DRYER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME

A dryer includes a main body having an opening for an object to be dried to be entered therethrough, a drum arranged inside the main body for accommodating the object entered through the opening, a door opening or closing the opening, an input device configured to receive an input to perform a dehumidification mode, and output a control signal corresponding to the received input, a heat exchanger heating air supplied to the drum, a fan forming a flow of air along a fluid path connected to the drum through the heat exchanger from outside of the main body, and a controller configured to control the fan to introduce air from the outside of the main body to flow along the fluid path in response to the control signal received from the input device.

The disclosure relates to a dryer, and more particularly, to a dryer for dehumidifying air outside the dryer in addition to drying an object to be dried.

2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

A dryer is an apparatus for drying clothes (hereinafter, referred to as an object to be dried) by spinning a drum that accommodates the object to be dried and supplying hot air into the drum.

The existing dryer is installed and used in a washing room or a utility room separately partitioned off in the house, but the washing room or the utility room has no window and is narrow and small, thereby having bad ventilation. When the washing room or the utility room has high humidity, the dryer installed therein is more likely to be corroded, giving an unpleasant feeling to the user going in and out of the space. An extra dehumidifier may be installed in the space where the dryer is installed, but it is inefficient in terms of costs and spatial use.

In the meantime, heat pump dryers may dry the object to be dried using a refrigerant cycle. The aforementioned problems may be solved all at once by properly utilizing characteristics of the refrigerant cycle, although an essential function of the dryer is to dry the object to be dried.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a dryer includes a main body having an opening for an object to be dried to be entered therethrough, a drum arranged inside the main body to accommodate the object entered thorough the opening, a door opening or closing the opening, an input device configured to receive an input to perform a dehumidification mode and output a control signal corresponding to the received input, a heat exchanger heating air supplied to the drum; a fan forming a flow of air along a fluid path connected to the drum through the heat exchanger from outside of the main body, and a controller configured to control the fan to introduce air from the outside of the main body to flow along the fluid path in response to the control signal received from the input device.

In an embodiment, the dryer may further include a door sensor configured to detect an open/close state of the door, and outputting a door open signal or a door close signal in response to to the detected state of the door, and the controller may control the fan based on the door open signal or the door close signal received from the door open/close sensor.

In an embodiment, the dryer may further include a door opening device opening the door, and the controller may control the door opening device in response to the control signal received from the input device.

In an embodiment, the dryer may further include a dehumidification unit comprises a first fluid path to guide the introduced air from the outside of the main body to the heat exchanger and a second fluid path to guide air discharged from the drum to the heat exchanger.

In an embodiment, the dehumidification unit further includes a fluid path guide in a first position to provide the first fluid path or in a second position to provide the second fluid path; and a fluid path position detecting sensor configured to detect a position of the fluid path guide and output a fluid path position detection signal to detect a position of the fluid path guide, and the controller may control the fan based on the position detection signal received from the fluid path position detecting sensor.

In an embodiment, the dryer may further include a fluid path position switching device configured to move the fluid path guide from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, and the controller may control the fluid path position switching device in response to the control signal received from the input device.

In an embodiment, the dryer may further include a display device to display operation information of the dryer, and the controller may control the display device to display information about the detected state of the door based on the door open signal or the door close signal received from the door sensor.

In an embodiment, the dryer may further include a motor providing power to rotate the drum, and the controller may control the motor to rotate the drum in response to the control signal received from the input device.

In an embodiment, the dryer may further include a motor current sensor outputting a motor current signal corresponding to a current applied to the motor, and the controller may control the motor to stop rotation of the drum based on the motor current signal received from the motor current sensor.

In an embodiment, the dryer may further include a communication circuit communicating with an external server, and the controller may receive a remote control command from the external server in response to the control signal received from the input device.

According to an embodiment, a method for controlling a dryer including a main body having an opening for an object to be dried to be entered therethrough, a drum arranged inside the main body to accommodate the object to be dried entered through the opening, a door to open or close the opening, a heat exchanger to heat air supplied to the drum, a fan to form a flow of air along a fluid path connected to the drum through the heat exchanger from outside of the main body, and an input device to receive an input to the operate the dryer, comprises by the input device, receiving an input to perform a dehumidification mode and outputting a control signal corresponding to the received input; controlling the fan, by a controller, to introduce air from the outside of the main body to flow along the fluid path in response to the control signal received from the input device.

The dryer may further include a door sensor, and the method further comprises, by the door sensor, detecting an open/close state of the door and outputting a door open signal or the door close signal in response to the detected state of the door, and the method may further include controlling the fan, by the controller, based on the door open signal or the door close signal received from the door sensor.

The dryer may further include a door opening device to open the door, and the method may further include controlling the door opening device in response to the control signal received from the input device.

The dryer may further include a dehumidification unit includes a first fluid path to guide the introduced air from the outside of the main body to the heat exchanger and a second fluid path to guide air discharged from the drum to the heat exchanger.

The dehumidification unit may further include a fluid path guide in a first position to provide the first fluid path or in a second position to provide the second fluid path; and a fluid path position detecting sensor configured to detect a position of the fluid path guide, and outputting a fluid path position detection signal in response to the detected position of the fluid path guide, and the controlling of the fan further comprises controlling the fan based on the position detection signal received from the fluid path position detecting sensor.

The dryer may further include a fluid path position switching device configured to move the fluid path guide from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, and the method may include controlling the fluid path position switching device in response to the control signal received from the input device.

The dryer may further include a display device to display operation information of the dryer, and the method may include controlling the display device to display information about the detected state of the door based on the door open signal or the door close signal received from the door sensor.

The dryer may further include a motor providing power to rotate the drum, and the method may include controlling the motor to rotate the drum in response to the control signal received from the input device.

The dryer may further include a motor current sensor outputting a motor current signal corresponding to a current applied to the motor, and the method may include controlling the motor to stop a rotation of the drum based on the motor current signal received from the motor current sensor.

The dryer may further include a communication circuit communicating with an external server, and the method may include receiving a remote control command from the external server in response to the control signal received from the input device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Like numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification. Not all elements of embodiments of the disclosure will be described, and description of what are commonly known in the art or what overlap each other in the embodiments will be omitted. The term ‘unit, module, member, or block’ may refer to what is implemented in software or hardware, and a plurality of units, modules, members, or blocks may be integrated in one component or the unit, module, member, or block may include a plurality of components, depending on the embodiment of the disclosure.

The term “include (or including)” or “comprise (or comprising)” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, unless otherwise mentioned.

Throughout the specification, when it is said that a member is located “on” another member, it implies not only that the member is located adjacent to the other member but also that a third member exists between the two members.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. A dryer1according to the disclosure may be used to dry and/or manage clothing, shoes, miscellaneous items, etc.

An aspect of the disclosure provides a dryer capable of efficiently dehumidifying air outside the dryer in addition to having a function of drying an object to be dried.

According to the disclosure, a dryer has a function of dehumidifying outside air in addition to a function of drying an object to be dried, thereby eliminating the need to install an extra dehumidifier in a space with the dryer.

Furthermore, according to the disclosure, a dryer may have improved dehumidification performance by detecting a proper condition in which to perform a dehumidification function.FIG. 1is an exterior view of a dryer, according to an embodiment,FIG. 2illustrates a dryer having a dehumidification unit installed therein, according to an embodiment,FIG. 3is a side cross-sectional view of a dryer, according to an embodiment, andFIG. 4is a side cross-sectional view of a dryer having a dehumidification unit installed therein, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 1, a direction along the X-axis may be defined as a front-back direction, a direction along the Y-axis may be defined as a left-right direction, and a direction along the Z-axis may be defined as an up-down direction The terms “front-back direction”, “left-right direction”, “up-down direction”, etc., as herein used are defined with respect to the drawings, but the terms may not restrict the shapes and positions of the respective components.

Referring toFIG. 1, a dryer1according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a main body10. The main body10may include a front plate11, a top plate12, side plates13, a rear plate14, and a bottom plate15, which may form into an almost rectangular shape. The may body10may constitute a main frame of the dryer1.

A condensation water storage16may be arranged in the main body10, and may be. Specifically, the condensation water storage16may be arranged in an upper portion on the front plate11of the main body10. The condensation water storage16may store condensate water produced from the operation of a refrigerant cycle, which will be described later.

There may be an input device17provided on the main body10to operate the dryer. Specifically, the input device17may be arranged on an upper portion of the front plate11of the main body10. The input device17may include at least one of a dial switch17a, a display device17b, and buttons17c. The dial switch17amay be arranged for the user to select a mode of the dryer1by grasping and turning the tunable switch17a. The display device17bmay be arranged to display operation information including an operation state and/or a user manipulation state of the dryer1. The display device17bmay have a display structure of a capacitive touch type, and may be arranged to allow the user to make touch inputs for various commands. The buttons17cmay be arranged for the user to select a mode of the dryer1by pressing them. It is not, however, limited thereto, and there may be various manipulation methods.

The display device17bmay display information about whether a dehumidification mode is available in addition to the aforementioned operation information. For example, the display device17bmay be controlled to display information about a door open or closed state based on a received door open or close signal410(seeFIG. 10). Furthermore, the display device17bmay be controlled to display information about an installation state of the dehumidification unit100based on an installation signal received from a unit sensor420. In addition, the display device17bmay be controlled to display information about a positional state of a fluid path guide230based on a position detection signal received from a fluid path position detection sensor430while the dehumidification unit100is installed. In conclusion, the display device17bmay notify the user of whether an open fluid path has been formed, i.e., whether the dehumidification mode is available.

The main body10may include a base60. The base60may be arranged at the bottom of the main body10, forming the bottom plate15. There may be legs19provided at the bottom plate10to support the main body10.

The dryer1may include a drum20arranged to receive an object to be dried (also referred to simply as an object). The drum20may include an entrance of the drum, through which to throw in the object. The drum20may be rotationally arranged in the main body10.

The dryer1may include a driver to rotate the drum20. Referring toFIG. 5, the driver may include a driving motor31settled on the base60, a pulley32rotated by the driving motor31, and a belt (not shown) that connects the pulley32to the drum20for transferring power of the driving motor31to the drum20.

In the meantime, in an embodiment, the dryer1may suck in humid outside air while the door30is open, and dehumidify outside space by discharging the air dried through a refrigerant cycle of a heat exchanger70. In this case, as the door30of the dryer1is open, an open fluid path may be formed. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the dryer1may further include the dehumidification unit100that may form the open fluid path even while the door30is closed. The dryer1further including the dehumidification unit100will be described with reference toFIGS. 2 to 4.

FIG. 2illustrates a dryer having a dehumidification unit installed therein, according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG. 5, the dehumidification unit100may be detachably installed in the dryer1. The dehumidification unit100may be installed into the main body10through a second opening65arranged on the front plate of the main body10. Furthermore, instead of a filter unit50, the dehumidification unit100may be installed in the dryer1. That is, the dehumidification unit100and the filter unit50may be provided to replace each other. In other words, the user may install the dehumidification unit100or the filter unit50into the dryer1according to an intended function (dehumidification mode or dry mode). For example, when the filter unit50is removed from the main body10, the dehumidification unit100may be detachably installed into a unit receiver61. The dehumidification unit100may be detachably mounted on the base60.

In the disclosure, the dryer1is equipped with a fan80that forms a fluid path by sucking in humid outside air, forcing the air to pass through the heat exchanger70and the drum20and then discharging dry air to the outside of the dryer. The dryer1may have the fluid path differently formed depending on whether the dehumidification unit100is installed or not. This will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3is a side cross-sectional view of a dryer, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 3, the drum20may include an inlet21through which air flows to the inside23of the drum, and an outlet22through which air flows out of the drum from the inside23of the drum. The inlet21may be formed on one side of the drum20and the outlet22may be formed on the other side of the drum20. Specifically, the inlet21may be a rear opening of the drum20, and the outlet22may be a front opening of the drum20. For example, the front opening of the drum20may be an entrance of the drum.

Hot and dry air may flow into the drum20through the inlet21, and dry the object contained in the drum20. Furthermore, the air that has gotten to contain lots of water after the drying of the object may get out of the drum20through the outlet22.

A plurality of lifters24may be arranged inside the drum20. The lifters24may lift and drop the object so that the object contacts hot air while the object drifts in the space in the drum20.

To throw the object into the drum20, a first opening (or inlet)25may be formed on the front of the main body10, and a door30may be installed to open or close the first opening25. The door30may be hinged to one side of the first opening25to pivot from the one side.

The base60may be arranged at the bottom of the drum20. Referring toFIG. 5, the heat exchanger70, a compressor73, an expansion device74, etc., which constitute the refrigerant cycle, may be settled on the base60. The fan80, the driving motor31, the pulley32, etc., may also be settled on the base60. A base cover75may be arranged above the base60to cover the heat exchanger70and so on. For example, the base cover75may form a duct structure with the base60.

The fan80may be arranged on the base60. The fan80may form an air fluid path by generating wind power. For example, the fan80may discharge air in a radial direction. For this, the fan80may include a rotation shaft83formed at the center, and a plurality of blades84formed in a circumferential direction centered at the rotation shaft83.

In the embodiment, the dryer1may form an open fluid path while the door30is open. In this case, when the dehumidification mode is performed, the dryer1forces humid outside air to flow in through the front opening of the drum20and the air dried after passing through the heat exchanger70and the drum20to flow out through the front opening. In this case, there is no need for the door30to be fully opened, and it is sufficient for the door30to be not fully closed but opened to such an extent that allows the air to be moved through part of the front opening.

In the embodiment, in the dryer1, when the fan80is operated, the open fluid path is formed to allow the air to be moved in a direction from the front opening->heat exchanger70->the flow-in port21->the drum20->the front opening. The humid outside air may become dry air through the fluid path formed and may be discharged into space where the dryer1is installed.

A refrigerant cycle may be formed in the main body10to heat and condense the air. Refrigerant may circulate in a series of processes including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. Specifically, the refrigerant cycle may include the heat exchanger70, the compressor73, and the expansion device74. The heat exchanger70may exchange heat with air and may include the evaporator71and the condenser72.

The compressor73compresses the refrigerant into a high temperature and high pressure state and discharges the refrigerant, and the discharged refrigerant flows into the condenser72. The condenser72may condense the compressed refrigerant and radiate heat around through a condensation process. Furthermore, the expansion device74expands the refrigerant in the high temperature and high pressure state, which is condensed by the condenser72, into a low pressure state. The evaporator71may evaporate the expanded refrigerant, and take the surrounding heat during the evaporation process.

When the object is thrown into the dryer1and the dry mode is operated, the hot and humid air flowing out from the drum20may pass through the evaporator71. Accordingly, the hot and humid air flowing out from the drum20may be cooled while passing through the evaporator71and may turn to dry air with low temperature. At this time, condensate water may be produced while the hot and humid air is cooled in the evaporator71. The condensate water may be moved into the condensation water storage16or discharged out of the main body10. Furthermore, the air that has become dry and cool after passing through the evaporator71may pass through the condenser72. Accordingly, the dry and cool air discharged from the evaporator71may be heated while passing through the condenser72and may turn to hot and dry air. The hot and dry air may flow into the drum20through the inlet21, and dry the object therein. Hot and humid air containing lots of water due to the drying of the object may flow out through the outlet22. The air that has flown out may pass through the evaporator71again. To sum up, air circulates in the main body10to dry the object contained in the drum20.

Normally, in the dry mode, a closed fluid path may be formed in the main body10of the dryer1. The closed fluid path herein may be an air flowing path arranged for air in a cabinet to circulate through the heat exchanger70and the drum20. The close fluid path may not be connected to the outside of the main body10to prevent the outside air from flowing in or out. That is, a flow of air may form a closed loop.

In the meantime, the dryer1may further include the dehumidification unit100to perform the dehumidification function not only while the door30is open but also while the door30is closed. When the dehumidification unit100is installed in the dryer1, dehumidification may be performed through the open fluid path formed by the dehumidification unit100.

FIG. 4is a side cross-sectional view of a dryer having a dehumidification unit installed therein, according to an embodiment,FIG. 5illustrates a base of a dyer, according to an embodiment, andFIG. 6illustrates a dehumidification unit.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the dehumidification unit100may be arranged on the base60. Specifically, the dehumidification unit100may be detachably mounted on the base60.

Especially, as the dehumidification unit100is installed in the dryer1, the dryer1may have the open fluid path even while the door30is completely closed. The open fluid path may be an air flowing path (see arrows ofFIG. 4) formed for the outside air to be sucked into the dryer1, passing through the heat exchanger70and the drum20, and discharged out of the dryer1. Alternatively, the open fluid path may be an air flowing path formed for the outside air to be sucked into the dryer1, passing through the heat exchanger70, and discharged out of the dryer1. Both ends of the open fluid path (an inlet port121and an outlet port122as will be described later) are connected to the outside of the main body10, forming an open loop of a flow of air.

When the filter unit50as shown inFIG. 3is removed and the dehumidification unit100is mounted in the dryer1, a closed fluid path may be switched to the open fluid path even while the door30is fully closed. Accordingly, the dryer1may perform a dehumidification operation (dehumidification mode). That is, the dryer1may be switched from the dry mode into the dehumidification mode.

The dehumidification unit100according to an embodiment of the disclosure will now be described in detail.

Referring toFIG. 6, the dehumidification unit100according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a body110. The body110may be provided in the form of substantially a box. The dehumidification unit100may include the inlet port121and the outlet port122. The inlet port121and the outlet port122may be arranged on the front side of the body110. The inlet port121may be arranged for air to flow in from the outside of the main body10through the second opening65(seeFIG. 2). The outlet port122may be arranged for air to flow out of the main body10through the second opening65. Specifically, humid outside air may be sucked into the dryer1through the inlet port121, and hot and dry air may be discharged from the inside of the dryer1to the outside through the outlet port122.

The outlet port122may be arranged next to the inlet port121. Specifically, the inlet port121and the outlet port122may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The inlet port121and the outlet port122may be positioned on the same plane. In the disclosure, when the dryer1is viewed from the front, the outlet port122may be arranged on the left hand and the inlet port121may be arranged on the right hand. This arrangement is determined depending on which side the heat exchanger70is located with respect to the drum20of the dryer1: when the heat exchanger70is arranged to the right of the drum20when the dryer1is viewed from the front, the outlet port122is arranged to be close to the drum20and the inlet port121is arranged to be far from the drum20, so that the fluid path may be simplified. In other words, to make the air discharged from the drum20flow smoothly, it is advantageous to arrange the outlet port122to be close to the center of the dryer1and arrange the inlet port121to be close to a side of the dryer1. For example, as shown inFIG. 2, as for a perpendicular line that passes the center of the first opening25(seeFIG. 4), the outlet port122may be arranged to be closer to the perpendicular line than the inlet port121is.

In the disclosure, the dehumidification unit100has a rectangular shape with wide width W1and low height H1, and it is efficient to divide the width W1equally into the inlet port121and the outlet port122. Specifically, an area occupied by the inlet port121and an area occupied by the outlet port122on the front side of the dehumidification unit100are equally formed, so that an air flow-in rate is equal to an air flow-out rate.

An outlet111(seeFIG. 8) may be arranged on a first side of the body110of the dehumidification unit100. For example, the outlet111may be formed on the rear side of the body110. The outlet111may guide outside air brought in through the inlet port121to the heat exchanger70. Specifically, the outlet111may be connected to the inlet port121. The heat exchanger70may be arranged behind the outlet111, which may be arranged to face the heat exchanger70. The outside air brought in may be humid air before dehumidification.

An inlet112may be arranged on a second side of the body110of the dehumidification unit100. For example, the inlet112may be formed on a side of the body110. Although the inlet112is shown as being formed on the left side of the body110, it is not limited thereto. For example, the inlet112may be formed on the right side of the body110, by modifying the air fluid path, the base structure, etc. In the disclosure, in the structure in which the dehumidification unit100is arranged to the right of the drum20, a smooth fluid path may be formed by arranging the inlet112to the left of the dehumidification unit100. The inlet112may be connected to the outlet port122so that the air discharged from the drum20is discharged to the outside through the outlet port122. The air discharged from the drum20may be dehumidified and heated while passing through the heat exchanger70, which may be hot and dry air discharged through the drum20. Specifically, when the dryer1according to the disclosure is operated in the dehumidification mode, it is normal for the inside of the drum20to be empty, so the hot and dry air brought into the back of the drum has actually no change in humidity while being discharged through the entrance of the drum20.

The dehumidification unit100may further include at least one of a suction filter140and a discharge filter150. Specifically, the suction filter140and the discharge filter150may be detachably installed into the body110of the dehumidification unit100. The suction filter140may filter out foreign materials brought into the dehumidification unit100and foreign materials to be otherwise discharged out of the dryer1.

The suction filter140may be arranged behind the inlet port121. Specifically, it may be arranged at the outlet111. The suction filter140may be detachably mounted in the body110. There may be a filter rail117arranged in the body110to install the suction filter140. The suction filter140may include a filter frame141and a filter142mounted on the filter frame141. The suction filter140may filter out foreign materials in the air brought in from the outside of the main body10through the inlet port121. Accordingly, the foreign materials may be prevented from coming into the heat exchanger70when the outside air is brought in. For example, the filter142may include at least one of woolen stuff (fabric), PET, and a steel substance.

The discharge filter150may be arranged behind the outlet port122. Specifically, it may be arranged in a discharge fluid path180, as will be described later. The discharge filter150may be detachably mounted in the body110. There may be a filter rail118arranged in the body110to install the discharge filter150. The discharge filter150may include a filter frame151and a filter152mounted on the filter frame151. The discharge filter150may filter out foreign materials in the air contained in the body110through the inlet112. Accordingly, the foreign materials may be prevented from being discharged to the outside when the air is discharged to the outside. For example, the filter152may include at least one of woolen stuff (fabric), PET, and a steel substance.

Referring toFIGS. 7 to 9, the principles of the dehumidification unit100switching the closed fluid path to the open fluid path or the open fluid path to the closed fluid path are further described.

FIG. 7is an exploded view of a dehumidification unit,FIG. 8is a plan view of a dehumidification unit with a guide located in a first position, andFIG. 9is a plan view of a dehumidification unit with a guide located in a second position.

The dehumidification unit100may include the body110. The body110may include a body installation part114and an installation projection115to be coupled with a front cover120. The installation projection115may be settled in an installation hole116as the body installation part114is coupled with the cover installation part125.

The front cover120may be coupled onto the front of the body110. The suction filter140may be arranged behind the body110. There may be a sealing member190arranged between the body110and the front cover120.

In the meantime, in the disclosure, the dehumidification unit100has a rectangular shape with wide width W2and low height H2, and it is efficient to divide the width W2equally into the inlet port121and the outlet port122. Specifically, an area occupied by the inlet port121and an area occupied by the outlet port122on the front side of the dehumidification unit200are equally formed, so that an air flow-in rate is equal to an air flow-out rate.

The outlet111may be arranged on the first side of the body110of the dehumidification unit100. For example, the outlet111may be formed on the rear side of the body110. The outlet111may guide outside air brought into the body110through the inlet port121to the heat exchanger70. Specifically, the outlet111may be connected to the inlet port121. The heat exchanger70may be arranged behind the outlet111, which may be arranged to face the heat exchanger70. The outside air brought in may be humid air before dehumidification.

The inlet112may be arranged on the second side of the body110of the dehumidification unit100. For example, the inlet112may be formed on a side of the body110. Although the inlet112is shown as being formed on the left side of the body110inFIG. 7, it is not limited thereto and may be formed on the right side. The inlet112may receive the air that has passed through the heat exchanger70. The inlet112may be connected to the outlet port122so that the air that has passed through the heat exchanger70is discharged to the outside through the outlet port122. The air that has passed through the heat exchanger70may be hot and dry air resulting from exchanging heat with the heat exchanger70and dehumidification.

The dehumidification unit100may include a fluid path guide230provided to be rotatable in the body110.

The fluid path guide230may include a rotation shaft231rotationally coupled to the body110, and the body110may include coupling holes240to be matched to the rotation shaft231. The fluid path guide230may be rotated to a certain extent while the rotation shaft231is put into the coupling holes240. It is not, however, limited thereto, and in a reverse configuration, the body110may include the rotation shaft and the fluid path guide230may include coupling holes.

As shown inFIG. 8, the fluid path guide230may be in the first position P1to separate an inlet fluid path270from an outlet fluid path280. The fluid path guide230may form the inlet fluid path270by connecting the outlet111to the inlet port121. The fluid path guide230may form the outlet fluid path280partitioned off from the inlet fluid path270by connecting the inlet112to the outlet port122.

The inlet fluid path270may extend from the inlet port121to the outlet111. In other words, the inlet fluid path270may be a passage through which the outlet111is connected to the inlet port121. The air brought into the body110through the inlet port121may pass along the inlet fluid path270and through the outlet111and may be supplied to the heat exchanger70. In other words, the air before dehumidification may be delivered to the heat exchanger70along the inlet fluid path270.

The outlet fluid path280may extend from the inlet112to the outlet port122. In other words, the outlet fluid path280may be a passage through which the inlet112is connected to the outlet port122. The air brought into the body110through the inlet112may pass along the outlet fluid path280and through the outlet port122and may be moved to the outside of the main body10. In other words, the air after dehumidification, which is dried by passing through the heat exchanger70, may be discharged out of the main body10along the outlet fluid path280.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 9, the fluid path guide230may be located in a second position P2that creates a fluid path230aby connecting the outlet111to the inlet112. Moreover, while in the second position P2, the fluid path guide230may block the connection between the outlet111and the inlet port121and the connection between the inlet112and the outlet port122. The fluid path230amay be a portion of the close fluid path, which may perform the same function as a fluid path50aformed in the filter unit50.

The fluid path guide230may be arranged to be movable between the first position P1and the second position P2. Furthermore, the fluid path guide230may be rotationally arranged. Specifically, the fluid path guide230may be switched into the second position P2by being rotated from the first position P1. Furthermore, the fluid path guide230may be switched into the first position P1by being rotated from the second position P2.

For example, when the fluid path guide230is located in the first position P1, the open fluid path may be formed in the dryer1. In this case, both ends of the open fluid path (i.e., the inlet port121and the outlet port122) may be connected to the outside. For example, when the fluid path guide230is located in the first position P1, the dryer1may perform the dehumidification operation (dehumidification mode). When the fluid path guide230is located in the second position P2, the closed fluid path may be formed in the dryer2. For example, when the fluid path guide230is located in the second position P2, the dryer1may perform the drying operation (dry mode). To sum up, the dehumidification unit100may have a different operation mode (the dry mode or the dehumidification mode) depending on the rotation of the fluid path guide230. Accordingly, it is easy for the dryer1to be switched between the dry mode for drying the object and the dehumidification mode for indoor dehumidification.

In the meantime, the fluid path guide230may include a curved portion234. The fluid path guide230may be curved to a certain extent to smoothly form the inlet fluid path270and the outlet fluid path280. For example, as shown inFIG. 8, when the fluid path guide230is located in the first position P1, the fluid path guide230may serve to form a curved section in the outlet fluid path280. Furthermore, the fluid path guide230may be curved toward the back of the body110to expand the inlet fluid path270. However, it is not limited thereto. As the fluid path guide230includes the curved portion234, the air may smoothly flow in or out.

In the meantime, the fluid path guide230may be automatically rotated. The dehumidification unit100includes a fluid path position detection sensor430(seeFIG. 10) and a fluid path position switching device (not shown). A controller400may control the fan80based on a position detection signal received from the fluid path position detection sensor430. For example, the position switching device may be a rotation motor. Furthermore, the controller400may form the open fluid path by moving the fluid path guide230to the first position P1from the second position P2based on the position detection signal before controlling the fan80. For example, the fluid path guide230may receive rotation power when connected to the rotation motor.

Specifically, the fluid path guide230may automatically switch the fluid path formed in the dryer1from the closed fluid path to the open fluid path. In other words, as the fluid path guide230is moved from the second position P2to the first position P1, the dryer1may be switched from the dry mode to the dehumidification mode. Furthermore, the fluid path guide230may switch the fluid path formed in the dryer1from the open fluid path to the closed fluid path. The dehumidification unit100may form the open fluid path by providing a first fluid path that guides the air brought in from the outside of the main body10to the heat exchanger70. Furthermore, the dehumidification unit100may form the closed fluid path by providing a second fluid path that guides the air discharged from the drum20to the heat exchanger70. The fluid path guide230may be located in the first position P1for the dehumidification unit100to provide the first fluid path or in the second position P2to provide the second fluid path. For example, as the fluid path guide230is moved from the first position P1to the second position P2, the dryer1may be switched from the dehumidification mode into the dry mode. In other words, as the fluid path guide230is automatically rotated, the user may easily select the dry mode or the dehumidification mode.

Accordingly, even when the dehumidification unit100is installed in the dryer1, the dry mode may be performed when the fluid path guide230is located in the second position P2. In other words, to perform the dry mode, there is no need to remove the dehumidification unit100from the dryer1and then install the filter unit50back into the dryer1. In other words, the trouble of installing and/or attaching an extra part (e.g., the filter unit50) is relieved. As a result, according to the disclosure, the dryer1may automatically switch the fluid path, allowing the user to freely select the dry mode or the dehumidification mode.

FIG. 10is a control block diagram of a dryer, according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the dryer1uses detection signals from the input device17, the door open/close sensor410, the unit sensor420, and the fluid path position detection sensor430before performing the dehumidification mode.

The input device17allows the user to select a mode through rotation of a dial, a button input, or a display touch input. In the embodiment, the input device17may provide an interface to select the dry mode or the dehumidification mode. Upon receiving a selection of the dry mode or the dehumidification mode from the user, the input device17sends a corresponding control signal to the controller400.

The door open/close sensor410includes a switch (not shown) including at least one contact to pass or block an electric signal. For example, the switch may be a lead switch or a micro switch, but it is not limited thereto as long as it is able to pass or block an electric signal such as pulse waves. The contact of the switch may be in an open state when the door30is opened, and in a short-circuited state, i.e., a conductive state when the door30is closed. As a result, the controller400may determine whether the door30is open or closed based on the state of the contact, and may determine that the door30is open, which is a state sufficient to perform the dehumidification mode. The door open/close sensor410may be arranged in any position in the main body10as long as the position may come into contact with a portion of the door30.

The unit sensor420may detect installation of the filter unit50or installation of the dehumidification unit100. There may be different identification means for the filter unit50and the dehumidification unit100, which may be located in different positions. For example, a first identifier (not shown) for detecting installation of the filter unit50may be arranged on an upper right side of the front cover52, and a second identifier (not shown) for detecting installation of the dehumidification unit100may be arranged on an upper left side of the front cover120. Accordingly, the dryer1may easily identify whether the filter unit50is installed and/or whether the dehumidification unit100is installed based on the position of detection.

The fluid path position detection sensor430may detect a position of the fluid path guide230. Specifically, the fluid path position detection sensor430may distinguish between an occasion when the fluid path guide230is in the first position P1and an occasion when the fluid path guide230is in the second position P2. For example, the fluid path position detection sensor430may distinguish between an occasion when the fluid path guide230is in the first position P1and an occasion when the fluid path guide230is in the second position P2by detecting positions of both side ends232and233of the fluid path guide230(seeFIG. 8 or 9) of the fluid path guide230. Accordingly, the controller400may determine whether the fluid path in the dryer1is the open fluid path or the closed fluid path when the dehumidification unit100is installed. As a result, the controller400may determine through the guide sensor230whether the dryer1may be in a proper state in which to perform the dehumidification mode.

The display device17bdisplays an operation state and/or a user manipulation state of the dryer1.

The controller400may include a memory (not shown) for storing a program and data for controlling operation of the dryer1, and a processor (not shown) for generating control signals to control the operation of the dryer1according to the program and data stored in the memory.

Upon receiving a command for the dehumidification mode through the input device17, the controller400determines whether outside air is allowed to flow in through a fluid path formed by the fan80. For example, the controller400may determine through the door open/close sensor410that the door30is open, and may generate a control signal to form the open fluid path to perform the dehumidification mode. Furthermore, when the dehumidification unit100is installed in the dryer1and the door30is closed, the controller400may determine through the fluid path position detection sensor430whether the dehumidification unit100has formed the open fluid path. In this case, the controller400may generate a control signal to perform the dehumidification mode.

When the controller400determines that the open fluid path is formed in the dryer1and that it is possible to perform the dehumidification mode, the controller400may control the drum20, the heat exchanger70and/or the fan80to be operated.

When the dehumidification mode is performed, the controller400controls the drum20to be rotated by providing a current to the driving motor31(seeFIG. 5). As the drum is rotated, the temperature in the drum20rises, thereby enhancing dehumidification effects.

The fan80may share the driving power of the motor31supplied to the drum20, and may be rotated along with the rotation of the drum20. Alternatively, by adding a device such as an extra clutch (not shown) onto the base60or arranging the motor31in the plural, the fan80may be arranged to be separately rotated from the drum20.

When the dehumidification mode is performed, the controller400may dehumidify humid outside air through the refrigerant cycle of the heat exchanger70. In this case, the controller400may control a rate of the compressor73(seeFIG. 5) to control the temperature in the drum20.

When the dehumidification mode is performed, the controller400may control the compressor73such that that the temperature in the drum20has a lower value than in the dry mode. For example, the compressor73may be controlled such that the temperature in the drum20reaches 60 degrees in the dry mode and 40 degrees in the dehumidification mode. The controller400may control the temperature in the drum20to be maintained at a relatively low value, so that the temperature outside the dryer1does not deviate from the room temperature if possible. Such a temperature is merely an example, and may be set to various values depending on the external environment (temperature or humidity) of the dryer1.

Furthermore, when the dehumidification mode is performed, the controller400may control the motor31such that the rotation speed of the fan80has a lower value than in the dry mode. For example, the magnitude of a current applied to the motor31may be controlled such that the rotation speed of the motor31reaches first rotation speed in the dry mode and second rotation speed in the dehumidification mode. As described above, as the drum20shares the driving power from the motor31, a driving source for the fan80, with the fan80, the rotation speed of the drum20may depend on the rotation speed of the fan80.

The controller400may control the rotation speed of each of the drum20and the fan80to have a lower value than in the dry mode, thereby preventing the outside temperature from deviating from the room temperature. Specifically, as the rotation speed of the drum20increases, the temperature in the drum20rises and the air discharged out of the dryer1may have a higher temperature value than the room temperature. Furthermore, as the rotation speed of the fan80increases, the volume of air discharged through the fluid path increases, thus causing a rise in temperature outside the dryer1.

Accordingly, when the dehumidification mode is performed, the controller400controls the motor31such that the rotation speed of the motor31has a lower value than in the dry mode. Such a condition is merely an example, and may be set to have various values depending on the external environment (temperature or humidity) of the dryer1.

FIG. 11is a flowchart of a method for controlling a dryer, according to an embodiment.

The controller400receives a dehumidification mode, in1101. The input device17receives an input from the user to perform the dehumidification mode and sends a control signal for the dehumidification mode to the controller400. In this case, the controller400does not perform the dehumidification mode as soon as it receives the control signal, but performs the dehumidification mode after a series of determination processes.

The controller400determines whether it is proper to perform the dehumidification mode, in1102. In this case, a proper condition to perform the dehumidification mode is when the open fluid path is formed in the dryer1instead of the closed fluid path to allow the outside air to pass through the dryer1and move back to the outside. The open fluid path formed includes the open fluid path formed when the door30is open and the open fluid path formed according to a position of the fluid path guide230of the dehumidification unit100. Whether the open fluid path is formed will be described in more detail by describingFIGS. 12 and 13.

When determining that it is possible to bring in outside air through the fluid path in1103, the controller400generates a control signal to operate the fan80and the compressor73to perform the dehumidification mode in1104, and sends the control signal to the fan80and the compressor73to perform the dehumidification mode in1105. In response to the reception of a signal to operate the dehumidification mode from the input device17when the input device17receives a selection to perform the dehumidification mode from the user, the controller400controls the fan80to bring in air from outside the main body10. In this case, the open fluid path that allows the air to flow in from the outside has been formed in the dryer1, and the open fluid path may be formed by opening the door30or according to a position of the fluid path guide230of the dehumidification unit100.

When the controller400determines that it is not possible to bring in outside air through the fluid path in1103, the controller400may generate a notification signal to notify the user that the dehumidification mode is not available in1106. Specifically, the controller400generates the notification signal, outputs an alert sound through a speaker (not shown), and notifies the user that the dehumidification mode has not been performed. Furthermore, the controller400generates the notification signal, and notifies the user that the dehumidification mode has not been performed by displaying a warning on the display device17b.

Although not shown inFIG. 11, the controller400may control the dryer1not to perform the dehumidification mode when there is an object to be dried in the drum20. The dryer1includes a motor to deliver power to rotate the drum20, and the controller400controls the motor to rotate the drum20in response to an operation signal received from the input device17. In this case, the dryer1may include a motor current sensor (not shown) that outputs a motor current signal corresponding to a current applied to the motor. The controller400may control the motor to stop rotation of the drum20based on the motor current signal received from the motor current sensor. In other words, the controller400does not generate a control signal to drive the fan80while the drum20contains an object to be dried. When there is the object in the drum20, moisture contained in the outside air may permeate into the object. Furthermore, when the moisture that has evaporated from the object is supplied back to the outside, it makes the dehumidification inefficient. Accordingly, when the current flowing to the motor31exceeds a predetermined current magnitude (a current applied when there is nothing in the drum), the controller400may hold off the dehumidification mode even when the open fluid path is formed by satisfying the condition in1103.

That the open fluid path may be formed by opening the door30or by the dehumidification unit100was already described above. In this regard, the controller400may determine whether the open fluid path has been formed in different occasions when the dehumidification unit100is and is not installed. This will now be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 12 to 13.

Referring toFIG. 12, the controller400receives a selection command for the dehumidification mode in1201and determines whether the door30is open in1202.

The controller400may determine whether the door30is open or closed, based on an electric signal sent from the door open/close sensor410.

In an embodiment, the dryer1may further include the door open/close sensor outputting a door open or close signal to detect open or closed state of the door. The controller400may control the fan80based on the door open/close signal received from the door open/close sensor410. The door open/close sensor410is equipped with a switch (not shown) including at least one contact to pass or block an electric signal. The door open/close signal is generated when the door30is open and the contact of the switch is in an open state, or when the door30is closed and the contact of the switch is in a short-circuited state, i.e., a conductive state.

When the door30is open, the controller400may determine that the air is flowing in and out through the front opening of the drum20, forming the open fluid path, and when the door30is closed, the controller400may determine that the air is not flowing in and out, forming the close fluid path.

When the door30is open, the controller400controls to perform the dehumidification mode through the open fluid path, in1203.

When the door30is closed, the controller400determines that the dehumidification mode is not available and does not perform the dehumidification mode. A door opening device (not shown) is equipped in the dryer1for allowing the door30to be open even without the users pulling force, and the controller400may control the door30to be automatically open in order to perform the dehumidification mode. Accordingly, the dryer1may perform the dehumidification mode. The controller400may control the door opening device in response to an operation signal received from the input device17. For example, in response to a signal to operate the dehumidification mode provided from the input device17, the controller400may determine that the door30is closed when the contact of the switch is in the short-circuited state before controlling the fan80, and may then control the door opening device. Accordingly, the dryer1may be switched to have the open fluid path from the closed fluid path.

Referring toFIG. 13, the controller400receives a selection command for the dehumidification mode in1301and detects installation of the dehumidification unit100in1302. When detecting that the dehumidification unit100is not installed in the dryer1but the filter unit50is installed, the controller400may perform a process according to whether the door30is open based on the fact that it is not possible to form the open fluid path according to the dehumidification unit100(in1202ofFIG. 12).

In the following description, it is assumed that the dehumidification unit100is installed in the dryer1.

The controller400determines whether the fluid path guide230of the dehumidification unit100is in the open fluid path state, in1303. The controller400may determine whether the open fluid path has been formed based on a result of detection in the fluid path position detection sensor430. Specifically, the controller400may determine whether the open fluid path or the closed fluid path has been formed according to a position of the fluid path guide230.

When the dehumidification unit100forms the open fluid path, the controller400controls to perform the dehumidification mode through the open fluid path, in1304. In this case, the fluid path guide230arranged in the dehumidification unit100may be in the first position P1.

When the dehumidification unit100forms the closed fluid path, the controller400determines that the dehumidification mode is not available and does not perform the dehumidification mode. In this case, the controller400may control the fluid path guide230to be moved from the second position P2to the first position P1, in1305. Accordingly, the dehumidification unit100is switched to have the open fluid path from the closed fluid path, and the dryer1may perform the dehumidification unit100.

the controller400may control the fan80based on a position detection signal received from the fluid path position detection sensor430. The controller400may control the fluid path position switching device in response to an operation signal received from the input device17.

The fluid path position detection sensor430detects a position (first position or second position) of the fluid path guide230, and generates and provides a position detection signal to the controller400. Upon reception of the position detection signal indicating that the fluid path guide230is in the first position P1, the controller400may control the fan80to perform the dehumidification mode.

When the controller receives the position detection signal indicating that the fluid path guide230is in the second position P2, the controller400may move the fluid path guide230from the second position P2to the first position P1to form the open fluid path before controlling the fan80. After this, when the fluid path guide230is moved to the first position P1, the controller400may control the fan80to perform the dehumidification mode. According to the disclosure, the dryer1may have better dehumidification efficiency and convenience with user equipment (not shown) and an external device (now shown) in addition to effectively performing the dehumidification function by figuring out a condition to perform the dehumidification mode.

In an embodiment, the dryer1may include a communication device (not shown) for transmitting or receiving data to or from the user equipment and external device (e.g., an air conditioner, a washing machine, a refrigerator, etc.). Specifically, the dryer1may include a communication circuit for communication with an external server, and the external server may transmit or receive data to or from the user equipment and external device. For example, the user may remotely control the dryer1through the user equipment.

The communication device may include a local wireless communication module capable of wirelessly exchanging data with an external device within a relatively short range. The local wireless communication module may perform communication based on a communication standard e.g., wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc.

In an embodiment, the dryer1may receive temperature information and humidity information from the user equipment and/or the external device. In this case, the dryer1may receive the humidity information, and display, through the dryer1, an indication recommending the dehumidification mode on the display device17b. The indication recommending the dehumidification mode may notify the user, through the user equipment in addition to the display device17bequipped in the dryer1, that dehumidification is required around the dryer1. The temperature information or the humidity information may be provided through a sensor equipped in the dryer1itself, or by using data provided from an external device.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment, when the dehumidification mode is being performed while the door30is open, the dryer1may allow a remote command for the dehumidification mode from the user equipment. In general, the dryer1may allow the remote control command only when the door30is closed for safety. However, when the dryer1is performing the dehumidification mode, the controller400may allow the remote control command through the user equipment even while the door30is open, in consideration of exceptional conditions. When the dehumidification mode is performed by a command from a user input in response to an operation signal received from the input device17b, the dryer1operates the drum20, the heat exchanger70, the compressor73, and the fan80until a predetermined time elapses regardless of outside humidity. According to the embodiment, the user may stop the dehumidification mode at any time by transmitting, to the dryer1, a remote control command through the user equipment even while the dehumidification mode is being performed.

Meanwhile, the embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented in the form of a recording medium for storing instructions to be carried out by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program codes, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform operation in the embodiments of the disclosure. The recording media may correspond to computer-readable recording media.

The computer-readable recording medium includes any type of recording medium having data stored thereon that may be thereafter read by a computer. For example, it may be a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, an optical data storage device, etc.

The embodiments of the disclosure have thus far been described with reference to accompanying drawings. It will be obvious to people of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced in other forms than the embodiments as described above without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present disclosure. The above embodiments are only by way of example, and should not be interpreted in a limited sense.