CLOTHING DRYER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME

Abstract

A clothing dryer, and a method performed thereby, to identify the degree of clogging of a filter for collecting foreign substances generated according to a drying operation in a clothing dryer are provided. The clothing dryer includes a display, an expansion valve provided in a heat pump, and a controller identifying the degree of clogging of a filter.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to a clothing dryer. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a clothing dryer and method for detecting foreign substances accumulated in a filter member based on data obtained by detecting the opening rate of an expansion valve and leading to filter cleaning.

Description of Related Art

A clothing dryer is a home appliance that serves to dry wet laundry (hereinafter referred to as a dried object) with hot and dry air.

In general, when drying laundry is performed using a clothing dryer, foreign substances such as lint or dust are generated due to friction between the dried objects or friction between the dried object and the drum. When foreign substances accumulate in the air flow path, the flow of air inside the clothing dryer may not be smooth, and the air volume for drying may be reduced. Further, when foreign substances penetrate components such as a motor and a fan, a failure of the clothing dryer may occur. Therefore, a filter may be disposed at one point of the air flow path to filter out foreign substances.

However, accumulation of foreign substances accumulate in the filter may interfere with the flow of air, and the foreign substances may leave the filter and enter the electronic components of the clothing dryer. Accordingly, the drying performance of the clothing dryer may be deteriorated. Therefore, in order to maintain the performance of the clothing dryer, it is necessary to remove foreign substances not to accumulate in the filter at a predetermined level or higher.

The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a clothing dryer and a method capable of detecting foreign substances accumulated in a filter based on data provided from an expansion valve and transmitting a notification for leading to filter cleaning.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a clothing dryer is provided. The clothing dryer includes an expansion valve provided in a heat pump, memory storing one or more computer programs, and at least one controller. The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller individually or collectively, may cause the clothing dryer to obtain valve data corresponding to an opening rate of the expansion valve for a preset time, generate a plurality of variables based on the obtained valve data, and identify a clogging level of a filter based on the plurality of variables. The plurality of variables includes a difference value between maximum valve data and minimum valve data included in the valve data, a sum of the valve data, and a time when the valve data reaches a value lower than a preset value.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method performed by a clothing dryer including a heat pump is provided. The method may include obtaining at least one valve data corresponding to an opening rate of an expansion valve included in the heat pump for a preset time, generating a plurality of variables based on the valve data, and identifying a clogging level of the filter based on the plurality of variables. The plurality of variables includes a difference value between maximum valve data and minimum valve data included in the valve data, a sum of the valve data, and a time when the valve data reaches a value lower than a preset value.

The clothing dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure may detect the degree of accumulation of foreign substances filtered by the filter and provide the same to the user.

The clothing dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure may adaptively guide the user to clean the filter according to the degree of accumulation of foreign substances filtered by the filter.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a clothing dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a clothing dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a base of a clothing dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a refrigerant cycle generated in a clothing dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a clothing dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of identifying a filter clogging level in a clothing dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of identifying a filter clogging level in a clothing dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a user interface of a filter cleaning notification displayed on a display, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a user interface of a filter cleaning notification displayed on an external device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

Any of the functions or operations described herein, such as any functions or operations described herein as being performed by a controller, can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g. a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display drive integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an integrated circuit (IC), or the like.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a clothing dryer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a clothing dryer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In other words, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken in parallel with the x-z plane at one point of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the direction along the x-axis may be defined as a front and rear direction of the clothing dryer 1, the direction along the y-axis may be defined as a left and right direction of the clothing dryer 1, and the direction along the z-axis may be defined as a vertical direction of the clothing dryer 1. The terms “front and rear direction”, “left and right direction”, and “upper and lower direction” to be used below are defined with respect to the illustrated drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the clothing dryer 1 may heat air circulating therein to dry the dried object. The clothing dryer 1 may be divided into a heater type, a heat pump type, or a hybrid type based on the method of heating air. The hybrid type may heat air, e.g., using the heater type and the heat pump type together or alternately. It is assumed that the clothing dryer 1 to be described in the disclosure is a heat pump-type or hybrid-type clothing dryer 1. Accordingly, the clothing dryer 1 may or may not include a heater (e.g., the heater 75 of FIG. 4) as needed.

According to an embodiment, the clothing dryer 1 may include a main body 10. The main body 10 may form an exterior of the clothing dryer 1. The main body 10 may be formed of at least one of metal or plastic. The clothing dryer 1 may be provided in various shapes, but may be provided in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

According to an embodiment, the main body 10 may include a front surface 11, an upper cover 12, a left/right side cover 13, a rear cover 14, or a lower surface 15. The components included in the main body 10 may be configured individually or integrally. For example, the left/right side cover 13 and the rear cover 14 included in the main body 10 may be integrally formed to form a side and rear cover. The front surface 11, upper cover 12, left/right side cover 13, rear cover 14, or lower surface 15 included in the main body 10 may form an internal housing. The inner housing may include an inner space in which various components constituting the clothing dryer 1 may be stored or mounted.

According to an embodiment, a water container 16 may be provided in the main body 10. The water container 16 may be provided at an upper portion of the main body 10. The water container 16 may be assembled in a recessed portion formed at a point of an upper portion of the front surface 11. The water container 16 may be detachably fixed from the recessed portion. The water container 16 may be provided to collect condensate generated by the refrigerant cycle of the clothing dryer 1.

According to an embodiment, the main body 10 may include a user interface 17. The user interface 17 may include a user input for receiving the user's input and a user output for visually or audibly transferring information to the user.

According to an embodiment, the user input may include a dial button 17a. The dial button 17a may be implemented as a dial or a jog shuttle. The dial button 17a may have a wheel structure. The dial button 17a may receive a user input by rotating clockwise or counterclockwise.

According to an embodiment, the user input may include a button 17c. The button 17c may receive a user input by touching or pressing. The button 17c may detect the user's touch in a capacitive or resistive manner, or may detect an input by physical pressing.

According to an embodiment, the user output may include a display 17b. The display 17b may visually output information to be transferred to the user. The user output includes a speaker (not shown) and may audibly output information to be transferred to the user.

According to an embodiment, the main body 10 may include a base 60. The base 60 may be provided under the main body 10 to form the lower surface 15. For example, the base 60 may form a bottom surface in the inner housing of the main body 10. A leg 19 for supporting the main body 10 may be provided on the lower surface 15. The leg 19 may separate the main body 10 from the bottom surface by a predetermined distance. For example, a plurality of legs 19 may be provided on the lower surface 15 to stably support the main body 10.

According to an embodiment, the clothing dryer 1 may include the drum 20 provided to accommodate the dried object in the inner housing. The drum 20 may include an entrance of the drum into which the dried object is put. The entrance of the drum may be defined as a first opening 25. The drum 20 may be rotatably disposed in the inner housing of the main body 10.

According to an embodiment, the clothing dryer 1 may include a driver (e.g., the driver 160 of FIG. 5) for rotating the drum 20. The driver 160 may include a motor (e.g., the motor 31 of FIG. 3), a pulley (e.g., the pulley 32 of FIG. 3) or a belt (e.g., the belt 33 of FIG. 4) seated on the base 60. The pulley 32 may be rotated by the motor 31. The belt 33 may connect the pulley 32 and the drum 20 to transfer power of the motor 31 to the drum 20.

According to an embodiment, the drum 20 may include an inlet 21 through which air flows into the drum 20 and an outlet 22 through which air flows out of the drum 20. The inlet 21 may be formed on one side of the drum 20, and the outlet 22 may be formed on the other side of the drum 20. The inlet 21 may be, e.g., a rear opening of the drum 20. The outlet 22 may be, e.g., a front opening (e.g., the first opening 25) of the drum 20. For example, the front opening of the drum 20 may be an entrance of the drum.

According to an embodiment, hot and dry air may be introduced into the drum 20 through the inlet 21 to dry the dried object accommodated in the drum 20. Air used for drying the dried object may escape out of the drum 20 through the outlet 22. The air exiting the drum 20 through the outlet 22 may contain a large amount of moisture.

According to an embodiment, a plurality of lifters 24 may be disposed inside the drum 20. The lifter 24 may raise or drop the dried object to contact hot air while the dried object is floating in the space inside the drum 20.

According to an embodiment, a door 30 for opening and closing the first opening 25 may be installed on the front surface of the main body 10. The door 30 may be hinged to one side of the first opening 25 to be rotatable.

According to an embodiment, the base 60 may be disposed under the drum 20. Referring to FIG. 4, a heat pump 70 forming a refrigerant cycle may be seated on the base 60. The heat pump 70 may include an evaporator 71, a condenser 72, a compressor 73, and an expansion valve 74. The refrigerant cycle circulating in the heat pump 70 is described below in detail with reference to FIG. 4. Further, the blower fan 34 or the driving motor 31 may be seated on the base 60. A base cover may be provided on the base 60 to cover, e.g., the heat pump 70. For example, the base cover 64 may form a duct structure together with the base 60.

According to an embodiment, the blower fan 34 may be provided on the base 60. The blower fan 34 may generate a blowing force based on the power transferred by the driving motor 31 to form a flow path of air. For example, the blower fan 34 may discharge air radially. To that end, the blower fan 34 may include a rotation shaft formed in a central portion and a plurality of blades formed in a circumferential direction about the rotation shaft.

According to an embodiment, a refrigerant cycle for heating and condensing air may be formed inside the main body 10. The refrigerant cycle may correspond to a series of circulation processes including compression-condensation-expansion-evaporation. The main body 10 may include an evaporator 71, a condenser 72, a compressor 73, and an expansion valve 74 to form a refrigerant cycle. The evaporator 71 and the condenser 72 may exchange heat with air.

According to an embodiment, while the clothing dryer 1 performs a drying operation, a closed flow path may be formed inside the main body 10. Here, the closed flow path may be understood as a movement path (see arrow in FIG. 2) of air formed to circulate air inside the drum 20 through the heat pump 70 and the drum 20. The closed flow path may form a flow path so that air outside the main body 10 does not flow into the drum 20 or air inside the drum 20 does not flow out of the main body 10. In other words, the flow of air may form a closed loop.

According to an embodiment, the clothing dryer 1 may include a first filter assembly (first filter) 80 detachably mounted on a passage through which air circulates. The first filter assembly 80 may include a filter member for filtering foreign substances such as lint flowing together with air circulating inside the drum 20. The filter member may include at least one of a wool material, a synthetic resin, or a steel material. The filter member may be mounted on a filter frame constituting the outer appearance of the first filter assembly 80.

According to an embodiment, the first filter assembly 80 may be detachable/mounted in the filter duct. The filter duct may be formed as a portion corresponding to a lower portion of the first opening 25 of the drum 20 is cut or recessed. The filter duct may form an injection hole through which the first filter assembly 80 is to be inserted. The filter duct may be disposed on a flow path through which air circulates during the drying operation.

According to an embodiment, the first filter assembly 80 may collect foreign substances generated when the clothing dryer 1 performs a drying operation. The user may remove foreign substances collected by detaching the first filter assembly 80 and mount the cleaned first filter assembly 80 to the filter duct.

According to an embodiment, the clothing dryer 1 may include a second opening 65 provided on the front surface of the main body 10 to access the heat pump 70. A dehumidifier (e.g., the dehumidifier 90 of FIG. 3) and a second filter assembly (second filter) 50 may be mounted inside the main body 10 through the second opening 65. The dehumidifier 90 and the second filter assembly 50 may be detachably mounted on the assembly accommodating portion 61 formed inside the main body 10 through the second opening 65. In other words, the second filter assembly 50 or the dehumidifier 90 may be mounted on the assembly accommodating portion 61, and the dehumidifier 90 and the second filter assembly 1450 may be provided to be replaceable. A assembly cover 40 for opening and closing the second opening 65 may be provided on the front surface of the main body 10.

For example, when the dehumidifier 90 is mounted on the assembly accommodating portion 61, the clothing dryer 1 may perform a dehumidification operation for dehumidifying the surrounding space. The second opening 65 may be opened while the clothing dryer 1 performs a dehumidification operation.

For example, when the second filter assembly 50 is mounted on the assembly accommodating portion 61, the dryer 1 may perform a drying operation for drying the object to be dried, such as clothes. While the clothing dryer 1 performs a drying operation, the second opening 65 may be closed.

According to an embodiment, in a state in which the assembly cover 40 closes the second opening 65, the front surface of the assembly cover 40 and the front surface 11 of the main body 10 may be connected to each other to form a surface smoothly connected without a step. The user may remove foreign substances including lint or dust attached to the heat pump 70 through the second opening 65.

According to an embodiment, the assembly cover 40 may include a coupling protrusion 41. The coupling protrusion 41 may protrude from an inner surface of the assembly cover 40. The main body 10 may include a coupling groove 63 corresponding to the coupling protrusion 41. When the coupling protrusion 41 and the coupling groove 63 are coupled, the assembly cover 40 may be in a closed state. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the main body 10 and the coupling protrusion 41 may be integrally formed, and the assembly cover 40 and the coupling groove 63 may be integrally formed. In other words, the coupling of the main body 10 and the assembly cover 40 may be modified in various forms.

According to an embodiment, the assembly cover 40 may include a coupling hinge 42 that provides a rotation shaft to rotate with respect to the main body 10. The coupling hinge 42 may be provided below the assembly cover 40. The main body 10 may include a coupling hinge mounting portion 62 corresponding to the coupling hinge 42. The coupling hinge 42 may be coupled to the coupling hinge mounting portion 62 to rotate, and by such rotation, a space in which the dehumidifier 90 or the second filter assembly 50 is mounted, i.e., the assembly accommodating portion 61, may be opened or closed.

According to an embodiment, the second filter assembly 50 may be detachably mounted on the dryer 1. The second filter assembly 50 may be detachably mounted inside the main body 10 through the second opening 65. The second filter assembly 50 may further collect foreign substances that are not filtered by the first filter assembly 80, including a filter member. The second filter assembly 50 may be mounted on or separated from the assembly accommodating portion 61. The second filter assembly 50 may prevent air from escaping from the closed flow path. In other words, the second filter assembly 50 may prevent the drying efficiency of the dryer 1 from deteriorating. The second filter assembly 50 may be disposed on the base 60.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a base 60 of a clothing dryer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, it may be understood that the dehumidifier 90 is mounted on the base 60. However, the dehumidifier 90 may be removed and the second filter assembly 50 may be mounted on the base 60.

According to an embodiment, the motor 31 performs rotation and transfers the rotational force generated by the rotation to the drum (e.g., the drum 20 of FIG. 1). The clothing dryer (e.g., the clothing dryer of FIG. 1) may control the rotational speed of the drum 20 by controlling the rotational speed of the motor 31.

According to an embodiment, to transfer the rotational force of the motor 31 to the drum 20, the clothing dryer 1 may include a pulley 32 that receives the power of the motor 31 and rotates, and a belt (e.g., the belt 33 of FIG. 4) that is rotated by the rotation of the pulley 32 to rotate the drum 20. The belt 33 may be installed to be wound around the outer surfaces of the pulley 32 and the drum 20. As the pulley 32 rotates as the motor 31 is driven, the drum 20 may be rotated.

According to an embodiment, the heat pump 70 may be provided on the base. The heat pump 70 may include an evaporator 71, a condenser 72, a compressor 73, and an expansion valve 74. Although not illustrated, the heat pump 70 may further include a heater (e.g., the heater 75 of FIG. 4).

According to an embodiment, when the clothing dryer 1 performs a drying operation, the air that dries the dried object in the inside 23 of the drum 20 (e.g., the inside 23 of the drum 20 of FIG. 2) may be guided through an outlet 22 (e.g., the outlet 22 of FIG. 2). The guided air may pass through a filter (e.g., the first filter assembly 80 of FIG. 1) and may then pass through the evaporator 71 and the condenser 72 in order. The evaporator 71 and the condenser 72 are formed in a multi-tube structure and may exchange heat with adjacent air through the refrigerant flowing inside the tube. The air that has passed through the condenser 72 may be introduced back into the inside 23 of the drum 20 through the inlet 21 (e.g., the inlet 21 of FIG. 2).

According to an embodiment, the refrigerant may circulate while performing a series of phase changes including compression-condensation-expansion-evaporation. The condenser 72 and the evaporator 71 may be implemented in the form of a heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat with air.

According to an embodiment, the compressor 73 compresses and discharges the refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure state, and the discharged refrigerant flows into the condenser 72. The condenser 72 may condense the compressed refrigerant and dissipate heat to the surroundings through the condensation process. Further, the expansion valve 74 expands the refrigerant in the high-temperature and high-pressure state condensed in the condenser 72 to a low-pressure state. The evaporator 71 may evaporate the expanded refrigerant and take away surrounding heat through the evaporation process.

According to an embodiment, the expansion valve 74 may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve (EEV, hereinafter referred to as an expansion valve). The expansion valve 74 may adjust the amount of opening through the electrical signal.

According to an embodiment, the clothing dryer 1 may output an electrical signal to the expansion valve 74 to control the opening rate indicating the degree to which the valve is opened. The clothing dryer 1 may output an electric signal that controls the angle of opening (e.g., degree of opening) to the expansion valve 74. The expansion valve 74 may control the degree of opening of the valve in response to an electrical signal transferred from the controller (e.g., the controller 110 of FIG. 5). Further, as the expansion valve 74 transfers an electrical signal corresponding to the current opening rate to the controller 110, the clothing dryer 1 may detect information indicating the opening rate of the expansion valve 74. To transfer information about the opening angle corresponding to the current opening rate by the expansion valve 74 to the controller 110, a position sensor that detects the opening angle of the expansion valve 74 may be provided.

According to an embodiment, the clothing dryer 1 may detect superheat corresponding to the difference between the temperature of the refrigerant introduced into the evaporator 71 and the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 71. The clothing dryer 1 may obtain the temperature of each point P1 and P2 detected by the temperature sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor 120 of FIG. 5) provided at the outlet (e.g., point P2 of FIG. 4) of the evaporator and the inlet (e.g., point P1 of FIG. 4) of the evaporator to detect the superheat. To prevent liquid refrigerant from introduced into the compressor 73, the clothing dryer 1 may output an electrical signal that controls the opening rate of the expansion valve 74.

According to an embodiment, one side (outlet) of the expansion valve 74 may be connected to the inlet P1 of the evaporator 71, and the other side (inlet) may be connected to the outlet P4 of the condenser 72.

According to an embodiment, the inlet of the compressor 73 may be connected to the outlet P2 of the evaporator 71, and the outlet may be connected to the inlet P3 of the condenser 72.

According to an embodiment, the expansion valve 74 may adjust the superheat, which is the temperature difference between the inlet P1 and the outlet P2 of the evaporator 71, or adjust the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 73 by adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant.

According to an embodiment, when the clothing dryer 1 performs a drying operation, the hot and humid air discharged from the drum 20 may pass through the evaporator 71. Accordingly, since the hot and humid air discharged from the drum 20 is cooled while passing through the evaporator 71, it may be changed to low-temperature and dry air. In this case, condensate may be generated while the hot and humid air is cooled in the evaporator 71. The condensate may move to the water container 16 or drain outside of the main body 10. Further, air dried at a low temperature after passing through the evaporator 71 may pass through the condenser 72. Accordingly, since the low-temperature dry air discharged from the evaporator 71 is heated while passing through the condenser 72, it may be changed into high-temperature dry air. The hot and dry air may be introduced into the drum 20 through the inlet 21 to dry the dried object. As the dried object is dried, hot and humid air containing a large amount of moisture may be discharged through the outlet 22. The discharged air may pass through the evaporator 71 again. In other words, the air may circulate inside the main body 10 while drying the dried object accommodated in the drum 20.

Although not illustrated, a heater (e.g., the heater 75 of FIG. 4) may be installed inside the main body 10. The heater 75 may be installed in a flow path near the inlet 21 to be supplied to the drum 20 through the condenser 72. The heater 75 may be provided to further increase the temperature of the air passing through the condenser 72. The air passing through the heater 75 may have a higher temperature than the air passing through the condenser 72. By providing the heater 75 inside the main body 10, drying efficiency of the dried object may be increased.

Hereinafter, in relation to the refrigerant cycle, the flow of air and the refrigerant is described with reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a refrigerant cycle generated in a clothing dryer 1 (e.g., the clothing dryer 1 of FIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, it may be understood that the arrow indicated by solid line indicates the flow of air, and the arrow indicated by dashed line indicates the flow of refrigerant.

According to an embodiment, the air introduced into the drum 20 to dry the dried object may be discharged to the outlet 22. Before passing through the outlet 22 and being introduced into the heat pump 70, air may pass through the filter 80 (e.g., the first filter assembly 80 of FIG. 1). Foreign substances (e.g., lint or dust) present in the air passing through the filter 80 may be filtered out.

According to an embodiment, the air passing through the filter 80 may be introduced into the heat pump 70. The blower fan 34 driven by the motor 31 may accelerate the speed of guiding air to the heat pump 70. The air may change from low-temperature, humid air to high-temperature, dry air while sequentially passing through the evaporator 71 and the condenser 72 included in the heat pump 70.

According to an embodiment, the air discharged from the heat pump 70 may pass through the heater 75. The air passing through the heater 75 may be further heated. However, the heater 75 may be omitted depending on the type (e.g., heat pump type) of the clothing dryer 1.

According to an embodiment, the refrigerant may exchange heat with air while circulating through the heat pump 70.

According to an embodiment, the compressor 73 compresses and discharges the refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure state, and the discharged refrigerant flows into the condenser 72. The condenser 72 may condense the compressed refrigerant and dissipate heat to the surroundings through the condensation process. Further, the expansion valve 74 expands the refrigerant in the high-temperature and high-pressure state condensed in the condenser 72 to a low-pressure state. The evaporator 71 may evaporate the expanded refrigerant and take away surrounding heat through the evaporation process.

According to an embodiment, when dust is excessively accumulated in the first filter assembly 80 or the second filter assembly 50, only some of the air discharged from the drum 20 may be introduced into the heat pump 70. Accordingly, in order to cool a smaller amount of air compared to when sufficient air is introduced into the heat pump 70, the clothing dryer 1 may send a smaller amount of refrigerant to the evaporator 71 and, to that end, the clothing dryer 1 may control the expansion valve 74 to be opened at a low opening rate. This may be one of the causes of deteriorating the performance of the clothing dryer 1 drying the dried object. In other words, the clothing dryer 1 may determine the clogging level of the filters 50 and 80 by detecting the opening rate of the expansion valve 74, and transmit information about the clogging level of the filters 50 and 80 to the user based on the clogging level of the filters 50 and 80. Hereinafter, a control operation in which the clothing dryer 1 determines the clogging level of the filters 50 and 80 is described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Further, the filter 80 to be described below with reference to FIG. 5 will focus primarily on the first filter assembly 80 that is universally applied to the clothing dryer 1. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the control operation described in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be applied to a filter (e.g., the first filter assembly 80 or the second filter assembly 50) included in the clothing dryer 1 and detachable by the user.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a clothing dryer 100 (e.g., the clothing dryer 1 of FIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, the clothing dryer 100 may include at least one of a controller 110, a temperature sensor 120, a transceiver 130, memory 140, a user interface 150, a driver 160, or a heat pump 170 (e.g., the heat pump 70 of FIG. 4). While the controller 110 is described singularly herein for convenience in description, the controller 110 may be at least one controller 110. The controller 110 may be communicatively coupled to at least one of the temperature sensor 120, the transceiver 130, the memory 140, the user interface 150, the driver 160, or the heat pump 170. The memory 140 may store one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one controller 110 individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to perform any of the functions or operations described herein.

According to an embodiment, the temperature sensor 120 may be provided to detect a temperature that is the temperature of air or the temperature of the refrigerant at one point. One or more temperature sensors 120 may be provided. The temperature sensor 120 may be installed near a point where the temperature of the air or refrigerant is to be measured.

For example, the temperature sensor 120 may detect the temperature of air at a point discharged from the drum (e.g., the drum 20 of FIG. 1).

For example, the temperature sensor 120 may detect the temperature of the point P1 where the refrigerant is input to the evaporator (e.g., the evaporator 71 of FIG. 3).

According to an embodiment, the clothing dryer 100 may determine whether there is a refrigerant based on a temperature change value at the point P1 where the refrigerant is input to the evaporator 71 detected by the temperature sensor 120.

According to an embodiment, the clothing dryer 100 may include various sensors such as a humidity sensor, a weight sensor, a position sensor, a door sensor, or a proximity sensor.

For example, the position sensor may be provided in the expansion valve 171. The position sensor may sense the opening angle of the expansion valve 171. The position sensor may transfer information about the detected opening angle of the expansion valve 171 to the controller 110. The controller 110 may obtain valve data corresponding to the opening rate of the expansion valve 171 based on the information.

According to an embodiment, the transceiver 130 may be provided to transfer a signal inside the clothing dryer 100, or for the clothing dryer 100 to communicate with an external device (e.g., the external device 2 of FIG. 9). The transceiver 130 may communicate with a server (not shown).

According to an embodiment, the transceiver 130 may perform data communication with a server or other peripheral electronic devices using at least one of data communication schemes including a wired local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), infrared data association (IrDA), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), near field communication (NFC), wireless broadband Internet (WiBro), world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), shared wireless access protocol (SWAP), wireless gigabit alliance (WiGig), ultra-wideband (UWB), and radio frequency (RF) communication.

According to an embodiment, the transceiver 130 may transmit and receive data for performing a drying process to and from the external device 2. For example, the transceiver 130 may receive an artificial intelligence model for obtaining data related to the washing process from an external server.

According to an embodiment, the memory 140 may be provided to store data necessary for an operation to be performed by the clothing dryer 100. The memory 140 may include a volatile memory or a non-transitory memory. The memory 140 may store data necessary for an operation to be performed by the clothing dryer 100 in the form of a database.

For example, the memory 140 may store a calculation formula for determining the clogging level of a filter (e.g., the first filter assembly 80 of FIG. 1).

For example, the memory 140 may store valve data which is a numeric value of the opening rate of the expansion valve (e.g., the expansion valve 74 of FIG. 3) obtained by the clothing dryer 100 over time.

For example, the memory 140 may previously store information to be output by the clothing dryer 100 through the user interface 150 (e.g., the display 17b or the speaker of FIG. 1). For example, the memory 140 may store a visual guide message for instructing filter management according to the clogging level of the filter 80. For example, the memory 140 may store an audible guide message for instructing filter management according to the clogging level of the filter 80.

According to an embodiment, the user interface 150 (e.g., the user interface 17 of FIG. 1) may include a user input and a user output. The user input may receive the user's input. The user input may include a wheel (e.g., the wheel 17a of FIG. 1) or a button (e.g., the button 17c of FIG. 1). The user output may visually or audibly output information to be transferred to the user. The user output may include a display 151 (e.g., the display 17b of FIG. 1) or a speaker.

According to an embodiment, the driver 160 may be provided to rotate the drum 20 or to drive a blower fan (e.g., the blower fan 34 of FIG. 3). The driver 160 may include a motor (e.g., the motor 31 of FIG. 3), a blower fan, a pulley (e.g., the pulley 32 of FIG. 3), or a belt (e.g., the belt 33 of FIG. 4). The driver 160 may be operated or stopped by the controller 110 to adjust the rotational speed of the drum 20 or adjust the moving speed of the air.

According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may operate the motor 31 included in the driver 160. The pulley 32 may be rotated by receiving power by the operation of the motor 31. As the belt 33 wound around the outer surface of the drum 20 is rotated by the rotation of the pulley 32, the controller 110 may rotate the drum 20.

According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may operate the motor 31 included in the driver 160. By rotating the blower fan 34 that received the power by the operation of the motor 31, air may circulate along the flow path into the clothing dryer 1.

According to an embodiment, the heat pump 170 may control the refrigerant for adjusting the temperature or humidity of the air. The heat pump 170 may include an evaporator (e.g., the evaporator 71 of FIG. 3), a condenser (e.g., the condenser 72 of FIG. 3), a compressor (e.g., the compressor 73 of FIG. 3), or an expansion valve 171 (e.g., the expansion valve 74 of FIG. 3).

According to an embodiment, the heat pump 170 may be operated or stopped by the controller 110. Accordingly, the temperature or humidity of the air circulating through the clothing dryer 100 may be controlled.

According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may perform overall control related to the operation of the clothing dryer 100.

According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may obtain information detected by sensors including the temperature sensor 120.

According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may receive the user input transferred through the user input of the user interface 150, or may display information to be transferred to the user through the display unit (e.g., the display 151) of the user interface 150.

According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may control the rotation of the drum 20 by operating or stopping the driver 160, and may control the flow of air by operating or stopping the blower fan 34.

According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may control the flow of the refrigerant for adjusting the temperature or humidity of the air by operating or stopping the heat pump 170.

According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may control the opening rate of the expansion valve 171.

According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may determine the clogging level of the filter 80. The controller 110 may obtain data corresponding to the opening rate of the expansion valve 171 to determine the clogging level of the filter 80. The data will be referred to as “valve data”. The controller 110 may obtain the valve data by obtaining the pulse signal corresponding to the opening rate of the expansion valve 74.

For example, the controller 110 may obtain information about the current opening angle of the expansion valve 74 detected from a position sensor provided in the expansion valve 74. The controller 110 may receive valve data corresponding to the opening rate of the expansion valve 74 based on the obtained opening angle of the expansion valve 74.

For example, the valve data may have a value of, e.g., 80 to 480. For example, when the valve data indicates 80, it may be understood that the expansion valve 74 is closed. For example, when the valve data indicates 480, it may be understood that the expansion valve 74 is completely opened. For example, when the valve data indicates 80 to 480, it may be understood that the expansion valve 74 is partially opened corresponding to the value indicated by the valve data.

According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may calculate the clogging level of the filter 80 based on the obtained valve data.

For example, the controller 110 may obtain valve data in predetermined time units for a predetermined time. For example, when a predetermined holding time (e.g., 5 minutes) elapses after the drying process of the dryer is performed, the controller 110 may obtain valve data every predetermined period (e.g., 1 minute). For example, the valve data obtained by the controller 110 n times may be defined as the first valve data v₁, the second valve data v₂, the third valve data v₃, . . . , and the nth valve data v_n in chronological order. Here, n may be set as a natural number. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, it may be assumed that the controller 110 obtains 25 valve data every minute, 5 minutes after the drying process of the dryer is performed, and in the description, it is assumed that the controller 110 obtains the first valve data v₁ to the 25th valve data v₂₅ in chronological order.

For example, when there are a plurality of valve data having a value less than a predetermined value among the obtained valve data, the controller 110 may determine that the clogging level of the filter 80 is larger than or equal to a threshold level. For example, when data having a value less than 90 is present at least three times among the first valve data v₁ to the 25th valve data v₂₅, the controller 110 may determine that the clogging level of the filter 80 is larger than or equal to the threshold level.

For example, the controller 110 may perform an operation for determining the clogging level of the filter 80 based on at least some of the obtained valve data. The controller 110 may generate a plurality of factors for performing a computation based on the valve data. Hereinafter, Table 1 shows a computation table for determining the clogging level of the filter 80. The computation table may be stored in the memory 140 in the form of a database.

TABLE 1
Items Content or formulae
X1    maximum valve data value (vmax) −
      minimum valve data value (vmin)
X2    total (vsum) of valve data values
t0    first time to reach set valve data (vset)
vset  set valve data: vset = {(initial
      temperature(T0) − 25)/2} + 80
Y     determined filter clogging level value, Y =
      X1*10000/(X2*t0)

The variables shown in Table 1 may be defined as follows.

According to an embodiment, X₁ may be defined as a difference between the maximum value v_max and the minimum value v_min among valve data obtained by the controller 110 for a predetermined time. For example, it may be defined as a value indicating a difference between the value of the valve data indicating the largest value and the value of the valve data indicating the smallest value among the first valve data v₁ to the 25th valve data v₂₅.

According to an embodiment, X₂ may be defined as a total sum of valve data values obtained by the controller 110. For example, X₂ may be defined as a total sum of values indicated by the first valve data v₁ to the 25th valve data v₂₅, respectively.

According to an embodiment, to may be defined as the first time when the value indicated by the valve data reaches the set valve data v_set. In other words, when the set valve data v_set is 100, it may be defined as the time taken until the value of the valve data obtained by the controller 110 is less than 100, and the unit may be defined as the minute. For example, when the set valve data v_set is 100 and the time taken to obtain valve data having a valve data value less than 100 among the valve data obtained by the controller 110 is 15 minutes, it may be understood that t₀=15. For example, when it is determined that the set valve data v_set has not reached among the valve data obtained for a predetermined time, t₀=60 may be set.

According to an embodiment, v_set may be defined as a calculation formula for calculating set valve data. v_set may be defined as v_set={(initial temperature (T₀)−25)/2}+80. Here, the initial temperature T₀ may be defined as the initial temperature of the air at the point where the drying process is performed and discharged from the drum.

According to an embodiment, Y may be defined as a calculation formula for determining the clogging level of the filter 80. Y may be defined as Y=X₁*10000/(X₂*t₀). According to the range of the value indicated by the value of Y derived by the calculation formula, the controller 110 may determine the clogging level of the air flow path. The data Y value for determining the clogging level of the filter 80 may be defined as “target data”.

For example, when the Y value is less than 5, it may be determined that the clogging level of the air flow path is normal. In other words, it may be understood that air circulates at a level where the performance of the clothing dryer 1 does not deteriorate.

For example, when the Y value is larger than or equal to 5, and less than or equal to 8, it may be determined that the clogging level of the air flow path exceeds the first threshold level. For example, the controller 110 may determine that the clogging level of the filter 80 is substantially 75%.

For example, when the Y value exceeds 8, it may be determined that the clogging level of the air flow path exceeds the second threshold level. For example, the controller 110 may determine that the clogging level of the filter 80 is substantially 90%.

As a result, when the Y value is 5 or more, in order to maintain the drying performance of the clothing dryer 100, the clothing dryer 100 may determine to transmit a notification for instructing the user to manage the filter 80.

The formula defined in Table 1 is introduced as an example of the formula for determining the clogging level of the filter 80, and unlike this, the formula for determining the clogging level of the filter 80 may be applied in various ways.

According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may transfer a notification instructing management of the filter 80 to the display 151 according to the clogging level of the filter 80. The controller 110 may transfer data as a numerical value of the clogging level of the filter 80 to the display 151.

According to an embodiment, the controller 110 may transfer a notification instructing management of the filter 80 to an external device (e.g., the external device 2 of FIG. 9) according to the clogging level of the filter 80. The controller 110 may transfer data as a numerical value of the clogging level of the filter 80 to the external device 2.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of identifying a clogging level of a filter (e.g., the first filter assembly 80 of FIG. 1) by a clothing dryer (e.g., the clothing dryer 1 of FIG. 1 or the clothing dryer 100 of FIG. 5) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of identifying a clogging level of a filter (e.g., the first filter assembly 80 of FIG. 1) by a clothing dryer (e.g., the clothing dryer 1 of FIG. 1 or the clothing dryer 100 of FIG. 5) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The operations described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 may be repeated as necessary. Some operations included in the operations may be omitted. At least some of the operations may be reordered.

Referring to FIG. 6, in operation 610, the clothing dryer 1 may determine whether a condition for obtaining valve data is met. The clothing dryer 1 may obtain valve data from an expansion valve (e.g., the expansion valve 74 of FIG. 3 or the expansion valve 171 of FIG. 5) when a predetermined condition is met.

For example, when the clothing dryer 1 detects the initial air temperature discharged from the drum (e.g., the drum 20 of FIG. 1) and the detected temperature is out of the set temperature range, the clothing dryer 1 may determine that the condition for obtaining the valve data is not met.

For example, when the temperature detected at the point (e.g., point P1 of FIG. 4) where the clothing dryer 1 flows into the evaporator (e.g., the evaporator 71 of FIG. 2) is out of the set temperature range, the clothing dryer 1 may determine that the condition for obtaining the valve data is not met. The condition is described with reference to FIG. 7.

When the condition for obtaining the valve data is met, the clothing dryer 1 may obtain the valve data from the expansion valve 74 in operation 620. The clothing dryer 1 may obtain valve data at a predetermined time period for a predetermined time. For example, the clothing dryer 1 may obtain valve data for 25 minutes, a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) after the drying process is performed. The clothing dryer 1 may receive valve data from the expansion valve 74 every minute for 25 minutes.

According to an embodiment, in operation 630, the clothing dryer 1 may determine the clogging level of the filter 80 based on the obtained valve data.

For example, the clothing dryer 1 may identify whether the filter 80 is clogged in response to obtaining valve data less than a predetermined threshold, a plurality of times. Here, the clogging of the filter 80 may be understood as when the flow of air required for the drying process to be performed is not smooth due to foreign substances collected in the filter 80. For example, when the clothing dryer 1 obtains valve data less than 90, three times or more, the clothing dryer 1 may identify that the filter 80 is clogged.

For example, when there are a plurality of valve data having a value less than a predetermined value among the obtained valve data, the clothing dryer 1 may determine that the clogging level of the filter 80 is larger than or equal to a threshold level. For example, when the clothing dryer 1 obtains valve data less than 90, five times or more, the clothing dryer 1 may determine that the filter 80 is clogged by a threshold level or more.

For example, the clothing dryer 1 may determine the clogging level of the filter 80 using the calculation formula stored in the memory (e.g., the memory 140 of FIG. 5). The clothing dryer 1 may determine the clogging level of the filter 80 based on the Y value calculated using Table 1 described above. For example, when the Y value calculated by the clothing dryer 1 is 5 or more, the clothing dryer 1 may determine that the filter 80 is clogged by the threshold level or more (e.g., 75% or more of the filter 80 is clogged by foreign substances).

In operation 640, the clothing dryer 1 may determine whether the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds the threshold level. The clothing dryer 1 may determine whether the filter 80 exceeds the threshold level corresponding to the clogging level determined in operation 630.

When it is determined that the filter 80 is clogged beyond the threshold level, the clothing dryer 1 may transfer information instructing management of the filter 80 in operation 650. The clothing dryer 1 may transfer information corresponding to the clogging level of the filter 80 to a display (e.g., the display 17b of FIG. 1), and the display 17b may visually display the information. The clothing dryer 1 may transfer the information to a speaker, and the speaker may audibly output the information.

According to an embodiment, the clothing dryer 1 may transfer information instructing management of the filter 80 to an external device (e.g., the external device 2 of FIG. 9). The external device 2 may include all devices connected to the clothing dryer 1 based on wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB), including, e.g., a mobile phone, a tablet, a wireless earphone, and a smart home. The clothing dryer 1 may transfer the information to the external device 2, and the external device 2 may visually display or audibly output the information.

Referring to FIG. 7, at least some of the operations illustrated in FIG. 6 may correspond to each other. Operations 750, 760, 770, and 780 of FIG. 7 may correspond to operations 620, 630, 640, and 650 of FIG. 6. In other words, operations 710 to 740 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be understood as specifically describing operation 610 of FIG. 6. Therefore, the illustrations focus primarily on the differences.

In operation 710, the clothing dryer 1 may detect the initial temperature (e.g., the initial temperature T₀ of FIG. 5) of the circulating air. Here, the initial temperature T₀ may refer to an air temperature at the point discharged from the drum 20 after the drying process starts. To that end, the clothing dryer 1 may obtain the temperature detected by a temperature sensor provided at the point on the outlet (e.g., the outlet 22 of FIG. 2) exiting the drum 20.

In operation 720, the clothing dryer 1 may determine whether the initial temperature T₀ of the circulating air meets a preset range. The preset range may be set to, e.g., 0 degrees to 38 degrees. The clothing dryer 1 may operate the compressor 73 when the initial temperature T₀ of the circulating air is within the preset range. The clothing dryer 1 does not obtain valve data when the initial temperature T₀ of the circulating air is out of the preset range.

When the initial temperature TO of the circulating air meets the preset range, the clothing dryer 1 may operate the compressor 73 in operation 730.

In operation 740, the clothing dryer 1 may determine whether the amount of refrigerant circulating through the heat pump 70 is sufficient according to the superheat level. The clothing dryer 1 may obtain the superheat level based on the difference value between the temperature detected at the input point (e.g., P1 of FIG. 4) and the output point (e.g., P2 of FIG. 4) of the evaporator 71. When the temperature difference between the point P1 and the point P2 is less than the preset value, the clothing dryer 1 may determine that the amount of refrigerant circulating through the heat pump 70 is sufficient. When the amount of the refrigerant is not sufficient, it may not be easy for the clothing dryer 1 to determine whether the filter 80 is clogged based on the valve data transferred from the expansion valve 74. Accordingly, the clothing dryer 1 may obtain valve data when the amount of the refrigerant is sufficient.

When it is determined that the amount of refrigerant circulating through the heat pump 70 is sufficient, the clothing dryer 1 may obtain valve data from the expansion valve 74 in operation 750.

According to an embodiment, in operations 750 to 780, the clothing dryer 1 may determine the clogging level of the filter 80 based on the obtained valve data, and when the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds the threshold level, the clothing dryer 1 may transfer a notification instructing filter management to the display 17b or the external device 2.

According to an embodiment, the clothing dryer 1 may display the notification instructing filter management on the display 17b.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user interface of a filter cleaning notification displayed on a display (e.g., the display 17b of FIG. 1 or the display 151 of FIG. 5) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the clothing dryer 1 detects the amount of foreign substances collected in the filter (e.g., the first filter assembly 80 of FIG. 1) based on the valve data received from the expansion valve (e.g., the expansion valve 74 of FIG. 3) and determines that the clogging level of the filter 80 is larger than or equal to a threshold level, the clothing dryer 1 may display a message 800 on the display 17b including a first message part 810 indicating the clogging level of the filter 80 or a second message part 820 indicating filter management.

According to an embodiment, the clothing dryer 1 may display the first message part 810 indicating the clogging level of the filter 80 on the display 17b. For example, the first message part 810 may include the phrase “current filter clogging level: ⋄⋄ %”. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first message part 810 may include various types of phrases indicating the clogging level of the filter 80.

According to an embodiment, the clothing dryer 1 may display the second message part 820 instructing management of the filter 80 on the display 17b. For example, the second message part 820 may include a phrase such as “Please clean the filter.” However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second message part 820 may include various types of phrases instructing management of the filter 80.

According to an embodiment, the clothing dryer 1 may audibly output information corresponding to the first message part 810 and/or the second message part 820 to a built-in speaker (not shown).

According to an embodiment, by the output first message part 810 or second message part 820, the user may remove the collected foreign substances by detaching the filter 80 and then attach the filter back to the clothing dryer 1.

FIG. 9 illustrates a user interface of a filter cleaning notification displayed on an external device 2, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, the clothing dryer 1 may transfer a message 910 that may include a first message part 911 indicating the clogging level of the filter (e.g., the first filter assembly 80 of FIG. 1) or a second message part 913 indicating management of the filter 80 to the external device 2 through a transceiver (e.g., the transceiver 130 of FIG. 5). In FIG. 9, the external device 2 is illustrated as a portable terminal, but is not limited thereto, and may include various types of devices capable of receiving information from the clothing dryer 1.

According to an embodiment, the external device 2 may display the message 910 that may include the first message part 911 indicating the clogging level of the filter 80 on the display 900. For example, the first message part 911 may include the phrase “current filter clogging level: ⋄⋄ %”. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first message part 911 may include various types of phrases indicating the clogging level of the filter 80.

According to an embodiment, the external device 2 may display the message 910 that may include the second message part 913 instructing management of the filter 80 on the display 900. For example, the second message part 913 may include a phrase such as “Please clean the filter.” However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second message part 913 may include various types of phrases instructing management of the filter 80.

According to an embodiment, the external device 2 may audibly output information corresponding to the first message part 911 and/or the second message part 913 to a built-in speaker (not shown).

According to an embodiment, by the output first message part 911 or second message part 913, the user may remove the collected foreign substances by detaching the filter 80 and then attach the filter back to the clothing dryer 1.

A clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may comprise an expansion valve 74 or 171 included in a heat pump 70 or 170, memory 140 storing one or more computer programs and at least one controller 110. The one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller 110 individually or collectively, may cause the clothing dryer 1 or 100 to obtain valve data corresponding to an opening rate of the expansion valve 74 for a preset time, generate a plurality of variables X₁, X₂, and t₀ based on the obtained valve data, and identify the clogging level of the filter 80 based on the plurality of variables X₁, X₂, and t₀. The plurality of variables X₁, X₂, and t₀ may include a difference value between maximum valve data v_max and minimum valve data v_min included in the valve data, a sum v_sum of the valve data, and a time when the valve data reaches a value lower than a preset value v_set.

In the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one the controller 110 individually or collectively may cause the clothing dryer 1 or 100 to identify whether the filter 80 is clogged in response to the obtained valve data value being less than a preset value at least three times.

In the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the preset value v_set may be set based on an initial temperature of air discharged from a drum 20 in response to a drying cycle being started.

In the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one the controller 110 individually or collectively may cause the clothing dryer 1 or 100 to generate target data Y based on a first variable X₁, a second variable X₂, and a third variable t₀ and identify the clogging level of the filter 80 as a first clogging level if the target data Y exceeds a first threshold level.

In the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the target data Y exceeds a second threshold level higher than the first threshold level, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller 110 individually or collectively may cause the clothing dryer 1 or 100 to be configured to identify the clogging level of the filter 80 as a second clogging level. The second clogging level may be understood as being relatively greater in amount of the foreign substance collected in the filter 80 than the first clogging level.

In the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller 110 individually or collectively may cause the clothing dryer 1 or 100 to be configured to obtain the valve data in response to an elapse of a predetermined time after a compressor 73 included in the heat pump 70 or 170 is operated.

In the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller 110 individually or collectively may cause the clothing dryer 1 or 100 to be configured to obtain the valve data in response to a change value between a temperature of a refrigerant introduced into an evaporator 71 included in the heat pump 70 or 170 and a temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 71 exceeding a threshold level.

In the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller 110 individually or collectively may cause the clothing dryer 1 or 100 to be configured to obtain the valve data in response to a temperature of air discharged by a drying operation being within a preset range.

The clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further comprise a position sensor sensing an opening angle of the expansion valve 74. The valve data may correspond to an opening angle of the expansion valve 74 detected by the position sensor.

The clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further comprise a display 17b. when the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds a threshold level, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller 110 individually or collectively may cause the clothing dryer 1 or 100 to be configured to transfer a notification corresponding to the clogging level of the filter 80 to the display 17b or an external device 2.

The clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further comprise a display 17b. when the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds a threshold level, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller 110 individually or collectively may cause the clothing dryer 1 or 100 to be configured to transfer a notification corresponding to the clogging level of the filter 80 to the display 17b

Clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further comprise a display 17b. when the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds a threshold level, the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller 110 individually or collectively may cause the clothing dryer 1 or 100 to be configured to transfer a notification corresponding to the clogging level of the filter 80 to an external device 2.

A method for controlling a clothing dryer 1 or 100, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, may comprise obtaining (620) at least one valve data corresponding to an opening rate of the expansion valve 74 for a preset time, generating a plurality of variables X₁, X₂, and t₀ based on the valve data, and identifying (630) the clogging level of the filter 80 based on the plurality of variables X₁, X₂, and t₀.

In the method for controlling the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, identifying (630) the clogging level may include generating a difference value between maximum valve data v_max and minimum valve data v_min included in the valve data as a first variable X₁, generating a sum of the valve data as a second variable X₂, generating a time when the valve data reaches a value lower than a preset value v_set as a third variable t₀, and identifying the clogging degree of the filter 80 based on the first variable X₁, the second variable X₂, and the third variable t₀. The plurality of variables X₁, X₂, and t₀ may include a difference value between maximum valve data v_max and minimum valve data v_min included in the valve data, a sum v_sum of the valve data, and a time when the valve data reaches a value lower than a preset value v_set.

The method for controlling the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further comprise identifying whether the filter 80 is clogged in response to the obtained valve data value being less than a preset value at least three times.

In the method for controlling the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the preset value v_set may be set based on an initial temperature of air discharged from a drum 20 in response to a drying cycle being started.

In the method for controlling the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, identifying 630 the clogging level may include, if the target data Y exceeds a second threshold level higher than the first threshold level, identifying the clogging level of the filter 80 as a second clogging level, and wherein The second clogging level may be understood as being relatively greater in amount of the foreign substance collected in the filter 80 than the first clogging level.

In the method for controlling the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, identifying 630 the clogging level may include generating target data Y based on the plurality of variables, and identifying the clogging level of the filter 80 as a first clogging level if the target data Y exceeds a first threshold level.

In the method for controlling the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, identifying (630) the clogging level may include, if the target data Y exceeds a second threshold level higher than the first threshold level, identifying the clogging level of the filter 80 as a second clogging level. The second clogging level may be understood as being relatively greater in amount of the foreign substance collected in the filter 80 than the first clogging level.

In the method for controlling the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, obtaining (620) the at least one valve data may include obtaining the valve data in response to an elapse of a predetermined time in an operation state of compressing a refrigerant used to convert high-temperature, humid air into high-temperature, dry air due to a drying operation into a high-temperature, high-pressure state.

In the method for controlling the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, obtaining (620) the at least one valve data may include obtaining the valve data in response to a difference between a temperature of the refrigerant supplied to convert the high-temperature, humid air into low-temperature, dry air and a temperature of the refrigerant used to convert the high-temperature, humid air into the low-temperature, dry air exceeding a threshold level.

In the method for controlling the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, obtaining (620) the at least one valve data may include obtaining the valve data in response to a temperature of air discharged by a drying operation being within a preset range.

In the method for controlling the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the valve data may correspond to an opening angle of the expansion valve 74 detected by a position sensor provided in the expansion valve 74.

The method for controlling the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further comprise, if the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds a threshold level, transferring a notification corresponding to the clogging level of the filter 80 to a display 17b or an external device 2.

The method for controlling the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further comprise, if the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds a threshold level, transferring a notification corresponding to the clogging level of the filter 80 to a display 17b.

The method for controlling the clothing dryer 1 or 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further comprise, if the clogging level of the filter 80 exceeds a threshold level, transferring a notification corresponding to the clogging level of the filter 80 to an external device 2.

The terms as used herein are provided merely to describe some embodiments thereof, but are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, each of such phrases 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 all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, the term ‘and/or’ should be understood as encompassing any and all possible combinations by one or more of the enumerated items. As used herein, the terms “include,” “have,” and “comprise” are used merely to designate the presence of the feature, component, part, or a combination thereof described herein, but use of the term does not exclude the likelihood of presence or adding one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” may modify various components regardless of importance and/or order and are used to distinguish a component from another without limiting the components.

As used herein, the terms “configured to” may be interchangeably used with the terms “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of” depending on circumstances. The term “configured to” does not essentially mean “specifically designed in hardware to.” Rather, the term “configured to” may mean that a device can perform an operation together with another device or parts. For example, a ‘device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C’ may be a dedicated device to perform the corresponding operation or may mean a general-purpose device capable of various operations including the corresponding operation.

Meanwhile, the terms “upper side”, “lower side”, and “front and rear directions” used in the disclosure are defined with respect to the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A clothing dryer comprising: an expansion valve included in a heat pump;memory storing one or more computer programs; andat least one controller,wherein the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller individually or collectively, cause the clothing dryer to: obtain valve data corresponding to an opening rate of the expansion valve for a preset time,generate a plurality of variables based on the obtained valve data, andidentify a clogging level of a filter based on the plurality of variables, andwherein the plurality of variables include a difference value between maximum valve data and minimum valve data included in the valve data, a sum of the valve data, and a time when the valve data reaches a value lower than a preset value.

2. The clothing dryer of claim 1, wherein the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller individually or collectively, cause the clothing dryer to: identify whether the filter is clogged in response to the obtained valve data value being less than a preset value at least three times.

3. The clothing dryer of claim 1, wherein the preset value is set based on an initial temperature of air discharged from a drum in response to a drying cycle being started.

4. The clothing dryer of claim 1, wherein the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller individually or collectively, cause the clothing dryer to: generate target data based on a first variable, a second variable, and a third variable, andidentify the clogging level of the filter as a first clogging level when the target data exceeds a first threshold level.

5. The clothing dryer of claim 4, wherein the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller individually or collectively, cause the clothing dryer to: when the target data exceeds a second threshold level higher than the first threshold level, identify the clogging level of the filter as a second clogging level, andwherein the second clogging level is relatively greater in amount of a foreign substance collected in the filter than the first clogging level.

6. The clothing dryer of claim 1, wherein the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller individually or collectively, cause the clothing dryer to: obtain the valve data in response to an elapse of a predetermined time after a compressor included in the heat pump is operated.

7. The clothing dryer of claim 6, wherein the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller individually or collectively, cause the clothing dryer to: obtain the valve data in response to a change value between a temperature of a refrigerant introduced into an evaporator included in the heat pump and a temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator exceeding a threshold level.

8. The clothing dryer of claim 1, wherein the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller individually or collectively, cause the clothing dryer to: obtain the valve data in response to a temperature of air discharged by a drying operation being within a preset range.

9. The clothing dryer of claim 1, further comprising: a position sensor sensing an opening angle of the expansion valve,wherein the valve data corresponds to an opening angle of the expansion valve detected by the position sensor.

10. The clothing dryer of claim 1, further comprising: a display,wherein the one or more computer programs further include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one controller individually or collectively, cause the clothing dryer to: when the clogging level of the filter exceeds a threshold level, transfer a notification corresponding to the clogging level of the filter to the display or an external device.

11. A method performed by a clothing dryer including a heat pump, the method comprising: obtaining at least one valve data corresponding to an opening rate of an expansion valve included in the heat pump for a preset time;generating a plurality of variables based on the valve data; andidentifying a clogging level of a filter based on the plurality of variables,wherein the plurality of variables include a difference value between maximum valve data and minimum valve data (vmin) included in the valve data, a sum of the valve data, and a time when the valve data reaches a value lower than a preset value.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: identifying whether the filter is clogged in response to the obtained valve data value being less than a preset value at least three times.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the preset value is set based on an initial temperature of air discharged from a drum in response to a drying cycle being started.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the identifying of the clogging level includes: generating target data based on the plurality of variables; andidentifying the clogging level of the filter as a first clogging level when the target data exceeds a first threshold level.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the identifying of the clogging level includes, when the target data exceeds a second threshold level higher than the first threshold level, identifying the clogging level of the filter as a second clogging level, andwherein the second clogging level is relatively greater in amount of a foreign substance collected in the filter than the first clogging level.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the obtaining of the at least one valve data includes obtaining the valve data in response to an elapse of a predetermined time in an operation state of compressing a refrigerant used to convert high-temperature, humid air into high-temperature, dry air due to a drying operation into a high-temperature, high-pressure state.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the obtaining of the at least one valve data includes obtaining the valve data in response to a difference between a temperature of the refrigerant supplied to convert the high-temperature, humid air into low-temperature, dry air and a temperature of the refrigerant used to convert the high-temperature, humid air into the low-temperature, dry air exceeding a threshold level.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the obtaining of the at least one valve data includes obtaining the valve data in response to a temperature of air discharged by a drying operation being within a preset range.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the valve data corresponds to an opening angle of the expansion valve detected by a position sensor provided in the expansion valve.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising: when the clogging level of the filter exceeds a threshold level, transferring a notification corresponding to the clogging level of the filter to a display of the clothing dryer or an external device.