Drying control method for washing machines with drying functions/drying machines

Abstract

A drying control method for washing machines with drying functions/drying machines includes measuring an air temperature of heated air passing through a heater duct by a heater during a drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine, and measuring at least one of the temperature of air before being heated and the temperature of air after being heated about the heater. The method further includes calculating a load, calculating a moisture content and controlling a drying operation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a washing machine with drying function or a drying machine, and, more particularly, to a drying control method for washing machines with drying functions/drying machines that is capable of calculating moisture content contained in the laundry using the change in temperature of circulating air to estimate drying time, thereby accurately controlling a drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, washing machines are classified into a washing machine that is only capable of washing the laundry and a washing machine with drying function that is capable of not only washing the laundry but also drying the laundry. In addition, drying machines are used exclusively to dry the laundry.

FIG. 1 is a side view, in section, illustrating the inner structure of a conventional washing machine with drying function.

As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional washing machine with drying function comprises: a tub 10 disposed in a cabinet 2 while being supported by springs 4 and a damper 6; a drum 20 mounted inside the tub 10 for receiving the laundry; a door 22 hingedly connected to the cabinet 2 for opening and closing the front part of the drum 20; a heater duct 30 disposed on the tub 10, having a heater 26 and a blower 28 mounted therein, for supplying hot wind into the tub 10; and a condensing duct 40, having one end connected to the lower position of the side part of the tub 10 and the other end connected to the heater duct 30, for condensing moisture contained in circulating air.

To the tub 10 is attached a gasket 12, which comes into tight contact with the door 22 when the door 22 is closed. The heater duct is connected to the gasket 12.

To the tub 10 is also attached a motor 14 for rotating the drum 20.

To the tub 10 is connected a water supply unit 15 for supplying wash water or rinse water into the tub 10 when the laundry is washed or rinsed. To the lower part of the tub 10 is connected a drainage unit 16.

The drainage unit 16 comprises: a drain bellows 17 connected to the lower part of the tub 10; a drain pump 18 connected to the drain bellows 17; and a drain hose 19 connected to the drain pump 18.

The drum 20 is provided at the circumferential part thereof or the rear part thereof with through holes 22 for allowing wash water or air to pass therethrough.

To the inner circumferential surface of the drum 20 are attached lifts 24 for shaking the laundry.

The blower 27 comprises: a circulating fan 28 rotatably disposed in the heater duct 30; and a fan motor 29 mounted in the heater duct 30 for rotating the circulating fan 28.

To the condensing duct 40 is connected a cooling water supply unit 42 for supplying cooling water into the condensing duct 40 to condense moisture contained in circulating air, which dries the laundry.

The cooling water supply unit 42 comprises: a cooling water valve 44 connected to an external hose 43 for allowing cooling water supplied through the external hose 43 to pass therethrough or stopping cooling water supplied through the external hose 43 from passing therethrough; and a cooling water hose 45 for guiding the cooling water having passed through the cooling water valve 44 into the condensing duct 40.

The operation of the conventional washing machine with drying function with the above-stated construction will be described.

When a user puts the laundry into the drum 20, closes the door 22, and operates the washing machine with drying function, wash water is supplied to the washing machine with drying function through the water supply unit 15.

Specifically, wash water is supplied into the tub 10 such that the wash water is filled in the tub 10, and is then introduced into the drum 22 through the through-holes 22 of the drum 20 such that the laundry in the drum 20 is wetted by the wash water.

As the motor is operated after the wash water is supplied as described above, the drum 20 is rotated. As a result, the laundry in the drum 20 is shaken such that stains are removed from the laundry by the washing water.

After the above-described washing operation of the washing machine with drying function is finished, the contaminated wash water in the tub 10 is drained out of the washing machine with drying function through the drainage unit 16.

Subsequently, rinsing operations of the washing machine with drying function are performed several times to rinse out bubbles left in the laundry. The water supply unit 15 and the motor 14 are controlled to rinse out the bubbles left in the laundry, as in the washing operation of the washing machine with drying function. The contaminated water, including the bubbles, is drained out of the washing machine with drying function through the drainage unit 16.

After the rinsing operations of the washing machine with drying function are performed several times as described above, a dewatering operation of the washing machine with drying function is performed to centrifugally separate moisture from the laundry.

The motor 14 is rotated at high speed to centrifugally separate moisture from the laundry, and the moisture separated from the laundry is drained out of the washing machine with drying function through the drainage unit 16.

Subsequently, a drying operation of the washing machine with drying function is performed to dry the laundry.

First, the motor 14 is operated to rotate the drum 20. As a result, the laundry in the drum 20 is shaken.

The heater 26 is turned on to increase the temperature of air around the heater 26, and the fan motor 29 is operated to rotate the circulating fan 28. The cooling water valve 44 and the drain pump 18 are alternately turned on and off at predetermined time intervals.

As the circulating fan 18 is rotated, the air in the drum 20 contacts the laundry in the drum 20 to remove heat and moisture from the laundry. As a result, the air is changed into low-temperature and high-humidity air. The low-temperature and high-humidity air passes through the through-holes 22, flows into the space between the drum 20 and the tub 10, and is then introduced into the condensing duct 30. While passing through the condensing duct 40, the air is condensed by cooling water.

The air having passed through the condensing duct 40 is heated by the heater 26 while passing through the heater duct 30. As a result, the air is changed into hot wind. The hot wind passes through the gasket 12, is discharged to the inside of the gasket 16, and is then supplied into the drum 20. In this way, the air is repeatedly circulated to dry the laundry.

The cooling water supplied to the condensing duct 30 is gathered in the tub 10 through the condensing duct 40, and is then periodically pumped out by the drain pump 18 such that the cooling water is drained out of the washing machine with drying function.

After the hot wind drying operation of the washing machine with drying function is performed for a predetermined period of time, the heater 26 is turned off. At this time, the drum 20 and the circulating fan 28 are still rotated to perform a cool wind drying operation of the washing machine with drying function.

After the cool wind drying operation of the washing machine with drying function is performed for a predetermined period of time, the drum 20 and the circulating fan 28 are stopped to finish the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function.

In the conventional washing machine with drying function with the above-stated construction and operation, however, estimated drying time is not displayed when the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function is initiated. The drying time is not accurate even when the estimated drying time is displayed, since the drying time is randomly set. Consequently, the conventional washing machine with drying function has a problem in that accurate drying time is not estimated.

The drying time may be set using drying degree based on the change in temperature that can be sensed at the last stage of the drying operation of the conventional washing machine with drying function. When the amount of the laundry is small, the laundry in the drum is entangled, or new laundry is put into the drum, however, the temperature is sharply changed. Consequently, it is impossible to accurately determine the drying time using the drying degree.

In the conventional washing machine with drying function, moisture content contained in the laundry, which constitutes load of the laundry to be dried is not separately calculated. Consequently, the conventional washing machine with drying function does not correspond to load conditions based on moisture content of the laundry with the result that more efficient drying operation is not performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a drying control method for washing machines with drying functions/drying machines that is capable of sensing the change in temperature of air before and after a heater during a drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine to calculate moisture content contained in the laundry, thereby more accurately estimating drying time, and controlling the drying operation more efficiently corresponding to various load conditions.

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a drying control method for washing machines with drying functions/drying machines, comprising: an air temperature-measuring step of heating air passing through a heater duct by means of a heater during a drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine, and measuring at least one of the temperature of air before being heated and the temperature of air after being heated about the heater; a load-calculating step of calculating total load, the sum of the amount of laundry and moisture content contained in the laundry, using a ratio of the change in temperature to the change in time at a specific section while the temperature of the air is measured at the air temperature-measuring step; a moisture content-calculating step of calculating the moisture content contained in the laundry using a ratio of the change in temperature to the change in time at another specific section next to the specific section of the load-calculating step; and a drying operation-controlling step of controlling the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine according to the total load and the moisture content calculated at the load-calculating step and moisture content-calculating step.

Preferably, the air temperature-measuring step comprises measuring the temperature of the air heated by the heater.

Preferably, the specific sections of the load-calculating step and the moisture content-calculating step are set after the time when a ratio of the change in temperature of the air to the change in time is below a predetermined level after the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine is initiated.

Preferably, the specific sections of the load-calculating step and the moisture content-calculating step are set after the time when the difference between the temperature of air before being heated or the temperature of air after being heated about the heater is below a predetermined level after the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine is initiated.

Preferably, the transition from the specific section of the load-calculating step to the specific section of the moisture content-calculating step is carried out as the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine is progressed, and the division between the specific section of the load-calculating step and the specific section of the moisture content-calculating step is done based on a specific temperature where moisture is substantially removed from the laundry.

Preferably, the specific sections of the load-calculating step and the moisture content-calculating step are set based on specific time ranges.

Preferably, the specific sections of the load-calculating step and the moisture content-calculating step are set based on specific temperature ranges.

Preferably, the drying operation-controlling step comprises: estimating the drying time using the moisture content calculated at the load-calculating step and the moisture content-calculating step in consideration of capacity and real heating rate of the heater of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine.

Preferably, the drying control method for washing machines with drying functions/drying machines further comprises: a drying degree-measuring step of measuring the temperature of the cooling water condensing the moisture contained in the air while the air used to dry the laundry passes through a condensing duct and the temperature of the air whose moisture has been removed while passing through the condensing duct, and the drying operation-controlling step comprises: a drying degree-determining step of determining drying degree of the laundry using the difference between the temperature of the cooling water and the temperature of the air.

Preferably, the drying operation-controlling step comprises: finishing the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine when the difference between the temperature of the cooling water and the temperature of the air is above a predetermined level.

Preferably, the drying operation-controlling step comprises: if an error between the time when the drying operation is finished according to the determination of the drying degree and the estimated drying time based on the moisture content is above a predetermined level, finishing the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine at the time when the estimated drying time based on the moisture content elapses or within the error range.

The drying control method for washing machines with drying functions/drying machines senses the change in temperature of air before and after the heater during a drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine to calculate moisture content contained in the laundry, thereby more accurately estimating drying time, and controlling the drying operation more efficiently corresponding to various load conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view, in section, illustrating a conventional washing machine with drying function;

FIG. 2 is a side view, in section, illustrating a washing machine with drying function, to which a drying control method according to the present invention is applied;

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating drying temperature change curves and differences in various sections of the washing machine with drying function according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a drying control method for washing machines with drying functions according to the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating relations between the change in moisture content contained in the laundry and drying time in percent based on drying load of the washing machine with drying function according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a side view, in section, illustrating a washing machine with drying function, to which a drying control method according to the present invention is applied.

As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine with drying function according to the present invention comprises: a cabinet 52 having a laundry inlet/outlet hole 51 for allowing the laundry m to pass therethrough; a tub 60 disposed in a cabinet 52; a drum 80 mounted inside the tub 60 for receiving the laundry to be washed and dried; a motor 90 attached to the tub 60 for rotating the drum 80; a door 100 hingedly connected to the cabinet 52 for opening and closing the front part of the drum 80; a heater duct 110 disposed on the tub 60, having a drying heater 103 and a blower 106 mounted therein, for supplying hot air into the tub 60; a condensing duct 120 connected to the heater duct 110 at the rear end of the tub 60 for condensing moisture contained in air used to dry the laundry m; and a cooling water supply unit 130 for supplying cooling water into the condensing duct 120.

The cabinet 52 forms the external appearance of the washing machine with drying function. The cabinet 52 is provided at the upper front part thereof or the top part thereof with a control panel 53 for controlling operating modes and time of the washing machine with drying function.

The tub 60 is disposed in the cabinet 52 while the tub 60 is supported by a damper 61 and springs 62 connected to the cabinet 52 in a shock-absorbing fashion.

The tub 60 is provided with an opening hole 63, which is disposed at the rear of the laundry inlet/outlet hole 51. The tub 60 is horizontally disposed in the cabinet 52.

To the tub 60 is attached a gasket 64, which is disposed between the opening hole 63 and the laundry inlet/outlet hole 51. The gasket 64 comes into tight contact with the door 100 when the door 100 is closed.

The gasket 64 is provided with a tub inlet port 65, which is protruded from the gasket 64. The tub inlet port 65 is connected to the heater duct 110.

Above the front end of the tub 60 is disposed a water supply unit 70 for supplying wash water.

At a predetermined position of the lower part of the tub 60 is formed a drain port 72, to which a drainage unit 74 is connected.

In the tub 60 is mounted a washing heater 76 for heating wash water in the tub during a washing operation of the Washing machine with drying function. At the lower middle part of the tub 60 is formed a heater accommodating groove part 77, which is dented for accommodating the washing heater 76.

Especially at the bottom part of the tub 60 is disposed a tub cooling water temperature sensor 78 for sensing the temperature of cooling water falling from the condensing duct 120 when a drying operation of the washing machine with drying function is performed. The tub cooling water temperature sensor 78 may serve as a sensor for measuring the temperature of wash water to stop electric current from being supplied to the washing heater 76 when the washing heater 76 is overheated.

At the side of the tub 60 is formed a duct communicating port 79, to which the condensing duct 120 is connected.

The drum 80 is provided with an opening hole 81, which is disposed at the rear of the laundry inlet/outlet hole 51. The drum 80 is horizontally disposed in the tub 60. The drum 80 is provided at the circumferential surface thereof or the rear surface thereof with through-holes 82.

The blower 106 comprises: a circulating fan 107 rotatably disposed in the heater duct 110; and a fan motor 108 mounted in the heater duct 110 for rotating the circulating fan 107.

Between the drying heater 103 and the tub inlet port 65 in the heater duct 110 is mounted a heated air temperature sensor 112 for measuring the temperature of air heated by the drying heater 103. The heated air temperature sensor 112 may serve to sense the temperature for preventing the laundry m from being damaged when air supplied to the drum 80 is overheated.

In the upper part of the condensing duct 120 is mounted a condensed air temperature sensor 122 for measuring the temperature of air whose moisture has been removed by the cooling water while the air passes through the condensing duct before the air is heated to perform various control of the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function. Preferably, the condensed air temperature sensor 122 is disposed between the inlet part of the circulating fan 107 and a cooling water inlet port 134 of the cooling water supply unit 130 such that the temperature of the air sufficiently heat-exchanged with the cooling water can be measured by the condensed air temperature sensor 122 while the condensed air temperature sensor 122 does not contact water drops of the cooling water.

Adjacent to the duct communicating port 79 in the lower part of the condensing duct 120 is mounted a cooling water temperature sensor 123 for measuring the temperature of cooling water used to condense moisture contained in the air passing through the condensing duct.

The cooling water supply unit 130 comprises: a cooling water valve 132 connected to an external hose 131 for allowing cooling water supplied through the external hose 131 to pass therethrough or stopping cooling water supplied through the external hose 131 from passing therethrough; and a cooling water hose 133 for guiding the cooling water having passed through the cooling water valve 132 into the condensing duct 120. The cooling water inlet port 134 is formed at the end of the cooling water hose 133.

The washing machine with drying function further comprises: a control unit (not shown) for controlling the drying operation of the laundry. Specifically, the control unit receives temperature values sensed by the air temperature sensors 112 and 122 and the cooling water temperature sensors 78 and 123 to calculate total load and moisture content during the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function, and determines drying degree to fix the time when the drying operation is finished. The control unit is configured to control all the operations of the washing machine with drying function. Preferably, the control unit is connected to the control panel 53 for inputting or outputting control signals to or from motors 90 and 108, the heaters 76 and 103, the sensors 78, 112, 122, and 123, and the valve 132 as well as the water supply and drainage units 70 and 74.

The drying operation of the washing machine with drying function with the above-stated construction according to the present invention and the drying control method for the washing machine with drying function will be described in detail.

When a drying operation of the washing machine with drying function is initiated, the motor 90 is operated according to a control signal of the control unit. As the motor 90 is operated, the drum 80 is rotated. At the same time, the circulating fan and the drying heater 103 in the heater duct 110 are operated, and the cooling water valve 132 is opened such that cooling water is supplied into the condensing duct 120.

As the circulating fan 106 is rotated, air in the drum 80 passes through the condensing duct 120 and the heater duct 110, and is then supplied again into the drum 80. In this way, the air is circulated. At this time, the air contacting the laundry while passing through the drum 80 removes heat and moisture from the laundry. As a result, the air is changed into low-temperature and high-humidity air. The low-temperature and high-humidity air is introduced into the condensing duct 120. While passing through the condensing duct 120, the air is condensed by cooling water, and therefore, moisture is partially removed from the air. The air having passed through the condensing duct 120 is heated by the heater 103 while passing through the heater duct 110. As a result, the air is changed into hot wind. The hot wind is supplied into the drum 80. In this way, the air is repeatedly circulated to dry the laundry.

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating drying temperature change curves and differences in various sections of the washing machine with drying function according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a drying control method for washing machines with drying functions according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating relations between the change in moisture content contained in the laundry and drying time in percent based on drying load of the washing machine with drying function according to the present invention.

First referring to FIG. 3, the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function is performed through an air heating section where the interior of the drum 80 and the circulating air are heated, a load heating section where the laundry and the moisture contained in the laundry are heated after the air heating section, and a dehumidifying section where moisture is removed from the laundry after the load heating section, based on drying progress time and change in temperature.

In the air heating section, air in the washing machine with drying function is heated. Consequently, the temperature of the air is sharply increased as shown in FIG. 3. In the load heating section, heat exchange is performed between the heated air and the laundry or moisture contained in the laundry. Consequently, the temperature of the air is slowly increased. In the dehumidifying section, the moisture contained in the laundry is substantially evaporated such that the laundry is dried.

For reference, Tout indicated in FIG. 3 is a curve illustrating the change in temperature of air heated by the heater 103, which is sensed by the heated air temperature sensor 112, Tin indicated in FIG. 3 is a curve illustrating the change in temperature of air before being heated by the heater 103, which is sensed by the condensed air temperature sensor 122, and Tdh indicated in FIG. 3 is a curve illustrating the difference in temperature (Tout - Tin) between the heated air and the air before being heated.

Also, Tw indicated in FIG. 3 is a curve illustrating the change in temperature of cooling water, which is sensed by the tub cooling water temperature sensor 78. The temperature of cooling water may be sensed by the cooling water temperature sensor 123 disposed in the lower part of the condensing duct 120. Tdw indicated in FIG. 3 is a curve illustrating the difference in temperature (Tin−Tw) between the air before being heated by the heater 103 and the cooling water.

During the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function as described above, total load, which is the sum of the amount of the laundry and moisture content contained in the laundry, can be calculated using the fact that the temperatures are changed in the respective sections. In addition, the moisture content may be separately calculated from the total load.

The total load and the moisture content may be calculated using not only the temperature (Tout) of air heated by the heater 103 but also the temperature (Tin) of air before being heated by the heater 103, since a ratio of the change in temperature of air heated by the heater 103 to the change in temperature of air before being heated by the heater 103 is nearly uniform. For convenience of description, calculation of the total load and the moisture content using the temperature (Tout) of air heated by the heater 103 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 in this embodiment of the present invention.

First, it is determined whether the temperature (Tout) of heated air or an ascending rate of the difference (Tdh) between the temperature (Tin) of air before being heated and the temperature (Tout) of heated air about the heater 103 is below a predetermined level (S1).

The determination at Step S1 is a standard for separating the air heating section from the load heating section, which is shown in FIG. 3. It is determined that transition from the air heating section to the load heating section is carried out if a slope of the change in temperature (Tout) of the heated air sensed by the heated air temperature sensor 112 or a slope of the change in temperature (Tdh) between the air before and after the heater 103 is below a predetermined level.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the curve of the temperature (Tout) of the heated air and the curve of the difference in temperate (Tdh) between the air before and after being heated sharply ascend in the air heating section, and the curve of the temperature (Tout) of the heated air and the curve of the difference in temperate (Tdh) between the air before and after being heated slowly ascend or the difference in temperature is uniform in the load heating section. Consequently, it is determined that the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function is performed in the load heating section based on a slope of the change in temperature to the change in time.

In calculating the total load in the load heating section, the slope of the change in temperature of the heated air to the change in time in the load heating section of FIG. 3 changes depending upon the dimensions of the total load. Consequently, the load is calculated using the slope of the change in temperature of the heated air to the change in time (S2).

The load heating section is a section where air in the washing machine with drying function is heated to high temperature, and therefore, the laundry and the moisture contained in the laundry are substantially heated. When the amount of the laundry and the moisture content contained in the laundry are large, a slope of the change in temperature (Tout) of the heated air to the change in time is relatively small in the load heating section. When the amount of the laundry and the moisture content contained in the laundry are small, a slope of the change in temperature (Tout) of the heated air to the change in time is relatively large in the load heating section. When the amount of the laundry is small and the moisture content contained in the laundry is large, a slope of the change in temperature (Tout) of the heated air to the change in time is relatively small in the load heating section.

The above description can be represented by the following simple expressions with reference to FIG. 3.
Load↑ΔT(=T₂−T₁)↑, Load↑ΔT(==T₂−T₁)↑

For reference, the load means the thermal capacity multiplied by specific heat ratio of the laundry, not pure mass (kg). This can be represented by the following expressions.
Load=M_cloth+M_water×F
F=C_water/C_cloth=4184/1680=2.49

Where, M indicates masses of the laundry and water, F specific heat ratio, and C specific heats of the laundry and water.

If the fluctuation of the slope of the change in temperature of the heated air to the change in time is used at a specific region in the load heating section as described above, it is possible to calculate the total load, which is the sum of the amount of the laundry and the moisture content contained in the laundry.

Here, the calculation of the total load based on the fluctuation of the slope is possible by setting appropriate table values through several tests.

The specific region in the load heating section may be set based on a specific time range (t₁-t₂) or a specific temperature range (T₁-T₂). That is, the change in temperature is measured based on the specific time range (t₁-t₂) in the load heating section to calculate a slope for calculating the total load, or the time required is measured based on the specific temperature range (T₁-T₂) in the load heating section to calculate a slope for calculating the total load.

Next, the time is determined when transition from the load heating section to the dehumidifying section is carried out. At this time, it is determined, based on a specific temperature of approximately 100° C. or more, whether moisture contained in the laundry is evaporated to substantially remove the moisture from the laundry (S3).

In calculating the moisture content in the dehumidifying section, the slope of the change in temperature of the heated air to the change in time in the dehumidifying section of FIG. 3 changes depending upon the moisture content contained in the laundry. Consequently, the moisture content is calculated using the slope of the change in temperature of the heated air to the change in time (S4).

That is, the dehumidifying section is a section where the total load in the drum (the amount of the laundry +the moisture content contained in the laundry) is sufficiently heated such that the moisture contained in the laundry is substantially evaporated and then removed. When the moisture content contained in the laundry is large, a slope of the change in temperature of the heated air to the change in time is relatively small in the dehumidifying section. When the moisture content contained in the laundry is small, a slope of the change in temperature of the heated air to the change in time is relatively large in the dehumidifying section.

The above description can be represented by the following simple expressions with reference to FIG. 3.
IMC↑ΔT(=T₄−T₃)↑, IMC↑ΔT(=T₄−T₃)↑

Where, IMC indicates moisture content.

If the fluctuation of the slope of the change in temperature of the heated air to the change in time is used at a specific region in the dehumidifying section as described above, it is possible to calculate the moisture content contained in the laundry.

Here, the calculation of the moisture content based on the fluctuation of the slope is possible by setting appropriate table values through several tests, as in the calculation of the total load as described above.

The specific region in the dehumidifying section may be set based on a specific time range (t₃-t₄) or a specific temperature range (T₃-T₄), similarly to the setting of the specific region in the load heating section

After the total load to be dried is calculated and the moisture content is separately calculated from the total load, the control unit controls the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function based on the calculated values.

Especially, the control unit estimates drying time using the calculated moisture content in consideration of the capacity and the real heating rate of the heater 103, and outputs the estimated drying time through the control panel 53 to inform a user of the estimated drying time (S5).

The time necessary to dry the laundry during the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function is decided by the moisture content contained in the laundry, not the total load. Consequently, if the moisture content calculated as described above is used, the time is accurately estimated when the drying operation is finished. At this time, It is also possible to set control table values through several tests and to output estimated drying time based on the moisture content according to the table values.

The drying time is estimated through the calculation of the total load and the moisture content as described above, and drying degree is determined using the difference (Tdw) between the temperature (Tin) of air before or after the heater 103 and the temperature (Tw) of the cooling water (S6).

Specifically, the temperature (Tw) of the cooling water condensing the moisture contained in the air while the air used to dry the laundry passes through the condensing duct 120 is measured by the cooling water temperature sensor 123 of the condensing duct 120 or the tub cooling water temperature sensor 78, and the temperature (Tin) of the air whose moisture has been removed while passing through the condensing duct 120 is measured by the heated air temperature sensor 112 or the condensed air temperature sensor 122. The drying degree of the laundry is determined, based on the difference (Tdw) between the temperature (Tw) of the cooling water and the temperature (Tin) of the air, to calculate the time when the drying operation is finished.

Next, comparison between the estimated drying time based on the moisture content and the time when the drying operation is finished according to the determination of the drying degree (S7), and it is determined whether the comparison error is below a predetermined level (S8).

When it is determined that the comparison error is below the predetermined level, the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function is finished at the time when the drying operation is finished according to the determination of the drying degree (S9). When it is determined that the comparison error is above the predetermined level, on the other hand, the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function is finished at the time when the estimated drying time based on the moisture content elapses or within the comparison error range (S10).

Specifically, when the comparison error is below the predetermined level, it is determined that the determination of the drying degree is somewhat accurately performed, and the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function is finished according to the drying degree. Consequently, the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function is performed for a period of time, which almost corresponds to the estimated drying time based on the moisture content.

When the comparison error is below the predetermined level, on the other hand, it is determined that the determination of the drying degree is inaccurately performed, and the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function is finished at the time when the estimated drying time based on the moisture content elapses or between the time when the estimated drying time based on the moisture content elapses and the time when the drying operation is finished according to the determination of the drying degree.

For reference, the drying degree may be inaccurate when the door of the washing machine with drying function is opened, new laundry is put into the drum, or the amount of the laundry to be dried is small. It is determined that the calculation of the drying degree is not reliable when there is great difference between the time when the drying operation is finished according to the determination of the drying degree and the estimated drying time based on the moisture content. Consequently, the calculation of the drying degree is disregarded, or the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function is finished between the time when the estimated drying time elapses and the time when the drying operation is finished according to the determination of the drying degree.

As apparent from the above description, the drying control method for washing machines with drying functions/drying machines senses the change in temperature of air before and after the heater during a drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine to calculate moisture content contained in the laundry, thereby more accurately estimating drying time, and controlling the drying operation more efficiently corresponding to various load conditions.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A drying control method for washing machines with drying functions/drying machines, comprising:

an air temperature-measuring step of heating air passing through a heater duct by means of a heater during a drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine, and measuring at least one of the temperature of air before being heated and the temperature of air after being heated about the heater;

a load-calculating step of calculating total load, the sum of the amount of laundry and moisture content contained in the laundry, using a ratio of the change in temperature to the change in time at a specific section while the temperature of the air is measured at the air temperature-measuring step;

a moisture content-calculating step of calculating the moisture content contained in the laundry using a ratio of the change in temperature to the change in time at another specific section next to the specific section of the load-calculating step; and

a drying operation-controlling step of controlling the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine according to the total load and the moisture content calculated at the load-calculating step and moisture content-calculating step.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the air temperature-measuring step comprises measuring the temperature of the air heated by the heater.

3. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the specific sections of the load-calculating step and the moisture content-calculating step are set after the time when a ratio of the change in temperature of the air to the change in time is below a predetermined level after the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine is initiated.

4. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the specific sections of the load-calculating step and the moisture content-calculating step are set after the time when the difference between the temperature of air before being heated or the temperature of air after being heated about the heater is below a predetermined level after the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine is initiated.

5. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the transition from the specific section of the load-calculating step to the specific section of the moisture content-calculating step is carried out as the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine is progressed, and the division between the specific section of the load-calculating step and the specific section of the moisture content-calculating step is done based on a specific temperature where moisture is substantially removed from the laundry.

6. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the specific sections of the load-calculating step and the moisture content-calculating step are set based on specific time ranges.

7. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the specific sections of the load-calculating step and the moisture content-calculating step are set based on specific temperature ranges.

8. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the drying operation-controlling step comprises: estimating the drying time using the moisture content calculated at the load-calculating step and the moisture content-calculating step in consideration of capacity and real heating rate of the heater of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine.

9. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a drying degree-measuring step of measuring the temperature of the cooling water condensing the moisture contained in the air while the air used to dry the laundry passes through a condensing duct and the temperature of the air whose moisture has been removed while passing through the condensing duct, wherein

the drying operation-controlling step comprises: a drying degree-determining step of determining drying degree of the laundry using the difference between the temperature of the cooling water and the temperature of the air.

10. The method as set forth in claim 9, wherein the drying operation-controlling step comprises: finishing the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine when the difference between the temperature of the cooling water and the temperature of the air is above a predetermined level.

11. The method as set forth in claim 9, wherein the drying operation-controlling step comprises:

estimating the drying time using the moisture content calculated at the moisture content-calculating step in consideration of capacity and real heating rate of the heater of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine; and

if an error between the time when the drying operation is finished according to the determination of the drying degree and the estimated drying time based on the moisture content is above a predetermined level, finishing the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine at the time when the estimated drying time based on the moisture content elapses or within the error range.

12. A drying control method for washing machines with drying functions/drying machines, comprising:

an air temperature-measuring step of measuring at least one of the temperature of air before being heated and the temperature of air after being heated about a heater during a drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine;

a drying degree-measuring step of measuring the temperature of the cooling water condensing the moisture contained in the air while the air used to dry laundry passes through a condensing duct and the temperature of the air whose moisture has been removed while passing through the condensing duct;

a load-calculating step of calculating total load, the sum of the amount of laundry and moisture content contained in the laundry, using a ratio of the change in temperature to the change in time at a specific section while the temperature of the air is measured at the air temperature-measuring step;

a moisture content-calculating step of calculating the moisture content contained in the laundry using a ratio of the change in temperature to the change in time at another specific section next to the specific section of the load-calculating step; and

a drying operation-controlling step of determining drying degree of the laundry using the difference between the temperature of the cooling water and the temperature of the air measured at the drying degree-measuring step and estimating the drying time using the moisture content calculated at the load- calculating step and the moisture content-calculating step in consideration of capacity and real heating rate of the heater.

13. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein the air temperature-measuring step comprises: measuring the temperature of the air heated by the heater.

14. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein the specific sections of the load-calculating step and the moisture content-calculating step are set after the time when a ratio of the change in temperature of the air to the change in time is below a predetermined level after the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine is initiated.

15. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein the specific sections of the load-calculating step and the moisture content-calculating step are set after the time when the difference between the temperature of air before being heated or the temperature of air after being heated about the heater is below a predetermined level after the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine is initiated.

16. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein the transition from the specific section of the load-calculating step to the specific section of the moisture content- calculating step is carried out as the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine is progressed, and the division between the specific section of the load-calculating step and the specific section of the moisture content-calculating step is done based on a specific temperature where moisture is substantially removed from the laundry.

17. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein the specific sections of the load-calculating step and the moisture content-calculating step are set based on specific time ranges.

18. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein the specific sections of the load-calculating step and the moisture content-calculating step are set based on specific temperature ranges.

19. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein the drying operation-controlling step comprises: finishing the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine when the difference between the temperature of the cooling water and the temperature of the air is above a predetermined level.

20. The method as set forth in claim 19, wherein the drying operation-controlling step comprises: if an error between the time when the drying operation is finished according to the determination of the drying degree and the estimated drying time based on the moisture content is above a predetermined level, finishing the drying operation of the washing machine with drying function or the drying machine at the time when the estimated drying time based on the moisture content elapses or within the error range.