Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

A laundry treating apparatus of the present application includes a care machine configured at at least one side of a washing machine and a dryer, and including a third housing in which a space to accommodate laundry is formed and a third door to open and close the third housing, a display configured at a front surface of the third door to display an operation screen including a plurality of menu buttons capable of operating the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine, and a configuration position of the plurality of menu buttons in the operation screen is changed in correspondence with a configuration form of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a laundry treating apparatus, and more particularly, to a laundry treating apparatus including a plurality of laundry treating apparatuses. BACKGROUND

[0002] Washing machines, drying machines, and care machines that treat laundry are respectively disposed in different spaces, such as a kitchen, a multipurpose room, a living room, and an outdoor space, according to respective purposes in a dwelling space.

[0003] Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2020-0109194 discloses a washing machine. The washing machine supplies water and detergent to an outer tub and a drum, rotates the drum in which laundry is accommodated, and thereby washes the laundry. The washing machine can supply water to the outer tub or the drum through an external water source, and can circulate water in the outer tub to the drum or discharge water in the outer tub to the outside using a pump. The washing machine is generally disposed in a kitchen or an outdoor space to perform water supply and discharge.

[0004] The washing machine can dry or sterilize laundry by independently providing a heater that heats air, a blowing fan, and a steam generating device.

[0005] Korean Patent No. 10-2120993 discloses a drying machine. The drying machine heats air using a heating device and a blowing fan, and then supplies the air to the inside of a drum, thereby drying laundry accommodated in the inside of the drum. Generally, the drying machine dries laundry that has completed washing, and is disposed adjacent to the washing machine to easily put laundry containing moisture into the drying machine.

[0006] The drying machine can sterilize or remove wrinkles of laundry by using a steam generating device that generates steam and sprays the generated steam to the inside of the drum. In order to generate the steam, water can be supplied into the drying machine, and water that is not vaporized can be reused or discharged to the outside. In addition, a deodorization function that filters circulating air to remove an odor of laundry to be dried can be attached to the drying machine.

[0007] Korean Patent No. 10-2254903 discloses a care machine. The care machine dries, deodorizes, de-wrinkles, de-electrifies, and / or sterilizes (hereinafter, also referred to as "care") laundry by supplying hot air and steam to a space in which laundry is accommodated.

[0008] The care machine is mainly used to manage clothes that a user frequently uses after washing, such as a suit, a coat, etc. Generally, a user stores a suit, a coat, etc. in a closet. Thus, unlike a washing machine, the care machine can be disposed adjacent to a closet in a space such as a dressing room, a living room, a bedroom, etc. or instead of the closet. On the other hand, the care machine can manage not only clothes or garments but also all objects capable of being washed, including objects such as shoes, socks, gloves, hats, scarves, etc. that a person can wear and objects such as dolls, towels, bedding, etc. that a person frequently uses.

[0009] However, for the existing clothes processors disposed in different spaces from each other, there is a problem in that a work moving line becomes long and it is inconvenient to manage clothes since a user needs to carry classified clothes to each clothes processor that manages the respective clothes.

[0010] In addition, since the care machine is disposed in a space different from a washing machine and a dryer, there is inconvenience in that wet clothes after washing or dried clothes need to be carried to a space in which the care machine is disposed.

[0011] In addition, there is inconvenience in that a control panel provided in each of the clothes processors needs to be directly manipulated.

[0012] In recent years, a plurality of clothes processors having a communication module perform product registration to a manufacturer or a service provider to obtain various functions and services, but there is inconvenience in that product registration is separately performed for each clothes processor.

[0013] In addition, each of the existing clothes processors that treat clothes using hot air and steam needs to independently provide a water supply device, a drain device, an air heating device, a steam generating device, a pump, a blowing fan, an air flow path, a steam flow path, etc., and thus there is a problem in that a clothes accommodation space becomes small. In addition, since each clothes processor needs to independently provide a heating device, a steam generating device, etc., there is a problem in that the cost and energy consumption of the entire system increase. SUMMARY

[0014] An object of the present application is to solve the above and other problems.

[0015] Another object of the present application can be to provide a clothes treatment apparatus having a plurality of clothes processors.

[0016] Still another object of the present application can be to provide a clothes treatment apparatus having a washing machine, a dryer, and a care machine.

[0017] Still another object of the present application can be to provide a clothes treatment apparatus that performs washing, drying, and care of clothes in the same space.

[0018] Yet another object of the present application can be to minimize a user work line required for laundry treatment.

[0019] Yet another object of the present application can be to provide a laundry treatment apparatus that improves work easiness of washing, drying, and care of laundry.

[0020] Yet another object of the present application can be to provide a laundry treatment apparatus that improves operation convenience of a constitution requiring user operation such as a door and a control panel.

[0021] Yet another object of the present application can be to provide a laundry treatment apparatus in which any one of a plurality of laundry treatment apparatuses can communicate with an external device such as a server, a mobile terminal, and the like, and can transmit or send various signals such as control instructions, information, and the like, to other laundry treatment apparatuses.

[0022] Yet another object of the present application can be to provide a laundry treatment apparatus in which any one of a plurality of laundry treatment apparatuses performs a wireless router function, so that a service using a mobile terminal or the like can be used even in a state in which a power of a wireless router of an external network is turned off.

[0023] Yet another object of the present application can be to provide a laundry treatment apparatus that improves use convenience by unifying communication and operation of a plurality of laundry treatment apparatuses.

[0024] Yet another object of the present application can be to provide a laundry treatment apparatus in which operation screens are unified and each laundry treatment apparatus is comprehensively managed through an application or the like.

[0025] Yet another object of the present application can be to provide a laundry treatment apparatus in which information visibility is improved and information about overall driving of a product can be easily recognized.

[0026] Yet another object of the present application can be to provide a communication connection structure that facilitates connection and setting of a plurality of laundry treatment apparatuses.

[0027] Yet another object of the present application can be to provide an intuitive user experience corresponding to different configuration states of a plurality of laundry treatment apparatuses.

[0028] Yet another object of the present application can be to provide a laundry treatment apparatus that automatically detects a configuration state of a plurality of laundry treatment apparatuses.

[0029] The subject matter of the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned subject matters, and other subject matters not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description.

[0030] A laundry treating apparatus according to an aspect of the present application for achieving the above object includes two or more laundry treating apparatuses performing different functions.

[0031] A laundry treating apparatus according to an aspect of the present application for achieving the above object includes two or more laundry treating apparatuses which can share a part of configuration.

[0032] A laundry treating apparatus according to an aspect of the present application for achieving the above object includes two or more laundry treating apparatuses which are communicatively connected to each other to be able to transmit and receive signals.

[0033] A laundry treating apparatus according to an aspect of the present application for achieving the above object can easily operate two or more laundry treating apparatuses through a unified operation.

[0034] A laundry treating apparatus according to an aspect of the present application for achieving the above object can combine two or more laundry treating apparatuses in various configuration forms, and can provide user experiences corresponding to different configuration forms.

[0035] A laundry treating apparatus according to an aspect of the present application for achieving the above object includes a washing machine including a first housing in which a first drop port is formed, a first door which opens and closes the first housing, an outer tub which is disposed inside the first housing, and a first drum which is rotatably disposed inside the outer tub and accommodates laundry, a drying machine including a second housing which is disposed above or below the first housing and in which a second drop port is formed, a second door which opens and closes the second housing, and a second drum which is rotatably disposed inside the second housing and accommodates laundry, and a care machine which is disposed at least one side of the washing machine and the drying machine, and includes a third housing in which a space in which laundry is accommodated is formed inside, and a third door which opens and closes the third housing, a display which is disposed in a front surface of the third door and displays an operation screen including a plurality of menu buttons which can operate the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine, a configuration position of the plurality of menu buttons in the operation screen being changed corresponding to a configuration form of the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine.

[0036] The washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine can each include a position detection sensor which can detect a position of another laundry treating apparatus which is disposed adjacent thereto, and the configuration position of the plurality of menu buttons can be automatically changed based on detection data of the position detection sensor.

[0037] The care machine can include a first position detection sensor disposed at a left side and a second position detection sensor disposed at a right side, the first position detection sensor and the second position detection sensor can be disposed at different heights from each other, the washing machine and the dryer can respectively include a left side panel and a right side panel forming respective left and right side surfaces, and a detection object detectable by the first and second position detection sensors can be disposed at the left and right side panels, respectively.

[0038] A distance between the first position detection sensor and the second position detection sensor can be the same as a distance between a detection object disposed at the washing machine and a detection object disposed at the dryer.

[0039] The washing machine and the dryer can respectively include an upper panel forming a top surface and a lower panel forming a bottom surface, the position detection sensor can be disposed on the upper panel, and a detection object detectable by the position detection sensor can be disposed on the lower panel.

[0040] The operation screen can include a washing machine display area in which a menu button capable of operating the washing machine is disposed, a dryer display area in which a menu button capable of operating the dryer is disposed, and a care machine display area in which a menu button capable of operating the care machine is disposed, and a configuration of the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area can be the same as a configuration of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine.

[0041] If there is an input to the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine, the display can change a brightness of a display area corresponding to the input among the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area.

[0042] If there is an input to the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine, an internal LED provided in the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine can be turned on.

[0043] If there is an input to the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine, the display can display only a display area corresponding to the input among the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area.

[0044] If there is an input to the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine, the display can display only a display area corresponding to the input among the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area.

[0045] The laundry treating apparatus according to an aspect of the present application can further include a control panel disposed between the washing machine and the dryer.

[0046] The washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine can each have one or more communication modules to enable wired or wireless communication with each other, and at least one of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine can wirelessly communicate with an external device.

[0047] The washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine can each have one or more communication modules to enable communication with each other, and a representative laundry treating apparatus among the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine can include a representative communication module to wirelessly communicate with an external device through a first communication method, and the remaining laundry treating apparatuses other than the representative laundry treating apparatus can communicate with the representative laundry treating apparatus through the first communication method or a second communication method different from the first communication method.

[0048] At least one of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine can operate as a wireless router.

[0049] The laundry treating apparatus according to an aspect of the present application can further include a heating apparatus to heat air, and the heated air can be supplied to at least one of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine.

[0050] The laundry treating apparatus according to an aspect of the present application can further include a mechanical chamber to form a space for disposing the heating apparatus, and the mechanical chamber can be located between the first drum and the second drum.

[0051] The laundry treating apparatus according to an aspect of the present application can further include a mechanical chamber to form a space for disposing the heating apparatus, and the mechanical chamber can be located at a lower side of the washing machine or the dryer.

[0052] A representative device among the washing machine, the dryer, the care machine, and the heating apparatus can include a representative communication module to wirelessly communicate with an external device through a first communication method, and the remaining devices other than the representative device can communicate with the representative device through the first communication method or a second communication method different from the first communication method.

[0053] A laundry treating apparatus of an aspect of the present application for achieving the above object can include a washing machine including a first housing formed with a first drop port, a first door opening and closing the first housing, an outer tub disposed inside the first housing, and a first drum rotatably disposed inside the outer tub and accommodating a laundry; a drying machine including a second housing disposed above or below the first housing and formed with a second drop port, a second door opening and closing the second housing, and a second drum rotatably disposed inside the second housing and accommodating a laundry; a care machine disposed at least one side of the washing machine and the drying machine, and including a third housing formed with a space inside to accommodate a laundry, and a third door opening and closing the third housing; and a control panel displaying an operation screen including a plurality of menu buttons capable of operating the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine, a configuration position of the plurality of menu buttons in the operation screen can be changed corresponding to a configuration form of the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine.

[0054] The washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine can each include a position detection sensor capable of detecting an adjacent disposed other laundry treating apparatus, and the configuration position of the plurality of menu buttons can be automatically changed based on detection data of the position detection sensor.

[0055] The operation screen can include a washing machine display area configured with menu buttons capable of operating the washing machine, a drying machine display area configured with menu buttons capable of operating the drying machine, and a care machine display area configured with menu buttons capable of operating the care machine, and a configuration form of the washing machine display area, the drying machine display area, and the care machine display area can be the same as a configuration form of the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine.

[0056] If there is an input to the washing machine, the drying machine, or the care machine, a brightness of a display area corresponding to the input among the washing machine display area, the drying machine display area, and the care machine display area can be changed.

[0057] The washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine can each have one or more communication modules to implement communication with each other, and a certain laundry treating apparatus among the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine can include a representative communication module to perform wireless communication with an external device through a first communication method, and the remaining laundry treating apparatuses except for a representative laundry treating apparatus including the representative communication module can communicate with the representative laundry treating apparatus through the first communication method or a second communication method different from the first communication method.

[0058] The laundry treating apparatus according to an aspect of the present application can further include a heating device that heats air supplied to at least one of the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine, and the heated air can be supplied to at least one of the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine.

[0059] The washing machine, the drying machine, the care machine, and the heating device can include a representative communication module that performs wireless communication with an external device through a first communication method, and the remaining devices other than the representative device including the representative communication module can communicate with the representative device through the first communication method or a second communication method different from the first communication method.

[0060] The details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

[0061] According to at least one of embodiments of the present application, a laundry treating apparatus having a plurality of laundry treating devices can be provided.

[0062] According to at least one of embodiments of the present application, a laundry treating apparatus having a washing machine, a drying machine, and a care machine can be provided.

[0063] According to at least one of embodiments of the present application, a laundry treating apparatus that can perform washing, drying, and care in the same space by configuring a washing machine, a drying machine, and a care machine in the same space can be provided.

[0064] According to at least one of embodiments of the present application, laundry can be managed in the same space regardless of the type of laundry.

[0065] According to at least one of embodiments of the present application, a load (work amount, moving route, etc.) required for a user to carry laundry when performing a washing, drying, and care operation can be reduced.

[0066] According to at least one of embodiments of the present application, since the plurality of laundry treating devices are communicatively connected to each other, use and management are easy.

[0067] According to at least one of embodiments of the present application, since any one of the plurality of laundry treating devices communicates with an external device such as a server or a mobile terminal and can transmit or send various signals such as control instructions or information to the other laundry treating devices, costs can be reduced.

[0068] According to at least one of embodiments of the present application, any one of the plurality of laundry treating devices performs a wireless router function, so that even in a state in which a power supply of a wireless router of an external network is turned off, a service using a mobile terminal or the like can be used.

[0069] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present application, by unifying the communication and operation of the plurality of laundry treating apparatuses, use convenience can be improved.

[0070] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present application, the operation screen is unified, and each laundry treating apparatus can be comprehensively managed through an application or the like.

[0071] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present application, information visibility is improved, and information about overall driving of products can be easily recognized.

[0072] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present application, a communication connection structure in which connection and setting of the plurality of laundry treating apparatuses are easy can be provided.

[0073] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present application, an intuitive user experience corresponding to different configuration states of the plurality of laundry treating apparatuses can be provided.

[0074] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present application, configuration states of the plurality of laundry treating apparatuses can be automatically detected.

[0075] Effects of the present application are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned herein will become clearly understood by persons skilled in the art from the claims.

[0076] The scope of applicability of the present application will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the application and that the scope of the application is not to be limited by the specific embodiments described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0077] Figure 1 is a front view of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0078] Figure 2 is a front view of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the laundry treating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 taken along line A-A'.

[0079] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a laundry treating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present application.

[0080] Figure 4 is a conceptual view showing a hot air flow path of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0081] Figure 5 is a conceptual view showing a hot air flow path of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0082] Figure 6 is a front view of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0083] Figure 7 is a conceptual view of a hot air flow path of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Figures 8A-8C are views referred to in a description of a communication connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figures 9A-9C are views referred to in a description of a communication connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 10 is a view referred to in a description of a communication connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 11 is a simplified internal block diagram of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Figures 12A-12D are views illustrating user interface screens provided in a product registration process.

[0089] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating a product registration process of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Figures 14-19 are views referred to in a description of a configuration combination of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and a user interface screen corresponding to a configuration mode of the laundry treating apparatus.

[0091] Figures 20-23 are views referred to in a description of user interface screens provided for each case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0093] 1: laundry treating apparatus

[0094] 2: washing machine

[0095] 3: drying machine

[0096] 4: care machine

[0097] 5: control panel

[0098] 6: heating device

[0099] 6S: mechanical room DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or similar constituent elements are assigned with the same reference numerals regardless of the number of the accompanying drawings, and repeated description about them will be omitted.

[0101] In the following description, suffixes of components are given "module" and "part" or mixed "module" and "part" only for convenience of writing the specification, and it does not have a meaning or role distinguished from each other by itself.

[0102] In addition, in explaining the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, if it is judged that a specific description of related known technology makes the gist of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification unclear, a detailed description thereof is omitted. In addition, the drawings are only used to help understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical idea disclosed in the present specification is not limited by the drawings, and it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the idea and technical scope of the present specification.

[0103] The terms including first, second, and the like ordinal numbers can be used to explain various constituent elements, but the constituent elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for distinguishing one constituent element from another constituent element.

[0104] If it is mentioned that a certain constituent element is "connected" or "coupled" to another constituent element, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or coupled to the other constituent element, but there can also be another constituent element therebetween. In contrast, if it is mentioned that a certain constituent element is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another constituent element, it should be understood that there is no other constituent element therebetween.

[0105] Unless otherwise described, the singular expression includes the plural expression.

[0106] Referring to Figures 1-7 , the technical idea common to the embodiments of the present invention, common constituent elements for implementing the technical idea, and the relationship between the common constituent elements are explained.

[0107] The clothing treatment apparatus 1 of the embodiments of the present invention includes one or more clothing treatment machines. The clothing treatment machine refers to an apparatus that performs washing, drying, and / or care of an object (for example, clothing, a towel, bedding, etc.).

[0108] The clothing treatment apparatus 1 can include a plurality of clothing treatment machines of the same type. For example, the clothing treatment apparatus 1 can include two or more washing machines 2. For example, the clothing treatment apparatus 1 can include two or more drying machines 3. For example, the clothing treatment apparatus 1 can include two or more care machines 4.

[0109] The clothing treatment apparatus 1 can include clothing treatment machines of different types. For example, the clothing treatment apparatus 1 can include a washing machine 2, a drying machine 3, and a care machine 4.​

[0110] The laundry treating apparatus 1 can include a plurality of laundry treating devices of the same type and laundry treating devices different from the types. For example, two or more washing machines, one drying machine, and one care machine can be included. For example, one washing machine, one drying machine, and two or more care machines can be included.

[0111] The laundry treating apparatus 1 of the present application is not limited by the type and number of laundry treating devices, and can include various combinations. Hereinafter, the laundry treating apparatus 1 including one washing machine 2, one drying machine 3, and one care machine 4 is exemplified, but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0112] The washing machine 2, the drying machine 3, and the care machine 4 can be respectively named as any one of first to third laundry treating devices. For example, the washing machine 2 can be named as a "first laundry treating device", the drying machine 3 can be named as a "second laundry treating device", and the care machine 4 can be named as a "third laundry treating device".

[0113] The washing machine 2 and the drying machine 3 can be arranged in an up-and-down direction. A control panel 5 can be arranged between the washing machine 2 and the drying machine 3. The control panel 5 can also be arranged in the up-and-down direction with the care machine 4.

[0114] The laundry treating apparatus 1 can include a controller controlling driving of the washing machine 2, the drying machine 3, the care machine 4, and the heating device 6. The controller can be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller can control the washing machine 2, the drying machine 3, the care machine 4, and the heating device 6 based on an electric signal received from the control panel 5 to be described later. The controller can communicate with the control panel 5.

[0115] A user can input an instruction to the laundry treating apparatus 1 through the control panel 5. The user can operate driving of the washing machine 2, the drying machine 3, and the care machine 4 by operating the control panel 5. The user can control operation of the heating device 6 by operating the control panel 5. The control panel 5 can transmit an electric signal input by the user's operation to the controller.

[0116] A space for arranging a printed circuit board (PCB, not shown) can be formed in the inside of the control panel 5. The controller can be mounted to the PCB.

[0117] Alternatively, the controller can be located at the back of the control panel 5. A space for arranging a PCB can be formed at the back of the control panel 5. The controller can be mounted to the PCB.

[0118] Alternatively, the washing machine 2, the drying machine 3, the care machine 4, and the mechanical room (refer to FIG. 1) can be arranged in the up-and-down direction. The control panel 5 can be arranged between the washing machine 2 and the drying machine 3. Figure 2At least a part of the 6s) can include a controller that controls each drive. In this case, each controller can also be mounted to the PCB. Each controller can communicate with each other. According to circumstances, at least one controller can be an upper controller that can control other controllers and devices. An electrical signal input by a user's operation can be transmitted to the controller.

[0119] The control panel 5 can display the operating state of the laundry treatment apparatus 1. The user can confirm information about the operating state of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 through the control panel 5.

[0120] The laundry treatment apparatus 1 can include a heating device 6. The heating device 6 can supply hot air to the dryer 3. The heating device 6 can supply hot air to the care machine 4. The heating device 6 can supply hot air to the washing machine 2. The hot air supplied to each laundry treatment apparatus can flow into the heating device 6 again, thereby forming a circulation.

[0121] The laundry treatment apparatus 1 can include a mechanical room 6s. The mechanical room 6s can provide a space for configuring the heating device 6. The mechanical room 6s can be a concept of a space that configures the heating device 6 and other configurations other than the heating device 6. Inside the mechanical room 6s, a pump including the heating device 6, a supply air fan, an air flow path, a steam device, a steam flow path, a dehumidifying device, a controller, a motor, a fan case, etc. can be configured.

[0122] In the present invention, as described above, the mechanical room 6s can refer to a space for configuring the heating device 6, or can also be an upper concept including the heating device 6.

[0123] The mechanical room 6s can include an additional case (not shown). In the case where the mechanical room 6s includes the additional case (not shown), the mechanical room 6s can be separated from the first case 210 and the second case 310. Unlike this, the mechanical room 6s can also be configured inside any one of the first case 210, the second case 310, and the third case 410. In the case where the mechanical room 6s is configured inside any one of the first case 210, the second case 310, and the third case 410, the mechanical room 6s can refer to a concept of a space for configuring various configurations including the heating device 6. That is, in the case where the mechanical room 6s is configured inside any one of the first case 210, the second case 310, and the third case 410, the mechanical room 6s can refer to a part of the internal space of the first case 210, the second case 310, and the third case 410.

[0124] The mechanical room 6s can be disposed upward and downward of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3. The mechanical room 6s can be disposed at the upper side of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3. The mechanical room 6s can also be disposed between the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3. The mechanical room 6s can also be disposed at the lower side of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3. Unlike this, the mechanical room 6s can also be disposed upward and downward of the care machine 4. The mechanical room 6s can also be disposed at the upper side of the care machine 4, or at the lower side of the care machine 4.

[0125] The heating device 6 can supply hot air to the washing machine 2. The heating device 6 can recover the hot air supplied to the washing machine 2.

[0126] The heating device 6 can supply hot air to the dryer 3. The heating device 6 can recover the hot air supplied to the dryer 3.

[0127] The heating device 6 can supply hot air to the care machine 4. The heating device 6 can recover the hot air supplied to the care machine 4.

[0128] The heating device 6 can supply steam to the washing machine 2. The heating device 6 can supply steam to the dryer 3. The heating device 6 can supply steam to the care machine 4.

[0129] The heating device 6 can include a heat pump device. The heat pump device can have a compressor 620, a condenser 630, an evaporator 650, and an expansion device 660. The heating device 6 can include a fan 640. The heat pump device can also be referred to as a "heat exchange unit".

[0130] The heating device 6 can include a heat exchange unit that heats air flowing in the supply flow path 62 and the recovery flow path 64. The heat exchange unit can be a heat generating device such as a heat pump device or a heater.

[0131] The heating device 6 can be disposed upward and downward of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3. The heating device 6 can also be disposed at the upper side of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3, between the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3, or at the lower side of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3.

[0132] The heating device 6 can also be disposed upward and downward of the care machine 4. The heating device 6 can also be disposed at the rear space of the care machine 4.

[0133] The laundry treatment unit 9 can be a concept including the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, the control panel 5, and the heating device 6. The washing machine 2, the dryer 3, the control panel 5, and the heating device 6 can be disposed upward and downward to constitute the laundry treatment unit 9. The laundry treatment unit 9 can include the detergent supply device 290. However, depending on whether the detergent supply device 290 is disposed and the disposition positions of the control panel 5 and the heating device 6, the laundry treatment unit 9 can include only the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3.

[0134] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the configurations 2, 3, 5, 6, 290 included in the laundry treating unit 9 can be connected to each other by means of the fastening members 88, 89. Hereinafter, the connection structure of the washing machine 2 and the heating device 6 will be described as an example, but the description of the connection structure of the washing machine 2 and the heating device 6 can be equally applied to the connection structure between the configurations 2, 3, 5, 6, 290 included in the laundry treating unit 9. That is, the connection structure by means of the fastening members 88, 89 can be applied to the connection structure between the adjacent configurations 2, 3, 5, 6, 290 regardless of the order of the configurations 2, 3, 5, 6, 290 arranged upward and downward.

[0135] The first housing 210 of the washing machine 2 can include a first fastening hole 210s which is open upward and downward. The heating device housing 610 of the heating device 6 can include a second fastening hole 610s which is open upward and downward. In a case where the washing machine 2 is disposed at the upper side of the heating device 6, the first fastening hole 210s can be formed in the lower panel 210b of the washing machine 2, and the second fastening hole 610s can be formed in the upper panel 610a of the heating device 6. The first fastening hole 210s and the second fastening hole 610s can be communicated.

[0136] The fastening members 88, 89 can include a first fastening member 88 which penetrates the first fastening hole 210s and the second fastening hole 610s, and a second fastening member 89 which is fixed to the first fastening member 88. The first fastening member 88 can be a bolt formed with a thread, and the second fastening member 89 can be a nut which is coupled to the thread. However, the connection structure of the laundry treating unit 9 is not limited to the coupling method using the above-described bolt / nut, and various fastening methods for connecting the housings of the respective configurations 2, 3, 5, 6, 290 can be employed.

[0137] The first fastening member 88 can include a head portion 88a having an outer diameter which is greater than the diameter of the first fastening hole 210s and the second fastening hole 610s, and a leg portion 88b which extends from the head portion 88a in the upward and downward direction. The leg portion 88b can penetrate the first fastening hole 210s and the second fastening hole 610s, and can be formed with a thread. The outer diameter of the second fastening member 89 can be greater than the diameter of the first fastening hole 210s and the second fastening hole 610s. The second fastening member 89 can be coupled to the thread formed in the leg portion 88b of the first fastening member 88. If the first fastening member 88 is coupled to the second fastening member 89, the lower panel 210b of the washing machine 2 and the upper panel 610a of the heating device 6 can be disposed between the head portion 88a and the second fastening member 89. The housings 210, 610 of the washing machine 2 and the heating device 6 can be fixed by the coupling of the first fastening member 88 and the second fastening member 89.

[0138] The both side surfaces of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, the control panel 5, and the heating device 6 included in the laundry treatment unit 9 can be located on the same plane.

[0139] The bottom surface of the laundry treatment unit 9 can be any one of the bottom surface of the washing machine 2, the bottom surface of the dryer 3, and the bottom surface of the heating device 6 according to the order in which the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the heating device 6 are arranged upward and downward.

[0140] The top surface of the laundry treatment unit 9 can be any one of the top surface of the detergent supply device 290, the top surface of the dryer 3, and the top surface of the heating device 6 according to the order in which the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the heating device 6 are arranged upward and downward.

[0141] The care machine 4 can be disposed at one side of the laundry treatment unit 9. The care machine 4 can also be spaced apart from one side of the laundry treatment unit 9, and one side surface 4f of the care machine 4 can also be in contact with one side surface 9f of the laundry treatment unit 9.

[0142] The laundry treatment unit 9 can be referred to as a "first unit", and the care machine 4 can also be referred to as a "second unit".

[0143] The care machine 4 and the laundry treatment unit 9 can have the same height. The bottom surface of the care machine 4 and the bottom surface of the laundry treatment unit 9 can be located on the same plane, and the top surface of the care machine 4 and the top surface of the laundry treatment unit 9 can be located on the same plane.

[0144] A plate 8 can be disposed between the laundry treatment unit 9 and the care machine 4. The plate 8 can be in contact with one side surface 9f of the laundry treatment unit 9 and one side surface 4f of the care machine 4.

[0145] Referring to Figures 1-3 , the plate 8 can connect the laundry treatment unit 9 and the care machine 4. The plate 8 can connect and fix the laundry treatment unit 9 and the care machine 4 regardless of the order in which the components 2, 3, 5, 6, 290 included in the laundry treatment unit 9 are arranged upward and downward. The connection structure between the laundry treatment unit 9 and the care machine 4 through the plate 8 can be applied to all embodiments.

[0146] The plate 8 can include a first plate 81 disposed between the laundry treatment unit 9 and the care machine 4. The first plate 81 can reduce vibrations generated by the laundry treatment unit 9 and the care machine 4.

[0147] If the first drum 240 of the washing machine 2 rotates, the outer tub 230 can vibrate. The washing machine 2 can be shaken due to the rotation of the first drum 240 and the vibration of the outer tub 230. In the laundry treatment apparatus 1 of the embodiment of the present application, the care machine 4 can be disposed at one side of the laundry treatment unit 9, and the laundry treatment unit 9 and the care machine 4 can be fixed by the plate 8. Thereby, the lateral width of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 as a whole can be greater than the lateral width of the washing machine 2, so that the shaking of the washing machine 2 can be prevented.

[0148] The first plate 81 can extend in the up-and-down direction, and can be disposed between the washing machine 2 and the care machine 4 and between the dryer 3 and the care machine 4. The first plate 81 can include a second plate 81a disposed between the washing machine 2 and the care machine 4, and a third plate 81b disposed between the dryer 3 and the care machine 4. The second plate 81a and the third plate 81b can be separated from each other, or can be in an integrated type. Only the second plate 81a can be disposed between the laundry treatment unit 9 and the care machine 4, and the third plate 81b can not be disposed. The first plate 81 can be in contact with the one side surface 9f of the laundry treatment unit 9 and the one side surface 4f of the care machine 4, or can be coupled by a prescribed fastening member (not shown). The first plate 81 can be attached to the one side surface 9f of the laundry treatment unit 9 and the one side surface 4f of the care machine 4 by an adhesive.

[0149] If the first drum 240 rotates and the outer tub 230 vibrates, the first housing 210 of the washing machine 2 can vibrate. During the rinsing and the spin-drying process, the first drum 240 of the washing machine 2 can rotate at a high speed. For example, the first drum 240 can rotate at 100 rpm or more. The first drum 240 of the washing machine 2 can rotate at a relatively high speed compared to the second drum 330 of the dryer 3.

[0150] Even if the washing machine 2 and the care machine 4 are fixed to each other, the first housing 210 of the washing machine 2 can vibrate. Due to the vibration of the first housing 210 facing the one side surface of the care machine 4, the first housing 210 of the washing machine 2 can collide with the third housing 410 of the care machine 4, and thereby, the laundry treatment apparatus 1 as a whole can generate vibration and noise.

[0151] The first plate 81 can include an anti-vibration material. The second plate 81a can be an anti-vibration material. The second plate 81a can be disposed between the washing machine 2 and the care machine 4 to prevent the vibration of the first housing 210, and even if the first housing 210 vibrates, the collision of the first housing 210 with the care machine 4 can be prevented.

[0152] The plate 8 can include an upper mounting member 82 disposed at the upper side of the first plate 81, and a lower mounting member 83 disposed at the lower side of the first plate 81. The first plate 81, the upper mounting member 82, and the lower mounting member 83 can be separated from each other, or can be in an integrated type.

[0153] The upper mount 82 can be combined with the upper panel 9a of the laundry treatment unit 9 and the upper panel 4a of the care machine 4. The upper panel 9a of the laundry treatment unit 9 can be any one of the upper panel of the detergent supply device 290, the upper panel 310a of the dryer 3, and the upper panel 610a of the heating device 6, according to the order in which the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the heating device 6 are arranged upward and downward.

[0154] The upper mount 82 can include a first upper mount 82a connected to the first plate 81, a second upper mount 82b extending from the first upper mount 82a toward the laundry treatment unit 9, and a third upper mount 82c extending from the first upper mount 82a toward the care machine 4. The second upper mount 82b can be combined with the upper panel 9a of the laundry treatment unit 9. The third upper mount 82c can be combined with the upper panel 4a of the care machine 4. The upper mount 82 can include a combination member 82d that fixes the second upper mount 82b and the third upper mount 82c to the laundry treatment unit 9 and the care machine 4, respectively. The combination member 82d can combine the upper mount 82 with the upper panels 9a and 4a by penetrating the upper mount 82 and the upper panels 9a and 4a. The combination member 82d can be disposed between the upper mount 82 and the upper panels 9a and 4a and attached to the upper mount 82 and the upper panels 9a and 4a, respectively.

[0155] The lower mount 83 can be symmetrical to the upper mount 82 with the first plate 81 as a reference. The lower mount 83 can be combined with the lower panel 9b of the laundry treatment unit 9 and the lower panel 4b of the care machine 4. The combination structure of the lower mount 83 and the lower panels 9b and 4b can be the same as that of the upper mount 82 and the upper panels 9a and 4a.

[0156] The lower mount 83 can be formed with a handle 83a recessed upward from the bottom surface of the lower mount 83. A user can move the laundry treatment apparatus 1 in the assembled state by gripping the handle 83a.

[0157] The lower panel 9b of the laundry treatment unit 9 and the lower panel 4b of the care machine 4 can be provided with rollers 86. The rollers 86 can protrude to the lower side of the lower panels 9b and 4b. The rollers 86 can be provided in plural in a manner spaced apart in the horizontal direction. The number of the rollers 86 can be four, but the number of the rollers 86 is not limited thereto.

[0158] The first and second rollers 86a and 86b can be provided spaced apart on the lower panel 9b of the laundry treatment unit 9. The third and fourth rollers 86c and 86d can be provided spaced apart on the lower panel 4b of the care machine 4. The lower mount 83 can be disposed between the second roller 86b and the third roller 86c.

[0159] When the user moves the laundry treating apparatus 1 in the assembled state by gripping the handle 83a, the roller 86 can support the weight of the laundry treating apparatus 1. When the laundry treating apparatus 1 moves, the roller 86 can roll along the indoor floor. As a type of the roller 86, a universal wheel can be used.

[0160] Referring to Figure 4 , the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4 can receive the hot air from the single heating apparatus 6. The hot air supplied to the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4, respectively, can be recycled to the single heating apparatus 6.

[0161] The heating apparatus 6 can include a compressor 620, a condenser 630 connected to the compressor 620 through a first refrigerant pipe 671, an evaporator 650 connected to the condenser 630 through a second refrigerant pipe 672, an expansion device 660 disposed at the second refrigerant pipe 672, and a third refrigerant pipe 673 connecting the compressor 620 and the evaporator 650. The compressor 620, the condenser 630, the evaporator 650, the expansion device 660, and the refrigerant pipes 671, 672, 673 can constitute a heat pump device.

[0162] The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 620 can flow into the condenser 630 through the first refrigerant pipe 671. The refrigerant flowing into the condenser 630 can supply heat to the air sucked into the heating apparatus 6 by the fan 640 or the air recycled through the recycling flow path 64. The refrigerant condensed at the condenser 630 can flow into the expansion device 660 through the second refrigerant pipe 672 and be decompressed, and then flow into the evaporator 650. The refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 650 can absorb heat from the air recycled through the recycling flow path 64. The refrigerant evaporated at the evaporator 650 can be circulated by flowing into the compressor 620 through the third refrigerant pipe 673.

[0163] The temperature of the hot air supplied to the care machine 4 can be lower than the temperature of the hot air supplied to the washing machine 2 or the dryer 3. Thereby, when only the care machine 4 is driven among the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4, the operating frequency of the compressor 620 can be lower than the operating frequency when the washing machine 2 or the dryer 3 is driven.

[0164] The heating apparatus 6 can include a fan 640. The fan 640 can circulate the hot air supplied to the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4.

[0165] The fan 640 can suck the air outside the laundry treating apparatus 1 through the suction flow path 61. The fan 640 can blow the air sucked through the suction flow path 61 and the air recycled through the recycling flow path 64 to the supply flow path 62.

[0166] The supply flow path 62 can also be referred to as any one of a first supply pipe, a second supply pipe, and a third supply pipe. For example, the supply flow path 62 can be referred to as a first supply pipe. The supply flow path 62 can also be referred to as a second supply pipe. The supply flow path 62 can also be referred to as a third supply pipe.

[0167] The supply flow path 62 can be a concept including the first supply pipe 21, the second supply pipe 31, and the third supply pipe 41.

[0168] The recovery flow path 64 can also be referred to as any one of a first recovery pipe, a second recovery pipe, and a third recovery pipe. For example, the recovery flow path 64 can be referred to as a first recovery pipe. The recovery flow path 64 can also be referred to as a second recovery pipe. The recovery flow path 64 can also be referred to as a third recovery pipe.

[0169] The recovery flow path 64 can be a concept including the first recovery pipe 22, the second recovery pipe 32, and the third recovery pipe 42.

[0170] The heating device 6 can include a switching valve 680 that adjusts a flow direction of air blown from the fan 640. The switching valve 680 can be disposed at the supply flow path 62.

[0171] The switching valve 680 can be connected to the supply flow path 62 connected to the fan 640, the dehumidification flow path 63 communicating with the outside of the laundry treatment device 1, the first supply flow path 21 connected to the first drum 240 of the washing machine 2, the second supply flow path 31 connected to the second drum 330 of the drying machine 3, and the third supply flow path 41 connected to the discharge port 443 of the care machine 4.

[0172] The switching valve 680 can flow air blown from the fan 640 to the outside of the laundry treatment device 1, the first drum 240 of the washing machine 2, the second drum 330 of the drying machine 3, or the discharge port 443 of the care machine 4.

[0173] In addition, the switching valve 680 can flow air blown from the fan 640 to at least one of the outside of the laundry treatment device 1, the first drum 240 of the washing machine 2, the second drum 330 of the drying machine 3, and the discharge port 443 of the care machine 4.

[0174] The switching valve 680 can selectively open and close the dehumidification flow path 63, the first supply flow path 21, the second supply flow path 31, and the third supply flow path 41.

[0175] The heating device 6 can include a recovery flow path 64 for recovering hot air supplied to the washing machine 2, the drying machine 3, and the care machine 4.

[0176] The recovery flow path 64 can be connected to the first recovery pipe 22 connected to the first drum 240 of the washing machine 2, the second recovery pipe 32 connected to the second drum 330 of the dryer 3, and the third recovery pipe 42 connected to the suction port 444 of the care machine 4, respectively.

[0177] Air flowing into the recovery flow path 64 through the first recovery pipe 22, the second recovery pipe 32, and the third recovery pipe 42 can flow toward the fan 640 and be blown to the supply flow path 62. Air flowing into the recovery flow path 64 can be heat-exchanged with the evaporator 650 and then flow toward the fan 640 in a state in which temperature and humidity are reduced.

[0178] The fan 640 can pressurize air circulating in the supply flow path 62 and the recovery flow path 64. Air circulating in the laundry treatment apparatus 1 can circulate under the blowing force of the fan 640. The supply flow path 62 and the recovery flow path 64 can be an internal space of the heating device 6.

[0179] The laundry treatment apparatus 1 can include a flow path configuration portion 7 for configuring the supply pipes 21, 31, 41 and the recovery pipes 22, 32, 42.

[0180] The flow path configuration portion 7 can be configured at the rear of the care machine 4. The flow path configuration portion 7 can include a fourth housing 710 connected to the laundry treatment unit 9 and the care machine 4. A flow path space 7s in which the supply pipes 21, 31, 41 and the recovery pipes 22, 32, 42 are configured can be formed inside the fourth housing 710.

[0181] The supply flow path 62 can extend from the inside of the heating device 6 through the panel 8 to the inside of the flow path space 7s. The supply flow path 62 can be branched into a plurality of supply pipes 21, 31, 41 inside the flow path space 7s.

[0182] The recovery flow path 64 can extend from the inside of the heating device 6 through the panel 8 to the inside of the flow path space 7s. The first recovery pipe 22, the second recovery pipe 32, and the third recovery pipe 42 can be merged inside the flow path space 7s and connected to the recovery flow path 64. The recovery flow path 64 can extend from a second merging point 64a formed inside the flow path space 7s toward the heating device 6 and can extend through the panel 8 to the inside of the heating device 6.

[0183] Figure 4A third supply duct 41 and a third recovery duct 42 of the plurality of supply ducts 21, 31, 41 and the plurality of recovery ducts 22, 32, 42 are illustrated as an example. The third supply duct 41 can branch from the supply flow path 62 within the flow path space 7s and extend toward the inside space 4s of the care machine 4. The third supply duct 41 can be configured with a cooling device 49 that lowers the temperature of air flowing inside thereof. The third recovery duct 42 can merge with the recovery flow path 64 within the flow path space 7s and extend toward the inside of the heating device 6. The first supply duct 21 and the second supply duct 31 can branch from the supply flow path 62 within the flow path space 7s and extend toward the washing machine 2 or the drying machine 3, like the third supply duct 41. The first recovery duct 22 and the second recovery duct 32 can merge with the recovery flow path 64 within the flow path space 7s and extend toward the inside of the heating device 6, like the third recovery duct 42.

[0184] The point at which the supply flow path 62 branches and the point at which the recovery flow path 64 merges are formed within the flow path space 7s, and the plurality of supply ducts 21, 31, 41 and the plurality of recovery ducts 22, 32, 42 are configured within the flow path space 7s, whereby the hot air flow paths 62, 64, 21, 31, 41, 22, 32, 42 can be comprehensively managed within the flow path space 7s.

[0185] The supply flow path 62 and the recovery flow path 64 can extend from the heating device 6 through the panel 8 into the flow path space 7s.

[0186] The supply flow path 62 can include a first supply flow path 62a extending within the heating device 6, a second supply flow path 62b extending within the flow path space 7s, and a first joint 62c connecting the first supply flow path 62a and the second supply flow path 62b and penetrating the panel 8. The first supply flow path 62a, the second supply flow path 62b, and the first joint 62c can be separated from each other. The first joint 62c can be detachable to the first supply flow path 62a and the second supply flow path 62b, respectively, and can be composed of a flexible material.

[0187] The first supply flow path 62a can be referred to as a "first connection portion", and the second supply flow path 62b can be referred to as a "second connection portion".

[0188] A first through portion 619 through which the first joint 62c penetrates can be formed in the heating device housing 610. A second through portion 719 through which the first joint 62c penetrates can be formed in the flow path housing 710. A third through portion 8s through which the first joint 62c penetrates can be formed in the panel 8.

[0189] The user can pass the first joint 62c through the first through portion 619, the second through portion 719, and the third through portion 8s by pressing the first joint 62c when setting the laundry treatment unit 9 and the flow path configuration portion 7. The user can press the first joint 62c passing through the through portions 619, 719, and 8s, and release the pressing after connecting the first joint 62c to the first supply flow path 62a and the second supply flow path 62b, respectively.

[0190] The recovery flow path 64 can include a second joint 64c passing through the plate 8 in the same manner as the supply flow path 62. The second joint 64c can be detachable to the recovery flow path 64 in the heating device 6 and the recovery flow path 64 in the flow path space 7s, respectively, and can be composed of a flexible material. The recovery flow path 64 can also be set using the second joint 64c in the same manner as the supply flow path 62 when the user sets the laundry treatment unit 9 and the flow path configuration portion 7.

[0191] The front panel 210c of the washing machine 2, the front panel 310c of the dryer 3, and the front panel 5c of the control panel 5 can be disposed on the same vertical plane. The front of the laundry treatment unit 9 can be planar.

[0192] The front panel 210c of the washing machine 2, the front panel 310c of the dryer 3, the front panel 5c of the control panel 5, and the front panel 410c of the care machine 4 can be disposed on the same vertical plane. The front of the laundry treatment device 1 can be planar.

[0193] The side panel 210e of the washing machine 2, the side panel 310e of the dryer 3, the side panel 5e of the control panel 5, and the side panel 6e of the heating device 6 can be disposed on the same vertical plane. The side of the laundry treatment unit 9 can be planar.

[0194] The side panel 410e of the care machine 4 and the side panel 710e of the flow path configuration portion 7 can be disposed on the same vertical plane. The side of the laundry treatment device 1 can be planar.

[0195] The rear panel 210d of the washing machine 2 and the rear panel 310d of the dryer 3 can be disposed on the same vertical plane. The back of the laundry treatment unit 9 can be planar.

[0196] The rear panel 210d of the washing machine 2, the rear panel 310d of the dryer 3, and the rear panel 710d of the flow path configuration portion 7 can be disposed on the same vertical plane. The back of the laundry treatment device 1 can be planar.

[0197] The rear panel 410d of the care machine 4 and the front panel 710c of the flow path configuration portion 7 can be disposed to face each other. The rear panel 410d of the care machine 4 and the front panel 710c of the flow path configuration portion 7 can be in contact with each other or can be integrated with each other.

[0198] The rear panel 410d of the care machine 4 can be positioned more forward than the rear panel 210d of the washing machine 2 and the rear panel 310d of the dryer 3. The front-rear direction width of the flow path configuration portion 7 can be formed to correspond to the interval between the rear panel 410d of the care machine 4 and the rear panel 210d of the washing machine 2 and the rear panel 310d of the dryer 3. The sum of the front-rear direction widths of the care machine 4 and the flow path configuration portion 7 can be the same as the front-rear direction widths of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3.

[0199] The heating device 6 can include a drain pan 651 configured at the lower side of the evaporator 650. The recovery flow path 64 can be a portion of the internal space of the heating device 6, through which air can be heat-exchanged with the evaporator 650 to flow toward the fan 640 in a state in which the temperature and humidity are lowered. The humid air flowing in the first recovery pipe 22 connected to the washing machine 2, the second recovery pipe 32 connected to the dryer 3, and the third recovery pipe 42 connected to the care machine 4, respectively, can be merged into the recovery pipe 64 and heat-exchanged with the evaporator 650. The drain pan 651 can accommodate condensed water generated as the humid air is heat-exchanged with the evaporator 650.

[0200] The drain pan 651 can be connected to the drain pump 260 configured inside the washing machine 2 through a discharge pipe 652. The condensed water stored in the drain pan 651 can flow toward the drain pump 260 via the discharge pipe 652 under the driving of the drain pump 260. The drain pump 260 can be connected to a drain pipe 262 for discharging water pumped out from the drain pump 260 to the outside of the washing machine 2. The drain pump 260 can discharge the water stored in the drain pan 651 to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus 1 through the drain pipe 262.

[0201] Referring to Figure 2 The washing machine 2 can include a first housing 210, a first door 220 rotatably connected to the first housing 210, a tub 230 configured inside the first housing 210, a first drum 240 rotatably configured inside the tub 230, a motor 250 that transmits power to the first drum 240, a drain pump 260 that discharges water generated in the laundry treating apparatus 1 to the outside, a water supply valve 270 connected to an external water source (not shown), and a drawer 280 for storing a detergent.

[0202] The drain pump 260 can be connected to the tub 230 through a first drain pipe 261. The drain pump 260 can discharge water flowing in via the first drain pipe 261 and the discharge pipe 652 to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus 1 through a second drain pipe 262.

[0203] The water supply valve 270 can adjust the flow rate of water flowing from an external water source (not illustrated) into the inside of the washing machine 2. The water supply valve 270 can be connected with a first water supply pipe 271. The first water supply pipe 271 can be connected with a drawer 280 in which a detergent is stored. Water flowing into the drawer 280 via the first water supply pipe 271 can flow into the outer tub 230 in a state in which the detergent is dissolved therein through a second water supply pipe 272.

[0204] The dryer 3 can include a second housing 310, a second door 320 rotatably connected with the second housing 310, a second drum 330 rotatably disposed in the second housing 310, a container 340 to store water, and a steam generating device 350 connected with the container 340 through a water pipe 341.

[0205] The container 340 can be connected with the first water supply pipe 271 of the washing machine 2, and can receive water supplied from an external water source (not illustrated) through the first water supply pipe 271.

[0206] The steam generating device 350 can generate steam by receiving water stored in the container 340. The steam generating device 350 can supply the generated steam to the inside of the first drum 240 of the washing machine 2, the inside of the second drum 330 of the dryer 3, the inside space 4s of the care machine 4.

[0207] The steam generating device 350 can also be disposed in the inside of the dryer 3, but the disposition position is not limited to the inside of the dryer 3. The steam generating device 350 can also be disposed in the inside of the heating device 6, or in the flow path space 7s.

[0208] An outside air inflow port 611 can be formed in the rear panel 610d of the heating device 6. If the fan 640 is driven, air outside the clothes treating apparatus 1 can flow into the inside of the heating device 6 through the outside air inflow port 611.

[0209] The heating device 6 can include a refrigeration dehumidification flow path 613 branched from the recovery flow path 64. The refrigeration dehumidification flow path 613 can be branched from the recovery flow path 64 between the evaporator 650 and the fan 640. Low-temperature dried air that has performed heat exchange with the evaporator 650 can flow toward the refrigeration dehumidification flow path 613 branched from the recovery flow path 64.

[0210] An auxiliary fan 614 can be provided in the refrigeration and dehumidification flow path 613. The auxiliary fan 614 can be selectively driven when it is required to supply the low-temperature and dry air to the indoor space in summer. If the auxiliary fan 614 is driven, the low-temperature and dry air flowing in the recovery flow path 64 can flow toward the refrigeration and dehumidification flow path 613. A dry air discharge port 612 communicating with the outside of the laundry treating apparatus 1 can be formed in the rear panel 610d of the heating device 6. If the auxiliary fan 614 is driven, the low-temperature and dry air heat-exchanged with the evaporator 650 can be supplied to the indoor space through the refrigeration and dehumidification flow path 613 and the dry air discharge port 612.

[0211] Referring to Figure 3 The care machine 4 can include a third housing 410, a third door 420 rotatably coupled to the third housing 410, a hanger 430 provided inside the third housing 410 to hang laundry, a discharge panel 440 formed with a discharge port 443, and a receiving portion 450 provided at a lower side of the discharge panel 440.

[0212] A space 4s to accommodate laundry can be formed inside the care machine 4. The laundry can be accommodated in the space 4s by being hung on the hanger 430. The space 4s can be formed between an upper panel 4a and the discharge panel 440 of the care machine 4. The space 4s can have a height H corresponding to a gap between the upper panel 4a and the discharge panel 440 of the care machine 4. A heating device 6 to generate hot air supplied to the space 4s can also be provided inside the care machine 4. However, in the laundry treating apparatus 1 of the embodiment of the present application, the heating device 6 can be provided above and below the laundry treating unit 9 and the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3. Thus, in the case where the heating device 6 is provided inside the care machine 4, the laundry treating apparatus 1 of the embodiment of the present application can have the space 4s having a height increased by an amount corresponding to a height occupied by the heating device 6 inside the care machine 4. That is, in the laundry treating apparatus 1 of the embodiment of the present application, the height H of the space 4s of the care machine 4 can be greater than a laundry accommodation space height when the heating device 6 is provided inside the care machine 4.

[0213] The discharge panel 440 can include a first discharge panel 441 formed with a suction port 444 and a second discharge panel 442 formed with the discharge port 443.

[0214] The first discharge panel 441 can be provided in parallel with the upper panel 4a and the lower panel 4b of the care machine 4. The suction port 444 can be formed by perforating the first discharge panel 441.

[0215] The second discharge panel 442 can extend obliquely upward from the first discharge panel 441. The discharge port 443 can be formed by the second discharge panel 442 being opened. The discharge port 443 can be formed obliquely upward with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0216] The accommodation portion 450 can be disposed at the lower side of the discharge panel 440. The accommodation portion 450 can be disposed so as to be able to be led to the front. The discharge panel 440 can be spaced apart upward from the lower panel 4b of the care machine 4 by the accommodation portion 450.

[0217] The accommodation portion 450 can accommodate small-volume clothes such as hats. The accommodation portion 450 can be provided with an ultraviolet lamp (LED) that sterilizes the accommodated clothes.

[0218] The accommodation portion 450 can accommodate a detergent tub, a fiber softener, and other components of the clothes treatment apparatus 1, which are not clothes.

[0219] However, unlike the clothes treatment apparatus 1 of the embodiment of the present application, the accommodation portion 450 can not be disposed. In this case, the height H between the discharge panel 440 and the upper panel 4a can be further enlarged.

[0220] The above description of the clothes treatment apparatus 1 can be applied to each of the embodiments of the present application shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Figures 1-23 That is, the above description of the clothes treatment apparatus 1 can be equally applied to each of the embodiments regardless of the order of the arrangement of the components 2, 3, 5, 6 constituting the clothes treatment unit 9.

[0221] Hereinafter, the clothes treatment apparatus 101 of the first embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to FIG. 4. Figures 1-5 Referring to FIG. 4, the clothes treatment apparatus 101 of the first embodiment of the present application includes a washing machine 2, a drying machine 3, and a control panel 5.

[0222] Figure 1 In the clothes treatment apparatus 101 of the first embodiment, the washing machine 2 is disposed at the upper side of the drying machine 3.

[0223] The control panel 5 can be disposed between the washing machine 2 and the drying machine 3. The front surface of the washing machine 2, the front surface of the drying machine 3, and the front surface of the control panel 5 can form the front surface of the clothes treatment unit 9.

[0224] ​In the case where the washing machine 2 is disposed at the lower side of the dryer 3, the heavy laundry completed with washing needs to be lifted and put into the inside of the dryer 3 located at a higher position than the washing machine 2. In the case where the washing machine 2 is disposed at the upper side of the dryer 3, the heavy laundry completed with washing is dropped and put into the inside of the dryer 3 located at a lower position than the washing machine 2, and thus the user's load required to carry the laundry is reduced compared to when the heavy laundry is lifted. That is, in the case where the washing machine 2 is disposed at the upper side of the dryer 3, since the washing machine 2 is disposed at the upper side of the dryer 3 in the laundry processing apparatus 101 of the first embodiment, the heavy laundry completed with washing can be easily carried into the inside of the dryer 3 compared to when the washing machine 2 is disposed at the lower side of the dryer 3.

[0225] The laundry processing apparatus 101 can include a detergent supply device 290. The detergent supply device 290 can be disposed at the upper side of the first housing 210.

[0226] In the case where the washing machine 2 is disposed at the upper side of the dryer 3, the configuration height of the washing machine 2 is increased, and thus it is difficult to replenish the detergent required for washing. Thus, in the case where the washing machine 2 is disposed at the upper side of the dryer 3, the detergent supply device 290 that automatically supplies the detergent to the inside of the first drum 240 can be disposed.

[0227] The detergent supply device 290 can include a plurality of boxes 291a, 291b, 291c separated from each other. Each of the plurality of boxes 291a, 291b, 291c can contain different types of detergents.

[0228] The top surface of the detergent supply device 290 can form the top surface of the laundry processing unit 9. The top surface of the detergent supply device 290 can be located at the same level as the top surface of the care machine 4.

[0229] The panel 8 can be connected with the top surface of the detergent supply device 290 and the top surface of the care machine 4. The upper mount 82 can be coupled with the upper panel 4a of the detergent supply device 290 and the care machine 4, respectively.

[0230] Referring to Figure 2 , the detergent supply device 290 can include a box 291 to contain a detergent, a docking valve 292 disposed at the box 291, a pump 293 having a piston 293a, a first detergent inflow passage 294 selectively communicated with the inside of the box 291 through the movement of the docking valve 292, a second detergent inflow passage 295 selectively communicated with the first detergent inflow passage 294 as the movement of a cut-off valve 297, and a detergent inflow pipe 296 connecting the second detergent inflow passage 295 and the first water supply pipe 271.

[0231] If the piston 293a moves in a first direction to form a negative pressure in the first detergent inflow passage 294, the docking valve 292 can move to communicate the inside of the cartridge 291 with the first detergent inflow passage 294. Detergent inside the cartridge 291 can flow to the first detergent inflow passage 294 under the action of the negative pressure. At this time, if the piston 293a moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a positive pressure can be formed in the first detergent inflow passage 294. If the positive pressure is formed in the first detergent inflow passage 294 and the shutoff valve 297 communicates the first detergent inflow passage 294 with the second detergent inflow passage 295, the detergent flowing into the first detergent inflow passage 294 can flow to the detergent inflow pipe 296 through the second detergent inflow passage 295. The detergent flowing to the detergent inflow pipe 296 can be dissolved in water flowing through the water supply pipe 271 and supplied into the outer tub 230.

[0232] The heating device 6 can be disposed behind the control panel 5. The heating device 6 can be disposed between the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3. The heating device 6 can have the same height as the control panel 5. The rear panel 5d of the control panel 5 and the front panel 610c of the heating device 6 can face each other or can be combined with each other.

[0233] Referring to Figure 5 The heating device 6 can supply hot air to each of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4, and can recover the supplied hot air.

[0234] The first supply pipe 21, the second supply pipe 31, and the third supply pipe 41 described below can be referred to as any one of a first supply pipe, a second supply pipe, and a third supply pipe, respectively. For example, the supply pipe connected to the washing machine 2 can be referred to as a "first supply pipe", the supply pipe connected to the dryer 3 can be referred to as a "second supply pipe", and the supply pipe connected to the care machine 4 can be referred to as a "third supply pipe".

[0235] The first recovery pipe 22, the second recovery pipe 32, and the third recovery pipe 42 described below can be referred to as any one of a first recovery pipe, a second recovery pipe, and a third recovery pipe, respectively. For example, the recovery pipe connected to the washing machine 2 can be referred to as a "first recovery pipe", the recovery pipe connected to the dryer 3 can be referred to as a "second recovery pipe", and the recovery pipe connected to the care machine 4 can be referred to as a "third recovery pipe".

[0236] The air blown to the supply flow path 62 by the fan 640 receives heat from the condenser 630 to increase the temperature. The hot air of the supply flow path 62 flows into the switching valve 680 and is selectively supplied to the first supply pipe 21, the supply transfer pipe 65, or the dehumidification flow path 63. The switching valve 680 can adjust the flow direction of the hot air flowing through the supply flow path 62. The supply flow path 62 can include the supply transfer pipe 65.

[0237] The hot air flowing into the dehumidifying flow path 63 from the switching valve 680 can be discharged to the indoor space through the hot air discharge port 63a which communicates with the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus 1.

[0238] The hot air flowing into the first supply pipe 21 from the switching valve 680 can flow into the first drum 240 of the washing machine 2. The hot air flowing into the first drum 240 can dry the laundry which has completed washing and dehydration.

[0239] The hot air flowing into the supply transfer pipe 65 from the switching valve 680 flows toward the branch point 65a. The supply transfer pipe 65 can be branched into the second supply pipe 31 and the third supply pipe 41 from the branch point 65a. The regulating valve 65c can be disposed at the branch point 65a. The regulating valve 65c can regulate the flow rate of the hot air supplied to each of the second supply pipe 31 and the third supply pipe 41.

[0240] The hot air flowing into the second supply pipe 31 can flow into the second drum 330 of the dryer 3. The hot air flowing into the second drum 330 can dry the laundry inside the second drum 330.

[0241] The hot air flowing into the third supply pipe 41 can be discharged to the internal space 4s of the care machine 4 through the discharge port 443 of the care machine 4. The hot air discharged to the internal space 4s can dry the laundry accommodated inside the care machine 4.

[0242] The hot air flowing into the third supply pipe 41 can be discharged to the discharge port 443 in a state in which the temperature thereof is lowered by the cooling device 49. The cooling device 49 can be connected with the water supply valve 270 through the third water supply pipe 273. The cooling device 49 can be a nozzle which sprays water supplied from an external water source (not shown) through the third water supply pipe 273. The cooling device 49 can lower the temperature of the hot air flowing in the third supply pipe 41 by spraying water to the third supply pipe 41.

[0243] According to the type of laundry and the temperature of the hot air, if the high-temperature hot air supplied through the supply flow path 62 is directly supplied to the inside of the care machine 4, the laundry can be damaged. To this end, the temperature of the hot air discharged to the internal space 4s of the care machine 4 is lowered by the cooling device 49, and thus, the laundry can be prevented from being damaged.

[0244] The hot air supplied to the first drum 240 can flow into the first recovery pipe 22. The hot air supplied to the second drum 330 can flow into the second recovery pipe 32. The hot air supplied to the internal space 4s of the care machine 4 can flow into the third recovery pipe 42 through the suction port 444.

[0245] The first recovery duct 22 can be connected with the first drum 240 at an upper side of the first supply duct 21. The second recovery duct 32 can be connected with the second drum 330 at an upper side of the second supply duct 31. Due to the above-described structure, the hot air supplied to the lower portions of the drums 240, 330 can be evenly dried the laundry while rising, and the rising hot air can be efficiently recovered.

[0246] The hot air flowing through the second recovery duct 32 and the hot air flowing through the third recovery duct 42 can be merged at a first merging point 66a.

[0247] The hot air merged at the first merging point 66a can flow through a recovery transfer duct 66, and can be merged with the hot air flowing through the first recovery duct 22 at a second merging point 64a. An auxiliary fan 67 blowing the hot air flowing through each of the recovery ducts 22, 32, 42 can be provided at the second merging point 64a.

[0248] The hot air merged at the second merging point 64a can flow into a fan 640 through a recovery flow path 64, and the hot air can be recirculated in the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4 through the above-described paths by the fan 640.

[0249] The supply flow path 62 can form a branching point 65a within the flow path space 7s through the panel 8. The first recovery duct 22, the second recovery duct 32, and the third recovery duct 42 can form merging points 66a, 64a within the flow path space 7s. The hot air flowing through the first recovery duct 22, the second recovery duct 32, and the third recovery duct 42 can be merged at the second merging point 64a formed within the flow path space 7s, and can flow into the fan 640 through the recovery flow path 64 passing through the panel 8.

[0250] According to the above-described structure, the rear space of the care machine 4 can be used as a space in which the hot air flow path is provided, and the hot air flow path can be comprehensively managed. In addition, the overall length of the flow path supplying the hot air to each of the units 2, 3, 4 and the flow path recovering the hot air from each of the units 2, 3, 4 can be shortened.

[0251] According to the laundry processing apparatus 101 of the first embodiment, since the heating device 6 is provided adjacent to all of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4, the length of the flow path supplying the hot air from the heating device 6 to each of the units 2, 3, 4 and the flow path recovering the hot air from each of the units 2, 3, 4 can be shortened.

[0252] The upper panel 410a of the care machine 4 and the upper panel 210a of the washing machine 2 can be provided on the same horizontal plane.

[0253] The lower panel 410b of the care machine 4 and the lower panel 710b of the flow path arrangement portion 7 can be arranged on the same horizontal plane. The lower panel 410b of the care machine 4 and the lower panel 310b of the dryer 3 can be arranged on the same horizontal plane.

[0254] The side panel 410e of the care machine 4 and the side panel 710e of the flow path arrangement portion 7 can be arranged on the same vertical plane.

[0255] The side panel 5e of the control panel 5 and the side panel 610e of the heating device 6 can be arranged on the same vertical plane.

[0256] The side panel 610e of the heating device 6, the side panel 210e of the washing machine 2, and the side panel 310e of the dryer 3 can be arranged on the same vertical plane.

[0257] Hereinafter, the laundry treatment apparatus 102 of the second embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to Figures 6-7

[0258] Referring to Figure 6 In the laundry treatment apparatus 102 of the second embodiment, the washing machine 2 is arranged on the upper side of the dryer 3.

[0259] The control panel 5 can be arranged between the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3. The front surface of the washing machine 2, the front surface of the dryer 3, and the front surface of the control panel 5 can form the front surface of the laundry treatment unit 9.

[0260] In the laundry treatment apparatus 102 of the second embodiment, since the washing machine 2 is arranged on the upper side of the dryer 3, heavier laundry that is completed with washing can be easily carried into the inside of the dryer 3, compared to when the washing machine 2 is arranged on the lower side of the dryer 3.

[0261] The laundry treatment apparatus 102 can include a detergent supply device 290. The detergent supply device 290 can be arranged on the upper side of the second housing 210. The description of the detergent supply device 290 is the same as that of the detergent supply device 290 of the first embodiment 101.

[0262] The top surface of the detergent supply device 290 can form the top surface of the laundry treatment unit 9. The top surface of the detergent supply device 290 can be on the same horizontal plane as the top surface of the care machine 4.

[0263] The heating device 6 can be arranged on the lower side of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3. The heating device 6 can form the bottom surface of the laundry treatment unit 9. The bottom surface of the heating device 6 can be on the same horizontal plane as the bottom surface of the care machine 4.

[0264] ​The lower mount 83 and the roller 86 can be combined with the lower panel 610b of the heating device 6. The roller 86 can protrude downward from the lower panel 610b of the heating device 6. The lower mount 83 can combine the lower panel 610b of the heating device 6 with the lower panel 410b of the care machine 4.

[0265] Referring to Figure 7 The heating device 6 can supply hot air to each of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4, and can also recover the supplied hot air.

[0266] The air blown by the fan 640 to the supply flow path 62 can receive heat from the condenser 630 and increase in temperature. The hot air of the supply flow path 62 flows into the switching valve 680 and is selectively supplied to the second supply duct 31, the supply transfer duct 65, or the dehumidification flow path 63. The switching valve 680 can adjust the flow direction of the hot air flowing in through the supply flow path 62. The supply flow path 62 can include the supply transfer duct 65.

[0267] The hot air flowing into the dehumidification flow path 63 from the switching valve 680 can be emitted to the indoor space through the hot air discharge outlet 63a that communicates with the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus 1.

[0268] The hot air flowing into the second supply duct 31 from the switching valve 680 can flow into the second drum 330 of the dryer 3. The hot air flowing into the second drum 330 can dry the laundry inside the second drum 330.

[0269] The hot air flowing into the supply transfer duct 65 from the switching valve 680 flows toward the branch point 65a. The supply transfer duct 65 can be branched into the first supply duct 21 and the third supply duct 41 at the branch point 65a. The adjustment valve 65c can be disposed at the branch point 65a. The adjustment valve 65c can adjust the flow rate of the hot air supplied to each of the first supply duct 21 and the third supply duct 41.

[0270] The hot air flowing into the first supply duct 21 can flow into the first drum 240 of the washing machine 2. The hot air flowing into the first drum 240 can dry the laundry inside the first drum 240.

[0271] The hot air flowing into the third supply duct 41 can be emitted to the internal space 4s of the care machine 4 through the discharge outlet 443 of the care machine 4. The hot air emitted to the internal space 4s can dry the laundry accommodated inside the care machine 4.

[0272] The hot air flowing into the third supply duct 41 can be emitted to the discharge outlet 443 in a state in which the temperature is lowered by the cooling device 49, as in the first embodiment.

[0273] The hot air supplied to the first drum 240 can flow into the first recovery duct 22. The hot air supplied to the second drum 330 can flow into the second recovery duct 32. The hot air supplied to the interior space 4s of the care machine 4 can flow into the third recovery duct 42 through the suction port 444.

[0274] The first recovery duct 22 can be connected with the first drum 240 at an upper side of the first supply duct 21. The second recovery duct 32 can be connected with the second drum 330 at an upper side of the second supply duct 31. Due to the above-described structure, the hot air supplied to the lower portions of the drums 240, 330 can be evenly dried the laundry while rising, and the rising hot air can be efficiently recovered.

[0275] The hot air flowing through the first recovery duct 22 and the hot air flowing through the second recovery duct 32 can be merged at the first merging point 66a.

[0276] The hot air merged at the first merging point 66a can flow through the recovery transfer duct 66, and can be merged with the hot air flowing through the third recovery duct 42 at the second merging point 64a. The second merging point 64a can be provided with an auxiliary fan 67 blowing the hot air flowing through each of the recovery ducts 22, 32, 42.

[0277] The hot air merged at the second merging point 64a can flow into the fan 640 through the recovery flow path 64, and the hot air can be recirculated in the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4 through the above-described paths by the fan 640.

[0278] The supply flow path 62 can form a branching point 65a within the flow path space 7s through the panel 8. The first recovery duct 22, the second recovery duct 32, and the third recovery duct 42 can form merging points 66a, 64a within the flow path space 7s. The hot air flowing through the first recovery duct 22, the second recovery duct 32, and the third recovery duct 42 can be merged at the second merging point 64a formed within the flow path space 7s, and can flow into the fan 640 through the recovery flow path 64 of the panel 8.

[0279] Through the above-described structure, the rear space of the care machine 4 can be used as a space in which the hot air flow path is disposed, and the hot air flow path can be comprehensively managed. In addition, the overall length of the flow path supplying the hot air to each of the units 2, 3, 4 and the flow path recovering the hot air from each of the units 2, 3, 4 can be shortened.

[0280] The second merging point 64a can be located at the lower side of the discharge port 443 and the suction port 444 of the care machine 4. The hot air flowing through the first recovery duct 22 and the second recovery duct 32 can be sufficiently cooled while reaching the second merging point 64a. The hot air flowing through the first recovery duct 22 and the second recovery duct 32 can be cooled once before reaching the second merging point 64a, and then be cooled twice by the evaporator 650 while flowing through the recovery flow path 64, thus enabling to improve energy efficiency.

[0281] According to the laundry treating apparatus 102 of the second embodiment, since the heating device 6 is disposed at the lower side of the washing machine 2 and the drying machine 3, the length of the supply transfer duct 65 and the third supply duct 41 for supplying the hot air to the care machine 4 can be shortened.

[0282] On the other hand, in the laundry treating apparatus 1 of the present application, the laundry treating devices 2, 3, 4 can each have one or more communication modules (see Figure 11 1120) and can transmit and receive predetermined signals to and from each other. That is, the washing machine 2, the drying machine 3, and the care machine 4 can each have one or more communication modules 1120 and can communicate with each other.

[0283] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present application, the heating device 6 and / or the mechanical chamber 6s can also be provided with a communication module 1120, so as to communicate with the laundry treating devices 2, 3, 4.

[0284] On the other hand, in the laundry treating apparatus 1 of the present application, the laundry treating devices 2, 3, 4 can each have one or more communication modules (see

[0285] Figures 8A-8C are the drawings referred to in the description of the communication connection structure of the embodiments of the present application.

[0286] Referring to Figure 8A , the washing machine 2, the drying machine 3, and the care machine 4 can each have a Wi-Fi communication module and can perform wireless communication conforming to the Wi-Fi standard to each other.

[0287] In addition, the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4 can freely transmit and receive data with the server 1010, the mobile terminal 1020, and the like external device 1000 through wireless communication conforming to the Wi-Fi standard, respectively. For example, the mobile terminal 1020 can transmit a user's control instruction by wirelessly communicating with the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4, respectively, and can receive and display status information of the respective laundry processors 2, 3, 4.

[0288] If the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4 each have a Wi-Fi communication module, there is an advantage that the server 1010, the mobile terminal 1020, and the like external device 1000 can be independently connected with the laundry processors 2, 3, 4. In addition, since it is wireless, a communication line is not required, a situation in which a communication line hinders connection of the laundry processors 2, 3, 4 does not occur, and work difficulty can be reduced and work time can be reduced.

[0289] On the other hand, one of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4 can operate as a wireless router. That is, one of the Wi-Fi communication modules possessed by the laundry processors 2, 3, 4 can operate as a wireless router. Thereby, even in a state in which a power supply of a wireless router of a home network or the like external wireless router of the laundry apparatus 1 is turned off, the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4 can perform wireless communication.

[0290] According to an embodiment of the present application, one of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4 can include a representative communication module that wirelessly communicates with an external device through a first communication method. The laundry processor including the representative communication module can be referred to as a representative laundry processor.

[0291] The remaining laundry processors other than the representative laundry processor can be in wired communication or wireless communication with the representative laundry processor.

[0292] According to an embodiment, the representative laundry processor and the remaining laundry processors can also be in wireless communication through the first communication method, and one of the laundry processors can operate as a wireless router.

[0293] On the other hand, only a certain laundry treating apparatus among the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4 can have the representative communication module to communicate with the outside, and the remaining laundry treating apparatuses can perform communication only among the laundry treating apparatuses. For example, a certain laundry treating apparatus can have a Wi-Fi communication module to perform wireless communication according to a Wi-Fi communication scheme, and can perform wireless communication conforming to a Wi-Fi standard with the server 1010, the mobile terminal 1020, or the like. In addition, the laundry treating apparatuses 2, 3, and 4 can perform wired or wireless communication among the laundry treating apparatuses.

[0294] On the other hand, the representative laundry treating apparatus and the remaining laundry treating apparatuses can communicate through a second communication scheme different from the first communication scheme. Here, the second communication scheme can be a wireless communication scheme or a wired communication scheme having a lower power and a shorter distance than the first communication scheme. For example, the first communication scheme can be Wi-Fi communication, and the second communication scheme can be a short distance communication scheme such as Bluetooth having relatively less power consumption and a shorter communication distance than Wi-Fi communication. Or the first communication scheme can be Wi-Fi communication, and the second communication scheme can be a wired communication scheme such as RS232, RS422, RS485, or the like.

[0295] Figure 8B 、 Figure 8C It is exemplified that the dryer 3 is a representative laundry treating apparatus having a Wi-Fi communication module, and the washing machine 2 and the care machine 4 are ordinary laundry treating apparatuses having only a Bluetooth communication module. The dryer 3 can further have a Bluetooth communication module to communicate with the washing machine 2 and the care machine 4. Figure 8B is illustrative, and thus the present application is not limited thereto, and the washing machine 2 or the care machine 4 can also become a representative laundry treating apparatus.

[0296] Referring to Figure 8B , the laundry treating apparatuses 2, 3, and 4 can perform short distance wireless communication such as Bluetooth among the laundry treating apparatuses. The server 1010, the mobile terminal 1020, or the like can wirelessly communicate with the dryer 3 having a Wi-Fi communication module, transmit a control command of a user, and can receive and display status information of the laundry treating apparatuses 2, 3, and 4. The dryer 3 can transmit the received control command to the washing machine 2 and the care machine 4. In addition, the dryer 3 can transmit data received from the remaining washing machine 2 and the care machine 4 to the server 1010, the mobile terminal 1020, or the like.

[0297] Thus, the plurality of laundry treating apparatuses 2, 4 can include only a short distance wireless communication module capable of communicating with the laundry treating apparatuses 2, 3, and 4 disposed in the vicinity, thereby being able to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0298] Among the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4, only one device has a Wi-Fi communication module, and the remaining devices are connected with low-power wireless communication. Thereby, the server 1010 or the mobile terminal 1020 can perform comprehensive management through Wi-Fi communication with one device, thereby being able to minimize power waste.

[0299] Since the devices to which the short-distance low-power communication module is applied can communicate with each other at low power, it is possible to minimize power waste and the application cost of the Wi-Fi component required or more. In addition, since it is wireless, a communication line is not required, and a situation in which the communication line hinders the connection of the laundry processors 2, 3, and 4 does not occur, and it is possible to reduce the work difficulty and reduce the work time.

[0300] On the other hand, the general laundry processor can be powered off or switched to a standby mode when not in use, and at least one of the laundry processors can be turned on or woken up by the representative laundry processor as needed, thereby being able to further reduce power consumption.

[0301] Figure 8C An example in which the dryer 3 communicates with the external device 1000 through the representative laundry processor, and the laundry processors 2, 3, and 4 communicate in a wired manner is shown.

[0302] Since the laundry processors 2, 3, and 4 communicate with each other in a wired manner, it has the advantages of saving power and a communication speed that is significantly faster than wireless communication. The low-power short-distance communication module also does not need to be installed, and thus, not only the lowest manufacturing cost can be achieved, but also the advantage of a fast communication speed is obtained.

[0303] According to an embodiment of the present application, since the laundry processors 2, 3, and 4 are adjacently combined, one Wi-Fi communication module for communication with the server 1010 and the mobile terminal 1020 and a plurality of low-power communication modules (for example, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, etc.) for communication between the internal devices can be provided. In addition, since communication between the internal devices can also be wired, it has the advantage of being able to reduce the overall power consumption.

[0304] Wi-Fi consumes 10 times more current than low-power communication such as BLE, and thus, it is possible to reduce power consumption by minimizing the number of Wi-Fi communication modules and the amount of Wi-Fi communication.

[0305] The user can perform an application or access a prescribed website through the mobile terminal 1020, thereby being able to remotely monitor and control the laundry treating apparatus 1. According to the present application, since the laundry treating apparatuses are communicatively connected to each other, it is easy to use and manage. According to at least one embodiment of the present application, any one of the laundry treating apparatuses can communicate with the server 1010, the mobile terminal 1020, or the like, and various signals such as control instructions, information, or the like, can be transmitted or sent to the laundry treating apparatuses, thereby being able to implement at a low cost.

[0306] In addition, since communication is possible between the internal devices, it is possible to control the operation of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4 using a unified (single) operation screen, thereby facilitating the operation.

[0307] On the other hand, the heating apparatus 6 that heats air also has a communication module, thereby being able to communicate with the representative laundry treating apparatus and / or the general laundry treating apparatus.

[0308] Air heated by the heating apparatus 6 is supplied to at least one of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4. At this time, the heating apparatus 6 can receive a prescribed request from the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4, or can receive detection data of a sensor possessed by the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4, or the like. In addition, the heating apparatus 6 can transmit information about current state information, a scheduled action, or the like, to each of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4.

[0309] Figures 9A-9C are the same as those of the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, except that the heating apparatus 6 or the mechanical chamber 6s is additionally provided. Figures 8A-8C The embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 is different in that the heating apparatus 6 or the mechanical chamber 6s is additionally provided.

[0310] Hereinafter, a case in which the heating apparatus 6 has a communication module will be exemplarily described, but other apparatuses than the heating apparatus 6 can also be provided in the mechanical chamber 6s. The communication module can be provided in other apparatuses than the heating apparatus 6 or in a prescribed space inside the mechanical chamber 6s. Accordingly, in the following description, the heating apparatus 6 can be replaced with the mechanical chamber 6s and implemented.

[0311] Referring to FIG. 6, Figure 9A The washing machine 2, the dryer 3, the care machine 4, and the heating apparatus 6 can each have a Wi-Fi communication module, and can perform wireless communication conforming to a Wi-Fi standard with each other.

[0312] In addition, the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, the care machine 4, and the heating device 6 can freely transmit and receive data with the server 1010, the mobile terminal 1020, and the like external device 1000 through wireless communication conforming to the Wi-Fi standard, respectively.

[0313] On the other hand, any one of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, the care machine 4, and the heating device 6 can operate as a wireless router. That is, one of the Wi-Fi communication modules possessed by the devices 2, 3, 4, and 6 can operate as a wireless router. Thereby, even in a state in which the power of the external wireless router of the laundry processing apparatus 1 such as a wireless router of a home network is turned off, the devices 2, 3, 4, and 6 can perform wireless communication.

[0314] According to an embodiment of the present application, any one of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, the care machine 4, and the heating device 6 can include a representative communication module that wirelessly communicates with an external device through a first communication method. The device including the representative communication module can be referred to as a representative device.

[0315] The remaining devices other than the representative device can be referred to as normal devices, and the normal devices can perform wired or wireless communication with the representative device.

[0316] According to an embodiment, the normal devices and the representative device can also wirelessly communicate through the first communication method, and a certain device can operate as a wireless router.

[0317] On the other hand, only a certain one of the devices 2, 3, 4, and 6 included in the laundry processing apparatus 1 can have the representative communication module to communicate with the outside, and the remaining devices can only perform communication with each other. For example, a certain device can have a Wi-Fi communication module that wirelessly communicates according to the Wi-Fi communication method, and can perform wireless communication conforming to the Wi-Fi standard with the server 1010, the mobile terminal 1020, and the like external device 1000. In addition, the devices 2, 3, 4, and 6 can perform wired or wireless communication with each other.

[0318] On the other hand, the representative device and the normal device can communicate through a second communication method different from the first communication method. Here, the second communication method can be a wireless communication method or a wired communication method having lower power and a shorter distance than the first communication method. For example, the first communication method can be Wi-Fi communication, and the second communication method can be a short distance communication method such as Bluetooth that consumes relatively less power and has a shorter communication distance than Wi-Fi communication. Or the first communication method can be Wi-Fi communication, and the second communication method can be a wired communication method such as RS232, RS422, RS485, and the like.

[0319] Figure 9B 、 Figure 9C The heating device 6 is exemplified as a representative device having a Wi-Fi communication module, and the laundry treating apparatuses 2, 3, 4 are exemplified as ordinary devices having only a Bluetooth communication module. The heating device 6 can also have a Bluetooth communication module to communicate with the laundry treating apparatuses 2, 3, 4. Figure 9B 、 Figure 9C The above is illustrative, and thus the present application is not limited thereto, and one of the laundry treating apparatuses 2, 3, 4 can be a representative device.

[0320] Referring to Figure 9B , the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 can perform short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth between each other. The server 1010, the mobile terminal 1020, or the like external device 1000 can wirelessly communicate with the heating device 6 having a Wi-Fi communication module, transmit a user's control command, and can receive and display status information of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6. The heating device 6 can transmit the received control command to the laundry treating apparatuses 2, 3, 4. In addition, the heating device 6 can transmit data received from the remaining laundry treating apparatuses 2, 3, 4 to the server 1010, the mobile terminal 1020, or the like.

[0321] Thus, the plurality of devices 2, 3, 4 can include only a short-range wireless communication module capable of communicating with the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 disposed in the vicinity, thereby enabling reduction of manufacturing costs.

[0322] Only one of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 has a Wi-Fi communication module, and the remaining devices are connected with a low-power wireless communication. Thus, the server 1010 or the mobile terminal 1020 can perform comprehensive management through Wi-Fi communication of one device, thereby enabling minimization of power waste.

[0323] Since the devices to which a short-range low-power communication module is applied can communicate with each other at low power, minimization of power waste and application cost of a Wi-Fi component required or more can be achieved. In addition, since it is wireless, a communication line is not required, a case in which a communication line hinders connection of the laundry treating apparatuses 2, 3, 4 does not occur, and work difficulty can be reduced and work time can be reduced.

[0324] On the other hand, the ordinary devices can be powered off or switched to a standby mode when not in use, and at least one of the ordinary devices can be turned on or woken up by the representative device when needed, thereby enabling further reduction of power consumption.

[0325] Figure 9CIt is shown that the heating device 6 communicates with the external device 1000 through a representative laundry processing unit by a wired communication of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6.

[0326] Since the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 communicate with each other by a wired communication, it has an advantage of power saving and communication speed faster than wireless communication. The low power short distance communication module does not need to be installed, so it not only has the lowest manufacturing cost, but also has the advantage of fast communication speed.

[0327] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the heating device 6 can be disposed between the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3. In this case, the heating device 6 can be connected to the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3 by a wired communication, and can communicate with the care machine 4 by a wireless communication.

[0328] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control panel 5 can be disposed between the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3, and the heating device 6 can be disposed behind the control panel 5. In this case, the control panel 5 and the heating device 6 can be connected by a wired communication.

[0329] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the heating device 6 can be disposed at the lower side of the washing machine 2 or the dryer 3, and can communicate with the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4 by a wireless communication.

[0330] Figure 10 is a diagram referred to in the description of the communication connection structure of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0331] The laundry processing unit 9 (also referred to as an integrated laundry processing unit 9) can be a concept including the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the heating device 6. The laundry processing unit 9 can have a Wi-Fi communication module to communicate with the external device 1000 by a wireless communication.

[0332] In addition, the laundry processing unit 9 can communicate with the care machine 4 by a Wi-Fi communication or a short distance wireless communication. Or the laundry processing unit 9 can communicate with the care machine 4 by a wired communication.

[0333] The Wi-Fi communication module can be disposed inside any one of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the heating device 6. The washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the heating device 6 can be connected to each other by a wired communication. Or the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the heating device 6 can communicate with each other by a short distance wireless communication.

[0334] Figure 11 is a brief internal block diagram of a laundry processing device of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0335] Referring to Figure 11 Each of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 included in the laundry treating apparatus 1 can include a sensor part 1150, an interface 1160, a memory 1130, a communication module 1120, and a processor 1110 that controls the overall operation. These are the configurations that each of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 can include, and thus the detailed configurations thereof can differ according to the characteristics of the apparatus. In addition, each of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 can include configurations that perform a prescribed operation and a driver 1140 for the prescribed operation.

[0336] For example, the washing machine 2 can include a motor 250 that transmits power to a first rotatable drum 240, a drain pump 260 that discharges water generated in the laundry treating apparatus 1 to the outside, etc. The driver 1140 of the washing machine 2 can include a motor driver such as an inverter that drives the motor 250, a pump driver that drives the drain pump 260, etc. The dryer 3 can include a second rotatable drum 330, a container 340 that stores water, and a steam generating device 350 connected to the container 340 through a water pipe 341. The steam generating device 350 can further include other configurations. For example, the steam generating device 350 can be disposed in the mechanical room 6s, or can be disposed inside the heating device 6. The care machine 4 can include a hanger 430 and a hanger motor (not shown) that moves the hanger 430, etc.

[0337] On the other hand, the types of sensors included in the sensor part 1150 and the number and the setting positions thereof can be variously configured according to the types of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6.

[0338] On the other hand, the sensor part 1150 can include a plurality of sensors that detect the state of the laundry treating apparatus 1. The sensor part 1150 can include various types of sensors. For example, the sensor part 1150 can include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. In addition, the sensors included in the sensor part 1150 can be disposed at positions where data needs to be acquired. For example, a plurality of sensors can be disposed in the heating device 6, the piping system, each of the laundry treating devices 2, 3, 4.

[0339] The memory 1130 stores control data for controlling the operation of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6, and operation data generated or detected in the operation. The memory 1130 stores an execution program for each function, data for operation control, and data transmitted and received.

[0340] The interface 1160 can include configurations for receiving a control instruction of a user. For example, a receiver for receiving a control instruction transmitted by a remote control device (not shown) can be included. According to an embodiment, the interface 1160 can include at least one input device such as a button, a switch, a touch input device.

[0341] The interface 1160 can include a control panel 1611 and / or a display 1162. Here, the control panel 1611 can be the control panel 5 described above. Alternatively, the control panel 1611 can include a control panel disposed at another location other than the control panel 5 disposed between the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3.

[0342] The display 1162 can visually display prescribed information. For example, the display 1162 can output state information of the laundry processing apparatus 1, detection data detected by a sensor, guide information guiding a specific action / function, etc.

[0343] The care machine 4 includes a third housing 410 and a third door 420 opening and closing the third housing 410. As Figure 3 illustrated, the third door 420 can be connected to the third housing 410 in a rotatable manner. Alternatively, the third door 420 can be implemented as a drawer type drawn toward the front of the third housing 410. The display 1162 can be disposed at the front of the third door 420. In general, the front of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3 is configured to be able to see laundry, and thus, the display 1162 is preferably disposed at the front of the care machine 4. Thereby, the display 1162 can be implemented as a large screen compared to being disposed at the front of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3.

[0344] The display 1162 can be implemented as a touch screen, and can also function as an input device.

[0345] The display 1162 can be seen from the outside when a user approaches the third door 420 or transmits a physical signal. The display 1162 can be a mirror display. The display 1162 can include a light emitting element such as an LED, which can be turned on when a user approaches the third door 420 or transmits a physical signal.

[0346] A user interface provided by the display 1162 can reflect a combination of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6, a configuration form, an action situation.

[0347] According to an embodiment of the present application, the display 1162 can display an operation screen including a plurality of menu buttons capable of at least operating at least one of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, the care machine 4, and the heating device 6 (refer to 1815, 1825, 1835 of FIG. 18). Figure 18B

[0348] ​The arrangement positions of the plurality of menu buttons 1815, 1825, 1835 in the operation screen can be changed in correspondence with the arrangement forms of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4.

[0349] According to an embodiment of the present application, the operation screen can be provided through the control panel 5. Even in this case, the arrangement positions of the plurality of menu buttons 1815, 1825, 1835 in the operation screen can be changed in correspondence with the arrangement forms of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4.

[0350] When a user instruction or prescribed data is input in the interface 1160 in response to the operation of the input device, the input data is applied to the processor 1110.

[0351] The processor 1110 can control the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 according to a user instruction or the like. For example, the processor 1110 can heat air by controlling the heating device 6. Also, the processor 1110 can supply the air heated in the heating device 6 to at least one of the laundry processors 2, 3, 4 by switching the flow path.

[0352] Also, the processor 1110 can supply steam to at least one of the laundry processors 2, 3, 4 by controlling the steam generating device 350 or the like.

[0353] The processor 1110 can be the controller described above.

[0354] Alternatively, the processor 1110 can correspond to the controllers provided in at least a portion of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6. For example, the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, the care machine 4, and the mechanical room 6s can include controllers that control the respective drives. In this case, the controllers can be mounted to printed circuit boards (PCBs) arranged inside the respective devices 2, 3, 4, 6. The processor 1110 can correspond to the controllers of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 and can control the actions of the respective devices 2, 3, 4, 6.

[0355] The respective controllers can communicate with each other. Depending on the situation, at least one controller can be a higher controller that can control other controllers and devices.

[0356] Also, a portion of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 can not have a separate controller provided therein and can act according to the control of the controller mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) arranged inside the other device.

[0357] On the other hand, the processor 1110 can be implemented as a part of a block of a controller, and any one controller can include a plurality of processors 1110. The plurality of processors 1110 can be configured together in a prescribed space, or can be mounted together on one printed circuit board. Or, a part of the plurality of processors 1110 can be mounted on other printed circuit boards.

[0358] The devices 2, 3, 4, 6 can communicate with other apparatuses, the mobile terminal 1020, etc. through the communication module 1120. The communication module 1120 of at least a part of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 can have a wireless communication module, and can perform wireless communication with the mobile terminal 1020, etc. In addition, at least one of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 can be provided with a plurality of communication modules of different types.

[0359] The communication module 1120 can include a transmitter 1121 capable of transmitting prescribed data to other apparatuses. In addition, the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 can include a receiver 1122 capable of receiving prescribed data from other apparatuses. The transmitter 1121 and the receiver 1122 can also be integrated to constitute a transceiver.

[0360] A user can remotely monitor and control the laundry treating apparatus 1 by executing an application program or accessing a prescribed website through the mobile terminal 1020. In addition, the user can obtain various services by registering a product with a manufacturer or a service provider of the laundry treating apparatus 1.

[0361] Figures 12A-12D FIGS. 1 to 3 are diagrams respectively illustrating user interface screens provided in a product registration process (hereinafter, also referred to as operation screens). Figures 12A-12D FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams respectively illustrating an example of a method of registering a product through a user interface screen displayed on a display portion of a mobile terminal.

[0362] In a case where a user selects an application program item related to a home appliance from a screen of a mobile terminal, a home appliance application program screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 6. Figure 12A

[0363] If the user selects any one of a plurality of home appliance product types included in the user interface screen of FIG. 6, a guide screen for product connection setting of the selected home appliance product can be displayed as shown in FIG. 7. Figure 12A Figure 12B

[0364] On the other hand, if a login state is not currently present, a login screen (not shown) including a login item, an account input window, a password input window, etc. can be displayed.

[0365] ​​​On the other hand, if the action of providing the guide screen as shown in Figure 12B is performed, a product network setting screen can be displayed as shown in Figure 12C . For example, the product network setting screen can display a list of Wi-Fi access point (AP) devices.

[0366] In a case where a certain item in the list of the product network setting screen is selected, the mobile terminal is set to be connected with the corresponding AP device.

[0367] Especially, in a case where the specific key action of the home appliance is in the AP mode in which the home appliance operates as an AP device, the mobile terminal will be connected with the home appliance before the product is registered. The user can input information corresponding to the AP device to the server and register the product by operating the mobile terminal connected with the home appliance.

[0368] In a case where the user selects a certain AP device item, an input screen including a password input window of the AP device can be displayed as shown in Figure 12D .

[0369] If the password is input, the selected AP device and the password information are transmitted to the home appliance, so that the home appliance can be switched from the AP mode to a station mode in which the home appliance can be connected with the AP device. The home appliance is connected with the corresponding AP device using the network information (SSID, password information, etc.) of the AP device.

[0370] The selected AP device and the password information can be transmitted to the server, so that the home appliance product is registered in the server.

[0371] In addition, in the AP mode, the home appliance transmits product information to the mobile terminal, and the mobile terminal can transmit the product information of the home appliance to the server, so that the home appliance product is registered in the server.

[0372] The laundry treating apparatus 1 of the present application can include a washing machine 2, a dryer 3, and a care machine 4. At this time, the process of Figures 12A-12D is repeated for each product, which can cause considerable inconvenience to the user.

[0373] In addition, if the heating device 6 wants to be controlled through the mobile terminal 1020 after the product is registered, there is a problem in that a hardware operation part for registration such as a Wi-Fi setting button needs to be additionally provided.

[0374] However, according to an embodiment of the present application, since the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 are communicatively connected to each other, after the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 share the device information, a specific device can register all of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 at once by transmitting the information to the server, and can be individually controlled. Or the specific device can register all of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 at once by transmitting the device information of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6, which are stored in advance, to the server 1010. As needed, the specific device can complete the product registration by transmitting the response data of the server 1010 to each of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6.

[0375] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing a product registration process of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application, and is a flowchart showing a signal flow of the laundry treating apparatus 1, the mobile terminal 1020, the access point (AP) device 1300, and the server 1010.

[0376] Referring to Figure 13 , the mobile terminal 1020 can be communicatively connected to a representative device having a communication module capable of communicating with an external device such as a Wi-Fi communication module among the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 of the laundry treating apparatus 1 (S1315).

[0377] The mobile terminal 1020 can attempt to connect to the representative device in an access point (AP) mode state (S1310), and then can be communicatively connected to a Wi-Fi communication module of the representative device (S1315).

[0378] To this end, if a home appliance related application program is executed, the mobile terminal 1020 can provide a user interface screen as shown in Figure 12A and Figure 12B .

[0379] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus 1 can be switched to the AP mode by previously operating a specific button of the laundry treating apparatus 1. For example, according to guide information displayed in a user interface screen provided as shown in Figure 12B , a user can operate the laundry treating apparatus 1. At this time, even in the case where the representative device is the heating device 6, the laundry treating apparatus 1 can be switched to the AP mode by operating one of the buttons provided in the laundry treating apparatus 1.

[0380] On the other hand, the mobile terminal 1020 can receive information (identification information (SSID), password information, etc.) of the AP device 1300 to be registered (S1320).

[0381] If the user manually inputs the information of the AP device 1300 to be registered (S1320), the mobile terminal 1020 can transmit the information of the AP device 1300 to which the laundry treating apparatus 1 is to be connected (S1325).

[0382] In addition, the mobile terminal 1020 can request product registration of the laundry treating apparatus 1 to the server 1010 (S1330).

[0383] According to an embodiment, the mobile terminal 1020 can request product registration of the corresponding laundry treating apparatus 1 by transmitting the product information of the laundry treating apparatus 1 and / or the information of the AP device 1300 to be registered to the server 1010 (S1330).

[0384] The representative device can register the laundry treating apparatus 1 all at once by transmitting the individual product information of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 to the mobile terminal 1020, and can individually register all the devices 2, 3, 4, 6.

[0385] On the other hand, the laundry treating apparatus 1 can request connection to the access point device 1300 using the received information of the AP device 1300 (S1340), and the access point device 1300 can grant the connection based on the received identification information, password information (S1345).

[0386] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus 1 can request product registration to the server 1010 and request server connection via the access point device 1300 after being connected to the access point device 1300 (S1350).

[0387] At this time, the laundry treating apparatus 1 can transmit the product information to the server 1010. The representative device can register the laundry treating apparatus 1 all at once by transmitting the individual product information of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 to the server 1010, and can individually register all the devices 2, 3, 4, 6.

[0388] In addition, according to an embodiment, the laundry treating apparatus 1 can further transmit the information of the access point device 1300 and / or the information of the mobile terminal 1020 to the server 1010.

[0389] When the registration request is normally received from both the laundry treating apparatus 1 and the mobile terminal 1020, the server 1010 can complete product registration using the received product information, and can transmit product completion information to the mobile terminal 1020 via the access point device 1300 (S1355). Thereby, product registration of the laundry treating apparatus 1 can be easily performed.

[0390] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present application, one of the devices 2, 3, 4, 6 can perform a wireless router function. In this case, the device capable of performing the wireless router function can also be used as the AP device 1300.

[0391] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, the operation screen can be unified, and each laundry processor can be comprehensively managed through an application or the like.

[0392] In addition, the user interface screen provided through the display 1162 or the control panel 1161, 5 can be changed in correspondence with the configuration mode of the laundry processor 2, 3, 4.

[0393] Figures 14-19 FIGS. 1 to 6 are diagrams referred to in the description of the user interface screen corresponding to the configuration combination of the laundry processor and the configuration mode of the laundry processor of the embodiment of the present application, respectively.

[0394] Figures 20-23 FIGS. 7 to 12 are diagrams referred to in the description of the user interface screen provided for each case of the embodiment of the present application, respectively.

[0395] Figures 14-23 FIGS. 7 to 12 are diagrams referred to in the description of the user interface screen provided for each case of the embodiment of the present application, respectively.

[0396] Referring to Figure 14 , the user interface screen 1600 can be displayed on the display 1162 disposed on the front of the care machine 4. The user interface screen 1600 can be configured in correspondence with at least one of the combination of the devices included in the laundry processing apparatus 1, the configuration mode, the operation case.

[0397] The user interface screen 1600 can be an operation screen including a plurality of menu buttons capable of operating at least one of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4 (refer to 1815, 1825, 1835 of FIG. 18). Figure 18B

[0398] The operation screen can include a washing machine display area (1610 of FIG. 16, 1810 of FIG. 18, etc.) in which the menu button 1815 capable of operating the washing machine 2 is disposed, a dryer display area (1620 of FIG. 16, 1820 of FIG. 18, etc.) in which the menu button 1825 capable of operating the dryer 3 is disposed, and a care machine display area (1630 of FIG. 16, 1830 of FIG. 18, etc.) in which the menu button 1835 capable of operating the care machine 4 is disposed. Figure 14 Figure 18A Figure 14 Figure 18A Figure 14 Figure 18A

[0399] ​​​​​​​On the other hand, the configuration of the washing machine display area 1610, 1810, the dryer display area 1620, 1820, and the care machine display area 1630, 1830 can be the same as the configuration of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4.

[0400] According to an embodiment of the present application, a plurality of control panels can be unified into an operation screen corresponding to the configuration of the devices.

[0401] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present application, the configuration of the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4 can be automatically detected. To this end, the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, and the care machine 4 can each include a position detection sensor 1400 capable of detecting an adjacent configuration of other laundry processors. The processor 1110 can automatically configure the operation screen based on the detection data of the position detection sensor 1400. Thus, the configuration positions of a plurality of menu buttons 1815, 1825, 1835 in the operation screen can be automatically changed to reflect the configuration of the laundry processors 2, 3, 4.

[0402] The washing machine 2 and the dryer 3 can be provided with a position detection sensor 1400 on at least the top surface. According to the detection method of the position detection sensor 1400 possessed by the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3, a detection object can be configured in pairs with the position detection sensor 1400 on the bottom surface of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3.

[0403] The position detection sensor 1400 can recognize the detection object and can recognize whether there is another device at the corresponding position. Alternatively, the position detection sensor 1400 can recognize the detection object, transmit detection data to the processor 1110, and the processor 1110 can recognize the configuration of the device based on the position of the position detection sensor 1400 that transmitted the detection data.

[0404] The care machine 4 can be provided with the position detection sensor 1400 on at least one side surface. More preferably, the care machine 4 can be provided with the position detection sensor 1400 on both side surfaces. According to the detection method of the position detection sensor 1400 possessed by the care machine 4, a detection object (not shown) can be configured in pairs with the position detection sensor 1400 on the side surface of the washing machine 2 and the dryer 3.

[0405] The washing machine 2 and the dryer 3 can respectively include an upper panel 210a, 310a forming a top surface, and a lower panel 210b, 310b forming a bottom surface, in which the position detection sensor 1410, 1420 can be disposed in the upper panel 210a, 310a, and a detection object (not shown) detectable by the position detection sensor 1410, 1420 can be disposed in the lower panel 210b, 310b.

[0406] The care machine 4 can include a first position detection sensor 1421 disposed at a left side thereof, and a second position detection sensor 1422 disposed at a right side thereof. The first position detection sensor 1421 and the second position detection sensor 1422 can be disposed at different heights from each other.

[0407] The washing machine 2 and the dryer 3 can respectively include side panels 210e, 310e forming respective left and right side surfaces, and detection objects detectable by the first and second position detection sensors 1421, 1422 can be disposed in the left and right side panels 210e, 310e, respectively.

[0408] According to an embodiment of the present application, when the laundry treating apparatuses 2, 3, 4 are combined, the position state of the laundry treating apparatuses 2, 3, 4 can be recognized by recognizing the position of a pin, a position sensor, a magnetic force detection sensor, a weight sensor, etc., and the configuration of an operation screen can be automatically changed.

[0409] Figure 15 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a position detection method.

[0410] Figure 15 A illustrates a pin contact method. The pin contact method is a power contact method, and when an electrode is connected, it can be recognized that another apparatus is disposed in a corresponding area. Here, a male pin 1511 disposed at a lower end of an upper product can be a detection object, and a female pin 1512 disposed at an upper end of a lower product can be a position detection sensor 1410, 1420. If a current flows in the female pin 1512, the lower product can recognize that it is disposed in a lower direction.

[0411] In the case of the care machine 4, if a current flows in a left female pin, it can be recognized that it is disposed in a right direction, and if a current flows in a right female pin, it can be recognized that it is disposed in a left direction.

[0412] Figure 15 B illustrates a method of using an element that changes a voltage according to the strength of a magnetic field, such as a Hall sensor.

[0413] A Hall sensor 1521 can be provided at the lower end of the upper product or the upper end of the lower product. In addition, a magnet 1522 can be provided at the upper end of the lower product or the lower end of the upper product. The configuration position of the device can be identified according to the direction of the detected magnetic force.

[0414] Figure 15 C illustrates a method using a weight sensor.

[0415] A weight sensor 1530 can be provided at the top end of the washing machine 2 or the dryer 3, and if other products are placed at the upper end, the weight thereof can be identified. The product that identifies the weight at the upper end can identify itself as being configured at the lower side. Since the weight sensor of the upper product is not placed with a product, it can be automatically identified as being configured at the upper side.

[0416] Alternatively, the laundry processors 2, 3, 4 can each have a proximity sensor (not shown) to detect other devices.

[0417] On the other hand, the detection data of the position detection sensor 1400 or the identification result of the position detection sensor 1400 can be summarized at the processor 1110, and the processor 1110 can control to display an operation screen corresponding to the configuration form of the laundry processor 2, 3, 4 on the display 1162.

[0418] If a pin contact method is used, as shown in Figure 16 when the washing machine 2 is located at the upper side, the connection switch 1410 of the upper portion of the washing machine 2 is not connected, and thus it can be detected that the washing machine 2 in which no current flows through the connection switch 1410 is located at the upper side.

[0419] In addition, since the switch 1420 of the dryer 3 is connected with the washing machine 2, it can be identified that the dryer 3 is located at the lower side.

[0420] In addition, since the right connection switch 1432 of the care machine 4 is connected with the washing machine 2 / dryer 3, it can be detected that the washing machine 2 / dryer 3 is configured at the right side of the care machine 4.

[0421] Referring to Figure 16 , the distance g between the first position detection sensor 1421 and the second position detection sensor 1422 can be the same as the distance g between the detection object 1522 provided at the washing machine 2 and the detection object 1522 provided at the dryer 3.

[0422] An operation screen 1600 reflecting the configuration form of the laundry treaters 2, 3, 4 is displayed on the display 1162. When the laundry treaters 2, 3, 4 are viewed from the front, the washing machine 2 is configured at the upper left, the dryer 3 is configured at the lower left, and the care machine 4 is configured at the right. When viewed from the front, in the operation screen 1600, the washing machine display region 1610 is also configured at the upper left, the dryer display region 1620 is also configured at the lower left, and the care machine display region 1630 is also configured at the right.

[0423] Referring to Figure 17 When the washing machine 2 is located at the upper side, the connection switch 1410 of the upper portion of the washing machine 2 is not connected, and thus it can be detected that the washing machine 2 whose connection switch 1410 through which no current flows is located at the upper side. Also, since the switch 1420 of the dryer 3 is connected with the washing machine 2, it can be recognized that the dryer 3 is located at the lower side.

[0424] Also, since the left side connection switch 1431 of the care machine 4 is connected with the washing machine 2 / dryer 3, it can be detected that the washing machine 2 / dryer 3 is configured at the left side of the care machine 4.

[0425] An operation screen 1700 reflecting the configuration form of the laundry treaters 2, 3, 4 is displayed on the display 1162. When the laundry treaters 2, 3, 4 are viewed from the front, the washing machine 2 is configured at the upper right, the dryer 3 is configured at the lower right, and the care machine 4 is configured at the left. When viewed from the front, in the operation screen 1700, the washing machine display region 1710 is also configured at the upper right, the dryer display region 1720 is also configured at the lower right, and the care machine display region 1730 is also configured at the left.

[0426] Referring to Figure 18A When the dryer 3 is located at the upper side, the connection switch 1420 of the upper portion of the dryer 3 is not connected, and thus it can be detected that the dryer 3 whose connection switch 1420 through which no current flows is located at the upper side. Also, since the switch 1410 of the washing machine 2 is connected with the dryer 3, it can be recognized that the washing machine 2 is located at the lower side.

[0427] Also, since the right side connection switch 1432 of the care machine 4 is connected with the washing machine 2 / dryer 3, it can be detected that the washing machine 2 / dryer 3 is configured at the right side of the care machine 4.

[0428] An operation screen 1800 reflecting the configuration form of the laundry treaters 2, 3, 4 is displayed on the display 1162. When the laundry treaters 2, 3, 4 are viewed from the front, the dryer 3 is configured at the upper left side, the washing machine 2 is configured at the lower left side, and the care machine 4 is configured at the right side. When viewed from the front, in the operation screen 1800, the dryer display area 1820 is also configured at the upper left side, the washing machine display area 1810 is also configured at the lower left side, and the care machine display area 1830 is also configured at the right side.

[0429] Referring to Figure 18B A plurality of menu buttons 1825 capable of operating the dryer 3 are configured in the upper left dryer display area 1820. A plurality of menu buttons 1815 capable of operating the washing machine 2 are configured in the lower left washing machine display area 1810. A plurality of menu buttons 1835 capable of operating the care machine 4 are configured in the right care machine display area 1830.

[0430] Referring to Figure 19 When the dryer 3 is located at the upper side, the connection switch 1420 of the upper portion of the dryer 3 is not connected, and thus it can be detected that the dryer 3 located at the upper side has no current flowing through the connection switch 1420. In addition, since the switch 1410 of the washing machine 2 is connected with the dryer 3, it can be recognized that the washing machine 2 is located at the lower side.

[0431] In addition, since the left connection switch 1431 of the care machine 4 is connected with the washing machine 2 / dryer 3, it can be detected that the washing machine 2 / dryer 3 is configured at the left side of the care machine 4.

[0432] An operation screen 1900 reflecting the configuration form of the laundry treaters 2, 3, 4 is displayed on the display 1162. When the laundry treaters 2, 3, 4 are viewed from the front, the dryer 3 is configured at the upper right side, the washing machine 2 is configured at the lower right side, and the care machine 4 is configured at the left side. When viewed from the front, in the operation screen 1900, the dryer display area 1920 is also configured at the upper right side, the washing machine display area 1910 is also configured at the lower right side, and the care machine display area 1930 is also configured at the left side.

[0433] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, an intuitive user experience corresponding to different configuration states of a plurality of laundry treaters can be provided. In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present application, the configuration state of the laundry treaters can be automatically detected.

[0434] When a user sends a physical signal to the door, the display 1162 can be seen from the outside. In addition, the user interface provided by the display 1162 can reflect the combination of devices, the configuration form, and the action situation.

[0435] If there is an input to the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, or the care machine 4, the display 1162 can change the brightness of the display area corresponding to the input among the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area.

[0436] In addition, if there is an input to the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, or the care machine 4, the internal LED provided in the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, or the care machine 4 can be turned on.

[0437] Alternatively, if there is an input to the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, or the care machine 4, the display 1162 can display only the display area corresponding to the input among the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area. In this case, the display can also enlarge and display only the display area corresponding to the input among the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area.

[0438] Referring to Figure 20 , the operation screen 2000 includes the washing machine display area 2010, the dryer display area 2020, and the care machine display area 2030 reflecting the configuration form of the laundry processor 2, 3, 4.

[0439] In the case of tapping or touching the washing machine 2, only the washing machine display area 2010 among the washing machine display area 2010, the dryer display area 2020, and the care machine display area 2030 can be lighting or brighter. In addition, the internal LED of the washing machine 2 is turned on.

[0440] Alternatively, if there is an input to the washing machine 2, the dryer 3, or the care machine 4, the display 1162 can display only the display area corresponding to the input among the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area.

[0441] Referring to Figure 21 , in the case of tapping or touching the dryer 3, only the dryer display area 2100 can be enlarged and displayed. In addition, the internal LED of the dryer 3 can be turned on.

[0442] According to circumstances, the operation screen 2200 can include only an area corresponding to only a part of the devices of the laundry processor 2, 3, 4. Referring to Figure 22 , the operation screen 2200 can be composed of the upper dryer display area 2020 and the lower washing machine display area 2010.

[0443] Referring to Figure 23If the user approaches the laundry treating apparatus 1, the display 1162 can display current state information 2300 of each laundry treating apparatus 2, 3, 4.

[0444] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, by unifying the communication and operation of the laundry treating apparatuses 2, 3, 4, use convenience can be improved.

[0445] According to at least one embodiment of the present application, information visibility is improved, and information about overall driving of the product can be easily recognized.

[0446] The present application can be implemented in various forms, and thus the scope of the right is not limited to the above-described embodiments. As long as the modified embodiments include the constituent elements in the claims of the present application, they should be considered to belong to the scope of the right of the present application.

[0447] The aforementioned any embodiment or other embodiment of the present application is not exclusive or different from each other. The respective constituents or functions of the aforementioned any embodiment or other embodiment of the present application can be mixedly used or combined.

[0448] For example, it means that A constituent described in a certain embodiment and / or a drawing and B constituent described in other embodiment and / or a drawing can be combined. That is, even if the combination between the constituents is not directly described, it means that the combination is possible, unless the description indicates that the combination is not possible.

[0449] The above-described detailed description should not be interpreted as being restrictive in all aspects and should be considered as being exemplary. The scope of the present application should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the claims, and all modifications within the scope of equivalents of the present application are included in the scope of the present application.

[0450] The following is an example.

[0451] 1. A laundry treating apparatus comprising: a washing machine including a first housing formed with a first drop port, a first door opening and closing the first housing, an outer tub disposed inside the first housing, and a first drum disposed in the outer tub in a rotatable manner and accommodating a laundry;

[0452] a drying machine including a second housing disposed above or below the first housing and formed with a second drop port, a second door opening and closing the second housing, and a second drum disposed inside the second housing in a rotatable manner and accommodating a laundry; and

[0453] a care machine disposed at least one side of the washing machine and the drying machine, and including a third housing formed with a space accommodating a laundry inside, and a third door opening and closing the third housing,

[0454] A display is provided on the front surface of the third door, and the display displays an operation screen including a plurality of menu buttons capable of operating the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine,

[0455] The configuration positions of the plurality of menu buttons in the operation screen are changed in correspondence with the configuration forms of the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine.

[0456] 2. The laundry treatment apparatus of example 1,

[0457] The washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine each include a position detection sensor capable of detecting an adjacent laundry treatment apparatus,

[0458] The configuration positions of the plurality of menu buttons can be automatically changed based on detection data of the position detection sensor.

[0459] 3. The laundry treatment apparatus of example 2,

[0460] The care machine includes a first position detection sensor provided on the left side and a second position detection sensor provided on the right side,

[0461] The first position detection sensor and the second position detection sensor are provided at different heights from each other,

[0462] The washing machine and the drying machine each include a side panel forming a respective left or right side surface,

[0463] Detection objects capable of being detected by the first and second position detection sensors are provided on the left and right side surfaces, respectively.

[0464] 4. The laundry treatment apparatus of example 2,

[0465] A distance between the first position detection sensor and the second position detection sensor is the same as a distance between a detection object provided on the washing machine and a detection object provided on the drying machine.

[0466] 5. The laundry treatment apparatus of example 2,

[0467] The washing machine and the drying machine each include an upper panel forming a top surface and a lower panel forming a bottom surface,

[0468] The position detection sensor is provided on the upper panel,

[0469] A detection object capable of being detected by the position detection sensor is provided on the lower panel.

[0470] 6. The laundry treating apparatus of example 1,

[0471] The operation screen includes a washing machine display area configured with menu buttons capable of operating the washing machine, a dryer display area configured with menu buttons capable of operating the dryer, and a care machine display area configured with menu buttons capable of operating the care machine.

[0472] The washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area are configured in the same manner as the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine.

[0473] 7. The laundry treating apparatus of example 6,

[0474] If there is an input to the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine, the display changes the brightness of the display area corresponding to the input among the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area.

[0475] 8. The laundry treating apparatus of example 7,

[0476] If there is an input to the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine, the internal LED provided in the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine is turned on.

[0477] 9. The laundry treating apparatus of example 6,

[0478] If there is an input to the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine, the display displays only the display area corresponding to the input among the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area.

[0479] 10. The laundry treating apparatus of example 6,

[0480] If there is an input to the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine, the display enlarges and displays only the display area corresponding to the input among the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area.

[0481] 11. The laundry treating apparatus of example 1,

[0482] Further comprising a control panel configured between the washing machine and the dryer.

[0483] 12. The laundry treating apparatus of example 1,

[0484] The washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine each have one or more communication modules to enable wired or wireless communication with each other.

[0485] At least one of the washing machine, the dryer, the care machine wirelessly communicates with an external device.

[0486] 13. The laundry treatment apparatus of example 1, wherein

[0487] further comprising a heating device that heats air,

[0488] the heated air is supplied to at least one of the washing machine, the dryer, the care machine.

[0489] 14. The laundry treatment apparatus of example 13, wherein

[0490] further comprising a mechanical chamber that forms a space for configuring the heating device,

[0491] the mechanical chamber is located between the first drum and the second drum.

[0492] 15. The laundry treatment apparatus of example 13, wherein

[0493] further comprising a mechanical chamber that forms a space for configuring the heating device,

[0494] the mechanical chamber is located at a lower side of the washing machine or the dryer.

[0495] 16. A laundry treatment apparatus, comprising: a washing machine including a first housing formed with a first drop port, a first door that opens and closes the first housing, an outer tub disposed inside the first housing, and a first drum disposed rotatably inside the outer tub and accommodating a laundry; a dryer including a second housing disposed above or below the first housing and formed with a second drop port, a second door that opens and closes the second housing, and a second drum disposed rotatably inside the second housing and accommodating a laundry; a care machine disposed at at least one side of the washing machine and the dryer, and including a third housing formed inside with a space accommodating a laundry, and a third door that opens and closes the third housing; and a control panel displaying an operation screen including a plurality of menu buttons capable of operating the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine,

[0496]

[0497]

[0498] a configuration position of the plurality of menu buttons in the operation screen is changed in correspondence with a configuration form of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine.

[0499]

[0500] 17. The laundry treatment apparatus of example 16, wherein​​​

[0501] The washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine each include a position detection sensor capable of detecting other laundry treating apparatuses disposed adjacent thereto,

[0502] Configuration positions of a plurality of the menu buttons are automatically changed based on detection data of the position detection sensor.

[0503] 18. The laundry treating apparatus of example 16, wherein

[0504] The operation screen includes a washing machine display area in which menu buttons capable of operating the washing machine are disposed, a dryer display area in which menu buttons capable of operating the dryer are disposed, and a care machine display area in which menu buttons capable of operating the care machine are disposed;

[0505] The configuration form of the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area is identical to the configuration form of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine.

[0506] 19. The laundry treating apparatus of example 18, wherein

[0507] If there is an input to the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine, the brightness of a display area corresponding to the input is changed in the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, or the care machine display area.

[0508] 20. The laundry treating apparatus of example 16, wherein

[0509] Further comprising a heating device that heats air,

[0510] The heated air is supplied to at least one of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine.

[0511] 21. A laundry treating apparatus comprising: a washing machine including a first housing formed with a first drop port, a first door that opens and closes the first housing, an outer tub disposed inside the first housing, and a first drum disposed rotatably inside the outer tub and accommodating a laundry; a dryer including a second housing disposed above or below the first housing and formed with a second drop port, a second door that opens and closes the second housing, and a second drum disposed rotatably inside the second housing and accommodating a laundry; and a care machine disposed to at least one side of the washing machine and the dryer, including a third housing formed inside with a space accommodating a laundry, and a third door that opens and closes the third housing.

[0512] a washing machine including a first housing formed with a first drop port, a first door that opens and closes the first housing, an outer tub disposed inside the first housing, and a first drum disposed rotatably inside the outer tub and accommodating a laundry;

[0513] a dryer including a second housing disposed above or below the first housing and formed with a second drop port, a second door that opens and closes the second housing, and a second drum disposed rotatably inside the second housing and accommodating a laundry; and

[0514] The washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine each have one or more communication modules to enable communication with each other,

[0515] One of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine includes a representative communication module that wirelessly communicates with external devices through a first communication method,

[0516] The remaining laundry treatment apparatuses other than the representative laundry treatment apparatus including the representative communication module wirelessly or wiredly communicate with the representative laundry treatment apparatus.

[0517] 22. The laundry treatment apparatus of example 21, wherein

[0518] The representative laundry treatment apparatus and the remaining laundry treatment apparatuses also wirelessly communicate through the first communication method,

[0519] One of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine is capable of operating as a wireless router.

[0520] 23. The laundry treatment apparatus of example 21, wherein

[0521] The representative laundry treatment apparatus and the remaining laundry treatment apparatuses communicate through a second communication method different from the first communication method.

[0522] 24. The laundry treatment apparatus of example 23, wherein

[0523] The second communication method is a wireless communication method of lower power and shorter distance than the first communication method or a wired communication method.

[0524] 25. The laundry treatment apparatus of example 21, wherein

[0525] Further comprising a heating device that heats air,

[0526] The heated air is supplied to at least one of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine.

[0527] 26. The laundry treatment apparatus of example 25, wherein

[0528] The heating device has a communication module that communicates with the representative laundry treatment apparatus.

[0529] 27. The laundry treatment apparatus of example 25, wherein

[0530] The heating device is disposed between the washing machine and the dryer and wiredly communicates with the washing machine and the dryer through wired connection,

[0531] The heating device is in wireless communication with the care machine.

[0532] 28. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 25, wherein

[0533] further comprising a control panel configured between the washing machine and the drying machine and located at a front of the heating device,

[0534] the control panel is in wired communication with the heating device by being connected to the heating device in a wired manner.

[0535] 29. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 25, wherein

[0536] the heating device is configured at a lower side of the washing machine or the drying machine,

[0537] the heating device is in wireless communication with the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine.

[0538] 30. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 21, wherein

[0539] the representative laundry treating apparatus and the remaining laundry treating apparatuses are powered off when not in use.

[0540] 31. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 21, wherein

[0541] a display is configured at a front of the third door, the display displaying an operation screen including a plurality of menu buttons capable of operating the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine,

[0542] configuration positions of the plurality of menu buttons in the operation screen are changed in correspondence with configuration forms of the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine.

[0543] 32. A laundry treating apparatus comprising: a washing machine including a first housing formed with a first drop port, a first door opening and closing the first housing, a tub configured inside the first housing, and a first drum configured in the tub in a rotatable manner and accommodating a laundry;

[0544] a drying machine including a second housing configured above or below the first housing and formed with a second drop port, a second door opening and closing the second housing, and a second drum configured inside the second housing in a rotatable manner and accommodating a laundry;

[0545] a care machine configured at at least one side of the washing machine and the drying machine and including a third housing formed inside with a space accommodating a laundry, and a third door opening and closing the third housing; and

[0546] a heating device that heats air,

[0547] air heated by the heating device is supplied to at least one of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine;

[0548] the washing machine, the dryer, the care machine, and the heating device each have one or more communication modules to enable communication with each other,

[0549] one of the washing machine, the dryer, the care machine, and the heating device includes a representative communication module that wirelessly communicates with external devices through a first communication method,

[0550] the remaining devices, excluding the representative device including the representative communication module, communicate with the representative device through wired or wireless communication.

[0551] 33. In the laundry processing apparatus of example 32,

[0552] the representative device and the remaining devices also wirelessly communicate through the first communication method,

[0553] one of the washing machine, the dryer, the care machine, and the heating device is capable of operating as a wireless router.

[0554] 34. In the laundry processing apparatus of example 32,

[0555] the representative device and the remaining devices communicate through a second communication method different from the first communication method.

[0556] 35. In the laundry processing apparatus of example 34,

[0557] the second communication method is a wireless communication method of lower power and shorter distance than the first communication method or a wired communication method.

[0558] 36. In the laundry processing apparatus of example 32,

[0559] the heating device is disposed between the washing machine and the dryer and is connected to the washing machine and the dryer through a wired method to perform wired communication,

[0560] the heating device wirelessly communicates with the care machine.

[0561] 37. In the laundry processing apparatus of example 32,

[0562] a control panel is further included, the control panel is disposed between the washing machine and the dryer and is located on the front of the heating device,

[0563] The control panel is connected to the heating device by wire and performs wired communication.

[0564] 38. The laundry treating apparatus of example 32, wherein

[0565] The heating device is disposed at a lower side of the washing machine or the drying machine,

[0566] The heating device is wirelessly communicated with the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine.

[0567] 39. The laundry treating apparatus of example 32, wherein

[0568] The representative device and the remaining devices are powered off when not in use.

[0569] 40. The laundry treating apparatus of example 32, wherein

[0570] A display is disposed at a front surface of the third door, and the display displays an operation screen including a plurality of menu buttons capable of operating the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine,

[0571] Configuration positions of the plurality of menu buttons in the operation screen are changed in correspondence with configuration forms of the washing machine, the drying machine, and the care machine.

Claims

1. A laundry treating apparatus, wherein, Comprising: a washing machine including a first housing formed with a first drop port, a first door opening and closing the first housing, an outer tub disposed inside the first housing, and a first drum disposed rotatably inside the outer tub and accommodating laundry; a dryer disposed in the up-and-down direction of the first housing and including a second housing formed with a second drop port, a second door opening and closing the second housing, and a second drum disposed rotatably inside the second housing and accommodating laundry; and a care machine disposed at least one side of the washing machine and the dryer and including a third housing formed with a space inside to accommodate laundry and a third door opening and closing the third housing, a display is disposed on the front of the third door, the display displaying an operation screen including a plurality of menu buttons capable of operating the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine, the configuration positions of the plurality of menu buttons in the operation screen are changed in correspondence with the configuration form of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine, the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine each include a position detection sensor capable of detecting the other laundry processor disposed adjacent thereto, the configuration positions of the plurality of menu buttons are automatically changed based on the detection data of the position detection sensor. 2.The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the care machine includes a first position detection sensor disposed at a left side and a second position detection sensor disposed at a right side, the first position detection sensor and the second position detection sensor are disposed at different heights from each other, the washing machine and the dryer each include a left side panel and a right side panel forming respective left and right side surfaces, detection objects capable of being detected by the first position detection sensor and the second position detection sensor are disposed on the left side panel and the right side panel, respectively. 3.The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a distance between the first position detection sensor and the second position detection sensor is the same as a distance between a detection object disposed on the washing machine and a detection object disposed on the dryer. 4.The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the washing machine and the dryer each include an upper panel forming a top surface and a lower panel forming a bottom surface, the position detection sensor is disposed on the upper panel, a detection object capable of being detected by the position detection sensor is disposed on the lower panel. 5.The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation screen includes a washing machine display area in which menu buttons capable of operating the washing machine are disposed, a dryer display area in which menu buttons capable of operating the dryer are disposed, and a care machine display area in which menu buttons capable of operating the care machine are disposed, the configuration form of the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area is the same as the configuration form of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine. 6.The laundry processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein ​ If there is an input to the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine, then the display changes the brightness of the display area corresponding to the input among the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area.

7. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 6, wherein if there is an input to the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine, an internal LED provided to the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine is turned on.

8. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 5, wherein if there is an input to the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine, then the display displays only the display area corresponding to the input among the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area.

9. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 5, wherein if there is an input to the washing machine, the dryer, or the care machine, then the display enlarges and displays only the display area corresponding to the input among the washing machine display area, the dryer display area, and the care machine display area.

10. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine each have one or more communication modules to enable communication with each other, one of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine includes a representative communication module that wirelessly communicates with an external device through a first communication method, and the remaining devices other than the representative device including the representative communication module communicate with the representative device through the first communication method or a second communication method different from the first communication method.

11. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine is capable of operating as a wireless router.

12. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a heating device that heats air, and the heated air is supplied to at least one of the washing machine, the dryer, and the care machine.

13. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a mechanical chamber that forms a space for configuring the heating device, and the mechanical chamber is located between the first drum and the second drum, or is located at a lower side of the washing machine or a lower side of the dryer.

14. The clothes treating apparatus of claim 13, wherein one of the washing machine, the dryer, the care machine, and the heating device includes a representative communication module that wirelessly communicates with an external device through a first communication method, and the remaining devices other than the representative device including the representative communication module communicate with the representative device through the first communication method or a second communication method different from the first communication method. ​ ​

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