[go: up one dir, main page]

EP3924546B1 - Machine à laver et son procédé de commande - Google Patents

Machine à laver et son procédé de commande Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3924546B1
EP3924546B1 EP20773159.7A EP20773159A EP3924546B1 EP 3924546 B1 EP3924546 B1 EP 3924546B1 EP 20773159 A EP20773159 A EP 20773159A EP 3924546 B1 EP3924546 B1 EP 3924546B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
drum
duct
tub
water
rotational speed
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP20773159.7A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3924546A1 (fr
EP3924546A4 (fr
Inventor
Jung Yoon Hahm
Min Hee Kang
Zoo Hyeong Kim
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Samsung Electronics Co Ltd filed Critical Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Publication of EP3924546A1 publication Critical patent/EP3924546A1/fr
Publication of EP3924546A4 publication Critical patent/EP3924546A4/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3924546B1 publication Critical patent/EP3924546B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F25/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry and having further drying means, e.g. using hot air 
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers 
    • D06F58/24—Condensing arrangements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/50—Control of washer-dryers characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F33/52—Control of the operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/60—Control of the operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of centrifugal separation of water from the laundry
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/50—Control of washer-dryers characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F33/70—Control of the operating time, e.g. reduction of overall operating time
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
    • D06F37/04—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a horizontal or inclined axis
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/30—Driving arrangements 
    • D06F37/36—Driving arrangements  for rotating the receptacle at more than one speed
    • D06F37/38—Driving arrangements  for rotating the receptacle at more than one speed in opposite directions
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/24—Spin speed; Drum movements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/52—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to electric heating means, e.g. temperature or voltage
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/54—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to blowers or fans
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/28—Electric heating
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/36—Condensing arrangements, e.g. control of water injection therefor
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/46—Drum speed; Actuation of motors, e.g. starting or interrupting
    • D06F2105/48—Drum speed
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/50—Control of washer-dryers characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • D06F33/52—Control of the operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/63—Control of the operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of air flow, e.g. blowing air during the washing process to prevent entanglement of the laundry
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
    • D06F37/04—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a horizontal or inclined axis
    • D06F37/06—Ribs, lifters, or rubbing means forming part of the receptacle
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/30—Driving arrangements 
    • D06F37/40—Driving arrangements  for driving the receptacle and an agitator or impeller, e.g. alternatively

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to a washing machine capable of drying laundry and a controlling method thereof.
  • a washing machine is an apparatus configured to wash laundry inside of a tub retaining water by rotating a drum rotatably installed in the tub to accommodate the laundry.
  • the washing machine may perform a washing cycle using water to separate pollutants from the laundry, a rinsing cycle rinsing the laundry, a spin-dry cycle removing water from the wet laundry, and a drying cycle drying the laundry.
  • the drying cycle may use a heat-drying method which dries the laundry by heating the air inside of the tub and the drum.
  • the washing machine requires a drying duct configured to heat the air inside of the tub and the drum.
  • the drying duct is located above the tub.
  • the drying duct is connected to the front upper part of the tub and the rear upper part of the tub, and can suck in wet air from the rear upper part of the tub and discharge the heated and dried air to the front upper part of the tub.
  • the drying duct As such, as the drying duct is connected to the top of the tub, the flow of air is mainly generated at the top of the tub. Thereby, the drying time of the washing machine can be increased.
  • US 20150059202 A1 discloses a washing machine including a condensing duct and a heating duct.
  • one aspect of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can shorten the drying time by improving the drying efficiency of the washing machine.
  • One aspect of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of improving the drying efficiency by heating air inside a tub during a drying stroke and at the same time rotating a drum at high speed.
  • One aspect of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can improve the drying efficiency by providing a condensing duct extending from the bottom to the top of the rear of the tub and connecting the condensing duct with a drying duct.
  • a washing machine is provided as defined in claim 1.
  • a controlling method of a washing machine is provided as defined in the method independent claim.
  • a washing machine that can shorten the drying time by improving the drying efficiency of the washing machine is provided.
  • a washing machine capable of improving the drying efficiency by heating the air inside the tub during the drying stroke and at the same time rotating the drum at high speed is provided.
  • a washing machine that can improve the drying efficiency by providing a condensing duct extending from the bottom to the top of the rear of the tub and connecting the condensing duct with the drying duct is provided.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an appearance of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a configuration of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a drying duct of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the front of the tub front part 111 is provided with the opening 111a for injecting laundry into the drum 120 provided in the tub 110 or withdrawing laundry from the drum 120.
  • a diaphragm 113 is provided in the opening 111a of the tub front part 111, and the diaphragm 113 connects the opening 111a with the inlet 101a of the cabinet 101.
  • a discharge port 113a is provided in the upper portion of the diaphragm 113 for discharging air dried by the drying duct 200 into the tub 110 / the drum 120 during a drying cycle.
  • a rear wall 112a of the tub rear part 112 is provided with a bearing 112d and a bearing housing 112e for rotatably fixing the drum motor 130.
  • a tub heater 114 is provided below the tub rear part 112.
  • the tub heater 114 may heat water accommodated in the tub 110.
  • the tub heater 114 may be operated so that the temperature of the water accommodated in the tub 110 is heated to a temperature set by a user.
  • the drum 120 is rotatably provided in the tub 110 and may accommodate laundry.
  • the drum motor 130 includes a stator 132 fixed to the outside of the rear wall 112a of the tub rear part 112, and a rotor 133 rotatably provided and connected to the shaft 131.
  • the rotor 133 may rotate through magnetic interaction with the stator 132, and the rotation of the rotor 133 may be transmitted to the drum 120 through the shaft 131.
  • the drum motor 130 may include, for example, a BrushLess Direct Current Motor (BLDC Motor) or a Permanent Synchronous Motor (PMSM).
  • BLDC Motor BrushLess Direct Current Motor
  • PMSM Permanent Synchronous Motor
  • the water supplier 140 is provided above the tub 110 and may supply water to the tub 110 / the drum 120.
  • the water supply conduit 141 may extend from an external water supply source to a detergent compartment 161 and guide water to the tub 110 via the detergent compartment 161.
  • the water supply valve 142 may allow or block the water supply from the external water source to the tub 110 in response to an electrical signal.
  • the water supply valve 142 may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to the electrical signal.
  • the water drain 150 includes the drain conduit 151 extending from the tub 110 to the outside of the cabinet 101 and the drain pump 152 provided on the drain conduit 151.
  • the drain pump 152 may pump water from the drain conduit 151 outside the cabinet 101.
  • the detergent supplier 160 includes the detergent compartment 161 for storing the detergent and a mixing conduit 162 connecting the detergent compartment 161 with the tub 110.
  • the heating duct 210 is provided above the tub 110, and the air sucked from the tub 110 may be heated while passing through the heating duct 210.
  • the heating duct 210 extends from the rear of the tub 110 to the front of the tub 110.
  • the front of the heating duct 210 is connected to a discharge port 111b, and the rear of the heating duct 210 is connected to the filter housing 220.
  • the heating duct 210 has a tubular shape extending from the rear of the tub 110 to the front of the tub 110.
  • a duct upper plate 211 and a duct lower plate 212 may be included.
  • the shape of the heating duct 210 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3 .
  • a fan 213, a fan motor 214, and a duct heater 215 are provided inside the heating duct 210, that is, between the duct upper plate 211 and the duct lower plate 212.
  • the fan motor 214 may be connected to the fan 213 through a rotation shaft, and may provide rotation to the fan 213.
  • the fan 213 may be provided in an opening 212a of the duct lower plate 212, and the fan 213 may circulate air between the tub 110 and the heating duct 210 by rotation. For example, the fan 213 sucks the internal air of the tub 110 / the drum 120 from the rear of the tub 110 to the heating duct 210 and exhausts the air of the heating duct 210 to the front of the tub 110.
  • the filter housing 220 is provided between the heating duct 210 and the tub 110, and guides air sucked from the tub 110 to the heating duct 210 through the connecting conduit 230.
  • the filter housing 220 is connected to the heating duct 210. In addition, the filter housing 220 is connected to the tub 110 through the connecting conduit 230.
  • the filter housing 220 has a shape in which two cylinders are combined.
  • the upper cylinder is connected to the heating duct 210, and the lower cylinder is connected to the connecting conduit 230.
  • the upper cylinder and the lower cylinder have different diameters.
  • the central axis of the upper cylinder does not coincide with the central axis of the lower cylinder, and the central axis of the upper cylinder may be disposed parallel to the central axis of the lower cylinder.
  • the shape of the filter housing 220 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3 .
  • a filter 221 is provided to separate dust contained in the air sucked from the tub 110.
  • the filter 221 may be provided at a portion where the upper cylinder and the lower cylinder are connected.
  • the filter housing 220 is provided with a washing water nozzle 222 for spraying water to clean the filter 221.
  • the washing water nozzle 222 is connected to an external water source through a washing water conduit 223, and a washing water valve 224 is provided on the washing water conduit 223.
  • the washing water valve 224 may allow or block the supply of water to the washing water nozzle 222 in response to the electrical signal.
  • the washing water valve 224 may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to the electrical signal.
  • the connecting conduit 230 may be provided between the filter housing 220 and the tub 110 to guide the air sucked from the tub 110 to the heating duct 210.
  • Air heated from the heating duct 210 is supplied to the inside of the tub 110 and the drum 120 during the drying cycle, and the heated air may absorb the moisture of wet laundry contained in the drum 120.
  • the first rib 112f is provided at an approximately center portion of the rear wall 112a of the tub rear part 112.
  • the second rib 112g is provided at an approximately edge portion of the rear wall of the tub rear part 112.
  • the depth of the first rib 112f and the depth of the second rib 112g are different from each other. Specifically, since the rear groove 241 is formed at the edge portion of the rear wall 112a inside the tub rear part 112, the depth of the second rib 112g provided at the approximately edge portion of the rear wall 112a of the tub rear part 112 is shallower than the depth of the first rib 112f provided at the approximately center portion of the rear wall 112a of the tub rear part 112.
  • a cover 242 may be provided on the substantially horseshoeshaped rear groove 241 formed inside the rear wall 112a of the tub rear part 112.
  • the cover 242 has an approximately horseshoe shape to correspond to the shape of the rear groove 241.
  • the cover 242 is provided along the sidewall 112b of the tub rear part 112 at the rear wall 112a of the tub rear part 112, as shown in FIG. 7 , and a second center angle ⁇ of the cover 242 may be between approximately 180 degrees and 360 degrees.
  • the second center angle ⁇ of the cover 242 may be smaller than the first center angle ⁇ of the rear groove 241. Therefore, at least a part of the rear groove 241 may not be covered by the cover 242, and at least a part of the rear groove 241 may be exposed to the outside.
  • the inlets 243a and 243b may be formed at both ends of the rear groove 241.
  • the first inlet 243a may be formed at the left end of the rear groove 241
  • the second inlet 243b may be formed at the right end of the rear groove 241.
  • Water or air inside the tub 110 may be introduced into the rear groove 241 through the first inlet 243a and the second inlet 243b.
  • the first inlet 243a may be formed at the left end of the rear groove 241
  • the cover 242 Since the cover 242 is spaced apart from the rear groove 241, a space in which water or air can flow is formed between the cover 242 and the rear groove 241, and the space between them forms the condensing duct 240.
  • the condensing duct 240 is formed by the rear wall 112a and the cover 242 of the tub rear part 112.
  • the condensing duct 240 may be provided along the sidewall 112b of the tub rear part 112 at the rear wall 112a of the tub rear part 112 having a closed cylindrical bottom surface.
  • the condensing duct 240 may have an approximately horseshoe shape in the same manner as the cover 242 and the rear groove 241.
  • the first and second inlets 243a and 243b are respectively provided at both ends of the condensing duct 240 having a substantially horseshoe shape.
  • the cross section of the condensing duct 240 may have a substantially rectangular shape as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
  • a width w of the condensing duct 240 and a depth d of the condensing duct 240 may be determined depending on the stiffness of the tub 110 and the amount of air passing through the condensing duct 240.
  • the width w of the condensing duct 240 and the depth d of the condensing duct 240 increase, the amount of air passing through the condensing duct 240 increases, and the drying efficiency of the washing machine 100 may increase.
  • the depth d of the condensing duct 240 increases, the depth of the second rib 112g provided outside the rear wall 112a of the tub rear part 112 is reduced.
  • the overall size (horizontal, vertical and height) of the washing machine 100 may be a predetermined value. Therefore, as the depth d of the condensing duct 240 increases, the size of the second rib 112g decreases, and the rigidity of the tub 110 may decrease.
  • the size of the first rib 112f provided outside the rear wall 112a of the tub rear part 112 is reduced and the size of the second rib 112g is increased. Since the depth of the second rib 112g is shallower than the depth of the first rib 112f, the rigidity of the tub 110 may decrease as the width w of the condensing duct 240 increases.
  • the width w and the depth d of the condensing duct 240 affect the stiffness of the tub 110 and the amount of air passing through the condensing duct 240, and the stiffness of the tub 110 and the air passing through the condensing duct 240 can be determined depending on the amount.
  • the width w of the condensing duct 240 may be determined so that the area of the condensing duct 240 is about 20% or more of the total area of the rear wall 112a of the tub rear part 112.
  • the condensing duct 240 is provided with condensing nozzles 244a and 244b for injecting water for condensation of water vapor into the condensing duct 240.
  • the first condensing nozzle 244a is provided on the left side of the condensing duct 240, and the second condensing nozzle 244b is provided on the right side of the condensing duct 240.
  • the first condensing nozzle 244a and the second condensing nozzle 244b are connected to an external water source through a condensate conduit 245 (see FIG. 3 ), and a condensation valve 246 is provided on the condensate conduit 245.
  • the condensation valve 246 may allow or block the supply of water to the first condensing nozzle 244a and the second condensing nozzle 244b in response to an electrical signal.
  • the condensation valve 246 may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to the electrical signal.
  • the condensing duct 240 may extend from the first inlet 243a and the second inlet 243b formed at both ends thereof to the suction port 112c formed at the upper side of the tub 110.
  • a side groove 247 in which the sidewall 112b of the tub rear part 112 is recessed outward may be formed.
  • the side groove 247 may be provided above the tub 110.
  • the tub 110 may be provided at an upper right side of the tub 110.
  • the center of the tub 110 may be provided at approximately 1 o'clock to 2 o'clock.
  • the side groove 247 may have a substantially triangular pillar shape. Therefore, when viewed from the outside of the tub 110, the side groove 247 can be seen as a stepped protrusion 247a.
  • the side groove 247 may be formed inside the stepped protrusion 247a formed on the sidewall of the tub rear part 112.
  • the shape of the side groove 247 is not limited to this.
  • the side groove 247 may extend from the rear groove 241 to the suction port 112c.
  • the side groove 247 may extend from the rear surface of the rear groove 241 to the suction port 112c.
  • the cover 242 may include a protruding portion to cover the side groove 247.
  • the protruding portion of the cover 242 may extend to the lower side of the suction port 112c to partition the side groove 247 from the inside of the tub 110.
  • the condensing duct 240 may extend from the first inlet 243a and the second inlet 243b formed inside the rear wall 112a of the tub 110 to the suction port 112c formed above the sidewall 112b of the tub rear part 112.
  • the condensing duct 240 may be connected to the heating duct 210 through the suction port 112c. Air passing through the condensing duct 240 may be introduced into the heating duct 210 through the suction port 112c.
  • the condensing duct 240 may be provided at the rear wall 112a of the tub rear part 112. Since the condensing duct 240 is provided, water vapor contained in the internal air of the tub 110 / the drum 120 may be condensed while passing through the condensing duct 240. In addition, the condensing duct 240 increases the time for the internal air of the tub 110 / the drum 120 to contact with the water vapor, thereby increasing the amount of water vapor condensed. Therefore, the drying efficiency of the washing machine 100 is improved.
  • the condensing duct 240 may be integrally formed with the tub rear part 112 inside the rear wall 112a of the tub rear part 112. Thereby, the condensing duct 240 can be provided without attachment of additional structures (e.g., conduits for forming condensation ducts) behind the tub 110.
  • additional structures e.g., conduits for forming condensation ducts
  • the increase in the size of the washing machine due to the additional structure can be prevented, and also the decrease in the size (washing capacity) of the tub and the drum due to the additional structure can be prevented.
  • the assembly structure for forming the condensing duct 240 can be simplified.
  • the condensing duct 240 is integrally formed with the tub rear part 112, leakage of the condensing duct 240 may be prevented.
  • the condensing duct 240 includes the first inlet 243a and the second inlet 243b, thereby forming two flow paths from the first inlet 243a and the second inlet 243b to the suction port 112c. Thereby, the resistance of the airflow passing through the condensing duct 240 can be reduced, and the amount of air passing through the condensing duct 240 can be increased.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a flow of water and air in a condensation duct according to one embodiment.
  • Water sprayed from the first condensing nozzle 244a and the second condensing nozzle 244b may flow down the sidewalls of the condensing duct 240.
  • water may flow along the rear wall 112a of the tub rear part 112 forming the condensing duct 240 or along the cover 242.
  • the air sucked through the first inlet 243a and the second inlet 243b may flow along the condensing duct 240 to the suction port 112c provided at the upper portion of the tub 110.
  • Hot and humid air may contact water flowing along the sidewalls of the condensing duct 240 while flowing along the condensing duct 240. Water vapor contained in the hot humid air may condense while the hot humid air comes into contact with the water of the condensing duct 240.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a flow of water and air in a condensation duct according to another embodiment.
  • the air flowing through the condensing duct 240 increases in flow rate at a portion where the cross-sectional area is reduced by the first protrusion 248a and the second protrusion 248b.
  • the air may contact the water sprayed from the first condensing nozzle 244a and the second condensing nozzle 244b respectively provided in the first protrusion 248a and the second protrusion 248b.
  • water is injected into the rapidly flowing air through the first condensing nozzle 244a provided in the first protrusion 248a.
  • the contact of water with the air is increased, and the amount of water vapor condensed by the water may be increased.
  • the condensing efficiency in the condensing duct 240 can be improved and the drying time can be reduced.
  • the air passing through the through hole 121a may be sucked into the condensing duct 240 through the first inlet 243a and/or the second inlet 243b provided at the rear wall 112a of the tub 110. Water sprayed from the first condensing nozzle 244a and the second condensing nozzle 244b may flow on the sidewall of the condensing duct 240.
  • the air may be heated by the duct heater 215 while passing through the heating duct 210. Due to the heating of the air, the capacity (amount of saturated steam) in which the air can receive water vapor may increase. In other words, the amount of saturated water vapor in the air may increase.
  • FIG. 12 shows a configuration of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 13 shows an operation of a washing machine according to one embodiment.
  • the washing machine 100 includes a user input 171, a display 172, a water level sensor 173, a tub temperature sensor 174, a duct temperature sensor 175, a motor driving circuit 180, the drum motor 130, the water supply valve 142, the drain pump 152, the fan motor 214, the tub heater 114, the duct heater 215, the washing water valve 224, the condensation valve 246 and a controller 190.
  • the washing machine 100 may perform an amount of laundry 1010, a washing cycle 1020, a rinsing cycle 1030, a dehydration cycle 1040, and a drying cycle 1050.
  • the user input 171 is provided on the control panel 103 of the cabinet 101, and includes a dial 171a (see FIG. 1 ) capable of obtaining the user input by rotation and an input button 171b capable of obtaining the user input by reciprocating movement.
  • the user can select any one of the plurality of laundry courses by rotating the dial 171a.
  • the washing machine 100 may include a plurality of different washing courses for washing different kinds of laundry, for example, the different washing courses may include different washing times, different rinsing times and different dehydration times.
  • the input button 171b may include a washing button for adjusting the washing time in which the washing machine 100 washes laundry, a rinsing button for adjusting the number of rinses of the washing machine 100 to rinse the laundry and, a dehydration button for adjusting the dehydration time for dehydrating the laundry.
  • the input button 171b may include a power button for allowing or cutting off power supplied from an external power source, and an operation button for starting or stopping an operation of the washing machine 100.
  • the dial 171a and the input button 171b may transmit an electrical signal (voltage or current) corresponding to the user input to the controller 190 in response to the user input received from the user.
  • the display 172 is provided on the control panel 103 of the cabinet 101 and may display an operation state of the washing machine 100 and a control command of the user. For example, the display 172 may display the washing course selected by the user, and display the time remaining until the completion of the operation while the washing machine 100 is in operation.
  • the water level sensor 173 may be installed at the end of a connection hose 173a (see FIG. 2 ) connected to the bottom of the tub 110.
  • the water level of the connection hose 173a may be the same as that of the tub 110. As the water level of the connection hose 173a increases, the pressure inside the connection hose 173a increases, and as the water level of the connection hose 173a decreases, the pressure inside the connection hose 173a decreases.
  • the water level sensor 173 may measure the pressure inside the connection hose 173a and output an electrical signal corresponding to the measured pressure to the controller 190.
  • the controller 190 may identify the level of the connection hose 173a, that is, the level of the tub 110, based on the pressure of the connection hose 173a measured by the water level sensor 173.
  • the tub temperature sensor 174 may be provided below the tub 110.
  • the tub temperature sensor 174 may be installed near the tub heater 114.
  • the tub temperature sensor 174 may include a thermistor. An electrical resistance value of the thermistor is converted according to the temperature, and the tub temperature sensor 174 may transmit an electrical signal (voltage or current) corresponding to the electrical resistance value of the thermistor to the controller 190.
  • the duct temperature sensor 175 may be provided inside the heating duct 210.
  • the duct temperature sensor 175 may be installed in the vicinity of the duct heater 215.
  • the duct temperature sensor 175 may be located downstream of the duct heater 215 based on the flow of air during the heating cycle.
  • the duct temperature sensor 175 may measure the internal temperature of the heating duct 210.
  • the duct temperature sensor 175 may measure the temperature of the air heated by the duct heater 215 during the drying cycle.
  • the duct temperature sensor 175 may include a thermistor. An electrical resistance value of the thermistor is converted according to the temperature, and the duct temperature sensor 175 may transmit an electrical signal (voltage or current) corresponding to the electrical resistance value of the thermistor to the controller 190.
  • the motor driving circuit 180 may be mounted on a printed circuit board installed near the drum motor 130.
  • the motor driving circuit 180 may supply a driving current to the drum motor 130.
  • the motor driving circuit 180 may convert AC power of an external power source into driving power for driving the drum motor 130.
  • the motor driving circuit 180 may have various topologies according to the type of the drum motor 130.
  • the motor driving circuit 180 may convert AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power and intermittently supply DC power to the drum motor 130.
  • the motor driving circuit 180 converts AC power into DC power, and thereafter, the DC power may be converted into AC power in the form of a square wave, and the AC power in the form of a square wave may be supplied to the drum motor 130.
  • the drum motor 130 is a permanent magnet synchronous motor
  • the motor driving circuit 180 converts AC power into DC power, and then converts the DC power into AC power in the sine wave form, and converts the AC power in the sine wave form into a drum to supply to the motor 130.
  • the drum motor 130 is an induction motor
  • the motor driving circuit 180 may intermittently supply AC power supplied from an external power source to the drum motor 130.
  • the motor driving circuit 180 detects a first driving current supplied to the drum motor 130 in order to prevent damage of the drum motor 130 due to an overload, and the information about the first driving current (for example, driving current value) can be output to the controller 190.
  • the controller 190 may be mounted on, for example, a printed circuit board provided at the rear of the control panel 103.
  • the controller 190 is electrically connected to the user input 171, the tub temperature sensor 174, the duct temperature sensor 175, the display 172, the motor driving circuit 180, the water supply valve 142, the drain pump 152, the fan motor 214, the tub heater 114, the duct heater 215, the washing water valve 224, and the condensation valve 246.
  • the controller 190 may control the display 172, the motor driving circuit 180, the water supply valve 142, the drain pump 152, the fan motor 214, the tub heater 114, the duct heater 215, the washing water valve 224, and the condensation valve 246 based on the output of the user input 171, the tub temperature sensor 174 and the duct temperature sensor 175.
  • the controller 190 includes a processor 191 for generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the washing machine 100, and a memory 192 for memorizing or storing a program and data for generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the washing machine 100.
  • the processor 191 and the memory 192 may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip.
  • the controller 190 may include a plurality of processors or a plurality of memories.
  • the processor 191 receives an electrical signal related to the user input from the user input 171, receives an electrical signal related to the temperature of the tub 110 from the tub temperature sensor 174, and receives an electrical signal related to the heating duct 210 from the duct temperature sensor 175.
  • the processor 191 may process an electrical signal related to the user input, an electrical signal related to the temperature of the tub 110, and an electrical signal related to the temperature of the heating duct 210.
  • the processor 191 provides an image signal to the display 172, a driving signal to the motor driving circuit 180, a water supply signal to the water supply valve 142, a drain signal to the drain pump 152, a blow signal to the fan motor 214, a tub heating signal to the tub heater 114, a duct heating signal to the duct heater 215, a filter wash signal to the washing water valve 224 and a condensation signal to the condensation valve 246, based on the user input and the temperature of the tub 110 and the temperature of the heating duct 210.
  • the processor 191 may identify the washing course selected by the user based on the user input.
  • the processor 191 determines the rotational speed and the operating cycle (e.g., on time and off time) of the drum 120 depending on the washing course selected by the user. According to the determined rotational speed and operation period, a motor signal for rotating the drum motor 130 may be provided to the motor driving circuit 180.
  • the memory 192 may memorize or store a program and data for controlling the operation of the washing machine 100 according to the washing course.
  • the memory 192 may memorize or store the rotational speed of the drum 120 according to the washing course and the washing time / rinsing frequency / dehydration time according to the washing course.
  • the memory 192 stores the user input received through the dial 171a and the input button 171b, or information on the operation of the washing machine 100 (for example, a cycle in progress, remaining time until the operation of the washing machine is completed).
  • the controller 190 may estimate the amount of laundry based on the current supplied from the motor driving circuit 180 to the drum motor 130.
  • the controller 190 performs the washing cycle 1020.
  • the controller 190 may discharge the water from the tub 110.
  • the controller 190 may operate the drain pump 152 to discharge the water from the tub 110.
  • the water in the tub 110 may be pumped out by the drain pump 152.
  • the controller 190 may rotate the drum 120 at high speed for intermediate dehydration.
  • the controller 190 may control the motor driving circuit 180 to rotate the drum 120 at high speed (e.g., rotational speed of approximately 1000 rpm to 1100 rpm). While the drum 120 rotates at high speed, the laundry inside the drum 120 is located along the inner wall of the drum 120, and the water absorbed by the laundry may be separated from the laundry by centrifugal force. The water separated from the laundry may be discharged to the outside through the tub 110 and the drain conduit 151 through the through hole 121a of the drum 120.
  • the controller 190 may operate the duct heater 215 provided inside the heating duct 210 to heat the tub 110 / the drum 120.
  • the controller 190 may provide a duct heating signal to the duct heater 215 to turn on the duct heater 215 as shown in FIG. 15 .
  • the controller 190 may operate the fan 213 provided inside the heating duct 210 to circulate air between the tub 110 / the drum 120 and the drying duct 200.
  • the controller 190 can provide a blowing signal to the fan motor 214 for rotating the fan 213 during continuous heating as shown in FIG. 15 .
  • the controller 190 may rotate the drum 120 at a first rotational speed (for example, 40 rpm to 100 rpm) as shown in FIG. 15 .
  • a first rotational speed for example, 40 rpm to 100 rpm
  • the laundry inside the drum 120 may be rolled inside the drum 120 by centrifugal force and gravity.
  • the laundry may be lifted along with the drum 120 to approximately the center height of the drum 120 by centrifugal force and gravity.
  • the direction of the centrifugal force is opposite to the direction of gravity and the laundry falls to the lower portion of the drum 120 by the gravity.
  • the laundry repeatedly enters the rotational direction of the drum 120 and falls to the bottom of the drum 120, and this operation is hereinafter referred to as "tumbling.”
  • the controller 190 may alternately rotate the drum 120 counterclockwise (CCW) or clockwise (CW) as shown in FIG. 15 .
  • the time for the controller 190 to rotate the drum 120 counterclockwise (CCW) may be different from the time for the controller 190 to rotate the drum 120 clockwise (CW).
  • the ratio between the time when the controller 190 rotates the drum 120 counterclockwise (CCW) and the time when the controller 190 rotates the drum 120 clockwise (CW) may be 5: 1.
  • the controller 190 may not supply water for condensation to the condensing duct 240.
  • the controller 190 may provide an off signal to the condensation valve 246 to close the condensation valve 246.
  • the water condensation efficiency may be low.
  • the rate of increase of the internal temperature of the tub 110 / the drum 120 of the condensing duct 240 is lowered, thereby increasing the drying time. For this reason, the water for condensation may not be supplied to the condensing duct 240 while heating the internal air of the tub 110 / the drum 120.
  • the controller 190 may operate the tub heater 114 provided inside the tub 110 during the heating operation.
  • the controller 190 may provide a tub heating signal to the tub heater 114.
  • the washing machine 100 determines whether the internal temperature of the tub 110 is equal to or greater than a first reference temperature (1120).
  • the controller 190 may measure the internal temperature of the tub 110. For example, the controller 190 may receive an electrical signal (voltage or current) indicating the internal temperature of the tub 110 from the tub temperature sensor 174 at every predetermined time (per sampling period).
  • the controller 190 may compare the internal temperature of the tub 110 with the first reference temperature to determine whether the internal temperature of the tub 110 is greater than or equal to the first reference temperature.
  • the first reference temperature may be set experimentally or empirically, and the first reference temperature may be, for example, approximately 90 degree Celsius.
  • the washing machine 100 continues to heat the internal air of the tub 110 / the drum 120.
  • the washing machine 100 intermittently heats the internal air of the tub 110 / the drum 120 and simultaneously heats the drum 120 and rotates at high speed (1130). (Hereinafter referred to as "heating / dehydration operation.")
  • the controller 190 may intermittently operate the duct heater 215 to maintain the internal temperature of the tub 110 / the drum 120 at the first reference temperature. For example, if the internal temperature of the tub 110 is less than the first reference temperature, the controller 190 operates the duct heater 215, and when the internal temperature of the tub 110 exceeds the first reference temperature, the controller 190 may stop the duct heater.
  • the controller 190 may operate the fan 213 provided inside the heating duct 210 to circulate air between the tub 110 / the drum 120 and the drying duct 200.
  • the controller 190 can provide a blowing signal to the fan motor 214 for rotating the fan 213 during intermittent heating, as shown in FIG. 15 .
  • the controller 190 may rotate the drum 120 at a second rotational speed (for example, 1000 rpm to 1600 rpm) for dehydration. While the drum 120 rotates at the second rotational speed, the laundry may be attached to the inner wall of the drum 120 by centrifugal force. In addition, the water absorbed in the laundry may be separated to the outside of the drum 120 through the through hole 121a of the drum 120.
  • a second rotational speed for example, 1000 rpm to 1600 rpm
  • the amount of water separated from the laundry may increase.
  • the surface tension decreases with the increasing water temperature.
  • the surface tension of water at 25 degrees Celsius may be approximately 0.0712 Nm (Newton-meter), and the surface tension of water at 55 degrees Celsius may be approximately 0.0671 Nm.
  • the residual moisture content (RMC) of laundry after rinsing is approximately 45% as shown in FIG. 16A
  • the residual moisture content (RMC) of the laundry after dehydration may be approximately 38% as shown in FIG. 16B .
  • the residual moisture content (RMC) of the laundry may be 33% as shown in FIG. 16C .
  • the residual moisture content (RMC) of the laundry changes. For example, if the temperature of the laundry is approximately 65 degrees Celsius, the residual moisture content (RMC) of the laundry is approximately 35.5%. If the temperature of the laundry is approximately 75 degrees Celsius, the residual moisture content (RMC) of the laundry is approximately 34%. If the temperature of the laundry is approximately 80 degrees Celsius, the residual moisture content (RMC) of the laundry may be approximately 33%.
  • the washing machine 100 may improve the dehydration efficiency for drying, thereby reducing the time for drying.
  • the controller 190 may not supply the condensing duct 240 with water for condensation. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 , the controller 190 may provide an off signal to the condensation valve 246 to close the condensation valve 246.
  • the washing machine 100 determines whether the heating / dehydration time is greater than or equal to a first reference time (1140).
  • the controller 190 may determine a time when the heating / dehydration operation is performed during the heating / dehydration operation, and compare the heating / dehydration time with the first reference time (for example, any one of 5 minutes to 10 minutes).
  • the first reference time can be set experimentally or empirically and can vary depending on the amount of laundry. For example, as the amount of laundry increases, the first reference time may increase. In other words, as the amount of laundry increases, the heating / dehydration time may increase.
  • the washing machine 100 may continue the heating / dehydration operation.
  • the washing machine 100 intermittently heats the internal air of the tub 110 / the drum 120 and the interior of the tub 110 / the drum 120, and condenses water vapor contained in the air (1150). (Hereinafter referred to as "heating / condensing operation.")
  • the controller 190 may intermittently operate the duct heater 215 to maintain the internal temperature of the tub 110 / the drum 120 at the first reference temperature or a second reference temperature. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 , the controller 190 may intermittently operate the duct heater 215 to maintain the internal temperature of the tub 110 / the drum 120 at the second reference temperature greater than the first reference temperature after completion of heating / dehydration. As shown in FIG. 18 , the internal temperature of the tub 110 / the drum 120 increases during the drying operation, thereby reducing the time of the drying cycle of the washing machine 100.
  • the controller 190 maintains the internal temperature of the tub 110 / the drum 120 higher than the internal temperature of the tub 110 / the drum 120 during heating / dehydration during the drying operation after heating / dehydration.
  • the controller 190 can supply the condensing duct 240 with water for condensation for efficient drying.
  • a condensation signal may be provided to the condensation valve 246 to open the condensation valve 246. Due to the opening of the condensation valve 246, the condensing duct 240 is supplied with water for condensation and water can flow along the inner wall of the condensing duct 240.
  • the internal air of the tub 110 and the drum 120 may be dried by condensation in the condensing duct 240 and heating in the heating duct 210.
  • the washing machine 100 determines whether the condensation / heating time for drying is greater than or equal to the second reference time (1160).
  • the controller 190 may determine the time when the condensation / heating operation is performed during the condensation / heating operation, and compare the condensation / heating time with the second reference time.
  • the second reference time can be set experimentally or empirically and can vary depending on the amount of laundry.
  • the washing machine 100 may continue the condensation / heating operation.
  • the washing machine 100 cools the interior of the tub 110 / the drum 120 (1170). (Hereinafter referred to as "cooling operation.")
  • the controller 190 may stop heating the internal air of the tub 110 / the drum 120. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15 , the controller 190 may provide the duct heater 215 with an off signal for stopping the duct heater 215.
  • the controller 190 may operate the fan 213 provided inside the heating duct 210 to circulate air between the tub 110 / the drum 120 and the drying duct 200.
  • the controller 190 may supply water to the condensing duct 240 to cool the internal air of the tub 110 / the drum 120 more quickly.
  • a condensation signal may be provided to the condensation valve 246 to open the condensation valve 246.
  • FIG. 19 illustrates a filter cleaning operation of a washing machine according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 20 shows the amount of water entering a drum during filter cleaning according to a rotational speed of the drum.
  • the washing machine 100 performs the drying cycle 1050 after the dehydration cycle 1040 (1210).
  • the controller 190 may perform a heating operation, a heating / dehydrating operation, a condensation / heating operation, and a cooling operation.
  • the washing machine 100 determines whether the filter 221 is blocked during the drying cycle 1050 (1220).
  • the controller 190 may determine whether the filter 221 is blocked based on the internal temperature of the tub 110 measured by the tub temperature sensor 174. In detail, the controller 190 may determine whether the filter 221 is blocked based on the change in the internal temperature of the tub 110.
  • the controller 190 can intermittently run the duct heater 215 and operate the fan motor 214 to allow air to circulate through the drying duct 200 and the tub 110 / the drum 120.
  • the internal temperature of the tub 110 may increase during the operation of the duct heater 215, and the internal temperature of the tub 110 may decrease during the stop of the duct heater 215. Therefore, the change of the internal temperature of the tub 110 measured by the tub temperature sensor 174 is large.
  • the filter 221 is blocked by lint or dust, the internal air of the tub 110 / the drum 120 does not circulate through the drying duct 200. Therefore, the change of the internal temperature of the tub 110 by the start and stop of the duct heater 215 is small.
  • the controller 190 identifies that the filter 221 is not blocked, and the change in the internal temperature of the tub 110 is determined. If it is less than the reference value, the controller 190 may identify that the filter 221 is blocked.
  • the controller 190 may determine whether the filter 221 is blocked based on the difference between the internal temperature of the tub 110 measured by the tub temperature sensor 174 and the internal temperature of the heating duct 210 measured by the duct temperature sensor 175.
  • the air circulates through the heating duct 210 and the tub 110 / the drum 120, and the difference between the internal temperature of the tub 110 and the internal temperature of the heating duct 210 measured by the duct temperature sensor 175 is small.
  • the filter 221 is blocked by lint or dust, air does not circulate through the heating duct 210 and the tub 110 / the drum 120, therefore, the difference between the internal temperature of the tub 110 and the internal temperature of the heating duct 210 measured by the duct temperature sensor 175 is large.
  • the washing machine 100 rotates the drum 120 at a third rotational speed (1230).
  • the controller 190 may spray water into the filter 221 as described below.
  • the injected water may flow into the tub 110 through the suction port 112c and flow along the sidewall of the tub 110. Water flowing along the sidewall of the tub 110 may be introduced into the drum 120 by the rotation of the drum 120.
  • the controller 190 is configured to rotate the drum 120 at the third rotational speed so as to prevent water from flowing into the drum 120 to clean the filter 221.
  • the driving current supplied to the drum motor 130 may be controlled.
  • the third rotational speed during filter cleaning may be greater than the first rotational speed during the condensation / heating operation. As shown in FIG. 20 , when the rotational speed of the drum 120 is approximately 120 rpm, the amount of water injected to clean the filter 221 that is introduced into the drum 120 is minimized.
  • the third rotational speed may be set to approximately 120 rpm, and the third rotational speed may be greater than the first rotational speed, which is approximately 40 rpm to 100 rpm.
  • the controller 190 may control the washing water valve 224 to spray water for washing with the filter 221 while rotating the drum 120 at the third rotational speed.
  • the controller 190 can provide a filter wash signal to the washing water valve 224 to open the washing water valve 224.
  • the washing machine 100 restores the rotational speed of the drum 120 (1250).
  • FIG. 21 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 22 illustrates a configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment.
  • the washing machine 100 includes the cabinet 101, the tub 110, the drum 120, a pulsator 125, a first motor 130a, a second motor 130b, the water supplier 140, the water drain 150, the detergent supplier 160 and the drying duct 200.
  • the second motor 130b is connected to a second drive shaft 131b and may provide rotation to rotate the pulsator 125 to the second drive shaft 131b.
  • the second drive shaft 131b may provide rotation of the second motor 130b to a second pulley 136b through a second belt 135b.
  • the second pulley 136b is connected to the pulsator 125 through a second driven shaft 137b and may provide rotation of the second motor 130b to the pulsator 125.
  • the washing machine 100 includes the user input 171, the display 172, the water level sensor 173, the tub temperature sensor 174, the duct temperature sensor 175, a first driving circuit 181, the first motor 130a, a second driving circuit 182, the second motor 130b, the water supply valve 142, the drain pump 152, the fan motor 214, the tub heater 114, the duct heater 215, the washing water valve 224, the condensation valve 246 and the controller 190.
  • the user input 171, the display 172, the water level sensor 173, the tub temperature sensor 174, the duct temperature sensor 175, the water supply valve 142, the drain pump 152, the fan motor 214, the tub heater 114, the duct heater 215, the washing water valve 224 and the condensation valve 246 may be the same as described with reference to FIG. 12 .
  • the first driving circuit 181 can provide the first motor 130a with the first driving current for rotating the drum 120.
  • the second driving circuit 182 may provide a second driving current to the second motor 130b to rotate the pulsator 125.
  • each of the first driving circuit 181 and the second driving circuit 182 may convert AC power of an external power source into driving power for driving each of the first motor 130a and the second motor 130b.
  • the controller 190 may control the first motor 130a and the second motor 130b to rotate the drum 120 and the pulsator 125 during the washing cycle 1020, the rinsing cycle 1030, the dehydration cycle 1040, and the drying cycle 1050.
  • the controller 190 may control the driving current supplied from the first driving circuit 181 and the second driving circuit 182 to the first motor 130a and the second motor 130b.
  • the controller 190 controls the driving current supplied from the first driving circuit 181 and the second driving circuit 182 to the first motor 130a and the second motor 130b to rotate the drum 120 and the pulsator 125 during the heating operation, the heating / dehydrating operation, the heating / condensation operation, and the cooling operation of the drying cycle 1050.
  • the driving current supplied from the first driving circuit 181 and the second driving circuit 182 to the first motor 130a and the second motor 130b may be controlled.
  • the controller 190 controls the first motor 130a and the second motor 130b to rotate the drum 120 and the pulsator 125 in the same direction during the heating operation, the heating / condensing operation, and the cooling operation of the drying cycle 1050.
  • the controller 190 rotates the first driving circuit 181 so that the drum 120 rotates at the first rotational speed (e.g., approximately 40 rpm to 100 rpm) to control the first motor 130a.
  • the first rotational speed e.g., approximately 40 rpm to 100 rpm
  • the controller 190 controls the second motor 130b through the second driving circuit 182 to rotate the pulsator 125 at a fourth rotational speed.
  • the fourth rotational speed may be equal to or greater than the first rotational speed.
  • the ratio of the fourth rotational speed to the first rotational speed may be approximately 1:1 to 5:1.
  • the pulsator 125 may rotate at a rotational speed different from that of the drum 120 in the same direction as the rotation direction of the drum 120.
  • a washing machine includes a tub; a drum rotatably installed inside of the tub; a condensing duct formed on an inner wall of the tub; a heating duct provided outside the tub; a duct heater provided inside the heating duct; a fan configured to circulate air in the drum, the condensing duct, and the heating duct; and a controller configured to rotate the drum at a first rotational speed so as to tumble laundry contained in the drum while controlling the duct heater to heat the air circulated by the fan.
  • the controller may rotate the drum at a second rotational speed to separate water from the laundry contained in the drum while controlling the duct heater to heat the circulating air.
  • the washing machine can perform heating and dehydration at the same time. Since the surface tension of the water is reduced by heating, the washing machine can reduce the amount of moisture contained in the laundry by simultaneously performing heating and dehydration. In addition, the washing machine can reduce the drying time for drying the laundry.
  • the washing machine may further include a condensation conduit extending from an external water source to the condensing duct; and a condensation valve provided on the condensation conduit to allow or block the supply of water to the condensing duct.
  • the washing machine can prevent that water in the condensation duct impedes dehydration.
  • the controller may control the duct heater to heat the circulating air, and may control the condensation valve to block the supply of water to the condensing duct while rotating the drum to separate the water from the laundry contained within the drum.
  • the washing machine may dry the laundry through heating and condensation.
  • the washing machine can effectively guide the air inside the drum to the condensation duct, and further reduce the drying time.
  • the condensation duct may include a rear groove formed inside a rear wall of the tub having a cylindrical shape, and a cover for partitioning the inside of the rear groove from the inside of the tub.
  • the condensing duct may be formed along a portion of a sidewall of the tub having the cylindrical shape.
  • the condensing duct may have a horseshoe shape.
  • Both ends of the condensing duct may be formed with inlets for connecting the condensing duct with the inside of the tub.
  • the washing machine may further include a filter for filtering foreign substances contained in the air sucked into the heating duct; a washing water nozzle for spraying water on the filter; a washing water conduit extending from an external water source to the washing nozzle; and a washing water valve configured to allow or block the supply of the water to the washing nozzle provided on the washing water conduit; and the controller may rotate the drum at a third rotational speed which is faster than the first rotational speed and slower than the second rotational speed while controlling the washing water valve to allow the supply of the water to the washing nozzle.
  • the washing machine may further include a pulsator provided inside the rear of the drum having a cylindrical shape and rotating independently of the drum, and the controller may rotate the drum at the first rotational speed, and rotate the pulsator the same as the drum at a fourth rotational speed while controlling the duct heater and the fan to heat the air circulating in the drum and the condensing duct and the heating duct, and the fourth rotational speed may be greater than the first rotational speed.
  • the washing machine can prevent the laundry inside the drum from being twisted by the pulsator.
  • the washing machine can perform heating and dehydration at the same time. Since the surface tension of the water is reduced by heating, the washing machine can reduce the amount of moisture contained in the laundry by simultaneously performing heating and dehydration. In addition, the washing machine can reduce the drying time for drying the laundry.
  • a washing machine includes a tub; a drum rotatably installed inside of the tub; a condensing duct formed on an inner wall of the tub; a condensation conduit extending from an external water source to the condensing duct; a condensation valve provided on the condensation conduit to allow or block the supply of water to the condensing duct; a heating duct provided outside the tub; a duct heater provided inside the heating duct; a fan circulating air in the drum, the condensing duct, and the heating duct; and a controller electrically connected with the drum motor, the condensation valve, the duct heater, and the fan; and the condensing duct may include a rear groove formed inside a rear wall of the tub having a cylindrical shape, and a cover for partitioning the inside of the rear groove from the inside of the tub.
  • the condensing duct may be formed along a portion of a sidewall of the tub having the cylindrical shape.
  • the controller may rotate the drum to separate water from laundry contained within the drum while controlling the condensation valve to block the supply of water to the condensing duct and controlling the duct heater to heat the air circulated by the fan.
  • modules may be implemented as a "module".
  • the term 'module' means, but is not limited to, a software and/or hardware component, such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), which performs certain tasks.
  • FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • a module may advantageously be configured to reside on the addressable storage medium and configured to execute on one or more processors.
  • a module may include, by way of example, components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.
  • components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.
  • the operations provided for in the components and modules may be combined into fewer components and modules or further separated into additional components and modules.
  • the components and modules may be implemented such that they execute one or more CPUs in a device.
  • embodiments can thus be implemented through computer readable code/instructions in/on a medium, e.g., a computer readable medium, to control at least one processing element to implement any above described exemplary embodiment.
  • a medium e.g., a computer readable medium
  • the medium can correspond to any medium/media permitting the storing and/or transmission of the computer readable code.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)

Claims (13)

  1. Machine à laver, comprenant :
    une cuve (110) ;
    un tambour (120) installé de manière rotative à l'intérieur de la cuve ;
    un conduit de condensation (240) formé sur une paroi intérieure de la cuve (120) ;
    un conduit de chauffage (210) situé à l'extérieur de la cuve ;
    un chauffage de conduit (215) placé à l'intérieur du conduit de chauffage ;
    un ventilateur (213) configuré pour faire circuler l'air dans le tambour, le conduit de condensation et le conduit de chauffage ; et
    une commande (190) configurée pour faire tourner le tambour (120) à une première vitesse de rotation de manière à culbuter le linge contenu dans le tambour tout en commandant le chauffage de conduit (215) pour chauffer l'air circulé par le ventilateur,
    dans lequel la commande (190) est configurée pour faire tourner le tambour (120) à une deuxième vitesse de rotation, supérieure à la première vitesse de rotation, afin de séparer l'eau du linge contenu dans le tambour tout en commandant le chauffage de conduit (215) pour chauffer l'air circulant ;
    dans lequel la commande (190) est configurée pour faire tourner le tambour à la première vitesse de rotation alternativement dans un premier sens et dans un deuxième sens de sorte que le linge contenu dans le tambour culbute, et que le temps de rotation du tambour dans le premier sens diffère du temps de rotation du tambour dans le deuxième sens.
  2. Machine à laver de la revendication 1, comprenant en outre :
    un conduit de condensation pour connecter une source d'eau externe au conduit de condensation ; et
    une vanne de condensation (246) placée sur le conduit de condensation pour régler l'alimentation en eau du conduit de condensation.
  3. Machine à laver de la revendication 2, dans laquelle la commande (190) est configurée pour commander le chauffage de conduit pour chauffer l'air circulant, et commande la vanne de condensation pour bloquer l'alimentation en eau du conduit de condensation tout en faisant tourner le tambour à la deuxième vitesse de rotation pour séparer l'eau du linge contenu dans le tambour.
  4. Machine à laver de la revendication 2, dans laquelle la commande (190) est configurée pour commander le chauffage de conduit pour chauffer l'air circulant, et commande la vanne de condensation pour permettre l'alimentation en eau du conduit de condensation tout en faisant tourner le tambour à la première vitesse de rotation pour culbuter le linge contenu dans le tambour.
  5. Machine à laver de l'une des revendications 1 à 4, dans laquelle le conduit de condensation (240) comprend une rainure arrière (241) formée à l'intérieur d'une paroi arrière de la cuve ayant une forme cylindrique, et un couvercle pour cloisonner l'intérieur de la rainure arrière de l'intérieur de la cuve.
  6. Machine à laver de la revendication 5, dans laquelle le conduit de condensation (240) est formé le long d'une partie d'une paroi latérale de la cuve (110) ayant une forme cylindrique.
  7. Machine à laver de la revendication 5, dans laquelle le conduit de condensation (240) a une forme de fer à cheval.
  8. Machine à laver de la revendication 6, dans laquelle les deux extrémités du conduit de condensation (240) sont formées avec des entrées pour connecter le conduit de condensation avec l'intérieur de la cuve (110).
  9. Machine à laver de l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, comprenant en outre :
    un filtre (221) pour filtrer les substances étrangères contenues dans l'air aspiré dans le conduit de chauffage ;
    une buse d'eau de lavage (222) pour pulvériser de l'eau sur le filtre ;
    un conduit d'eau de lavage (223) pour connecter une source d'eau externe à la buse de lavage ; et
    une vanne d'eau de lavage (224) configurée pour ajuster l'alimentation en eau de la buse de lavage prévue sur le conduit d'eau de lavage, et
    dans lequel la commande est configurée pour faire tourner le tambour (120) à une troisième vitesse de rotation supérieure à la première vitesse de rotation et inférieure à la deuxième vitesse de rotation tout en commandant la vanne d'eau de lavage pour permettre l'alimentation en eau de la buse de lavage.
  10. Machine à laver de l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, comprenant en outre :
    un pulsateur (125) situé à l'arrière du tambour, de forme cylindrique et tournant indépendamment du tambour, et dans lequel
    la commande est configurée pour faire tourner le tambour (120) à la première vitesse de rotation, et pour faire tourner le pulsateur de la même manière que le tambour à une quatrième vitesse de rotation tout en commandant la chaleur du chauffage de conduit et le ventilateur pour chauffer l'air circulant dans le tambour et le conduit de condensation et le conduit de chauffage,
    dans lequel la quatrième vitesse de rotation est supérieure à la première vitesse de rotation.
  11. Procédé de commande d'une machine à laver selon la revendication 1, le procédé comprenant :
    faire tourner le tambour (120) à une première vitesse de rotation de manière à culbuter le linge contenu dans le tambour tout en commandant un chauffage de conduit (215) pour chauffer l'air circulant par un ventilateur, et
    faire tourner le tambour (120) à une deuxième vitesse de rotation, supérieure à la première vitesse de rotation, pour séparer l'eau du linge contenu dans la cuve tout en commandant le chauffage de conduit pour chauffer l'air circulant,
    la rotation du tambour (120) à la première vitesse de rotation comprenant la rotation du tambour (120) alternativement dans un premier sens et dans un deuxième sens de sorte que le linge contenu dans le tambour culbute, et dans lequel le temps de rotation du tambour (120) dans le premier sens diffère du temps de rotation du tambour dans le deuxième sens.
  12. Procédé de la revendication 11, dans lequel la rotation du tambour (120) à la première vitesse de rotation comprend l'alimentation en eau du conduit de condensation (240) tout en chauffant le conduit de chauffage (215) et en faisant circuler l'air et en faisant tourner le tambour (120) à la première vitesse de rotation de manière à culbuter le linge contenu dans le tambour.
  13. Procédé de la revendication 11, dans lequel la rotation du tambour (120) à la deuxième vitesse de rotation comprend le blocage de l'alimentation en eau du conduit de condensation (240) pendant la rotation du tambour (120) à la deuxième vitesse de rotation pour séparer l'eau du linge contenu dans le tambour.
EP20773159.7A 2019-03-21 2020-03-20 Machine à laver et son procédé de commande Active EP3924546B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020190032203A KR20200112166A (ko) 2019-03-21 2019-03-21 세탁기 및 그 제어 방법
PCT/KR2020/003832 WO2020190074A1 (fr) 2019-03-21 2020-03-20 Machine à laver et son procédé de commande

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3924546A1 EP3924546A1 (fr) 2021-12-22
EP3924546A4 EP3924546A4 (fr) 2022-04-20
EP3924546B1 true EP3924546B1 (fr) 2023-12-13

Family

ID=72513881

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20773159.7A Active EP3924546B1 (fr) 2019-03-21 2020-03-20 Machine à laver et son procédé de commande

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20200299892A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP3924546B1 (fr)
KR (1) KR20200112166A (fr)
WO (1) WO2020190074A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TR202022219A2 (tr) * 2020-12-29 2022-07-21 Vestel Beyaz Esya Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi Yıkayıcı ve kurutucu cihazlar için bir çalışma yöntemi.
WO2022182127A1 (fr) * 2021-02-24 2022-09-01 Lg Electronics Inc. Appareil de traitement de linge
KR20230102913A (ko) * 2021-12-30 2023-07-07 삼성전자주식회사 건조 겸용 세탁기
CN114753129B (zh) * 2022-04-29 2022-12-13 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 衣物护理装置及其控制方法
CN114941226B (zh) * 2022-06-22 2024-04-30 Tcl家用电器（合肥）有限公司 一种烘干控制方法以及衣物处理装置

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4457524B2 (ja) * 2001-06-05 2010-04-28 パナソニック株式会社 洗濯乾燥機
TWI294473B (en) * 2002-10-16 2008-03-11 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Washing and drying machine
US20050188471A1 (en) * 2004-02-17 2005-09-01 Lg Electronics Inc. Structure for supplying hot air for drying clothes in drum type washing machine and operation control method thereof
KR100712849B1 (ko) * 2005-02-03 2007-05-02 엘지전자 주식회사 세탁물 처리 기기의 응축 구조
KR20120005865A (ko) * 2010-07-09 2012-01-17 엘지전자 주식회사 의류건조기의 구동방법 및 이를 구비한 의류건조기
KR20140109119A (ko) * 2013-03-05 2014-09-15 삼성전자주식회사 세탁물 처리장치
KR101594368B1 (ko) * 2013-09-03 2016-02-16 엘지전자 주식회사 의류처리장치 및 그 제어방법
CN104593992A (zh) * 2013-10-30 2015-05-06 海尔集团公司 一种波轮式热泵洗干一体机及烘干方法
KR102303656B1 (ko) * 2014-12-15 2021-09-23 삼성전자주식회사 세탁 건조기 및 그 제어방법
US20170204554A1 (en) * 2015-11-23 2017-07-20 Chong Tae Yi Dry Cleaning Systems and Methods
JP2019017532A (ja) * 2017-07-13 2019-02-07 三星電子株式会社Ｓａｍｓｕｎｇ Ｅｌｅｃｔｒｏｎｉｃｓ Ｃｏ．，Ｌｔｄ． 洗濯乾燥機

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20200299892A1 (en) 2020-09-24
EP3924546A1 (fr) 2021-12-22
EP3924546A4 (fr) 2022-04-20
WO2020190074A1 (fr) 2020-09-24
KR20200112166A (ko) 2020-10-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3924546B1 (fr) Machine à laver et son procédé de commande
EP2290154B1 (fr) Lave-linge à tambour et sêche-linge combiné
US11512420B2 (en) Washing machine and control method thereof
CN103620103B (zh) 洗衣机以及利用该洗衣机的漂洗方法
CN104919108B (zh) 衣物处理设备
US20060101589A1 (en) Washing machine combined with dryer and controlling method thereof
JP2008054826A (ja) ドラム式洗濯機
US20060195989A1 (en) Washing machine and suds removal method thereof
US20090071031A1 (en) Laundry treatment machine and condensed water discharge device for use in laundry treatment machine
KR102572096B1 (ko) 세탁기 및 그 제어방법
JP2019097965A (ja) ドラム式洗濯機
CN106854805A (zh) 洗衣机
JP5797119B2 (ja) 洗濯乾燥機
JP7112187B2 (ja) 洗濯乾燥機
KR100474328B1 (ko) 드럼형 세탁 및 건조장치
JP5395580B2 (ja) ドラム式洗濯機
KR20180031164A (ko) 세탁 건조기 및 그 제어방법
KR100657474B1 (ko) 건조 겸용 세탁기
KR100413432B1 (ko) 펄세이터방식 건조세탁기
KR20050099179A (ko) 드럼 세탁기의 거품 제거 장치
JP2022047996A (ja) 洗濯乾燥機
KR100413431B1 (ko) 공기순환기능를 갖는 펄세이터 및 이를 이용한 건조세탁기
KR100693087B1 (ko) 세탁기
JP2024082333A (ja) 洗濯機
KR20050051549A (ko) 드럼식 세탁 건조기

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20210914

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20220321

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: D06F 58/22 20060101ALI20220315BHEP

Ipc: D06F 58/26 20060101ALI20220315BHEP

Ipc: D06F 58/24 20060101ALI20220315BHEP

Ipc: D06F 58/30 20200101AFI20220315BHEP

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20230714

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602020022763

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240314

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20231213

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240314

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240313

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240220

Year of fee payment: 5

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1640520

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20231213

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240313

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240413

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240413

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240415

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20240415

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602020022763

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240320

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20240916

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20240320

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20231213

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240320

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20240331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240320

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240320

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240320

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240320

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240331

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240331

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20240331