Garment processing apparatus and method for controlling same

Abstract

The present invention provides a garment processing apparatus including: a drawer accommodated in an auxiliary cabinet, which is disposed beneath a cabinet and has an opening in the front thereof, and provided to be moved into and out of the opening; and a multifunctional input unit disposed on the exposed surface of the drawer to receive a withdrawal command for a withdrawal unit to withdraw the drawer, wherein the multifunctional input unit is provided to be able to receive a connection command for an auxiliary module to recognize and communicate with a communication module.

Description

Garment treatment device and method for controlling the garment treatment device

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothing treatment device and a control method thereof.

[0002] A garment treatment device is a device that performs one or more of the following: a washing cycle to remove foreign matter from clothing, or a drying cycle to remove moisture from clothing. These devices accommodate a large quantity of clothing in a rotating drum and apply physical or centrifugal force to the clothing to perform the washing or drying cycle.

[0003] However, because these garment treatment devices were designed to handle large quantities of clothing, they were less energy efficient when handling smaller quantities. Consequently, even if users had a large quantity of clothing that needed washing or drying, they typically gathered the clothing until it was in bulk before using the device to wash or dry it. However, this process of leaving the clothing in bulk resulted in unnecessary contamination or rotting.

[0004] Recently, to solve this problem, an auxiliary device capable of handling a small amount of clothing has been introduced, which is installed in addition to a clothing processing device (hereinafter, “main device”) capable of handling a large amount of clothing.

[0005] The auxiliary device, designed to be smaller than the main device, allows washing and drying of small quantities of clothing with less water, detergent, or energy. Consequently, users can use the auxiliary device when handling small quantities of clothing, and the main device when handling large quantities, allowing optimal efficiency.

[0006] Since these auxiliary devices are installed independently of the main device, they are designed to be controlled independently of the main device. Therefore, it is common for these auxiliary devices to be equipped with a control panel, independent of the main device, that includes multiple inputs for receiving commands to perform washing or drying operations.

[0007] However, since the auxiliary device is smaller in height and volume than the main device, it was difficult to secure an area for installing the control panel in the auxiliary device, and there was a problem that it was difficult for the user to operate the control panel installed in a narrow area.

[0008] In addition, when the main device is equipped as a front-load type device having an opening in the front, and the auxiliary device is equipped as a drawer type that is positioned at the bottom of the main device and is pulled out forward, there was the inconvenience of the user having to bend over to operate the auxiliary device.

[0009] In addition, there was a structural waste in that, although the control panel or control unit of the main device had the ability to operate the auxiliary device, an additional control panel, etc. had to be placed on the auxiliary device.

[0010] Furthermore, since the main device and the auxiliary device are not controllably connected to each other, it is difficult for the user to control the main device and the auxiliary device as a whole, and there is the inconvenience of having to check the status of the main device or the auxiliary device on each device.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a garment treatment device capable of controlling the auxiliary device through the composite device.

[0012] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a garment treatment device in which a composite device and an auxiliary device can be paired with each other.

[0013] The present invention aims to provide a garment treatment device in which the pairing command can be input into a multi-function input unit in the auxiliary device.

[0014] The present invention aims to provide a garment treatment device capable of displaying the status of an auxiliary device on a composite device when pairing with the auxiliary device is completed.

[0015] In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides an auxiliary device including an auxiliary cabinet disposed at the bottom of a cabinet and having an opening at the front, a drawer accommodated in the auxiliary cabinet and provided so as to be drawn in and out through the opening, an auxiliary receiving section accommodated in the drawer and having an input port disposed at the top for accommodating clothes, an auxiliary module provided inside the auxiliary cabinet and provided to communicate with the communication module, an auxiliary control section for controlling the auxiliary module, a pull-out section provided in the auxiliary cabinet for pulling out the drawer, and a multi-functional input section provided on an exposed surface of the drawer for allowing the pull-out section to receive a pull-out command for pulling out the drawer.

[0016] The above multi-function input unit may also be equipped to receive a pairing command for the auxiliary module to recognize and communicate with the communication module.

[0017] The above multi-function input unit can be set to receive the connection command when it is continuously input for a certain period of time.

[0018] The cabinet may further include a control panel that is coupled to the cabinet and receives a command to control the control unit and the communication module, and the control panel may include a device connection unit that receives a pairing command for the communication module to recognize and communicate with the auxiliary module.

[0019] The above communication module is provided to transmit recognition information to the auxiliary module when the connection command is input to the device connection unit, and the auxiliary module can transmit recognition information to the communication module when the connection command is input to the multi-function input unit.

[0020] The above communication module can maintain a communication state with the auxiliary module when receiving the recognition information, and the auxiliary module can maintain a communication state with the communication module when receiving the recognition information.

[0021] The above control panel may further include a display unit externally that displays the status in which the communication module and the auxiliary module recognize each other.

[0022] The above control unit can approve pairing when it confirms that the communication module and the auxiliary module have received mutual recognition information, or can display on the display unit whether to approve the pairing.

[0023] The above display unit can externally display the connection completion status when the communication module and the auxiliary module are connected.

[0024] The above display unit can display the status of the auxiliary module or the auxiliary control unit when the connection between the communication module and the auxiliary module is approved.

[0025] The above display unit can display the status of the control unit or the auxiliary control unit to which power is supplied when only one of the control unit and the auxiliary control unit is supplied with power while the connection between the communication module and the auxiliary module is approved.

[0026] The above display unit can display the status of the control unit or the auxiliary control unit by segmenting it from the state where both power is supplied when power is supplied to both the control unit and the auxiliary control unit while the connection between the communication module and the auxiliary module is approved.

[0027] The above communication module and the above auxiliary module can be set to be automatically paired after power is supplied if they have been previously paired.

[0028] The above communication module can store recognition information of the above auxiliary module when the connection with the above auxiliary module is completed, and the above auxiliary module can store recognition information of the above communication module when the connection with the above communication module is completed.

[0029] Even if the auxiliary module has previously been connected to the communication module, the auxiliary module can disconnect (pair) from the communication module when the multi-function input unit receives the connection command again.

[0030] Even if the auxiliary module has previously been connected to the communication module, the recognition information of the communication module can be deleted when the multi-function input unit receives the connection command again.

[0031] The present invention has the effect of controlling a large volume composite device and a small volume auxiliary device at the same time.

[0032] The present invention has the effect of allowing a user to check the status of both devices by checking only one device.

[0033] The present invention has the effect of enhancing the sense of unity and aesthetics by arranging a control panel in a complex device and minimizing the input section for receiving commands in an auxiliary device.

[0034] The present invention has the effect that a screen displaying status can be omitted in an auxiliary device.

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates the appearance of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates an internal cross-section when the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped as a composite device.

[0037] Figure 3 illustrates in detail the internal structure of the cabinet of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 illustrates a structural example of a control panel (100) of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 illustrates the appearance of an auxiliary device that can be included in the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 6 illustrates an example of the internal structure when the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped with an auxiliary device.

[0041] Figure 7 illustrates a structural embodiment of the auxiliary device of the present invention for withdrawing or locking a drawer.

[0042] Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment in which a composite device and an auxiliary device are paired.

[0043] Figure 9 illustrates an example of inputting connection information in a composite device.

[0044] Figure 10 illustrates an example of the state of the control panel when pairing of the composite device and the auxiliary device is completed.

[0045] Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of a control method in which a composite device and an auxiliary device of the garment treatment device of the present invention are paired.

[0046] Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment of a control method for releasing pairing in an auxiliary device of the present invention.

[0047]

[0048] 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 given 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.

[0049] Figure 1 illustrates the appearance of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0050] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may be equipped with either a washing machine (1) or a dryer (2), or may include at least one of a composite device (4) in which a washing machine (1) and a dryer (2) are integrated, and an auxiliary device (5) arranged below the composite device (4).

[0051] Hereinafter, the garment treatment device of the present invention will be described based on the configuration in which it is equipped with a composite device (4) and an auxiliary device (5) arranged below the composite device (4). However, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the garment treatment device of the present invention does not exclude a configuration in which the washing machine (1), the dryer (2), and the washing machine (1) and the dryer (2) are arranged vertically.

[0052] The composite device (4) of the present invention may include a cabinet (10) forming an exterior. An opening may be provided at the front of the cabinet (10) through which clothes can be taken in and out, and the opening may be opened and closed by a door (200).

[0053] The door (200) may be rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10) and configured to selectively open and close the opening. When the door (200) is fixed or locked to the cabinet (10), the front surface may be configured such that only the transparent material is exposed. For this purpose, the front surface of the door (200) may be configured with glass or a transparent plastic material, such as acrylic.

[0054] A control panel (100) that receives commands to control the garment treatment device of the present invention or displays information to the outside may be placed on the upper part of the door (200).

[0055] The above cabinet may include a front panel (11) forming a front surface, and the control panel (100) may be installed on the front panel (11).

[0056] The control panel (100) may be equipped with an input unit to receive various commands from the user. The control panel (100) may also be equipped with a display unit externally to display information about the garment treatment device. At least a portion of the control panel (100) may be equipped with a touch panel to perform the functions of both the input unit and the display unit.

[0057] The control panel (100) may be configured such that its width is greater than its height, and may be configured in an oval shape or a track-like shape. Accordingly, the control panel (100) may display more information than when it is configured in a circular shape, or may easily display complete sentences, phrases, etc.

[0058] The above control panel (100) may be provided to receive a command to perform the course, display the status of performing the course, information required to perform the course, etc.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Of course, when 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 (200) on the upper surface of the cabinet (10).

[0062] In the case where an auxiliary device (5) is placed at the bottom of the above composite device (4), the control panel (100) may be provided as a composite panel that can control at least one of the composite device (4) and the lower auxiliary device (5) at the same time.

[0063] The above complex device (4) may further include a main communication module (1400) equipped to communicate with the outside.

[0064] The above main communication module (1400) may be provided in any configuration as long as it can communicate with at least one of the auxiliary device (5), external terminal, router, and server provided separately from the above complex device (4).

[0065] For example, the main communication module (1400) may be equipped with a wireless communication module such as WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.

[0066] The above main communication module (1400) may be connected to the control panel (100) and may be provided to transmit signals input from the control panel (100) to an auxiliary device (5), an external terminal, a router, or a server. In addition, the above main communication module (1400) may be provided to transmit signals received from an auxiliary device (5), an external terminal, a router, or a server to the control panel (100).

[0067] When the composite device (4) of the present invention performs the configuration of a dryer (2), a filter (99) that filters drum air from the outside of the drum can be placed on the upper part of the cabinet (10).

[0068] The above filter (99) is provided to filter foreign substances in a circulation duct that is accommodated inside the cabinet (10) and circulates air, and the circulation duct may be arranged closer to the upper part of the cabinet (10) than to the lower part of the cabinet (10) so that the filter (99) can be drawn upward from the upper panel (13) of the cabinet. The structure of the circulation duct will be described later.

[0069] The above door (200) may be coupled to the cabinet (10) in a push button form. When the door (200) is pressed toward the cabinet (10), the door (200) may be configured to sequentially open and close the opening.

[0070] If the above door (200) is provided in a push button form, even in a situation where the user cannot pull the door (200), such as when the user is holding laundry in both hands, the door (200) can be sequentially fixed to the cabinet (10) or separated from the cabinet (10) when pressure is applied toward the opening or the cabinet (10).

[0071] The door (200) is rotatably connected to a hinge positioned on one side of the opening. Therefore, it is preferable that the locking member that connects or fixes the door (200) to the cabinet (10) be installed in an area facing the hinge with respect to the opening.

[0072] The door (200) may be provided with a pressing portion (250) on the outer surface that induces the user to press a portion corresponding to the lock portion. The pressing portion (250) may be displayed on the surface to be distinguished from other areas, or may be provided with a separate light or the like to be visually distinguished.

[0073] The above door (200) may further include a sensing unit (240) that is equipped to receive a user's pressure or touch and separate the door (200) from the cabinet (10).

[0074] The sensing unit (240) may be configured to detect physical contact with a user. For example, the sensing unit (240) may include any configuration that can detect physical contact with a user, such as a touch film, touch panel, physical button, or piezoelectric element installed on the door (200).

[0075] The door (200) can be opened from the cabinet (10) without being pressed toward the cabinet (10) when the user touches or presses the sensing unit (240). This can prevent damage or scratches from occurring when the door (200) is pressed by a user or an object.

[0076] The sensing unit (240) may be provided near the pressurizing unit (250). Thus, the user can intuitively recognize that the sensing unit (240) and the pressurizing unit (250) are areas that receive user input.

[0077] The sensing unit (240) may be built into the door (200), and may be provided so as to be displayed on the outer surface of the door (200). Accordingly, the sensing unit (240) may further include a separate light-emitting body. Of course, the area where the sensing unit (240) is installed on the surface of the door (200) may be indicated by marking, shading, etc.

[0078] The garment treatment device of the present invention may additionally include an auxiliary device (5) arranged at the bottom of the composite device (3). The auxiliary device (5) may be arranged at the bottom of the composite device (3), and the composite device (3) may be arranged and mounted above the auxiliary device (5).

[0079] The auxiliary device (5) may include an auxiliary cabinet (10b) placed at the bottom of the cabinet (10) of the composite device (4), and a drawer (80) extended forward from the auxiliary cabinet (10b).

[0080] An auxiliary input unit (84) may be placed in front of the drawer (80) to receive a withdrawal command from the user to withdraw the drawer (80) forward.

[0081] The above auxiliary input unit (84) may be equipped to receive additional commands in addition to the withdrawal command. Accordingly, the above auxiliary input unit may be equipped as a multi-functional input unit.

[0082] The above multi-function input unit (84) may be configured in any way as long as it can receive a withdrawal command by making contact with the user's body. For example, it may be configured as a touch panel or button.

[0083] The height at which the above-mentioned composite device (4) is placed can be increased due to the above-mentioned auxiliary device (5). Accordingly, when the above-mentioned composite device (4) is equipped with a front-load type in which the door (200) is placed at the front of the cabinet (10), the position of the opening (14) is also increased, so that the user can easily access the door (200) with less or no bending of the waist.

[0084] The detailed configuration of the above composite device and the above auxiliary device is described later.

[0085] Of course, the auxiliary device (5) of the present invention may be mounted on the upper part of the cabinet (10). In this case, the auxiliary device (5) may include an auxiliary cabinet (10b), but the drawer (80) may be omitted.

[0086] Alternatively, the auxiliary device (5) may be placed in the upper part of the interior of the cabinet (10) and share the cabinet with the composite device (4).

[0087] In this case, the auxiliary input unit (84) may be placed at the upper front of the auxiliary device (10) or may be placed at the front of the auxiliary device (10).

[0088] In the following description, the auxiliary device (5) is positioned at the bottom of the cabinet (10) and includes a drawer (80). However, this does not exclude the auxiliary device (5) from being positioned at the top of the cabinet (10).

[0089] Figure 2 illustrates an internal cross-section when the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped as a composite device.

[0090] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may include a tub (20) accommodated inside the cabinet (10) to store water, and a drum (30) rotatably accommodated in the tub (20) to store water.

[0091] The above tub (20) may include a tub body (21) having a cylindrical shape and an inlet (22) at the front.

[0092] The above tub body (21) may be made of a plastic material, etc., and the inlet (22) may be provided in a cylindrical shape protruding from the front of the tub body (21) and having a diameter smaller than that of the tub body (21).

[0093] The above-mentioned inlet (22) may be provided to communicate with the opening (14) of the above-mentioned cabinet (10).

[0094] Meanwhile, the tub (20) may further include a gasket (23) that seals between the inlet (22) and the opening (14).

[0095] The above gasket (23) may be provided as a separate configuration from the tub body (21). It may be provided in a ring shape to seal between the inlet (22) and the opening (14).

[0096] The above gasket (23) may be made of an elastic material. Accordingly, the gasket (23) can maintain a state of sealing the opening (14) and the inlet (22) even when vibration occurs in the tub (20), and can prevent vibration from being transmitted to the opening (14) or the door (200).

[0097] The above drum (30) may include a drum body (31) that is rotatably provided on the tub body (21) to store clothes, and an inlet (35) that is positioned at the front of the drum body (31) and communicates with the inlet (22) and the opening (14).

[0098] The above drum body (31) may be provided in a cylindrical shape, and a through hole (33) communicating with the inside of the tub body (21) may be provided on the back surface or outer surface. The above drum body (31) may be provided with a metal material.

[0099] 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).

[0100] The above water supply unit (50) may include a water supply valve (51) that is coupled to the cabinet (10) and connected to an external water supply source to selectively supply water, and a water supply pipe (52) that extends from the water supply valve (51) and delivers water supplied from the external water supply source. The water supply pipe (52) may be coupled to the tub body (21) or may have its end coupled to the gasket (23).

[0101] If the above water supply pipe (52) can supply water to the above tub (20), the above water supply pipe (52) may be connected to any part of the tub (20).

[0102] 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 cabinet (10), and a drainage pipe (63) that extends from the drainage pump (62) to the outside of the cabinet (10) to drain water.

[0103] The garment treatment device of the present invention may further include a water level sensor (24) for detecting the water level of the tub (20). The water level sensor (24) may be provided in any configuration as long as it can detect the water level inside the tub (20). For example, the water level sensor (24) may include a communication pipe that is connected to the tub (20) and has a blocked end, and a device portion that is positioned on the upper portion of the communication pipe and detects a pressure change inside the communication pipe.

[0104] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a support member (70) that supports the tub (20) inside the cabinet (10).

[0105] 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).

[0106] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may include a driving unit (40) having the same structure as a general washing machine (1).

[0107] In addition, the clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a heat supply unit (90) capable of circulating air inside the tub (20) or the drum (30) and heating the air.

[0108] The above heat supply unit (90) may be placed lower than the tub (20).

[0109] However, since the tub (20) is the closest configuration to the drum (30) and the lower part of the tub (20) is provided with a drainage part (60), the heat supply part (90) can be installed and placed on the tub (20).

[0110] The heat supply unit (90) may be positioned and secured on the upper portion of the tub (20). That is, the heat supply unit (90) may be positioned above the opening of the tub.

[0111] The heat supply unit (90) may include at least one of a circulation path (91) extending from the tub (20) in at least one of the front-back / left-right directions to circulate air inside the tub (20), an evaporator (92) received in the circulation path (91) to cool the air and condense moisture, a condenser (93) disposed downstream of the evaporator to heat the air, a compressor (94) disposed outside the circulation path (91) to supply refrigerant that heats the air to the condenser (93), an expansion valve that expands and cools the refrigerant discharged from the condenser (93) and delivers it to the evaporator (92), and a circulation fan (96) disposed inside the circulation path (91) to provide power to circulate the air.

[0112] The above circulation path (91) may be provided so that one end is connected to the upper rear of the tub body (21) and the other end is connected to the upper front of the tub body (21) or the gasket (24).

[0113] The above circulation fan (96) can be driven so that air is sucked into the circulation path (91) from the rear of the drum (30) and the air is discharged into the drum body (31) through the inlet (35).

[0114] Accordingly, the hot air generated in the heat supply unit (90) can be introduced into the inlet (35) and evenly supplied to the drum body (31), so that the clothes can be evenly dried. In addition, the air used to dry the clothes can be introduced into one end of the circulation path (91) without difficulty by passing through the through hole (33) by the negative pressure provided by the blower fan (96).

[0115] As a result, the heat supply unit (90) may be provided so that the drum (30) is accommodated in the tub (20) and a plurality of through holes (33) are provided on the outer surface of the drum (30), so that even if the air resistance is high, hot air can be supplied into the drum body (31).

[0116] Since the above heat supply unit (90) has the above tub (20) positioned at the bottom, the collection unit and storage tank for collecting condensate can be omitted. That is, the water condensed within the above circulation path (91) can be collected in the above tub (20) and discharged to the above drainage unit (60).

[0117] The garment treatment device of the present invention can perform multiple courses for treating garments based on the above configuration. The courses may include a washing course for removing foreign substances from garments and a drying course for removing moisture from garments.

[0118] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may include an integrated control unit in which a control unit for performing a washing course and a control unit for performing a drying course are integrated, and the integrated control unit may be built into the control panel (100) or may be provided as a control panel separately from the control panel (100) and mounted inside the cabinet (10).

[0119] The above integrated control unit may be provided separately from the main communication module (1400) and may be provided so as to be able to directly receive power from an external power source.

[0120] However, the main communication module (1400) can receive power directly from an external power source if the integrated control unit is connected to the external power source, regardless of whether the integrated control unit receives power.

[0121] The above main communication module (1400) may be equipped to receive standby power and may be equipped to supply the standby power to the control panel (100). The control panel (100) may be operated by receiving power separately, regardless of whether the integrated control unit receives power.

[0122] The garment treatment device of the present invention may include a driving unit (40) coupled to the tub (20) to rotate the drum (30).

[0123] The above driving unit (40) may include a stator (41) coupled to the rear of the tub body (21), a rotor (42) rotated by the stator (41), and a rotation shaft (43) connecting the rotor (42) and the drum (30).

[0124] The above tub body (21) has a rotation shaft (43) passing through the back surface, and a bearing housing that rotatably supports the rotation shaft (43) can be installed.

[0125] Figure 3 illustrates in detail the internal structure of the cabinet of the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0126] The above circulation path (91) can be arranged to extend in an L-shape from the upper part of the tub (20) to secure the volume through which air moves or the area of ​​the evaporator and condenser.

[0127] That is, after extending forward from one side of the upper rear of the tub body (21), it can extend to the other side of the upper front of the tub body (21).

[0128] The above circulation path (91) may include an inlet portion (91a) extending from the rear to the front of the tub body (21), a moving portion (91b) extending from the inlet portion to the front other side of the tub body (21) or the gasket (24), and a discharge portion (91c) extending downward from the moving portion and communicating with the inside of the gasket (24).

[0129] The above duct can extend left and right from the top of the tub (20), and a filter (99), an evaporator (92), and a condenser (93) can be sequentially arranged inside.

[0130] The above circulation fan (96) may be provided to communicate with the above circulation path (91).

[0131] The above circulation fan (96) may be installed inside the circulation path (91) and may include a housing connecting the moving part and the discharge part.

[0132] The above circulation fan (96) is placed in front of the tub body (21) to evenly distribute the weight of the rear of the tub body (21) to which the driving unit (40) is coupled.

[0133] The above circulation fan (96) can be driven to move air from the inlet to the outlet.

[0134] The water supply pipe (51) of the above water supply unit (50) may be connected to a gasket (24). A nozzle unit (500) coupled to the end of the water supply unit (51) may be installed on the gasket (24). The nozzle unit (500) may be provided to evenly spray water supplied from the water supply pipe (51) into the interior of the drum body (31).

[0135] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a circulation unit (65) that recirculates and supplies the water of the tub (20).

[0136] The above circulation unit (65) may include a circulation pump that is in communication with the drainage pump (62) or is placed on one side of the drainage pump (62), and a circulation hose that supplies water drained from the tub body (21) back to the tub (20).

[0137] In this way, water can be saved by reusing the water in the tub (20) during the washing cycle or rinsing process, and the washing efficiency can also be increased by evenly dissolving detergent, etc. through the circulation section (65).

[0138] The clothing treatment device of the present invention may further include a detergent box (700) for storing detergent supplied to the tub (20).

[0139] The detergent box (700) may be positioned lower than the tub (200). The detergent box (700) can prevent interference with the heat supply unit (90) positioned above, and can be exposed to the user without difficulty even when the complex device (4) is raised due to the auxiliary device (5).

[0140] The detergent box (700) may be equipped with a detergent body that holds detergent and a detergent pump that sprays the detergent held in the detergent body into the tub (20). Accordingly, water from the tub (20) can be prevented from randomly entering the detergent box (700) or detergent can be prevented from randomly being supplied.

[0141] The above detergent box (700) may be equipped to supply detergent to at least one of the drainage unit (60) or the circulation unit (65).

[0142] When supplying detergent to the above circulation unit (65), the detergent can be supplied to the tub (20) while driving the circulation pump, etc., and during the circulation process, the detergent can be more easily dissolved in water and the detergent can be evenly supplied to the clothes.

[0143] A filtration filter (800) can be placed between the above-mentioned drainage pump (62) and the circulation unit (65), thereby preventing foreign substances discharged from the tub (20) from being re-introduced into the circulation unit (65).

[0144] The above filter (800) can be exposed in front of the detergent box (700) and can be detachably installed in the front.

[0145] The above cabinet may further include a base (15) that supports the above filter (800) and the above detergent box (700).

[0146] The above base (15) can form the lower surface of the cabinet (10).

[0147] The above base (15) can be provided to support the support (70) and can support the detergent box (700) and the filter (800) without interfering with the support (70).

[0148] The detergent box (700) may be detachably mounted on the base (15) and may be configured to be pulled out and inserted forward from the base (15). Thus, the user can continuously replenish detergent in the detergent box (700) and also wash it.

[0149] The front of the above base (15) may further include a step panel (16) positioned at the bottom of the front panel (11) to guide the withdrawal and entry of at least one of the detergent box (700) and the filter (800).

[0150] The above step panel (16) may have a hole through which the detergent box (700) and the filter (800) are inserted and removed, and may block the base (15) from being exposed to the outside.

[0151] The above-mentioned step panel (16) may be provided separately from the front panel (11). Accordingly, the front panel (11) and the step panel (16) may be provided with different materials. As a result, even if the front panel (11) is provided with a metal material that is rigid or difficult to form, the step panel (16) may be provided with a material that is easy to form so as to guide or expose the withdrawal of one or more of the detergent box (700) and the filter (800).

[0152] Figure 4 illustrates a structural example of a control panel (100) of the clothing treatment device of the present invention.

[0153] The above control panel (100) 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.

[0154] Additionally, if there is an auxiliary device described below, a command to perform the auxiliary device can be input or the status of the auxiliary device can be switched to an auxiliary mode.

[0155] The above control panel (100) must implement all of the washing mode for performing the washing course, the drying mode for performing the drying course, and the auxiliary mode for performing the auxiliary device.

[0156] Accordingly, it is preferable that the control panel (100) be entirely equipped with a touch panel, omitting physical buttons and the like, so that the washing mode, drying mode, and auxiliary mode are selectively displayed. This allows for the elimination of multiple buttons and displays for performing the washing mode, drying mode, and auxiliary mode separately.

[0157] The above control panel (100) may be provided with a display portion (150) in the central square portion.

[0158] The above display unit (150) can display device information (I) that indicates the current status of a product.

[0159] The above device information (I) may include composite information (I1) capable of controlling the composite device (4). For example, the composite information (I1) may include one or more of phrases, icons, and pictograms such as “washing and drying” or “composite device.”

[0160] The above device information (I) may also include auxiliary information (I2) that can control the auxiliary device (5). For example, the auxiliary information (I2) may include one or more of phrases, icons, and pictograms such as “mini wash” or “auxiliary device.”

[0161] On one side of the display unit (150), a power unit (110) that receives a power command to supply power to the control panel (100) and an execution unit (120) that receives a command to perform a selected course may be arranged.

[0162] When the power supply unit (110) is input, the control panel (100) is activated through standby power and consumes power, but the integrated control unit may not consume power.

[0163] When the above-mentioned execution unit (120) is input, the integrated control unit can be controlled to receive power and perform a course capable of processing clothing.

[0164] The power supply unit (110) and the execution unit (120) may be provided with a touch area that allows touch input, and may be provided to light up when touch input is possible and to turn off when touch input is not possible.

[0165] The above display unit (150) may be provided to display weight information related to the weight of the detected clothing and status information related to the selected course and option.

[0166] Furthermore, the display unit (150) may be equipped with a touch panel and may also serve as a course input unit (130) that receives a course selection command for selecting one of the courses provided by the garment treatment device, and an option selection unit (140) that receives an option selection command for adding additional conditions and functions to the course.

[0167] For example, a course selection unit (130) for selecting a course may be displayed on the display unit (150). For example, a selected course (C1) may be displayed in large letters, and courses (C2, C3) that can be changed may be displayed in small letters on the left and right. Thus, the display unit (150) may perform the function of the course selection unit (130).

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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).

[0170] 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.

[0171] Meanwhile, the display unit (150) can display a device connection unit (M) that can activate the auxiliary device (5) or control the auxiliary device (5).

[0172] When the above device connection unit (M) is input, the display unit (150) can be equipped to display a status related to the auxiliary device (5) and receive a command related to the auxiliary device (5).

[0173] The above device connection part (M) may be displayed with one or more of the phrases, pictograms, and icons such as “mini” or “auxiliary device.”

[0174] Figure 5 illustrates the appearance of an auxiliary device that can be included in the garment treatment device of the present invention.

[0175] The above auxiliary device (5) may be provided with a smaller height and volume than the above composite device (4).

[0176] The above auxiliary device may be provided as an auxiliary garment processing device and additionally installed to the composite device (4). Of course, the above auxiliary device (5) may be provided independently.

[0177] When the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped with an auxiliary device (5), the cabinet (10) may include an auxiliary cabinet (10b) whose height is lower than the width in the left-right direction and the length in the front-back direction.

[0178] Since the above auxiliary cabinet (10b) is provided with a low height, it can be placed below the composite device (4).

[0179] Of course, the auxiliary device (5) may be placed on top of the composite device (4), but for convenience of explanation, the following description will be based on the auxiliary device (5) being placed on the bottom of the composite device (4) or being placed independently.

[0180] The above auxiliary cabinet (10b) may be provided with an opening at the front.

[0181] The above auxiliary device (5) may further include a drawer (80) that is provided in the auxiliary cabinet (10b) so as to be inserted and removed through the opening.

[0182] 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 auxiliary cabinet (10b).

[0183] The above drawer body (82) may be provided in a case shape with an open upper portion, and may further include an auxiliary door (29) for opening or closing the tub and drum inside.

[0184] The above auxiliary 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.

[0185] Figure 6 illustrates an example of the internal structure when the garment treatment device of the present invention is equipped with an auxiliary device.

[0186] The above auxiliary device (5) may include an auxiliary tub (20b) that accommodates water inside the drawer (80), and an auxiliary drum (30b) that is rotatably provided in the auxiliary tub and can accommodate clothes.

[0187] The above auxiliary tub (20b) and the above auxiliary drum (30b) may be provided with a height smaller than the diameter, and an inlet for inserting clothes may be formed at the top.

[0188] The above auxiliary device (5) may further include a water level detection unit (26b) that detects the water level of the auxiliary tub (20b). The water level detection unit (26b) may detect the water level of the auxiliary tub (20b) by being connected to the auxiliary tub (20b) from the outside of the auxiliary tub (20b) and detecting a pressure change inside the auxiliary tub (20b).

[0189] The above auxiliary device (5) may include an auxiliary door (29) that is coupled to the upper portion of the auxiliary tub (20b) to prevent water or clothing inside the auxiliary tub (20b) from randomly leaking out.

[0190] In addition, the auxiliary device (5) may include an auxiliary driving unit (40b) coupled to the auxiliary tub (20b) to rotate the auxiliary drum (30b).

[0191] The above auxiliary driving unit (40b) may be arranged at the lower portion of the auxiliary tub (20b) and may be provided to rotate the auxiliary drum (30b).

[0192] The above auxiliary driving unit (40b) may include an auxiliary stator (41b) that is coupled to the lower portion of the auxiliary tub (20d) and generates a rotating magnetic field, an auxiliary rotor (42b) that is rotated by the auxiliary stator (41b), and an auxiliary rotation shaft (43b) that is coupled to the lower portion of the auxiliary drum (30b) and that is rotated by the auxiliary rotor.

[0193] The auxiliary device (5) of the present invention may further include an auxiliary water supply unit (50b) provided to supply water to the auxiliary tub (20b).

[0194] The above auxiliary water supply unit (50b) may include an auxiliary water supply valve (51b) coupled to an auxiliary cabinet (10b), an auxiliary water supply pipe (52b) extending from the auxiliary water supply valve (51b) to a drawer to supply water, and an auxiliary box (53b) guiding water supplied from the auxiliary water supply pipe (52b) to a tub.

[0195] The above auxiliary water supply pipe (52b) may be provided with a structure that extends forward by the length that the drawer (80) is extended from the auxiliary cabinet (10b). The above auxiliary box (53b) may be provided to store detergent.

[0196] The auxiliary device (5) of the present invention may further include an auxiliary drainage unit (60b) provided to drain water into the auxiliary tub (20b).

[0197] The above auxiliary drainage unit (60b) may include an auxiliary drainage pipe (61b) for draining water from the auxiliary tub (20b), an auxiliary pump (62b) coupled to the auxiliary drainage pipe (61b) to provide power for draining water, and an auxiliary drainage pipe (63b) extending from the auxiliary pump (62b) to the outside of the auxiliary cabinet (10b).

[0198] The above auxiliary drain pipe (63b) may be provided with a structure that extends forward by the length that the drawer (80) is pulled out of the auxiliary cabinet (10b).

[0199] The above support member (70) may include an auxiliary suspension (70d) connecting the inner surface of the drawer (80) and the outer surface of the auxiliary tub (20b).

[0200] Figure 7 illustrates a structural embodiment of the auxiliary device of the present invention for withdrawing or locking a drawer.

[0201] When the above drawer (80) is withdrawn from the above auxiliary cabinet (10b), the user can put clothes into or take them out of the above auxiliary drum (30b).

[0202] However, since the drawer (80) is pulled out forward from the auxiliary cabinet (10b), and the auxiliary cabinet (10b) is placed at the bottom of the composite device (4), there may be inconvenience in that the user must excessively bend his / her back to pull out the drawer (80) by hand.

[0203] Accordingly, the auxiliary device (5) of the present invention may further include a withdrawal unit (87) that automatically withdraws the drawer (80) from the auxiliary cabinet (10b) when a user's withdrawal command is input.

[0204] The above-mentioned withdrawal part (87) may be provided inside the auxiliary cabinet (10b) to push the drawer (80) forward by a certain length. When the withdrawal part (87) pushes the drawer (80) forward, the drawer (80) can be easily pulled out forward due to the rail (83).

[0205] The above-mentioned withdrawal part (87) can be coupled to the lower surface of the upper panel of the auxiliary cabinet (10b) and can be provided to selectively press the drawer panel (81) forward. The above-mentioned withdrawal part (87) can be provided as an electronic product that can automatically withdraw the drawer (80) by receiving current.

[0206] The auxiliary device (5) of the present invention may further include a main control unit (851) that controls the auxiliary water supply unit (50b), the auxiliary drainage unit (60b), and the auxiliary driving unit (40b) to perform a course for processing clothes.

[0207] The above main control unit (851) may be provided so as to receive current and supply current to the withdrawal unit (87).

[0208] The above main control unit (851) can operate the withdrawal unit (87) to push the drawer panel (81) forward.

[0209] The main control unit (851) may be arranged on the back surface of the upper panel of the auxiliary cabinet (10b). The possibility of the main control unit (851) being interfered with by the withdrawal / intake of the drawer (80) or being exposed to water contained in the tub (20) may be eliminated. The main control unit (851) may be arranged close to the auxiliary water supply valve (51b) coupled to the back surface of the auxiliary cabinet (10b) to easily control the auxiliary water supply valve (51b).

[0210] Meanwhile, even if the withdrawal part (87) can withdraw the drawer (80), there may be several situations in which the drawer (80) must be restricted from being withdrawn from the auxiliary cabinet (10b).

[0211] For example, since a safety accident may occur while the auxiliary driving unit (40b) is driving and the auxiliary drum (30) is rotating, the withdrawal of the drawer (80) needs to be restricted.

[0212] In addition, when the drawer (80) is withdrawn when water is contained in the auxiliary tub (20b), excessive load may be applied to the rail (83), which may damage the rail (83). In addition, when water is contained in the auxiliary tub (20b), the auxiliary device (5) may fall forward due to the load of the drawer (80) including the weight of the water. In addition, when water is contained in the auxiliary tub (20b), there is a risk that the water and detergent contained in the auxiliary tub (20b) may leak to the outside of the auxiliary cabinet (10b). Therefore, when water is contained in the auxiliary tub (20b), it is necessary to restrict the withdrawal of the drawer (80).

[0213] In addition, it is necessary to limit the withdrawal of the drawer (80) when water is supplied to or drained from the auxiliary tub (20b).

[0214] In addition, it is necessary to restrict the drawer (80) from being withdrawn before the auxiliary device (5) starts performing any course for processing clothes, while performing the course, or before the course ends.

[0215] In this way, in cases where the drawer (80) needs to be restricted from being withdrawn, the drawer (80) needs to be set to a case where withdrawal is impossible or withdrawal of the drawer (80) needs to be blocked.

[0216] In a situation where the withdrawal of the above drawer (80) must be restricted, the main control unit (851) can control the withdrawal unit (87) to block operation.

[0217] However, even if the withdrawal part (87) does not operate, if the user pulls the drawer panel (81) forward and the drawer (80) receives a force that causes it to be pulled forward by vibration generated from the auxiliary drum (30b), the drawer (80) can be arbitrarily pulled forward from the auxiliary cabinet (10b).

[0218] Accordingly, in a situation where the withdrawal of the drawer (80) must be restricted, the auxiliary device (5) of the present invention may need to be configured to prevent withdrawal of the drawer (80) in any case.

[0219] To this end, the auxiliary device (5) of the present invention may further include a drawer locking part (88) that fixes the drawer (80) to the auxiliary cabinet (10b), prevents the drawer (80) from being pulled out, and fixes the position where the drawer (80) is placed.

[0220] The above drawer locking unit (88) may be provided to be controlled by the main control unit (851), and may be provided as an electronic product that can operate by receiving current through the main control unit (851).

[0221] For example, the drawer locking part (88) may include an actuator (881) installed in one of the drawer panel (81) and the drawer body (82), and a coupling bar (882, 883) extending left and right from the actuator (881) and detachably coupled to the inside of the auxiliary cabinet (10b).

[0222] The above-mentioned coupling bar (882, 883) may be provided to reciprocate between the inner surface of the auxiliary cabinet (10b) and the actuator (881) by driving the actuator (881).

[0223] The above-mentioned coupling bars (882, 883) may include a first bar (882) that extends from the actuator (881) to one side and is selectively coupled to the inner surface of one side of the auxiliary cabinet (10b), and a second bar (883) that extends from the actuator (881) to the other side and is selectively coupled to the inner surface of the other side of the auxiliary cabinet (10b).

[0224] When the above actuator (881) is installed in the drawer panel (81), it may be positioned to the left or right of the center of the width of the drawer panel (81) so as to avoid interference with the auxiliary tub (20b). In this case, the first bar (882) and the second bar (883) may be provided with different lengths.

[0225] The above main control unit (851) can control the actuator (881) to selectively lock the drawer (80) to the auxiliary cabinet (10b) to prevent the drawer (80) from being pulled out.

[0226] The drawer locking unit (88) may be controlled to unlock the drawer (80) when the withdrawal of the drawer (80) is not restricted. For example, the drawer locking unit (88) may be controlled to unlock the drawer (80) when the rotation of the auxiliary drum (30) has stopped, water has been drained from the auxiliary tub (20b), and the execution of the course has stopped.

[0227] In addition, the withdrawal unit (87) can be operated to withdraw the drawer (80) when withdrawal of the drawer (80) is not restricted. For example, the withdrawal unit (87) can be controlled to withdraw the drawer (80) from the cabinet when the auxiliary driving unit (40b) has stopped rotating the auxiliary drum (30), water has been drained from the auxiliary tub (20b), and the execution of the course has stopped.

[0228] The auxiliary device (5) of the present invention may further include an auxiliary input unit (84) arranged on the exposed surface of the drawer to receive a command from the user.

[0229] The above auxiliary device (5) may be provided to receive a command to control the auxiliary device (5) through the control panel (100) of the composite device (4). This allows the user to avoid the trouble of having to bend down or sit down to the height where the auxiliary device (5) is located in order to control the auxiliary device (5) located at the bottom of the composite device (4).

[0230] In addition, the auxiliary device (5) may also omit the installation of an independent control panel for the user to select a course of the auxiliary device or input commands for performing a course. As a result, the auxiliary device (5) can form a sense of unity in which it is controlled as a single device with the composite device (4).

[0231] However, since the auxiliary device (5) is a configuration provided separately from the composite device (4), the auxiliary device (5) may also require a means to independently receive user commands. The auxiliary input unit (84) may play a role in allowing the auxiliary device (5) to receive independent commands.

[0232] However, as long as the auxiliary device (5) can be controlled through the control panel (100) of the composite device (4), there may be no need for the auxiliary input unit (84) to be provided in multiple units to receive various commands, such as the power unit, execution unit, and selection unit of the auxiliary device (5). Accordingly, the auxiliary device (5) may be provided with a smaller number of input units (84) than the power unit, execution unit, and selection unit.

[0233] Even so, even if the number of auxiliary input units (84) is smaller than the number of commands actually input, it may be necessary to input additional commands such as withdrawal of a drawer (80) unrelated to the composite device (4), pairing with an auxiliary device (5), power input of the auxiliary device (5), and activation of the auxiliary device (5).

[0234] To this end, the auxiliary device (5) of the present invention may be equipped with an auxiliary input unit (84) as a multi-functional input unit (84) that receives multiple commands.

[0235] The above multi-function input unit (84) can be set to receive different commands depending on the situation. That is, even if only one multi-function input unit (84) is provided, it can be provided to receive at least two commands.

[0236] For example, the auxiliary device (5) of the present invention may be configured with only one multi-function input unit (84), and the multi-function input unit (84) may be set to receive multiple commands. In this case, the multi-function input unit (84) may be set to receive different commands depending on the situation. Accordingly, even if the multi-function input unit (84) is provided in a single unit, it may be set to receive variable commands depending on the situation, thereby producing the same effect as if multiple input units were provided. In addition, the auxiliary device (5) may omit a configuration for receiving commands separately from the multi-function input unit (84). Accordingly, the auxiliary device (5) may minimize the number of multi-function input units (84), thereby maximizing aesthetics.

[0237] The above multi-function input unit (84) may be provided in multiple units. However, even if the above multi-function input unit (84) is provided in a single unit, it may be provided in a single unit because it can receive multiple commands and the auxiliary control unit (852) can identify them.

[0238] The above auxiliary device (5) can be equipped with the multi-function input unit (84) so ​​that it can receive various commands even in situations where it is not controlled by the composite device (4).

[0239] The multi-function input unit (84) may be configured in any manner as long as it can receive commands from the user. For example, the multi-function input unit (84) may be configured as a touch film to detect physical contact with the user, or as a button to detect the force applied by the user.

[0240] The multi-function input unit (84) may be installed on the drawer panel (81) and always be exposed to the outside. The multi-function input unit (84) may be installed on the front surface, which is the exposed surface of the drawer panel (81). The multi-function input unit (84) may be positioned closer to the upper surface than the lower surface of the drawer panel (81) so as to easily receive user commands.

[0241] The multi-function input unit (84) can be set to receive different commands depending on the situation, and the user can be aware of which commands the multi-function input unit (84) receives depending on each situation.

[0242] For example, the multi-function input unit (84) may be set to receive a power command to supply power to the main control unit (851) when the power supply to the main control unit (851) is cut off.

[0243] The above power command may not only activate the main control unit (851) by supplying power to it when power is not supplied to the main control unit (851), but may also include a so-called wake-up command that activates the main control unit (851) so that it can be operated when it is in a dormant state.

[0244] The above main control unit (851) is provided to supply power to components that consume power, such as the auxiliary driving unit (40b), the auxiliary water supply valve (51b), the auxiliary drainage pump (62b), the withdrawal unit (87), the drawer lock unit (88), and the water level detection unit (26b).

[0245] Accordingly, when power is supplied to the main control unit (851), power is supplied to the auxiliary driving unit (40b), the auxiliary water supply valve (51b), the auxiliary drainage pump (62b), the withdrawal unit (87), the drawer lock unit (88), the water level detection unit (26b), etc., so that the auxiliary device (5) can be set to a state in which it can process clothes.

[0246] When the multi-function input unit (84) is input and receives a power command, it can be set to supply power to at least one of the auxiliary driving unit (40b), the auxiliary water supply valve (51b), the auxiliary drainage pump (62b), the withdrawal unit (87), the drawer lock unit (88), and the water level detection unit (26b).

[0247] The above main control unit (851) may be equipped to receive power from an external power source through a separate outlet, etc. In addition, the above main control unit (851) may be equipped to receive power from the composite device (4).

[0248] The above multi-function input unit (84) can be set to always receive power through standby power even when power is not supplied to the main control unit (851).

[0249] The above multi-function input unit (84) can be set to receive a command other than the power command when power is supplied to the main control unit (851).

[0250] For example, when power is supplied to the main control unit (851), the multi-function input unit (84) can be set to receive a withdrawal command for the withdrawal unit (87) to withdraw the drawer (80) from the auxiliary cabinet (10b).

[0251] When the multi-function input unit (84) is input, the main control unit (851) considers that a withdrawal command has been input, and controls the withdrawal unit (87) to withdraw the drawer (80) from the auxiliary cabinet (10b).

[0252] Of course, the main control unit (851) first determines whether the drawer (80) is in a withdrawable state, and if withdrawal of the drawer (80) is not restricted, it detects an input from the multi-function input unit (84) to withdraw the drawer (80) from the auxiliary cabinet (10b).

[0253] If power is supplied to the main control unit (851) and the drawer (80) is restricted from being withdrawn, the multi-function input unit (84) may be blocked from receiving the withdrawal command.

[0254] For example, if the multi-function input unit (84) is blocked from receiving the withdrawal command, the multi-function input unit (84) may be deactivated from receiving the withdrawal command. This may mean that the multi-function input unit (84) is switched to a state in which input is impossible.

[0255] Alternatively, if the multi-function input unit (84) is blocked from receiving the withdrawal command, it may mean that the setting is switched to a state in which a command other than a power command or a withdrawal command is received. For example, rather than the multi-function input unit (84) being blocked from receiving input, the multi-function input unit (84) may be set to receive a stop command that stops the operation of the auxiliary device (5).

[0256] The above multi-function input unit (84) may be set to receive a stop command to temporarily suspend control performed by the main control unit (851) in a situation where power is supplied to the main control unit (851), but the drawer (80) described above is restricted from being withdrawn from the auxiliary cabinet (10b).

[0257] For example, the multi-function input unit (84) may be set to receive a stop command to stop the auxiliary drum (30b) when the auxiliary driving unit (40b) is in a state of rotating the auxiliary drum (30b).

[0258] As another example, when water is being supplied to the auxiliary tub (20b), the multi-function input unit (84) can be set to receive a stop command to close the auxiliary water supply valve (51b).

[0259] When power is supplied to the main control unit (851), the auxiliary drive unit (40b) is being driven, the course is being performed, or water is stored in the auxiliary tub (20b), the main control unit (851) can set the input of the multi-function input unit (84) to be the stop command rather than the withdrawal command.

[0260] Meanwhile, if the auxiliary device (5) is in a situation where the drawer (80) is restricted from being withdrawn, but the situation restricting the withdrawal of the drawer (80) is lifted and the drawer (80) can be withdrawn again, the multi-function input unit (84) can be set to receive the withdrawal command.

[0261] As a result, the multi-function input unit (84) may be set to receive a withdrawal command of the drawer (80) when withdrawal of the drawer (80) is not restricted, and may be set to receive a command other than the withdrawal command when withdrawal of the drawer (80) is restricted.

[0262] For example, the multi-function input unit (84) may be set to receive the stop command rather than the withdrawal command when the auxiliary driving unit (40b) is in a state of rotating the auxiliary drum (30b).

[0263] When the multi-function input unit (84) is inputted and a stop command is inputted, the operation of the auxiliary driving unit (40b) is stopped so that the auxiliary drum (30b) can stop. Afterwards, when all of the water in the tub (20b) has been completely drained, the inside of the tub (20b) is at the empty water level, the course has been stopped, the course is not being performed, or other situations in which withdrawal of other drawers (80) is restricted are all resolved, the multi-function input unit (84) can be set to receive the withdrawal command again. That is, the multi-function input unit (84) can be set to receive the withdrawal command again when the drawer (30) is in a state in which withdrawal is not restricted or the withdrawal restriction of the drawer (30) is resolved.

[0264] When the multi-function input unit (84) receives the withdrawal command, the drawer lock unit (88) can be controlled to unlock the drawer. When the main control unit (851) considers that the withdrawal command has been input, it can control the actuator (881) to unlock the drawer (80) and operate the withdrawal unit (87) to withdraw the drawer (80) from the auxiliary cabinet (10b).

[0265] Meanwhile, the auxiliary device (5) can be controlled by the composite device (4). The composite device (4) can send a signal to the main control unit (851) to control the composite device (5), and the main control unit (851) can control each component with a corresponding command according to the signal received from the composite device (4).

[0266] However, since the auxiliary device (5) is a separate component from the composite device (4) and may not be purchased together, it must first be mutually recognized or paired with the composite device (4) before it can be controlled by the composite device (4).

[0267] To this end, the connecting portion (84) may be provided so that the auxiliary device (5) can receive a connection command to pair with the composite device (4).

[0268] The above-mentioned connecting portion (84) may be provided to receive the connection command in a manner different from the above-mentioned stop command, withdrawal command, or power command. Accordingly, the connecting portion (84) can receive the connection command regardless of the state of the auxiliary device (5).

[0269] For example, the above connection part (84) can be set so that the connection command is input when the input is maintained continuously and continuously for a certain period of time.

[0270] The above main control unit (851) may be equipped to receive the above connection command.

[0271] Alternatively, the auxiliary device (5) of the present invention may further include an auxiliary control unit (852) capable of detecting that the above connection command is input.

[0272] Unlike the main control unit (851), the auxiliary control unit (852) can always receive power through standby power supply. Accordingly, even if power is not supplied to the main control unit (851), the multi-function input unit (84) can receive power through the auxiliary control unit (852), and when the connection command is input, it can transmit it to the auxiliary control unit (852).

[0273] In addition, the multi-function input unit (84) can be controlled by the auxiliary control unit (852). Therefore, the power command, withdrawal command, and stop command input from the multi-function input unit (84) can all be transmitted to the auxiliary control unit (852).

[0274] When the auxiliary control unit (852) receives the power command, withdrawal command, stop command, etc., it can request the main control unit (851) to perform the corresponding command.

[0275] When the main control unit (851) is not supplied with power, the auxiliary control unit (852) can supply power to the main control unit (851) when the multi-function input unit (84) is input. That is, the auxiliary control unit (852) can supply power to the main control unit (851) to enable the main control unit (851) to operate.

[0276] In addition, if the main control unit (851) does not operate for a specific period of time or there is no signal input to the main control unit (851) for a specific period of time, the main control unit (851) can enter a dormant state to minimize power consumption.

[0277] The above auxiliary control unit (852) can request the main control unit (851) to switch back to an active state when the multi-function input unit (84) is input.

[0278] The above auxiliary control unit (852) can be connected to the multi-function input unit (84) via a first wire (891), and the above auxiliary control unit (852) can be connected to the main control unit (851) via a second wire (892).

[0279] If the main control unit (851) is connected to an external power source, the auxiliary control unit (852) can always receive power through the second wire (892), regardless of whether the main control unit (851) is not receiving power or is in an idle state.

[0280] In addition, the auxiliary control unit (852) can supply power to the multi-function input unit (84) via the first wire (891). The auxiliary control unit (852) can also communicate with the main control unit (851) via the second wire (892).

[0281] In addition, the main control unit (851) can control the withdrawal unit (87) through the third wire (893) and can control the drawer lock unit (88) through the fourth wire (894).

[0282] Meanwhile, the auxiliary control unit (852) may include an auxiliary communication module capable of communicating with the outside world. The auxiliary communication module may be configured in any manner as long as it can exchange signals with the outside world via wireless methods such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Accordingly, the auxiliary control unit (852) may communicate with the main communication module installed in the composite device (4), or with an external terminal or router.

[0283] If the multi-function input unit (84) is input for more than 1 second, the auxiliary control unit (852) can be regarded as having received the connection command. Accordingly, a communication module capable of communicating with the auxiliary control unit (852) can be searched for. In this process, if the composite device (4) also receives a connection command to connect with the auxiliary device (5), the main communication module (1400) can also search for the auxiliary control unit (852).

[0284] When the above auxiliary control unit (852) and the main communication module (1400) are paired and mutually recognized, all components of the auxiliary device (5) can be controlled by the control panel (100).

[0285] When the multi-function input unit (84) receives the connection command, the auxiliary control unit (852) can release the pairing setting if there is one previously set for the composite device (4), etc.

[0286] That is, all information or addresses (mac addresses) for recognizing the main communication module (1400) of the composite device (4) in the auxiliary control unit (852) can be deleted, and the composite device (4) can be set to be paired with the composite device (4) again.

[0287] The above control panel (100) transmits a signal that directly controls all components of the above auxiliary device (5) to the auxiliary control unit (852), and the auxiliary control unit (852) transmits the signal to the main control unit (851) through the second wire (892), and the main control unit (851) can control the auxiliary device (5) according to the signal.

[0288] Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment in which a composite device and an auxiliary device are paired.

[0289] In order for the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) to be paired, not only must a connection command be input from the auxiliary device (5) through the connection part (84), but also a connection command must be input from the composite device (4) through the control panel (100).

[0290] In other words, a connection command must be input to both the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) so that the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) can recognize each other and be paired. This prevents the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) from being arbitrarily paired with devices located in different locations or with products of other people. In addition, the user's composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) can be prevented from being arbitrarily unpaired and arbitrarily paired with products of other people.

[0291] Through the control panel (100), the user can input a connection command to set up pairing between the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5). When the connection command is input through the control panel (100), the main communication module (1400) connected to the control panel (100) can receive the connection command and search for the auxiliary control unit (852) to set up pairing. (Step a)

[0292] When the user inputs the above connection part (84) for a set time, a connection command can be input to the auxiliary control part (852). The set time can be set to 1 second or more.

[0293] When the above auxiliary control unit (852) receives a connection command, it can search for the main communication module (1400) in the above complex device (4). (Step b)

[0294] It does not matter which of the above steps a and b is performed first. However, in order for the above composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) to be paired, both steps a and b must be performed.

[0295] When the main communication module (1400) recognizes the auxiliary control unit (852), and the auxiliary control unit (852) also recognizes the main communication module (1400), the main communication module (1400) and the auxiliary control unit (852) can check whether the other device is ready for pairing. (Step c)

[0296] The main communication module (1400) can provide the auxiliary control unit (852) with address information (mac address) that allows the main communication module (1400) to be recognized and communicated with each other. The auxiliary control unit (852) can also provide the main communication module (1400) with address information (mac address) that allows the auxiliary control unit (852) to be recognized and communicated with each other.

[0297] The above main communication module (1400) receives the address information (mac address) from the auxiliary control unit (852), and can recognize that the auxiliary control unit (852) has received a connection command and is preparing for pairing.

[0298] In addition, the auxiliary control unit (852) receives the address information (mac address) from the main communication module (1400), and can recognize that the main communication module (1400) has received a connection command and is preparing for pairing.

[0299] The above main communication module (1400) and the above auxiliary control unit (852) can recognize the address of the other party through the address information exchanged with each other and complete a pairing state in which signals can be exchanged with the other party in the future.

[0300] When the main communication module (1400) and the auxiliary control unit (852) are paired with each other and recognize each other, pairing can be performed immediately when power is supplied without receiving a connection command again or receiving address information (mac address).

[0301] Typically, this pairing process may be performed when the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) are purchased, or when one of the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) is purchased first and then the other is purchased.

[0302] Alternatively, this pairing process may be performed when the user exchanges or changes either the composite device (4) or the auxiliary device (5).

[0303] Figure 9 illustrates an example of inputting connection information in a composite device.

[0304] In the case of the above auxiliary device (5), a connection command can be input by inputting the multi-function input unit (84) for a set time, but the above composite device (4) can receive a connection command through the control panel (100).

[0305] Referring to Fig. 9(a), a device connection part (M) may be displayed on the display part (150).

[0306] If the above complex device (4) is not paired with the auxiliary device (5) or pairing with the auxiliary device (5) is canceled, the control panel (100) can receive a connection command to pair with the auxiliary device (5) through the input of the device connection unit (M).

[0307] Referring to Fig. 9(b), when a connection command is input from the control panel (100), the display unit (150) can display guidance information (G) indicating that the main communication module (1400) has received the address information (mac address) of the auxiliary control unit (852).

[0308] That is, when connection information is input, the control panel (100) can display on the display unit (150) a status in which the main communication module (1400) recognizes the auxiliary control unit (852) and the two are connected to each other for pairing.

[0309] The above guidance information (G) may include recognition information (G1) confirming that the auxiliary control unit (852) that sent the address information has recognized the installed auxiliary device (5), and confirmation information (G2) confirming whether pairing with the auxiliary device (5) will actually be approved.

[0310] The above recognition information (G1) may include one or more of a phrase, icon, or pictogram indicating the type of auxiliary device (5) preparing for pairing, such as “Mini device confirmation.”

[0311] The above confirmation information (G2) may include one or more of a phrase, icon, or pictogram requesting confirmation again whether to actually perform pairing, such as “Do you want to connect?”

[0312] The above display unit (150) may further display an approval input unit that receives a final command on whether to actually approve the pairing along with the above guidance information (G).

[0313] The above approval input unit may include an approval unit (Y) that receives an approval command to immediately perform the pairing, and a rejection unit (N) that receives a rejection command not to perform the pairing.

[0314] The above approval section (Y) and rejection section (N) can be displayed spaced apart from each other, and can be set to receive a corresponding command when the displayed area is entered.

[0315] In this way, when the above complex device (4) is ready for pairing with each other through the control panel (100), it can display a list of devices ready for pairing and receive a final confirmation as to whether or not to actually perform pairing with the corresponding device.

[0316] As a result, even if the separate display unit of the above-mentioned complex device (5) is omitted, if the multi-function input unit (84) of the above-mentioned complex device (5) is input for a set time or longer, the complex device (5) can omit receiving a separate command until pairing is finally completed.

[0317] Meanwhile, when the above-mentioned complex device (4) is paired with the above-mentioned auxiliary device (5), when the device connection unit (M) is input, the display unit (150) can display the power supply unit, execution unit, course selection unit, option selection unit, and guidance information (G) for controlling the above-mentioned auxiliary device (5).

[0318] Figure 10 illustrates an example of the state of the control panel when pairing of the composite device and the auxiliary device is completed.

[0319] The above control panel (100) can display status information of each of the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) in sections when pairing of the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) is completed.

[0320] The above control panel (100) may display only the status information of the device for which a power command has been input among the above complex device (4) and the above auxiliary device (5). In this case, the user can intuitively recognize the device currently in operation or preparing for operation through the device information (I) displayed on the above control panel (100).

[0321] Alternatively, the control panel (100) may display status information of both the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5), and may highlight and display status information of a device that is in an operation-ready state or an operation state upon input of a power command. In this case, the user can intuitively recognize that the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) are in a completed pairing state through the display of both the composite information (I1) and the auxiliary information (I2) on the control panel (100).

[0322] The above control panel (100) can display status information of the above composite device (4) and the above auxiliary device (5) separately when both the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) are in operation.

[0323] As shown, the above control panel (100) can display status information of the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) by dividing them into left and right sections.

[0324] Alternatively, the control panel (100) can display status information of the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) in vertical sections.

[0325] When both the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) are in operation, the composite information (I1) may be displayed in one area of ​​the display unit (150). Thus, the information displayed in the area may inform the user that status information regarding the composite device (4) is being displayed. In addition, the auxiliary information (I2) may be displayed in the remaining area of ​​the display unit (150). Thus, the information displayed in the area may inform the user that status information regarding the auxiliary device (5) is being displayed.

[0326] For example, when the power supply (110) is input to the complex device (4) to detect the weight of clothing stored in the drum (30), the display unit (150) can display detection information (G1) indicating that the complex device is detecting the weight of clothing in the area where the complex information (I1) is displayed.

[0327] The above detection information (G1) may include one or more of a phrase, icon, or pictogram containing information that the weight of clothing is being detected, such as “Weight measurement in progress.”

[0328] When the above auxiliary device (5) is performing a course such as “small amount washing,” the display unit (150) may display at least one of course information (Cm) indicating the name or type of the course being performed in the area where the above auxiliary information (I2) is displayed, time information (Tm) indicating the remaining time of the course being performed, and administrative information (Gm) indicating which course is currently being performed among the courses.

[0329] Of course, even when the above complex device (4) is performing a course, the course information, time information, and administrative information can be displayed in the area where the above complex information (I1) is displayed, and when the above auxiliary device (5) measures weight, the above detection information can be displayed in the area where the above auxiliary information (I2) is displayed.

[0330] As a result, when the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) are paired, the control panel (100) can be set to display the status of both the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) and to receive a command to control both the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5).

[0331] The user can control the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) simultaneously by operating the control panel (100), or can control only the auxiliary device (5).

[0332] Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of a control method in which a composite device and an auxiliary device of the garment treatment device of the present invention are paired.

[0333] The garment treatment device of the present invention can perform an input step (A1) in which a connection command is input to each other in the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5).

[0334] The above input step (A1) may include inputting an input command by inputting the device connection part (M) from the complex device (4) to the control panel (100), and inputting the input command by inputting the multi-function input part (84) from the auxiliary device (5) for a set time or longer.

[0335] In the above input step (A1), it does not matter whether the input command is input to the composite device (4) or the auxiliary device (5) first, and the above input step (A1) can be completed when the input command is input to both the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5).

[0336] When the above input step (A1) is completed, the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) can perform an information transmission step (A2) to transmit information, programs, etc. that can recognize each other and communicate with each other.

[0337] The above information transmission step (A2) may include the complex device (4) searching for a device capable of pairing, and when the device is found, transmitting recognition information including address information (Mac address) that can be connected to the main communication module (1400).

[0338] In addition, the information transmission step (A2) may include the auxiliary device (5) searching for a device capable of pairing, and when the device is found, transmitting recognition information including address information (Mac address) that can be connected to the auxiliary control unit (852).

[0339] When the above information transmission step (A2) is completed, the auxiliary device (4) and the composite device (5) can perform a confirmation step (A3) to confirm whether communication has been connected with the counterpart device that recognizes each other and exchanges recognition information, and whether communication is continuously possible.

[0340] In the above-mentioned verification step (A3), it is possible to check whether the composite device (4) is in a state where it can not only communicate in real time with the auxiliary device (5) but also continuously send and receive signals, and the auxiliary device (5) is able to check whether the composite device (4) is in a state where it can not only communicate in real time with the auxiliary device (5) but also continuously send and receive signals.

[0341] In the above confirmation step (A3), it is confirmed that the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) have completed mutual recognition and are in a normal communication state in which communication is connected and signals can be exchanged, and an approval step (A5) can be performed to finally review whether the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) will establish pairing.

[0342] Since the above auxiliary device (5) does not have a separate configuration for receiving a command regarding whether to approve pairing, the approval step (A4) can be performed in the composite device (4) or an external terminal, etc.

[0343] The above approval step (A4) may include inputting an area corresponding to either the approval section (Y) or the rejection section (N) among the approval input sections displayed on the display section (150) of the control panel (100).

[0344] Alternatively, the above approval step (A4) may be applied in any manner as long as there is a method for confirming whether pairing with the auxiliary device (5) is actually performed.

[0345] When the approval input section is entered in the above approval step (A5), a decision step (A5) can be performed to determine whether to actually perform pairing or to stop pairing.

[0346] The above decision step (A5) may include a confirmation step (A5-1) in which an approval part (Y) is input in the approval step (A4) to establish and maintain the pairing of the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5), and a release step (A5-2) in which a rejection part (N) is input in the approval step (A4) to release the pairing of the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) and also release the communication connection.

[0347] When the above confirmation step (A5-1) is performed, the main communication module (1400) of the composite device (4) and the auxiliary control unit (852) of the auxiliary device (5) can store mutual recognition information.

[0348] If the above main communication module (1400) and auxiliary control unit (852) are equipped to use standby power, a communication connection state can always be maintained.

[0349] If the above main communication module (1400) and auxiliary control unit (852) are equipped to have power cut off and then supplied again, pairing may be automatically established by mutually recognizing each other through the address information.

[0350] When the above release step (A5-2) is performed, the main communication module (1400) of the composite device (4) and the auxiliary control unit (852) of the auxiliary device (5) can delete the recognition information including the address information received from each other.

[0351] Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment of a control method for releasing pairing in an auxiliary device of the present invention.

[0352] Unpairing may assume that pairing has already been established.

[0353] Therefore, once the pairing between the composite device (4) and the auxiliary device (5) is established, a maintenance step (B1) is performed to maintain the pairing state without taking any special action.

[0354] However, a confirmation step (B2) for checking whether a reconnection command is input again from the auxiliary device (5) can also be performed simultaneously.

[0355] When the connection command is input in the above confirmation step (B2), the auxiliary device (5) can be considered to be preparing to perform pairing again or pair with another device.

[0356] Even though the auxiliary device (5) has already been paired with the composite device (4), if the connection unit (84) is input again for a set time, the auxiliary control unit (852) can perform a release step (B3) to release the pairing with the main communication module (1400). When the release step (B3) is performed, the main communication module (1400) can also recognize that the pairing has been released and can transmit information that the pairing has been released to the control panel (100).

[0357] The above control panel (100) can notify that pairing has been released through the display unit (150).

[0358] When the above-described release step (B3) is performed, the auxiliary control unit (852) can perform a deletion step (B4) for deleting the recognition information including the address information of the previously received composite device (4). As a result, the auxiliary control unit (852) can return to a state ready for pairing with a new device.

[0359] The release step (B3) and the deletion step (B4) may be limited to those related to the pairing of the composite device (4). That is, if the auxiliary control unit (852) has been paired with an external terminal, the release of the pairing may be performed by the external terminal.

[0360] The present invention may be implemented in various modified forms, 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 to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Cabinet; A clothing storage compartment provided inside the cabinet to store clothing; A driving unit provided to rotate the clothing receiving unit inside the cabinet; A control unit connected to the above driving unit and controlling the driving unit; A communication module that is communicatively connected to the above control unit; An auxiliary cabinet positioned at the bottom of the above cabinet and having an opening at the front; A drawer accommodated in the above auxiliary cabinet and provided so as to be drawn in and out through the above opening; An auxiliary receiving section that is accommodated in the above drawer and has an inlet positioned at the top to receive clothing; An auxiliary module provided inside the auxiliary cabinet and configured to communicate with the communication module; An auxiliary control unit that controls the above auxiliary module; A withdrawal unit provided in the above auxiliary cabinet for withdrawing the drawer; A multi-functional input unit provided on the exposed surface of the drawer and configured to receive a withdrawal command for withdrawing the drawer; A garment treatment device characterized in that the multi-functional input unit is equipped so that the auxiliary module can also receive a pairing command that recognizes and communicates with the communication module.

2. In paragraph 1, A garment treatment device characterized in that the multi-functional input unit is set to receive the connection command when the connection command is continuously input for a certain period of time.

3. In paragraph 1, It further includes a control panel that is coupled to the cabinet and receives commands to control the control unit and the communication module. A garment treatment device characterized in that the control panel includes a device selection unit that receives a pairing command for the communication module to recognize and communicate with the auxiliary module.

4. In paragraph 3, The above communication module is provided to transmit recognition information to the auxiliary module when the connection command is input to the device selection unit. A garment treatment device characterized in that the auxiliary module is provided to transmit recognition information to the communication module when the connection command is input to the multi-function input unit.

5. In paragraph 4, When the above communication module receives the above recognition information, it maintains a communication state with the auxiliary module, A garment treatment device characterized in that the auxiliary module maintains a communication state with the communication module when receiving the recognition information.

6. In paragraph 5, A garment treatment device characterized in that the control panel further includes a display unit that displays the status in which the communication module and the auxiliary module recognize each other on the outside.

7. In paragraph 6, A garment treatment device characterized in that the control unit approves pairing when it confirms that the communication module and the auxiliary module have received mutual recognition information, or displays on the display unit whether to approve the pairing.

8. In paragraph 6, The above display part A garment treatment device characterized in that when the above communication module and the above auxiliary module are connected, a connection completion status is displayed externally.

9. In paragraph 6, The above display part A garment treatment device characterized in that the status of the auxiliary module or the auxiliary control unit is displayed when the connection between the communication module and the auxiliary module is approved.

10. In paragraph 6, The above display part A garment treatment device characterized in that when power is supplied to only one of the control unit and the auxiliary control unit while the connection between the communication module and the auxiliary module is approved, the status of the control unit or the auxiliary control unit to which power is supplied is displayed.

11. In paragraph 10, The above display part A garment treatment device characterized in that when power is supplied to both the control unit and the auxiliary control unit while the connection between the communication module and the auxiliary module is approved, the state of the control unit or the auxiliary control unit is displayed in a segmented manner from the state where both are powered.

12. In paragraph 1, A garment treatment device characterized in that the communication module and the auxiliary module are set to be automatically connected (paired) after power is supplied if the connection (pairing) has been completed previously.

13. In paragraph 12, When the above communication module is connected to the above auxiliary module, it stores the recognition information of the above auxiliary module, A garment treatment device characterized in that the auxiliary module stores recognition information of the communication module when the auxiliary module is connected to the communication module.

14. In paragraph 12, A garment treatment device characterized in that the auxiliary module disconnects (pairs) from the communication module when the multi-function input unit receives the connection command again, even if the auxiliary module has previously been connected to the communication module.

15. In paragraph 14, A garment treatment device characterized in that the auxiliary module deletes the recognition information of the communication module when the multi-function input unit receives the connection command again, even if the auxiliary module has previously been connected to the communication module.

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