CLOTHES TREATING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CLOTHES TREATING APPARATUS

Abstract

A clothes treating apparatus includes a tub, a drying device configured to supply hot air to the tub, a drainage pump configured to discharge water stored in the tub to an outside of the clothes treating apparatus, a temperature sensor located at a predetermined height from a bottom surface of the tub, and a controller configured to: operate the drying device in response to a start of a drying process; operate the drainage pump for a predetermined time in response to a predetermined condition detected by the temperature sensor; and determine a termination time point of the drying process based on an operation cycle of the drainage pump.

Claims

1. A clothes treating apparatus comprising: a tub; a drying device configured to supply hot air to the tub; a drainage pump configured to discharge water stored in the tub to an outside of the clothes treating apparatus; a temperature sensor located at a predetermined height from a bottom surface of the tub; and a controller configured to: operate the drying device in response to a start of a drying process; operate the drainage pump for a predetermined time in response to a predetermined condition detected by the temperature sensor; and determine a termination time point of the drying process based on an operation cycle of the drainage pump.

2. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to terminate the drying process in response to determining that the drainage pump has not been operating for a reference time period.

3. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition comprises a rate of change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor being greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

4. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the drying device comprises: a heat exchanger; and a nozzle device configured to spray water toward the heat exchanger; the clothes treating apparatus further comprises: a water supply device configured to supply water to the nozzle device; and a water level sensor configured to measure a water level in the tub; and the controller is further configured to control the water supply device to supply water to the nozzle device so that the water level in the tub reaches to at least a minimum water level measurable by the water level sensor, after the operation of the drainage pump.

5. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 4, wherein controller is configured to: in response to a determination that the water level sensor is not in a failed state, determine the termination time point of the drying process based on the water level in the tub measured by the water level sensor.

6. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to determine the termination time point of the drying process based on a rate of change in the water level in the tub after controlling the water supply device.

7. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to terminate the drying process based on the rate of change in the water level in the tub being less than or equal to a reference value.

8. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a water level sensor configured to measure a water level in the tub, wherein the controller is further configured to, in response to a determination the water level sensor is not in a failed state, terminate the drying process based on a determination that the water level in the tub remained lower than a minimum water level measurable by the water level sensor for a reference time period after the operation of the drainage pump.

9. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a water level sensor configured to measure a water level in the tub, wherein the controller is further configured to operate the drainage pump for the predetermined time in response to the predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor only in response to a determination that the water level sensor is in a failed state.

10. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1, further comprises a water level sensor configured to measure a water level in the tub, wherein the controller is further configured to operate the drainage pump for the predetermined time in response to at least one of: a determination the water level in the tub measured by the water level sensor reached a predetermined water level, or a determination the temperature sensor detected the predetermined condition.

11. A method for controlling a clothes treating apparatus, the method comprising: operating a drying device in response to a start of a drying process; operating a drainage pump for a predetermined time in response to a predetermined condition detected by a temperature sensor located at a predetermined height from a bottom surface of a tub; and determining a termination time point of the drying process based on an operation cycle of the drainage pump.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: terminating the drying process in response to determining that the drainage pump has not been operating for a reference time period.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the predetermined condition comprises a rate of change in temperature measured by the temperature being greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprises controlling a water supply device so that the water level in the tub reaches to at least a minimum water level measurable by the water level sensor, after the operation of the drainage pump.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: in response to determining that the water level sensor is not in a failed state, determining the termination time point of the drying process based on the water level in the tub measured by the water level sensor, wherein the determining of the termination time point of the drying process based on the operation cycle of the drainage pump is performed only in response to a determination that the water level sensor is in the failed state.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: determining the termination time point of the drying process based on a rate of change in the water level in the tub after controlling the water supply device.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: terminating the drying process based on the rate of change in the water level in the tub being less than or equal to a reference value.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising: measuring, by a water level sensor within the clothes treating apparatus, a water level in the tub; and in response to a determination the water level sensor is not in a failed state, terminating the drying process based on a determination that the water level in the tub remained lower than a minimum water level measurable by the water level sensor for a reference time period after the operation of the drainage pump.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising: measuring, by a water level sensor within the clothes treating apparatus, a water level in the tub; and operating the drainage pump for the predetermined time in response to the predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor only in response to a determination that the water level sensor is in a failed state.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising: measuring, by a water level sensor within the clothes treating apparatus, a water level in the tub; and operating the drainage pump for the predetermined time in response to at least one of: a determination the water level in the tub measured by the water level sensor reached a predetermined water level, or a determination the temperature sensor detected the predetermined condition.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an internal view of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates some of components arranged inside the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates the components arranged inside the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from a direction illustrated in FIG. 3;

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of some components of a drying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a tub of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of an example clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates example processes performed by the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIGS. 9 and 10 example methods for controlling the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates that water comes into contact with a temperature sensor as the water is filling the tub of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates that water coming into contact with the temperature sensor is being drained as a drainage pump of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is operating;

[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged view illustrating a bottom surface of the tub of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates a diagram for explaining an operation cycle of the drainage pump during a drying process in the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] FIGS. 1 through 14, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

[0031] Various embodiments and terms in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0032] In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numbers may be used for like or related components.

[0033] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of items, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0034] In this document, each of phrases such as A or B, at least one of A and B, at least one of A or B, A, B or C, at least one of A, B and C, and at least one of A, B, or C may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0035] The term and/or includes any combination of a plurality of related components or any one of a plurality of related components.

[0036] Terms such as first, second, primary, and secondary may simply be used to distinguish a given component from other corresponding components, and do not limit the corresponding components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0037] When any (e.g., a first) component is referred to as being coupled or connected to another (e.g., a second) component with or without the terms functionally or communicatively, this means that the any component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0038] The terms comprises, has, and the like are intended to indicate that there are features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0039] When any component is referred to as being connected, coupled, supported or in contact with another component, this includes a case in which the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other through a third component as well as directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other.

[0040] When any component is referred to as being located on or over another component, this includes not only a case in which any component is in contact with another component but also a case in which another component is present between the two components.

[0041] A washing machine according to various embodiments may perform washing, rinsing, dewatering, and drying processes. The washing machine is an example of a clothes treating apparatus, and the clothes treating apparatus encompasses an apparatus for washing clothes (objects to be washed, objects to be dried), an apparatus for drying clothes, and an apparatus capable of washing and drying clothes.

[0042] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet for putting in or taking out laundry is provided to face the top or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet is provided to face the front. A washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine of another loading method other than a top-loading washing machine and a front-loading washing machine.

[0043] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed using a water current occurred by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, laundry may be washed by rotating a drum to repeatedly raise and drop the laundry. A front-loading washing machine may include a drying combined washing machine capable of drying laundry accommodated inside the drum. A drying combined washing machine may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from air discharged from the drum. For example, a drying combined washing machine may include a heat pump device. A washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine using a washing method other than the above-described washing method.

[0044] A washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing accommodating various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet formed on one side thereof.

[0045] A washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet. The door may be rotatably mounted on the housing by hinges. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent so that the inside of the housing is visible.

[0046] A washing machine may include a tub provided inside the housing to store water. The tub may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side thereof, and may be disposed inside the housing so that the tub opening is disposed to correspond to the laundry inlet.

[0047] The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper may absorb vibration that occurs when the drum rotates to attenuate the vibration to be transmitted to the housing.

[0048] A washing machine may include a drum provided to accommodate laundry.

[0049] The drum may be disposed inside the tub such that a drum opening provided on one side thereof corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may sequentially pass through the laundry inlet, tub opening, and drum opening to be put into the drum or taken out from the drum.

[0050] The drum may perform each operation according to a washing, rinsing, and/or dewatering process while rotating inside the tub. A plurality of passing holes is formed on a cylindrical wall of the drum so that water stored in the tub may flow into or out of the drum.

[0051] A washing machine may include a driving device configured to rotate the drum. The driving device may include a driving motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting a driving force generated by the driving motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may penetrate the tub to be connected to the drum.

[0052] The driving device may rotate the drum forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and/or dewatering, or drying process.

[0053] A washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water supply source to a detergent supply device and/or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub through the detergent supply device. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0054] The water supply valve may open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from a controller. The water supply valve may allow or block water to be or from being supplied to the tub from the external water supply source. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that is opened and closed in response to the electrical signal.

[0055] A washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to supply a detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device configured such that a user supplies the detergent to be used each time washing, and an automatic detergent supply device configured to store a large amount of detergent and automatically supply a predetermined amount of detergent each time washing. The detergent supply device may include a detergent box for storing the detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply the detergent into the tub in a water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with the detergent by passing through the detergent supply device. The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied into the inside of the tub. The detergent may be used as a term encompassing a detergent for pre-washing, a detergent for main washing, a fabric softener, a bleaching agent, etc., and the detergent box may be divided into a detergent storage region for pre-washing, a detergent storage region for main washing, a fabric softener storage region, and a bleaching agent storage region.

[0056] A washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water accommodated in the tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from a lower end of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve provided on the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump provided on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water in the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0057] A washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one surface of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for interaction between the user and the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0058] The at least one input interface may convert sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal. The at least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and washing/rinsing/dewatering setting buttons. The at least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone, etc.

[0059] The at least one output interface may visually or auditorily deliver information related to operations of the washing machine to the user. For example, the at least one output interface may deliver information related to a washing course, operating time of the washing machine, and washing setting/rinsing setting/dewatering setting to the user. The information about the operations of the washing machine may be output through a screen, an indicator, a voice, etc. The at least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0060] A washing machine may include communication circuitry (also referred to as a communication module) for wired and/or wireless communication with an external device.

[0061] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-distance communication module.

[0062] The communication module may transmit data to or receive data from an external device (e.g., server, user device, and/or home appliance). For example, the communication module may establish communication with a server and/or a user device and/or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

[0063] To this end, the communication module may support establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or wireless communication channel between external devices, and performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module), or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module may communicate with an external device through the first network (e.g., a local area network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communications network, the Internet, or a telecommunications network such as a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (e.g., a single chip) or may be implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0064] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited thereto, a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a ZigBee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication module, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, microwave (U-wave) communication module, etc.

[0065] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module performing various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device transmits and receives wireless signals to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0066] In an embodiment, the communication module may communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and another home appliance through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) may connect the local area network (LAN) to which a washing machine or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The washing machine or the user device may be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN). The controller may control various components of the washing machine (e.g., the driving motor and water supply valve). The controller may control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one process including water supply, washing, rinsing, and/or dewatering according to user input. For example, the controller may control the driving motor to regulate a rotational speed of the drum, or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0067] The controller may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller may include an algorithm for controlling operations of components in a washing machine, at least one memory storing data in the form of a program, and at least one processor performing the operations using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and processor may each be implemented as a separate chip. The processor may include one or two or more processor chips or one or two or more processing cores. The memory may include one or two or more memory chips or one or two or more memory blocks. The memory and processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0068] Hereinafter, a clothes treating apparatus according to various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, a drying combined washing machine is described as an example of a clothes treating apparatus, but the present disclosure is not limited to a drying combined washing machine may be applied to various devices for treating and/or managing clothes.

[0069] The terms front, rear, left, and right used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0070] For example, an X-axis direction may be defined as a front-rear direction, a Y-axis direction may be defined as a left-right direction, and a Z-axis direction may be defined as an up-down direction.

[0071] FIG. 1 illustrates a clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates an internal view of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates some of components arranged inside the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates the components arranged inside the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from a direction illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a drying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include a housing 10 accommodating various components therein. The housing 10 may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet 11 formed on one side thereof. The laundry inlet 11 may be provided to face substantially the front.

[0073] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a laundry door 17 provided to open and close the laundry inlet 11. The laundry door 17 may be rotatably mounted on the housing 10 by hinges. At least a portion of the laundry door 17 may be provided to be transparent or translucent so that the inside of the housing 10 is visible. As an example, the laundry door 17 may include tempered glass.

[0074] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a lower door 18 configured to allow access to a lower detergent supply device 60. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include an upper door 19 configured to allow access to an upper detergent supply device 50 and a filter 95.

[0075] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a tub 20 provided inside the housing 10 to store water. The tub 20 may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening 21 formed on one side thereof, and may be disposed inside the housing 10 so that the tub opening 21 is disposed to correspond to the laundry inlet 11. The tub opening 21 may be provided to face substantially the front. The laundry door 17 may open or close the tub opening 21.

[0076] The tub 20 may be connected to the housing 10 by a damper 25. The damper 25 may absorb vibration occurring when a drum 30 rotates to attenuate the vibration to be transmitted to the housing 10.

[0077] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the drum 30 provided to accommodate laundry. At least one lifter 33 may be provided inside the drum 30 to perform washing by lifting and dropping laundry.

[0078] The drum 30 may be disposed inside the tub 20 such that a drum opening 31 provided on one side thereof corresponds to the laundry inlet 11 and the tub opening 21. Laundry may sequentially pass through the laundry inlet 11, the tub opening 21, and the drum opening 31 to be put into the drum 30 or taken out from the drum 30. The drum opening 31 may be provided to face substantially the front.

[0079] The drum 30 may perform each operation according to a washing, rinsing, and/or dewatering process while rotating inside the tub 20. A plurality of passing holes 32 is formed on a cylindrical wall of the drum 30 so that water stored in the tub 20 may flow into or out of the drum 30.

[0080] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a driving device 36 configured to rotate the drum 30. The driving device 36 may include a driving motor 36a and a rotating shaft for transmitting a driving force generated by the driving motor 36a to the drum 30. The rotating shaft may penetrate the tub 20 to be connected to the drum 30.

[0081] The driving device 36 may rotate the drum 30 forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and/or dewatering, or drying process.

[0082] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a water supply device 40. The water supply device 40 may include water supply valves 41 and 42 capable of being connected to the external water supply source. For example, the water supply valves 41 and 42 may include the first water supply valve 41 for supplying hot water and the second water supply valve 42 for supplying cold water. The first water supply valve 41 may be referred to as a hot water valve. The second water supply valve 42 may be referred to as a cold water valve.

[0083] The water supply device 40 may include the water supply valves 41 and 42 and water supply pipes 43 and 44. The water supply pipes 43 and 44 may be provided as flexible hoses, plastic pipes or metal pipes. The water supply pipes 43 and 44 may be connected to the water supply valves 41 and 42. For example, the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may include the first water supply pipe 43 connected to the first water supply valve 41, and the second water supply pipe 44 connected to the second water supply valve 42. The first water supply pipe 43 may be referred to as a hot water pipe. The second water pipe 44 may be referred to as a cold water pipe.

[0084] At least one of the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may guide water from the water supply valves 41 and 42 to the tub 20. The at least one of the water supply pipes 43 and 44 may extend from the water supply valve 42 to the tub 20. Water may be supplied to the lower detergent supply device 60 through the tub 20. Water may also be supplied to the lower detergent supply unit 60 without passing through the tub 20.

[0085] The water supply valves 41 and 42 may open or close the water supply pipes 43 and 44. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may allow or block the supply of water from the external water supply source to the tub 20. For example, the water supply valves 41 and 42 may include solenoid valves provided to open or close in response to an electrical signal.

[0086] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the detergent supply devices 50 and 60 configured to supply a detergent to the tub 20. The detergent supply devices 50 and 60 may include the upper detergent supply device 50 and the lower detergent supply device 60. The detergent may be used as a term encompassing a detergent for pre-washing, a detergent for main washing, a fabric softener, a bleaching agent, etc.

[0087] The upper detergent supply device 50 may be positioned above the tub 20. The upper detergent supply device 50 may be positioned above the tub 20 in an up-down direction. The upper detergent supply device 50 may include a manual detergent supply device configured such that a user supplies a detergent to be used each time washing, or an automatic detergent supply device configured to store a large amount of detergent and automatically supply a predetermined amount of detergent each time washing. The upper detergent supply device 50 may be connected to the tub 20 through a detergent connection pipe 51. As an example, the upper detergent supply device 50 may be provided to supply a solid washing detergent and/or softener to the tub 20. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above example.

[0088] The detergent connection pipe 51 may be provided in a U shape. The detergent connection pipe 51 may be provided as a flexible hose, a plastic pipe or a metal pipe. One end of the detergent connection pipe 51 may be connected to the upper detergent supply device 50, and the other end of the detergent connection pipe 51 may be connected to the tub 20. In the up-down direction with respect to the ground, one end and the other end of the detergent connection pipe 51 may be positioned higher than a bent portion of the detergent connection pipe 51. Therefore, water may be collected in the bent portion of the detergent connection pipe 51. The water collected in the bent portion of the detergent connection pipe 51 may prevent moisture inside the tub 20 from being discharged to the outside through the upper detergent supply device 50.

[0089] The lower detergent supply device 60 may be positioned below the tub 20. The lower detergent supply device 60 may be positioned below the tub 20 in the up-down direction. The lower detergent supply device 60 may include a manual detergent supply device configured such that the user supplies a detergent to be used each time washing, or an automatic detergent supply device configured to store a large amount of detergent and automatically supply a predetermined amount of detergent each time washing. As an example, the lower detergent supply device 60 may be provided to supply a liquid washing detergent and/or softener to the tub 20. However, the type of detergent is not limited to the above example.

[0090] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a drainage device 70 configured to discharge water received in the tub 20 to the outside. The drainage device 70 may include a drainage pump 71 provided to discharge water in the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10.

[0091] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a circulation pump 76 provided to circulate water in the tub 20 back to the tub 20.

[0092] In an embodiment, the circulation pump 76 may circulate water in the tub 20 back to the tub 20 through the lower detergent supply device 60.

[0093] The circulation pump 76 may be directly connected to the tub 20 through a tub connection pipe 72, or may be connected to the tub 20 through the tub connection pipe 72 and the lower detergent supply device 60.

[0094] The circulation pump 76 may include a circulation flow path for discharging water supplied from the tub 20 back into the tub 20 through the tub connection pipe 72. The circulation flow path may be formed by a circulation pipe 77.

[0095] The circulation pipe 77 may guide water pumped by the circulation pump 76 to an upper side of the tub 20.

[0096] The upper side of the tub 20 may refer to a position having a predetermined height from a bottom surface of the tub 20.

[0097] The circulation pipe 77 may guide the water pumped by the circulation pump 76 into the inside of the drum 30. That is, the circulation flow path may guide water stored in the tub 20 to the inside of the drum 30.

[0098] A circulation valve 77v may be disposed in the circulation flow path formed by the circulation pipe 77. The circulation valve 77v may open and close the circulation flow path formed by the circulation pipe 77.

[0099] When the circulation pump 76 operates in a state in which the circulation valve 77v is opened, the water stored on the bottom surface of the tub 20 may move to the circulation flow path through the tub connection pipe 72 and eventually fall into the inside of the drum 30.

[0100] The circulation pump 76 may operate in the washing process and/or the rinsing process, etc., and when the circulation pump 76 operates in the washing process and/or rinsing process, etc., water falls on laundry received in the drum 30, thereby increasing washing efficiency and/or rinsing efficiency.

[0101] In the present disclosure, pipe may be referred to as guide in an aspect of guiding a fluid, and may be replaced with a term such as hose.

[0102] The drainage device 70 may be connected to the tub 20 through the tub connection pipe 72. The drainage device 70 may discharge water in the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10 through a drain pipe 73.

[0103] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a water level sensor 200 provided to detect a water level in the tub 20. The water level sensor 200 may be located outside the tub 20. As an example, the water level sensor 200 may be installed at a lower portion of the upper detergent supply device 50. The location of the water level sensor 200 is not limited to the illustrated location.

[0104] The water level sensor 200 may be connected to a connection hose 201 extending from a branch pipe 72a of the tub connection pipe 72. The water level sensor 200 may be installed at an end of the connection hose 201 connected to the tub connection pipe 72. A water level in the connection hose 201 may be the same as the water level in the tub 20.

[0105] When the water level in the tub 20 rises, the water level in the connection hose 201 rises. When the water level in the connection hose 201 rises, a pressure inside the connection hose 201 may increase. The water level sensor 200 may detect a change in pressure inside the connection hose 201 and may detect the water level in the tub 20 corresponding to the pressure inside the connection hose 201. The water level sensor 200 may generate an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure inside the connection hose 201. A frequency of the electrical signal generated by the water level sensor 200 may vary depending on the change in pressure inside the connection hose 201.

[0106] As another example, the water level sensor 200 may be installed inside the tub 20. When the water level in the tub 20 rises, a pressure applied to the water level sensor 200 increases. The water level sensor 200 may detect the water level in the tub 20 corresponding to the pressure.

[0107] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a control panel 100 disposed on one side of the housing 10. The control panel 100 may provide a user interface for interaction between the user and the clothes treating apparatus 1. The user interface may include at least one input interface 101 and at least one output interface 102.

[0108] For example, the at least one input interface 101 may convert sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal. The at least one input interface 101 may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and washing/rinsing/dewatering setting buttons. The at least one input interface 101 may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone, etc.

[0109] The at least one output interface 102 may visually or auditorily deliver information related to operations of the clothes treating apparatus 1 to the user. For example, the at least one output interface 102 may deliver information related to a washing course, operating time of the clothes treating apparatus 1, and washing setting/rinsing setting/dewatering setting to the user. The information about the operations of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be output through a screen, an indicator, a voice, etc. The at least one output interface 102 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0110] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a drying device 80 configured to dry laundry received inside the drum 30. The drying device 80 may be configured to heat air and supply the heated air to the inside of the tub 20. The drying device 80 may be configured to dry and heat air discharged from the tub 20 and circulate the dried and heated air to the inside of the tub 20 to dry clothes inside the drum 30. The drying device 80 according to various embodiment may be disposed above the tub 20.

[0111] The drying device 80 may include a drying case 81. The drying case 81 may include a drying base 81a and a drying cover 81b coupled to the drying base 81a to form a flow path through which air may move. The drying cover 81b may cover an open upper side of the drying base 81a.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 5, as an example, the drying device 80 may include a rear cover 81c capable of being coupled to a rear side of the drying base 81a. The rear cover 81c may form at least a portion of a rear surface of the drying device 80. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may be mounted on the rear cover 81c.

[0113] The drying device 80 may be provided as a heat pump type. The drying device 80 may include a fan 87a, a compressor 91, a condenser 92, an evaporator 93, an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe 94 through which a refrigerant circulates. The compressor 91, the condenser 92, the evaporator 93, and the expansion valve, which constitute the heat pump, may be disposed in the drying case 81. In addition, the drying device 80 may further include a cooling fan 91a provided to cool the compressor 91. As an example, the drying device 80 may be mounted as a single module.

[0114] The compressor 91, condenser 92, evaporator 93, expansion valve, and refrigerant pipe 94, through which a refrigerant circulates, of the drying device 80 may be referred to as the heat pump.

[0115] The heat pump may dry and/or heat air to be supplied to the inside of the tub 20.

[0116] The fan 87a may blow air to the inside of the tub 20.

[0117] That is, the heat pump may heat air to be supplied to the inside of the tub 20 by the fan 87a.

[0118] The compressor 91 may compress the refrigerant, and the compressed high-temperature and pressure refrigerant may move to the condenser 92. The condenser 92 may cool the refrigerant to heat the surrounding air. The heated air may be introduced into the drum 30 to dry clothes.

[0119] The refrigerant expanded through the expansion valve may absorb heat from the evaporator 93 to cool the surrounding air. That is, the evaporator 93 may remove moisture by cooling high-temperature and humid air passed through the inside of the drum 30. The air from which moisture has been removed passes through the condenser 92 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant passing through the condenser 92, thereby being heated again. That is, the condenser 92 may heat air passed through the evaporator 93. The condenser 92 and the evaporator 93 correspond to heat exchangers. The condenser 92 may be referred to as a first heat exchanger. The evaporator 93 may be referred to as a second heat exchanger.

[0120] As an example, the drying device 80 may further include a drying heater 99. The drying heater 99 may increase drying efficiency of the drying device 80. The heat pump components of the drying device 80 may be replaced with the drying heater 99.

[0121] The drying heater 99 may heat air introduced into the drying device 80. The drying heater 99 may be disposed on a heating flow path 86. The drying heater 99 may be disposed downstream of the condenser 92 along a flow of air passing through the drying device 80. In addition, the drying heater 99 may be provided in a relatively small size to minimize a flow path resistance. For example, the drying heater 99 may be a sheath heater.

[0122] The drying device 80 according to various embodiments may be disposed above the tub 20. An inlet flow path 85 may be formed in the drying device 80 to allow air discharged from the tub 20 to be introduced thereto. A heating flow path 86 may be formed in the drying device 80 to allow air introduced into the drying device 80 through the inlet flow path 85 to exchange heat. A supply flow path 87 may be formed in the drying device 80 to allow air heat-exchanged while passing through the heating flow path 86 to be supplied to the tub 20.

[0123] The inlet flow path 85 may be provided to allow air passed through the inside of the tub 20 to be introduced into the drying device 80. The inlet flow path 85 may be positioned above the tub 20. The inlet flow path 85 may communicate with an exhaust flow path P formed at the rear of the tub 20.

[0124] The drying device 80 may include an inlet guide 84 connected to the tub 20. The inlet guide 84 may guide air discharged from the tub 20 to the inlet flow path 85. The inlet flow path 85 may communicate with the exhaust flow path P formed in the tub 20 through the inlet guide 84. The air passed through the exhaust flow path P may be introduced into the inlet flow path 85 of the drying device 80 through the inlet guide 84.

[0125] The filter 95 may be provided in the inlet flow path 85 to filter out foreign substances such as lint contained in the air introduced from the tub 20 through the exhaust flow path P. The air introduced into the inlet flow path 85 may pass through the filter 95 and then move to the heating flow path 86. The filter 95 may be positioned on a flow path through which air introduced into the drying device 80 moves to the evaporator 93 and the condenser 92.

[0126] The heat exchangers 92 and 93 may be disposed in the heating flow path 86. The heat exchangers 92 and 93 may include the condenser 92 and the evaporator 93. Because air introduced into the heating flow path 86 has passed through the inside of the tub 20, the air may be humid. The humid air may be cooled on the evaporator 93 disposed in the heating flow path 86 to remove moisture. The air from which moisture has been removed on the evaporator 93 may be heated again while passing through the condenser 92.

[0127] The drying device 80 may include a nozzle device 96 for cleaning the heat exchangers 92 and 93. The nozzle device 96 may be provided in the heating flow path 86. The nozzle device 96 may receive water from the water supply device 40 to spray the water toward the heat exchangers 92 and 93. The water sprayed from the nozzle device 96 may clean one side surfaces of the heat exchangers 92 and 93.

[0128] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a drain line 97 provided to guide water discharged from the drying device 80 to the tub 20. The drain line 97 may be provided as a flexible hose, a plastic pipe or a metal pipe. The drain line 97 may guide condensate generated on the heat exchangers 92 and 93 of the drying device 80 to the outside of the drying device 80 (e.g., the tub 20). The drain line 97 may guide the water sprayed by the nozzle device 96 to clean the heat exchangers 92 and 93 to the outside of the drying device 80 (e.g., the tub 20).

[0129] The nozzle device 96 may be configured to clean the heat exchangers 92 and 93. The nozzle device 96 may be configured to clean a portion of the heat exchangers 92 and 93 to which air is introduced. The nozzle device 96 may be configured to clean at least a portion of the evaporator 93. The nozzle device 96 may be configured to clean a portion of the evaporator 93 to which air passed through the filter 95 is introduced. The nozzle device 96 may be configured to clean a portion of the evaporator 93 contaminated by air exchanging heat with the evaporator 93 while passing through the evaporator 93. The nozzle device 96 may be positioned to be adjacent to a portion of the evaporator 93 to which air is introduced.

[0130] The drain line 97 may be connected to the drainage device 70. The drain line 97 may be connected to the drainage pump 71. Water discharged from the drying device 80 may flow to the drainage device 70 along the drain line 97. The water introduced into the drainage device 70 through the drain line 97 may be guided to the tub 20. Condensate introduced into the tub 20 may be discharged to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1 by an operation of the drainage pump 71.

[0131] The supply flow path 87 may be provided to allow air heated while passing through the condenser 92 to be supplied back to the inside of the tub 20. The supply flow path 87 may communicate with the heating flow path 86 and extend downward to allow heated air to be discharged toward the opening of the tub 20.

[0132] The fan 87a may be provided in the supply flow path 87 to flow air to the inside of the tub 20. That is, the fan 87a may be provided to supply air to laundry placed inside the drum 30. For example, the fan 87a may include a sirocco fan.

[0133] The inlet flow path 85, the heating flow path 86, and the supply flow path 87 may allow to circulate air to the inside of the tub 20 and the drying device 80.

[0134] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may be provided such that air discharged from the tub 20 sequentially passes through the inlet flow path 85, heating flow path 86, and supply flow path 87 of the drying device 80 positioned above the tub 20, and then is supplied to the inside of the tub 20.

[0135] Air heated in the drying device 80 may be supplied to the inside of the drum 30. In order to secure a region in which the heated air supplied into the inside of the drum 30 comes into contact with the laundry, a tub exhaust port 27 may be provided at a position opposite to an air inlet 26 through which the air heated in the drying device 80 is supplied to the tub 20. In order to allow more heated air to come into contact with laundry by increasing a distance and/or time that the heated air flows inside the drum 30, the tub exhaust port 27 may be provided at a position opposite to the air inlet 26 through which the air heated in the drying device 80 is supplied to the tub 20. The supply flow path 87 for supplying heated air to the inside of the drum 30 and the tub exhaust port 27 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. By increasing an area where heated air comes into contact with laundry, the drying efficiency may be improved.

[0136] The air inlet 26 and the tub exhaust port 27 may be disposed to maximize the use of the heated air provided from the drying device 80. As an example, the air inlet 26 may be positioned to be adjacent to a front surface of the tub 20, and the tub exhaust port 27 may be positioned to be adjacent to a rear surface of the tub 20.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 3, the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment may include a diaphragm 22 provided to connect the tub opening 21 of the tub 20 and the laundry inlet 11 of the housing 10. The above diaphragm 22 may connect the laundry inlet 11 and the tub opening 21. The diaphragm 22 may prevent laundry loaded into the laundry inlet 11 from falling between the housing 10 and the tub 20, and may function to connect a front end of the tub 20 and the housing 10 regardless of vibrations generated in the washing process. To this end, the diaphragm 22 may be formed of an elastic material. For example, the diaphragm 22 may include a plastic material such as rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0138] In the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment, the diaphragm 22 may include a duct part 22a provided to be connected to a supply duct 87b forming the supply flow path 87. The duct part 22a may extend upward from a side of the diaphragm 22 having a cylindrical shape with both sides open. A flow path may be formed inside the duct part 22a to allow air to flow. The duct part 22a may be formed to be adjacent to an upper end of the diaphragm 22. The duct part 22a may be formed integrally with the diaphragm 22 to have the same material. Unlike this, the duct part 22a may be provided separately from the diaphragm 22 to be coupled to the diaphragm 22. Also, the duct part 22a may be provided separately from the diaphragm 22 and the tub 20 to be coupled to the tub 20. The duct part 22a may be formed integrally with the tub 20. The air inlet 26 may be formed at one end of the duct part 22a.

[0139] The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may further include the exhaust flow path P for moving air discharged from the inside of the tub 20 to the drying device 80. The exhaust flow path P may be provided to allow air discharged from the tub exhaust port 27 to flow to the inlet flow path 85 of the drying device 80. The exhaust flow path P may be provided to allow humid air passed through the tub 20 to be discharged. As an example, the exhaust flow path P may be provided at the rear of the tub 20.

[0140] Air in the tub 20 may be discharged into a tub duct 28 through the tub exhaust port 27 formed on the rear surface of the tub 20. The air discharged from the tub duct 28 may flow along the exhaust flow path P to be supplied to the drying device 80.

[0141] The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include the tub duct 28 for forming at least a portion of the exhaust flow path P. As an example, the tub duct 28 may be formed integrally with the tub 20. As an example, the tub 20 may include the tub duct 28. The tub duct 28 may be provided to surround the tub exhaust port 27.

[0142] The clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments may include a duct cover 29 for forming at least a portion of the exhaust flow path P. The duct cover 29 may be provided to cover an open rear side of the tub duct 28. As an example, the tub 20 may include the duct cover 29. The duct cover 29 may form at least a portion of the exhaust flow path P through which air discharged through the tub exhaust port 27 flows to the drying device 80.

[0143] In the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to various embodiments, the exhaust flow path P may be formed by combining the duct cover 29 with the tub duct 28.

[0144] The tub duct 28 according to an embodiment may include a recess portion 28a forming one portion of the exhaust flow path P through which air discharged from the inside of the tub 20 flows. A reinforcing rib 23 may be provided on the rear surface of the tub 20 to reinforce the rigidity of the tub 20, and the recess portion 28a may be provided as a portion recessed from an end of the reinforcing rib 23 protruding from the rear surface of the tub 20. The recess portion 28a may be provided in a portion of the rear surface of the tub 20 where the reinforcing rib 23 is not formed. The tub exhaust port 27 may be formed at the recess portion 28a to discharge air from the inside of the tub 20. The tub duct 28 may include a partition rib 28d provided along a circumference of the recess portion 28a. The partition rib 28d may divide a region in which the reinforcing rib 23 is formed and a region in which the recess portion 28a is formed, on the rear surface of the tub 20.

[0145] The tub 20 according to an embodiment may include a duct connection portion 28b forming another portion of the exhaust flow path P through which air passed through the recess portion 28a flows. The duct connection portion 28b may protrude radially outward from an outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. The duct connection portion 28b may protrude substantially upward from the outer circumferential surface of the tub 20. As an example, the duct connection portion 28b may protrude upward from a rear end of the tub 20. However, the duct connection portion 28b is not limited thereto and may be variously positioned depending on the position of the drying device 80.

[0146] The duct connection portion 28b may connect the inlet guide 84 of the drying device 80 and the tub duct 28. The duct connection portion 28b may extend the exhaust flow path P upward. The duct connection portion 28b may form a portion of the exhaust flow path P together with the recess portion 28a, the partition rib 28d, and the duct cover 29.

[0147] The duct connection portion 28b may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with upper and rear sides open. The duct cover 29 may cover the open rear side of the duct connection portion 28b. The duct cover 29 may have an easy coupling and sealing structure by being coupled to form only one surface of the exhaust flow path.

[0148] The duct cover 29 may cover the tub duct 28 and the duct connection portion 28b. The duct cover 29 may cover one open side of the tub duct 28 and the open rear side of the duct connection portion 28b. The exhaust flow path P may be formed as the duct cover 29 covers the recessed portion 28a and the duct connection portion 28b. Because the exhaust flow path P is connected to the inlet flow path 85, air introduced into the exhaust flow path P through the tub exhaust port 27 may move along the exhaust flow path P and be introduced into the drying device 80 through the inlet flow path 85.

[0149] Although not shown in the drawing, the duct connection portion 28b may be provided in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with only an upper surface open for air discharge and a rear side not open. In this case, the duct cover 29 may only cover the tub duct 28.

[0150] The duct connection portion 28b according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may also be provided in a configuration included in the tub duct 28. The duct connection portion 28b of the tub duct 28 according to an embodiment may extend from the recess portion 28a to the inlet guide 84. The tub duct 28 may be connected to the inlet guide 84 by the duct connection portion 28b. Hereinafter, the duct connection portion 28b according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be described as a configuration included in the tub duct 28.

[0151] The tub duct 28 may include a step portion 28c for expanding a cross-sectional area of the exhaust flow path P. The exhaust flow path P may be provided such that a width of a portion formed by the duct connection portion 28b is larger than a width of a portion formed in the recess portion 28a by the step portion 28c.

[0152] The arrangement positions of the water supply valves 41 and 42 of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be determined by utilizing a space left by this mounting structure. In an embodiment, the water supply valves 41 and 42 may be mounted between the inlet guide 84 and the cooling fan 91a. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may be positioned in a central portion of the rear surface of the drying device 80. The water valves 41 and 42 may be positioned at the rear of the condenser 92. The water supply valves 41 and 42 may be positioned in a region partitioned from a flow path through which the dry air flows. The positions of the water supply valves 41 and 42 are not limited to those exemplified.

[0153] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a washing water heater 24. The washing water heater 24 may be provided on a lower side of the tub 20 to heat washing water during washing. The water supply device 40 may supply a predetermined amount of water to the lower side of the tub 20 through the exhaust flow path P in the drying process, and the washing water heater 24 may heat water supplied to the inside of the tub 20 through the water supply device 40, the exhaust flow path P, and the tub exhaust port 27 to generate steam. That is, the steam generated by the water supply device 40 and the washing water heater 24 may come into contact with clothes in the drying process, thereby preventing wrinkles from forming on the clothes as much as possible.

[0154] Unlike a conventional dryer, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the washing water heater 24 for heating washing water as a washing/drying combined washing machine, and may generate steam by utilizing the washing water heater 24 and the water supply device 40 for washing of the exhaust flow path P to prevent wrinkles from forming on clothes in the drying process as much as possible.

[0155] FIG. 6 illustrates a tub of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 6, the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may include a temperature sensor 160 provided to measure a temperature of water stored in the tub 20.

[0157] The temperature sensor 160 may be located at a predetermined height (h) from the bottom surface of the tub 20.

[0158] The location of the temperature sensor 160, being provided at the predetermined height (h) from the bottom surface of the tub 20 may include being provided on an upper side with respect to the bottom surface of the tub 20.

[0159] Being provided at the predetermined height (h) from the bottom surface of the tub 20 may include being provided on an upper side with respect to the washing water heater 24. The predetermined height (h) may be set to about 30 centimeters (cm), but is not limited thereto and may be changed depending on design specifications of a manufacturer of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

[0160] In a case in which the tub 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the bottom surface of the tub 20 may refer to a plane passing through the lowest point of the cylinder.

[0161] The temperature sensor 160 may measure a temperature of water heated by the washing water heater 24.

[0162] For example, water is filling the tub 20 when the water is supplied to tub 20 by water supplying (1012) of a washing process (1010) and/or water supplying (1021) of a rinsing process (1020), which will be described later, and the temperature sensor 160 may measure a temperature of water stored in the tub 20 by coming into contact with water stored in the tub 20.

[0163] The temperature sensor 160 may measure a temperature of air in the tub 20. For example, when hot air is supplied into the tub 20 by the drying device 80 during a drying process 1040, which will be described later, the temperature sensor 160 may measure a temperature of air heated by the drying device 80 and flowing inside the tub 20.

[0164] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of an example of components of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 7, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may include a controller 300. The controller 300 may be electrically connected to various components and/or devices of the clothes treating apparatus 1 and may control the various components and/or devices. For example, the controller 300 may control the driving device 36, the first water supply valve 41, the second water supply valve 42, the drainage pump 71, the circulation pump 76, and the drying device 80. Also, the controller 300 may be electrically connected to the control panel 100, a communication interface 150, the temperature sensor 160, and the water level sensor 200. The controller 300 may control the control panel 100, the communication interface 150, the temperature sensor 160, and the water level sensor 200.

[0166] The controller 300 may include a processor 310 and a memory 320. The memory 320 may include a volatile memory (e.g., S-RAM and D-RAM) and a non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM and EPROM). The processor 310 and the memory 320 may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. Also, a plurality of the processors and a plurality of the memories may be provided. The processor 310 may process various data and various signals using instructions, data, programs, and/or software stored in the memory 320. The processor 310 may include one core or may include a plurality of cores. The processor 310 may generate control signals for controlling the components of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

[0167] The memory 320 may store various data and various values (e.g., minimum water level, drain water level, predetermined time, reference value, reference time, etc.) for operations of the controller 300, which will be described later.

[0168] The control panel 100 may obtain various user inputs and output a variety of information about the operations of the clothes treating apparatus 1. The control panel 100 may include the input interface 101 and the output interface 102.

[0169] The controller 300 may control an operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1 based on the user input obtained through the control panel 100. For example, the controller 300 may turn on or off the clothes treating apparatus 1 based on the user input for turning on or off the clothes treating apparatus 1. The controller 300 may determine an operation course of the clothes treating apparatus 1 based on the user input for setting the operation course of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

[0170] The controller 300 of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may determine the operation courses of the clothes treating apparatus 1 based on the user inputs obtained through the control panel 100 or a user device. The operation courses of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be variously provided. For example, the operation courses of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be broadly classified into the washing course, a drying course, and a heat exchanger cleaning course.

[0171] The washing course may be provided variously depending on the type and material (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.) of laundry (e.g., clothes, blankets, underwear, etc.). For example, the washing course may include at least one of a standard washing course, a strong washing course, a delicate clothes course, a blanket course, a baby clothes course, a towel course, a boiling course, and an outdoor clothes course. A plurality of the washing courses may each include different washing settings (e.g., washing temperature, number of rinses, dewatering intensity, etc.).

[0172] When one of the plurality of washing courses is selected through the control panel 100 or an external user device, the controller 300 may control the clothes treating apparatus 1 to perform the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dewatering process corresponding to the selected washing course. Also, the washing course may include a rinsing-dewatering course, a rinsing course, and a dewatering course. The washing course is not limited to those exemplified.

[0173] The drying course may also be provided variously depending on the type and material (e.g., cotton, wool, nylon, etc.) of an object to be dried (e.g., clothes, blankets, underwear, etc.). For example, the drying course may include at least one of standard drying, strong drying, delicate clothes drying, blanket drying, baby clothes drying, towel drying, and outdoor clothes drying. A plurality of the drying courses may each include different drying settings (e.g., drying temperature, drying time, etc.).

[0174] When one of the plurality of drying courses is selected through the control panel 100 or an external user device, the controller 300 may control the clothes treating apparatus 1 to perform the drying process corresponding to the selected drying course. The drying course is not limited to those exemplified. In order to perform the drying process corresponding to the drying course, the controller 300 may operate the drying device 80. That is, the controller 300 may operate the fan 87a and the compressor 91 in order to dry the object to be dried in the drum 30. Also, the controller 300 may further operate the drying heater 99 in order to perform the drying process.

[0175] When the washing course corresponding to the type and material of laundry is selected, the controller 300 may automatically select or recommend the drying course corresponding to the selected washing course. Conversely, when the drying course corresponding to the type and material of the object to be dried is selected, the controller 300 may automatically select or recommend the washing course corresponding to the selected drying course. Also, the controller 300 may remember a washing course and drying course selected by the user, and may provide a washing and drying course that integrates the memorized washing course and drying course through the control panel 100 at the next operation.

[0176] The controller 300 may control the control panel 100 in order to output a variety of information about the operations of the clothes treating apparatus 1. For example, the control panel 100 may visually and/or auditorily output information about the operation course, operation time, washing setting, rinsing setting, dewatering setting, and/or drying setting of the clothes treating apparatus 1. Also, the control panel 100 may output information about abnormal conditions of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

[0177] The communication interface 150 may include various communication circuits for performing wired and/or wireless communications with external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and/or other home appliances). The user devices may include various electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, laptops, smart watches, mounted-type tablets, and speakers. The user input may be obtained not only through the control panel 100 but also through the user devices.

[0178] The communication interface 150 may include at least one of a short-range communication circuit and a long-range communication circuit. The communication interface 150 may transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication interface 150 may support cellular communication, a wireless local area network (wireless LAN), home radio frequency (home RF), infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, AD-HOC, and/or Zigbee. The communication technologies supported by the communication interface 150 are not limited to those exemplified.

[0179] The communication interface 150 may communicate with an external device through an access point (AP). The access point (AP) may connect a local area network (LAN) to which the clothes treating apparatus 1 is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may be connected to a server through the wide area network (WAN).

[0180] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may be connected to other home appliances and/or electronic devices through the communication interface 150. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may transmit information related to the operations of the clothes treating apparatus 1 (e.g., information related to the washing process and/or drying process) to other home appliances and/or electronic devices. Selection of the washing course and/or the drying course may be performed not only on the control panel 100 but also on other appliances and/or electronic devices. Also, the information about the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be displayed not only on the control panel 100 but also on other home appliances and/or electronic devices.

[0181] The temperature sensor 160 may measure the temperature of air in the tub 20 and/or the temperature of water stored in the tub 20. Data on temperatures measured by the temperature sensor 160 may be transmitted to the controller 300. The controller 300 may determine the temperature in the tub 20 based on the temperature data transmitted from the temperature sensor 160. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the temperature in the tub 20 and/or the temperature data determined based on the temperature data transmitted from the temperature sensor 160 is defined as a temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160.

[0182] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may control the washing water heater 24 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 when performing the washing process (1010) and/or the rinsing process (1020).

[0183] A target water temperature in the washing process (1010) and/or the rinsing process (1020) may be set by the user through the at least one input interface 101 or may be preset to correspond to a course selected by the user.

[0184] The controller 300 may control the washing water heater 24 so that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 in the washing process (1010) and/or the rinsing process (1020) reaches the target water temperature.

[0185] That is, the temperature sensor 160 may be used to measure the temperature of water stored in the tub 20 in the washing process (1010) and/or the rinsing process (1020).

[0186] In the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature sensor 160 may be used to measure a dryness of laundry.

[0187] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may operate the drainage pump 71 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 when performing the drying process 1040. In an embodiment, the controller 300 may determine a finish time point of the drying process 1040 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 when performing the drying process 1040. The operations of the controller 300 operating the drainage pump 71 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 and determining the finish time point of the drying process 1040 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0188] The water level sensor 200 may measure the water level in the tub 20. The water level sensor 200 may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the water level in the tub 20 to the controller 300. The controller 300 may determine the water level in the tub 20 based on a signal transmitted from the water level sensor 200. The controller 300 may determine the water level in the tub 20 based on a frequency value of the signal transmitted from the water level sensor 200. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the water level in the tub 20 and/or the frequency value determined based on the electrical signal transmitted from the water level sensor 200 is defined as a water level measured by the water level sensor 200.

[0189] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 based on the water level measured by the water level sensor 200 when performing the washing process (1010) and/or the rinsing process (1020).

[0190] A target water level in the washing process (1010) and/or the rinsing process (1020) may be set by the user through the at least one input interface 101 or may be preset to correspond to a course selected by the user.

[0191] The controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 so that the water level measured by the water level sensor 200 in the washing process (1010) and/or the rinsing process (1020) reaches the target water level.

[0192] That is, the water level sensor 200 may be used to measure the water level of water stored in the tub 20 in the washing process (1010) and/or the rinsing process (1020).

[0193] In the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the water level sensor 200 may be used to measure the dryness of laundry.

[0194] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may operate the drainage pump 71 based on the water level measured by the water level sensor 200 when performing the drying process 1040. In an embodiment, the controller 300 may determine the finish time point of the drying process 1040 based on the water level measured by the water level sensor 200 when performing the drying process 1040. The operations of the controller 300 operating the drainage pump 71 based on the water level measured by the water level sensor 200 and determining the finish time point of the drying process 1040 based on the water level measured by water level sensor 200 will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0195] The driving device 36 may rotate the drum 30 according to the control of the controller 300. The driving device 36 may include the driving motor 36a. The controller 300 may control the driving motor 36a to regulate a rotational speed of the drum 30.

[0196] In the present disclosure, controlling the drum 30 by the controller 300 may include controlling the driving motor 36a by the controller 300.

[0197] The water supply device 40 of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may include the first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply valve 42. The water supply device 40 may be connected to an external water supply source. The first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply valve 42 may be connected to an external water supply source. As described above, the first water supply valve 41 may correspond to a hot water valve. The second water supply valve 42 may correspond to a cold water valve.

[0198] The controller 300 may control the water supply device 40. The controller 300 may control the opening and closing of each of the first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply valve 42. The controller 300 may adjust a degree of openness of each of the first water supply valve 41 and the second water supply valve 42. The first water supply valve 41 may open or close the first water supply pipe 43 based on an electrical signal transmitted from the controller 300.

[0199] The second water supply valve 42 may selectively supply water to the upper detergent supply device 50, the nozzle device 96, and the tub 20. As described above, the second water supply pipe 44 may include a first pipe 441, a second pipe 442, and a third pipe 443. The second water supply valve 42 may be connected to the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443. The first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443 may be called a first water supply flow path, a second water supply flow path, and a third supply water flow path, respectively. For convenience of explanation, the second water supply valve 42 may be referred to as a water supply valve.

[0200] The controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 to supply water to at least one of the upper detergent supply device 50, the nozzle device 96, or the tub 20 in order to perform at least one of the washing process (1010 of FIG. 8), the rinsing process (1020 of FIG. 8), a dewatering process (1030 of FIG. 8), or the drying process (1040 of FIG. 8). The water supply device 40 may open or close at least one of the first water supply flow path, the second water supply flow path, and the third water supply flow path based on the electrical signal transmitted from the controller 300. That is, the controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the upper detergent supply device 50 through the first pipe 441. The controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the nozzle device 96 through the second pipe 442. The controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 to supply water to the tub 20 through the third pipe 443.

[0201] The second water supply valve 42 may include a first valve 42a, a second valve 42b, and a third valve 43c. The controller 300 may control opening and closing of each of the first valve 42a, the second valve 42b, and the third valve 43c. The controller 300 may adjust a degree of openness of each of the first valve 42a, the second valve 42b, and the third valve 43c. When the first valve 42a is opened, water may be supplied to the upper detergent supply device 50 through the first pipe 441. When the second valve 42b is opened, water may be supplied to the nozzle device 96 through the second pipe 442. When the third valve 42c is opened, water may be supplied to tub 20 through the third pipe 443.

[0202] The water supply valve 42 may be provided as a single four-way valve. In a case in which the water supply valve 42 is provided as a four-way valve, a piston assembly provided in the water supply valve 42 may move according to the control of the controller 300. As the piston assembly of the water supply valve 42 moves, water may flow through each of the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443, or the flow of water through each of the first pipe 441, the second pipe 442, and the third pipe 443 may be blocked.

[0203] The drainage pump 71 may discharge water in the tub 20 to the outside of the housing 10. The controller 300 may control the drainage pump 71 so that water in the tub 20 is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe 73.

[0204] The circulation pump 76 may send water in the tub 20 to the lower detergent supply device 60. Water passed through the circulation pump 76 and the lower detergent supply device 60 may be returned to the tub 20. The controller 300 may control the circulation pump 76 to circulate water in the tub 20 through the lower detergent supply device 60.

[0205] The drying device 80 may remove moisture contained in air, heat the air, and supply the heated air to the tub 20. The controller 300 may operate the drying device 80 to dry laundry placed inside the drum 30. In order to generate dried and heated air, the drying device 80 may include the fan 87a, the compressor 91, the heat exchangers 92 and 93, and the expansion valve.

[0206] The controller 300 may control the fan 87a, compressor 91, and expansion valve included in the drying device 80. The controller 300 may operate the fan 87a so that dry and heated air is supplied into the drum 30. The controller 300 may regulate a rotational speed of the fan 87a. A flow rate of air to be supplied into the drum 30 may vary depending on the rotational speed of the fan 87a.

[0207] The compressor 91 compresses low-temperature and pressure gaseous refrigerant and discharges high-temperature and pressure gaseous refrigerant. For example, the compressor 91 may compress the refrigerant through a reciprocating motion of a piston or a rotating motion of a rotor. The discharged gaseous refrigerant may be delivered to the condenser 92. The controller 300 may regulate an operating frequency and/or revolutions per minute (RPM) of the compressor 91. As the operating frequency and/or the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the compressor 91 increases, heat released around the condenser 92 may increase. The controller 300 may adjust a degree of openness of the expansion valve. The expansion valve may be provided as and an electronic expansion valve whose degree of openness may be controlled by a capillary for controlling a pressure of liquid refrigerant an electric signal. A low-temperature and pressure two-phase refrigerant passed through the expansion valve is introduced into the evaporator 93.

[0208] The controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 to clean the heat exchangers 92 and 93 of the drying device 80. The controller 300 may control the second water supply valve 42 so that water is sprayed from the nozzle device 96 to the heat exchangers 92 and 93. For example, as the second valve 42b constituting the second water supply valve 42 is opened, water may be sprayed from the nozzle device 96 to the heat exchangers 92 and 93.

[0209] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of processes of being performed by the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 8, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform at least one of the washing process 1010, the rinsing process 1020, the dewatering process 1030, and the drying process 1040 based on the operation course selected by the user. For example, the operation course of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be determined as the standard washing course and a standard drying course. The standard washing course may include the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dewatering process. The standard drying course may include the drying process. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may sequentially perform the washing process 1010, the rinsing process 1020, the dewatering process 1030, and the drying process 1040.

[0211] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may also selectively perform at least one of the washing process (1010), the rinsing process (1020), the dewatering process (1030), and the drying process 1040 depending on the operation course. For example, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform the rinsing process (1020) and the dewatering process (1030) in response to selection of a rinsing-dewatering course. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may perform the dewatering process (1030) in response to selection of the dewatering course. The clothes treating apparatus 1 may also perform only the drying process 1040 in response to selection of the standard drying course.

[0212] By the washing process 1010 performed by the clothes treating apparatus 1, laundry may be washed. Specifically, foreign substances adhered to laundry may be separated by a chemical action of the detergent and/or a mechanical action such as dropping.

[0213] The washing process (1010) may include laundry measuring (1011) for measuring an amount of laundry, the water supplying (1012) for supplying water to the tub 20, washing (1013) for washing laundry by rotating the drum 30 at a low speed, draining (1014) for discharging water received in the tub 20, and intermediate dewatering (1015) for separating water from laundry by rotating the drum 30 at a high speed.

[0214] For the washing (1013), the controller 300 may control the driving device 36 to rotate the driving motor 36a in a forward direction (e.g., clockwise) or a reverse direction (e.g., counterclockwise). By the rotation of the drum 30, laundry may be washed by falling from an upper side of the drum 30 to a lower side.

[0215] For the intermediate dewatering (1015), the controller 300 may control the driving device 36 to rotate the driving motor 36a at a high speed. By the high-speed rotation of the drum 30, water may be separated from the laundry received in the drum 30 and discharged to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

[0216] By the rinsing process (1020) performed by the clothes treating apparatus 1, laundry may be rinsed. Specifically, the detergent or foreign substances left on the laundry may be washed away by water.

[0217] The rinsing process (1020) may include the water supplying (1021) for supplying water to the tub 20, rinsing (1022) for rinsing laundry by driving the drum 30, draining (1023) for discharging water received in the tub 20, and intermediate dewatering (1024) for separating water from laundry by driving the drum 30.

[0218] The water supplying (1021), draining (1023), and intermediate dewatering (1024) of the rinsing process (1020) may be the same as the water supplying (1012), draining (1014), and intermediate dewatering (1015) of the washing process (1010), respectively. During the rinsing process (1020), water supplying (1021), rinsing (1022), draining (1023), and intermediate dewatering (1024) may be performed once or multiple times.

[0219] By the dewatering process (1030) performed by the clothes treating apparatus 1, laundry may be dewatered. Specifically, by the high-speed rotation of the drum 30, water may be separated from the laundry received in the drum 30, and the separated water may be discharged to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

[0220] The dewatering process (1030) may include a final dewatering process (1031) of separating water from laundry by rotating the drum 30 at a high speed. The final intermediate dewatering (1024) of the rinsing process (1020) may be omitted due to the final dewatering (1031).

[0221] For the final dewatering process (1031), the controller 300 may control the driving device 36 to rotate the driving motor 36a at a high speed. By the high-speed rotation of the drum 30, water may be separated from the laundry received in the drum 30 and discharged to the outside of the clothes treating apparatus 1. The rotational speed of the driving motor 36a may be increased stepwise.

[0222] The controller 300 may rotate the drum 30 at a preset maximum speed for a preset time and then stop the drum 30, based on start of the final dewatering process (1031).

[0223] In an embodiment, the final dewatering process (1031) may include a low-speed dewatering section in which the drum 30 rotates at a preset intermediate speed (e.g., 500 RPM) lower than the preset maximum speed (e.g., 1100 RPM), and a high-speed dewatering section in which the drum 30 rotates at the preset maximum speed.

[0224] In the low-speed dewatering section, the drum 30 may be accelerated to a preset intermediate speed, maintained at the preset intermediate speed for a predetermined first time, and then decelerated.

[0225] In the high-speed dewatering section, the drum 30 may be accelerated to the preset maximum speed, maintained at the preset maximum speed for a predetermined second time, and then decelerated. In this case, the predetermined second time may be longer than the predetermined first time.

[0226] The controller 300 may, based on the start of the final dewatering process (1031), accelerate the drum 30 to the preset intermediate speed maintain the rotation of the drum 30 at the preset intermediate speed for the predetermined first time and then decelerate the drum 30, accelerate the drum 30 to the preset maximum speed, maintain the rotation of the drum 30 at the preset maximum speed for the predetermined second time, and then stop the drum 30 after rotating for the time.

[0227] Depending on a weight of laundry measured in the laundry measuring (1011) step, quality of the laundry, the type of course selected by the user and/or a dewatering setting selected by the user, the preset intermediate speed, preset maximum speed, predetermined first time, and predetermined second time may be changed.

[0228] The low-speed dewatering section may be omitted depending on the weight of laundry measured in the laundry measuring (1011) step and/or the type of course selected by the user.

[0229] The final dewatering process (1031) may be terminated in response to the drum 30 being stopped after the high-speed dewatering section.

[0230] When the dewatering process (1030) is completed, the drying process 1040 may be performed by the clothes treating apparatus 1. In order to perform the drying process 1040, the controller 300 may operate the drying device 80 to supply hot air into the tub 20 and the drum 30. The controller 300 may rotate the drum 30 at a relatively low speed. The controller 300 may supply hot air into the tub 20 and the drum 30 by operating the drying device 80.

[0231] Immediately after entering the drying process 1040 or before the drying process 1040 starts, in order to prevent moisture in the tub 20 from leaking, water may be supplied to the upper detergent supply device 50 for a predetermined time (e.g., one second). As described above, the detergent connection pipe 51 connecting the tub 20 and the upper detergent supply device 50 is provided in a U shape, and thus when water is supplied to the upper detergent supply device 50, the bent portion of the detergent connection pipe 51 may be filled up with the water. When the detergent connection pipe 51 is blocked by water, moisture inside the tub 20 may be prevented from being discharged to the outside through the upper detergent supply device 50.

[0232] During the drying process 1040, moist air inside the tub 20 may be introduced into the heat exchangers 92 and 93 through the flow paths P, 85, 86, and 87, and the air dehumidified and heated in the heat exchangers 92 and 93 may be introduced back into the tub 20.

[0233] Meanwhile, condensate may be generated on the heat exchangers 92 and 93. The drain line 97 may guide the condensate generated on the heat exchangers 92 and 93 of the drying device 80 to the outside of the drying device 80. In an embodiment, the drain line 97 may guide the condensate generated on the heat exchangers 92 and 93 of the drying device 80 to the tub 20.

[0234] As a result, during the drying process 1040, the condensate on the heat exchangers 92 and 93 is guided to the tub 20, so that the water level in the tub 20 increases during the drying process 1040.

[0235] When air inside the tub 20 becomes dry as the dryness of laundry increases during the drying process 1040, a rate of condensate formation on the heat exchangers 92 and 93 slows down, and therefore the water level in tub 20 increases relatively slowly.

[0236] When the laundry is sufficiently dried during the drying process 1040 and the air inside the tub 20 is sufficiently dried, condensate is not generated on the heat exchangers 92 and 93, and therefore the water level in tub 20 does not increase.

[0237] When the drying process 1040 is completed, the operation of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may be stopped and the power may be turned off.

[0238] The drying process 1040 may be performed for a time corresponding to an operation time set by the user and/or a course selected by the user.

[0239] In an embodiment, the drying process 1040 may be terminated when it is determined that the laundry received in the drum 30 is completely dried.

[0240] For example, in a case in which the user sets the operation time of the drying process 1040 to automatic, and in a case in which the course selected by the user corresponds to a course in which the operation time of the drying process 1040 may vary depending on a condition of laundry (e.g., dryness), such as an AI course, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may terminate the drying process 1040 when it is determined that the laundry received in the drum 30 is sufficiently dried.

[0241] To this end, the clothes treating apparatus 1 needs to identify the dryness of the laundry received in the drum 30.

[0242] In the present disclosure, determining a termination time point of the drying process 1040 may include identifying the dryness of the laundry received in the drum 30.

[0243] In an embodiment, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the water level of the tub 20 measured by the water level sensor 200.

[0244] In an embodiment, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160.

[0245] According to various embodiments, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the water level of the tub 20 measured by the water level sensor 200 and/or the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160.

[0246] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0247] Referring to FIG. 9, at block 1100, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may start the drying process 1040.

[0248] The controller 300 may perform the drying process 1040 by controlling the driving device 36 to rotate the drum 30 at a predetermined speed and controlling the drying device 80 to supply hot air to the inside of the tub 20.

[0249] The controller 300 may control the drying device 80 to supply hot air to the inside of the tub 20 during the drying process 1040.

[0250] The controlling of the drying device 80 to supply hot air to the inside of the tub 20 may include driving the fan 87a and the compressor 91.

[0251] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 in order to clean the heat exchangers 92 and 93 of the drying device 80 during the drying process 1040 or in order for the water level in the tub 20 to reach a minimum water level Hmin.

[0252] The controller 300 may stop the driving of the fan 87a and the compressor 91 when driving the water supply device 40.

[0253] The controller 300 may resume the driving of the fan 87a and the compressor 91 based on the operation of the water supply device 40 having been stopped.

[0254] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9 depending on whether the water level sensor 200 fails, and may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0255] However, according to various embodiments, the controller 300 may also determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10, even when the water level sensor 200 does not fail.

[0256] Additionally, according to various embodiments, when the water level sensor 200 is not provided, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the flow chart illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0257] At block 1200, the controller 300 may identify in various ways whether the water level sensor 200 fails. When the water level sensor 200 fails, the controller 300 determines water level sensor 200 is in a failed state. When the water level sensor has not failed or does not fail, the controller 300 determines the water level sensor 200 is not in the failed state.

[0258] For example, the controller 300 may identify whether the water level sensor 200 fails during the water supplying (1012 and/or 1021) of the washing process (1010) and/or the rinsing process (1020).

[0259] When controlling the water supply device 40 to supply water to the inside of the tub 20, the controller 300 may determine that the water level sensor 200 fails in response to the water level measured by the water level sensor 200 not changing for a predetermined time.

[0260] As another example, when controlling the drainage pump 71 to discharge water to the outside of the tub 20, the controller 300 may determine that the water level sensor 200 fails in response to the water level measured by the water level sensor 200 not changing for the predetermined time.

[0261] As another example, when performing the drying process 1040, the controller 300 may determine that the water level sensor 200 fails in response to the water level measured by the water level sensor 200 not changing for the predetermined time.

[0262] In an embodiment, when the water level sensor 200 fails, the controller 300 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0263] That is, the controller 300 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 when the water level sensor 200 is determined to have failed.

[0264] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10 even when the water level sensor 200 does not fail.

[0265] That is, the controller 300 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 regardless of whether the water level sensor 200 fails.

[0266] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9 when the water level sensor 200 does not fail.

[0267] That is, the controller 300 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the water level in the tub 20 measured by the water level sensor 200 when it is determined that the water level sensor 200 does not fail.

[0268] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10 only when the water level sensor 200 is determined to have failed.

[0269] That is, the controller 300 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 only when the water level sensor 200 is determined to have failed.

[0270] A method of determining the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the water level measured by the water level sensor 200 in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0271] FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged view illustrating a bottom surface of the tub of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 13, in an embodiment at block 1300, the water level sensor 200 may measure a water level value H. The water level value H refers to a value corresponding to the water level in the tub 20. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the water level value H will be described as the water level H in the tub 20.

[0272] The water level sensor 200 may measure the water level in the tub 20 only when the water level in the tub 20 is higher than the minimum water level Hmin that may be measured by the water level sensor 200. That is, when the water level in the tub 20 is lower than the minimum water level Hmin, the water level sensor 200 may not measure the water level in the tub 20. For example, the water level sensor 200 may be unable to measure the water level in the tub 20 while the water level in the tub 20 is below and has not yet risen to the minimum water level Hmin.

[0273] At block 1400, the controller 300 may control the drainage pump 71 based on a preset condition during the drying process 1040.

[0274] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may turn on the drainage pump 71 in response to the water level H in the tub 20 measured by the water level sensor 200 reaching a predetermined water level Hd.

[0275] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may turn on the drainage pump 71 regardless of the water level H in the tub 20 in response to the start of the drying process 1040.

[0276] In a case in which water stored in the tub 20 is introduced into the drum 30 during the drying process 1040, drying performance may be reduced. In order for the water stored in the tub 20 to be introduced into the drum 30, the water level in the tub 20 needs to rise above a certain level. Accordingly, the drainage water level Hd may be preset to a level at which the water stored in the tub 20 is not introduced into the drum 30.

[0277] The turning-on of the drainage pump 71 may include operating the drainage pump 71. The operating of the drainage pump 71 may include operating the drainage pump 71 for a predetermined time.

[0278] The controller 300 may operate the drainage pump 71 for the predetermined time in response to the water level H in the tub 20 measured by the water level sensor 200 reaching the drainage water level Hd. That is, the controller 300 may turn on the drainage pump 71 in response to the water level H in the tub 20 measured by the water level sensor 200 reaching the predetermined water level Hd, and turn off the drainage pump 71 in response to the elapse of the predetermined time. Herein, the predetermined water level Hd may be preset as a water level higher than the minimum water level Hmin, which will be described later.

[0279] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may turn on the drainage pump 71 in response to a predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor 160. The turning-on of the drainage pump 71 may include operating the drainage pump 71. The controller 300 may operate the drainage pump 71 for the predetermined time in response to the predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor 160. That is, the controller 300 may turn on the drainage pump 71 in response to the predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor 160, and turn off the drainage pump 71 in response to the elapse of the predetermined time.

[0280] The temperature sensor 160 is provided at the predetermined height (h) from the bottom surface of the tub 20. Accordingly, the temperature sensor 160, during the drying process 1040, measures the temperature of air in the tub 20 and then measures a temperature of water by coming into contact with water as the water is filling the tub 20. Because hot air is supplied to tub 20 during the drying process 1040, the temperature of air in the tub 20 is high and the temperature of condensate guided to the tub 20 is relatively lower than the temperature of the air in the tub 20.

[0281] In the case in which the temperature sensor 160, during the drying process 1040, measures the temperature of air in the tub 20 and then measures the temperature of water by coming into contact with water filling the tub 20, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 decreases rapidly. That is, it may be estimated that water has filled the tub 20 to the predetermined height (h) when an amount of change in temperature per unit time measured by the temperature sensor 160 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0282] The predetermined height (h) may correspond to the drainage water level Hd.

[0283] That is, the temperature sensor 160 may be used in order to detect that the water level in the tub 20 has reached the predetermined height (h), which will be described in more detail together with the flowchart of FIG. 10.

[0284] Predetermined conditions being detected by the temperature sensor 160 may include an amount of change in temperature per a first unit time measured by the temperature sensor 160 being greater than or equal to the predetermined value. The amount of change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 being greater than or equal to the predetermined value may include the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 dropping by the predetermined value.

[0285] Herein, the first unit time may be an integer multiple of a temperature measurement cycle of the temperature sensor 160. For example, assuming that the temperature sensor 160 measures the temperature every 100 ms, the first unit time may be an integer multiple of 100 ms, but the first unit time is not limited thereto. For example, the first unit time may be set to one second.

[0286] The controller 300 may operate the drainage pump 71 for the predetermined time in response to the amount of change in temperature per unit time measured by the temperature sensor 160 being greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

[0287] Because the water level sensor 200 may measure the water level in the tub 20 only when the water level in the tub 20 reaches the minimum water level Hmin, in order to accurately determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the water level in the tub 20, first, the water level in the tub 20 needs to reach the minimum water level Hmin.

[0288] After operating the drainage pump 71 for the predetermined time, the controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 so that the water level in the tub 20 reaches the minimum water level Hmin measurable by the water level sensor 200 (1450).

[0289] That is, the controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 so that the water level in the tub 20 reaches the minimum water level Hmin after the operation of the drainage pump 71.

[0290] The controller 300 may temporarily stop the driving of the fan 87a and the compressor 91 when driving the water supply device 40, and resume the driving of the fan 87a and the compressor 91 based on the water level in the tub 20 reaching the minimum water level Hmin.

[0291] The controlling of the water supply device 40 may include controlling the water supply device 40 to supply water to the nozzle device 96 for cleaning the heat exchangers 92 and 93.

[0292] The controlling of the water supply device 40 may include controlling the water supply device 40 to supply water to the lower side of the tub 20 through the exhaust flow path P.

[0293] When the water supply device 40 operates, the water sprayed from the nozzle device 96 moves to the bottom surface of the tub 20 along the drain line 97, so that the water level in the tub 20 may reach the minimum water level Hmin.

[0294] The controlling of the water supply device 40 so that the water level in the tub 20 reaches the minimum water level Hmin measurable by the water level sensor 200 may include stopping the operation of the water supply device 40 in response to the water level in the tub 20 reaching the minimum water level Hmin.

[0295] However, because it takes some time for the water sprayed from the nozzle device 96 to move to the bottom surface of the tub 20 along the drain line 97, when the operation of the water supply device 40 is stopped at the time point where the minimum water level Hmin is detected by the water level sensor 200, there is a problem in that excessive water moves to the bottom surface of the tub 20.

[0296] On the other hand, an amount of water supply required in order for the water level in the tub 20 to reach the minimum water level Hmin after the operation of the drainage pump 71 may vary depending on an installation environment of the clothes treating apparatus 1. For example, the amount of water supply required in order for the water level in the tub 20 to reach the minimum water level Hmin after the operation of the drainage pump 71 may vary depending on an installation height of the drain pipe 73.

[0297] In an embodiment, the controlling of the water supply device 40 so that the water level in the tub 20 reaches the minimum water level Hmin measurable by the water level sensor 200 may include driving the water supply device 40 for a predetermined water supply time after the operation of the drainage pump 71.

[0298] Herein, the predetermined water supply time corresponds to the amount of water supply required in order the water level in the tub 20 to reach the minimum water level Hmin, and may be changed.

[0299] When the installation height of drain pipe 73 is relatively high, even after the operation of the drainage pump 71 is completed, water remaining in the drain pipe 73 may be introduced back into the tub 20 by gravity. Accordingly, the relatively higher the installation height of the drain pipe 73, the relatively much water remains in the tub 20 after the operation of the drainage pump 71.

[0300] When the relatively much water remains in the tub 20, the amount of water supply required in order for the water level in the tub 20 to reach the minimum water level Hmin may be reduced.

[0301] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may determine the predetermined water supply time based on an operation cycle of the drainage pump 71.

[0302] For example, the controller 300 may set the predetermined water supply time to be shorter as the operation cycle of the drainage pump 71 is faster. Conversely, the controller 300 may set the predetermined water supply time to be longer as the operation cycle of the drainage pump 71 is slower.

[0303] The controller 300 may perform a plurality of the drying processes 1040, accumulate and store the operation cycle of the drainage pump 71, and determine the predetermined water supply time based on the accumulated and stored operation cycle of the drainage pump 71.

[0304] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may use only the operation cycle of the drainage pump 71 at beginning of the drying process 1040 in order to determine the predetermined water supply time.

[0305] Herein, the operation cycle of the drainage pump 71 at the beginning of the drying process 1040 may refer to the operation cycle of the drainage pump 71 when the drainage pump 71 operates a predetermined number of times (e.g., twice) after the start of the drying process 1040.

[0306] The controller 300 may set the predetermined water supply time to be shorter as the accumulated and stored operation cycle of the drainage pump 71 is longer, and may set the predetermined water supply time to be longer as the accumulated and stored operation cycle of the drainage pump 71 is shorter.

[0307] According to various embodiments, the controller 300 may also determine the predetermined water supply time using various methods capable of determining the installation environment of the clothes treating apparatus 1.

[0308] For example, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may receive the installation height of the drain pipe 73 from the user input, and the controller 300 may determine the predetermined water supply time based on the installation height of the drain pipe 73 input by the user.

[0309] As another example, the controller 300 may determine the predetermined water supply time based on an operating RPM of the drainage pump 71 at maximum output during the draining processes (1014 and 1023).

[0310] According to the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus 1 is provided that may more accurately determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the water level in the tub 20 by allowing the water level in the tub 20 to reach the minimum water level Hmin after the operation of the drainage pump 71.

[0311] According to the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus 1 is provided that may secure the performance of the heat exchangers 92 and 93 by washing the heat exchangers 92 and 93 during the drying process 1040.

[0312] According to the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus 1 is provided that may more accurately determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 by performing only an operation 1700, which will be described later.

[0313] In various embodiments, the controller 300 may omit the operation 1450 in a case in which the operation of the water supply device 40 is not required in order for the water level in the tub 20 to reach the minimum water level Hmin after the operation of the drainage pump 71.

[0314] The controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 in order for the water level in the tub 20 to reach the minimum water level Hmin, and then determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the water level in the tub 20 measured by the water level sensor 200.

[0315] In various embodiments, the controller 300 may not perform the operation 1450.

[0316] For example, for the efficiency of the heat exchangers 92 and 93, the controller 300 may perform the operation 1450 only after driving the drainage pump 71 the predetermined number of times (e.g., twice) during the drying process 1040.

[0317] However, the controller 300 may perform the operation 1450 after all operations of the drainage pump 71 during the drying process 1040.

[0318] Operations 1550 and 1600, which will be described later, may be performed only when the operation 1450 is omitted.

[0319] That is, the controller 300 may perform the operations 1550 and 1600 when the controller 300 does not control the water supply device 40 in order for the water level in the tub 20 to reach the minimum water level Hmin.

[0320] The controller 300 may perform the operation 1700 when performing the operation 1450 of controlling the water supply device 40 in order for the water level in the tub 20 to reach the minimum water level Hmin.

[0321] That is, when the operation 1450 is performed, because the water level H in the tub 20 reaches the minimum water level Hmin by the operation 1450, the operations 1550 and 1600 may be omitted.

[0322] At block 1500, the controller 300 can determine whether the water level H in the tub 20 is lower than the minimum water level Hmin.

[0323] In the case of omitting the operation 1450, at block 1700, the controller 300 may compare an amount of change K in the water level in the tub 20 per a second unit time with a reference value Kref when the water level H in the tub 20 is higher than the minimum water level Hmin (YES in 1500). The amount of change per unit time can be referred to as a rate of change.

[0324] In the case of performing the operation 1450, at block 1700, the controller 300 may compare the amount of change K in the water level in the tub 20 per the second unit time with the reference value Kref after the operation 1450.

[0325] Considering that it takes some time for the water sprayed from the nozzle device 96 to move to the bottom surface of the tub 20 along the drain line 97, the controller 300 may perform the operation 1700 based on the lapse of a predetermined time (e.g., five seconds) after performing the operation 1450.

[0326] Herein, the second unit time may be an integer multiple of a water level measurement cycle of the water level sensor 200. For example, assuming that the water level sensor 200 measures the water level every 100 ms, the second unit time may be an integer multiple of 100 ms, but the second unit time is not limited thereto. The second unit time may be longer than the first unit time. For example, the second unit time may be set to about 3 minutes.

[0327] The amount of change K in the water level in the tub 20 being greater than the reference value Kref means that condensate is continuously generated in the heat exchangers 92 and 93, this means that a humidity of air inside the tub 20 is high, and therefore means that laundry is not dried sufficiently.

[0328] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may determine that the drying process 1040 is not completed based on the amount of change K in the water level in the tub 20 per the second unit time being greater than the reference value Kref (NO in 1700), and may continuously perform the drying process 1040.

[0329] In an embodiment at block 1400, the controller 300 may operate the drainage pump 71 based on the amount of change K in the water level in the tub 20 per the second unit time being greater than the reference value Kref (NO in 1700). For example, the controller 300 may operate the drainage pump 71 when the water level H in the tub 20 reaches the drainage water level Hd while the amount of change K in the water level in the tub 20 per the second unit time is not greater than the reference value Kref.

[0330] On the other hand, the amount of change K in the water level in tub 20 being less than or equal to the reference value Kref means that condensate is not continuously generated in the heat exchangers 92 and 93, this means that the humidity of air inside the tub 20 is low, and therefore means that laundry is dried sufficiently.

[0331] The reference value Kref may be changed depending on the weight and/or quality of the laundry measured in the laundry measuring (1011), the drying setting set by the user and/or the course selected by the user.

[0332] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may terminate the drying process 1040 based on the amount of change K in the water level in the tub 20 per the second unit time being less than or equal to the reference value Kref (YES in 1700) (1800).

[0333] The terminating of the drying process 1040 based on the amount of change K in the water level in the tub 20 being less than or equal to the reference value Kref (YES in 1700) may include terminating the drying process 1040 based on detecting consecutively a predetermined number of times that the amount of change K in the water level in the tub 20 per the second unit time is less than or equal to the reference value Kref.

[0334] That is, the controller 300 may identify whether the amount of change K in water the level in the tub 20 per the second unit time is less than or equal to the reference value Kref, and terminate the drying process 1040 in response to detecting consecutively a predetermined number of times that the amount of change K in the water level in the tub 20 per the second unit time is less than or equal to the reference value Kref.

[0335] According to the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus 1 is provided that estimates the dryness of laundry using the water level sensor 200 even without a separate dryness sensor and terminates the drying process 1040 at a time point at which drying of the laundry is completed.

[0336] In the present disclosure, the terminating of the drying process 1040 may include terminating the driving of the driving device 36 and the drying device 80, outputting a visual and/or auditory notification indicating the termination of the drying process 1040 through the output interface 102, and/or transmitting an electrical signal for notifying the termination of the drying process 1040 to the user device through the communication interface 150.

[0337] In the case of omitting the operation 1450, at block 1550, the controller 300 may count a time for which a state in which the water level H in the tub 20 is lower than the minimum water level Hmin is maintained (hereinafter referred to as maintaining time).

[0338] When the water level H in the tub 20 is higher than the minimum water level Hmin, the amount of change in the water level is not measured by the water level sensor 200.

[0339] Accordingly, at block 1600, the controller 300 may compare the maintaining time with a reference time when the water level H in the tub 20 is lower than the minimum water level Hmin (NO at block 1500). Herein, the reference time may be set to about 10 minutes, but is not limited thereto.

[0340] At block 1800, the controller 300 may terminate the drying process 1040 based on the maintaining time reaching the reference time (YES in 1600).

[0341] That is, when the water level H in the tub 20 is lower than the minimum water level Hmin (NO at block 1500), the controller 300 may terminate the drying process 1040 when the state in which the water level H in the tub 20 is lower than the minimum water level Hmin is maintained for the reference time.

[0342] In an embodiment at block 1400, the controller 300 may operate the drainage pump 71 when the water level H in the tub 20 reaches the drainage water level Hd while the state in which the water level H in the tub 20 is lower than the minimum water level Hmin is not maintained for the reference time (NO at block 1600) and the amount of change K in the water level in the tub 20 is not greater than the reference value Kref.

[0343] According to the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus 1 is provided that estimates the dryness of laundry using the water level sensor 200 even without a separate dryness sensor and terminates the drying process 1040 at the time point at which the drying of the laundry is completed.

[0344] In an embodiment, the controller 300 may prevent water from remaining in the tub 20 after completion of the drying process 1040 by operating the drainage pump 71 for the predetermined time in the operation of terminating the drying process 1040.

[0345] As described above, in the case of the clothes treating apparatus 1 without the water level sensor 200 or the clothes treating apparatus 1 with the water level sensor 200 failed, there is a need to determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 using another sensor.

[0346] FIG. 10 illustrates an example method for controlling the clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0347] Referring to FIG. 10, at block 2100, the temperature sensor 160 may measure a temperature value. For example, the temperature sensor 160 sensor measures a temperature value of fluid (air or water) in the tub 20.

[0348] As described in the operation 1400 in FIG. 9, the controller 300 may operate the drainage pump 71 for the predetermined time in response to the predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor 160.

[0349] That is, at block 2200, the controller 300 may control the drainage pump 71 based on the temperature value. The procedure at block 2200 can be as described in the operation 1400 in FIG. 9.

[0350] The controller 300 may turn on the drainage pump 71 in response to the predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor 160, and turn off the drainage pump 71 when the predetermined time elapses.

[0351] FIG. 11 illustrates that water comes into contact with a temperature sensor 160 as the water is filling the tub of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 illustrates that water coming into contact with the temperature sensor 160 as the water is being drained as a drainage pump of the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is operating.

[0352] Referring to FIG. 11, during the drying process 1040, condensate is generated in the heat exchangers 92 and 93 by the moist air inside the tub 20, and the condensate is guided to the tub 20, so that the water level in the tub 20 gradually increases (as shown by the up arrow).

[0353] When the water level in the tub 20 reaches the predetermined height (h) as the water level in the tub 20 increases, the temperature sensor 160 comes into contact with the condensate. Because hot air is supplied to the tub 20, the temperature of air in the tub 20 is high, while the temperature of condensate with high specific heat is inevitably relatively lower than the temperature of the air in the tub 20.

[0354] The temperature sensor 160 may detect a sudden decrease in temperature when coming into contact with condensate.

[0355] Referring to FIG. 12, the controller 300 may determine that the temperature sensor 160 has come into contact with condensate when the amount of change in temperature per the first unit time measured by the temperature sensor 160 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, and operate the drainage pump 71 for the predetermined time.

[0356] When the drainage pump 71 operates, the water level in the tub 20 decreases (as shown by the down arrow), and the temperature sensor 160 is no longer in contact with the condensate and measures the temperature of the air in the tub 20 again.

[0357] The predetermined time for which the drainage pump 71 operates may be preset such that the water level in the tub 20 may be lowered by the predetermined height (h).

[0358] According to the above principle, steps may be repeated in which when the drying process 1040 is continuously performed in a state in which the laundry is not dried, the water level in the tub 20 increases again, and when the condensate comes into contact with the temperature sensor 160 as the water level in the tub 20 increases, the drainage pump 71 operates again for the predetermined time.

[0359] On the other hand, when the laundry is sufficiently dried and no more condensate is generated, the water level in the tub 20 may not increase, so that a state in which the condensate does not come into contact with the temperature sensor 160 may continue.

[0360] The controller 300 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on an operation cycle P of the drainage pump 71. The operation cycle P of the drainage pump 71 is determined based on the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 160. That is, the determining of the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the operation cycle P of the drainage pump 71 may include determining the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 160.

[0361] The determining of the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor 160 may include determining the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on a cycle in which the predetermined condition is detected by the temperature sensor 160.

[0362] At block 2300, the controller 300 may compare the operation cycle P of the drainage pump 71 with a reference time Pref.

[0363] The reference time Pref may be changed depending on the weight and/or quality of the laundry measured in the laundry measuring (1011), the drying setting set by the user and/or the course selected by the user.

[0364] The operation cycle P of the drainage pump 71 may refer to a time from a time point at which the drainage pump 71 is turned off to a time point at which the drainage pump 71 is turned on again.

[0365] At block 2400, the controller 300 may terminate the drying process 1040 in response to the operation cycle P of the drainage pump 71 exceeding the reference time Pref (YES at block 2300).

[0366] In other words, the controller 300 may terminate the drying process 1040 in response to the drainage pump 71 not operating for the reference time Pref.

[0367] In another expression at block 2400, the controller 300 may terminate the drying process 1040 in response to the cycle in which the predetermined condition is detected by the temperature sensor 160 exceeding the reference time Pref (YES at block 2300).

[0368] In another expression at block 2400, the controller 300 may terminate the drying process 1040 in response to the predetermined condition not being detected by the temperature sensor 160 for the reference time Pref.

[0369] On the other hand, the controller 300 may continuously perform the drying process 1040 when the operation cycle P of the drainage pump 71 is shorter than the reference time Pref.

[0370] According to the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus 1 is provided that may indirectly estimate the dryness of laundry by using the temperature sensor 160 for measuring the temperature of water stored in the tub 20 and determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040.

[0371] FIG. 14 illustrates a diagram for explaining an operation cycle of the drainage pump during a drying process in the clothes treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0372] Referring to FIG. 14, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may start the drying process 1040 at a time point t0. When the drying process 1040 starts and an operation condition of the drainage pump 71 is satisfied at a time point t1, the drainage pump 71 may be turned on and operated for a predetermined time rt. The drainage pump 71 may be turned off at a time point t2 at which the predetermined time rt has elapsed from the time point t1.

[0373] The operation condition of the drainage pump 71 may be detected by the temperature sensor 160 and/or the water level sensor 200 as described above.

[0374] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may turn on and operate the drainage pump 71 for the predetermined time rt when the operation condition of the drainage pump 71 is satisfied at a time point t3, which is after the time point t2 at which the drainage pump 71 is turned off.

[0375] A time between the time point t2 at which the drainage pump 71 is turned off and the time point t3 at which the drainage pump 71 is turned on corresponds to the operation cycle P of the drainage pump 71.

[0376] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may repeat the turning-on/off operation of the drainage pump 71 like this, and turn off the drainage pump 71 at a time point t4.

[0377] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may terminate the drying process 1040 when the reference time Pref elapses after the time point t4 when the drainage pump 71 is turned off. That is, the clothes treating apparatus 1 may terminate the drying process 1040 at a time point t5 at which the operation cycle P of the drainage pump 71 exceeds the reference time pref.

[0378] According to the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus 1 is provided that may more accurately determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 using the water level sensor 200.

[0379] According to the present disclosure, the clothes treating apparatus 1 is provided that may more accurately determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 using the temperature sensor 160.

[0380] A clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a tub 20, a drying device 80 provided to supply hot air to the tub 20, a drainage pump 71 provided to discharge water stored in the tub 20 to the outside, a temperature sensor 160 provided at a predetermined height (h) from a bottom surface of the tub 20, and a controller 300 configured to operate the drying device in response to start of a drying process 1040, operate the drainage pump 71 for a predetermined time in response to a predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor 160, and determine a termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on an operation cycle of the drainage pump 71.

[0381] The controller 300 may terminate the drying process 1040 in response to the drainage pump 71 not operating for a reference time.

[0382] The predetermined condition may include an amount of change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor 160 per unit time being greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0383] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may further include a water level sensor 200 provided to measure a water level in the tub 20.

[0384] The drying device 80 may include heat exchangers 92 and 93 and a nozzle device 96 provided to spray water toward the heat exchangers 92 and 93.

[0385] The clothes treating apparatus 1 may further include a water supply device 40 provided to supply water to the nozzle device 96.

[0386] The controller 300 may control the water supply device 40 so that the water level in the tub 20 reaches a minimum water level Hmin measurable by the water level sensor 200 after the operation of the drainage pump 71.

[0387] The controller 300 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the operation cycle of the drainage pump 71 only when the water level sensor 200 is determined to have failed.

[0388] When the water level sensor 200 is determined not to have failed, the controller 300 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the water level in the tub 20 measured by the water level sensor 200.

[0389] The controller 300 may determine the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the amount of change in the water level in the tub 20 per unit time after controlling the water supply device 40.

[0390] The controller 300 may terminate the drying process 1040 when the amount of change in the water level in the tub 20 per unit time is less than or equal to a reference value.

[0391] When the water level sensor 200 is determined not to have failed, the controller 300 may terminate the drying process 1040 when a state in which the water level H in the tub 20 is lower than the minimum water level Hmin is maintained for the reference time after the operation of the drainage pump 71.

[0392] The controller 300 may operate the drainage pump 71 for the predetermined time in response to the predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor 160 only when the water level sensor 200 is determined to have failed.

[0393] The controller 300 may operate the drainage pump 71 for the predetermined time in response to the water level in the tub 20 measured by the water level sensor 200 reaching a predetermined water level or the predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor 160.

[0394] A control method of a clothes treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include operating a drying device in response to start of a drying process 1040, operating a drainage pump 71 for a predetermined time in response to a predetermined condition being detected by a temperature sensor 160 provided at a predetermined height from a bottom surface of a tub 20, and determining a termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on an operation cycle of the drainage pump 71.

[0395] The determining of the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the operation cycle of the drainage pump 71 may include terminating the drying process 1040 in response to the drainage pump 71 not operating for a reference time.

[0396] The determining of the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the operation cycle of the drainage pump 71 may be performed only when a water level sensor 200 provided to measure a water level in the tub 20 fails.

[0397] The control method of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may further include controlling a water supply device 40 so that the water level in the tub 20 reaches a minimum water level Hmin measurable by the water level sensor 200 after the operation of the drainage pump 71.

[0398] The control method of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may further include determining the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the water level in the tub 20 measured by the water level sensor 200 when the water level sensor 200 does not fail.

[0399] The determining of the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the water level in the tub 20 may include determining the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on an amount of change in the water level in the tub 20 per unit time after controlling the water supply device 40.

[0400] The determining of the termination time point of the drying process 1040 based on the amount of change in the water level in the tub 20 per unit time may include terminating the drying process 1040 when the amount of change in the water level in the tub 20 per unit time is less than or equal to a reference value.

[0401] The control method of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may further include terminating the drying process 1040 when a state in which the water level in the tub 20 is lower than the minimum water level Hmin is maintained for the reference time after the operation of the drainage pump 71.

[0402] The operating of the drainage pump 71 for the predetermined time in response to the predetermined condition being detected by the temperature sensor 160 may be performed only when the water level sensor 200 provided to measure the water level in the tub 20 fails.

[0403] The control method of the clothes treating apparatus 1 may further include operating the drainage pump 71 for the predetermined time in response to the water level in the tub 20 measured by the water level sensor 200 provided to measure the water level in the tub 20 reaching a predetermined water level.

[0404] The disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and may generate program modules when executed by a processor to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0405] The computer-readable recording medium includes any type of recording medium in which instructions readable by the computer are stored. For example, the recording medium may include a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, an optical data storage device, and the like.

[0406] The computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Herein, the non-transitory storage medium simply only means that it is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between a case in which data is semi-permanently stored in a storage medium and a case in which data is stored temporarily. For example, the non-transitory storage medium may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0407] According to an embodiment, the methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product is a commodity and may be traded between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online, through an application store (e.g., Play Store) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be at least temporarily stored or created temporarily in the machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer server, an application store server, and a relay server.

[0408] The embodiments disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings have been described above. A person skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs will understand that the present disclosure may be practiced in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

[0409] Although the present disclosure has been described with various embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.