WO2023277601A1

WO2023277601A1 - Interface and laundry treating apparatus having the same

Info

Publication number: WO2023277601A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/009398
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dami Choe; Eunsoo Jung; Sangin CHUNG
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2021-06-30
Filing date: 2022-06-30
Publication date: 2023-01-05
Also published as: EP4363656A4; EP4363656A1; US20240328068A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus including a heat exchanger assembly including a compressor for supplying a refrigerant, a water storage tank constructed to collect condensed water therein or to receive water from outside a cabinet, a pump in communication with the water storage tank so as to supply water from the water storage tank to the heat exchanger, and a display portion for displaying thereon operation information of the pump to the outside when the pump is operated and the water is supplied to the heat exchanger.

Description

INTERFACE AND LAUNDRY TREATING APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME

This application relates to an interface and a laundry treating apparatus having an interface.

An input/output device (an interface) for a user to input a control command to an electronic device is essential in the electronic device including a laundry treating apparatus capable of washing, drying, and washing and drying laundry (a common name of an object to be washed or an object to be dried).

The conventional interfaces were designed such that a display portion that displays a control command that a user may select, a search interface that allows the user to search for the control command displayed on the display portion, a selection portion that allows the user to select the control command displayed on the display portion, and input means that requests execution of the control command selected by the user are located in spaces separated from each other (Public No. 10-2014-0023986).

That is, in the conventional interface, a display (an LCD, an LED panel, and the like) on which the control command is displayed, a knob or a button that may search for the control command by allowing a control command executable by the corresponding electronic device to be displayed on the display, a button that inputs a control command to select the control command displayed on the display, a button that inputs a control command to request execution of the selected control command, and the like are located in spaces separated from each other. Such an arrangement was a factor determining a design of the interface (a design of the control panel) located on a front face of the electronic device such as the laundry treating apparatus.

In the conventional interface of the above structure, because the devices including the display had to be dispersedly arranged along a width direction of the electronic device or distributed along a height direction of the electronic device, a great space was required for installation of the interface.

In addition, when a heat exchanger capable of supplying hot air to laundry is disposed in a circulation flow path in the conventional laundry treating apparatus, the heat exchanger was able to be washed with condensed water. In this regard, the condensed water was supplied to the heat exchanger via a separate pump.

However, the user may not recognize that the laundry treating apparatus has a function in which the heat exchanger is washed with the condensed water.

In addition, there is a problem that, when the user generates noise due to the operation of the pump, the user misunderstands that an abnormality has occurred in the laundry treating apparatus.

In one example, the conventional laundry treating apparatus had a problem in that the heat exchanger is not able to be washed when the condensed water is not sufficiently collected.

In particular, in the conventional laundry treating apparatus, even when the user wants to wash a heat exchanger assembly before drying the laundry, because the condensed water has not been collected, the heat exchanger was not able to be washed.

In addition, the conventional laundry treating apparatus had a problem in that there is no means or control method to notify the user that water for washing the heat exchanger assembly is insufficient.

In addition, even when the problem is solved when the user separately supplies the water for washing the heat exchanger assembly, there was a limitation in not having the means or the control method to notify the user that the problem has solved.

The present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of displaying information indicating that a heat exchanger is being washed to a user when the heat exchanger is washed with water.

The present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of displaying to a user a fact that a pump is being operated when the pump for washing a heat exchanger is operated.

The present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of displaying to a user that noise may be generated from a pump when the pump for washing a heat exchanger is operated.

The present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of removing the display when the user has a confirmation intention.

The present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of washing a heat exchanger assembly even before drying laundry.

The present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of sensing insufficiency of condensed water for washing a heat exchanger and notifying the user of the sensed result.

The present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of guiding a user on a method for replenishing water for washing a heat exchanger.

The present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of guiding a user on a method for replenishing water with an image or the like.

The present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of displaying a link for viewing the image to a user.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a laundry treating apparatus including a cabinet, a drum received in the cabinet so as to accommodate laundry therein, a driver for rotating the drum, a circulation flow path in communication with the drum so as to provide a space for air in the drum to be circulated or for moisture contained in the air to be condensed, a heat exchanger assembly including heat exchanger seated in the circulation flow path so as to condense the moisture in the air or heat the air, and a compressor for supplying a refrigerant to the heat exchanger, wherein the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air, a water storage tank constructed to collect the condensed water therein or to receive water from outside the cabinet, a pump in communication with the water storage tank so as to supply the water from the water storage tank to the heat exchanger, and a display portion for displaying thereon operation information of the pump to the outside when the pump is operated and the water is supplied to the heat exchanger.

In one implementation, the operation information may contain a wash phrase indicating a state of the heat exchanger being washed by the water.

In one implementation, the operation information may contain an operation phrase indicating a state of the pump being operated.

In one implementation, the operation information may contain a noise phrase indicating a state of the pump capable of generating noise.

In one implementation, the operation information may contain a wash phrase indicating a state of the heat exchanger being washed by the water, an operation phrase indicating a state of the pump being operated, and a noise phrase indicating a state of the pump capable of generating noise.

In one implementation, the display portion may alternately display thereon at least two of the wash phrase, the operation phrase, and the noise phrase.

In one implementation, the display portion may display thereon the operation information in a full screen.

In one implementation, the display portion may alternately display thereon at least two of the wash phrase, the operation phrase, and the noise phrase in a full screen.

In one implementation, the display portion may display thereon the operation information a reference time before a time point when the pump is operated.

In one implementation, the display portion may stop the display of the operation information when the operation of the pump is completed.

In one implementation, the display portion may further display thereon the operation information for a specific time after the operation of the pump is completed.

In one implementation, the laundry treating apparatus may further include manipulation portion coupled to the cabinet and configured to receive a confirmation intention of a user, and the display portion may stop the display of the operation information when the confirmation intention is input to the manipulation portion.

In one implementation, the manipulation portion may include a rotary knob rotatably coupled to the cabinet so as to select a course or an option capable of rotating the drum, and the display portion may be disposed inside the rotary knob.

In one implementation, the laundry treating apparatus may further include a fan for providing power to move the air in the circulation flow path, and the fan may stop operating when the water is supplied to the heat exchanger assembly.

The present disclosure has the effect of displaying information indicating that the heat exchanger is being washed to the user when the heat exchanger is washed with water.

The present disclosure has the effect of displaying to the user the fact that the pump is being operated when the pump for washing the heat exchanger is operated.

The present disclosure has the effect of displaying to the user that the noise may be generated from the pump when the pump for washing the heat exchanger is operated.

The present disclosure has the effect of removing the display when the user has the confirmation intention.

The present disclosure has the effect of washing the heat exchanger assembly even before drying the laundry.

The present disclosure has the effect of sensing the insufficiency of the condensed water for washing the heat exchanger and notifying the user of the sensed result.

The present disclosure has the effect of guiding the user on the method for replenishing water for washing the heat exchanger.

The present disclosure has the effect of guiding the user on the method for replenishing water with the image or the like.

The present disclosure has the effect of displaying the link for viewing the image to the user.

FIG. 1 shows an example of an interface and a laundry treating apparatus including the interface.

FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a washing structure of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure

FIG. 4 shows a state of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure taking care of a condenser.

FIG. 5 shows a structure of a control panel.

FIG. 6 shows a structure of an encoder.

FIG. 7 shows a structure of the manipulation portion P7 and the display portionP8.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of utilization of a control panel P of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows an aspect of a control panel P when operating a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows utilization of a display portion P8, which emphasizes a portion of a display P84 of the display portion P8.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of selecting a course or an option.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of displaying execution of condenser care.

FIG. 13 shows an additional embodiment of displaying execution of condenser care.

FIG. 14 shows an additional embodiment of displaying execution of condenser care.

FIG. 15 shows a control method for displaying execution of condenser care.

FIG. 16 shows another control method for displaying execution of condenser care.

FIG. 17 shows a scheme for notifying that a condenser care course is not available.

FIG. 18 shows an additional scheme for notifying that a condenser care course is not available.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of utilization of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 shows a control method capable of executing a condenser care course.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of an interface and a laundry treating apparatus having the interface will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an appearance of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, a laundry washing apparatus 10 includes a cabinet 1 and a control panel P disposed on the cabinet 1.

The control panel P described in the present application refers to a device or a program that enables communication between a user and the laundry treating apparatus (including other electronic devices in addition to the laundry treating apparatus). The communication between the user and the laundry treating apparatus means a process in which the user inputs a control command to the laundry treating apparatus and a process in which the laundry treating apparatus transmits information to the user.

The user may input, via the control panel P, at least one of a power command of supplying or cutting off the power of the laundry treating apparatus, a selection command of selecting the arbitrary course or option that treats the laundry, an execution command of performing the selected course or option, and a stop command of stopping the course or option being performed.

The treatment of the laundry may include the washing cycle of removing the foreign substances of the laundry via water and the detergent, or a drying cycle of drying water contained in the laundry.

The control panel P may display a state or information of the laundry treating apparatus to the user. For example, the control panel P may display a state in which at least one of the power command, the selection command, the execution command, the performance command, and the stop command is input. In addition, the control panel P may display error information of displaying a problem situation occurring in the laundry treating apparatus, or guide information of guiding an action to be taken by the user.

The cabinet 1 may include the front panel 11 forming a front face of the cabinet 1, and the top panel 13 coupled to a top face of the front panel 11. The front panel 11 and the top panel 13 may be made of a metal material, and may have a steel plate shape.

The control panel P of the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may be coupled to the front panel 11.

The control panel P may be coupled to a rear face of the front panel 11 and may be partially exposed to a front face of the front panel 11. The front panel 11 may be manufactured as a simple metal plate, and the control panel P may be simply coupled to the rear face of the front panel 11 and be fixed.

Accordingly, the front panel 11 may form a most area of the front face of the cabinet 1. As a result, a sense of unity of the front panel 11 may be strengthened and an aesthetics sensation may be maximized. In addition, a process of manufacturing the front panel 11 may be simplified, and a process of assembling or installing the front panel 11 and the control panel P may be simplified. In addition, a separate component such as a frame for mounting the control panel P on the front panel 11 may be omitted.

The control panel P of the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may include a manipulation portion P7 rotatably coupled to the cabinet, and a display portionP8 disposed inside the manipulation portion P7 to display the state of the laundry treating apparatus.

The manipulation portion P7 may be formed in a shape of a rotary knob, and the display portionP8 may be formed as a display D including a liquid crystal or the like. It may be seen that the display portionP8 and a selection portion R to be described later are included in the manipulation portion P7.

The display portionP8 may be entirely formed as a touch panel, or may be at least partially formed as the touch panel.

The manipulation portion P7 may be configured to rotate to select the arbitrary course or option that may treat the laundry, and the display portionP8 may be configured to display a corresponding course or option each time the manipulation portion P7 rotates.

As a result, the control panel P of the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may prevent an arbitrary course or option capable of rotating the drum to be described later from being displayed as characters, guide phrases, and the like in a certain area. Accordingly, an area or an area ratio occupied by the control panel P in the front panel 11 may be greatly reduced, and the aesthetics sensation may be maximized as no separate characters or guide phrases are attached to the front panel 11.

A display P84 of the display portionP8 may include a state display area D1 for displaying the state of the laundry treating apparatus, and a content display area D2 for displaying the state in which the at least one of the power command, the selection command, the execution command, the performance command, and the stop command of the laundry treating apparatus is input, the error information, or the guide information of guiding the action to be taken by the user.

In addition, the control panel P may further include the selection portion R for the user to input a determination command of determining the information to be displayed on the display portionP8. The selection portion R may be disposed inside the manipulation portion P7 to further reduce an area occupied by the control panel P.

The selection portion R may be disposed inside the display portionP8 and may be disposed spaced apart from the content display area D2. The selection portion R may be formed as a physical button or a touch panel for sensing a contact of a user's body.

The display P84 of the display portionmay include an input area D3 that may request an input of the selection portion R at a point corresponding to the selection portion R.

The input area D3 may be configured to emit light when the selection portion R may be activated to receive the command from the user.

In one example, the manipulation portion P7 and the display portionP8 may be operated only when the power is supplied.

To this end, the control panel P of the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may further include the power switch P46 for inputting the power command to the laundry treating apparatus, as well as the manipulation portion P7 and the displaying interface.

The user may activate the manipulation portion P7 by inputting the power switch P46.

The front panel 11 may include a power switch mounting portion 116 formed such that the power switch P46 may be installed.

In addition, the control panel P may further include the executing means P47 to which the performance command of performing or stopping the selected course or option is input. The executing means P47 may be formed separately from the manipulation portion P7 and the display portionP8 to reflect a definite performance or stop intention of the user. In addition, the functions of the manipulation portion P7 and the display portionP8 may be prevented from being excessive.

The front panel 11 may include an executing means mounting portion 117 formed such that the executing means P47 may be installed.

The power switch P46, the execution device P47, the manipulation portion P7, and the display portionP8 may be arranged in one control P1.

In one example, the control panel P may further include the setting portion P2 that may add an option to the course or change the option of the course on the front panel 11. The user may set an option capable of changing an intensity, a duration, and the like of the course via the setting portion P2.

The setting portion P2 may be formed separately from the casing P1 and may be coupled to the front panel 11. The setting portion P2 may include a separate liquid crystal and may include a touch panel or a physical button to input the option.

In one example, the front panel 11 may have a door 112 that opens and closes the laundry inlet 111 through which the laundry is put into the laundry treating apparatus. The control panel P may be located above the door 112 to enhance accessibility of the user.

In one example, the front panel 11 may further include locking means L for fixing the door 112 to the front panel 11. When the laundry treating apparatus operates, such as the drum of the laundry treating apparatus rotates, the locking means L may lock the door 112 to the front panel 11. Therefore, a safety accident may be prevented. The locking means L may be unlock the door 112 when the operation of the laundry treating apparatus is completed.

The locking means L may be formed as any component as long as it is able to fix the door 112 to the cabinet 1. The locking means L may be formed as a fastener for fastening a hook protruding from the door, or may be formed as a solenoid valve for holding the hook.

The laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may include a detergent box 45 that accommodates therein the detergent for washing the laundry, and the front panel 11 may include a detergent hole 17 from which the detergent box 45 is extended.

The cabinet 1 includes the front panel 11 forming the front face of the laundry treating apparatus. The front panel 11 may include the laundry inlet 111 defined to be in communication with the drum 2, and the door 112 pivotably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the laundry inlet 111.

The control panel P may be disposed on the front panel 11. As a result, the control panel P may include the input means P9 that receives the control command from the user, and the display portionP8 that outputs the information such as the control command selectable by the user. The main controller M1 for controlling a command for performing the drying operation of the laundry treating apparatus may be installed.

The input means P9 may include a power supply requesting device P46 for requesting the power supply to the laundry treating apparatus, the manipulation portion P7 that enables the user to select a desired course among multiple courses, and the executing means P47 for requesting start of the course selected by the user.

The display portionP8 may include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting text and figures, and a speaker capable of outputting a voice signal and sound.

In one example, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may include a water storage 7 constructed to separately store moisture generated in the process of drying the laundry. The water storage 7 may include a water storage tank 72 constructed to be extended from one side of the front panel 11 to the outside. The water storage tank 72 may be constructed to collect condensed water received from a washing pump to be described later.

The user may extend the water storage tank 72 from the cabinet 1, then remove the condensed water, and then re-mount the water storage tank 72 in the cabinet 1. As such, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may be disposed at any place where a sewer or the like is not installed.

The cabinet 1 may include a tank hole 115 through which the water storage tank 72 may be extended to the outside. The tank hole 115 may be defined in the front panel 11.

Accordingly, the water storage tank 72 may be retracted into and extended from the front panel 11 through the tank hole 115 in a slide manner. As a result, even when the water storage tank 72 has a large volume to store therein a larger amount of condensed water, the user may easily extend the water storage tank 72 from the front panel 11. That is, the user may extend the water storage tank 72 from the cabinet 1 without overcoming a weight of the water storage tank 72 by himself/herself.

The tank hole 115 may be defined at a position where the water storage tank 72 does not interfere with the control panel 117 when the water storage tank 72 is extended to the outside. For example, the tank hole 115 may be defined on one side of the control panel 117.

In one example, the tank hole 115 may be defined above the door 112. Accordingly, when the user extends the water storage tank 72 from the front panel 11, the user may bend a waist relatively less.

As a result, the water tank 430 and the water storage tank 72 may be disposed above a rotation center of the drum.

The laundry drying apparatus 20 may include a cabinet 1, a drum 2 that is rotatably disposed inside the cabinet to provide a space for storing the laundry, a circulation flow path 3 that forms a flow path for re-supplying air discharged from the drum 2 to the drum 2, and a heat exchanger assembly 4 that dehumidifies and heats air introduced into the circulation flow path 3 and then re-supplies dehumidified and heated air to the drum 2.

When the drum 2 is formed as a cylindrical drum body 21 with open front face and rear face, a first support 17 that rotatably supports the front face of the drum 2 and a second support 19 that rotatably supports the rear face of the drum 2 may be disposed inside the cabinet 1.

The first support 17 may include a first fixed body 171 fixed inside the cabinet 1, a drum laundry inlet 173 defined to extend through the first fixed body to allow the laundry inlet 111 and an interior of the drum body 21 to be in communication with each other, and a first support body 175 disposed on the first fixed body 171 and inserted into a front face (a first open face) of the drum body 21.

The first fixed body 171 may be in any shape as long as the drum laundry inlet 173 and the first support body 175 are able to be disposed. The first support body 175 may be formed in a pipe shape protruding from the first fixed body 171 toward the drying drum body 21. A diameter of the first support body 175 may be larger than a diameter of the drum laundry inlet 173, and may be smaller than a diameter of a front face of the drum body 21. In this case, the drum laundry inlet 173 will be located inside the space defined by the first support body 175.

The first support 17 may further include a connection body 177 that connects the laundry inlet 111 and the drum laundry inlet 173 to each other. The connection body 177 may be formed in a pipe shape extending from the drum laundry inlet 173 toward the laundry inlet 111. The connection body 177 may have an air outlet 178 in communication with the circulation flow path 3.

The air outlet 178, as a passage that allows air inside the drying drum body 21 to flow to the circulation flow path 3, may be defined as a through-hole defined to extend through the connection body 177.

The second support 19 may include a second fixed body 191 fixed inside the cabinet 1, and a second support body 195 disposed on the second fixed body 191 and inserted into a rear face (a second open face) of the drum body 21. The second support 19 includes an air inlet 198 defined to extend through the second fixed body 191 to allow an interior of the drum body 21 and an interior of the cabinet 1 to communicate with each other. In this case, a duct 3 may be constructed to connect the air outlet 178 and the air inlet 198 to each other.

The cylindrical drum body 21 with an empty interior may be rotated by various types of drivers. FIG. 3 shows a case in which the driver 28 includes a motor 23 fixed inside the cabinet 1, a pulley 25 rotated by the motor, and a belt 27 that connects a circumferential face of the pulley 25 and a circumferential face of the drum body 21 to each other as an example.

In one example, the driver 28 may be disposed on a rear face of the drum 2 to directly rotate the drum 2. A rotation shaft of the driver 28 may be directly coupled to the drum 2 to rotate the drum 2.

In this case, the second support 19 may support the driver 28 to be located on a rear face or at a center of the drum 2.

In one example, a separate reducer 28a may be disposed between the driver 28 and the drying drum 2. In this case, a rotation shaft from the reducer 28a may be directly coupled to a center of the rear face of the drum 2, and the reducer 28a may be coupled to and supported by the second support 19.

In this regard, the driver 28 may freely change a rotation speed and a rotation direction of the drum 2.

The first support 17 may have a first roller 179 that rotatably supports the circumferential face of the drum body 21, and the second support 19 may have a second roller 199 that rotatably supports the circumferential face of the drum body.

The circulation flow path 3 may include a duct 3 in communication with the drum 2. The duct 3 may be in communication with the drum 2, so that it may be considered that the duct 3 forms a circulation flow path in which air discharged from the drum passes the heat exchanger assembly 4 and is re-introduced into the drum 2.

The duct 3 may include an exhaust duct 31 connected to the air outlet 178, a supply duct 33 connected to the air inlet 198, and a connection duct 35 that connects the exhaust duct and the supply duct to each other.

The heat exchanger assembly 4 may be formed as various apparatuses as long as the dehumidification and the heating of air introduced into the duct 3 may be sequentially performed. For example, the heat exchanger assembly 4 may be formed as a heat pump system.

The heat exchanger assembly 4 may include a fan 49 that allows air to flow along the duct 3, a first heat exchanger (a heat absorber) 41 that removes moisture from air introduced into the duct 3, and a second heat exchanger (a heater) 43 that is disposed inside the duct 3 to heat air that has passed through the first heat exchanger assembly 41.

The heat absorber 41 may be formed as an evaporator that absorbs heat, and the heater 43 may be formed as a condenser that emits heat.

The fan 49 may include an impeller 491 disposed inside the duct 3, and an impeller motor 493 that rotates the impeller 491 (see FIG. 4). The impeller 491 may be disposed in any of the exhaust duct 31, the connection duct 35, and the supply duct 33. FIG. 3 shows a case in which the impeller 491 is disposed in the supply duct 33 (a case in which the impeller 491 is disposed at the rear of the heater) as an example.

The heat absorber 41 is formed with multiple metal plates disposed along a width direction (a Y-axis direction) of the connection duct 35 or a height direction (a Z-axis direction) of the connection duct, and the heater 43 may be formed with multiple metal plates disposed along the width direction of the connection duct or the height direction of the connection duct. The heat absorber 41 and the heater 43 are sequentially arranged inside the connection duct 35 in a direction from the exhaust duct 31 toward the supply duct 33, and are connected to each other via a refrigerant pipe 48 that forms a circulation flow path of a refrigerant.

The refrigerant moves along the refrigerant pipe 48 by a compressor 45 located outside the duct 3, and the refrigerant pipe 48 has a pressure regulator 47 that adjusts a pressure of the refrigerant that has passed through the heater 43.

The heat absorber 41 is means for cooling air and evaporating the refrigerant by transferring the heat of air introduced into the exhaust duct 31 to the refrigerant. The heater 43 is means for heating air and condensing the refrigerant by transferring the heat of the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor 45 to air. In this case, the moisture contained in air will be collected on a bottom face of the connection duct 35 along a surface of the heat absorber 41 when passing through the heat absorber 41.

In order to collect water removed from air passing through the heat absorber 41, the laundry treating apparatus 100 has a water collecting portion.

The water collected in the water collecting portion may be collected in a water storage 7 and discharged all at once later. The water storage 7 may include a water storage tank 72 that is detachably disposed in the cabinet 1 to provide a space for storing water, and an inlet 722 defined to extend through the water storage tank 72 to introduce water discharged from a water storage supply pipe 633 into the water storage tank 72.

The water storage tank 72 may be formed as a tank in a form of a drawer extended from the cabinet 1. In this case, the front panel 11 of the cabinet must have a water storage mounting hole or tank hole 115 into which the water storage tank 72 is inserted. A water storage panel 71 is fixed to a front face of the water storage tank 72. The water storage panel 71 may be detachably coupled to the water storage mounting hole or tank hole 115 to form a portion of the front panel 11.

The water storage panel 71 may further include a groove 711 into which a user's hand is inserted. In this case, the water storage panel 71 will also perform a function of a handle for extending or retracting the water storage tank 72 from or into the cabinet.

The inlet 722 may be defined to receive water discharged from a nozzle 722a fixed to the cabinet 1. The nozzle 722a may be fixed to a top panel 13 of the cabinet so as to be positioned above the inlet 722 when the storage body 72 is inserted into the cabinet 1.

In the water storage 7 having the above structure, the user may discard water inside the water storage tank 72 by extending the water storage tank 72 from the cabinet 1 and then inverting or tilting the water storage tank 72 in a direction in which the inlet 722 is directed. A communication hole 721 defined to extend through a top face of the storage body 72 may be further defined such that water inside the water storage tank 72 is easily discharged through the inlet 722.

In one example, the heat exchanger assembly 4 is constructed to condense the moisture in air circulating in the heat absorber 41. Therefore, even when the air circulates in the drum 2, the moisture is removed by the heat absorber 41, so that the laundry inside the drum 2 may be continuously dried.

The moisture condensed in the heat absorber 41 may be first collected in the water collecting portion 37 and then collected secondary in the water storage 7. The water collecting portion 37 may be located inside the connection duct 35, and may be separately disposed in a space spaced apart from the connection duct 35.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed structure of the water collecting portion 37, the heat exchanger assembly 4, and a washer 6.

The water collecting portion 37 may be formed as a water collecting body 371 fixed to a bottom face of the connection duct 35 and in communication with the interior of the connection duct. A heat exchanger support 372 may be further disposed inside the water collecting body 371 such that the heat absorber 41 and the heater 43 do not come into contact with water (condensed water) stored in the water collecting body 371. The heat exchanger support 372 may include a support plate 373 in contact with the heat absorber 41 and the heater 43, a spacer 375 that maintains a gap between the support plate 373 and a bottom face of the water collecting body 371, and a support plate through-hole 376 defined to extend through the support plate 373.

The support plate through-hole 376 may be defined only in a space in which the heat absorber 41 is supported of the space provided by the support plate 373, and may be defined in each of the space in which the heat absorber is supported and a space in which the heater is supported. When the support plate through-hole 376 is also defined in a bottom face of the heater 43, water flowed to the heater 43 along the support plate 373 may be discharged to the water collecting portion 371 (to prevent a decrease in heat transfer efficiency that occurs when the heater comes into contact water).

In order to minimize the foreign substances (lint and the like) discharged from the drying drum body 21 being stacked in the heat absorber 41 and the heater 43, the laundry drying apparatus 20 may further include filtration means for filtering air. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the filtration means is constructed as first filtration means 5 disposed in the connection duct 35 and second filtration means 8 disposed in the exhaust duct 31.

Second filtration means 8 may be formed as means for filtering air introduced into the exhaust duct 31A from the drying drum body 21, and first filtration means 5 may be located between the second filtration means 8 and the heat absorber 41 and be formed as means for filtering air that has passed through the second filtration means. A diameter of a filtration hole defined in the first filtration means 5 may be set smaller than a diameter of a filtration hole defined in the second filtration means 8.

The second filtration means 8 may include a frame 81 that is detachably inserted into the exhaust duct 31 through the air outlet 178, and a filter (a fourth filter) 83 disposed in the frame to filter air.

The first filtration means 5 may be detachably disposed in the connection duct 35. In this case, the front panel 11 of the cabinet may have a filter mounting hole 113 from which the first filtration means 5 is withdrawn and a mounting hole door 114 that opens and closes the filter mounting hole, and the duct 3 may have a duct through-hole 34 (see FIG. 3) into which the first filtration means 5 is inserted. Accordingly, the user may remove the foreign substances remaining in the first filtration means 5 and wash the first filtration means after separating the first filtration means 5 from the laundry treating apparatus as needed.

The first filtration means 5 may include a filtration means

body

51, 53, 57, and 58 inserted into the filter mounting hole 113 and the duct through-hole 34 and positioned between the second filtration means 8 and the heat absorber 41, and filters 531, 551, and 571 disposed in the filtration means body to filter fluid (air and water) flowing to the heat absorber 41 and the water collecting portion 371.

The filtration means body may be formed in various forms depending on a shape of a cross-section (a Y-Z plane and a X-Z plane) of the connection duct 35. FIG. 1 shows an example of a case in which the filtration means body is formed in a shape similar to a hexahedron.

In this case, the filtration means body may include a front face 51 formed in a shape capable of closing the duct through-hole 34, a rear face 53 positioned between the front face and the heat absorber 41, a bottom face 55 constructed to connect the front face and the rear face with each other, and a first side face 57 and a second side face 58 that form a left side face and a right side face of the filtration means body.

The front face 51 may have a lock 513 removably coupled to a lock fastening portion 16 disposed in the cabinet. FIG. 1 shows a case in which the lock 513 is formed as a bar rotatably coupled to the front face 51 of the filtration means body and the lock fastening portion 16 defines a groove in which a free end of the bar is accommodated as an example. Preferably, the locks 513 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the front face 51, and the lock fastening portions 16 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the filter mounting hole 113.

To facilitate insertion of the filtration means body into the connection duct 35 or removal of the filtration means from the connection duct 35, the front face 51 may further include a handle 511.

The rear face 53 and the bottom face 55 may respectively have a first filter 531 and a second filter 551 for filtering the fluid (air and water) introduced into the filtration means body. The rear face 53 has a rear face through-hole defined therein for allowing an interior of the filtration means body and the internal space of the duct 3 to be in communication with each other, and the first filter 531 is disposed in the rear face through-hole. The bottom face 55 has a bottom face through-hole for allowing the interior of the filtration means body and the internal space of the duct 3 to be in communication with each other, and the second filter 551 is disposed in the bottom face through-hole. Therefore, the first filter 531 is means for filtering the fluid (air and water) supplied to the heat absorber 41, and the second filter 551 is means for filtering the fluid supplied to the water collecting portion 371.

The first side face 57 and the second side face 58 may be constructed to connect the front face 51, the rear face 53, and the bottom face 55 to each other.

The first filtration means 5 having the above structure may be in communication with the exhaust duct 31 through the top face or the second side face 58 of the filtration means body. FIG. 1 shows a case in which the first filtration means 5 is connected to the exhaust duct 31 through a top face through-hole defined to extend through the top face of the filtration means body and a side face through-hole defined to extend through the second side face 58 as an example.

The first filter 531 may be inclined in an angle range from 90 degrees to 100 degrees toward a front face of the heat absorber 41 based on the bottom face 55 of the filtration means body. This is to allow the foreign substances remaining in the first filter to easily move to the bottom face 55 when water is injected into the first filter 531 via the washer 6 to be described later.

The second filter 551 may be inclined downward in an angle range from 10 to 20 degrees from the front face 51 toward the first filter 531 (The second filter may be inclined upward in an angle range from 10 to 20 degrees in a direction from a lower end of the first filter to the filter mounting hole). When the second filter 551 is inclined downward toward the first filter 531, because a connection point of the first filter 531 and the second filter 551 will be the lowest point in the space provided by the first filtration means, the foreign substances of the first filtration means 5 may be concentrated at the connection point of the first filter 531 and the second filter 551. When the foreign substances are concentrated at the connection point of the first filter 531 and the second filter 551, the user will be able to more easily remove the foreign substances inside the first filtration means 5.

However, when the foreign substances are concentrated at the connection point of the first filter 531 and the second filter 551, there may be a situation in which a long time is required for water sprayed via the washer 6 to be discharged to the water collecting portion 371. In order to solve such problem, as shown in FIG. 1, a bypass hole for allowing the interior of the first filtration means 5 and the water collecting portion 371 to be in communication with each other, and a third filter 571 disposed in the bypass hole may be further disposed. As shown in FIG. 3, the bypass hole and the third filter 571 may be defined at a position higher than an uppermost end of the second filter 551 and lower than an uppermost end of the first filter 531. Therefore, the laundry treating apparatus may minimize a phenomenon in which water sprayed to the first filtration means 5 is not able to be recovered at the water collecting portion 371 by the foreign substances remaining in the first filtration means 5.

In one example, the laundry treating apparatus 100 may further include the washer 6 that washes the first filtration means 5 using water stored in the water collecting portion 371. That is, water stored in the water collecting portion 371 may be separately collected into the water storage 7 or may be selectively flowed to the washer 6.

The washer 6 may be formed as means for washing at least one of the first filter 531, the second filter 551, the third filter 571, and the heat absorbers 41 by spraying water stored in the water collecting portion 371 to the first filtration means 5. The washer 6 may include a spray 65 disposed in the duct 3 to supply water to the first filtration means 5, and a washing pump 61 that allows water stored in the water collecting portion 371 to flow to the spray 65.

The washing pump 61 may be connected to the water collecting portion 371 via a first connection pipe 611, and may be connected to the spray 65 via a second connection pipe 613. When the laundry treating apparatus is constructed to allow water of the water collecting portion 371 to flow to the spraying portion 65 and the water storage 7 with only one washing pump 61, the laundry drying apparatus 20 may further include flow path switching portion 63. In this case, the flow path switching portion 63 may be connected to the washing pump 61 via he second connection pipe 613, the spray 65 may be connected to the flow path switching portion 63 via a spray supply pipe 631, and the water storage 7 may be connected to the flow path switching portion 63 via the water storage supply pipe 633.

In this case, the water storage supply pipe 633 should connect the nozzle 722a and the flow path switching portion 63 to each other.

The flow path switching portion 63 includes a valve for controlling opening and closing of the spray supply pipe 631 and opening and closing of the water storage supply pipe 633. Therefore, the laundry drying apparatus 20 may control the valve disposed in the flow path switching portion 63 to supply water stored in the water collecting portion 371 to the spray 65 or to the water storage 7.

A case in which the spray 65 includes a duct through-hole 651 defined to extent through the connection duct 35 and to which the spray supply pipe 631 is connected, a first guide 653 that guides water supplied from the duct through-hole to the first filter 531, and a second guide 655 that guides at least a portion of water supplied through the first guide 653 to the front face of the heat absorber 41 is shown as an example. In this case, the second guide 655 may be disposed as means for allowing water to be supplied to the front face of the heat absorber 41 via the first filter 531. That is, the first filter 531 may be disposed between the first guide 653 and the second guide 655 when the first filtration means 5 is fixed to the connection duct 35, and the second guide 655 may be formed as an inclined face inclined downward toward the first filter 531 from a top face of the connection duct 35.

The first guide 653 may further include a guide through-hole 654. The guide through-hole 654, as a hole defined to extend through the first guide 653, may allow water introduced into the duct through-hole 651 to be supplied to a front area of the heat absorber 41 through the guide through-hole 654. The front area of the heat absorber means an area positioned at a side facing toward the first filter 531 based on a vertical line passing through a center of the heat absorber 41.

In one example, it is preferable that the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure includes water collecting portion water level sensing means 91 that measures a water level of the water collecting portion 371 and transmits the water level to the controller. When the water collecting portion water level sensing means 91 is disposed, the laundry treating apparatus may determine a time point of allowing water stored in the water collecting portion 371 to flow to the storage body 72. Therefore, water of the water collecting portion 371 may be prevented from flowing back into the connection duct 35.

The water collecting portion water level sensing means 91 may be formed as any device capable of sensing the water level inside the water collecting portion 371. FIG. 3 shows a sensor with multiple electrodes having different lengths (multiple electrodes electrically connected based on the water level) as an example.

The laundry treating apparatus 100 may have dryness sensing means to determine a time point to stop operation of the heat exchanger assembly 4 by determining a dryness of the laundry. The dryness sensing means may be formed as at least one of an electrode sensor 95 constructed to be in contact with the laundry to measure an amount of moisture contained in the laundry, and a humidity sensor for measuring humidity of air introduced into the duct 3 from the drum 2.

The electrode sensor may include a first electrode 951 and a second electrode 953 that may be fixed to the first fixed body 171 and may be in contact with the laundry inside the drum body 21. As the dryness increases, the amount of moisture contained in the laundry will decrease (an electrical resistance of the laundry will increase), so that the laundry drying apparatus 20 may determine the dryness of the laundry by observing an electrical resistance measured when the two

electrodes

951 and 953 are connected to each other via the laundry. In one example, as the dryness of the laundry increases, the amount of moisture contained in air introduced into the duct 3 will decrease, so that the laundry drying apparatus 20 may determine the dryness of the laundry by observing the humidity of air introduced into the duct 3 via the humidity sensor.

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus 100 may further include temperature sensing means 96 for measuring a temperature of air introduced into the duct 3. The temperature sensing means 96 may be fixed to the top face of the connection duct 35 and positioned between the first filter 531 and the second filter 551.

FIG. 4 shows a structure in which a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure washes a condenser.

Because the heat absorber 41 is exposed to the hot air discharged from the drum 2 earlier than the heater 43, foreign substances such as lint or the like are easily caught into the heat absorber 41.

When a sufficient amount of water is collected in the water storage tank 7 as the moisture from the heat absorber 41 is condensed or a sufficient amount of water is collected in the water collecting portion 37 in the process of executing the arbitrary course and option of executing the drying cycle, the washer 6 may drive the washing pump 61.

When the washing pump 61 is driven, the water may flow into the flow path switching portion 63 along the connection pipe 611 and may be discharged through a spray nozzle 651 along a spray water storage supply pipe 631 from the flow path switching portion 63.

The spray nozzle 651 may be constructed to spray the water in a vertical direction to separate the foreign substances and the lint attached to a front face of the heat absorber 41.

In one example, when the filtration means 5 is disposed at a front portion of the heat absorber 41, the spray nozzle 651 may supply water toward the filtration means 5 to remove the foreign substances and the lint attached to the filtration means 5.

The washing pump 61 may supply a large amount of water collected in the water collecting portion 37 to the spray nozzle 651. Whenever a water level of the water collecting portion 37 is equal to or higher than a reference water level, the washing pump 61 may operate to spray the water with the spray nozzle 651.

Therefore, because a sufficient amount of water will be collected in the water collecting portion 37 when the drying cycle is almost done and a large amount of moisture is removed from the laundry, the washing pump 61 may wash the filtration means 5 or the heat absorber 41 while the drying cycle is in progress.

FIG. 5 shows a structure of the control panel P.

The control panel P may include a circuit board (a first circuit board) P4 fixed to the panel support 12 and positioned inside the cabinet 1, an encoder P5 fixed to the circuit board and located inside the cabinet 1, the manipulation portion P7 connected to the encoder P5 through the front panel 11, and the display portionP8 fixed to the encoder P5 or the first circuit board P4 through the front panel 11.

The first circuit board P4, as a board equipped with a control circuit required for control (power control and operation control) of at least one of the drivers 23, 27, and 25, a steam apparatus 200, and a water supply 300, may be fixed to the panel support 12 via the casing P41.

The casing P41 may have any shape as long as it is able to fix the first circuit board 4 to the panel support 12.

The casing P41 may be formed in a hexahedral shape with one face (a face facing the panel support) open.

A boss for setting a position of the first circuit board P4 may be disposed in the casing P41. The boss may include a first boss 411 and a second boss 412.

In this case, the first circuit board P4 may have a board through-hole P42 through which the first boss 411 passes, and a boss insertion hole P43 through which the second boss 412 passes. The second boss 412 may be disposed in each of left and right spaces of the first boss 411, or may be disposed in each of upper and lower spaces of the first boss 411.

A wire 822 is connected to the display portionP8. The wire 822 may be formed as a power line for supplying the power to the displaying interface, or may be formed as a communication line that enables the display portionP8 to communicate with devices inside the cabinet including the first circuit board P4.

The first boss 411 may have a first boss through-hole 413 defined therein, and the panel support 12 may have a wire through-hole 123 (see FIG. 4) defined therein. In this case, the wire 822 may be extended into the cabinet 1 by being inserted into the first boss through-hole 413 and the wire through-hole 123.

The first circuit board P4 may further include the power switch P46 and the executing means P47. The laundry device P46 may be formed as means for inputting the control command for requesting the power supply to the laundry treating apparatus 100, and the executing means P47 may be formed as means for inputting a command for requesting execution of the control command displayed on the display portionP8 or a command for temporarily stopping the control command being executed by the laundry treating apparatus 10.

The power switch P46 and the executing means P47 may be configured to generate a control signal by sensing static electricity of the user's body.

The power switch P46 may include the first button 461 exposed to the outside of the cabinet 1, a first detection sensor 464 fixed to the first circuit board P4, and a conductor (a first touch spring) 463 for connecting the first button and the first detection sensor to each other. Similarly, the executing means P47 may include the second button 471 exposed to the outside of the cabinet 1, a second detection sensor 474 fixed to the first circuit board P4, and a conductor (a second touch spring) (not shown) for connecting the second button and the second detection sensor to each other.

The front panel 11 has the first button mounting portion 136 and the second button mounting portion 117. The first button 461 may be exposed to the outside of the cabinet 1 via the first button mounting portion 116, and the second button 471 may be exposed to the outside of the cabinet 1 via the second button mounting portion 117.

The power switch P46 and the executing means P47 may be separately disposed in the left space and the right space of the display portionP8, may be separately disposed in the upper space and the lower space of the displaying interface, or may be disposed vertically or horizontally in one of the left space and the right space of the displaying interface.

The first touch spring 463 and the second touch spring may be formed in a shape of a coil, which is to provide a restoring force to the first button 461 and the second button 471. Furthermore, in order to prevent the first button 461 and the second button 471 from being respectively deviated from the

button mounting portions

116 and 117, the power switch 46 may have a first stopper 462 that limits a range of motion of the first button, and the execution device 47 may have a second stopper (not shown) that limits a range of motion of the second button.

The encoder P5 is means for rotatably fixing the manipulation portion P7 to the first circuit board P4, and is means for generating an electrical signal (or generating an electrical signal set differently based on a rotation angle of an actuator) during the rotation of the manipulation portion P7.

FIG. 6 shows a structure of the encoder.

The encoder P5 may include a fixed portion P51 fixed to the first circuit board P4 and to which the display portionP8 is fixed, a rotating portion P52 rotatably disposed on the fixed portion P51 and to which the manipulation portion P7 is fixed, and a signal generator P54 for generating an electrical signal when the rotating portion P52 is rotated.

The fixed portion P51 may include a fixed body P512 fixed to the first circuit board P4, a support body 511 extending from the fixed body 512 and rotatably fixing the rotating portion P52, and a body through-hole 514 connected to the board through-hole P42 (connected to the first boss through-hole) through the fixed body and the support body.

The fixed body 512 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. A board fastening portion 513 may be disposed on a circumferential face of the fixed body 512 or on one face (a face facing the first circuit board) of the fixed body. In this case, the first circuit board P4 may have an encoder fixing hole P44 defined therein into which the board fastening portion 513 is inserted.

The board fastening portion 513 and the encoder fixing hole P44 may respectively include multiple board fastening portions and multiple encoder fixing holes, and the encoder fixing holes P44 may be arranged to surround the board through-hole P42.

Inside the body through-hole 514, a fastening body fixing portion 531 for fastening the display portionP8 to the fixed portion 51, and a position setting groove 532 for preventing the display portion8 from rotating (fixing the position of the displaying interface) when the display portionP8 is inserted into the body through-hole 514 may be disposed.

The fastening body fixed portion 531 may be formed as a protrusion protruding toward a center of the body through-hole 514 from at least one of the support body 511 and the fixed body 512. The drawing shows a case in which the fastening body fixed portion 531 is disposed on the support body 511 as an example.

The positioning groove 532 may be defined as a groove in which one face of the fixed portion P51 defining the body through-hole 514 is concavely bent. In this case, the positioning groove 532 may be defined along a longitudinal direction of the body through-hole 514.

The rotating portion P52 may be formed as a rotating body 521 rotatably coupled to the support body 511. The rotating body 521 should have a rotating body through-hole through which the support body 511 passes.

The rotating body 521 may have a shaft fastening portion 522 to which the manipulation portion P7 is fastened. The shaft fastening portion 522 may be formed as a fastening hole extending through a circumferential face of the rotating body 521, or may be formed as a fastening groove defined as the circumferential face of the rotating body 521 is concavely bent.

The signal generator P54 may include a magnet fixed to the rotating body 521, a sensor that is disposed on the fixed body 512 or the support body 511 to sense a magnetic force, and a terminal that connects the sensor and the first circuit board 4 to each other. The magnet may be formed as multiple permanent magnets are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential face of the rotating body 521.

The first circuit board P4 to which the encoder P5 is assembled may be coated with an insulating material. This is to minimize a possibility that water is supplied to the first circuit board P4 and the circuit is short-circuited. When the insulating material is coated on one face (a face facing the front panel) of the first circuit board P4, in order to prevent the rotating body 521 from being fixed to the support body 511 by the insulating material, the control panel P may further include an encoder cover P6.

The encoder cover P6 may be formed in a pipe shape that is fixed to the first circuit board P4 and surrounds the encoder P5. That is, as shown in the drawing, the encoder cover P6 may include a fixed body cover P61 that is fixed to the first circuit board P4 and surrounds the fixed body 512, and a cover through-hole P62 defined to extend through the fixed body cover P61 and into which the encoder 5 is inserted.

The fixed body cover P61 may have a board fastening portion 611, and the first circuit board P4 may have an encoder cover fixing hole P45 to which the board fastening portion 611 is fixed. The board fastening portion 611 and the encoder cover fixing hole P45 may respectively include multiple board fastening portions and multiple encoder cover fixing holes, and the encoder cover fixing holes P45 may be arranged to surround the board fastening portion 513.

For discharging water introduced into the fixed body cover P61, a cover outlet 612 may be further disposed on a circumferential face of the fixed body cover P61. The cover outlet 612 is preferably located at a lowermost end of the circumferential face of the fixed body cover P61.

In one example, the above-described insulating material is applied to the first circuit board P4 after both the encoder P5 and the encoder cover P6 are coupled to the first circuit board P4, and the insulating material sprayed on a partial area of the first circuit board P4 (an outer space of the encoder cover) flows into the encoder cover P6 through the cover outlet 612. In such a process, in order to block the insulating material from being supplied to the rotating body 521, a distance L1 from the first circuit board to an uppermost end of the fixed body 512 is preferably set to be equal to or greater than a distance L2 from the first circuit board to an uppermost end of the cover outlet 612.

The encoder cover P6 may further include a support body cover P63 extending from the fixed body cover P61 and surrounding the rotating body 521 (surrounding the support body). The support body cover P63 may limit the movement of the manipulation portion P7 in a radial direction of the cover through-hole 62, so that the support body cover 63 may prevent the manipulation portion P7 from being separated from the rotating body 521.

The manipulation portion P7 may include a shaft P71 that is fixed to the rotating body 521 through the front panel 11, and a handle P73 fixed to the shaft P71 and positioned outside the cabinet 1.

The cabinet 1 has the panel through-hole 134 defined to extend through the front panel 11. The shaft P71 may be disposed to be inserted into the panel through-hole 134.

The shaft P71 may be formed a pipe having a shaft through-hole 711 defined therein. The rotating body 521 disposed in the encoder is inserted into the shaft through-hole 711, and a rotating body fastening portion 712 disposed on a circumferential face of the shaft P71 and positioned inside the shaft through-hole 711 is coupled to a shaft fastening portion 522 disposed on the rotating body. Accordingly, the shaft P71 is fixed to the rotating body 521 via the rotating body fastening portion 712 and the shaft fastening portion 522.

The handle P73 may be fixed to the shaft P71 so as to be located outside of the cabinet 1, and the user may provide a force required for the rotation of the rotating body 521 to the shaft P71 via the handle P73.

The handle P73 may include an accommodation space 731 defined inside the handle to be in communication with the shaft through-hole 711, and a handle through-hole 732 that extends through one face of the handle P73 to allow the accommodation space 731 to be in communication with the outside.

When a diameter of the handle P73 is set to be larger than a diameter of the shaft P71, the shaft P71 may further include a base 713 to which the handle P73 is fixed. The base 713 may be formed as a disk fixed to the circumferential face of the shaft P71.

The handle P73 and the base 713 may be coupled to each other via a base fastening portion 734 disposed on the handle 73 and a handle fastening portion 714 disposed on the base 713.

The base fastening portion 734 may be formed as multiple protrusions fixed to the handle so as to be located inside the accommodation space 731, and the handle fastening portion 714 may be formed as a groove defined in the base 713 and accommodating the protrusion therein.

In order to facilitate the coupling of the handle P73 and the base 713, the handle P73 may have a fastening guide 735 positioned between one base fastening portion 734 and another base fastening portion 734, and the base 713 may have a guide groove 715 into which the fastening guide 735 is inserted. The guide groove 715 may be defined as a groove in which a circumferential face of the base 713 is bent toward the shaft through-hole 711.

The display portionP8 may include a housing P81 fixed to the fixed body 512 of the encoder and located inside the accommodation space 731 of the actuator, the display P84 fixed to the housing and displaying information (information related to control, operation, and the like of the laundry treating apparatus), and a circuit board (second circuit board and a display portioncircuit board) P82 disposed in the housing and having a circuit for controlling the display P84.

The housing P81 may include a fastening body 81b fixed to the fixed body 512 by extending through the shaft through-hole 711 and being inserted into the body through-hole 514, and an accommodating body 81a fixed to the fastening body 81b and positioned inside the accommodation space 731.

The accommodating body 81a may be formed in any shape as long as it may be inserted into the accommodation space 731. A case in which the accommodating body 81a is formed in a cylindrical shape is shown as an example.

A mounting space 811 is defined inside the accommodating body 81a, and the mounting space 811 is in communication with the accommodation space 731 defined in the handle via an accommodating body through-hole 812 (the accommodating body through-hole is defined to be in communication with the handle through-hole). That is, the accommodating body through-hole 812 is defined in a face directed in a direction in which the handle through-hole 732 is located of the space provided by the accommodating body 81a.

The fastening body 81b may be formed in any shape as long as it is able to be inserted into the shaft through-hole 711 and the body through-hole 514 of the encoder. A case in which the fastening body 81b is formed in a cylindrical shape is shown as an example. The fastening body 81b has a fastening body through-hole 815 connected to the mounting space 811.

A fixed body fastening portion 816 may be disposed on a circumferential face of the fastening body 81b. The fixed body fastening portion 816 is means for fixing the housing P81 to the fastening body fixing portion 531 disposed in the encoder.

Further, multiple position setting protrusions 817 may be further disposed on the circumferential face of the fastening body 81b.

The position setting protrusion 817 is formed in a shape capable of being inserted into the position setting groove 532 defined in the encoder, and the position setting protrusion 817 is disposed at a point corresponding to a position of the position setting groove 532. The position setting protrusion 817 and the position setting groove 532 are means for minimizing a risk that the fixed body fastening portion 816 fails to be coupled to the portion 531 (means for ensuring the coupling of the fixed body fastening portion and the fastening body fixing portion) when the fastening body 81b is inserted into the body through-hole 514.

The second circuit board P82 may be inserted into the mounting space 811, and the wire 822 connected to the second circuit board P82 may be withdrawn to the outside of the housing P81 through the fastening body through-hole 815. Multiple lamps 821 may be disposed on the second circuit board P82.

The second circuit board P82 may control the display P84 to display preset information in response to an electrical signal generated from the signal generator 54 when the handle P73 is rotated.

In order to maintain a gap between the second circuit board P82 and the display P84 and to prevent damage to the lamp 821, a mounting portion P83 positioned between the display P84 and the second circuit board P82 may be disposed in the mounting space 811.

The mounting portion P83 may be formed as a mounting body 831 fixed to the accommodating body 81a and positioned inside the mounting space 811. The mounting body 831 may have any shape as long as it is able to be inserted into the mounting space 811.

A seating groove 832 to which the display P84 is fixed is defined in one face of the mounting body 831. The seating groove 832 may have a connector through-hole 836. A connector 841 (a flexible PCB or the like) disposed in the display P84 may be connected to the second circuit board P82 by being inserted into the connector through-hole 836.

The mounting body 831 may have a lamp through-hole 835 into which the lamp 821 is inserted. It is preferable that the number of lamp through-holes 835 is the same number as the number of the lamps 821, and a position of the lamp through-hole 835 should be set to a space of the mounting body located above the mounting groove 832 or a space of the mounting body located below the mounting groove 832. This is for light emitted from the lamp 821 to be transmitted to the outside of the housing P81 through the lamp through-hole 835.

The mounting portion P83 is fixed to the housing P81 via a mounting body fastening portion 813 disposed on the accommodating body 81a and an accommodating body fastening portion 833 disposed on the mounting body 831. The mounting body fastening portion 813 may be formed as multiple protrusions located inside the mounting space 811, and the accommodating body fastening portion 833 may be defined as a groove or the like defined in the circumferential face of the mounting body 831 (one face of the mounting body in contact with the accommodating body) and to which the mounting body fastening portion 813 is fixed.

The number of mounting body fastening portions 813 and the number of accommodating body fastening portions 833 should be set to be the same, and positions of the mounting body fastening portion 813 and the accommodating body fastening portion 833 should be set to correspond to each other.

In order to increase a fastening force of the mounting body 831, the accommodating body fastening portion 833 may include an upper fastening portion positioned higher than the seating surface 832 and a lower fastening portion positioned lower than the seating surface 832. Unlike the drawing, the accommodating body fastening portion 833 may be disposed on each of left and right sides of the seating face.

A cover P85 may be further disposed on the accommodating body 81a to prevent water and foreign substances from flowing into the display P84 and the second circuit board P82.

Preferably, the cover P85 is fixed to at least one of the accommodating body 81a and the mounting body 831 to close the accommodating body through-hole 812. The cover P85 should be made of a material having a transparency that allows the information displayed on the display P84 and the light emitted from the lamp 821 to be viewed from the outside.

When the cover P85 is fixed to the mounting body 831, the cover P85 may have a cover fixing protrusion 851 protruding toward the mounting body 831, and the mounting body 831 may have a fixing protrusion fastening portion 834 to which the cover fixing protrusion 851 is coupled.

The second circuit board P82 may also be fixed to the mounting body 831. That is, the mounting portion P83 may have a protrusion 838 protruding from the mounting body 831 toward the second circuit board 82, and the second circuit board 82 may have a protrusion through-hole 823 into which the protrusion 838 is inserted.

Further, the cover P85 may further include a cover sheet 853 for lowering the transparency of the cover. It is preferable that a transparency of the cover sheet is set to such a degree that it is difficult to view the interior of the mounting space 811 from the outside (the transparency of the cover sheet is set lower than the transparency of the cover). The cover sheet 853 may be fixed to a surface of the cover P85, and a letter or symbol H may be displayed in an area of the cover sheet on which the lamp through-hole 835 is projected.

In one example, a lamp through-hole 835 corresponding to the input area D3 among the lamp through-holes 835 in the mounting portion P83 may provide a signal instructing the user to press the input area D3.

The selection portion R that receives the control command of selecting the control command displayed on the display 84 may be further disposed on the control panel P.

The selection portion R may be configured to determine whether the control command displayed on the display P84 is selected by sensing whether the user's body is in contact with the cover P85.

That is, the selection portion R may include a sensor R3 disposed on the second circuit board 82 and sensing the static electricity of the user's body, and a conductor R2 or a physical button R1 for connecting the sensor R3 and the window P85 to each other.

The selection portion R may be composed of a disposed portion R1 attached to or coupled to the cover P85, and a transmitter R2 having one end connected to the disposed portion R1 and the other end connected to the sensor R3. In this case, the mounting body 831 must have a conductor through-hole 837 into which the transmitter R2 is inserted.

The disposed portion R1 is means for facilitating the input of the control command by expanding an area that the user may contact. In the control panel P having the above structure, the display area D1 is formed in an upper space of the cover P85, and the input area D3 is formed in a lower space of the cover P85. Therefore, when a width of the disposed portion R1 is set to be great, a width of the input area D3 is expanded, so that the user may more easily input the control command. The width of the disposed portion R1 is preferably set to equal to or smaller than 1/4 to 1/2 of a width of the cover P85.

The transmitter R2 and the disposed portion R1 may be formed as a conductor. Therefore, when the user's body is in contact with the transmitter R2 and the receiver R1, a current of the user's body may be charged or transmitted, so that the current may be transmitted to the sensor R3.

In addition, the transmitter R2 and the disposed portion R1 may be formed physical buttons. Therefore, when the user's body presses the disposed portion R1, the pressure of the body may be transmitted to the sensor R3.

In one example, the display portionP may include inducing means 839 for inducing the user to press the selection portion R.

The inducing means 839 may guide the user to the location of the selection portion R to induce the user to press the selection portion R.

The inducing means 839 may include the lamp 821 and the lamp through-hole 835 corresponding to the position of the disposed portion R1. Specifically, the inducing means 839 may include the lamp through-hole 835 defined below the display P84 and the lamp 821 installed inside the lamp through-hole 835.

The lamp through-hole 835 and the lamp 821 constituting the inducting means 839 may be disposed below the display P84 and at a center of the mounting portion 83.

Accordingly, when the lamp 821 emits the light in the inducting means 839, the selection portion R or an area adjacent to the selection portion R may be brightened.

In addition, the lamp 821 of the inducing means 830 may be formed as an LED element and the like to indicate a separate character or phrase.

The control panel P having the above structure enables display of the control command, search for the displayed control command, and selection of the displayed control command, and enables minimization of a space required for installation. However, the control panel P having the above structure needs means to block the inflow of water or the foreign substances to the display portionP8 and the manipulation portion P7 or to discharge the inflowed water or foreign substances to the outside.

The control panel P having the above structure will display a preset control command on the display P84 whenever the user rotates the handle P73 (whenever the encoder generates the electrical signal) (search and change the control command).

When the desired control command is displayed on the display P84, the user may select the displayed control command via the selection portion R, and the control command selected via the selection portion R may be initiated when the user inputs an execution command via the executing means P47.

In one example, the handle P73 is coupled to the first circuit board P4 to enable a rotational movement, whereas the housingP81 of the display portionis fixed to the first circuit board P4, so that it is necessary to keep a gap between the handle P73 and the housingP81 constant. This is because, when the gap between the handle P73 and the housingP81 is not maintained, the rotation of the handle 7P3 is likely to be constrained.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of utilization of the control panel P of the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

In the state display area D1 of the display portionP8, whether the door is locked, whether the communication module is activated, whether the course or the option is operated, whether the guide phrase is generated, and the like may appear in a form of an icon.

In addition, the number of displayed contents that may appear while rotating the manipulation portion P7 may be displayed in the state display area D1. For example, a plurality of dots may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and the number of contents displayed in the content display area D2 may be provided while one of the plurality of dots emits the light.

In the content display area D2, contents of the course and the option, the executed state of the course or the option, and the guide phrase necessary for the user may be displayed.

The content display area D2 may be larger than the state display area D1.

In the input area D3, light may be emitted to request the input of the user, and the guide phrase indicating which content the user should input may be displayed.

The power switch P46 may be disposed at a left side of the display portionP8, and the executing means P47 may be disposed at a right side of the display portionP8.

The manipulation portion P7 may be rotatably disposed on an outer circumferential face of the display portionP8, and may be configured to select an arbitrary course capable of rotating the drum 2 or operating the steam apparatus 200.

The arbitrary course may be a series of control methods for performing the drying cycle of drying the laundry.

For example, the arbitrary course may include a standard course for drying a general standard laundry, a wool course for drying laundry with a high moisture content and a high risk of shrinkage, such as wool, and a steam course for removing wrinkles from or sterilizing the laundry by spraying steam on the laundry/

When the manipulation portion P7 is rotated, a name of the corresponding course and a simple option name may be displayed in the content display area D2 of the display portionP8 based on a set order, and a description of the course or the option may be displayed.

The option may be selected by the setting portion P2. The setting portion P2 may be configured to receive a selection command for selecting at least one of the arbitrary options.

The arbitrary option may include setting additional conditions of the course.

For example, the arbitrary option may be a set algorithm or a control method for adjusting at least one of the number of repetitions of each cycle to perform the course, an intensity of performing each cycle, a rotation speed of the drum when performing each cycle, a temperature of water, an amount of water, and a duration of each cycle.

The setting portion P2 may be formed as a touch display for selecting the arbitrary option, and may have a plurality of lamps and a plurality of conductor switches capable of sensing the user's body.

For example, the setting portion P2 may include option selection portion B that receives a setting command to set the conditions for the course, and option display portionB4 that displays option information corresponding to the option selection portion B.

For example, the option selection portion B may include a saving drying interface B1 for determining a degree of electric energy applied when executing the arbitrary course, a dryness selection portion B2 for determining a degree of the moisture content or a drying rate of the laundry when the drying cycle of the laundry is terminated, and a time drying interface B3 for determining a duration of the course.

The option display portionB4 may be constructed to display electric energy, a drying rate, and a duration of a corresponding course in a numerical and unitized manner, and may be constructed to also display a degree of change.

In one example, the setting portion P2 may have utilizing means C that receives a utilization command to utilize a function of the laundry treating apparatus.

For example, the utilizing means C may include a steam interface C3 for spraying steam when performing the arbitrary course, refresh means C1 for performing steam refresh that removes odors and volatile substances from the laundry by supplying hot air and steam to the laundry, reservation means C2 for inputting a reservation command to perform the course at a specific time, and additional function means C4 for utilizing additional functions such as pairing with other devices.

In addition, the setting portion P2 may further include an anti-wrinkle interface E for executing an anti-wrinkle course for preventing the wrinkling of the laundry when the course is terminated.

The setting portion P2 may allow a function that may be utilized at a present time point or a function selected by the user to be turned on and allow a function that is not able to be executed or is not selected by the user to be turned off.

The setting portion P2 may display all of the contents via an auxiliary display P19.

FIG. 9 shows an aspect of the control panel P when operating the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

Referring to (a) in FIG. 9, the laundry treating apparatus is in a state in which the power supply is cut off so that the display portion P8 and the auxiliary display P19 are turned off.

The user may supply power to the laundry treating apparatus including the display portion P8 and the auxiliary display P19 by inputting the power command to the power switch P46.

Referring to (b) in FIG. 9, the power may be supplied to the control panel P and the manipulation portion P7 may be activated. The user may select the desired course by rotating the manipulation portion P7 and may select the desired option by checking or pressing the auxiliary display P19.

The selected course and option may be displayed on the display portion P8, and a selected additional option or function may be displayed on the auxiliary display P19.

The user may execute the course and the option by pressing the executing means P47.

Referring to (c) in FIG. 9, the display portion P8 may display the executed state of the course and the option, and the auxiliary display P19 may display a current state of the option. For example, when the additional function such as the steam is used, the steam interface C3 may be turned on. In addition, when the drying course is performed with a medium amount of energy of the course and a low dryness, the fact that the moisture content is high and a drying time is not particularly limited may be displayed.

Referring to (d) in FIG. 9, completion information indicating that execution of the course and the option has been completed may be displayed on the display portion P8. Thereafter, the power supply to the control panel P may be cut off.

The user may determine the course or the option from the selection of the course or the option based on the information displayed on the display portion P8, and the executed state of the course or the option and the completed state of the course or the option may be identified at once.

FIG. 10 shows utilization of the display portion P8, which emphasizes a portion of the display P84 of the display portion P8.

Referring to (a) in FIG. 10, when power is input to the control panel P, a name and a description of the selected course or option may be described in the content display area D2 of the display portion P8 or the display P84, and information on the number of courses or options that may be changed may be displayed in the state display area D1.

The content display area D2 may be disposed beneath the state display area D1, and may have a larger area than the state display area D1. Accordingly, the content display area D2 may actively transmit information necessary to the user using characters, icons, and the like.

The state display portion D1 may intuitively transmit the information via a symbol such as an icon or a sign.

The input area D3 may be disposed beneath the content display area D2. Accordingly, when the user touches the input area D3, the user's body may be prevented from covering the content display area D2.

The input area D3 may display information that allows the user to determine the information displayed in the content display area D2. That is, when it is necessary to receive a command that requires confirmation or determination of the user via the selection portion R, input contents corresponding to the selection portion R may be displayed in the input area D3.

For example, rather than the arbitrary course or option set as a default that may be selected by rotating the manipulation portion P7, an indication that a course or option in a form of a MasterCard additionally stored in a controller such as a recommended course or option provided by a producer or the like, a course or option that has been used N times or more recently, a course or option preset by the user, or the like may be displayed in the input area D3.

The MasterCard, which corresponds new courses or options provided from the server or set by the user via changing an option value for a specific course, may correspond to courses or options that are different from the arbitrary course or option set as the default when the laundry treating apparatus is purchased.

Referring to (b) to (c) in FIG. 10, the display P84 may display a confirmation content for confirming the command additionally input by the user. The confirmation content may be a name or an effect of the command input by the user that is displayed in an enlarged manner.

For example, when the user presses the steam interface C3 of the setting portion P2, not only the steam interface C3 is turned on on the auxiliary display P19, but also a phrase such as steam-on appears in a large size on the display P84 to indicate to the user that the steam function is activated.

In addition, when the user re-presses the steam interface C3 of the setting portion P2, not only the steam interface C3 is turned off on the auxiliary display P19, but also a phrase such as steam-off appears on the display P84 to indicate to the user that the steam function is deactivated.

Accordingly, the user may intuitively identify what the command he or she has inputted and whether the command thereof has been properly input via one display P84. Accordingly, even when there is no separate display device for separately displaying whether the corresponding command has been received, the user may accurately determine whether the corresponding command has been input.

Referring to (d) in FIG. 10, after waiting for a certain period of time or when the selection portion R is pressed, the selected course and option may be displayed on the display P84. Accordingly, the user may identify that the command thereof has been reflected, and may execute the selected course and option without delay in the course execution.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of selecting a course or an option.

In the control panel P, the arbitrary course or option that is provided by default may be stored. However, the user may continuously add a specific option in a specific course and repeatedly use the added option.

In addition, there may be a course or an option that may be recommended by the producer to the user when researching a weather, an installed area, characteristics of the laundry treating apparatus, and the like.

However, it may be very cumbersome for the user to repeatedly set such course or option, and the user may not be able to use the corresponding course or option because the user is not aware of the corresponding course or option.

Accordingly, the control panel P of the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may separately store a new course or option rather than the course or the option set as the default in a form of a shortcut.

For example, the newly set courses or options may be sequentially displayed on the display P84 by the input of the command to the manipulation portion P7. Accordingly, because types of new courses or options are sequentially displayed on the display portion P84, this may be defined as the MasterCard.

That is, the MasterCard may be one of the newly set courses and options, rather than the courses and options provided by default. There may be plurality of MasterCards and an order in which the plurality of MasaterCards are sequentially displayed may be eset in advance.

For example, a MasterCard corresponding to a course frequently used by the user or a course set in advance by the user may be displayed first, followed by a recommended course.

Referring to (a) in FIG. 11, a standard drying course, which is one of the courses or the options provided by default may be displayed on the display P84.

In this regard, the user may select the MasterCard displayed in the input area D3 via the selection portion R.

Referring to (b) in FIG. 11, a first MasterCard may be displayed on the display P84. The first MasterCard may be an option frequently used by the user recently.

The user may execute a course corresponding to the MasterCard by inputting the command to the executing means. However, the user may select another MasterCard by rotating the manipulation portion P7.

Referring to (c) in FIG. 11, when the user rotates the manipulation portion P7, a second MasterCard may appear. For example, when the laundry treating apparatus has the steam function, an option in which the steam is added may be recommended.

Referring to (d) in FIG. 11, when the user rotates the manipulation portion P7 again, a third MasterCard may appear. For example, a speed drying course capable of maximally reducing a drying time compared to a general drying course may appear. This is to increase a temperature or a flow rate of hot air, which may be applied when a material of laundry has a great durability.

As such, the user may identify the stored MasterCards sequentially by rotating the manipulation portion P7. The first MasterCard may reappear when every MasterCard is identified.

Accordingly, even when input means for inputting a separate course or option is not provided, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may rapidly select the desired course and option via the manipulation portion P7.

As described above, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may automatically wash the heat exchanger assembly 4 via the washer 6. However, the user may not even know that the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure has a function to automatically wash the heat exchanger assembly 4, may not know what to wash the heat exchanger assembly 4 with, and may misunderstand that there is an abnormality in the laundry treating apparatus because of not knowing what phenomenon occurs when washing the heat exchanger assembly 4.

In order to prevent the above problems, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may display operation information of the pump on the display portion P8 when a condenser is washed.

The operation information D2A of the pump may include one of a wash phrase D21 indicating a state in which the heat exchanger is washed by water, an operation phrase D22 indicating a state in which the pump is operating itself, and a noise phrase D23 indicating a state in which noise may be generated in the pump.

As such, the user may understand that the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure has the function of automatically washing the condenser when executing the drying course and option while identifying the operation information D2A displayed on the display P84.

Specifically, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may display the wash phrase D21 via the display portion P8, so that the user may understand that the condenser is automatically washed with water, and may advertise that the laundry treating apparatus is clean as the foreign substances and the lint are automatically removed therefrom.

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may display the operation phrase D22 via the display portion P8 to notify the user that the separate pump is installed to clean the condenser, and may advertise that the laundry treating apparatus has excellent cost-effectiveness.

In addition, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may display the noise phrase D23 via the display portion P8 to transmit information indicating that the pump generates the noise while being operated, and may reassure the user that there is no problem with the laundry treating apparatus.

The display portion P8 may display one of the wash phrase, the operation phrase, and the noise phrase.

In addition, the display portion P8 may alternately display at least two of the wash phrase, the operation phrase, and the noise phrase.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of displaying execution of condenser care.

Referring to (a) in FIG. 12, when the drying course and option such as the standard course is executed, the state of the course being executed may be displayed on the display P84 of the display portion in the control panel P.

The display P84 may display execution information D21 indicating a name, a remaining time, and a current state of the course being executed. For example, the execution information of the standard course, 1 hour and 50 minutes, and drying in progress may be displayed.

Referring to (b) in FIG. 12, when a sufficient amount of water is collected in the water collecting portion 37 during the drying course, the washing pump 61 may start to operate and supply the collected condensed water to the heat absorber or a condenser 41. As such, the foreign substances attached to the heat absorber 41 or the filtration means 5 may be removed to secure the flow path of air, to increase a heat exchange efficiency, and to prevent decay of the foreign substances.

In this regard, the wash phrase D22 may be displayed on the display P84 of the display portion, so that the operation information D2A may be displayed.

Referring to (C) in FIG. 12, the noise phrase D23 may be displayed on the display P84 of the display portion, so that the operation information D2A may be displayed.

Although the wash phrase D22, the noise phrase D23, and the operation phrase D1 may be alternatively displayed, and may be alternately displayed on the display P84 when all of them are displayed. Accordingly, the operation information D2A may be effectively recognized by the user.

When the operation phrase D21 is also displayed, the operation phrase D21 may also be displayed alternately. That is, the state in (b) in FIG. 12 and the state in (c) in FIG. 12 may be repeated.

The operation information D2A may be displayed only in a partial area of the display P84.

Accordingly, when the operation information D2A is displayed, the display of the execution information may be prevented from being blocked.

Referring to (a) in FIG. 13, when the drying course and option such as the standard course is executed, the state of the course being executed may be displayed on the display P84 of the display portion in the control panel P.

The display P84 may display the execution information D21 indicating the name, the remaining time, and the current state of the course that is being executed. For example, the execution information of the standard course, 1 hour 50 minutes, and drying in progress may be displayed.

Referring to (b) in FIG. 13, the operation information D2A may be displayed as single information on the display P84. The operation information D2A may be displayed on an entire area of the display P84.

As such, the user may accurately recognize the operation information D2A so as to accurately recognize the condenser care being executed and a function, an influence, and the like of the condenser care.

When the operation information D2A is the wash phrase D21, a guide phrase indicating that the condenser is being washed may be displayed.

Referring to (c) in FIG. 13, the noise phrase D23 may be displayed. The noise phrase may also replace the operation phrase D22 by guiding that the washing pump generates the noise.

As such, the user may accurately recognize that the condenser is automatically cleaned during the execution of the drying course and option.

In addition, at least two of the wash phrase, the operation phrase, and the noise phrase may be displayed alternately in full screen. That is, the states in (b) in FIG. 13 and (c) in FIG. 13 may be alternated.

The laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may further include a communication module T configured to be in communication with an AP 30 or an external terminal 40.

The communication module T may be configured to be in communication with the server 50 via the AP 30, and may be configured to be in direct communication with the external terminal 40.

As such, the laundry treating apparatus 10 of the present disclosure may transmit the operation information D2A to the server 50 or the external terminal 40 when executing the condenser care for washing the heat exchanger assembly 4.

The external terminal 40 may display the received operation information D2A on a screen thereof.

Accordingly, the user may sufficiently identify the operation information D2A even when being far apart from the laundry treating apparatus 10.

FIG. 15 shows a control method for displaying execution of condenser care.

The laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may perform a washing step S1 of washing the heat exchanger assembly 4 when the arbitrary course and option is executed so that the drying of the laundry is performed and the condensed water is collected in the water collecting portion 37 and the water storage 7 enough to wash the heat exchanger assembly 4.

In the washing step (S1), the washing pump 61 and the flow path switching portion 63 may be driven.

When the washing step (S1) is initiated, a stopping step (S2) of stopping the driving of the blower fan may be performed. Accordingly, the water supplied from the washing pump 61 may be prevented from being supplied into the heat exchanger assembly 4 or being contained in the air flowing into the drum 2.

The stopping step (S2) may be performed in advance before the washing step (S1) is performed. That is, the driving of the blowing fan may be stopped before the washing pump 61 is driven.

A notification step (S3) of displaying the operation information D2A indicating that the washing step (S1) is being performed to the user may be performed.

In the notification step (S3), the display portion P8 may display thereon the operation information D2A. The display portion P8 may display the operation information D2A on a partial screen or the entire screen of the display P84. One of the wash phrase D21, the operation phrase D22, and the noise phrase D23 may be displayed, and at least two thereof may be displayed alternately at a predetermined time interval.

In addition, in the notification step S3, the laundry treating apparatus 10 may transmit the operation information D2A to the user's external terminal 40 via the communication module T.

In one example, the notification step (S3) may be initiated when the washing step (S1) is performed.

However, the notification step (S3) may be performed in advance when the washing step (S1) is scheduled before the washing step (S1) is performed.

For example, the display portion P8 may display the operation information D2A a reference time before a time point at which the pump 61 is operated.

Accordingly, the fact that the condenser will be washed may be informed to the user in advance, and the user may be induced not to misunderstand the stop of the driving of the blower fan as the abnormality.

When the washing of the condenser is terminated, a washing terminating step (S4) of terminating the driving of the washing pump 61 may be performed, and a notification terminating step (S5) of terminating the notification step (S3) may be performed.

In the notification terminating step (S5), the display portion P8 may display the execution information of the arbitrary course and option, and the external terminal 40 may display an existing screen.

In one example, the notification terminating step (S5) may be performed after a specific time elapses after the washing terminating step (S4) is terminated.

For example, the display portion P8 may further display the operation information D2A for a specific time after the operation of the pump 61 is completed. The specific time may mean before the course and the option is terminated.

As such, the user may reliably know that the condenser has been washed.

The control method may perform a washing step (N1), a stopping step (N2), and a notification step (N3) in the same manner as the control method in FIG. 15.

The laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may further include a confirmation step (N4) of confirming whether the user has confirmed the condenser care after the notification step (N3).

The confirmation step (N4) may be said to be a step of checking whether the user has recognized the operation information D2A.

This is because, when the user has confirmed the operation information D2A, the execution information indicating the executed state of the course and the option is more important.

Confirming, by the user, of the operation information D2A may mean that the user has pressed the manipulation portion P7, has pressed the selection portion R, or has input a confirmation to the external terminal 40.

When a confirmation intention of the user is received, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may first perform a notification terminating step (N5-1) before a washing terminating step (N5-2). That is, the display of the operation information D2A may be removed during the condenser washing process.

In one example, when the confirmation intention of the user is not received, the washing terminating step (N5-2) may be performed first and then the notification terminating step (N5-3) may be performed.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of a condenser care course.

As described above, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may provide the condenser care course or the washing course for automatically washing the heat exchanger assembly 4 via the washer 6.

That is, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may perform the arbitrary drying course of controlling the driver and the heat exchanger assembly 4, and the washing course of washing the heat exchanger assembly 4 by controlling the washing pump 61.

The control panel P or a controller embedded in the control panel P of the present disclosure may be configured to sense a level of the condensed water collected in the water storage 7 or the water collecting portion 37.

A water level sensor for sensing the water level of the water storage 7 by sensing a water level or a weight of the water storage 7 may be disposed, and the water collecting portion 37 may also have a water level sensor for sensing the level of condensed water. In addition, the controller P may indirectly sense the level of the condensed water by sensing a current value or the like applied when the pump 61 is driven.

Accordingly, the controller P may sense whether the level of the condensed water collected in the water storage 4 or the water collecting portion 37 is equal to or greater than a reference value. The reference value may be set to an amount sufficient to wash the heat exchanger assembly 4.

In one example, the user may determine whether to select the washing course or the arbitrary drying course by rotating the manipulation portion P4.

The arbitrary drying course operates all of the driver, the heat exchanger, and the blower fan, and the washing course operates the washing pump 61, so that the arbitrary drying course and the washing course may be classified in terms of the apparatus.

At least, the operation of the blower fan may be blocked in the washing course.

In one example, the washing course may be set independently of the drying course.

In addition, when the condensed water is sufficiently collected in the process of performing the drying course, the controller may perform the washing course.

In one example, whether the washing course is performed via the input of the command to the manipulation portion or is performed together as an additional course of the drying course, when the condensed water is insufficient, the washing course cannot be performed. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to not only notify the user that the washing course cannot be performed, but also guide the user to supply water directly to the filtration means 5 or the water storage 4.

In general, the condenser care may be applied as the additional function of the arbitrary course and option of drying the laundry. This is because, when drying the laundry, which is a wet cloth, a large amount of moisture is condensed in the heat exchanger assembly 4 and water is automatically prepared in the process of drying the laundry.

In one example, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may separately have the condenser care course, which is the washing course, capable of independently washing the heat exchanger assembly 4. That is, the arbitrary course and option of drying the laundry may include the condenser care course.

The condenser care course may be selected via the manipulation of the manipulation portion P4, may be performed without the laundry inside the drum 2, and may be performed even when the course and the option of drying the laundry are not performed.

For example, the condenser care course may be utilized when the user wants to perform the condenser care course in various circumstances, such as, a case in which the laundry treating apparatus 10 has not been used for a long time.

Referring to (a) in FIG. 17, the display P84 of the display portion may sequentially display thereon the arbitrary courses and options when the manipulation portion P4 operates, and then display the condenser care course.

When a name of the course capable of executing the condenser care is displayed on the display P84, a recommendation phrase L1 of the course may also be displayed.

In one example, even when the user does not manipulate the manipulation portion P4, when the power command is input to the power switch P46, the recommendation phrase L1 may be displayed on the display P84 in a booting process.

In other words, before the user manipulates the manipulation portion P4, the condenser care course may be displayed on the display portion P8, and the condenser care course may be recommended.

Accordingly, the user may recognize the existence of the condenser care course, and may be fully aware of the function of the condenser care course via the guide phrase L1.

In one example, the user may select the condenser care course by pressing the selection portion R, or may determine to perform the condenser care course by inputting the command to the executing means P47. It may be seen that the user is inputting a washing command to supply water to the heat exchanger assembly 4.

In the process in which the condenser care course is performed, the driver 23 and the blowing fan do not need to be operated. This is, because the condenser care course is a process of washing the heat exchanger assembly 4, there is no need to supply hot air into the drum 2.

The laundry may be in a state of not being dried at a time point at which the condenser care course is executed. Therefore, a sufficient amount of water to wash the heat exchanger assembly 4 may not be collected in the water collecting portion 37. In addition, because the sufficient amount of water is not collected also in the water storage 7, water to wash the heat exchanger assembly 4 may not exist or may be insufficient in the laundry treating apparatus. In this case, when the condenser care course is not available, the user may doubt a performance of the laundry treating apparatus.

On the other hand, even when the drying course is performed, because the initial wet cloth does not contain a sufficient amount of water, the amount of collected condensed water may be smaller than the reference value.

The control panel P of the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may be configured to sense the water level of the water storage 7 or the water collecting portion 37, and may be configured to control the washing pump 61. In this regard, when the water is collected with the amount equal to or smaller than the reference value in the water storage 4 and the water collecting portion 37, the controller may determine to perform the washing course.

When the washing course is selected or the washing course is set to be performed during the drying course, and when the water level is equal to or lower than the reference value, the display portion P8 may display a guide L2 of recommending the user to directly supply the water required for the water storage for the condenser care or describing the method for supplying the water.

In other words, when the water level of the water storage 4 or the water collecting portion 37 is equal to or lower than the reference value at the time point at which the washing course will be performed, the display portion P8 may display the guide L2.

For example, in a state in which the washing course is selected via the manipulation portion P4 and the drying course is not yet performed, the display portion P8 may display thereon the guide. This is because, before the drying course is performed, there may not be a history of collecting the sufficient amount of condensed water in the water collecting portion 37 and the water storage 4.

In one example, when the level of the condensed water in the water collecting portion 37 or the water storage 4 is equal to or higher than the reference value at the time point at which the washing course is selected, the display of the guide may be blocked or omitted and the washing course may be performed as it is.

The guide L2 may be a guide phrase instructing the user to directly supply water to the water storage 7, the filtration means 5, or the like.

In addition, the water level of the water storage 7 or the water collecting portion 37 is equal to or lower than the reference value when the washing course is automatically performed as most of the drying cycle is terminated in the process of performing the arbitrary drying course and option, the display portion P8 may display thereon the guide.

The guide may include the guide phrase L2 for recommending the user to supply the water to the water storage or illustrating the method for supplying the water.

The guide may be displayed together with the state information of the washing course or the state of the drying course. As a result, the user may understand the guide in association with the state information while identifying the state information.

In one example, the guide may be displayed on the entire screen of the display portion. Accordingly, the user may more accurately recognize the guide.

Referring to (C) in FIG. 17, the user may execute the washing course by filling the water storage with water or by inputting the command to the selection portion R or to the executing means P46.

When the washing course is performed, the state information of the washing course may be displayed on the display portion P8. Accordingly, the user may recognize that the washing course is performed without difficulty.

Referring to (d) in FIG. 17, when the washing course is terminated, the display portion P8 may display thereon completion information indicating that the washing course has been completed.

FIG. 18 shows a guide being displayed in another format.

The guide may include at least one of a guide image that guides the method for supplying the water in an audio-visual manner, and a QR code that guides the user to a site where the guide image may be viewed.

The display portion P8 may independently display the QR code or the guide image on the entire screen thereof.

The display portion P8 may directly reproduce the guide image. The guide image may be a specific embodiment of supplying water to the water storage, and may contain an illustration phrase.

In one example, when a screen size is limited because the display portion P8 is inside the manipulation portion P7, the QR code may be displayed. The QR code may include link information or the like of the site that may utilize the image in the audio-visual manner. The user may access the image via the QR code using the external terminal 40 such as a smart phone.

The display portion P8 may alternately display at least two of the guide phrase, the guide image, and the QR code. As such, which action is required may be visually suggested to the user, and the required action may be accurately illustrated the user.

In addition, the display portion P8 may display thereon the guide phrase first, and then display thereon the QR code when the water level of the water storage does not increase for the reference time. That is, the user may be induced to take the action as the guide is firstly made with the guide phrase, and when the user does not take the action even though the guide is made, it may be determined that the user did not understand the guide and the QR code may be provided accessorily

In addition, the display portion P8 may be configured to display thereon the QR code when the input of the command to the manipulation portion or the executing means is sensed while the guide phrase is displayed.

This is because it may be assumed that the user did not understand the guide phrase correctly when the user inputs the command to the manipulation portion P7 and the executing means P47 even though the guide phrase is displayed.

Therefore, the user may be induced via the QR code to be fully aware of the action method via the image.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of utilization of the guide.

Referring to (a) in FIG. 19, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may further include the communication module T disposed inside the cabinet to transmit the guide to the outside of the cabinet.

The guide may include at least one of the guide phrase, the guide image, and the QR code that may be displayed on the server or the external terminal in communication with the communication module.

The user may access the site to which the image is linked by capturing the QR code via the external terminal.

Referring to (b) in FIG. 19, a guide image V may be reproduced on the screen of the external terminal 40. The guide phrase may also be displayed on the guide image, so that the user may be aware of the correct action method.

FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of a control method of a laundry treating apparatus for displaying the guide.

The laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may perform a determining step (S1) of determining the execution of the washing course by the user's input of the command to the manipulation portion or by the setting of the controller.

When the determining step (S1) is performed, a judging step (S2) of sensing whether the level of the condensed in one of the water storage 4 and the water collecting portion 37 is equal to or higher than the reference value may be performed.

When the level of the condensed water is equal to or higher than the reference value, an execution step (S4) of executing the washing course may be performed.

However, when the level of the condensed water is equal to or lower than the reference value, a guide displaying step (S3) of displaying the guide to the user may be performed.

When there is no action of the user in the guide displaying step (S3), the QR code or the like may be displayed. Nevertheless, when there is no action from the user, an error message may be displayed or power supply may be cut off.

Because the above-described structures, control method, assembly method, and the like of the interface and the laundry treating apparatus are only for illustrating an example of the interface and the laundry treating apparatus, the scope of the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

Claims

A laundry treating apparatus comprising:

a cabinet;

a drum received in the cabinet so as to accommodate laundry therein;

a driver for rotating the drum;

a circulation flow path in communication with the drum so as to provide a space for air in the drum to be circulated or for moisture contained in the air to be condensed;

a heat exchanger assembly including:

heat exchanger seated in the circulation flow path so as to condense the moisture in the air or heat the air; and

a compressor for supplying a refrigerant to the heat exchanger, wherein the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air;

a water storage tank constructed to collect the condensed water therein or to receive water from outside the cabinet;

a pump in communication with the water storage tank so as to supply the water from the water storage tank to the heat exchanger; and

a display portion for displaying thereon operation information of the pump to the outside based on the pump is operated and the water is supplied to the heat exchanger.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operation information is provided to contain a wash phrase indicating a state of the heat exchanger being washed by the water.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operation information is provided to contain an operation phrase indicating a state of the pump being operated.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the operation information is provided to contain a noise phrase indicating a state of the pump capable of generating noise.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operation information is provided to contain a wash phrase indicating a state of the heat exchanger being washed by the water, an operation phrase indicating a state of the pump being operated, and a noise phrase indicating a state of the pump capable of generating noise,

wherein the display portion alternately is provided to display thereon at least two of the wash phrase, the operation phrase, and the noise phrase.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display portion is provided to display thereon the operation information in a full screen.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the operation information is provided to contain a wash phrase indicating a state of the heat exchanger being washed by the water, an operation phrase indicating a state of the pump being operated, and a noise phrase indicating a state of the pump capable of generating noise,

wherein the display portion alternately is provided to display thereon at least two of the wash phrase, the operation phrase, and the noise phrase in a full screen.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display portion is provided to display thereon the operation information a reference time before a time point when the pump is operated.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display portion is provided to stop the display of the operation information when the operation of the pump is completed.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 9, wherein the display portion is provided to display thereon the operation information for a specific time after the operation of the pump is completed.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising manipulation portion coupled to the cabinet and configured to receive a confirmation intention of a user,

wherein the display portion is provided to stop the display of the operation information when the confirmation intention is input to the manipulation portion.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 11, wherein the manipulation portion includes a rotary knob rotatably coupled to the cabinet so as to select a course or an option capable of rotating the drum,

wherein the display portion is disposed inside the rotary knob.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fan for providing power to move the air in the circulation flow path,

wherein the fan is provided to stop operating based on the water is supplied to the heat exchanger assembly.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to execute at least one of an arbitrary drying course for controlling the driver and a washing course for supplying water to the heat exchanger assembly by controlling the pump,

wherein the controller is configured to sense a water level of the water storage,

wherein the display portion is provided to display thereon a guide recommending supplying water to the water storage or illustrating a method for supplying the water based on the controller determines to execute the washing course in a state where the water level of the water storage is equal to or lower than a reference value.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 14, wherein the display portion is provided to display thereon the guide based on the water level of the water storage is equal to or lower than the reference value at a time when the washing course is executed.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 14, further comprising manipulation portion disposed on the cabinet and configured to select one of the drying course and the washing course for the controller,

wherein the display portion is provided to display thereon the guide when the washing course is selected via the manipulation portion.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 16, wherein the display portion is provided to block the display of the guide when the water level of the water storage is equal to or higher than the reference value at a time based on the washing course is selected via the manipulation portion.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to execute the washing course together while executing the drying course,

wherein the display portion is provided to display thereon the guide when the water level of the water storage is equal to or lower than the reference value at a time based on the washing course is executed while executing the drying course.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 14, wherein the guide contains at least one of a guide phrase for recommending supplying the water to the water storage or illustrating the method for supplying the water, a guide image for providing audio-visual guidance on the method for supplying the water, and a QR code for accessing a site where the guide image is able to be viewed.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 19, wherein the display portion alternately is provided to display thereon at least two of the guide phrase, the guide image, and the QR code.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 19, wherein the display portion displays thereon the guide phrase first, and then displays thereon the QR code based on the water level of the water storage does not increase for a reference time.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 19, further comprising:

a manipulation portion disposed on the cabinet and configured to select one of the drying course and the washing course for the controller; and

a executing portion configured to receive a command for executing one of the selected drying course and washing course,

wherein the display portion is provided to display thereon the QR code when an input of a command to the manipulation portion or the executing means is sensed while the guide phrase is displayed.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 14, wherein the display portion is configured to display thereon state information of the drying course or the washing course,

wherein the guide is displayed along with the state information.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 14, wherein the guide is displayed in a full screen of the display portion.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a communication module disposed inside the cabinet and configured to transmit the guide to the outside of the cabinet.
The laundry treating apparatus of claim 25, wherein the guide is provided to contain at least one of a guide phrase, a guide image, and a QR code capable of being displayed on a server or an external terminal in communication with the communication module.