97) to be normal when the amount of change in the water level inside the tub (20), which is the difference between the first output value and the second output value, is higher than or equal to a predetermined reference value. Based on determining the state of the second drain pipe (97) to be normal, the control unit (300) can decide to perform heat exchanger cleaning.

[0197] In other words, if the second drain pipe (97) is not blocked, the control unit (300) can decide to perform cleaning of the heat exchanger. In other words, if the control unit (300) determines that the second drain pipe (97) is not blocked, it can turn on the water supply device (40) while the drain pump (71) is turned on to perform cleaning of the heat exchangers (92, 93). That is, by turning on the drain pump (71), the control unit (300) can turn on the water supply device (40) to discharge the water flowing into the drain pump (71) to the outside, and at the same time spray water onto the heat exchangers (92, 93) through the nozzle (96). As a result, the water moved by the drain pump (71) can be discharged to the outside without rising into the tub (20).

[0198] The control unit (300) can control the water supply device (40) to spray water onto the heat exchanger (92, 93) through the nozzle (96) until the number of times water is sprayed onto the heat exchanger (92, 93) through the nozzle (96) reaches a reference number. Here, the reference number may be 16 times, but can be set in various ways depending on the design. The control unit (300) can spray water onto the heat exchanger (92, 93) for a preset spraying time (e.g., 1 second) and turn off the water supply device (40) for a waiting time (e.g., 30 seconds). The control unit (300) can terminate the cleaning of the heat exchanger based on the number of times water is sprayed reaching the reference number.

[0199] Although it has been described that the operation of the clothing processing device (1) is controlled by the control unit (300), it is not limited thereto. The operation of the clothing processing device (1) may also be described as being controlled by the processor (310). In order for the clothing processing device (1) to perform various operations, the processor (310) may execute various instructions stored in the memory (320).

[0200] In one embodiment of the present invention, the output value or detected water level from the water level sensor (200) is described, but in another embodiment, the water level frequency detected from the water level sensor (200) can be used to determine whether the second drain pipe (97) is clogged.

[0201] For example, the control unit (300) can determine whether the second drain pipe (97) is clogged based on whether the water level frequency value transmitted from the water level sensor (200) reaches a preset target frequency value. The control unit (300) can determine whether the second drain pipe (97) is clogged based on whether the detected water level frequency value is lower than or equal to the target frequency value.

[0202] The control unit (300) can receive a first water level frequency value and a second frequency value from the water level sensor (200). The control unit (300) can determine whether the second drain pipe (97) is clogged based on the difference between the first water level frequency value and the second water level frequency value and a reference value.

[0203] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0204] Referring to FIG. 7, the clothing processing device (1) turns on a water supply device (40) that sprays water into heat exchangers (92, 93) (S910). When supplying water, the clothing processing device (1) can spray water into the heat exchangers (92, 93) for a preset spraying time (e.g., 2 seconds).

[0205] The clothing treatment device (1) can turn off the water supply device (40) for a certain time interval (e.g., 10 seconds) after spraying. That is, the clothing treatment device (1) can stop spraying water for a certain time interval.

[0206] The clothing processing device (1) can receive the output value of a water level sensor that detects the water level of the drainage pump (71) (S920). Since it takes time for the water sprayed through the nozzle (96) to reach the drainage pump (71), the clothing processing device (1) stops spraying water and, after a certain amount of time has elapsed, can receive the output value detected by the water level sensor (200).

[0207] The clothing processing device (1) can determine whether the output value received from the water level sensor (200) reaches the target water level (S930).

[0208] When the output value of the water level sensor (200) does not reach the target water level, the clothing processing device (1) turns on the water supply device (40) and can receive the output value transmitted from the water level sensor (200) that detects the water level inside the tub (20) (S940).

[0209] The clothing processing device (1) can turn on the water supply device (40) to supply water when the output value of the water level sensor (200) is lower than the target water level. The water supply device (40) can turn on to spray water onto the heat exchangers (92, 93) for a spraying time (e.g., 2 seconds). After spraying, the spraying of water can be stopped by turning off the water supply device (40) for a set time interval (e.g., 10 seconds). The clothing processing device (1) can receive an output value from the water level sensor (200).

[0210] In another embodiment, the clothing processing device (1) can turn on the water supply device (40) when the water level frequency received from the water level sensor (200) does not reach the target water level frequency, and can receive the water level frequency detected by the water level sensor (200). For example, the clothing processing device (1) can turn on the water supply device (40) to supply water when the detected water level frequency is higher than the target water level frequency (e.g., 25,100Hz). The clothing processing device (1) can receive the water level frequency detected by the water level sensor (200) after water is sprayed.

[0211] FIG. 8 is a flowchart describing step S940 of the control method described in FIG. 7 in more detail.

[0212] Referring to FIG. 8, the clothing processing device (1) can count the number of water supply cycles (S941) when the water level detected by the water level sensor (200) does not reach the target water level (e.g., S930).

[0213] The clothing processing device (1) can determine whether the counted number of water supply cycles corresponds to a first reference number (S942). For example, the first reference number may be 2 times, but it can be set in various ways depending on the design. In other words, the clothing processing device (1) can determine whether the counted number of water supply cycles is 2 times or more.

[0214] The clothing processing device (1) can turn on the water supply device (40) so that water is sprayed into the heat exchanger (92, 93) when the counted number of water supply cycles is less than the first reference number (S942 No) (S910). That is, when the counted number of water supply cycles is less than the first reference number, the clothing processing device (1) can supply water to the heat exchanger (92, 93) to more accurately detect whether the second drain pipe (97) is clogged.

[0215] Here, the total amount of water supplied to the heat exchanger (92, 93) may be the maximum sump capacity. By supplying water to the heat exchanger (92, 93) up to the maximum sump capacity, the water in the sump can be prevented from overflowing to the outside even if the second drain pipe (97) is blocked.

[0216] When the clothing processing device (1) supplies more water to the heat exchanger (92, 93) and the number of water supply cycles becomes 2 or more (e.g., 942), the drainage device (70) is turned on so that the water inside the drainage pump (71) can be discharged to the outside (S943).

[0217] The clothing processing device (1) can count the number of drainage cycles (S944). The clothing processing device (1) can also reset the number of water supply cycles.

[0218] The clothing processing device (1) can determine whether the counted number of times corresponds to a second reference number (S935). For example, the second reference number may be 3 times, but can be set in various ways depending on the design. In other words, the clothing processing device (1) can determine whether the counted number of times is 3 times or more.

[0219] The clothing processing device (1) can turn on the water supply device (40) to spray water into the heat exchanger (92, 93) when the counted number of drains is less than the second reference number (No in S945) (S910). That is, the clothing processing device (1) can more accurately detect whether the second drain pipe (97) is clogged by repeating the process of turning on the drain pump (71) and turning on the water supply device (40) to spray water into the heat exchanger (92, 93).

[0220] The clothing processing device (1) can determine the blockage of the second drain pipe (97) when the counted number of drains exceeds the second reference number (e.g., S945). That is, the counted number of drains reaching the second reference number means that the counted number of water supply operations has been performed twice as many times as the first reference number (e.g., 2 times), so the clothing processing device (1) can determine the blockage of the second drain pipe (97) based on the counted number of water supply operations (S950).

[0221] For example, if the total number of counted water supply times is 6, the blockage of the second drain pipe (97) can be determined. In this way, the clothing processing device (1) can determine the blockage of the second drain pipe (97) according to the counted number of water supply times, and can also determine the blockage of the second drain pipe (97) according to the counted number of drainage times.

[0222] If the clothing processing device (1) determines that the second drain pipe (97) is clogged, it can provide error information (S960). If the clothing processing device (1) determines that the second drain pipe (97) is clogged, it can display the error information on the control panel (15).

[0223] FIG. 9 is a flowchart describing step A of the control method described in FIG. 8 in more detail.

[0224] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 9, when the detected water level reaches the target water level, the clothing processing device (1) can turn on the drainage pump (71) (S1010). For example, the clothing processing device (1) can turn on the drainage pump (71) for a predetermined drainage time (e.g., 30 seconds).

[0225] After turning on the drainage pump (71), the clothing processing device (1) can receive a first output value detected from the water level sensor (200) (S1020).

[0226] The clothing processing device (1) can turn on the water supply device (40) so that water is sprayed into the heat exchanger (92, 93) (S1030). The clothing processing device (1) can turn on the water supply device (40) to spray water into the heat exchanger (92, 93) for a predetermined spraying time (e.g., 1 second), and turn off the water supply device (40) to stop spraying water for a certain time interval (e.g., 3 seconds). The clothing processing device (1) can perform the water supply operation multiple times at a certain time interval (e.g., 3 seconds). That is, the clothing processing device (1) can spray water through the nozzle (96) for a spraying time (e.g., 1 second) at a certain time interval (e.g., 3 seconds).

[0227] Since it takes time for the water sprayed through the nozzle (96) to reach the drainage pump (71), the clothing processing device (1) can receive a second output value detected by the water level sensor (200) after a certain amount of time (e.g., 15 seconds) has elapsed (S1040).

[0228] The clothing processing device (1) can determine whether the difference between the second output value and the first output value corresponds to a reference value (S1050). For example, it can determine whether the difference between the second output value and the first output value is greater than or equal to the reference value.

[0229] The clothing processing device (1) can provide error information when the difference between the second output value and the first output value is smaller than the reference value (S1060).

[0230] The clothing processing device (1) can turn on the drainage pump (71) when the difference between the second output value and the first output value is greater than or equal to the reference value (S1070). That is, the clothing processing device (1) determines that the second drain pipe (97) is not clogged and can perform the operation of the drainage pump (71) for cleaning the heat exchanger.

[0231] The clothing processing device (1) can turn on the drainage pump (71) for a certain period of time (e.g., 20 seconds). It can perform a heat exchanger cleaning operation (S1080).

[0232] The clothing processing device (1) can clean the heat exchanger by turning on the water supply device (40) while the drainage pump (71) is turned on. The clothing processing device (1) can turn on the water supply device (40) for a predetermined spray time (e.g., 1 second) and turn off the water supply device (40) for a predetermined waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds). The clothing processing device (1) can turn on and / or turn off the water supply device (40) until a predetermined number of water supply cycles (e.g., 16) is reached.

[0233] In this way, the clothing processing device (1) can determine whether the water level in the tub (20) reaches the target water level and the amount of change in the water level in the tub (20) before operating the heat exchanger cleaning, and the blockage of the second drain pipe (97).

[0234] A clothing processing device according to one embodiment comprises: a tub; a heat exchanger disposed on the upper part of the tub; a water supply device including a nozzle provided to spray water into the heat exchanger and a water supply unit that supplies water to the nozzle; a drainage device including a drainage pump that discharges water flowing into the tub to the outside; a drain pipe connected to the drainage pump and guiding the water sprayed from the nozzle to the drainage pump; a water level sensor that detects the water level inside the drainage pump; and a control unit that controls the operation of the water supply device and the drainage device. The control unit can turn on the water supply device to spray water into the heat exchanger, count the number of water supply cycles based on the detected water level not reaching a target water level, and determine whether the drain pipe is clogged based on whether the number of water supply cycles is a first reference number.

[0235] The control unit above can turn on the drainage pump when the number of water supply cycles reaches the first reference cycle.

[0236] The control unit above can count the number of times the drainage pump is turned on and determine whether the drain pipe is clogged based on whether the number of times the drainage is turned on is a second reference number.

[0237] The control unit above can determine that the drain pipe is clogged when the number of drains reaches the second reference number.

[0238] The above control unit can provide error information if it is determined that the drain pipe is clogged.

[0239] The control unit can turn on the drainage pump based on the detected water level reaching the target water level, receive a first output value from the water level sensor, turn on the water supply device, receive a second output value from the water level sensor, and determine whether the drain pipe is clogged based on the first output value and the second output value.

[0240] The control unit above can determine whether the drain pipe is clogged based on whether the difference between the first output value and the second output value is lower than or equal to a reference value.

[0241] A control method for a clothing processing device according to one embodiment may include: turning on a water supply device that sprays water to a heat exchanger; receiving an output value of a water level sensor that detects the water level of a drainage pump that discharges the water to the outside; counting the number of water supply cycles based on the fact that the received output value has not reached a target water level; and determining whether the drain pipe is clogged based on whether the number of water supply cycles is a first reference cycle.

[0242] It may further include the step of turning on the drainage pump when the number of water supply cycles reaches the first reference cycle.

[0243] The method may further include a step of counting the number of times the drainage pump is turned on; and a step of determining whether the drain pipe is clogged based on whether the number of times the drainage is turned on is a second reference number.

[0244] The step of determining whether the drain pipe is clogged based on whether the above drainage count is a second reference count can determine that the drain pipe is clogged if the above drainage count reaches the second reference count.

[0245] The control method of the above-described clothing processing device may further include the step of providing error information when it is determined that the drain pipe is clogged.

[0246] The step of determining whether the drain pipe is clogged may further include: turning on the drain pump based on the fact that the received output value has reached a target water level; receiving a first output value from the water level sensor; turning on the water supply device; receiving a second output value from the water level sensor; and determining whether the drain pipe is clogged based on the difference between the first output value and the second output value.

[0247] The step of determining whether the drain pipe is clogged based on the difference between the first output value and the second output value may include the step of determining whether the drain pipe is clogged based on the difference between the first output value and the second output value being lower than or equal to a reference value.

[0248] The disclosed clothing processing device and its control method can clear blockages by operating a drain pump during the residual water setting process in which blockages in the drain pipe cannot be determined, and can fill residual water without overflowing even in washing machines with various S-sump capacities.

[0249] The disclosed clothing processing device and its control method can detect blockage of the drain pipe during the residual water setting process, thereby improving detection accuracy and efficiency.

[0250] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a storage medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, they may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments.

[0251] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0252] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0253] As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been explained with reference to the attached drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be practiced in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be interpreted restrictively.

Claims

1. Tub; A heat exchanger positioned on the upper part of the above tub; A nozzle provided to spray water to the above heat exchanger; A water supply device for opening or closing a water supply path to supply water to the above nozzle; A drainage device including a drainage pump that discharges water flowing into the tub to the outside; A drain pipe connected to the drain pump and guiding water sprayed from the nozzle to the drain pump; A water level sensor for detecting the water level inside the tub; and A control unit for controlling the operation of the above-mentioned water supply and drainage devices; is included, The above control unit is, Turn on the water supply device so that water is sprayed into the heat exchanger, and Based on the fact that the detected water level does not reach the target water level, count the number of water supply cycles, and Determining whether the drain pipe is clogged based on whether the above water supply frequency is a first standard frequency Clothing processing device.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A clothing processing device that turns on the drainage pump when the above water supply cycle reaches the above first reference cycle.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above control unit is, Count the number of times the above drainage pump is turned on, and A clothing processing device that determines whether the drain pipe is clogged based on whether the above drainage count is a second standard count.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above control unit is, A clothing processing device that determines that the drain pipe is clogged when the above drainage count reaches the above second reference count.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, A clothing processing device that provides error information when it is determined that the above drain pipe is clogged.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above control unit is, Turn on the drainage pump based on the fact that the detected water level has reached the target water level, and Receive a first output value from the above water level sensor, and Turn on the above water supply device. Receive a second output value from the above water level sensor, and A clothing processing device that determines whether the drain pipe is clogged based on the difference between the first output value and the second output value.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above control unit is, A clothing processing device that determines whether the drain pipe is clogged based on the difference between the first output value and the second output value being lower than or equal to a reference value.

8. In a method for controlling a clothing processing device, Step of turning on the water supply device that sprays water into the heat exchanger; A step of receiving the output value of a water level sensor that detects the water level of the tub discharging the water to the outside; A step of counting the number of water supply cycles based on the fact that the received output value has not reached the target water level; and A control method for a clothing processing device comprising: a step of determining whether a drain pipe is clogged based on whether the above water supply frequency is a first reference frequency.

9. In Paragraph 8, A control method for a clothing processing device further comprising the step of turning on a drainage pump when the number of water supply cycles reaches the first reference cycle.

10. In Paragraph 9, A step of counting the number of times the drainage pump is turned on; and A control method for a clothing processing device further comprising the step of determining whether the drain pipe is clogged based on whether the above drainage count is a second reference count.

11. In Paragraph 10, The step of determining whether the drain pipe is clogged based on whether the above drainage count is a second reference count is: A control method for a clothing processing device that determines that the drain pipe is clogged when the above number of drainage cycles reaches the above second reference cycle.

12. In Paragraph 8, A control method for a clothing processing device further comprising the step of providing error information when it is determined that the above drain pipe is clogged.

13. In Paragraph 8, The step of determining whether the above drain pipe is clogged is, A step of turning on the drainage pump based on the fact that the received output value has reached the target water level; A step of receiving a first output value from the above-mentioned water level sensor; A step of turning on the above water supply device; A step of receiving a second output value from the above-mentioned water level sensor; and A method for controlling a clothing processing device comprising the step of determining whether the drain pipe is clogged based on the difference between the first output value and the second output value.

14. In Paragraph 13, The step of determining whether the drain pipe is clogged based on the difference between the first output value and the second output value is: A control method for a clothing processing device comprising: a step of determining whether the drain pipe is clogged based on the difference between the first output value and the second output value being lower than or equal to a reference value.

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