Patent Application
20250188672
The present disclosure relates to a dryer capable of identifying whether a drying operation has been completed and a method of controlling the dryer.
In general, a dryer is an apparatus for drying wet laundry put in the drum by causing hot air to blow into the drum. Such a clothes dryer is basically similar in shape to a drum washing machine and can dry drying materials by forcibly circulating heated air into the drum through a heater and blower fan.
The time required for a drying process to completely dry drying material depends on the amount and wetness of the drying materials.
In order to end the drying process at the optimal timing when the drying materials are completely dried, a method for accurately measuring the dryness of the drying materials is required.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, a dryness of a drying material may be accurately identified.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, a water level of a water tank that stores condensed water may be accurately identified without causing leakage.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, a drying process may terminate at an optimal timing at which a drying material is completely dried.
Effects that may be achieved by 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.
A dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: a drum; a heat exchanger configured to heat air to be supplied into the drum; a water tank configured to store condensed water generated by the heat exchanger; a sensor device including a force sensor configured to detect a force generated by the condensed water stored in the water tank; and at least one processor configured to identify whether a drying operation has been completed, based on sensor data collected by the force sensor.
The sensor device may further comprise a case coupled to the water tank; and a diaphragm coupled to the case, and a force according to a water level of the water tank may be applied to the diaphragm, and the force sensor is between the case and the diaphragm.
The at least one processor may be further configured to identify an amount of change in a water level of the water tank per a unit time based on the sensor data collected by the force sensor; and identify that the drying operation has been completed in response to the amount of change in the water level of the water tank per the unit time being smaller than a reference value.
The at least one processor may be further configured to: set the reference value based on an amount of change in a water level of the water tank for a reference time according to elapse of a preset time after the drying operation begins.
The dryer may further comprises a drain pump configured to discharge the condensed water in the water tank to outside of the water tank, and the at least one processor may be further configured to: operate the drain pump based on a water level of the water tank reaching a reference water level; and identify an amount of change in a water level of the water tank while the drain pump does not operate.
The at least one processor may be further configured to: identify a water level of the water tank based on the sensor data collected by the force sensor; and identify that the drying operation has been completed in response to the water level of the water tank not reaching a reference water level from a preset minimum water level for a reference time.
The dryer may further comprises a drain pump configured to discharge the condensed water in the water tank to outside of the water tank, and the at least one processor may be further configured to operate the drain pump in response to a water level of the water tank reaching the reference water level.
The at least one processor may be further configured to: stop the drain pump in response to the water level of the water tank reaching the preset minimum water level; and set the reference time based on a time taken for the water level of the water tank to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level after the drying operation begins and the drain pump operates a preset number of times.
A bottom of the water tank may include an opening, the case may close the opening by being coupled to the water tank, and the force sensor may be configured to transfer the sensor data to the at least one processor through a wire passing through a hole formed in the case.
The force sensor may be configured to transfer the sensor data to the at least one processor through a wire passing through an upper portion of the water tank and exposed to outside of the water tank.
The water tank may comprise: an inner housing in which the condensed water is accommodated; and an outer housing positioned outside the inner housing, and the force sensor may be configured to transfer the sensor data to the at least one processor through a wire passing through a space between the inner housing and the outer housing and exposed to outside of the water tank.
The case may include a hole through the space between the inner housing and the outer housing, and the wire may passe through the hole.
The dryer may further comprises an electrode sensor provided inside the drum, and the at least one processor may be further configured to identify that the drying operation has been completed in response to satisfaction of a completion condition of the drying operation by the electrode sensor and satisfaction of a completion condition of the drying operation by the force sensor.
The sensor device may further comprise a metal plate positioned between the diaphragm and the force sensor.
The sensor data may include an intensity value of the force applied to the diaphragm.
A control method of a dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the dryer including a water tank configured to store condensed water generated by a heat exchanger for heating air to be supplied into a drum, and a sensor device configured to detect a force generated by the condensed water stored in the water tank, wherein the sensor device may include a case coupled to the water tank, a diaphragm coupled to the case, wherein a force according to a water level of the water tank is applied to the diaphragm, and a force sensor provided between the case and the diaphragm, the control method including: identifying a water level of the water tank based on sensor data collected by the force sensor; and identifying whether a drying operation has been completed, based on the water level of the water tank.
The sensor data may include an intensity value of the force applied to the diaphragm.
The identifying of the water level of the water tank may include identifying an amount of change in a water level of the water tank per a unit time based on the sensor data collected by the force sensor, and the identifying of whether the drying operation has been completed based on the water level of the water tank may include identifying that the drying operation has been completed in response to the amount of change in the water level of the water tank per the unit time being a reference value or less.
The control method further comprises setting the reference value based on an amount of change in a water level of the water tank for a reference time according to elapse of a preset time after the drying operation begins.
The identifying of whether the drying operation has been completed based on the water level of the water tank may include identifying that the drying operation has been completed in response to the water level of the water tank not reaching the reference water level from a preset minimum water level for the reference time.
Various embodiments of the present disclosure and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to particular embodiments, and it should be construed as including various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of a corresponding embodiment.
With regard to description of drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.
A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of the items unless context clearly indicates otherwise.
As used herein, each of the expressions “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 one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with a corresponding expression among the expressions.
The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of a plurality of associated listed items.
It will be understood that the terms “first”, “second”, etc., may be used only to distinguish one component from another, not intended to limit the corresponding component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).
It is said that one (e.g., first) component is “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively”. When referenced, it means that the one component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.
it is to be understood that the terms such as “including” or “having,” etc., are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof may exist or may be added.
An expression that one component is “connected”, “coupled”, “supported”, or “in contact” with another component includes a case in which the components are directly “connected”, “coupled”, “supported”, or “in contact” with each other and a case in which the components are indirectly “connected”, “coupled”, “supported”, or “in contact” with each other through a third component.
It will also be understood that when one component is referred to as being “on” or “over” another component, it can be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be present.
A dryer according to various embodiments may perform a drying operation. The dryer may be an example of a clothes processing apparatus, and the clothes processing apparatus may include an apparatus for washing clothes (objects to be washed and objects to be dried), an apparatus for drying clothes, and an apparatus for washing and drying clothes.
The dryer according to an embodiment may include a washing machine capable of performing a drying operation. Also, the dryer according to an embodiment may include a clothes care apparatus for caring clothes hung on a hanger by supplying hot air to the clothes.
In the following description, the dryer according to an embodiment of the disclosure may correspond to any apparatus that performs a drying operation of drying clothes.
The dryer shown in
The dryer shown in
Referring to
In a chamber 30a formed by the drum 120, a drying material may be accommodated.
The main body 110 may include a front cover 12. The front cover 12 may be provided with an opening 12a, and a door 130 for opening or closing the opening 12a may be rotatably mounted on the front cover 12.
On an upper end of the front cover 12, a user interface 40 including an input interface for receiving a control command from a user and an output interface for displaying various information about operations of the dryer 1 or displaying a screen for guiding a user's input may be positioned.
The drum 120 may be formed in a cylindrical shape of which front and rear sides open.
The drum 120 may rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction inside the main body 110 by a driving force from the driver 60.
On an inner circumferential surface of the drum 120, a plurality of lifters 121 may be provided to tumble a drying material. The plurality of lifters 121 may protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the drum 120 toward a center of the drum 120.
On a front surface and a rear surface of the drum 120, a front support plate and a rear support plate may be respectively provided. The front surface of the drum 120 may be covered by the front support plate fixed to a front side of the main body 110, and the rear surface of the drum 120 may be covered by the rear support plate fixed to a rear side of the main body 110.
The front support plate and the rear support plate may rotatably support the drum 120.
To this end, at each of an area where the front support plate is in contact with the drum 120 and an area where the rear support plate is in contact with the drum 120, a non-slip pad may be provided to reduce friction resistance, and a roller for rotatably supporting the drum 120 may be provided below each of the front support plate and the rear support plate. Accordingly, the drum 120 may rotate smoothly.
During a drying operation, the drum 30 may rotate by the driver 60.
The driver 60 may include a driving motor that generates power for rotating the drum 120, and a driving circuit that drives the driving motor.
According to various embodiments, the driving motor of the driver 60 may be connected only to the drum 120 or to the drum 120 and a blower fan 151. According to an embodiment, a pulley connected to the drum 120 may be coupled to one side of a shaft of the driving motor of the driver 60, and the blower fan 151 may be coupled to another side of the shaft.
Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a motor for the rotating the drum 120 is defined as a drum motor, and a motor for rotating the blower fan 151 is defined as a fan motor.
However, the drum motor and the fan motor may be the same motor or different motors.
An electrode sensor 160 may be provided in the drum 120. As a drying material accommodated in the drum 120 rotates, the drying material may come into contact with the electrode sensor 160, and an electrical signal measured by the electrode sensor 160 may vary according to a dryness of the drying material. That is, the electrode sensor 160 may output an electrical signal corresponding to a dryness of a drying material accommodated in the drum 120, wherein the dryness may be a degree of dryness of the drying material.
The electrode sensor 160 may measure a dryness of a drying material by detecting current flowing through water remaining in the drying material. However, in the case in which a drying material tumbled in an outer space of the drum 120 is completely dry and a drying material tumbled in an inner space of the drum 120 is more or less wet, a dryness of the drying materials detected by the electrode sensor 160 may be more or less inaccurate.
Also, in the case of the dryer 1 capable of performing a washing operation, water flowed into the drum 120 may cause a breakdown of the electrode sensor 160.
The heat pump device 75 may include a heat exchanger 70, a compressor 73, and an expansion valve (not shown).
The heat exchanger 70 may include an evaporator 71 and a condenser 72.
The heat pump device 75 may have a refrigerant circulation path connected from the compressor 73 to the condenser 72, the expansion valve, and the evaporator 73 and then again returning to the compressor 73, wherein the condenser 72 and the evaporator 71 function as the heat exchanger 70.
The evaporator 71 may be positioned upstream of the condenser 72 with respect to a flow of air.
The heat exchanger 70 may heat air flowed into the drum 120.
Air passed through the chamber 30a formed by the drum 120 may pass through the evaporator 71 to be dried, pass through the condenser 71 to be heated, and then again flow into the chamber 30a.
The blower fan 151 may cause air passed through the chamber 30a formed by the drum 120 to again flow into the chamber 30a via the evaporator 71 and the condenser 72.
That is, the blower fan 151 may generate a flow of air circulating along inside (chamber) 30a of the drum 120 and the heat exchanger 70. To this end, the blower fan 151 may be provided inside a duct 180 along which air discharged from the drum 120 flows.
According to an embodiment, the blower fan 151 may be provided downstream of the condenser 72. However, a location of the blower fan 151 is not limited thereto, and the blower fan 151 may be installed at any position without limitation as long as the blower fan 151 is capable of generating a flow of air inside the duct 180.
The dryer 1 according to an embodiment may include a lint removing device 90. In the front cover 12, an auxiliary door for opening or closing a space in which the lint removing device 90 is accommodated may be further provided in addition to the door 130 for opening or closing the opening 12a.
A user may put the lint removing device 90 in or take the lint removing device 90 out through the auxiliary door.
The lint removing device 90 may collect lint included in air discharged from the chamber 30a to remove the lint. To this end, the lint removing device 90 may include a filter.
The lint removing device 90 may be positioned inside the duct 180 along which air discharged from the drum 120 flows. The lint removing device 90 may be positioned upstream of the heat exchanger 70, and the lint removing device 90 may remove lint from air passed through the drum 120 to prevent lint from being collected in the heat exchanger 70.
According to various embodiments, the dryer 1 may further include a heater 170. The heater 170 may be used to rapidly heat air to be supplied to the chamber 30a, and operate for a preset time at an initial stage of a drying operation.
According to an embodiment, the heater 170 may be provided downstream of the heat exchanger 70.
A dryer 1a shown in
The dryer 1a shown in
The dryer 1b shown in
Referring to
A first duct 181 may be positioned below the drum 120 to guide air discharged from the drum 120 to be dehumidified and heated and then again flow into the drum 120. The heat exchanger 70 may be accommodated in the first duct 181. The first duct 181 may be referred to as a lower frame. In the first duct 181, a first circulation flow path 191 may be provided.
A second duct 182 may be positioned behind the drum 120 to guide air moving toward the drum 120. Air passed through the heat exchanger 70 may be supplied to the dryer 120 through the second duct 182. The second duct 182 may form a part of a circulation flow path 190. The blower fan 151 may be accommodated inside the second duct 182. A second circulation flow path 192 may be provided in the second duct 182. According to an embodiment, the heater 170 may be provided in the second duct 151.
A third duct 183 may be positioned in front of the drum 120 to guide air in the inside 30a of the drum 120 to flow toward the heat exchanger 70. Air in the inside 30a of the drum 120 may flow to the heat exchanger 70 through the third duct 183. The third duct 183 may form a part of the circulation flow path 190. A third circulation flow path 193 may be provided in the third duct 183.
According to various embodiments, the lint removing device 90 may be provided in the first duct 181, the second duct 182, or the third duct 183.
According to an embodiment, the lint removing device 90 may be provided in the third duct 183.
The second duct 182 and the third duct 183 may enable air in the inside 30a of the drum 120 to circulate along the circulation flow path 190 inside the main body 110.
The dryer 1a may further include the circulation flow path 190. The circulation flow path 190 may include the first circulation flow path 191, the second circulation flow path 192, and the third circulation flow path 193. The first circulation flow path 191 may be formed by the first duct 181, the second circulation flow path 192 may be formed by the second duct 182, and the third circulation flow path 193 may be formed by the third duct 183.
The blower fan 151 may circulate air inside the circulation flow path 190.
Referring to
According to an embodiment, the dryer 1b may include a tub 115 provided inside the main body 110, and the drum 120 which is provided inside the tub 115 and which accommodates laundry and rotates.
A water supply device 14 may be provided above the tub 115. The water supply device 14 may include a water supply valve 14b for controlling supply of water and a water supply pipe 14a. Also, a detergent supply device 80 for supplying a detergent into the tub 115 during a process of supplying water may be installed above the tub 115. The detergent supply device 80 may be installed in the front cover 12. The detergent supply device 80 may be positioned inside the main body 110. Water flowed into the dryer 1 through the water supply device 14 may flow into the detergent supply device 80.
According to various embodiments, the detergent supply device 80 may be installed below the tub 115.
The detergent supply device 80 may be connected to the tub 115 through a supply pipe 17. Washing water supplied through the water supply pipe 14a may be mixed with a detergent through the detergent supply device 80 and mixed water of the washing water and the detergent may be supplied into the tub 115.
Water supplied to the inside of the dryer 1b through the water supply device 14 may flow into the detergent supply device 80. Water passed through the water supply pipe 14a may flow into a detergent case. For example, the water supply pipe 14a may be positioned above the detergent case to supply water to the detergent case positioned below. A detergent may be accommodated in the detergent case, and water supplied from the water supply pipe 14a to the detergent case may be mixed with the detergent. The water mixed with the detergent inside the detergent case may flow into the tub 115. For example, the supply pipe 17 may be connected to the detergent case and the tub 115 below the detergent case to supply the water mixed with the detergent in the detergent case to the tub 115.
The detergent case may be withdrawn from the front cover 12. According to various embodiments, the detergent case and the lint removing device 90 may be withdrawable from the front cover 12. In the drawings, the lint removing device 90 is shown to be positioned behind the tub 115. However, the lint removing device 90 may be positioned to one side of the heat exchanger 70 above the tub 115. The lint removing device 90 may be provided between a top plate 11 of the main body 110 and the tub 115. The heat exchanger 70 may be provided between the top plate 11 of the main body 110 and the tub 115.
The tub 115 may store mixed water of washing water and a detergent, and may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The tub 115 may be fixed inside the main body 110. The tub 115 may be connected to the opening 12a of the front cover 12 by a diaphragm. The diaphragm may seal a space between the front cover 12 and the tub 115.
Below the tub 115, a drain device 50 including a drain pipe (not shown), a drain valve (not shown), a drain pump, etc. for draining water inside the tub 115 may be installed.
The tub 115 may be elastically supported from the main body 110 by an upper spring (not shown) and lower dampers. That is, the spring and the dampers may attenuate vibration generated during a rotation of the drum 120 by absorbing vibration energy between the tub 115 and the main body 110 upon transferring of the vibration to the tub 115 and the main body 110.
In the dryer 1b according to an embodiment, the heat exchanger 70, the blower fan 151, and the lint removing device 90 may be positioned in an upper area of the main body 110. For example, the heat exchanger 70, the blower fan 151, and the lint removing device 90 may be positioned in the duct 180.
The first duct 181 may be positioned above the drum 120 and the tub 115 to guide air discharged from the drum 120 to be dehumidified and heated and then again flow into the drum 120. The heat exchanger 70 may be accommodated in the first duct 181. The first duct 181 may also be referred to an upper frame. The first circulation flow path 191 may be provided in the first duct 181.
The second duct 182 may be positioned in front of the drum 120 and the tub 115 to guide air flowing toward the drum 120. Air passed through the heat exchanger 70 may be supplied to the drum 120 through the second duct 182. The second duct 182 may form a part of the circulation flow path 190. The blower fan 151 may be accommodated in the second duct 182. The second circulation flow path 192 may be provided in the second duct 182.
The third duct 183 may be positioned behind the drum 120 and the tub 1115 to guide air in the inside 30a of the drum 120 to flow into the heat exchanger 70. Air in the inside 30a of the drum 120 may flow into the heat exchanger 70 through the third duct 183. The third duct 183 may form a part of the circulation flow path 190. The third circulation flow path 193 may be provided in the third duct 183. According to an embodiment, the heater 170 may be provided in the third duct 183.
According to various embodiments, the lint removing device 90 may be provided in the first duct 181, the second duct 182, or the third duct 183.
According to an embodiment, the lint removing device 90 may be provided in the first duct 182.
The second duct 182 and the third duct 183 may enable air in the inside 30a of the drum 120 to circulate through the circulation flow path 190 inside the main body 110. Also, because air discharged from the second duct 182 flows into the tub 115 and the drum 120 through the diaphragm, the diaphragm may also allow air to circulate through the circulation flow path 190 inside the main body 110.
The dryer 1b may further include the circulation flow path 190. The circulation flow path 190 may include the first circulation flow path 191, the second circulation flow path 192, and the third circulation flow path 193. The first circulation flow path 191 may be formed by the first duct 181, the second circulation flow path 192 may be formed by the second duct 182, and the third circulation flow path 193 may be formed by the third duct 183.
The flow fan 151 may circulate air in the circulation flow path 190.
Referring to
Air in the second circulation flow path 192, passed through the heat exchanger 70 may flow into the inside 30a of the drum 120 through the communication port 182c.
The third duct 183 may communicate with a communication port 183d.
Air flowed into the inside 30a of the drum 120 may flow into the third circulation flow path 193 through the communication port 183d.
The third duct 183 may communicate with the first duct 181.
Air flowed into the third circulation flow path 193 may pass through the lint removing device 90 and flow into the first circulation flow path 191.
The air flowed into the first circulation flow path 191 may pass through the heat exchanger 70 and flow into the second circulation flow path 192.
As such, a process in which air dehumidified and heated by the heat exchanger 70 flows into the inside 30a of the drum 120, dries a drying material accommodated in the inside 30a of the drum 120, and then again flows into the circulation flow path 190 to be dehumidified and heated by the heat exchanger 70 may be repeated.
According to an embodiment, the dryer 1 may include a water tank 250 that stores condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 70.
The water tank 250 may be provided below the heat exchanger 70. Condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 70 may naturally flow into the water tank 250 by gravity. Also, condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 70 may flow into the water tank 250 by a guide (for example, a hose, an opening positioned at a bottom inclined in a direction of gravity, etc.).
In the water tank 250, a sensor device 250 may be provided. The sensor device 250 may be provided at a bottom 205 of the water tank 250 to detect a force applied by weight of water stored in the water tank 250. The sensor device 250 may include a force sensor (see
The force sensor 253 may be connected to a wire K extending outside the water tank 250. The wire K may be electrically connected to an electrical component (for example, a controller 300 (see
For example, according to the controller 300 being mounted on a printed circuit board provided on a rear surface of a control panel as an example of the user interface 40, the wire K may connect the force sensor 253 to the printed circuit board provided on the rear surface of the control panel.
Hot and humid air passed through a drying material in the inside 30a of the drum 120 may pass through the heat exchanger 70.
As hot and humid air passes through the evaporator 71 maintained at relatively low temperature, condensed water may be generated around the evaporator 71, and the condensed water may fall by gravity and flow into the water tank 250.
Meanwhile, as the drying material is dried, humidity of air passed through the drying material may be lowered and, accordingly, an amount of condensed water generated around the evaporator 71 may be reduced.
Referring to
The first duct 181 may include a discharge flow path 195 inclined in the direction of gravity. The discharge flow path 195 may be provided in a lower portion of the heat exchanger 70. The discharge flow path 195 may be provided in a lower portion of the evaporator 71.
Condensed water generated in the evaporator 71 may fall by gravity and flow into the discharge flow path 195.
The condensed water flowed into the discharge flow path 195 may move along the inclination by gravity and be discharged through an outlet 196
The water tank 200 may be provided below the outlet 196.
Condensed water discharged through the outlet 96 may fall into the water tank 200 and be accommodated in the water tank 200.
According to an embodiment, the water tank 200 may have an entirely open upper portion or may have an inlet that communicates with the outlet 196.
While the dryer 1 performs a drying operation, hot and humid air may continue to flow into the first circulation flow path 191, and accordingly, condensed water may be continuously generated around the heat exchanger 70.
Accordingly, while a drying operation continues until a drying material is no longer dried, a water level of the water tank 200 will rise gradually.
The dryer 1 according to an embodiment may include a drain pump 210 for discharging condensed water accommodated in the water tank 200 to the outside.
The drain pump 210 may operate based on satisfaction of a preset condition, which will be described below.
The dryer 1 according to an embodiment may include the sensor device 250 for detecting a water level of the water tank 200.
The sensor device 250 may measure a value (for example, weight or pressure of water, time-of-flight (ToF) of a signal, capacitance, etc. depending on a rise in water level of the water tank 200) that changes according to a rise in water level of the water tank 200, which will be described below.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, by measuring a dryness of a drying material according to a water level of the water tank 200 detected by the sensor device 250, the dryness of the drying material may be more accurately measured.
Referring to
The dryer 1 according to an embodiment may further include components, such as a water supply device, a detergent supply device, and a drain device, to perform a washing operation.
According to an embodiment, the dryer 1 may not include some components (for example, the heater 170).
The user interface 40 may include at least one input interface 41 and at least one output interface 42.
The at least one input interface 41 may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.
The at least one input interface 41 may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing/rinsing/dehydrating/drying setting button. The at least one input interface 41 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, etc.
The at least one output interface 42 may generate sensory information and transfer various data related to operations of the washing machine 10 to a user.
For example, the at least one output interface 42 may transfer information related to a drying course and an operation time of the dryer 1, a washing course and an operation time of the dryer 1, or a washing setting/rinsing setting/dehydrating setting/drying setting to a user. Information related to an operation of the dryer 1 may be output through a screen, an indicator, a voice, etc. The at least one output interface 42 may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.
The driver 40 may include a drum motor that provides a driving force for rotating the drum 120, and a driving circuit that drives the drum motor. The drum motor may operate based on driving current supplied from the driving circuit. The driver 60 may operate based on a control signal from the controller 300.
According to an embodiment, the controller 300 may control the driver 60 to rotate the drum 120 during a drying operation.
According to an embodiment, the driver 60 may include a fan motor that provides a driving force for rotating the blower fan 151, and a driving circuit that drives the fan motor.
As described above, the drum motor and the fan motor may be the same motor or different motors.
The heat pump device 75 may include the compressor 73 for compressing a refrigerant, the expansion valve, and the heat exchanger 70. The compressor 73 may operate based on a control signal from the controller 300. The heat pump device 75 may heat air supplied to the inside 30a of the drum 120.
The heater 170 may also heat air supplied to the inside 30a of the drum 120. The heater 170 may operate based on a control signal from the controller 300.
According to an embodiment, the controller 300 may control the compressor 73 and/or the heater 170 to maintain air flowed into the inside 30a of the drum 120 at preset target temperature during a drying operation.
To this end, the dryer 1 may include at least one temperature sensor (not shown) for measuring temperature of air flowed into the inside 30a of the drum 120. The at least one temperature sensor may be provided in the second duct 182. The at least one temperature sensor may be provided upstream of the heat exchanger 70. For example, the at least one temperature sensor may be provided in the third duct 183.
The drain pump 210 may pump condensed water stored in the water tank 200 and discharge the condensed water to the outside. To this end, the drain pump 210 may be coupled to a guide (for example, a drain hose) extending from the inside of the water tank 200 to the outside. The drain pump 210 may operate based on a control signal from the controller 300.
The communicator 330 may communicate with an external device (for example, a server, a user device, and/or a home appliance) wirelessly or by wire.
The communicator 330 may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-distance communication module.
The communicator 330 may transmit data to the external device or receive data from the external device. For example, the communicator 330 may establish communication with and transmit/receive various data to/from a server, a user device, and/or another home appliance.
To this end, the communicator 330 may support establishment of a direct (for example, wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel with an external device, and communications through an established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communicator 330 may include a wireless communication module (for example, a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (for example, a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). A corresponding communication module among the communication modules may communicate with an external device through a first network (for example, a short-range wireless communication network, such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) Direct, or Infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (for example, a long-distance communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5th Generation (5G) network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (for example, a LAN or a wide area network (WAN)). The various kinds of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (for example, a single chip) or implemented with a plurality of separate components (for example, a plurality of chips).
The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a Near Field Communication (NFC) module, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN; WiFi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an IrDA communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, a Ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc., although not limited thereto.
The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various kinds of long-distance communications, and may include a mobile communicator. The mobile communicator may transmit/receive a wireless signal to/from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.
According to an embodiment, the communicator 330 may communicate with an external device, such as a server, a user device, another home appliance, etc., through a nearby Access Point (AP). The AP may connect a LAN to which the dryer 1, another home appliance, and/or a user device is connected to a WAN to which a server is connected. The dryer 1, the other home appliance, and/or the user device may be connected to the server through the WAN.
The sensor device 250 may detect a water level of the water tank 200 that stores condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 70. Sensor data obtained by the sensor device 250 may be transferred to the controller 300. The controller 300 may identify a water level of the water tank 200 based on the sensor data obtained by the sensor device 250.
The controller 300 may control various components (for example, the driver 60, the compressor 73, the heater 170, the user interface 40, and the drain pump 210) of the dryer 1. The controller 300 may control various components of the dryer 1 to perform at least one operation including water supply, washing, rinsing, and/or drying according to a user input. For example, the controller 300 may control the driver 60 to adjust rotation speed of the drum 120, control the compressor 73 and/or the heater 170 to maintain air flowed into the inside 30a of the drum 120 at preset target temperature, or control the drain pump 210 to pump water stored in the water tank 200 to the outside.
The controller 300 may process sensor data collected by the sensor device 250 and perform various operations based on the processed result on the sensor data collected by the sensor device 250.
The controller 300 may include hardware, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro-computer (Micom), or a memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller 300 may include at least one memory 320 that stores data in a form of an algorithm or program for controlling operations of components in the dryer 1, and at least one processor 310 that performs the above-described operations and operations which will be described below by using data stored in the at least one memory 320. The memory 320 and the processor 310 may be implemented as separate chips. The processor 310 may include one, two, or more processor chips or one, two, or more processing cores. The memory 320 may include one, two, or more memory chips or one, two, or more memory blocks. Also, the memory 320 and the processor 310 may be implemented as a single chip.
The at least one memory 320 may store a drying course and an operation time of the dryer 1, a washing course and an operation time of the dryer 1, or a cycle profile corresponding to a washing setting/rinsing setting/dehydrating setting/drying setting. The cycle profile may include rotation speed of the drum 120, target temperature of air supplied to the inside 30a of the drum 120, etc. for a drying operation.
The controller 300 may be mounted, for example, on the printed circuit board provided on the rear surface of the control panel as an example of the user interface 40.
The controller 300 may be electrically connected to the user interface 40, the heat pump device 75, the driver 60, the heater 170, the drain pump 210, the communicator 330, and/or the sensor device 250.
The sensor device 250 according to an embodiment may be provided in the water tank 200.
The sensor device 250 according to an embodiment may detect a force generated by condensed water stored in the water tank 200.
The sensor device 250 may include a case 251 coupled to the water tank 200, a diaphragm 257 which is coupled to the case 251 and to which a force according to a water level of the water tank 200 is applied, and the force sensor 253 provided between the case 251 and the diaphragm 257. The force according to a water level of the water tank 200 may include weight of condensed water according to a water level of the water tank 200.
A metal plate 255 may be positioned between the diaphragm 257 and the force sensor 253. The metal plate 255 may transfer a change in displacement of the diaphragm 257 to the force sensor 253.
According to an embodiment, the case 251 may include a first coupling portion 251a (see
The case 251 may be fixed to the water tank 200 through the first coupling portion 251a.
According to an embodiment, the case 251 may include a resting portion on which the force sensor 253 is rested. The resting portion may include a groove formed in the shape of the force sensor 253. The groove may include a hole 251h through which the wire K of the force sensor 253 passes. The wire K of the force sensor 253 may transfer sensor data collected by the force sensor 253 to the controller 300. The wire K of the force sensor 253 may receive power from the controller 300.
To this end, the wire K may include a plurality of signal transfer lines (for example, a power line, a sensor data output line, etc.).
The force sensor 253 may be rested on the resting portion of the case 251.
The metal plate 255 may be positioned on an upper side of the force sensor 253. The metal plate 255 may transfer a force pressed by the diaphragm 257 to the force sensor 253.
The metal plate 255 may be, for example, a stainless steel plate.
The diaphragm 257 may include a third coupling portion capable of being coupled to the case 251. For example, the diaphragm 257 may include the third coupling portion capable of being coupled to the first coupling portion 251a of the case 251. The diaphragm 257 may be made of an elastic material and may be tightly coupled to an upper side of the case 251.
A coupled part of the diaphragm 257 and the case 251 may be waterproofed. For example, the diaphragm 257 may cover the case 251, and a waterproof tape for coupling the diaphragm 257 to the case 251 may surround the diaphragm 257 and the case 251.
Accordingly, the diaphragm 257 may be coupled to the upper side of the case 251.
The diaphragm 257 may include an insertion groove in which the metal plate 255 is insertable.
The metal plate 255 may be provided between the insertion groove of the diaphragm 257 and the resting portion of the case 251.
The diaphragm 257 may be made of a material of which a displacement occurs according to weight pressing the diaphragm 257. For example, the diaphragm 257 may be formed of rubber and/or a silicon material.
The diaphragm 257 may be made of a waterproof material.
The diaphragm 257 may be displaced according to a water level of the water tank 200. As a water level of the water tank 200 rises, a force pressing the diaphragm 257 may become stronger, and accordingly, a displacement of the diaphragm 257 may increase. According to a displacement of the diaphragm 257, a force may be applied to the metal plate 255, and the force applied to the metal plate 255 may be applied to the force sensor 253.
The force sensor 253 may include a sensor capable of converting a force applied to the force sensor 253 into an electrical signal. The force sensor 253 may be configured with a device of which electrical characteristics change according to a mechanical force applied to the force sensor 253.
For example, the force sensor 253 may detect a change in capacitance generated by a force applied to the force sensor 253 and output data related to the change in capacitance.
As another example, the force sensor 253 may include a piezoelectric sensor for outputting an electrical signal according to a force applied to the force sensor 253. The piezoelectric sensor may output an electrical signal according to mechanical deformation.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, by coupling the case 251 to the water tank 200 to fix the case 251 to the water tank 200, coupling the diaphragm 257 to the upper side of the case 251, and providing the force sensor 253 between the case 251 and the diaphragm 257, the force sensor 253 may be prevented from being exposed to water and a force applied to the force sensor 253 according to a water level of the water tank 200 may be accurately measured.
Also, because the wire K connected to the force sensor 253 is exposed to the outside of the water tank 200 through the hole 251h formed in the case 251, the wire K may be prevented from being exposed to water.
For example, a force applied in the direction of gravity to the diaphragm 257 may also be applied in the direction of gravity to the metal plate 255 positioned below the diaphragm 257.
The force applied to the metal plate 255 may also be applied to the force sensor 253.
For example, a force applied in the direction of gravity to the metal plate 255 may also be applied in the direction of gravity to the force sensor 253 positioned below the metal plate 255.
Because the case 251 positioned below the force sensor 253 is coupled to and fixed to the water tank 200, the force sensor 253 may detect an entire force applied to the diaphragm 257 between the case 251 and the metal plate 255.
As a result, the force sensor 253 may detect a force generated by condensed water stored in the water tank 200. The force sensor 253 may be connected to the wire K that passes through the hole 251h formed in the case 251, and the wire K may be connected to an electrical component (for example, the controller 300) of the dryer 1.
The force sensor 253 may transfer an electrical signal (sensor data) corresponding to a force generated by condensed water stored in the water tank 200 to the electrical component (for example, the controller 300) of the dryer 1 through the wire K.
Referring to
In the opening 202 formed in the bottom 205 of the water tank 200, the second coupling portion 202a to which the first coupling portion 251a of the case 251 is coupled may be formed. For example, the first coupling portion 251a may include a coupling protrusion, and the second coupling portion 202a may include a coupling groove that matches with the coupling protrusion.
However, examples of the first coupling portion 251a and the second coupling portion 202a are not limited thereto.
As a result of complete coupling of the first coupling portion 251a and the second coupling portion 202a, the opening 202 formed in the bottom 205 of the water tank 200 may be closed by the case 251.
According to closing of the opening 202 formed in the bottom 205 of the water tank 200, condensed water stored in the water tank 200 may be prevented from leaking out.
Also, because the case 251 is coupled to the opening 202 formed in the bottom 205 of the water tank 200 to form a bottom of the water tank 200, an effect as though the force sensor 253 is positioned directly on the bottom 205 of the water tank 200 may be obtained.
That is, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a step between the force sensor 253 and the bottom 205 of the water tank 200 may be minimized, and thus, a force applied to the force sensor 253 according to a water level of the water tank 200 may be accurately sensed.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, because the sensor device 250 is detachably attached to the water tank 200, the sensor device 250 may be easily replaced with another one at any time when the sensor device 250 malfunctions.
The sensor device 250 according to an embodiment may be coupled to the opening 202 formed in the bottom 205 of the water tank 200. As a result of complete coupling of the case 251 and the water tank 200, there may be no step between the case 251 and the bottom 205 of the water tank 200.
Accordingly, a shape in which the diaphragm 257 rises from the bottom 205 of the water tank 200 may be implemented. A space between the diaphragm 257 and the opening 202 may be waterproofed. For example, a waterproof tape may be positioned between the diaphragm 257 and the opening 202.
The wire K of the force sensor 253 may be exposed toward the bottom 205 of the water tank 200 through the hole 251h formed in the case 251.
According to an embodiment, the force sensor 253 may transfer sensor data to the controller 300 through the wire K that passes through the hole 251h formed in the case 251.
The force sensor 253 may receive power from the controller 300 through the wire K. To this end, a plurality of wires K may be provided.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the wire K connected to the force sensor 253 may be prevented from being exposed to water.
Referring to
The inner housing 212 and the outer housing 211 may be integrated into one body, and an empty space 212a may be formed between the inner housing 212 and the outer housing 211.
In the inner housing 212, a second coupling portion 212b to which the case 251 is coupled may be formed.
The second coupling portion 212b of the inner housing 212, to which the case 251 is coupled, may include an opening 212a.
However, no opening may be formed in the outer housing 211.
Accordingly, condensed water accommodated in the inner housing 212 may be prevented from being exposed to the outer housing 211.
Meanwhile, as a result of coupling of the case 251 to the second coupling portion 212b formed in the inner housing 212, the opening 212a of the inner housing 212 may be closed. According to coupling of the case 251 to the opening 212a formed in the inner housing 212 of the water tank 200, the case 251 may form a surface of the inner housing 212 of the water tank 200 and therefore, an effect as though the force sensor 253 is positioned on the bottom 205 of the water tank 200 may be obtained.
The case 251 may include a hole that communicates with the space between the inner housing 212 and the outer housing 211.
The wire K of the force sensor 253 may be exposed to the space between the inner housing 212 and the outer housing 211 of the water tank 200 through the hole formed in the case 251. The wire K may be exposed to the outside of the water tank 200 through the space between the inner housing 212 and the outer housing 211 of the water tank 200.
According to the disclosure, although no hole is formed in the water tank 200, the wire K of the force sensor 253 may be exposed to the outside through a space that is not exposed to water.
According to an embodiment, the force sensor 253 may transfer sensor data to the controller 300 through the wire K that passes through the space between the inner housing 212 and the outer housing 211.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the wire K connected to the force sensor 253 may be prevented from being exposed to water.
Referring to
The force sensor 253 may be exposed to the outside through a hole of the case 251 and may be exposed upward from the water tank 200 through an inner side of the water tank 200.
In this case, the hole of the case 251 and the wire K of the force sensor 253 may be waterproofed with a waterproof product such as a waterproof tape.
According to an embodiment, the force sensor 253 may transfer sensor data to the controller 300 through the wire K extending upward from the water tank 200 and exposed to the outside of the water tank 200.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, by completely waterproofing the wire K, a situation in which water leaks out through the bottom 205 of the water tank 200 may be fundamentally prevented.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, by detecting weight of water changing according to a water level of the water tank 200 directly through the force sensor 253, the water level of the water tank 200 may be accurately identified.
Also, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, an intensity of a force applied to the diaphragm 257 according to weight of water in the water tank 200 may be measured directly through the force sensor 253.
Referring to
To measure pressure of condensed water stored in the water tank 200, a guide (for example, a rubber hose) 261a may be provided in one side of the water tank 200. The pressure sensor 250a for measuring water pressure changing according to a water level of the water tank 200 may be provided at an end of the guide 261a provided in the one side of the water tank 200.
To measure water pressure changing according to a water level of the water tank 200, the water level of the water tank 200 may need to rise up to a specific water level, and therefore, measuring a water level of the water tank 200 by the pressure sensor 250a may have lower accuracy than the method of measuring a water level of the water tank 200 by the force sensor 253.
Particularly, a pressure sensor has been commonly used as a sensor for measuring a water level of the tub 115 of the dryer 1b according to an embodiment. However, because a size of the water tank 200 configured to store condensed water is relatively much smaller than a size of the tub 115, it may be difficult to accurately measure a water level with a pressure sensor.
Referring to
The proximity sensor 250b may include an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and/or a radar sensor.
The proximity sensor 250b may include an irradiator that irradiates a specific signal (for example, an optical signal, an ultrasonic signal, a radar signal), and a receiver that receives a reflection signal of the specific signal, reflected by water stored in the water tank 200.
The proximity sensor 250b may measure a water level of the water tank 200 based on ToF of a specific signal.
However, because the size of the water tank 200 configured to store condensed water is relatively small, the method of measuring a water level of the water tank 200 with the force sensor 253 may have higher accuracy than measuring a water level based on ToF.
Referring to
The capacitive sensor 250c may measure a change of capacitance caused by a change in water level of the water tank 200.
The capacitive sensor 250c may include two conductive electrodes, and may measure a water level of the water tank 200 based on a change of capacitance between the electrodes according to a change in water level of the water tank 200.
However, because the size of the water tank 200 configured to store condensed water is relatively small, the method of measuring a water level of the water tank 200 with the force sensor 253 may have higher accuracy than measuring a water level of the water tank 200 based on capacitance.
The sensor device 250 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, which may include the force sensor 253, may more accurately identify a water level of the water tank 200 than the case of adopting another kind of sensor.
Referring to
A sensor used to identify a water level of the water tank 200 in operations shown in
The dryer 1a shown in
The dryer 1b shown in
The dryer 1b shown in
The controller 300 may control the driver 60, the heater 170, and/or the compressor 73 to perform a drying operation in response to reception of a start command of a drying operation through the user interface 40.
According to an embodiment, the controller 300 may identify whether a drying operation has been completed, based on sensor data collected by the force sensor 253 included in the sensor device 250.
For example, the controller 300 may identify a water level of the water tank 200 based on sensor data collected by the force sensor 253. Identifying a water level of the water tank 200 may include detecting an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 per a unit time. Detecting the amount of change in the water level of the water tank 200 per the unit time may include detecting an amount of change in force intensity values collected by the force sensor 253 per the unit time.
Sensor data collected by the force sensor 253 may include an intensity value of a force applied to the diaphragm 257.
The controller 300 may identify a water level of the water tank 200 corresponding to an intensity value of a force. To this end, the memory 320 may store a lookup table about water levels of the water tank 200 matching with force intensity values.
The controller 300 may identify whether an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 per a unit time is a reference value or less (1300). The unit time may be a preset time and may have been stored in the memory 320. For example, the unit time may be about 3 minutes, although not limited thereto.
According to various embodiments, the reference value may be a preset value stored in advance in the memory 320, or may be a value set based on beginning of a drying operation by the controller 300.
That an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 per a unit time is smaller than the reference value may correspond to a state in which a discharge amount of condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 70 is reduced.
The state in which the discharge amount of condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 70 is reduced may mean that a dryness of a drying material is high.
According to an embodiment, based on the amount of change in the water level of the water tank 200 per the unit time being smaller than the reference value (YES in 1300), the controller 300 may identify that the drying operation has been completed (1400).
In the case in which the reference value is set in advance regardless of weight or initial humidity of a drying material, it may be identified that the drying operation has been completed even though the drying material is not completely dried.
According to an embodiment, the controller 300 may set a reference value based on beginning of a drying operation (1200). In this case, the reference value may be appropriately set to correspond to initial weight or humidity of a drying material.
For example, according to elapse of a preset time (for example, about 5 minutes) after a drying operation begins, the controller 300 may set a reference value based on an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 for a reference time. The reference time may be set to the unit time, although not limited thereto.
At an initial stage at which a drying operation begins, air supplied to the inside 30a of the drum 120 may not yet be heated and accordingly, a generation amount of condensed water may be small.
Therefore, an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 for a preset time after a drying operation begins may have low reliability as a reference value.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, after a drying operation begins and a preset time (for example, about 5 minutes) elapses, the controller 300 may set a reference value based on an amount of change in a water level of a water tank 200 for the reference time, thereby calculating an appropriate reference value corresponding to weight and humidity of a drying material.
For example, according to elapse of the preset time after a drying operation begins, the controller 300 may set, to a reference value, a value that is smaller by a preset value than a value corresponding to an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 for the reference time.
As another example, according to elapse of the preset time after a drying operation begins, the controller 300 may set, to a reference value, a value that is smaller by a preset ratio than a value corresponding to an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 for the reference time.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, by appropriately changing the reference value in correspondence to weight and humidity of a drying material, a dryness of the drying material may be easily identified based on an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200, without measuring weight or humidity of the drying material.
According to various embodiments, the controller 300 may additionally use the electrode sensor 160 to identify whether a drying operation has been completed.
For example, the controller 300 may identify that a drying operation has been completed, in response to satisfaction of a completion condition of a drying operation by the electrode sensor 160 and satisfaction of a completion condition of a drying operation by the force sensor 253.
Satisfaction of a completion condition of a drying operation by the electrode sensor 160 may include a case in which a number of times by which an electrical signal is output by the electrode sensor 160 per a unit time is reduced to a preset number of times or less.
That is, in the case in which a number of times by which an electrical signal is output by the electrode sensor 160 per a unit time (for example, about one minute) is reduced to the preset number of times or less and an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 per the unit time is smaller than the reference value, the controller 300 may identify that the drying operation has been completed.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, by using two sensors to identify a dryness of a drying material, reliability may be secured.
The controller 300 may control, based on the drying operation having been completed, the driver 60 to stop the drum 120 and/or the blower fan 151.
Based on the drying operation having been completed, the controller 300 may stop driving the compressor 73.
The controller 300 may inform, based on the drying operation having been completed, an external device (for example, a user device) of completion of the drying operation through the communicator 330.
Meanwhile, according to a water level of the water tank 200 reaching a reference water level, the dryer 1 may operate the drain pump 210 to discharge condensed water in the water tank 200 to the outside.
The controller 300 may operate the drain pump 210 in response to the water level of the water tank 200 reaching the reference water level.
In response to a water level of the water tank 200 reaching a preset minimum water level, the controller 300 may stop the drain pump 210.
The controller 300 may not consider an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 while the drain pump 210 operates, in identifying an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 per the unit time.
That is, the controller 300 may identify an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 only while the drain pump 210 does not operate.
For example, the unit time may be set to 5 minutes, and the drain pump 210 may operate for 1 minute after 3 minutes have passed. In this case, the controller 300 may identify, as amounts of change in water levels of the water tank 200 per the unit time, an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 for first 3 minutes and an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 for 2 minutes after the drain pump 210 stops operating.
Referring to
A sensor used to identify a water level of the water tank 200 in operations shown in
The controller 300 may calculate a time taken for a water level of the water tank 200 to reach a reference water level from a preset minimum water level (2300), wherein the reference water level may be a preset value and may have been stored in the memory 320. According to various embodiments, the reference water level may be a preset value stored in advance in the memory 320, or a value that is set based on beginning of a drying operation by the controller 300.
The case in which the time taken from the water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level is longer than a reference time may correspond to a state in which a discharge amount of condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 70 is reduced.
The state in which the discharge amount of condensed water generated in the heat exchanger 70 is reduced may mean that a dryness of a drying material is high.
According to an embodiment, the controller 300 may identify that the drying operation has been completed, based on the time taken for the water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level being longer than the reference time (YES in 2500) (2600).
That is, in response to a water level of the water tank 200 not reaching the reference water level from the preset minimum water level for the reference time, the controller 300 may identify that the drying operation has been completed.
According to an embodiment, the reference water level may be a reference water level corresponding to an operation condition of the drain pump 210. Accordingly, the controller 300 may operate the drain pump 210 based on a water level of the water tank 200 reaching the reference water level (YES in 2300) (2400).
According to various embodiments, the controller 300 may operate the drain pump 210 until a water level of the water tank 200 reaches the preset minimum water level. That is, according to a water level of the water tank 200 reaching the preset minimum water level, the controller 300 may stop operating the drain pump 210.
In the case in which the reference time is set in advance regardless of weight or initial humidity of a drying material, it may be identified that the drying operation has been completed even though the drying material is not completely dried.
According to an embodiment, the controller 300 may set a reference time based on beginning of a drying operation (2200). At this time, the reference time may need to be appropriately set to correspond to initial weight and humidity of a drying material.
For example, the controller 300 may set a reference time based on a time taken for a water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level after a drying operation begins and the drain pump 210 operates a preset number of times. Setting the reference time based on the time taken for the water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level may include setting a reference time based on a length of the time taken for a water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level.
At an initial stage at which a drying operation begins, air supplied to the inside 30a of the drum 120 may not yet be heated and accordingly, a generation amount of condensed water may be small.
Accordingly, a long time will be taken for a water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level. Setting a reference water level in the state in which the drain pump 210 does not yet operate after a drying operation begins may result in low reliability.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, by setting a reference time based on a time taken for a water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level after a drying operation begins and the drain pump 210 operates a preset number of times (for example, one time), an appropriate reference time corresponding to weight and humidity of a drying material may be calculated.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, by ignoring data about a time taken for a water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level just after a drying operation begins because the data has low reliability, and setting, to a reference time, a time taken for a water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level after the drain pump 210 operates at least one time, the reference time may have high reliability.
For example, the controller 300 may set, to a reference time, a time that is longer by a preset time than a time taken for a water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level after a drying operation begins and the drain pump 210 operates at least one time.
As another example, the controller 300 may set, to a reference time, a time that is longer by a preset ratio than a time taken for a water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level after a drying operation begins and the drain pump 210 operates at least one time.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, by appropriately changing the reference time in correspondence to weight and humidity of a drying material, a dryness of the drying material may be easily identified based on a water level of the water tank 200 without measuring weight or humidity of the drying material.
According to various embodiments, the controller 300 may additionally use the electrode sensor 160 to identify whether a drying operation has been completed.
For example, the controller 300 may identify that a drying operation has been completed, in response to satisfaction of a completion condition of a drying operation by the electrode sensor 160 and satisfaction of a completion condition of a drying operation by the force sensor 253.
Satisfaction of a completion condition of a drying operation by the electrode sensor 160 may include a case in which a number of times by which an electrical signal is output by the electrode sensor 160 per a unit time is reduced to a preset number of times or less.
That is, in the case in which a number of times by which an electrical signal is output by the electrode sensor 160 per a unit time (for example, about one minute) is reduced to the preset number of times or less and a water level of the water tank 200 does not reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level for the reference time, the controller 300 may identify that the drying operation has been completed.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, by using two sensors to identify a dryness of a drying material, reliability may be secured.
The controller 300 may control, based on the drying operation having been completed, the driver 60 to stop the drum 120 and/or the blower fan 151.
Based on the drying operation having been completed, the controller 300 may stop driving the compressor 73.
The controller 300 may inform, based on the drying operation having been completed, an external device (for example, a user device) of completion of the drying operation through the communicator 330.
The dryer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may accurately identify a water level of the water tank 200 through the force sensor 253, and accurately identify whether a drying operation has been completed, in correspondence to a dryness of a drying material according to the water level of the water tank 200.
Referring to
The controller 300 may operate the drain pump 210 in response to a water level of the water tank 200 reaching a reference water level. For example, the controller 300 may operate the drain pump 210 in response to an intensity value of a force measured by the force sensor 253 reaching a reference intensity value.
The controller 300 may stop the drain pump 210 in response to a water level of the water tank 200 reaching a preset minimum water level. For example, the controller 300 may stop the drain pump 210 in response to an intensity value of a force measured by the force sensor 253 reaching a preset minimum intensity value.
Herein, the preset minimum water level may be 0 cm. That is, the preset minimum intensity value may be zero. However, the preset minimum water level or the preset minimum intensity value is not limited thereto.
The controller 300 may set a reference time based on a time h1 or h2 taken for a water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level.
The controller 300 may identify whether a drying operation has been completed, based on the time h1 or h2 taken for the water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level.
For example, in response to a time h1 or h2 taken for a water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level being longer than the reference time, the controller 300 may identify that a drying operation has been completed.
According to various embodiments, the sensor device 250 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be installed in another part of the dryer 1 or in another home appliance (for example, a dehumidifier, a humidifier, etc.) other than the dryer 1. Particularly, the sensor device 250 according to an embodiment may be installed in a device that includes the water tank 200 having a small size.
For example, the sensor device 250 according to an embodiment may be installed on a bottom of the tub 115 to detect a water level of the tub 115.
For example, in a clothes care apparatus for supplying hot air to clothes hung on a hanger to care the clothes, the sensor device 250 may be installed in the water tank 200 that accommodates water for providing a steam to the clothes.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sensor device 250 may accurately identify an amount of water for providing a steam to clothes.
As another example, the sensor device 250 according to an embodiment may be provided inside the detergent case of the detergent supply device 80.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sensor device 250 may accurately identify an amount of a detergent accommodated in the detergent case of the detergent supply device 80.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, by providing a sensor device capable of accurately identifying an amount of water stored in a water tank, a dryer may perform various operations according to a water level of a water tank.
A dryer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: a drum 120; a heat exchanger 70 configured to heat air to be supplied into the drum 120; a water tank 200 configured to store condensed water generated by the heat exchanger 70; a sensor device 250 including a force sensor 253 configured to detect a force generated by the condensed water stored in the water tank 200; and at least one processor 310 configured to identify whether a drying operation has been completed, based on sensor data collected by the force sensor 253.
The sensor device 250 may further include a case 251 coupled to the water tank 200, and a diaphragm 257 coupled to the case 251, wherein a force according to a water level of the water tank 200 may be applied to the diaphragm 257.
The force sensor 253 may be provided between the case 251 and the diaphragm 257.
The sensor device 250 may further include a metal plate 255 positioned between the diaphragm 257 and the force sensor 253.
The at least one processor 310 may identify an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 per a unit time based on the sensor data collected by the force sensor 253, and identify that the drying operation has been completed, in response to the amount of change in the water level of the water tank 200 per the unit time being a reference value or less.
The at least one processor 310 may set the reference value based on an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 for a reference time according to elapse of a preset time after the drying operation begins.
The dryer may further include a drain pump 210 configured to discharge the condensed water in the water tank to outside of the water tank 200, and the at least one processor 310 may operate the drain pump 210 based on a water level of the water tank 200 reaching a reference water level and identify an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 while the drain pump 210 does not operate.
The at least one processor 310 may identify a water level of the water tank 200 based on the sensor data collected by the force sensor 253, and identify that the drying operation has been completed, in response to the water level of the water tank 200 not reaching a reference water level from a preset minimum water level for the reference time.
The dryer 1 may further include a drain pump 210 configured to discharge the condensed water in the water tank 200 to outside of the water tank 200, and at least one processor 310 may operate the drain pump 210 in response to a water level of the water tank 200 reaching the reference water level.
The at least one processor 310 may stop the drain pump 210 in response to a water level of the water tank 200 reaching the preset minimum water level, and set the reference time based on a time taken for a water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level, after the drying operation begins and the drain pump 210 operates a preset number of times.
A bottom of the water tank 200 may include an opening, the case 251 may close the opening by being coupled to the water tank 200, and the force sensor 253 may be configured to transfer the sensor data to the at least one processor 310 through a wire passing through a hole formed in the case 251.
The water tank may include: an inner housing in which the condensed water is accommodated; and an outer housing positioned outside the inner housing, and the force sensor 253 may be configured to transfer the sensor data to the at least one processor 310 through a wire passing through a space between the inner housing and the outer housing and exposed to outside of the water tank 200.
The case 251 may include a hole communicating with the space between the inner housing and the outer housing, and the wire may pass through the hole.
The dryer 1 may further include an electrode sensor 160 provided inside the drum 120, and the at least one processor 310 may be further configured to identify that the drying operation has been completed, in response to satisfaction of a completion condition of the drying operation by the electrode sensor 160 and satisfaction of a completion condition of the drying operation by the force sensor 253.
A control method of a dryer 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the dryer 1 including a water tank 200 configured to store condensed water generated by a heat exchanger 70 for heating air to be supplied into a drum 120, and a sensor device 250 configured to detect a force generated by the condensed water stored in the water tank 200, wherein the sensor device 250 includes a case 251 coupled to the water tank 200, a diaphragm 257 coupled to the case, wherein a force according to a water level of the water tank 200 is applied to the diaphragm 257, and a force sensor 253 provided between the case 251 and the diaphragm 257, may include: identifying a water level of the water tank 200 based on sensor data collected by the force sensor 253; and identifying whether a drying operation has been completed, based on the water level of the water tank 200.
The identifying of the water level of the water tank 200 based on the sensor data collected by the force sensor 253 may include identifying an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 per a unit time based on the sensor data collected by the force sensor 253, and the identifying of whether the drying operation has been completed based on the water level of the water tank 200 may include identifying that the drying operation has been completed, in response to the amount of change in the water level of the water tank 200 per the unit time being a reference value or less.
The control method of the dryer 1 may further include setting the reference value based on an amount of change in a water level of the water tank 200 for a reference time, according to elapse of a preset time after the drying operation begins.
The control method of the dryer 1 may further include operating the drain pump 210 based on the water level of the water tank 200 reaching a reference water level, and the identifying of the amount of change in the water level of the water tank 200 may be performed only while the drain pump 210 does not operate.
The identifying of whether the drying operation has been completed based on the water level of the water tank 200 may include identifying that the drying operation has been completed, in response to the water level of the water tank 200 not reaching the reference water level from the preset minimum water level for the reference time.
The control method of the dryer 1 may further include operating the drain pump 20 in response to the water level of the water tank 200 reaching the reference water level.
The control method of the dryer 1 may further include: stopping the drain pump 210 in response to the water level of the water tank 200 reaching the preset minimum water level; and setting the reference time based on a time taken for a water level of the water tank 200 to reach the reference water level from the preset minimum water level after the drying operation begins and the drain pump 210 operates a preset number of times.
Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program codes, and when executed by a processor, the instructions may create a program module to perform operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.
The computer-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording media storing instructions that can be decrypted by a computer. For example, the computer-readable recording medium may be Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, flash memory, or an optical data storage device.
Also, the computer-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium, wherein the term ‘non-transitory’ storage medium’ simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, the ‘non-transitory storage medium’ may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloadable or uploadable) online via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly. When distributed online, at least a part of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as a memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.
So far, specific embodiments have been shown and described, however, the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It should be interpreted that various modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs, without deviating from the gist of the technical concept of the disclosure, which is defined in the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2023-0178106 | Dec 2023 | KR | national |
This application is a continuation application, filed under 35 U.S.C. § 111 (a), of International Application PCT/KR2024/015195 filed Oct. 7, 2024, and is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2023-0178106, filed on Dec. 8, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/KR2024/015195 | Oct 2024 | WO |
| Child | 18944335 | US |
