U.S. patent application number 13/974486 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-06 for drying apparatus and washing machine having the same and control method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Myung Sun Kang, Hyun Sook Kim, Tai Eun KIM, Byoung Yull Yang.
Application Number | 20140059881 13/974486 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49035384 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140059881 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Tai Eun ; et
al. |
March 6, 2014 |
DRYING APPARATUS AND WASHING MACHINE HAVING THE SAME AND CONTROL
METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
A drying apparatus provided with a total care function with
respect to a substance such as bedding, a washing machine having
the same, and a control method thereof may include a sterilization
course, a deodorization course, a pest elimination course, a dust
elimination course, and a refreshing course, and may be capable of
performing each total care function in an independent manner. By
changing a rotation speed of the drum according to the type and the
weight of the bedding, the damage of the substance at each of the
total care courses is reduced while obtaining optimal effects. By
providing a standard course having all the total care functions,
the manipulation efficiency is enhanced for a user who is not
familiar with the manipulation of the courses and also for a user
who is not in favor of the individual manipulation of the
courses.
Inventors: |
KIM; Tai Eun; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; Yang; Byoung Yull; (Hwaseong-si, KR) ;
Kim; Hyun Sook; (Hwaseong-si, KR) ; Kang; Myung
Sun; (Suwon-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,
LTD.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
49035384 |
Appl. No.: |
13/974486 |
Filed: |
August 23, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
34/493 ; 34/499;
34/60 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/02 20130101;
D06F 34/28 20200201; D06F 2204/10 20130101; D06F 2204/06 20130101;
D06F 2204/04 20130101; D06F 33/00 20130101; D06F 35/00 20130101;
D06F 58/203 20130101; D06F 29/005 20130101; D06F 58/30
20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
34/493 ; 34/60;
34/499 |
International
Class: |
D06F 29/00 20060101
D06F029/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 28, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0094577 |
Claims
1. A washing machine, comprising: a drum to accommodate a
substance; a motor to rotate the drum; a blower fan to introduce
air into the drum; a heater to heat the air introduced into the
drum; an input unit provided with at least two of a plurality of
care courses for a sterilization, a deodorization, an elimination
of pests, an elimination of dust, and a refreshing with respect to
the substance, and configured to select at least one of the at
least two care courses, and a control unit to proceed with an
algorithm of the selected care course by operating the motor, the
blower fan, and the heater when the care course is selected.
2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of care
courses comprises a sterilization course, a deodorization course, a
pest elimination course, a dust elimination course, a refreshing
course, and a standard course.
3. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein: the standard course
comprises performing all of a sterilizing function, a deodorizing
function, a pest elimination function, a dust elimination function,
and a refreshing function with respect to the substance.
4. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein: the plurality of care
courses comprises a bedding care course independently provided from
a drying cycle.
5. The washing machine of claim 4, wherein: the input unit
comprises a mode selection unit configured to select a mode to
enter the bedding care course with respect to the substance, and a
course selection unit configured to select at least one of the care
courses for sterilization, deodorization, pest elimination, dust
elimination, and refreshing with respect to the substance.
6. A drying apparatus, comprising: a drum to accommodate a
substance; a blower fan and a heater configured to supply a hot
blast into the drum; an input unit provided with at least two of a
plurality of care courses for a sterilization, a deodorization, an
elimination of pests, an elimination of dust, and a refreshing with
respect to the substance; and a control unit to control the
supplied hot blast by operating the blower fan and the heater when
at least one of the plurality of care courses is selected, and to
control a temperature of the hot blast according to the selected
care course.
7. The drying apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the control unit is
configured to control an operation of the heater such that at least
one of the plurality of care courses is controlled at a different
temperature from other care courses.
8. The drying apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a motor to
rotate the drum, wherein the control unit rotates the drum by
operating the motor when the hot blast is supplied into the drum,
and controls a rotation speed of the drum according to the selected
care course.
9. The drying apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the control unit
controls the operation of the motor such that at least one of the
plurality of care courses is controlled at a different rotation
speed from other care courses.
10. A method of controlling a drying apparatus having a drum to
accommodate a substance, and a blower fan and a heater to supply a
hot blast into the drum, and proceeding with a drying cycle using
the hot blast, the method comprising: selecting at least one of a
plurality of care courses for a sterilization, a deodorization, an
elimination of pests, an elimination of dust, and a refreshing with
respect to the substance, independently from the drying cycle;
performing a care function on the substance by supplying the hot
blast into the drum by operating the blower fan and the heater when
the at least one of the plurality of care courses is selected; and
proceeding with a by-course algorithm for each of the plurality of
care courses by controlling a temperature of the hot blast
according to the selected care course when supplying the hot blast
into the drum.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: determining a
weight of the substance; and changing the by-course algorithm by
controlling the temperature of the hot blast according to the
weight of the substance.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein: the weight of the substance is
input by a user.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein: the weight of the substance is
detected using a sensor.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: proceeding with a
by-course algorithm for each of the plurality of care courses by
selecting a supply time of the hot blast according to the selected
care course.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: changing the
by-course algorithm by controlling the supply time of the hot blast
according to the weight of the substance.
16. A method of controlling a drying apparatus having a drum to
accommodate a substance, a blower fan to control an amount of air
introduced into the drum, and a heater to control a temperature of
the air introduced into the drum, the method comprising: selecting
at least one of a plurality of care courses for a sterilization, a
deodorization, an elimination of pests, an elimination of dust, and
a refreshing with respect to the substance; controlling the amount
and the temperature of the air being introduced into the drum by
operating the blower fan and the heater according to the selected
care course; and proceeding with a by-course algorithm for each of
the plurality of care courses according to the controlled amount
and temperature of the air.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein: the by-course algorithm
controls an operation of the heater such that at least of the
plurality of care courses is controlled at a different temperature
from the other care courses.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein: the by-course algorithm
controls an operation of the blower fan such that at least one of
the plurality of care courses is controlled at a different amount
of introduced air from the other care courses.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein: the by-course algorithm
rotates the drum when air is introduced into the drum.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein: a rotation speed of the drum
is controlled for at least one of the plurality of care courses at
a different speed from the other care courses.
21. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a
program to implement the method of claim 16.
22. A method of controlling a drying apparatus comprising a drum, a
heater, and a blower fan, the method comprising: selecting, by a
user, at least one of a plurality of drying functions; controlling,
by a processor, a drying cycle comprising at least one of a
rotation speed of the drum, a rotation direction of the drum, a
rotation time of the drum, a temperature of the heater, an
operation time of the heater, a speed of the blower fan, and an
operation time of the blower fan, based on the selected at least
one of the plurality of drying functions, wherein the plurality of
drying functions comprises at least two of a sterilization
function, a deodorization function, a pest elimination function, a
dust elimination function, a refreshing function, and a total care
function.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the drying apparatus further
comprises an ion generator, and the drying cycle further comprises
an operation of the ion generator.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the drying apparatus further
comprises an ultraviolet ray lamp, and the drying cycle further
comprises an operation of the ultraviolet ray lamp.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein the drying apparatus further
comprises a mist sprayer, and the drying cycle further comprises an
operation of the mist sprayer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of Korean
Patent Application No. 10-2012-0094577, filed on Aug. 28, 2012, in
the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The following description relates to a drying apparatus, a
washing machine having the same, and a control method thereof, and
more particularly, to a drying apparatus provided with a total care
function with respect to bedding, a washing machine having the
same, and a control method thereof.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In general, a drying apparatus is an apparatus configured to
dry a substance by supplying high-temperature air (hot blast)
heated by a hot blast heater to an inside of a drum while the drum
having the clothing accommodated to be dried, (hereinafter called a
substance) is rotated. Recently, a washing machine having a
function of a drying apparatus as such, generally referred to as a
drum washing machine, has been introduced, and is configured to
independently proceed with a drying cycle, or to proceed with a
drying cycle in connection with a washing cycle.
[0006] A drying cycle dries the substance by using high-temperature
hot blast, and thus is effective in sterilizing any bacteria that
remains on the substance. However, in a case of ticks, or bedbugs,
which mainly inhabit the bedding such as bedclothes and pillows,
the ticks not only inhabit the surface of the bedding, but also
inhabit the cotton filling or the sponge filling inside the
bedding, so the conventional drying cycle is less capable of
effectively sterilizing the ticks that inhabit the inside of the
bedding.
[0007] Also, the drying cycle is not provided with a total care
function with respect to the bedding to eliminate unpleasant odor
particles or dust attached to a substance such as bedding, and to
refresh the portion of the bedding which is compressed for storage
purpose.
SUMMARY
[0008] Therefore, it is an aspect of the present disclosure to
provide a drying apparatus provided with a total care function in
sterilizing, deodorizing, eliminating ticks, eliminating dust, and
refreshing with respect to a substance such as bedding, a washing
machine having the same, and a control method thereof.
[0009] Additional aspects of the disclosure 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
disclosure.
[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a
drying apparatus includes a drum, a motor, a heater, an input unit,
and a control unit. The drum may be configured to accommodate a
substance such as bedding. The motor may be configured to rotate
the drum. The heater may be configured to supply a hot blast to an
inside of the drum. The input unit may be configured to select at
least one of a plurality of care courses for a sterilization, a
deodorization, an elimination of ticks, an elimination of dust, and
a refreshing with respect to the substance to perform total care
functions such as a sterilizing function, a deodorizing function, a
tick elimination function, a dust elimination function, and a
refreshing function on the substance. The control unit may be
configured to proceed with the total care course by controlling a
by-course algorithm to operate the motor and the heater according
to the selected care course.
[0011] The total care courses may include a sterilization course, a
deodorization course, a tick elimination course, a dust elimination
course, a refreshing course, and a standard course.
[0012] The standard course may have all of a sterilizing function,
a deodorizing function, a tick elimination function, a dust
elimination function, and a refreshing function.
[0013] The input unit may include a first selection unit to select
a bedding care mode to perform the total care function on the
substance, and a second selection unit to select a detailed course
such as the care courses for sterilization, deodorization, tick
elimination, dust elimination, and refreshing of the bedding care
mode.
[0014] In addition, the input unit may include a third selection
unit to select the type of the substance, and a fourth selection
unit to select the weight or the amount of the substance.
[0015] The control unit may change the rotation speed of the drum
according to the type of the substance, and change the rotation
speed of the drum according to the weight or the amount of the
substance.
[0016] The type of the substance may include bed clothes, pillows,
and blankets.
[0017] The weight of the substance may include high, mid, and
low.
[0018] The amount of the substance may include great, middle, and
small.
[0019] The drying apparatus may further include a blower fan to
control the amount of air being introduced to the inside of the
drum. The control unit rotates the drum according to the operation
motor, and supplies a hot blast to the inside of the drum according
to the operation of the heater and the blower fan, thereby
proceeding with the sterilization course to sterilize various
bacteria inhabiting an inside of the substance.
[0020] In addition, the control unit may perform the sterilization
course by changing at least one of a motor RPM, a driving factor,
an airflow, a temperature, and a continuation time according to the
weight of the substance.
[0021] The drying apparatus may further include an ion generator to
generate ions at an inside of the drum, and an ultraviolet ray lamp
to radiate ultraviolet rays at the drum. The control unit may
perform a post-processing cycle to enhance the sterilization power
of the substance by operating at least one of the ion generator and
the ultraviolet lamp.
[0022] The drying apparatus may further include a blower fan to
adjust the airflow of air being introduced to the inside of the
drum, and a mist spray to supply moisture to the inside of the
drum. The control unit rotates the drum according to the operation
of the motor, supplies a hot blast to the inside of the drum
according to the operation of the heater and the blower fan, and
supplies the moisture to the substance according to the mist spray,
thereby proceeding with the deodorization course.
[0023] In addition, the control unit may perform the deodorization
course by changing at least one of a motor RPM, a driving factor,
an airflow, a temperature, and a continuation time according to the
weight of the substance.
[0024] The drying apparatus may further include an ion generator to
generate ions at the inside of the drum, and an ultraviolet ray
lamp to radiate ultraviolet rays to the drum. The control unit may
perform a post-processing cycle to enhance the sterilization power
of the substance by operating at least one of the ion generator and
the ultraviolet lamp.
[0025] The drying apparatus may further include a blower fan to
adjust the airflow of the air being introduced to the inside the
drum, and the control unit may rotate the drum according to the
motor, and supplies a hot blast to the inside of the drum according
to the operation of the heater and the blower fan, thereby
proceeding with the tick elimination course to eliminate ticks
inhabiting the inside of the substance.
[0026] The control unit may perform the tick elimination course by
changing at least one of a motor RPM, a driving factor, an airflow,
a temperature, and a continuation time according to the weight of
the substance.
[0027] The drying apparatus may further include an ion generator to
generate ions at the inside the drum, and an ultraviolet ray lamp
to radiate ultraviolet rays to the drum. The control unit may
perform a post-processing cycle in which at least one of the ion
generator and the ultraviolet lamp is operated.
[0028] The drying apparatus may further include a blower fan to
adjust the airflow of the air being introduced to the inside of the
drum, and the control unit may rotate the drum according to the
motor, and supplies a strong wind to the inside of the drum
according to the operation of the blower fan, thereby proceeding
with the dust elimination course to eliminate dust attached on the
substance.
[0029] The control unit may perform the dust elimination course by
changing at least one of a motor RPM, a driving factor, an airflow,
a temperature, and a continuation time according to the weight of
the substance.
[0030] The drying apparatus may further include a blower fan to
adjust the airflow of the air being introduced to the inside of the
drum, and the control unit may rotate the drum according to the
motor, and supplies a hot blast to the inside of the drum according
to the operation of the heater and the blower fan, thereby
proceeding with the refreshing course to remove the moisture
contained in the substance and to refresh the compressed state of
the substance.
[0031] The control unit may perform the refreshing course by
changing at least one of a motor RPM, a driving factor, an airflow,
a temperature, and a continuation time according to a moisture
content of the substance.
[0032] The moisture content may be directly input by a user.
[0033] The moisture content may be detected through a sensor.
[0034] The drying apparatus may further include a scent generator
to generate scent at an inside of the drum, and the control unit
may perform the post-processing cycle to operate the scent
generator.
[0035] The drying apparatus may further include a blower fan to
adjust the airflow of the air being introduced to the inside the
drum, and the control unit may rotate the drum according to the
motor, and supplies a hot blast to the inside of the drum according
to the operation of the heater and the blower fan, thereby
proceeding with the standard course to remove various bacteria,
ticks, unpleasant odor particles, dust, and moisture of the
substance.
[0036] The control unit may perform the standard course by changing
at least one of a motor RPM, a driving factor, an airflow, a
temperature, and a continuation time according to a moisture
content of the substance.
[0037] The drying apparatus may further include an ion generator to
generate ions at the inside of the drum, an ultraviolet ray lamp to
radiate ultraviolet rays to the drum, and a scent generator to
generate scent at an inside of the drum, and the control unit may
perform the post-processing cycle in which at least one of the ion
generator, the ultraviolet lamp, and the scent generator is
operated.
[0038] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a
washing machine includes a drum, a heater, an input unit, and a
control unit. The drum may be configured to accommodate a substance
such as bedding. The heater may be configured to supply a hot blast
to the inside of the drum. The input unit may be configured to
select at least one of a plurality of care courses for a
sterilization, a deodorization, an elimination of ticks, an
elimination of dust, and a refreshing with respect to the substance
to perform a total care function, such as a sterilizing function, a
deodorizing function, a tick elimination function, a dust
elimination function, and a refreshing function on the substance.
The control unit may be configured to proceed with the total care
course independently from a drying cycle according to the selected
course.
[0039] The washing machine may further include a motor to rotate
the drum, and a blower fan to adjust an airflow of air being
introduced to the inside of the drum. The control unit may proceed
with a by-course algorithm for each of the total care courses by
controlling the motor, the blower fan, and the heater.
[0040] The control unit may further determine the weight or the
amount of the substance, and change the by-course algorithm
according to the weight or the amount of the substance.
[0041] The washing machine may further include an ion generator to
generate ions at an inside of the drum, an ultraviolet ray lamp to
radiate ultraviolet rays at the drum, and a scent generator to
generate scent to the inside of the drum. The control unit may
perform a post-processing cycle by operating at least one of the
ion generator, the ultraviolet lamp, and the scent generator.
[0042] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a
method of controlling a drying apparatus having a drum to
accommodate a substance such as bedding, a motor to rotate the
drum, and a heater to supply a hot blast to an inside of the drum
includes selecting a bedding care mode to perform total care
functions such as a sterilizing function, a deodorizing function, a
tick elimination function, a dust elimination function, and a
refreshing function with respect to the substance; selecting a
detailed total care course of the bedding care mode; selecting a
by-course algorithm for each of the total care courses to control
the motor and the heater according to the total care course;
determining the weight or amount of the substance; and changing the
selected by-course algorithm according to the weight or amount of
the substance.
[0043] The selecting of the detailed total care course may include
selecting one of a plurality of care courses for a sterilization, a
deodorization, an elimination of ticks, an elimination of dust, and
a refreshing.
[0044] The method may further include selecting a type of the
substance, and the by-course algorithm may include changing the
rotation speed of the drum according to the type of the
substance.
[0045] The method may further include a blower fan to adjust the
airflow of air being introduced to the drum, and the sterilization
course may include tumbling the substance by rotating the drum
according to the operation of the motor; and maintaining an
internal temperature of the drum at or above a predetermined
temperature by supplying a hot blast to the inside of the drum
according to the operation of the heater and the blower fan.
[0046] The sterilization course may include proceeding with a
sterilization cycle by changing at least one of a motor RPM, a
driving factor, an airflow, a temperature, and a continuation time
according to the weight of the substance.
[0047] The method may further include an ion generator to generate
ions at an inside of the drum, and an ultraviolet ray lamp to
radiate ultraviolet rays at the drum. The sterilization course may
include performing a post-processing cycle to enhance the
sterilization power of the substance by operating at least one of
the ion generator and the ultraviolet lamp.
[0048] The method may further include a blower fan to adjust the
airflow of air being introduced to the inside of the drum, and a
mist spray to supply moisture to the inside of the drum. The
deodorization course may include tumbling the substance by rotating
the drum according to the operation of the motor; supplying a hot
blast to the inside of the drum according to the heater and the
blower fan; and supplying a moisture to the substance according to
the operation of the mist spray.
[0049] The deodorization course may include proceeding with a
deodorization cycle by changing at least one of a motor RPM, a
driving factor, an airflow, a temperature, and a continuation time
according to the weight of the substance.
[0050] The method may further include an ion generator to generate
ions at the inside of the drum, and an ultraviolet ray lamp to
radiate ultraviolet rays to the drum. The deodorization course may
include performing a post-processing cycle to enhance the
sterilization power of the substance by operating at least one of
the ion generator and the ultraviolet lamp.
[0051] The method may further include a blower fan to adjust the
airflow of the air being introduced to the inside of the drum, and
the tick elimination course may include tumbling the substance by
rotating the drum according to the operation of the motor; and
eliminating ticks by supplying a hot blast to the inside of the
drum according to the operation of the heater and the blower
fan.
[0052] The tick elimination course may include performing a tick
elimination cycle by changing at least one of a motor RPM, a
driving factor, an airflow, a temperature, and a continuation time
according to the weight of the substance.
[0053] The method may further include an ion generator to generate
ions at the inside of the drum, and an ultraviolet ray lamp to
radiate ultraviolet rays to the drum. The tick generation course
may include performing a post-processing cycle in which at least
one of the ion generator and the ultraviolet lamp is operated.
[0054] The method may further include a blower fan to adjust the
airflow of the air being introduced to the inside of the drum, and
the dust elimination course may include tumbling the substance by
rotating the drum according to the motor, and eliminating dust
attached to the substance by supplying a strong wind to the inside
of the drum according to the operation of the blower fan.
[0055] The dust elimination course may include performing a dust
elimination cycle by changing at least one of a motor RPM, a
driving factor, an airflow, a temperature, and a continuation time
according to the weight of the substance.
[0056] The method may further include a blower fan to adjust the
airflow of the air being introduced to the inside of the drum, and
the refreshing course may include tumbling a substance by rotating
the drum according to the motor; and removing moisture contained in
the substance and refreshing the compressed state of the substance
by supplying a hot blast to the inside of the drum according to the
operation of the heater and the blower fan.
[0057] The refreshing course may include performing a refreshing
cycle by changing at least one of a motor RPM, a driving factor, an
airflow, a temperature, and a continuation time according to a
moisture content of the substance.
[0058] The method may further include a scent generator to generate
scent at an inside of the drum, and the refreshing course may
perform the post-processing cycle to operate the scent
generator.
[0059] The method may further include a blower fan to adjust the
airflow of the air being introduced to the inside of the drum, and
the standard course may include tumbling the substance by rotating
the drum according to the motor, and removing various bacteria,
ticks, unpleasant odor particles, dust, and moisture of the
substance by supplying a hot blast to the inside of the drum
according to the operation of the heater and the blower fan.
[0060] The standard course may include changing at least one of a
motor RPM, a driving factor, an airflow, a temperature, and a
continuation time according to a moisture content of the
substance.
[0061] The method may further include an ion generator to generate
ions at the inside of the drum, a ultraviolet ray lamp to radiate
ultraviolet rays to the drum, and a scent generator to generate
scent at an inside of the drum, and the standard course may include
performing the post-processing cycle in which at least one of the
ion generator, the ultraviolet lamp, and the scent generator is
operated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] These and/or other aspects of the disclosure will become
apparent and more readily appreciated from the following
description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings of which:
[0063] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exterior of a washing
machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0064] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a structure of the
washing machine illustrated on FIG. 1.
[0065] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of the
structure of FIG. 2.
[0066] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a control panel of a washing
machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0067] FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of a washing machine in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0068] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an operation of an algorithm for
the selection of a total care of bedding at a washing machine
having a drying apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0069] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a sterilization course for the sterilization of
bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0070] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a sterilization course for the sterilization bedding
at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0071] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a sterilization course for the sterilization of
bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0072] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a deodorization course for the deodorization of
bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0073] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a deodorization course for the deodorization of
bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0074] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a deodorization course for the deodorization of
bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0075] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a tick elimination course for the elimination of ticks
on bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0076] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a tick elimination course for the elimination of ticks
on bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0077] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a tick elimination course for the elimination of ticks
on bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0078] FIG. 16 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a dust elimination course for the elimination of dust
on bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0079] FIG. 17 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a dust elimination course for the elimination of dust
on bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0080] FIG. 18 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a dust elimination course for the elimination of dust
on bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0081] FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a refreshing course for the refreshing of bedding at a
washing machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0082] FIG. 20 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a refreshing course for the refreshing of bedding at a
washing machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0083] FIG. 21 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a refreshing course for the refreshing of bedding at a
washing machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0084] FIG. 22 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a standard course for a total care of bedding at a
washing machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0085] FIG. 23 is a drawing showing a variable profile of a driving
factor of a standard course.
[0086] FIG. 24 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a standard course for a total care of bedding at a
washing machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0087] FIG. 25 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a standard course for a total care of bedding at a
washing machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0088] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0089] FIG. 27 is a side-sectional view of the drying apparatus
illustrated on FIG. 26.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0090] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to
like elements throughout.
[0091] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exterior of a washing
machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a
structure of the washing machine illustrated on FIG. 1, and FIG. 3
is a perspective view illustrating a portion of the structure of
FIG. 2.
[0092] On FIGS. 1 to 3, a washing machine 1 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body 10 forming an
exterior appearance while having a box shape, a tub 11 installed
inside the body 10 and provided therein to hold water, that is,
washing water or rinsing water, while having a drum shape, and a
drum 12 rotatably installed inside the tub 11 and provided with a
plurality of holes 13.
[0093] At an outer side of a rear surface of the tub 11, a motor 15
is provided as a driving apparatus to rotate a rotation shaft 15a
connected to the drum 12 to perform a washing cycle, a rinsing
cycle, a spin-drying cycle, and a drying cycle.
[0094] In general, the motor 15 may be an universal motor composed
of field coils and an armature, or a brushless direct motor (BLDC)
composed of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, and any motor
which may be applied to the drum 12, which is provided in
mid-to-small size, may be considered as the motor 15.
[0095] In addition, at a front surface of the body 10, a door 19 is
installed thereto, so that laundry may be inserted into an inside
of the drum 12 through the door 19 or be withdrawn from an inside
of the drum 12 through the door 19.
[0096] At an upper portion of the tub 11, a detergent insertion
apparatus 20 configured to supply a detergent, that is, a synthetic
detergent or a natural soap detergent, and a water supply apparatus
30 configured to supply water, that is, washing water or rinsing
water, are installed thereto.
[0097] The detergent insertion apparatus 20 has an inside
partitioned into a plurality of spaces, and is installed at a front
surface side of the body 10, so that a user may easily insert a
detergent and a rinsing aid into each of the plurality of
spaces.
[0098] In addition, the water supply apparatus 30 includes a water
supply pipe 31 connecting an outside water supply pipe to the
detergent insertion apparatus 20 to supply washing water or rinsing
water to an inside of the tub 11, a water supply valve 32 installed
at the middle of the water supply pipe 31 to control the supply of
water, and a connecting pipe 35 connecting the detergent insertion
apparatus 20 to the tub 11. The structure as the above enables the
water being supplied to an inside of the tub 11 to pass through the
detergent insertion apparatus 20, so that the detergent inside the
detergent insertion apparatus 20 may be supplied to the tub 11
together with water.
[0099] In addition, at an upper portion of a front surface of the
body 10, a control panel 40, which is provided with various buttons
and displays to control the washing machine 1, is provided thereto,
and at one side of the control panel 40, a detergent insertion port
21 is provided to insert a detergent into the washing machine 1
while being connected to the detergent insertion apparatus 20.
[0100] In addition, the washing machine 1 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with a drain
apparatus 50, which is configured to drain the water inside the tub
11, installed thereto. The drain apparatus 50, to drain the water
of the tub 11 to the outside, includes a first drain pipe 51
connected to a lower portion of the tub 11, a drain pump 52
installed at the first drain pipe 51, and a second drain pipe 53
connected to an exit side of the drain pump 52.
[0101] In addition, the washing machine 1 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with a drying
apparatus 60, which is configured to dry the laundry inside the
drum 12, installed thereto. The drying apparatus 60 includes a
condensation duct 62 to condense moisture in the air that is
introduced from the drum 12, a drying duct 64 to dry the air that
is introduced from the condensation duct 62 by applying heat to the
air, and a blower fan 66 disposed between the condensation duct 62
and the drying duct 64 and configured to form an air flow so that
the air that is introduced to the condensation duct 62 may be
introduced to an inside of the drum 12 by passing through the
drying duct 64. At the drying duct 64, a heater 68 is placed to
heat the air inside the drying duct 64, and at the condensation
duct 62, a water supply nozzle 63 is provided to supply
condensation water, that is, cold water, to an inside of the
condensation duct 62 so that moisture of high-temperature and
high-humidity air, which is generated as a result of drying the
laundry is condensed and thus eliminated in the course of air
passing through the condensation duct 62. The water supply nozzle
63 is connected to a condensation water supply pipe 69 that
supplies condensation water, and the condensation water supply pipe
69 is connected to the water supply valve 32.
[0102] Thus, by having the condensation water, which is supplied
through the water supply valve 32, sprayed from the water supply
nozzle 63 by passing through the condensation water supply pipe 69
and flowing along an inner surface of the condensation duct 62, the
contact between the high-temperature and high-humidity air
ascending from a lower portion and the condensation water is
increased, thereby enhancing a condensation effect.
[0103] In addition, the washing machine 1 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure, to reduce the vibration that
is generated in the process of operating the washing machine 1, is
provided therein with a damper 70 to movably support the tub 11
from a lower portion of the tub 11.
[0104] In addition, the washing machine 1 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with a temperature
sensor 91 provided at an upper portion of a front surface of the
drying duct 64 to detect the temperature of the air introduced to
the drum 12, that is, the temperature of an entry of the drum 12,
and is provided with a humidity sensor 92 installed at a lower end
of a front surface of the drum 12 to detect the amount of moisture
in the substance by making contact with the substance that rotates
along with the rotation of the drum 12 to measure the sensing value
of the electrical signal that varies depending on the moisture in
the substance. As for the humidity sensor 92, a touch sensor having
a shape of a plate bar, or a capacitance sensor may be used to
directly measure and detect the resistance at the time of when the
substance is in contact with the drum 12.
[0105] Meanwhile, the washing machine 1 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure, other than the temperature
sensor 91 and the humidity sensor 92, includes various sensors for
the total care of bedding, and with respect to the various sensors,
the detailed descriptions will be provided later by referring to
FIG. 5.
[0106] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a control panel of a washing
machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0107] In FIG. 4, at the control panel 40, an input unit 100
provided with various buttons to receive a manipulation command
from a user to control the operation of the washing machine 1, and
a display unit 140 to display the operation status of the washing
machine 1 and the manipulation status of a user.
[0108] The input unit 100 is configured to input the command to
execute a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a spin-drying cycle, and
a drying cycle of the washing machine 1 by the manipulation of a
user, and may be composed with keys, buttons, switches, touch pads,
and jog dials, for example. The input unit 100 may include all
apparatuses that generate predetermined input data through the
manipulations such as a pushing, a contact, a pressure, and a
rotating, for example.
[0109] In addition, the input unit 100 is provided with a first
selection unit 101 to select a bedding care mode to perform total
care functions such as sterilization, deodorization, elimination of
ticks, elimination of dust, and refreshing with respect to bedding
such as bed clothes, pillows, bed sheets, and blankets, separately
from a conventional washing cycle or a drying cycle, a second
selection unit 102 to select a detailed total care course of the
bedding care mode, such as a standard course, a sterilization
course, a deodorization course, a tick elimination course, a dust
elimination course, and a refreshing course, a third selection unit
103 to select the type of bedding of the total care course, such as
bed clothes, pillows, bed sheets, and blankets, and a fourth
selection unit 104 to select the amount of the bedding of the total
care course, such as great, medium, and small, or high, mid, and
low, that corresponds to the weight or the volume of the bedding.
However, the disclosure is not limited to the functions provided
above, such that different, additional, or fewer functions may be
provided as required.
[0110] The display unit 140 includes a light-emitting body such as
a light-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), or an
organic electroluminescent (EL), for example, and is provided
adjacent to the first selection unit 101, the second selection unit
102, the third selection unit 103, and the forth selection unit
104, and displays information regarding the operation status of the
washing machine 1 and the manipulation status of a user through
various forms such as 7-segments or the flashing of the LED.
[0111] The display unit 140 includes a plurality of LEDs provided
adjacent to the first selection unit 101 to display the selections
of a wash mode, a dry mode, and a bedding care mode, a plurality of
LEDs provided at an upper portion of the second selection unit 102
to display the selections of a standard course, a sterilization
course, a deodorization course, a tick elimination course, a dust
elimination course, and a refreshing course, a plurality of LEDs
provided at an upper portion of the third selection unit 103 to
display the selections on the types of the bedding, such as bed
clothes, pillows, bed sheets, and blankets, and a plurality of LEDs
provided at an upper portion of the fourth selection unit 104 to
display the selections of the amount of the bedding the weight or
the volume, such as great, medium, and small, or high, mid, and
low.
[0112] In addition to the above, in a case when the display unit
140 is an LCD, when the bedding care mode for the total care of
bedding is selected, primarily, a user interface (UI) of the
sterilization course, the tick elimination course, the dust
elimination course, and the refreshing course is activated, and one
of the activated display is selected. Secondarily, a UI to select
the type of the bedding, such as bed clothes, pillows, bed sheets,
and blankets, is activated, and after the type of the bedding is
selected, thirdly, a UI to select the amount of the bedding, that
is, the weight or the volume, of the bedding is activated, so that
a user may select the total care functions in stages.
[0113] The operation in selecting the total care functions of
bedding by using the input unit 100 and the display unit 140 is
described as follows.
[0114] A user selects the bedding care mode, which is independently
provided separately from a conventional washing cycle or a
conventional drying cycle, by manipulating the first selection unit
101. The bedding care mode is selected, as the first selection unit
101 is rotated for manipulation, the selection display LEDs of the
wash mode, the dry mode, and the bedding care mode that are
provided at a nearby of the first selection unit 101 are
selectively flashed according to the rotating manipulation of the
first selection unit 101, and thus, a user, by checking the
selection display LEDs, selects the desired bedding care mode.
[0115] After selecting the bedding care mode by manipulating the
first selection unit 101, a user selects a desired course from a
plurality of total care courses which includes the standard course,
the sterilization course, the deodorization course, the tick
elimination course, the dust elimination course, and the refreshing
course by manipulating the second selection unit 102. The total
care course is selected, as the second selection unit 102 is
pressed, the selection display LEDs of the standard course, the
sterilization course, the deodorization course, the tick
elimination course, the dust elimination course, and the refreshing
course provided at an upper portion of the second selection unit
102 are selectively flashed according to the pressed manipulation
of the second selection unit 102, and thus, a user selects the
desired total care course while checking the selection display
LEDs.
[0116] After selecting the total care course by manipulating the
second selection unit 102, the type and the capacity of the bedding
are selected by manipulating the third selection unit 103 and the
fourth selection unit 104.
[0117] First, the type of bedding is selected, as the third
selection unit 103 is pressed, the selection display LEDs of the
bed clothes for the pillows, the bed sheets, and the blankets
provided at an upper portion of the third selection unit 103 are
selectively flashed according to the pressed manipulation of the
third selection unit 102, and thus, a user, by checking the
selection display LEDs, selects the type of the bedding.
[0118] Next, the amount of the bedding, that is, the weight or the
volume, of bedding is selected, as the fourth selection unit 104 is
pressed, the selection display LEDs for the high, the med, and the
low, or the great, the medium, and the small, provided at an upper
portion of the fourth selection unit 104 are selectively flashed
according to the pressed manipulation of the fourth selection unit
104, and thus, a user, by checking the selection display LEDs,
selects the amount of the bedding.
[0119] As the above, in order to perform the total care functions
of bedding, by selecting the bedding care mode through the first
selection unit 101 to enter a mode to perform the total care
functions of bedding, and then, through the second selection unit
102, the third selection unit 103, and the fourth selection unit
104, the desired total care course and the type and the amount of
the bedding of each total care course are sequentially selected by
a user.
[0120] However, in order to perform the total care function for the
bedding, the standard course is provided such that a basic bedding
care function is performed without having to select the first
selection unit 101, the second selection unit 102, the third
selection unit 103, and the fourth selection unit 104, and thus,
when the bedding care mode is selected as a user manipulates the
first selection unit 101, the standard course of the bedding, which
is configured as a default value, is set to be automatically
selected without having to additionally manipulate the second
selection unit 102, the third selection unit 103, and the fourth
selection unit 104.
[0121] The standard course of the bedding care mode is a course
having all of the total care functions of the sterilization, the
deodorization, the elimination of ticks, the elimination of dust,
and the refreshing, and provides the convenience to a user who is
not familiar with the manipulation of the courses and also to a
user who is not in favor of the individual manipulation of the
courses.
[0122] Other than the above, the display unit 140 may select the
total care course of the bedding care mode as well as the type and
the amount of the bedding of the total care course by hierarchical
selection by using a LCD.
[0123] FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of a washing machine in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and will
mainly describe the bedding care mode separately provided from the
conventional washing cycle or the conventional drying cycle to
perform the total care function of the bedding.
[0124] In FIG. 5, the washing machine 1 further includes a sensor
unit 90, the input unit 100, a control unit 110, a memory 120, a
driving unit 130, and the display unit 140.
[0125] The sensor unit 90 includes various sensors installed at the
washing machine 1, such as the temperature sensor 91 provided at an
upper portion of a front surface of the drying duct 64 to detect
the temperature of the air introduced to the drum 12, that is, the
temperature of the entry of the drum 12, and the humidity sensor 92
installed at a lower end of a front surface of the drum 12 to
detect the moisture in the substance.
[0126] Meanwhile, the moisture in the substance is detected by
directly using the humidity sensor 92, by measuring and detecting
the temperature increase by using a sensor at a rear surface of the
washing machine 1, or by directly measuring the resistance at the
time of when the substance is in contact with the drum 12 by use of
a capacitance sensor attached to the drum 12.
[0127] In addition, the sensor unit 90 further includes a weight
sensor 93 to detect the weight of the substance, a current sensor
94 to detect the volume of the substance, and a smell sensor 95 to
detect the smell of the substance.
[0128] The weight sensor 93 detects the weight of the substance by
using a load cell, a piezo-electric sensor, or a proximity sensor
that are generally known in the art. The weight of the substance is
detected by using the time for the motor 15 to reach a
predetermined speed or a predetermined number of revolutions as the
motor 15 is accelerated, or by using the second law of motion
(torque=inertia.times.acceleration) after the inertia of the drum
12 is directly or indirectly measured by providing a torque to the
motor 15 for a predetermined period of time.
[0129] The current sensor 94 detects the change of the current of
the blower fan 66 at a predetermined rotation speed, or detects the
volume of the substance by using an RPM (Revolution per minute)
that changes when a predetermined voltage is supplied to the blower
fan 66. In addition to the above, an airflow sensor may be used to
detect the volume of the substance.
[0130] The smell sensor 95 is a sensor configured to detect the
unpleasant odor particle that is separated from the substance which
is input into the drum 12 for deodorization, and may use an
electronic nose sensor. The electronic nose sensor is a type of a
gas sensor that is provided with a function to detect and quantify
the gas particle, which is an element of the odor that is generated
in various environments, and depending on the type of the gas that
causes smell, a different response signal is output, thereby able
to distinguish the type of smell.
[0131] In addition to the above, the odor sensor 95 may use an odor
sensor to detect the smell and the humidity of the substance from a
methyl hexenoic element that is smeared on the substance such as
bedding.
[0132] The input unit 100 is provided to input commands
therethrough to perform a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a
spin-drying cycle, a drying cycle, and a bedding care, and includes
the first selection unit 101 to select the bedding care mode, the
second selection unit 102 to select a detailed course of the total
care courses of the bedding care mode (for example, a standard
course, a sterilization course, a deodorization course, a tick
elimination course, a dust elimination course, and a refreshing
course), the third selection unit 103 to select the type of bedding
of the total care courses (for example, as bed clothes, pillows,
bed sheets, and blankets) and the fourth selection unit 104 to
select the amount of the bedding of the total care courses (for
example, great, medium, and small, or high, mid, and low) that
corresponds to the weight or the volume of the bedding.
[0133] The control unit 110 is a micro computer configured to
control the overall operation of the washing machine 1, such as a
washing and a rinsing, a spin-drying, a drying, and a bedding care,
according to the operation information input from the input unit
100, and is configured to reduce the damage of the subject by
changing the rotation speed of the drum 12 at the selected bedding
care mode according to the type and the weight, that is, the amount
or the volume, of the bedding, and also is configured to control
the algorithm of the total care course to obtain the optimal effect
of the total care.
[0134] In addition, the control unit 110 controls the algorithm of
the total care course to perform a care function suitable for the
corresponding bedding by using various sensor information input
through the sensor unit 90.
[0135] In addition, the control unit 110 controls the algorithm of
the total care course by changing the rotation speed of the drum 12
according to the type of the substance and also changing the
rotation speed of the drum 12 according to the amount, that is, the
weight or the volume, of the substance.
[0136] The memory 120 may store setting information, such as
control data to control the operation of the washing machine 1,
reference data used during the control of the operation of the
washing machine 1, operation data generated while the washing
machine 1 performs a predetermined operation, and setting data
input by the input unit 100 so that the washing machine 1 may
perform a predetermined operation, usage information, such as the
number of times by which the washing machine 1 performs a
particular operation, and the model information of the washing
machine 1, and failure information that includes the cause of
malfunction or the position of malfunction in a case when the
washing machine 1 malfunctions.
[0137] The driving unit 130, according to the driving control
signal of the control unit 110, drives the motor 15, the water
supply valve 32, the drain pump 52, the blower fan 66, the heater
68, a mist spray 72, an ion generator 74, an ultraviolet ray lamp
76, and a scent generator 78 that are related to the operation of
the washing machine 1.
[0138] The motor 15 is a driving apparatus to rotate the rotation
shaft 15a, which is connected to the drum 12, to perform the
bedding care mode, and is configured to change the mechanical
force, that is, the rotation speed of the drum, according to the
total care course or the volume, the type, or the weight of the
bedding.
[0139] The blower fan 66 is an apparatus configured to introduce
high-temperature air (hot blast), to an inside of the drum 12 to
perform the bedding care mode, and is configured to change the
amount of wind according to the total care course.
[0140] The heater 68 is an apparatus configured to introduce
high-temperature air (hot blast) to an inside of the drum 12 to
perform the bedding care mode, and is configured to change the
inside temperature of the drum 12 according to the total care
course.
[0141] The mist spray 72 is an apparatus configured to spray water
in the form of mist (fog), to an inside of the drum 12 to perform
the bedding care mode, and is configured to change the moisture
that is sprayed to an inside of the drum 12 according to the total
care course.
[0142] In addition, the mist spray 72 is provided with a water
supply pipe (not shown) installed thereto to supply water to a
spray nozzle, and the spray nozzle is penetratively installed at an
upper surface of the tub 11 such that a fine discharge port of the
spray nozzle is installed in a way to face the drum 12 to supply
the moisture in the form of mist. The mist spray 72 may be
installed at any position from which the mist may be sprayed to an
inside of the drum 12.
[0143] The ion generator 74 is configured to generate ozone and
ions, such as anion, inside the drum 12 to increase the sterilizing
power of bedding, and the ion generator 74 may be installed at any
position from which ozone may be supplied to an inside the drum
12.
[0144] The ultraviolet ray lamp 76 is configured to radiate an
ultraviolet ray having sterilizing action on the bedding which is
input in the drum 12, and the ultraviolet ray lamp 76 is composed
of a UV-LED module, while the ultraviolet ray lamp 76 may be
installed at any proper position at which the substance, such as
the bedding that is input into the drum 12, may be sterilized with
an ultraviolet ray.
[0145] The scent generator 78 is configured to generate scent such
as an air freshener inside the drum 12 to improve the refreshing
rate of bedding, and may be installed at any position from which
the substance, such as the bedding that is input in the drum 12,
may be supplied with an air freshener.
[0146] The display unit 140 is provided at a control panel 40, and
is configured to display the status of the operation of the washing
machine 1 according to the display control signal of the control
unit 110 while displaying the status of the manipulation of a user
by recognizing the information that is input through a user
interface.
[0147] Hereinafter, the function and effect of a draying apparatus
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a
washing machine having the same, and a control method thereof will
be described.
[0148] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an algorithm for the selection of
a total care of bedding at a washing machine having a drying
apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0149] In FIG. 6, a user inputs the substance, in particular, the
bedding, which is a subject of a care, into an inside of the drum
12, and a user selects the bedding care mode that is independently
provided separately from a conventional washing cycle or drying
cycle by rotatably manipulating the first selection unit 101
provided on the control panel 40 (operation 200).
[0150] The method of selecting the bedding care mode by rotatably
manipulating the first selection unit 101 is as follows.
[0151] For example, in a case when the first selection unit 101 is
composed of a jog dial, when the jog dial is rotatably manipulated,
the selection display LEDs of the washing, the drying, and the
bedding care modes provided adjacent to the first selection unit
101 are selectively flashed according to the rotative manipulation,
or rotation, of the first selection unit 101. Thus, a user, while
checking the selectively flashed LED, rotatably manipulates the
first selection unit 101 to select the bedding care mode.
[0152] If a user selects the bedding care mode by rotatably
manipulating the first selection unit 101, the control unit 110
determines whether the bedding care mode is selected (operation
202).
[0153] When it is determined that the bedding care mode is selected
as a result of the determination from the operation 202, the
control unit 110 determines that a user has selected the bedding
care mode, and flashes the bedding care LED (operation 204).
[0154] Thus, a user, through the flashing of the bedding care LED
displayed on the display unit 140, may be able to confirm that the
bedding care mode is selected.
[0155] After the above, a user, by pressedly manipulating, or
pressing, the second selection unit 102 in a state that the bedding
care mode is selected, selects a desired course from a plurality of
total care courses (the standard course, the sterilization course,
the deodorization course, the tick elimination course, the dust
elimination course, and the refreshing course) (operation 206).
[0156] As for the method of selecting the total care course, as the
second selection unit 102 is pressedly manipulated, the selection
display LEDs, including the standard course, the sterilization
course, the deodorization course, the tick elimination course, the
dust elimination course, and the refreshing course, provided at an
upper portion of the second selection unit 102 are selectively
flashed according to the pressed manipulation of the second
selection unit 102. Thus, a user, while checking the selectively
flashed LED, rotatively manipulates the second selection unit 102
to select the bedding care mode to be performed (operation
208).
[0157] When a user selects a desired course from a plurality of
total care courses by pressedly manipulating the second selection
unit 102, the control unit 110 flashes the course LED that a user
selects from the standard course, the sterilization course, the
deodorization course, the tick elimination course, the dust
elimination course, and the refreshing course (operation 210).
[0158] Thus, a user, through the flashing of the course selection
LED displayed on the display unit 140, may be able to confirm which
one from the plurality of total care courses is selected.
[0159] While in the state of the total care course is selected, a
user, by pressedly manipulating the third selection unit 103,
selects the type of the bedding (operation 212).
[0160] As for the method of selecting the type of the bedding, as
the third selection unit 103 is pressedly manipulated, the
selection display LEDs, which are for bedclothes, pillows, bed
sheets, and blankets, provided at an upper portion of the third
selection unit 103 are selectively flashed according to the
manipulation of the third selection unit 103 in a pressed manner.
Thus, a user, by pressedly manipulating the third selection unit
103, selects the desired type of the bedding.
[0161] Thus, a user, while checking the selectively flashing the
LEDs, pressedly manipulates the third selection unit 103 to select
the type of the bedding (operation 214).
[0162] When a user selects a desired course from the plurality of
types of bedding by pressedly manipulating the third selection unit
103, the control unit 110 flashes the bedding selection LED that a
user selects from the types of the bedding, which are for
bedclothes, pillows, bed sheets, and blankets (operation 216).
[0163] Thus, a user, through the flashing of the bedding selection
LED displayed on the display unit 140, may be able to confirm which
one from the plurality of types of bedding is selected.
[0164] Next, while in the state of the total care course is
selected, a user, by pressedly manipulating the fourth selection
unit 104, selects the amount of the bedding (operation 218).
[0165] As for the method of selecting the capacity of the bedding,
as the fourth selection unit 104 is pressedly manipulated, the
selection display LEDs, which are for great, medium, and small, or
high, med, and low, provided at an upper portion of the fourth
selection unit 104 are selectively flashed according to the
manipulation of the fourth selection unit 104 in a pressed manner.
Thus, a user, by pressedly manipulating the fourth selection unit
104, selects the amount of the bedding.
[0166] Thus, a user, while checking the selectively flashing the
LEDs, pressedly manipulates the fourth selection unit 104 to select
the amount (the weight or the volume) of the bedding (operation
220).
[0167] When a user selects the desired amount from the plurality of
amounts of bedding by pressedly manipulating the fourth selection
unit 104, the control unit 110 flashes a LED corresponding to an
amount selected by a user from the amounts of the bedding, which
are for great, medium, and small, or high, med, and low (operation
222).
[0168] Thus, a user, through the flashing of the bedding selection
LED displayed on the display unit 140, may be able to confirm which
one from the plurality of amounts of bedding is selected.
[0169] When the course selection of the bedding care mode as well
as the selection of the type and the amount of the bedding are
completed by using the first selection unit 101, the second
selection unit 102, the third selection unit 103, and the fourth
selection unit 104 (operation 224), a user presses a "Start" button
provided on the control panel. The "Start" button may be formed
with a press button provided inside the jog dial of the first
selection unit 101.
[0170] Thus, when the selection of the bedding care mode is
completed, the control unit 110 performs the selected total care
course by controlling each apparatus of the washing machine 1 to
perform the selected total care course (operation 226).
[0171] As a result of the determination from the operation 224, if
the selection of the bedding care mode is not completed, the
control unit 110 additionally inputs the weight, the volume, or the
moisture content of the substance, so that the total care course
may be performed (operation 228). The moisture content from the
above indicates whether the bedding is completely dried or contains
a small amount of moisture. The weight, the volume, or the moisture
content of the substance may be directly input by a user, or may be
sensed by using a sensor unit in a case when an input is not made
by a user.
[0172] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a sterilization course for the sterilization of
bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0173] On FIG. 7, a user inputs the substance, in particular, the
bedding, which is to be sterilized, into the drum 12, and by
rotatably manipulating the first selection unit 101 provided on the
control panel 40, a user selects the bedding care mode, and then by
pressedly manipulating the second selection unit 102, a user
selects the sterilization course (operation 300). The information
of the sterilization course that a user selects is input into the
control unit 110 through the input unit 100.
[0174] Thus, the control unit 110, when the sterilization course is
selected and the operation command is input, sets the mechanical
force (the sterilization RPM and the driving factor), the air flow,
the temperature, and the continuation time according to the
sterilization course (operation 302). The mechanical force set at
this time is provided in a way to rotate the drum 12 at a proper
RPM (the sterilization RPM), and a proper driving factor to
sterilize various bacteria inside the bedding, and the air flow set
at this time is provided in a way to rotate the blower fan 66 with
a proper air flow (the sterilization air flow), to sterilize
various bacteria inside the bedding. In addition, the temperature
and the continuation time configured are provided in a way to drive
the heater 68 so that the temperature of the entire bedding or a
portion of the bedding may be maintained at above a predetermined
level of temperature by using hot blast. The most important factor
in the sterilization course is the "temperature," and is set at or
above approximately 60.degree. C., which provides a condition
capable of sterilizing an inside the substance (the bedding), and
the maximum temperature is set within a range in which the
substance is not being damaged.
[0175] Thus, the control unit 110 operates the motor 15, the blower
fan 66, and the heater 68 through the driving unit 130 to proceed
with a basic cycle of the sterilization course.
[0176] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
tumbles the bedding inside the drum 12 by rotating the drum 12 at
the set mechanical force (the sterilization RPM and the driving
factor), according to the operation of the motor 15 (operation
304). As for the sterilization RPM and the driving factor (the
ON-OFF time of the motor), the drying RPM at approximately 50 RPM
and the driving factor at approximately 20 seconds with the motor
ON and approximately 2 seconds with the motor OFF are the same as
in a conventional drying cycle and are pre-stored in the control
unit 110.
[0177] The control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using the set
sterilization air flow, and the air is started to circulate inside
the drum 12 (operation 306). The sterilization air flow is capable
of delivering heat energy deep inside the bedding, and is
pre-stored in the control unit 110.
[0178] Next, the control unit 110 generates high-temperature air
(hot blast), by operating the heater 68 to heat the air being
circulated inside the drum 12 (operation 308). At this time, the
control unit 110, through the temperature sensor 91, detects the
temperature of the air being introduced into the drum 12, that is,
the temperature of the entry unit of the drum 12, and sets the
sterilization temperature at approximately 80.degree. C. and the
sterilization continuation time at approximately 40 minutes or
more, so that the temperature inside the bedding may be at the
temperature at which the sterilization may be possible, that is, at
approximately 60.degree. C. or more, and the sterilization
temperature and the sterilization continuation time are pre-stored
in the control unit 110.
[0179] As the above, the hot blast generated by the operation of
the heater 68 is introduced inside the drum 12 through a drying
duct, and the hot blast introduced inside the drum 12 delivers the
heat energy deep into the inside of the bedding that repeats the
ascending and the descending operations inside the drum 12
according to the rotation of the drum 12, to proceed with the
sterilization cycle to sterilize various bacteria in the bedding
(operation 310).
[0180] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
sterilization cycle to determine whether the set sterilization
continuation time, which is approximately 40 minutes or more, that
is, the time needed for the entire bedding or a portion of the
bedding to be continued and maintained at above a predetermined
level of temperature by using hot blast, is expired (operation
312), and if the sterilization continuation time is not expired,
the control unit 110 returns to the operation 310 and proceeds with
the sterilization cycle by using the rotation of the drum 12 and
the hot blast until the sterilization continuation time
expires.
[0181] As a result of the determination from the operation 312, if
the sterilization continuation time is expired, the control unit
110, through the driving unit 130, stops the motor 15, the blower
fan 66, and the heater 68, and completes the basic cycle of the
sterilization course (operation 314).
[0182] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a sterilization course for the sterilization bedding
at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure, and with respect to the
portions that are same to the portions described on FIG. 7, the
detailed description of the portions as such will be omitted.
[0183] In FIG. 8, a user inputs the substance (in particular, the
bedding), which is to be sterilized, into the drum 12, and by
manipulating the first selection unit 101 and the second selection
unit 102 provided on the control panel 40, a user selects the
sterilization course (operation 400).
[0184] Thus, when the sterilization course is selected and the
operation command is input, the control unit 110 determines the
weight (or the volume), of the substance that is input into the
drum 12 to proceed with the sterilization course (operation 402).
At this time, as for the method of determining the amount (the
weight or the volume), of the substance, the weight or the volume
of the substance may be detected as a user may pressedly manipulate
the fourth selection unit 104 to directly input the amount (the
weight or the volume) of the substance, or by using the weight
sensor or the current sensor of the sensor unit. In addition to the
above, as for the method of determining the weight of the substance
may include a method of detecting the weight of the substance by
using the time for the motor 15 to reach a predetermined speed or a
predetermined number of revolutions by use of an instantaneous
acceleration of the motor 15 as illustrated in the Japanese
unexamined patent publication No. 2002-336593, or a method in which
the amount of inertia of the drum 12 is directly and indirectly
measured in a state that a torque is applied to the motor 15 for a
predetermined period of time and then the weight is detected by
using the second law of motion (torque=inertia.times.acceleration)
as illustrated in Japanese unexamined patent publication No. Hei
07-90077.
[0185] When the weight (the volume) of the substance is determined,
the control unit 110 sets the mechanical force (the sterilization
RPM and the driving factor), the airflow, the temperature, and the
continuation time according to the weight (the volume) of the
determined substance (operation 404). The mechanical force set at
this time is provided in a way to rotate the drum 12 at a proper
RPM (the sterilization RPM), and a proper driving factor according
to the weight (the volume) of the substance, and the airflow set at
this time is provided in a way to rotate the blower fan 66 with a
proper airflow (the sterilization airflow), according to the weight
(the volume) of the substance. In addition, the temperature and the
continuation time are provided in a way to drive the heater 68 so
that the temperature of the entire bedding or a portion of the
bedding may be maintained at above a predetermined level of
temperature and for a predetermined period of time or above
according to the weight or the volume of the substance.
[0186] Thereafter, the control unit 110 operates the motor 15, the
blower fan 66, and the heater 68 through the driving unit 130 to
proceed with the sterilization cycle varying with the weight
(volume) of the substance.
[0187] In more detail, the control unit 110 tumbles the bedding
inside the drum 12 by rotating the drum 12 at the sterilization RPM
and the driving factor, which are set, according to the operation
of the motor 15 (operation 406). As for the sterilization RPM and
the driving factor, the RPM at approximately 50 RPM or less and the
driving factor at approximately 20 seconds with the motor ON and
approximately 2 seconds with the motor OFF are the same as in a
conventional drying cycle and are pre-stored in the control unit
110.
[0188] Then, the control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using
the sterilization airflow that is set, and the air inside the drum
12 is started to circulate (operation 408). The set sterilization
airflow is an airflow capable of delivering heat energy deep inside
the bedding, and a sterilization air flow corresponds to the weight
(the volume) of the substance is invoked for use from an airflow
table that is stored in the control unit 110.
[0189] Next, the control unit 110 generates high-temperature air
(hot blast), by applying heat on the air being circulated inside
the drum 12 by operating the heater 68 (operation 410). At this
time, the control unit 110, through the temperature sensor 91,
detects the temperature of the air being introduced into the drum
12, and sets the sterilization temperature and the sterilization
continuation time, so that the temperature inside the bedding may
be at the temperature at which the sterilization may be possible,
that is, at approximately 60.degree. C. or above, and the
sterilization temperature and the sterilization continuation time
corresponding to the weight (the volume) of the substance are
invoked for use from the airflow table that is stored in the
control unit 110.
[0190] Above, the hot blast generated by the operation of the
heater 68 is introduced inside the drum 12 through a drying duct,
and the hot blast introduced inside the drum 12 delivers heat
energy deep into the inside of the bedding that tumbles while
repeating the ascending and the descending operations inside the
drum 12 according to the rotation of the drum 12, to proceed with
the sterilization cycle, which is changed according to the weight
(the volume) of the substance (operation 412).
[0191] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
sterilization cycle to determine whether the set sterilization
continuation time is expired (operation 414), and if the
sterilization continuation time is not expired, the control unit
110 returns to the operation 412 and proceeds with the changed
sterilization cycle until the sterilization continuation time
expires, by using the rotation of the drum 12 and the hot
blast.
[0192] As a result of the determination from the operation 414, if
the sterilization continuation time is expired, the control unit
110, through the driving unit 130, stops the motor 15, the blower
fan 66, and the heater 68, and completes the cycle of the
sterilization course (operation 416).
[0193] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a sterilization course for the sterilization of
bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and with
respect to the portions that are same to the portions described on
FIG. 8, the detailed description of the portions as such will be
omitted.
[0194] In FIG. 9, a user inputs the substance (in particular, the
bedding), which is to be sterilized, into the drum 12, and by
manipulating the first selection unit 101 and the second selection
unit 102 provided on the control panel 40, a user selects the
sterilization course (operation 500).
[0195] Thus, when the sterilization course is selected and the
operation command is input, the control unit 110 determines the
weight (the volume), of the substance that is input into the drum
12 to proceed with the sterilization course (operation 502).
[0196] If the weight (the volume) of the substance is determined,
the control unit 110 sets the mechanical force (the sterilization
RPM and the driving factor), the airflow, the temperature, and the
continuation time according to the weight (the volume) of the
determined substance (operation 504).
[0197] Then, the control unit 110 operates the motor 15, the blower
fan 68, and the heater 68 through the driving unit 130 to proceed
with the cycle of the sterilization course, which is changed
according to the weight or the volume of the substance.
[0198] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
rotates the drum 12 at the set RPM and with the driving factor,
according to the operation of the motor 15, thereby tumbling the
bedding inside the drum 12 (operation 506).
[0199] The control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using the set
sterilization wind, and thus the air is started to circulate inside
the drum 12 (operation 508).
[0200] Next, the control unit 110 generates high-temperature air
(hot blast), by applying heat on the air being circulated inside
the drum 12 by operating the heater 68 (operation 510).
[0201] As above, the hot blast generated by the operation of the
heater 68 is introduced inside the drum 12 through a drying duct,
and the hot blast introduced inside the drum 12 delivers heat
energy deep into the inside of the bedding that tumbles while
repeating the ascending and the descending operations inside the
drum 12 according to the rotation of the drum 12, to proceed with
the sterilization cycle, which is changed according to the weight
(the volume) of the substance (operation 512).
[0202] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
sterilization cycle to determine whether the set sterilization
continuation time is expired (operation 514), and if the
sterilization continuation time is not expired, the control unit
110 returns to the operation 512 and proceeds with the changed
sterilization cycle until the sterilization continuation time
expires, by using the rotation of the drum 12 and the hot
blast.
[0203] As a result of the determination from the operation 514, if
the sterilization continuation time is expired, the control unit
110, through the driving unit 130, drives the ion generator 74 and
the ultraviolet ray lamp 76 to additionally proceed with a
post-processing cycle that may increase the sterilization power of
the bedding (operation 516).
[0204] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the
description of the post-processing cycle, which is being proceeded
after the completion of the sterilization cycle, is used as an
example, but the present disclosure is not limited hereto, and may
be composed in a way that the post-processing cycle is proceeded
while the sterilization cycle is being proceeded. In the case as
such, by proceeding with the post-processing cycle, the most
important factors in the sterilization course, which are the
sterilization temperature and the sterilization continuation time,
may be variably changed. That is, in a case when the
post-processing cycle is proceeded while provided with the lower
sterilization temperature and the reduced sterilization
continuation time, the same sterilization effect may be anticipated
compared to when the sterilization cycle is proceeded without
proceeding with the post-processing cycle.
[0205] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a deodorization course for the deodorization of
bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0206] In FIG. 10, a user inputs the substance, in particular, the
bedding, which is to be deodorized, into the drum 12, and by
rotatably manipulating the first selection unit 101 provided on the
control panel 40, a user selects the bedding care mode, and then by
pressedly manipulating the second selection unit 102, a user
selects the deodorization course (operation 600). The information
of the deodorization course that a user selects is input in the
control unit 110 through the input unit 100.
[0207] Thus, the control unit 110, when the deodorization course is
selected and the operation command is input, sets the humidity, the
mechanical force (the deodorization RPM and the driving factor),
the airflow, the temperature, and the continuation time according
to the deodorization course (operation 602). The humidity set at
this time is provided in a way that a proper amount of mist is
sprayed into the drum 12, so that the unpleasant odor particle
attached to the bedding may be separated as the mist is coupled to
the unpleasant odor particle to soak the unpleasant odor particle,
and the mechanical force set at this time, that is, the
deodorization RPM and the driving factor, is provided in a way that
the drum 12 is rotated at a proper RPM or the deodorization RPM to
eliminate the unpleasant odor particle attached to bedding, the air
flow set at this time is provided in a way to rotate the blower fan
66 with the proper wind (the deodorization airflow), to eliminate
the unpleasant odor particle attached to the bedding. In addition,
the temperature and the continuation time set at this time are
provided in a way to drive the heater 68 so that the unpleasant
odor particle in the bedding may be separated by using the humidity
and the hot blast. The most important factor in the deodorization
course is the "humidification," and is applied with an algorithm
that may maximize the performance of the humidification at the
substance or the bedding. The method of the humidification includes
a mist spray using a nozzle, a humidification using ultrasonic
waves, and a humidification having the hot blast to pass through
the area where water is present, and in the embodiment of the
present disclosure, the mist spray using a nozzle will be described
as an example.
[0208] Thus, the control unit 110 operates the mist spray 72, the
motor 15, the blower fan 66, and the heater 68 through the driving
unit 130 to proceed with the basic cycle of the deodorization
course.
[0209] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
sprays the water having the form of mist (fog), at the set
humidity, into the drum 12 by operating the mist spray 72
(operation 604). The humidity, which is sprayed into the drum 12,
uses the amount of the spray that may separate the unpleasant odor
particle attached to the bedding, as the humidity is coupled to the
unpleasant odor particle and soaks the unpleasant odor particle
from the bedding, and is pre-stored in the control unit 110. The
humidity that is sprayed into an inside the drum 12 may be
controlled by controlling the spray time.
[0210] The control unit 110 rotates the drum 12 at the set
mechanical force (the deodorization RPM and the driving factor),
according to the operation of the motor 15, and tumbles the bedding
inside the drum 12 (operation 606). The deodorization RPM and the
driving factor (the ON-OFF time) of the motor, use the drying RPM
at approximately 50 RPM or less and the driving factor at
approximately 20 seconds with the motor ON and approximately 2
seconds with the motor OFF, respectively, and are pre-stored in the
control unit 110.
[0211] The control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using the set
deodorization airflow, and the air is started to circulate inside
the drum 12 (operation 608). The deodorization airflow is capable
of separating the unpleasant odor particle attached to the bedding,
and is pre-stored in the control unit 110.
[0212] Next, the control unit 110 generates high-temperature air
(hot blast), by applying heat to the air being circulated inside
the drum 12 by operating the heater 68 (operation 610). At this
time, the control unit 110, through the temperature sensor 91,
detects the temperature of the air being introduced into the drum
12, that is, the temperature of the entry unit of the drum 12, and
sets the deodorization temperature, that is lower than the
deodorization temperature, and the deodorization continuation time
at approximately 20 minutes or more, so that the temperature
introduced to the drum 12, that is, the temperature at which the
water coupled to the unpleasant odor particle is changed into a
form of vapor, and the deodorization temperature and the
deodorization continuation time are pre-stored in the control unit
110.
[0213] As above, the hot blast generated by the operation of the
heater 68 is introduced inside the drum 12 through a drying duct,
and the deodorization cycle is proceeded as the hot blast
introduced to an inside the drum 12 is supplied to the bedding that
is humidified by the mist spray to separate the unpleasant odor
particle attached at the bedding (operation 612).
[0214] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
deodorization cycle to determine whether the set deodorization
continuation time, that is, approximately 20 minutes or more, and
also the time to separate the unpleasant odor particle attached to
the bedding by using humidification, is expired (operation 614),
and if the deodorization continuation time is not expired, the
control unit 110 returns to the operation 612 and proceeds with the
deodorization cycle by using the humidification and the hot blast
until the deodorization continuation time expires.
[0215] As a result of the determination from the operation 614, if
the deodorization continuation time is expired, the control unit
110, through the driving unit 130, stops the mist spray 72, the
motor 15, the blower fan 66, and the heater 68, and completes the
cycle of the deodorization course (operation 616).
[0216] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a deodorization course for the deodorization of
bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and with
respect to the portions that are same to the portions described on
FIG. 10, the detailed description of the portions as such will be
omitted.
[0217] In FIG. 11, a user inputs the substance, in particular, the
bedding, which is to be deodorized, inside the drum 12, and by
manipulating the first selection unit 101 and the second selection
unit 102 provided on the control panel 40, a user selects the
deodorization course (operation 700).
[0218] Thus, when the deodorization course is selected and the
operation command is input, the control unit 110 determines the
weight (the volume) of the substance that is input into the drum 12
to proceed with the deodorization course (operation 702).
[0219] If the weight (the volume) of the substance is determined,
the control unit 110 sets the humidity, the mechanical force (the
deodorization RPM and the driving factor), the airflow, the
temperature, and the continuation time according to the weight (the
volume) of the determined substance (operation 704). At this time,
the mechanical force set at this time is provided in a way to
rotate the drum 12 at the proper RPM, that is, the deodorization
RPM, and with the proper driving factor according to the weight
(the volume) of the substance, and the airflow configured at this
time is provided in a way to rotate the blower fan 66 with the
proper airflow (the deodorization airflow) according to the weight
(the volume) of the substance. In addition, the temperature and the
continuation time set are provided in a way to drive the heater 68
so that the unpleasant odor particle attached at the bedding may be
separated according to the weight (the volume) of the
substance.
[0220] Then, the control unit 110 operates the mist spray 72, the
motor 15, the blower fan 66, and the heater 68 through the driving
unit 130 to proceed with the cycle of the deodorization course,
which is changed according to the weight (the volume) of the
substance.
[0221] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
sprays the water having the form of mist or fog, which is provided
with the set humidity, into an inside the drum 12 by operating the
mist spray 72 (operation 706). The set humidity is the amount of
the spray capable of soaking the unpleasant odor particle attached
at the bedding by being coupled to the unpleasant odor particle,
and the spray time is configured so that the moisture which
corresponds to approximately 2% to approximately 5% of the weight
or the weight (the load) of the substance may be supplied. For
example, under the condition of the load of approximately 1 kg, the
mist or the humidification is configured to be approximately 20 g
to approximately 50 g to be supplied to the substance, and in a
case when a water supply valve having the capacity of approximately
0.1 liter/min is used, the humidification time may be set for
approximately 12 seconds to approximately 55 seconds. However,
because the mist and the humidified moisture are not all making
contact with the substance, the actual supply time is set to be
longer than the calculated setting time.
[0222] That is, with respect to the set humidity, a table showing
the mist or the humidification at each load provided for the mist
spray or the humidification during the deodorization course is
stored in the control unit 110, and the mist or the humidification,
which corresponds to the weight (the volume) of the substance, is
invoked for use from the table showing the mist or the
humidification at each load stored in the control unit 110.
[0223] In addition, with respect to the set humidity, a table
showing supply time at each load provided for the mist spray or the
humidification during the deodorization course is stored in the
control unit 110, and the supply time, which corresponds to the
weight (the volume) of the substance, is invoked from the table
showing supply time at each load stored in the control unit 110 so
that the humidity may be controlled by operating the mist spray 72
or the water supply valve during the supply time.
[0224] The control unit 110 rotates the drum 12 at the set
deodorization RPM and driving factor, according to the operation of
the motor 15, thereby tumbling the bedding inside the drum 12
(operation 708). The deodorization RPM at approximately less than
50 RPM, and the driving factor of approximately 20 seconds with the
motor ON and approximately 2 seconds with the motor OFF, which are
the same in a conventional drying cycle, may be used, or the motor
RPM and the driving factor that are capable of delivering a proper
mechanical force according to the weight (the volume) of the
substance.
[0225] The control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using the set
deodorization airflow, and the air is started to circulate inside
the drum 12 (operation 710). The set deodorization airflow is
capable of separating the unpleasant odor particle attached at the
bedding, and the deodorization airflow, which corresponds to the
weight (the volume) of the substance, is invoked for use from the
table showing the deodorization airflow that is stored in the
control unit 110.
[0226] Next, the control unit 110 generates high-temperature air
(hot blast), by applying heat on the air being circulated inside
the drum 12 by operating the heater 68 (operation 712). At this
time, the control unit 110, through the temperature sensor 91,
detects the temperature of the air being introduced into the drum
12 and sets the deodorization temperature, that is, the temperature
at which the water coupled to the unpleasant odor particle attached
to the bedding is changed into a form of vapor, and the
deodorization continuation time, that is, the time during which the
water coupled to the unpleasant odor particle attached to the
bedding is changed into a form of vapor, and the deodorization
temperature and the deodorization continuation time, which
correspond to the weight (the volume) of the substance, are invoked
for use from the table showing the temperature and the time stored
in the control unit 110.
[0227] As the above, the hot blast generated by the operation of
the heater 68 is introduced to an inside the drum 12 through a
drying duct, and the deodorization cycle is proceeded as the hot
blast introduced inside the drum 12 is supplied to the bedding,
which is humidified by the mist spray, to separate the unpleasant
odor particle attached at the bedding (operation 714).
[0228] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
deodorization cycle to determine whether the set deodorization
continuation time is expired (operation 716), and if the
deodorization continuation time is not expired, the control unit
110 returns to the operation 714 and proceeds with the changed
deodorization cycle, until the deodorization continuation time
expires, by using the humidification and the hot blast.
[0229] As a result of the determination from the operation 716, if
the deodorization continuation time is expired, the control unit
110, through the driving unit 130, stops the mist spray 72, the
motor 15, the blower fan 66, and the heater 68, and completes the
cycle of the deodorization course (operation 718).
[0230] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a operation of a control
algorithm of a deodorization course for the deodorization of
bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and with
respect to the portions that are same to the portions described on
FIG. 11, the detailed description of the portions as such will be
omitted.
[0231] In FIG. 12, a user inputs the substance, in particular, the
bedding, which is to be deodorized, into the drum 12, and by
manipulating the first selection unit 101 and the second selection
unit 102 provided on the control panel 40, a user selects the
deodorization course (operation 800).
[0232] Thus, when the deodorization course is selected and the
operation command is input, the control unit 110 determines the
weight (the volume) of the substance that is input into the drum 12
to proceed with the deodorization course (operation 802).
[0233] If the weight (the volume) of the substance is determined,
the control unit 110 sets the humidity, the mechanical force, that
is, the deodorization RPM and the driving factor, the airflow, the
temperature, and the continuation time according to the weight (the
volume) of the determined substance (operation 804).
[0234] Then, the control unit 110 operates the mist spray 72, the
motor 15, the blower fan 66, and the heater 68 through the driving
unit 130 to proceed with the cycle of the deodorization course,
which is changed according to the weight (the volume) of the
substance.
[0235] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
sprays the water having the form of mist or fog, which is provided
with the set humidity, into an inside the drum 12 by operating the
mist spray 72 (operation 806).
[0236] In addition, with respect to the supply time, the supply
time, which corresponds to the weight (the volume) of the
substance, may be invoked from the table showing spray time stored
in the control unit 110, so that the humidity may be controlled by
operating the mist spray 72 during the supply time.
[0237] The control unit 110 rotates the drum 12 at the configured
deodorization RPM and with the driving factor, according to the
operation of the motor 15, thereby tumbling the bedding inside the
drum 12 (operation 808), and the control unit 110 rotates the
blower fan 66 using the configured deodorization airflow, and the
air is started to circulate inside the drum 12 (operation 810).
[0238] Next, the control unit 110 generates high-temperature air,
that is, hot blast, by applying heat on the air being circulated
inside the drum 12 by operating the heater 68 (operation 812).
[0239] As above, the hot blast generated by the operation of the
heater 68 is introduced to an inside the drum 12 through a drying
duct, and the deodorization cycle which is changed to be suitable
for the substance is proceeded as the hot blast introduced to an
inside the drum 12 is supplied to the bedding, which is humidified
by the mist spray, to separate the unpleasant odor particle
attached at the bedding (operation 814).
[0240] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
deodorization cycle to determine whether the configured
deodorization continuation time is expired (operation 816), and if
the deodorization continuation time is not expired, the control
unit 110 returns to the operation 814 and proceeds with the changed
deodorization cycle until the deodorization continuation time
expires, by using the humidification and the hot blast.
[0241] As a result of the determination from the operation 816, if
the deodorization continuation time is expired, the control unit
110, through the driving unit 130, drives the ion generator 74 and
the ultraviolet ray lamp 76, and additionally proceeds with the
after-processing cycle to increase the deodorization power
(operation 818).
[0242] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the
description of the post-processing cycle, which is being proceeded
after the completion of the deodorization cycle, is used as an
example, but the present disclosure is not limited hereto, and may
be composed in a way that the post-processing cycle is proceeded
while the deodorization cycle is being proceeded. In the case as
such, by proceeding with the post-processing cycle, the most
important factor in the deodorization course, which is humidity,
may be variably changed. That is, in a case when the
post-processing cycle is proceeded while reducing humidity, the
same deodorization effect may be anticipated compared to when the
deodorization cycle is proceeded without proceeding with the
post-processing cycle.
[0243] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a tick, or pest, elimination course for the
elimination of pests, such as ticks, fleas, bedbugs, or mites, for
example, on bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0244] In FIG. 13, a user inputs the substance, in particular, the
bedding, which is to be deodorized, into the drum 12, and by
rotatably manipulating the first selection unit 101 provided on the
control panel 40, a user selects the bedding care mode, and then by
pressedly manipulating the second selection unit 102, a user
selects the tick elimination course (operation 900). The
information of the tick elimination course that a user selects is
input in the control unit 110 through the input unit 100.
[0245] Thus, the control unit 110, when the tick elimination course
is selected and the operation command is input, sets the mechanical
force, that is, the tick elimination RPM and the driving factor,
the airflow, the temperature, and the continuation time according
to the tick elimination course (operation 902). The mechanical
force set at this time is provided in a way that the drum 12 is
rotated at a proper PRM or the tick elimination RPM to eliminate
the ticks that inhabit the bedding, and the airflow set at this
time is provided in a way to rotate the blower fan 66 with the
proper airflow, stronger than that of the sterilization course,
which is to be referred to as tick elimination airflow, to
eliminate ticks that inhabit the bedding. In addition, the
temperature and the continuation time set are provided in a way to
drive the heater 68 so that the temperature of the entire bedding
or a portion of the bedding may be maintained at above a
predetermined level of temperature by using hot blast for a
predetermined period of the continuation time, that is, within 20
minutes, that corresponds to the condition in eliminating the ticks
that inhabit the bedding. The most important factor in the tick
elimination course is the temperature, and the temperature inside
the substance, not only on a surface of the substance (the bedding)
but also the inside the substance, is set at or above approximately
60.degree. C., which provides the condition capable of eliminating
the tick, and the temperature is set to be lower than the
temperature of the sterilization course.
[0246] Thus, the control unit 110 operates the motor 15, the blower
fan 66, and the heater 68 through the driving unit 130 to proceed
with the basic cycle of the tick elimination course.
[0247] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
rotates the drum 12 at the set mechanical force, that is, the tick
elimination RPM, and with the driving factor, according to the
operation of the motor 15, thereby tumbling the bedding inside the
drum 12 (operation 904). The tick elimination driving factor (the
ON-OFF time) of the motor is configured in a way that the motor OFF
time is longer, that is, by setting the motor ON time at
approximately 2 seconds and the motor OFF time at approximately 60
seconds, so that the hot blast at high temperature is introduced
deep inside the bedding with such a driving factor, not only at a
surface of the bedding, and the tick elimination driving factor is
pre-stored in the control unit 110
[0248] The control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using the set
tick elimination airflow, and the air is started to circulate
inside the drum 12 (operation 906). The tick elimination airflow is
provided with the stronger airflow than the sterilization airflow,
so that the tick elimination airflow may be able to deliver heat
energy deep inside the bedding, and is pre-stored in the control
unit 110.
[0249] Next, the control unit 110 generates high-temperature air,
that is, hot blast, by applying heat on the air being circulated
inside the drum 12 by operating the heater 68 (operation 908). At
this time, the control unit 110, through the temperature sensor 91,
detects the temperature of the air being introduced into the drum
12, that is, the temperature of the entry of the drum 12, and sets
the tick elimination temperature (at approximately 80.degree. C.)
and the tick elimination continuation time (at approximately 18
minutes or more), so that the temperature inside the bedding may be
at the temperature at which the tick elimination may be possible,
that is, at approximately 60.degree. C. or above, and the tick
elimination temperature and the tick elimination continuation time
are pre-stored in the control unit 110. The sterilization requires
a long period of time, but the tick elimination is achieved by only
maintaining the substance a temperature of approximately 60.degree.
C. or above for approximately 18 minutes. Accordingly, within a
relatively short period of time, a hygienic bedding is provided to
the user.
[0250] As above, the hot blast generated by the operation of the
heater 68 is introduced inside the drum 12 through a drying duct,
and the hot blast introduced inside the drum 12 delivers heat
energy deep into the inside of the bedding that tumbles while
repeating the ascending and the descending operations inside the
drum 12 according to the rotation of the drum 12, to proceed with
the tick elimination cycle to eliminate the tick inhabiting the
bedding, not only at a surface of the bedding (operation 910).
[0251] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
tick elimination cycle to determine whether the set tick
elimination continuation time, which is approximately 18 minutes or
more, that is, the time needed for the entire bedding or a portion
of the bedding to be continued and maintained at above a
predetermined level of temperature by using hot blast, is expired
(operation 912), and if the tick elimination continuation time is
not expired, the control unit 110 returns to the operation 910 and
proceeds with the tick elimination cycle by using the rotation of
the drum 12 and the hot blast until the tick elimination
continuation time expires.
[0252] As a result of the determination from the operation 912, if
the tick elimination continuation time is expired, the control unit
110, through the driving unit 130, stops the motor 15, the blower
fan 66, and the heater 68, and completes the basic cycle of the
tick elimination course (operation 914).
[0253] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a operation of a control
algorithm of a tick elimination course for the elimination of ticks
on bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and with
respect to the portions that are same to the portions described on
FIG. 13, the detailed description of the portions as such will be
omitted.
[0254] In FIG. 14, a user inputs the substance, in particular, the
bedding, from which the tick elimination is to be occurred, into
the drum 12, and by manipulating the first selection unit 101 and
the second selection unit 102 provided on the control panel 40, a
user selects the tick elimination course (operation 1000).
[0255] Thus, when the tick elimination course is selected and the
operation command is input, the control unit 110 determines the
weight (the volume) of the substance that is input into the drum 12
to proceed with the tick elimination course (operation 1002).
[0256] When the weight (the volume) of the substance is determined,
the control unit 110 sets the mechanical force, that is, the tick
elimination RPM and the driving factor, the airflow, the
temperature, and the continuation time according to the weight (the
volume) of the determined substance (operation 1004). The
mechanical force set at this time is provided in a way to rotate
the drum 12 at the proper RPM, that is, the tick elimination of the
substance, and with the proper driving factor according to the
weight (the volume) of the substance, and the airflow set at this
time is provided in a way to rotate the blower fan 66 with the
proper airflow, that is, the tick elimination airflow, according to
the weight (the volume) of the substance. In addition, the
temperature and the continuation time set are provided in a way to
drive the heater 68 so that the temperature of the entire bedding
or a portion of the bedding may be maintained at above a
predetermined level of temperature according to the weight (the
volume) of the substance.
[0257] Then, the control unit 110 operates the motor 15, the blower
fan 66, and the heater 68 through the driving unit 130 to proceed
with the cycle of the tick elimination course, which is changed
according to the weight (the volume) of the substance.
[0258] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
rotates the drum 12 at the set mechanical force, that is, the tick
elimination RPM, and with the driving factor, according to the
operation of the motor 15, thereby tumbling the bedding inside the
drum 12 (operation 1006). The set tick elimination RPM may use the
same drying RPM of a conventional drying cycle, which is at
approximately 50 RPM or less, or may use a motor RPM capable of
delivering a proper mechanical force according to the weight (the
volume) of the substance. In addition, the set driving factor is
provided in a way that the motor OFF time is longer, that is, by
setting the motor ON time at approximately 2 seconds and the motor
OFF time at approximately 60 seconds, and may be changed according
to the weight (the volume) of the substance.
[0259] The control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using the set
tick elimination airflow, and the air is started to circulate
inside the drum 12 (operation 1008). The tick elimination airflow
is provided with the stronger airflow than the sterilization
airflow to deliver heat energy deep inside the bedding, and the
tick elimination airflow, which corresponds to the weight (the
volume) of the substance, is invoked for use from the table showing
the tick elimination airflow that is stored in the control unit
110.
[0260] Next, the control unit 110 generates high-temperature air,
that is, hot blast, by applying heat on the air being circulated
inside the drum 12 by operating the heater 68 (operation 1010). At
this time, the control unit 110, through the temperature sensor 91,
detects the temperature of the air being introduced into the drum
12, and sets the tick elimination temperature and the tick
elimination continuation time, so that the temperature inside the
bedding may be at the temperature at which the tick elimination may
be possible, that is, at approximately 60.degree. C. or above, and
the tick elimination temperature and the tick elimination
continuation time, which correspond to the weight (the volume) of
the substance, are invoked for use from the table showing
temperature and the time stored in the control unit 110.
[0261] As the above, the hot blast generated by the operation of
the heater 68 is introduced to an inside the drum 12 through a
drying duct, and the hot blast introduced to an inside the drum 12
delivers heat energy deep into the inside the bedding that tumbles
while repeating the ascending and the descending operations inside
the drum 12 according to the rotation of the drum 12, to proceed
with the tick elimination cycle, which is changed according to the
weight (the volume) of the substance (operation 1012).
[0262] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
tick elimination cycle to determine whether the set tick
elimination continuation time is expired (operation 1014), and if
the tick elimination continuation time is not expired, the control
unit 110 returns to the operation 1012 and proceeds with the
changed tick elimination cycle, by using the rotation of the drum
12 and the hot blast until the tick elimination continuation time
expires.
[0263] As a result of the determination from the operation 1014, if
the tick elimination continuation time is expired, the control unit
110, through the driving unit 130, stops the motor 15, the blower
fan 66, and the heater 68, and completes the basic cycle of the
changed tick elimination course (operation 1016).
[0264] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a operation of a control
algorithm of a tick elimination course for the elimination of ticks
on bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and with
respect to the portions that are same to the portions described on
FIG. 14, the detailed description of the portions as such will be
omitted.
[0265] In FIG. 15, a user inputs the substance, in particular, the
bedding, from which the tick elimination is to be occurred, into
the drum 12, and by manipulating the first selection unit 101 and
the second selection unit 102 provided on the control panel 40, a
user selects the tick elimination course (operation 1100).
[0266] Thus, when the tick elimination course is selected and the
operation command is input, the control unit 110 determines the
weight (the volume) of the substance that is input into the drum 12
to proceed with the tick elimination course (operation 1102).
[0267] When the weight (the volume) of the substance is determined,
the control unit 110 sets the mechanical force, that is, the tick
elimination RPM and the driving factor, the airflow, the
temperature, and the continuation time according to the weight (the
volume) of the determined substance (operation 1104).
[0268] Then, the control unit 110 operates the motor 15, the blower
fan 66, and the heater 68 through the driving unit 130 to proceed
with the cycle of the tick elimination course, which is changed
according to the weight (the volume) of the substance.
[0269] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
rotates the drum 12 at the set mechanical force, that is, the tick
elimination RPM, and with the driving factor, according to the
operation of the motor 15, thereby tumbling the bedding inside the
drum 12 (operation 1106).
[0270] The control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using the set
tick elimination airflow, and the air is started to circulate
inside the drum 12 (operation 1108).
[0271] Next, the control unit 110 generates high-temperature air,
that is, hot blast, by applying heat on the air being circulated
inside the drum 12 by operating the heater 68 (operation 1110).
[0272] As above, the hot blast generated by the operation of the
heater 68 is introduced inside the drum 12 through a drying duct,
and the hot blast introduced to the inside of the drum 12 delivers
heat energy deep into the inside of the bedding that tumbles while
repeats the ascending and the descending operations inside the drum
12 according to the rotation of the drum 12, to proceed with the
tick elimination cycle, which is changed according to the weight
(the volume) of the substance (operation 1112).
[0273] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
tick elimination cycle to determine whether the set tick
elimination continuation time is expired (operation 1114), and if
the tick elimination continuation time is not expired, the control
unit 110 returns to the operation 1112 and proceeds with the
changed tick elimination cycle by using the rotation of the drum 12
and the hot blast until the tick elimination continuation time
expires.
[0274] As a result of the determination from the operation 1114, if
the tick elimination continuation time is expired, the control unit
110, through the driving unit 130, drives the ion generator 74 and
the ultraviolet ray lamp 76 to additionally proceed with an
post-processing cycle that may increase the tick elimination power
of the bedding (operation 1116).
[0275] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the
description of the post-processing cycle, which is being proceeded
after the completion of the tick elimination cycle, is used as an
example, but the present disclosure is not limited hereto, and may
be composed in a way that the post-processing cycle is proceeded
while the tick elimination cycle is being proceeded. In the case as
such, by proceeding with the post-processing cycle, the most
important factors in the tick elimination course, which are the
tick elimination temperature and the tick elimination continuation
time, may be variably changed. That is, in a case when the
post-processing cycle is proceeded while provided with the lower
tick elimination temperature and the reduced tick elimination
continuation time, the same tick elimination effect may be
anticipated compared to as when the tick elimination cycle is
proceeded without proceeding with the post-processing cycle.
[0276] FIG. 16 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a dust elimination course for the elimination of dust
on bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0277] In FIG. 16, a user inputs the substance, in particular, the
bedding, from which dust is be eliminated, into the drum 12, and by
rotatably manipulating the first selection unit 101 provided on the
control panel 40, a user selects the bedding care mode, and then by
pressedly manipulating the second selection unit 102, a user
selects the dust elimination course (operation 1200). The
information of the dust elimination course that a user selects is
input in the control unit 110 through the input unit 100.
[0278] Thus, the control unit 110, when the dust elimination course
is selected and the operation command is input, sets the mechanical
force, that is, the dust elimination RPM and the driving factor,
the airflow, and the continuation time according to the dust
elimination course (operation 1202). The mechanical force set at
this time is provided in a way to rotate the drum 12 at the proper
RPM, that is, the dust elimination RPM, and with the proper driving
factor to eliminate the dust attached at the bedding, and the
airflow set at this time is provided in a way to rotate the blower
fan 66 with the stronger airflow, which is stronger than the
airflows in the sterilization course, the deodorization course, and
the tick elimination course, and hereinafter called as the dust
elimination airflow, to eliminate the dust attached at the bedding.
In addition, the continuation time set is provided in a way to
drive the motor 15 and the blower fan 66 for a predetermined period
of time at within 30 minutes during which the dust attached at the
bedding may be eliminated by using the strong airflow. The most
important factors in the dust elimination course are the "strong
airflow and mechanical force," and is set in a way that the
physical force being applied at the substance or the bedding is
maximized so that the elimination of the dust attached at the
substance or the bedding is made possible, and the maximum airflow
and the mechanical force are set within the range in which the
substance is not being damaged.
[0279] Thus, the control unit 110 operates the motor 15 and the
blower fan 66 through the driving unit 130 to proceed with the
basic cycle of the dust elimination course.
[0280] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
rotates the drum 12 at the set mechanical force, that is, the dust
elimination RPM, and with the driving factor, according to the
operation of the motor 15, thereby tumbling the bedding inside the
drum 12 (operation 1204). The dust elimination RPM uses the RPM
that is equal to or greater than approximately 200 RPM, which is
far higher than the drying RPM, which is at approximately 50 RPM or
less, used at the sterilization course, the deodorization course,
and the tick elimination course, and the driving factor (the ON-OFF
time) of the motor uses the same driving factor as in a
conventional drying cycle, which is at approximately 20 seconds
with the motor ON and approximately 2 seconds with the motor OFF,
or is set to have the longer motor ON time.
[0281] That is, the dust elimination RPM and the driving factor of
the dust elimination course are set to be provided with the values,
to separate the dust attached from the bedding by maximizing the
physical force being applied to the substance or the bedding, and
are pre-stored in the control unit 110.
[0282] Then, the control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using
the set dust elimination airflow, and the air inside the drum 12 is
started to circulate (operation 1206). The dust elimination
airflow, in order to separate and eliminate the dust attached at
the bedding, uses a strong airflow having a strength increased by
approximately 120% to approximately 150% when compared to airflow
from the sterilization course, the deodorization course, and the
tick elimination course, and is pre-stored in the control unit
110.
[0283] As the above, the strong airflow generated by the operation
of the blower fan 66 is introduced to an inside the drum 12 through
a drying duct, and the strong airflow introduced to an inside the
drum 12 separates the dust attached at the bedding that tumbles
while repeating the ascending and the descending operations inside
the drum 12 according to the rotation of the drum 12, to proceed
with the dust elimination cycle that eliminates the dust attached
inside the bedding, not only on a surface of the bedding (operation
1208).
[0284] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
dust elimination cycle to determine whether the set dust
elimination continuation time (the time to eliminate the dust
attached at the bedding by using airflow, that is, within
approximately 30 minutes), is expired (operation 1210), and if the
dust elimination continuation time is not expired, the control unit
110 returns to the operation 1208 and proceeds with the dust
elimination cycle by using the rotation of the drum 12 and the hot
blast until the dust elimination continuation time expires.
[0285] As a result of the determination from the operation 1210, if
the dust elimination continuation time is expired, the control unit
110, through the driving unit 130, stops the motor 15 and the
blower fan 66, thereby completing the basic cycle of the dust
elimination course (operation 1212).
[0286] FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a operation of a control
algorithm of a dust elimination course for the elimination of dust
on bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and with
respect to the portions that are same to the portions described on
FIG. 16, the detailed description of the portions as such will be
omitted.
[0287] In FIG. 17, a user inputs the substance, in particular, the
bedding, from which dust is to be eliminated, into the drum 12, and
by manipulating the first the first selection unit 101 and the
second selection unit 102 provided on the control panel 40, a user
selects the dust elimination course (operation 1300).
[0288] Thus, when the dust elimination course is selected and the
operation command is input, the control unit 110 determines the
weight (the volume) of the substance that is input into the drum 12
to proceed with the dust elimination course (operation 1302).
[0289] When the weight (the volume) of the substance is determined,
the control unit 110 sets the mechanical force, that is, the dust
elimination RPM and the driving factor, the airflow, and the
continuation time according to the weight (the volume) of the
determined substance (operation 1304). The mechanical force set at
this time is provided in a way to rotate the drum 12 at the proper
RPM, that is, the dust elimination of the substance, and with the
proper driving factor according to the weight (the volume) of the
substance, and the airflow set at this time is provided in a way to
rotate the blower fan 66 with the proper airflow, that is, the dust
elimination airflow, according to the weight (the volume) of the
substance. In addition, the set continuation time is set to the
time, during which the dust attached at the bedding is separated
and eliminated, according to the weight (the volume) of the
substance, so that the satisfaction of a user is increased.
[0290] Then, the control unit 110 operates the motor 15 and the
blower fan 66 through the driving unit 130 to proceed with the
cycle of the dust elimination course, which is changed according to
the weight (the volume) of the substance.
[0291] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
rotates the drum 12 at the set mechanical force, that is, the dust
elimination RPM, and with the driving factor, according to the
operation of the motor 15, thereby tumbling the bedding inside the
drum 12 (operation 1306). The dust elimination RPM uses an RPM that
is equal to or greater than approximately 200 RPM, which is far
higher than the drying RPM, which is at approximately less than 50
RPM, used at the sterilization course, the deodorization course,
and the tick elimination course, or uses an RPM capable of
delivering the maximum mechanical force according to the weight
(the volume) of the substance. In addition, the set dust
elimination driving factor uses the same driving factor as in a
conventional drying cycle, which is at approximately 20 seconds
with the motor ON and approximately 2 seconds with the motor OFF,
or is set to have the longer motor ON time, and may be changed
according to the weight (the volume) of the substance.
[0292] Then, the control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using
the set dust elimination airflow, and the air inside the drum 12 is
started to strongly circulate (operation 1308). The dust
elimination airflow, in order to separate and eliminate the dust
attached at the bedding, is set to be stronger than the airflow
from the sterilization course, the deodorization course, and the
tick elimination course, and the dust elimination airflow, which
corresponds to the weight (the volume) of the substance, is invoked
for use from the airflow table stored in the control unit 110.
[0293] Other than the above, the control unit 110 invokes the dust
elimination continuation time, which corresponds to the weight (the
volume) of the substance, for use from the table showing the dust
elimination time stored in the control unit 110.
[0294] As the above, the strong airflow generated by the operation
of the heater 68 is introduced to an inside the drum 12 through a
drying duct, and the strong airflow introduced to an inside the
drum 12 separates the dust attached at the bedding that tumbles
while repeating the ascending and the descending operations inside
the drum 12 according to the rotation of the drum 12, to proceed
with the dust elimination cycle, which is changed according to the
weight (the volume) of the substance (operation 1310).
[0295] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
dust elimination cycle to determine whether the set dust
elimination continuation time is expired (operation 1312), and if
the dust elimination continuation time is not expired, the control
unit 110 returns to the operation 1310 and proceeds with the dust
elimination cycle by using the rotation of the drum 12 and the
airflow until the dust elimination continuation time expires.
[0296] As a result of the determination from the operation 1312, if
the dust elimination continuation time is expired, the control unit
110, through the driving unit 130, stops the motor 15 and the
blower fan 66, thereby completing the cycle of the dust elimination
course (operation 1314).
[0297] FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a operation of a control
algorithm of a dust elimination course for the elimination of dust
on bedding at a washing machine having a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and with
respect to the portions that are same to the portions described on
FIG. 17, the detailed description of the portions as such will be
omitted.
[0298] In FIG. 18, a user inputs the substance, in particular, the
bedding, from which dust is to be eliminated, into the drum 12, and
by manipulating the first the first selection unit 101 and the
second selection unit 102 provided on the control panel 40, a user
selects the dust elimination course (operation 1400).
[0299] Thus, when the dust elimination course is selected and the
operation command is input, the control unit 110 determines the
weight (the volume) of the substance that is input into the drum 12
to proceed with the dust elimination course (operation 1402).
[0300] When the weight (the volume) of the substance is determined,
the control unit 110 sets the mechanical force, that is, the dust
elimination RPM and the driving factor, the airflow, and the
continuation time according to the weight (the volume) of the
determined substance (operation 1404).
[0301] Then, the control unit 110 operates the motor 15 and the
blower fan 66 through the driving unit 130 to proceed with the
cycle of the dust elimination course, which is changed according to
the weight (the volume) of the substance.
[0302] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
rotates the drum 12 at the set dust elimination RPM, and with the
driving factor, according to the operation of the motor 15, thereby
tumbling the bedding inside the drum 12 (operation 1406).
[0303] Then, the control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using
the set dust elimination airflow, and the air inside the drum 12 is
started to strongly circulate (operation 1408).
[0304] As the above, the strong airflow generated by the operation
of the blower fan 66 is introduced to an inside the drum 12 through
a drying duct, and the strong airflow introduced to an inside the
drum 12 separates the dust attached at the bedding that tumbles
while repeating the ascending and the descending operations inside
the drum 12 according to the rotation of the drum 12, thereby
proceeding with the dust elimination cycle, which is changed
according to the weight (the volume) of the substance (operation
1410).
[0305] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
dust elimination cycle to determine whether the set dust
elimination continuation time is expired (operation 1412), and if
the dust elimination continuation time is not expired, the control
unit 110 returns to the operation 1410 and proceeds with the
changed dust elimination cycle by using the rotation of the drum 12
and the airflow until the dust elimination continuation time
expires.
[0306] As a result of the determination from the operation 1412, if
the dust elimination continuation time is expired, the control unit
110, through the driving unit 130, drives the ion generator 74 and
the ultraviolet ray lamp 76 to additionally proceed with an
post-processing cycle that may increase the dust elimination power
of the bedding (operation 1414).
[0307] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the
description of the post-processing cycle, which is being proceeded
after the completion of the dust elimination cycle, is used as an
example, but the present disclosure is not limited hereto, and may
be composed in a way that the post-processing cycle is proceeded
while the dust elimination cycle is being proceeded.
[0308] In addition, according to the washing machine 1 having a
drying apparatus, a vertex may be detected by measuring a current
when the motor 15 rotates. By using the detected vertex, a vertex
falling algorithm according to weight (load) of the substance is
applied to determining the rotation RPM and the driving factor of
the drum 12.
[0309] FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a refreshing course for the refreshing of bedding at a
washing machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0310] In FIG. 19, a user inputs the substance, in particular, the
bedding, to be refreshed, into the drum 12, and by rotatably
manipulating the first selection unit 101 provided on the control
panel 40, a user selects the bedding care mode, and then by
pressedly manipulating the second selection unit 102, a user
selects the refreshing course (operation 1500). The information of
the refreshing course that a user selects is input in the control
unit 110 through the input unit 100.
[0311] Thus, the control unit 110, when the refreshing course is
selected and the operation command is input, sets the mechanical
force, that is, the refreshing RPM and the driving factor, the
airflow, the temperature, and the continuation time according to
the refreshing course (operation 1502). The mechanical force set at
this time is provided in a way to rotate the drum 12 at the proper
RPM, that is, the refreshing RPM, and with the proper driving
force, to refresh the compressed state of the cotton or the sponge
inside the bedding, and the airflow set at this time is provided in
a way to rotate the blower fan 66 with proper airflow, that is, the
refreshing airflow, to refresh the compressed state of the cotton
or the sponge inside the bedding. In addition, the temperature and
the continuation time set are provided in a way to drive the heater
68 so that the temperature of the entire bedding or a portion of
the bedding may be maintained at above a predetermined level of
temperature by using hot blast. The most important factors in the
refreshing course are the "temperature and mechanical force," and
are set in a way to eliminate moisture generated during the storage
process of the bedding and to refresh the compressed state, and the
temperature and the mechanical force are set within the range in
which the substance is not being damaged.
[0312] Thus, the control unit 110 operates the motor 15, the blower
fan 66, and the heater 68 through the driving unit 130 to proceed
with the basic cycle of the refreshing course.
[0313] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
rotates the drum 12 at the set mechanical force, that is, the
refreshing RPM, and with the driving factor, according to the
operation of the motor 15, thereby tumbling the bedding inside the
drum 12 (operation 1504). The refreshing RPM and the driving
factor, that is, the ON-OFF time of the motor, are set higher than
the driving RPMs and the driving factors of the sterilization
course and the tick elimination course, and are pre-stored in the
control unit 110.
[0314] The control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using the set
refreshing airflow, and the air inside the drum 12 is started to
circulate (operation 1506). The refreshing airflow uses the airflow
capable of delivering heat energy deep into an inside of the
bedding, and is pre-stored in the control unit 110.
[0315] Next, the control unit 110 drives the heater 68 to apply
heat on the air that circulates inside the drum 12, thereby the
high-temperature air, that is, the hot blast, is generated
(operation 1508). At this time, the control unit 110 detects the
temperature of the air, which is being introduced into the drum 12,
that is, the temperature at the entry of the drum, through the
temperature sensor 91, and sets the refreshing temperature, which
is lower than the sterilization temperature and capable of
eliminating the moisture generated during the storage process of
the bedding, and the refreshing continuation time, which is within
approximately 20 minutes, and the refreshing temperature and the
refreshing continuation time are pre-stored in the control unit
110.
[0316] As the above, the hot blast generated by the operation of
the heater 68 is introduced to an inside the drum 12 through a
drying duct, and the hot blast introduced to an inside the drum 12
delivers heat energy deep into the bedding that tumbles while
repeating the ascending and the descending operations inside the
drum 12 according to the rotation of the drum 12, to proceed with
the refreshing cycle, which is set to eliminate the moisture
generated during the storage process of the bedding and refresh the
compressed state of the bedding, thereby providing the soft, dry
bedding (operation 1510).
[0317] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
refreshing cycle to determine whether the set refreshing time that
is the time to eliminate the moisture of the bedding and refresh
the compressed state of the bedding, for example, within
approximately 20 minutes is expired (operation 1512), and if the
refreshing continuation time is not expired, the control unit 110
returns to the operation 1510 and proceeds with the refreshing
cycle by using the rotation of the drum 12 and the hot blast until
the refreshing continuation time expires.
[0318] As a result of the determination from the operation 1512, if
the refreshing continuation time is expired, the control unit 110,
through the driving unit 130, stops the motor 15, the blower fan
66, and the heater 68, thereby completing the basic cycle of the
refreshing course (operation 1514).
[0319] FIG. 20 is a flow chart of a operation of a control
algorithm of a refreshing course for the refreshing of bedding at a
washing machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure, and with respect to the
portions that are same to the portions described on FIG. 19, the
detailed description of the portions as such will be omitted.
[0320] In FIG. 20, a user inputs the substance, in particular, the
bedding, to be refreshed, into an inside the drum 12, and by
manipulating the first selection unit 101 and the second selection
unit 102 that are provided on the control panel 40, a user selects
the refreshing course (operation 1600).
[0321] Thus, the control unit 110, when the refreshing course is
selected and the operation command is input, detects the moisture
content of the substance being input into the drum 12 (operation
1602). With reference to the method of detecting the moisture of
the substance, the moisture content may be detected by directly
detecting the moisture content of the substance by use of the
humidity sensor 92 installed at a lower end of a front surface of
the drum 12, by measuring a temperature increase by use of a sensor
provided at a rear surface of the washing machine 1, or by directly
measuring a resistance at the time when the substance is in contact
with the drum 12 using a capacitance sensor attached to the drum
12.
[0322] Other than the above, a user may determine the state of the
moisture content of the substance and directly input the moisture
content data in the control unit 110.
[0323] When the moisture content of the substance is detected, the
control unit 110 sets the mechanical force, that is, the refreshing
RPM and the driving factor, the airflow, the temperature, and the
continuation time according to the detected moisture content of the
substance (operation 1604). The mechanical force set at this time
is provided in a way to rotate the drum 12 at the proper RPM, that
is, the refreshing RPM, and with the proper driving force, and the
airflow set at this time is provided in a way to rotate the blower
fan 66 with proper airflow. In addition, the temperature and the
continuation time set are provided in a way to drive the heater 68
so that the temperature of the entire bedding or a portion of the
bedding may be maintained at above a predetermined level of
temperature according to the moisture content of the substance.
[0324] Then, the control unit 110 operates the motor 15, the blower
fan 66, and the heater 68 through the driving unit 130 to proceed
with the cycle of the refreshing course, which is changed according
to the moisture content of the substance.
[0325] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
rotates the drum 12 at the set mechanical force, that is, the
refreshing RPM, and with the driving factor, according to the
operation of the motor 15, thereby tumbling the bedding inside the
drum 12 (operation 1606). The refreshing RPM and the driving factor
are set higher than the driving RPMs and the driving factors of the
sterilization course and the tick elimination course.
[0326] The control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using the set
refreshing wind, and the air inside the drum 12 is started to
circulate (operation 1608). With reference to the set refreshing
airflow, which is the airflow capable of delivering heat energy
deep into an inside the bedding, the refreshing airflow, which
corresponds to the moisture content of the substance, is invoked
for use from the table stored in the control unit 110.
[0327] Next, the control unit 110 drives the heater 68 to apply
heat on the air that circulates inside the drum 12, and thereby the
high-temperature air, that is, the hot blast, is generated
(operation 1610). At this time, the control unit 110 detects the
temperature of the air, which is being introduced into the drum 12
through the temperature sensor 91, and sets the refreshing
temperature and the refreshing continuation time at which the
moisture generated during the storage process of the bedding is
able to be removed. With reference to the refreshing temperature
and the refreshing continuation time, the refreshing temperature
and the refreshing continuation time, which correspond to the
moisture content of the substance, are invoked for use from the
temperature and time table stored in the control unit 110.
[0328] As the above, the hot blast generated by the operation of
the heater 68 is introduced to an inside the drum 12 through a
drying duct, and the hot blast introduced to an inside the drum 12
delivers heat energy deep into an inside the bedding that tumbles
while repeating the ascending and the descending operations inside
the drum 12 according to the rotation of the drum 12, to proceed
with the refreshing cycle, which is changed according to the
moisture content of the substance (operation 1612).
[0329] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
refreshing cycle to determine whether the set refreshing time is
expired (operation 1614), and if the refreshing continuation time
is not expired, the control unit 110 returns to the operation 1612
and proceeds with the refreshing cycle by using the rotation of the
drum 12 and the hot blast until the refreshing continuation time
expires.
[0330] As a result of the determination from the operation 1614, if
the refreshing continuation time is expired, the control unit 110,
through the driving unit 130, stops the motor 15, the blower fan
66, and the heater 68, thereby completing the cycle of the
refreshing course (operation 1616).
[0331] FIG. 21 is a flow chart of a operation of a control
algorithm of a refreshing course for the refreshing of bedding at a
washing machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure, and with respect to the
portions that are same to the portions described on FIG. 20, the
detailed description of the portions as such will be omitted.
[0332] In FIG. 21, a user inputs the substance, in particular, the
bedding, to be refreshed, into the drum 12, and by manipulating the
first selection unit 101 and the second selection unit 102 that are
provided on the control panel 40, a user selects the refreshing
course (operation 1700).
[0333] Thus, the control unit 110, when the refreshing course is
selected and the operation command is input, detects the moisture
content of the substance being input into the drum 12 to proceed
with the refreshing course (operation 1702).
[0334] When the moisture of the substance is detected, the control
unit 110 sets the mechanical force, that is, the refreshing RPM and
the driving factor, the airflow, the temperature, and the
continuation time according to the detected moisture content of the
substance (operation 1704).
[0335] Then, the control unit 110 operates the motor 15, the blower
fan 66, and the heater 68 through the driving unit 130 to proceed
with the cycle of the refreshing course, which is changed according
to the moisture content of the substance.
[0336] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
rotates the drum 12 at the set mechanical force, that is, the
refreshing RPM, and with the driving factor, according to the
operation of the motor 15, thereby tumbling the bedding inside the
drum 12 (operation 1706).
[0337] The control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using the set
refreshing airflow, and the air inside the drum 12 is started to
circulate (operation 1708).
[0338] Next, the control unit 110 drives the heater 68 to apply
heat on the air that circulates inside the drum 12, and thereby the
high-temperature air, that is, the hot blast, is generated
(operation 1710).
[0339] As the above, the hot blast generated by the operation of
the heater 68 is introduced to an inside the drum 12 through a
drying duct, and the hot blast introduced to an inside the drum 12
delivers heat energy deep into an inside the bedding that tumbles
while repeating the ascending and the descending operations inside
the drum 12 according to the rotation of the drum 12, to proceed
with the refreshing cycle, which is changed according to the
moisture content of the substance (operation 1712).
[0340] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
refreshing cycle to determine whether the set refreshing time is
expired (operation 1714), and if the refreshing continuation time
is not expired, the control unit 110 returns to the operation 1712
and proceeds with the refreshing cycle by using the rotation of the
drum 12 and the hot blast until the refreshing continuation time
expires.
[0341] As a result of the determination from the operation 1714, if
the refreshing continuation time is expired, the control unit 110,
through the driving unit 130, drives the scent generator 78, and
additionally proceeds with the post-processing cycle that may
increase the refreshing power of the bedding (operation 1716).
[0342] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the
description of the post-processing cycle, which is being proceeded
after the completion of the refreshing cycle, is used as an
example, but the present disclosure is not limited hereto, and may
be composed in a way that the post-processing cycle is proceeded
while the refreshing cycle is being proceeded.
[0343] The above described bedding care mode is summarized as
follows.
[0344] First, the bedding care mode has five total care courses,
including the sterilization course, the deodorization course, the
tick elimination course, the dust elimination course, and the
refreshing course.
[0345] The most important factor in the sterilization course is the
"temperature," and the sterilization course is set to be provided
with the temperature condition capable of sterilizing an inside the
subject while having a maximum temperature range in which the
subject is not being damaged.
[0346] The most important factor in the deodorization course is the
humidification, and the deodorization course is set to be provided
with the humidification condition capable of separating the
unpleasant odor particle attached to the substance, while having a
moisture supply range of approximately 2% to approximately 5% of
the deodorization load according to the weight (the load) of the
substance.
[0347] The most important factor in the tick elimination course is
the temperature, and the tick elimination course is set to be
provided with the temperature condition capable of eliminating the
tick inhibiting inside the substance while having a temperature
range capable of providing the hygienic bedding because the tick
elimination is possible at a shorter period of time than the
sterilization course.
[0348] The most important factors in the dust elimination course
are the strong airflow and the mechanical force, and the dust
elimination course is set in a range that the physical force
applied to the substance is maximized to eliminate the dust
attached to the substance.
[0349] The most important factor in the refreshing course is the
elimination of moisture, and the refreshing course is set in a
range capable of removing the moisture generated during the storage
process of the substance and capable of refreshing the compressed
state of the substance to the original state.
[0350] In conclusion, the values of the factors set to perform the
sterilization course, the deodorization course, the tick
elimination course, the dust elimination course, and the refreshing
course are arranged in order as follows:
[0351] First, the order of the courses from the largest mechanical
force (having the highest rotational speed of the drum) to the
smallest mechanical force is as follows: dust elimination
course.gtoreq.the deodorization course.gtoreq.the refreshing
course.gtoreq.the tick elimination course.gtoreq.the sterilization
course.
[0352] Second, the order of the courses from the highest inner
temperature of the drum 12 to the lowest inner temperature of the
drum 12 is as follows: the sterilization course.gtoreq.the tick
elimination course.gtoreq.the deodorization course.gtoreq.the
refreshing course.gtoreq.the sterilization course.
[0353] Third, the order of the courses from the largest airflow to
the smallest airflow is as follows: the dust elimination
course.gtoreq.the deodorization course.gtoreq.the refreshing
course.gtoreq.the tick elimination course.gtoreq.the sterilization
course.
[0354] Fourth, the order of the courses from the highest moisture
to the lowest moisture is as follows: the deodorization
course.gtoreq.the dust elimination course.gtoreq.the refreshing
course.gtoreq.the tick elimination course.gtoreq.the sterilization
course.
[0355] Other than the above, the rotation speed of the drum 12 is
changed according to the volume of the substance, and the order of
the courses from the highest rotation speed of the drum 12 to the
lowest rotation speed of the drum 12 is as follows: the large
volume bedding the medium volume bedding.gtoreq.the small volume
bedding.
[0356] As the above, the bedding care mode includes a plurality of
total care courses for the care of the bedding. However, in a case
of some users who are not familiar with the manipulation of the
courses or who are not in favor of the individual manipulation of
the courses, a course having all of the total care functions,
including sterilizing, deodorizing, eliminating ticks, eliminating
dust, and refreshing, may be demanded.
[0357] Thus, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, by
considering the above, a standard course is provided. The
description with respect to the standard course will be provided by
referring FIGS. 22 to 25.
[0358] FIG. 22 is a flow chart of an operation of a control
algorithm of a standard course for a total care of bedding at a
washing machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 23 is a drawing
showing the variable profile of a driving factor at a standard
course.
[0359] On FIG. 22, a user inputs the substance, in particular, the
bedding, to be subject to the total care, into the drum 12, and if
a bedding care mode is selected by a rotating manipulation of the
first selection unit 101 provided on the control panel 40, a
standard course is selected as a default without pressedly
manipulating the second selection unit 102 (operation 1800). Thus,
in a case when a user does not additionally manipulate the second
selection unit 102, the standard course, which is selected as
default, is input in the control unit 110 through the input unit
100.
[0360] Thus, the control unit 110, when the standard course is
selected and the operation command is input, sets the mechanical
force, that is, the standard RPM and the driving factor, the
airflow, the temperature, and the continuation time according to
the standard course (operation 1802). The mechanical force set at
this time is provided in a way to rotate the drum 12 at the proper
RPM, that is, the standard RPM, and with the proper driving force,
to eliminate the various bacteria, the tick, the unpleasant odor
particle, the dust, and the moisture inside the bedding, and the
airflow set at this time is provided in a way to rotate the blower
fan 66 with proper airflow, that is, the standard airflow, to
eliminate the various bacteria, the tick, the unpleasant odor
particle, the dust, and the moisture inside the bedding. In
addition, the temperature and the continuation time set are
provided in a way to drive the heater 68 to eliminate the various
bacteria, the tick, the unpleasant odor particle, the dust, and the
moisture inside the bedding. The most important factors in the
standard course are the "temperature and mechanical force," and are
set in a way to eliminate the various bacteria, the tick, the
unpleasant odor particle, the dust, and the moisture inside the
bedding.
[0361] Thus, the control unit 110 operates the motor 15, the blower
fan 66, and the heater 68 through the driving unit 130 to proceed
with the basic cycle of the standard course.
[0362] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
rotates the drum 12 at the set mechanical force, that is, the
standard RPM, and with the driving factor, according to the
operation of the motor 15, thereby tumbling the bedding inside the
drum 12 (operation 1804). The standard RPM and the driving factor,
that is, the ON-OFF time of the motor, use the same drying RPM of a
conventional drying cycle, which is at approximately less than 50
RPM, and the driving factor at approximately 20 seconds with the
motor ON and approximately 2 seconds with the motor OFF,
respectively, and are pre-stored in the control unit 110.
[0363] At this time, in the standard course, the standard RPM and
the driving factor are not fixed, but as illustrated on FIG. 23,
the standard RPM and the driving factor are variably changed during
the process of the standard course. In the standard course, the
standard RPM and the driving factor are variably changed, as to
further randomly tumble the bedding to satisfy the total care
functions, which are set to eliminate the various bacteria, the
tick, the unpleasant odor particle, the dust, and the moisture
inside the bedding. In addition, the variable sections of the
standard RPM se and the driving factor are configured to be freely
inserted into the middle of proceeding with the cycle of the
standard course.
[0364] The control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using the set
standard airflow, and the air inside the drum 12 is started to
circulate (operation 1806). The standard airflow uses the airflow
capable of delivering heat energy deep into an inside the bedding,
and is pre-stored in the control unit 110.
[0365] Next, the control unit 110 drives the heater 68 to apply
heat on the air that circulates inside the drum 12, and thereby the
high-temperature air, that is, the hot blast, is generated
(operation 1808). At this time, the control unit 110 detects the
temperature of the air, which is being introduced into the drum 12,
that is, the temperature at the entry of the drum, through the
temperature sensor 91, and sets the standard temperature, which is
lower than the tick elimination temperature, and the standard
continuation time, which is within approximately 1 hour, to reach
the temperature at which the various bacteria, the tick, the
unpleasant odor particle, the dust, and the moisture inside the
bedding are removed. The standard temperature and the standard
continuation time are pre-stored in the control unit 110.
[0366] As the above, the hot blast generated by the operation of
the heater 68 is introduced to an inside the drum 12 through a
drying duct, and the hot blast introduced to an inside the drum 12
delivers heat energy deep into the bedding that tumbles while
repeating the ascending and the descending operations inside the
drum 12 according to the rotation of the drum 12, to proceeds with
the standard cycle, which is set to eliminate the various bacteria,
the tick, the unpleasant odor particle, the dust, and the moisture
inside the bedding (operation 1810).
[0367] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
standard cycle to determine whether the set standard time, that is,
the time to eliminate the various bacteria, the tick, the
unpleasant odor particle, the dust, and the moisture inside the
bedding within 1 hour, is expired (operation 1812), and if the
standard continuation time is not expired, the control unit 110
returns to the operation 1810 and proceeds with the standard cycle
by using the rotation of the drum 12 and the hot blast until the
standard continuation time expires.
[0368] As a result of the determination from the operation 1812, if
the standard continuation time is expired, the control unit 110,
through the driving unit 130, stops the motor 15, the blower fan
66, and the heater 68, thereby completing the basic cycle of the
standard course (operation 1814).
[0369] FIG. 24 is a flow chart of a operation of a control
algorithm of a standard course for a total care of bedding at a
washing machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure, and with respect to the
portions that are same to the portions described in FIG. 22, the
detailed description of the portions as such will be omitted.
[0370] In FIG. 24, a user inputs the substance that is subject to a
total care in particular, the bedding, into the drum 12, and by
manipulating the first selection unit 101 provided on the control
panel 40, the standard course is selected (operation 1900).
[0371] Thus, the control unit 110, when the standard course is
selected and the operation command is input, determines the weight
(the volume) of the substance, which is input into the drum 12, to
proceed with the standard course (operation 1902).
[0372] When the weight (the volume) of the substance is determined,
the control unit 110 sets the mechanical force, that is, the
standard RPM and the driving factor, the airflow, the temperature,
and the continuation time according to the determined weight (the
volume) of the substance (operation 1904). The mechanical force set
at this time is provided in a way to rotate the drum 12 at the
proper RPM, that is, the standard RPM, and with the proper driving
force, and the airflow set at this time is provided in a way to
rotate the blower fan 66 with proper airflow, that is, the standard
airflow. In addition, the temperature and the continuation time set
are provided in a way to drive the heater 68 so that the
temperature of the entire bedding or a portion of the bedding may
be maintained at above a predetermined level of temperature
according to the weight (the volume) of the substance.
[0373] Then, the control unit 110 operates the motor 15, the blower
fan 66, and the heater 68 through the driving unit 130 to proceed
with the cycle of the standard course, which is changed according
to the weight (the volume) of the substance.
[0374] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
rotates the drum 12 at the set standard RPM and with the set
driving factor, according to the operation of the motor 15, thereby
tumbling the bedding inside the drum 12 (operation 1906). The set
standard RPM and the set driving factor use the same drying RPM,
which is at approximately less than 50 RPM, and the driving factor,
which is at approximately 20 seconds with the motor ON and
approximately 2 seconds with the motor OFF, that are the same as in
a conventional drying cycle, or may use a motor RPM and a driving
force that are capable of delivering a proper mechanical force
according to the weight (the volume) of the substance.
[0375] At this time, in the standard course, the standard RPM and
the driving factor are not fixed, but as illustrated on FIG. 23,
the standard RPM and the driving factor are variably changed during
the process of the standard course.
[0376] The control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using the set
standard airflow, and the air inside the drum 12 is started to
circulate (operation 1908). The set standard airflow is the airflow
capable of delivering heat energy deep into an inside bedding, and
a standard airflow corresponding to the weight (the volume) of the
substance is invoked for use from the airflow table that is stored
in the control unit 110.
[0377] Next, the control unit 110 drives the heater 68 to apply
heat on the air that circulates inside the drum 12, and thereby the
high-temperature air, that is, the hot blast, is generated
(operation 1910). At this time, the control unit 110 detects the
temperature of the air, which is being introduced into the drum 12
through the temperature sensor 91, and sets the standard
temperature, which is lower than the tick elimination temperature,
and the standard continuation time, to reach to the temperature at
which the various bacteria, the tick, the unpleasant odor particle,
the dust, and the moisture inside the bedding are eliminated. The
standard temperature and the standard continuation time
corresponding to the weight (the volume) of the substance are
invoked for use from the temperature and time table that is stored
in the control unit 110.
[0378] As the above, the hot blast generated by the operation of
the heater 68 is introduced to an inside the drum 12 through a
drying duct, and the hot blast introduced to an inside the drum 12
delivers heat energy deep into an inside the bedding that tumbles
while repeating the ascending and the descending operations inside
the drum 12 according to the rotation of the drum 12, to proceed
with the standard cycle, which is changed according to the weight
(the volume) of the substance (operation 1912).
[0379] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
standard cycle to determine whether the set standard time is
expired (operation 1914), and if the standard continuation time is
not expired, the control unit 110 returns to the operation 1912 and
proceeds with the changed standard cycle by using the rotation of
the drum 12 and the hot blast until the standard continuation time
expires.
[0380] As a result of the determination from the operation 1914, if
the standard continuation time is expired, the control unit 110,
through the driving unit 130, stops the motor 15, the blower fan
66, and the heater 68, thereby completing the cycle of the changed
standard course (operation 1916).
[0381] FIG. 25 is a flow chart of a operation of a control
algorithm of a standard course for a total care of bedding at a
washing machine having a drying apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure, and with respect to the
portions that are same to the portions described on FIG. 24, the
detailed description of the portions as such will be omitted.
[0382] In FIG. 25, a user inputs the substance that is to be
subject to a total care, in particular, the bedding into the drum
12, and by manipulating the first selection unit 101 provided on
the control panel 40, the standard course is selected (operation
2000).
[0383] Thus, the control unit 110, when the standard course is
selected and the operation command is input, determines the weight
(the volume) of the substance, which is input into the drum 12, to
proceed with the standard course (operation 2002).
[0384] When the weight (the volume) of the substance is determined,
the control unit 110 sets the mechanical force, that is, the
standard RPM and the driving factor, the airflow, the temperature,
and the continuation time according to the determined weight of the
substance (2004). The mechanical force set at this time is provided
in a way to rotate the drum 12 at the proper RPM, that is, the
standard RPM, and with the proper driving force, and the airflow
set at this time is provided in a way to rotate the blower fan 66
with proper airflow, that is, the standard airflow. In addition,
the temperature and the continuation time set are provided in a way
to drive the heater 68 so that the temperature of the entire
bedding or a portion of the bedding may be maintained at above a
predetermined level of temperature according to the weight (the
volume) of the substance.
[0385] Then, the control unit 110 operates the motor 15, the blower
fan 66, and the heater 68 through the driving unit 130 to proceed
with the cycle of the standard course, which is changed according
to the weight (the volume) of the substance.
[0386] To describe the above more in detail, the control unit 110
rotates the drum 12 at the set standard RPM and with the set
driving factor, according to the operation of the motor 15, thereby
tumbling the bedding inside the drum 12 (operation 2006). The set
standard RPM and the set driving factor use the drying RPM, which
is at approximately less than 50 RPM, and the driving factor, which
is at approximately 20 seconds with the motor ON and approximately
2 seconds with the motor OFF, that are the same as in a
conventional drying cycle, or may use the motor RPM and the driving
force that are capable of delivering a proper mechanical force
according to the weight (the volume) of the substance.
[0387] At this time, in the standard course, the standard RPM and
the driving factor are not fixed, but as illustrated on FIG. 23,
the standard RPM and the driving factor are variably changed during
the process of the standard course.
[0388] The control unit 110 rotates the blower fan 66 using the set
standard airflow, and the air inside the drum 12 is started to
circulate (operation 2008). The set standard airflow is the airflow
capable of delivering heat energy deep into an inside bedding, and
the standard airflow corresponding to the weight (the volume) of
the substance is invoked for use from the airflow table that is
stored in the control unit 110.
[0389] Next, the control unit 110 drives the heater 68 to apply
heat on the air that circulates inside the drum 12, and thereby the
high-temperature air, that is, the hot blast, is generated (2010).
At this time, the control unit 110 detects the temperature of the
air, which is being introduced into the drum 12 through the
temperature sensor 91, and sets the standard temperature, which is
lower than the tick elimination temperature, and the standard
continuation time, to reach to the temperature at which the various
bacteria, the tick, the unpleasant odor particle, the dust, and the
moisture inside the bedding are eliminated. The standard
temperature and the standard continuation time corresponding to the
weight (the volume) of the substance are invoked for use from the
temperature and time table that is stored in the control unit
110.
[0390] As the above, the hot blast generated by the operation of
the heater 68 is introduced to an inside the drum 12 through a
drying duct, and the hot blast introduced to an inside the drum 12
delivers heat energy deep into an inside the bedding that tumbles
while repeating the ascending and the descending operations inside
the drum 12 according to the rotation of the drum 12, and proceeds
with the standard cycle, which is changed according to the weight
(the volume) of the substance (operation 2012).
[0391] Then, the control unit 110 counts the proceeding time of the
standard cycle to determine whether the set standard time is
expired (operation 2014), and if the standard continuation time is
not expired, the control unit 110 returns to the operation 2012 and
proceeds with the changed standard cycle, by using the rotation of
the drum 12 and the hot blast until the standard continuation time
expires.
[0392] As a result of the determination from the operation 2014, if
the standard continuation time is expired, the control unit 110,
through the driving unit 130, drives the ion generator 74 and the
ultraviolet ray lamp 76 to additionally proceed with the
post-processing cycle to increase the effect of the total care of
the bedding (operation 2016).
[0393] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the
description of the post-processing cycle, which is being proceeded
after the completion of the standard cycle, is used as an example,
but the present disclosure is not limited hereto, and may be
composed in a way that the post-processing cycle is proceeded while
the standard cycle is being proceeded. In the case as such, by
proceeding with the post-processing cycle, the most important
factors in the standard course, which are the standard temperature
and the mechanical force, may be variably changed. That is, in a
case when the post-processing cycle is proceeded while reducing the
standard temperature and the mechanical force, the same total care
effect may be anticipated compared to as when the standard cycle is
proceeded without proceeding with the post-processing cycle.
[0394] Meanwhile, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure, the washing machine 1 having a drying apparatus to
perform the total care functions of the bedding is described as an
example. However, the present disclosure is not limited hereto, and
any appliance having a drying apparatus, such as a drying device,
may be capable of achieving the same objectives and the effects of
the present disclosure.
[0395] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a drying apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG.
27 is a cross-sectional view of a side of the drying apparatus
illustrated on FIG. 26.
[0396] On FIGS. 26 and 27, a drying apparatus 3001 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body 3010
having a hexagonal shape, a drum 3020 rotatably installed inside
the drum 3010 and provided with a space in which the substance such
as the bedding is being dried, a driving apparatus 3030 configured
to rotate the drum 3020, and a hot blast duct 3070 configured to
supply the hot blast into the drum 3020.
[0397] The body 3010 includes a cabinet 3011, a rear cover 3011a, a
top cover 3012 covering an upper portion of the cabinet 3011, a
front surface panel 3013 disposed at a front surface of the cabinet
3011, and a control panel 3014 provided with various buttons and
displays to control the drying apparatus 3001 disposed thereto.
[0398] The drum 3020 is formed with a cylindrical shape having an
opening at a front surface and a rear surface thereof, and is
provided with a plurality of lifters 3021 pointedly protruded at an
inner surface thereof so that the substance may be ascended and
then descended. In addition, a front supporting panel 3022 and a
rear supporting panel 3024 are fixedly installed at an inner side
of the front surface portion of the body 3010 and at an inner side
of the rear surface portion of body 3010, respectively, so that the
front supporting panel 3022 and the rear supporting panel 3024 may
be able to rotatably support the opening of the front surface and
the opening of the rear surface of the drum 3020, respectively,
while covering the opening of the front surface and the opening of
the rear surface of the drum 3020, respectively.
[0399] An inlet port 3019a is formed at a front surface and at the
front surface supporting panel 3022 to put in the substance or take
out the substance from the drum 3020, and a door 3019 is installed
at a front surface of the body 3010 to open/close the inlet port
3019a.
[0400] The driving apparatus 3030 includes a driving motor 3031
installed at a lower portion of an inner side of the cabinet 3010,
and a pulley 3032 and a rotation belt 3033 to deliver the driving
force of the driving motor 3031 to the drum 3020. The rotation belt
3033 is installed in a way to be wound around an outer surface of
the drum 3020 and the pulley 3032, which is coupled to the shaft of
the driving motor 3031.
[0401] The hot blast duct 3070 includes a heating unit 3080 to
apply heat on the air introduced, and a hot blast supply unit 3040
connecting the heating unit 3080 to the drum 3020.
[0402] The hot blast supply unit 3040 connects a drum air suction
port 3024a formed at an upper portion of the rear surface
supporting panel 3024 to the heating unit 3080, and is configured
to guide the air, which is suctioned and heated, to the drum
3020.
[0403] The heating unit 3080 is installed at a lower portion of the
drum 3020 to guide outside air to be introduced, and applies heat
on the air introduced. The heating unit 3080 includes a heater 3081
to radiate heat inside, and a thermostat 3082 installed for the
safety of the heater 3081.
[0404] With respect to the heater 3081, a coil heater is mainly
used, and the heater 3081 may be composed of more than one heater.
At this time, the more than one heater may be provided with
different power capacity or with same power capacity. For example,
in a case when the overall power capacity (100%) is approximately
5.3 kW, the heater 3082 may be composed of one heater using a large
power capacity at approximately 70%, that is, approximately 3.7 kW,
and the other heater using a small power capacity at approximately
30%, that is, approximately 1.6 kW. At this time, the capacity of
the more than one heater is not precisely split into the ratio of
70%:30%, but may be split into the various ratios based on the
optimal split condition of the capacity.
[0405] The thermostat 3082 is a safety apparatus installed at a
side surface or adjacent to the heater 3081, and configured to
mechanically operate to be turned ON/OFF according to the
temperature of the heater 3081. The thermostat 3082 is configured
to maintain the ON status before the temperature of the heater 3081
reaches at a predetermined level of overheated temperature, and as
the temperature of the heater 3081 is reached at the level of the
overheated temperature, the thermostat 3082 is changed to the OFF
status, so that the commercial power is not applied to the heater
3081.
[0406] In addition, an exhaust duct 3050 is connected to a lower
portion of the front of the drum 3020 to guide the exhaustion of
the air introduced to an inside the drum 3020. The exhaust duct
3050 includes a front exhaust duct 3051 configured to connect an
exhaust port 3022b of a lower portion of the front supporting panel
3022 to an entry of a blower apparatus 3060 installed at a lower
portion of the drum 3020, and a rear exhaust duct 3053 installed at
a lower side of the cabinet 3011 so that the exit of the blower
apparatus 3060 communicates with an outer side of a rear surface
unit of the cabinet 3011.
[0407] At the front exhaust duct 3051, a filter member 3055 is
installed to filter the foreign substance such as dust or lint
included in the hot blast that is exhausted from the drum 3020.
[0408] The draft apparatus 3060 having an entry connected to the
exhaust duct 3051 includes a blower fan 3061 installed at a front
of a lower portion of the drum 3020 to circulate air, and a blower
case 3063 connected to the front exhaust duct 3051 and the rear
exhaust duct 3053 while surrounding the blower fan 3061.
[0409] In addition, at a lower end of the front of the drum 3020,
at which the exhaust unit 3022b is formed, a dryness sensor 3090
configured to determine the dryness of the substance by making
contact with the substance that rotates according to the rotation
of the drum 3020 to measure the sensing value of the electrical
signal that varies according to the amount of the moisture
contained in the substance. As for the dryness sensor 3090, a touch
sensor in the form of a plate bar is used.
[0410] In addition, at an upper portion of the hot blast supply
unity 3040 at an upper end side of the rear surface of the drum
3020 at which the inlet port 3024a is formed, a temperature sensor
3095 is installed to detect the temperature of the air introduced
into the drum 3020, that is, the temperature of the entry unit of
the drum.
[0411] Meanwhile, the drying apparatus 3001 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure further includes an outside
exhaust duct configured to guide air to an outside to exhaust the
air that passing through the drum 3020 to an outside of the drying
apparatus 3001.
[0412] In addition, with respect to the drying apparatus 3001 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an
exhaust-type drying apparatus configured to exhaust the
high-temperature, high-humidity air that passed through the drum
3020 to outside the drying apparatus 3001 is described as an
example, but the present disclosure is not limited hereto, and a
condensation-type drying apparatus set to circulate the air, after
eliminating the moisture from the high-temperature, high-humidity
air that passed through the drum 3020, again to an inside the drum
3020.
[0413] As is apparent from the above description, a total care
function such as sterilizing, deodorizing, eliminating ticks,
eliminating dust, and refreshing with respect to the substance can
be performed, and total care courses, which include a sterilization
course, a deodorization course, a tick elimination course, a dust
elimination course, and a refreshing course, capable of performing
each total care function in an independent manner can be provided,
so that the total care function can be independently performed
separately from a conventional washing cycle or a drying cycle.
[0414] In addition, by changing the rotation speed of the drum
according to the type and the weight of the bedding, the damage of
the substance at each of the total care courses may be reduced
while obtaining optimal effects.
[0415] Other than the above, by providing a standard course having
all the total care functions such as sterilizing, deodorizing,
eliminating ticks, eliminating dust, and refreshing, the
manipulation efficiency may be enhanced for a user who is not
familiar with the manipulation of the courses and also for a user
who is not in favor of the inconvenience of the manipulation of the
courses.
[0416] The above-described embodiments may be recorded in
computer-readable media including program instructions to implement
various operations embodied by a computer. The media may also
include, alone or in combination with the program instructions,
data files, data structures, and the like. The program instructions
recorded on the media may be those specially designed and
constructed for the purposes of embodiments, or they may be of the
kind well-known and available to those having skill in the computer
software arts. Examples of computer-readable media include magnetic
media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical
media such as CD ROM disks and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as
optical disks; and hardware devices that are specially configured
to store and perform program instructions, such as read-only memory
(ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, and the like. The
computer-readable media may also be a distributed network, so that
the program instructions are stored and executed in a distributed
fashion. The program instructions may be executed by one or more
processors. The computer-readable media may also be embodied in at
least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or Field
Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which executes (processes like a
processor) program instructions. Examples of program instructions
include both machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and
files containing higher level code that may be executed by the
computer using an interpreter. The above-described devices may be
configured to act as one or more software modules in order to
perform the operations of the above-described embodiments, or vice
versa.
[0417] Although a few embodiments of the present disclosure 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 disclosure, the
scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *