Laundry treating apparatus and method for controlling laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothes treating apparatus. A multifunctional input part configured on an exposed surface of a drawer of an auxiliary device and used for receiving an instruction of a user can control the action of the auxiliary device by receiving different instructions according to conditions. The multifunctional input part can be set to receive instructions of a driving part, a leading-out part and a locking part which form the auxiliary device. A master device and an auxiliary device are paired with each other, and control can be performed from the master device to the auxiliary device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a garment processing device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] A garment processing device is an apparatus that performs one or more of a washing process to remove foreign objects from garments and a drying process to remove moisture from garments. This garment processing device can accommodate a large quantity of garments in a rotating drum and perform the washing or drying process by applying physical force or centrifugal force to the garments.

[0003] However, because these garment handling devices are designed to handle large quantities of clothing, their energy efficiency decreases when handling small quantities. Therefore, users often accumulate large loads of laundry before using the garment handling device to perform the washing or drying cycle, even when they have clothes to wash or dry. However, this results in unnecessary re-contamination or rotting of the clothes during the accumulation process.

[0004] In recent years, in order to solve this problem, auxiliary devices have been added to the clothing processing device (hereinafter, the main device) that can process a large number of clothes and to process a small number of clothes.

[0005] The auxiliary device is designed to be smaller than the main device, thus enabling the washing or drying of small loads of laundry to be performed with less water, detergent, or energy. Therefore, the user can use the auxiliary device when handling small loads and the main device when handling large loads, thereby processing laundry with optimal efficiency.

[0006] Because this auxiliary device is configured to operate independently of the main device, it is controlled independently of the main device. Therefore, typically, the auxiliary device is configured independently of the main device with a control panel having multiple input units that receive commands for executing washing or drying programs.

[0007] However, the following problem exists: because the height and volume of the auxiliary device are smaller than those of the main device, it is difficult to ensure that the area of ​​the control panel is set in the auxiliary device, and it is difficult for the user to operate the control panel set in a narrow area.

[0008] Furthermore, when the main unit is a front-loading type device with an opening at the front, and the auxiliary device is a drawer type located at the bottom of the main unit and extending forward, there is an inconvenience that requires the user to bend their body in order to operate the auxiliary device.

[0009] In addition, there is the problem of structural waste. For example, even though the control panel or control unit of the main device has the ability to operate the auxiliary device, it is still necessary to add a control panel to the auxiliary device.

[0010] Furthermore, since the main device and the auxiliary device are not connected to each other in terms of control, it is difficult for users to control the main device and the auxiliary device in one go, and they need to check the status of the main device or the auxiliary device in each device. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem to be solved

[0012] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device that can minimize the number of input sections by adding an additional configuration to a composite device that performs one or more programs, such as a washing program and a drying program.

[0013] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device in which the input section can receive a plurality of instructions, so that the number of input sections is less than the number of input instructions.

[0014] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an auxiliary device configured to receive different instructions according to the situation using an input unit.

[0015] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a garment handling device that can also control the auxiliary device through the composite device.

[0016] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a garment processing apparatus in which the composite device and the auxiliary device can be paired with each other.

[0017] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a garment processing apparatus that can input the pairing instruction from the auxiliary device through the input section.

[0018] Technical solutions to the problem

[0019] To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention provides a garment handling device, comprising: a housing with a width less than its height, having an opening at the front of the housing; a drawer housed within the mini-housing, configured to be introduced and withdrawn through the opening; an outer tub housed within the drawer, having an inlet at its upper part, and storing water in the outer tub; a roller rotatably disposed within the outer tub for holding garments; a drive unit coupled to the outer tub to rotate the roller; and a multi-functional input unit disposed on the exposed surface of the drawer, configured to receive commands from a user.

[0020] The multi-function input unit can be configured to receive different instructions depending on the situation.

[0021] The multi-function input unit can be configured to receive a power command to supply power to the drive unit when the power supply to the drive unit is disconnected.

[0022] The garment handling apparatus of the present invention may further include a lead-out portion disposed on the housing and leading the drawer out from the opening.

[0023] The multi-function input unit can be configured to receive an extension command from the extension unit to extend the drawer from the cabinet when power is supplied to the drive unit and the extension unit.

[0024] The lead-out section can be configured to lead the drawer out of the box body when the rotation of the roller is stopped by the drive section.

[0025] The multi-function input unit can be configured to deactivate the function of receiving the extraction command while the drum is rotating, or to receive commands different from the extraction command.

[0026] The garment handling apparatus of the present invention may further include a water level sensing unit for sensing the water level in the outer tub.

[0027] The multi-function input unit can be configured to deactivate the function of receiving the extraction command when the outer tank contains water, or to receive commands different from the extraction command.

[0028] The garment handling device of the present invention may further include a drawer locking part, which is disposed on either the box body or the drawer and locks the drawer to prevent the drawer from being pulled out of the box body.

[0029] The drawer locking mechanism can be configured to release the drawer if the pull-out command is input.

[0030] The drawer locking mechanism can be configured to release the drawer lock when the drive unit stops driving the roller.

[0031] The drawer locking mechanism can be configured to release the drawer lock after the outer tub has been drained.

[0032] The multi-function input unit can be configured to receive a stop command to stop the roller while the drive unit is rotating the roller.

[0033] The garment handling apparatus of the present invention may further include a lead-out portion disposed on the housing and leading the drawer out from the opening.

[0034] The multi-function input unit can be configured to receive an extraction command for the drawer to be extracted from the cabinet when the drive unit stops the rotation of the roller.

[0035] The garment handling apparatus of the present invention may further include a communication module that communicates with an additional device disposed outside the housing, and the multi-function input unit may be configured to receive connection instructions for connecting the communication module to the additional device.

[0036] The multi-function input unit can be configured to receive the connection command if it is continuously input within a specified time.

[0037] If the communication module is connected to the additional device, the drive unit can be controlled by the additional device.

[0038] The additional device may include: a main housing, disposed on the upper part of the auxiliary housing; a main outer tub, housed in the main housing, for storing water; a main drum, rotatably housed in the main outer tub, for storing clothing; a heating unit, combined with the main outer tub, capable of supplying hot air to the main drum; and a main communication module, configured to communicate with the communication module.

[0039] Invention Effects

[0040] The present invention has the effect of minimizing the number of input units in the auxiliary device that receive instructions from the user.

[0041] The present invention has the effect of providing an auxiliary device that can improve the sense of integration and aesthetics with the composite device by minimizing the exposed input portion.

[0042] This invention has the effect of being able to control a smaller auxiliary device in one go using a large composite device.

[0043] This invention allows the user to confirm the status of both devices by confirming only one device. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the appearance of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention when configured as a composite device.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing in detail the internal structure of the housing of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a structural embodiment of the control panel 100 of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the appearance of an auxiliary device that may be included in the garment handling apparatus of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the internal structure of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention when it is configured as an auxiliary device.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a structural embodiment of the auxiliary device for extending or locking the drawer according to the present invention.

[0051] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the combination device and auxiliary device paired together.

[0052] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of inputting connection information from a composite device.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the control panel status when the composite device and auxiliary device have completed pairing.

[0054] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a control method in which a composite device and an auxiliary device of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention are paired and configured.

[0055] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the control method for depairing in the auxiliary device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The embodiments disclosed in this specification will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, identical or similar reference numerals are used for the same or similar structures, even in different embodiments, and the first description replaces the subsequent descriptions. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular expressions used in this specification include the plural expressions. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of relevant well-known technologies will be omitted if they are deemed to obscure the main idea of ​​the disclosed embodiments. It should also be noted that the drawings are merely for ease of understanding of the technical concepts disclosed in this specification, and the technical concepts of the present invention should not be limited by the drawings.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the appearance of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention.

[0058] The garment handling apparatus of the present invention may include one or more of a composite device 4 which integrates either a washing machine 1 or a dryer 2, and an auxiliary device 5 disposed at the lower part of the composite device 4.

[0059] Hereinafter, the garment processing apparatus of the present invention will be described based on the configuration of the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 disposed at the lower part of the composite device 4. However, this is for illustrative purposes only and does not preclude the garment processing apparatus of the present invention from being configured as a washing machine 1, a dryer 2, or a configuration in which the washing machine 1 and the dryer 2 are arranged vertically.

[0060] The composite device 4 of the present invention may include a housing 10 forming the exterior. An opening for introducing and removing clothing may be provided at the front of the housing 10, and the opening may be opened and closed by a door 200.

[0061] The door 200 can be configured to be rotatably attached to the housing 10 and to selectively open and close the opening. The door 200 can be configured such that, when fixed or locked to the housing 10, only a transparent material is exposed on the front. Therefore, the front of the door 200 can be made of glass or a transparent material such as plastic or acrylic.

[0062] A control panel 100 may be configured on the upper part of the door 200, the control panel 100 receiving instructions to control the clothing processing device of the present invention or displaying information to the outside.

[0063] The enclosure may include a front panel 11 forming the front side, and the control panel 100 may be disposed on the front panel 11.

[0064] The control panel 100 may be provided with an input section to receive various commands from the user. The control panel 100 may also be provided with a display section to show information about the garment processing device to the outside. To enable the full functionality of both the input section and the display section, at least a portion of the control panel 100 may be configured as a touch panel.

[0065] The control panel 100 can be configured to have a width greater than its height, and can be elliptical or shaped like a running track. This allows for the display of more information than when the control panel 100 is set in a circular shape, and makes it easier to display complete sentences, phrases, etc.

[0066] The control panel 100 can be configured to receive instructions to execute the process, or to display the status of the process execution, information required to execute the process, etc.

[0067] The control panel 100 may include one or more of the following: a plurality of buttons or touch panels for receiving instructions from the user; a microphone for receiving the user's voice; a camera or proximity sensor for receiving the user's actions or status; a screen for displaying visual information to the user; and a speaker for transmitting auditory information to the user.

[0068] In the case where the garment handling apparatus of the present invention is a front-loading type with an opening at the front of the housing, the control panel 100 can be positioned higher than the door 200 at the front of the housing 10. This ensures accessibility and recognizability.

[0069] Of course, in the case where the clothing handling device of the present invention is a top loading type with an opening provided at the top of the box, the control panel 100 can be arranged in the upper surface of the box 10 at a position further forward than the door 200.

[0070] When the auxiliary device 5 is located at the lower part of the composite device 4, the control panel 100 can be configured as a composite panel capable of controlling one or more of the composite device 4 and the lower auxiliary device 5 at the same time.

[0071] The composite device 4 may also include a main communication module 1400 configured to communicate with the outside.

[0072] The main communication module 1400 can be configured in any way, as long as it can communicate with at least one of the auxiliary device 5, external terminal, router, and server that are configured to be independent of the composite device 4.

[0073] For example, the main communication module 1400 can be configured as a wireless communication module such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC.

[0074] The main communication module 1400 can be connected to the control panel 100 and transmit signals input from the control panel 100 to the auxiliary device 5, external terminal, router, and server. Additionally, the main communication module 1400 can also transmit signals received from the auxiliary device 5, external terminal, router, and server to the control panel 100.

[0075] When the composite device 4 of the present invention performs the operation of the dryer 2, a filter 99 for filtering the air in the drum outside the drum can be arranged on the upper part of the housing 10.

[0076] The filter 99 can be housed inside the housing 10 and filters foreign objects from the circulation duct that circulates air. The circulation duct can be configured inside the housing 10 closer to the upper part than the lower part of the housing 10. The filter 99 can be configured to extend upward from the upper panel 13 of the housing. The structure of the circulation duct will be described later.

[0077] The door 200 can be combined with the housing 10 in the form of a button. It can be configured such that if pressure is applied to the door 200 toward the housing 10, the door 200 can be opened and closed repeatedly.

[0078] If the door 200 is configured as a button, even when the user is holding laundry and cannot pull the door 200, pressure can be applied to the door 200 towards the opening or the housing 10 to sequentially fix the door 200 to the housing 10 and separate it from the housing 10.

[0079] The door 200 is rotatably coupled to a hinge disposed on one side of the opening. Therefore, it is preferable that the locking portion for engaging or fixing the door 200 to the housing 10 is located in the area facing the hinge with reference to the opening.

[0080] The outer surface of the door 200 may be provided with a pressure part 250 to guide the user to press the position corresponding to the locking part. The surface of the pressure part 250 may be distinguished from other areas, or it may be visually distinguished by additional lighting or other means.

[0081] The door 200 may also include a sensing unit 240, which is configured to receive a user's press or touch and cause the door 200 to separate from the housing 10.

[0082] The sensing unit 240 can be configured to detect the user's physical contact. For example, the sensing unit 240 can include any configuration that can detect the user's physical contact, such as a touch film, touch panel, physical button, piezoelectric element, etc., provided on the door 200.

[0083] When a user touches or presses the sensing unit 240, the door 200 can be opened from the housing 10 even if no pressure is applied to the housing 10. This prevents damage or scratches to the door 200 when pressed by a user or object.

[0084] The sensing unit 240 can be positioned adjacent to the pressurizing unit 250. This allows the user to intuitively recognize that the sensing unit 240 and the pressurizing unit 250 are areas that receive user input.

[0085] The sensing unit 240 can be built into the door 200 and configured to be displayed on the outer surface of the door 200. Therefore, the sensing unit 240 may also include an additional light-emitting element. Of course, the area on the surface of the door 200 where the sensing unit 240 is provided can also be displayed as a mark, shadow, etc.

[0086] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention may further include an auxiliary device 5 disposed at the lower part of the composite device 4. The auxiliary device 5 may be disposed at the lower part of the composite device 4, and the composite device 4 may be disposed at the upper part of the auxiliary device 5.

[0087] The auxiliary device 5 may include: an auxiliary housing 10b, disposed at the lower part of the housing 10 of the composite device 4; and a drawer 80, extending forward from the auxiliary housing 10b.

[0088] An auxiliary input unit 84 may be arranged in front of the drawer 80, which can receive an outward command from the user to extend the drawer 80 forward.

[0089] The auxiliary input unit 84 can be configured to receive additional commands in addition to the commands that are output. Therefore, the auxiliary input unit can be configured as a multi-functional input unit.

[0090] The multi-function input unit 84 can be configured in any way, as long as it can receive commands through physical contact with the user. For example, it can be configured as a touch panel or a button.

[0091] The height of the composite device 4 may be increased due to the auxiliary device 5. Therefore, when the composite device 4 is configured as a front-loading type with a door 200 positioned in front of the housing 10, the position of the opening 14 is also increased, allowing the user to easily approach the door 200 without bending over or with minimal bending over.

[0092] The detailed configuration of the composite device and the auxiliary device will be described later.

[0093] Of course, the auxiliary device 5 of the present invention can also be placed on the upper part of the housing 10. In this case, the auxiliary device 5 may include the auxiliary housing 10b and omit the drawer 80.

[0094] Alternatively, the auxiliary device 5 can be configured in the upper part of the interior of the housing 10 and share the housing with the composite device 4.

[0095] In this case, the auxiliary input unit 84 can be disposed at the upper front of the auxiliary device 10, or it can be disposed at the front of the auxiliary device 10.

[0096] The following description is based on the case where the auxiliary device 5 is located at the lower part of the housing 10 and includes the drawer 80. However, the case where the auxiliary device 5 is located at the upper part of the housing 10 is not excluded.

[0097] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the garment processing apparatus of the present invention when configured as a composite device.

[0098] The garment processing device of the present invention may include: an outer tub 20, housed inside the housing 10, for storing water; and a roller 30, rotatably housed in the outer tub 20, for storing water.

[0099] The outer bucket 20 may include an outer bucket body 21, which is cylindrical in shape and has an inlet 22 at the front.

[0100] The outer barrel body 21 can be made of plastic or the like, and the inlet 22 can protrude in a cylindrical shape in front of the outer barrel body 21 with a diameter smaller than that of the outer barrel body 21.

[0101] The inlet 22 can be configured to communicate with the opening 14 of the box 10.

[0102] On the other hand, the outer barrel 20 may also include a gasket 23 that seals the inlet 22 and the opening 14.

[0103] The washer 23 can be configured independently of the outer barrel body 21. It can be in the form of a ring that seals the space between the inlet 22 and the opening 14.

[0104] The gasket 23 can be made of an elastic material. Thus, even if the outer tub 20 vibrates, the gasket 23 can maintain a sealed state between the opening 14 and the inlet 22, and prevent vibration from being transmitted to the opening 14 or the door 200.

[0105] The roller 30 may include: a roller body 31, rotatably disposed on the outer drum body 21 for storing clothes; and an inlet 35, disposed in front of the roller body 31 and communicating with the inlet 22 and the opening 14.

[0106] The roller body 31 may be cylindrical, and a through hole 33 communicating with the interior of the outer barrel body 21 may be provided on the back or outer circumferential surface of the roller body 31. The roller body 31 may be made of metal.

[0107] The garment handling apparatus of the present invention may include: a water supply unit 50 for supplying water to the outer tub 20; and a drainage unit 60 for draining water from the outer tub 20.

[0108] The water supply unit 50 may include: a water supply valve 51, which is connected to the housing 10 and connected to an external water source for selective water supply; and a water supply pipe 52, which extends from the water supply valve 51 and transmits water supplied from the external water source. The water supply pipe 52 may be connected to the outer tank body 21, or the end of the water supply pipe 52 may be connected to the gasket 23.

[0109] The water supply pipe 52 can be connected to the outer tub 20 at any point, as long as the water supply pipe 52 can supply water to the outer tub 20.

[0110] The drainage section 60 may include: a discharge pipe 61 connected to the lower part of the outer tub 20 to discharge water from the outer tub 20; a drainage pump 62 providing power to discharge water supplied from the discharge pipe 61 to the outside of the housing 10; and a drainage pipe 63 extending from the drainage pump 62 to the outside of the housing 10 for discharging water.

[0111] The garment handling apparatus of the present invention may further include a water level sensor 24 for sensing the water level in the outer tub 20. The water level sensor 24 may be configured in any way, as long as it can sense the water level inside the outer tub 20. For example, the water level sensor 24 may include: a connecting pipe connected to the outer tub 20, with its end sealed; and a device disposed on the upper part of the connecting pipe for sensing pressure changes inside the connecting pipe.

[0112] The garment handling apparatus of the present invention may further include a support portion 70 inside the housing 10 that supports the outer tub 20.

[0113] The support portion 70 may include one or more of a suspension that supports the lower part of the outer barrel 20 and a spring that supports the upper part of the outer barrel 20.

[0114] The clothing handling device of the present invention may include a drive unit 40 with the same structure as a conventional washing machine 1.

[0115] In addition, the garment handling apparatus of the present invention may also include a heating unit 90, which can circulate and heat the air inside the outer tub 20 or the drum 30.

[0116] The heating unit 90 can also be positioned lower than the outer tank 20.

[0117] However, since the outer tub 20 is the configuration closest to the roller 30, and the lower part of the outer tub 20 is provided with a drainage section 60, the heating section 90 can be installed and configured in the outer tub 20.

[0118] The heating unit 90 can be mounted and configured on the upper part of the outer tub 20. That is, the heating unit 90 can be configured at a position higher than the opening of the outer tub.

[0119] The heating unit 90 may include one or more of the following structures: a circulation path 91 extending from the outer barrel 20 in at least one of the front-back and left-right directions to circulate air inside the outer barrel 20; an evaporator 92 housed in the circulation path 91 to condense moisture by cooling the air; a condenser 93 disposed downstream of the evaporator to heat the air; a compressor 94 disposed outside the circulation path 91 to supply refrigerant to the condenser 93 for heating the air; an expansion valve to cool the air by expanding the refrigerant discharged from the condenser 93 and transmitting it to the evaporator 92; and a circulation fan 96 disposed inside the circulation path 91 to provide power for circulating the air.

[0120] The circulating flow path 91 can be configured such that one end is connected to the upper rear of the outer barrel body 21, and the other end is connected to the upper front of the outer barrel body 21 or the washer 23.

[0121] The circulating fan 96 can be driven to draw air from the rear of the roller 30 into the circulating flow path 91, and the air is discharged into the interior of the roller body 31 through the inlet 35.

[0122] Therefore, the hot air generated in the heating section 90 can flow in from the inlet 35 and be evenly supplied to the drum body 31, so that the clothes can be dried evenly. In addition, the air that has dried the clothes can pass through the through hole 33 and flow smoothly from one end of the circulation path 91 by utilizing the negative pressure provided by the blower fan 96.

[0123] As a result, the heating unit 90 can be configured to supply hot air to the interior of the drum body 31 even if the drum 30 is housed in the outer barrel 20 and a plurality of through holes 33 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 30, resulting in greater air resistance.

[0124] Since the outer tank 20 is located at the lower part of the heating unit 90, the water collection section and water storage tank for collecting condensate can be omitted. That is, the water condensed inside the circulation path 91 can be collected in the outer tank 20 and discharged using the drain section 60.

[0125] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention can perform a plurality of processes based on the above-described configuration for processing garments. These processes may include a washing process to remove foreign matter from the garments and a drying process to remove moisture from the garments.

[0126] The garment handling device of the present invention may include an integrated control unit that integrates a control unit for performing the washing process and a control unit for performing the drying process. The integrated control unit may be built into the control panel 100, or it may be set as a control panel independently of the control panel 100 and installed inside the housing 10.

[0127] The integrated control unit can be configured to be independent of the main communication module 1400, and can be configured to receive power directly from an external power source.

[0128] However, the main communication module 1400 can receive power directly from the external power source as long as the integrated control unit is connected to an external power source, regardless of whether the integrated control unit receives power.

[0129] The main communication module 1400 can be configured to receive standby power and supply the standby power to the control panel 100. The control panel 100 can operate independently of receiving power, separate from the integrated control unit.

[0130] The garment handling device of the present invention may include a drive unit 40, which is coupled to the outer tub 20 and causes the roller 30 to rotate.

[0131] The drive unit 40 may include: a stator 41, which is coupled to the rear of the outer barrel body 21; a rotor 42, which rotates through the stator 41; and a rotating shaft 43, which connects the rotor 42 and the drum 30.

[0132] A bearing cover may be provided on the back of the outer barrel body 21, through which the rotating shaft 43 passes and supports the rotating shaft 43 to enable it to rotate.

[0133] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing in detail the internal structure of the housing of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention.

[0134] The circulation path 91 can be configured to extend in a U-shape on the upper part of the outer barrel 20 to ensure the volume of air movement or the area of ​​the evaporator and condenser.

[0135] That is, it can extend forward from the upper rear side of the outer barrel body 21 and then extend to the upper front side of the outer barrel body 21.

[0136] The circulation path 91 may include: an inflow section 91a extending from the rear to the front of the outer barrel body 21; a moving section 91b extending from the inflow section to the other side of the front of the outer barrel body 21 or the washer 23; and an outflow section 91c extending downward from the moving section and communicating with the interior of the washer 23.

[0137] The pipe can extend in the left-right direction at the top of the outer barrel 20, and a filter 99, an evaporator 92 and a condenser 93 can be arranged in sequence inside the pipe.

[0138] The circulating fan 96 can be configured to be connected to the circulating flow path 91.

[0139] The circulating fan 96 can be disposed inside the circulating flow path 91, or it can include a cover connecting the moving part and the discharge part.

[0140] The circulating fan 96 can be positioned in front of the outer barrel body 21, thereby enabling the weight at the rear of the outer barrel body 21, to which the drive unit 40 is attached, to be evenly distributed.

[0141] The circulating fan 96 can be driven to move air from the inlet to the outlet.

[0142] The water supply pipe 51 of the water supply unit 50 can be connected to the washer 23. The washer 23 can be provided with a nozzle portion 500 that engages with the end of the water supply unit 51. The nozzle portion 500 can be configured to uniformly spray water supplied from the water supply pipe 51 into the interior of the roller body 31.

[0143] The garment handling apparatus of the present invention may further include a circulation section 65 that recirculates and supplies water to the outer tub 20.

[0144] The circulation unit 65 may include: a circulation pump, which is connected to or disposed on one side of the drain pump 62; and a circulation hose, which supplies water discharged from the outer tub body 21 back to the outer tub 20.

[0145] Therefore, not only can water be saved by reusing water from the outer tub 20 during the washing or rinsing process, but the washing efficiency can also be improved by ensuring that detergent and other substances are dissolved evenly through the circulation section 65.

[0146] The garment handling apparatus of the present invention may further include a detergent dispenser 700 for storing detergent supplied to the outer tub 20.

[0147] The detergent dispenser 700 can be positioned lower than the outer tub 20. The detergent dispenser 700 not only prevents interference with the upper heating element 90, but also ensures that the composite device 4 can be easily exposed to the user even if the auxiliary device 5 is raised.

[0148] The detergent dispenser 700 may include a detergent body for containing detergent and a detergent pump for spraying the detergent contained in the detergent body into the outer tub 20. This prevents water from the outer tub 20 from arbitrarily seeping into the interior of the detergent dispenser 700 or preventing detergent from being supplied arbitrarily.

[0149] The detergent dispenser 700 can be configured to supply detergent to at least one of the drain section 60 and the circulation section 65.

[0150] When detergent is supplied to the circulation unit 65, detergent can be supplied to the outer tub 20 by driving a circulation pump, etc. During the circulation process, the detergent can be more easily dissolved in water and the detergent can be supplied to the clothes evenly.

[0151] A filter 800 may be provided between the drain pump 62 and the circulation section 65, thereby preventing foreign matter discharged from the outer tank 20 from flowing back into the circulation section 65.

[0152] The filter 800 may protrude forward on one side of the detergent dispenser 700 and is configured to be installed and removed from the front.

[0153] The housing may also include a base 15 that supports the filter 800 and the detergent dispenser 700.

[0154] The base 15 can form the lower surface of the housing 10.

[0155] The base 15 can be configured to support the support part 70 and support the detergent box 700 and the filter 800 so as not to interfere with the support part 70.

[0156] The detergent dispenser 700 can be detachably mounted on the base 15 and is positioned to extend out from the front of the base 15. This allows the user to continuously add detergent to the detergent dispenser 700 and also to clean the detergent dispenser 700.

[0157] A stepped panel 16 may also be included in front of the base 15, the stepped panel 16 guiding the introduction and exit of at least one of the detergent box 700 and the filter 800 and being disposed at the lower part of the front panel 11.

[0158] The stepped panel 16 may be provided with holes for the introduction and exit of the detergent box 700 and the filter 800, and may prevent the base 15 from being exposed to the outside.

[0159] The stepped panel 16 can be provided independently of the front panel 11. Therefore, the front panel 11 and the stepped panel 16 can be made of different materials. As a result, even if the front panel 11 is made of a rigid and difficult-to-form metal or similar material, the stepped panel 16 can be made of an easily formable material, enabling it to guide at least one of the detergent dispenser 700 and the filter 800 in or out, or expose at least one of them.

[0160] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a structural embodiment of the control panel 100 of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention.

[0161] The control panel 100 can be switched to either a washing mode that receives instructions to execute the washing process or displays the status of the washing process, or a drying mode that receives instructions to execute the drying process or displays the status of the drying process.

[0162] In addition, when the auxiliary device described later is present, it is possible to switch to an auxiliary mode that receives instructions to operate the auxiliary device or displays the status of the auxiliary device.

[0163] The control panel 100 needs to implement all the functions: the washing mode for performing the washing process, the drying mode for performing the drying process, and the auxiliary mode for performing the auxiliary devices.

[0164] Therefore, preferably, the entire control panel 100 is a touch panel, omitting physical buttons, and selectively displays washing mode, drying mode, and auxiliary mode. This eliminates the need for multiple buttons and displays for individually executing washing mode, drying mode, and auxiliary mode.

[0165] A display unit 150 may be provided in the central quadrilateral portion of the control panel 100.

[0166] The display unit 150 can display device information I indicating the status of which product is currently being displayed.

[0167] The device information I may include composite information I1 that enables control of the composite device 4. For example, the composite information I1 may include one or more of the following: phrases such as "washing and drying" or "composite device", icons, or pictographs.

[0168] The device information I may also include auxiliary information I2 that enables control of the auxiliary device 5. For example, the auxiliary information I2 may include one or more of the following: phrases such as "mini wash" or "auxiliary device," icons, or pictographs.

[0169] A power supply unit 110 that receives a power supply command to supply power to the control panel 100, and an execution unit 120 that receives an execution command to execute a selected process may be disposed on one side of the display unit 150.

[0170] If the power supply unit 110 is input, the control panel 100 can be activated and consume power using standby power, but the integrated control unit may not consume power.

[0171] It can be controlled such that the integrated control unit can receive power and perform the process of processing clothes only when the execution unit 120 is input.

[0172] The power supply unit 110 and the execution unit 120 can be configured as touch areas that can be touched for input, and can be turned on when touch input is possible, and turned off when touch input is not possible.

[0173] The display unit 150 can be configured to display weight information related to the sensed weight of the clothing, and status information regarding the selected process and option.

[0174] Furthermore, the display unit 150 can also function as a process selection unit 130, which is configured as a touch panel and receives process selection instructions for selecting any process provided by the garment processing device, and an option selection unit 140, which receives option selection instructions for adding additional conditions and functions to the process.

[0175] For example, the display unit 150 can display the process selection unit 130, which allows for the selection of processes. For example, the selected process C1 can be displayed in a larger size, while the alternative processes C2 and C3 can be displayed in smaller sizes, such as to the left and right. Thus, the display unit 150 can perform the functions of the process selection unit 130.

[0176] The display unit 150 may further include a status display unit that displays the status of the garment handling device. The status display unit may display one or more of the following in the form of icons: internal water level status, internal temperature status, locked status, sound transmission status, and whether the process is in progress.

[0177] The option selection unit 140 may be configured outside the process selection unit 130 or the area displaying the process. The option selection unit 140 may be configured at the lower part, separated from the status display unit.

[0178] If the option selection unit 140 is input, the selectable or adjustable options can be displayed on the display unit 150. During this process, the display of the process selection unit 130 and process C may disappear.

[0179] On the other hand, the display unit 150 may display a device connection unit M that can activate or control the auxiliary device 5.

[0180] If the device connection part M is input, the display part 150 can display the status related to the auxiliary device 5 and can receive instructions related to the auxiliary device 5.

[0181] The device connection part M can be displayed using one or more of the following: phrases such as "mini" or "auxiliary device", pictographs, or icons.

[0182] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the appearance of an auxiliary device that may be included in the garment handling apparatus of the present invention.

[0183] The height and volume of the auxiliary device 5 can be smaller than that of the composite device 4.

[0184] The auxiliary device can serve as an auxiliary garment processing device and can be additionally installed on the composite device 4. Of course, the auxiliary device 5 can also be set independently.

[0185] When the garment handling apparatus of the present invention is provided with an auxiliary device 5, the box 10 may include an auxiliary box 10b whose height is less than its width in the left-right direction and its length in the front-back direction.

[0186] Because the auxiliary housing 10b is low in height, it can be positioned at the bottom of the composite device 4.

[0187] Of course, the auxiliary device 5 can also be configured on the upper part of the composite device 4. However, the following description is based on the case where the auxiliary device 5 is configured on the lower part of the composite device 4 or configured independently, for ease of explanation.

[0188] An opening may be provided at the front of the auxiliary housing 10b.

[0189] The auxiliary device 5 may also include a drawer 80, which is configured to be introduced and led out of the auxiliary box 10b through the opening.

[0190] The drawer 80 may include: a drawer body 82 having an outer bucket or rotating roller inside for holding water; a drawer panel 81 disposed in front of the drawer body 82 for opening and closing the opening; and a track 83 for leading the drawer body 82 into and out of the auxiliary box 10b.

[0191] The drawer body 82 may be in the shape of an open shell, and the interior of the drawer body 82 may also include an auxiliary door 29 that opens or closes the outer tub and roller.

[0192] The auxiliary device 5 has a drawer 80, which prevents it from being obstructed from use even if other clothing handling devices or home appliances are present in the upper part.

[0193] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the internal structure of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention when it is configured as an auxiliary device.

[0194] The auxiliary device 5 may include an auxiliary outer tub 20b for holding water and an auxiliary roller 30b rotatably disposed in the auxiliary outer tub for holding clothes inside the drawer 80.

[0195] The auxiliary outer tub 20b and the auxiliary roller 30b can be configured to have a height smaller than their diameter, and an inlet for putting clothes in is formed at the top.

[0196] The auxiliary device 5 may further include a water level sensing unit 26b for sensing the water level in the auxiliary outer tank 20b. The water level sensing unit 26b may be connected to the outside of the auxiliary outer tank 20b and sense the water level in the auxiliary outer tank 20b by sensing pressure changes inside the auxiliary outer tank 20b.

[0197] The auxiliary device 5 may include an auxiliary door 29, which is attached to the upper part of the auxiliary outer tub 20b and prevents water or clothing inside the auxiliary outer tub 20b from flowing out arbitrarily.

[0198] In addition, the auxiliary device 5 may include an auxiliary drive unit 40b, which is combined with the auxiliary outer barrel 20b and causes the auxiliary roller 30b to rotate.

[0199] The auxiliary drive unit 40b can be disposed at the lower part of the auxiliary outer barrel 20b and rotate the auxiliary roller 30b.

[0200] The auxiliary drive unit 40b may include: an auxiliary stator 41b, which is coupled to the lower part of the auxiliary outer barrel 20b to generate a rotating magnetic field; an auxiliary rotor 42b, which rotates through the auxiliary stator 41b; and an auxiliary rotating shaft 43b, which rotates through the auxiliary rotor and is coupled to the lower part of the auxiliary roller 30b.

[0201] The auxiliary device 5 of the present invention may further include an auxiliary water supply unit 50b for supplying water to the auxiliary outer tank 20b.

[0202] The auxiliary water supply unit 50b may include: an auxiliary water supply valve 51b, which is connected to the auxiliary housing 10b; an auxiliary water supply pipe 52b, which extends from the auxiliary water supply valve 51b to the drawer to supply water; and an auxiliary box 53b, which guides the water supplied from the auxiliary water supply pipe 52b to the outer tank.

[0203] The auxiliary water supply pipe 52b can be configured to extend forward by a length equivalent to that of the drawer 80 extending from the auxiliary box 10b. The auxiliary box 53b can be configured to store the added laundry detergent.

[0204] The auxiliary device 5 of the present invention may further include an auxiliary drainage section 60b for discharging water from the auxiliary outer tank 20b.

[0205] The auxiliary drainage section 60b may include: an auxiliary discharge pipe 61b for discharging water from the auxiliary outer tank 20b; an auxiliary pump 62b connected to the auxiliary discharge pipe 61b to provide power for discharging water; and an auxiliary drain pipe 63b extending from the auxiliary pump 62b to the outside of the auxiliary housing 10b.

[0206] The auxiliary drain pipe 63b can be configured to extend forward by a length equivalent to the length by which the drawer 80 extends from the auxiliary box 10b.

[0207] The support 70 may also include an auxiliary suspension 70d that connects the inner side of the drawer 80 and the outer side of the auxiliary outer tub 20b.

[0208] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a structural embodiment of the auxiliary device for extending or locking the drawer according to the present invention.

[0209] Only when the drawer 80 is extended from the auxiliary housing 10b can the user put clothes into the auxiliary roller 30b or take clothes out of the auxiliary roller 30b.

[0210] However, since the drawer 80 extends forward from the auxiliary box 10b, which is located at the bottom of the composite device 4, there may be an inconvenience for the user who wants to pull out the drawer 80 by hand, requiring excessive bending over.

[0211] Therefore, the auxiliary device 5 of the present invention may also include a pull-out part 87, which automatically pulls out the drawer 80 from the auxiliary box 10b when a user's pull-out command is input.

[0212] The extension part 87 can be disposed inside the auxiliary housing 10b and configured to extend the drawer 80 forward by a predetermined length. If the extension part 87 extends the drawer 80 forward, the drawer 80 can be easily extended forward via the track 83.

[0213] The lead-out portion 87 can be coupled to the bottom surface of the upper panel of the auxiliary housing 10b and is configured to selectively press the drawer panel 81 forward. The lead-out portion 87 can be configured as an electronic device capable of automatically leading out the drawer 80 by receiving current.

[0214] The auxiliary device 5 of the present invention may further include a main control unit 851 that performs the process of handling clothes by controlling the auxiliary water supply unit 50b, the auxiliary drainage unit 60b and the auxiliary drive unit 40b.

[0215] The main control unit 851 can be configured to receive current and supply current to the lead-out unit 87.

[0216] The main control unit 851 can cause the lead-out unit 87 to push the drawer panel 81 forward.

[0217] The main control unit 851 can be disposed on the back of the upper panel of the auxiliary housing 10b. This eliminates the possibility of the main control unit 851 being disturbed by the introduction or removal of the drawer 80, or of water being exposed to the outer tub 20. The main control unit 851 is positioned close to the auxiliary water supply valve 51b, which is coupled to the back of the auxiliary housing 10b, thereby enabling easy control of the auxiliary water supply valve 51b.

[0218] On the other hand, even though the drawer 80 can be drawn out by the lead-out part 87, there may be various situations where it is necessary to restrict the drawer 80 from being drawn out of the auxiliary box 10b.

[0219] For example, a safety accident may occur during the rotation of the auxiliary roller 30 by the auxiliary drive unit 40b, so it is necessary to restrict the drawer 80 from being pulled out.

[0220] Furthermore, if the drawer 80 is extended while the auxiliary outer tub 20b contains water, excessive load is applied to the track 83, potentially damaging it. Additionally, when the auxiliary outer tub 20b contains water, the auxiliary device 5 may tip forward due to the weight of the drawer 80, including the water. Furthermore, when the auxiliary outer tub 20b contains water, there is a risk of water and detergent contained in the auxiliary outer tub 20b leaking to the outside of the auxiliary housing 10b. Therefore, it is necessary to restrict the extension of the drawer 80 when the auxiliary outer tub 20b contains water.

[0221] In addition, it is necessary to restrict the drawer 80 from being pulled out when water is supplied to or discharged from the auxiliary outer tank 20b.

[0222] In addition, drawer 80 needs to be restricted from being pulled out before the auxiliary device 5 starts performing any process of handling clothes, is performing the process, or ends the process.

[0223] As described above, when it is necessary to restrict the extension of the drawer 80, it is necessary to set it so that the drawer 80 cannot be extended or the extension of the drawer 80 is blocked.

[0224] When it is necessary to restrict the extension of the drawer 80, the main control unit 851 can control the extension part 87 to stop operating.

[0225] However, even if the lead-out part 87 does not move, if the user pulls the drawer panel 81 forward and the drawer 80 is pulled forward by the vibration generated by the auxiliary roller 30b, the drawer 80 may be arbitrarily pulled forward from the auxiliary box 10b.

[0226] Therefore, the auxiliary device 5 of the present invention may be configured to prevent the drawer 80 from being pulled out in any situation where it is necessary to restrict the pulling out of the drawer 80.

[0227] Therefore, the auxiliary device 5 of the present invention may further include a drawer locking part 88, which prevents the drawer 80 from being pulled out and fixes the position of the drawer 80 by fixing the drawer 80 to the auxiliary box 10b.

[0228] The drawer locking part 88 can be configured to be controlled by the main control part 851, and can be configured as an electronic product that can receive current through the main control part 851 to operate.

[0229] For example, the drawer locking part 88 may include: an actuator 881 disposed on either the drawer panel 81 or the drawer body 82; and connecting rods 882 and 883 extending to the left and right from the actuator 881 and detachably connected to the interior of the auxiliary box 10b.

[0230] The connecting rods 882 and 883 can be configured to reciprocate between the actuator 881 and the inner surface of the auxiliary housing 10b by being driven by the actuator 881.

[0231] The connecting rods 882 and 883 may include: a first rod 882 extending from the actuator 881 to one side and selectively connecting to the inner surface of one side of the auxiliary housing 10b; and a second rod 883 extending from the actuator 881 to the other side and selectively connecting to the inner surface of the other side of the auxiliary housing 10b.

[0232] When the actuator 881 is disposed on the drawer panel 81, the actuator 881 can be positioned offset to the left or right from the center of the width of the drawer panel 81 to avoid interference with the auxiliary outer drawer 20b. In this case, the lengths of the first rod 882 and the second rod 883 can be different from each other.

[0233] The main control unit 851 can control the actuator 881 to selectively lock the drawer 80 in the auxiliary box 10b, thereby preventing the drawer 80 from being pulled out.

[0234] The drawer locking part 88 can be controlled to release the drawer 80 from its lock when the drawer 80 is not restricted from being extended. For example, the drawer locking part 88 can be controlled to release the drawer 80 from its lock when the auxiliary roller 30 has stopped rotating, when the drainage from the auxiliary outer tub 20b has been completed, and when the process has stopped.

[0235] Furthermore, without restricting the extension of the drawer 80, the extension part 87 can operate to extend the drawer 80. For example, when the auxiliary drive unit 40b stops the rotation of the auxiliary roller 30, when drainage from the auxiliary outer tub 20b is completed, and when the process is stopped, the extension part 87 can be controlled to extend the drawer 80 from the housing.

[0236] The auxiliary device 5 of the present invention may further include an auxiliary input unit 84, which is disposed on the exposed surface of the drawer and configured to receive instructions from the user.

[0237] The auxiliary device 5 can be configured to receive control commands for the auxiliary device 5 via the composite device 4 and its control panel 100. This avoids the inconvenience of the user having to bend down to the height of the auxiliary device 5 or squat down to control it, which is located at the lower part of the composite device 4.

[0238] Furthermore, the auxiliary device 5 can omit a separate control panel for the user to select the auxiliary device or receive instructions for executing the process. As a result, a unified system can be created that controls the auxiliary device 5 and the composite device 4 as a single device.

[0239] However, since the auxiliary device 5 is configured separately from the composite device 4, the auxiliary device 5 may also require a separate mechanism for receiving user commands. The auxiliary input unit 84 can enable the auxiliary device 5 to receive independent commands.

[0240] However, as long as the auxiliary device 5 can be controlled via the control panel 100 of the composite device 4, the auxiliary input unit 84 does not need to be multiple as in the auxiliary device 5's power supply unit, execution unit, selection unit, etc., to receive various commands. Therefore, the number of auxiliary input units 84 in the auxiliary device 5 can be less than the number of power supply units, execution units, selection units, etc.

[0241] Even so, although the auxiliary input unit 84 is set with fewer instructions than actually received, it may still need to receive additional instructions such as the drawer 80 being pulled out, pairing with the auxiliary device 5, power input to the auxiliary device 5, and activation of the auxiliary device 5, which are unrelated to the composite device 4.

[0242] Therefore, in the auxiliary device 5 of the present invention, the auxiliary input unit 84 can be provided as a multi-functional input unit 84 that receives a plurality of instructions.

[0243] The multi-function input unit 84 can be configured to receive different commands depending on the situation. That is, even if the multi-function input unit 84 is set to one, it can still receive at least two commands.

[0244] For example, the auxiliary device 5 of the present invention may consist of a single multi-function input unit 84, which is configured to receive a plurality of commands. In this case, the multi-function input unit 84 can be configured to receive different commands depending on the situation. Thus, even if the multi-function input unit 84 is a single unit, it can be configured to receive changing commands according to the situation, thereby achieving the same effect as having a plurality of input units. Furthermore, apart from the multi-function input unit 84, the auxiliary device 5 can omit any additional command receiving components. Therefore, the number of multi-function input units 84 in the auxiliary device 5 is minimized, thereby maximizing aesthetic appeal.

[0245] The multifunction input unit 84 may also be provided in multiple ways. However, since the multifunction input unit 84 can receive multiple commands even if it is set to a single value, and the auxiliary control unit 852 can recognize them, it may also be set to an odd number.

[0246] By providing the multi-function input unit 84, the auxiliary device 5 can receive various commands even when it is not controlled by the composite device 4.

[0247] The multi-function input unit 84 can be configured in any way, as long as it can receive commands from the user. For example, the multi-function input unit 84 can be configured as a touch film to sense the user's body contact, or it can be configured as a button to sense the force of the user's press.

[0248] The multi-function input unit 84 can be disposed on the drawer panel 81 and always exposed to the outside. The multi-function input unit 84 can be disposed on the front side of the exposed surface of the drawer panel 81. The multi-function input unit 84 can be configured to be closer to the upper surface than the lower surface of the drawer panel 81, so as to easily receive user commands.

[0249] The multi-function input unit 84 can be configured to receive different instructions depending on the situation, and the user can understand what instructions the multi-function input unit 84 is receiving according to each situation.

[0250] For example, when the power supply to the main control unit 851 is cut off, the multi-function input unit 84 can be configured to receive a power command to supply power to the main control unit 851.

[0251] The power command may include a wake-up command that can be activated not only by supplying power to the main control unit 851 when power is not supplied to the main control unit 851, but also by activating the main control unit 851 when it is in an idle state.

[0252] The main control unit 851 is configured to supply power to the power-consuming components such as the auxiliary drive unit 40b, the auxiliary water supply valve 51b, the auxiliary drain pump 62b, the outlet unit 87, the drawer locking unit 88, and the water level sensing unit 26b.

[0253] Therefore, if power is supplied to the main control unit 851, power is supplied to the auxiliary drive unit 40b, the auxiliary water supply valve 51b, the auxiliary drain pump 62b, the outlet unit 87, the drawer locking unit 88, the water level sensing unit 26b, etc., so that the auxiliary device 5 can be set to a state capable of handling clothes.

[0254] It can be configured such that if the multi-function input unit 84 is input and receives a power command, it supplies power to at least one of the auxiliary drive unit 40b, the auxiliary water supply valve 51b, the auxiliary drain pump 62b, the lead-out unit 87, the drawer locking unit 88, and the water level sensing unit 26b.

[0255] The main control unit 851 can be configured to receive power from an external power source via an additional socket. Alternatively, the main control unit 851 can also be configured to receive power from the composite device 4.

[0256] The multi-function input unit 84 can be configured to receive power through standby power even when the main control unit 851 is not powered.

[0257] The multi-function input unit 84 can be configured to receive other commands instead of the power command when power is supplied to the main control unit 851.

[0258] For example, the multi-function input unit 84 can be configured to receive an extraction command from the extraction unit 87 to extract the drawer 80 from the auxiliary box 10b when power is supplied to the main control unit 851.

[0259] If the multi-function input unit 84 is input, the main control unit 851 can be considered to have received an extraction command, and the drawer 80 is extracted from the auxiliary box 10b by controlling the extraction unit 87.

[0260] Of course, the main control unit 851 can first determine whether the drawer 80 can be pulled out, and without restricting the drawer 80 from being pulled out, it can cause the drawer 80 to be pulled out from the auxiliary box 10b by sensing the input of the multi-function input unit 84.

[0261] If the drawer 80 is restricted from being pulled out when power is supplied to the main control unit 851, the multi-function input unit 84 can be set to block receiving the pull-out command.

[0262] For example, if the reception of the extracted command is blocked, the multifunction input unit 84 can deactivate its function of receiving extracted commands. This could mean that the multifunction input unit 84 is switched to an uninputable state.

[0263] Alternatively, setting the multifunction input unit 84 to block receiving the extraction command could mean switching it to receive commands other than power commands or extraction commands. For example, the multifunction input unit 84 could be set to receive a stop command that interrupts the driving of the auxiliary device 5, rather than the multifunction input unit 84 being blocked from receiving input.

[0264] The multi-function input unit 84 can be configured to receive a stop command to temporarily suspend the control executed by the main control unit 851 when power supply to the main control unit 851 is restricted or when the aforementioned drawer 80 is restricted from being drawn out from the auxiliary housing 10b.

[0265] For example, the multi-function input unit 84 can be configured to receive a stop command to stop the auxiliary roller 30b when the auxiliary drive unit 40b is rotating the auxiliary roller 30b.

[0266] As another example, when water is being supplied to the auxiliary outer tank 20b, the multi-function input unit 84 can be set to receive a stop command to block the auxiliary water supply valve 51b.

[0267] While power is supplied to the main control unit 851, and the auxiliary drive unit 40b is driving or executing the process, or when the auxiliary outer tank 20b contains water, the main control unit 851 can set the input of the multi-function input unit 84 to the stop command instead of the extraction command.

[0268] On the other hand, although the auxiliary device 5 was previously in a state where the drawer 80 could not be pulled out, once the state where the drawer 80 could not be pulled out is lifted and the drawer 80 can be pulled out again, the multi-function input unit 84 can be set to receive the pull-out command.

[0269] As a result, when the drawer 80 is not restricted from being pulled out, the multi-function input unit 84 can be configured to receive the drawer 80's pull-out command; when the drawer 80's pull-out is restricted, the multi-function input unit 84 can be configured to receive commands different from the pull-out command.

[0270] For example, when the auxiliary drive unit 40b rotates the auxiliary roller 30b, the multi-function input unit 84 can be set to receive the stop command instead of the take-out command.

[0271] If the multifunction input unit 84 receives a stop command, the drive of the auxiliary drive unit 40b can be interrupted, thereby stopping the auxiliary roller 30b. Subsequently, if all other conditions restricting the withdrawal of the drawer 80, such as the outer tub 20b being completely drained, the inner water level of the outer tub 20b being zero, the process being interrupted, or the process not being executed, are eliminated, the multifunction input unit 84 can be set to receive the withdrawal command again. That is, the multifunction input unit 84 can be set to receive the withdrawal command again when the withdrawal of the drawer 80 is not restricted or when the restriction on the withdrawal of the drawer 80 is eliminated.

[0272] If the multi-function input unit 84 receives the pull-out command, the drawer locking unit 88 can be controlled to unlock the drawer. If the pull-out command is considered to have been input, the main control unit 851 controls the actuator 881 to unlock the drawer 80 and pulls the drawer 80 out of the auxiliary housing 10b by actuating the pull-out unit 87.

[0273] On the other hand, the auxiliary device 5 can be controlled by the composite device 4. The composite device 4 can send signals to the main control unit 851 to control the composite device 5, and the main control unit 851 can control each component using corresponding instructions based on the signals received from the composite device 4.

[0274] However, since the auxiliary device 5 is an independent component of the composite device 4, it may not be purchased together. Therefore, it needs to be identified or paired with the composite device 4 before it can be controlled by the composite device 4.

[0275] Therefore, the connecting part 84 can be configured to receive a connection command that pairs the auxiliary device 5 with the composite device 4.

[0276] The connection unit 84 can be configured to receive the connection command in a manner different from the stop command, extraction command, or power command. Therefore, the connection unit 84 can receive the connection command regardless of the state of the auxiliary device 5.

[0277] For example, the connection section 84 can be configured to input the connection command if the input is maintained continuously for a specified time.

[0278] The main control unit 851 may be configured to receive the connection command.

[0279] Alternatively, the auxiliary device 5 of the present invention may also include an auxiliary control unit 852 capable of sensing the input connection command.

[0280] The auxiliary control unit 852 can receive power from the standby power supply, unlike the main control unit 851. Therefore, even when power is not supplied to the main control unit 851, the multi-function input unit 84 can receive power through the auxiliary control unit 852, and can transmit the connection command input to the auxiliary control unit 852.

[0281] Furthermore, the multi-function input unit 84 can be controlled by the auxiliary control unit 852. Therefore, power commands, output commands, and stop commands input from the multi-function input unit 84 can all be transmitted to the auxiliary control unit 852.

[0282] If the auxiliary control unit 852 receives the power command, output command, stop command, etc., it can request the main control unit 851 to execute the command.

[0283] When the main control unit 851 is not powered, if the multi-function input unit 84 receives input, the auxiliary control unit 852 can supply power to the main control unit 851. That is, the auxiliary control unit 852 can enable the main control unit 851 to operate by supplying power to the main control unit 851.

[0284] In addition, if the main control unit 851 does not operate during a specific time period, or if no signal is input to the main control unit 851 during a specific time period, the main control unit 851 can enter an idle state with minimal power consumption.

[0285] If the multi-function input unit 84 is input, the auxiliary control unit 852 can request the main control unit 851 to switch back to the active state.

[0286] The auxiliary control unit 852 can be connected to the multi-function input unit 84 via a first wire 891, and the auxiliary control unit 852 can be connected to the main control unit 851 via a second wire 892.

[0287] If the main control unit 851 is connected to an external power source, the auxiliary control unit 852 can always receive power through the second wire 892, regardless of whether the main control unit 851 is not powered or is in an idle state.

[0288] Furthermore, the auxiliary control unit 852 can supply power to the multi-function input unit 84 via the first wire 891. The auxiliary control unit 852 can also communicate with the main control unit 851 via the second wire 892.

[0289] In addition, the main control unit 851 can control the lead-out unit 87 using the third wire 893, and can control the drawer locking unit 88 using the fourth wire 894.

[0290] On the other hand, the auxiliary control unit 852 may include an auxiliary communication module capable of communicating with external devices. The auxiliary communication module can be configured in any way, as long as it can transmit and receive signals wirelessly via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other methods. Therefore, the auxiliary control unit 852 can communicate with the main communication module installed in the composite device 4, or it can communicate with external terminals or routers.

[0291] If the multi-function input unit 84 is input for more than one second, the auxiliary control unit 852 can be considered to have received the connection command. Therefore, a communication module that can communicate with the auxiliary control unit 852 can be searched. If the composite device 4 also receives a connection command to connect with the auxiliary device 5 during this process, the main communication module 1400 can also search for the auxiliary control unit 852.

[0292] If the auxiliary control unit 852 and the main communication module 1400 are paired and recognize each other, the entire configuration of the auxiliary device 5 can be controlled through the control panel 100.

[0293] If the multifunction input unit 84 receives the connection command and there is a previous pairing setting with the composite device 4, the auxiliary control unit 852 can deactivate the setting.

[0294] That is, information or addresses (MAC addresses) used to identify the main communication module 1400 of the composite device 4 can be deleted from the auxiliary control unit 852, thereby enabling it to be re-paired with the composite device 4.

[0295] The control panel 100 can transmit signals to the auxiliary control unit 852 to directly control all the components of the auxiliary device 5. The auxiliary control unit 852 transmits the signals to the main control unit 851 via the second wire 892. The main control unit 851 can control the auxiliary device 5 according to the signals.

[0296] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the combination device and auxiliary device paired together.

[0297] In order to pair the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5, not only should the connection command be input on the auxiliary device 5 through the multi-function input unit 84, but the connection command should also be input on the composite device 4 through the control panel 100.

[0298] In other words, the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 can only identify and pair with each other when both have received a connection command. This prevents the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 from being arbitrarily paired with devices located elsewhere or with other people's products. Furthermore, it prevents the user's composite device 4 and auxiliary device 5 from being arbitrarily unpaired and paired with other people's products.

[0299] The user can receive connection commands to pair the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 through the control panel 100. If the connection command is input through the control panel 100, the main communication module 1400 connected to the control panel 100 can receive the connection command and search for the auxiliary control unit 852 to be paired (step a).

[0300] If the user inputs the multi-function input unit 84 within a set time period, a connection command can be input to the auxiliary control unit 852. The set time can be set to 1 second or more.

[0301] If the auxiliary control unit 852 receives a connection command, it can search for the main communication module 1400 in the composite device 4 (step b).

[0302] Steps a and b can be performed in any order. However, for the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 to be paired, both steps a and b must be completed.

[0303] If the main communication module 1400 recognizes the auxiliary control unit 852, and the auxiliary control unit 852 also recognizes the main communication module 1400, then the main communication module 1400 and the auxiliary control unit 852 can confirm whether the relative devices are paired and ready (step c).

[0304] The main communication module 1400 can provide the auxiliary control unit 852 with address information that enables it to identify itself and communicate with the auxiliary control unit 852. The auxiliary control unit 852 can also provide the main communication module 1400 with address information that enables it to identify itself and communicate with the auxiliary control unit 852.

[0305] The main communication module 1400 can identify that the auxiliary control unit 852 has received a connection command and that the auxiliary control unit 852 is in a pairing-ready state by receiving the address information from the auxiliary control unit 852.

[0306] In addition, the auxiliary control unit 852 can identify that the main communication module 1400 has received a connection command and that the main communication module 1400 is in a pairing-ready state by receiving the address information from the main communication module 1400.

[0307] The main communication module 1400 and the auxiliary control unit 852 can identify each other's addresses by exchanging address information, and then complete the pairing process to enable them to send and receive signals with each other.

[0308] If the main communication module 1400 and the auxiliary control unit 852 are paired and mutually recognized, they can be directly paired as long as they are powered on, without needing to receive connection instructions or address information again.

[0309] Typically, this pairing process can be performed when purchasing the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5, or when purchasing either the composite device 4 or the auxiliary device 5 first and then purchasing the other.

[0310] Alternatively, this pairing process can be performed when the user exchanges or replaces either the composite device 4 or the auxiliary device 5.

[0311] Figure 9 (a) and (b) are figures illustrating an embodiment of inputting connection information from a composite device.

[0312] Although the auxiliary device 5 can receive connection commands by inputting the multi-function input unit 84 during a set time period, the composite device 4 can receive connection commands through the control panel 100.

[0313] Reference Figure 9 (a) The display unit 150 may display a device connection unit M.

[0314] If the composite device 4 is never paired with the auxiliary device 5, or if the pairing with the auxiliary device 5 is unpaired, the control panel 100 can receive a connection command for pairing with the auxiliary device 5 by being input through the device connection part M.

[0315] Reference Figure 9 (b) If a connection command is input from the control panel 100, the display unit 150 may display guidance information G indicating the status of the main communication module 1400 receiving the address information of the auxiliary control unit 852.

[0316] That is, if connection information is entered, the control panel 100 can display on the display unit 150 the status that the main communication module 1400 has recognized the auxiliary control unit 852 and is communicating with it for pairing purposes.

[0317] The guidance information G may include identification information G1 confirming that the auxiliary device 5 of the auxiliary control unit 852, which is equipped with sending address information, has been identified, and confirmation information G2 confirming whether to accept pairing with the auxiliary device 5.

[0318] The identification information G1 may include one or more of the following: a phrase, icon, or pictogram indicating the type of auxiliary device 5 to be paired, such as "mini device confirmation".

[0319] The confirmation information G2 may include one or more of the following: phrases, icons, pictograms, etc., such as "Connection?" which request confirmation again whether pairing has actually been performed.

[0320] The display unit 150 may also display, together with the guidance information G, a receiving input unit for receiving a final instruction on whether to actually accept the pairing.

[0321] The receiving input unit may include a receiving unit Y that receives an accept instruction to immediately execute the pairing and a rejection unit N that receives a rejection instruction not to execute the pairing.

[0322] The receiving unit Y and the rejecting unit N can be displayed separately from each other, and are configured to receive a corresponding instruction if the displayed area is input.

[0323] As described above, the composite device 4 can display a catalog of devices ready for pairing when they are ready to be paired with each other via the control panel 100, and receive final confirmation regarding whether to actually perform pairing with the device.

[0324] As a result, even if the composite device 5 omits an additional display section, as long as the multi-function input section 84 of the composite device 5 is input for a set time or more, it does not need to receive additional instructions until the pairing is finally completed.

[0325] On the other hand, when the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 are paired, if the device connection part M is input, the display part 150 can display the power supply part, execution part, process selection part, option selection part, and guidance information G for controlling the auxiliary device 5.

[0326] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the control panel status when the composite device and auxiliary device have completed pairing.

[0327] When the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 are paired, the control panel 100 can display the status information of the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 separately.

[0328] The control panel 100 may also display only the status information of the devices in the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 that have received power commands. In this case, the user can intuitively identify the devices that are currently operating or preparing to operate by viewing the device information I displayed on the control panel 100.

[0329] Alternatively, the control panel 100 may display all the status information of the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5, while enhancing the display of the status information of devices that are in a ready-to-operate or operational state due to the input power command. In this case, the user can intuitively confirm that the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 have completed pairing by viewing both composite information I1 and auxiliary information I2 displayed on the control panel 100.

[0330] When both the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 are operating, the control panel 100 can display the status information of the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 separately.

[0331] As shown in the figure, the control panel 100 can display the status information of the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 separately on the left and right sides.

[0332] Alternatively, the control panel 100 can display the status information of the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 separately, vertically.

[0333] When both the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 are operating, the composite information I1 can be displayed in a region of the display unit 150. This informs the user that the information displayed in this region pertains to the status of the composite device 4. Additionally, the auxiliary information I2 can be displayed in the remaining region of the display unit 150. This informs the user that the information displayed in this region pertains to the status of the auxiliary device 5.

[0334] For example, when the power supply unit 110 of the composite device 4 is input and is sensing the weight of the clothes stored in the roller 30, the display unit 150 can display sensing information G1 indicating that the composite device is sensing the weight of the clothes in the area where the composite information I1 is displayed.

[0335] The sensing information G1 may include one or more of the following: a phrase such as "measuring weight," an icon, or a pictogram containing the information that the weight of the clothing is being sensed.

[0336] When the auxiliary device 5 performs a process such as "small amount washing", the display unit 150 may display one or more of the following in the area where the auxiliary information I2 is displayed: process information Cm indicating the name or type of the process being performed, time information Tm indicating the remaining time of the process being performed, and program information Gm indicating which program in the process is currently being performed.

[0337] Of course, when the composite device 4 is performing a process, the process information, time information, and program information can also be displayed in the area displaying the composite information I1. When the auxiliary device 5 is measuring weight, the sensing information can be displayed in the area displaying the auxiliary information I2.

[0338] As a result, if the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 are paired, the control panel 100 can be set to display the status of both the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5, and to receive instructions to control both the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5.

[0339] Users can control both the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 simultaneously, or control only the auxiliary device 5, by operating the control panel 100.

[0340] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a control method in which a composite device and an auxiliary device of the garment handling apparatus of the present invention are paired and configured.

[0341] The garment handling apparatus of the present invention can perform input step A1, in which connection instructions are input from the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 to each other.

[0342] The input step A1 may include inputting input commands on the composite device 4 via the device connection part M on the control panel 100, or inputting input commands on the auxiliary device 5 via the multi-function input part 84 for a set time or longer.

[0343] In the input step A1, it is not necessary for which of the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 is inputted first. If both the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 are inputted, the input step A1 can be completed.

[0344] If the input step A1 is completed, the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 can perform the information transmission step A2, which involves recognizing each other and sending communicably connected information, programs, etc.

[0345] The information transmission step A2 may include the composite device 4 searching for a pairable device and, upon discovering a corresponding device, sending identification information containing address information that can be connected to the main communication module 1400.

[0346] Additionally, the information transmission step A2 may include the auxiliary device 5 searching for a pairable device and, upon discovering a corresponding device, transmitting identification information containing address information that can be connected to the auxiliary control unit 852.

[0347] If the information transmission step A2 is completed, the auxiliary device 4 and the composite device 5 can perform a confirmation step A3 to identify each other and confirm whether they are in communication connection with the relative device that transmits and receives identification information and whether they can communicate continuously.

[0348] In the confirmation step A3, the composite device 4 can confirm whether it is in a state that not only communicates with the auxiliary device 5 in real time, but is also able to continuously send and receive signals. The auxiliary device 5 can confirm whether it is in a state that not only communicates with the composite device 4 in real time, but is also able to continuously send and receive signals.

[0349] In the confirmation step A3, if it is confirmed that the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 have not only completed mutual recognition, but also are in a normal communication state that can send and receive signals through the communication connection, then the final review of whether to set the pairing of the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 can be performed in the acceptance step A5.

[0350] Since the auxiliary device 5 does not have an additional component to receive instructions on whether to accept pairing, the acceptance step A4 can be performed in the composite device 4 or an external terminal, etc.

[0351] The acceptance step A4 may also include inputting an area corresponding to either the acceptance section Y or the rejection section N in the acceptance input section of the display section 150 of the control panel 100.

[0352] Alternatively, the acceptance step A4 can be performed using any method that can confirm whether pairing with the auxiliary device 5 has actually been performed.

[0353] If the accept input is entered in the accept step A5, then the decision step A5, which determines whether to actually perform pairing or to interrupt pairing, can be executed.

[0354] The decision step A5 may include a determination step A5-1 in which the receiving part Y is input in the receiving step A4 to set and maintain the pairing of the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5, and a release step A5-2 in which the rejection part N is input in the receiving step A4 to release the pairing of the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 and the communication connection is also released.

[0355] If the determination step A5-1 is performed, the main communication module 1400 of the composite device 4 and the auxiliary control unit 852 of the auxiliary device 5 can store identification information with each other.

[0356] If the main communication module 1400 and the auxiliary control unit 852 are configured to use standby power, the communication connection can be maintained at all times.

[0357] If the main communication module 1400 and the auxiliary control unit 852 are configured to be re-supplied after power is cut off, they can also identify each other and automatically pair up using the address information.

[0358] If the removal step A5-2 is performed, the main communication module 1400 of the composite device 4 and the auxiliary control unit 852 of the auxiliary device 5 can delete the received identification information containing address information from each other.

[0359] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the control method for depairing in the auxiliary device of the present invention.

[0360] Unpairing can be done on the premise that the pairing status has been set.

[0361] Therefore, if the composite device 4 and the auxiliary device 5 are set to pair once, then the maintenance step B1, which maintains the pairing of each other even without taking special measures, is performed.

[0362] However, a confirmation step B2 can also be performed simultaneously to confirm whether the auxiliary device 5 has been input with a connection command again.

[0363] If the connection command is entered in the confirmation step B2, it can be considered that the auxiliary device 5 is performing pairing again or preparing to pair with other devices.

[0364] Even if the auxiliary device 5 is already paired with the composite device 4, when the multi-function input unit 84 is input with a set time again, the auxiliary control unit 852 can still execute the depairing step B3 to de-pair with the main communication module 1400. If the de-pairing step B3 is executed, the main communication module 1400 can also recognize the de-pairing state and transmit the information that the pairing has been de-paired to the control panel 100.

[0365] The control panel 100 can notify the user of the fact that the pairing has been terminated via the display unit 150.

[0366] If the release step B3 is executed, the auxiliary control unit 852 can execute the deletion step B4, which deletes the previously received identification information containing the address information of the composite device 4. Thus, the auxiliary control unit 852 can return to the state for pairing with a new device.

[0367] The deactivation step B3 and deletion step B4 can also be limited to steps related to pairing with the composite device 4. That is, if the auxiliary control unit 852 has completed pairing with the external terminal, the deactivation of the pairing can be performed on the external terminal.

[0368] This invention can be modified and implemented in a wide variety of forms, therefore the scope of protection of this invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Thus, if a modified embodiment includes the constituent elements of the claims of this invention, it can be considered to fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: The box body is designed such that its width is less than its height, and an opening is provided at the front of the box body; A drawer, housed in the miniature box, is configured to be introduced and withdrawn through the opening; An outer tub is housed within the drawer, and an inlet for inserting clothing is provided at the top of the outer tub. Water is stored in the outer tub. A roller, rotatably mounted on the outer tub, holds clothing; The drive unit, which is connected to the outer barrel, causes the drum to rotate; as well as A multi-functional input unit is disposed on the exposed surface of the drawer and is configured to receive instructions from the user; The multi-function input unit is configured to receive different instructions depending on the situation.

2. The garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-function input unit is configured to receive a power command to supply power to the drive unit when the power supply to the drive unit is disconnected.

3. The garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a lead-out section, which is disposed on the box body and allows the drawer to be led out from the opening; The multi-function input unit is configured to receive an extension command from the extension unit to extend the drawer from the cabinet when power is supplied to the drive unit and the extension unit.

4. The garment processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drawer is configured to draw out of the cabinet when the rotation of the roller is stopped by the drive unit.

5. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The multi-function input unit is configured to either deactivate the function of receiving the extraction command while the drum is rotating, or receive commands different from the extraction command.

6. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a water level sensing unit that senses the water level in the outer tank; The multi-function input unit is configured to either deactivate the function of receiving the extraction command when the outer tank contains water, or receive a command different from the extraction command.

7. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a drawer locking part, which is disposed on either the box body or the drawer and locks the drawer to prevent the drawer from being pulled out of the box body; The drawer locking mechanism is configured to release the drawer if the pull-out command is input.

8. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drawer locking mechanism is configured to release the drawer lock when the drive unit stops driving the roller.

9. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a water level sensing unit that senses the water level in the outer tank; The drawer locking mechanism is configured to release the drawer lock after the outer tub has been drained.

10. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-function input unit is configured to receive a stop command to stop the roller while the drive unit is rotating the roller.

11. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes a lead-out section, which is disposed on the box body and allows the drawer to be led out from the opening; The multi-function input unit is configured to receive an extraction command that causes the drawer to be extracted from the cabinet when the drive unit stops the rotation of the roller.

12. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a communication module for communicating with additional devices configured outside the enclosure; The multi-function input unit is configured to receive connection commands between the communication module and the additional device.

13. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The multi-function input unit is configured to receive the connection command if it is continuously input within a specified time.

14. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, If the communication module is connected to the additional device, the additional device controls the drive unit.

15. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The additional device includes: The housing is located on the upper part of the auxiliary housing; The outer tank, housed within the main container, stores water. A roller, rotatably housed within the main outer tub, stores clothing; The heating unit, integrated with the main outer drum, is capable of supplying hot air to the main drum; and The main communication module is configured to communicate with the aforementioned communication module.

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