Clothing treatment apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

A clothing treatment apparatus according to an embodiment may comprise: a tub; a drum rotatably disposed in the tub; at least one suction port formed in the surface of the tub; at least one valve for opening and closing the at least one suction port; a suction motor connected to the at least one suction port; a drying device for supplying hot air into the drum; a first sensor which is provided in the drum and outputs a first sensing value; a second sensor which is provided at the at least one suction port and outputs a second sensing value; and a processor.

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] A washing machine with a drying function can perform various operations. For example, a washing machine with a drying function can perform a washing operation in which laundry is washed by supplying laundry detergent and / or water to a tub and rotating a drum; a rinsing operation in which water and / or a rinsing agent is supplied to a tub and the drum is rotated to rinse the laundry; a spin-drying operation in which water and / or a rinsing agent is discharged from the tub and the drum is rotated to remove water from the laundry; and a drying operation in which the laundry is dried. A washing machine with a drying function can perform a drying operation by controlling a drying device that supplies hot air into a receiving space containing the laundry.

[0005] The disclosed invention provides a garment processing device and a control method thereof that can reduce the drying time of laundry by utilizing a hot air supply method and an air intake method.

[0006] The disclosed invention provides a garment processing device and a control method thereof that can minimize the amount of detergent remaining on laundry.

[0007] A garment processing device according to one embodiment may include: a tub; a drum rotatably disposed within the tub; at least one suction port formed on the surface of the tub; at least one valve for opening and closing the at least one suction port; a suction motor connected to the at least one suction port; a drying device for supplying hot air into the drum; a first sensor provided within the drum and outputting a first sensing value; a second sensor provided at the at least one suction port and outputting a second sensing value; and a processor. The processor may operate the drying device to dry laundry contained within the drum in response to the start of a drying process, identify the degree of dryness of the laundry corresponding to the first sensing value of the first sensor, operate the suction motor if the degree of dryness of the laundry is higher than or equal to a reference degree of dryness, identify the concentration of detergent sucked into the at least one suction port based on the second sensing value of the second sensor, and determine whether to terminate the drying process based on the degree of dryness of the laundry and the concentration of the detergent.

[0008] A control method for a garment processing apparatus comprising a tub, a drum rotatably disposed within the tub, at least one suction port formed on the surface of the tub, at least one valve for opening and closing the at least one suction port, a suction motor connected to the at least one suction port, and a drying device for supplying hot air into the drum, wherein the control method according to one embodiment may include: operating the drying device to dry a laundry contained within the drum in response to the start of a drying process; identifying the degree of dryness of the laundry corresponding to a first sensing value of a first sensor provided within the drum; operating the suction motor if the degree of dryness of the laundry is higher than or equal to a reference degree of dryness; identifying the concentration of a detergent sucked into the at least one suction port based on a second sensing value of a second sensor provided at the at least one suction port; and determining whether to terminate the drying process based on the degree of dryness of the laundry and the concentration of the detergent.

[0009] According to one embodiment, one or more non-transient computer-readable storage media are provided for storing one or more computer programs comprising computer-executable instructions that cause a garment processing device to perform operations when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors. The garment processing device comprises a tub, a drum rotatable within the tub, at least one intake port formed on the surface of the tub, at least one valve configured to open or close the at least one intake port, a suction motor connected to the at least one intake port, and a drying device that provides hot air inside the drum, wherein the operations include operating the drying device to dry a laundry contained within the drum in response to the start of a drying process; identifying the degree of dryness of the laundry corresponding to a first sensing value of a first sensor placed within the drum; operating the suction motor based on the degree of dryness of the laundry being higher than or equal to a reference dryness level; and identifying the concentration of a detergent sucked into the at least one intake port based on a second sensing value of a second sensor placed on the at least one intake port. and determining whether to terminate the drying process based on the degree of dryness of the laundry and the concentration of the detergent; may be included.

[0010] The disclosed garment processing device and its control method can shorten the drying time of laundry and improve drying efficiency by utilizing a hot air supply method and an air intake method. Since the drying time can be shortened without excessively raising the temperature of the hot air, damage to the laundry can be prevented and user convenience can also be improved.

[0011] In addition, the disclosed garment processing device and control method can minimize the amount of detergent remaining on the laundry. Therefore, the impact of residual detergent on the user of the laundry can be minimized.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates the flow of hot air within a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the open state of the suction port according to the rotation direction of the drum.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a flowchart briefly illustrating a control method of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the drying process of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0018] 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.

[0019] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0020] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0023] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0024] 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 said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Washing machines according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Although a washing machine combined with a dryer is described as an example of a clothing processing device (1), 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 clothing.

[0032] Terms such as "front," "rear," "left," and "right" are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the X-axis direction may be defined as the front-rear direction, the Y-axis direction may be defined as the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction may be defined as the up-down direction.

[0033] It should be understood that the blocks of each flowchart and combinations of flowcharts can be executed by one or more computer programs containing instructions. One or more computer programs as a whole may be stored in a single memory device, or one or more computer programs may be divided so that different parts are stored in multiple different memory devices.

[0034] Any of the functions or operations described in this specification may be processed by a single processor or a combination of processors. The single processor or the combination of processors is a circuit that performs processing and includes circuits such as an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near-field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio codec chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system-on-chip (SoC), an IC, etc.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a clothing processing device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates the flow of hot air within a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, 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 input opening formed on one side.

[0037] The garment processing device (1) may include a door for opening and closing a laundry input port. 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 (10) is visible.

[0038] 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 formed on one side, and may be placed inside the housing (10) such that the tub opening corresponds to a laundry input port.

[0039] The tub (20) can be connected to the housing (10) by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated when the drum rotates and attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing (10).

[0040] The garment processing device (1) may include a drum (30) provided to receive laundry. At least one lifter may be provided inside the drum (30) to perform washing by raising and dropping the laundry.

[0041] The drum (30) may be positioned inside the tub (20) 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 (30) or withdrawn from the drum (30).

[0042] The drum (30) can rotate inside the tub (20) and perform operations according to the washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying cycles, respectively. A plurality of through holes may be formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum (30). Detergent and / or water introduced into the tub (20) may flow into the interior of the drum (30) or flow out of the drum (30) through the plurality of through holes.

[0043] The washing process may represent a process of washing laundry by supplying laundry detergent and / or water to the tub (20) and rotating the drum (30). The rinsing process may represent a process of rinsing laundry by supplying water and / or a rinsing aid (e.g., fabric softener) to the tub (20) and rotating the drum (30). The spin-drying process may represent a process of removing water from the laundry by discharging water and / or a rinsing aid from the tub (20) and rotating the drum (30). The drying process may represent a process of drying laundry by circulating air into the drying device (70) and the drum (30) and rotating the drum (30).

[0044] The garment processing device (1) may include a driving device (40) for rotating the drum (30). The driving device (40) may include a driving motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the driving motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may pass through the tub (20) and be connected to the drum (30). The driving device (40) can rotate the drum (30) in the forward or reverse direction to perform respective operations according to washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and / or drying cycles.

[0045] The garment processing device (1) may include a water supply device (50) configured to supply water to the tub (20). The water supply device (50) may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve that opens and closes 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 the tub (20) and / or the detergent supply device (80). Water may be supplied to the tub (20) via the detergent supply device (80) or supplied to the tub (20) without passing through the detergent supply device (80). The water supply device (50) may be controlled so as not to supply water to the tub (20) and / or the detergent supply device (80) during a washing course that does not use water (e.g., a dry cleaning course) among the various operation courses of the garment processing device (1).

[0046] The clothing processing device (1) may include at least one suction port (21a, 21b) formed on the surface of a tub (20) and a suction device (60) connected to the at least one suction port (21a, 21b). The at least one suction port (21a, 21b) and the suction device (60) may be connected through a first pipe (P1).

[0047] The suction device (60) may include a suction motor. As the suction device (60) operates, air inside the drum (30) may be sucked in through at least one suction port (21a, 21b). Air sucked in through at least one suction port (21a, 21b) may be supplied to a drying device (70). The suction device (60) may be connected to a second pipe (P2). Air sucked in through at least one suction port (21a, 21b) and the first pipe (P1) may be moved to the drying device (70) through the second pipe (P2). The first pipe (P1) and the second pipe (P2) may be provided in the form of a duct or a hose. The first pipe (P1) may have a T shape.

[0048] At least one suction port (21a, 21b) may include a first suction port (21a) and a second suction port (21b) formed spaced apart from each other. At least one suction port (21a, 21b) may be formed at a position corresponding to the section where the laundry falls along the wall of the drum (30) to minimize damage to the laundry caused by suction. For example, when looking at the tub (20) from the front of the tub (20), the first suction port (21a) may be located on the upper right side (e.g., 2 o'clock direction) of the tub (20). The second suction port (21b) may be located on the upper left side (e.g., 10 o'clock direction) of the tub (20).

[0049] Although the first suction port (21a) and the second suction port (21b) are exemplified as being formed, the number and location of the suction ports are not limited to those exemplified. One or three or more suction ports may be provided.

[0050] The clothing processing device (1) may include at least one valve (V1, V2) for opening and closing at least one intake port (21a, 21b). For example, the at least one valve (V1, V2) may include a first valve (V1) for opening and closing the first intake port (21a) and a second valve (V2) for opening and closing the second intake port (21b). When the first valve (V1) is opened, the first intake port (21a) is opened, and when the first valve (V1) is closed, the first intake port (21a) can be closed. When the second valve (V2) is opened, the second intake port (21b) is opened, and when the second valve (V2) is closed, the second intake port (21b) can be closed.

[0051] The number of valves for opening and closing the intake port of the tub (20) is not limited to the example shown. The number of valves for opening and closing the intake port may correspond to the number of intake ports. For example, the second intake port (21b) and the second valve (V2) in the garment processing device (1) may be omitted.

[0052] The garment processing device (1) may include a drying device (70) for drying laundry contained inside a drum (30). The drying device (70) may be configured to heat air and supply it into the interior of a tub (20). The drying device (70) 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 (70) may be placed on the upper part of the tub (20).

[0053] The drying device (70) may be provided in a heat pump manner. The drying device (70) may include a compressor (71), a condenser (72), an evaporator (73), a fan (74), and a lint filter (75). Additionally, the drying device (70) may include a refrigerant pipe connecting the compressor (71), the condenser (72), and the evaporator (73), and an expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant. The drying device (70) may be formed as a single module.

[0054] The fan (74) can move air. The fan (74) can be provided in various types. For example, it may include a sirocco fan. When the fan (74) operates, air inside the drum (30) can be introduced into the drying device (70) through the exhaust passage (P3). Additionally, air heated by the drying device (70) can be supplied into the drum (30) depending on the operation of the fan (74). The air introduced into the drying device (70) can be heated as it passes through the lint filter (75), evaporator (73), and condenser (72) in sequence. The air heated by the drying device (70) can be supplied to the drum (30) through the hot air passage (P4). The exhaust passage (P3) and the hot air passage (P4) can be provided in the form of pipes, ducts, and / or hoses.

[0055] The air entering the drying device (70) through the exhaust passage (P3) has passed through the interior of the drum (30) and the tub (20), so it may contain a relatively large amount of moisture and / or gaseous detergent. The drying device (70) can remove the and / or detergent from the incoming air and heat the air.

[0056] The compressor (71) can supply refrigerant. The compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant moves from the compressor (71) to the condenser (72), and the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (72) can move to the evaporator (73). The condenser (72) can cool the refrigerant and transfer heat to the surrounding air. The heated air flows into the interior of the drum (30) to dry the laundry.

[0057] The condenser (72) and the evaporator (73) correspond to heat exchangers. The condenser (72) may be referred to as the "first heat exchanger." The evaporator (73) may be referred to as the "second heat exchanger." The refrigerant expanded by passing through the expansion valve can absorb heat in the evaporator (73) and cool the surrounding air. The evaporator (73) can cool the high-temperature, high-humidity air that has passed through the inside of the drum (30). As the air is cooled, moisture and / or gaseous detergent in the air can be condensed. The water and / or liquid detergent generated in the evaporator (73) can be discharged to the outside of the drying device (70). The air that has passed through the evaporator (73) passes through the condenser (72) and can be heated by exchanging heat with the refrigerant passing through the condenser (72). In other words, the condenser (72) can heat the air that has passed through the evaporator (73). The hot air passage (P4) can guide heated air through the condenser (72) into the interior of the drum (30).

[0058] The lint filter (75) can filter foreign substances, such as lint, contained in the air entering through the exhaust passage (P3). The lint filter (75) may include various types of filters.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 2, a drying device (70) may be positioned above the tub (20). Air discharged from the tub (20) flows into the drying device (70) through an exhaust passage (P3), and air heated by the drying device (70) may be supplied into the drum (30) through a hot air passage (P4). The exhaust passage (P3) may be connected to one side (e.g., rear) of the tub (20), and the hot air passage (P4) may be connected to the other side (e.g., front) of the tub (20) facing the one side of the tub (20). Through this, the hot air can spread evenly from the front of the drum (30) to the rear of the drum (30). By increasing the flow distance and / or flow time of the hot air inside the drum (30), the contact between the hot air and the laundry can be increased. Accordingly, the drying efficiency of the laundry can be improved.

[0060] Referring again to FIG. 1, a first check valve (CV1) to prevent backflow of air may be provided in a second pipe (P2) connected to the suction device (60). The second pipe (P2) may be connected to an exhaust passage (P3). When air is discharged from the tub (20) through the exhaust passage (P3), the first check valve (CV1) can prevent the air discharged from the tub (20) from flowing back into the suction device (60).

[0061] A second check valve (CV2) may be provided in the exhaust passage (P3) connected to the tub (20) to prevent backflow of air. When air inside the tub (20) is sucked in through at least one intake port (21a, 21b) as the suction device (60) operates, the second check valve (CV2) can prevent the sucked air from flowing back into the tub (20) through the exhaust passage (P3).

[0062] The garment processing device (1) may include a drain line (DL) for guiding water and / or liquid detergent discharged from the drying device (70) to the chamber (81) of the water absorption device (91) and / or detergent supply device (80). The drain line (DL) may be provided as a hose made of a flexible material, a plastic pipe, or a metal pipe. Water and / or liquid detergent discharged from the drying device (70) may be guided to the water absorption device (91) through the drain line (DL).

[0063] The water absorption device (91) may include a device capable of separating water and detergent. Additionally, the water absorption device (91) may include a desiccant for absorbing and / or removing water. The desiccant may be replaced by the user. Additionally, the water absorption device (91) may store water. The user may detach the water absorption device (91) from the clothing processing device (1), empty the stored water, and then reattach it to the clothing processing device (1).

[0064] The water absorption device (91) can operate to absorb water or not absorb water depending on the operation course of the clothing treatment device (1). For example, when the clothing treatment device (1) operates on an operation course that does not use water (e.g., dry cleaning course), the water absorption device (91) can operate to absorb water. When the clothing treatment device (1) operates on an operation course that uses water (e.g., standard course), the water absorption device (91) can operate to not absorb water.

[0065] When the garment processing device (1) operates in a non-water-using operation course (e.g., dry cleaning course), water may not be supplied to the tub (20). Even if water is not supplied to the tub (20), a small amount of water may be discharged from the drying device (70) during the drying process due to moisture in the air and / or moisture contained in the laundry. In this case, the water absorption device (91) may operate to absorb water from the water discharged from the drying device (70) and liquid detergent (e.g., dry cleaning detergent), and to supply the liquid detergent to the chamber (81) of the detergent supply device (80). The detergent recovered to the chamber (81) may be supplied back to the tub (20) when a subsequent washing process is performed.

[0066] When the garment processing device (1) operates in a water-using operation course (e.g., standard course), water can be supplied to the tub (20). When water is used for washing laundry, a large amount of water may be discharged from the drying device (70) during the drying process. In this case, the large amount of water discharged from the drying device (70) may not be absorbed by the water absorption device (91) and may flow directly into the chamber (81). The water flowing into the chamber (81) may be discharged to the outside of the garment processing device (1) through the drainage device (92) connected to the chamber (81).

[0067] The garment processing device (1) may include a detergent supply device (80) that supplies detergent to the tub (20). The detergent supply device (80) may accommodate various types of detergent. For example, the detergent may include laundry detergent and / or laundry aids (e.g., fabric softener, bleach, etc.). The laundry detergent may include general detergent and / or dry cleaning detergent. The types of detergent are not limited to those exemplified.

[0068] Dry cleaning refers to the process of washing laundry without using water. Dry cleaning detergents are eco-friendly solvents, such as silicone-based solvents. When comparing eco-friendly solvents to water, their evaporation rate can be relatively slower because they possess relatively high boiling points and molecular weights. When eco-friendly solvents are used for washing, drying time may increase to remove the solvent that has penetrated the laundry, and a small amount of solvent may remain on the clothes even after drying is complete. Therefore, measures to reduce drying time may be necessary when eco-friendly solvents are used.

[0069] To reduce drying time, the garment processing device (1) can control a drying device (70) that supplies hot air into the drum (30) during the drying process and a suction device (60) that sucks in air through at least one suction port (21a, 21b) formed in the tub (20).

[0070] According to various embodiments, the garment processing device (1) may include two or more detergent supply devices. For example, the garment processing device (1) may include a detergent supply device for receiving general detergent and a detergent supply device for receiving dry cleaning detergent.

[0071] The detergent supply device (80) may include a chamber (81) for storing detergent. The detergent supply device (80) may include a first pump (82) for moving the detergent stored in the chamber (81) to the outside of the chamber (81). The detergent supply device (80) may include a first filter (83) for filtering foreign substances contained in the detergent discharged from the chamber (81). The first filter (83) may filter foreign substances having a relatively small size. The detergent supply device (80) may supply detergent into the tub (20) during the washing and / or rinsing cycles.

[0072] The detergent supply device (80) may include a switching valve (Vs). The switching valve (Vs) may be controlled to guide the detergent discharged from the chamber (81) by the operation of the first pump (82) to a return path (RP) or a supply path (SP). The return path (RP) and the supply path (SP) may be provided in the form of pipes, ducts, or hoses. The return path (RP) is connected to the chamber (81) and may guide the detergent discharged from the first filter (83) to the chamber (81). The supply path (SP) is connected to the tub (20) and may guide the detergent discharged from the first filter (83) to the tub (20).

[0073] Since detergent must be supplied to the tub (20) for washing the laundry during the washing and / or rinsing cycles, the switching valve (Vs) can be controlled to open the supply path (SP) and close the return path (RP). Since detergent does not need to be supplied to the tub (20) during the spin-drying and drying cycles, the switching valve (Vs) can close the supply path (SP) and open the return path (RP) so that the detergent circulates through the chamber (81), the first pump (82), and the first filter (83). The garment processing device (1) can purify the detergent by circulating the detergent through the return path (RP) during the spin-drying and drying cycles where the use of detergent is not required.

[0074] A drain valve (Vd) may be provided at the drain of the tub (20). When the drain valve (Vd) is opened, water and / or detergent stored in the tub (20) may be discharged to the detergent supply device (80). The drain valve (Vd) may be closed while water and / or detergent is supplied into the tub (20).

[0075] The clothing processing device (1) may include a second filter (84) for filtering foreign substances contained in water and / or detergent discharged from the tub (20) and a second pump (85) for moving water and / or detergent discharged from the tub (20) to the chamber (81). The second filter (84) may filter foreign substances having a relatively large size. The size of the foreign substances filtered by the second filter (84) may be relatively larger than the size of the foreign substances filtered by the first filter (84).

[0076] A chamber valve (Vc) may be provided in the piping connecting the chamber (81) and the first pump (82). When the chamber valve (Vc) is opened, water and / or detergent stored in the chamber (81) may flow into the first pump (82). When the water and / or detergent stored in the chamber (81) is discharged to the outside of the garment processing device (1) through the drainage device (92), the chamber valve (Vc) may be closed.

[0077] The opening and closing of the drain valve (Vd) and the chamber valve (Vc), respectively, can be controlled differently depending on the operation course of the garment processing device (1). For example, when the garment processing device (1) operates on a non-water-using operation course (e.g., dry cleaning course), the drain valve (Vd) and the chamber valve (Vc) can both be opened so that the detergent circulates through the chamber (81), the tub (20), and the second filter (84) during the washing and rinsing cycles, and the detergent circulates through the chamber (81) and the first filter (83) during the spin-drying and drying cycles.

[0078] When the garment processing device (1) operates in a water-using operation course (e.g., standard course), the drain valve (Vd) and the chamber valve (Vc) may both be opened so that water and detergent circulate through the chamber (81), the tub (20), and the second filter (84) during the washing and rinsing cycles. However, during the spin-drying and drying cycles, the drain valve (Vd) may be opened and the chamber valve (Vc) may be closed to discharge the water stored in the tub (20) to the outside of the garment processing device (1). By opening the drain valve (Vd) and closing the chamber valve (Vc), the water stored in the tub (20) may be discharged to the outside of the garment processing device (1) through the chamber (81) and the drainage device (92).

[0079] The drainage device (92) can discharge water and / or detergent stored in the chamber (81) to the outside of the garment processing device (1). The drainage device (92) may include a drainage pump.

[0080] The clothing processing device (1) may include various sensors. For example, the clothing processing device (1) may include a first sensor (S1) provided in a drum (30) and outputting a first sensing value, and a second sensor (S2) provided in at least one suction port (21a, 21b) and outputting a second sensing value.

[0081] The first sensor (S1) may include a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the laundry or an electrical conductivity sensor for measuring the electrical conductivity of the laundry. The second sensor (S2) may be provided within a first pipe (P1) connected to at least one intake port (21a, 21b). The second sensor (S2) may also be provided in each of the at least one intake port (21a, 21b). The second sensor (S2) may include a gas sensor for detecting the concentration of a detergent in a gaseous state.

[0082] Additionally, the clothing processing device (1) may include a temperature sensor (S3) for detecting the temperature of the air discharged from the drum (30) to the drying device (70). The temperature sensor (S3) may be placed on the exhaust passage (P3).

[0083] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the open state of the suction port according to the rotation direction of the drum.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first suction port (21a) and the second suction port (21b) can be opened alternately depending on the rotation direction of the drum (30). The drum (30) can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. During the performance of the washing, rinsing, and drying cycles, the rotation direction of the drum (30) can be changed at regular time intervals. When the drum (30) rotates clockwise, the laundry inside the drum (30) can rotate clockwise along the inner wall of the drum (30). When the drum (30) rotates counterclockwise, the laundry inside the drum (30) can rotate counterclockwise along the inner wall of the drum (30).

[0085] For example, when the drum (30) rotates clockwise, the first suction port (21a) is opened and the second suction port (21b) can be closed. When the drum (30) rotates clockwise, the laundry inside the drum (30) may stick to the inner wall of the drum (30) near the second suction port (21b) and fall near the first suction port (21a). Since the laundry located near the second suction port (21b) may obstruct the flow of air through the second suction port (21b), it may be more efficient to draw air through the first suction port (21a) for drying the laundry.

[0086] When the drum (30) rotates counterclockwise, the second suction port (21b) can be opened and the first suction port (21a) can be closed. When the drum (30) rotates counterclockwise, laundry inside the drum (30) may stick to the inner wall of the drum (30) near the first suction port (21a) and fall near the second suction port (21b). Since laundry located near the first suction port (21a) may obstruct the flow of air through the first suction port (21a), it may be more efficient to draw air through the second suction port (21b) for drying the laundry.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 5, the clothing processing device (1) may include a driving device (40), a suction device (60), a drying device (70), a detergent supply device (80), various valves, various sensors, and a control unit (300). The clothing processing device (1) may further include a water supply device (50), a water absorption device (91), and a drainage device (92). Additionally, the clothing processing device (1) may further include a control panel (100) and a communication interface (150).

[0089] 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, EEPROM). The processor (310) and the memory (320) may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. Additionally, a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories may be provided.

[0090] The processor (310) can process various data and various signals using instructions, data, programs and / or software stored in memory (320). The processor (310) may include one core or multiple cores. The processor (310) can generate control signals for controlling components of the clothing processing device (1).

[0091] The processor (310) may be configured to perform various operations of the clothing processing device (1). The processor (310) may perform operations of the clothing processing device (1) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction, algorithm, program and / or software stored in memory (320). The processor (310) may control one or any combination of the components of the clothing processing device (1).

[0092] The processor (310) may include various types of circuits. For example, the processor (310) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), MIC (Many Integrated Core), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator.

[0093] The processor (310) can control various components of the garment processing device (1) to perform at least one operation including washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and / or drying. The processor (310) can control the control panel (100) to output various information regarding the operation of the garment processing device (1). For example, the control panel (100) can visually and / or audibly output information regarding the operation course, operation time, washing settings, rinsing settings, spin-drying settings, and / or drying settings of the garment processing device (1). Additionally, the control panel (100) can output information regarding abnormal status of the garment processing device (1).

[0094] The processor (310) can be electrically connected to various parts and / or devices of the garment processing device (1) and can control various parts and / or devices. For example, the processor (310) can control a drive unit (40), a suction unit (60), a detergent supply unit (80), various valves (e.g., a first valve (V1) and a second valve (V2)), and various sensors (e.g., a first sensor (S1) and a second sensor (S2)). Additionally, the processor (310) can control a water supply unit (50), a water absorption unit (91), a drainage unit (92), a control panel (100), and a communication interface (150).

[0095] A control panel (100) may be placed in a part of the housing (10). The control panel (100) 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 (101) and at least one output interface (102). The control panel (100) may receive various user inputs and output various information regarding the operation of the clothing processing device (1).

[0096] At least one input interface (101) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal. At least one input interface (101) may include various buttons and / or dials. For example, the input interface (101) may include a power button, a start / stop button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a washing setting button, a rinse setting button, a spin setting button and / or a drying setting button.

[0097] At least one input interface (101) may include various input devices such as 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.

[0098] At least one output interface (102) can visually and / or audibly convey information related to the operation of the garment processing device (1) to the user. For example, at least one output interface (102) can provide information related to a washing course, operation time, washing settings, rinsing settings, spin settings, and / or drying settings. Information regarding the operation of the garment processing device (1) can be output as an image, text, an indicator, and / or voice. Additionally, the output interface (102) can display a graphic user interface (GUI) that enables control of the garment processing device (1). That is, the display can display UI elements such as icons.

[0099] At least one output interface (102) may include at least one of a display and a speaker. The display may be provided as various types of display panels. For example, the display may include a Liquid Crystal Display Panel (LCD Panel), a Light Emitting Diode Panel (LED Panel), an Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel (OLED Panel), or a Micro LED Panel. The display may also be used as an input device, including a touch screen.

[0100] The control unit (300) can control the operation of the clothing processing device (1) based on user input obtained through the control panel (100). 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). 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 and a drying course.

[0101] 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 a dry cleaning course. Each of the multiple washing courses may include different washing settings (e.g., washing temperature, number of rinses, spin intensity, etc.). When one of the multiple washing courses is selected via a control panel (100) or an external user device, the control unit (300) may control the garment processing device (1) to perform a washing course, a rinsing course, and a spin-drying course corresponding to the selected washing course. Additionally, a washing course may include a rinsing and spin-drying course that does not include a washing course, a rinsing course, and a spin-drying course. The washing courses are not limited to those exemplified.

[0102] Drying courses may be provided in various ways depending on the type of object to be dried (e.g., clothing, bedding, underwear, etc.) and 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 (100) 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.

[0103] 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 (100).

[0104] The communication interface (150) may include at least one of a short-range communication module (short-range communication circuit), a long-range communication module (long-range communication circuit), and a wireless communication interface (wireless communication circuit). The communication interface (150) may transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication interface (150) may support cellular communication, wireless local area network (WLAN), home radio frequency (Home 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.

[0105] The communication interface (150) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device and / or a home appliance) or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication interface (150) can establish communication with a server and / or a user device and / or a home appliance and transmit and receive various data. The communication interface (150) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel.

[0106] 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).

[0107] The drive unit (40) can rotate the drum (30) under the control of the processor (310). The drive unit (40) may include a drive motor. The processor (310) can control the drive unit (40) to adjust the rotational speed of the drum (30).

[0108] The water supply device (50) can supply water to the tub (20). The water supply device (50) may include a water supply valve that opens or closes a water supply pipe connected to an external water source. The processor (310) can control the opening and closing of the water supply valve. The processor (310) can adjust the opening degree of the water supply valve. The processor (310) can stop the operation of the water supply device (50) so as not to supply water to the tub (20) and / or the detergent supply device (80) during a washing course that does not use water (e.g., dry cleaning course) among the various operation courses of the garment processing device (1).

[0109] The suction device (60) can suck in air through at least one suction port (21a, 21b) formed in the tub (20). The suction device (60) may include a suction motor. The processor (310) can adjust the suction strength of the suction device (60). For example, the processor (310) can adjust the suction strength of the suction device (60) according to changes in the dryness of the laundry contained in the drum (30). The processor (310) can decrease the suction strength of the suction device (60) as the dryness of the laundry increases.

[0110] The drying device (70) can remove moisture contained in the air, heat the air, and supply the heated air to the tub (20). The processor (310) can operate the drying device (70) to dry laundry located inside the drum (30). The processor (310) can control the drying device (70) to generate dry and heated air.

[0111] The processor (310) can control the fan (74), compressor (71), and expansion valve included in the drying device (70). The processor (310) can operate the fan (74) so ​​that the dried and heated air is supplied into the drum (30). The processor (310) can adjust the rotational speed of the fan (74). The flow rate of the air supplied into the drum (30) may vary depending on the rotational speed of the fan (74).

[0112] The compressor (71) compresses low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and discharges it as high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. For example, the compressor (71) 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 a condenser (72). The processor (310) can control the operating frequency and / or rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor (71). As the operating frequency and / or rotational speed (RPM) of the compressor (71) increases, the heat released around the condenser (72) may increase.

[0113] The processor (310) can control the opening of the expansion valve. The expansion valve may be provided as an electronic expansion valve in which the opening can be controlled by a capillary tube and an electrical signal to control the pressure of the liquid refrigerant. The low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant passing through the expansion valve flows into the evaporator (73).

[0114] The garment processing device (1) may include various valves. For example, the garment processing device (1) may include a first valve (V1) that opens and closes a first suction port (21a) formed in a tub (20) and a second valve (V2) that opens and closes a second suction port (21b). A processor (310) may control the opening and closing of each of the first valve (V1) and the second valve (V2). For example, the processor (310) may control the first valve (V1) and the second valve (V2) so that the first suction port (21a) or the second suction port (21b) is opened according to the rotational direction of the drum (30). The processor (310) may control the first valve (V1) and the second valve (V2) so that the first suction port (21a) and the second suction port (21b) are opened alternately in response to the rotational direction of the drum (30) being periodically changed in the opposite direction.

[0115] Additionally, as described above, the garment processing device (1) may further include a switching valve (Vs) that guides the detergent discharged from the chamber (81) of the detergent supply device (80) to the return path (RP) or supply path (SP), a drain valve (Vd) that opens and closes the drain of the tub (20), and a chamber valve (Vc) that opens and closes the piping connecting the chamber (81) and the first pump (82). The garment processing device (1) may further include a first check valve (CV1) to prevent air from flowing back into the second piping (P2) connected to the suction device (60), and a second check valve (CV2) to prevent air from flowing back into the exhaust path (P3) connected to the tub (20). The processor (310) can control the opening and closing of each of the switching valve (Vs), drain valve (Vd), chamber valve (Vc), first check valve (CV1) and second check valve (CV2).

[0116] The processor (310) can control the opening and closing of the drain valve (Vd) and the chamber valve (Vc) differently depending on the operation course of the garment processing device (1). For example, when the garment processing device (1) operates in a washing course that does not use water (e.g., dry cleaning course), the processor (310) can open both the drain valve (Vd) and the chamber valve (Vc) so that the detergent circulates through the chamber (81), the tub (20), and the second filter (84) during the washing and rinsing courses, and the detergent circulates through the chamber (81) and the first filter (83) during the spin-drying and drying courses.

[0117] When the garment processing device (1) operates in a washing course (e.g., standard course) that uses water, the processor (310) can open both the drain valve (Vd) and the chamber valve (Vc) so that water and detergent circulate through the chamber (81), the tub (20), and the second filter (84) during the washing and rinsing courses. During the spin-drying and drying courses, the processor (310) can open the drain valve (Vd) and close the chamber valve (Vc) to discharge the water stored in the tub (20) to the outside of the garment processing device (1). By opening the drain valve (Vd) and closing the chamber valve (Vc), the water stored in the tub (20) can be discharged to the outside of the garment processing device (1) through the chamber (81) and the drainage device (92).

[0118] The various valves provided in the clothing processing device (1) are not limited to those exemplified. At least one of the exemplified valves may be omitted, or other valves may be provided.

[0119] The clothing processing device (1) may include various sensors. For example, the clothing processing device (1) may include a first sensor (S1) that is provided in a drum (30) and outputs a first sensing value, and a second sensor (S2) that is provided in at least one suction port (21a, 21b) and outputs a second sensing value.

[0120] The first sensor (S1) may include a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the laundry or an electrical conductivity sensor for measuring the electrical conductivity of the laundry. The first sensor (S1) may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the weight of the laundry or the electrical conductivity of the laundry as a first sensing value to the processor (310). The processor (310) may identify the dryness of the laundry based on the first sensing value transmitted from the first sensor (S1).

[0121] For example, the more moisture contained in the laundry, the greater the detected weight of the laundry. During the drying process, the moisture contained in the laundry is removed, and the weight of the laundry may decrease. The processor (310) can identify that the degree of dryness is higher as the weight of the laundry decreases. Additionally, since water generally acts as a conductor, the greater the moisture contained in the laundry, the greater the detected electrical conductivity of the laundry. During the drying process, the moisture contained in the laundry is removed, and the electrical conductivity of the laundry may decrease.

[0122] The second sensor (S2) may include a gas sensor that detects the concentration of the detergent in a gaseous state. The second sensor (S2) may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the concentration of the detergent as a second sensing value to the processor (310). The processor (310) may identify the concentration of the detergent based on the second sensing value transmitted from the second sensor (S2). As the detergent remaining in the laundry is heated during the drying process, the detergent in a liquid state may change into a detergent in a gaseous state. During the drying process, the detergent contained in the laundry is removed, and the concentration of the detergent may decrease.

[0123] Additionally, the garment processing device (1) may further include a temperature sensor (S3) for detecting the temperature of the air discharged from the drum (30) to the drying device (70). The temperature sensor (S3) can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected air temperature to the processor (310). The processor (310) can identify the temperature of the air discharged from the drum (30) based on the electrical signal transmitted from the temperature sensor (S3). If the temperature of the air discharged from the drum (30) is higher than or equal to a reference temperature, the processor (310) can control the drying device (70) to maintain the air temperature at the reference temperature. If the temperature inside the drum (30) is higher than the reference temperature, the laundry may be damaged. To prevent damage to the laundry, the processor (310) can control the drying device (70) to maintain the temperature inside the drum (30) at or below the reference temperature.

[0124] The processor (310) can operate the suction device (60) based on the drying degree of the laundry reaching a reference drying degree. The processor (310) can operate the suction device (60) when the drying degree of the laundry is higher than or equal to the reference drying degree. When hot air is supplied into the drum (30) according to the operation of the drying device (70), the laundry is dried and at the same time, the detergent remaining in the laundry can vaporize. When the suction device (60) is operated, the moisture inside the drum (30) and the detergent in a gaseous state can be discharged to the outside of the drum (30) more quickly, and the drying efficiency of the laundry can be improved.

[0125] The processor (310) can operate the drying device (70) in response to the start of a drying process according to various washing and / or drying courses. While the drying process is being performed, the processor (310) can control the operation of the suction device (60) and the drying device (70) based on the degree of dryness of the laundry and the concentration of the detergent. Additionally, the processor (310) can determine whether to end the drying process based on the degree of dryness of the laundry and the concentration of the detergent.

[0126] For example, the processor (310) may stop the operation of the drying device (70) and continue the operation of the suction device (60) based on the fact that the dryness of the laundry is greater than or equal to the critical dryness and the concentration of the detergent is greater than the critical concentration. The processor (310) may determine the end of the drying process based on the fact that the dryness of the laundry is greater than or equal to the critical dryness and the concentration of the detergent is less than or equal to the critical concentration. Based on the determination of the end of the drying process, the processor (310) may stop the operation of both the suction device (60) and the drying device (70).

[0127] The various sensors provided in the clothing processing device (1) are not limited to those exemplified. At least one of the exemplified sensors may be omitted, or additional sensors may be provided.

[0128] The detergent supply device (80) can accommodate various types of detergent and supply detergent to the tub (20). For example, the processor (310) can control the detergent supply device (80) to supply detergent to the tub (20) during the washing and / or rinsing cycles of various washing courses. The processor (310) can operate the first pump (82) to move the detergent stored in the chamber (81) of the detergent supply device (80) to the tub (20) and control the switching valve (Vs) so that the supply path (SP) is opened. When the detergent supply path (SP) is opened, the return path (RP) can be closed. The processor (310) can control the switching valve (Vs) so that the detergent is not supplied to the tub (20) and circulates through the return path (RP) during the spin-drying and drying cycles. Additionally, the processor (310) can operate the second pump (85) of the detergent supply device (80) to move water and / or detergent discharged from the tub (20) to the chamber (81).

[0129] The water absorption device (91) may include a device capable of separating water and detergent. Additionally, the water absorption device (91) may include a desiccant for absorbing and / or removing water. The processor (310) may control the water absorption device (91) to absorb water or not absorb water depending on the operation course of the garment processing device (1). For example, when the garment processing device (1) operates on a washing course that does not use water (e.g., dry cleaning course), the water absorption device (91) may operate to absorb water. When the garment processing device (1) operates on a washing course that uses water (e.g., standard course), the water absorption device (91) may operate to not absorb water.

[0130] When the garment processing device (1) operates in a washing course that does not use water (e.g., dry cleaning course), water may not be supplied to the tub (20). Even if water is not supplied to the tub (20), a small amount of water may be discharged from the drying device (70) during the drying process due to moisture in the air and / or moisture contained in the laundry. In this case, the water absorption device (91) may operate to absorb water from the water discharged from the drying device (70) and liquid detergent (e.g., dry cleaning detergent), and to supply the liquid detergent to the chamber (81) of the detergent supply device (80). The detergent recovered to the chamber (81) may be supplied back to the tub (20) when the washing process is performed later.

[0131] The drainage device (92) can discharge water and / or detergent stored in the chamber (81) to the outside of the garment processing device (1). The drainage device (92) may include a drainage pump. When the garment processing device (1) is operating a washing course that uses water (e.g., standard course), the processor (310) may operate the drainage device (92) to discharge water stored in the chamber (81) of the detergent supply device (80) to the outside. When the garment processing device (1) is operating a washing course that uses water, the processor (310) may operate the drainage device (92) in response to the completion of the washing course, the completion of the rinsing course, the completion of the spin-drying course, and the completion of the drying course, respectively.

[0132] FIG. 6 is a flowchart briefly illustrating a control method of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 6, the clothing processing device (1) can perform various operations as various operation courses are selected. Depending on the operation course, the clothing processing device (1) may selectively perform at least one of a washing operation (601), a rinsing operation (602), a spin-drying operation (603), and a drying operation (604). For example, the clothing processing device (1) may perform a rinsing operation (602) and a spin-drying operation (603) in response to the selection of a rinsing-spin-drying course. The clothing processing device (1) may perform a spin-drying operation (603) in response to the selection of a spin-drying course. The clothing processing device (1) may perform only a drying operation (604) in response to the selection of a drying course.

[0134] To perform a washing process (601), the processor (310) of the garment processing device (1) can control the detergent supply device (80) to supply laundry detergent to the tub (20). The processor (310) can control the drive device (40) to rotate the drum (30). Additionally, the processor (310) can control the water supply device (50) to supply water to the tub (20) according to the operation course. For example, the processor (310) can control the water supply device (50) to supply water to the tub (20) in the washing process (601) when a washing course that uses water (e.g., standard course) is selected. The processor (310) can stop the operation of the water supply device (50) so that water is not supplied to the tub (20) in the washing process (601) when a washing course that does not use water (e.g., dry cleaning course) is selected.

[0135] When the washing process is completed, the garment processing device (1) can perform a rinsing process (602). The rinsing process (602) may be performed one or more times. The processor (310) can control the drive device (40) to rotate the drum (30). To perform the rinsing process (602), the processor (310) can control the water supply device (50) to supply water to or not supply water to the tub (20) according to the operation course. For example, the processor (310) can control the water supply device (50) to supply water to the tub (20) in the rinsing process (602) when a washing course that uses water (e.g., standard course) is selected. The processor (310) can stop the operation of the water supply device (50) so that water is not supplied to the tub (20) in the rinsing process (602) when a washing course that does not use water (e.g., dry cleaning course) is selected. Additionally, in a washing course that does not use water (e.g., dry cleaning course), the processor (310) can control the detergent supply device (80) to supply a rinsing aid to the tub (20).

[0136] When the rinsing process is completed, the garment processing device (1) can perform a spin-drying process (603). The processor (310) can control the drain valve (Vd) and the second pump (85) so that detergent and / or water are discharged from the tub (20). The processor (310) can rotate the drum (30) at a relatively high speed. When the drum (30) rotates rapidly, the detergent and / or water absorbed by the laundry can be discharged from the laundry by centrifugal force.

[0137] Additionally, the processor (310) may open or close the chamber valve (Vc) during the spin cycle (603) according to the operation course. For example, the processor (310) may open the chamber valve (Vc) during the spin cycle of a washing course that does not use water (e.g., dry cleaning course) in which the garment processing device (1) is in operation. During the spin cycle of a washing course that uses water (e.g., standard course), the processor (310) may close the chamber valve (Vc) and control the drainage device (92) to discharge water to the outside of the garment processing device (1).

[0138] When the dehydration process is completed, the garment processing device (1) can perform a drying process (604). To perform the drying process (604), the processor (310) can control a suction device (60) that sucks air into the drum (30) through at least one suction port (21a, 21b) formed in the tub (20) and a drying device (70) that supplies hot air into the drum (30). Additionally, the processor (310) can rotate the drum (30) at a relatively low speed.

[0139] The processor (310) can determine whether to end the drying process based on the degree of dryness of the laundry and the concentration of the detergent. When the drying process (604) is completed, the processor (310) can stop the operation of the garment processing device (1) and turn off the power.

[0140] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the drying process of a clothing processing device according to one embodiment.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 7, the processor (310) of the clothing processing device (1) can operate the drying device (701) to supply hot air into the drum (30) in response to the start of the drying process (701).

[0142] The processor (310) can identify the dryness of the laundry corresponding to the first sensing value output by the first sensor (S1) (702). For example, the processor (310) can identify the dryness of the laundry based on the weight of the laundry or the electrical conductivity of the laundry detected by the first sensor (S1). The more moisture contained in the laundry, the greater the detected weight of the laundry. During the drying process, the moisture contained in the laundry is removed, and the weight of the laundry may decrease. The processor (310) can identify that the dryness is higher as the weight of the laundry decreases. In addition, since water generally acts as a conductor, the greater the moisture contained in the laundry, the greater the detected electrical conductivity of the laundry. During the drying process, the moisture contained in the laundry is removed, and the electrical conductivity of the laundry may decrease.

[0143] The processor (310) can identify whether the dryness of the laundry reaches a reference dryness (703). If the dryness of the laundry is higher than or equal to the reference dryness, the processor (310) can operate the suction device (60) (704). The processor (310) can detect the concentration of detergent sucked in through at least one suction port (21a, 21b) based on the second sensing value output from the second sensor (S2) (705). When hot air is supplied into the drum (30) according to the operation of the drying device (70), the laundry is dried and at the same time, the detergent remaining in the laundry can vaporize. When the suction device (60) is operated, the moisture inside the drum (30) and the detergent in a gaseous state can be discharged to the outside of the drum (30) more quickly, and the drying efficiency of the laundry can be improved.

[0144] The processor (310) can maintain the operation of the drying device (70) so that hot air continues to be supplied into the drum (30) when the dryness of the laundry is less than the critical dryness (706, 707). The processor (310) can stop the operation of the drying device (70) when the dryness of the laundry is greater than or equal to the critical dryness (706, 708).

[0145] The processor (310) can maintain the operation of the suction device (60) so that air is continuously sucked in through at least one suction port (21a, 21b) when the concentration of the detergent is greater than the critical concentration (709, 710). The processor (310) can stop the operation of the suction device (60) when the concentration of the detergent is less than or equal to the critical concentration (711).

[0146] Although it has been described that the drying device (70) stops operating according to the degree of dryness of the laundry and the suction device (60) stops operating according to the concentration of the detergent are performed sequentially, it is not limited thereto. The garment processing device (1) can simultaneously identify the degree of dryness of the laundry and the concentration of the detergent sucked in through at least one suction port (21a, 21b) while performing the drying process, and may simultaneously stop the drying device (70) and stop the suction device (60).

[0147] A garment processing device according to one embodiment may include: a tub; a drum rotatably disposed within the tub; at least one suction port formed on the surface of the tub; at least one valve for opening and closing the at least one suction port; a suction motor connected to the at least one suction port; a drying device for supplying hot air into the drum; a first sensor provided within the drum and outputting a first sensing value; a second sensor provided at the at least one suction port and outputting a second sensing value; and a processor. The processor may operate the drying device to dry laundry contained within the drum in response to the start of a drying process, identify the degree of dryness of the laundry corresponding to the first sensing value of the first sensor, operate the suction motor if the degree of dryness of the laundry is higher than or equal to a reference degree of dryness, identify the concentration of detergent sucked into the at least one suction port based on the second sensing value of the second sensor, and determine whether to terminate the drying process based on the degree of dryness of the laundry and the concentration of the detergent.

[0148] The first sensor may include a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the laundry or an electrical conductivity sensor for measuring the electrical conductivity of the laundry. The processor may determine the dryness of the laundry corresponding to the weight of the laundry or the electrical conductivity of the laundry.

[0149] The processor can stop the operation of the drying device and continue operating the suction motor if the drying degree of the laundry is greater than or equal to the critical drying degree and the concentration of the detergent is greater than the critical concentration.

[0150] The processor can stop the operation of both the drying device and the suction motor and terminate the drying process if the drying degree of the laundry is greater than or equal to the critical drying degree and the concentration of the detergent is less than or equal to the critical concentration.

[0151] The above at least one intake port may include a first intake port and a second intake port formed spaced apart from each other. The above at least one valve may include a first valve and a second valve that open and close the first intake port and the second intake port, respectively. The processor may control the first valve and the second valve so that the first intake port or the second intake port is opened according to the rotational direction of the drum.

[0152] The processor can control the first valve and the second valve so that the first suction port and the second suction port are alternately opened in response to the rotational direction of the drum being periodically changed in the opposite direction.

[0153] The above processor can adjust the suction strength of the suction motor according to changes in the dryness of the laundry.

[0154] The clothing processing device (1) may further include a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the air discharged from the drum to the drying device. If the temperature of the air is higher than or equal to a reference temperature, the processor may control the drying device so that the temperature of the air is maintained at the reference temperature.

[0155] The second sensor may include a gas sensor that detects the concentration of the detergent in a gaseous state.

[0156] A control method for a garment processing apparatus comprising a tub, a drum rotatably disposed within the tub, at least one suction port formed on the surface of the tub, at least one valve for opening and closing the at least one suction port, a suction motor connected to the at least one suction port, and a drying device for supplying hot air into the drum, wherein the control method according to one embodiment may include: operating the drying device to dry a laundry contained within the drum in response to the start of a drying process; identifying the degree of dryness of the laundry corresponding to a first sensing value of a first sensor provided within the drum; operating the suction motor if the degree of dryness of the laundry is higher than or equal to a reference degree of dryness; identifying the concentration of a detergent sucked into the at least one suction port based on a second sensing value of a second sensor provided at the at least one suction port; and determining whether to terminate the drying process based on the degree of dryness of the laundry and the concentration of the detergent.

[0157] The first sensor may include a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the laundry or an electrical conductivity sensor for measuring the electrical conductivity of the laundry. Identifying the dryness of the laundry may be based on the weight of the laundry or the electrical conductivity of the laundry.

[0158] The above control method may further include stopping the operation of the drying device when the dryness of the laundry is greater than or equal to the critical dryness and the concentration of the detergent is greater than the critical concentration.

[0159] Determining whether to terminate the drying process may include stopping the operation of both the drying device and the suction motor and terminating the drying process when the degree of dryness of the laundry is greater than or equal to the critical degree of dryness and the concentration of the detergent is less than or equal to the critical concentration.

[0160] The above at least one suction port may include a first suction port and a second suction port formed spaced apart from each other. The above at least one valve may include a first valve and a second valve that open and close the first suction port and the second suction port, respectively. The control method may further include controlling the first valve and the second valve so that the first suction port or the second suction port is opened according to the rotational direction of the drum.

[0161] Controlling the first valve and the second valve may include controlling the first valve and the second valve so that the first suction port and the second suction port are alternately opened in response to the rotational direction of the drum being periodically changed in the opposite direction.

[0162] The above control method may further include adjusting the suction strength of the suction motor according to the change in the dryness of the laundry.

[0163] The above control method may further include detecting the temperature of the air discharged from the drum to the drying device using a temperature sensor; and if the temperature of the air is higher than or equal to a reference temperature, controlling the drying device so that the temperature of the air is maintained at the reference temperature.

[0164] The disclosed garment processing device and its control method can shorten the drying time of laundry and improve drying efficiency by utilizing a hot air supply method and an air intake method. Since the drying time can be shortened without excessively raising the temperature of the hot air, damage to the laundry can be prevented and user convenience can also be improved.

[0165] In addition, the disclosed garment processing device and control method can minimize the amount of detergent remaining on the laundry. Therefore, the impact of residual detergent on the user of the laundry can be minimized.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] Methods according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as part of 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.

[0169] 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 drum rotatably positioned within the above tub; At least one suction port formed on the surface of the above tub; At least one valve for opening and closing the above-mentioned at least one intake port; A suction motor connected to at least one suction port; A drying device that supplies hot air into the interior of the drum; A first sensor provided within the drum and outputting a first sensing value; A second sensor provided in the above-mentioned at least one intake port and outputting a second sensing value; and In response to the start of the drying process, the drying device is operated to dry the laundry contained in the drum, and Identifying the dryness of the laundry corresponding to the first sensing value of the first sensor, and If the dryness of the laundry is higher than or equal to the standard dryness, the suction motor is operated, and Identifying the concentration of detergent sucked into the at least one suction port based on the second sensing value of the second sensor, and A clothing processing device comprising: a processor that determines whether to terminate the drying process based on the degree of drying of the laundry and the concentration of the detergent.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above first sensor is It includes a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the laundry or an electrical conductivity sensor for measuring the electrical conductivity of the laundry, The above processor A garment processing device for identifying the dryness of the laundry corresponding to the weight of the laundry or the electrical conductivity of the laundry.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above processor A clothing processing device that stops the operation of the drying device and continues to operate the suction motor when the drying degree of the laundry is greater than or equal to the critical drying degree and the concentration of the detergent is greater than the critical concentration.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above processor A clothing processing device that stops the operation of both the drying device and the suction motor and terminates the drying process when the drying degree of the laundry is greater than or equal to the critical drying degree and the concentration of the detergent is less than or equal to the critical concentration.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above at least one suction port is It includes a first suction port and a second suction port formed spaced apart from each other, The above at least one valve It includes a first valve and a second valve that respectively open and close the first suction port and the second suction port; The above processor A garment processing device that controls the first valve and the second valve so that the first suction port or the second suction port is opened according to the rotational direction of the drum.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above processor A garment processing device that controls the first valve and the second valve so that the first suction port and the second suction port are alternately opened in response to the rotational direction of the drum being periodically changed in the opposite direction.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above processor A garment processing device that adjusts the suction strength of the suction motor according to changes in the dryness of the laundry.

8. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the air discharged from the drum to the drying device. The above processor A clothing processing device that controls the drying device so that the temperature of the air is maintained at the reference temperature when the temperature of the air is higher than or equal to the reference temperature.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above second sensor is A clothing processing device comprising a gas sensor that detects the concentration of the detergent in a gaseous state.

10. A method for controlling a garment processing apparatus comprising: a tub; a drum rotatably disposed within the tub; at least one suction port formed on the surface of the tub; at least one valve for opening and closing the at least one suction port; a suction motor connected to the at least one suction port; and a drying device for supplying hot air into the drum. In response to the start of the drying process, the drying device is operated to dry the laundry contained in the drum; Identifying the dryness of the laundry corresponding to the first sensing value of the first sensor provided in the drum; If the dryness of the laundry is higher than or equal to the standard dryness, the suction motor is operated; Identifying the concentration of detergent sucked into the at least one intake port based on the second sensing value of the second sensor provided in the at least one intake port; A control method for a clothing processing device comprising determining whether to terminate the drying process based on the degree of drying of the laundry and the concentration of the detergent.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above first sensor is It includes a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the laundry or an electrical conductivity sensor for measuring the electrical conductivity of the laundry, Identifying the dryness of the above laundry is, A method for controlling a garment processing device based on the weight of the laundry or the electrical conductivity of the laundry.

12. In Paragraph 10, A control method for a clothing processing device further comprising stopping the operation of the drying device when the drying degree of the laundry is greater than or equal to the critical drying degree and the concentration of the detergent is greater than the critical concentration.

13. In Paragraph 10, Determining whether the above drying process is terminated is A control method for a clothing processing device comprising: stopping the operation of both the drying device and the suction motor and terminating the drying process when the drying degree of the laundry is greater than or equal to the critical drying degree and the concentration of the detergent is less than or equal to the critical concentration.

14. In Paragraph 10, The above at least one suction port is It includes a first suction port and a second suction port formed spaced apart from each other, The above at least one valve It includes a first valve and a second valve that respectively open and close the first suction port and the second suction port; The above control method is, A method for controlling a clothing processing device, further comprising: controlling the first valve and the second valve so that the first suction port or the second suction port is opened according to the rotational direction of the drum.

15. In Paragraph 14, Controlling the first valve and the second valve is, A method for controlling a garment processing device, comprising: controlling the first valve and the second valve so that the first suction port and the second suction port are alternately opened in response to the rotational direction of the drum being periodically changed in the opposite direction.

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