Clothing treatment device and method for controlling clothing treatment device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothing treatment device comprising a control panel, which includes a display unit for displaying the running time of a washing course and a drying course, wherein the display unit first displays the running time of the washing course after a drum is rotated, and the displayed running time of the washing course is changed to the running time of the drying course when a selection command for selecting the drying course is input into a selection unit.

Description

Garment treatment device and method for controlling the garment treatment device

[0001] The present invention relates to a garment treatment device and a control method thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to a garment treatment device and a control method thereof capable of performing drying processes, such as sterilizing, wrinkle removal, deodorizing, and drying, of garments by supplying steam and hot air to the garments.

[0002]

[0003] Generally, a garment treatment device refers to a device capable of performing one or more of the following: washing, drying, or managing clothing. A garment treatment device may perform only washing, drying, or managing functions, or it may perform all three functions simultaneously.

[0004] These garment treatment devices are equipped with arbitrary cycles for washing, drying, and managing garments, and the execution time for each cycle is calculated based on the weight of the garment. For example, if the garment weighs a lot, the execution time will be set relatively long, while if the garment weighs little, the execution time will be set relatively short.

[0005] Figure 1 illustrates a method for performing an arbitrary course of a conventional clothing treatment device. (Refer to Korean Patent Publication Nos. 10-2009-0077097 and 10-2008-0102611, etc.)

[0006] Figure 1(a) illustrates a control method for a conventional clothing treatment device to perform an arbitrary course.

[0007] Referring to Fig. 1(a), a conventional garment treatment device may include a power supply step (S1) of supplying power to the garment treatment device by turning on a power button, a selection step (S2) of selecting an appropriate course or option from a control panel of the garment treatment device, and a start step (S3) of entering an execution button for executing a course for which multiple options are set.

[0008] When the above starting step (S3) is performed, a door locking step (S4) for locking the door to the cabinet can be performed.

[0009] Conventional garment treatment devices perform a weight detection step (S5) in which the weight of the garment is detected through an applied current value while rotating a drum or the like that receives the garment. Once the weight of the garment is calculated, the control unit of the conventional garment treatment device performs a time display step (S6) in which the expected execution time of the selected course is displayed to the user, and then an execution step (S7) in which the course is automatically executed.

[0010] Consequently, the weight detection step (S5) and time display step (S6) of conventional garment treatment devices are performed after the user initiates the course (S3). Therefore, the user is forced to initiate the course without receiving information about the weight of the garment or the expected execution time.

[0011] As a result, there was a problem that users could not actively control the execution time of a course or option, and the time display step (S6) could not perform a role beyond simply displaying simple information to users as a service.

[0012] Furthermore, the conventional clothing processing device had a problem in that it did not provide room for the user to take active actions such as adding or reducing clothing, even if the execution time displayed in the time display step (S6) was not suitable for the user's current intention or situation.

[0013] In addition, conventional clothing treatment devices had a problem in that the course could not be canceled or changed unless an active action was taken, such as arbitrarily turning off the power of the washing machine again, to change the selected course or option's execution time, even if it was not in accordance with the intention.

[0014] This inconvenience was a problem that was further amplified when the conventional clothing treatment device was controlled remotely.

[0015] Figure 1(b) illustrates the rotation state of the drum when a conventional clothing treatment device detects weight.

[0016] Referring to Fig. 1(b), the conventional clothing treatment device rotates the drum (D) in the I direction at least once to detect the weight of the clothing (L).

[0017] Specifically, the conventional clothing treatment device calculates the weight of the clothing (L) by measuring the current value applied or output to the driving unit that rotates the drum (D) while rotating the drum in the I direction.

[0018] When the conventional clothing treatment device rotates the drum (D) to detect weight, the clothing (L) on the bottom surface of the drum rises inside the drum (D) and falls in the II direction due to gravity, colliding with the inner wall of the drum and affecting the current value of the driving unit.

[0019] Therefore, the conventional clothing treatment device had a limitation in that it had to align the current value applied or output while continuously rotating the drum (D) in the I direction for one or more rotations in order to detect the exact weight of the clothing (L) even if there was a deviation in the current value of the driving unit.

[0020] As a result, conventional clothing treatment devices had the problem that the time it took to detect the weight of clothing was inevitably longer than the time it took to continuously rotate the drum.

[0021] In addition, since the time required for the weight detection step (S5) is set relatively long in the conventional clothing treatment device, there was a problem in that the time display step (S6) that displays the execution time of the course or option could not be quickly guided to the user.

[0022] Furthermore, conventional clothing treatment devices perform weight detection only after a start step (S3) is performed in which the user selects a course or option and inputs a perform button.

[0023] As a result, there was a limitation that users could not check the weight in advance and select a course or option, and in most cases, the user had already left the garment processing device by the time the weight was detected.

[0024] Therefore, conventional clothing treatment devices had a fundamental problem in that users could not check or actively utilize information about weight.

[0025] Meanwhile, in the case of the drying cycle, the execution time of the cycle is set longer than that of the washing cycle because the moisture contained in the clothing must be evaporated. In addition, generally, as the weight of the clothing increases, the amount of moisture contained in the clothing also increases proportionally, but the performance of the clothing treatment device to evaporate moisture per unit time may be similar. Therefore, the execution time of the drying cycle may be set much larger than that of the washing cycle depending on the difference in the weight of the clothing. For example, if the execution time for washing 1 kg of clothing and 3 kg of clothing in the washing cycle differs by about 1, the execution time for washing 1 kg of clothing and 3 kg of clothing in the drying cycle differs by about 2 to 4.

[0026] Nonetheless, conventional clothing treatment devices set the method of detecting the weight of clothing in the drying cycle and the washing cycle to be the same.

[0027] As a result, conventional clothing treatment devices allowed for a deviation between the actual weight of clothing and the detected weight of clothing, which unnecessarily increased drying time and resulted in high energy consumption.

[0028] Furthermore, the conventional clothing treatment device sets the drying cycle execution time to be the same when the weight of the clothing is detected to be the same.

[0029] However, even if the detected weight of the clothing is the same, there are cases where clothing subjected to a certain drying cycle has a lower actual weight but a higher moisture content and thus holds a lot of water, while clothing subjected to a different drying cycle has a higher actual weight but a lower moisture content and thus holds little water. Despite this, conventional clothing treatment devices set the drying cycle time based on the weight of the clothing without considering the moisture content, which resulted in problems such as clothing not being completely dried or being overdried and damaged.

[0030] In addition, in the case of conventional clothing treatment devices that are equipped to perform both washing and drying courses, there was a problem in that the user could not clearly recognize whether the displayed time was the time for performing the washing course or the time for performing the drying course.

[0031] Furthermore, when the conventional clothing treatment device sets the execution times displayed in the washing and drying courses in a uniform manner according to the weight of the clothes, there was also a problem in that it could not clearly guide the user to the execution times of the courses.

[0032]

[0033] The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device that can more accurately detect the weight of clothing when a drying cycle is performed than when a washing cycle is performed.

[0034] The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device capable of accurately detecting whether clothing is wet.

[0035] The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device capable of more accurately detecting the moisture content of clothing.

[0036] The present invention aims to provide a clothing treatment device capable of setting and displaying different drying cycle execution times when the weight of the clothing is the same and the moisture content of the clothing is different.

[0037]

[0038] In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a clothes treatment device including a cabinet having an opening at the front, a door coupled to the cabinet to open and close the opening, a detection unit provided in the cabinet to detect a state in which the door is closed, a drum accommodated inside the cabinet to accommodate clothes, a driving unit connected to the drum to rotate the drum, a control unit controlling the driving unit to detect a weight of the clothes and to perform at least one of a washing course for washing the clothes and a drying course for drying the clothes, a power unit receiving a power command for supplying power to at least one of the detection unit, the driving unit, and the control unit, a selection unit receiving a selection command for selecting one of the washing course and the drying course, and a display unit including an execution time of the washing course and the drying course.

[0039] The display unit may be provided to first display the execution time of the washing course after the drum rotates, but may be provided to change the displayed execution time of the washing course to the execution time of the drying course when a selection command for selecting the drying course is input to the selection unit.

[0040] The driving unit can rotate the drum when the power unit is input or the door closes the opening, and the display unit can display the execution time of the washing course after the rotation of the drum stops.

[0041] The above display unit can display different execution times for the washing course and the drying course as the weight of the clothes accommodated in the drum changes.

[0042] The garment treatment device of the present invention may include a locking unit provided in the cabinet to lock the door to the cabinet so that the door closes the opening.

[0043] The above display unit can display the execution time of the washing course or the drying course when the lock unit unlocks the door.

[0044] Even if the total weight of the clothing accommodated in the drum is the same, if the moisture content of the clothing accommodated is different, the execution time of the drying course displayed on the display unit may also be displayed differently.

[0045] The above display unit can display the execution time of the drying course after the drum has repeated rotation and stopping two or more times.

[0046] The display unit may display the execution time of the washing course after rotating the drum when the power unit is input or the door closes the opening, and when a selection command for selecting the drying course is input to the selection unit, the display unit may display the execution time of the drying course after additionally rotating the drum.

[0047] The driving unit can rotate the drum less than one rotation when the power supply is input or the door closes the opening, and can additionally rotate the drum less than one rotation when a selection command for selecting the drying course is input to the selection unit.

[0048] The driving unit can rotate the drum more times than the number of times the drum rotates and stops after the selection command for selecting the drying course is input to the selection unit or the door closes the opening.

[0049] The above driving unit can rotate the drum at a different angle from at least one of the rotational angle and rotational speed of the drum after the selection command for selecting the drying course is input to the selection unit or after the power unit is input or the door closes the opening.

[0050] The driving unit can rotate the drum for a shorter time than the time for which the drum rotates after the power unit is input or the door closes the opening after the selection command for selecting the drying course is input to the selection unit.

[0051] The driving unit can rotate the drum for a longer time than the time for which the drum rotates after the power unit is input or the door closes the opening after the selection command for selecting the drying course is input to the selection unit.

[0052] The driving unit may rotate the drum more when the clothes are accommodated in the drum in excess of the standard amount than when the clothes are accommodated in the drum in less than the standard amount, and the display unit may display the execution time of the washing course or the drying course after the rotation of the drum is completed.

[0053] The driving unit can rotate the drum so that the number of times the drum rotates and stops is greater when the clothes are accommodated in the drum in excess of a standard amount than when the clothes are accommodated in the drum in less than a standard amount.

[0054] The present invention has the effect of preventing clothes from being overdried or incompletely dried when performing a drying cycle, and of increasing energy efficiency.

[0055] The present invention has the effect of detecting the weight and condition of clothing more precisely in the drying cycle than in the washing cycle.

[0056] The present invention has the effect of increasing the reliability of the device by externally displaying the precise detection of the condition of clothing in the drying cycle.

[0057] Figure 1 illustrates a control method of a conventional clothing treatment device.

[0058] Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the internal structure of the clothing treatment device of the present invention when equipped with a washing machine.

[0060] Figure 4 illustrates an example of the internal structure when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a dryer.

[0061] Figure 5 illustrates one embodiment of the control panel of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 6 illustrates a garment treatment device of the present invention having a tower shape (hereinafter, “wish tower”) in which a washing machine and a dryer are stacked.

[0063] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the control panel of the present invention is equipped as a common panel.

[0064] Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 9 illustrates an example of the internal structure of a composite device (4).

[0066] Figure 10 illustrates an example of the structure of a composite panel.

[0067] Figure 11 illustrates a garment treatment machine of the present invention equipped as a mini device.

[0068] Figure 12 illustrates an example of the internal structure of the garment treatment device of the present invention when it is equipped as a mini device.

[0069] Figure 13 illustrates an embodiment of a control panel when the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped as a mini device.

[0070] Figure 14 illustrates an embodiment in which the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a top-load type washing machine.

[0071] Figure 15 illustrates an example of the internal structure when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a top-load type washing machine.

[0072] Figure 16 illustrates an embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention detects the weight of garments.

[0073] Figure 17 illustrates an embodiment of detecting the weight of clothing when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a top-load type washing machine.

[0074] Figure 18 illustrates an embodiment in which the control unit of the garment treatment device of the present invention detects the weight of garments through the driving unit.

[0075] Figure 19 illustrates an example of a garment treatment device of the present invention utilizing a weight sensing method based on the structure and method described above.

[0076] Figure 20 illustrates an embodiment of performing weight detection depending on whether the door is open or closed.

[0077] Figure 21 illustrates another embodiment of determining whether the garment treatment device of the present invention additionally performs weight detection.

[0078] Figure 22 illustrates an embodiment in which the control method of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is implemented in a washing panel or a drying panel.

[0079] Figure 23 illustrates an embodiment in which the control method of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is implemented on a common panel.

[0080] FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment in which the control method of the invention's clothing treatment device is implemented in an integrated panel, and FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment in which the control method of the invention's clothing treatment device is implemented in a mini panel.

[0081] Figure 26 illustrates an embodiment in which the above control method is applied when the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped as a composite device.

[0082] Figure 27 illustrates an embodiment in which the clothing treatment device of the present invention detects the weight of clothing in a different manner in the drying cycle than in the washing cycle.

[0083] Figure 28 illustrates an embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention precisely detects the weight of garments.

[0084] Figure 29 illustrates another embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention precisely detects the weight of garments.

[0085] Figure 30 illustrates another embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention precisely detects the weight of garments.

[0086] Figure 31 illustrates another embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention precisely detects the weight of garments.

[0087] Figure 32 illustrates an embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention selectively performs precision detection according to the weight of the detected garment.

[0088] Figure 33 illustrates an embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention selectively performs precision detection according to the weight of the detected garment.

[0089] Figure 34 illustrates an embodiment in which the clothing treatment device of the present invention detects the moisture content of clothing.

[0090] Figure 35 illustrates that the garment treatment device of the present invention sets the execution time of the drying course differently depending on the moisture content of the garment.

[0091]

[0092] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification, identical or similar components are assigned identical or similar reference numerals even in different embodiments, and the description thereof is replaced with the first description. The singular expression used in this specification includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, it should be noted that the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification should not be construed as being limited by the attached drawings.

[0093] Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0094] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may include at least one of a washing machine (1) for washing clothes and a dryer (2) for drying clothes. For example, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may include both a washing machine (1) and a dryer (2).

[0095] The washing machine (1) of the present invention may be equipped with either a front load type in which an opening for loading clothes is provided at the front, or a top load type in which the opening is provided at the top.

[0096] However, since the dryer (2) of the present invention must be evenly exposed to hot air by allowing the clothes to rise from the bottom of the drum, it is preferable that it be equipped with a front-load type in which the opening is provided at the front.

[0097] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may be equipped with either a washing machine (1) or a dryer (2), or may include both a washing machine (1) and a dryer (2), and may include a cabinet (10) that forms a common exterior, and a drum (30) that is rotatably accommodated in the cabinet (10) to store clothing.

[0098] The above cabinet (10) is provided with an opening communicating with the drum (30), so that clothes can be taken in and out of the drum (30) through the opening.

[0099] The garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a door (11) rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10). The door (11) may be provided to open and close the opening.

[0100] The garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a detection unit (13) that detects whether the door (11) has closed the opening. This prevents the drum (30) from rotating while the door (11) has the opening open.

[0101] The above detection unit (13) may be configured in any manner as long as it can detect whether the door (11) has opened or closed the opening. For example, the detection unit (13) may include a magnet coupled to the door (11) and a Hall sensor coupled to the cabinet (10) to detect the magnet.

[0102] Meanwhile, in order to prevent clothes or water inside the drum (30) from being discharged through the opening, the door (11) needs to be selectively fixed to the cabinet (10). To this end, the clothes treatment device of the present invention may further include a locking part (12) that can selectively lock the door (11) to the cabinet (10).

[0103] The locking member (12) may be provided in any configuration as long as it can selectively secure the door (11) to the cabinet (10) and prevent the door (11) from arbitrarily opening the opening. For example, the locking member (12) may include a hook provided on the door (11) and inserted into the cabinet (10), a fastening member provided on the cabinet (10) to selectively fasten the hook, and a fixing member that selectively maintains the coupled state of the fastening member and the hook. The fixing member may be provided with a solenoid or a magnet, or may be provided with a mechanical configuration such as a push button structure.

[0104] Meanwhile, the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped to perform a course for treating garments. For example, when the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped as a washing machine (1), it is equipped to perform a washing course for removing foreign substances from the garments, and when the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped as a dryer (2), it is equipped to perform a drying course for evaporating moisture from the garments.

[0105] The garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a control panel (100) that is provided to receive a command to perform the course, display a status of performing the course, information required to perform the course, etc.

[0106] The above control panel (100) may include one or more of a plurality of buttons or a touch panel for receiving commands from a user, a microphone for receiving a user's voice, a camera or proximity sensor for receiving a user's movement or status, a screen for displaying visual information to a user, and a speaker for transmitting auditory information to a user.

[0107] When the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a front-load type in which the opening is provided at the front of the cabinet, the control panel (100) may be positioned above the door (11) at the front of the cabinet (10). This ensures accessibility and identification.

[0108] Of course, if the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a top-load type in which an opening is provided at the top of the cabinet, the control panel (100) may be placed in front of the door (11) on the upper surface of the cabinet (10).

[0109] When the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a washing machine (1), the cabinet (10) may include a washing cabinet (10a) forming the exterior of the washing machine (1), and the door (11) may include a washing door (11a) that opens and closes an opening formed in the washing cabinet (10a).

[0110] The above detection unit (13) may include a laundry detection unit (12a) that detects whether the laundry door (11a) has opened or closed its opening.

[0111] The above locking part (13) may include a washing locking part (13a) that secures the washing door (11a) to the washing cabinet (10a).

[0112] The above drum (30) may include a washing drum (30a) for accommodating clothes.

[0113] Additionally, the washing machine (1) of the present invention may further include a tub (20) that accommodates the washing drum (30a) and is accommodated in the washing cabinet (10a) to store water.

[0114] In addition, the control panel (100) may include a washing panel (100a) that receives a command to control the washing machine (1) or displays information about the washing machine (1).

[0115] When the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a dryer (2), the cabinet (10) may include a drying cabinet (10b) forming the exterior of the dryer (2), and the door (11) may include a drying door (11b) that opens and closes an opening formed in the drying cabinet (10b).

[0116] The above detection unit (13) may include a dry detection unit (12b) that detects whether the drying door (11b) has opened or closed its opening.

[0117] The above locking part (13) may include a drying locking part (13b) that secures the drying door (11b) to the drying cabinet (10b).

[0118] The above drum (30) may include a drying drum (30b) for accommodating clothes.

[0119] Unlike the washing drum (30a), the above drying drum (30b) may have no perforations on the outer surface.

[0120] In addition, the control panel (100) may include a drying panel (100b) that receives a command to control the dryer (2) or displays information about the dryer (2).

[0121] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the internal structure when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a washing machine (1).

[0122] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may include a water supply unit (50) that supplies water to the tub (20) and a drain unit (60) that drains water to the tub (20).

[0123] The above water supply unit (50) may include a water supply valve (51) that is connected to an external water supply source and is coupled to the washing cabinet (10a) to selectively supply water, a water supply pipe (52) that extends from the water supply valve (51) and delivers water supplied from the external water supply source, and a detergent box (53) that stores detergent and receives water supplied from the water supply pipe (52) and delivers it to the tub (20).

[0124] The above drainage unit (60) may include a drain pipe (61) connected to the lower portion of the tub (20) to drain water from the tub (20), a drainage pump (62) that provides power to drain water supplied from the drain pipe (61) to the outside of the washing cabinet (10a), and a drainage pipe (63) that extends from the drainage pump (62) to the outside of the washing cabinet (10a) to drain water.

[0125] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a water level sensor (21) that detects the water level of the tub (20).

[0126] The water level sensor (21) may be provided in any configuration as long as it can detect the water level inside the tub (20). The water level sensor (21) may include a communication pipe that is connected to the tub (20) and has a blocked end, and a detection unit that is positioned on the upper portion of the communication pipe and detects a pressure change inside the communication pipe.

[0127] The washing machine (1) of the present invention may further include a support member (70) that supports the tub (20) in the washing cabinet (10a).

[0128] The above support member (70) may include at least one of a suspension supporting the lower portion of the tub (20) and a spring supporting the upper portion of the tub (20).

[0129] The garment treatment device of the present invention may include a driving unit (40) that rotates the drum (30).

[0130] The above driving unit (40) may include a washing driving unit (40a) that rotates the washing drum (30a).

[0131] The washing drive unit (40a) may include a washing stator (41a) that is coupled to the tub (20) and generates a rotating magnetic field, a washing rotor (42b) that rotates by the washing stator (41a), and a washing rotation shaft (43a) that is coupled to the washing rotor (42a) and passes through the tub (20) and is coupled to the washing drum (30a).

[0132] The garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a control unit capable of controlling one or more of the driving unit (40), the water supply valve (51), the drain pump (62), the locking unit (13), and the water level sensor (21). The control unit may be built into the control panel (100) or may be arranged separately from the control panel (100).

[0133] The control unit may be provided to provide a command to perform an arbitrary washing course for washing the clothes by controlling one or more of the driving unit (40), the water supply valve (51), the drain pump (62), the locking unit (13), and the water level sensor (21).

[0134] Figure 4 illustrates an example of the internal structure when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a dryer (2).

[0135] The above drying cabinet (10c) may further include a base that is positioned lower than the drum (30) and supports the dryer (2). A heat supply unit (90) described later may be installed on the base.

[0136] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may include a heat supply unit (90) that can supply air into the inside of the drum (30) to dry the clothing contained inside the drum (30).

[0137] For example, the heat supply unit (90) may include a circulation unit (90b) that circulates and resupplies the air of the drum (30) from below the drum (30).

[0138] The above circulation unit (90b) may include a circulation duct (91b) provided on a base disposed lower than the drying drum (30b) and providing a path for circulating air discharged from the drying drum (30b), an evaporator (92b) accommodated in the circulation duct (91b) for cooling the air and condensing moisture, a condenser (93b) disposed downstream of the evaporator for heating the air, a compressor (94b) for supplying refrigerant that heats the air to the condenser (93b), an expansion valve for expanding and cooling the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (93b), and a circulation fan (96b) disposed inside the circulation duct (91b) for providing power for circulating the air.

[0139] Meanwhile, the circulation unit (90b) may further include a water collecting unit (97b) communicating with the circulation duct (91b) to collect water condensed in the evaporator (92b), and a water storage tank (98b) to store the water collected in the water collecting unit (97b).

[0140] Meanwhile, the garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a support member (70) that rotatably supports the drying drum (30b). The support member (70) may include a rotation roller (70b) that rotatably supports at least one of the front and rear of the drying drum (30b).

[0141] The driving unit (40) of the clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a drying driving unit (40b) provided to rotate the drying drum (30a).

[0142] The above drying drive unit (40b) may be mounted on a base on which the circulation duct (91b) is installed so as to rotate the drying drum (30a). In this case, the drying drive unit (40b) may include a motor mounted on the base, a pulley connected to the motor and rotating, and a belt connecting the pulley and the outer surface of the drum.

[0143] However, if the above drying drive unit (40b) is equipped with a pulley / belt type, it may be difficult to change the rotation speed and rotation direction that rotates the drying drum (30b).

[0144] Accordingly, the clothes treatment device of the present invention can have the drying drive unit (40b) positioned at the rear of the drying drum (30b) similar to the washing machine (1). That is, the drying drive unit (40b) can include a drying stator (41b) positioned at the rear of the drying drum (30b), a drying rotor (42b) rotated by the drying stator, and a drying rotation shaft (43b) coupled to the drying rotor (42b) and extending to the rear of the drying drum (30b).

[0145] Accordingly, the drying drive unit (40b) can freely change the rotational direction and rotational speed of the drying drum (30b).

[0146] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a reducer (406b) provided to lower the rpm of the drying rotation shaft (43b) and increase the torque.

[0147] The above-mentioned reducer (406b) may be arranged between the drying drive unit (40b) and the drying drum (30b) to transmit power generated in the drying drive unit (40b) to the drying drum (30b).

[0148] The above-mentioned reducer (406b) may include a complex gearbox that is connected to and rotates with the above-mentioned drying rotation shaft (43b) and is connected to the above-mentioned drying drum (30b). As a result, the above-mentioned reducer (406b) may transmit torque to the above-mentioned drying drum (30b) at a lower rpm than the above-mentioned drying rotation shaft (43b) but with a correspondingly stronger torque.

[0149] As a result, while the drying drum (30b) rotates, the clothes do not stick to the inner wall of the drying drum (30b) and can be evenly exposed to the hot air supplied to the inside of the drying drum (30b) while rising and falling from the drying drum (30b).

[0150] The garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a drying control unit capable of controlling one or more of the driving unit (40), the heat supply unit (90), the detection unit (11), and the locking unit (12). The drying control unit may be built into the control panel (100) or may be arranged separately from the control panel (100).

[0151] The above drying control unit may be provided to control one or more of the driving unit (40), the heat supply unit (90), the locking unit (13), and the sensing unit (11) to provide a command to perform an arbitrary washing course for drying the clothes.

[0152] Figure 5 illustrates one embodiment of the control panel of the present invention.

[0153] The control panel (100) of the garment treatment device of the present invention may include at least one of a power supply unit (110) that receives a power command for supplying power to all components of the garment treatment device, a course selection unit (130) that receives a selection command for selecting a course for processing the garment, an option selection unit (140) that receives a selection command for selecting an option that can adjust or select one or more of the intensity, execution time, and functions added when performing the course of the course, an execution unit (120) that receives an execution command for executing the selected course and option, and a display unit (150) that displays the status of executing the course and option, weight information of the garment, and information displayed by the garment treatment device.

[0154] Additional functions that can be added when performing the above course that can be selected through the option selection unit (140) may include one or more of steam supply, water temperature control, turbo shot due to high-speed rotation of the drum, setting of a reservation time for performing the course, and a mode switching function that can control another clothing treatment device or an external terminal.

[0155] The weight information of the clothing displayed by the display unit (150) may include one or more of the weight of the clothing itself, the amount of detergent required to process clothing of the corresponding weight, and the expected execution time of the course for processing the clothing.

[0156] The control panel (100) of the present invention may be provided as either the washing panel (100a), the drying panel (100b), or any other panel. However, regardless of the form in which the control panel (100) is provided, the functions of the power supply unit (110), the operating unit (120), the course selection unit (130), the option selection unit (140), and the display unit (150) described above may be the same.

[0157] Below, the control panel (100) of the present invention is illustrated as being equipped with a washing panel (100a). The washing panel (100a) and the drying panel (100b) may have different input commands and displayed information, but may have the same structure.

[0158] The above washing panel (100a) is equipped with a rotary knob that rotates the course selection unit (130), and the display unit (150) may include a main display unit (151) arranged inside the course selection unit (130) and an auxiliary display unit (152) arranged outside the course selection unit (130).

[0159] The above main display unit (151) is provided in a circular shape and can be provided to display the course selected by the course selection unit (130) as the course selection unit (130) rotates.

[0160] The above main display unit (151) may be equipped to also display weight information of the detected clothing.

[0161] The main display unit (151) may be equipped with a screen displaying the selected course and weight information. As a result, the language displayed on the main display unit (151) can be freely changed according to the settings. As a result, the name or description of the course provided by the garment treatment device can be omitted from being printed on the washing panel (100a). In addition, the main display unit (151) can freely display the content to be conveyed by the control unit in various languages ​​and in various characters, pictures, diagrams, icons, etc.

[0162] The above course selection unit (130) may be provided so as to be able to rotate the outer surface of the main display unit (151) by more than 360 degrees in both directions, and the course displayed on the main display unit (151) may be set to change according to the rotation angle of the course selection unit (130). The washing panel (100a) may be equipped with an encoder that detects the rotation of the course selection unit (130) and determines a corresponding command according to the rotation angle, and a control panel that determines the content displayed on the main display unit (151) according to the encoder.

[0163] The above option selection unit (140) may be placed outside the above course selection unit (130).

[0164] The above option selection unit (140) may be arranged in a region that determines the intensity of each administration that constitutes a course such as the first option, the second option, and the third option, or inputs a command to input an additional function to the course.

[0165] For example, Options 1, 2, and 3 may each determine the intensity of the wash, rinse, and spin-dry cycles. These areas may be equipped with touch buttons or physical buttons, but may also be equipped with a touch panel or touch-sensitive system that receives commands from the LCD screen.

[0166] The above auxiliary display unit (152) can be placed inside the above option selection unit (140).

[0167] The above auxiliary display unit (152) may be provided to externally display information about options selected or activated in the option selection unit (140).

[0168] In addition, the auxiliary display unit (152) may be positioned apart from the main selection unit (151). The auxiliary display unit (152) may be positioned outside the course selection unit (130) to intuitively guide that content different from that displayed in the main selection unit (151) is being displayed.

[0169] The above option selection unit (140) may be provided in a rectangular shape.

[0170] The above auxiliary display unit (152) may be equipped with a plurality of lights that intuitively display how the intensity of the first option, second option, and third option is set.

[0171] For example, if the light is on a lot or is lit in a high position, it means that the intensity of the option is higher.

[0172] The above power supply unit (110) can be placed between one side of the course selection unit (130) and the detergent box (53).

[0173] The above-mentioned execution unit (120) can be placed between the other side of the course selection unit (130) and the auxiliary display unit (152).

[0174] The power supply unit (110) and the execution unit (120) may be equipped with a touch button or a physical button, and may be equipped to selectively illuminate to indicate whether input is enabled or not.

[0175] For example, when the power supply unit (110) is input, the power supply unit (110), the execution unit (120), and the display unit (150) may be turned on.

[0176] Figure 6 illustrates that the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a tower shape (hereinafter, wish tower (3)) in which a washing machine (1) and a dryer (2) are stacked and arranged.

[0177] The above wish tower (3) may be equipped with the same configuration as the washing machine (1) and dryer (2), except that the washing machine (1) is placed at the bottom and the dryer (2) is placed at the top, and the washing machine (1) and dryer (2) share the same cabinet (10).

[0178] In general, since the washing machine (1) is equipped with a tub (20) and thus weighs more than the dryer (2), it is preferable that the washing machine (1) be placed lower than the dryer (2). However, depending on the design, the dryer (2) may be placed lower than the washing machine (1).

[0179] In the above wish tower (3), the control panel (100) may include a common panel (100c) placed between the washing door (11a) of the washing machine (1) and the drying door (11b) of the dryer (2).

[0180] The above common panel (100c) can be equipped to receive control commands for both the washing machine (1) and the dryer (2), and display all contents displayed on the washing machine (1) and the dryer (2).

[0181] As a result, the wish tower (3) is equipped with the washing machine (1) and the dryer (2), but the user can control both the washing machine (1) and the dryer (2) with the common panel (100c).

[0182] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the control panel of the present invention is equipped as a common panel.

[0183] The common panel (100c) of the present invention may be provided with an upper part and a lower part, one of which controls one of the washing machine and the dryer, and the other of which controls the other of the washing machine and the dryer.

[0184] The arrangement of the upper and lower parts of the above common panel (100c) may be the same as the arrangement of the washing machine (1) and dryer (2).

[0185] A main display unit (151) for displaying weight information of the clothing may be provided at the center of the above-mentioned common panel (100c), and a course selection unit (130) for selecting a course may be arranged on one side of the main display unit (151), and an option selection unit (140) for selecting an option may be arranged on the other side.

[0186] The main display unit (151) may be divided into upper and lower sections. The main display unit (151) may include a washing main display unit (151a) positioned at the bottom and provided with one or more icons and screens that display weight information of the washing machine (1) and status information of the washing machine (1), and a drying main display unit (151b) positioned at the top and provided with one or more icons and screens that display weight information of the dryer (2) and status information of the dryer (2).

[0187] The above course selection section (130) can be arranged in an up-down division on the left side of the main display section (151).

[0188] The above course selection unit (130) may include a washing course selection unit (130a) for selecting multiple washing courses for washing foreign substances from clothes or removing bacteria from clothes, and a drying course selection unit (130b) arranged above the washing course selection unit (130a) for selecting multiple drying courses for removing moisture from clothes or managing clothes by supplying steam and hot air.

[0189] The above option selection section (140) can be arranged in an up-down division on the right side of the main display section (151).

[0190] The above option selection unit (140) may include a washing option selection unit (140a) for selecting multiple options for setting the intensity, execution time, and additional functions of the washing course, and a drying option selection unit (140b) arranged below the washing option selection unit (140a) for selecting multiple options for setting the intensity, execution time, and additional functions of the drying course.

[0191] The above option selection unit (140) can indicate whether additional functions such as steam supply, turbo shot, water temperature control, sterilization, and heat supply unit cleaning are selected by whether the corresponding selection unit is turned on or off.

[0192] Additionally, the auxiliary display unit (152) may be provided to display the intensity of an option selected by the option selection unit (140). The auxiliary display unit (152) may be placed in an area corresponding to the intensity and execution time that can be adjusted by the option selection unit (140).

[0193] The above auxiliary display unit may include a washing auxiliary display unit (151a) that is positioned above the washing option selection unit (140a) and displays the intensity of the set washing option, and a drying auxiliary display unit (151b) that is positioned above the washing auxiliary display unit (151a) and displays the intensity of the set drying option.

[0194] The above power supply unit (110) can be arranged in a vertically divided manner on one end of the above common panel (110).

[0195] The above power unit may include a washing power unit (110a) that receives a washing power command to supply power to the washing machine (1), and a drying power unit (110b) that receives a drying power command to supply power to the dryer (2).

[0196] The above-mentioned execution unit (120) can be arranged in a vertically divided manner at the other end of the above-mentioned common panel (110).

[0197] The above-mentioned execution unit (120) may include a washing execution unit (120a) that receives a washing execution command for executing a selected washing course and option, and a drying execution unit (120b) that is positioned above the washing execution unit (120a) and receives a drying execution command for executing a selected drying course and option.

[0198] Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0199] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may include a composite device (4) capable of performing both a washing course and a drying course.

[0200] When the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a composite device (4), the cabinet (10) may include a composite cabinet (10c) forming the exterior of the composite device (4), and the door (11) may include a composite door (11d) that opens and closes an opening formed in the composite cabinet (10c).

[0201] The above detection unit (13) may include a composite detection unit (12d) that detects whether the composite door (11d) has opened or closed the opening.

[0202] The above locking part (13) may include a composite locking part (13d) that secures the composite door (11d) to the composite cabinet (10d).

[0203] The above-mentioned complex device (4) can perform the functions of both a washing machine (1) and a dryer (2), and a drawer-type clothing treatment device (hereinafter, mini device) can be additionally installed at the bottom.

[0204] The control panel (100) of the garment treatment device of the present invention may include a composite panel (100d) capable of controlling at least one of the washing machine (1), the dryer (2), and the lower mini device (5) at the same time.

[0205] Figure 9 illustrates an example of the internal structure of a composite device (4).

[0206] Referring to FIG. 9, the composite device (4) of the present invention may include a composite tub (20d) that is rotatably accommodated in the composite cabinet (10d) to store water, and a composite drum (30d) that is rotatably accommodated in the composite tub (20d) to store water.

[0207] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may include a water supply unit (50) that supplies water to the tub (20) and a drain unit (60) that drains water to the tub (20).

[0208] When the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a composite device (4), the water supply unit (50) may include a composite water supply valve (51d) that is coupled to the composite cabinet (10d) and is connected to an external water supply source to selectively supply water, a composite water supply pipe (52d) that extends from the composite water supply valve (51d) and delivers water supplied from the external water supply source, and a composite detergent box (53d) that stores detergent and receives water supplied from the composite water supply pipe (52d) and delivers it to the composite tub (20d).

[0209] The above drainage unit (60) may include a composite discharge pipe (61d) connected to the lower portion of the composite tub (20d) to discharge water from the composite tub (20d), a composite drainage pump (62d) that provides power to discharge water supplied from the composite discharge pipe (61d) to the outside of the composite cabinet (10d), and a composite drainage pipe (63d) that extends from the composite drainage pump (62d) to the outside of the composite cabinet (10d) to discharge water.

[0210] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a composite water level sensor (21d) that detects the water level of the composite tub (20d).

[0211] The above-mentioned composite water level sensor (21d) may be provided in any configuration as long as it can detect the water level inside the composite tub (20d). The above-mentioned composite water level sensor (21d) may include a communication pipe that is connected to the composite tub (20d) and has a blocked end, and a detection unit that is positioned on the upper portion of the communication pipe and detects a pressure change inside the communication pipe.

[0212] The composite device (4) of the present invention may further include a composite support member (70d) that supports the composite tub (20d) in the composite cabinet (10d).

[0213] The above composite support member (70d) may include at least one of a suspension supporting the lower portion of the tub (20) and a spring supporting the upper portion of the composite tub (20d).

[0214] The complex device (4) of the present invention may include a driving unit (40) having the same structure as the washing machine (1).

[0215] The above composite device (4) may be provided so that the heat supply unit (90) is connected to the composite tub (20d).

[0216] The cabinet (10d) of the above complex device (4) has a base provided at the bottom like a dryer (2), and the heat supply unit (90) can be placed on the base.

[0217] Alternatively, since the composite device (4) is provided with a composite tub (20d) that is firmly supported inside the cabinet (10d), and the composite tub (20d) is configured closest to the composite drum (30d), the heat supply unit (90) can be installed and placed on the composite tub (20d).

[0218] The above heat supply unit (90) may include a composite supply unit (90d) that is positioned and secured on the upper portion of the composite tub (20d). This prevents interference or collision with the configuration of the drain unit (60) positioned on the lower portion of the composite tub (20d).

[0219] The above composite supply unit (90d) may include a composite duct (91d) that is installed along the front-rear direction of the composite tub (20d) to circulate air inside the composite tub (20d), an evaporator (92d) that is accommodated in the composite duct (91d) to cool the air and condense moisture, a condenser (93d) that is arranged downstream of the evaporator to heat the air, a compressor (94d) that supplies refrigerant that heats the air to the condenser (93d), an expansion valve that expands and cools the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (93d), and a circulation fan (96d) that is arranged inside the circulation duct (91d) to provide power to circulate the air.

[0220] Meanwhile, since the tub (20) is arranged in the composite supply unit (90d), the water collection unit and water storage tank can be omitted. That is, water condensed inside the composite duct (91d) can be collected by the tub (20) and discharged to the drain unit (60).

[0221] As a result, the above-mentioned complex device (4) can be equipped with a configuration in which a washing machine (1) and a dryer (2) are integrated, and can perform both a washing course and a drying course.

[0222] The complex device (4) of the present invention may include an integrated control unit in which the washing control unit and the drying control unit are integrated. The integrated control unit may be built into the control panel (100) or may be placed separately from the control panel (100) and inside the cabinet (10).

[0223] The above composite panel (100d) can be switched to either a washing mode that receives a command to perform a washing course or displays the status of the washing course, or a drying mode that receives a command to perform a drying course or displays the status of the drying course.

[0224] Additionally, if there is a mini-device described later, a command to execute the mini-device can be entered or a mini-mode can be switched to display the status of the mini-device.

[0225] Figure 10 illustrates an example of the structure of a composite panel.

[0226] The above composite panel (100d) should implement a washing mode for performing a washing course, a drying mode for performing a drying course, and a mini mode for performing a mini device on a single panel. Therefore, it is preferable that the composite panel (100d) be equipped entirely with a touch panel, omitting physical buttons and the like, so that the washing mode, drying mode, and mini mode are selectively displayed.

[0227] The above composite panel (100d) may be provided entirely in the form of a screen or touch panel.

[0228] The above composite panel (100d) may be provided in an oval or track shape with a width longer than the height, and a display portion (150) may be provided in the central square portion.

[0229] A power supply unit (110) and an execution unit (120) may be arranged on one side of the display unit (150), and the power supply unit (110) and the execution unit (120) may be provided as a touch area capable of touch input, and may be provided to light up when touch input is possible and to turn off when touch input is not possible.

[0230] The above display unit (150) may be provided to display weight information and status information regarding the selected course and options. Furthermore, the display unit (150) may be provided as a touch panel and may also function as a course input unit (130) and an option selection unit (140).

[0231] A course selection section (130) for selecting a course can be displayed on the above display section (150), and the currently selected course (C1) can be displayed in large letters, and courses (C2, C3) that can be changed can be displayed in small letters on the left and right.

[0232] The above display unit (150) may further include a status display unit (153) that displays the status of the garment treatment device. The status display unit (153) may display one or more of the internal water level status, internal temperature status, lock status, sound transmission status, and course progress status in the form of icons, etc.

[0233] The above option selection unit (140) may be placed outside the course selection unit (130) or the area where the course is displayed. The above option selection unit (140) may be placed below and away from the status display unit (153).

[0234] When the above option selection unit (140) is input, options that can be selected or adjusted may be displayed on the display unit (150). During this process, the course selection unit (130) and the display of the course (C) may disappear.

[0235] Figure 11 illustrates a garment treatment machine of the present invention equipped as a mini device.

[0236] The garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a mini device (5). The mini device may be provided with a height and volume smaller than that of the washing machine (1) and dryer (2) or the combination device (4).

[0237] The above mini-device may be provided as an auxiliary garment treatment device and additionally installed in the washing machine (1), dryer (2), and combination device (4). Of course, the above mini-device (5) may be provided independently.

[0238] When the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a mini device (5), the cabinet (10) may include a mini cabinet (10b) whose height is lower than the width in the left-right direction and the length in the front-back direction.

[0239] Since the above mini cabinet (10e) is provided with a low height, it can be placed under a washing machine (1), dryer (2), or combination device (4).

[0240] Of course, the above mini device (5) may be placed on top of the washing machine (1), dryer (2), or combination device (4), but for convenience of explanation, the following description will be based on the case where the mini device (5) is placed on the bottom of the washing machine (1), dryer (2), or combination device (4) or is placed independently.

[0241] The above mini cabinet (10e) may be provided with an opening at the front.

[0242] The above mini device (5) may further include a drawer (80) that is provided in the mini cabinet (10e) so as to be inserted and removed through the opening.

[0243] The above drawer (80) may include a drawer body (82) that accommodates a tub or a rotating drum that accommodates water therein, a drawer panel (81) that is arranged in front of the drawer body (81) and opens and closes the opening, and a rail (83) that allows the drawer body (82) to be drawn in and out of the mini cabinet (10e).

[0244] The above drawer body (82) may be provided in a case shape with an open top, and may further include a mini door (29) for opening or closing the tub and drum inside.

[0245] The above mini device (5) is equipped with a drawer (80) so that it can be prevented from being interfered with when used even if there is another clothing treatment device or home appliance above it.

[0246] Figure 12 illustrates an example of the internal structure of the garment treatment device of the present invention when it is equipped as a mini device.

[0247] The above mini device (5) may include a mini tub (20e) that accommodates water inside a drawer (80) and a mini drum (30e) that is rotatably provided in the mini tub and can accommodate clothes.

[0248] The above mini tub (20e) and the above mini drum (30e) may be provided with a height smaller than the diameter, and an inlet for inserting clothes may be formed at the top.

[0249] The above mini door (29) is connected to the upper part of the mini tub (20e) to prevent water or clothing inside the mini tub (20e) from leaking out randomly.

[0250] The above driving unit (40) may be arranged at the bottom of the mini tub (20e) to rotate the mini drum (30e).

[0251] The above driving unit (40) may include a mini stator (41e) that is coupled to the lower portion of the mini tub (20d) and generates a rotating magnetic field, a mini rotor (42e) that is rotated by the mini stator (41e), and a mini rotation shaft (43e) that is coupled to the lower portion of the mini drum (30e) and that is rotated by the mini rotor.

[0252] The above water supply unit (80) may include a mini water supply valve (51e) coupled to a mini cabinet (10e), a mini water supply pipe (52e) extending from the mini water supply valve (51e) to a drawer to supply water, and a mini box (53e) guiding water supplied from the mini water supply pipe (52e) to a tub.

[0253] The above mini water pipe (52e) may be provided with a structure that extends forward by the length that the drawer (80) is extended from the mini cabinet (10e). The above mini box (53e) may be provided to store detergent.

[0254] The above drainage unit (80) may include a mini drainage pipe (61e) for draining water from the mini tub (20e), a mini pump (62e) coupled to the mini drainage pipe (61e) to provide power for draining water, and a mini drainage pipe (63e) extending from the mini pump (62e) to the outside of the mini cabinet (10e).

[0255] The above mini drain pipe (63e) may be provided with a structure that extends forward by the length that the drawer (80) is pulled out of the mini cabinet (10e).

[0256] The above support member (70) may include a mini suspension (70d) connecting the inner surface of the drawer (80) and the outer surface of the mini tub (20e).

[0257] Figure 13 illustrates an embodiment of a control panel when the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped as a mini device.

[0258] The above control panel (100) may include a mini panel (100e) installed in the drawer (80) to control the mini device (5).

[0259] The above mini panel (100e) may be provided with a display unit (150) in the center, and a power unit (110) and an execution unit (120) may be arranged on the left and right of the display unit (150).

[0260] A course selection unit (130) for selecting a course may be provided between the power supply unit (110) and the display unit (150), and an option selection unit (140) for selecting an option may be provided between the display unit (150) and the execution unit (120).

[0261] The above display unit (150) is provided with a main display unit (151) that displays weight information or the status of a selected course, and auxiliary display units (152) that display the type of course selected in the course selection unit (130) and the type of option selected in the option selection unit (140) can be arranged on both sides of the main display unit (151).

[0262] The above main display unit (151) may be provided with any one of a liquid crystal display, a light bulb, or a screen, and the above auxiliary display unit (152) may be provided with any one of a liquid crystal display, a light bulb, or a screen.

[0263] Figure 14 illustrates an embodiment in which the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a top-load type washing machine.

[0264] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may include a washing machine (1), and the washing machine (1) may be equipped as a top-load type washing machine.

[0265] When the above washing machine (1) is equipped as a top-load type, most of the configurations can be equipped to correspond to the configuration of the washing machine (1) illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0266] In order to avoid redundant explanations, the following description focuses on differences from the washing machine shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

[0267] When the clothes treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a top-load type washing machine, an opening is provided at the top of the cabinet (10), and the washing door (11) is rotatably coupled to the top of the cabinet (10). The control panel (100) is arranged in front of the washing door (11) and can be arranged at the top of the cabinet (10).

[0268] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a detection unit (11) that detects whether the washing door (11) has opened or closed its opening, and a locking unit (12) that fixes the washing door (11) in a closed state.

[0269] Figure 15 illustrates an example of the internal structure when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a top-load type washing machine.

[0270] A top-load type washing machine may also include a tub (20), a drum (30), a driving unit (40), a water supply unit (50), and a drain unit (60).

[0271] The above tub (20) and drum (30) are provided in a cylindrical shape, and an inlet may be arranged at the top.

[0272] Unlike the mini device, the above tub (20) and the above drum (30) may be provided with a height longer than the diameter or width.

[0273] The garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a pulsator (35) that rotates independently from the drum (30) at the bottom of the drum (30).

[0274] The above pulsator (35) may rotate together with the drum (30), but may also be configured to rotate separately from the drum (30). As a result, clothing may be stirred or a water current may be formed inside the drum (30).

[0275] The above driving unit (40) may further include a clutch unit (44) that determines whether the pulsator (35) rotates independently of the drum (30).

[0276] The clutch unit (44) may be provided to determine whether to transmit the power rotating the rotation shaft (43) to both the pulsator (35) and the drum (30), or to transmit it only to one of the pulsator (35) and the drum (30).

[0277] The above rotation shaft (43) is coupled to the clutch unit (44), and the clutch unit (44) may have a separate drive shaft (45) that transmits the power of the rotation shaft (43).

[0278] The above driving shaft (45) is coupled to the pulsator (35), and the housing of the clutch unit (44) can be coupled to the drum (30).

[0279] As a result, the pulsator (35) and the drum (30) can be combined with different configurations to selectively receive the power of the driving unit (40).

[0280] The control panel (100) of the present invention controls the clutch unit (44) to rotate the pulsator (35) independently from the drum (30) during the washing and rinsing process, and to rotate the pulsator (35) and the drum (30) as one unit during the dehydration process.

[0281] As a result, during the washing and rinsing process, the clothes can be twisted or stirred by the water flow, thereby enhancing the washing and rinsing performance, and during the dehydration process, the clothes can be prevented from being rubbed or damaged due to the speed difference between the pulsator (35) and the drum (30).

[0282] Figure 16 illustrates an embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention detects the weight of garments.

[0283] The garment treatment device of the present invention detects the weight of clothing and performs washing and drying cycles based on the detected weight. The heavier the clothing, the more time and energy it takes to wash or dry it. Therefore, the washing and drying cycles are set to perform longer. This prevents the machine from terminating without sufficient washing or drying, ensuring both washing and drying performance.

[0284] The clothing treatment device of the present invention detects the weight of clothing, and since the lighter the weight of clothing, the less time and energy is required to wash or dry the clothing, the execution times of the washing course and the drying course are set short.

[0285] As a result, it prevents damage to clothes by preventing them from being overwashed or overdried, and saves energy.

[0286] The garment treatment device of the present invention can employ a method of rotating a drum containing garments to detect the weight of the garments. The weight of the garments can be calculated by measuring the current value or load applied or generated to the driving unit (40) when rotating the drum (30).

[0287] The garment treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of the garment without difficulty through the current value output or generated from the driving unit (40) after the power is supplied to the driving unit (40), even if the garment is placed inside the drum (30) before the power of the driving unit (40) is supplied. As a result, the garment treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of the garment in all situations where the user inputs the power unit (110) to supply power to the driving unit (40) and then opens the door (11) to place the garment, or first opens the door (11) to place the garment and then the user inputs the power unit (110).

[0288] As a result, although it may take more time to detect the weight of clothing than to detect the weight through a load sensor that directly detects the load of the drum, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of clothing in all situations where the user first opens the door (11) to put in clothing and then inputs the power supply (110).

[0289] Figure 16(a) illustrates an embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention detects the weight of clothing. The garment treatment device of the present invention can sufficiently detect the weight of clothing even when the drum rotates less than once.

[0290] That is, the longer the drum (30) rotates, the more accurately the weight of the clothing can be detected. However, even if the drum (30) is actually rotated only by a certain angle, the weight of the clothing can be sufficiently detected by calculating the inertial energy value or current value required to rotate it, and the torque and energy generated during the process of rotating temporarily and then stopping.

[0291] Accordingly, the garment treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of the garment by rotating the drum more than once, but can also detect the weight of the garment by rotating the drum less than once.

[0292] The garment treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of clothing by rotating the drum at an angle of less than 360 degrees. The garment treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of clothing during the process of rotating the drum less than 360 degrees, or can calculate the weight of clothing after the drum has rotated and stopped. The process of rotating and stopping the drum includes the drum rotating in reverse and returning to its original position.

[0293] In any case, the garment treatment device of the present invention can completely determine the weight of the garment within 3 seconds after the drum starts rotating.

[0294] Accordingly, when the power supply unit (110) is input or the detection unit (13) detects that the door (11) is opened or closed, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight by driving the driving unit (40) to rotate the drum (30) less than one rotation before the course selection unit (130) or the execution unit (120) is input.

[0295] When weight is detected, the control unit can display the weight information of the clothing on the display unit (150) before the course selection unit (130) or execution unit (120) is input. As a result, the user can check the displayed weight information and select and execute an appropriate course.

[0296] The locking unit (12) is controlled to lock the door (11) to the cabinet (10) only when the execution unit (120) is input. Consequently, in the garment treatment device of the present invention, the drum (30) rotates while the door is unlocked to detect the weight of the garment, and the weight information of the garment can be displayed on the display unit (150).

[0297] Accordingly, the user can check the weight information, open the door (11), and then add or withdraw additional clothing in an appropriate direction.

[0298] Figure 16(b) illustrates another embodiment of the garment treatment device of the present invention for detecting the weight of garments.

[0299] Of course, the garment treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of garments by rotating the drum more than once. However, if the weight of garments is detected by rotating the drum less than once, the rotation angle of the drum needs to be controlled.

[0300] For example, as shown in Fig. 16(a), after the drum is rotated to an angle A of 90 degrees or more, the drum is stopped, and during this process, the control unit can detect the weight of the clothing through the driving unit (40).

[0301] However, in the front load type, when the drum (30) rotates to an angle A, the arrangement and shape of the clothing may change, such as the clothing falling or rolling down the drum (30) due to gravity, so that current due to the movement or impact of the clothing may be input to the driving unit (40), or additional current due to the movement or impact of the clothing may be generated in the driving unit (40). This may be a factor that reduces the accuracy of the control unit in detecting the weight of the clothing.

[0302] Accordingly, the garment treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of garments by rotating the drum (30) at an angle B of less than 90 degrees. As a result, variations in the arrangement and shape of garments can be minimized or completely prevented, and the control unit can accurately detect the weight of garments through the current value measured by the driving unit (40).

[0303] Preferably, the B angle may be set to less than 45 degrees, and most preferably, less than 15 degrees. As a result, the control unit can accurately detect the weight of the garment while excluding situations in which the shape or arrangement of the garment changes.

[0304] In addition, since the clothes rotate less, the user may not be greatly aware of the drum (30) rotating randomly, and thus may not doubt the performance of the clothes treatment device, and the clothes treatment device of the present invention may display weight information more quickly.

[0305] Figure 17 illustrates an embodiment of detecting the weight of clothing when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a top-load type washing machine.

[0306] Referring to Fig. 17(a), before the washing or drying course is performed and when the door is unlocked, clothes placed in the drum (30) may be settled on the pulsator (35).

[0307] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of the clothing through the driving unit (40) by rotating the drum (30) less than one rotation during this process.

[0308] However, the garment treatment device of the present invention can simultaneously rotate the drum (30) and the pulsator (35) when detecting the weight of the garment. This can minimize the garment from being damaged, twisted, or having its shape or position changed due to friction between the drum (30) and the pulsator (35).

[0309] Referring to Fig. 17(b), in a top load type washing machine, even if the drum (30) rotates close to one revolution, the shape or arrangement of the clothes is less likely to change than in a front load type washing machine.

[0310] Therefore, when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a top-load type washing machine, in order to detect the weight of the clothing, at least one of the drum (30) and the pulsator (35) can be rotated by 90 degrees or more and stopped before reaching 360 degrees.

[0311] For example, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of clothing by simultaneously rotating the drum (30) and the pulsator (35) by less than 180 degrees and stopping them, and then measuring the load of the driving unit (40).

[0312] As a result, the garment treatment device of the present invention can display the weight information of the garment with the door unlocked before input of the performing unit (120).

[0313] Figure 18 illustrates an embodiment in which the control unit of the garment treatment device of the present invention detects the weight of garments through the driving unit.

[0314] Referring to Fig. 18(a), the clothing treatment device of the present invention can perform a detection step (F) of detecting the weight of clothing inside the drum (30) with the door unlocked before performing the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, or the dehydration cycle.

[0315] To this end, the control unit can perform an acceleration step (F1) in which the drum (30) starts to rotate, a deceleration step (F2) in which the drum (30) stops, and a weight detection step (F3) in which the weight of clothing received in the drum is detected through an acceleration measurement value of the driving unit (40) during the acceleration step and a deceleration measurement value of the driving unit during the deceleration step.

[0316] The garment treatment device of the present invention detects an acceleration measurement value measured in or applied to the driving unit (40) while driving the driving unit (40), and detects a deceleration measurement value measured in or applied to the driving unit (40) while decelerating the driving unit (40). Thereafter, the acceleration measurement value and the deceleration measurement value are calculated to detect the weight of the garments received in the drum (30).

[0317] The above acceleration measurement value and the above deceleration measurement value may be a command value applied to the driving unit (40) while driving the driving unit (40), and may be a measurement value measured in the driving unit (40) while driving the driving unit (40).

[0318] Meanwhile, the detection step (F) may further include a preparation step (F0) for checking the position of the driving unit (40) to set a reference value for performing the acceleration step (F1) and the deceleration step (F2). In the preparation step (F0), the drum (30) may be placed in a stationary state.

[0319] The above acceleration step (F1) can additionally accelerate the drum, which is stopped in the preparation step (FO), to the first rpm, and the deceleration step (F2) can decelerate the drum from the first rpm. That is, the acceleration step (F1) and the deceleration step (F2) can be performed continuously. Since the deceleration step (F2) can lower the current command value toward the driving unit (40) in the acceleration step (F1) or cut off the voltage applied to the driving unit (40), there is no concern about damage to the control unit (P) or the circuit.

[0320] At this time, the acceleration measurement value and the deceleration measurement value can be measured between the first rpm and a second rpm lower than the first rpm. That is, the weight can be detected by measuring the current value in the section band including the vertex in the speed graph. This has the advantage of minimizing situations where errors may occur because the weight is detected by measuring the current value in a continuous situation.

[0321] Meanwhile, the acceleration measurement value and the deceleration measurement value can be measured between a second rpm lower than the first rpm and a third rpm higher than the second rpm and lower than the first rpm. That is, although it is not a section including the vertex, the weight can be detected by measuring the current value in the same speed section band. This has the advantage that the accuracy of weight calculation can be improved by measuring a stabilized current value since the speed change is the greatest at the vertex.

[0322] Meanwhile, the first rpm may be set to a lower rpm than the fixed rpm at which the clothes accommodated inside the drum (30) are attached to the inner wall of the drum (30). That is, the first rpm may be relatively lower than the rpm applied in the washing, rinsing, and dehydration cycles.

[0323] The above acceleration step (F1) may correspond to a step of rotating the drum, and the above deceleration step (F2) may correspond to a step of restoring the drum to its original position. Consequently, the restoration step (D2) may be a step in which the control unit (P) actively adds current to rotate the driving unit (40) in the opposite direction.

[0324] The above weight detection step (F3) is a process in which the control unit (P) directly calculates the moment of inertia, or the process of comparing and extracting the moment of inertia with the weight data of clothing stored in a storage unit linked to the control unit may be omitted.

[0325] The amount of current applied in the above acceleration step (F1) can be defined as the first amount of current, and the amount of current applied in the above deceleration step (F2) can be defined as the second amount of current. The control unit (P) can detect the weight through the first amount of current and the second amount of current.

[0326] Figure 18(b) illustrates another embodiment in which the control unit calculates the weight of clothing.

[0327] The above deceleration step (F2) is not a deceleration step in which a current is applied to the driving unit (40) to rotate the drum (30) in the opposite direction, but is a stop step in which the power applied to the driving unit (40) is cut off so that the driving unit (40) is restored by the weight of the clothing and decelerates.

[0328] The control unit (P) can detect the counter electromotive force generated in the above-mentioned stopping step and measure the current value corresponding to the counter electromotive force to detect the weight of the clothing.

[0329] The amount of current applied in the above acceleration step (F1) can be defined as the first amount of current, and the amount of current applied in the above stopping step (F2) can be defined as the third amount of current. The control unit (P) can detect the weight through the first amount of current and the third amount of current.

[0330] Figure 19 illustrates an example of a garment treatment device of the present invention utilizing a weight sensing method based on the structure and method described above.

[0331] Figure 19(a) illustrates an embodiment that basically utilizes the weight detection method described above.

[0332] When the power supply unit (110) of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is input, power can be supplied to the water supply unit (50), the driving unit (40), the drain unit (60), etc., and power can also be supplied to the control unit (P).

[0333] The above control unit (P) may be set to detect the weight of the clothing when the power supply unit (110) is input and power is supplied. For example, in the clothing treatment device of the present invention, the input of the power supply unit (110) may be a prerequisite for detecting the weight of the clothing.

[0334] Accordingly, even if the user opens the door (11) before inputting the power supply (110), then places clothes into the drum (30) and closes the door (11), the control unit (P) can immediately detect the weight of the clothes.

[0335] The above control unit (P) can calculate the expected time to perform a specific course or option based on the weight of the clothing.

[0336] To this end, the control unit (P) can recognize the expected time corresponding to the weight of the clothing.

[0337] In addition, the control unit (P) may organize the weight of the clothing into data, including the amount of detergent required when performing a course or option. The control unit (P) may calculate the amount of detergent required when performing washing of the clothing using the course or option.

[0338] For example, the garment treatment device of the present invention can perform a power supply step (A1) of supplying power by inputting the power supply unit (110) of the garment treatment device, and a weight detection step (A2) of detecting the weight of the garments received in the drum (3) when the power supply step (A1) is performed.

[0339] In other words, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight before the performing unit (120) is input, rather than detecting the weight only after the performing unit (120) is input.

[0340] When the weight of the clothing is detected in the above weight detection step (A2), an information display step (A3) may be performed in which weight information including at least one of the weight of the clothing, the expected execution time of the course or option for washing the clothing, and the amount of detergent required for the course or option is displayed on the display unit (150).

[0341] In the above information display step (A3), the execution time corresponding to the preset standard course or standard option corresponding to the weight of the clothing may be displayed.

[0342] The user can check the weight of the clothing displayed in the above information display step (A3), the execution time of the preset course or option, and compare it with his / her schedule, and check the amount of detergent.

[0343] In other words, the garment treatment device of the present invention can check information related to weight before the execution unit (120) is input, select a desired course and option, and input the execution unit (120). That is, if the user is satisfied with the information displayed in the information display step (A3), the user can input the execution unit (120). The control unit (P) can perform an execution input step (A6) that detects that the execution unit (120) is input.

[0344] When the above execution input step (A6) is performed, the control unit (P) controls the lock unit (12) to lock the door (11) to the cabinet (10), thereby preventing the door (11) from being opened arbitrarily.

[0345] When the above execution input step (A6) is performed, the control unit (P) can perform one or more of the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and dehydration cycle according to the course or option settings.

[0346] However, after the user confirms at least one of the weight of the clothing, the execution time of the preset course or option, and the amount of detergent in the above information display step (A3), a course setting step (A4) of selecting a course and an option through the course selection unit (130) and the option selection unit (140) may be further performed.

[0347] That is, users can select any course or option, rather than the standard course that is performed by default.

[0348] For example, the user can check the weight of the clothing through the course setting step (A4) and then input one or more of the course selection unit (130) and the option selection unit (140), and then check the execution time associated with the weight and then input one or more of the course selection unit (130) and the option selection unit (140) to change the course or option.

[0349] When the above course setting step (A4) is performed, the control unit (P) can perform a change display step (A5) of recalculating the expected execution time or detergent amount of the changed course or option corresponding to the weight of the clothing and transmitting it to the display unit (150).

[0350] In the above change display step (A5), the display unit (150) may display at least one of the expected execution time of the changed course or option and the changed detergent amount.

[0351] If the user determines that the expected execution time or amount of detergent is appropriate, the user can input the execution unit (120), and if the expected execution time or amount of detergent is not appropriate, the user can re-input one or more of the course selection unit (130) and the option selection unit (140).

[0352] The above control unit (P) can perform an execution input step (A6) that detects the input of the above execution unit (120).

[0353] However, if re-input of one or more of the course selection unit (130) and option selection unit (140) is detected, the course setting step (A4) and change display step (A5) can be performed again.

[0354] Consequently, the garment treatment device of the present invention can complete weight detection before the user selects and executes the final course and option. Furthermore, by calculating the weight within 3 seconds with less than one rotation of the drum, weight information can be provided before one or more of the course selection unit (130) and option selection unit (140) are input.

[0355] For example, when the power supply (110) is input and the display unit (150) is booted, weight detection is already completed, so information corresponding to the weight can be provided to the user.

[0356] Therefore, users can check the weight information, check the expected time for the course and option most suitable for the current time, and set the optimal course and option, or add the optimal amount of detergent.

[0357] Fig. 19(b) illustrates an expanded embodiment of the control method of Fig. 19(a).

[0358] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can perform a power input step (A1) of supplying power to at least one of the control unit (P), the driving unit (40), the water supply unit (50), the drain unit (60), and the control panel (100) when a command from the power unit (110) is input.

[0359] When the above power input step (A1) is performed, the clothing treatment device can perform a weight detection step (A2) for detecting the weight of the clothing.

[0360] The method of detecting weight in the above weight detection step (A2) is to rotate the drum less than one rotation as described above.

[0361] At this time, the control unit (P) may also perform a clothing detection step (A2-1) to detect whether clothing is contained in the drum (30). If there is clothing in the drum (30) in the clothing detection step (A2-1), the control method of Fig. 19 (a) may be performed.

[0362] However, if the clothing is not accommodated in the drum (30), the control unit (P) can perform a door opening / closing detection step (A2-2) that waits until the door (11) opens and closes.

[0363] That is, if the control unit (P) does not detect the weight of the clothing, it can wait until the opening of the door is detected.

[0364] At this time, when the door opening / closing detection step (A2-2) is performed, the control unit (P) can perform the weight detection step (A2) again to additionally detect the weight of the clothing.

[0365] Accordingly, the garment treatment device of the present invention can immediately detect the weight when the garment is contained in the drum (30) before the power supply (110) is input. However, when the garment is not contained in the drum (30) before the power supply (110) is input, the weight of the garment can be detected by waiting for the garment to be input into the drum (30).

[0366] In other words, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can, in principle, perform weight detection immediately when the power supply unit (110) is input and power is supplied to the control unit (P).

[0367] Therefore, if the user first puts clothes into the drum (3) before inputting the power supply (110) and then inputs the power supply (110), the control unit (P) can perform weight detection.

[0368] However, if there is no clothing inside the drum (3) before the power supply (110) is input, the control unit (P) may wait for the door to open and close before performing weight detection. Of course, the presence or absence of clothing may be detected using a weight detection method. In this case, if no weight is detected, the weight may not be displayed on the display unit (150).

[0369] Meanwhile, if the door (111) is opened and closed after the power supply (110) is turned on, the control unit (P) can determine that clothing has been placed and perform weight detection. Of course, if no weight is detected, the display unit (150) may not display the weight or may display information indicating that no clothing is inside.

[0370] When there is a detected weight, the garment treatment device of the present invention can display at least one of the weight information of the garment, the execution time of the course and option corresponding to the weight, and the required amount of detergent on the display unit (150).

[0371] As a result, the garment treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of the garment before inputting it to the execution unit (120) and transmit information such as the execution time of the course or option and the amount of detergent required to the user.

[0372] As a result, detecting the weight of the clothing and displaying the weight information before the input of the above-mentioned execution unit (120) means that the drum (30) rotates and the weight information is displayed on the display unit (150) while the door (11) is unlocked.

[0373] Figure 20 illustrates an embodiment of performing weight detection depending on whether the door is open or closed.

[0374] Referring to Fig. 20(a), the control unit (P) may be configured to detect the weight of the clothing when the door (11) is opened or closed. That is, the condition for detecting the weight of the clothing may be the opening or closing of the door (11).

[0375] The fact that the door (11) is opened and closed may mean that there is a high probability that clothing is loaded into the drum (30). In addition, the fact that the door (11) is opened and closed may mean that the amount of clothing loaded into the drum (30) has increased or decreased.

[0376] Accordingly, when the garment treatment device of the present invention detects that the door (11) is opened or closed, it can immediately detect the weight of the garment and inform the user of the weight of the garment itself, the expected execution time or changed execution time of the course or option, and the required or changed amount of detergent.

[0377] The garment treatment device of the present invention can perform an opening / closing step (B1) of detecting the opening / closing of the door (11). If the opening / closing of the door (11) is detected in the opening / closing step (B1), the control unit (P) can perform a weight detection step (B2) of detecting the weight of the garment, and can perform an information display step (B3) of displaying one or more of the weight of the garment, the execution time of a preset course or option, and the required amount of detergent based on the detected weight.

[0378] In other words, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can detect and display the weight of clothing within 3 seconds in the aforementioned manner when the opening and closing of the door (11) is detected even before the course selection unit (130) and the execution unit (120) are input.

[0379] After the above information display step (B3), the control unit (P) can detect whether the user inputs the execution unit (120) and perform the execution input step (B6), and can detect whether the user changes the course or option and perform the course setting step (B4) and the change display step (B5).

[0380] The above information display step (B3), the course setting step (B4), the change display step (B5), and the execution input step (B6) may be the same as the above-described embodiment.

[0381] Figure 20(b) illustrates an expanded example of Figure 20(a).

[0382] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can further perform a power input step (B0) for detecting whether power is input before the opening / closing step (B1).

[0383] This is because power is supplied to the control unit (P) only when the above power input step (B0) is performed, so that the control unit (P) can detect whether the door (11) is open.

[0384] Therefore, after the power input step (B0) is performed, the control unit (p) can perform the weight detection step (B2) when it detects that the door (11) is opened and closed.

[0385] When the opening and closing of the door (11) is detected in the above opening and closing step (B1), the control unit (P) can perform a weight detection step (B2) of detecting the weight of the clothing, and can perform an information display step (B3) of displaying one or more of the weight of the clothing, the execution time of a preset course or option, and the required amount of detergent according to the detected weight.

[0386] After the above information display step (B3), the control unit (P) can detect whether the user inputs the execution unit (120) and perform the execution input step (B6), and can detect whether the user changes the course or option and perform the course setting step (B4) and the change display step (B5).

[0387] The above information display step (B3), the course setting step (B4), the change display step (B5), and the execution input step (B6) may be the same as the above-described embodiment.

[0388] Accordingly, when the garment treatment device of the present invention detects that the door (11) is opened and closed while the power is supplied to the garment treatment device, it can immediately detect the weight of the garment and inform the user of the weight of the garment itself, the expected execution time or changed execution time of the course or option, and the required or changed amount of detergent.

[0389] Figure 20(c) illustrates another expanded example of Figure 20(a).

[0390] The garment treatment device of the present invention may be equipped so that the history of the door (11) being opened and closed is stored in the storage unit (P2). That is, even if the power supply unit (110) is not input, the garment treatment device of the present invention can store the history of the door (11) being opened and closed by supplying power to the control panel (P) through standby power.

[0391] Accordingly, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can perform a history storage step (B11) of storing the opening and closing history of the door (11) in the control unit (P) even before the power unit (110) is input, if the door (11) is opened and closed.

[0392] Afterwards, when the power input step (B0) in which the power unit (110) is input and power is supplied to the control unit (P), etc., the clothing treatment device of the present invention can perform the weight detection step (B2).

[0393] When the opening and closing of the door (11) is detected in the above opening and closing step (B1), the control unit (P) can perform a weight detection step (B2) of detecting the weight of the clothing, and can perform an information display step (B3) of displaying one or more of the weight of the clothing, the execution time of a preset course or option, and the required amount of detergent according to the detected weight.

[0394] After the above information display step (B3), the control unit (P) can detect whether the user inputs the execution unit (120) and perform the execution input step (B6), and can detect whether the user changes the course or option and perform the course setting step (B4) and the change display step (B5).

[0395] The above information display step (B3), the course setting step (B4), the change display step (B5), and the execution input step (B6) may be the same as the above-described embodiment.

[0396] Accordingly, even if the user opens the door (11) and places the clothes in the drum (30) before the power unit (110) is input, the clothes treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of the clothes by checking whether the door (11) is open or closed when the power unit (110) is input.

[0397] Therefore, the garment treatment device of the present invention can help the user select the optimal course and option or amount of detergent before entering the performing unit (120).

[0398] As a result, the control unit (P) can be set to detect the weight of the clothing when the power unit (110) is input or the detection unit (13) detects that the door has closed the opening.

[0399] The above control unit (P) may detect the weight only when both the power unit (110) and the door (11) are opened and closed, or may be provided to detect the weight when either the input of the power unit (110) or the opening and closing of the door (11) is performed.

[0400] Meanwhile, the garment treatment device of the present invention can fix the door (11) to the cabinet (1) by the locking unit (12) only when the execution unit (120) is input and the course and option are started. Therefore, when weight detection is performed before the execution unit (120) is input, the door (11) may not be locked by the locking unit (12).

[0401] Accordingly, the user can open the door (11) to add or take out additional clothing while performing the weight detection or even after the weight detection is completed.

[0402] If the opening and closing of the door (11) is additionally detected, the garment treatment device of the present invention can detect whether the weight of the garment has changed by re-performing weight detection, and can display information related to the changed weight on the display unit (150).

[0403] That is, detecting the opening and closing of the door as described above and detecting the weight may include re-detecting the weight when the opening and closing of the door is additionally detected after detecting the weight initially.

[0404] Figure 21 illustrates another embodiment of determining whether the garment treatment device of the present invention additionally performs weight detection.

[0405] As described above, the garment treatment device of the present invention performs weight detection again when the door (11) closes the cabinet (1) again or the power supply unit (110) is re-input and power supply to the control unit (P) is cut off and then supplied.

[0406] However, if the time that the door (11) is opened and closed is much shorter than the time limit (T) required for clothes to be placed in the drum (3), the internal state of the drum (3) is less likely to change. In addition, if the time that the power supply (110) is re-input and power is re-supplied to the control unit (P) is much shorter than the time limit (T) for clothes to be placed, the internal state of the drum (3) is less likely to change.

[0407] Accordingly, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may not perform additional weight detection if the re-closing time of the door (11) or the re-input time of the power unit (110) is less than the time limit (T).

[0408] Accordingly, if a user accidentally opens and closes the door (11) and then quickly closes it, or accidentally turns on and then turns on the power supply (110) again, the garment treatment device of the present invention can block unnecessary energy consumption by preventing weight detection from being performed.

[0409] The above control unit (P) may be equipped to detect the time interval between the power supply unit (110) being input and re-input, and may also be equipped to detect the time interval between the door (11) opening and closing the opening (111) through the detection unit (13) or the lock unit (12).

[0410] The above time limit (T) may be, for example, less than 1 second.

[0411] Meanwhile, the detection unit (13) may be provided so as to face the door (11) of the cabinet (1) or be adjacent to the door (11), and may be provided with a hall sensor or reed switch that detects a signal such as a magnetic field generated from the door (11), and may also detect the opening angle of the door (11) by detecting the strength of the magnetic field.

[0412] For example, if the detection unit (13) does not detect the magnetic field, it can be determined that the door (11) has opened the opening (111) by a distance greater than the insertion gap, which is the minimum distance at which clothes can be inserted, and if it detects the magnetic field, it can be determined that the door (11) has opened the opening (111) by a distance less than the insertion gap.

[0413] In addition, a detection unit (13) may be provided on the hinge portion that rotatably connects the door (11) to the cabinet (1) to detect the opening angle of the door (11).

[0414] In this way, if the door (11) of the garment treatment device of the present invention opens and closes the opening (111) within the loading interval, it is determined that the state inside the drum (3) has not changed and weight detection may not be performed.

[0415] The above injection interval can be set to less than 10 cm, etc.

[0416] Specifically, the garment treatment device of the present invention can perform a power input step (M1) in which a power command for supplying power to the control unit (P) is input through the input of the power unit (110). Thereafter, a door detection step (M2) in which it is detected whether the door (11) has closed the opening (111) can be performed.

[0417] When the door (11) closes the opening (111), a weight detection step (M3) that detects weight by rotating the drum less than one rotation can be performed.

[0418] The above weight detection step (M3) detects the weight through the current value applied or output when the drum rotates less than one rotation, and the rotation angle of the drum can be set to an angle lower than the angle at which the clothing is separated from the inner wall of the drum or the arrangement of the clothing is changed.

[0419] In the above weight detection step (M3), the control unit (P) can calculate the weight within 2 seconds after the drum rotates, and within 3 seconds, the information display step (M4) can be performed in which information related to the detected weight is displayed on the display unit (150).

[0420] Thereafter, the control unit (P) can perform a state detection step (M5) to detect whether the door (11) opens and closes the opening (111) before the execution unit (120) is input, or whether the power unit (110) is re-input.

[0421] If, in the state detection step (L5), the door (11) reopens the opening (111) or the power supply (110) is re-input and the power to the control unit (P) is cut off and then supplied again, the control unit (P) can perform a limit judgment step (M6) to determine whether the time for which the door (111) was reopened or the time for which the power supply (110) was repeatedly input is within the time limit.

[0422] If the time for which the door (11) is reopened or the time for which the power supply (110) is repeatedly input is longer than the limit time in the limit judgment step (M6), the weight detection step (M3) is performed again, and the information display step (M4) is performed again so that the existing information can be corrected to information corresponding to the re-detected weight.

[0423] Meanwhile, if the time for which the door (11) is reopened or the time for which the power supply (110) is repeatedly input is less than the time limit (T) in the above limit judgment step (M6), the control unit (P) can perform an ignore step (M7) in which weight detection is no longer performed even if the door is reopened or the power supply is re-input.

[0424] In the above limit judgment step (M6), it can be determined whether the degree to which the door (11) opens the opening (111), the opening interval, or the opening angle is smaller than the insertion interval at which the clothing can be inserted.

[0425] For example, a detection unit (13) provided in the cabinet (1) may be provided to calculate the degree of detection value detected by a hall sensor or the like to determine the degree of opening of the door (11), and a hinge unit provided in the door (11) may be provided to detect the opening angle.

[0426] While the above-mentioned ignoring step (M7) is being performed or the information display step (M4) is being performed, the execution input step (M8) may be performed in which the execution unit (120) receives an execution command to execute the course and option selected by the course selection unit (130).

[0427] When the above execution input step (M8) is performed, the locking part (12) may perform a door locking step (M9) to lock the door (11) to the cabinet (1) and prevent the opening (111) from being opened.

[0428] Below, the method of implementing the control method of the garment treatment device of the present invention is described.

[0429] Figure 22 illustrates an embodiment in which the control method of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is implemented in a washing panel or a drying panel.

[0430] Since the washing panel (100a) and the drying panel (100b) have the same structure, an example applied to the washing panel (100a) will be described to avoid overlapping explanations.

[0431] Referring to Fig. 22(a), when a user inputs the power supply (100), power is supplied to the main display unit (150) located inside the course display unit (130).

[0432] The above main display (150) displays boot information (G1) indicating that the washing machine (1) is in preparation.

[0433] The above boot information may include one or more of a welcome massage such as “Hello” or an icon, pictogram, or hologram indicating that booting is being performed.

[0434] While the above boot information is displayed, the garment treatment device of the present invention can immediately control the driving unit (40) to rotate the drum (30) and detect the weight of the garment. In order to quickly detect the weight of the garment, the garment treatment device of the present invention can rotate the drum (30) less than one rotation.

[0435] At this time, since the state is before the execution unit (120) is input, the lock unit (12) can maintain the door unlocked state.

[0436] When the booting of the washing panel (100a) is completed, the control unit may have already completed detecting the weight of the clothing.

[0437] Referring to Fig. 22(b), the display unit (150) may display at least one of weight information (I) and a selected course (C). The selected course (C) may correspond to a course that is automatically selected when the washing panel (100a) is booted, without the user having to select it using the course selection unit (130). For example, the automatically selected course (C) may correspond to a standard course.

[0438] The above weight information (I) may include at least one of information about the weight of the clothing itself, an expected time (I2) for processing clothing of the above weight through the corresponding course, and a required amount of detergent (I3) for processing clothing of the above weight through the corresponding course.

[0439] The display unit (150) above can display the weight information (I) even without the user inputting a separate command after inputting the power unit (110). This allows the user to recognize the amount of detergent required to process the inputted clothes and the expected execution time of the course for processing the clothes.

[0440] In this process, the user can change the course by turning the course selection unit (130). At this time, the execution time (I2) can be changed and displayed as the expected execution time corresponding to the changed course.

[0441] Referring to Fig. 22(c), the user can input the execution unit (120) by confirming at least one of the weight information (I) and the selected course (C). It is highly likely that the user is already aware of the expected execution time (I2) at the time of inputting the execution unit (120).

[0442] Accordingly, when the user inputs the execution unit (120), the user can accurately plan to return to the washing machine (1) after the time elapses after recognizing the time at which the course is completed. After inputting the execution unit (120), the user can immediately leave the washing machine (1) and carry out his / her personal schedule.

[0443] Referring to Fig. 22(d), when the execution unit (120) is input, the locking unit (12) can fix the door (11) to the cabinet (10) to prevent the opening from being opened arbitrarily.

[0444] The above display unit (150) can display status information on the course being performed.

[0445] The above status information may include one or more of a message indicating that the course is being performed and the remaining time.

[0446] The garment treatment device of the present invention can perform a selected course when the above-mentioned execution unit (120) is input. For example, in the case of a washing course, water supply may begin immediately or the drum may rotate to agitate the garment before water supply begins.

[0447] If it is detected that the above door (11) is not closed, the course can be performed after the door (11) is closed.

[0448] Figure 22 illustrates an embodiment in which the control method of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is implemented on a common panel.

[0449] Referring to Fig. 23(a), when at least one of the washing power unit (110) and the drying power unit (110) is input, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can display booting information (G1) on at least one of the washing display unit (150a) and the drying display unit (150b).

[0450] The above boot information may include one or more of a welcome massage such as “Hello” or an icon, pictogram, or hologram indicating that booting is being performed.

[0451] While the above boot information is displayed, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can sense the weight of the clothes by controlling the driving unit (40) of the device to which the power unit (110) is input among the washing machine (1) and the dryer (2) to rotate the drum (30). In order to quickly sense the weight of the clothes, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can rotate the drum (30) of the device to which the power unit (110) is input among the washing machine (1) and the dryer (2) by less than one rotation.

[0452] At this time, since the state is before the execution unit (120) is input, the lock unit (12) can maintain the door unlocked state.

[0453] When the booting of the device to which the power supply (110) is input among the washing machine (1) and the dryer (2) is completed, the control unit may have already completed detecting the weight of the clothing.

[0454] Referring to Fig. 23(b), the display unit (150) of the device to which the power supply unit (110) is input, among the washing machine (1) and the dryer (2), may display at least one of weight information (I) and a selected course (C). The selected course (C) may correspond to a course that is automatically selected when the control panel (100) is booted, without the user having to select it using the course selection unit (130). For example, the automatically selected course (C) may correspond to a standard course.

[0455] The above weight information (I) may include at least one of information about the weight of the clothing itself, an expected time (I2) for processing clothing of the above weight through the corresponding course, and a required amount of detergent (I3) for processing clothing of the above weight through the corresponding course.

[0456] If the drum fails to detect the weight of the clothing, the display unit (150) may indicate that no clothing is present. In this case, the control unit may wait for the door (11) to open or close, and then re-detect the weight of the clothing in the manner described above.

[0457] The display unit (150) of the device in which the power supply unit (110) is input among the washing machine (1) and the dryer (2) can display the weight information (I) even without the user inputting a separate command after inputting the power supply unit (110). As a result, the user can recognize the amount of detergent required to process the input clothes and the expected execution time of the course for processing the clothes.

[0458] In this process, the user can change the course by pressing the course selection unit (130). At this time, the execution time (I2) can be changed and displayed as the expected execution time corresponding to the changed course.

[0459] Referring to Fig. 23(c), the user can input the execution unit (120) by confirming at least one of the weight information (I) and the selected course (C). It is highly likely that the user is already aware of the expected execution time (I2) at the time of inputting the execution unit (120).

[0460] Accordingly, when the user inputs the execution unit (120), the user can accurately plan to return to the wash tower (3) after the course completion time has elapsed. After inputting the execution unit (120), the user can immediately leave the wash tower (3) and carry out his / her personal schedule.

[0461] Referring to Fig. 23(d), when the execution unit (120) is input, the locking unit (12) of the device in which the power unit (110) is input among the washing machine (1) and the dryer (2) can fix the door (11) to the cabinet (10) to prevent the opening from being opened arbitrarily.

[0462] The display unit (150) of the device to which the power supply unit (110) is input among the washing machine (1) and the dryer (2) can display status information on the course being performed.

[0463] The above status information may include one or more of a message indicating that the course is being performed and the remaining time.

[0464] The garment treatment device of the present invention can perform a selected course when the above-mentioned execution unit (120) is input. For example, in the case of a washing course, water supply may begin immediately or the drum may rotate to agitate the garment before water supply begins. In the case of a drying course, a blower fan may rotate or a compressor may operate.

[0465] If it is detected that the above door (11) is not closed, the course can be performed after the door (11) is closed.

[0466] FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment in which the control method of the invention's clothing treatment device is implemented in an integrated panel, and FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment in which the control method of the invention's clothing treatment device is implemented in a mini panel.

[0467] The above integrated panel and mini panel have the same configuration as the control panel (100) except for their different structures, so the aforementioned control method can be applied as is. Therefore, the explanation is omitted based on the drawings shown.

[0468] Figure 26 illustrates an embodiment in which the above control method is applied when the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped as a composite device.

[0469] First, the complex device (4) can perform both the washing course and the drying course with one drum (30).

[0470] Therefore, the weight information may include the execution time of the washing course and the execution time of the drying course.

[0471] When the power supply unit (110) is input, at least one of the execution time of the washing course corresponding to the weight of the detected clothing and the execution time of the drying course (I2) can be displayed first.

[0472] Of course, when the power supply (110) is input, the washing and drying cycle execution times corresponding to the weight of the detected clothing can all be displayed. In this case, there is a risk that the user may become confused as to whether the currently performed function is the washing mode or the drying mode.

[0473] Accordingly, when the power supply (110) of the clothing treatment device of the present invention is input, it can first determine one of the washing mode and the drying mode and first display one of the washing course execution time and the drying course execution time.

[0474] Referring to Fig. 26(a), a user can input a power supply (110). When the power supply (110) is input, the composite panel (100d) can display booting information (G1) on the display (150).

[0475] Referring to Fig. 26(b), the control unit can detect the weight of clothing by controlling the driving unit (40) to rotate the drum (30). The display unit (150) can display detection information (G2) indicating that the weight of clothing is being measured.

[0476] The above detection information (G2) may include one or more of a pictogram, hologram, icon, or guidance text indicating that the current control unit is detecting the weight of the clothing.

[0477] Referring to Fig. 26(c), when the control unit detects the weight of clothing, the display unit (150) can display weight information (I).

[0478] The above control unit can first display the washing execution time (I21) for performing the washing course. That is, when the power unit (110) is input, the control unit can first set the washing mode for performing the washing course.

[0479] The above display unit (150) can display washing mode information (M1) indicating that the complex device (4) of the present invention is set to perform a washing course.

[0480] The above display unit (150) may be provided with a main display area (D) that displays the status of a selected mode among the washing mode and the drying mode.

[0481] The above main display area (D) is displayed as the largest area inside the display unit (150) so that the user can intuitively recognize the currently set mode.

[0482] In the above main display area (D), when in washing mode, course information (C) related to the washing course may be displayed. At the same time, the control unit (150) may first display the expected washing execution time (I21) for the washing course as weight information (I).

[0483] Meanwhile, the display unit (150) may display a drying switching area (M2) on one side of the main display area (D) where a user receives a drying switching command to switch the clothing treatment device to drying mode in order to perform a drying course.

[0484] Furthermore, in the case where the composite device controls the mini device (5), a mini switching area (M3) may be displayed on the other side of the main display area (D) for receiving a mini switching command to switch to a mini mode in which the control panel (100) receives a command to control the mini wash.

[0485] Accordingly, the user can select the switching area (M2, M3) to select the clothing treatment device controlled by the control panel (100), and can decide which function of which device among the washing machine (1), dryer (2), and mini device (5) the clothing treatment device will perform.

[0486] A user may wish to perform a drying course through the above-mentioned composite device (4). In this case, the user may select the drying conversion area (M2) to switch the composite device (4) to a drying mode for performing the drying course.

[0487] This may correspond to a user selecting the above drying conversion area (M2) inputting a selection command to select a washing course as a drying course.

[0488] Since the selection of the above-mentioned dry transition area (M2) is the same as the user selecting the course selection unit (130), the transition areas (M2, M3) can be included in the course selection unit (130).

[0489] Referring to Fig. 26(d), when switched to the drying mode, the display unit (150) can display drying mode information (M2) indicating that the composite device (4) of the present invention is set to the drying mode in which the drying course is performed.

[0490] Furthermore, the control panel (100) can change the expected washing time (I21) to the expected drying time (I22) and display it in the main display area (D) of the display unit (150).

[0491] Additionally, in the main display area (D), the course name or settings may be changed and displayed from the washing course (C1) to the drying course (C2).

[0492] However, if both the washing course and drying course are standard courses, the phrases corresponding to the standard courses may be the same.

[0493] As a result, when the power supply (110) is input, before the execution unit (120) is input, the display unit (150) can first display mode information (M1) indicating that the clothing treatment device is set to a washing mode for performing a washing course, and the expected execution time (I21) for performing the washing course as the weight information.

[0494] At this time, when the user switches the above-mentioned complex device (5) to the drying mode for performing the drying course, the mode information of the display unit (150) is changed to drying mode (M2) information, and the weight information is changed to the expected execution time (I22) for performing the drying course and displayed, thereby recognizing that the current clothing treatment device is set to the drying mode and that the information displayed on the display unit (150) corresponds to the drying course.

[0495] In the same way, when the user switches back to the washing mode or the mini-device, the expected execution time among the weight information displayed on the display unit (150) can be confirmed to change to the execution time of the washing course or mini-course. As a result, the user can easily determine which mode the garment treatment device is set to and the execution time of the course in that mode.

[0496] All of this display of weight information and mode information can be performed when the door (11) is unlocked and can be opened at any time.

[0497] Figure 27 illustrates an embodiment in which the clothing treatment device of the present invention detects the weight of clothing in a different manner in the drying cycle than in the washing cycle.

[0498] When the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a complex device (5), when it is set to a drying mode in which a drying course is performed, it can detect the weight of clothing differently from when it is set to a washing mode in which a washing course is performed.

[0499] For example, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of clothing more precisely when it is set to a drying mode in which a drying course is performed than when it is set to a washing mode in which a washing course is performed.

[0500] Specifically, in the washing mode, the difference in time for performing the washing cycle depending on the weight difference of the clothes is much smaller than in the drying mode.

[0501] This is because when washing clothes with water and detergent, the cleaning power of the clothes treatment device to remove foreign substances from the clothes with water and detergent is greater than the increase in the weight of the clothes. This is because even if a large amount of clothes are completely submerged in water, they are exposed to detergent, so a chemical reaction with the detergent can occur immediately, and when the drum (30) rotates, a physical force is applied to the entire area of ​​the clothes, regardless of whether the amount is small or large.

[0502] However, when drying clothes with hot air, the drying power of the clothes treatment device to dry the moisture in the clothes with hot air is much smaller than the increase in the weight of the clothes. In other words, the drying power to dry the moisture in the clothes is determined by the amount of air supplied to the drum and the temperature of the air. However, the amount of air and the temperature of the air cannot vary greatly because the performance of the compressor and the capacity of the blower fan are fixed. In this case, the heavier the clothes, the larger the volume, so the smaller the area ratio to which hot air is supplied to the clothes, and therefore the longer the drying time is required.

[0503] As a result, the difference in the performance time when drying 1 kg of clothing and 2 kg of clothing in the clothing treatment device of the present invention is much greater than the difference in the performance time when washing 1 kg of clothing and 2 kg of clothing.

[0504] Therefore, the clothing treatment device of the present invention needs to detect the weight of clothing more precisely in the drying mode, so as to secure sufficient drying time when there is a large amount of clothing, thereby ensuring drying performance, and to drastically reduce the drying time when there is a small amount of clothing, thereby preventing the clothing from being overdried.

[0505] Therefore, when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a composite device (5), it can detect clothing more precisely when performing the drying mode than when performing the washing mode.

[0506] For example, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can additionally detect the weight of clothing even if there is a history of detecting the weight of clothing in the washing mode when switching to the drying mode.

[0507] That is, the garment treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of garments more accurately by additionally detecting the weight of the garments when switching from washing mode to drying mode. This allows for systematic adjustment of the drying cycle execution time, the RPM and operating time of the blower fan, and the RPM and operating time of the compressor based on changes in the weight of the garments in drying mode.

[0508] Referring to Fig. 27(a), when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a composite device (4), when the power supply unit (110) is input, the display unit (150) displays boot information (G1) and automatically sets it to the washing mode.

[0509] Referring to Fig. 27(b), the clothing treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of clothing, and the display unit (150) can display detection information (G2) indicating the state of detecting the weight.

[0510] Referring to Fig. 27(c), the garment treatment device can display weight information (I) on the display unit (150) before the performing unit (120) is input. The weight information (I) can include the expected washing course execution time (I21) for performing the washing course based on the detected weight of the garment.

[0511] To perform a drying course through the above-mentioned complex device (5), the user can input the switching mode area (M2) on the control panel (100) to switch the complex device (5) to the drying mode.

[0512] Referring to Fig. 27(d), when the composite device (5) is switched to drying mode, the clothing treatment device can additionally detect clothing.

[0513] In this case, the display unit (150) may display additional detection information (G21) indicating a state in which the weight of the clothing is additionally detected. Unlike the initial detection information (G1), the additional detection information (G1) may include information indicating that the weight of the clothing is detected more precisely. For example, the words "precision measurement" may be included.

[0514] Referring to Fig. 27(e), the display unit (150) can display the weight information (I) of the clothing that has been precisely re-measured. The weight information (I) can include the expected execution time (I22) of the drying course that can dry the precisely detected weight of the clothing.

[0515] In addition, even if the washing machine (1) and the dryer (2) of the present invention are manufactured to the same specifications, the clothing treatment device can detect the weight of clothing more precisely when the drying cycle is performed in the dryer (2) than when the washing cycle is performed in the washing machine (1).

[0516] Below, an embodiment is described in which the dryer (1) precisely detects the weight of clothing to perform a drying course or the composite device (5) precisely detects the weight of clothing when switched to drying mode.

[0517] Figure 28 illustrates an embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention precisely detects the weight of garments.

[0518] FIG. 28(a) illustrates that the weight of clothes is detected when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a washing machine (1) or the complex device (4) is set to the washing mode, and FIG. 28(b) illustrates that the weight of clothes is precisely detected when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a dryer (2) or the complex device (4) is set to the drying mode.

[0519] Referring to Fig. 28(a), the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a washing machine (1) or, when the complex device (4) is set to washing mode, the drum (30) can rotate by an angle of b. After rotating by an angle of b, the drum (30) can stop and return to its original position.

[0520] The above b angle may be less than 90 degrees.

[0521] Referring to Fig. 28(b), when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a dryer (2) or the complex device (4) is set to drying mode, the drum (30) can be rotated by an angle c greater than the angle b.

[0522] That is, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can obtain information on the current value from the driving unit (40) for a longer period of time by rotating the drum at more angles and returning it to its original state at more angles when precisely detecting clothing.

[0523] As a result, the garment treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of garments more precisely.

[0524] The above angle c is preferably set to be less than 360 degrees, less than 180 degrees, and less than 90 degrees, but may be set to be greater than angle b.

[0525] That is, in the drying cycle, the drum rotates more than in the washing cycle, so that the weight of the clothes can be detected more precisely.

[0526] Figure 29 illustrates another embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention precisely detects the weight of garments.

[0527] FIG. 29(a) illustrates that the weight of clothes is detected when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a washing machine (1) or the complex device (4) is set to the washing mode, and FIG. 29(b) illustrates that the weight of clothes is precisely detected when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a dryer (2) or the complex device (4) is set to the drying mode.

[0528] Referring to Fig. 29 (a), the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a washing machine (1), or when the complex device (4) is set to washing mode, the drum (30) can rotate by an angle of b. After rotating by an angle of b, the drum (30) can stop and return to its original position.

[0529] The above b angle may be less than 90 degrees.

[0530] Referring to Fig. 29 (b), when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a dryer (2) or the complex device (4) is set to drying mode, the drum (30) can be rotated by an angle d smaller than the angle b.

[0531] That is, when the garment treatment device of the present invention precisely detects the garment, the drum (30) can rotate and stop at a smaller angle. In the case of the complex device (4), since the weight of the garment is detected in the washing mode, the weight of the garment can be sufficiently precisely detected by additionally detecting the weight of the garment. Therefore, the garment treatment device of the present invention can additionally check only whether there is a difference from the initially detected weight of the garment by rotating the drum (30) at a smaller angle without forcibly rotating it further. In addition, the garment treatment device of the present invention can further shorten the time for rotating and stopping the drum (30), thereby preventing the drying cycle from being delayed due to the detection of the weight of the garment.

[0532] Meanwhile, the garment treatment device of the present invention may perform additional garment detection if the additionally detected weight differs, but may determine the weight of the garment detected later as the final garment weight. This is because it is not unreasonable to prevent delays caused by garment weight detection and to provide greater reliability to the additionally detected weight of the garment.

[0533] Additionally, in the case of a dryer (1), there is a high probability that the clothing is a wet cloth containing water. Therefore, even if the volume is the same, the weight of the clothing is relatively high, so the drum (30) can be rotated less frequently to prevent the clothing from rolling or the moisture contained in the clothing from being suddenly discharged. In this way, in the drying cycle, unlike the washing cycle, the drum rotation angle can be lowered to more precisely detect the weight of the clothing.

[0534] Figure 30 illustrates another embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention precisely detects the weight of garments.

[0535] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can rotate the drum (30) more than once when the drying mode is switched or when the power supply (110) is input from the dryer.

[0536] That is, by rotating the drum (30) more than once, some of the moisture contained in the clothing can be removed to detect the exact weight of the wet cloth, and the weight of the clothing can be detected precisely by receiving a longer current value from the driving unit (40).

[0537] In dryer or drying mode, the drum can rotate much more than in washing machine or washing mode because the drying cycle time is likely to be shortened more by precisely detecting the weight of the clothes.

[0538] In this case, the drum (30) can be rotated at a speed of one or more revolutions at which the clothing adheres to the inner wall of the drum and rotates. This allows a certain level of moisture contained in the clothing to be removed, allowing for precise detection of the actual weight of the clothing.

[0539] Figure 31 illustrates another embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention precisely detects the weight of garments.

[0540] Figures 31(a) to 31(e) illustrate the entire process of detecting the weight of clothing when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a dryer (2) or the complex device (4) is set to drying mode.

[0541] As shown in the above drawing, the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a dryer (2) or, when the complex device (4) is set to drying mode, can perform weight detection of clothing twice in succession.

[0542] That is, if the drum is rotated by an angle b in the washing machine or washing mode to detect the weight of the clothes once, the drum (30) can be rotated by the same angle b in the dryer or drying mode to detect the weight of the clothes twice or more.

[0543] In other words, the present invention detects the weight of clothing in the dryer or drying mode in the same manner as in the washing machine or washing mode, but can only increase the number of detections. Thus, the garment treatment device of the present invention implements the same method and calculation formula for detecting the weight of clothing, preventing overload of the control unit, while increasing the number of detections to enable more precise weight detection.

[0544] Figure 32 illustrates an embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention selectively performs precision detection according to the weight of the detected garment.

[0545] The clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a dryer (2) or when the complex device (4) is set to drying mode, if the weight of the detected clothing is greater than the standard value, precision detection is performed, and if the weight of the detected clothing is less than the standard value, precision detection can be omitted.

[0546] For example, the standard value may be set to the median drying capacity allowed by the garment treatment device of the present invention. For example, if the drying capacity is 9 kg, the standard value may be set to 4 to 5 kg.

[0547] Since the drying time may increase significantly when the weight of the detected clothing is large, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can additionally confirm whether the weight of the clothing is actually large by performing precise detection.

[0548] Figure 32(a) illustrates a process for detecting the weight of clothing in a dryer (2) or drying mode when the weight of clothing placed in the clothing treatment device of the present invention is below a standard value. The above method may be the same as the method for detecting the weight of clothing in a washing machine (1) or washing mode.

[0549] In addition, when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a composite device (4), if the weight of the clothing detected in the washing mode corresponds to a standard value, precision detection can be omitted even when switching to the drying mode.

[0550] Figure 32(b) illustrates a process of detecting the weight of clothing in a dryer (2) or drying mode when the weight of clothing put into the clothing treatment device of the present invention is greater than a standard value.

[0551] The garment treatment device of the present invention can rotate the drum by an angle c that is greater than the angle b when there is a large amount of clothing. That is, when the weight of the detected clothing is large, the garment treatment device of the present invention decides to perform precision detection, and when performing precision detection, the drum is rotated by a greater number of angles and returned to its original state at a greater number of angles, thereby obtaining information on the current value from the driving unit (40) for a longer period of time.

[0552] As a result, the garment treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of garments more precisely.

[0553] The above angle c is preferably set to be less than 360 degrees, less than 180 degrees, and less than 90 degrees, but may be set to be greater than angle b.

[0554] Even when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a dryer, if the weight of the clothing detected in the first instance is large, the drum (30) can be rotated more frequently than in the first instance to precisely detect the weight of the clothing.

[0555] Figure 33 illustrates an embodiment in which the garment treatment device of the present invention selectively performs precision detection according to the weight of the detected garment.

[0556] Figure 33(a) illustrates a process for detecting the weight of clothing in a dryer (2) or drying mode when the weight of clothing placed in the clothing treatment device of the present invention is below a standard value. The above method may be the same as the method for detecting the weight of clothing in a washing machine (1) or washing mode.

[0557] In addition, when the clothing treatment device of the present invention is equipped with a composite device (4), if the weight of the clothing detected in the washing mode corresponds to a standard value, precision detection can be omitted even when switching to the drying mode.

[0558] Figure 33(b) illustrates a process of detecting the weight of clothing in a dryer (2) or drying mode when the weight of clothing put into the clothing treatment device of the present invention is greater than a standard value.

[0559] When the weight of the clothes is large in the dryer or drying mode, the drum (30) may be rotated by the same angle b or by a greater angle c, but the weight of the clothes may be detected more than twice.

[0560] In other words, the present invention detects the weight of clothes in the dryer or drying mode in the same manner as in the washing machine or washing mode, but only increases the number of detections, or increases not only the number of detections but also the rotation angle.

[0561] Accordingly, the garment treatment device of the present invention determines to perform precision detection when the weight of the detected garment is detected to be a large amount, and when performing precision detection, the drum rotates more times, but the angle at which the drum rotates can be set to the same as when it is a standard value, or the angle at which the drum rotates can be set to a larger value.

[0562] As a result, the garment treatment device of the present invention can detect the weight of garments more precisely.

[0563] Figure 34 illustrates an embodiment in which the clothing treatment device of the present invention detects the moisture content of clothing.

[0564] Figure 34(a) illustrates a case where the weight of the same clothing is put into a dry bag, and Figure 34(b) illustrates a case where the weight of the same clothing is put into a wet bag.

[0565] The clothing treatment device of the present invention can determine whether clothing is wet cloth containing water or dry cloth by rotating a drum, and if it is wet cloth, it can even calculate the moisture content of the clothing.

[0566] For example, even if the wet cloth and dry cloth are provided with the same weight, the volume of the clothing is provided differently. For example, in the case of the dry cloth, the clothing itself accounts for a large proportion of the total weight, so the volume is provided large. In the case of the wet cloth, the clothing accounts for a small proportion of the total weight, so the volume is provided small.

[0567] Accordingly, when the drum (30) is rotated by the same angle, in the case of the dry cloth, the distance between the center of gravity of the clothing and the center of gravity of the drum corresponds to the first length (r1), and in the case of the wet cloth, the distance between the center of gravity of the clothing and the center of gravity of the drum corresponds to the second length (r1) which is much longer than the first length (r1).

[0568] Therefore, the torque (Tload) that the clothing applies to the drum when wet is set to be greater than the torque (Tload) that the clothing applies to the drum when dry.

[0569] The control unit of the garment treatment device of the present invention can determine whether the garment is dry or wet by measuring the weight measured in the drum and the torque generated in the drum.

[0570] In addition, the control unit of the garment treatment device of the present invention can immediately determine the moisture content contained in the garment based on the torque difference that occurs depending on the moisture content in the wet cloth. To this end, the control unit may organize torque values ​​according to weight changes and moisture content changes into a table.

[0571] In addition, as illustrated, the garment treatment device of the present invention can determine whether the garment is dry or wet through at least one of the difference in the angle at which the drum (30) rotates and the difference in the torque value generated when the drum (30) returns to its original state by rotating the drum (30) with the same force (Te), and can calculate the moisture content in the case of wet fabric.

[0572] In the case of the above dry cloth, when the drum (30) is rotated with a specific force (Te), the drum (30) will rotate by an angle a, and in the case of the wet cloth, even if the weight is the same as that of the dry cloth, when the drum (30) is rotated with the force (Te), the drum (30) will rotate by an angle b, which is smaller than the angle a. In addition, since the center of gravity is different in the case of the wet cloth and in the case of the dry cloth, the torque value that the clothing applies to the drum (30) will be different.

[0573] By using this principle, the garment treatment device of the present invention can calculate whether the garment is wet / dry and even the moisture content by rotating the drum (30) less than once.

[0574] As a result, the garment treatment device of the present invention can not only detect the weight of the garment while rotating the drum less than one revolution to detect the weight of the garment, but can also calculate whether the garment is wet and the moisture content of the garment.

[0575] Figure 35 illustrates that the garment treatment device of the present invention sets the execution time of the drying course differently depending on the moisture content of the garment.

[0576] The garment treatment device of the present invention can set the drying course execution time differently when the garment is wet than when the garment is dry, even if the weight of the garment is the same, by the method described above, and can also set the drying course execution time differently when the moisture content of the garment is different, even if the weight of the garment is the same.

[0577] Accordingly, the garment treatment device of the present invention can set the drying course execution time longer when the garment is wet than when the garment is dry, even if the weight of the garment is the same, and when the moisture content of the garment is different, the drying course execution time can be set longer when the moisture content is higher, even if the weight of the garment is the same.

[0578] Figure 35(a) illustrates a case where clothing is detected as a wet cloth, and Figure 35(b) illustrates a case where clothing is detected as having the same weight as the clothing in Figure 35(a) but is detected as a dry cloth.

[0579] The display unit (150) of the garment treatment device of the present invention can display weight information (I).

[0580] The above weight information (I) may include the weight of the clothing (I1) and the execution time (I2) for processing the clothing.

[0581] The above display unit (150) can display wet cloth information (L2) when the clothing is wet cloth, and can display dry cloth information (L1) when the clothing is dry cloth.

[0582] Wet information (L2) may include displaying the state of clothing as wet clothes, damp clothes, etc. according to the moisture content, and dry information (L1) may include displaying the state of clothing as dry clothes, etc.

[0583] The above display unit (150) displays wet information (L2) when clothing is detected as wet, but can display the wet drying time (L23) for handling wet clothing much longer than the dry drying time (L24) for handling dry clothing.

[0584] That is, the user can confirm that although the weight of the clothing (L1) is the same at 3KG, the wet drying time (L23) and the dry drying time (L24) are displayed differently and are displayed longer.

[0585] Accordingly, the clothing treatment device of the present invention can prevent incomplete drying of clothing by setting a longer operation time when the clothing is wet, and can also prevent overdrying of clothing by setting a shorter operation time when the clothing is dry.

[0586] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device of the present invention, when clothing is detected as wet, further performs one of the aforementioned embodiments for precisely detecting the weight of the clothing, thereby not only reconfirming whether the clothing is wet, but also accurately calculating the moisture content if it is wet.

[0587] In this case, the display unit (150) may display wet information (L2) and may display additional detection information (G21) indicating precise detection of clothing.

[0588] The present invention may be implemented in various forms and modifications, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, if a modified embodiment includes elements of the claims of the present invention, it should be considered within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cabinet having an opening in the front; A door coupled to the above cabinet to open and close the above opening; A detection unit that detects that the door is closed at the opening; A locking member for locking the above door to the above cabinet; A drum housed inside the cabinet for accommodating clothing; A driving unit connected to the drum and rotating the drum; It includes a control panel including a power unit that receives a power command to supply power, a selection unit that receives a selection command to select one of a washing course and a drying course, a display unit that displays weight information including the execution time of the washing course and the drying course, and an execution unit that receives an execution command to execute a course for processing the clothes. The above driving part When the power supply is input, the lock rotates the drum while the door is unlocked. The above display part After the drum starts to rotate, the weight information is displayed. The above-mentioned performing department After the drum starts to rotate, the display unit is provided to receive the execution command while displaying the weight information. The above display part A clothing treatment device characterized in that the execution time of the washing course is first displayed, and when a selection command for selecting the drying course is input to the selection unit, the execution time of the drying course is displayed.

2. In paragraph 1, The above driving part When the power supply is input or the door closes the opening, the drum is rotated, A clothing treatment device characterized in that the display unit displays the execution time of the washing course after the rotation of the drum.

3. In paragraph 1, The above display part A clothing treatment device characterized in that when the weight of the clothing accommodated in the drum changes, the execution time of the washing course and the execution time of the drying course are also displayed differently.

4. In paragraph 1, The above display part When the above locking part unlocks the door, A clothing treatment device characterized by displaying the execution time of the washing course or the drying course.

5. In paragraph 1, The above display part A clothing treatment device characterized in that, even if the weight of the clothing accommodated in the drum is the same, if the moisture content of the accommodated clothing is different, the execution time of the drying course is also displayed differently.

6. In paragraph 5, The above display part A clothing treatment device characterized in that the execution time of the drying course is displayed after the drum rotates and stops more than twice.

7. In paragraph 6, The above display part When the power supply is input or the door closes the opening, the drum is rotated and the execution time of the washing course is displayed. When a selection command to select the above drying course is input to the above selection section, A garment treatment device characterized in that it displays the execution time of the drying course after additionally rotating the drum.

8. In paragraph 7, The above driving part When the power supply is input or the door closes the opening, the drum rotates less than one revolution; When a selection command to select the above drying course is input to the above selection section, A garment treatment device characterized in that the drum is additionally rotated by less than one revolution.

9. In paragraph 8, The above driving part A garment treatment device characterized in that the drum rotates so that the number of times the drum rotates and stops after the selection command for selecting the drying course is input to the selection unit is greater than the number of times the drum rotates and stops after the power unit is input or the door closes the opening.

10. In paragraph 8, The above driving part A garment treatment device characterized in that after the selection command for selecting the drying course is input to the selection unit, at least one of the rotation angle and rotation speed of the drum is input to the power unit or after the door closes the opening, the drum is rotated at a different angle and rotation speed from at least one of the rotation angle and rotation speed of the drum.

11. In paragraph 8, The above driving part After the selection command for selecting the drying course is input to the selection section, the time for which the drum rotates A garment treatment device characterized in that the drum rotates for a shorter time than the time it takes for the drum to rotate after the power supply is input or the door closes the opening.

12. In paragraph 7, The above driving part A garment treatment device characterized in that the drum rotates for a longer time after the selection command for selecting the drying course is input to the selection unit than the time for which the drum rotates after the power unit is input or the door closes the opening.

13. In paragraph 1, The above driving part If the above clothing is accommodated in the drum in excess of the standard amount; If the above clothing is accommodated in the drum less than the standard amount, rotate the drum more. A clothing treatment device characterized in that the display unit displays the execution time of the washing course or the drying course after the rotation of the drum is completed.

14. In paragraph 13, The above driving part A garment treatment device characterized in that the drum rotates and stops more often when the drum holds more than the standard amount of garments than when the drum holds less than the standard amount of garments.

15. In paragraph 1, A tub that accommodates the above drum, A water supply unit provided to supply water to the above tub, A drain for draining water into the above tub, A circulation duct connected to the above tub to circulate air inside the drum, A clothing treatment device characterized in that it further includes a heat exchange unit provided inside the circulation duct and exchanging heat with the air.

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