CLOTHES TREATING APPARATUS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. § 111(a), of International Application No. PCT/KR2025/017231, filed Oct. 28, 2025, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0199207, filed Dec. 27, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0008320, filed Jan. 20, 2025, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a clothes treating apparatus including a drying device.

BACKGROUND ART

A clothes treating apparatus is an appliance for treating and/or managing clothes. The clothes treating apparatus may include a washing machine and a dryer. The washing machine may include a washing machine with a drying function such as washer dryer combo.

The washing machine with the drying function performs washing through mutual friction by stirring together laundry, water, and detergent inside a tub by means of the driving force of a drive motor.

Cycles performed by the washing machine with a drying function may include a washing cycle of supplying water and detergent to a tub in which laundry is received and washing the laundry by rotating a drum, a rinsing cycle of supplying water to the tub and rinsing the laundry by rotating the drum, and a dewatering cycle of discharging water from the tub and removing moisture from the laundry by rotating the drum.

Cycles performed by the washing machine with a drying function may include a drying cycle of drying the laundry by blowing heat generated from a drying device into a receiving space in which the laundry is received. The washing machine with a drying function may include a drying device to perform the drying cycle.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a clothes treating apparatus with improved drying performance.

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a clothes treating apparatus capable of reducing a drying time.

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a clothes treating apparatus with improved safety.

The technical object intended to be achieved by the present document is not limited to the above-mentioned technical objects, and other technical objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs from the following description.

Technical Solution

A clothes treating apparatus according to the concept of the present disclosure may include a tub, and a drying device above the tub. The drying device may include a hot air supply device. The hot air supply device may include a drying heater that is operable to heat air passing through the hot air supply device. The drying device may further include a first thermostat at a first position in the hot air supply device, the first thermostat configured to stop the drying heater from operating based on the temperature detected by the first thermostat reaching a first temperature when the drying heater is operating to heat the air, a second thermostat at a second position different from the first position in the hot air supply device, the second thermostat configured to stop the drying heater from operating based on the temperature detected by the second thermostat reaching a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature, and a discharge device configured to discharge air discharged from the tub to an outside.

A clothes treating apparatus according to the concept of the present disclosure may include a tub, and a drying device above the tub. The drying device may include a hot air supply device for supplying heated air into the tub and a discharge device for discharging air discharged from the tub to an outside. The drying device may include a drying heater that is operable to heat air passing through the hot air supply device, and at least one thermostat above the drying heater, at an upper portion of the hot air supply device.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 2 shows the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows some configurations arranged inside the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows some configurations arranged inside the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which a drying device of the clothes treating apparatus is separated from a tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the drying device of the clothes treating apparatus is separated from the tub, from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 6, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a hot air supply device and a discharge device of the drying device disassembled from a drying case in the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows an inside of the hot air supply device and the discharge device by disassembling some configurations of the drying device of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows the inside of the hot air supply device and the discharge device by disassembling some configurations of the drying device of the clothes treating apparatus from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which an exhaust pipe is connected to the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 shows the hot air supply device of the drying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 shows a state in which a supply cover of the hot air supply device is disassembled according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 shows a drying heater of the drying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 shows a coupling of the drying heater and a first heater supporter of the drying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 shows a state in which the first heater supporter of the drying device is coupled to the drying heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of portion A shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows a coupling of the drying heater and a second heater supporter of the drying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 shows a state in which the second heater supporter of the drying device is coupled to the drying heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a control block diagram of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a control method of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

MODES OF THE INVENTION

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. For example, the dryer combined washing machine may include a heater. 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 channel or a wireless communication channel between the external devices, and support the performance of the communication through the established communication channel. 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 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, a washing machine with a drying function will be described as an example of the clothes treating apparatus. However, a concept of the disclosure is not limited to the washing machine with the drying function, and may be applied to various apparatuses for treating and/or caring for clothes.

In the following description, the terms “front”, rear”, “left”, and “right” are defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and positions of components are not limited by the 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-to-right direction, and a Z-axis direction may be defined as an up-and-down direction.

FIG. 1 shows a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from that shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows some configurations arranged inside the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 shows some configurations arranged inside the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from that shown in FIG. 4.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include a housing 10 that accommodates various components therein. The housing 10 may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet 11 formed on one side. The laundry inlet 11 may be provided to face substantially forward.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a laundry door 17 for opening or 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 provided transparently or translucently to allow an interior of the housing 10 to be visible. In an example, the laundry door 17 may include tempered glass.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a lower door 18 configured to allow access to a lower detergent supply device 60. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include an upper door 19 configured to allow access to an upper detergent supply device 50 and a discharge filter 150.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a tub 20 provided inside the housing 10 to store water. The tub 20 may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening 21 formed on one side, and may be disposed inside the housing 10 such that the tub opening 21 is positioned to correspond to the laundry inlet 11. The tub opening 21 may be provided to face substantially forward.

The tub 20 may be connected to the housing 10 by a damper 25. The damper 25 may absorb vibrations generated during rotation of a drum 30 to attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing 10.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a diaphragm 22 for connecting the tub 20 with the housing 10. In an example, the diaphragm 22 may extend between the laundry inlet 11 of the housing 10 and the tub opening 21 of the tub 20. The diaphragm 22 may be detachably mounted to the tub opening 21 of the tub 20. The diaphragm 22 may reduce the transmission of vibrations from the tub 20 to the housing 10. For example, the diaphragm 22 may include a more flexible material than the housing 10 and the tub 20.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the drum 30 configured to accommodate laundry. At least one lifter 33 may be provided inside the drum 30 to perform washing by lifting and dropping the laundry.

The drum 30 may be disposed inside the tub 20 such that a drum opening 31 provided in one side corresponds to the laundry inlet 11 and the tub opening 21. Laundry may be accommodated into or taken out of the drum 30 by passing sequentially through the laundry inlet 11, the diaphragm 22, the tub opening 21, and the drum opening 31. The drum opening 31 may be provided to face substantially forward.

The drum 30 may perform respective operations according to washing, rinsing, and/or spin-drying cycles 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 flow into or out of the drum 30.

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

The drive device 36 may rotate the drum 30 in a forward or reverse direction to perform respective operations corresponding to washing, rinsing, and/or dewatering, or drying cycles.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a water supply device 40 configured to supply water to the tub 20. The water supply device 40 may include water supply valves 41 and 42 connectable to an external water source. For example, the water supply valves 41 and 42 may include a first water supply valve 41 and a second water supply valve 42. In an example, the water supply valves 41 and 42 may include a hot water valve 41 for supplying hot water and a cold water valve 42 for supplying cold water.

The water supply device 40 may include water supply pipes 43 and 44. 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 a first water supply pipe 43 and a second water supply pipe 44. In an example, the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may be provided as flexible hoses or pipes.

In an example, the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may include a hot water pipe 43 connected to the hot water valve 41 and a cold water pipe 44 connected to the cold water valve 42. 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 a water supply valve 41 and 42 to the tub 20. Water may be supplied to the lower detergent supply device 60 via the tub 20. Water may also be supplied to the lower detergent supply device 60 not via the tub 20.

The water supply valves 41 and 42 may open or close the water supply pipes 43 and 44 in response to an electrical signal from a controller 80 (see FIG. 20). The water supply valves 41 and 42 may allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub 20. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include detergent supply devices 50 and 60 configured 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. Detergent may be used as a term encompassing pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, 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 positioned 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 add detergent to be used for each washing, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a given amount of detergent during washing. The upper detergent supply device 50 may be connected to the tub 20 through a detergent connection pipe 51. In an example, the upper detergent supply device 50 may be configured to supply solid laundry detergent and/or fabric softener to the tub 20. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the example described above.

The lower detergent supply device 60 may be positioned below the tub 20. The lower detergent supply device 60 may be positioned below the tub 20 in the vertical direction. The lower detergent supply device 60 may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to add detergent to be used for each washing, or an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a given amount of detergent during washing. In an example, the lower detergent supply device 60 may be configured to supply liquid laundry detergent and/or fabric softener to the tub 20. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the example described above.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a drain device 70 configured to discharge water received in the tub 20 to an outside. The drain device 70 may include a drain pump 71 for discharging water in the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a circulation pump 76 for circulating water in the tub 20 back to the tub 20 via the lower detergent supply device 60.

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

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a washing water heater 24. The washing water heater 24 may be provided below the tub 20 and heat washing water during washing. In addition, during a drying cycle, the water supply device 40 may supply a certain amount of water to a lower side of the tub 20 through a connection flow path P, and the washing water heater 24 may heat the water supplied into the tub 20 through the water supply device 40, the connection flow path P, and a tub exhaust port 27 to generate steam. In other words, the steam generated by the water supply device 40 and the washing water heater 24 may come into contact with clothes during a drying cycle, thereby reducing formation of wrinkles on the clothes.

In other words, the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a washing machine with washing and drying functions, unlike conventional dryers, may include the washing water heater 24 for heating washing water, and may generate steam by utilizing the washing water heater 24 and the water supply device 40 for washing the connection flow path P, thereby maximally preventing/reducing wrinkles from forming on clothes during the drying cycle.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a control panel 15 disposed on one side of the housing 10. The control panel 15 may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the clothes treating apparatus 1. 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 wash/rinse/spin-drying setting button. The at least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.

The at least one output interface may visually or audibly transfer information related to an operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1 to a user.

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

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a control box 15c for the control panel 15. The control box 15c for the control panel 15 may be electrically connected to the control panel 15. The control box 15c for the control panel 15 may supply power to the control panel 15. The control box 15c for the control panel 15 may process information input through the control panel 15. The control box 15c for the control panel 15 may control the control panel 15 to output information.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a drying device 100 for drying laundry accommodated inside the drum 30. The drying device 100 may be configured to heat air and supply the air into the tub 20. The drying device 100 may discharge the air discharged from the tub 20 to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may be configured to draw in outside air, heat the outside air, and supply the outside air to the tub 20 to dry clothes inside the drum 30, and then discharge the air from the tub 20 to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1 after drying the clothes inside the drum 30. The drying device 100 according to various embodiments may be disposed above the tub 20.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a terminal module 90. The terminal module 90 may include a terminal block. For example, the clothes treating apparatus 1 including a drying function may use a relatively high voltage, and power may be smoothly supplied through the terminal module 90.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a terminal cover 91 for covering the terminal module 90. The terminal cover 91 may be detachably coupled to the housing 10. In an example, the terminal module 90 may be provided in the drying device 100, and the terminal cover 91 may be detachably mounted on the drying device 100.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a connector coupling portion 149 to which a connector to electrically connect the terminal module 90 with the control panel 15 is coupled. In an example, a connector provided on a wire extending from the terminal module 90 may be connected to a connector provided on a wire extending from the control panel 15 at the connector coupling portion 149. The connector coupling portion 149 may include a space where the connector provided on the wire extending from the terminal module 90 and the wire extending from the control panel 15 are coupled to each other. For example, the connector coupling portion 149 may be provided in the drying device 100. For example, the connector coupling portion 149 may be provided on a discharge cover 142 of a discharge device 140 of the drying device 100.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which a drying device of the clothes treating apparatus is separated from a tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the drying device of the clothes treating apparatus is separated from the tub, from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 6, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 shows a hot air supply device and a discharge device of the drying device disassembled from a drying case in the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 shows an inside of the hot air supply device and the discharge device by disassembling some configurations of the drying device of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 shows the inside of the hot air supply device and the discharge device by disassembling some configurations of the drying device of the clothes treating apparatus from a direction different from the direction shown in FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 10, the drying device 100 may include a drying case 101. Various configurations of the drying device 100 may be installed in the drying case 101. For example, a hot air supply device 110 and/or the discharge device 140 of the drying device 100 may be installed in the drying case 101. The drying device 100 may be provided as a single module by installing the hot air supply device 110 and the discharge device 140 in the drying case 101.

Referring to FIG. 8, the drying case 101 may include a case opening 101a for allowing air entering the housing 10 to flow into the drying device 100. For example, the case opening 101a may include at least one opening. In an example, the case opening 101a may be provided in a side portion of the drying case 101, which is adjacent to a supply fan 130.

Referring to FIG. 8, the drying case 101 may include a tub connection opening 101b through which a portion of the discharge device 140 extends and is connected to the tub 20. The tub connection opening 101b may be configured to allow a discharge connection part 143 and/or a duct guide 144 of the discharge device 140 to pass therethrough. When the discharge connection part 143 is connected to the duct guide 144, the discharge connection part 143 and/or the duct guide 144 may be positioned at the tub connection opening 101b.

In an example, the case opening 101a may be provided at a left rear end portion of the drying case 101, and the tub connection opening 101b may be provided at a right rear end portion of the drying case 101.

Referring to FIG. 8, the drying case 101 may include a guide mounting portion 102 so that air inside the drying device 100 is discharged to the outside of the drying device 100. As a portion of the discharge device 140 is mounted to the guide mounting portion 102, the air inside the drying device 100 may be discharged to the outside of the drying device 100. For example, the guide mounting portion 102 may be provided on a rear side of the drying case 101.

The drying device 100 may include a reinforcing frame 109 for increasing the rigidity of the drying case 101. For example, the reinforcing frame 109 may be detachably mounted to a front end portion of the drying case 101. In an example, the reinforcing frame 109 may be mounted on the drying case 101 in a state where the hot air supply device 110 and the discharge device 140 are installed in the drying case 101. In an example, the hot air supply device 110 and the discharge device 140 may be separated from the drying case 101 after the reinforcing frame 109 is detached from the drying case 101.

The drying device 100 may include the hot air supply device 110 for supplying hot air, i.e., heated air, to the tub 20. The hot air supply device 110 may be mounted on the drying case 101. A supply flow path 116 for the air to be supplied to the tub 20 to flow may be formed inside the hot air supply device 110.

In an example, the hot air supply device 110 may be connected to the diaphragm 22. An end of the hot air supply device 110 from which air is discharged may be connected to the diaphragm 22. The diaphragm 22 may include a diaphragm connection portion 22a connected to the end of the hot air supply device 110. The diaphragm connection portion 22a may be provide with an air inlet 26. Air discharged from the hot air supply device 110 may be supplied to the inside of the drum 30 through the air inlet 26.

The hot air supply device 110 may be configured to guide air entering the housing 10 to the tub 20. The hot air supply device 110 may be configured to heat the air entering the housing 10. The hot air supply device 110 may be configured to turn outside air entering the housing 10 into hot and dry air.

For example, referring to FIG. 2, an outside air hole 10a for outside air to enter may be formed on the rear surface of the housing 10, and in response to an operations of the hot air supply device 110, outside air may enter the housing 10 through the outside air hole 10a. Referring to FIG. 8, air entering the housing 10 may enter the drying device 100 through the at least one case opening 101a formed in the drying case 101. The air that has entered the drying device 100 may enter the hot air supply device 110.

The hot air supply device 110 may include a supply base 111. The supply base 111 may be mounted on the drying case 101. The supply base 111 may form a portion of the supply flow path 116. The configurations of the hot air supply device 110 may be accommodated on the supply base 111. The supply base 111 may form at least a portion of the supply flow path 116. For example, the supply base 111 may have a shape that is open at the upper side.

The hot air supply device 110 may include a supply cover 112. The supply cover 112 may be coupled to the supply base 111. The supply cover 112 may cover the open side of the supply base 111. The supply cover 112, together with the supply base 111, may form at least a portion of the supply flow path 116. In an example, as the supply cover 112 is coupled to the supply base 111, at least a portion of the supply flow path 116 may be formed.

The hot air supply device 110 may include a drying heater 120 for heating the air passing through the hot air supply device 110. The drying heater 120 may heat the air flowing through the supply flow path 116. For example, the drying heater 120 may include a dual heater.

The drying device 100 may include a heater control box 129 for controlling the drying heater 120. The heater control box 129 may be electrically connected to the drying heater 120. For example, the heater control box 129 may be mounted on the drying case 101.

The hot air supply device 110 may include a supply fan 130 for creating an airflow inside the hot air supply device 110. The supply fan 130 may be configured to draw in air from outside the housing 10 and blow the outside air to the tub 20. The supply fan 130 may be configured to supply air to an object inside the drum 30. In an example, the supply fan 130 may include a sirocco fan. For example, the supply fan 130 may be configured to draw in air in an extension direction of a rotating shaft of the supply fan 13 and discharge the drawn-in air outwardly from a circumference of the supply fan 13.

The hot air supply device 110 may include a fan drive device 135 for providing power to the supply fan 130. In an example, the hot air supply device 110 may include a fan cover 113 couplable to the supply base 111 and/or the supply cover 112. The fan drive device 135 may be mounted on the fan cover 113.

Referring to FIG. 10, the supply base 111 may include a supply inlet 117 through which air enters the hot air supply device 110. The supply inlet 117 may be formed by penetrating the supply base 111 in the extension direction of the rotating shaft of the supply fan 130. In response to an operation of the supply fan 130, air from outside the hot air supply device 110 may enter the inside of the hot air supply device 110 through the supply inlet 117.

The hot air supply device 110 may include a supply connection part 114 connected to the tub 20. The supply connection part 114 may be connected to a front end of the tub 20. For example, the supply base 111 may extend in a front-to-back direction, and the supply connection part 114 may extend in an up-and-down direction.

The supply connection part 114 may include a supply guide portion 114a for guiding air flowing from the supply base 111 to the supply connection part 114. The supply guide portion 114a may have a rib shape. The supply guide portion 114a may be configured to agitate dry air supplied to the tub 20 to reduce temperature deviation of the dry air supplied to the tub 20.

In an example, the supply connection part 114 may be positioned at another end portion of the supply base 111, which is opposite to one end portion of the supply fan 130 at the supply fan 130 is positioned. For example, the supply connection part 114 may be connected to the opposite end portion of one end portion of the supply base 111 on which the supply inlet 117 is formed. Because the supply connection part 114 and the supply inlet 117 are disposed spaced apart from each other at both end portions of the supply base 111, a time for the air entering through the supply inlet 117 to be heated by the drying heater 120 before being supplied to the tub 20 through the supply connection part 114 may be secured.

The supply connection part 114 of the hot air supply device 110 may be connected to the air inlet 26. The air inlet 26 of the tub 20 may be disposed in the diaphragm 22 provided at the front end of the tub 20. The supply connection part 114 may be connected to the diaphragm connection portion 22a provided in the diaphragm 22. In an example, the supply connection part 114 and the diaphragm connection portion 22a may be fixed by mounting a clamp at a region where the supply connection part 114 and the diaphragm connection portion 22a are coupled.

The drying device 100 may include a temperature sensor 170 (e.g. a thermostat) configured stop an operation of the drying device 100 when the temperature of the dry air supplied through the hot air supply device 110 exceeds a given temperature. In an example, the temperature sensor 170 may be mounted on the hot air supply device 110. For example, the temperature sensor 170 may include a sensor for detecting a temperature of the supply flow path 116.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the air heated in the drying device 100 may be supplied to the inside of the drum 30 through via the tub 20. To ensure a time for which the heated air supplied to the inside of the drum 30 to removes water of laundry, the tub exhaust port 27 may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet 26 through which the heated air from the drying device 100 is supplied to the tub 20. To cause the heated air to come in more contact with laundry by increasing a distance by which the heated air flows inside the drum 30 and/or time for which the heated air flows inside the drum 30, the tub exhaust port 27 may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet 26 through which the heated air from the drying device 100 is supplied to the tub 20. By increasing the time for which the heated air comes in contact with laundry, drying efficiency may be improved.

The air inlet 26 and the tub exhaust port 27 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be arranged to maximize use of the heated air provided from the drying device 100. In an example, the air inlet 26 may be positioned at the front end portion of the tub 20, and the tub exhaust port 27 may be positioned at the rear end portion of the tub 20.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include the connection flow path P through which air discharged from the inside of the tub 20 flows to the drying device 100. The connection flow path P may allow the air discharged from the tub exhaust port 27 to flow to a discharge flow path 146 of the drying device 100. The connection flow path P may be configured to discharge humid air that has passed through the tub 20. In an example, the connection flow path P may be provided on the rear side of the tub 20.

The air inside the tub 20 may be discharged to a tub duct 28 through the tub exhaust port 27 formed in the rear surface of the tub 20. The air discharged to the tub duct 28 may flow along the connection flow path P and be supplied to the drying device 100.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include the tub duct 28 for forming at least a portion of the connection flow path P. In an example, the tub duct 28 may be integrally formed with the tub 20. In an example, the tub 20 may include the tub duct 28. The tub duct 28 may be configured to surround the tub exhaust port 27.

The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include a duct cover 29 for forming at least a portion of the connection flow path P. The duct cover 29 may be configured to cover an open rear surface of the tub duct 28. In an example, the tub 20 may include the duct cover 29. The duct cover 29 may form at least a portion of the connection flow path P through which the air discharged through the tub exhaust port 27 flows to the drying device 100.

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

The tub duct 28 according to an embodiment may include a recess portion 28a forming a portion of the connection flow path P through which the air discharged from the inside of the tub 20 flows. A reinforcing rib 23 for enhancing the rigidity of the tub 20 may be provided on the rear surface of the tub 20, and the recess portion 28a may be provided as a portion recessed from an end of the reinforcing rib 23 protruding from the rear surface of the tub 20. The recess portion 28a may be provided as a portion of the rear surface of the tub 20, on which the reinforcing rib 23 is not formed. The tub exhaust port 27 through which the air is discharged from the inside of the tub 20 may be formed in the recess portion 28a. The tub duct 28 may include a partition rib 28d provided along a circumference of the recess portion 28a. The partition rib 28d may define a region on which the recess portion 28a is formed and a region on which the reinforcing rib 23 is formed, on the rear surface of the tub 20.

The tub duct 28 according to an embodiment may include a duct connecting portion 28b forming another portion of the connection flow path P through which the air that has passed through the recess portion 28a flows. The duct connecting portion 28b may protrude outwardly from an outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. The duct connecting portion 28b may protrude substantially upward from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20.

The duct connecting portion 28b may allow the recess portion 28a to communicate with the drying device 100. The duct connecting portion 28b may be connected to the discharge connection part 143 of the drying device 100. The duct connecting portion 28b, together with the recess portion 28a and the duct cover 29, may form a single passage forming the connection flow path P.

The duct connecting portion 28b may be covered by the duct cover 29. One side of the duct connecting portion 28b may be open. The duct cover 29 may cover the open side of the duct connecting portion 28b.

The duct cover 29 may cover both the recess portion 28a and the duct connecting portion 28b. For example, the duct cover 29 may cover both the open side of the recess portion 28a and the open side of the duct connecting portion 28b. The connection flow path P may be formed by the duct cover 29 covering the recess portion 28a and the duct connecting portion 28b. In an example, the duct cover 29 may cover only the recess portion 28a.

The duct cover 29 may be configured to cover the open rear surface of the recess portion 28a and/or the open rear surface of the duct connecting portion 28b. The connection flow path P may be a single passage formed by the tub duct 28 and the duct cover 29 together.

The tub duct 28 may include a step portion 28c for expanding a cross-sectional area of the connection flow path P. The connection flow path P may be provided such that a width of a portion formed by the duct connecting portion 28b is greater than a width of a portion formed by the recess portion 28a by the step portion 28c.

The drying device 100 may include the discharge device 140 for discharging the air discharged from the tub 20 to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1. The discharge device 140 may be mounted on the drying case 101. The discharge device 140 may be configured to form the discharge flow path 146 for discharging the air discharged from the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10.

The discharge device 140 may include a discharge base 141. The discharge base 141 may be mounted on the drying case 101. The discharge base 141 may form at least a portion of the discharge flow path 146. The discharge base 141 may be provided such that the discharge flow path 146 has a substantially U-shape.

The discharge device 140 may include the discharge cover 142. The discharge cover 142 may be coupled to the discharge base 141. The discharge cover 142 may form at least a portion of the discharge flow path 146. The discharge cover 142 may cover an open portion of the discharge base 141. The discharge cover 142, together with the discharge base 141, may form at least a portion of the discharge flow path 146. In an example, as the discharge cover 142 is coupled to the discharge base 141, at least a portion of the discharge flow path 146 may be formed.

The discharge device 140 may include the discharge connection part 143 connected to the tub 20. The discharge connection part 143 may guide the air that has been discharged from the tub 20 and passed through the connection flow path P. A flow path through which air flows may be formed inside the discharge connection part 143. The discharge connection part 143 may be connected to the duct connecting portion 28b of the tub 20.

In an example, the discharge connection part 143 may include a flexible material. For example, the discharge connection part 143 may have a structure capable of changing in length. For example, the discharge connection part 143 may include an elastic material. For example, the discharge connection part 143 may include a stretchable material. The discharge connection part 143 may be configured to reduce vibration transmission from the tub 20 to the drying device 100. The discharge connection part 143 may seal a space between the duct connecting portion 28b of the tub 20 and the duct guide 144 of the discharge device 140.

The discharge device 140 may include the duct guide 144 connected to the discharge connection part 143. The duct guide 144 may be configured to guide the air that has passed through the discharge connection part 143 to the discharge flow path 146. The duct guide 144 may connect the discharge connection part 143 to the discharge base 141 and/or the discharge cover 142. The duct guide 144 may be configured to change a flow direction of the air discharged from the tub 20 and flowing upward along the connection flow path P. The duct guide 144 may include a material with higher strength than the discharge connection part 143.

The discharge device 140 may include a discharge guide 145 for guiding the air that has passed through the discharge base 141 to the outside of the housing 10. The discharge guide 145 may be connected to the discharge base 141. The discharge guide 145 may be mounted to the guide mounting portion 102 formed in the drying case 101. The guide mounting portion 102 may be positioned on the rear end portion of the drying case 101.

The discharge guide 145 may be positioned at a substantially center portion of the rear end portion of the drying device 100. In an example, the water supply valves 41 and 42 may be positioned on one side of the discharge guide 145, and the terminal module 90 may be positioned on the opposite side of the one side at which the water supply valves 41 and 42 are positioned. The discharge guide 145 may be positioned between the water supply valves 41 and 42 and the terminal module 90 in the rear end portion of the drying device 100.

The drying device 100 may include the discharge filter 150 detachably couplable to the discharge device 140. The discharge filter 150 may filter out foreign matter from the air passing through the discharge device 140. The discharge filter 150 may filter out foreign matter from the air passing through the discharge flow path 146. The discharge filter 150 may be detachably mounted to the discharge base 141 and/or the discharge cover 142. The discharge filter 150 may be configured to be accessible by opening the upper door 19 shown in FIG. 1.

A filter mounting portion 141a for mounting the discharge filter 150 may be provided on the discharge base 141. The filter mounting portion 141a may extend from a front end portion of the discharge base 141 toward the rear. The filter mounting portion 141a may be configured to correspond to the size and/or shape of the discharge filter 150. The filter mounting portion 141a may include a rail on which the discharge filter 150 slides. The discharge filter 150 may be mounted by sliding on the filter mounting portion 141a.

In the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the discharge filter 150 for filtering out foreign matter from the humid air discharged from the tub 20 is provided in the drying device 100 positioned above the tub 20, a user or operator may easily access the discharge filter 150 to maintain and/or repair the discharge filter 150.

The drying device 100 may include a humidity sensor 180 for detecting the humidity of air discharged through the discharge device 140. The humidity sensor 180 may be configured to detect the humidity of the air passing through the discharge flow path 146. In an example, the humidity sensor 180 may be mounted to the discharge device 140.

The drying device 100 may include an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter 108. The EMI filter 108 may be configured to reduce or block electromagnetic interference of the clothes treating apparatus 1. The EMI filter 108 may be mounted to the drying case 101. For example, the EMI filter 108 may be positioned behind the hot air supply device 110. For example, the EMI filter 108 may be positioned at a corner portion of the drying case 101.

In the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the drying heater 120 is provided in the hot air supply device 110 and the discharge filter 150 is provided in the discharge device 140, the discharge filter 150 may be prevented/reduced from being damaged by the drying heater 120.

Referring to FIG. 8, in the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hot air supply device 110 and the discharge device 140 may be provided to be respectively separated from the drying case 101. The hot air supply device 110 and the discharge device 140 may each be provided as separate configurations.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which an exhaust pipe is connected to the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an exhaust pipe 199 for guiding the air discharged through the discharge guide 145 of the drying device 100 to the outside. In a case where the clothes treating apparatus 1 is installed indoors and the exhaust pipe 199 is not connected to the discharge guide 145, the humid air discharged through the discharge guide 145 may be discharged indoors. In a case where the clothes treating apparatus 1 is installed indoors and the exhaust pipe 199 is connected to the discharge guide 145, the humid air discharged through the discharge guide 145 may be guided to outdoors by the exhaust pipe 199 and discharged to the outside.

FIG. 12 shows the hot air supply device of the drying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 shows a state in which a supply cover of the hot air supply device is disassembled according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 shows a drying heater of the drying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the drying device 100 of the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the drying heater 120 disposed inside a hot air supply device 110. At least a portion of the drying heater 120 may be mounted on the supply base 111 of the hot air supply device 110. At least a portion of the drying heater 120 may be mounted on the supply cover 112 of the hot air supply device 110.

The drying heater 120 of the drying device 100 may include a first heater 121 and a second heater 122 having an operating temperature different from that of the first heater 121. In an example, the first heater 121 may be configured to be operable at a first temperature, and the second heater 122 may be configured to be operable at a second temperature greater than the first temperature of the first heater 121. However, the operating temperature of the first heater 121 and the operating temperature of the second heater 122 are not limited thereto, and the operating temperature of the first heater 121 may be provided to be greater than the operating temperature of the second heater 122.

A first power consumption of the first heater 121 may be configured to be different from a second power consumption of the second heater 122. In an example, the second power consumption of the second heater 122 may be provided to be greater than the first power consumption of the first heater 121. For example, the first power consumption of the first heater 121 may be 1500 W, and the second power consumption of the second heater 122 may be 3700 W. The first power consumption of the first heater 121 and the second power consumption of the second heater 122 are not limited thereto, and the first power consumption may be provided to be greater than the second power consumption.

The first heater 121 and the second heater 122 may be arranged in the vertical direction. In an example, the first heater 121 may be positioned above the second heater 122. The arrangement of the first heater 121 and the second heater 122 is not limited thereto, and they may be arranged in a left-to-right direction.

The drying device 100 may include the temperature sensor 170 configured to control the operation of the drying heater 120 based on detecting a temperature of the hot air supply device 110. In an example, the temperature sensor 170 may be mounted on the supply cover 112.

The temperature sensor 170 may include a first temperature sensor 171. In an example, the first temperature sensor 171 may be configured to stop the operation of the drying heater 120 based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 171 reaching a first temperature. For example, the first temperature sensor 171 may be configured to temporarily shut off power to the drying heater 120 based on detecting the first temperature.

The first temperature sensor 171 of the drying device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first bimetal that deforms based on detecting the first temperature. The first temperature sensor 171 may include a first thermostat including a first bimetal. The first bimetal may be deformed to temporarily shut off the power supplied to the drying heater 120 based on exceeding the first temperature.

In an example, the first temperature sensor 171 may include a resettable thermostat. The first temperature sensor 171 may be configured to shut off the power circuit supplied to the drying heater 120 upon exceeding the first temperature, and then turn back on the power circuit supplied to the drying heater 120 upon returning to or below the first temperature.

The first temperature sensor 171 may be configured to operate while the supply fan 130 is stopped and the drying heater 120 is operating. The first temperature sensor 171 may be configured to stop the operation of the drying heater 120 while the supply fan 130 is in an inoperable state, to prevent ignition in the event that the operation of the drying heater 120 causes the hot air supply device 110 to overheat.

The temperature sensor 170 may include a second temperature sensor 172. In an example, the second temperature sensor 172 may be configured to stop the operation of the drying heater 120 based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 172 reaching a second temperature. In an example, the second temperature may include a temperature higher than the first temperature. For example, the second temperature sensor 172 may be configured to permanently shut off the power supplied to the drying heater 120 based on detecting the second temperature.

The second temperature sensor 172 of the drying device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second bimetal that deforms based on detecting the second temperature. The second temperature sensor 172 may include a second thermostat including the second bimetal. The second bimetal may be deformed to permanently shut off the power supplied to the drying heater 120 based on exceeding the second temperature.

In an example, the second temperature sensor 172 may include a non-resettable thermostat. The second temperature sensor 172 may be configured to disconnect the power circuit supplied to the drying heater 120 upon exceeding the second temperature, and not to reconnect the power circuit supplied to the drying heater 120 even when the temperature returns to or below the second temperature. The second temperature sensor 172 may be configured to reconnect the power circuit supplied to the drying heater 120 after disconnecting the power circuit supplied to the drying heater 120, either by manual reset or by replacement.

The second temperature sensor 172 may be configured to operate while the first temperature sensor 171 has stopped the operation of the drying heater 120. The second temperature sensor 172 may be configured to operate when the first temperature sensor 171 temporarily disconnects the power supplied to the drying heater 120 based on detecting the first temperature.

The first temperature sensor 171 may be disposed at a position where heat is transferred faster than the position where the second temperature sensor 172 is disposed. The first temperature sensor 171 may be disposed at a position that transfers a greater amount of heat than the position where the second temperature sensor 172 is disposed.

The second temperature sensor 172 may be disposed at a position where heat is transferred slower than the position where the first temperature sensor 171 is disposed. The second temperature sensor 172 may be disposed at a position a smaller amount of heat is transferred than the position where the first temperature sensor 171 is disposed.

The first temperature sensor 171 may be disposed at a first position of the hot air supply device 110. The second temperature sensor 172 may be disposed at a second position different from the first position of the hot air supply device 110. The first position of the hot air supply device 110 may include a position that is most sensitive to when the drying heater 120 overheats. The first position of the hot air supply device 110 may include a position where the temperature rises the fastest when the drying heater 120 overheats. The second position of the hot air supply device 110 may include a position that is most insensitive to when the supply fan 130 and the drying heater 120 stop abnormally.

The first position may be provided as a position in the hot air supply device 110 to which heat from the drying heater 120 is transferred more rapidly than the second position. The first position may be provided as a position in the hot air supply device 110 that receives more heat from the drying heater 120 than the second position. In an example, the first position may include a portion of an upper surface of the hot air supply device 110. For example, the first position may include a portion of the upper surface of the hot air supply device 110 that is located above the drying heater 120.

The second position may be provided as a position in the hot air supply device 110 that is most affected by residual heat of the drying heater 120 while the operation of the drying heater 120 is stopped by the first temperature sensor 171. In an example, the second position may include a portion of a side surface of the hot air supply device 110. For example, the second position may include a portion of the side surface of the hot air supply device 110 that is located between the supply fan 130 and the drying heater 120.

The temperature sensor 170 may include a third temperature sensor 173. The third temperature sensor 173 may be configured to stop the operation of the drying heater 120 based on detecting the first temperature. In an example, the third temperature sensor 173 may be configured to temporarily shut off the power supplied to the drying heater 120 based on detecting the first temperature.

The third temperature sensor 173 may include a third bimetal that is deformable based on detecting the first temperature. The third temperature sensor 173 may include a third thermostat including the third bimetal. The third bimetal may be deformed to temporarily shut off the power supplied to the drying heater 120 based on exceeding the first temperature. In an example, the third bimetal of the third temperature sensor 173 may be configured to be the same as the first bimetal of the first temperature sensor 171.

The third temperature sensor 173 may include a resettable thermostat. The third temperature sensor 173 may be configured to shut off the power circuit supplied to the drying heater 120 when the temperature exceeds the first temperature, and then reconnect the power circuit supplied to the drying heater 120 when the temperature returns to or below the first temperature.

The third temperature sensor 173 may be configured to operate while the supply fan 130 is stopped and the drying heater 120 is operating. The third temperature sensor 173 may be configured to stop the operation of the drying heater 120 while the supply fan 130 is in an inoperable state, to prevent ignition in the event that the operation of the drying heater 120 causes the hot air supply device 110 to overheat.

The third temperature sensor 173 may be disposed at a position where a large amount of residual heat is transferred when the drying heater 120 is operated and then stopped. The third temperature sensor 173 may be disposed at a third position. The third position may be arranged to be different from the first and second positions. The third position may be arranged closer to the first position than the second position. The third position may be arranged adjacent to the first position. In an example, the third position may include a portion of the upper surface of the hot air supply device 110. For example, the third position may include a portion of the upper surface of the hot air supply device 110 that is located above the drying heater 120.

The third position may be provided as a position in the hot air supply device 110 to which heat from the drying heater 120 is transferred more rapidly than the second position. The third position may be provided as a position in the hot air supply device 110 to which heat from the drying heater 120 is transferred more slowly than the first position. The third position may be provided as a position in the hot air supply device 110 that receives more heat from the drying heater 120 than the second position. The third position may be provided as a position in the hot air supply device 110 that receives less heat from the drying heater 120 than the first position.

The third temperature sensor 173 may be disposed at a position that transfers heat faster than the position where the second temperature sensor 172 is disposed. The third temperature sensor 173 may be disposed at a position that transfers a greater amount of heat than the position where the second temperature sensor 172 is disposed.

The second temperature sensor 172 may be disposed at a position that transfers heat slower than the position where the third temperature sensor 173 is disposed. The second temperature sensor 172 may be disposed at a position that transfers a smaller amount of heat than the position where the third temperature sensor 173 is disposed.

The third temperature sensor 173 may be disposed at a position where heat is transferred slower than the position where the first temperature sensor 171 is disposed. The third temperature sensor 173 may be disposed at a position that transfers a smaller amount of heat than the position where the first temperature sensor 171 is disposed.

The first temperature sensor 171 may be disposed at a position where heat is transferred faster than the position where the third temperature sensor 173 is disposed. The first temperature sensor 171 may be disposed at a position that transfers a greater amount of heat than the position where the third temperature sensor 173 is disposed.

In a case where the first temperature sensor 171 is inoperable, the third temperature sensor 173 may temporarily shut off the power supplied to the drying heater 120 based on detecting the first temperature. In a case where the first temperature sensor 171 is inoperable, the third temperature sensor 173 may prevent a fire from occurring due to overheating of the drying heater 120. In an example, the third temperature sensor 173 may be omitted.

The second position at which the second temperature sensor 172 is disposed may be configured such that it does not disconnect even when a temperature value at the first or third position of the hot air supply device 110 reaches a first temperature value. For example, the second temperature at which the second temperature sensor 172 disconnects may be provided to be at least 20° C. higher than the first temperature at which the first temperature sensor 171 and the third temperature sensor 173 are disconnected.

FIG. 15 shows a coupling of the drying heater and a first heater supporter of the drying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 shows a state in which the first heater supporter of the drying device is coupled to the drying heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of portion A shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 shows a coupling of the drying heater and a second heater supporter of the drying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 shows a state in which the second heater supporter of the drying device is coupled to the drying heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 15 to 19, the drying device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a heater supporter 190 for supporting the drying heater 120. The heater supporter 190 may support the drying heater 120 such that sagging of the drying heater 120 under its own weight is reduced. The heater supporter 190 may support the drying heater 120 in the direction of gravity.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the heater supporter 190 may include a first heater supporter 191. In an example, the first heater supporter 191 may be configured to support a central portion of the drying heater 120. The first heater supporter 191 may be coupled to the central portion of the drying heater 120. The first heater supporter 191 may be mounted on the supply base 111.

The first heater supporter 191 may include a first heater receiving portion 191a for receiving at least a portion of the drying heater 120. At least a portion of the drying heater 120 may be received and supported in the first heater receiving portion 191a. For example, the first heater supporter 191 may be formed by bending a flat plate several times, and the first heater receiving portion 191a may be disposed between the several bent portions.

Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, the first heater supporter 191 may include a first heater fixing portion 191b for fixing to the drying heater 120. The first heater fixing portion 191b may be provided at an end of the first heater supporter 191. In an example, the first heater fixing portion 191b may include a deformable material. The first heater fixing portion 191b may be deformed in a direction to be in close contact with the drying heater 120. The first heater fixing portion 191b may also be deformed in a direction away from the drying heater 120.

Referring to FIG. 17, in a state where the first heater supporter 191 is coupled to the drying heater 120, the first heater supporter 191 may be fixed to the drying heater 120 by deforming the first heater fixing portion 191b in a direction to fit tightly against the drying heater 120. In a state where the first heater supporter 191 is fixed to the drying heater 120, the first heater supporter 191 may be separated from the drying heater 120 by deforming the first heater fixing portion 191b in a direction away from the drying heater 120.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the heater supporter 190 may include a second heater supporter 192. In an example, the second heater supporter 192 may be configured to support a side portion of the drying heater 120. The second heater supporter 192 may be coupled to the side portion of the drying heater 120. For example, the second heater supporters 192 may be provided in a plurality to be coupled to both side portions of the drying heater 120.

The second heater supporter 192 may include a second heater receiving portion 192a for receiving at least a portion of the drying heater 120. At least a portion of the drying heater 120 may be received and supported in the second heater receiving portion 192a. For example, the second heater supporter 192 may be formed by bending a flat plate multiple times, and the second heater receiving portion 192a may be disposed between the several bent portions.

The second heater supporter 192 may include a second heater fixing portion 192b for fixing to the drying heater 120. The second heater fixing portion 192b may be provided at an end of the second heater supporter 192. In an example, the second heater fixing portion 192b may include an elastic material. In an example, the second heater fixing portion 192b may include a deformable and restorable material. The second heater fixing portion 192b may be deformed to allow at least a portion of the drying heater 120 to be received in the second heater receiving portion 192a while the second heater supporter 192 is coupled to the drying heater 120. When at least a portion of the drying heater 120 is received in the second heater receiving portion 192a, the second heater fixing portion 192b may be restored such that the second heater supporter 192 is fixed to the drying heater 120.

In an example, one of the first heater supporter 191 and the second heater supporter 192 may be omitted.

FIG. 20 is a control block diagram of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 20, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the controller 80. The controller 80 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 80 may control the control panel 15, the drive device 36, the water supply device 40, the drain pump 71, the circulation pump 76, the drying device 100, and a communication interface 89. In an example, the controller 80 may be electrically connected to the first temperature sensor 171, the second temperature sensor 172, the third temperature sensor 173, and the humidity sensor 180.

The controller 80 may include a processor 81 and a memory 82. The memory 82 may include volatile memory (e.g., S-RAM, D-RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM). The processor 81 and the memory 82 may be implemented on separate chips or on a single chip. In addition, a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories may be provided. The processor 81 may process various data and various signals using instructions, data, programs, and/or software stored in the memory 82. The processor 81 may include a single core or a plurality of cores. The processor 81 may generate control signals for controlling the components of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

The control panel 15 may acquire various user inputs and may output various information regarding the operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1. The control panel 15 may include an input interface 15a and an output interface 15b.

The input interface 15a may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal. For example, the input interface 15a may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash/rinse/spin-dry setting button. The input interface 15a 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 output interface 15b may visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1 to the user. For example, the output interface 15b may provide various information to the user, such as a washing course, a washing setting, a rinsing setting, a spinning setting, a drying course, a drying setting, and/or an operation time of the clothes treating apparatus 1. Information regarding the operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be output via a screen, an indicator, voice, and the like. The output interface 15b may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, and the like.

The controller 80 may control the operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1 based on a user input acquired through the control panel 15. For example, the controller 80 may turn the clothes treating apparatus 1 on or off based on user input to turn the clothes treating apparatus 1 on or off. The controller 300 may determine an operation course of the clothes treating apparatus 1 based on the user input for setting the operation course of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

The operation course of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be provided in various ways. For example, the operation courses of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be broadly categorized into a washing course, a drying course, and a heat exchanger cleaning course.

The washing course may be provided in various ways depending on the type (e.g., clothes, bedding, underwear, etc.) and material (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.) of the laundry. For example, the washing course may include at least one of a standard course, a heavy-duty course, a delicate course, a bedding course, a baby clothes course, a towel course, a boiling course, and an outdoor clothing course. Each of a plurality of washing courses may include different washing settings (e.g., washing temperature, number of rinses, spin intensity, etc.). When one of the plurality of washing courses is selected through the control panel 15 or an external user device, the controller 80 may control the clothes treating apparatus 1 to perform a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle corresponding to the selected washing course. In addition, the washing course may include a rinsing and spinning course, excluding the washing cycle, a rinsing course, and a spinning course. The washing course is not limited to the examples described above.

The drying course may be provided in various ways depending on the type (e.g., clothes, bedding, underwear, etc.) and material (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.) of an object to be dried. For example, the drying course may include at least one of a standard dry, a heavy-duty dry, a delicate dry, a bedding dry, a baby clothes dry, a towel dry, and an outdoor clothing dry. Each of a plurality of drying courses may include different drying settings (e.g., drying temperature, drying time, etc.). When one of the plurality of drying courses is selected through the control panel 15 or an external user device, the controller 80 may control the clothes treating apparatus 1 to perform a drying cycle corresponding to the selected drying course. The drying course is not limited to the examples described above.

The controller 80 may control the control panel 15 to output various information regarding the operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1. For example, the control panel 15 may visually and/or audibly output information regarding an operation course, an operation time, a washing setting, a rinsing setting, a spinning setting, and/or a drying setting of the clothes treating apparatus 1. The control panel 15 may output information regarding an abnormal state of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

The drive device 36 may rotate the drum 30 under control of the controller 80. The drive device 36 may include a drive motor. The controller 80 may control the drive motor to regulate a rotation speed of the drum 30.

The water supply device 40 may selectively supply water to the tub 20. The water supply device 40 may include the water supply pipes 43 and 44 connected to an external water source, and the water supply valves 41 and 42 that open or close the water supply pipes. The water supply device 40 may include the first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply valve 42. As described above, the first water supply valve 41 may correspond to a hot water valve. The second water supply valve 42 may correspond to a cold water valve. The water supply pipes 43 and 44 may include a first water supply pipe corresponding to a hot water pipe 43 and a second water supply pipe corresponding to a cold water pipe 44.

The controller 80 may control the opening and closing of each of the first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply valve 42. The controller 80 may adjust the 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 based on an electrical signal transmitted from the controller 80. The second water supply valve 42 may open or close the second water supply pipe based on an electrical signal transmitted from the controller 80.

The drain pump 71 may discharge water in the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10. The controller 80 may control the drain pump 71 such that water in the tub 20 is discharged to the outside via the drain pipe 73.

The circulation pump 76 may direct water in the tub 20 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 80 may control the circulation pump 76 such that water in the tub 20 circulates through the lower detergent supply device 60.

The drying device 100 may heat air, and may supply the heated air to the tub 20. The controller 80 may operate the drying device 100 to dry the laundry located inside the drum 30. To generate dried and heated air, the drying device 100 may include the supply fan 130 and the drying heater 120.

The controller 80 may control the supply fan 130 and the drying heater 120 included in the drying device 100. The drying heater 120 may heat air, and the supply fan 130 may blow air heated by the drying heater 120 to the tub 20. The controller 80 may operate the supply fan 130 to supply the dried and heated air into the drum 30. The controller 80 may adjust the rotation speed of the supply fan 130. Depending on the rotation speed of the supply fan 130, the flow rate of the air supplied into the drum 30 may vary.

In an example, the first temperature sensor 171 may detect a temperature at the first position of the hot air supply device 110 and may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the temperature of the hot air supply device 110 to the controller 80. The first temperature sensor 171 may transmit a first temperature value of the hot air supply device 110 to the controller 80. The controller 80 may determine the first temperature value of the hot air supply device 110 based on the electrical signal transmitted from the first temperature sensor 171. The first temperature sensor 171 may be positioned at the first position of the hot air supply device 110.

In an example, the second temperature sensor 172 may detect a temperature at the second position of the hot air supply device 110 and may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the temperature of the hot air supply device 110 to the controller 80. The second temperature sensor 172 may transmit a second temperature value of the hot air supply device 110 to the controller 80. The controller 80 may determine the second temperature value of the hot air supply device 110 based on the electrical signal transmitted from the second temperature sensor 172. The second temperature sensor 172 may be positioned at the second position of the hot air supply device 110.

The second position may be a different position from the first position. The first position may be arranged such that heat from the drying heater 120 is transferred more rapidly than the second position.

In an example, the third temperature sensor 173 may detect a temperature at the third position of the hot air supply device 110 and may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the temperature of the hot air supply device 110 to the controller 80. The third temperature sensor 173 may transmit a third temperature value of the hot air supply device 110 to the controller 80. The controller 80 may determine the third temperature value of the hot air supply device 110 based on the electrical signal transmitted from the third temperature sensor 173. The third temperature value may be the same as the first temperature value. The third temperature sensor 173 may be located at the third position of the hot air supply device 110.

The first temperature sensor 171, the second temperature sensor 172, and the third temperature sensor 173 shown in FIG. 12 may each include a thermostat that may shut off the power supplied to the drying heater 120 when the temperature of a portion of the hot air supply device 110 reaches a predetermined temperature.

The first temperature sensor 171, the second temperature sensor 172, and the third temperature sensor 173 shown in FIG. 20 may include sensors that detect the temperature of a portion of the hot air supply device 110 and transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the temperature to the controller 80. The controller 80 may shut off the power supplied to the drying heater 120 based on the electrical signals received from the first temperature sensor 171, the second temperature sensor 172, and the third temperature sensor 173.

The humidity sensor 180 may detect the humidity of the air discharged from the tub 20, and may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the humidity of the air discharged from the tub 20 to the controller 80. The controller 80 may determine a humidity value of the air discharged from the tub 20 based on the electrical signal received from the humidity sensor 180. In an example, the humidity sensor 180 may be provided on one side of the discharge flow path 146 closer to the discharge guide 145 than the duct guide 144.

For example, the electrical signal corresponding to the humidity of the air discharged from the tub 20 may be a voltage, and the controller 80 may determine the humidity value of the air discharged from the tub 20 based on the magnitude of the voltage. Because the humidity value of the air discharged from the tub 20 corresponds to the magnitude of the voltage, the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 180 in the present disclosure may refer to an electrical signal output from the humidity sensor 180 and/or the humidity value determined by the controller 80 based on the electrical signal output from the humidity sensor 180.

The communication interface 89 may include various communication circuitry for performing wired and/or wireless communication with an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and/or another home appliance). The user device may include a variety of electronic devices, such as a smartphone, a notebook, a laptop, a smartwatch, a handheld tablet, a speaker, or the like. User input may be acquired not only through the control panel 15 but also through the user device.

The communication interface 89 may include at least one of a short-range communication circuitry and a long-range communication circuitry. The communication interface 89 may transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication interface 89 may support cellular communication, wireless local area network (WLAN), home radio frequency (Home RF), infrared communication, ultra-wideband (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, AD-HOC, and/or Zigbee. The communication technologies supported by the communication interface 89 are not limited to the examples described above.

The communication interface 89 may also communicate with an external device via an access point (AP). The AP may connect a LAN to which the clothes treating apparatus 1 is connected to a WAN to which a server is connected. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may be connected to the server via the WAN.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a control method of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 21, the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may perform a fire prevention control to prevent a fire caused by overheating of the drying heater 120. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may start operation of the drying heater 120 based on a condition for starting a drying cycle being satisfied (1000).

Based on the start of operation of the drying heater 120, the temperature of the hot air supply device 110 may increase. The first temperature sensor 171 may detect whether the temperature value of the first position of the hot air supply device 110 has reached a predetermined first temperature value (1100). In an example, the temperature value of the first position of the hot air supply device 110 reaching the first temperature value may include a case where the supply fan 130 is inoperable.

Based on the detection of the first temperature value by the first temperature sensor 171, the power supplied to the drying heater 120 may be temporarily shut off (1200). In an example, the first temperature sensor 171 may temporarily shut off the power supplied to the drying heater 120 based on the temperature value of the first position of the hot air supply device 110 reaching the first temperature value. In an example, the controller 80 may temporarily shut off the power supplied to the drying heater 120 in response to the detection by the first temperature sensor 171 that the temperature value of the first position of the hot air supply device 110 has reached the first temperature value.

Based on the first temperature value not being detected by the first temperature sensor 171, the third temperature sensor 173 may detect whether the temperature value of the third position of the hot air supply device 110 has reached the predetermined first temperature value (1300). In an example, the first temperature value not being detected by the first temperature sensor 171 may include a case where the first temperature sensor 171 is inoperable.

Based on the first temperature value being detected by the third temperature sensor 173, the power supplied to the drying heater 120 may be temporarily shut off (1200). In an example, the third temperature sensor 173 may temporarily shut off the power supplied to the drying heater 120 based on the temperature value of the third position of the hot air supply device 110 reaching the first temperature value. In an example, the controller 80 may temporarily shut off the power supplied to the drying heater 120 in response to the detection by the third temperature sensor 173 that the temperature value of the third position of the hot air supply device 110 has reached the first temperature value.

Based on the first temperature value not being detected by the third temperature sensor 173, the first temperature sensor 171 may again detect whether the temperature value of the first position of the hot air supply device 110 has reached the first temperature value (1100).

When the power of the drying heater 120 is temporarily shut off, the temperature value of the hot air supply device 110 may increase due to latent heat. After the power of the drying heater 120 is temporarily shut off, the second temperature sensor 172 may detect whether the temperature value of the second position of the hot air supply device 110 has reached a predetermined second temperature value (1400). The second temperature value may be higher than the first temperature value.

Based on the second temperature value being detected by the second temperature sensor 172, the power supplied to the drying heater 120 may be permanently shut off (1500). In an example, the second temperature sensor 172 may permanently shut off the power supplied to the drying heater 120 based on the temperature value of the second position of the hot air supply device 110 reaching the second temperature value. In an example, the controller 80 may permanently shut off t the power supplied to the drying heater 120 in response to the detection by the second temperature sensor 172 that the temperature value of the second position of the hot air supply device 110 has reached the second temperature value. Based on the power supplied to the drying heater 120 being permanently shut off, the fire prevention control may be terminated.

In an example, based on the second temperature value not being detected by the second temperature sensor 172, the controller 80 may determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed (1600). Based on the predetermined time not having elapsed, the second temperature sensor 172 may detect whether the temperature value of the second position of the hot air supply device 110 has reached the second temperature value (1400). Based on the predetermined time having elapsed, the controller 80 may restore the power supplied to the drying heater 120.

In an example, based on the second temperature value not being detected by the second temperature sensor 172, the first temperature sensor 171 and/or the third temperature sensor 173 may be provided to automatically restore the power supplied to the drying heater 120 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Based on restoring the power supplied to the drying heater 120, the fire prevention control may be terminated.

A clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment includes a tub, and a drying device above the tub. The drying device includes a hot air supply device configured to supply heated air into the tub, the hot air supply device including a drying heater that is operable to heat air passing through the hot air supply device, a first thermostat at a first position in the hot air supply device, the first thermostat configured to stop the drying heater from operating based on the temperature detected by the first thermostat reaching a first temperature when the drying heater is operating to heat the air, a second thermostat at a second position different from the first position in the hot air supply device, the second thermostat configured to stop the drying heater from operating based on the temperature detected by the second thermostat reaching a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature, and a discharge device configured to discharge air discharged from the tub to an outside.

The first thermostat may be configured to stop the drying heater from operating by temporarily shutting off power supplied to the drying heater when the temperature detected by the first thermostat reaches the first temperature. The second thermostat may be configured to stop the drying heater from operating by permanently shutting off the power supplied to the drying heater when the temperature detected by the second thermostat reaches the second temperature.

The first thermostat may include a first bimetal that deforms when the temperature detected by the first thermostat reaches the first temperature. The second thermostat may include a second bimetal that deforms when the temperature detected by the second thermostat reaches the second temperature that is higher than the first temperature.

The first position at which the first thermostat is disposed may be provided as a position to which heat from the drying heater is transferred more rapidly than the second position at which the second thermostat is disposed.

The first position at which the first thermostat is disposed may be provided as a position that receives more heat from the drying heater than the second position at which the second thermostat is disposed.

The second position at which the second thermostat is disposed in the hot air supply device may be most affected by a residual heat of the drying heater while the operation of the drying heater is stopped by the first thermostat.

The drying device may include a supply fan configured to blow the air heated by the drying heater to the tub. The first thermostat may be configured to detect the temperature while an operation of the supply fan is stopped and the drying heater is operating.

The second thermostat may be configured to detect the temperature while the first thermostat stops the drying heater from operating based on the temperature detected by the first thermostat reaching the first temperature.

the drying heater may include a first heater having a first power consumption; and a second heater having a second power consumption greater than the first power consumption.

The clothes treating apparatus may further comprises a third thermostat at a third position different from the first position and the second position in the hot air supply device, the third thermostat configured to, when the drying heater is operating to heat the air, stop the drying heater from operating based on the temperature detected by the third thermostat reaching the first temperature.

The third thermostat may include a third bimetal that deforms when the temperature detected by the third thermostat reaches the first temperature. The third thermostat may be configured to temporarily shut off power supplied to the drying heater based on the temperature detected by the third thermostat reaching the first temperature.

The third position at which the third thermostat is disposed may be provided as a position to which heat from the drying heater is transferred more rapidly than the second position at which the second thermostat is disposed, and to which heat from the drying heater is transferred more slowly than the first position at which the first thermostat is disposed.

The third position at which the third thermostat is disposed may be a position that receives more heat in the air from the drying heater than the second position at which the second thermostat is disposed, and that receives less heat in the air from the drying heater than the first position at which the first thermostat is disposed.

The drying device may include a heater supporter to support the drying heater in a direction of gravity.

The heater supporter may include a first heater supporter to support a central portion of the drying heater, and a second heater supporter to support a side portion of the drying heater.

A clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment includes a tub, and a drying device provided above the tub, the drying device including a hot air supply device for supplying heated air into the tub and a discharge device for discharging air discharged from the tub to an outside. The drying device includes a drying heater provided in the hot air supply device, and at least one temperature sensor disposed above the drying heater, at an upper portion of the hot air supply device.

The at least one temperature sensor may be configured to stop an operation of the drying heater based on detecting a first temperature.

The at least one temperature sensor may include at least one thermostat including at least one bimetal that deforms based on detecting the first temperature.

The clothes treating apparatus may further include a controller for controlling the drying heater based on a temperature detected by the at least one temperature sensor. The controller may be configured to shut off power supplied to the drying heater based on the at least one temperature sensor detecting the first temperature.

The drying device may include a supply fan for blowing air heat-exchanged in the drying heater to the tub. The at least one temperature sensor may be configured to operate while an operation of the supply fan is stopped and the drying heater is operating.

According to the concept of the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus may include the heater with high power consumption, thereby improving drying performance.

According to the concept of the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus may include the heater with high power consumption, thereby shortening drying time.

According to the concept of the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus may be configured to stop the operation of the drying heater based on the temperatures detected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, thereby improving safety.

Effects that may be achieved according to the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the disclosure belongs from the following descriptions.

So far, specific embodiments have been shown and described. However, the disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs without departing from the gist of the technical idea of the disclosure defined by the claims below.