CLOTHES TREATING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Bypass Continuation of International Application No. PCT/KR2024/019431, filed Dec. 2, 2024, which claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0011903 filed Jan. 25, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0032710, filed Mar. 7, 2024, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosure relates to a clothes treating apparatus including a dryer, and a method for controlling the same.

2. Description of Related Art

A clothes treating apparatus is an apparatus for treating and/or caring for clothes. The clothes treating apparatus includes a washing machine and a dryer. The washing machine may include a dryer combined washing machine (a washer-dryer combo).

A dryer combined washing machine is a device that uses a driving force of a drive motor to agitate laundry, water, and detergent together in a tub, thereby washing by mutual friction.

Processes performed by a dryer combined washing machine may include a washing process of supplying a detergent and water to a tub in which laundry is accommodated and washing the laundry while rotating a drum, a rinsing process of supplying water to the tub and rinsing the laundry by rotating the drum, and a spin-drying process of discharging water from the tub and removing water from the laundry by rotating the drum.

The processes performed by the dryer combined washing machine may include a drying process to dry the laundry by blowing hot air generated from a dryer into a receiving space where the laundry is accommodated. The dryer combined washing machine may include a dryer to perform a drying process.

SUMMARY

The disclosure provides a clothes treating apparatus with an improved spin-drying performance, and a method for controlling the same.

The disclosure provides a clothes treating apparatus that may suppress foaming, and a method for controlling the same.

The disclosure provides a clothes treating apparatus that may remove foam generated during a rinsing process, and a method for controlling the same.

Technical objects that can be achieved by the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other technical objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs from the following description.

According to an embodiment, a clothes treating apparatus may include: a tub; a drum rotatable in the tub; a dryer including a fan and a heat pump configured to supply heated air into the tub; and a controller configured to rotate the drum at a preset maximum speed for a preset time based on a start of a spin-drying process and operate the fan to blow air into the tub while the drum rotates at the preset maximum speed.

According to an embodiment, a method for controlling a clothes treating apparatus may include: rotating a drum at a preset maximum speed for a preset time based on a start of a spin-drying process; and operating the fan to blow air into the tub while the drum rotates at the preset maximum speed.

Before undertaking the detailed description below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely.

Moreover, various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed from computer readable program code and embodied in a computer readable medium. The terms “application” and “program” refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof adapted for implementation in a suitable computer readable program code. The phrase “computer readable program code” includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase “computer readable medium” includes any type of medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A “non-transitory” computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport transitory electrical or other signals. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes media where data can be permanently stored and media where data can be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.

Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 illustrates a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of components disposed in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of components disposed in a clothes treating apparatus in a direction different from FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of components of a dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of components related to water supply of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of example components of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of example processes performed by a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of controlling a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example spin-drying profile of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of an example of a detailed method of controlling a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a fan turn-on point in a spin-drying process of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates another example of a fan turn-on point in a spin-drying process of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates still another example of a fan turn-on point in a spin-drying process of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates yet another example of a fan turn-on point in a spin-drying process of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates, schematically, an air flow in a spin-drying process of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 16 discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

In the disclosure, 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 or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “(functionally or communicatively) coupled” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

It will be understood that when the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including”, and/or “comprising” are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

When a given element is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

A washing machine according to various embodiments may perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. The washing machine is an example of a clothes treating apparatus, and the clothes treating apparatus is a concept including a device capable of washing clothes (objects to be washed, and objects to be dried), a device capable of drying clothes, and a device capable of washing and drying clothes.

The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet for inserting or removing laundry is provided to face upward, or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet is provided to face forward. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine of a loading type other than the top-loading washing machine and the front-loading washing machine.

For the top-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed using water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. For the front-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed by repeatedly lifting and lowering laundry by rotating a drum. The front-loading washing machine may include a dryer combined washing machine capable of drying laundry stored in a drum. The dryer combined washing machine may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from air discharged from the drum. For example, the dryer combined washing machine may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine using a washing method other than the above-described washing method.

The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing accommodating various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box including a laundry inlet on one side thereof.

The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the inside of the housing to be visible.

The washing machine may include a tub disposed within the housing to store water. The tub may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side thereof. The tub may be disposed inside the housing in such a way that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.

The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper may absorb vibration generated when the drum rotates, and the damper may reduce vibration transmitted to the housing.

The washing machine may include a drum provided to accommodate laundry.

The drum may be disposed inside the tub such that a drum opening provided on one side of the drum corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may pass sequentially through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening and then be received in the drum or removed from the drum.

The drum may perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying while rotating in the tub. A plurality of through holes may be formed in a cylindrical wall of the drum to allow water stored in the tub to be introduced into or to be discharged from the drum.

The washing machine may include a driving device configured to rotate the drum. The driving device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting a driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may penetrate the tub to be connected to the drum.

The driving device may perform respective operations according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying, or drying processes by rotating the drum in a forward or reverse direction.

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 disposed in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe may extend from an external water supply source to a detergent supply device and/or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub through the detergent supply device. Alternatively, water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

The water supply valve may open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from a controller. The water supply valve may allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water supply source. The water supply valve may include a solenoid valve configured to open or close in response to an electrical signal.

The washing machine may include the detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to enter detergent to be used for each washing, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically adds a predetermined amount of detergent during washing. The detergent supply device may include a detergent container for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. Water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a term including detergent for pre-washing, detergent for main washing, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent container may be partitioned into a storage region for the pre-washing detergent, a storage region for the main washing detergent, a storage region for the fabric softener, and a storage region for the bleach.

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

The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

The at least one input interface may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal. The at least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing/rinsing/spin-drying setting button. The at least one input interface 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.

The at least one output interface may visually or audibly transmit information related to the operation of the washing machine to a user. For example, the at least one output interface may transmit information related to a washing course, operation time of the washing machine, and washing/rinsing/spin-drying settings to the user. Information about the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, an indicator, or a voice. The at least one output interface may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker.

The washing machine may include a communication module for wired and/or wireless communication with an external device.

The communication module may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module and a long-range wireless communication module.

The communication module may transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and/or a home appliance) or receive data from the external device. For example, the communication module may establish communication with a server and/or a user device and/or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various types of data.

For the communication, the communication module may establish a direct (e.g., wired) communication flow path or a wireless communication flow path between the external devices, and support the performance of the communication through the established communication flow path. According to an embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, and a Zigbee communication module, an IrDA communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server in a mobile communication network.

According to an embodiment, the communication module may communicate with an external device such as a server, a user device and other home appliances through an access point (AP). The AP may connect a LAN, to which a washing machine or a user device is connected, to a WAN to which a server is connected. The washing machine or the user device may be connected to the server via the WAN. The controller may control various components of the washing machine (e.g., the drive motor, and the water supply valve). The controller may control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one operation including water supply, washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying according to a user input. For example, the controller may control the drive motor to adjust the rotational speed of the drum or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

The controller may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller may include at least one memory for storing an algorithm and program-type data for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine, and at least one processor configured to perform the above-mentioned operation by using the data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or may include one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Alternatively, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

Hereinafter, a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, a dryer combined washing machine (a washer-dryer combo) is described as an example of the clothes treating apparatus, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. A variety of apparatuses for treating and/or caring for clothes may be used as the clothes treating apparatus.

The terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” etc., 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.

For example, an X-axis direction may be defined as a front-to-back direction, a Y-axis direction may be defined as a left-right direction, and a Z-axis direction may be defined as an up-down direction.

FIG. 1 illustrates a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of components disposed in a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of components disposed in a clothes treating apparatus in a direction different from FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of components of a dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, a clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include a housing 10 for accommodating various components therein. The housing 10 may be provided in the form of a box including a laundry inlet 11 on one side thereof. The laundry inlet 11 may be provided to face approximately forward.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a laundry door 17 for opening and closing the laundry inlet 11. The laundry door 17 may be rotatably mounted to the housing 10 by a hinge. At least a portion of the laundry door 17 may be transparent or translucent to allow the inside of the housing to be seen. For example, the laundry door 17 may include tempered glass.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a lower door 18 to provide access to a lower detergent supply device 60. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include an upper door 19 to provide access to an upper detergent supply device 50 and a filter 95.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a tub 20 arranged inside the housing 10 to store water. The tub 20 may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening 21 formed at one side thereof. The tub may be disposed inside the housing 10 in such a way that the tub opening 21 corresponds to the laundry inlet 11. The tub opening 21 may be provided to substantially face forward. The laundry door 17 may open or close the tub opening 21.

The tub 20 may be connected to the housing 10 by a damper 25. The damper 25 may absorb vibration generated when a drum 30 rotates, and may reduce vibration transmitted to the housing 10.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the drum 30 to accommodate laundry. At least one lifter 33 may be installed in the drum 30 to lift and drop laundry to wash the laundry.

The drum 30 may be disposed inside the tub 20 in such a way that a drum opening 31 corresponds to the laundry inlet 11 and the tub opening 21. Laundry may sequentially pass through the laundry inlet 11, the tub opening 21, and the drum opening 31, and then be accommodated in the drum 30 or withdrawn from the drum 30. The drum opening 31 may be provided to substantially face forward.

The drum 30 may perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying while rotating inside the tub 20. A plurality of through holes 32 may be formed in a cylindrical wall of the drum 30 to allow water stored in the tub 20 to be introduced into or to be withdrawn from the drum 30.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a driving device 36 configured to rotate the drum 30. The driving device 36 may include a drive motor 36a and a rotating shaft for transmitting a driving force generated by the drive motor 36a to the drum 30. The rotating shaft may penetrate the tub 20 to be connected to the drum 30.

The driving device 36 may perform respective operations according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying, or drying processes by rotating the drum 30 in a forward or reverse direction.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a water supply device 40. The water supply device 40 may include water supply valves 41 and 42 that may be connected to an external water supply source. For example, the water supply valves 41 and 42 may include the first water supply valve 41 for supplying hot water and the second water supply valve 42 for supplying cold water. The first water supply valve 41 may be referred to as a hot water valve. The second water supply valve 42 may be referred to as a cold water valve.

The water supply device 40 may include the water supply valves 41 and 42 and water supply pipes 43 and 44. The water supply pipes 43 and 44 may be provided as a flexible hose, plastic pipe, or metal pipe. The water supply pipes 43 and 44 may be connected to the water supply valves 41 and 42. For example, the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may include the first water supply pipe 43 connected to the first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply pipe 44 connected to the second water supply valve 42. The first water supply pipe 43 may be referred to as a hot water pipe. The second water supply pipe 44 may be referred to as a cold water pipe.

At least one of the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may guide water from the water supply valves 41 and 42 to the tub 20. At least one of the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may extend from the water supply valve 42 to the tub 20. Water may be supplied to the lower detergent supply device 60 through the tub 20. Water may be supplied to the lower detergent supply device 60 without passing through the tub 20.

The water supply valves 41 and 42 may open or close the water supply pipes 43 and 44. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may allow or block the supply of water to the tub 20 from an external water supply source. For example, the water supply valves 41 and 42 may include a solenoid valve configured to open and close in response to an electrical signal.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include detergent supply devices 50 and 60 to supply detergent to the tub 20. The detergent supply devices 50 and 60 may include the upper detergent supply device 50 and the lower detergent supply device 60. The term “detergent” may include, for example, detergent for pre-washing, detergent for main washing, fabric softener, bleach, and the like.

The upper detergent supply device 50 may be positioned above the tub 20. The upper detergent supply device 50 may be located above the tub 20 in a vertical direction. The upper detergent supply device 50 may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to input detergent to be used for each washing, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically inputs a predetermined amount of detergent during washing. The upper detergent supply device 50 may be connected to the tub 20 through a detergent connection pipe 51. For example, the upper detergent supply device 50 may supply solid laundry detergent and/or softener to the tub 20. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above examples.

The detergent connection pipe 51 may be in the form of a U-shape. The detergent connection pipe 51 may be provided as a flexible hose, plastic pipe, or metal pipe. One end of the detergent connection pipe 51 may be connected to the upper detergent supply device 50, and the other end of the detergent connection pipe 51 may be connected to the tub 20. In the vertical direction relative to the ground, one end and the other end of the detergent connection pipe 51 may be at a higher position than a bent portion of the detergent connection pipe 51. Accordingly, water may accumulate in the bent portion of the detergent connection pipe 51. Water accumulating in the bent portion of the detergent connection pipe 51 may prevent moisture in the tub 20 from being discharged to the outside through the upper detergent supply device 50.

The lower detergent supply device 60 may be positioned below the tub 20. The lower detergent supply device 60 may be located below the tub 20 in a vertical direction. The lower detergent supply device 60 may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to input detergent to be used for each washing, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically inputs a predetermined amount of detergent during washing. For example, the lower detergent supply device 60 may supply liquid laundry detergent and/or softener to the tub 20. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above examples.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a drainage device 70 to discharge water contained in the tub 20 to the outside. The drainage device 70 may include a drain pump 71 to discharge the water in the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a circulation pump 76 to circulate water in the tub 20 back to the tub 20.

In an embodiment, the circulation pump 76 may circulate water in the tub 20 back to the tub 20 through the lower detergent supply device 60.

The circulation pump 76 may be directly connected to the tub 20 via a tub connection pipe 72, or may be connected to the tub 20 via the tub connection pipe 72 and the lower detergent supply device 60.

The circulation pump 76 may include a circulation flow path for discharging water supplied from the tub 20 through the tub connection pipe 72 back to the tub 20. The circulation flow path may be formed by a circulation pipe 77.

The circulation pipe 77 may guide water pumped by the circulation pump 76 to an upper side of the tub 20.

The upper side of the tub 20 may refer to a location having a defined height above a lower side of the tub 20.

The circulation pipe 77 may guide the water pumped by the circulation pump 76 into the drum 30, i.e., the circulation flow path may guide the water stored in the tub 20 to the inside of the drum 30.

On the circulation flow path formed by the circulation pipe 77, a circulation valve 77v may be disposed. The circulation valve 77v may open and close the circulation flow path formed by the circulation pipe 77.

In a case where the circulation pump 76 is operated while the circulation valve 77V is open, water stored in the lower side of the tub 20 may move through the tub connection pipe 72 into the circulation flow path and consequently fall into the inside of the drum 30.

The circulation pump 76 may be operated in a washing process and/or a rinsing process, etc., and an operation of the circulation pump 76 in the washing process and/or the rinsing process, etc., may allow water to fall on the laundry in the drum 30, thereby increasing the washing efficiency and/or rinsing efficiency.

In the disclosure, a ‘pipe’ may be referred to as a ‘guide’ in terms of guiding a fluid, or may be replaced by terms such as ‘hose’.

The drainage device 70 may be connected to the tub 20 through the tub connection pipe 72. The drainage device 70 may discharge water from the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10 through a drain pipe 73.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a water level sensor 200 for detecting a water level of 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 below the upper detergent supply device 50. The location of the water level sensor 200 is not limited thereto.

The water level sensor 200 may be connected to a connection hose 201 extending from a branch pipe 72a of the tub connection pipe 72. The water level sensor 200 may be installed at an end of the connection hose 201 connected to the tub connection pipe 72. A water level of the connection hose 201 may be the same as that of the tub 20.

As the water level in the tub 20 increases, the water level in the connection hose 201 increases. An increase in the water level in the connection hose 201 may increase a pressure in the connection hose 201. The water level sensor 200 may detect pressure changes in the connection hose 201 and may detect the water level in the tub 20 corresponding to the pressure in the connection hose 201. The water level sensor 200 may generate an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure in the connection hose 201. A frequency of the electrical signal generated by the water level sensor 200 may vary depending on pressure changes in the connection hose 201.

In another example, the water level sensor 200 may be installed inside the tub 20. As the water level in the tub 20 increases, a pressure applied to the water level sensor 200 may increase. The water level sensor 200 may detect the water level in the tub 20 corresponding to the pressure.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a control panel 100 disposed on one side of the housing 10. The control panel 100 may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the clothes treating apparatus 1. The user interface may include at least one input interface 101 and at least one output interface 102.

For example, the at least one input interface 101 may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal. The at least one input interface 101 may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing/rinsing/spin-drying setting button. The at least one input interface 101 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.

The at least one output interface 102 may visually or audibly transmit information related to the operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1 to a user. For example, the at least one output interface 102 may transmit information related to a washing process, operation time of the clothes treating apparatus 1, and washing/rinsing/spin-drying settings to the user. Information about the operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be output through a screen, an indicator, or voice. The at least one output interface 102 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a dryer 80 to dry the laundry accommodated in the drum 30. The dryer 80 may heat air and supply the heated air to the inside of the tub 20. The dryer 80 may dry and heat the air discharged from the tub 20, and circulate the dried and heated air inside the tub 20 to dry the laundry in the drum 30. The dryer 80 according to various embodiments may be disposed above the tub 20.

The dryer 80 may include a drying case 81. 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 may pass. The drying cover 81b may cover an open upper side of the drying base 81a.

Referring to FIG. 5, for example, the dryer 80 may include a rear cover 81c that may be coupled to a rear side of the drying base 81a. The rear cover 81c may form at least a portion of the rear of the dryer 80. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may be mounted to the rear cover 81c.

The dryer 80 may be configured as a heat pump type. The dryer 80 may include a fan 87a, a compressor 91, a condenser 92, an evaporator 93, an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe 94 for allowing a refrigerant to circulate. The compressor 91, the condenser 92, the evaporator 93, and the expansion valve, that constitute the heat pump, may be disposed in the drying case 81. The dryer 80 may further include a cooling fan 91a for cooling the compressor 91. For example, the dryer 80 may be formed as a single module.

The compressor 91, the condenser 92, the evaporator 93, the expansion valve, and the refrigerant pipe 94 through which the refrigerant circulates in the dryer 80 may be referred to as a heat pump.

The heat pump may dry and/or heat the air supplied into the tub 20.

The fan 87a may blow air into the tub 20.

That is, the heat pump may heat the air supplied to the inside of the tub 20 by the fan 87a.

The compressor 91 may compress the refrigerant, and the compressed high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant may move to the condenser 92. The condenser 92 may cool the refrigerant to heat the surrounding air. The heated air may flow into the drum 30 to dry laundry.

The refrigerant expanded through the expansion valve may absorb heat from the evaporator 93 and cool the surrounding air. That is, the evaporator 93 may remove moisture by cooling the high-temperature and humid air that has passed through the inside of the drum 30. The air from which moisture has been removed may pass through the condenser 92, and may be heated again while exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the condenser 92. That is, the condenser 92 may heat the air that has passed through the evaporator 93. The condenser 92 and the evaporator 93 may correspond to a heat exchanger. The condenser 92 may be referred to as a ‘first heat exchanger’. The evaporator 93 may be referred to as a ‘second heat exchanger’.

For example, the dryer 80 may further include a drying heater 99. The drying heater 99 may increase a drying efficiency of the dryer 80. The heat pump components of the dryer 80 may be replaced with the drying heater 99.

The drying heater 99 may heat the air introduced into the dryer 80. The drying heater 99 may be disposed in a heating flow path 86. The drying heater 99 may be disposed downstream of the condenser 92 along a flow of air passing through the dryer 80. In addition, the drying heater 99 may be provided in a relatively small size to reduce flow path resistance. For example, the drying heater 99 may be a sheath heater.

In the disclosure, not operating the heat pump during a spin-drying process 1030 may include not operating the drying heater 99 during the spin-drying process 1030.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the heat pump may be operated during a drying process 1040.

The dryer 80 according to various embodiments may be disposed above the tub 20. An inlet flow path 85 into which the air discharged from the tub 20 flows may be formed in the dryer 80. The heating flow path 86 may be formed in the dryer 80 for heat exchange of the air introduced into the dryer 80 through the inlet flow path 85. The dryer 80 may be provided with a supply flow path 87 through which the air heat-exchanged while passing through the heating flow path 86 is supplied to the tub 20.

The inlet flow path 85 may allow the air passing through the inside of the tub 20 to flow into the dryer 80. The inlet flow path 85 may be disposed above the tub 20. The inlet flow path 85 may communicate with an exhaust flow path P formed at the rear of the tub 20.

The dryer 80 may include an inlet guide 84 connected to the tub 20. The inlet guide 84 may guide the air discharged from the tub 20 to the inlet flow path 85. The inlet flow path 85 may communicate with the exhaust flow path P formed in the tub 20 through the inlet guide 84. The air that has passed through the exhaust flow path P may flow into the inlet flow path 85 of the dryer 80 through the inlet guide 84.

The filter 95 may be disposed in the inlet flow path 85 to filter out foreign substances, such as lint, contained in the air flowing in from the tub 20 through the exhaust flow path P. The air flowing into the inlet flow path 85 may flow into the heating flow path 86 after passing through the filter 95. The filter 95 may be located on a flow path through which air flowing into the dryer 80 moves to the evaporator 93 and the condenser 92.

The heat exchangers 92 and 93 may be disposed on the heating flow path 86. The heat exchangers 92 and 93 may include the condenser 92 and the evaporator 93. Because the air flowing into the heating flow path 86 has already passed through the inside of the tub 20, the introduced air may be humid. The humid air may be cooled in the evaporator 93 disposed in the heating flow path 86 to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed in the evaporator 93 may pass through the condenser 92 and may be heated again.

The dryer 80 may include a nozzle device 96 to clean the heat exchangers 92 and 93. The nozzle device 96 may be arranged in the heating flow path 86. The nozzle device 96 may receive water from the water supply device 40 and may spray water toward the heat exchangers 92 and 93. The water sprayed from the nozzle device 96 may clean one side of the heat exchangers 92 and 93.

Meanwhile, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a drain line 97 to guide the water discharged from the dryer 80 to the tub 20. The drain line 97 may be provided as a flexible hose, plastic pipe, or metal pipe. The drain line 97 may guide condensate water generated in the heat exchangers 92 and 93 of the dryer 80 to the outside of the dryer 80. The drain line 97 may guide the water sprayed by the nozzle device 96 for cleaning the heat exchangers 92 and 93 to the outside of the dryer 80.

The nozzle device 96 may clean the heat exchangers 92 and 93. The nozzle device 96 may be configured to clean an area where air of the heat exchangers 92 and 93 is introduced. The nozzle device 96 may be configured to clean at least a portion of the evaporator 93. The nozzle device 96 may be configured to clean a portion of the evaporator 93 into which air passing through the filter 95 flows. The nozzle device 96 may be configured to clean a portion of the evaporator 93 that is contaminated by air that exchanges heat with the evaporator 93 while passing through the evaporator 93. The nozzle device 96 may be located adjacent to an area where air of the evaporator 93 is introduced.

The drain line 97 may be connected to the drainage device 70. The drain line 97 may be connected to the drain pump 71. Water discharged from the dryer 80 may flow to the drainage device 70 along the drain line 97. Water flowing into the drainage device 70 through the drain line 97 may be guided to the tub 20. Condensate water flowing into the tub 20 may be discharged to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1 by an operation of the drain pump 71.

The supply flow path 87 may supply the air, heated while passing through the condenser 92, back to the inside of the tub 20. The supply flow path 87 may communicate with the heating flow path 86 and extend downward to discharge the heated air toward an opening of the tub 20.

The fan 87a may be provided on the supply flow path 87 to allow air to flow into the tub 20. That is, the fan 87a may supply air to the laundry in the drum 30. For example, the fan 87a may include a sirocco fan.

The inlet flow path 85, the heating flow path 86, and the supply flow path 87 may cause air to circulate into the inside of the tub 20 and the dryer 80.

In the clothes treating apparatus 1, air discharged from the tub 20 may sequentially pass through the inlet flow path 85, the heating flow path 86, and the supply flow path 87 of the dryer 80 located above the tub 20, and then may be supplied into the tub 20.

The air heated in the dryer 80 may flow into the drum 30. In order to secure an area where the heated air supplied into the drum 30 comes into contact with the laundry, a tub exhaust port 27 may be disposed at a position opposite to an air inlet 26 through which the air heated in the dryer 80 flows into the tub 20. In order to increase a distance and/or time for the heated air to flow inside the drum 30 to allow the heated air to come into more contact with the laundry, the tub exhaust port 27 may be disposed at a position opposite to the air inlet 26 through which the air heated in the dryer 80 flows into the tub 20. The supply flow path 87 for supplying the heated air into the drum 30 and the tub exhaust port 27 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. By increasing the area of contact between the heated air and the laundry, drying efficiency may be improved.

The air inlet 26 and the tub exhaust port 27 may be arranged to maximize the use of heated air provided from the dryer 80. For example, the air inlet 26 may be located adjacent to the front of the tub 20, and the tub exhaust port 27 may be located adjacent to the rear of the tub 20.

Referring to FIG. 3, the washing machine according to an embodiment may include a diaphragm 22 connecting the tub opening 21 of the tub 20 and the laundry inlet 11 of the housing 10. The diaphragm 22 may connect the laundry inlet 11 and the tub opening 21. The diaphragm 22 may prevent the laundry put into the laundry inlet 11 from falling between the housing 10 and the tub 20, and may function to connect a front end of the tub 20 and the housing 10 regardless of vibrations occurring during a washing process. To this end, the diaphragm 22 may be formed of an elastic material. For example, the diaphragm 22 may include a plastic material such as rubber or thermo plastic elastomer (TPE).

In the washing machine according to an embodiment, the diaphragm 22 may include a duct portion 22a provided to be connected to a supply duct 87b forming the supply flow path 87. The duct portion 22a may extend upward from a side of the diaphragm 22 having a cylindrical shape with both sides open. A flow path may be formed inside the duct portion 22a to allow air to flow. The duct portion 22a may be formed adjacent to an upper end of the diaphragm 22. The duct portion 22a may be formed integrally with the diaphragm 22 and have the same material. Alternatively, the duct portion 22a may be provided separately from the diaphragm 22 and may be coupled to the diaphragm 22. In addition, the duct portion 22a may be provided separately from the diaphragm 22 and the tub 20 and may be coupled to the tub 20. The duct portion 22a may be formed integrally with the tub 20. The air inlet 26 may be formed at one end of the duct portion 22a.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may further include the exhaust flow path P to allow the air discharged from the inside of the tub 20 to flow to the dryer 80. The exhaust flow path P may be arranged to allow air discharged from the tub exhaust port 27 to flow into the inlet flow path 85 of the dryer 80. The exhaust flow path P may be arranged to discharge the humid air that has passes through the tub 20. For example, the exhaust flow path P may be provided at the rear of the tub 20

The air in the tub 20 may be discharged to a tub duct 28 through the tub exhaust port 27 formed at the rear of the tub 20. The air discharged from the tub duct 28 may flow along the exhaust flow path P and be supplied to the dryer 80.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include the tub duct 28 to form a portion of the exhaust flow path 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 surround the tub exhaust port 27.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include a duct cover 29 to form a portion of the exhaust flow path P. The duct cover 29 may cover an open rear side of the tub duct 28. For example, the tub 20 may include the duct cover 29. The duct cover 29 may form at least a portion of the exhaust flow path P through which the air discharged through the tub exhaust port 27 flows to the dryer 80.

In the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments, the exhaust flow path P may be formed by coupling the duct cover 29 and the tub duct 28.

The tub duct 28 according to an embodiment may include a recess portion 28a that forms a portion of the exhaust flow path P through which the air discharged from the inside of the tub 20 flows. A reinforcing rib 23 may be arranged on a rear side of the tub 20 to reinforce a rigidity of the tub 20. The recess portion 28a may be recessed from an end of the reinforcing rib 23 protruding from the rear side of the tub 20. The recess portion 28a may be a portion of the rear side of the tub 20 where the reinforcing rib 23 is not formed. The tub exhaust port 27 may be formed in the recess portion 28a to discharge air from the inside of the tub 20. The tub duct 28 may include a partition rib 28d provided along a circumference of the recess portion 28a. The partition rib 28d may distinguish an area where the reinforcing rib 23 is formed and an area where the recess portion 28a is formed, in the rear side of the tub 20.

The tub 20 according to an embodiment may include a duct connection portion 28b that forms another portion of the exhaust flow path P through which air passing through the recess portion 28a flows. The duct connection portion 28b may protrude outwardly in a radial direction from an outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. The duct connection portion 28b may protrude approximately upward from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. For example, the duct connection portion 28b may protrude upward from a rear end of the tub 20. However, the duct connection portion 28b is not limited thereto, and the duct connection portion 28b may be located at various positions depending on a location of the dryer 80.

The duct connection portion 28b may connect the tub duct 28 and the inlet guide 84 of the dryer 80. The duct connection portion 28b may extend the exhaust flow path P upward. The duct connection portion 28b may form a portion of the exhaust flow path P together with the recess portion 28a, the partition rib 28d, and the duct cover 29.

The duct connection portion 28b may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open top and rear side. The duct cover 29 may cover an open rear side of the duct connection portion 28b. Only one side of the exhaust flow path may be formed by the duct cover 29, thereby facilitating coupling and sealing structure.

The duct cover 29 may cover the tub duct 28 and the duct connection portion 28b. The duct cover 29 may cover one open side of the tub duct 28 and the open rear side of the duct connection portion 28b. The duct cover 29 covers the recess portion 28a and the duct connection portion 28b, and thus the exhaust flow path P may be formed. Because the exhaust flow path P is connected to the inlet flow path 85, the air flowing into the exhaust flow path P through the tub exhaust port 27 may move along the exhaust flow path P, and may flow into the dryer 80 through the inlet flow path 85.

Although not illustrated, the duct connection portion 28b may be provided in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with only an upper side open for air discharge and a rear side closed. In this case, the duct cover 29 may cover only the tub duct 28.

Meanwhile, the duct connection portion 28b according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be included in the tub duct 28. The duct connection portion 28b of the tub duct 28 according to an embodiment may extend from the recess portion 28a to the inlet guide 84. The tub duct 28 may be connected to the inlet guide 84 by the duct connection portion 28b. Hereinafter, the duct connection portion 28b according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be described as being included in the tub duct 28.

The tub duct 28 may include a step portion 28c to expand a cross-sectional area of the exhaust flow path P. The exhaust flow path P may be provided in such a way that a width of an area formed by the duct connection portion 28b is larger than a width of an area formed in the recess portion 28a by the step portion 28c.

The arrangement of the water supply valves 41 and 42 of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be determined by using a remaining space due to the above-described mounting structure. In an embodiment, the water supply valves 41 and 42 may be mounted between the inlet guide 84 and the cooling fan 91a. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may be located in a center of the rear side of the dryer 80. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may be located behind the condenser 92. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may be located in an area separated from a flow path through which dry air flows. The positions of the water supply valves 41 and 42 are not limited the above.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a wash water heater 24. The wash water heater 24 may be arranged below the tub 20 and may heat wash water during washing. In addition, the water supply device 40 may supply a defined amount of water to a lower side of the tub 20 through the exhaust flow path P during a drying process. The wash water heater 24 may heat the water supplied into the tub 20 through the water supply device 40, the exhaust flow path P, and the tub exhaust port 27 to generate steam. That is, the steam generated by the water supply device 40 and the wash water heater 24 may come into contact with the laundry during the drying process, thereby preventing formation of wrinkles on the laundry.

That is, unlike existing dryers, the clothes treating apparatus 1 as a dryer combined washing machine may include the wash water heater 24 for heating wash water, and may use the wash water heater 24 and the water supply device 40 for cleaning the exhaust flow path P to generate steam, thereby preventing formation of wrinkles on the laundry during the drying process.

FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of components related to water supply of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Hereinafter, in the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment, the second water supply valve 42 is described as being connected to the upper detergent supply device 50, the nozzle device 96, and the tub 20, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The second water supply valve 42 may be connected to at least one of the upper detergent supply device 50, the nozzle device 96, or the tub 20. Also, the first water supply valve 41 may be connected to at least one of the upper detergent supply device 50, the nozzle device 96, or the tub 20.

For convenience of description, the second water supply valve 42 may be referred to as a ‘water supply valve’, the second water supply pipe 44 may be referred to as a ‘water supply pipe’, and the upper detergent supply device 50 may be referred to as a ‘detergent supply device.’

Referring to FIG. 6, the water supply pipe 44 according to an embodiment may include a first pipe 441, a second pipe 442, and a third pipe 443. The first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443 may be provided as a flexible hose, plastic pipe, or metal pipe. The first pipe 441 may also be referred to as a first connection pipe. The second pipe 442 may be referred to as a second connection pipe. The third pipe 443 may be referred to as a third connection pipe.

The first pipe 441 may connect the water supply valve 42 and the upper detergent supply device 50. The water supply valve 42 may be controlled to supply at least a portion of water provided from an external water supply source to the upper detergent supply device 50 through the first pipe 441. The first pipe 441 may guide the water supplied from an external water supply source to the upper detergent supply device 50. The first pipe 441 may form a flow path for flow of water from the water supply valve 42 to the upper detergent supply device 50.

The second pipe 442 may connect the water supply valve 42 and the nozzle device 96. The water supply valve 42 may be controlled to supply at least a portion of water provided from an external water supply source to the nozzle device 96 through the second pipe 442. The second pipe 442 may guide water supplied from an external water supply source to the nozzle device 96. The second pipe 442 may form a flow path for flow of water from the water supply valve 42 to the nozzle device 96.

The third pipe 443 may connect the water supply valve 42 and the tub 20. The water supply valve 42 may be controlled to supply at least a portion of water provided from an external water supply source to the tub 20 through the third pipe 443.

The third pipe 443 may guide water supplied from an external water supply source toward the drum 30. Guiding water supplied from an external water source toward the drum 30 may include guiding water supplied from an external water source toward the laundry in the drum 30 and/or guiding water supplied from an external water source toward the laundry door 17 side.

For example, the third pipe 443 may guide water supplied from an external water source to the upper front end of the tub 20. The third pipe 443 may form a flow path for flow of water from the water supply valve 42 to the tub 20. The third pipe 443 may be connected to a portion of the diaphragm 22 to guide the water supplied from an external water source to the laundry door 17 side. The third pipe 443 may be connected to a portion of the diaphragm 22 adjacent to the air inlet 26.

In an embodiment, the water supply valve 42 may include a plurality of valves. For example, the water supply valve 42 may include a first valve 42a, a second valve 42b, and a third valve 43c. The first valve 42a may be connected to the first pipe 441. The second valve 42b may be connected to the second pipe 442. The third valve 43c may be connected to the third pipe 443. Once the first valve 42a is opened, water may be supplied to the detergent supply device 50 through the first pipe 441. Once the second valve 42b is opened, water may be supplied to the nozzle device 96 through the second pipe 442. Once the third valve 43c is opened, water may be supplied to the tub 20 through the third pipe 443. The first valve 42a, the second valve 42b, and the third valve 43c may be controlled by the controller 300.

The water supply device 40 may spray water toward (to) the drum 30 by guiding water to the third pipe 443. That is, the water supply device 40 may be configured to spray water toward the drum 30. As described above, spraying water toward the drum 30 may include spraying water toward the laundry in the drum 30 and/or spraying water toward the laundry door 17 side and/or spraying water to the diaphragm 22.

In an embodiment, the water supply valve 42 may correspond to a 4-way valve. A movable piston assembly may be provided in the water supply valve 42 to guide water from an external water supply source to at least one of the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, or the third pipe 443. That is, a flow path switching structure may be provided inside the water supply valve 42. The water supply valve 42 may be controlled to guide water to at least one of the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, or the third pipe 443.

The upper detergent supply device 50 may be connected to the tub 20 through the detergent connection pipe 51. The detergent connection pipe 51 may be provided in the form of a U-shape. One end of the detergent connection pipe 51 may be connected to the upper detergent supply device 50, and the other end of the detergent connection pipe 51 may be connected to the tub 20. In the vertical direction relative to the ground, one end and the other end of the detergent connection pipe 51 may be at a higher position than the bent portion of the detergent connection pipe 51. Accordingly, water may accumulate in the bent portion of the detergent connection pipe 51. Water accumulating in the bent portion of the detergent connection pipe 51 may prevent moisture in the tub 20 from being discharged to the outside through the upper detergent supply device 50.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of example components of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may include the controller 300. The controller 300 may be electrically connected to various components and/or devices of the clothes treating apparatus 1, and may control the various components and/or devices. For example, the controller 300 may control the driving device 36, the first water supply valve 41, the second water supply valve 42, the drain pump 71, the circulation pump 76, the dryer 80, and the fan 87a. In addition, the controller 300 may be electrically connected to the control panel 100, a communication interface 150, and the water level sensor 200. The controller 300 may control the control panel 100, the communication interface 150, and the water level sensor 200.

The controller 300 may include a processor 310 and a memory 320. The memory 320 may include volatile memory (e.g., a static random access memory (S-RAM) and a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM)) and a non-volatile memory (e.g., a read only memory (ROM) and an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM)). The processor 310 and the memory 320 may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. In addition, a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories may be provided. The processor 310 may process various data and signals using instructions, data, programs, and/or software stored in the memory 320. The processor 310 may include a single or a plurality of processing cores. The processor 310 may generate a control signal to control the components of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

The control panel 100 may obtain various user inputs and may output various information about an operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1. The control panel 100 may include the input interface 101 and the output interface 102.

The controller 300 may control an operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1 based on a user input obtained via the control panel 100. For example, the controller 300 may turn the clothes treating apparatus 1 on or off based on a user input for turning the clothes treating apparatus 1 on or off. The controller 300 may determine an operation course of the clothes treating apparatus 1 based on a user input for setting the operation course of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

The controller 300 of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may determine an operation course of the clothes treating apparatus 1 based on a user input obtained through the control panel 100 or a user device. A variety of operation courses of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be provided. For example, the operation course of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be broadly classified into a washing course, a drying course, and a heat exchanger cleaning course.

A variety of washing courses may be provided according to a type of laundry (e.g., clothing, bedclothes, underwear, etc.) and a material of laundry (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.). For example, the washing course may include at least one of a standard washing course, intense washing course, delicate clothes washing course, bedclothes washing course, baby clothes washing course, towel washing course, boiling washing course, or outdoor clothes washing course. Each of the plurality of washing courses may include different washing settings (e.g., washing temperature, number of times of rinsing, strength of spin-drying, and the like).

In response to a selection of one of the plurality of washing courses through the control panel 100 or an external user device, the controller 300 may control the clothes treating apparatus 1 to perform a washing process, a rinsing process, or a spin-drying process corresponding to the selected washing course. In addition, the washing courses may include a rinsing-spin-drying course, a rinsing course, and a spin-drying course. The washing courses are not limited the above examples.

A variety of drying courses may be provided according to a type of an object to be dried (e.g., clothing, bedclothes, underwear, etc.) and a material of an object to be dried (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.). For example, the drying course may include at least one of a standard drying, intense drying, delicate clothes drying, bedclothes drying, baby clothes drying, towel drying, or outdoor clothes drying. Each of the plurality of drying courses may include different drying settings (e.g., drying temperature, drying time, and the like).

In response to a selection of one of the plurality of drying courses through the control panel 100 or an external user device, the controller 300 may control the clothes treating apparatus 1 to perform a drying course corresponding to the selected drying course. The drying courses are not limited the above examples. In order to perform a drying process corresponding to the drying course, the controller 300 may operate the dryer 80. That is, the controller 300 may operate the fan 87a and the compressor 91 to dry an object to be dried in the drum 30. In addition, the controller 300 may further operate the drying heater 99 to perform the drying process.

In response to a selection of a washing course corresponding to a type and material of laundry, the controller 300 may automatically select or recommend a drying course corresponding to the selected washing course. In contrast, in response to a selection of a drying course corresponding to a type and material of an object to be dried, the controller 300 may automatically select or recommend a washing course corresponding to the selected drying course. The controller 300 may store (record) the washing course and drying course selected by a user, and may provide a washing-drying course that integrates the stored washing course and drying course through the control panel 100 the next time the clothes treating apparatus is operated.

The controller 300 may control the control panel 100 to output various information about an operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1. For example, the control panel 100 may visually and/or audibly output information about an operation course, operation time, washing settings, rinsing settings, spin-drying settings, and/or drying settings of the clothes treating apparatus 1. In addition, the control panel 100 may output information about an abnormal condition of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

The communication interface 150 may include various communication circuits for performing a wired communication and/or wireless communication with an external device (e.g., servers, user devices, and/or other home appliances). A user device may include various electronic devices, such as smartphones, laptops, smart watches, stationary type tablets, and speakers. A user input may be obtained not only through the control panel 100 but also through a user device.

The communication interface 150 may include at least one of a short-range communication circuit or a long-range communication circuit. The communication interface 150 may transmit data to 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 (HomeRF), infrared communication, Ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, and ad-hoc and/or Zigbee. Communication technologies supported by the communication interface 150 are not limited to the above.

The communication interface 150 may communicate with an external device through an access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN) to which the clothes treating apparatus 1 is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may be connected to the server through the WAN.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may be connected to other home appliances and/or electronic devices through the communication interface 150. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may transmit information related to an operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1 (e.g., information related to a washing process and/or a drying process) to the other home appliances and/or electronic devices. A washing course and/or a drying course may be selected not only via the control panel 100, but also via other home appliances and/or electronic devices. In addition, information about the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be displayed not only on the control panel 100, but also on the other home appliances and/or electronic devices.

The water level sensor 200 may detect a water level in the tub 20. The water level sensor 200 may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the water level in the tub 20 to the controller 300. The controller 300 may determine the water level in the tub 20 based on the signal transmitted from the water level sensor 200. The controller 300 may determine the water level in the tub 20 based on a frequency value of the signal transmitted from the water level sensor 200.

The driving device 36 may rotate the drum 30 under the control of the controller 300. The driving device 36 may include the drive motor 36a. The controller 300 may control the drive motor 36a to adjust a rotation speed of the drum 30.

In the disclosure, controlling the drum 30 by the controller 300 may include controlling the drive motor 36a by the controller 300.

The water supply device 40 of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply valve 42. The water supply device 40 may be connected to an external water supply source. The first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply valve 42 may be connected to the external water supply source. As described above, the first water supply valve 41 may correspond to a hot water valve, and the second water supply valve 42 may correspond to a cold water valve.

The controller 300 may control the water supply device 40. The controller 300 may control an opening and closing of the first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply valve 42, respectively. The controller 300 may adjust an opening degree of each of the first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply valve 42. The first water supply valve 41 may open or close the first water supply pipe 43 based on an electrical signal transmitted from the controller 300.

The second water supply valve 42 may selectively supply water to the upper detergent supply device 50, the nozzle device 96, and the tub 20. As described above, the second water supply pipe 44 may include the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443. The second water supply valve 42 may be connected to the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443. The first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443 may be referred to as a first water supply flow path, a second water supply flow path, and a third water supply flow path, respectively. For convenience of description, the second water supply valve 42 may be referred to as a ‘water supply valve.’

The controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 to supply water to at least one of the upper detergent supply device 50, the nozzle device 96, or the tub 20 in order to perform at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, or a drying process. The water supply device 40 may open or close at least one of the first water supply flow path, the second water supply flow path, or the third water supply flow path based on an electrical signal transmitted from the controller 300. That is, the controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the upper detergent supply device 50 through the first pipe 441. The controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the nozzle device 96 through the second pipe 442. The controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the tub 20 through the third pipe 443.

The second water supply valve 42 may include the first valve 42a, the second valve 42b, and the third valve 43c. The controller 300 may control an opening and closing of each of the first valve 42a, the second valve 42b, and the third valve 43c. The controller 300 may adjust an opening degree of each of the first valve 42a, the second valve 42b, and the third valve 43c. Once the first valve 42a is opened, water may be supplied to the upper detergent supply device 50 through the first pipe 441. Once the second valve 42b is opened, water may be supplied to the nozzle device 96 through the second pipe 442. Once the third valve 42c is opened, water may be supplied to the tub 20 through the third pipe 443.

The water supply valve 42 may be provided as a single 4-way valve. In a case where the water supply valve 42 is provided as a 4-way valve, a piston assembly in the water supply valve 42 may move under the control of the controller 300. As the piston assembly of the water supply valve 42 moves, water flows through each of the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443, or the flow of water through each of the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442 and the third pipe 443 may be blocked.

The drain pump 71 may discharge water in the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10. The controller 300 may control the drain pump 71 to discharge water in the tub 20 to the outside through the drain pipe 73.

The circulation pump 76 may allow the water in the tub 20 to flow to the lower detergent supply device 60. The water that has passed through the circulation pump 76 and the lower detergent supply device 60 may return to the tub 20. The controller 300 may control the circulation pump 76 to allow the water in the tub 20 to pass through the lower detergent supply device 60 and circulate.

The dryer 80 may remove moisture from the air, heat the air, and supply the heated air to the tub 20. The controller 300 may operate the dryer 80 to dry the laundry in the drum 30. To generate dry and heated air, the dryer 80 may include the fan 87a, the compressor 91, the heat exchangers 92 and 93, and the expansion valve.

The controller 300 may control the fan 87a, the compressor 91, and the expansion valve included in the dryer 80. The controller 300 may operate the fan 87a to supply dry and heated air into the drum 30. The controller 300 may adjust a rotation speed of the fan 87a. A flow rate of air supplied into the drum 30 may vary depending on the rotation speed of the fan 87a.

The compressor 91 may discharge high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant by compressing low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. For example, the compressor 91 may compress the refrigerant by a reciprocating motion of a piston or a rotating motion of a rotor. The discharged gaseous refrigerant may be delivered to the condenser 92. The controller 300 may adjust an operating frequency and/or revolution per minute (RPM) of the compressor 91. As the operating frequency and/or RPM of the compressor 91 increases, the heat discharged around the condenser 92 may increase. The controller 300 may adjust an opening degree of the expansion valve. The expansion valve may be provided as an electronic expansion valve whose opening may be adjusted by an electric signal and a capillary tube for controlling a pressure of liquid refrigerant. Two-phase refrigerant of low-temperature and low-pressure that has passed through the expansion valve may flow into the evaporator 93.

The controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 to clean the heat exchangers 92 and 93 of the dryer 80. The controller 300 may control the second water supply valve 42 to allow the nozzle device 96 to spray water to the heat exchangers 92 and 93. For example, as the second valve 42b constituting the second water supply valve 42 is opened, water may be sprayed from the nozzle device 96 to the heat exchangers 92 and 93.

The controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 to remove the foam generated in a rinsing process of the dryer 80. The controller 300 may control the second water supply valve 42 to allow water to be sprayed into the drum 30. For example, as the third valve 43c constituting the second water supply valve 42 is opened, water may be guided into the drum 30 through the third pipe 443. The water guided into the drum 30 through the third pipe 443 may remove the foam remaining on an inner side of the laundry door 17 and/or the diaphragm 22.

The controller 300 may operate only the fan 87a without operating the heat pump during the spin-drying process. Not operating the heat pump may include not operating the compressor 91.

That is, the controller 300 may operate only the fan 87a without operating the compressor 91 during the spin-drying process. By operating the fan 87a during the spin-drying process, foam that may be generated by a high-speed rotation of the drum 30 may be suppressed.

In a case where the drum 30 rotates at high speed while the circulation valve 77v opens the circulation flow path formed by the circulation pipe 77, foam generated in the drum 30 may flow into the circulation flow path due to the Venturi effect.

In an embodiment, the controller 300 may control the circulation valve 77v to close the circulation flow path formed by the circulation pipe 77 during the spin-drying process. That is, the controller 300 may close the circulation valve 77v during the spin-drying process.

In the disclosure, the ‘spin-drying process’ may refer to a final spin-drying process 1031 of the spin-drying process 1030 to be described below.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of example processes performed by a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, or a drying process based on an operation course selected by a user. For example, the operation course of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be determined as a standard washing course and a standard drying course. The standard washing course may include a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process. The standard drying course may include a drying process. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may sequentially perform a washing process 1010, a rinsing process 1020, a spin-drying process 1030 and a drying process 1040.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may also selectively perform at least one of the washing process 1010, the rinsing process 1020, the spin-drying process 1030, or the drying process 1040 according to the operation course. For example, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform the rinsing process 1020 and the spin-drying process 1030 in response to a selection of the rinsing-spin-drying course. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform the spin-drying process 1030 in response to a selection of the spin-drying course. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform only the drying process 1040 in response to a selection of the standard drying course.

By the washing process 1010, laundry may be washed. Specifically, foreign substances attached to the laundry may be separated by a chemical action of detergent and/or a mechanical action, such as falling.

The washing process 1010 may include a laundry measurement 1011 for measuring the amount of laundry, a supply of water 1012 for supplying water to the tub 20, a wash 1013 for washing the laundry by rotating the drum 30 at low speed, a drain 1014 for discharging water accommodated in the tub 20, and an intermediate spin-dry 1015 for separating water from the laundry by rotating the drum 30 at high speed.

For the wash 1013, the controller 190 may control the driving device 36 to rotate the drive motor 36a forward (e.g., a clockwise direction) or backward (e.g., a counterclockwise direction). By the rotation of the drum 30, the laundry falls from the upper side of the drum 30 to the lower side, so that the laundry may be washed by the falling.

For the intermediate spin-dry 1015, the controller 190 may control the driving device 36 to rotate the drive motor 36a at high speed. By the high speed rotation of the drum 30, water may be separated from the laundry accommodated in the drum 30, and thus discharged to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

By the rinsing process 1020, the laundry may be rinsed. Specifically, detergents or foreign substances left on the laundry may be washed away with water.

The rinsing process 1020 may include a supply of water 1021 for supplying water to the tub 20, a rinse 1022 for rinsing the laundry by driving the drum 30, a drain 1023 for discharging the water accommodated in the tub 20, and an intermediate spin-dry 1024 for separating water from the laundry by driving the drum 30.

The supply of water 1021, the drain 1023, and the intermediate spin-dry 1024 of the rinsing process 1020 may be the same as the supply of water 1012, the drain 1014, and the intermediate spin-dry 1015 of the washing process 1010, respectively. During the rinsing process 1020, the supply of water 1021, the rinse 1022, the drain 1023, and the intermediate spin-dry 1024 may be performed once or several times.

By the spin-drying process 1030, the laundry may be dehydrated. Specifically, water may be separated from the laundry by rotating the drum 30 at high speed, and the separated water may be discharged to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

The spin-drying process 1030 may include the final spin-drying process 1031 in which the drum 30 rotates at high speed to separate water from the laundry. Due to the final spin-drying process 1031, the last intermediate spin-dry 1024 of the rinsing process 1020 may be omitted.

For the final spin-drying process 1031, the controller 190 may control the driving device 36 to rotate the drive motor 36a at high speed. By the high-speed rotation of the drum 30, water may be separated from the laundry in the drum 30 and discharged to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1. In addition, the rotation speed of the drive motor 36a may be increased gradually.

Based on the start of the final spin-drying process 1031, the controller 300 may rotate the drum 30 at a preset maximum speed for a preset time, and then stop the drum 30.

In an embodiment, the final spin-drying process 1031 may include a low-speed spin-drying section in which the drum 30 rotates at a preset intermediate speed (e.g., 500 RPM) lower than the preset maximum speed (e.g., 1100 RPM), and a high-speed spin-drying section in which the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed.

In the low-speed spin-drying section, the drum 30 may accelerate to the preset intermediate speed, maintain the preset intermediate speed for a defined first time, and then decelerate.

In the high-speed spin-drying section, the drum 30 may accelerate to the preset maximum speed, maintain the preset maximum speed for a defined second time, and then decelerate. In this instance, the defined second time may be longer than the defined first time.

Based on the start of the final spin-drying process 1031, the controller 300 may accelerate the drum 30 to the preset intermediate speed, maintain the rotation of the drum 30 at the preset intermediate speed for the defined first time, decelerate the drum 30, accelerate the drum 30 to the preset maximum speed, maintain the rotation of the drum 30 at the preset maximum speed for the defined second time, and then stop the drum 30.

The preset intermediate speed, the preset maximum speed, the defined first time, and the defined second time may be changed depending on a weight and a material of the laundry measured in the laundry measurement 1011, the type of course selected by the user, and/or the spin-drying settings selected by the user.

The low-speed spin-drying section may be omitted according to the weight of the laundry measured in the laundry measurement 1011 and/or the type of course selected by the user.

The final spin-drying process 1031 may be completed in response to the drum 30 stopping after the high-speed spin-drying section.

Upon completion of the spin-drying process 1030, the drying process 1040 may be performed. In order to perform the drying process 1040, the controller 300 may operate the dryer 80 to supply hot air into the tub 20 and the drum 30. In addition, the controller 300 may rotate the drum 30 at a relatively low speed. The controller 300 may supply hot air into the tub 20 and the drum 30 by operating the heat pump and rotating the fan 87a.

In the disclosure, operating the heat pump may include operating the compressor 91, and may be distinguished from operating the fan 87a.

In the disclosure, operating the fan 87a may include rotating the fan 87a.

Immediately after entering the drying process 1040 or before starting the drying process 1040, water may be supplied to the upper detergent supply device 50 for a preset time (e.g., 1 second) to prevent moisture from leaking from the tub 20. As described above, the detergent connection pipe 51 connecting the tub 20 and the upper detergent supply device 50 is provided in a U-shape, and by supplying water to the upper detergent supply device 50, the bent portion of the detergent connection pipe 51 may be filled with water. Because the detergent connection pipe 51 is blocked by water, moisture in the tub 20 may be prevented from being discharged to the outside through the upper detergent supply device 50.

Upon completion of the drying process 1040, the operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be stopped and the power may be turned off.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of controlling a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may start the spin-drying process 1030 in response to an end of the rinsing process 1020 (1100). As described above, in the disclosure, the spin-drying process 1030 may include the final spin-drying process 1031.

The controller 300 may close the circulation valve 77v based on the start of the spin-drying process 1030 (1200). Closing the circulation valve 77v may refer to controlling the circulation valve 77v to close the circulation flow path.

Closing the circulation valve 77v based on the start of the spin-drying process 1030 may include closing the circulation valve 77v based on the end of the rinsing process 1020, closing the circulation valve 77v at a defined time point before the spin-drying process 1030 starts, and closing the circulation valve 77v after a defined time has elapsed since the start of the spin-drying process 1030.

In particular, the controller 300 may control the circulation valve 77v to be maintained in a closed state in the high-speed spin-drying section during the spin-drying process 1030.

In an embodiment, the controller 300 may open the circulation valve 77v based on an end of the spin-drying process 1030. In an embodiment, the controller 300 may open the circulation valve 77v in the remaining processes 1010, 1020, and 1040 other than the spin-drying process 1030. Opening the circulation valve 77v may refer to controlling the circulation valve 77v to open the circulation flow path.

When foam flows into the circulation pipe 77 due to the high-speed rotation of the drum 30 during the spin-drying process 1030, the foam flowing into the circulation pipe 77 may flow back into the drum 30 when the drum 30 stops, leaving foam inside the drum 30.

According to the disclosure, foam may be prevented from flowing into the circulation pipe 77 by the Venturi effect as the drum 30 rotates at high speed during the spin-drying process 1030.

In the disclosure, it will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the circulation valve 77v is distinguished from the drain valve that opens and closes the drain line 97.

The controller 300 may control the drain valve to open the drain line 97 to discharge water to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1 during the spin-drying process 1030.

The controller 300 may perform low-speed spin-drying based on the start of the spin-drying process 1030 (1300).

The low-speed spin-drying corresponds to the low-speed spin-drying section described above. That is, the controller 300 may accelerate the drum 30 to the preset intermediate speed.

The controller 300 may control the drum 30 to be maintained at the preset intermediate speed for a defined first time in response to the drum 30 reaching the preset intermediate speed, and may control the drum 30 to be decelerated to a defined speed in response to an elapse of the defined first time.

In the disclosure, the low-speed spin-drying section may include a section in which the drum 30 accelerates to the preset intermediate speed, maintains the preset intermediate speed for the defined first time, and then decelerates to the defined speed.

The controller 300 may not rotate the fan 87a in the low-speed spin-drying section. That is, the controller 300 may keep the fan 87a in a stopped state in the low-speed spin-drying section. According to various embodiments, the controller 300 may rotate the fan 87a in the low-speed spin-drying section, but a rotation speed of the fan 87a in the low-speed spin-drying section may be slower than that of the fan 87a in the high-speed spin-drying section.

The controller 300 may perform a water spraying process (1450), in response to the drum 30 reaching a target speed while accelerating to the preset intermediate speed (Yes in operation 1400). In this instance, the target speed may be slower than the preset maximum speed and less than or equal to the preset intermediate speed.

Performing the water spraying process by the controller 300 may include controlling the water supply device 40 to spray water toward the drum 30.

Controlling the water supply device 40 to spray water toward the drum 30 by the controller 300 may include opening the third valve 42c to supply water to the tub 20 through the third pipe 443.

In an embodiment, the controller 300 may repeat an operation of opening the third valve 42c for a preset opening time (e.g., 4 seconds) and closing the third valve 42c for a preset closing time (e.g., 4 seconds) a preset number of times (e.g., three or more times) to perform the water spraying process.

The spin-drying process 1030 is for spin-drying the laundry, and it is not preferable for water to flow into the drum 30 during the spin-drying process 1030. However, the foam generated during the rinsing process 1020 may remain in the diaphragm 22, and according to the disclosure, the foam generated during the rinsing process 1020 may be removed by spraying a small amount of water through the third pipe 443 toward the diaphragm 22.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform high-speed spin-drying after the low-speed spin-drying (1500).

The high-speed spin-drying corresponds to the high-speed spin-drying section described above. That is, the controller 300 may accelerate the drum 30 to the preset maximum speed in the high-speed spin-drying section.

The controller 300 may control the drum 30 to be maintained at the preset maximum speed for a defined second time in response to the drum 30 reaching the preset maximum speed, and may control the drum 30 to stop in response to an elapse of the defined second time (preset time).

That is, the controller 300 may rotate the drum 30 at the preset maximum speed for the preset time based on the start of the final spin-drying process 1030, and then stop the drum 30.

According to various embodiments, in response to the start of the final spin-drying process 1030, the controller 300 may perform the high-speed spin-drying after performing the low-speed spin-drying, or may perform the high-speed spin-drying immediately.

Even in a case where the final spin-drying process 1030 does not include low-speed spin-drying, the controller 300 may perform the water spraying process (1450) in response to the drum 30 reaching the target speed while accelerating to the preset maximum speed (Yes in operation 1400).

The controller 300 may rotate the fan 87a while performing the high-speed spin-drying. In an embodiment, the controller 300 may control the fan 87a to rotate while the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed.

To this end, the controller 300 may turn on the fan 87a (1600) before the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed, or while the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed.

The controller 300 may control the fan 87a to be maintained in a stopped state in the low-speed spin-drying section.

Controlling the fan 87a to be maintained in a stopped state may include not turning on the fan 87a, not rotating the fan 87a, and/or maintaining the fan 87a in an off state.

The fan 87a is a component of the dryer 80 and is configured to blow hot air into the tub 20 in the drying process 1040. That is, in existing technologies, the fan operates only in a drying process.

According to the disclosure, the fan 87a may also rotate even in the spin-drying process 1030. In particular, according to the disclosure, the fan 87a may rotate in the high-speed spin-drying section during the spin-drying process 1030.

The controller 300 may not operate the heat pump during the spin-drying process 1030. That is, the controller 300 may rotate the fan 87a during the spin-drying process 1030 without operating the compressor 91.

According to the disclosure, by rotating the fan 87a during the spin-drying process 1030, foam generation due to the rotation of the drum 30 may be suppressed.

In particular, according to the disclosure, by rotating the fan 87a in the high-speed spin-drying section during the spin-drying process 1030, foam generation due to the high-speed rotation of the drum 30 may be suppressed.

A principle of suppressing the foam generation due to the rotation of the drum 30 by the rotation of the fan 87a is described below with reference to FIG. 16.

In addition, according to the disclosure, only the fan 87a operates without operating the compressor 91 in the spin-drying process 1030, and thus noise and energy consumption due to the operation of the compressor 91 may be prevented.

The controller 300 may rotate the fan 87a until the spin-drying process 1030 ends (1700). In this case, the controller 300 may turn off the fan 87a in response to the drum 30 stopping.

The controller 300 may stop the fan 87a at a defined time point before the spin-drying process 1030 ends (1700). In this case, the controller 300 may stop the fan 87a while the drum 30 is decelerating to stop (1700).

According to the disclosure, by operating the fan 87a during the spin-drying process 1030 to blow air into the drum 30, foam generated by the rotation of the drum 30 may be prevented.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example spin-drying profile of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, the spin-drying process 1030 may include a low-speed spin-drying section L1 and a high-speed spin-drying section H1.

The low-speed spin-drying section L1 may include a section in which the drum 30 accelerates to a preset intermediate speed r1, maintains the preset intermediate speed r1 for a defined first time pd1, and then decelerates.

The controller 300 may control the fan 87a to be maintained in a stopped state in the low-speed spin-drying section L1.

The high-speed spin-drying section H1 may include a section in which the drum 30 accelerates to a preset maximum speed r2, maintains the preset maximum speed r2 for a defined second time pd2, and then decelerates.

The controller 300 may control the fan 87a to rotate in the high-speed spin-drying section H1. In particular, the controller 300 may control the fan 87a to rotate while the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed r2.

A target speed rt is a time that serves as a reference for the water spraying process, and may be preset to a speed less than or equal to the preset intermediate speed r1.

The controller 300 may perform the water spraying process in response to a rotation speed of the drum 30 reaching the target speed rt.

According to the disclosure, the water spraying process is performed in response to the rotation speed of the drum 30 reaching the target speed rt, thereby removing foam generated in the previous rinsing process 1020.

According to the disclosure, by rotating the fan 87a while the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed, the foam generation due to the high-speed rotation of the drum 30 may be prevented.

In addition, according to the disclosure, by closing the circulation valve 77v based on the start of the spin-drying process 1030, the foam may be prevented from flowing into the circulation pipe 77.

According to the disclosure, the foam generation in the drum 30 may be suppressed, thereby improving the spin-drying efficiency.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of an example of a detailed method of controlling a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In an embodiment, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may rotate the fan 87a during the spin-drying process 1030, and may rotate the fan 87a while the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed r2.

Meanwhile, in order to rotate the fan 87a while the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed r2, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may turn on the fan 87a, before the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed r2, when the drum 30 reaches the preset maximum speed r2, and/or after the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed r2.

Turning on the fan 87a may include starting the rotation of the fan 87a.

In an embodiment, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may change a time of turning on the fan 87a (hereinafter, also referred to as a ‘fan turn-on point’) based on a profile of the spin-drying process 1030.

The profile of the spin-drying process 1030 may vary depending on the type of course, spin-drying settings, the weight of the laundry, and/or the material of the laundry.

The profile of the spin-drying process 1030 may include the presence or absence of the low-speed spin-drying section L1.

The profile of the spin-drying process 1030 may include the preset intermediate speed r1 which is a maximum speed in the low-speed spin-drying section L1, the preset maximum speed r2 which is a maximum speed in the high-speed spin-drying section H1, the defined first time pd1 during which the preset intermediate speed r1 is maintained in the low-speed spin-drying section L1, and/or the defined second time pd2 during which the preset maximum speed r2 is maintained in the high-speed spin-drying section H1.

Referring to FIG. 11, the controller 300 may determine the profile of the spin-drying process 1030 based on the weight and the material of the laundry measured in the laundry measurement 1011, the type of course selected by a user, and/or the spin-drying settings selected by the user.

More specifically, the controller 300 may determine the preset intermediate speed r1, the preset maximum speed r2, the defined first time pd1, and the defined second time pd2 based on the weight and the material of the laundry measured in the laundry measurement 1011, the type of course selected by the user, and/or the spin-drying settings selected by the user.

The controller 300 may determine an operating time point of the fan 87a (the fan turn-on point) based on the preset maximum speed r2.

The controller 300 may determine the operating time point of the fan 87a (the fan turn-on point) based on the preset maximum speed r2 and the defined second time pd2 (hereinafter referred to as ‘preset time pd2’).

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a fan turn-on point in a spin-drying process of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, in an embodiment, the controller 300 may turn on the fan 87a at a time point t1 that elapses a defined time k1 after the drum 30 reaches the preset maximum speed r2 (1623), based on the preset maximum speed r2 being greater than a first reference speed (Yes in operation 1610) and the preset time pd2 being greater than a reference time (Yes in operation 1620).

Turning on the fan 87a at the time point t1 after the defined time k1 has elapsed following the drum 30 reaching the preset maximum speed r2 may include turning on the fan 87a when a defined time k2 remains for the drum 30 to maintain the preset maximum speed r2 after reaching the preset maximum speed r2.

For example, assuming that the preset time pd2 is 10 minutes and the defined time k2 is 4 minutes, the controller 300 may turn on the fan 87a at a time point when 6 minutes have passed since the drum 30 reached the preset maximum speed r2.

According to the disclosure, by turning on the fan 87a at the time point when foam is likely to be generated due to the high-speed rotation of the drum 30, noise and power consumption due to the operation of the fan 87a may be minimized and foam generation may be efficiently suppressed.

FIG. 13 illustrates another example of a fan turn-on point in a spin-drying process of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 13, in an embodiment, the controller 300 may turn on the fan 87a at a time point t2 when the drum 30 reaches a third reference speed r3 that is less than the preset maximum speed r2 (1626), based on the preset maximum speed r2 being greater than the first reference speed (Yes in operation 1610) and the preset time pd2 being greater than the reference time (Yes in operation 1620).

Here, the third reference speed r3 may be preset to a speed that is greater than the preset intermediate speed r1 and less than the preset maximum speed r2.

According to the disclosure, in a case where a period during which the drum 30 rotates at high speed is short, the foam generation may be efficiently suppressed by operating the fan 87a in advance before the drum 30 rotates at high speed.

FIG. 14 illustrates still another example of a fan turn-on point in a spin-drying process of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 14, in an embodiment, the controller 300 may turn on the fan 87a at a time point t3 when the drum 30 reaches a second reference speed rm (1633), based on the preset maximum speed r2 being less than the first reference speed but greater than or equal to the second reference speed rm (Yes in operation 1630).

Here, the second reference speed rm may be preset to a speed greater than the preset intermediate speed r1.

In an embodiment, the controller 300 may turn on the fan 87a at the time point t3 when the drum 30 reaches the second reference speed rm (1633), based on the preset maximum speed r2 corresponding to the second reference speed rm (Yes in operation 1630).

According to the disclosure, in a case where a maximum speed of the drum 30 is relatively low, by turning on the fan 87a immediately before the drum 30 rotates at the maximum speed or at the time when the drum 30 begins to rotate at the maximum speed, the noise and power consumption due to the operation of the fan 87a may be minimized and foam generation may be efficiently suppressed.

FIG. 15 illustrates yet another example of a fan turn-on point in a spin-drying process of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 15, in an embodiment, the controller 300 may turn on the fan 87a at a time point t4 after the preset time pd2 has elapsed following the drum 30 reaching the preset maximum speed r2 (1636), based on the preset maximum speed r2 being less than the second reference speed rm (No in operation 1630).

The time point t4 after the preset time pd2 has elapsed following the drum 30 reaching the preset maximum speed r2 may refer to the time point t4 at which the drum 30 begins to decelerate for stopping.

According to the disclosure, in a case where a maximum speed of the drum 30 is low, foam generation due to deceleration of the drum 30 may be suppressed by turning on the fan 87a at the time when the drum 30 begins to decelerate.

As described above, the controller 300 may turn off the fan 87a based on the drum 30 stopping.

In addition, the target speed rt that serves as the reference for the water spraying process may be set to be lower than the second reference speed rm.

That is, the controller 300 may control the water supply device to spray water toward the drum 30 before the fan 87a is turned on.

As a result, the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to the disclosure may prevent foam from flowing into the circulation pipe 77 in advance by closing the circulation valve 77v upon start of the spin-drying process 1030, may remove foam generated during the rinsing process 1020 by controlling the water supply device to spray water toward the drum 30 before the drum 30 rotates at high speed during the spin-drying process 1030, and may suppress the foam generation due to the high-speed rotation of the drum 30 by rotating the fan 87a when the drum 30 rotates at high speed during the spin-drying process 1030.

According to the disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may improve the spin-drying efficiency by suppressing the foam generation.

FIG. 16 illustrates, schematically, an air flow in a spin-drying process of a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 16, the duct portion 22a according to an embodiment may be disposed on an upper left side of the drum 30. Accordingly, when the fan 87a rotates, air may be introduced from the upper left side of the drum 30 in a downward direction. According to various embodiments, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may rotate the drum 30 clockwise during the spin-drying process 1030.

Air introduced downwardly from the upper left side of the drum 30 may create a counterclockwise air flow FF, and the clockwise rotation of the drum 30 may create a clockwise air flow DF.

The air flow FF generated by the operation of the fan 87a and the air flow DF generated by the rotation of the drum 30 have opposite directions, and thus may cancel each other out.

In a case where only the air flow DF generated by the rotation of the drum 30 exists inside the drum 30, foam may be generated from the laundry. However, in a case where the air flow FF generated by the operation of the fan 87a offsets the air flow DF generated by the rotation of the drum 30, foam generation from the laundry may be suppressed.

That is, according to the disclosure, the air flow FF generated by the operation of the fan 87a offsets the air flow DF generated by the rotation of the drum 30, thereby suppressing foam generation in the drum 30.

Meanwhile, according to various embodiments, in a case where air is introduced from an upper right side of the drum 30 in a downward direction due to the operation of the fan 87a, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may rotate the drum 30 counterclockwise during the spin-drying process 1030.

That is, the rotation direction of the drum 30 during the spin-drying process 1030 may be set differently depending on the position of the duct portion 22a guiding the air blown by the fan 87a into the drum 30.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a clothes treating apparatus 1 may include: a tub 20; a drum 30 rotatable in the tub 20; a dryer 80 including a fan 87a and a heat pump configured to supply heated air into the tub 20; and a controller 300 configured to rotate the drum 30 at a preset maximum speed r2 for a preset time pd2 based on a start of a spin-drying process 1030 and operate the fan 87a to blow air into the tub 20 while the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed r2.

The spin-drying process 1030 may include a low-speed spin-drying section L1 in which the drum 30 rotates at a preset intermediate speed r1 lower than the preset maximum speed r2, and a high-speed spin-drying section H1 in which the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed r2.

The controller 300 may be further configured to control the fan 87a to be maintained in a stopped state in the low-speed spin-drying section L1 and to rotate the fan 87a in the high-speed spin-drying section H1.

The controller 300 may be further configured to turn on the fan 87a based on a rotation speed of the drum 30 reaching the preset maximum speed r2.

The controller 300 may be further configured to turn on the fan 87a in response to an elapse of a defined time after the rotation speed of the drum 30 reaches the preset maximum speed r2.

The controller 300 may be further configured to turn off the fan 87a in response to the drum 30 stopping.

The controller 300 may be further configured not to operate the heat pump 91/92/93 in the spin-drying process 1030.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may further include a water supply device 40 configured to spray water toward the drum 30.

The controller 300 may be further configured to control the water supply device 40 to spray water toward the drum 30 in response to a rotation speed of the drum 30 reaching a target speed rt lower than the preset maximum speed r2.

The controller 300 may be further configured to control the water supply device 40 to spray water toward the drum 30 before the fan 87a is turned on.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may further include a circulation flow path 77 configured to guide water stored in the tub 20 into the tub 20, and a circulation valve 77v configured to open and close the circulation flow path 77.

The controller 300 may be further configured to control the circulation valve 77v to close the circulation flow path 77 based on the start of the spin-drying process 1030.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a method for controlling a clothes treating apparatus 1 including a tub 20, a drum 30 rotatable in the tub 20, and a dryer 80 including a fan 87a and a heat pump configured to supply heated air into the tub 20, the method may include: rotating the drum 30 at a preset maximum speed r2 for a preset time pd2 based on a start of a spin-drying process 1030; and operating the fan 87a to blow air into the tub 20 while the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed r2.

The method may further include controlling the fan 87a to be maintained in a stopped state in a low-speed spin-drying section L1, wherein the operating of the fan 87a while the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed r2 may include operating the fan 87a in a high-speed spin-drying section H1.

The operating of the fan 87a while the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed r2 may further include turning on the fan 87a in response to a rotation speed of the drum 30 reaching a reference speed higher than the preset intermediate speed r1 and lower than the preset maximum speed r2.

The operating of the fan 87a while the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed r2 may further include turning on the fan 87a based on a rotation speed of the drum 30 reaching the preset maximum speed r2.

The operating of the fan 87a while the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed r2 may further include turning on the fan 87a in response to an elapse of a defined time after a rotation speed of the drum 30 reaches the preset maximum speed r2.

The method may further include turning off the fan 87a in response to the drum 30 stopping.

The method may further include not operating a heat pump 91/92/93 configured to heat air supplied by the fan 87a into the tub 20 in the spin-drying process 1030.

The method may further include operating a water supply device 40 configured to spray water toward the drum 30, in response to a rotation speed of the drum 30 reaching a target speed rt lower than the preset maximum speed r2.

The operating of the water supply device 40 may be performed before the fan 87a is turned on.

The method may further include closing a circulation flow path 77 configured to guide water stored in the tub 20 into the tub 20, based on the start of the spin-drying process 1030.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program codes, and when executed by a processor, the instructions may create a program module to perform operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

The computer-readable recording medium may include all kinds of recording media storing instructions that may be interpreted by a computer. For example, the computer-readable recording medium may be a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, an optical data storage, etc.

The computer-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, when a storage medium is referred to as “non-transitory”, it may be understood that the storage medium is tangible and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but rather that data is semi-permanently or temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, a “non-transitory storage medium” may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

According to an embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided 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 machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) online 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 stored at least semi-permanently or may be temporarily generated in a storage medium, such as a memory of a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a relay server.

Although embodiments of the disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, a person having ordinary skilled in the art will appreciate that other specific modifications may be easily made without departing from the technical spirit or essential features of the disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting in all aspects.