Clothes care apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothes care apparatus and a control method thereof. The clothes care apparatus acquires mode execution information of a previous steam mode stored in a memory on the basis of a water level detection signal corresponding to a preset water level being received from a water level sensor at the start of a current steam mode, and controls a water supply device and a heater on the basis of the acquired mode execution information of the previous steam mode.

Description

Clothing management device and its control method

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a clothing care device and a control method thereof for controlling a steam mode when scale is generated in a water level sensor.

[0002] A clothing care device is a device that performs clothes care, such as drying wet clothes, removing dust or odors attached to clothes, and reducing wrinkles in clothes.

[0003] Typically, a garment management device includes a cabinet that forms a garment management room for accommodating garments, and a door that is provided to open and close the cabinet.

[0004] The clothing care device includes a cycle device that supplies hot air to a clothing care room to dry clothing, a steam device that performs refreshing functions such as removing wrinkles from clothing, deodorizing, and removing static electricity, a water supply device that supplies water to the steam device, and a drain device that drains residual water from the steam device.

[0005] Among these, the steam device includes a steam chamber, a water level sensor for detecting the water level of water stored in the steam chamber, a heater for heating the water stored in the steam chamber, and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water in the steam chamber.

[0006] The water stored in the steam chamber of a steam device is hard water, containing a large amount of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This can cause scale to form on the water level sensor located within the steam chamber. As the steam device ages and is used more frequently, the amount of scale on the water level sensor may increase.

[0007] When scale builds up on the water level sensor, the sensor outputs a water level detection signal due to energization even though it is not in contact with the water in the steam chamber. In this case, the steam device recognizes the presence of water in the steam chamber and activates the heater.

[0008] If the heater operates without water in the steam chamber, it may overheat. This overheating can lead to heater failure or even a fire in the garment care device.

[0009] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a clothing care device and a control method thereof, which checks mode performance information of a previous steam mode based on a water level detection signal corresponding to a preset water level received from a water level sensor at the start time of a current steam mode, and controls water supply based on the checked mode performance information of the previous steam mode.

[0010] Another aspect of the disclosed invention provides a clothing management device and a control method thereof that acquires and stores hourly water temperature information and heater off information during the current steam mode execution as mode execution information of the current steam mode.

[0011] A clothing care device according to one aspect of the disclosed invention comprises: a steam chamber; a water supply device for supplying water to the steam chamber; a heater for heating water in the steam chamber; a water level sensor provided in the steam chamber and detecting a first reference water level and a second reference water level higher than the first reference water level; a memory for storing mode performance information of a previous steam mode; and a processor for controlling the water supply device and the heater based on mode performance information of a previous steam mode based on receiving a water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level from the water level sensor at the start time of the current steam mode.

[0012] The mode performance information of the previous steam mode of the garment management device according to one aspect includes hourly water temperature information and heater off information. The processor of the garment management device according to one aspect determines whether to supply water based on the hourly water temperature information.

[0013] A processor of a clothing management device according to one aspect obtains a change time from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on acquired hourly water temperature information, determines that water supply is not necessary based on the acquired change time being greater than or equal to the reference time, and determines that water supply is necessary based on the acquired change time being less than the reference time. The first reference water temperature is lower than the second reference water temperature.

[0014] A processor of a clothing management device according to one aspect obtains a steam generation time from hourly water temperature information and heater off information based on whether the obtained time is less than a reference time, obtains a water supply amount based on the obtained steam generation time, and controls the operation of the water supply device based on the water supply amount.

[0015] A processor of a clothing management device according to one aspect obtains an arrival time at which a second reference water temperature is reached based on hourly water temperature information, obtains an off time at which the heater is turned off based on heater off information, and obtains the time between the acquired arrival time and the acquired off time as a steam generation time.

[0016] A clothing care device according to one aspect further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature of a steam chamber. A processor of the clothing care device according to one aspect controls a memory to acquire hourly water temperature information based on the current steam mode being performed and water temperature information being received from the temperature sensor, and to store the acquired hourly water temperature information as mode performance information of the current steam mode, and to change the mode performance information of the previous steam mode stored in the memory to the performance information of the current steam mode.

[0017] A garment management device according to one aspect further includes an input unit. A processor of the garment management device according to one aspect controls the turning off of a heater based on a course received through the input unit and water temperature information received from a temperature sensor, and controls a memory to store the turning off time of the heater as mode execution information of the current steam mode.

[0018] A processor of a clothing management device according to one aspect controls a water supply device to perform water supply based on the fact that a water level detection signal corresponding to a second reference water level is not received from a water level sensor at the start time of the current steam mode, and controls the water supply device to stop based on the fact that a water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level is received from the water level sensor during the control of the water supply device.

[0019] A clothing care device according to one aspect further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature of a steam chamber. A processor of the clothing care device according to one aspect controls a memory to acquire hourly water temperature information based on the current steam mode being performed and water temperature information being received from the temperature sensor, and to store the acquired hourly water temperature information as mode execution information of the steam mode, and controls changing mode execution information of a previous steam mode stored in the memory to execution information of the current steam mode.

[0020] A garment management device according to one aspect further includes an input unit. A processor of the garment management device according to one aspect controls a heater to be turned off based on a course received through the input unit and water temperature information received from a temperature sensor, and controls a memory to store the off point at which the heater is turned off as mode execution information of the current steam mode.

[0021] A clothing care device according to one aspect further includes a temperature sensor for detecting a water temperature of a steam chamber. A processor of the clothing care device according to one aspect obtains a change time at which the water temperature changes from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on water temperature information received from the temperature sensor, obtains a steam generation time between the time at which the water temperature reaches the second reference water temperature and the time at which the heater is turned off, and controls a memory to store the obtained change time and the steam generation time as mode execution information of the current steam mode.

[0022] A garment management device according to one aspect further includes a display unit. A processor of the garment management device according to one aspect controls the display unit to display an error based on the non-reception of a water level detection signal corresponding to a first reference water level and the reception of a water level detection signal corresponding to a second reference water level.

[0023] The mode performance information of the previous steam mode of the clothing management device according to one aspect includes hourly water temperature information. The processor of the clothing management device according to one aspect obtains a change time from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on the obtained hourly water temperature information, and determines the water supply amount based on the obtained change time.

[0024] The first reference water temperature of the clothing management device according to one aspect is a water temperature lower than the second reference water temperature.

[0025] The mode performance information of the previous steam mode of the garment management device according to one aspect includes hourly water temperature information and heater off information. The processor of the garment management device according to one aspect obtains the current water level of the steam chamber based on the hourly water temperature information, obtains the water usage based on the heater off information, and determines the water supply amount based on the obtained current water level and water usage.

[0026] A method for controlling a clothing management device according to another aspect comprises: obtaining mode performance information of a previous steam mode stored in a memory based on receiving a water level detection signal corresponding to a preset water level from a water level sensor at the start time of the current steam mode; and controlling a water supply device and a heater based on the obtained mode performance information of the previous steam mode.

[0027] Controlling the water supply device includes determining whether to supply water based on the mode performance information of the acquired previous steam mode, and controlling the operation or stop of the water supply device based on the mode performance information of the acquired previous steam mode.

[0028] Controlling the water supply device includes obtaining a change time for changing from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on the acquired mode performance information of the previous steam mode, stopping the water supply device based on the acquired change time being greater than or equal to the reference time, obtaining a steam generation time from the acquired mode performance information based on the acquired change time being less than the reference time, obtaining a water supply amount based on the acquired steam generation time, and controlling the operation of the water supply device based on the water supply amount. The first reference water temperature is a water temperature lower than the second reference water temperature.

[0029] Obtaining the steam generation time includes obtaining the time between the time when the water temperature reaches the second reference water temperature and the time when the heater is turned off based on the mode performance information of the acquired previous steam mode, and obtaining the obtained time as the steam generation time.

[0030] A method for controlling a clothing management device according to another aspect further includes obtaining hourly water temperature information based on water temperature information received from a temperature sensor during execution of a current steam mode, obtaining heater-off information based on a course received through an input unit and water temperature information received from the temperature sensor, and storing the hourly water temperature information and the heater-off information in a memory as mode execution information of the steam mode.

[0031] A method for controlling a clothing care device according to another aspect further includes controlling water supply based on a water level detection signal corresponding to a preset water level not being received from a water level sensor at the start time of the current steam mode, controlling water supply to be stopped based on a water level detection signal corresponding to a preset water level being received during water supply, and controlling a heater to be turned on.

[0032] A method for controlling a clothing management device according to another aspect further includes controlling the turning off of a heater based on water temperature information from a course and temperature sensor received through an input unit, storing the turning off information of the heater including the turning off point when the heater is turned off in a memory as mode execution information of a current steam mode, and storing hourly water temperature information in a memory as mode execution information of a current steam mode based on water temperature information received from a temperature sensor.

[0033] According to the disclosed invention, even if scale occurs in the water level sensor and the water level of the steam chamber is misdetected, the present invention can supply water to the steam chamber up to a preset water level to operate the steam mode normally.

[0034] The present invention can obtain the water level of water stored in a steam chamber even if scale occurs in the water level sensor and the water level of the steam chamber is misdetected, and can operate the steam mode normally based on the obtained water level being an appropriate water level for steam generation.

[0035] In this way, the present invention can prevent overheating and heater failure by supplying water even when scale develops on the water level sensor. Furthermore, it can prevent malfunction of the clothing care device and safely operate the steam device of the clothing care device. The present invention can prevent fires in the clothing care device by preventing heater failure.

[0036] The present invention can prevent errors in the operation of the steam mode due to scale generated in the water level sensor, and can enable the clothing management device to operate for the life of the clothing management device without replacing the water level sensor even if scale occurs in the water level sensor.

[0037] Accordingly, the present invention can reduce AS costs, AS time, and AS manpower due to failure of a water level sensor due to the scale of the water level sensor, and further improve user convenience and satisfaction.

[0038] The present invention can improve the quality and marketability of a clothing management device, and further improve the safety of the clothing management device and secure the competitiveness of the clothing management device.

[0039] Before beginning the detailed description below, certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document are defined. The terms "comprise" and "comprises," and their derivatives, can mean "including," without limitation. The term "or" is inclusive and can mean "and / or." The phrases "associated" and "related" and their derivatives can mean "include," "include," "interconnect," "contain," "connect," "couple," "transmit," "cooperate," "interpose," "coordinate," "interpose," "proximize," "bind," "bundle," and "have." The term "controller" can mean any device, system, or portion thereof that controls at least one operation, and such device may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or software, or a combination of at least two of these. The functionality associated with a particular controller may be centralized or distributed, either locally or remotely.

[0040] Additionally, the various functions described below may be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which may be implemented in a computer-readable medium consisting of computer-readable program code. The terms 'application' and 'program' may mean one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or portions thereof adapted to be implemented in a suitable computer-readable program. The phrase 'computer-readable program code' may include any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase 'computer-readable medium' may include any type of medium that can be accessed by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drives, compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), or any other type of memory. 'Non-transitory' computer-readable media may exclude wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit transitory electrical or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable media can include media on which data can be permanently stored, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device, and media on which data can be stored and later overwritten.

[0041] Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those skilled in the art will understand that in many, if not most, of these definitions apply to both prior and future uses of the defined words and phrases.

[0042] To better understand the present disclosure and its advantages, the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, which are numbered in the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a clothing management device according to an embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 2 is a drawing showing an open state of a door of a clothing management device according to an embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a clothing management device according to an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 4a is a perspective view showing the appearance of a steam device according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 4b is a perspective view showing the inside of a steam device according to an embodiment.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a control configuration diagram of a clothing management device according to an embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of controlling the steam mode based on first and second water level detection signals received from a water level sensor of a clothing management device according to an embodiment.

[0050] Figures 7a and 7b are hourly water temperature graphs of a steam device provided in a clothing management device according to an embodiment.

[0051] Fig. 8 is a control flowchart of a clothing management device according to an embodiment.

[0052] Fig. 9 is a control flowchart of a clothing management device according to an embodiment, and is a control flowchart for controlling the steam mode in the normal mode.

[0053] Fig. 10 is a control flowchart of a clothing management device according to an embodiment, and is a control flowchart for controlling the steam mode in a safe mode.

[0054] Fig. 11 is a control flowchart of a clothing management device according to another embodiment, and is a control flowchart for controlling the steam mode in a safe mode.

[0055] Fig. 12 is a control flowchart of a clothing management device according to another embodiment, which is a control flowchart for controlling the steam mode in a safe mode.

[0056] The various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present invention in FIGS. 1 through 12 and in this patent document are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any appropriately arranged system or device.

[0057] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0058] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0059] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0060] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0061] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0062] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0063] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0064] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0065] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0066] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0067] Hereinafter, a clothing management device according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0068] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a clothing management device according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a state in which a door of the clothing management device according to an embodiment is open, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a clothing management device according to an embodiment, FIG. 4a is a perspective view showing the exterior of a steam device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4b is a perspective view showing the interior of a steam device according to an embodiment.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the clothing management device (1) may include a main body (10) forming an exterior, a door (20) rotatably coupled to the main body (10), and a clothing management room (11) provided inside the main body (10) in which clothing is received and managed.

[0070] The main body (10) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape with one side open. An opening (10a) may be provided on one side of the main body (10), i.e., the front side.

[0071] The main body (10) may be provided with a drainage tank (15a) and a water supply tank (15b) that are separable from the main body (10).

[0072] The drain tank (15a) and the water tank (15b) can be placed at the bottom of the clothing management room (11).

[0073] The drain (15a) is provided to facilitate condensate disposal.

[0074] The water tank (15b) can store water for generating steam.

[0075] The drain tank (15a) and the water supply tank (15b) can be provided to be detachable from the main body (10) to facilitate water removal and water replenishment.

[0076] A door (20) that can open and close the main body (10) is provided in the opening (10a) of the main body (10). The door (20) may be provided to open and close the clothing management room (11). The door (20) may be provided on the front of the main body (10) via a connecting member such as a hinge (22).

[0077] The door (20) may include a door guide (21) for guiding the movement of condensate. The door guide (21) may be provided to guide condensate formed by condensation on the back surface of the door (20). The door guide (21) may be formed to be inclined from the back surface of the door (20) toward the clothing management room (11), but may be formed to be inclined downward.

[0078] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the clothing management room (11) forms a space where clothing is accommodated. A clothing support member (12) on which clothing is placed may be provided in the clothing management room (11).

[0079] The clothing support member (12) is provided on the upper side of the clothing management room (11) and may be provided in a detachable manner. There may be one or more clothing support members (12). The clothing support member (12) may be formed in the shape of a clothes hanger. The clothing support member (12) may be provided with air holes through which air flows inside. The clothing support member (12) can remove dust or foreign substances adhering to clothing using the air supplied through the air holes inside.

[0080] The clothing management room (11) may include a first airflow inlet (13a), a second airflow inlet (13b), a first airflow outlet (14a), a second airflow outlet (14b), and a steam outlet (14c).

[0081] The first airflow inlet (13a) and the first airflow outlet (14a) may be formed on the lower surface of the clothing management room (11). The first airflow inlet (13a) may be arranged at the front of the lower surface of the clothing management room (11), and the first airflow outlet (14a) may be arranged at the rear of the lower surface of the clothing management room (11).

[0082] Condensate flowing in through the first air inlet (13a) can be moved to the drain (15a) by the sump (13c).

[0083] A sump (13c) can be provided in the machine room (15). The sump (13c) can store condensate flowing in through the first air inlet (13a) of the clothing management room (11).

[0084] The second airflow inlet (13b) may be formed at the rear of the clothing management room (11). The second airflow outlet (14b) may be formed at the center of the upper surface of the clothing management room (11). The second airflow inlet (13b) and the second airflow outlet (14b) may be positioned adjacent to each other.

[0085] The second airflow outlet (14b) can be connected to the clothing support member (12). Air discharged through the second airflow outlet (14b) can be delivered to clothing placed on the clothing support member (12) through air holes formed in the clothing support member (12).

[0086] The main body (10) may further include a machine room (15).

[0087] The machine room (15) can be provided at the lower side of the main body (10) and can be provided at the lower side of the clothing management room (11).

[0088] The machine room (15) can be provided at the rear of the drain tank (15a) and the water supply tank (15b).

[0089] A cycle device (30) for heating or dehumidifying the air inside the clothing management room (11) may be provided in the machine room (15).

[0090] The cycle device (30) can supply hot air into the clothing management room (11).

[0091] The cycle device (30) may include a refrigeration cycle.

[0092] The cycle device (30) may include a compressor (31), a condenser (32), an evaporator (33) and an expansion valve (not shown) through which refrigerant circulates, and may further include a first blower fan (34).

[0093] When the refrigerant vaporized in the evaporator (33) is sucked in, the compressor (31) compresses the sucked refrigerant and delivers the compressed refrigerant to the condenser (32). The compressed refrigerant may be a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0094] The condenser (32) is connected between the compressor (31) and the expansion valve, and receives compressed refrigerant from the compressor (31). It performs heat exchange with the surrounding air of the condenser (32), and can be liquefied through this. The condenser (32) can change the phase of the refrigerant supplied from the compressor (31) into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The condenser (32) transfers the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant to the expansion valve.

[0095] The expansion valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant supplied from the condenser (32) through a throttling action. The expansion valve transfers the refrigerant with reduced pressure to the evaporator (33).

[0096] The evaporator (33) changes the refrigerant supplied from the expansion valve into a gaseous state and transfers the phase-changed refrigerant to the compressor (31). The refrigerant passing through the evaporator (33) may be a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The refrigerant in the evaporator (33) can exchange heat with the surrounding air and thereby be vaporized. The refrigerant in the evaporator (33) can evaporate on its own while absorbing the heat required for evaporation from the surrounding air. In other words, the evaporator (33) can absorb heat through heat exchange and condense and remove moisture in the air through heat absorption.

[0097] The evaporator (33) and condenser (32) of the cycle device (30) can dehumidify or heat air through heat exchange.

[0098] The first blower fan (34) can suck in air from the clothing management room (11) and allow the sucked air to flow into the machine room (13).

[0099] More specifically, the first blower fan (34) can draw air into the machine room (15) and move air from the lower part of the clothing care room (11) into the clothing care room (11). In other words, the first blower fan (34) can move air from the lower part of the clothing care room (11) toward the upper part of the clothing care room (11). The first blower fan (34) can include a motor that generates rotational force and a blade that is arranged to rotate by the motor.

[0100] The first blower fan (34) may be provided as a centrifugal fan that sucks in air in the axial direction of the motor and discharges the air radially outward of the blades, but is not limited thereto.

[0101] The air flowing through the first blower fan (34) can be dried through the cycle device (30). Through this, clothes located in the clothing management room (11) can be supplied with dried air from the lower part of the clothing management room (11).

[0102] In the machine room (15), a first duct (35) connecting the evaporator (33) and condenser (32) of the cycle device (30) and the first blower fan (34) may be further provided.

[0103] The first duct (35) can be connected to the clothing management room (11) to form a first circulation path that circulates between the clothing management room (11) and the first duct (35).

[0104] The first duct (35) can be connected to the first airflow inlet (13a) and the first airflow outlet (14a) of the clothing care room (11). As a result, air from the clothing care room (11) can be introduced into the first duct (35) through the first airflow inlet (13a). The air introduced into the first duct (35) can be dehumidified by the cycle device (30) and then moved back into the clothing care room (11) through the first airflow outlet (14a).

[0105] The first duct (35) can be provided to dehumidify the air introduced through the first airflow inlet (13a) and discharge it through the first airflow outlet (14a).

[0106] The main body (10) includes a second blower fan (40) and a second duct (41) for circulating air inside the clothing management room (11), and may further include a filter (50).

[0107] The second blower fan (40) can be installed at the top of the clothing management room (11). The second blower fan (40) can move air from the top of the clothing management room (11) toward the bottom of the clothing management room (11).

[0108] The second blower fan (40) can allow air inside the clothing management room (11) to be sucked in through the second airflow inlet (13b) and the sucked air to be discharged through the second airflow outlet (14b).

[0109] The second blower fan (40) may include a motor that generates rotational force and blades that rotate by the motor. The second blower fan (40) may be provided as a centrifugal fan that sucks in air in the axial direction of the motor and discharges the air radially outwardly of the blades, but is not limited thereto.

[0110] The second duct (41) can be connected to the clothing management room (11) to form a second circulation path that circulates between the clothing management room (11) and the second duct (41).

[0111] A second blower fan (40) may be provided inside the second duct (41). That is, the second blower fan (40) may be provided on the second circulation path.

[0112] The second duct (41) may be formed at the rear of the second airflow inlet (13b) of the clothing management room (11). The second duct (41) may be provided at the upper rear side of the clothing management room (11) and may include a filter (50) therein.

[0113] The second duct (41) can be connected to the second airflow inlet (13b) and the second airflow outlet (14b) of the clothing management room (11). The second airflow outlet (14b) is connected to the clothing support member (12) so that the air of the second duct (91) is delivered to the clothing support member (12).

[0114] Foreign substances contained in the internal air of the clothing management room (11) can be filtered by the filter (40) of the second airflow inlet (13b) when introduced into the second duct (41). Foreign substances and odors can be removed from the air introduced into the second duct (41) by the filter (40).

[0115]

[0116] The clothing management device (1) is provided in the machine room (15), and may further include a steam device (100) that receives water from a water tank (15b), generates steam, and supplies the generated steam into the clothing management room (11).

[0117] Steam generated from the steam device (100) can remove foreign substances such as dust attached to clothing in the clothing management room (11) and sterilize viruses and bacteria.

[0118] Such a steam device is described with reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 4a, the steam device (100) may include a water supply device (110) connected to a water supply tank (15b), a steam chamber (120) connected to the water supply device (110) and storing water supplied by the water supply device (110) and generating steam using the stored water, a steam injection unit (130, see FIG. 3) that injects steam generated in the steam chamber (110) into a clothing care room (11), and a steam supply pipe (140) provided between the steam chamber (120) and the steam injection unit (130) and guiding steam generated in the steam chamber (120) to the steam injection unit (130).

[0120] The water stored in the water tank (15b) may be hard water containing trace amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

[0121] The water supply device (110) may include a water supply pipe (111) provided between a water supply tank (15b) and a steam chamber (120), a pump (112) provided in the water supply pipe (111) and pumping water stored in the water supply tank (15b), and a valve (113) provided in the water supply pipe (111) and opening or closing the water supply pipe (111).

[0122] The valve (113) can be opened to allow pumped water to be supplied to the steam chamber (101), and closed to block water from the water tank from being supplied to the steam chamber (120).

[0123] The steam injection unit (130) may include a steam injection port and may be provided at the rear of the clothing care room (11).

[0124] The steam supply pipe (140) can be connected to the upper part of the steam chamber (120).

[0125] As illustrated in FIG. 4b, the steam device (100) may further include a water level sensor (150) provided in the steam chamber (120) and detecting the height (i.e., water level) of water stored in the steam chamber (120), a temperature sensor (160) provided in the steam chamber (120) and detecting the temperature (i.e., water temperature) of water stored in the steam chamber (120), and a heater (170) provided in the steam chamber (120) and heating the water stored in the steam chamber (120).

[0126] Here, the water height may be the distance from the bottom surface of the steam chamber (120) to the water surface.

[0127] The water level sensor is provided inside the steam chamber (120), but may be provided on the upper side of the steam chamber (120), and may be provided from the upper side toward the lower side.

[0128] The water level sensor (150) may include a first level sensor (151) that detects a first reference water level inside the steam chamber (120) and a second level sensor (152) that detects a second reference water level.

[0129] The first and second level sensors (151, 152) may be electrodes. The water level sensor may further include a common electrode (153).

[0130] The first and second level sensors (151, 152) can be energized when they come into contact with water stored in the steam chamber (120).

[0131] The first and second level sensors (151, 152) may be energized by scale when scale is generated.

[0132] The first level sensor (151) can output a water level detection signal when the water level of the steam chamber (120) is the first reference water level. That is, the first level sensor (151) can output a water level detection signal when water comes into contact with the steam chamber (120) because the water level of the steam chamber (120) reaches the first reference water level.

[0133] The first level sensor (151) can output a water level detection signal by conducting electricity when it comes into contact with water, and cannot output a water level detection signal by not conducting electricity when it does not come into contact with water. The water level detection signal of the first level sensor (151) can be a first water level detection signal.

[0134] The second level sensor (152) can output a water level detection signal when the water level of the steam chamber (120) is the second reference water level. That is, the second level sensor (152) can output a water level detection signal when water comes into contact with the steam chamber (120) because the water level of the steam chamber (120) reaches the second reference water level. The water level detection signal of the second level sensor (152) can be the second water level detection signal.

[0135] The second level sensor (152) can output a water level detection signal by conducting electricity when it comes into contact with water, and cannot output a water level detection signal by not conducting electricity when it does not come into contact with water.

[0136] The second reference level is a preset level, which may be higher than the first reference level.

[0137] The first reference water level is a height corresponding to the height of the heater (170) provided in the steam chamber, and may be a water level at which the heater (170) is submerged in water.

[0138] The temperature sensor (160) can detect the temperature of the water in the steam chamber (120) and output water temperature information about the detected water temperature.

[0139] The temperature sensor (160) may include any one of a thermocouple, a thermistor, and a resistance temperature detector (RTD).

[0140] The temperature sensor (160) may include a liquid expansion temperature sensor that utilizes the expansion of a liquid or a bimetal temperature sensor that utilizes the thermal expansion coefficient of a metal according to temperature. The temperature sensor (160) may also include, but is not limited to, an infrared temperature sensor that detects temperature with infrared or a radiation temperature sensor that detects temperature through the amount of radiation emitted from the surface of water.

[0141] A heater (170) may be provided inside the steam chamber (120). The heater (170) may heat water stored in the steam chamber (120) to cause the water to change into steam.

[0142] In this embodiment, the device for heating water is described as a heater, but any device capable of heating water other than the heater (170) can be used.

[0143] Fig. 5 is a control configuration diagram of a clothing management device according to an embodiment, which is described with reference to Figs. 6, 7a, and 7b.

[0144] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of controlling a steam mode based on first and second water level detection signals received from a water level sensor of a clothing management device according to an embodiment, and FIGS. 7a and 7b are hourly water temperature graphs of a steam device provided in a clothing management device according to an embodiment.

[0145] The clothing management device (1) may include a steam device (100), a user interface (200), a processor (300), and a memory (310).

[0146] The steam device (100) stores water supplied from a water tank (15b) through a water supply device (110) in a steam chamber (120), heats the water stored in the steam chamber (120) using a heater (170), and when steam is generated by the heating of the water, the generated steam is supplied to the clothing management room (11).

[0147] When the steam device (100) receives water from the water supply device (110), it detects the water level within the steam chamber (120) through the water level sensor (150). The water level sensor (150) of the steam device transmits a water level detection signal for water level detection to the processor (300).

[0148] More specifically, the water level sensor (150) of the steam device (100) can transmit a first water level detection signal corresponding to the first reference water level to the processor (300) when the first reference water level is detected by the first level sensor (151), and can transmit a second water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level to the processor (300) when the second reference water level is detected by the second level sensor (152).

[0149] When the supply of water is completed, the steam device (100) turns on the heater (170) to heat the water, and detects the temperature of the water using the temperature sensor (160) while the water is being heated. That is, the temperature sensor (160) transmits the detected water temperature information to the processor (300).

[0150] The steam device (100) turns off the heater (170) when the steam mode is completed. When the steam mode is completed, the water level in the steam chamber may be reduced by a height corresponding to the amount of steam supplied to the clothing care room (11) from the second reference water level.

[0151] The water supply device (110), water level sensor (150), temperature sensor (160), and heater (170) provided in the steam device (100) can be controlled for operation by the processor (300).

[0152] The steam device (100) described in FIGS. 4a and 4b is omitted here.

[0153] The garment management device may include a control panel provided on the door (20) or the main body (10).

[0154] The control panel may provide a user interface (200) for interaction between a user and a garment care device (1). The user interface (200) may include at least one input unit (210) and at least one output unit (220, 230).

[0155] At least one input unit (210) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0156] At least one input unit (210) may include a power button, multiple course buttons, an action command button, and a pause command button.

[0157] The multiple course buttons may include a standard course button, a fine dust course button, a rapid course button, a sterilization course button, a dehumidification course button, a drying course button, a wool course button, a knit course button, a bedding course button, and a padding course button.

[0158] At least one input unit (210) may include a course selection button for selecting one of the courses displayed on the display unit.

[0159] At least one input unit (210) may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a track-ball, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0160] At least one output unit (220, 230) can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the clothing care device (1) to the user.

[0161] For example, at least one output unit (220, 230) can convey information related to clothing care to the user. The information related to clothing care can be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc.

[0162] At least one output unit (220, 230) may include a display unit (220) and a speaker (230).

[0163] The display unit (220) can display a plurality of courses selectable by the user, a course selected by the user, total management time information of the selected course, remaining management time information of the selected course, and can display error information and filter replacement information.

[0164] The display unit (220) can output notification information for the start of clothing care, notification information for the end of clothing care, notification information for emptying water, notification information for filling water, etc. in the form of text or video.

[0165] The display unit (220) may be provided as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a digital light processing (DLP) panel, a plasma display panel, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an electroluminescence (EL) panel, an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel, an electrochromic display (ECD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, but is not limited thereto.

[0166] The speaker (230) can output sound information such as notification information for the start of clothing care, notification information for the end of clothing care, notification information for emptying water, notification information for filling water, etc.

[0167] The processor (300) can control the overall operation of the clothing management device.

[0168] The processor (300) can control various components of the clothing management device according to user input.

[0169] When a signal from a power button is received through an input unit (210) while the processor (300) is in sleep mode, the processor can switch from sleep mode to wake-up mode and control the display unit (220) to display multiple courses.

[0170] Each course may contain one or more modes.

[0171] For example, a standard course may include an air mode that supplies air through a clothing support member, a steam mode that sterilizes viruses and bacteria and removes wrinkles, a dry mode that dries clothing at low temperature and with dehumidification, and a clean mode that removes dust, odors, etc.

[0172] Some of the multiple courses may include steam modes, while others may not include steam modes.

[0173] Courses that include a steam mode may include a standard course, a rapid course, a wool course, a knit course, a bedding course, and a padding course.

[0174] Courses that do not include steam mode may include dehumidification courses, drying courses, fine dust courses, etc.

[0175] The processor (300) can obtain a course selected by the user based on the user input received by the input unit (210) and control the obtained course.

[0176] When controlling the performance of an acquired course, the processor (300) checks one or more modes included in the acquired course, and controls the performance of the checked one or more modes, but can control the performance of one or more modes based on a predetermined order.

[0177] If the acquired course is a standard course, the processor (300) controls the performance of the air mode, controls the performance of the steam mode when the air mode is completed, performs the dry mode when the steam mode is completed, performs the clean mode when the dry mode is completed, terminates clothing care when the clean mode is completed, and controls at least one of the display unit (220) and the speaker (230) to output clothing care termination notification information.

[0178] If the acquired course includes a steam mode, the processor (300) can acquire mode execution information of the current steam mode while performing the steam mode and control the storage of the acquired mode execution information of the current steam mode.

[0179] The processor (300) can delete the mode execution information of the previous steam mode stored in the memory (310) and store the mode execution information acquired during the current steam mode as the mode execution information of the previous steam mode. In other words, the processor (300) can update the information stored in the memory (310).

[0180] If the acquired course does not include a steam mode, the processor (300) can control the maintenance of the storage of mode performance information of the previous steam mode stored in the memory (310).

[0181] That is, the processor (300) can store mode execution information of the steam mode only when the steam mode is included among the courses.

[0182] The processor (300) checks whether the steam mode is started during the course, and checks whether a water level detection signal is received from the water level sensor (150) based on the fact that it is the steam mode starting point.

[0183] The processor (300) can recognize a water level detection signal received from a first level sensor (151) as a first water level detection signal, and can recognize a water level detection signal received from a second level sensor (152) as a second water level detection signal.

[0184] The processor (300) can check whether a first water level detection signal and a second water level detection signal are received, and can obtain the water level of the steam chamber (120) based on whether the confirmed first water level detection signal is received and whether the second water level sensor is received.

[0185] The processor (300) can control an error display based on the acquired water level of the steam chamber (120), control the steam mode to a normal mode, or control the steam mode to a safe mode. This is described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0186] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of controlling the steam mode based on the first and second water level detection signals received from the water level sensor (150).

[0187] For the safety of the steam device, the heater (170) must always be submerged in water. The first level sensor (151) of the water level sensor (150) may be a sensor for checking whether the heater (170) is submerged in water. The minimum water level required to submerge the heater (170) in water may be the first reference water level.

[0188] When the first level sensor (151) is in a normal state, the processor (300) can continuously receive a first water level detection signal corresponding to the first reference water level from the first level sensor (151) of the water level sensor (150).

[0189] The steam device requires water to be used for steam generation in addition to water to immerse the heater (170). The second level sensor (152) of the water level sensor (150) may be a sensor for determining whether water to be used for steam generation exists in the steam chamber (120). The water level when the water to be used for steam generation exists in the steam chamber (120) may be a second reference water level. The second reference water level may be a higher level than the first reference water level.

[0190] In other words, the second reference level may be higher than the first reference level.

[0191] The processor (300) may receive a second water level detection signal from the second level sensor (152) in response to the water level of the steam chamber (120) being the second reference water level, may not receive a second water level detection signal from the second level sensor (152) in response to the water level of the steam chamber (120) being lower than the second reference water level, and may receive a second water level detection signal regardless of the water level of the steam chamber (120) due to a scale generated in the second level sensor (152).

[0192] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the processor (300) can control the water supply device (110) to supply water in a preset amount when neither the first water level detection signal nor the second water level detection signal is received from the first and second level sensors (151, 152) at the start point of the currently running steam mode. The preset amount of water can be the amount of water when the water is filled from the bottom surface of the steam chamber (120) to the first reference water level.

[0193] The processor (300) can control the display unit (220) to display an error indicating a failure of the water level sensor (150) when both the first water level detection signal and the second water level detection signal are not received from the first and second level sensors (151, 152) after supplying a preset amount of water.

[0194] The processor (300) can control the display unit (220) to display an error when, at the start of the steam mode, the first water level detection signal is not received from the first level sensor (151) and both the second water level detection signals are received from the second level sensor (152). This is because the second reference water level is higher than the first reference water level based on the bottom surface of the steam chamber (120).

[0195] The processor (300) controls the water supply device (110) to determine whether the water level sensor (150) is faulty or normal when a first water level detection signal is received from the first level sensor (151) at the start of the steam mode and a second water level detection signal is not received from the second level sensor (152), and controls the display unit (220) to display an error when the second water level detection signal is not received during water supply, and controls the steam mode to a normal mode when the second water level detection signal is received during water supply.

[0196] When supplying water, the processor (300) can obtain the amount of water used in the previous steam mode and control the amount of water supplied based on the obtained amount of water.

[0197] The processor (300) can terminate the steam mode if it is determined that the water level sensor (150) is faulty.

[0198] The processor (300) can control the steam mode to a safe mode when a first water level detection signal is received from a first level sensor (151) and a second water level detection signal is received from a second level sensor (152) at the start of the steam mode.

[0199] Hereinafter, a configuration for controlling the steam mode in a normal mode or a safe mode based on a second water level detection signal of a second level sensor of a water level sensor is specifically described.

[0200] The processor (300) can check whether a second water level detection signal corresponding to a second reference water level is received from the water level sensor (150) at the start point of the currently running steam mode, and can control the steam mode to a normal mode based on whether it is determined that the second water level detection signal has not been received, and can control the steam mode to a safe mode based on whether it is determined that the second water level detection signal has been received.

[0201] The normal mode is a mode in which a water level detection signal is received in response to normal water contact from the second level sensor (152) in which no scale has occurred or a small amount of scale has occurred, and the water supply device (110) is controlled and the heater (170) is controlled to generate steam based on the water level detection signal of the second level sensor (152).

[0202] The safe mode is a mode in which an abnormal water level detection signal is received from the second level sensor (152) where excessive scale has occurred, and the water supply device (110) is controlled and the heater (170) is controlled to generate steam based on the mode performance information of the previous steam mode.

[0203] The processor (300) can control the memory (310) to obtain hourly water temperature information, obtain off information of the heater (170), and store the obtained hourly water temperature information and off information of the heater (170) while performing the steam mode in the safe mode or the normal mode.

[0204] Below, the currently running Steam mode is described as the current Steam mode.

[0205] The acquired hourly water temperature information and heater (170) off information may be mode execution information of the current steam mode.

[0206] The hourly water temperature information and the off information of the heater (170) stored in the memory (310) can be used as information for controlling the water supply in response to a failure of the water level sensor during the execution of the next steam mode.

[0207] The mod execution information of the current Steam mode can become the mod execution information of the previous Steam mode when executing the next Steam mode.

[0208] When performing the steam mode in the safe mode or the normal mode, the processor (300) can determine the execution time of the steam mode based on the course selected by the user and control the heater (170) based on the determined execution time of the steam mode.

[0209] Here, the execution time of the steam mode may include the time between the start time of generating steam and supplying the generated steam to the clothing management room (11) and the end time.

[0210] That is, the processor (300) can control the point in time at which the steam mode is terminated based on the course. Here, the point in time at which steam generation is terminated may be the point in time at which the heater is turned off.

[0211] The processor (300) can obtain the steam generation time based on the course and control the off time when the heater (170) is turned off based on the obtained steam generation time and the water temperature information detected by the temperature sensor (160).

[0212] The processor (300) controls the water supply device (110) to supply water when the current steam mode is determined to be the normal mode, determines whether a second water level detection signal corresponding to a second reference water level is received from the second level sensor (152) of the water level sensor (150) during water supply, and controls the water supply device (110) to stop water supply based on determining that the second water level detection signal has been received.

[0213] The processor (300) controls the heater (170) to turn on so that the water is heated when the water supply is completed during the normal mode, and monitors the water temperature received from the temperature sensor (160) during the water heating.

[0214] The processor (300) can determine whether it is time to stop the heater (170) based on the water temperature monitored during the normal mode and the course selected by the user.

[0215] More specifically, the processor (300) determines whether the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) during the execution of the normal mode has reached a preset water temperature, and, based on determining that the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached the preset water temperature, acquires a point in time when the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached the preset water temperature, and counts time from the acquired point in time.

[0216] The processor (300) obtains the execution time of the steam mode based on the course during execution of the general mode, controls the heater (170) to be turned off based on the counted time reaching the acquired execution time of the steam mode, and obtains the off point when the heater (170) is turned off.

[0217] The preset water temperature here can be approximately 90°C.

[0218] The time between the time when the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) reaches the preset water temperature and the time when the heater (170) is turned off may be a time corresponding to the steam generation time.

[0219] When the current steam mode is determined to be a safe mode, the processor (300) obtains mode execution information of the previous steam mode stored in the memory (310).

[0220] The mode performance information of the previous steam mode may include hourly water temperature information and heater off information of the previous steam mode. The heater off information may include information on the off point when the heater (170) was turned off.

[0221] The processor (300) obtains a first arrival point when the water temperature reaches a first reference water temperature and a second arrival point when the water temperature reaches a second reference water temperature based on the hourly water temperature information of the previous steam mode, and obtains a change time for the first arrival point and the second arrival point.

[0222] Here, the first reference water temperature may be lower than the second reference water temperature. The second reference water temperature may be equal to a preset water temperature.

[0223] That is, the processor (300) obtains the change time from the first reference water temperature to the second reference water temperature when performing the previous steam mode.

[0224] Obtaining the change time for which the water temperature changes is to obtain the amount of water stored in the steam chamber (120).

[0225] The time for the water temperature to change may vary depending on the water level in the steam chamber (120).

[0226] FIG. 7a is a graph of water temperature change when water in a steam chamber (120) storing x amount of water is heated, and referring to FIG. 7b, it is a graph of water temperature change when water in a steam chamber (120) storing more than X amount of water is heated.

[0227] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, it can be seen that when the amount of water in the steam chamber (120) is relatively large, the change time (t1-t2) for the water temperature in the steam chamber (120) to change from the first reference water temperature to the second reference water temperature becomes longer.

[0228] Based on this, the processor (300) obtains the water level of the steam chamber (120) from the change time of the water temperature of the steam chamber (120).

[0229] The processor (300) can determine whether water supply is necessary based on the acquired change time and reference time.

[0230] Here, the reference time may be the time corresponding to the change time from the first reference water temperature to the second reference water temperature when water of an appropriate level is stored in the steam chamber (120).

[0231] The appropriate water level is the water level required to perform the steam mode, and may be higher than the first reference water level and lower than the second reference water level.

[0232] The processor (300) can compare the acquired change time with the reference time, and can control the water supply based on whether the acquired change time is determined to be greater than or equal to the reference time, and can control the water supply based on whether the acquired change time is determined to be less than or equal to the reference time.

[0233] The water level of the steam chamber (120) corresponding to the change time may be acquired and stored through testing. In this case, the processor (300) may acquire the water level of the steam chamber (120) corresponding to the acquired change time, compare the acquired water level with the appropriate water level, and control the water supply based on whether the acquired water level is determined to be lower than the appropriate water level, and may also control the water supply hold based on whether the acquired water level is determined to be higher than the appropriate water level.

[0234] When the processor (300) controls the water supply, it can control the water supply device to remain in a stopped state, and when the water supply is controlled, it can control the water supply device to be switched to an operating state.

[0235] When the processor (300) controls the water supply, it can control the stopping of the pump (112) and the closing of the valve (113).

[0236] The processor (300) can control the pumping operation of the pump (112) and the opening of the valve (113) when controlling the water supply device (110).

[0237] The processor (300) acquires hourly water temperature information and heater off information from mode execution information of a previous steam mode based on determining that water supply is necessary during execution of a safe mode, acquires hourly water temperature information based on the acquired mode execution information of the previous steam mode, acquires a second arrival time point when the water temperature reaches a second reference water temperature during mode execution of the previous steam mode based on the hourly water temperature information, acquires an off time point when the heater is turned off based on heater off information, and acquires the time between the second arrival time point when the water temperature reaches the second reference water temperature and the off time point when the heater is turned off as a steam generation time.

[0238] The steam device can supply a certain amount of steam per unit time.

[0239] A constant amount of steam per unit time can be determined by at least one of the capacity of the steam chamber (120), the capacity of the heater (170), and the voltage applied to the heater (170). The constant amount of steam per unit time can be information obtained through a test.

[0240] That is, the processor can obtain the amount of steam from the steam generation time.

[0241] The amount of steam supplied to the clothing care room when performing the previous steam mode may be an amount corresponding to the amount of water used in the steam chamber (120) when performing the previous steam mode.

[0242] The processor (300) can obtain a water supply amount corresponding to the obtained steam generation time and control the water supply device (110) based on the obtained water supply amount.

[0243] When controlling the water supply device (110) based on the water supply amount, the processor (300) can obtain a target water supply time corresponding to the water supply amount, and when the water supply time performed during the water supply operation reaches the target water supply time, determine that it is the water supply stop time and control the water supply device (110) to stop the water supply so that the water supply is stopped.

[0244] The clothing management device (1) may further include a flow meter provided in the water supply pipe (111). In this case, the processor (300) may determine whether the amount of supplied water is the obtained amount of water based on the flow rate detected by the flow meter, and may also control the water supply device (110) to stop the water supply so that the water supply is stopped based on the amount of supplied water being determined to be the obtained amount of water.

[0245] The processor (300) controls the heater (170) to turn on so that the water is heated when the water supply is completed during the safe mode, and monitors the water temperature received from the temperature sensor (160) during the water heating.

[0246] The processor (300) can determine whether it is time to stop the heater (170) based on the water temperature monitored during the execution of the safe mode and the course selected by the user.

[0247] More specifically, the processor (300) determines whether the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) during the execution of the safe mode has reached a second reference water temperature, and, based on the determination that the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached the second reference water temperature, acquires a second arrival point at which the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached the second reference water temperature, and counts time from the acquired second arrival point.

[0248] The processor (300) obtains the execution time of the steam mode based on the course during execution of the safe mode, and when the counted time reaches the acquired execution time of the steam mode, controls the turning off of the heater (170) and confirms the off point when the heater (170) is turned off.

[0249] When the execution time of the steam mode in the selected course is K minutes, the time point at which K minutes have elapsed from the time point at which the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) reaches the preset water temperature may be the time point at which the heater (170) is turned off.

[0250] The processor (300) can control the memory (310) to store the confirmed heater off point as heater off information.

[0251] The water level of the steam chamber (120) corresponding to the change time from the first reference water temperature to the second reference water temperature may be acquired and stored through testing. In this case, the processor (300) may acquire the water level of the steam chamber (120) based on the acquired change time, acquire the water supply amount based on the acquired water level of the steam chamber (120) and the second reference water level, and control the water supply device (110) based on the acquired water supply amount.

[0252] The processor (300) can also obtain a water supply amount that can reach a water level higher than a second reference water level and control the water supply device (110) based on the obtained water supply amount.

[0253] The processor (300) obtains heater off information from among mode performance information of the previous steam mode, obtains water usage in the previous steam mode based on the obtained heater off information, obtains a first arrival time point when the water temperature of the steam chamber (120) reaches a first reference water temperature based on hourly water temperature information from among mode performance information of the previous steam mode, and obtains a second arrival time point when the water temperature of the steam chamber (120) reaches a second reference water temperature, obtains a change time between the obtained first arrival time point and the second arrival time point, and obtains a current water level of the steam chamber (120) based on the obtained change time.

[0254] The processor (300) can also determine the water supply amount based on the acquired current water level and the acquired water usage amount.

[0255]

[0256] The processor (300) may check the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) before turning on the heater (170) while performing the safe mode, and may turn on the heater (170) based on the determination that the checked water temperature is higher than the first reference water temperature, and may also determine whether water supply is necessary based on the rate of change of the water temperature.

[0257] If the water level of the steam chamber (120) is low, the water temperature change rate may be high, and if the water level of the steam chamber (120) is high, the water temperature change rate may be low. Considering this, the processor (300) may also determine whether water supply is necessary based on the water temperature change rate.

[0258] More specifically, the processor (300) acquires a time point at which the water temperature of the steam chamber (120) reaches a second reference water temperature during temperature control of the heater (170), confirms the water temperature at a time point a certain time before the acquired time point, acquires a water temperature change rate between the identified water temperature and the second reference water temperature, and controls the water supply based on the acquired water temperature change rate being determined to be greater than or equal to the reference water temperature change rate, and also can withhold the water supply based on the acquired water temperature change rate being determined to be less than or equal to the reference water temperature change rate.

[0259] The processor (300) checks the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) before controlling the heater (170) to be turned on during the execution of the safe mode, and based on the determination that the checked water temperature is higher than the first reference water temperature, checks the course including the previous steam mode, and based on the checked course, obtains the amount of water used during the execution of the previous steam mode, and based on the obtained amount of water, it is also possible to obtain the water supply amount.

[0260]

[0261] The processor (300) can perform the above-described operation using data stored in the memory (310).

[0262] The processor (300) may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the processor (300) may include one or more processor chips that perform the aforementioned operations using an algorithm for controlling the operations of components within the clothing management device (1), at least one memory that stores program-type data, and data stored in the at least one memory, or may include one or more processing cores.

[0263] The processor (300) may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of the artificial intelligence model, and may include a graphics-only processor (GPU), etc.

[0264] The memory (310) can store mode execution information of the previous steam mode.

[0265] The memory (310) can delete the mode execution information of the previous steam mode that is stored in advance in response to the control command of the processor (300) and store the mode execution information of the current steam mode as the mode execution information of the previous steam mode.

[0266] The memory (310) stores the mode performance information of the previous steam mode by date, but can also store a preset number of times.

[0267] The mode performance information of the previous steam mode may include hourly water temperature information and heater (170) off information.

[0268] Hourly water temperature information may include information on when the first reference water temperature is reached and when the second reference water temperature is reached.

[0269] The off information of the heater (170) may include the off time for when the heater (170) is turned off.

[0270] Mod performance information of a previous Steam mode may include course information that includes the previous Steam mode.

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

[0272] The memory (310) can store reference information for the first reference water temperature, the second reference water temperature, and the reference time.

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

[0274] The memory (310) can store the steam generation time for each course and the amount of water supplied corresponding to the steam generation time.

[0275] The memory (310) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks.

[0276] The memory (310) can store data for an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the clothing care device (1) or a program reproducing the algorithm.

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

[0278] The memory (310) may be implemented as at least one of a non-volatile memory element such as a cache, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable ROM), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and a flash memory, a volatile memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a CD-ROM, but is not limited thereto.

[0279] The clothing management device (1) may further include a communication module (not shown) for communicating with an external device via wire and / or wirelessly.

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

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

[0282] To this end, the communication module may support establishment of a direct (e.g. wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and performance of communication through the established communication channel.

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

[0284] Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a local area network or a wide area network)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0285] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

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

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

[0288] The clothing management device (1) or user device can be connected to the server via a wide area network (WAN).

[0289] At least one component may be added or deleted in accordance with the performance of the components of the clothing care device (1) illustrated in FIG. 5. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be altered in accordance with the performance or structure of the system.

[0290] Meanwhile, each component illustrated in FIG. 5 refers to software and / or hardware components such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0291] Fig. 8 is a control flowchart of a clothing management device according to an embodiment.

[0292] The clothing management device (1) determines whether it is the start point of the steam mode during the control of the course (401), and determines whether a second water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level is received from the water level sensor (150) based on what is currently determined as the start point of the steam mode (402).

[0293] At the start point of the current steam mode, the steam chamber (120) stores water at a level lower than the second reference water level due to the use of water during the previous steam mode. Accordingly, when the water level sensor is in a normal state, the water level sensor does not output the second water level detection signal, and when the water level sensor is in an abnormal state, the water level sensor can output the second water level detection signal.

[0294] The clothing management device (1) can determine the steam mode as a normal mode (403) based on determining that a second water level detection signal has not been received from the water level sensor (150), and can determine the steam mode as a safe mode (404) based on determining that a second water level detection signal has been received from the water level sensor (150).

[0295] The clothing management device (1) can obtain hourly water temperature information, obtain off information of the heater (170), and store the obtained hourly water temperature information and off information of the heater (170) in the memory (310) while performing the steam mode in the safe mode or the normal mode (405).

[0296] Here, the hourly water temperature information and heater off information stored in the memory (310) can be stored in the memory (310) as mode execution information of the previous steam mode, as information to be used in the event of a failure of the water level sensor during execution of the next steam mode.

[0297] Since the steam generation time is set for each course, the clothing management device (1) can also store the course selected by the user in the memory (310) as mode performance information of the previous steam mode.

[0298] The clothing management device (1) may acquire hourly water temperature information while performing steam mode in safe mode or normal mode, acquire a first arrival time when the water temperature reaches a first reference water temperature and a second arrival time when the water temperature reaches a second reference water temperature based on the acquired hourly water temperature information, acquire a change time for the acquired first arrival time and the second arrival time, acquire an off time when the heater (170) is turned off, acquire the time from the second arrival time to the off time of the heater as steam generation time, and store the acquired steam generation time and change time in memory as mode execution information.

[0299] Fig. 9 is a control flowchart of a clothing management device according to an embodiment, and is a control flowchart for controlling the steam mode in the normal mode.

[0300] The clothing management device (1) controls the water supply device (110) when the current steam mode is determined to be the normal mode so that water from the water supply tank (15b) is supplied to the steam chamber (120) (411).

[0301] Controlling the water supply device (110) includes controlling the operation of the pump (112) to pump water from the water supply tank (15b) and opening the valve (113) to allow the pumped water to flow into the steam chamber (120).

[0302] The clothing management device (1) determines whether a second water level detection signal corresponding to a second reference water level is received from a second level sensor (152) of a water level sensor (150) during water supply (412), and controls the water supply device (110) to stop water supply based on the determination that the second water level detection signal has been received (413).

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

[0304] The clothing management device (1) turns on the heater (170) when the water supply is completed so that the water is heated (414). In this case, the output of the heater (170) may be constant.

[0305] The clothing management device (1) monitors the water temperature received from the temperature sensor (160) during water heating (415).

[0306] The clothing management device (1) can determine whether it is time to stop the heater (170) based on the monitored water temperature and the course selected by the user (416).

[0307] Determining whether the heater (170) is at a stop point may include determining whether the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached a preset water temperature, obtaining a time point at which the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached the preset water temperature based on determining that the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached the preset water temperature, counting time from the obtained time point, and determining a time point at which the heater is at a stop point based on the counted time reaching the obtained execution time of the steam mode.

[0308] The preset water temperature here can be approximately 90°C.

[0309] The clothing management device (1) can obtain the execution time of the steam mode based on the course selected by the user. Information on the execution time of the steam mode for each course may be stored in the memory (310) of the clothing management device (1).

[0310] The clothing management device (1) turns off the heater (170) when it is determined that the heater (170) has stopped (417).

[0311] The clothing management device (1) can obtain hourly water temperature information through water temperature monitoring during the execution of the steam mode, obtain the off point when the heater (170) is turned off as heater off information, and store the obtained hourly water temperature information and the obtained heater off information in the memory (310) as mode execution information of the steam mode.

[0312] Fig. 10 is a control flowchart of a clothing management device (1) according to an embodiment, and is a control flowchart for controlling the steam mode in a safe mode.

[0313] When the current steam mode is determined to be a safe mode, the clothing management device (1) obtains mode performance information of the previous steam mode stored in the memory (310) (421).

[0314] The mode performance information of the previous steam mode may include hourly water temperature information and heater off information of the previous steam mode. The heater off information may include information on the off point when the heater (170) was turned off.

[0315] The clothing management device (1) obtains the change time from the first reference water temperature to the second reference water temperature based on the hourly water temperature information of the previous steam mode (422).

[0316] More specifically, the clothing management device (1) acquires a first arrival time when the water temperature of the steam chamber (120) reaches a first reference water temperature and a second arrival time when the water temperature of the steam chamber (120) reaches a second reference water temperature based on the hourly water temperature information of the previous steam mode, and acquires a change time between the acquired first arrival time and the second arrival time.

[0317] Here, the first reference water temperature may be lower than the second reference water temperature. The second reference water temperature may be equal to a preset water temperature.

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

[0319] Obtaining the change time at which the water temperature changes is to obtain the water level of the steam chamber (120).

[0320] The clothing management device (1) can compare the acquired change time with the reference time to determine whether water supply is necessary.

[0321] More specifically, the clothing management device (1) can determine whether the acquired change time is greater than or equal to a reference time (423), and determine that water supply is unnecessary based on the acquired change time being determined to be greater than or equal to the reference time, and determine that water supply is necessary based on the acquired change time being determined to be less than or equal to the reference time.

[0322] Determining that water supply is unnecessary may include determining that there is an appropriate level of water in the steam chamber (120) to perform the steam mode.

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

[0324] The reference time may be a time corresponding to the change time from the first reference water temperature to the second reference water temperature when water of an appropriate level is stored in the steam chamber (120).

[0325] The clothing management device (1) may withhold water supply based on the determination that water supply is unnecessary. At this time, the pump may be stopped and the valve may be closed.

[0326] The clothing management device (1) can determine the required amount of water based on whether water supply is required.

[0327] More specifically, the clothing management device (1) obtains hourly water temperature information and heater (170) off information from the mode execution information of the previous steam mode, obtains hourly water temperature information based on the acquired mode execution information of the previous steam mode, obtains a second arrival time point when the water temperature of the steam chamber (120) reaches a second reference water temperature when the mode is executed in the previous steam mode based on the hourly water temperature information, obtains an off time point when the heater is turned off based on the off information of the heater (170), and obtains the time between the second arrival time point when the water temperature of the steam chamber (120) reaches the second reference water temperature and the off time point when the heater is turned off as the steam generation time (424).

[0328] The steam generation time may be a time corresponding to the amount of water used in performing the previous steam mode.

[0329] The clothing management device (1) determines the amount of water supplied corresponding to the steam generation time based on the information stored in the memory (310) (425).

[0330] The clothing management device (1) performs water supply by controlling the water supply device (170) based on the determined water supply amount (426).

[0331] Controlling the water supply device (110) may include operating the pump (112) to pump water into the water supply tank (15b) and opening the valve (113) to supply the pumped water to the steam chamber (120).

[0332] The clothing management device (1) determines whether it is time to stop water supply during water supply (427), and if it is determined that it is time to stop water supply, it stops water supply (428).

[0333] Determining whether it is a water supply stop point may include obtaining a target water supply time corresponding to the water supply amount and determining that the water supply stop point is when the water supply time performed during the water supply operation reaches the target water supply time.

[0334] Stopping the water supply may include stopping the pump (112) of the water supply device (110) and closing the valve (113).

[0335] The clothing management device (1) turns on the heater (170) when the water supply is on hold or when the water supply is completed to heat the water (429).

[0336] The clothing management device (1) monitors the water temperature received from the temperature sensor (160) during water heating (403).

[0337] The clothing management device (1) can determine whether it is time to stop the heater (170) based on the monitored water temperature and the course selected by the user (431).

[0338] More specifically, the clothing management device (1) determines whether the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached a second reference water temperature, and, based on the determination that the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached the second reference water temperature, acquires a second arrival time point at which the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached the second reference water temperature, counts time from the acquired second arrival time point, and determines that the heater (170) is turned off when the counted time reaches the acquired steam mode execution time.

[0339] The clothing management device (1) controls the heater (170) to be turned off based on what is determined as the off point of the heater (170) (432).

[0340] The clothing management device (1) can obtain hourly water temperature information through water temperature monitoring during the execution of the steam mode, obtain the off point when the heater (170) is turned off as heater off information, and store the obtained hourly water temperature information and the obtained heater off information in the memory (310) as mode execution information of the steam mode.

[0341]

[0342] Fig. 11 is a control flowchart of a clothing management device according to another embodiment, and is a control flowchart for controlling the steam mode in a safe mode.

[0343] When the current steam mode is determined to be a safe mode, the clothing management device (1) obtains mode performance information of the previous steam mode stored in the memory (310) (441).

[0344] The mode performance information of the previous steam mode may include the hourly water temperature information of the previous steam mode.

[0345] The clothing management device (1) obtains a change time from the first reference water temperature to the second reference water temperature based on the hourly water temperature information of the previous steam mode.

[0346] More specifically, the clothing management device (1) acquires a first arrival time when the water temperature of the steam chamber (120) reaches a first reference water temperature and a second arrival time when the water temperature of the steam chamber (120) reaches a second reference water temperature based on the hourly water temperature information of the previous steam mode, acquires a change time between the acquired first arrival time and the acquired second arrival time, acquires the current water level of the steam chamber based on the acquired change time, and determines the water supply amount based on the acquired current water level (442).

[0347] The change time for which the water temperature changes may vary in response to the water level in the steam chamber (120). That is, information on the water level corresponding to the change time may be acquired through testing and stored in memory.

[0348] For example, the clothing management device (1) can determine the amount of water to be supplied corresponding to the water level (L2-La) obtained by subtracting the water level a from the second reference water level based on the acquired change time, based on the determination that the current water level of the steam chamber (120) is a water level lower than the second reference water level (L2) by a water level (La).

[0349] The clothing management device (1) can determine the amount of water to be supplied corresponding to the water level (L2-Lb) obtained by subtracting the water level b from the second reference water level based on the acquired change time, based on the determination that the current water level of the steam chamber (120) is lower than the second reference water level (L2) by the water level b.

[0350] Here, the b level (Lb) may be lower than the a level (La).

[0351] The clothing management device (1) can supply a larger amount of water when the water level of the steam chamber (120) is level b (Lb) than when the water level of the steam chamber (120) is level a (La).

[0352] The clothing management device (1) performs water supply by controlling the water supply device (170) based on the determined water supply amount (443).

[0353] Controlling the water supply device (110) may include operating the pump (112) to pump water into the water tank and opening the valve (113) to supply the pumped water to the steam chamber (120).

[0354] The clothing management device (1) determines whether it is time to stop water supply during water supply (444), and if it is determined that it is time to stop water supply, it stops water supply (445).

[0355] Determining whether it is a water supply stop point may include obtaining a target water supply time corresponding to the water supply amount and determining that the water supply stop point is when the water supply time performed during the water supply operation reaches the target water supply time.

[0356] Stopping the water supply may include stopping the pump (112) of the water supply device (110) and closing the valve (113).

[0357] The clothing management device (1) turns on the heater (170) when the water supply is on hold or when the water supply is completed to heat the water (446).

[0358] The clothing management device (1) monitors the water temperature received from the temperature sensor (160) during water heating (447).

[0359] The clothing management device (1) can determine whether it is time to stop the heater (170) based on the monitored water temperature and the course selected by the user (448).

[0360] More specifically, the clothing management device (1) determines whether the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached a second reference water temperature, and, based on the determination that the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached the second reference water temperature, acquires a second arrival time point at which the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached the second reference water temperature, counts time from the acquired second arrival time point, and determines that the heater (170) is turned off when the counted time reaches the acquired steam mode execution time.

[0361] The clothing management device (1) controls the heater (170) to be turned off based on what is determined as the off point of the heater (170) (449).

[0362] The clothing management device (1) can obtain hourly water temperature information through water temperature monitoring while performing steam mode, and store the obtained hourly water temperature information as mode performance information of the steam mode in the memory (310).

[0363] Fig. 12 is a control flowchart of a clothing management device according to another embodiment, which is a control flowchart for controlling the steam mode in a safe mode.

[0364] When the current steam mode is determined to be a safe mode, the clothing management device (1) obtains mode performance information of the previous steam mode stored in the memory (310) (451).

[0365] The mode performance information of the previous steam mode may include hourly water temperature information and heater off information of the previous steam mode.

[0366] The clothing management device (1) obtains the water usage in the previous steam mode based on the obtained heater off information. Here, the water usage in the previous steam mode may be the steam generation amount in the previous steam mode.

[0367] The clothing management device (1) obtains a first arrival time when the water temperature of the steam chamber (120) reaches a first reference water temperature and a second arrival time when the water temperature of the steam chamber (120) reaches a second reference water temperature based on the hourly water temperature information of the previous steam mode, obtains a change time between the obtained first arrival time and the second arrival time, and obtains the current water level of the steam chamber (120) based on the obtained change time (452).

[0368] The clothing management device (1) compares the obtained current water level with the set water level.

[0369] Here, the set level can be lower than the second reference level and higher than the first reference level.

[0370] The clothing management device (1) can determine the water supply amount based on the obtained current water level and the obtained water usage amount (453).

[0371] More specifically, the clothing management device (1) can determine a water supply amount that is less than the amount of water used based on the determination that the acquired current water level is greater than or equal to the set water level, and can determine a water supply amount that is greater than the amount of water used based on the determination that the acquired current water level is less than or equal to the set water level.

[0372] For example, the clothing management device (1) can determine the amount of water obtained as the water supply amount by subtracting the first amount of water preset from the obtained water usage amount when the determined current water level is higher than the set water level, and can determine the amount of water obtained as the water supply amount by adding the second amount of water preset from the obtained water usage amount when the determined current water level is lower than the set water level.

[0373] Here, the amount of the first substance and the amount of the second substance may be different or the same.

[0374] The clothing management device (1) performs water supply by controlling the water supply device (110) based on the determined water supply amount (454).

[0375] Controlling the water supply device (110) may include operating the pump (112) to pump water into the water tank and opening the valve (113) to supply the pumped water to the steam chamber (120).

[0376] The clothing management device (1) determines whether it is time to stop water supply during water supply (455), and if it is determined that it is time to stop water supply, it stops water supply (456).

[0377] Determining whether it is a water supply stop point may include obtaining a target water supply time corresponding to the water supply amount and determining that the water supply stop point is when the water supply time performed during the water supply operation reaches the target water supply time.

[0378] Stopping the water supply may include stopping the pump (112) of the water supply device (110) and closing the valve (113).

[0379] The clothing management device (1) turns on the heater (170) when the water supply is on hold or when the water supply is completed to heat the water (457).

[0380] The clothing management device (1) monitors the water temperature received from the temperature sensor (160) during water heating (458).

[0381] The clothing management device (1) can determine whether it is time to stop the heater (170) based on the monitored water temperature and the course selected by the user (459).

[0382] More specifically, the clothing management device (1) determines whether the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached a second reference water temperature, and, based on the determination that the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached the second reference water temperature, acquires a second arrival time point at which the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (160) has reached the second reference water temperature, counts time from the acquired second arrival time point, and determines that the heater (170) is turned off when the counted time reaches the acquired steam mode execution time.

[0383] The clothing management device (1) controls the heater (170) to be turned off based on what is determined as the off point of the heater (170) (460).

[0384] The clothing management device (1) can obtain hourly water temperature information through water temperature monitoring during the execution of the steam mode, obtain heater (170) off information corresponding to the heater (170) off point, and store the obtained hourly water temperature information and heater (170) off information in the memory (310) as mode execution information of the steam mode.

[0385] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0386] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0387] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

[0388] While the present invention has been described above through various embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be suggested. The contents of this disclosure are intended to encompass changes and modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Steam chamber; A water supply device for supplying water to the above steam chamber; A heater for heating the water in the steam chamber; A water level sensor provided in the above steam chamber and detecting a first reference water level and a second reference water level higher than the first reference water level; Memory that stores mod performance information from previous Steam mods; and A clothing care device including a processor that controls the water supply device and the heater based on mode performance information of the previous steam mode, based on receiving a water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level from the water level sensor at the start point of the current steam mode.

2. In paragraph 1, The mode execution information of the above previous steam mode includes hourly water temperature information and heater off information, The above processor is a clothing management device that determines whether to supply water based on the hourly water temperature information.

3. In paragraph 2, The processor obtains a change time for changing from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on the obtained hourly water temperature information, determines that water supply is unnecessary based on the obtained change time being greater than or equal to the reference time, and determines that water supply is necessary based on the obtained change time being less than the reference time. A clothing management device in which the first reference water temperature is lower than the second reference water temperature.

4. In the third paragraph, the processor, The steam generation time is acquired from the hourly water temperature information and the heater off information based on the acquired time being less than the reference time, and the water supply amount is acquired based on the acquired steam generation time, and the operation of the water supply device is controlled based on the water supply amount. A clothing management device that obtains a time point at which the second reference water temperature is reached based on the hourly water temperature information, obtains an off time point at which the heater is turned off based on the off information of the heater, and obtains the time between the obtained time point and the obtained off time point as the steam generation time.

5. In paragraph 1, Input section; and Further comprising a temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature of the steam chamber; The processor controls the memory to obtain hourly water temperature information based on the current steam mode being performed and water temperature information being received from the temperature sensor, and to store the obtained hourly water temperature information as mode execution information of the current steam mode, and changes the mode execution information of the previous steam mode stored in the memory to the execution information of the current steam mode. A clothing management device in which the processor controls the turning off of the heater based on the course received through the input unit and the water temperature information received from the temperature sensor, and controls the memory to store the turning off point when the heater is turned off as mode execution information of the current steam mode.

6. In the first paragraph, the processor, A clothing care device that controls the water supply device so that water supply is performed based on the fact that a water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level is not received from the water level sensor at the start point of the current steam mode, and controls the water supply device to be stopped based on the fact that a water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level is received from the water level sensor during the control of the water supply device.

7. In paragraph 6, Input section; and Further comprising a temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature of the steam chamber; The above processor controls the memory to obtain hourly water temperature information based on the current steam mode being performed and water temperature information being received from the temperature sensor, and to store the obtained hourly water temperature information as mode execution information of the steam mode, and to change and control mode execution information of a previous steam mode stored in the memory to execution information of the current steam mode, and to control the heater to be turned off based on the course received through the input unit and the water temperature information received from the temperature sensor, and to control the memory to store the off point when the heater is turned off as mode execution information of the current steam mode.

8. In paragraph 6, display section; and Further comprising a temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature of the steam chamber; The above processor obtains a change time at which the water temperature changes from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on water temperature information received from the temperature sensor, obtains a steam generation time between a time at which the water temperature reaches the second reference water temperature and a time at which the heater is turned off, and controls the memory to store the obtained change time and the steam generation time as mode execution information of the current steam mode, and controls the display unit to display an error based on the fact that a water level detection signal corresponding to the first reference water level is not received and a water level detection signal corresponding to the second reference water level is received. A clothing care device.

9. In paragraph 1, The mode performance information of the above previous steam mode includes hourly water temperature information, The above processor obtains a change time from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on the obtained hourly water temperature information, and determines a water supply amount based on the obtained change time. A clothing management device in which the first reference water temperature is lower than the second reference water temperature.

10. In paragraph 1, The mode execution information of the above previous steam mode includes hourly water temperature information and heater off information. The above processor obtains the current water level of the steam chamber based on the hourly water temperature information, obtains the water usage amount based on the off information of the heater, and determines the water supply amount based on the obtained current water level and the water usage amount. A clothing care device.

11. At the start of the current steam mode, a water level detection signal corresponding to a preset water level is received from the water level sensor, and mode execution information of the previous steam mode stored in the memory is acquired. A control method of a clothing care device for controlling a water supply device and a heater based on the mode performance information of the previously acquired steam mode.

12. In the 11th paragraph, controlling the water supply device comprises: Based on the mode performance information of the previously acquired steam mode, it is determined whether to supply water or not. A method for controlling a clothing care device, comprising controlling operation of a water supply device or stopping of the water supply device based on whether or not water is supplied.

13. In paragraph 12, Controlling the water supply device includes: obtaining a change time for changing from a first reference water temperature to a second reference water temperature based on the mode performance information of the acquired previous steam mode; stopping the water supply device based on the acquired change time being greater than or equal to the reference time; obtaining a steam generation time from the acquired mode performance information based on the acquired change time being less than the reference time; obtaining a water supply amount based on the acquired steam generation time; and controlling an operation of the water supply device based on the water supply amount. Obtaining the above steam generation time includes obtaining the time between the time when the water temperature reaches the second reference water temperature and the time when the heater is turned off based on the mode performance information of the obtained previous steam mode, and obtaining the obtained time as the steam generation time. A control method for a clothing management device, wherein the first reference water temperature is lower than the second reference water temperature.

14. In paragraph 11, Obtain hourly water temperature information based on the water temperature information received from the temperature sensor during the execution of the current steam mode, Obtain heater off information based on the course received through the input unit and the water temperature information received from the temperature sensor, A control method of a clothing management device further comprising storing the hourly water temperature information and the heater off information as mode execution information of the steam mode in the memory.

15. In paragraph 11, Controls the water supply based on the non-reception of a water level detection signal corresponding to the preset water level from the water level sensor at the start point of the current steam mode, The water supply is controlled to stop the water supply and the heater is controlled to turn on based on the water level detection signal corresponding to the preset water level being received during the water supply. Controls the heater to be turned off based on the course received through the input unit and the water temperature information from the temperature sensor, The heater's off information, including the off point at which the heater is turned off, is stored in the memory as the mode execution information of the current steam mode, A control method of a clothing management device further comprising storing hourly water temperature information as mode execution information of the current steam mode in the memory based on water temperature information received from the temperature sensor.

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