Clothing care device and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a clothes care apparatus and a control method thereof. The laundry care apparatus may acquire mode operation information of a previous steam mode stored in a memory based on receiving a water level detection signal of a preset water level from a water level sensor at the beginning of a current steam mode, and control a water supply apparatus and a heater based on the acquired mode operation information of the previous steam mode.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a laundry care apparatus for controlling a steam mode in case scale is formed on a water level sensor, and a method for controlling a laundry care apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] The laundry care apparatus is a device that performs laundry care, such as drying wet laundry, removing dirt or odor on laundry, and reducing wrinkles on laundry.

[0003] In general, the laundry care apparatus can include a cabinet forming a laundry care room for accommodating laundry, and a door for opening and closing the cabinet.

[0004] The laundry care apparatus can include a circulation device that supplies hot air to the laundry care room to dry the laundry, a steam device that performs a refresh function such as removing wrinkles in the laundry, deodorizing the laundry, removing static electricity on the laundry, etc., a water supplier that supplies water to the steam device, a drain device that drains residual water from the steam device, etc.

[0005] In the above, the steam device can include a steam chamber, a water level sensor for detecting a water level of water stored in the steam chamber, a heater for heating the water stored in the steam chamber, and a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the water in the steam chamber.

[0006] The water stored in the steam chamber of the steam device is hard water containing a large amount of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Accordingly, scale can be formed on the water level sensor in the steam chamber, and the amount of scale formed on the water level sensor can increase as the period of use and the number of uses of the steam device increase.

[0007] In case scale is formed on the water level sensor, the water level sensor can output a water level detection signal due to electrical conduction even if the water level sensor is not in contact with the water in the steam chamber. In this case, the steam device can erroneously detect that there is water in the steam chamber, and operate the heater.

[0008] As such, the heater is operated in a state in which there is no water in the steam chamber, causing the heater to overheat. In addition, the overheating of the heater can cause a malfunction of the heater or a fire in the laundry care apparatus. SUMMARY

[0009] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0010] One aspect of the disclosure is to provide a laundry care apparatus and a control method thereof, which can confirm mode operation information of a previous steam mode based on receiving a water level detection signal corresponding to a preset water level from a water level sensor at a start of a current steam mode, and control water supply based on the confirmed mode operation information of the previous steam mode.

[0011] Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide a laundry care apparatus and a control method thereof, which can obtain and store water temperature information and heater off information over time as mode operation information of a current steam mode during operation of the current steam mode.

[0012] Technical Solution

[0013] A laundry care apparatus according to one aspect of the disclosure can include a steam chamber, a water supplier configured to supply water to the steam chamber, a heater configured to heat water in the steam chamber, a water level sensor disposed in the steam chamber and configured to detect a first reference water level and a second reference water level higher than the first reference water level, a memory configured to store mode operation information of a previous steam mode, and a processor configured to control the water supplier and the heater based on the mode operation information of the previous steam mode based on receiving a water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level from the water level sensor at a start of a current steam mode.

[0014] The mode operation information of the previous steam mode of the laundry care apparatus according to one aspect of the disclosure can include water temperature information over time and heater off information of the heater. The processor of the laundry care apparatus according to one aspect of the disclosure can be configured to determine whether to supply water based on the water temperature information over time.

[0015] The processor of the laundry care apparatus according to one aspect of the disclosure can be configured to obtain a change time in which a water temperature of the steam chamber changes from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on the obtained water temperature information over time, determine that water supply is not required based on the obtained change time being greater than or equal to a reference time, and determine that water supply is required based on the obtained change time being less than the reference time. The first reference water temperature is lower than the second reference water temperature.

[0016] The processor of the laundry care apparatus according to one aspect of the disclosure can be configured to obtain a steam generation time from the water temperature information over time and the heater off information based on the obtained change time being less than the reference time, obtain a water supply amount based on the obtained steam generation time, and control operation of the water supplier based on the water supply amount.

[0017] The processor of the laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can be configured to obtain a time of arrival of the water temperature of the steam chamber to reach a second reference water temperature based on water temperature information over time, obtain a turn-off time when the heater is turned off based on heater turn-off information, and obtain a time period between the obtained time of arrival and the obtained turn-off time as a steam generation time.

[0018] The laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can further include a temperature sensor configured to detect a water temperature of the steam chamber. The processor of the laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can be configured to obtain water temperature information over time based on the current steam mode being in operation and the water temperature information being received from the temperature sensor, control the memory to store the obtained water temperature information over time as mode operation information of the current steam mode, and change the mode operation information of the previous steam mode stored in the memory to the mode operation information of the current steam mode.

[0019] The laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can further include an input interface. The processor of the laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can be configured to control the heater to be turned off based on a progress received through the input interface and the water temperature information received from the temperature sensor, and control the memory to store a turn-off time when the heater is turned off as mode operation information of the current steam mode.

[0020] The processor of the laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can be configured to control the water supplier to supply water based on a water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level not being received from the water level sensor at the time when the current steam mode starts, and control the water supplier to stop supplying water based on the water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level being received from the water level sensor while the water supplier is being controlled.

[0021] The laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can further include a temperature sensor configured to detect a water temperature of the steam chamber. The processor of the laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can be configured to obtain water temperature information over time based on the current steam mode being in operation and the water temperature information being received from the temperature sensor, control the memory to store the obtained water temperature information over time as mode operation information of the current steam mode, and change the mode operation information of the previous steam mode stored in the memory to the mode operation information of the current steam mode.

[0022] The laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can further include an input interface. The processor of the laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can be configured to control the heater to be turned off based on a progress received through the input interface and the water temperature information received from the temperature sensor, and control the memory to store a turn-off time when the heater is turned off as mode operation information of the current steam mode.

[0023] The laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can further include a temperature sensor configured to detect a water temperature of the steam chamber. The processor of the laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can be configured to obtain a change time in which the water temperature of the steam chamber changes from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on water temperature information received from the temperature sensor, obtain a steam generation time between a reaching time in which the water temperature reaches the second reference water temperature and a turning-off time in which the heater is turned off, and control the memory to store the obtained change time and steam generation time as mode operation information of a current steam mode.

[0024] The laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can further include a display. The processor of the laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can be configured to control the display to display an error based on a water level detection signal corresponding to the first reference water level not being received and a water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level being received.

[0025] The mode operation information of the previous steam mode of the laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can include water temperature information over time. The processor of the laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can be configured to obtain a change time in which the water temperature of the steam chamber changes from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on the obtained water temperature information over time, and determine a water supply amount based on the obtained change time.

[0026] The first reference water temperature of the laundry care apparatus according to an aspect is lower than the second reference water temperature.

[0027] The mode operation information of the previous steam mode of the laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can include water temperature information over time and heater turning-off information of the heater. The processor of the laundry care apparatus according to an aspect of the disclosure can be configured to obtain a current water level of the steam chamber based on the water temperature information over time, obtain a water usage amount based on the heater turning-off information, and determine a water supply amount based on the obtained current water level and the obtained water usage amount.

[0028] A method for controlling a laundry care apparatus according to another aspect of the disclosure can include obtaining mode operation information of a previous steam mode stored in a memory based on a water level detection signal corresponding to a preset water level being received from a water level sensor at a start of a current steam mode, and controlling a water supplier and a heater based on the obtained mode operation information of the previous steam mode.

[0029] Controlling the water supplier can include determining whether to supply water based on the obtained mode operation information of the previous steam mode, and controlling the water supplier to operate or stop based on whether to supply water.

[0030] The control water supplier can include obtaining a change time in which the water temperature of the steam chamber changes from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on the obtained mode operation information of the previous steam mode, stopping the water supply based on the obtained change time being greater than or equal to a reference time, obtaining a steam generation time according to the obtained mode operation information based on the obtained change time being less than the reference time, obtaining a water supply amount based on the obtained steam generation time, and controlling an operation of the water supplier based on the water supply amount. The first reference water temperature is lower than the second reference water temperature.

[0031] The obtaining of the steam generation time can include obtaining a time period between a reaching time in which the water temperature reaches the second reference water temperature and a turning-off time in which the heater is turned off based on the obtained mode operation information of the previous steam mode, and obtaining the obtained time period as the steam generation time.

[0032] The method according to another aspect of the disclosure can further include obtaining water temperature information over time based on the water temperature information being received from the temperature sensor during an operation of the current steam mode, obtaining heater turning-off information of the heater based on the progress received through the input interface and the water temperature information received from the temperature sensor, and storing the water temperature information over time and the heater turning-off information as mode operation information of the current steam mode in the memory.

[0033] The method according to another aspect of the disclosure can further include controlling the water supply to be performed based on a water level detection signal corresponding to a preset water level not being received from the water level sensor at the start of the current steam mode, controlling the water supply to be stopped based on the water level detection signal corresponding to the preset water level being received during the water supply, and controlling the heater to be turned on.

[0034] The method according to another aspect of the disclosure can further include controlling the heater to be turned off based on the progress received through the input interface and the water temperature information received from the temperature sensor, storing heater turning-off information including a turning-off time in which the heater is turned off as mode operation information of the current steam mode in the memory, and storing water temperature information over time as mode operation information of the current steam mode in the memory based on the water temperature information being received from the temperature sensor.

[0035] Advantageous effects

[0036] According to the disclosure, even if the water level of the steam chamber is erroneously detected due to scale formation on the water level sensor, water can be supplied to the steam chamber up to a preset water level to normally operate the steam mode.

[0037] According to the disclosure, even if the water level of the steam chamber is erroneously detected due to scale formation on the water level sensor, the water level of water stored in the steam chamber can be obtained, and the steam mode can be normally operated based on the obtained water level being an appropriate water level for steam generation.

[0038] As such, according to the present disclosure, water can be supplied even though scale is formed on the water level sensor, thereby preventing overheating and malfunction of the heater, and further preventing malfunction of the laundry care apparatus and ensuring safe operation of the steam generator of the laundry care apparatus. In addition, a fire in the laundry care apparatus can be prevented by preventing malfunction of the heater.

[0039] According to the present disclosure, an operation error of the steam mode due to scale formed on the water level sensor can be prevented, and the laundry care apparatus can be operated during a lifespan of the laundry care apparatus even though scale occurs in the water level sensor without replacing the water level sensor.

[0040] According to the present disclosure, after-sales costs, time, and manpower due to malfunction of the water level sensor caused by scale on the water level sensor can be reduced, and convenience and satisfaction of a user can be improved.

[0041] According to the present disclosure, quality and marketability of the laundry care apparatus can be improved, and safety and competitiveness of the laundry care apparatus can be enhanced.

[0042] Before undertaking the detailed description below, it can be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and / or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, can mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such a device can be implemented in hardware, firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller can be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely.

[0043] Moreover, various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed from computer readable program code. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof. The phrase "computer readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer readable medium" includes any type of media capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A "non-transitory" computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links. Non-transitory computer readable media include media where particular data is permanently stored and media where particular data is stored and altered, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.

[0044] Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and include the following terms and phrases, which can be used in any context: "program" refers to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or a portion thereof. The phrase "computer readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer readable medium" includes any type of media capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A "non-transitory" computer readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links. Non-transitory computer readable media include media where particular data is permanently stored and media where particular data is stored and altered, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

[0046] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a laundry care device according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 2 is a view of a laundry care device according to an embodiment with an open door.

[0048] Figure 3 is a cutaway view of a laundry care device according to an embodiment.

[0049] Figure 4a is a perspective view of an exterior of a steamer according to an embodiment.

[0050] Figure 4b is a perspective view of an interior of a steamer according to an embodiment.

[0051] Figure 5 is a control block diagram of a laundry care device according to an embodiment.

[0052] Figure 6An example of controlling a steam mode according to an embodiment based on a first water level detection signal and a second water level detection signal received from a water level sensor of a laundry care apparatus is shown.

[0053] Figure 7a and Figure 7b is a graph of water temperature of a steam generator of a laundry care apparatus according to an embodiment over time.

[0054] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a laundry care apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0055] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a laundry care apparatus according to an embodiment in a case where a steam mode is determined as a normal mode.

[0056] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a laundry care apparatus according to an embodiment in a case where a steam mode is determined as a safety mode.

[0057] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a laundry care apparatus according to another embodiment in a case where a steam mode is determined as a safety mode.

[0058] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a laundry care apparatus according to still another embodiment in a case where a steam mode is determined as a safety mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The various embodiments discussed below Figures 1 to 12 and the principles of the present disclosure described in this patent document are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will appreciate from the present disclosure that variations and modifications of the principles of the present disclosure can be used in other suitable systems or devices.

[0060] The various embodiments and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technology disclosed herein to a particular form, and the present disclosure should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to corresponding embodiments.

[0061] In describing the drawings, like reference numerals can be used to denote like elements throughout the several views.

[0062] Unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by context, singular expressions can include plural expressions.

[0063] The expressions "A or B", "at least one of A or / and B", or "one or more of A, B, or C", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, or / and C", or "one or more of A, B, or / and C", and the like used herein can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0064] The term "and / or" includes multiple combinations of the associated listed items or any one of the associated listed items.

[0065] Herein, the expressions "first", "second", "the first", "the second", and the like can simply be used to distinguish elements from other elements, but are not limited to another aspect (for example, importance or order) of the elements.

[0066] When an element (for example, a first element) is referred to as being "(functionally or communicatively) coupled to" or "connected to" another element (for example, a second element), the first element can be directly (for example, wiredly) connected to the second element, or wirelessly connected to the second element, or connected to the second element through a third element.

[0067] In the disclosure, the terms "include", "have", and the like are used to designate features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0068] When an element is referred to as being "connected", "coupled", "supported", or "contacted" to another element, this includes not only a case where the element is directly connected, coupled, supported, or contacted to the other element but also a case where the element is indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or contacted to the other element through a third element.

[0069] Throughout the specification, when an element is "on" another element, this includes not only a case where the element is in contact with the other element but also a case where another element is present between the two elements.

[0070] Hereinafter, a laundry care apparatus according to various embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a laundry care apparatus according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a view of a laundry care apparatus according to an embodiment with an opened door. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a laundry care apparatus according to an embodiment. Figure 4a is a perspective view of an exterior of a steam machine according to an embodiment. Figure 4b is a perspective view of an interior of a steam machine according to an embodiment.

[0072] As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the garment care device 1 may include a main body 10 forming the exterior, a door 20 rotatably connected to the main body 10, and a garment care chamber 11 disposed in the main body 10 to accommodate the garments to be cared for.

[0073] The main body 10 may have a rectangular prism shape with an opening on one side. The opening 10a may be formed in the front side of the main body 10.

[0074] The drainage tank 15a and water supply tank 15b installed in the main body 10 can be removed from the main body 10.

[0075] Drainage tank 15a and water supply tank 15b can be installed below the garment care room 11.

[0076] A drain tank 15a can be provided for the treatment of condensate (condensate water).

[0077] Water tank 15b can store water for generating steam.

[0078] The drain tank 15a and the water supply tank 15b can be removed from the main body 10 for easy water removal and refilling.

[0079] A door 20 for opening and closing the main body 10 may be provided at the opening 10a of the main body 10. The door 20 can open and close the garment care room 11. The door 20 may be provided on the front of the main body 10 via a connecting member such as a hinge 22.

[0080] Door 20 may include a door guide 21 for guiding the movement of condensate. Door guide 21 can guide condensate that has formed on the rear side of door 20. Door guide 21 can be tilted downwards from the rear side of door 20 toward garment care chamber 11.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the garment care room 11 is a room for storing garments. Garment support members 12 can be provided in the garment care room 11 to hold the garments.

[0082] The garment support member 12 can be detachably installed in the upper part of the garment care chamber 11. At least one garment support member 12 can be provided. The garment support member 12 can be provided in the form of a hanger. The garment support member 12 can be provided with an air hole through which air flows inside. The garment support member 12 can use the air supplied through the air hole to remove dust or foreign objects from the garment.

[0083] The garment care room 11 may include a first airflow inlet 13a, a second airflow inlet 13b, a first airflow outlet 14a, a second airflow outlet 14b, and a steam outlet 14c.

[0084] The first air flow inlet 13a and the first air flow outlet 14a can be formed at a lower side of the laundry care compartment 11. The first air flow inlet 13a can be formed at a front of the lower side of the laundry care compartment 11, and the first air flow outlet 14a can be formed at a rear of the lower side of the laundry care compartment 11.

[0085] The condensate flowing in through the first air flow inlet 13a can be moved to the drain tank 15a through a sump 13c.

[0086] The sump 13c can be provided in the machine room 15. The sump 13c can store the condensate of the laundry care compartment 11 flowing in through the first air flow inlet 13a.

[0087] The second air flow inlet 13b can be formed on a rear side of the laundry care compartment 11. The second air flow outlet 14b can be formed at a center of an upper side of the laundry care compartment 11. The second air flow inlet 13b and the second air flow outlet 14b can be disposed close to each other.

[0088] The second air flow outlet 14b can be connected to the laundry support member 12. The air discharged through the second air flow outlet 14b can be moved to the laundry held on the laundry support member 12 through air holes formed in the laundry support member 12.

[0089] The main body 10 can further include a machine room 15.

[0090] The machine room 15 can be disposed at a lower portion of the main body 10 and below the laundry care compartment 11.

[0091] The machine room 15 can be disposed behind the drain tank 15a and the water supply tank 15b.

[0092] A circulation device 30 can be disposed in the machine room 15 to heat or dehumidify the air in the laundry care compartment 11.

[0093] The circulation device 30 can supply the heated air into the laundry care compartment 11.

[0094] The circulation device 30 can include a refrigeration cycle.

[0095] The circulation device 30 can include a compressor 31, a condenser 32, an evaporator 33, and an expansion valve (not shown) through which a refrigerant circulates, and can further include a first blower fan 34.

[0096] Once the refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator 33 is suctioned, the compressor 31 can compress the refrigerant and deliver the compressed refrigerant to the condenser 32. The compressed refrigerant can be a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0097] The condenser 32 can be connected between the compressor 31 and the expansion valve and receive the compressed refrigerant from the compressor 31. The refrigerant of the condenser 32 can exchange heat with the surrounding air, thereby being liquefied. In the condenser 32, the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 31 is phase-changed into a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The condenser 32 can deliver the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant to the expansion valve.

[0098] The expansion valve can reduce the pressure of the refrigerant supplied from the condenser 32 through a throttling effect. The expansion valve can deliver the refrigerant having a reduced pressure to the evaporator 33.

[0099] The evaporator 33 can change the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve into a gaseous state and deliver the phase-changed refrigerant to the compressor 31. The refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator 33 can be a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The refrigerant of the evaporator 33 can exchange heat with the surrounding air, thereby being liquefied. The refrigerant of the evaporator 33 can evaporate by itself while absorbing heat required for evaporation from the surrounding air. In other words, the evaporator 33 can absorb heat through heat exchange and can condense and remove moisture in the air through heat absorption.

[0100] The evaporator 33 and the condenser 32 of the circulation device 30 can dehumidify or heat air through heat exchange.

[0101] The first blower 34 can suction air into the laundry care room 11 and allow the suctioned air to flow into the mechanical room 15.

[0102] More specifically, the first blower 34 can suction air into the mechanical room 15 and move the air from a lower portion of the laundry care room 11 to an inside of the laundry care room 11. In other words, the first blower 34 can move air from a lower portion of the laundry care room 11 to an upper portion of the laundry care room 11. The first blower 34 can include a motor that generates a rotational force and a blade that is rotated by the motor.

[0103] The first blower 34 can be provided as, but is not limited to, a centrifugal fan that suctions air in an axial direction of the motor and discharges the air outward in a radial direction of the blade.

[0104] Air flowing through the first blower 34 can be dried by passing through the circulation device 30. Accordingly, laundry placed in the laundry care room 11 can be supplied with dry air from a lower portion of the laundry care room 11.

[0105] A first duct 35 connecting the evaporator 33 and the condenser 32 of the circulation device 30 and the first blower 34 can be further provided in the mechanical room 15.

[0106] The first duct 35 can be connected to the laundry care room 11 to form a first circulation flow path circulating between the laundry care room 11 and the first duct 35.

[0107] The first duct 35 can be connected to the first air flow inlet 13a and the first air flow outlet 14a of the laundry care room 11. Accordingly, air from the laundry care room 11 can be introduced into the first duct 35 through the first air flow inlet 13a. The air introduced into the first duct 35 can be dehumidified by the circulation device 30 and then moved back to the laundry care room 11 through the first air flow outlet 14a.

[0108] The first duct 35 can allow the air introduced through the first air flow inlet 13a to be dehumidified and allow the dehumidified air to be discharged through the first air flow outlet 14a.

[0109] The main body 10 can include a second blower 40 and a second duct 41 for circulating air in the laundry care room 11, and can further include a filter 50.

[0110] The second blower 40 can be provided at an upper portion of the laundry care room 11. The second blower 40 can allow air to move from the upper portion of the laundry care room 11 to the lower portion of the laundry care room 11.

[0111] The second blower 40 can allow air to be sucked from the laundry care room 11 through the second air flow inlet 13b and allow the sucked air to be discharged through the second air flow outlet 14b.

[0112] The second blower 40 can include a motor generating a rotational force and a blade rotated by the motor. The second blower 40 can be provided as, but is not limited to, a centrifugal fan that sucks air in an axial direction of the motor and discharges air radially outward from the blade.

[0113] The second duct 41 can be connected to the laundry care room 11 to form a second circulation flow path circulating between the laundry care room 11 and the second duct 41.

[0114] The second blower 40 can be provided in the second duct 41. That is, the second blower 40 can be provided on the second circulation flow path.

[0115] The second duct 41 can be formed at a rear portion of the second air flow inlet 13b of the laundry care room 11. The second duct 41 can be provided at an upper rear side of the laundry care room 11 and can include the filter 50 therein.

[0116] The second duct 41 can be connected to the second air inflow inlet 13b and the second air outflow outlet 14b of the laundry care chamber 11. The second air outflow outlet 14b can be connected to the laundry support member 12 to allow the air of the second duct 41 to be delivered to the laundry support member 12.

[0117] Foreign substances contained in the air of the laundry care chamber 11 can be filtered by the filter 50 of the second air inflow inlet 13b as the air flows into the second duct 41. The foreign substances and odors in the air flowing into the second duct 41 can be removed by the filter 50.

[0118] The laundry care device 1 can further include a steam machine 100 disposed in the mechanical chamber 15 and configured to receive water from the water supply tank 15b to generate steam and supply the generated steam into the laundry care chamber 11.

[0119] The steam generated by the steam machine 100 can remove foreign substances such as dust from the laundry in the laundry care chamber 11 and sterilize viruses and bacteria.

[0120] Reference Figure 4a and Figure 4b A steam machine is described.

[0121] As Figure 4a illustrated, the steam machine 100 can include a water supply 110 connected to the water supply tank 15b, a steam chamber 120 connected to the water supply 110 to store water supplied by the water supply 110 and generate steam using the stored water, a steam ejector 130 (see Figure 3 ) for ejecting the steam generated in the steam chamber 120 into the laundry care chamber 11, and a steam supply pipe 140 arranged between the steam chamber 120 and the steam ejector 130 to guide the steam generated in the steam chamber 120 to the steam ejector 130.

[0122] The water stored in the water supply tank 15b can be hard water containing trace amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

[0123] The water supply 110 can include a water supply pipe 111 disposed between the water supply tank 15b and the steam chamber 120, a pump 112 disposed in the water supply pipe 111 to pump the water stored in the water supply tank 15b, and a valve 113 disposed in the water supply pipe 111 to open or close the water supply pipe 111.

[0124] The opening of the valve 113 can allow the pumped water to be supplied to the steam chamber 120, and the closing of the valve 113 can prevent the water in the water supply tank 15b from being supplied to the steam chamber 120.

[0125] The steam jet 130 may include a steam outlet and may be located on the rear side of the garment care chamber 11.

[0126] The steam supply pipe 140 can be connected to the upper part of the steam chamber 120.

[0127] like Figure 4b As shown, the steam engine 100 may further include a water level sensor 150, a temperature sensor 160, and a heater 170. The water level sensor 150 may be disposed in the steam chamber 120 to detect the height of the water stored in the steam chamber 120 (i.e., water level), the temperature sensor 160 may be disposed in the steam chamber 120 to detect the temperature of the water stored in the steam chamber 120 (i.e., water temperature), and the heater 170 may be disposed in the steam chamber 120 to heat the water stored in the steam chamber 120.

[0128] Here, the water level can be the distance from the bottom of the steam chamber 120 to the water surface.

[0129] The water level sensor 150 can be located inside the steam chamber 120 and can be suspended from the upper side to the lower side of the steam chamber 120.

[0130] The water level sensor 150 may include a first water level sensor 151 for detecting a first reference water level in the steam chamber 120 and a second water level sensor 152 for detecting a second reference water level.

[0131] The first water level sensor 151 and the second water level sensor 152 can be electrodes. The water level sensors may also include a common electrode 153.

[0132] When the first water level sensor 151 and the second water level sensor 152 come into contact with the water stored in the steam chamber 120, an electric current can flow.

[0133] When scaling occurs, current may flow between the first water level sensor 151 and the second water level sensor 152 due to the scaling.

[0134] When the water level in the steam chamber 120 is at the first reference water level, the first water level sensor 151 can output a water level detection signal. In other words, when the water level in the steam chamber 120 reaches the first reference water level and the first water level sensor 151 is in contact with the water, the first water level sensor 151 can output a water level detection signal.

[0135] The first water level sensor 151 can output a water level detection signal by conducting an electric current when in contact with water, and can not output the water level detection signal in a case where the first water level sensor 151 is not in contact with water and thus does not conduct the electric current. The water level detection signal of the first water level sensor 151 can be a first water level detection signal.

[0136] The second water level sensor 152 can output a water level detection signal in a case where the water level of the steam chamber 120 is the second reference water level. In other words, the second water level sensor 152 can output the water level detection signal in a case where the water level of the steam chamber 120 reaches the second reference water level and the second water level sensor 152 is in contact with water. The water level detection signal of the second water level sensor 152 can be a second water level detection signal.

[0137] The second water level sensor 152 can output a water level detection signal by conducting an electric current when in contact with water, and can not output the water level detection signal in a case where the second water level sensor 152 is not in contact with water and thus does not conduct the electric current.

[0138] The second reference water level is a preset water level, and can be higher than the first reference water level.

[0139] The first reference water level can be a height corresponding to a height of a heater 170 disposed in the steam chamber, and can be a water level in which the heater 170 is immersed in water.

[0140] The temperature sensor 160 can detect a water temperature in the steam chamber 120, and output water temperature information about the detected water temperature.

[0141] The temperature sensor 160 can include one of a thermocouple, a thermistor, or a resistance temperature detector (RTD).

[0142] The temperature sensor 160 can further include a liquid expansion temperature sensor using liquid expansion, or a bimetallic temperature sensor using a thermal expansion rate of a metal according to temperature. The temperature sensor 160 can further include an infrared temperature sensor that detects temperature using infrared rays, or a radiation temperature sensor that detects temperature by an amount of radiation emitted from a water surface. However, the temperature sensor 160 is not limited thereto.

[0143] The heater 170 can be disposed in the steam chamber 120. The heater 170 can heat water stored in the steam chamber 120 to allow a phase change from water to steam.

[0144] In an embodiment, although a device for heating water is described as a "heater", any device capable of heating water can be used in addition to the heater 170.

[0145] Figure 5is a control block diagram of a laundry care apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0146] Figure 6 An example of controlling a steam mode based on a first water level detection signal and a second water level detection signal received from a water level sensor of a laundry care apparatus according to an embodiment is illustrated. Figure 7a and Figure 7b is a graph of a water temperature of a steam engine of a laundry care apparatus according to an embodiment over time.

[0147] The laundry care apparatus 1 can include a steam engine 100, a user interface 200, a processor 300, and a memory 310.

[0148] In the steam engine 100, water supplied from the water supplier 110 from the water supply tank 15b can be stored in the steam chamber 120, the water stored in the steam chamber 120 can be heated using the heater 170, and once steam is generated by heating of the water, the generated steam can be supplied to the laundry care chamber 11.

[0149] The water level sensor 150 can detect a water level in the steam chamber 120 when receiving water from the water supplier 110. The water level sensor 150 of the steam engine 100 can transmit a water level detection signal for water level detection to the processor 300.

[0150] More specifically, in a case where the first reference water level is detected by the first water level sensor 151, the water level sensor 150 (the first water level sensor 151) of the steam engine 100 can transmit a first water level detection signal corresponding to the first reference water level to the processor 300, and in a case where the second reference water level is detected by the second water level sensor 152, the water level sensor 150 (the second water level sensor 152) of the steam engine 100 can transmit a second water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level to the processor 300.

[0151] In response to completion of water supply, the steam engine 100 can turn on the heater 170 to heat the water, and detect a temperature of the water using the temperature sensor 160 while the water is being heated. That is, the temperature sensor 160 can transmit the detected water temperature information to the processor 300.

[0152] In response to completion of the steam mode, the steam engine 100 can turn off the heater 170. After completion of the steam mode, the water level in the steam chamber can be lowered from the second reference water level by a height corresponding to an amount of steam supplied to the laundry care chamber 11.

[0153] The water supplier 110, the water level sensor 150, the temperature sensor 160, and the heater 170 provided in the steam engine 100 can be controlled by the processor 300.

[0154] Reference has been madeFigure 4a and Figure 4b The steam engine 100 is described, and thus a description thereof is omitted.

[0155] The laundry care apparatus 1 can include a control panel provided on the door 20 or the main body 10.

[0156] The control panel can provide a user interface 200 for interaction between a user and the laundry care apparatus 1. The user interface 200 can include at least one input interface 210 and at least one output interface 220 and 230.

[0157] The at least one input interface 210 can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0158] The at least one input interface 210 can include a power button, a plurality of course buttons, an operation command button, and a pause command button.

[0159] The plurality of course buttons can include a standard course button, a fine dust course button, a quick course button, a sterilization course button, a dehumidification course button, a drying course button, a wool course button, a knit course button, a bedding course button, and a puffer jacket course button.

[0160] The at least one input interface 210 can include a course selection button for selecting one of courses displayed on a display.

[0161] The at least one input interface 201 can include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a tactile switch, a push button switch, a slide switch, a jog switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touch screen, a scroll dial, and / or a microphone.

[0162] The at least one output interface 220 and 230 can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the laundry care apparatus 1 to a user.

[0163] For example, the at least one output interface 220 and 230 can convey information related to laundry care to a user. Information related to laundry care can be output through a screen, an indicator, a voice, etc.

[0164] The at least one output interface 220 and 230 can include a display 220, a speaker 230, etc.

[0165] The display 220 can display a plurality of courses selectable by the user, a course selected by the user, information on total care time of the selected course, information on remaining care time of the selected course, and can also display error information, filter replacement information, etc.

[0166] The display 220 can output, as text or an image, notification information for a start of laundry care, notification information for an end of laundry care, notification information for emptying water, notification information for filling water, etc.

[0167] The display 220 can be provided as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a digital light processing (DLP) panel, a plasma display panel, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an electroluminescent (EL) panel, an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel, an electrochromic display (ECD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, but is not limited thereto.

[0168] The speaker 230 can output, as sound, notification information for a start of laundry care, notification information for an end of laundry care, notification information for emptying water, notification information for filling water, etc.

[0169] The processor 300 can perform overall control related to the operation of the laundry care apparatus 1.

[0170] The processor 300 can control various components of the laundry care apparatus 1 according to a user input.

[0171] Based on a signal of a power button being received through the input interface 210 during a sleep mode, the processor 300 can switch from the sleep mode to a wake-up mode, and can control the display 220 to display a plurality of courses.

[0172] Each course can include one or more modes.

[0173] For example, a standard course can include an air mode for supplying air through a laundry support member, a steam mode for sterilizing viruses and bacteria and removing wrinkles, a drying mode for drying and dehumidifying laundry at a low temperature, a cleaning mode for removing dust, odor, etc.

[0174] A part of the plurality of courses can include the steam mode, and another part can not include the steam mode.

[0175] The course including the steam mode can include a standard course, a quick course, a wool course, a knit course, a bedding course, and a down jacket course.

[0176] The course not including the steam mode can include a dehumidifying course, a drying course, a fine dust course, etc.

[0177] The processor 300 can obtain (receive) a process selected by a user based on a user input received by the input interface 210, and can control the obtained process.

[0178] In an operation of controlling the obtained process, the processor 300 can confirm one or more modes included in the obtained process, and control operations of the confirmed one or more modes based on a preset order.

[0179] In a case where a standard process is obtained, the processor 300 can control an operation of an air mode, control an operation of a steam mode after the air mode is completed, operate a drying mode after the steam mode is completed, operate a cleaning mode after the drying mode is completed, end laundry care after the cleaning mode is completed, and control at least one of the display 220 or the speaker 230 to output notification information about the end of the laundry care.

[0180] In a case where the obtained process includes a steam mode, the processor 300 can obtain mode operation information of a current steam mode during an operation of the steam mode, and can control storage of the obtained mode operation information of the current steam mode.

[0181] The processor 300 can delete mode operation information of a previous steam mode stored in the memory 310, and can store mode operation information obtained during a current steam mode as the mode operation information of the previous steam mode. In other words, the processor 300 can update information stored in the memory 310.

[0182] In a case where the obtained process does not include a steam mode, the processor 300 can control to maintain mode operation information of a previous steam mode stored in the memory 310.

[0183] That is, in a case where a steam mode is included in a process, the processor 300 can allow storage of mode operation information of the steam mode.

[0184] The processor 300 can confirm whether a time to start a steam mode is reached during a process, and confirm whether a water level detection signal is received from a water level sensor 150 based on the time to start the steam mode being reached.

[0185] The processor 300 can identify a water level detection signal received from the first water level sensor 151 as a first water level detection signal, and can identify a water level detection signal received from the second water level sensor 152 as a second water level detection signal.

[0186] The processor 300 can confirm whether the first water level detection signal is received and whether the second water level detection signal is received, and can obtain the water level of the steam chamber 120 based on the confirmed received first water level detection signal and the confirmed received second water level detection signal.

[0187] The processor 300 can control the display error based on the obtained water level of the steam chamber 120, control the steam mode to the normal mode, or control the steam mode to the safety mode, which will be described with reference to Figure 6 .

[0188] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of controlling the steam mode based on the first water level detection signal and the second water level detection signal received from the water level sensor 150.

[0189] For the safety of the steam machine, the heater 170 needs to be always immersed in water. The first water level sensor 151 of the water level sensor 150 can be a sensor for confirming whether the heater 170 is immersed in water. The lowest water level in which the heater 170 is immersed in water can be the first reference water level.

[0190] In the case where the first water level sensor 151 is in the normal state, the processor 300 can continuously receive the first water level detection signal corresponding to the first reference water level from the first water level sensor 151 of the water level sensor 150.

[0191] In addition to the water for immersing the heater 170 in water, the steam machine also needs water for steam generation. The second water level sensor 152 of the water level sensor 150 can be a sensor for confirming whether water to be used for steam generation is present in the steam chamber 120. When the water to be used for steam generation is present in the steam chamber 120, the water level can be the second reference water level. The second reference water level can be higher than the first reference water level.

[0192] That is, the second reference water level can be a water level higher than the first reference water level.

[0193] In the processor 300, in response to the water level of the steam chamber 120 being the second reference water level, the second water level detection signal can be received from the second water level sensor 152, in response to the water level of the steam chamber 120 being lower than the second reference water level, the second water level detection signal can not be received from the second water level sensor 152, and due to scale formed on the second water level sensor 152, the second water level detection signal can be received regardless of the water level of the steam chamber 120.

[0194] As Figure 6As illustrated, at the start of the currently running steam mode, in a case where the first water level detection signal and the second water level detection signal are not received from the first water level sensor 151 and the second water level sensor 152, respectively, the processor 300 can control the water supplier 110 to supply water by a preset amount. The preset water supply amount can be an amount of water when water is filled from the bottom side of the steam chamber 120 to the first reference water level.

[0195] After the supply of the preset amount of water, in a case where neither the first water level detection signal is received from the first water level sensor 151 nor the second water level detection signal is received from the second water level sensor 152, the processor 300 can control the display 220 to display an error indicating that the water level sensor 150 is malfunctioning.

[0196] At the start of the steam mode, in a case where the first water level detection signal is not received from the first water level sensor 151 and the second water level detection signal is received from the second water level sensor 152, the processor 300 can control the display 220 to display an error because the second reference water level is higher than the first reference water level based on the bottom side of the steam chamber 120.

[0197] At the start of the steam mode, in a case where the first water level detection signal is received from the first water level sensor 151 and the second water level detection signal is not received from the second water level sensor 152, the processor 300 can control the water supplier 110 to determine whether the water level sensor 150 is normal. In a case where the second water level detection signal is not received during the water supply, the processor 300 can control the display 220 to display an error, and in a case where the second water level detection signal is received during the water supply, the processor 300 can control the steam mode to the normal mode.

[0198] During the water supply, the processor 300 can obtain an amount of water used in the previous steam mode, and control the water supply amount based on the obtained amount of water used.

[0199] The processor 300 can end the steam mode based on a determination that the water level sensor 150 is malfunctioning.

[0200] At the start of the steam mode, in a case where the first water level detection signal is received from the first water level sensor 151 and the second water level detection signal is received from the second water level sensor 152, the processor 300 can control the steam mode to the safe mode.

[0201] Hereinafter, a control of the steam mode to the normal mode or the safe mode based on the second water level detection signal of the second water level sensor of the water level sensor will be described in detail.

[0202] At the start of the currently operating steam mode, the processor 300 can confirm whether a second water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level is received from the water level sensor 150, control the steam mode to the normal mode based on a determination that the second water level detection signal is not received, and control the steam mode to the safety mode based on a determination that the second water level detection signal is received.

[0203] The normal mode is a mode in which a water level detection signal is normally received in response to the second water level sensor 152 on which scale is not formed or a small amount of scale is formed being in contact with water, and in the normal mode, the water supplier 110 can be controlled based on a water level detection signal of the second water level sensor 152, and the heater 170 can be controlled to generate steam.

[0204] The safety mode is a mode in which a water level detection signal is abnormally received from the second water level sensor 152 on which an excessive amount of scale is formed, and in the safety mode, the water supplier 110 can be controlled based on mode operation information of a previous steam mode, and the heater 170 can be controlled to generate steam.

[0205] When the steam mode is operated as the safety mode or the normal mode, the processor 300 can obtain water temperature information over time, obtain heater off information (also referred to as "heater off information") of the heater 170, and control the storage 310 to store the obtained water temperature information over time and the obtained heater off information.

[0206] Hereinafter, the steam mode currently operated is described as a current steam mode.

[0207] The obtained water temperature information over time and the obtained heater off information can be mode operation information of the current steam mode.

[0208] The water temperature information over time and the heater off information stored in the storage 310 can be used as information for controlling water supply in response to a failure of a water level sensor during subsequent steam mode operation.

[0209] When a subsequent steam mode is operated, the mode operation information of the current steam mode can become the mode operation information of the previous steam mode.

[0210] In the case where the steam mode is operated as the safety mode or the normal mode, the processor 300 can determine an operation time of the steam mode based on a process selected by a user, and can control the heater 170 based on the determined operation time of the steam mode.

[0211] Here, the operation time of the steam mode can include a time period for generating steam and a start time of supplying steam to the garment care room 11 to an end time of supplying steam to the garment care room 11.

[0212] That is, the processor 300 can control a time to end the steam generation mode based on the progress. Here, the time to end the steam generation can be a time to turn off the heater 170.

[0213] The processor 300 can obtain a steam generation time based on the progress, and can control a turn-off time for the heater 170 to be turned off based on the obtained steam generation time and the water temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 160.

[0214] In a case where the current steam mode is determined to be the normal mode, the processor 300 can control the water supplier 110 to supply water, determine whether a second water level detection signal corresponding to a second reference water level is received from the second water level sensor 152 of the water level sensor 150 during the water supply, and control the water supplier 110 to stop the water supply based on the determination that the second water level detection signal is received.

[0215] The processor 300 can control the heater 170 to be turned on to heat water after the water supply is completed during the normal mode operation, and monitor a water temperature received from the temperature sensor 160 during the water heating.

[0216] During the operation of the normal mode, the processor 300 can determine whether a time to stop the heater 170 is reached based on the monitored water temperature and the progress selected by the user.

[0217] More specifically, during the operation of the normal mode, the processor 300 can determine whether the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches a preset water temperature, can obtain a reaching time at which the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches the preset water temperature based on the determination that the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches the preset water temperature, and can count a time from the obtained reaching time.

[0218] During the operation of the normal mode, the processor 300 can obtain an operation time for the steam mode based on the progress, can control the heater 170 to be turned off based on the counted time reaching the obtained operation time for the steam mode, and can obtain a turn-off time for the heater 170 to be turned off.

[0219] Here, the preset water temperature can be a water temperature of about 90°C.

[0220] A time period between the reaching time at which the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches the preset water temperature and the turn-off time for the heater 170 to be turned off can be a time corresponding to a steam generation time.

[0221] In a case where the current steam mode is determined to be the safety mode, the processor 300 can obtain mode operation information for a previous steam mode stored in the storage 310.

[0222] The mode operation information of the previous steam mode can include water temperature information over time of the previous steam mode and heater off information. The heater off information can include information on an off time when the heater 170 is turned off.

[0223] The processor 300 can obtain a first arrival time when the water temperature reaches a first reference water temperature and a second arrival time when the water temperature reaches a second reference water temperature based on the water temperature information over time of the previous steam mode, and can obtain a change time of the first arrival time and the second arrival time.

[0224] Here, the first reference water temperature can be lower than the second reference water temperature. The second reference water temperature can be the same as the preset water temperature.

[0225] That is, the processor 300 can obtain a change time in which the water temperature changes from the first reference water temperature to the second reference water temperature during operation of the previous steam mode.

[0226] The change time of the change in the water temperature is to obtain the amount of water stored in the steam chamber 120.

[0227] The change time of the change in the water temperature can vary depending on the water level of the steam chamber 120.

[0228] Figure 7a is a graph showing a change in the water temperature in the case where X amount of water is heated in the steam chamber, Figure 7b is a graph showing a change in the water temperature in the case where water is heated in the steam chamber containing more than X amount of water.

[0229] Referring to Figure 7a and Figure 7b It can be seen that, in the case where the amount of water in the steam chamber 120 is relatively large, the change time t1-t2 in which the water temperature of the steam chamber 120 changes from the first reference water temperature to the second reference water temperature becomes long.

[0230] Based on the above, the processor 300 can obtain the water level of the steam chamber 120 from the change time of the water temperature of the steam chamber 120.

[0231] The processor 300 can determine whether water supply is required based on the obtained change time and a reference time.

[0232] Here, the reference time can be a time corresponding to the change time in which the water temperature changes from the first reference water temperature to the second reference water temperature in the case where water having an appropriate water level is stored in the steam chamber 120.

[0233] The appropriate water level is a water level required to perform the steam mode, and can be higher than the first reference water level and lower than the second reference water level.

[0234] The processor 300 can compare the obtained change time with a reference time, and can control to stop the supply of water based on a determination that the obtained change time is greater than or equal to the reference time, and to supply water based on a determination that the obtained change time is less than the reference time.

[0235] The water level of the steam chamber 120 corresponding to the change time can be obtained and stored through a test. In this case, the processor 300 can obtain the water level of the steam chamber 120 corresponding to the obtained change time, can compare the obtained water level with an appropriate water level, can control to supply water based on a determination that the obtained water level is lower than the appropriate water level, and can control to stop the supply of water based on a determination that the obtained water level is greater than or equal to the appropriate water level.

[0236] In controlling to stop the supply of water, the processor 300 can control the water supplier to remain in a stop state, and in controlling to supply water, the processor 300 can control the water supplier to switch to an operation state.

[0237] In controlling to stop the supply of water, the processor 300 can control the pump 112 to stop and the valve 113 to close.

[0238] In controlling to supply water, the processor 300 can control the pumping operation of the pump 112 and the opening of the valve 113.

[0239] During the operation of the safety mode, based on a determination that the supply of water is required, the processor 300 can obtain water temperature information over time and heater off information from mode operation information of a previous steam mode, can obtain the water temperature information over time based on the obtained mode operation information of the previous steam mode, can obtain a second arrival time at which the water temperature reaches a second reference water temperature during the operation of the previous steam mode based on the water temperature information over time, can obtain an off time at which the heater 170 is turned off based on the heater off information, and can obtain a time period between the second arrival time at which the water temperature reaches the second reference water temperature and the off time at which the heater is turned off as a steam generation time.

[0240] The steam machine can supply a preset amount of steam per unit time.

[0241] The preset amount of steam per unit time can be determined by at least one of a capacity of the steam chamber 120, a power of the heater 170, and a voltage applied to the heater 170. The preset amount of steam per unit time can be information obtained through a test.

[0242] That is, the processor can obtain the amount of steam from the steam generation time.

[0243] The amount of steam supplied to the garment care chamber during the operation of the previous steam mode can correspond to an amount of water used in the steam chamber 120 during the operation of the previous steam mode.

[0244] The processor 300 can obtain a water supply amount corresponding to the obtained steam generation time, and control the water supplier 110 based on the obtained water supply amount.

[0245] In controlling the water supplier 110 based on the water supply amount, the processor 300 can obtain a target water supply time corresponding to the water supply amount, can determine a time to stop water supply based on a water supply time reaching the target water supply time during water supply, and can control the water supplier 110 to stop water supply.

[0246] The laundry care apparatus 1 can further include a flow meter in the water supply pipe 111. In this case, the processor 300 can determine whether a water amount supplied is the obtained water supply amount based on a flow rate detected by the flow meter, and can control the water supplier 110 to stop water supply based on a determination that the water amount supplied is the obtained water supply amount.

[0247] The processor 300 can control the heater 170 to turn on to heat water in response to completion of water supply during operation in the safe mode, and can monitor a water temperature received from the temperature sensor 160 during heating of water.

[0248] The processor 300 can determine whether a time to stop the heater 170 is reached based on the monitored water temperature and a process selected by the user during operation in the safe mode.

[0249] More specifically, during operation in the safe mode, the processor 300 can determine whether the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches a second reference water temperature, can obtain a second arrival time at which the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches the second reference water temperature based on a determination that the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches the second reference water temperature, and can count time from the obtained second arrival time.

[0250] During operation in the safe mode, the processor 300 can obtain an operation time of the steam mode based on the process, and can control the heater 170 to turn off based on the counted time reaching the obtained operation time of the steam mode, and can confirm a turn-off time at which the heater 170 is turned off.

[0251] In the case where a running time of the steam mode in the selected process is K minutes, a time point at which K minutes elapse from a time at which the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches the preset water temperature can be a turn-off time of the heater 170 (also referred to as "heater turn-off time").

[0252] The processor 300 can control the memory 310 to store the confirmed heater turn-off time as heater turn-off information.

[0253] The water level of the steam chamber 120 corresponding to a change time in which the water temperature changes from the first reference water temperature to the second reference water temperature can be obtained and stored through the test. In this case, the processor 300 can also obtain the water level of the steam chamber 120 based on the obtained change time, can obtain the water supply amount based on the obtained water level of the steam chamber 120 and the second reference water level, and can control the water supplier 110 based on the obtained water supply amount.

[0254] The processor 300 can also obtain a water supply amount that can reach a water level higher than the second reference water level by a preset water level, and can control the water supplier 110 based on the obtained water supply amount.

[0255] The processor 300 can obtain heater off information from the mode operation information of the previous steam mode, can obtain a water consumption amount in the previous steam mode based on the obtained heater off information, can obtain a first arrival time in which the water temperature of the steam chamber 120 reaches the first reference water temperature and a second arrival time in which the water temperature of the steam chamber 120 reaches the second reference water temperature based on the water temperature information over time in the mode operation information of the previous steam mode, can obtain a change time between the obtained first arrival time and the obtained second arrival time, and can obtain a current water level of the steam chamber 120 based on the obtained change time.

[0256] The processor 300 can also determine a water supply amount based on the obtained current water level and the obtained water consumption amount.

[0257] During the operation of the safety mode, the processor 300 can also confirm the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 before the heater 170 is turned on, can control the heater 170 to be turned on based on a determination that the confirmed water temperature is greater than or equal to the first reference water temperature, and then can determine whether water supply is required based on a change rate of the water temperature.

[0258] The change rate of the water temperature can be high in the case where the water level of the steam chamber 120 is low, and the change rate of the water temperature can be low in the case where the water level of the steam chamber 120 is high. In consideration of the above-described cases, the processor 300 can also determine whether water supply is required based on the change rate of the water temperature.

[0259] More specifically, in the case where the water temperature of the steam chamber 120 reaches the second reference water temperature while the heater 170 is being turned on, the processor 300 can also obtain an arrival time in which the water temperature of the steam chamber 120 reaches the second reference water temperature, can confirm the water temperature at a preset time before the obtained arrival time, can obtain a water temperature change rate between the confirmed water temperature and the second reference water temperature, can control water supply based on a determination that the obtained water temperature change rate is greater than or equal to a reference water temperature change rate, and can control water supply to be stopped based on a determination that the obtained water temperature change rate is less than the reference water temperature change rate.

[0260] During the operation in the safe mode, the processor 300 can confirm a water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 before turning on the heater 170, can confirm a progress including the previous steam mode based on determining that the confirmed water temperature is greater than or equal to the first reference water temperature, can obtain an amount of water used during the operation in the previous steam mode based on the confirmed progress, and can obtain a water supply amount based on the obtained amount of water used.

[0261] The processor 300 can perform the above-described operations by using data stored in the memory 310.

[0262] The processor 300 can include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the processor 300 can include at least one memory for storing algorithm and program type data for controlling the operation of components in the laundry care apparatus 1. The processor 300 can include at least one processor chip or at least one processing core that performs the above-described operations by using data stored in the at least one memory.

[0263] The processor 300 can include a separate neural network processing unit (NPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. that performs the operation of an artificial intelligence model.

[0264] The memory 310 can store mode operation information of the previous steam mode.

[0265] The memory 310 can delete the previously stored mode operation information of the previous steam mode in response to a control command of the processor 300, and can store mode operation information of the current steam mode as the mode operation information of the previous steam mode.

[0266] The memory 310 can store mode operation information of the previous steam mode for a preset number of times by date.

[0267] The mode operation information of the previous steam mode can include water temperature information over time and heater-off information of the heater 170.

[0268] The water temperature information over time can include information about a time to reach the first reference water temperature and a time to reach the second reference water temperature.

[0269] The heater-off information can include a turn-off time at which the heater 170 is turned off.

[0270] The mode operation information of the previous steam mode can include progress information including the previous steam mode.

[0271] The memory 310 can store a first water level detection signal and a second water level detection signal.

[0272] The memory 310 can store reference information of a first reference water temperature, a second reference water temperature, and a reference time.

[0273] The memory 310 can store a water level of the steam chamber 120 corresponding to a change time.

[0274] The memory 310 can store a steam generation time of each process and a water supply amount corresponding to the steam generation time.

[0275] The memory 310 can include at least one memory chip or at least one memory block.

[0276] The memory 310 can store data about an algorithm for controlling the operation of components of the laundry care apparatus 1 or a program that reproduces the algorithm.

[0277] The memory 310 and the processor 300 can be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory 310 and the processor 300 can be implemented as a single chip.

[0278] The memory 310 can be implemented as at least one of a volatile memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM), a programmable read only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), or a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), but is not limited thereto.

[0279] The laundry care apparatus 1 can further include a communication module (not shown) for wired and / or wireless communication with an external device.

[0280] The communication module can include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-range wireless communication module.

[0281] The communication module can transmit data to or receive data from an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance). For example, the communication module can establish communication with a server and / or a user device and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0282] For this communication, the communication module can establish a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and support the execution of communication through the established communication channel.

[0283] According to an embodiment, the communication module can include a wireless communication module (for example, a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (for example, a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module).

[0284] Among the communication modules, the respective communication modules can communicate with external devices through a first network (for example, a short-range wireless communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (for example, a long-range wireless communication network such as a conventional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (for example, a LAN or a WAN)). The various types of communication modules can be integrated as one component (for example, a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (for example, a plurality of chips).

[0285] The short-range wireless communication module can include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication module, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0286] The long-range wireless communication module can include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and can include mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.

[0287] In an embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and a home appliance through an access point (AP) nearby. The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the laundry care apparatus 1 or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected.

[0288] The laundry care apparatus 1 or the user device can be connected to the server through a wide area network (WAN).

[0289] Corresponding to Figure 5 At least one component can be added or omitted corresponding to the performance of the components of the laundry care apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1. In addition, those skilled in the art will easily understand that the mutual positions of the components can be modified corresponding to the performance or structure of the laundry care apparatus 1.

[0290] Meanwhile, Figure 5 Each component shown in FIG. 1 can refer to a software and / or hardware component, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0291] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a laundry care apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0292] The laundry care apparatus 1 can determine whether a time to start a steam mode is reached during the course control (401), and determine whether a second water level detection signal corresponding to a second reference water level is received from the water level sensor 150 based on the determination that the time to start the current steam mode is reached (402).

[0293] At the start of the current steam mode, the water level of the water stored in the steam chamber 120 is lower than the second reference water level because the water was used during the previous steam mode. Therefore, the water level sensor does not output the second water level detection signal in the case where the water level sensor is in the normal state, and the water level sensor can output the second water level detection signal in the case where the water level sensor is in the abnormal state.

[0294] The laundry care apparatus 1 can determine the steam mode as the normal mode based on the determination that the second water level detection signal is not received from the water level sensor 150 (403), and can determine the steam mode as the safety mode based on the determination that the second water level detection signal is received from the water level sensor 150 (404).

[0295] During the operation of the steam mode in the safety mode or the normal mode, the laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain water temperature information over time, can obtain heater off information of the heater 170, and can store the obtained water temperature information over time and the obtained heater off information in the memory 310 (405).

[0296] Here, the water temperature information over time and the heater off information stored in the memory 310 can be information used when a water level sensor failure occurs during a subsequent steam mode operation, and can be stored in the memory 310 as mode operation information of the previous steam mode.

[0297] The laundry care apparatus 1 can also store a course selected by a user as mode operation information of the previous steam mode in the memory 310 because a steam generation time is set for each course.

[0298] The laundry care apparatus 1 can also obtain water temperature information over time during operation in the steam mode in the safety mode or the normal mode, can obtain a first arrival time at which the water temperature reaches a first reference water temperature and a second arrival time at which the water temperature reaches a second reference water temperature based on the obtained water temperature information over time, can obtain a variation time of the obtained first arrival time and the obtained second arrival time, can obtain a turn-off time at which the heater 170 is turned off, can obtain a time period between the second arrival time and the turn-off time as a steam generation time, and can store the obtained steam generation time and the obtained variation time as mode operation information in the memory.

[0299] Figure 9 FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a laundry care apparatus in a case where a steam mode is determined as a normal mode according to an embodiment.

[0300] In a case where the current steam mode is determined as the normal mode, the laundry care apparatus 1 can control the water supplier 110 to supply water from the water supply tank 15b to the steam chamber 120 (411).

[0301] Controlling the water supplier 110 can include controlling the pump 112 to pump water in the water supply tank 15b and opening the valve 113 to allow the pumped water to flow to the steam chamber 120.

[0302] The laundry care apparatus 1 can determine whether a second water level detection signal corresponding to a second reference water level is received from the second water level sensor 152 of the water level sensor 150 during water supply (412), and can control the water supplier 110 to stop water supply based on a determination that the second water level detection signal is received (413).

[0303] Controlling the water supplier 110 can include stopping the pump 112 to stop pumping water in the water supply tank 15b and closing the valve 113 to block water in the water supply tank from flowing into the steam chamber 120.

[0304] In response to completion of water supply, the laundry care apparatus 1 can open the heater 170 to heat water (414). In this case, the output of the heater 170 can be constant.

[0305] The laundry care apparatus 1 can monitor a water temperature received from the temperature sensor 160 during water heating (415).

[0306] The laundry care apparatus 1 can determine whether a time to stop the heater 170 is reached based on the monitored water temperature and a process selected by a user (416).

[0307] Determining whether the time to stop the heater 170 is reached can include determining whether the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches a preset water temperature, obtaining a reaching time at which the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches the preset water temperature based on the determination that the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches the preset water temperature, starting a timer from the obtained reaching time, and determining the time to stop the heater 170 based on the timer reaching an operation time of the steam mode obtained.

[0308] Here, the preset water temperature can be a water temperature of about 90°C.

[0309] The laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain the operation time of the steam mode based on a process selected by a user. The memory 310 of the laundry care apparatus 1 can store information about the operation time of the steam mode for each process.

[0310] The laundry care apparatus 1 can control the heater 170 to be turned off based on the determined time to stop the heater 170 (417).

[0311] The laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain water temperature information over time by monitoring the water temperature during the operation of the steam mode, can obtain a turn-off time at which the heater 170 is turned off as heater turn-off information, and can store the obtained water temperature information over time and the obtained heater turn-off information as mode operation information of the steam mode in the memory 310.

[0312] Figure 10 FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the laundry care apparatus 1 in a case where the current steam mode is determined to be a safe mode according to an embodiment.

[0313] In a case where the current steam mode is determined to be a safe mode, the laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain mode operation information of a previous steam mode stored in the memory 310 (421).

[0314] The mode operation information of the previous steam mode can include water temperature information over time and heater turn-off information of the previous steam mode. The heater turn-off information can include information about a turn-off time at which the heater 170 is turned off.

[0315] The laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain a change time at which the water temperature changes from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on the water temperature information over time of the previous steam mode (422).

[0316] More specifically, the laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain a first reaching time at which the water temperature of the steam chamber 120 reaches the first reference water temperature and a second reaching time at which the water temperature of the steam chamber 120 reaches the second reference water temperature based on the water temperature information over time of the previous steam mode, and can obtain a change time between the obtained first reaching time and the obtained second reaching time.

[0317] Here, the first reference water temperature can be lower than the second reference water temperature. The second reference water temperature can be the same as the preset water temperature.

[0318] The first reference water temperature and the second reference water temperature can be determined by at least one of a capacity of the steam chamber 120, a power of the heater 170, or a voltage applied to the heater 170. The first reference water temperature and the second reference water temperature can be information obtained through a test and stored.

[0319] The change time at which the water temperature change is obtained is for obtaining the water level of the steam chamber 120.

[0320] The laundry care apparatus 1 can determine whether water supply is required by comparing the obtained change time with a reference time.

[0321] More specifically, the laundry care apparatus 1 can determine whether the obtained change time is greater than or equal to the reference time (423), can determine that water supply is not required based on the determination that the obtained change time is greater than or equal to the reference time, and can determine that water supply is required based on the determination that the obtained change time is less than the reference time.

[0322] Determining that water supply is not required can include determining that water exists in the steam chamber 120 at an appropriate water level to operate the steam mode.

[0323] The appropriate water level can be higher than the first reference water level and lower than the second reference water level.

[0324] The reference time can be a time corresponding to a change time of the water temperature from the first reference water temperature to the second reference water temperature in a case where water at the appropriate water level is stored in the steam chamber 120.

[0325] The laundry care apparatus 1 can stop water supply based on the determination that water supply is not required. In this case, the pump can be in a stopped state, and the valve can be in a closed state.

[0326] The laundry care apparatus 1 can determine a required water supply amount based on the determination that water supply is required.

[0327] More specifically, the laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain water temperature information over time and heater off information from mode operation information of a previous steam mode, can obtain water temperature information over time based on the obtained mode operation information of the previous steam mode, can obtain a second arrival time at which the water temperature of the steam chamber 120 reaches the second reference water temperature during operation of the previous steam mode based on the water temperature information over time, can obtain an off time at which the heater 170 is turned off based on the heater off information, and can obtain a time period between the second arrival time at which the water temperature of the steam chamber 120 reaches the second reference water temperature and the off time at which the heater 170 is turned off as a steam generation time (424).

[0328] The steam generation time can be a time corresponding to the amount of water used during operation of the previous steam mode.

[0329] The laundry care apparatus 1 can determine the amount of water supply corresponding to the steam generation time based on the information stored in the storage 310 (425).

[0330] The laundry care apparatus 1 can supply water by controlling the water supplier 110 based on the determined amount of water supply (426).

[0331] Controlling the water supplier 110 can include operating the pump 112 to pump water from the water supply tank 15b and opening the valve 113 to supply the pumped water to the steam chamber 120.

[0332] The laundry care apparatus 1 can determine whether a time to stop water supply is reached during water supply (427), and based on determining that the time to stop water supply is reached, the laundry care apparatus 1 can stop water supply (428).

[0333] Determining whether the time to stop water supply is reached can include obtaining a target water supply time corresponding to the amount of water supply, and determining that the time to stop water supply is reached based on the water supply time of the water supply reaching the target water supply time.

[0334] Stopping water supply can include stopping the pump 112 of the water supplier 110 and closing the valve 113.

[0335] In the case where water supply is stopped or water supply is completed, the laundry care apparatus 1 can open the heater 170 to heat water (429).

[0336] The laundry care apparatus 1 can monitor the water temperature received from the temperature sensor 160 during water heating (430).

[0337] The laundry care apparatus 1 can determine whether a time to stop the heater 170 is reached based on the monitored water temperature and the process selected by the user (431).

[0338] More specifically, the laundry care apparatus 1 can determine whether the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches a second reference water temperature, can obtain a second arrival time at which the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches the second reference water temperature based on determining that the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches the second reference water temperature, can time from the obtained second arrival time, and can determine a turn-off time of the heater 170 based on the timed time reaching the obtained operation time of the steam mode.

[0339] The laundry care apparatus 1 can control the heater 170 to turn off based on determining that the turn-off time of the heater 170 is reached (432).

[0340] During operation in the steam mode, the laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain water temperature information over time by monitoring the water temperature, can obtain a turn-off time in which the heater 170 is turned off as heater turn-off information, and can store the obtained water temperature information over time and the obtained heater turn-off information as mode operation information of the steam mode in the storage 310.

[0341] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a laundry care apparatus in a case where a current steam mode is determined as a safe mode according to another embodiment.

[0342] In a case where the current steam mode is determined as the safe mode, the laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain mode operation information of a previous steam mode stored in the storage 310 (441).

[0343] The mode operation information of the previous steam mode can include water temperature information over time of the previous steam mode.

[0344] The laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain a change time in which the water temperature changes from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature, from the water temperature information over time of the previous steam mode.

[0345] More specifically, the laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain a first arrival time in which the water temperature of the steam chamber 120 reaches the first reference water temperature and a second arrival time in which the water temperature of the steam chamber 120 reaches the second reference water temperature based on the water temperature information over time of the previous steam mode, can obtain a change time between the obtained first arrival time and the obtained second arrival time, can obtain a current water level of the steam chamber 120 based on the obtained change time, and can determine a water supply amount based on the obtained current water level (442).

[0346] The change time of the change in the water temperature can vary corresponding to the water level of the steam chamber 120. In other words, information about the water level corresponding to the change time can be obtained through a test and can be stored in the storage.

[0347] For example, the laundry care apparatus 1 can determine a water supply amount corresponding to a water level L2-La obtained by subtracting a water level La from the second reference water level L2, based on determining that the current water level of the steam chamber 120 is lower than the second reference water level L2 by the water level La according to the obtained change time.

[0348] The laundry care apparatus 1 can determine a water supply amount corresponding to a water level L2-Lb obtained by subtracting a water level Lb from the second reference water level L2, based on determining that the current water level of the steam chamber 120 is lower than the second reference water level L2 by the water level Lb according to the obtained change time.

[0349] Here, the water level Lb can be lower than the water level La.

[0350] In a case where the water level of the steam chamber 120 is the water level Lb, the laundry care apparatus 1 can supply a larger amount of water than in a case where the water level of the steam chamber 120 is the water level La.

[0351] The laundry care apparatus 1 can control the water supplier 110 to perform water supply based on the determined amount of water supply (443).

[0352] Controlling the water supplier 110 can include operating the pump 112 to pump water from the water supply tank and opening the valve 113 to supply the pumped water to the steam chamber 120.

[0353] The laundry care apparatus 1 can determine whether a time to stop water supply is reached during water supply (444), and can stop water supply based on a determination that the time to stop water supply is reached (445).

[0354] Determining whether the time to stop water supply is reached can include obtaining a target water supply time corresponding to the amount of water supply, and determining that the time to stop water supply is reached based on the water supply time of water supply reaching the target water supply time.

[0355] Stopping water supply can include stopping the pump 112 of the water supplier 110 and closing the valve 113.

[0356] In a case where water supply is stopped or water supply is completed, the laundry care apparatus 1 can open the heater 170 to heat water (446).

[0357] The laundry care apparatus 1 can monitor a water temperature received from the temperature sensor 160 during water heating (447).

[0358] The laundry care apparatus 1 can determine whether a time to stop the heater 170 is reached based on the monitored water temperature and a process selected by the user (448).

[0359] More specifically, the laundry care apparatus 1 can determine whether the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches a second reference water temperature, can obtain a second arrival time at which the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches the second reference water temperature based on a determination that the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 reaches the second reference water temperature, can time from the obtained second arrival time, and can determine a turn-off time of the heater 170 based on the timed time reaching an operation time of the obtained steam mode.

[0360] The laundry care apparatus 1 can control the heater 170 to turn off based on a determination that the turn-off time of the heater 170 is reached (449).

[0361] The laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain water temperature information over time by monitoring a water temperature during the steam mode operation, and can store the obtained water temperature information over time in the storage 310 as mode operation information of the steam mode.

[0362] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a laundry care apparatus in a case where a steam mode is determined as a safe mode according to still another embodiment.

[0363] In a case where the current steam mode is determined as the safe mode, the laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain mode operation information of a previous steam mode stored in the storage 310 (451).

[0364] The mode operation information of the previous steam mode can include water temperature information over time and heater off information of the previous steam mode.

[0365] The laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain a water usage amount in the previous steam mode based on the obtained heater off information. Here, the water usage amount in the previous steam mode can be a steam generation amount in the previous steam mode.

[0366] The laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain a first arrival time at which a water temperature of the steam chamber 120 reaches a first reference water temperature and a second arrival time at which the water temperature of the steam chamber 120 reaches a second reference water temperature based on the water temperature information over time of the previous steam mode, can obtain a change time between the obtained first arrival time and the obtained second arrival time, and can obtain a current water level of the steam chamber 120 based on the obtained change time (452).

[0367] The laundry care apparatus 1 can compare the obtained current water level with a preset water level.

[0368] Here, the preset water level can be lower than the second reference water level and higher than the first reference water level.

[0369] The laundry care apparatus 1 can determine a water supply amount based on the obtained current water level and the obtained water usage amount (453).

[0370] More specifically, the laundry care apparatus 1 can determine that the water supply amount is less than the obtained water usage amount based on a determination that the obtained current water level is greater than or equal to the preset water level, and can determine that the water supply amount is greater than the obtained water usage amount based on a determination that the obtained current water level is less than the preset water level.

[0371] For example, in a case where the obtained current water level is greater than or equal to the preset water level, the laundry care apparatus 1 can determine a water amount obtained by subtracting the preset first water amount from the obtained water usage amount as the supply water amount, and in a case where the obtained current water level is less than the preset water level, can determine a water amount obtained by adding the preset second water amount to the obtained water usage amount as the supply water amount.

[0372] Here, the preset first water amount and the preset second water amount can be different or the same.

[0373] The laundry care apparatus 1 can control the water supplier 110 to perform water supply based on the determined supply water amount (454).

[0374] Controlling the water supplier 110 can include operating the pump 112 to pump water from the water supply tank and opening the valve 113 to supply the pumped water to the steam chamber 120.

[0375] The laundry care apparatus 1 can determine whether a time to stop water supply arrives during water supply (455), and can stop water supply based on a determination that the time to stop water supply arrives (456).

[0376] Determining whether the time to stop water supply arrives can include obtaining a target water supply time corresponding to the supply water amount, and determining that the time to stop water supply arrives based on the water supply time of the water supply reaching the target water supply time.

[0377] Stopping water supply can include stopping the pump 112 of the water supplier 110 and closing the valve 113.

[0378] In a case where water supply is stopped or water supply is completed, the laundry care apparatus 1 can open the heater 170 to heat water (457).

[0379] The laundry care apparatus 1 can monitor a water temperature received from the temperature sensor 160 during water heating (458).

[0380] The laundry care apparatus 1 can determine whether a time to stop the heater 170 arrives based on the monitored water temperature and a process selected by the user (459).

[0381] More specifically, the laundry care apparatus 1 can determine whether the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 arrives at a second reference water temperature, can obtain a second arrival time at which the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 arrives at the second reference water temperature based on a determination that the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 160 arrives at the second reference water temperature, can time from the obtained second arrival time, and can determine a turn-off time of the heater 170 based on the timed time arriving at an operation time of the obtained steam mode.

[0382] The laundry care apparatus 1 can control the heater 170 to be turned off based on determining the turn-off time to the heater 170 (460).

[0383] The laundry care apparatus 1 can obtain water temperature information over time by monitoring the water temperature during the operation of the steam mode, can obtain heater turn-off information corresponding to the heater turn-off time, and can store the obtained water temperature information over time and the obtained heater turn-off information as mode operation information of the steam mode in the storage 310.

[0384] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments can be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. The instructions can be stored in the form of program codes, and when operated by a processor, the instructions can create program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium can be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0385] The computer-readable recording medium can include all kinds of recording media storing instructions interpretable by a computer. For example, the computer-readable recording medium can be a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, an optical data storage device, etc.

[0386] Although embodiments of the disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that other specific modifications can be made without departing from the technical spirit or essential features of the disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing embodiments should be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0387] Although the present disclosure has been described with various embodiments, various changes and modifications can be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A laundry care apparatus comprising: a steam chamber; a water supplier configured to supply water to the steam chamber; a heater configured to heat water in the steam chamber; a water level sensor disposed in the steam chamber and configured to detect a first reference water level and a second reference water level higher than the first reference water level; a memory configured to store mode operation information of a previous steam mode; and a processor configured to control the water supplier and the heater based on mode operation information of a previous steam mode based on receiving a water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level from the water level sensor at a start of a current steam mode. 2.The laundry care apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the mode operation information of the previous steam mode includes water temperature information and heater off information of the heater, and the processor is configured to: determine whether to supply water based on the water temperature information over time. 3.The laundry care apparatus of claim 2, wherein: the processor is configured to: obtain a change time for a water temperature of the steam chamber to change from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on the water temperature information obtained over time, determine that the supply of water is not needed based on the obtained change time being greater than or equal to a reference time, and determine that the supply of water is needed based on the obtained change time being less than the reference time, and the first reference water temperature is lower than the second reference water temperature. the processor is configured to:

4. The garment care device of claim 3, wherein, obtain a steam generation time from the water temperature information over time and the heater off information based on the obtained change time being less than the reference time, obtain a water supply amount based on the obtained steam generation time, control an operation of the water supplier based on the water supply amount, obtain an arrival time for the water temperature of the steam chamber to reach the second reference water temperature based on the water temperature information over time, obtain an off time for the heater to be turned off based on the heater off information, and obtain a time period between the obtained arrival time and the obtained off time as the steam generation time. 5.The laundry care apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an input interface; and a temperature sensor configured to detect a water temperature of the steam chamber, wherein the processor is configured to: obtain the water temperature information over time based on the current steam mode being in operation and the water temperature information being received from the temperature sensor, control the memory to store the obtained water temperature information over time as the mode operation information of the current steam mode, change the mode operation information of the previous steam mode stored in the memory to the mode operation information of the current steam mode, control the heater to be turned off based on a progress received through the input interface and the water temperature information received from the temperature sensor, and control the memory to store an off time for the heater to be turned off as the mode operation information of the current steam mode. the processor is configured to: control the water supplier to supply water based on a water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level not being received from the water level sensor at a start of the current steam mode, and 6. The garment care device of claim 1, wherein, control the water supplier to stop supplying water based on a water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level being received from the water level sensor while the water supplier is being controlled. 7.The laundry care apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: an input interface; and a temperature sensor configured to detect a water temperature of the steam chamber, ​ ​ ​ wherein the processor is configured to: obtain water temperature information over time based on the current steam mode being in operation and the water temperature information being received from the temperature sensor, control the storage to store the obtained water temperature information over time as the mode operation information of the current steam mode, change the mode operation information of the previous steam mode stored in the storage to the mode operation information of the current steam mode, control the heater to be turned off based on the process received through the input interface and the water temperature information received from the temperature sensor, and control the storage to store a turn-off time at which the heater is turned off as the mode operation information of the current steam mode. 8.The laundry care apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a display; and a temperature sensor configured to detect a water temperature of the steam chamber, wherein the processor is configured to: obtain a change time in which the water temperature of the steam chamber changes from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on the water temperature information received from the temperature sensor, obtain a steam generation time between a reaching time at which the water temperature reaches the second reference water temperature and a turn-off time at which the heater is turned off, control the storage to store the obtained change time and the steam generation time as the mode operation information of the current steam mode, and control the display to display an error based on a water level detection signal corresponding to the first reference water level not being received and a water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level being received. 9.The laundry care apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the mode operation information of the previous steam mode includes water temperature information over time, the processor is configured to: obtain a change time in which the water temperature of the steam chamber changes from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on the water temperature information obtained over time, and determine a water supply amount based on the obtained change time, and the first reference water temperature is lower than the second reference water temperature. 10.The laundry care apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the mode operation information of the previous steam mode includes water temperature information over time and heater turn-off information of the heater, and the processor is configured to: obtain a current water level of the steam chamber based on the water temperature information over time, obtain a water usage amount based on the heater turn-off information, and determine a water supply amount based on the obtained current water level and the obtained water usage amount. 11.A method for controlling a laundry care apparatus, the method comprising: obtaining mode operation information of a previous steam mode stored in a storage based on a water level detection signal corresponding to a preset water level being received from a water level sensor at a start of a current steam mode; and controlling a water supplier and a heater based on the obtained mode operation information of the previous steam mode.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, controlling the water supplier includes: determining whether to supply water based on the obtained mode operation information of the previous steam mode, and controlling the water supplier to operate or stop based on whether to supply water. 13.The method of claim 12, wherein: controlling the water supplier includes: obtaining a change time in which a water temperature of the steam chamber changes from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on the obtained mode operation information of the previous steam mode, stopping the water supply based on the obtained change time being greater than or equal to a reference time, obtaining a steam generation time based on the obtained pattern operation information, based on the obtained change time being less than the reference time, obtaining a water supply amount based on the obtained steam generation time, and controlling an operation of a water supplier based on the water supply amount, the obtaining of the steam generation time includes: obtaining a time period between a reaching time at which the water temperature reaches a second reference water temperature and a turning-off time at which the heater is turned off, based on the obtained pattern operation information of the previous steam mode, and obtaining the obtained time period as the steam generation time, and the first reference water temperature is lower than the second reference water temperature. 14.The method of claim 11, further comprising: obtaining water temperature information over time based on the water temperature information being received from the temperature sensor during an operation of the current steam mode; obtaining heater turning-off information of the heater based on the progress received through the input interface and the water temperature information received from the temperature sensor; and storing the water temperature information over time and the heater turning-off information as the pattern operation information of the current steam mode in the memory. 15.The method of claim 11, further comprising: controlling the water supply to be performed based on a water level detection signal corresponding to a preset water level not being received from the water level sensor at a start of the current steam mode; controlling the water supplier to stop the water supply and controlling the heater to turn on based on the water level detection signal corresponding to the preset water level being received at the water supply; controlling the heater to turn off based on the progress received through the input interface and the water temperature information received from the temperature sensor; storing heater turning-off information including a turning-off time at which the heater is turned off as the pattern operation information of the current steam mode in the memory; and storing water temperature information over time as the pattern operation information of the current steam mode in the memory based on the water temperature information being received from the temperature sensor. ​ ​

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