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(11) | EP 3 296 452 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | WASHING MACHINE WITH DRYING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME |
| (57) Provided is a washing machine (1) with a drying apparatus (31) that, when alternately
rotating a drum (30) in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, respectively,
during a drying operation, rotates the drum (30) in the clockwise direction longer
than in the counterclockwise direction. The washing machine (1) with the drying apparatus
(31) includes: a tub (20); a drum (30) rotatably provided inside the tub (20); a drying
apparatus (31) provided at an upper portion of the tub (20), configured to introduce
air from the tub 820), to heat the introduced air and to supply the heated air to
the drum (30) so that laundry accommodated in the drum (30) is dried; and a control
unit (110) configured to rotate the drum (30) alternately in a clockwise direction
and a counterclockwise direction, respectively, to rotate the drum (30) in the clockwise
direction for a first time and to rotate the drum (30) in the counterclockwise direction
for a second time that is shorter than the first time when the washing machine (1)
with the drying apparatus (31) enters a drying operation.
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BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a washing machine with a drying apparatus and a method of controlling the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] Washing machines with drying apparatuses can provide a washing function and a drying function. In general, washing machines with drying apparatuses rotate a drum in which a wet object is accommodated, and allow high-temperature dry air to pass through an inside of the drum, thereby drying the object in the drum.
[0003] Recently, research into providing an optimum drying service to a user and simultaneously improving energy efficiency of drying machines is processing.
SUMMARY
[0004] Therefore, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a washing machine with a drying apparatus that, when alternately rotating a drum in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, respectively, during a drying operation, rotates the drum in the clockwise direction longer than in the counterclockwise direction.
[0005] Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a washing machine with a drying apparatus includes: a tub; a drum rotatably provided inside the tub; a drying apparatus provided at an upper portion of the tub, configured to introduce air from the tub, to heat the introduced air and to supply the heated air to the drum so that laundry accommodated in the drum is dried; and a control unit configured to rotate the drum alternately in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, respectively, to rotate the drum in the clockwise direction for a first time and to rotate the drum in the counterclockwise direction for a second time that is shorter than the first time when the washing machine with the drying apparatus enters a drying operation.
[0007] The drying apparatus may include an inlet, which is provided at a right upper portion of the tub and through which air is introduced from the tub, and a discharge port through which heated air is supplied to the drum.
[0008] The control unit may rotate the drum in the clockwise direction for the first time and in the counterclockwise direction for the second time that is shorter than the first time so that interference between the inlet and the laundry accommodated in the drum is prevented.
[0009] When a weight of the laundry is smaller than a minimum value in a predetermined reference range, the control unit may decrease a difference between the first time and the second time.
[0010] The control unit may decrease the first time or increases the second time so that the difference between the first time and the second time is decreased. When the weight of the laundry is larger than a maximum value in a predetermined reference range, the control unit may increase the difference between the first time and the second time.
[0011] The control unit may increase the first time or decreases the second time so that the difference between the first time and the second time is increased. When the drying operation is finished, the control unit may control rotation of the drum so that the drum is rotated alternately in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, respectively, and a clockwise rotation time and a counterclockwise rotation time are the same.
[0012] When the drying operation is finished, the control unit may rotate the drum alternately in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, respectively, for a third time that is shorter than the second time.
[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of controlling a washing machine with a drying apparatus includes: when the washing machine with the drying apparatus enters a drying operation, heating air introduced from a tub using the drying apparatus and supplying the heated air to a drum; and while the drying operation is performed, alternately rotating the drum in a clockwise direction for a first time and rotating the drum in a counterclockwise direction for a second time that is shorter than the first time.
[0014] While the drying operation is performed, the rotating of the drum in the clockwise direction for the first time and the rotating of the drum in the counterclockwise direction for the second time that is shorter than the first time may include rotating the drum in the clockwise direction for the first time and rotating the drum in the counterclockwise direction for the second time that is shorter than the first time so that interference between an inlet of the drying apparatus and laundry accommodated in the drum is prevented.
[0015] While the drying operation is performed, the rotating of the drum in the clockwise direction for the first time and the rotating of the drum in the counterclockwise direction for the second time that is shorter than the first time may include: determining whether a weight of the laundry accommodated in the drum is included in a predetermined reference range; and when the weight of the laundry is smaller than a minimum value in the reference range, decreasing a difference between the first time and the second time.
[0016] While the drying operation is performed, the rotating of the drum in the clockwise direction for the first time and the rotating of the drum in the counterclockwise direction for the second time that is shorter than the first time may further include, when the weight of the laundry is larger than a maximum value in the reference range, increasing the difference between the first time and the second time.
[0017] The method may further include, when the drying operation is finished, rotating the drum alternately in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, respectively so that a clockwise rotation time and a counterclockwise rotation time are the same.
[0018] The method may further include, when the drying operation is finished, rotating the drum alternately in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, respectively, for a third time that is shorter than the second time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] These and/or other aspects of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine with a drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a view of a configuration of the washing machine with the drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the washing machine with the drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a view of the flow of air for drying in the washing machine with the drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a view of an intake member according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the intake member according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a view of the intake member according to an embodiment of the present invention at a different angle;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the intake member according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a control configuration view of the washing machine with the drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIGS. 10 through 12 are flowcharts illustrating a method of controlling a washing machine with a drying apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The principle and embodiments of the present invention will be provided so that the scope of a right of the present invention is clarified and one of ordinary skill in the art can embody the present invention. The embodiments can be implemented in various forms.
[0022] The present specification does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and a general description in the art to which the present invention pertains, or redundant descriptions with the embodiments will be omitted. The terms 'part or portion' used herein may be implemented with software or hardware, and according to the embodiments, a plurality of 'parts or portions' may be implemented with one element (or unit), or one 'part or portion' may also include a plurality of elements.
[0023] In addition, when any part or portion "includes" any element, it is to be understood that a part or portion does not exclude another element but further includes another element unless specially otherwise recited.
[0024] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0025] Identification numerals in each of steps are used for conveniences of explanation and do not explain the order of each of the steps, and the respective steps may be performed differently from the described order unless the context clearly indicates a certain order.
[0026] Hereinafter, the operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine with a drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view of a configuration of the washing machine with the drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the washing machine with the drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a view of the flow of air for drying in the washing machine with the drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a washing machine 1 with a drying apparatus includes a cabinet 10 that forms the exterior, a tub 20 installed inside the cabinet 10, a drum 30 rotatably installed inside the tub 20, and a motor 7 that drives the drum 30.
[0028] The cabinet 10 includes frames 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. The frames 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d may include a top frame 10a that constitutes a top surface of the cabinet 10, a front frame 10b and a rear frame 10c that constitute front and rear surfaces of the cabinet 10, and a bottom frame 10d that connects the front frame 10b to the rear frame 10c and constitutes a bottom surface (floor surface) of the cabinet 10. The bottom frame 10d may include a bottom hole 10e through which air can be introduced from the outside of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus.
[0029] A laundry port 2a through which laundry may be put into the drum 30 or may be taken out from the inside of the drum 30, is formed at the front frame 10b of the cabinet 10. The laundry port 2a is open and closed by a door 2 installed at the front frame 10b of the cabinet 10.
[0030] A spring 17 may be provided between the cabinet 10 and the tub 20 so as to support the tub 20 at an upper side of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus. An elastic force of the spring 17 may alleviate vibration and noise caused by movement of the tub 20. Also, the tub 20 is supported by a damper 18. The damper 18 connects an inside bottom surface of the cabinet 10 to an outside of the tub 20. Also, the damper 18 may be provided at an upper side and left and right sides of the cabinet 10 as well as the inside bottom surface of the cabinet 10 so as to support the tub 20. The damper 18 may also alleviate vibration and noise caused by movement of the tub 20, like the spring 17.
[0031] The tub 20 may include a first tub 21 placed in front of the inside of the cabinet 10, and a second tub 22 coupled to a rear surface of the first tub 21. The first tub 21 may include a cylindrical portion and a front plate placed at a front surface of the cylindrical portion. The second tub 22 may include a cylindrical portion disposed in a circumferential direction, and a rear plate placed at a rear surface of the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion of the first tub 21 and the cylindrical portion of the second tub 22 are coupled to each other, thereby constituting the tub 20.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a water supply pipe 13 for supplying water (washing water or rinsing water) to the tub 20 may be disposed at an upper portion of the tub 20. One side of the water supply pipe 13 is connected to an external water supply source (not shown), and the other side of the water supply pipe 13 is connected to a detergent supply device 12.
[0033] The water supply pipe 13 may include a sub-water supply pipe 15 connected to an intake member 50 that will be described later. The sub-water supply pipe 15 may be diverged from the water supply pipe 13 and connected to the intake member 50.
[0034] The detergent supply device 12 may be connected to the tub 20 via a connection water supply pipe 16. This is because the detergent supply device 12 is placed in front of the inside of the cabinet 10. The connection water supply pipe 16 may have a U-trap shape so as to prevent humid air generated in progress of a drying operation from leaking to the outside.
[0035] Water supplied via the water supply pipe 13 passes through the detergent supply device 12 and is supplied to an inside of the tub 20 via the connection water supply pipe 16 together with a detergent. A water supply valve 14 may be installed at the water supply pipe 13 so as to control the supply of water.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, the drum 30 may include a plurality of through holes 27 through which washing water flows. The drum 30 may include a plurality of lifters 26 provided at an inner circumferential surface of the drum 30 so that laundry can ascend or descend when the drum 30 is rotated.
[0037] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a driving shaft 11 may be provided between the drum 30 and the motor 7 so as to transfer a driving force of the motor 7 to the drum 30. One end of the driving shaft 11 is connected to a rear plate of the drum 30, and the other end of the driving shaft 11 extends from the outside of a rear wall of the tub 20. When the motor 7 is driven, the drum 30 connected to the driving shaft 11 rotates around the driving shaft 11. The motor 7 may be implemented with a universal motor including a field coil and an armature, or a brushless direct (BLDC) motor including a permanent magnet and an electric magnet. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. A bearing housing 8 may be provided on a rear plate of the second tub 22 so as to rotatably support the driving shaft 11. The bearing housing 8 may be formed of an aluminum alloy and may be inserted into a rear wall of the second tub 22 when the second tub 22 is injection molded. Bearings 9 may be provided between the bearing housing 8 and the driving shaft 11 so that the driving shaft 11 can be smoothly rotated.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a drain pump 4 for discharging water inside the tub 20 to the outside of the cabinet 10 may be provided below the tub 20. A connection hose 3 that connects the tub 20 to the drain pump 4 so that water inside the tub 20 can flow into the drain pump 4, and a drain hose 5 that guides water pumped by the drain pump 4 to the outside of the cabinet 10, may be provided.
[0039] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a water level sensing sensor 96 that senses the level of condensate water generated in progress of the drying operation may be provided at a lower side of a rear surface of the tub 20. In the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment, when the water level sensed by the water level sensing sensor 96 is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference value, condensate water is discharged. This will be described later.
[0040] A drying apparatus 31 is installed in the tub 20 so as to dry high-temperature humid air inside the tub 20 and then to supply the air to the inside of the tub 20. The drying apparatus 31 removes moisture of condensed air from the inside of the tub 20.
[0041] According to the embodiment, the drying apparatus 31 includes the intake member 50 provided to intake humid air generated during the drying operation, and a drying duct 40 that heats the air suctioned by the intake member 50 and supplies the heated air to the drum 30, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The drying apparatus 31 heats air inside the tub 20 and circulates the air so that laundry inside the drum 30 can be dried. Thus, air circulates and moves to the inside of the tub 20 and the drying duct 40. The drying duct 40 and the intake member 50 will now be described in more detail.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, the drying duct 40 may include an upper plate 41 and a lower plate 42. Also, the drying duct 40 may include a head 43 provided at an upper side of a blower fan 44. The blower fan 44 forms a circulation flow of air so that air inside the tub 20 can flow into the drying duct 40 and can be discharged to the inside of the tub 20 again.
[0043] The intake member 50 on which the blower fan 44 is seated, may be provided at a lower side of the drying duct 40. The intake member 50 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 through 8.
[0044] One side of the drying duct 40 is coupled to a front panel 21 a that extends from one side of the first tub 21. The other side of the drying duct 40 is coupled to the intake member 50, and the intake member 50 is coupled to a connection member 71 that mediates connection to the second tub 22. The connection member 71 is coupled to a hole 25 of the second tub 22. Humid air generated during the drying operation is introduced into the drying apparatus 31 via the hole 25 of the second tub 22 due to an intake force generated by the intake member 50, passes through the drying duct 40 and is supplied into the drum 30 via the front panel 21 a.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 4, when the drum 30 is rotated and the blower fan 44 is driven during the drying operation, air inside the tub 20 is introduced into the drying duct 40 via the hole 25 of the second tub 22. Air heated in the drying duct 40 is introduced into the tub 20 via the front panel 21 a and dries the laundry. The above-described procedure is repeatedly performed so that air can circulate and move between the drying duct 40 and the tub 20. Hereinafter, an opening of a connection member coupled to the hole 25 of the second tub 22 is referred to as an inlet through which air is introduced, and an opening of the drying duct 40 coupled to the front panel 21 a of the first tub 21 is referred to as a discharge port through which air is discharged.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, the drying duct 40 may include a heater 45 provided to heat air inside thereof. Also, the drying duct 40 may include a bracket 46 provided to couple the heater 45 to the drying duct 40.
[0047] The heater 45 may be bent several times and provided in a zigzag form, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The heater 45 may include a terminal portion (not shown) to which an electric wire through which current flows, is connected, a sealing member (not shown) that is mounted to be spaced apart from the terminal portion by a predetermined distance and prevents leakage of air, and a heating portion (not shown) that extends from the terminal portion.
[0048] The bracket 46 is coupled to the outside of the upper plate 41 and the lower plate 42 so as to fix the heater 45 into the drying duct 40. The bracket 46 may be implemented with a material having an insulating property and high heat resistance so as to prevent heating caused by heat generated in the heater 45. According to the embodiment, the bracket 46 may be implemented with polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc.
[0049] Also, a filter 60 may be provided in the connection member 71 of the drying duct 40 so as to filter dust or lint generated while laundry is dried in the progress of the drying operation.
[0050] Meanwhile, the intake member 50 may include a front member 53 placed at a front side of the intake member 50 and a rear member 52 placed at a rear side of the intake member 50. FIG. 5 is a view of the intake member 50 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the intake member 50 according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view of the intake member 50 according to an embodiment at a different angle, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the intake member 50 according to an embodiment.
[0051] A seating portion 53a on which the blower fan 44 is seated, may be provided in the front member 53. The seating portion 53a may communicate with the tub 20, and humid air may be moved to the seating portion 53a due to driving of the blower fan 44. A slit 54 through which air outside the tub 20 is suctioned, may be provided in at least a portion of the front member 53. A front member communication port 51 through which the front member 53 communicates with the tub 20, may be formed in a lower side of the front member 53.
[0052] An intake port 52a through which air between the tub 20 and the cabinet 10 is suctioned, may be provided in the rear member 52. The intake port 52a may be provided in a protrusion 52i that protrudes from the rear member 52 upward. This is to prevent bubbles or washing water from overflowing outward through the intake port 52a. Also, a fixing portion may be provided in at least a portion of the rear member 52 so as to fix the intake member 50 to the cabinet 10. The fixing portion may include first fixing portions 52g and 10g that couples a hook 52g provided in a rear surface of the rear member 52 to a hook groove 10g of the cabinet 10 and fixes the intake member 50 to the cabinet 10. Also, the fixing portion may include a second fixing portion 52h that fixes the cabinet 10 to the intake member 50 using an additional fastening member (not shown).
[0053] The front member 53 and the rear member 52 are fastened to each other using at least one fastening portion. The fastening portion may include first fastening portions 52b and 53b that fasten the front member 53 to the rear member 52 using a hook 52b. Also, the fastening portion may include second fastening portions 52f and 53f that fasten the front member 53 to the rear member 52 using an additional fastening member (not shown). The second fastening portions 52f and 53f may include a front member fastening hole 53f provided in the front member 53, and a rear member fastening hole 52f provided in the rear member 52. The shape of the rear member fastening hole 52f corresponds to the shape of the front member fastening hole 53f. That is, a fastening member (not shown) is inserted into the front member fastening hole 53f through the rear member fastening hole 52f so as to couple the front member 53 to the rear member 52. A flow path on which air suctioned through the intake port 52a is moved, may be provided at inner sides of the front member 53 and the rear member 52. A flow path provided at the inner side of the rear member 52 is referred to as a first flow path 52c, and a flow path provided at the inner side of the front member 53 is referred to as a second flow path 53c. The front member 53 and the rear member 52 may include inclination portions 52d and 53d having inclined floor surfaces. The inclination portions 52d and 53d may be inclined toward the blower fan 44 to guide movement of air. The inclination portions 52d and 53d may be inclined with respect to a horizontal plane by 1° to 20°. Referring to FIG. 8, an angle α at which the inclination portion 53d provided in the front member 53 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane is 15°, and an angle β at which the inclination portion 52d provided in the rear member 52 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane is 1°. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The above-described inclination portions 52d and 53d may prevent washing water inside the tub 20 from flowing backward from the tub 20 and overflowing.
[0054] As described above, the intake member 50 includes a flow path on which air may be moved, thereby suctioning air between the cabinet 10 and the tub 20. The drying apparatus 31 according to the embodiment may dry laundry using such air so that a drying time can be reduced.
[0055] When the blower fan 44 is driven during the drying operation, high-temperature humid air inside the tub 20 may be introduced via the inlet, and low-temperature low-humidity air inside the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus may be simultaneously suctioned via the intake port 52a of the intake member 50 so that air condensation can be performed in the drying duct 40.
[0056] Also, heated air supplied to the drum 30 may absorb moisture from the laundry accommodated in the drum 30 and then may be condensed by the surface of the inside of the tub 20. After humid air is introduced into the drying apparatus 31, condensate water is supplied from a sub-drain pipe so that condensation of humid air can be performed. Condensate water generated through the above-described condensation procedure is stored in a lower portion of the tub 20. Drainage of condensate water stored in the lower portion of the tub 20 will be described later.
[0057] As described above, the drying apparatus 31 including the drying duct 40 is provided at a right upper portion of the tub 20. That is, the drying apparatus 31 is provided in a direction of approximately 1 o'clock (not 12 o'clock) when viewing the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus from the front. Because the drying apparatus 31 is slightly inclined in the direction of 1 o'clock, interference between the laundry and the inlet of the drying apparatus 31 may occur according to a rotation direction of the drum 30. That is, the laundry closes the inlet so that the efficiency of air circulation for drying the laundry is decreased and drying efficiency can be decreased. In the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment, the frequency of interference between the laundry and the inlet is decreased so that drying efficiency can be improved and a drying time can be reduced. Hereinafter, the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment that is capable of decreasing the frequency of interference between the inlet and the laundry will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 through 12.
[0058] FIG. 9 is a control configuration view of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment further includes an input unit 100, a control unit 110, a memory 120, and a display unit 140.
[0059] The input unit 100 is provided so that instructions for performing a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a dehydration operation and a drying operation of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus can be inputted to the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus through the input unit 100.
[0060] Also, the input unit 100 may include a variety of buttons disposed on a control panel so that operating information such as a drying course (for example, normal, towels, perm, delicates, etc.), a drying time, operating instructions, etc., which are selected by a user, can be inputted to the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus through the buttons.
[0061] Also, the input unit 100 may include a jog dial provided to select a drying state (for example, half-drying, full drying, etc.) as well as the buttons.
[0062] The input unit 100 is not limited to the above-described example and may include various devices provided to input instructions due to an operation such as press, contact, pressure, rotation, etc.
[0063] The display unit 140 may display the operating state of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to a display control signal of the control unit 110. Also, the display unit 140 may be provided so that a touch gesture can be inputted to the display unit 140, thereby receiving instructions according to the user's touch gesture and displaying an operating state corresponding to the instructions.
[0064] Also, the display unit 140 may provide a liquid crystal display (LCD) user interface (UI) on which a text can be written, thereby displaying the operating state of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus with the text. Also, the display unit 140 may provide a light-emitting diode (LED) UI so that the user can recognize the abnormal state of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus using lighting or flickering, or a lighting duration time difference.
[0065] The memory 120 may store various control data for controlling the operation of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus, usage information including the number of times at which the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus performs a particular operation, model information of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus, and failure information including the cause of malfunction or the position of malfunction when malfunction of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus occurs. Also, in regard to the drying operation, data about a rotation time according to the rotation direction of the drum 30 can be stored.
[0066] The control unit 110 may include a microprocessor for controlling the overall operation of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus such as the washing operation, the rinsing operation, the dehydration operation, and the drying operation according to operation information inputted by the input unit 100.
[0067] The control unit 110 may set a washing and rinsing quantity, a dehydration revolution per minute (RPM), a motor operation rate (motor on-off time), and a washing and dehydration time according to the weight (load quantity) of laundry in a selected washing course.
[0068] When the drying operation is performed, the control unit 110 of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment controls the drying apparatus 31 so that heated air can be supplied to the laundry accommodated in the drum 30, and drives the motor 7 so that the laundry accommodated in the drum 30 can flow, to rotate the drum 30. The control unit 110 rotates the drum 30 alternately in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, respectively. Clockwise and counterclockwise directions that are rotation directions of the drum 30 are defined as clockwise and counterclockwise directions when the drum 30 is viewed from the front of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus.
[0069] As described above, because the inlet of the drying apparatus 31 is provided in a position corresponding to the direction of approximately 1 o'clock, when the drum 30 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, interference between the laundry and the inlet may occur. That is, when the drum 30 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the laundry is rotated in the counterclockwise direction together with the drum 30 and descends in a direction of approximately 12 o'clock so that interference between the laundry and the inlet occurs continuously while the drum 30 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction.
[0070] Thus, the control unit 110 of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment controls rotation of the drum 30 so that, while the drying operation is performed, the drum 30 is rotated alternately in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, respectively, and a clockwise rotation time (hereinafter, referred to as a first time) is longer than a counterclockwise rotation time (hereinafter, referred to as a second time).
[0071] For example, when the drying operation is performed, the control unit 110 may perform repeatedly an operation of rotating the drum 30 in the clockwise direction for 600 seconds and then rotating the drum 30 in the counterclockwise direction for 60 seconds. The above-described rotation time of the drum 30 is just an example, and the case where the first time that is the clockwise rotation time is longer than the second time that is the counterclockwise rotation time, may be included in the embodiment.
[0072] As described above, when the drum 30 is rotated in the clockwise direction longer than in the counterclockwise direction, the effects of the flow of the laundry and tangle prevention of the laundry can be maintained, and the frequency of interference between the inlet and the laundry is decreased so that drying efficiency can be improved.
[0073] Also, the control unit 110 of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment may control a difference between the above-described first time and second time according to the weight of the laundry. The control unit 110 rotates the drum 30 for the predetermined first time and second time when the weight of the laundry is included in a predetermined reference range. For example, the first time may be 600 seconds, and the second time may be 60 seconds.
[0074] When the weight of the laundry is not included in the above-described reference range and is smaller than a minimum value in the reference range, the difference between the first time and the second time can be decreased. When the weight of the laundry is smaller than the minimum value in the reference range, the quantity of the laundry may be smaller than in the case where the weight of the laundry is included in the reference range or is larger than a maximum value in the reference range. Thus, the frequency of interference between the laundry and the inlet can be decreased.
[0075] Thus, the second time that is the counterclockwise rotation time is increased, and the first time that is the clockwise rotation time is reduced by an increment so that, even when the difference between the first time and the second time is decreased, the above-described effects according to the embodiment can be achieved. In another example, the control unit 110 may increase only the second time in a state in which the first time is not changed.
[0076] When the weight of the laundry is not included in the above-described reference range and is larger than the maximum value in the reference range, the control unit 110 may increase the difference between the first time and the second time. When the weight of the laundry is larger than the maximum value in the reference range, the quantity of the laundry may be larger than in the case where the weight of the laundry is included in the reference range or is smaller than the minimum value in the reference range. Thus, the frequency of interference between the laundry and the inlet can be increased.
[0077] Thus, in order to achieve the above-described effects according to the embodiment, the second time that is the counterclockwise rotation time may be reduced, and the first time that is the clockwise rotation time may be increased by a reduction. In another example, the control unit 110 may also decrease only the second time in a state in which the first time is not changed.
[0078] When the drying operation is performed, the memory 120 may store data of the rotation time according to each rotation direction of the drum 30 in advance. Also, as described above, the memory 120 may store data of the rotation time in each rotation direction of the drum 30 according to the weight of the laundry in advance.
[0079] The washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment condenses moisture included in humid air generated during the drying operation and removes moisture, heats air from which moisture is removed, supplies the heated air to the drum 30, thereby drying the laundry. In order to condense moisture of the humid air, the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment supplies condensate water to the drying apparatus 31 and removes moisture included in humid air. Supply and drainage of condensate water in the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment will now be described in detail.
[0080] When the drying operation starts being performed, the control unit 110 drives the motor 7 to rotate the drum 30, thereby rotating the laundry inside the drum 30. Also, the control unit 110 drives the blower fan 44 so that air flows inside the drum 30.
[0081] The control unit 110 drives the heater 45 so as to heat air introduced into the drying apparatus 31 due to driving of the blower fan 44. Air heated by the heater 45 is introduced into the drum 30 via the drying duct 40. Hot air introduced into the drum 30 takes moisture from the laundry that repeatedly ascends or descends inside the drum 30 and is rotated so that the laundry can be dried.
[0082] When the blower fan 44 is driven during the drying operation, the high-temperature humid air inside the tub 20 is introduced into the drying duct 40 via the inlet, and low-temperature low-humidity air inside the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus is also introduced into the drying duct 40 via the intake port 52a of the intake member 50. Thus, in the drying duct 40, the high-temperature humid air and the low-temperature low-humidity air are mixed with each other so that condensation is performed. The condensed air passes through the heater 45 and the drum 30, takes moisture from the laundry and is condensed in the tub 20.
[0083] Also, when air temperature inside the drying duct 40 reaches a predetermined set temperature, the control unit 110 allows condensate water to be supplied to the drying apparatus 31 so that moisture can be condensed through heat-exchanging of humid air introduced via the inlet of the drying apparatus 31 and condensate water. The control unit 110 operates the water supply valve 14 so that condensate water can be supplied to the drying apparatus 31 via the sub-water supply pipe 15. A temperature sensor that senses the temperature of air may be provided inside the drying duct 40.
[0084] As described above, when moisture of humid air is condensed due to the supply of condensate water, condensate water is stored in the lower portion of the tub 20. In the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment, when condensate water is stored in the lower portion of the tub 20, condensate water is not directly drained, and when the level of condensate water reaches a predetermined level or a predetermined time has elapsed after the supply of condensate water, drainage is performed.
[0085] The temperature of condensate water stored in the tub 20 and temperature of the inside of the drum 30 are different from each other, and this temperature difference may improve condensation efficiency of humid air. Thus, in the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment, drainage is not directly performed together with the supply of condensate water but condensate water is stored until the condensate water reaches the predetermined level or until a predetermined time has elapsed after the supply of condensate water so that condensation efficiency can be improved.
[0086] When, as a result of sensing of the water level sensing sensor 96 disposed at the lower portion of the tub 20, condensate water reaches a predetermined level or a predetermined time has elapsed after the supply of condensate water, the control unit 110 operates the drain pump 4 to drain the condensate water. When a predetermined driving time of the drain pump 4 has elapsed, the control unit 110 stops the operation of the drain pump 4. The water level or time for drainage of condensate water may be determined in advance so that condensate water is not introduced into the drum 30 and thus may be stored in the memory 120. The control unit 110 performs the above-described supply and drainage operations of condensate water repeatedly in progress of the drying operation.
[0087] In the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment, as described above, the clockwise rotation time of the drum 30 is controlled longer than the counterclockwise rotation time of the drum 30, and drainage of condensate water is performed in consideration of the level of condensate water or an elapsed time after the supply of condensate water so that a drying time can be reduced and furthermore, drying efficiency can be improved.
[0088] FIGS. 10 through 12 are flowcharts illustrating a method of controlling the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to an embodiment. A method of controlling rotation of the drum 30 in progress of a drying operation will be described with reference to FIG. 10, and a method of controlling drainage of condensate water in progress of the drying operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 10, when the drying operation is performed (800), the control unit 110 of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment rotates the drum 30 in the clockwise direction for a first time (810), and when the first time has elapsed, the control unit 110 of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus rotates the drum 30 in the counterclockwise direction for a second time that is shorter than the first time (820).
[0090] When the drying operation is performed, the control unit 110 of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment controls the drying apparatus 31 so that heated air can be supplied to the laundry accommodated in the drum 30, drives the motor 7 so that the laundry accommodated in the drum 30 can flow, to rotate the drum 30. The control unit 110 rotates the drum 30 alternately in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, respectively.
[0091] While the drying operation is performed, the control unit 110 of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment rotates the drum 30 alternately in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, respectively, and controls rotation of the drum 30 so that the first time that is the clockwise rotation time is longer than the second time that is the counterclockwise rotation time.
[0092] For example, when the drying operation is performed, the control unit 110 may perform repeatedly an operation of rotating the drum 30 in the clockwise direction for 600 seconds and then rotating the drum 30 in the counterclockwise direction for 60 seconds. As described above, when the drum 30 is rotated in the clockwise direction longer than in the counterclockwise direction, the effects of flow of the laundry and tangle prevention of the laundry can be maintained, and the frequency of interference between the inlet and the laundry is decreased so that drying efficiency can be improved.
[0093] When the drying operation is completed (830), the control unit 110 performs a cooling operation (840). When the cooling operation is performed, the control unit 110 rotates the drum 30 in the clockwise direction for a third time (850), and when the third time has elapsed, the control unit 110 rotates the drum 30 in the counterclockwise direction for the third time (860). The control unit 110 finishes the cooling operation when a time for the cooling operation has elapsed (870).
[0094] When the drying operation is finished, the control unit 110 stops the heater 45 and drives the motor 7 and the blower fan 44 to perform the cooling operation. The cooling operation is an operation of stopping the heater 45 and periodically turning on/off the blower fan 44. This is to prevent the user from being exposed to high-temperature air excessively discharged from the door 2 when the door 2 is open after the drying operation of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus is finished.
[0095] The control unit 110 rotates the drum 30 alternately in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, respectively, while the cooling operation is performed. The control unit 110 controls the motor 7 so that the clockwise rotation time and the counterclockwise rotation time are the same, unlike when the drying operation is performed. That is, the control unit 110 controls the motor 7 so that an operation of rotating the drum 30 in the clockwise direction for the third time that is shorter than the second time, for example, for 10 seconds while the cooling operation is performed, and when 10 seconds have elapsed, rotating the drum 30 in the counterclockwise direction for 10 seconds can be repeatedly performed. The control unit 110 finishes the cooling operation when a predetermined time for the cooling operation has elapsed.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 11, the control unit 110 of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment starts the supply of condensate water (920) when a drying operation is performed (900) and temperature of the drying apparatus 31 reaches a set temperature for the supply of condensate water (910).
[0097] When temperature of air inside the drying duct 40 reaches a predetermined temperature, the control unit 110 allows condensate water to be supplied to the drying apparatus 31 so that moisture can be condensed through heat-exchanging of humid air introduced through the inlet of the drying apparatus 31 and condensate water. The control unit 110 operates the water supply valve 14 so that condensate water can be supplied to the drying apparatus 31 via the sub-water supply pipe 15.
[0098] When a predetermined time has elapsed after condensate water is supplied (930), the control unit 110 operates the drain pump 4 so that condensate water stored in the tub 20 can be discharged (940). As described above, when moisture of humid air is condensed due to the supply of condensate water, condensate water is stored in the lower portion of the tub 20. In the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment, when condensate water is stored in the lower portion of the tub 20, condensate water is not directly discharged, and when a predetermined time has elapsed after the supply of condensate water, drainage is performed.
[0099] The temperature of condensate water stored in the tub 20 and the temperature inside the drum 30 are different from each other, and this temperature difference may improve condensation efficiency of humid air. Thus, in the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment, drainage is not directly performed together with the supply of condensate water, and condensate water is stored until a predetermined time after the supply of condensate water has elapsed, so that condensation efficiency can be improved. When the predetermined time after the supply of condensate water has elapsed, the control unit 110 operates the drain pump 4 to drain condensate water. The control unit 110 stops the operation of the drain pump 4 when a predetermined driving time of the drain pump 4 has elapsed.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 12, when the drying operation is performed (950) and the temperature of the drying apparatus 31 reaches a set temperature for the supply of condensate water (960), the control unit 110 of the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment starts the supply of condensate water (970). When the level of condensate water reaches a predetermined level (980), the control unit 110 operates the drain pump 4 so that condensate water stored in the tub 20 can be discharged (990). Operations 950 to 970 and 990 of FIG. 12 are the same as Operations 900 to 920 and 940 of FIG. 11 and thus, descriptions thereof will be omitted, and Operation 980 has been described.
[0101] As described above, when moisture of humid air is condensed due to the supply of condensate water, condensate water is stored in the lower portion of the tub 20. In the washing machine 1 with the drying apparatus according to the embodiment, when condensate water is stored in the lower portion of the tub 20, the condensate water is not directly discharged, and when the level of condensate water reaches a predetermined level, drainage is performed. When, as a result of sensing of the water level sensing sensor 96 provided at the lower portion of the tub 20, condensate water reaches a predetermined level, the control unit 110 operates the drain pump 4 to discharge the condensate water. When a predetermined driving time of the drain pump 4 has elapsed, the control unit 110 stops the operation of the drain pump 4.
[0102] In a washing machine with a drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the frequency of interference between an inlet of the drying apparatus and laundry is decreased so that the degree of drying of the laundry can be improved.
[0103] In addition, in the washing machine with the drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, a drying time can be reduced at the same drying temperature.
[0104] Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
1. A washing machine with a drying apparatus, comprising:
a tub;
a drum rotatably provided inside the tub;
a drying apparatus provided at an upper portion of the tub, configured to introduce air from the tub, to heat the introduced air and to supply the heated air to the drum so that laundry accommodated in the drum is dried; and
a control unit configured to rotate the drum alternately in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, respectively, to rotate the drum in the clockwise direction for a first time and to rotate the drum in the counterclockwise direction for a second time that is shorter than the first time when the washing machine with the drying apparatus enters a drying operation.
2. The washing machine with the drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drying
apparatus comprises an inlet, which is provided at a right upper portion of the tub
and through which air is introduced from the tub, and a discharge port through which
heated air is supplied to the drum.
3. The washing machine with the drying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control
unit rotates the drum in the clockwise direction for the first time and in the counterclockwise
direction for the second time that is shorter than the first time so that interference
between the inlet and the laundry accommodated in the drum is prevented.
4. The washing machine with the drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when
a weight of the laundry is smaller than a minimum value in a predetermined reference
range, the control unit decreases a difference between the first time and the second
time.
5. The washing machine with the drying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control
unit decreases the first time or increases the second time so that the difference
between the first time and the second time is decreased.
6. The washing machine with the drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when
a weight of the laundry is larger than a maximum value in a predetermined reference
range, the control unit increases a difference between the first time and the second
time.
7. The washing machine with the drying apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control
unit increases the first time or decreases the second time so that the difference
between the first time and the second time is increased.
8. The washing machine with the drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when
the drying operation is finished, the control unit controls rotation of the drum so
that the drum is rotated alternately in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise
direction, respectively, and a clockwise rotation time and a counterclockwise rotation
time are the same.
9. The washing machine with the drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when
the drying operation is finished, the control unit rotates the drum alternately in
the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, respectively, for a third
time that is shorter than the second time.
10. A method of controlling a washing machine with a drying apparatus, the method comprising:
when the washing machine with the drying apparatus enters a drying operation, heating air introduced from a tub using the drying apparatus and supplying the heated air to a drum; and
while the drying operation is performed, alternately rotating the drum in a clockwise direction for a first time and rotating the drum in a counterclockwise direction for a second time that is shorter than the first time.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, while the drying operation is performed,
the rotating of the drum in the clockwise direction for the first time and the rotating
of the drum in the counterclockwise direction for the second time that is shorter
than the first time comprises rotating the drum in the clockwise direction for the
first time and rotating the drum in the counterclockwise direction for the second
time that is shorter than the first time so that interference between an inlet of
the drying apparatus and laundry accommodated in the drum is prevented.
12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, while the drying operation is performed,
the rotating of the drum in the clockwise direction for the first time and the rotating
of the drum in the counterclockwise direction for the second time that is shorter
than the first time comprises:
determining whether a weight of laundry accommodated in the drum is included in a predetermined reference range; and
when the weight of the laundry is smaller than a minimum value in the reference range, decreasing a difference between the first time and the second time.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, while the drying operation is performed,
the rotating of the drum in the clockwise direction for the first time and the rotating
of the drum in the counterclockwise direction for the second time that is shorter
than the first time further comprises, when the weight of the laundry is larger than
a maximum value in the reference range, increasing the difference between the first
time and the second time.
14. The method according to claim 10, further comprising, when the drying operation is
finished, rotating the drum alternately in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise
direction, respectively so that a clockwise rotation time and a counterclockwise rotation
time are the same.
15. The method according to claim 10, further comprising, when the drying operation is
finished, rotating the drum alternately in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise
direction, respectively, for a third time that is shorter than the second time.