Patent Description:
Generally, a clothes handling apparatus may include a washer which washes clothes and a dryer which dries the clothes.

The washer may include a rotatable drum and remove contaminants (foreign substances) attached to clothes by using a mechanical action by rotation of the drum and a chemical action by a detergent. The washer may be a front loading type in which an opening for putting laundry (load) in the drum is provided at a front surface of a main body of the washer or may be a top loading type in which the opening is provided at an upper surface of the main body of the washer.

The dryer may also include a rotatable drum and remove moisture from clothes using a mechanical action by rotation of the drum and a high-temperature dry hot air. Nowadays, most dryers are a front loading type in which an opening for putting laundry (load) in the drum is provided at a front surface of a main body of the dryer.

A user may use a front-loading type washer and a front-loading type dryer together.

In this case, for convenience of the user, a door opening direction of the washer and a door opening direction of the dryer may be different. For example, when the washer is disposed at the left side of the dryer and the dryer is disposed at the right side of the washer, the washer may include a left hand opening door which opens from the left side, and the dryer may include a right hand opening door which opens from the right side.

Generally, a washer and a dryer each include a left hand opening door which opens from the left side. Therefore, for convenience of a user, a left hand opening door of any one of a washer and a dryer may be changed to a right hand opening door which opens from the right side.

In the conventional washer and dryer, since a front panel of a main body has to be removed to change a left hand opening door to a right hand opening door, it is difficult for a user to change a door opening direction by himself or herself. <CIT> discloses a dryer including a three-way door. <CIT> discloses an interlock to be used on a dryer. <NPL> discloses a dryer including a door which can be hinged at either the left or right side of the opening.

Therefore, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a clothes handling apparatus that allows a user to easily change a door opening direction.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a clothes handling apparatus that allows a user to change a door opening direction without removing a front panel of a main body.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a clothes handling apparatus that allows a door to be locked even when a user changes an opening direction of the door.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a clothes handling apparatus that includes a pair of door locking devices installed at both sides of an opening for putting clothes in a drum.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a clothes handling apparatus in which a pair of door locking devices are formed to be symmetrical to each other.

Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

According to the invention, there is provided a clothes handling apparatus according to claim <NUM>. Preferred features are set out in the dependent claims.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a clothes handling apparatus that allows a user to easily change a door opening direction.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a clothes handling apparatus that allows a user to change a door opening direction without removing a front panel of a main body.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a clothes handling apparatus that allows a door to be locked even when a user changes an opening direction of the door.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a clothes handling apparatus that includes a pair of door locking devices installed at both sides of an opening for putting clothes in a drum.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a clothes handling apparatus in which a pair of door locking devices are formed to be symmetrical to each other.

Not all elements of embodiments are described herein, and general content in the art to which the disclosure pertains or overlapping content between embodiments will be omitted. Terms such as "part," "module," "member," and "block," when used herein, may be implemented by software or hardware. According to embodiments, a plurality of "parts," "modules," "members," or "blocks" may be implemented as a single element, or a single "part," "module," "member," or "block" may include a plurality of elements.

Throughout the specification, when a certain part is described as being "connected" to another part, both a case in which the certain part is indirectly connected to the other part as well as a case in which the certain part is directly connected to the other part are included therein, and the indirect connection includes a connection via a wireless network.

When a certain part is described as "including" a certain element, this signifies that the certain part may also include another element rather than excluding the other element unless particularly described otherwise.

Throughout the specification, when a certain member is described as being "on" another member, both a case in which still another member is present between the two members as well as a case in which the certain member is in contact with the other member are included therein.

Terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish one element from another element, and an element is not limited by the above-mentioned terms.

A singular expression includes a plural expression unless context clearly indicates otherwise.

Reference numerals for steps are used for convenience of description and are not intended to describe an order of the steps. The steps may be performed in a different order from the stated order unless context clearly describes a specific order.

Hereinafter, an action principle and embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> illustrates an exterior of a clothes dryer according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a configuration of the clothes dryer according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a side cross-section of the clothes dryer according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates circulation of air due to the clothes dryer according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates coupling between a main body and a door of the clothes dryer according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates first and second door latches included in the clothes dryer according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a state in which a door is coupled to a left side of a front cover of the clothes dryer according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a state in which the door is coupled to a right side of the front cover of the clothes dryer according to an embodiment.

A dryer <NUM> is one kind of clothes handling apparatuses.

The dryer <NUM> refers to an apparatus which rotates a drum accommodating an object to be dried and supplies high-temperature air into the drum to dry the object to be dried. Here, the object to be dried encompasses any object which may be dried by high-temperature air. For example, the object to be dried is not limited and may be any object made of various kinds of fibers and fabrics, such as clothes and towels.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the dryer <NUM> includes a rectangular parallelepiped cabinet <NUM>. Also, the dryer <NUM> includes a user input device <NUM> provided inside or outside the cabinet <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a drum <NUM>, a drum motor <NUM>, a fan <NUM>, a fan motor <NUM>, a duct <NUM>, a heater <NUM>, a heat pump <NUM>, a door closure detector <NUM>, a door lock <NUM>, and a controller <NUM>.

The cabinet <NUM> may include a base plate <NUM>, a front cover <NUM>, a top cover <NUM>, and a side-rear cover <NUM>.

The user input device <NUM> and the display <NUM> for control of the dryer <NUM> may be disposed at an upper end of the front cover <NUM>.

The user input device <NUM> may include a dial <NUM> which is gripped and rotated by a user to input a control command related to an operation of the dryer <NUM> and a button <NUM> which is pressed by the user to input a control command related to an operation of the dryer <NUM>.

For example, the dryer <NUM> may include different drying courses for drying different objects to be dried, and the user may select any one of a plurality of drying courses by rotating the dial <NUM>.

Also, the dryer <NUM> may include a power button for permitting or interrupting power supplied from an external power supply and an operational button for starting or stopping a drying operation of the dryer <NUM>. The button <NUM> may include a push switch and a membrane switch, each of which is operated by being pressed by the user, or include a touch switch or the like which is operated by being in contact with a part of the user's body.

However, the user input device <NUM> is not limited to including the dial <NUM> and the button <NUM> and may include any means that allow a user to input a control command related to an operation of the dryer <NUM> to the dryer <NUM>. For example, the user input device <NUM> may also include various known elements such as a remote controller configured to receive a control command from a user at a remote place and transmit the received control command to the dryer <NUM>.

In this way, the user input device <NUM> may receive a control command related to the dryer <NUM> from the user and output an electrical signal corresponding to the received control command to the controller <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may display an operational state of the dryer <NUM> and a control command from the user. For example, the display <NUM> may display a drying course selected by the user and display the time remaining until the end of drying during operation of the dryer <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may be implemented using various types of known displays such as a light emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, or a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. However, the display <NUM> is not limited thereto and may be any device capable of visually displaying various pieces of information related to the dryer <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may also employ a touch screen panel (TSP) configured to receive a control command from a user and display operational information corresponding to the received control command. The TSP may include a display configured to display operational information and a control command which may be input by a user, a touch panel configured to detect coordinates of a point with which a part of the user's body has come in contact, and a touch screen controller configured to determine the control command input by the user on the basis of the coordinates of the point of contact detected by the touch panel. The touch screen controller may compare coordinates of the point of touch made by the user detected through the touch panel and coordinates of the control command displayed through the display and recognize the control command input by the user.

In this way, the display <NUM> may receive a control signal related to the display from the controller <NUM> and display an image corresponding to the received control signal.

The dryer <NUM> includes the drum <NUM> configured to accommodate an object to be dried and dry the object to be dried. The drum <NUM> may be rotatably installed in the cabinet <NUM>.

The drum <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape whose center of rotation is formed in a front-rear, horizontal direction. A front panel <NUM> having an opening 131a formed therein to allow an object to be dried to be put in the drum <NUM> may be disposed at a front surface of the drum <NUM>. Also, a rear surface of the drum <NUM> may be closed by a rear panel <NUM> having an inlet 132a formed therein to allow introduction of high-temperature, dry air.

An outlet 131b through which air used in drying the object to be dried is discharged may be provided in the front panel <NUM> of the drum <NUM>. A filter <NUM> configured to collect foreign substances removed from the object to be dried may be installed in the outlet 131b. Accordingly, the foreign substances removed from the object to be dried may be collected by the filter <NUM>.

The drum <NUM> may receive a rotary force from a drum motor <NUM> and rotate. The drum <NUM> is connected to the drum motor <NUM> disposed in the cabinet <NUM> by a belt <NUM>. The drum motor <NUM> may provide the rotary force to the drum <NUM> through the belt <NUM>.

One or more heat sources may be provided in the dryer <NUM>, and the dryer <NUM> may supply high-temperature air to the drum <NUM> through the heat sources. For example, the dryer <NUM> may include, as the heat sources, a heater <NUM> and a heat pump <NUM>. In this case, dryers including a heat pump forming a refrigerant circuit may be classified into circulating type dryers and air discharge type dryers according to the flow of air being circulated. The circulating type dryer refers to a dryer capable of drying an object by circulating air without discharging or sucking air. The air discharge type dryer refers to a dryer which sucks outside air, uses the outside air in drying, and then discharges the outside air to the outside of the dryer.

The dryer <NUM> may include the fan <NUM> configured to circulate air inside the drum <NUM>. The fan <NUM> may suck air from inside the drum <NUM> and discharge the air to the duct <NUM>. By the fan <NUM>, the air inside the drum <NUM> may circulate through the drum <NUM> and the duct <NUM>.

The fan <NUM> may rotate by the fan motor <NUM>. The fan motor <NUM> may rotate the fan <NUM> according to a control signal from the controller <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> and the heat pump <NUM> may be provided in the duct <NUM> through which the air inside the drum <NUM> circulates.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the heat pump <NUM> includes a compressor <NUM>, a condenser <NUM>, an evaporator <NUM>, and an expander <NUM>. The compressor <NUM>, the condenser <NUM>, the expander <NUM>, and the evaporator <NUM> may be seated on the base plate <NUM> at a bottom surface of the cabinet <NUM>.

The compressor <NUM> may compress refrigerant in a gaseous state to a high-temperature, high-pressure state and discharge the gaseous refrigerant in the high-temperature, high-pressure state. For example, the compressor <NUM> may compress refrigerant through reciprocating movement of a piston or rotation of a rotor. The discharged refrigerant may be transferred to the condenser <NUM>.

The condenser <NUM> may condense the compressed gaseous refrigerant to a liquid. The condenser <NUM> may dissipate heat to surrounding portions thereof through the process of condensing the refrigerant. The condenser <NUM> may be provided in the duct <NUM> and heat the air through heat generated in the process of condensing the refrigerant. The heated air may be supplied to the drum <NUM>. The liquid refrigerant condensed by the condenser <NUM> may be transferred to the expander <NUM>.

The expander <NUM> may expand the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed by the condenser <NUM> to liquid refrigerant in a low-pressure state. For example, the expander <NUM> may include an expansion valve configured to adjust a pressure difference of the refrigerant. The expansion valve may include an electronic expansion valve (EEV) whose degree of opening may vary according to an electrical signal. The dryer <NUM> may control a flow rate of the refrigerant by adjusting the degree of opening of the expander <NUM> through a control signal.

The evaporator <NUM> may evaporate the liquid refrigerant expanded by the expander <NUM>. As a result, the evaporator <NUM> may cause the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to return to the compressor <NUM>.

The evaporator <NUM> may absorb heat from surrounding portions thereof through an evaporation process in which the low-pressure liquid refrigerant is changed to gaseous refrigerant. The evaporator <NUM> may be provided in the duct <NUM> and may cool air passing through the evaporator <NUM> in the evaporation process.

Air around the evaporator <NUM> may be cooled by the evaporator <NUM>, and, when a temperature of the air around the evaporator <NUM> becomes lower than the dew point, the air around the evaporator <NUM> may be condensed. The water due to condensation at the evaporator <NUM> may be collected by a water trap provided at a lower portion of the evaporator <NUM>. The water collected by the water trap may move to a separate storage or be drained to the outside of the dryer <NUM>.

Due to the condensation occurring around the evaporator <NUM>, the absolute humidity of air passing through the evaporator <NUM> may be lowered. In other words, the amount of water vapor contained in the air passing through the evaporator <NUM> may be reduced.

Using the condensation occurring around the evaporator <NUM>, the dryer <NUM> may reduce the amount of water vapor contained in the air inside the drum <NUM> and dry the object to be dried.

The evaporator <NUM> may be disposed more upstream than the condenser <NUM> on the basis of the flow of air due to the fan <NUM>. The air circulating due to the fan <NUM> may be dried (water vapor may be condensed) by the evaporator <NUM> while the air passes through the evaporator <NUM>, and then the air may be heated by the condenser <NUM> while passing through the condenser <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> may assist the condenser <NUM> in heating the air. The heater <NUM> may heat air in the duct <NUM> in response to a control signal from the controller <NUM>. For example, before the condenser <NUM> of the heat pump <NUM> sufficiently heats the air in the duct <NUM>, the heater <NUM> may assist the condenser <NUM> in heating the air in the duct <NUM>.

The temperature inside the drum <NUM> may more rapidly rise due to the heater <NUM> assisting the condenser <NUM>, and the dryer <NUM> may more rapidly dry the object to be dried.

The heater <NUM> may be disposed more downstream than the condenser <NUM> on the basis of the flow of air due to the fan <NUM>. The heater <NUM> may be implemented through a heating coil. However, the heater <NUM> is not limited thereto and may be implemented through various other known devices.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an opening 103a formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the front is provided in the front cover <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>.

The opening 103a is opened or closed by a door <NUM> rotatably installed at the cabinet <NUM>. Also, the drum <NUM> may be configured to allow an object to be dried to be put in the drum <NUM> or allow a dried object to be taken out of the drum <NUM> when the opening 103a is opened by the door <NUM>.

The door <NUM> includes a door base <NUM> capable of opening or closing the opening 103a, a door hinge <NUM> configured to rotatably fix the door base <NUM> to one side of the cabinet <NUM> and a lever tip <NUM> provided to lock the door.

The door base <NUM> may cover the opening 103a of the cabinet <NUM>. At least a portion of the door base <NUM> may be formed of a transparent material to allow a user to view the inside of the drum <NUM>.

The door hinge <NUM> may be provided at one side of the door base <NUM>. The door hinge <NUM> may rotatably fix the door base <NUM> to one side of the cabinet <NUM>.

The door base <NUM> may rotate about the door hinge <NUM>. The door base <NUM> may close or open the opening 103a of the cabinet <NUM> while rotating about the door hinge <NUM>.

The door hinge <NUM> may be provided at one end of the door base <NUM> and removably installed at an outer side of the front cover <NUM> in the vicinity of the opening 103a of the cabinet <NUM>.

The door hinge <NUM> may be installed at a left side of the opening 103a or installed at a right side of the opening 103a. The door <NUM> may be rotatably fixed to the left side of the opening 103a or rotatably fixed to the right side of the opening 103a, depending on a position at which the door hinge <NUM> is installed.

For example, the door hinge <NUM> may be provided at a left side end of the door base <NUM> and fixed to the left side of the opening 103a of the front cover <NUM>. Thus, the door <NUM> may rotate about the left side of the opening 103a of the cabinet <NUM> and the left side end of the door base <NUM>. In other words, the door <NUM> may open the opening 103a by rotating leftward and close the opening 103a by rotating rightward.

Also, the door hinge <NUM> may be provided at a right side end of the door base <NUM> and fixed to the right side of the opening 103a of the front cover <NUM>. Thus, the door <NUM> may rotate about the right side of the opening 103a of the cabinet <NUM> and the right side end of the door <NUM>. In other words, the door <NUM> may open the opening 103a by rotating rightward and close the opening 103a by rotating leftward.

The lever tip <NUM> may be installed at the opposite side of the door hinge <NUM> on the door base <NUM>.

When the door hinge <NUM> is disposed at the left side end of the door base <NUM>, the lever tip <NUM> may be disposed at the right side end of the door base <NUM> and be inserted into a hole in the right side of the opening 103a when the door <NUM> is closed. Also, when the door hinge <NUM> is disposed at the right side end of the door base <NUM>, the lever tip <NUM> may be disposed at the left side end of the door base <NUM> and be inserted into a hole in the left side of the opening 103a when the door <NUM> is closed.

The lever tip <NUM> may be inserted into a door lock <NUM>, which will be described below, when the door <NUM> closes the opening 103a.

The lever tip <NUM> may be fixed by the door lock <NUM>. A hollow may be formed in the center of the lever tip <NUM>, and the hollow of the lever tip <NUM> may be fixed by a catch cap which will be described below.

When the lever tip <NUM> is fixed by the door lock <NUM>, the door <NUM> may keep the opening 103a closed and may be unable to be opened by an external force. In other words, the door <NUM> is locked by the door lock <NUM>.

The door <NUM> may be disposed at a position at which the door <NUM> opens the opening 103a and a position at which the door <NUM> closes the opening 103a. Also, when the door <NUM> is disposed at the position at which the door <NUM> closes the opening 103a, the door <NUM> may be locked by the door lock <NUM> or unlocked by the door lock <NUM>.

The door closure detector <NUM> may detect a closed state of the door <NUM> and an opened state of the door <NUM>.

For example, the door closure detector <NUM> may include a push switch <NUM> disposed in the vicinity of the opening 103a of the cabinet <NUM>. The push switch <NUM> may be unable to be pressed when the door <NUM> opens the opening 103a. Also, the push switch <NUM> may be pressed by the door <NUM> when the door <NUM> closes the opening 103a.

The door closure detector <NUM> may output a signal indicating that the door <NUM> is opened or a signal indicating that the door <NUM> is closed to the controller <NUM> on the basis of whether the push switch <NUM> is pressed. For example, the door closure detector <NUM> may output the signal indicating that the door <NUM> is opened to the controller <NUM> in response to the push switch <NUM> not being pressed. Also, the door closure detector <NUM> may output the signal indicating that the door <NUM> is closed to the controller <NUM> in response to the push switch <NUM> being pressed.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the door lock <NUM> may include a first door latch <NUM> and a second door latch <NUM> which are capable of locking the door <NUM>.

The first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> may be provided at an inner side of the front cover <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first door latch <NUM> may be installed at the left side of the opening 103a when viewed from the rear of the front cover <NUM>, that is, at the right side of the opening 103a when viewed from the front of the cabinet <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second door latch <NUM> may be installed at the right side of the opening 103a when viewed from the rear of the front cover <NUM>, that is, at the left side of the opening 103a when viewed from the front of the cabinet <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the door <NUM> may be rotatably fixed at the left side of the opening 103a.

The user may fix the door hinge <NUM> at the left side of the opening 103a of the front cover <NUM> by using a screw 192a (see <FIG>). Also, the user may fix a hole cover <NUM> at the right side of the opening 103a of the front cover <NUM> by using a screw 194a (see <FIG>). The hole cover <NUM> may be installed at a hole at the opposite side of the door hinge <NUM>, that is, the right side of the opening 103a of the front cover <NUM>.

When the door <NUM> is fixed to the left side of the opening 103a, the door hinge <NUM> is disposed at the left side end of the door base <NUM>, and the lever tip <NUM> is disposed at the right side end of the door base <NUM>. Thus, the door <NUM> is closed by rotating rightward from the left side, and the first door latch <NUM> provided at the right side of the opening 103a may fix the lever tip <NUM> of the door <NUM>.

In this way, due to the first door latch <NUM> being installed at the right side of the opening 103a, the user may install the door <NUM> at the left side of the opening 103a of the front cover <NUM> without removing the front cover <NUM> from the cabinet <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the door <NUM> may be rotatably fixed at the right side of the opening 103a.

The user may fix the door hinge <NUM> to the right side of the opening 103a of the front cover <NUM> by using a screw (see <FIG>). Also, the user may fix the hole cover <NUM> to the right side of the opening 103a of the front cover <NUM> by using a screw (see <FIG>). The hole cover <NUM> may be installed at a hole at the opposite side of the door hinge <NUM>, that is, the left side of the opening 103a of the front cover <NUM>.

When the door <NUM> is fixed to the right side of the opening 103a, the door hinge <NUM> is disposed at the right side end of the door base <NUM>, and the lever tip <NUM> is disposed at the left side end of the door base <NUM>. Thus, the door <NUM> is closed by rotating leftward from the right side, and the second door latch <NUM> provided at the left side of the opening 103a may fix the lever tip <NUM> of the door <NUM>.

In this way, due to the second door latch <NUM> being installed at the left side of the opening 103a, the user may install the door <NUM> at the right side of the opening 103a of the front cover <NUM> without removing the front cover <NUM> from the cabinet <NUM>.

The first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> may each fix the lever tip <NUM> of the door <NUM> in response to a door locking signal from the controller <NUM>. In other words, the door lock <NUM> may lock the door <NUM> in response to the door locking signal from the controller <NUM>.

Also, the first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> may each lock the door <NUM> depending on whether the door <NUM> is closed. In other words, the first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> may lock the door <NUM> in a state in which the door <NUM> is closed.

In this way, the door lock <NUM> may detect closure of the door <NUM> separately from the door closure detector <NUM>. In other words, when the door <NUM> is not detected by the door closure detector <NUM>, the door <NUM> is not locked, and the drying operation does not start. Also, when the door closure detector <NUM> detects the door <NUM> but closure of the door <NUM> is not detected by the door lock <NUM>, the door <NUM> is not locked, and the drying operation does not start.

Thus, erroneous detection of the closure of the door <NUM> is reduced, and the drying operation is prevented from starting while the door <NUM> is open.

The first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> will be described in more detail below.

The controller <NUM> may include a memory <NUM> configured to store a program and data for controlling the operation of the dryer <NUM> and a processor <NUM> configured to generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the dryer <NUM> according to the program and data stored in the memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> and the processor <NUM> may be implemented with separate chips or implemented with a single chip. Also, the controller <NUM> may include a plurality of memories or a plurality of processors.

The memory <NUM> may store a program and data for controlling the drying operation according to each drying course. For example, the memory <NUM> may store a speed of rotation of the drum <NUM> according to each drying course, a set temperature inside the drum <NUM> according to each drying course, and the like.

Also, the memory <NUM> may store a user input received through the user input device <NUM> or store information related to the operation of the dryer <NUM> (for example, the time remaining until the end of drying).

The memory <NUM> may include a volatile memory such as a static random access memory (S-RAM) and a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) and a non-volatile memory such as a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

The memory <NUM> may include a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices.

The processor <NUM> may process data according the program provided from the memory <NUM> and generate a control signal on the basis of a processing result.

The processor <NUM> may process a user input received through the user input device <NUM> and an output signal of the door closure detector <NUM> and generate a control signal for controlling the door lock <NUM>, the drum motor <NUM>, the fan motor <NUM>, the heater <NUM>, and the heat pump <NUM> on the basis of a processing result.

For example, the processor <NUM> may output a control signal for controlling the door lock <NUM> to lock the door <NUM> to the door lock <NUM> in response to a user input indicating a start of an operation and a signal indicating closure of the door <NUM>.

Also, the processor <NUM> may determine a drying course according to the user input. The processor <NUM> may determine a speed of rotation of the drum <NUM> according to the drying course and output a control signal corresponding to the determined speed of rotation to the drum motor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may determine a set temperature inside the drum <NUM> according to the drying course and output a control signal according to the determined set temperature to the heater <NUM> and the heat pump <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may include an arithmetic circuit, a storage circuit, and a control circuit. The processor <NUM> may include a single chip or include a plurality of chips. Also, the processor <NUM> may include a single core or include a plurality of cores.

<FIG> illustrates a simple configuration of the first door latch included in the clothes dryer according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, the first door latch <NUM> will be described. The second door latch <NUM> may be configured to be vertically symmetrical to the first door latch <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first door latch <NUM> includes a first door locking terminal <NUM>, a first neutral terminal <NUM>, a first locking detection terminal <NUM>, a first closure detection switch <NUM>, a first solenoid <NUM>, and a first locking detection switch <NUM>.

Each of the first door locking terminal <NUM>, the first neutral terminal <NUM>, and the first locking detection terminal <NUM> may be connected to the controller <NUM>.

The first closure detection switch <NUM> may detect whether the door <NUM> is closed. Specifically, the first closure detection switch <NUM> may detect whether the lever tip <NUM> disposed at the right side end of the door <NUM> is inserted into the first door latch <NUM> when the door <NUM> is installed at the left side of the opening 103a of the front cover <NUM>.

The lever tip <NUM> of the door <NUM> is not inserted into the first door latch <NUM> while the door <NUM> is open. When the lever tip <NUM> of the door <NUM> is not inserted into the first door latch <NUM>, the first closure detection switch <NUM> is opened (turned off).

Also, the lever tip <NUM> of the door <NUM> is inserted into the first door latch <NUM> when the door <NUM> is closed. When the lever tip <NUM> of the door <NUM> is inserted into the first door latch <NUM>, the first closure detection switch <NUM> is closed (turned on).

One end of the first closure detection switch <NUM> is connected to the first solenoid <NUM>. The other end of the first closure detection switch <NUM> may be connected to the first neutral terminal <NUM> and the first locking detection switch <NUM>.

The first solenoid <NUM> may lock or unlock the door <NUM> in response to a door locking signal from the controller <NUM>.

For example, the first solenoid <NUM> may generate a magnetic field in response to an electrical pulse. A first magnetic body inserted into the first solenoid <NUM> may perform translational movement due to the magnetic field of the first solenoid <NUM>. The lever tip <NUM> of the door <NUM> may be fixed to the first door latch <NUM> due to the movement of the first magnetic body. In other words, the first solenoid <NUM> may convert an electrical signal to the translational movement of the first magnetic body, and the door <NUM> is locked due to the translational movement of the first magnetic body.

Also, the first magnetic body inserted into the first solenoid <NUM> interlocks with the first locking detection switch <NUM>. Specifically, when the door <NUM> is locked due to the first magnetic body, simultaneously, the first magnetic body may close (turn on) the first locking detection switch <NUM>. Also, when the door <NUM> is unlocked due to the first magnetic body, simultaneously, the first magnetic body may open (turn off) the first locking detection switch <NUM>. In other words, the first solenoid <NUM> may open or close the first locking detection switch <NUM> in response to the door locking signal from the controller <NUM>.

One end of the first solenoid <NUM> is connected to the first door locking terminal <NUM>, and the other end of the first solenoid <NUM> is connected to the first closure detection switch <NUM>.

Therefore, the first door locking terminal <NUM>, the first solenoid <NUM>, the first closure detection switch <NUM>, and the first neutral terminal <NUM> may be electrically connected to each other in that order.

When the first closure detection switch <NUM> is closed (turned on), a circuit formed of the first door locking terminal <NUM>, the first solenoid <NUM>, the first closure detection switch <NUM>, the first neutral terminal <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may be closed. Therefore, the door locking signal output from the controller <NUM> may drive the first solenoid <NUM>. In other words, when the first closure detection switch <NUM> is closed (turned on), the controller <NUM> may lock the door <NUM> and unlock the door <NUM> using the first solenoid <NUM>.

On the other hand, when the first closure detection switch <NUM> is opened (turned off), the circuit formed of the first door locking terminal <NUM>, the first solenoid <NUM>, the first closure detection switch <NUM>, the first neutral terminal <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may be opened. Therefore, the door locking signal output from the controller <NUM> is not transmitted to the first solenoid <NUM>. In other words, when the first closure detection switch <NUM> is opened (turned off), the controller <NUM> is unable to lock the door <NUM> using the first solenoid <NUM>.

The first closure detection switch <NUM> may detect whether the door <NUM> is locked. Specifically, when the door <NUM> is installed at the left side of the opening 103a of the front cover <NUM>, the first locking detection switch <NUM> may detect whether the lever tip <NUM> disposed at the right side end of the door <NUM> is fixed to the first door latch <NUM>.

The first solenoid <NUM> may lock or unlock the door <NUM> in response to the door locking signal from the controller <NUM>. The first solenoid <NUM> may simultaneously lock the door <NUM> and close (turn on) the first locking detection switch <NUM>. Also, the first solenoid <NUM> may simultaneously unlock the door <NUM> and open (turn off) the first locking detection switch <NUM>.

One end of the first locking detection switch <NUM> is connected to the first neutral terminal <NUM>. The other end of the first locking detection switch <NUM> may be connected to the first locking detection terminal <NUM>.

When the first locking detection switch <NUM> is closed (turned on), a circuit formed of the first locking detection terminal <NUM>, the first locking detection switch <NUM>, the first neutral terminal <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may be closed. Therefore, through the first locking detection terminal <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may identify that the door <NUM> is locked.

On the other hand, when the first locking detection switch <NUM> is opened (turned off), the circuit formed of the first locking detection terminal <NUM>, the first locking detection switch <NUM>, the first neutral terminal <NUM>, and the controller <NUM> may be opened. Therefore, through the first locking detection terminal <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may identify that the door <NUM> is unlocked.

In this way, the first closure detection switch <NUM> may be closed in response to closing of the door <NUM>. When the first closure detection switch <NUM> is closed, the controller <NUM> may drive the first solenoid <NUM> so that the door <NUM> is locked. The first locking detection switch <NUM> may be closed (turned on) by driving of the first solenoid <NUM>, and, from the closure of the first locking detection switch <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may identify that the door <NUM> is locked.

The second door latch <NUM> includes the same configuration as the first door latch <NUM>. For example, the second door latch <NUM> may include a second door locking terminal, a second neutral terminal, a second locking terminal, a second closure detection switch, a second solenoid, and a second locking detection switch.

The elements of the second door latch <NUM> may be disposed to be vertically symmetrical to the elements of the first door latch <NUM>. For example, when, in the first door latch <NUM>, the first door locking terminal <NUM>, the first neutral terminal <NUM>, and the first locking detection terminal <NUM> are disposed in that order from left to right, in the second door latch <NUM>, the second locking detection terminal, the second neutral terminal, and the second door locking terminal may be disposed in that order from left to right.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of the first door latch included in the clothes dryer according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a state in which the first door latch included in the clothes dryer according to an embodiment locks the door.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first door latch <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> which are configured to protect the elements of the first door latch <NUM> from the outside. The first housing <NUM> is disposed behind the front cover <NUM> of the dryer <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> is disposed behind the first housing <NUM>. A hole 231a into which the lever tip <NUM> of the door <NUM> is inserted may be provided in the first housing <NUM>, and the lever tip <NUM> may pass through the hole 231a and be inserted into the first door latch <NUM>.

A first cover <NUM> in which an accommodation space for accommodating the elements of the first door latch <NUM> is formed is provided in the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. One side of the first cover <NUM> may be open, and the open side surface of the first cover <NUM> may be sealed by a second cover <NUM>.

The first solenoid <NUM>, a first magnetic body 215a, the first door locking terminal <NUM>, the first neutral terminal <NUM>, the first locking detection terminal <NUM>, and a switch plate <NUM> may be provided in the accommodation space of the first cover <NUM>. Also, a door slider <NUM> and a locking slider <NUM> may be provided in front of the first cover <NUM>, and a catch cap <NUM> may be provided at the left side of the first cover <NUM>.

The catch cap <NUM> may be rotatably seated on a third cover <NUM> disposed at the left side of the second cover <NUM>. The catch cap <NUM> may be formed substantially in the shape of alphabet "A" and include a first leg 271a and a second leg 271b.

While the door <NUM> is opened, the catch cap <NUM> may have a first posture in which a space between the first leg 271a and the second leg 271b faces the front.

When the door <NUM> is closed, the lever tip <NUM> passes through the hole 231a of the first housing <NUM>. Also, the lever tip <NUM> is seated in the space between the first leg 271a and the second leg 271b. The lever tip <NUM> applies a pushing force to the first leg 271a, and the catch cap <NUM> rotates about a rotating shaft 271c.

Due to the rotation, the catch cap <NUM> may have a second posture in which the space between the first leg 271a and the second leg 271b faces the lower side.

When the door <NUM> is closed, due to the lever tip <NUM> passing through the hole 231a of the first housing <NUM>, the door slider <NUM> may move in a first direction D1 (rightward in <FIG>) as illustrated in <FIG>.

Due to the movement of the door slider <NUM> in the first direction D1, the first closure detection switch <NUM> is closed (turned on).

The first closure detection switch <NUM> may be formed of the switch plate <NUM> and the one end of the first solenoid <NUM>.

The switch plate <NUM> electrically comes in contact with the first neutral terminal <NUM>. Also, the switch plate <NUM> may be formed substantially in the shape of alphabet "V" and include a first contact plate 261a and a second contact plate 261b.

While the door <NUM> is opened, the first contact plate 261a is spaced apart from the one end of the first solenoid <NUM> due to the door slider <NUM>. In other words, the first closure detection switch <NUM> is opened (turned off).

When the door <NUM> is closed, as the door slider <NUM> moves in the first direction D1, the first contact plate 261a comes in contact with the one end of the first solenoid <NUM>. In other words, the first closure detection switch <NUM> is closed (turned on).

The first solenoid <NUM> and the first magnetic body 215a may be provided in the accommodation space of the first cover <NUM>. The one end of the first solenoid <NUM> forms the first closure detection switch <NUM> together with the first contact plate 261a. The other end of the first solenoid <NUM> may be electrically connected to the first door locking terminal <NUM>.

The first magnetic body 215a may be movably inserted into the first solenoid <NUM>. When electricity is supplied to the first solenoid <NUM>, the first solenoid <NUM> may generate a magnetic field, and the first magnetic body 215a may perform translational movement due to the magnetic field of the first solenoid <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may output a door locking signal in order to lock the door <NUM>. The first solenoid <NUM> may lock the door <NUM> in response to the door locking signal from the controller <NUM>. When the first solenoid <NUM> generates a magnetic field due to the electrical signal (door locking signal) supplied from the controller <NUM>, the first magnetic body 215a may move upward due to the magnetic field of the first solenoid <NUM>.

The movement of the first magnetic body 215a may be transferred to the locking slider <NUM> via mechanical devices included in the first door latch <NUM>, and the locking slider <NUM> may move in a third direction D3 (toward the lower left side in <FIG>).

Due to the movement of the locking slider <NUM> in the third direction D3, rotation of the catch cap <NUM> is restricted as illustrated in <FIG>. Since the rotation of the catch cap <NUM> is restricted, the lever tip <NUM> is fixed to the first door latch <NUM>. In other words, since the rotation of the catch cap <NUM> is restricted, the door <NUM> is locked.

Also, due to the movement of the locking slider <NUM> in the third direction D3, the first locking detection switch <NUM> is closed (turned on).

The first locking detection switch <NUM> may be formed of the switch plate <NUM> and the first locking detection terminal <NUM>.

As described above, the switch plate <NUM> may include the first contact plate 261a and the second contact plate 261b.

While the door <NUM> is unlocked, the second contact plate 261b is spaced apart from the first locking detection terminal <NUM> due to the locking slider <NUM>. In other words, the first locking detection switch <NUM> is opened (turned off).

While the door <NUM> is locked, as the locking slider <NUM> moves in the third direction D3, the second contact plate 261b comes in contact with the first locking detection terminal <NUM>. In other words, the first locking detection switch <NUM> is closed (turned on).

On the basis of the opening of the first locking detection switch <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may identify that the door <NUM> is unlocked. On the basis of the closing of the first locking detection switch <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may identify that the door <NUM> is locked.

The controller <NUM> may output a door unlocking signal in order to unlock the door <NUM>. The first solenoid <NUM> may unlock the door <NUM> in response to the door unlocking signal from the controller <NUM>. When the first solenoid <NUM> generates a magnetic field due to the electrical signal (door unlocking signal) supplied from the controller <NUM>, the first magnetic body 215a may move upward again due to the magnetic field of the first solenoid <NUM>.

The movement of the first magnetic body 215a may be transferred to the locking slider <NUM> via the mechanical devices included in the first door latch <NUM>, and the locking slider <NUM> may move in a fourth direction D4 (toward the upper right side in <FIG>).

Due to the movement of the locking slider <NUM> in the fourth direction D4, the rotation of the catch cap <NUM> is permitted. Since the rotation of the catch cap <NUM> is possible, the lever tip <NUM> is released from the first door latch <NUM>. In other words, the door <NUM> is unlocked.

Also, due to the movement of the locking slider <NUM> in the fourth direction D4, the second contact plate 261b is spaced apart from the first locking detection terminal <NUM>. In other words, the first locking detection switch <NUM> is opened (turned off).

When the door <NUM> is opened, the door slider <NUM> may move in a second direction D2 (leftward in <FIG>).

Due to the movement of the door slider <NUM> in the second direction D2, the first contact plate 261a is spaced apart from the one end of the first solenoid <NUM>. In other words, the first closure detection switch <NUM> is opened (turned off).

In this way, the first door latch <NUM> may include the door slider <NUM> which moves due to the lever tip <NUM>, and, due to the movement of the door slider <NUM>, the first closure detection switch <NUM> may be closed (turned on) or opened (turned off).

Also, the first door latch <NUM> includes the locking slider <NUM> which moves due to the operation of the first solenoid <NUM>, and, due to the movement of the locking slider <NUM>, the door <NUM> is locked or unlocked. Also, due to the movement of the locking slider <NUM>, the first locking detection switch <NUM> may be closed (turned on) or opened (turned off).

The second door latch <NUM> includes the same configuration as the first door latch <NUM>. For example, the second door latch <NUM> may include a second solenoid, a door slider, a locking slider, and a switch plate.

The elements of the second door latch <NUM> may be disposed to be vertically symmetrical to the elements of the first door latch <NUM>. Also, the elements of the second door latch <NUM> may move in a manner vertically symmetrical to the elements of the first door latch <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of connection between a controller and a door lock included in the clothes dryer according to an embodiment. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate operations of the door lock due to the connection illustrated in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the dryer <NUM> includes the controller <NUM>, the first door latch <NUM>, and the second door latch <NUM>.

The first door locking terminal <NUM>, the first neutral terminal <NUM>, and the first locking detection terminal <NUM>, which are connected to the controller <NUM>, are provided in the first door latch <NUM>.

The first door latch <NUM> includes the first closure detection switch <NUM> configured to detect closure of the door <NUM>, the first solenoid <NUM> configured to generate a dynamic force for locking the door <NUM>, and the first locking detection switch <NUM> configured to detect locking of the door <NUM>.

A second door locking terminal <NUM>, a second neutral terminal <NUM>, and a second locking detection terminal <NUM>, which are connected to the controller <NUM>, are provided in the second door latch <NUM>.

The second door latch <NUM> includes a second closure detection switch <NUM>, a second solenoid <NUM>, and a second locking detection switch <NUM>. The configurations and functions of the second closure detection switch <NUM>, the second solenoid <NUM>, and the second locking detection switch <NUM> are the same as those of the first closure detection switch <NUM>, the first solenoid <NUM>, and the first locking detection switch <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first closure detection switch <NUM>, the first solenoid <NUM>, and the first locking detection switch <NUM> which are included in the first door latch <NUM> may be disposed to be vertically symmetrical to the second closure detection switch <NUM>, the second solenoid <NUM>, and the second locking detection switch <NUM> which are included in the second door latch <NUM>. Also, the first door locking terminal <NUM>, the first neutral terminal <NUM>, and the first locking detection terminal <NUM> may be disposed to be vertically symmetrical to the second door locking terminal <NUM>, the second neutral terminal <NUM>, and the second locking detection terminal <NUM>.

The first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> may be connected in parallel with the controller <NUM>. The first door locking terminal <NUM> may be connected to the controller <NUM> together with the second door locking terminal <NUM>, and the first neutral terminal <NUM> may be connected to the controller <NUM> together with the second neutral terminal <NUM>. Also, the first locking detection terminal <NUM> may be connected to the controller <NUM> together with the second locking detection terminal <NUM>.

Thus, the first closure detection switch <NUM> and the first solenoid <NUM> are connected in parallel with the second closure detection switch <NUM> and the second solenoid <NUM>. Also, the first locking detection switch <NUM> is connected in parallel with the second locking detection switch <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may output a door locking signal, and the door locking signal of the controller <NUM> may be input to the first door latch <NUM> through the first door locking terminal <NUM> and be input to the second door latch <NUM> through the second door locking terminal <NUM>. Since the first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> are connected in parallel with the controller <NUM>, a signal output from the controller <NUM> may be input to both the first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM>.

The first solenoid <NUM> may be driven by the door locking signal depending on whether the first closure detection switch <NUM> is closed (turned on), and the second solenoid <NUM> may be driven by the door locking signal depending on whether the second closure detection switch <NUM> is closed (turned on).

The controller <NUM> may identify that the door <NUM> is locked, on the basis of the first locking detection switch <NUM> and the second locking detection switch <NUM> being closed (turned on). Since the first locking detection switch <NUM> and the second locking detection switch <NUM> are connected in parallel with each other, the controller <NUM> may identify that the door <NUM> is locked when any one of the first locking detection switch <NUM> and the second locking detection switch <NUM> is closed (turned on).

For example, the door hinge <NUM> may be disposed at the left side of the opening 103a of the front cover <NUM>, and the lever tip <NUM> may be disposed at the right side end of the door <NUM>. When the door <NUM> is closed, as illustrated in <FIG>, the lever tip <NUM> may be inserted into the first door latch <NUM>, and the first closure detection switch <NUM> may be closed (turned on) due to the lever tip <NUM>. The second closure detection switch <NUM> of the second door latch <NUM> may be in an open (off) state.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may output a door locking signal. Since the first closure detection switch <NUM> is in a closed (on) state, the door locking signal may be input to the first solenoid <NUM>. The first solenoid <NUM> may be driven by the door locking signal, and, due to the driving of the first solenoid <NUM>, the door <NUM> may be locked, and the first locking detection switch <NUM> may be closed (turned on).

On the other hand, since the second closure detection switch <NUM> is in the open (off) state, the door locking signal is not input to the second solenoid <NUM>. The second solenoid <NUM> is not driven, and the second locking detection switch <NUM> may maintain being opened (turned off).

On the basis of the first locking detection switch <NUM> being closed (turned on), the controller <NUM> may identify that the door <NUM> is locked.

Also, the door hinge <NUM> may be disposed at the right side of the opening 103a of the front cover <NUM>, and the lever tip <NUM> may be disposed at the left side end of the door <NUM>. When the door <NUM> is closed, as illustrated in <FIG>, the lever tip <NUM> may be inserted into the second door latch <NUM>, and the second closure detection switch <NUM> may be closed (turned on) due to the lever tip <NUM>. The first closure detection switch <NUM> of the first door latch <NUM> may be in an open (off) state.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may output a door locking signal. Since the second closure detection switch <NUM> is in the closed (on) state, the door locking signal may be input to the second solenoid <NUM>. The solenoid <NUM> may be driven by the door locking signal, and, due to the driving of the second solenoid <NUM>, the door <NUM> may be locked, and the second locking detection switch <NUM> may be closed (turned on).

On the other hand, since the first closure detection switch <NUM> is in the open (off) state, the door locking signal is not input to the first solenoid <NUM>. The first solenoid <NUM> is not driven, and the first locking detection switch <NUM> may maintain being opened (turned off).

On the basis of the second locking detection switch <NUM> being closed (turned on), the controller <NUM> may identify that the door <NUM> is locked.

<FIG> illustrates another example of the connection between the controller and the door lock included in the clothes dryer according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates an operation of the door lock due to the connection illustrated in <FIG>.

The first door locking terminal <NUM>, the first neutral terminal <NUM>, and the first locking detection terminal <NUM> are provided in the first door latch <NUM>, and the first door latch <NUM> includes the first closure detection switch <NUM>, the first solenoid <NUM>, and the first locking detection switch <NUM>.

The second door locking terminal <NUM>, the second neutral terminal <NUM>, and the second locking detection terminal <NUM> are provided in the second door latch <NUM>, and the second door latch <NUM> includes the second closure detection switch <NUM>, the second solenoid <NUM>, and the second locking detection switch <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the first door latch <NUM> may be disposed to be vertically symmetrical to the elements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the second door latch <NUM>.

The first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> may be connected in series with the controller <NUM>. The first door locking terminal <NUM> is connected to the controller <NUM>, the first locking detection terminal <NUM> is connected to the second door locking terminal <NUM>, and the second locking detection terminal <NUM> is connected to the controller <NUM>. Also, the first neutral terminal <NUM> may be connected to the controller <NUM> together with the second neutral terminal <NUM>.

Thus, the first solenoid <NUM>, the first closure detection switch <NUM>, the first locking detection switch <NUM>, the second solenoid <NUM>, the second closure detection switch <NUM>, and the second locking detection switch <NUM> are connected in series with each other.

The controller <NUM> may output a door locking signal, and the door locking signal of the controller <NUM> may be sequentially input to the first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM>.

When both the first closure detection switch <NUM> and the second closure detection switch <NUM> are closed (turned on), the first solenoid <NUM> and the second solenoid <NUM> may be sequentially driven.

On the basis of the first locking detection switch <NUM> and the second locking detection switch <NUM> being closed (turned on), the controller <NUM> may identify that the door <NUM> is locked. Since the first locking detection switch <NUM> and the second locking detection switch <NUM> are connected in series with each other, the controller <NUM> may identify that the door <NUM> is locked when both the first locking detection switch <NUM> and the second locking detection switch <NUM> are closed (turned on).

For example, the door hinge <NUM> may be disposed at the left side of the opening 103a of the front cover <NUM>, and the lever tip <NUM> may be disposed at the right side end of the door <NUM>. When the door <NUM> is closed, as illustrated in <FIG>, the lever tip <NUM> is inserted into the first door latch <NUM>. The user may insert a fake lever tip 193a into the second door latch <NUM> in order to close (turn on) the second closure detection switch <NUM>. Due to the fake lever tip 193a, the second closure detection switch <NUM> may be closed (turned on) at all times, and the first closure detection switch <NUM> may be closed (turned on) or opened (turned off) depending on whether the door <NUM> is closed or opened.

Since the first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> are connected in series with each other, the first solenoid <NUM> and the second solenoid <NUM> are either driven or not driven, depending on whether the first closure detection switch <NUM> is closed (turned on) or opened (turned off). When the first closure detection switch <NUM> is in a closed (on) state, the first solenoid <NUM> is driven by a primary door locking signal from the controller <NUM>, and the second solenoid <NUM> is driven by a secondary door locking signal from the controller <NUM>. When the first closure detection switch <NUM> is in an opened (off) state, the first solenoid <NUM> and the second solenoid <NUM> are not driven.

<FIG> illustrates another example of the connection between the controller and the door lock included in the clothes dryer according to an embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first closure detection switch <NUM>, the first solenoid <NUM>, and the first locking detection switch <NUM> may be disposed to be vertically symmetrical to the second closure detection switch <NUM>, the second solenoid <NUM>, and the second locking detection switch <NUM>.

Each of the first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> may be connected to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may control the first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> independently of each other. For example, the controller <NUM> may output a first door locking signal to the first door latch <NUM> and output a second door locking signal to the second door latch <NUM>.

Also, from each of the first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may identify whether the door <NUM> is locked.

<FIG> illustrates an operation of the clothes dryer according to an embodiment.

An operation <NUM> of a dryer <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The dryer <NUM> receives a user input (<NUM>).

A controller <NUM> may receive the user input through a user input device <NUM>. For example, the user may select a drying course and input an operational command through the user input device <NUM>.

The dryer <NUM> determines whether a door <NUM> is closed (<NUM>).

When the user selects a drying course and inputs an operational command, before starting the operation, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the door <NUM> is closed. For example, the controller <NUM> may identify whether the door <NUM> is closed on the basis of whether closure of the door <NUM> is detected by the door closure detector <NUM>.

When the closure of the door <NUM> is not detected (NO in <NUM>), the dryer <NUM> warns of the opening of the door <NUM> (<NUM>).

In response to not receiving a door closure signal from the door closure detector <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may display a message indicating opening of the door <NUM> on the display <NUM>.

When the closure of the door <NUM> is detected (YES in <NUM>), the dryer <NUM> locks the door <NUM> (<NUM>).

A first door latch <NUM> and a second door latch <NUM> may be connected in parallel with the controller <NUM>, or the first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> may be connected in series with the controller <NUM>. Alternatively, the first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> may be separately connected to the controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may output a door locking signal for locking the door <NUM> to the first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM>.

The dryer <NUM> determines whether the door <NUM> is locked (<NUM>).

Each of the first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> which received the door locking signal from the controller <NUM> may lock the door <NUM> depending on whether the door <NUM> is closed and output the door locking signal depending on whether the door <NUM> is locked. The controller <NUM> may identify whether the door <NUM> is locked on the basis of whether the door locking signal is received.

When locking of the door <NUM> is not detected (NO in <NUM>), the dryer <NUM> warns of the opening of the door <NUM> (<NUM>).

In response to not receiving a door locking signal from the door lock <NUM>, he controller <NUM> may display a message indicating the opening of the door <NUM> on the display <NUM>.

When the locking of the door <NUM> is detected (YES in <NUM>), the dryer <NUM> performs a drying operation (<NUM>).

The controller <NUM> may control the drum motor <NUM> to rotate the drum <NUM> and control the fan motor <NUM> to rotate the fan <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may control the heat pump <NUM> to condense water vapor from air inside the drum <NUM> and control the heater <NUM> to heat the air inside the drum <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exterior of a clothes washer according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a configuration of the clothes washer according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a side cross-section of the clothes washer according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates coupling between a main body and a door of the clothes washer according to an embodiment.

A washer <NUM> is one kind of clothes handling apparatuses.

The washer <NUM> refers to an apparatus which supplies water and detergent to a drum, in which an object to be washed is accommodated, and rotates the drum to wash the object to be washed. Here, the object to be washed may include any object which may be washed by a mechanical action and a chemical action. For example, the object to be washed is not limited and may be any object made of various kinds of fibers and fabrics, such as clothes and towels.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the washer <NUM> includes a rectangular parallelepiped cabinet <NUM>. Also, the washer <NUM> includes a user input device <NUM> provided inside or outside the cabinet <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a water tank <NUM>, a drum <NUM>, a drum motor <NUM>, a detergent compartment <NUM>, a water supply valve <NUM>, a water drainage pump <NUM>, a door closure detector <NUM>, a door lock <NUM>, and a controller <NUM>.

The user input device <NUM> and the display <NUM> for control of the washer <NUM> may be disposed at an upper end of the front cover <NUM>.

The user input device <NUM> includes a dial <NUM> and a button <NUM>.

For example, the washer <NUM> may include different washing courses for washing different objects to be washed, and the user may select any one of a plurality of washing courses by rotating the dial <NUM>.

The washer <NUM> may include a power button for permitting or interrupting power supplied from an external power supply and an operational button for starting or stopping a washing operation of the washer <NUM>.

The user input device <NUM> may receive a control command related to the washer <NUM> from the user and output an electrical signal corresponding to the received control command to the controller <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may display an operational state of the washer <NUM> and a control command from the user. For example, the display <NUM> may display a washing course selected by the user and display the time remaining until the end of washing during operation of the washer <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may also employ a TSP configured to receive a control command from a user and display operational information corresponding to the received control command.

The washer <NUM> includes the water tank <NUM> configured to accommodate water for washing. The water tank <NUM> may be installed to be able to vibrate in the cabinet <NUM> due to a damper <NUM>. The damper <NUM> reduces the size of vibration transmitted to the cabinet <NUM> from the water tank <NUM> when the water tank <NUM> vibrates.

The water tank <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The water tank <NUM> may include a front portion <NUM> having an inlet 321a formed therein to allow an object to be washed to be put in the drum <NUM> and a rear portion <NUM> through which a rotating shaft 335a of the drum motor <NUM> passes.

The washer <NUM> includes the drum <NUM> configured to accommodate an object to be washed and wash the object to be washed. The drum <NUM> may be rotatably installed in the water tank <NUM>.

The drum <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape whose center of rotation is formed in the front-rear, horizontal direction. A front panel <NUM> having an opening 331a formed therein to allow an object to be washed to be put in the drum <NUM> may be disposed at a front surface of the drum <NUM>. Also, a rear surface of the drum <NUM> may be closed by a rear panel <NUM> connected to the rotating shaft 335a of the drum motor <NUM>.

The drum <NUM> may have a through-hole <NUM> formed therein to allow introduction of the water stored in the water tank <NUM> into the drum <NUM>.

The drum <NUM> may receive a rotary force from the drum motor <NUM> and rotate.

The drum motor <NUM> is installed behind the water tank <NUM> and is connected to the drum <NUM> through the rotating shaft 335a passing through the water tank <NUM>. The drum motor <NUM> may provide a rotary force to the drum <NUM> through the rotating shaft 335a.

The detergent compartment <NUM> configured to store a detergent may be provided at an upper side of the water tank <NUM>. The detergent compartment <NUM> may be connected to the water tank <NUM> through a connection tube <NUM>. The water and the detergent may be supplied to the water tank <NUM> through the connection tube <NUM>.

A water supply tube <NUM> configured to connect an external water supply and the detergent compartment <NUM> to each other may be provided at the upper side of the water tank <NUM>. A water supply valve <NUM> configured to close or open the water supply tube <NUM> may be installed in the water supply tube <NUM>.

In response to opening of the water supply valve <NUM>, the water moves to the detergent compartment <NUM> through the water supply tube <NUM> and is mixed with the detergent in the detergent compartment <NUM>. The mixture of the water and the detergent may be supplied to the water tank <NUM> through the connection tube <NUM>.

A water drainage tube <NUM> configured to guide the water in the water tank <NUM> to the outside may be provided at a lower side of the water tank <NUM>. The water drainage pump <NUM> configured to pump the water out of the water tank <NUM> may be installed in the water drainage tube <NUM>.

Due to the operation of the water drainage pump <NUM>, the water in the water tank <NUM> may be discharged to the outside of the washer <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an opening 303a formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the front is provided in the front cover <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>.

The opening 303a is opened or closed by a door <NUM> rotatably installed at the cabinet <NUM>. The door <NUM> includes a door base <NUM>, a door hinge <NUM>, and a lever tip <NUM>.

The door base <NUM>, the door hinge <NUM>, and the lever tip <NUM> may be identical to the door base <NUM>, the door hinge <NUM>, and the lever tip <NUM> of the dryer <NUM>, respectively.

Specifically, the door hinge <NUM> may be installed at a left side of the opening 303a or installed at a right side of the opening 303a. The door <NUM> may be rotatably fixed to the left side of the opening 303a or rotatably fixed to the right side of the opening 303a, depending on a position at which the door hinge <NUM> is installed.

The lever tip <NUM> may be installed at the opposite side of the door hinge <NUM> on the door base <NUM>. When the door hinge <NUM> is disposed at the left side end of the door base <NUM>, the lever tip <NUM> may be disposed at the right side end of the door base <NUM> and be inserted into a hole in the right side of the opening 303a when the door <NUM> is closed. Also, when the door hinge <NUM> is disposed at the right side end of the door base <NUM>, the lever tip <NUM> may be disposed at the left side end of the door base <NUM> and be inserted into a hole in the left side of the opening 303a when the door <NUM> is closed.

The door closure detector <NUM> may detect a closed state of the door <NUM> and an opened state of the door <NUM>. For example, the door closure detector <NUM> may include a push switch <NUM> disposed in the vicinity of the opening 303a of the cabinet <NUM>. The push switch <NUM> may be identical to the push switch <NUM> of the dryer <NUM>.

The door lock <NUM> may include a first door latch <NUM> and a second door latch <NUM> which are capable of locking the door <NUM>. The first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> may be identical to the first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> of the dryer <NUM>.

Specifically, the first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> may be provided at an inner side of the front cover <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>. The first door latch <NUM> may be installed at the right side of the opening 303a when the cabinet <NUM> is viewed from the front. The second door latch <NUM> may be installed at the left side of the opening 303a when the cabinet <NUM> is viewed from the front.

When the door <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the left side of the opening 303a, the door <NUM> may be closed by rotating rightward from the left side, and the first door latch <NUM> provided at the right side of the opening 303a may fix the lever tip <NUM> of the door <NUM>.

When the door <NUM> is rotatably fixed to the right side of the opening 303a, the door <NUM> may be closed by rotating leftward from the right side, and the second door latch <NUM> provided at the left side of the opening 303a may fix the lever tip <NUM> of the door <NUM>.

The first door latch <NUM> and the second door latch <NUM> may be configured to be symmetrical to each other. The first door latch <NUM> may include a first closure detection switch, a first solenoid, and a first locking detection switch, and the second door latch <NUM> may include a second closure detection switch, a second solenoid, and a second locking detection switch. The first closure detection switch, the first solenoid, and the first locking detection switch may be disposed to be vertically symmetrical to the second closure detection switch, the second solenoid, and the second locking detection switch.

The controller <NUM> may include a memory <NUM> configured to store a program and data for controlling the operation of the washer <NUM> and a processor <NUM> configured to generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the washer <NUM> according to the program and data stored in the memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> and the processor <NUM> may be implemented with separate chips or implemented with a single chip. Also, the controller <NUM> may include a plurality of memories or a plurality of processors.

For example, the controller <NUM> may perform the operation <NUM> of <FIG> which has been described above. Specifically, the controller <NUM> may identify that the door <NUM> is closed and lock the door <NUM>.

Meanwhile, a computer-readable recording medium may include all type of recording media in which computer-readable instructions are stored. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium may include a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, and an optical data storage.

Claim 1:
A clothes handling apparatus comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>, <NUM>) having an opening (103a, 303a) formed in a front surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the cabinet;
a door lock (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a first door latch (<NUM>, <NUM>) installed on the cabinet at a right side of the opening and a second door latch (<NUM>, <NUM>) installed on the cabinet at a left side of the opening;
a door (<NUM>, <NUM>) installable at either the left side of the opening or the right side of the opening so as to be rotatable to open or close the opening, and
when the door is installed at the left side of the opening, the door is lockable by the first door latch, and
when the door is installed at the right side of the opening, the door is lockable by the second door latch,
characterized in that
the first door latch (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the second door latch (<NUM>, <NUM>) each include:
a closure detection switch (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a solenoid (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a locking detection switch (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein the locking detection switch is configured to detect the locking of the door, and the clothes handling apparatus further comprises:
a closure detector (<NUM>) configured to detect closure of the door, and
a controller (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to:
control the door lock to lock the door when the closure detector detects closure of the door, and
control the clothes handling apparatus to allow a drying operation of the clothes handling apparatus to be started when both the closure detector detects closure of the door and the locking detection switch detects locking of the door, and
control the clothes handling apparatus to prevent the drying operation from being started when the closure detector (<NUM>) detects closure of the door but the locking detection switch (<NUM>, <NUM>) does not detect locking of the door, and when the closure detector (<NUM>) does not detect closure of the door but the locking detection switch (<NUM>, <NUM>) detects locking of the door,
wherein the closure detection switch (<NUM>, <NUM>) is provided to detect closure of the door separately from the closure detector (<NUM>); and
the solenoid is provided to lock the door on the basis of detection of the closure of the door by the closure detection switch.