Clothes care apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

Disclosed is a clothes care apparatus comprising: a chamber for receiving clothing; a plasma supply unit for spraying plasma into the chamber; one or more sensors for acquiring information about soiled parts of the clothing in the chamber; and at least one washing device for eliminating the stains, wherein the information about the soiled parts comprises information of the target areas which are the areas that are soiled in the clothing, and the washing device comprises: an ultrasonic-wave emitting unit for irradiating the target area with ultrasonic waves; an ultrasonic-wave receiving unit for receiving echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target area; a fan for blowing air to the target area; and a fan motor for generating rotational power of the fan.

Description

Clothing management device and its control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clothing care device and a control method thereof.

[0002] A clothes 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] In general, a garment management device may include a storage room including a steam generator or a hot air supply device to perform refreshing functions such as removing wrinkles, deodorizing, and removing static electricity from the garments contained therein.

[0004] A garment care device can perform a washing process to remove contamination from clothing contained within it. The washing process may include spraying plasma humidifiers or detergents onto the clothing contained within the garment care device.

[0005] When spraying plasma onto clothing, low-speed plasma is sprayed onto the clothing, so methods to enhance the physical force acting on the clothing are being actively researched.

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a clothing care device and a control method thereof.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a clothing manager comprises: a chamber for accommodating clothing; a plasma supply unit for injecting plasma into the chamber; at least one sensor for obtaining information on contamination of the clothing accommodated in the chamber; and at least one washing device for removing the contamination; wherein the information on contamination includes information on a target area where the contamination is located in the clothing, and the washing device comprises an ultrasonic irradiation unit for irradiating ultrasonic waves to the target area, an ultrasonic reception unit for receiving echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target area, a fan for blowing air to the target area, and a fan motor for generating rotational force of the fan.

[0008] A method for controlling a clothing manager according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: obtaining information about a target area where contamination is located in clothing accommodated in a chamber; focusing at least one washing device for removing the contamination at a position capable of irradiating focused ultrasound to the target area based on the information about the target area; irradiating ultrasound to the target area; receiving echo ultrasound reflected from the target area; and controlling a fan included in the washing device based on a speed of the echo ultrasound received by an ultrasonic receiver.

[0009] A clothing manager according to one aspect of the present disclosure can maintain the temperature of clothing where contamination is located within a certain range by applying indirect physical force to increase the efficiency of removing contamination from clothing.

[0010] A clothing manager according to one aspect of the present disclosure can minimize damage to clothing while indirectly applying physical force to clothing during a washing process using plasma.

[0011] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a clothing manager according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates an open door of a clothing manager according to one embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a clothing manager according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 illustrates a washing machine according to another embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 6 is a control block diagram of a clothing manager according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining how a washing machine according to one embodiment irradiates contamination with ultrasonic waves.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining that a washing machine according to one embodiment detects the temperature of a contaminated area of ​​clothing by receiving echo ultrasonic waves from the contaminated area.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining how a fan included in a washing machine according to one embodiment blows air to a contaminated area of ​​clothing.

[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a garment manager including a plurality of washing devices according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a garment manager according to one embodiment including a plurality of chambers and a washing device inside each chamber.

[0023] Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the entire flow chart for performing a washing process according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart for controlling a fan included in a washing machine in performing the cooling process of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a flow chart for controlling an air injection unit included in a washing machine in performing the cooling process of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment.

[0026] 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.

[0027] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0031] 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).

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Meanwhile, the terms “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “up”, “down”, etc. used in the description below are expressions related to direction, and are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0037] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a garment manager according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 illustrates an open door of a garment manager according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the clothing manager (1) may include a cabinet (10) forming an exterior and a door (20) rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10).

[0039] The cabinet (10) may form a chamber (11) designed to accommodate clothing. The cabinet (10) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape with one open side. An opening may be formed at the front of the cabinet (10). Accordingly, the chamber (11) may be designed with an open front side.

[0040] The door (20) may be provided to open and close the opening of the cabinet (10). The door (20) may be rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10). The door (20) may open and close the chamber (11) by opening and closing the opening (10a) of the cabinet (10).

[0041] A machine room (13) partitioned from a chamber (11) may be formed inside the cabinet (10). The machine room (13) may accommodate a heat exchanger (45) configured to heat or dehumidify air inside the chamber (11). The machine room (13) may accommodate a steam generator (40) configured to supply steam into the chamber (11).

[0042] The chamber (11) may be provided to accommodate clothing. The chamber (11) may form a space in which clothing is accommodated. A clothing support member (50) provided to support clothing may be provided within the chamber (11).

[0043] The clothing support member (50) can be detachably mounted on the upper side of the chamber (11). One or more clothing support members (50) can be provided inside the chamber (11). For example, a plurality of clothing support members (50) can be provided inside the chamber (11).

[0044] The clothing support member (50) may be provided in the shape of a clothes hanger so that clothing can be placed on it. The clothing support member (50) may be provided so that air can flow inside it. By spraying air supplied into the interior of the clothing support member (50) toward the clothing, dust or foreign substances adhering to the clothing can be removed.

[0045] The chamber (11) may include a first airflow inlet (11a) and a second airflow inlet (12a), and a first airflow outlet (11b) and a second airflow outlet (12b).

[0046] The first airflow inlet (11a) and the first airflow outlet (11b) may be formed on the lower surface of the chamber (11). The first airflow inlet (11a) may be arranged at the front of the lower surface of the chamber (11). The first airflow outlet (11b) may be arranged at the rear of the lower surface of the chamber (11).

[0047] The second airflow inlet (12a) may be formed at the rear of the chamber (11). The second airflow outlet (12b) may be formed at the upper surface of the chamber (11). The second airflow inlet (12a) and the second airflow outlet (12b) may be positioned adjacent to each other. The second airflow inlet (12a) may be provided at the upper side of the rear surface of the chamber (11). The second airflow outlet (12b) may be provided adjacent to the center of the upper surface of the chamber (11).

[0048] A grille may be provided at the first airflow inlet (11a) to prevent foreign substances other than water from flowing into the first airflow inlet (11a). A grille may be provided at the first airflow outlet (11b) to prevent foreign substances from flowing in and to ensure that the airflow is well distributed within the chamber (11).

[0049] The second airflow outlet (12b) of the chamber (11) can be connected to the clothing support member (50). The air discharged through the second airflow outlet (12b) is delivered to the clothing placed on the clothing support member (50) through the air holes formed in the clothing support member (50). The clothing support member (50) can spray the air introduced into the inside of the clothing support member (50) through the second airflow outlet (12b) onto the clothing through the air holes. The air flow rate of the air sprayed through the air holes of the clothing support member (50) is very fast, so that dust and foreign substances adhering to the clothing can be removed.

[0050] A cabinet drain tank (15a) and a cabinet water tank (15b) that are detachable from the cabinet (10) can be installed at the bottom of the cabinet (10). The cabinet drain tank (15a) and the cabinet water tank (15b) can be placed at the bottom of the chamber (11).

[0051] The cabinet drain (15a) may be provided to store water formed by condensation or steam generated during the operation of the heat exchanger (45) before discharging it. The cabinet drain (15a) may be installed so as to be detachable from the cabinet (10) to facilitate water discharge.

[0052] The cabinet water tank (15b) may be provided to store water required to generate steam in a steam generator (40) to be described later. The water in the cabinet water tank (15b) may be supplied to the steam generator (40) and used to generate steam. The cabinet water tank (15b) may be installed so as to be detachable from the cabinet (10) to facilitate water replenishment.

[0053] A cabinet drain tank (15a) and a cabinet water tank (15b) may be provided in front of the machine room (13). The machine room (13) may be provided on the lower side of the cabinet (10). The machine room (13) is provided below the chamber (11) and may be partitioned to form a separate space from the chamber (11). A heat exchanger (45) provided to dehumidify and heat the air inside the chamber (11) may be accommodated inside the machine room (13).

[0054] A first circulator (42), a heat exchanger (45), and a steam generator (40) can be placed inside the machine room (13).

[0055] A heat exchanger (45) can supply high-temperature dry air into the chamber (11). The heat exchanger (45) can include an evaporator (46), a compressor (48), and a condenser (47) through which a refrigerant circulates. The heat exchanger (45) can dehumidify and heat air.

[0056] As the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator (46) of the heat exchanger (45), it absorbs latent heat of the surrounding air, and through this, the heat exchanger (45) can condense and remove moisture in the air. When the refrigerant is condensed in the condenser (47) through the compressor (48), the heat exchanger (45) can heat the surrounding air by releasing latent heat toward the surrounding air. The air introduced into the machine room (13) by the first circulator (42) can be dehumidified and heated while sequentially passing through the evaporator (46) and the condenser (47).

[0057] The clothing manager (1) may include a first duct (71) configured to accommodate an evaporator (46), a condenser (47), and a first circulator (42). The first duct (71) may be placed in a machine room (13). One end (71a) of the first duct (71) may be connected to a first airflow inlet (11a). The other end (71b) of the first duct (71) may be connected to a first airflow outlet (11b). The first duct (71) may be connected to a chamber (11) through the first airflow inlet (11a) and the first airflow outlet (11b).

[0058] The air in the chamber (11) can be introduced into the first duct (71) through the first airflow inlet (11a) and discharged into the chamber (11) through the first airflow discharge outlet (11b). The air introduced into the first duct (71) can be dehumidified and heated while passing through the evaporator (46) and the condenser (47). The first duct (71) can form a first circulation path (72) that circulates through the chamber (11), the first circulator (42), the evaporator (46), and the condenser (47). The first circulator (42) can be arranged on the first circulation path (72) to suck the air of the chamber (11) into the first duct (71). The air sucked into the first duct (71) by the first circulator (42) can be discharged into the chamber (11) through the first airflow discharge outlet (11b). The first circulation path (72) may refer to a circulation path in which air that has been introduced into the first duct (71) through the first airflow inlet (11a) from the chamber (11) is discharged back into the chamber (11) through the first airflow outlet (11b) from the first duct (71).

[0059] The clothing manager (1) may include a steam generator (40) placed in the machine room (13). The steam generator (40) may receive water from the cabinet water tank (15b) of the machine room (13) to form steam.

[0060] The steam generator (40) may include a steam generator (41) that is connected to a cabinet water tank (15b) and receives water to generate steam, a steam injection unit (43) that injects steam generated in the steam generator (41), and a steam connection pipe (44) that connects the steam generator (41) and the steam injection unit (43).

[0061] The steam injection unit (43) can be fixed to the steam outlet (43a) formed at the lower rear side of the chamber (11). The steam outlet (43a) can be formed to correspond to the steam injection unit (43). The steam injection unit (43) can inject steam generated inside the machine room (13) into the chamber (11) through the steam outlet (43a). The positions of the steam injection unit (43) and the steam outlet (43a) can be changed.

[0062] The steam generating unit (41) may include a heater (not shown) therein. The heater of the steam generating unit (41) heats water, thereby allowing the steam generating unit (41) to generate steam.

[0063] The door (20) may include a door guide (21) provided to guide water moving downward by gravity to the first airflow inlet (11a). The door guide (21) may be provided on the lower side of the back surface of the door (20). The door guide (21) may be formed to slope downward from the back surface of the door (20) toward the first airflow inlet (11a). Water on the back surface of the door (20) may move to the door guide (21) by gravity and be guided rearward by the door guide (21) to flow into the first airflow inlet (11a). Water flowing in through the first airflow inlet (11a) may be moved to the cabinet drain (15a) by a connecting member (not shown).

[0064] The clothing manager (1) may include a second circulator (75) for circulating the air inside the chamber (11) and a second duct (73) in which the second circulator (75) is installed. The second duct (73) may be connected to the chamber (11). One end of the second duct (73) may be connected to a second airflow inlet (12a). The other end of the second duct (73) may be connected to a second airflow outlet (12b). Air introduced into the second duct (73) through the second airflow inlet (12a) may be discharged into the chamber (11) through the second airflow outlet (12b). The second circulator (75) may be installed inside the second duct (73) and may suck air into the second duct (73) through the second airflow inlet (12a). Air introduced into the second duct (73) by the second circulator (75) can be discharged into the chamber (11) through the second airflow outlet (12b).

[0065] The second duct (73) can form a second circulation path (74) by connecting the chamber (11), the second airflow inlet (12a), and the second airflow outlet (12b). The second circulation path (74) can include a circulation path in which air that has flowed into the second duct (73) from the chamber (11) through the second airflow inlet (12a) is discharged back into the chamber (11) through the second airflow outlet (12b) from the second duct (73).

[0066] The second duct (73) may be arranged at the rear of the chamber (11). The second duct (73) may be arranged at the rear of the second air inlet (12a) formed at the rear of the chamber (11). The second duct (73) may be arranged at the upper rear side of the chamber (11). A filter member (60) may be detachably installed at the second air inlet (12a) to filter foreign substances in the air flowing in through the second air inlet (12a). Foreign substances such as dust and odors may be removed from the air flowing in through the filter member (60). In addition to the filter, a sheet (not shown) may be provided at the filter member (60) to provide fragrance to clothes.

[0067] The clothing manager (1) can perform a clothing management mode while placing clothing on the clothing support member (50) and closing the door (20). In the clothing management mode, the air inside the chamber (11) can circulate inside the cabinet (10) along the first circulation path (72) and the second circulation path (74).

[0068] The clothing management machine (1) may include a plasma supply unit (108) to perform a washing process of removing contamination by spraying plasma on clothing accommodated inside a chamber (11).

[0069] The plasma supply unit (108) may include a plasma generating unit that generates plasma by drawing in external air and a plasma nozzle that is connected to the chamber (11) and supplies plasma to clothing.

[0070] The plasma supply unit (108) may be configured to be connected to the clothing support member (50) so that when air supplied into the clothing support member (50) is sprayed toward the clothing, plasma is also sprayed.

[0071] Additionally, the plasma supply unit (108) may be provided on the upper surface, lower surface, left surface, right surface and / or rear surface inside the chamber (11).

[0072] The position of the plasma supply unit (108) is not limited to the above-described disclosure, and any position that can effectively remove contamination from clothing accommodated inside the chamber (11) may be employed as the position of the plasma supply unit (108). For example, the plasma supply unit (108) may be provided as a component of a washing device (100) that applies indirect mechanical force to clothing during a washing process, as described below.

[0073] The clothing manager (1) may include at least one sensor (107) configured to obtain information about a contaminated area of ​​clothing accommodated in the chamber (11).

[0074] The sensor (107) may be provided on one side (11c) of the interior of the chamber (11). When multiple sensors (107) are provided on the interior of the chamber (11), they may each be provided on a separate side among the upper side, lower side, left side, right side, or rear side. For example, the sensor (107) may include, but is not limited to, an optical vision sensor including a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, an electrical conductivity sensor, and an infrared sensor, and may be provided by various means capable of obtaining information on a contaminated area of ​​clothing.

[0075] The clothing manager (1) may include a washing device (100) provided inside the chamber (11) to partially wash the clothing accommodated in the chamber (11).

[0076] The washing device (100) may be provided inside one side wall of the chamber (11).

[0077] The clothing manager (1) can move the washing device (100) inside the chamber (11) so that the washing device (100) is positioned to focus on the contaminated area of ​​the clothing.

[0078] The clothing manager (1) may include a focusing device (200) that is provided to move the washing device (100) inside the chamber (11).

[0079] For example, the clothing manager (1) may include a focusing device (200) configured to move the washing device (100) along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on one side wall of the chamber (11). In this case, the first direction may refer to a vertical direction, and the second direction may refer to a horizontal direction. The vertical direction may include an up-down direction. The horizontal direction may include a front-back direction.

[0080] As described above, the washing device (100) may be arranged to be movable within the chamber (11), more specifically, the washing device (100) may be arranged to be movable along a first direction or a second direction on one side wall of the chamber (11) by means of a focusing device (200).

[0081] Since the washing device (100) is provided to be movable in a first direction or a second direction on one side wall of the chamber (11), the washing device (100) can be focused on a contaminated area of ​​clothing accommodated in the chamber (11), thereby performing a 'spot cleaning operation'. In this case, the 'spot cleaning' operation may refer to selectively washing a portion of the clothing. The portion of the clothing to be subjected to the 'spot cleaning' operation may be referred to as a 'target area'. The target area may be determined by data acquired by the sensor (107).

[0082] The clothing care machine (1) may further include a detergent spraying unit (109) that sprays detergent onto a target area of ​​clothing to enhance cleaning power when performing a partial washing cycle, although not shown. The detergent may refer to a liquid mixed with water and detergent.

[0083] The detergent spray unit (109) may be provided as a component of the washing machine (100). However, its location is not limited, and it may be employed at any location that can increase washing power.

[0084] The washing machine (100) may be configured to provide micro-vibrations to clothing after spraying a detergent onto a target area through a detergent spraying unit (109), or simultaneously with spraying the detergent. The washing machine (100) may perform a washing process on a target area of ​​clothing by providing micro-vibrations to the target area of ​​clothing onto which the detergent has been sprayed.

[0085] In addition, the washing device (100) of the clothing care device (1) may further include a detergent suction unit (not shown) configured to suction detergent sprayed toward clothing. By suctioning detergent, the washing device (100) can reduce or eliminate detergent residue on clothing. The washing device (100) may also absorb contaminants or foreign substances from clothing while simultaneously suctioning detergent.

[0086] A detergent suction unit may also be provided as a component of the washing machine (100). However, its location is not limited, and it may be employed anywhere that can increase the cleaning power.

[0087] Figure 4 illustrates a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0088] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a washing machine according to another embodiment from a different angle.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a washing machine (100) according to one embodiment may include an ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) that irradiates ultrasonic waves to contamination, an ultrasonic reception unit (102) that receives echo ultrasonic waves reflected from contamination, a fan (103) that blows air to contamination, and / or a moving unit (105) connected to a focusing device (200).

[0090] The ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) can indirectly provide mechanical force without directly contacting the target area of ​​clothing by irradiating ultrasonic waves toward the contamination and applying physical pressure. The ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) can be implemented in the form of an Airborne Ultrasound Phased Array (AUPA).

[0091] The ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) may include a plurality of ultrasonic generators that generate ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic generators may include piezoelectric elements to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy (vibration). The physical properties and structures of the piezoelectric elements may vary widely. By adjusting the physical properties and structure of the piezoelectric elements, the frequency of the generated ultrasonic waves can be adjusted.

[0092] In addition, the ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) may include a beam forming unit that adjusts the direction of ultrasonic waves generated from multiple ultrasonic generators and focuses the generated ultrasonic waves at a desired focal point. Accordingly, the ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) can set a focus to correspond to the contamination detected by the sensor (107) and irradiate focused ultrasonic waves to the contamination. This will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 8.

[0093] The ultrasonic receiver (102) can receive echo ultrasonic waves formed by reflecting at least a portion of the ultrasonic waves directed toward the contamination.

[0094] When the ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) irradiates ultrasonic waves due to contamination, some of the irradiated ultrasonic waves may be transmitted through the target object (e.g., the target area of ​​clothing contained within the main body (11), and some may be reflected from the target object and returned toward the washing machine (100). At this time, the ultrasonic receiving unit (102) may receive the reflected ultrasonic waves, i.e., echo ultrasonic waves.

[0095] The ultrasonic receiver (102) may include a microphone for detecting echo ultrasonic waves, and when exposed to sound waves, the microphone's vibrating plate or diaphragm (diaphragm microphone) or other sensing element may react thereto. That is, the microphone's vibrating plate or diaphragm may detect changes in air pressure caused by sound waves and convert them into electrical signals.

[0096] However, the ultrasonic receiver (102) may further include a configuration suitable for detecting and receiving echo ultrasonic waves in addition to a microphone. For example, it may include a signal amplifier and / or a signal processing device for amplifying the converted electrical signal.

[0097] The washing machine (100) may include at least one ultrasonic receiver (102), and the at least one ultrasonic receiver (102) may be positioned between a plurality of ultrasonic generators implemented in a phased array form.

[0098] At this time, since the speed of the echo ultrasound is determined according to the temperature surrounding the target object, information on the temperature surrounding the contamination (or the target area of ​​clothing contained within the main body (11)) can be obtained based on information on the speed of the echo ultrasound received through the ultrasonic receiver (102). This will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 9.

[0099] The fan (103) can supply wind toward the contamination. That is, the fan (103) can perform a cooling process to cool the heat that may be generated by ultrasonic waves being irradiated to the contamination by supplying wind toward the contamination (or target area).

[0100] Specifically, when ultrasonic waves irradiated from the ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) to perform a washing process reach a contaminated area, the fabric at the target area where the contaminated area is located may absorb the vibration energy of the ultrasonic waves into heat energy. Accordingly, heat-induced damage to the clothing may occur.

[0101] In response to this, the fan (103) can cool the heat of the fabric and maintain a certain temperature range by supplying wind during or after the washing process is completed.

[0102] The washing machine (100) may include at least one fan (103), the position and arrangement of which are not limited, and any position and arrangement suitable for performing a cooling process may be employed as the position and arrangement of at least one fan (103).

[0103] The washing machine (100) may further include a fan motor connected to the fan (103) to generate rotational force of the fan (103).

[0104] The washing machine (100) may include a plurality of moving parts (105) to be connected to the focusing device (200). The plurality of moving parts (105) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a first direction or a second direction. Referring to FIG. 4, two moving parts (105) are implemented to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction on the left and right sides of the washing machine (100), but this is only an example, and the washing machine (100) may be arranged and provided in other numbers as long as it is easy to move to focus on contamination while moving along the focusing device (200).

[0105] Additionally, the washing machine (100) according to another embodiment may further include an air injection unit (104) for supplying outside air into the chamber (11) for a more powerful cooling process.

[0106] The air injection unit (104) can supply relatively cooled air to the contaminated area (or target area) by drawing in outside air during the cooling process.

[0107] The air injection unit (104) may include an air supply source, at least one air injection nozzle, and an air path connected to the air supply source to guide the supplied air to the air injection nozzle. In this case, the air supply source may be composed of an air pump or the like.

[0108] The air injection nozzle of the air injection unit (104) may be positioned adjacent to the fan (103). As a result, the cooled air supplied from the air injection unit (104) may not spread to the surroundings by convection, but may be transferred to the contaminant by riding the wind formed by the fan (103).

[0109] Figure 6 is a control block diagram according to one embodiment.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 6, a clothing manager (1) according to one embodiment may include a communication unit (30), a steam generator (40), a blower (80), a heat exchanger (45), a user interface (70), a washing device (100), a sensor (107), a focusing device (200), a plasma supply unit (108), a detergent spraying unit (109), and / or a control unit (300).

[0111] The communication unit (30) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0112] The communication unit (30) can transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication unit (30) can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or other home appliances, and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0113] To this end, the communication unit (30) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication unit (30) can 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). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with the external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) 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 LAN or WAN)). These different 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).

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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 (30). The mobile communication unit (30) transmits and receives a wireless signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0116] In one embodiment, the communication unit (30) can communicate with external devices such as a server, user devices, and other home appliances via a surrounding access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the clothing manager (1), other home appliances, and / or user devices are connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The clothing manager (1), other home appliances, and / or user devices can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0117] The steam generator (40) can spray steam into the chamber (11). The steam generator (40) can operate based on a control signal from the control unit (300).

[0118] The blower device (80) may include a first circulator (42) and / or a second circulator (75).

[0119] The first circulator (42) can discharge the air inside the chamber (11) back into the chamber (11) through the machine room (13), the evaporator (46), and the condenser (47). The first circulator (42) can operate based on a control signal from the control unit (300).

[0120] The second circulator (75) can circulate the air inside the chamber (11) back into the chamber (11) through the clothing support member (50). The second circulator (75) can operate based on a control signal from the control unit (300).

[0121] The heat exchanger (45) is for heating the air supplied into the chamber (11) and may include a compressor (48) for compressing a refrigerant. The compressor (48) may operate based on a control signal from the control unit (300).

[0122] The user interface (70) may include at least one input interface (70a) and at least one output interface (70b).

[0123] At least one input interface (70a) may include, for example, 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.

[0124] In the present disclosure, 'button' may be replaced with a UI element (User Interface Element), 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.

[0125] At least one output interface (70b) can transmit various information related to the operation of the clothing manager (1) to the user by generating sensory information.

[0126] For example, at least one output interface (70b) can transmit information related to a clothing care course and the operating time of the clothing manager (1), target area setting for partial care, etc. to the user. Information related to the operation of the clothing manager (1) can be output through a display, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface (70b) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an indicator, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0127] A washing device (100) is installed on one side wall (11c) of the chamber (11) and can partially wash clothes accommodated in the chamber (11).

[0128] The washing device (100) may include components of the washing device (100) (e.g., an ultrasonic irradiation unit (101), an ultrasonic reception unit (102), a fan (103), and / or an air injection unit (104)). Each component of the washing device (100) may operate based on a control signal of the control unit (300).

[0129] The sensor (107) can obtain information on contamination of clothing contained in the chamber (11) and transmit the obtained information to the control unit (300).

[0130] Information about contamination may include information about the area of ​​the garment where the contamination is located (i.e., the target area). The control unit (300) may determine the target area based on the received information about contamination.

[0131] For example, the sensor (107) may include a camera, and image data collected from the camera as information about contamination may be transmitted to the control unit (300).

[0132] The focusing device (200) is for moving the washing device (100) to a target area within the chamber (11), and the focusing device (200) can operate based on a control signal from the control unit (300).

[0133] Specifically, the control unit (300) can determine the location of the target area based on information received from the sensor (107) and control the focusing device (200) so that the washing device (100) is focused on the target area.

[0134] The plasma supply unit (108) can supply plasma inside the chamber (11) to remove contamination by allowing activated plasma particles to interact with the contaminants.

[0135] The detergent spraying unit (109) can spray detergent or cleaning liquid toward contamination detected by the sensor (107) to increase cleaning power.

[0136] The plasma supply unit (108) or the detergent spray unit (109) can operate based on a control signal from the control unit (300).

[0137] The control unit (300) can be electrically connected to a communication unit (30), a steam generator (40), a blower (80), a heat exchanger (45), a user interface (70), a washing device (100), a sensor (107), a focusing device (200), a plasma supply unit (108), and / or a detergent spraying unit (109).

[0138] Controlling the communication unit (300), the steam generator (40), the blower (80), the heat exchanger (45), the user interface (70), the washing machine (100), the sensor (107), the focusing device (200), the plasma supply unit (108) and / or the detergent spraying unit (109) may include the control unit (300) transmitting a control command to the communication unit (30), the steam generator (40), the blower (80), the heat exchanger (45), the user interface (70), the washing machine (100), the sensor (107), the focusing device (200), the plasma supply unit (108) and / or the detergent spraying unit (109).

[0139] In the present disclosure, controlling the washing machine (100) may include controlling components of the washing machine (100) (e.g., an ultrasonic irradiation unit (101), an ultrasonic reception unit (102), a fan (103), and / or an air injection unit (104)).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the control unit (300) may control various components of the clothing manager (1) to perform a clothing care course or a partial care course according to a user input. For example, the control unit (300) may control the heat exchanger (45) and the first circulator (42) to supply hot air into the chamber (11), control the steam generator (40) to supply steam into the chamber (11), control the second circulator (75) to purify the air in the chamber (11), or control the washing device (100) to partially wash the clothing accommodated in the chamber (11).

[0141] The control unit (300) can process data collected from various components of the clothing manager (1) (e.g., the user interface (70), the communication unit (30), the washing device (100), and / or the sensor (107)). The control unit (300) can process user input entered through the user interface (70) and perform an operation corresponding to the user input.

[0142] The control unit (300) may include hardware such as a CPU, Micom, or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit (300) may include at least one memory (62) storing data in the form of a program, an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the clothing manager (1), and at least one processor (61) that performs the operations described above and operations to be described below using data stored in the at least one memory (62). The memory (62) and the processor (61) may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor (61) may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory (62) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. In addition, the memory (62) and the processor (61) may be implemented as a single chip.

[0143] At least one memory (62) can store an algorithm for a garment care course, a partial care course, and / or a course for a washing operation.

[0144] The control unit (300) may be mounted on a printed circuit board provided on the rear side of the user interface (70), but the location of the control unit (300) is not limited thereto.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the at least one focusing device (200) to focus the at least one washing device (100) at a position where it can irradiate focused ultrasound to the target area based on information about the target area.

[0146] The control unit (300) can control the fan (103) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102).

[0147] The control unit (300) can turn on the fan (103) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being greater than or equal to the first reference value.

[0148] The control unit (300) determines the distance from each of at least one washing device (100) to contamination based on the time from the time when the ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) irradiates ultrasonic waves to the time when the ultrasonic reception unit (102) receives echo ultrasonic waves, and turns on the fan (103) included in at least one washing device (100) that is within a reference distance range from the contamination among the at least one washing device.

[0149] The control unit (300) can determine the control parameters of the fan (103) according to the speed based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102).

[0150] The control parameters of the fan (103) may include at least one of the RPM of the fan motor, the rotation speed of the wind direction control unit (113, 123), or the blowing time.

[0151] The control unit (300) can turn off the fan (103) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being less than the first reference value.

[0152] The control unit (300) can control the air injection unit (104) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102).

[0153] The control unit (300) can turn off the air injection unit (104) and turn on the fan (103) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being greater than or equal to the first reference value and less than or equal to the second reference value.

[0154] The control unit (300) can turn on both the air injection unit (104) and the fan (103) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being greater than or equal to the second reference value.

[0155] The control unit (300) can determine the control parameters of the air injection unit (104) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being greater than or equal to the second reference value.

[0156] The control parameters of the air injection unit (104) may include at least one of the injection amount or the injection time.

[0157] The control unit (300) can turn off the air injection unit (104) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being less than the second reference value.

[0158] The configurations illustrated in FIG. 6 are an example of the configuration of a clothing manager (1) according to one embodiment. The clothing manager (1) according to one embodiment may include some configurations in addition to the configurations illustrated in FIG. 6, and may not include some configurations among the configurations illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0159] For example, a clothing manager (1) according to one embodiment may include an actuator for automatically opening a door (20), a door opening / closing sensor for detecting the opening / closing of the door (20), a proximity sensor for detecting the approach of an object to a predetermined location around the clothing manager (1), etc.

[0160] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining how a washing machine according to one embodiment irradiates contamination with ultrasonic waves.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the control unit (300) can determine whether contamination (D) exists on the clothes accommodated in the chamber (11) and the location (i.e., target location) of the contamination (D) based on information received from the sensor (107). Based on this, the control unit (300) can control the focusing device (200) to move the washing device (100) so that it is focused at a location where the washing device (100) can irradiate focused ultrasound to the target location.

[0162] When the washing device (100) is positioned toward the target area, the washing device (100) can irradiate focused ultrasound toward the contamination (D) based on a control signal of the control unit (300).

[0163] The washing device (100) may include an ultrasonic generator generating ultrasonic waves and manipulating the ultrasonic beam in a desired direction and shape so that the generated ultrasonic waves are focused on a target area.

[0164] That is, the ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) may further include a beam forming unit that controls the ultrasonic waves in a specific direction or pattern.

[0165] Specifically, referring to FIG. 7, the beam forming unit generates ultrasonic waves (U1, U2,,,U) from the ultrasonic generator. n-1 , U n) can control the irradiation time and phase. Specifically, the beam forming unit can control the irradiation time and / or the phase of ultrasonic waves from each ultrasonic generator based on the control signal of the control unit (300) so that ultrasonic waves interfere with each other or are strengthened and focused on the target area.

[0166] Accordingly, the washing device (100) can improve the cleaning power by applying insufficient mechanical power by concentrating ultrasonic energy on the target area in removing contamination using plasma.

[0167] However, when the ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) irradiates focused ultrasonic waves to the target area to remove contamination (D), the energy of the ultrasonic waves may be converted into heat energy by friction and vibration after reaching the clothing (C), and thus damage to the clothing may occur due to the heat.

[0168] In response to this, the ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) detects the heat generated when irradiating the clothing (C) with ultrasonic waves, and based on this, the fan (103) or the air injection unit (104) is controlled to cool the heat, thereby performing a cooling process, as described below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0169] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining that a washing machine according to one embodiment detects heat of a contaminated area of ​​clothing by receiving echo ultrasonic waves from the contaminated area.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the ultrasonic receiver (102) is irradiated with ultrasonic waves (U1, U2,,,U) toward the contamination (D). n-1 , U n ) can receive ultrasonic waves (R1, R2) reflected from some contamination (D).

[0171] At this time, the ultrasound reflected from the contamination (D) can be referred to as echo ultrasound.

[0172] The control unit (300) can detect the temperature of the air near the contamination based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102). This is due to the characteristic of ultrasonic waves that the propagation speed of ultrasonic waves is determined by the characteristics of the medium. When ultrasonic waves propagate through air or other media, their speed can change depending on the temperature. That is, as the temperature increases, the propagation speed also increases, and as the temperature decreases, the speed can also decrease.

[0173] Specifically, the control unit (300) can determine the distance between the washing device (100) and the contamination (D) based on the time from the time the first ultrasonic wave is irradiated to the time when the echo ultrasonic wave is received. At this time, the ultrasonic wave irradiated in advance by the first ultrasonic wave irradiation unit (101) can have a preset speed.

[0174] The control unit (300) can then repeatedly irradiate ultrasonic waves and measure the time from the time the ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) irradiates ultrasonic waves for each ultrasonic irradiation event to the time the ultrasonic receiving unit (102) receives echo ultrasonic waves.

[0175] Accordingly, the control unit (300) can measure the speed of the echo ultrasound based on the determined distance and the time from the time the ultrasound was irradiated to the time the echo ultrasound was received.

[0176] As described above, since the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves is a value that changes depending on the temperature, the control unit (300) can detect whether heat is generated by measuring the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves.

[0177] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a fan or air injection unit included in a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the fan (103) or the air injection unit (104) to perform a cooling process when the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves measured based on the echo ultrasonic waves received from the ultrasonic receiver (102) is greater than a preset reference value.

[0179] That is, if the speed of the measured echo ultrasound is higher than a preset reference value, the control unit (300) determines that heat that can damage clothing has been generated in the target area, and can control the washing machine (100) to perform a cooling process to cool the heat.

[0180] Accordingly, the washing device (100) can increase the cleaning power by applying indirect mechanical force by irradiating ultrasonic waves, and at the same time, prevent damage to the fabric by preventing the temperature of the target area from rising above a certain temperature.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (100) can control the fan (103) to perform a cooling process.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 9, the fan (103) may include a first wind direction adjustment unit (113), a second wind direction adjustment unit (123) for adjusting the blowing direction of the fan (103), and / or a head (133) connected to one end of the wind direction adjustment units (113, 123) and generating wind for blowing. In the present disclosure, the wind direction adjustment units (113, 123) are illustrated as including a first wind direction adjustment unit (113) that rotates in an up-and-down direction and a second wind direction adjustment unit (123) that rotates in a left-right direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and either the first wind direction adjustment unit (113) or the second wind direction adjustment unit (123) may be included.

[0183] Additionally, although not shown, a fan motor may be provided inside or at the rear of the washing machine (100).

[0184] The wind direction control unit (113, 123) is coupled to a fan motor and can rotate by receiving driving force from the fan motor through a control signal from the control unit (300). Accordingly, the wind direction control unit (113, 123) can increase the efficiency of the cooling process by allowing the direction of the head (133) to more precisely face the contamination.

[0185] In addition, the wind direction control unit (113, 123) can form a wide range of air flow by repeatedly rotating the head (133) by repeating the rotation. At this time, the wind direction control unit (113, 123) can form a stronger air flow as the rotation speed increases.

[0186] That is, the control unit (300) controlling the fan (103) may include controlling the fan motor of the fan (103) or the wind direction control unit (113, 123) of the fan (103) to control the RPM of the fan (103), the blowing time, or the rotation speed of the wind direction control unit (113, 123).

[0187] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (100) may further include an air injection unit (104) that supplies outside air to the contaminated area to increase the efficiency of the cooling process.

[0188] The air injection unit (104) may include at least one air injection nozzle, and the air injection nozzle may be provided at a position close to the fan (103) so that when the fan (103) is turned on and performs a cooling process, cooled air may be supplied to the contaminated area. The material and shape of the air injection nozzle may vary widely.

[0189] The air injection unit (104) may include a spray valve (not shown) for controlling the amount or time of air injection. The spray valve is connected to the air injection nozzle and may be controlled by a control signal from the control unit (300).

[0190] That is, the control unit (300) controlling the air injection unit (104) may include controlling the injection valve to adjust the amount of air injection or the injection time.

[0191] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a garment manager including a plurality of washing devices according to one embodiment.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the clothing manager (1) may include at least one washing device (100).

[0193] When the clothing manager (1) includes a plurality of washing devices (100), each washing device (100) can be implemented in an array form arranged in at least one row and column.

[0194] When a plurality of washing devices (100) are implemented in an array form, the control unit (300) can determine the distance between each washing device (100) and contamination (D) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102).

[0195] The control unit (300) can determine at least one washing device (100) within a reference distance range from contamination (D) among at least one washing device (100), turn on the fan (103) of at least one washing device (100) within the reference distance range, and turn off the fan (103) of the remaining washing device (100) outside the distance range.

[0196] At this time, the reference distance may be a value preset according to the material of the clothing during the manufacturing process of the clothing manager (1), stored in the memory (62), or a value preset by the user through the user interface (70). In addition, it may be changed or updated through communication with a server or other user device through the communication unit (30), or by a machine learning model.

[0197] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, a plurality of washing devices (100) can form three rows and one column to irradiate focused ultrasound to a target area.

[0198] At this time, if the reference distance is d', the distance to the contamination (D) of the washing devices (100a, 100c) in the 1st and 3rd rows is d1, the distance to the contamination (D) of the washing device (100b) in the 2nd row is d2, and d2 <d'<d1이라면, 제어부(300)는 복수의 세탁 장치(100a, 100b, 100c) 중 2열의 세탁 장치(100b)에 포함된 팬(103)만 온 되도록 제어할 수 있다.

[0199] That is, energy efficiency can be increased by turning on only the fan (103) that is located at a close distance from the contamination (D) and can perform an effective cooling operation.

[0200] However, when the clothing manager (1) includes a plurality of washing devices (100), the plurality of washing devices (100) may be arranged in the chamber (11) in various forms other than the form described above. For example, some of the plurality of washing devices (100) may be arranged on one side of the chamber (11), and the remaining washing devices (100) may be arranged on the other side of the chamber (11). In this case, it goes without saying that the three devices (100) arranged on each side may each have their own focusing device (200). In addition, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the plurality of washing devices (100) may be arranged in any form and position suitable for removing contamination (D).

[0201] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a garment manager according to one embodiment including a plurality of chambers and at least one washing device inside each chamber.

[0202] A clothing manager (1) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of chambers (11) partitioned by partition walls. Each chamber (11) may include at least one washing device (100) for removing contamination from clothing accommodated therein. Accordingly, although not illustrated, each chamber (11) may include at least one sensor (107) for obtaining information regarding contamination of clothing accommodated therein and a focusing device (200) for focusing each washing device (100) on a target area so that contamination removal and cooling processes can be performed independently of each other. In addition, each chamber (11) may additionally include components necessary for contamination removal and cooling processes, or may be implemented with some of the aforementioned components omitted. Components included in each of the plurality of chambers (11) are not necessarily the same.

[0203] The control unit (300) can independently control the washing devices (100a', 100b') and other components included in each chamber (11a', 11b'). That is, when the location of contamination (i.e., target area) of the clothes accommodated in each chamber (11a', 11b') is different, the control unit (300) can move each washing device (100a', 100b') to focus on each target area.

[0204] In addition, the on / off of the fan (103a'103b') or the air injection unit (109a'109b') included in each washing device (100a'100b') can be independently controlled based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102a'102b') of each washing device (100a'100b'). In addition, the control unit (300) can also differently determine the control parameters of the fan (103a'103b') or the air injection unit (109a'109b') included in each washing device (100a'100b').

[0205] Accordingly, a clothing management device (1) having multiple chambers (11) can remove contamination from multiple pieces of clothing at once, thereby increasing the efficiency of clothing management.

[0206] Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the entire flow chart for performing a washing process according to one embodiment.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the control unit (300) can receive information about contamination acquired by the sensor (107) and determine whether contamination (D) exists in the clothing (C) accommodated inside the chamber (11) and the location (i.e., target area) where contamination (D) exists (1101).

[0208] To this end, the memory (62) can store an algorithm for recognizing contamination (D) and determining a target area based on information acquired by the sensor (107). For example, the control unit (300) can input information acquired by the sensor (107) into a machine learning model to determine the presence of contamination (D) and identify a target area.

[0209] For example, if the sensor (107) includes a camera, the control unit (300) can determine the presence of contamination (D) and identify the target area based on image data, and if the sensor (107) includes a light sensor, the control unit (300) can determine the presence of contamination (D) and identify the target area based on light quantity data received by the sensor (107).

[0210] The control unit (300) can perform a preparatory process to remove contamination by controlling the washing device (100) and the focusing device (200) when contamination (D) exists and a target area is determined (1102).

[0211] For example, the control unit (300) can control the focusing device (200) to move the washing device (100) so that the washing device (100) is focused at a position where it can irradiate focused ultrasound toward the contamination (D).

[0212] At this time, when the clothing manager (1) includes a plurality of washing devices (100) or focusing devices (200), the control unit (300) can independently control the plurality of focusing devices (200) so that each washing device (100) is focused toward each target area.

[0213] If the control unit (300) determines that the washing device (100) is focused at a position where it can irradiate focused ultrasound toward the contamination (D) or target area (i.e., if it determines that the contamination removal preparation step has been completed), it can perform an operation to remove the contamination (1103).

[0214] The control unit (300) can control the plasma supply unit (108) to supply plasma for removing contamination into the chamber (11).

[0215] In addition, the control unit (300) can control the washing machine (100) to generate ultrasonic waves through the ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) and irradiate the ultrasonic waves toward the contamination (D). At this time, as described above, the control unit (300) can set a focus to correspond to the detected contamination and control the beam forming unit to adjust the time or phase of the ultrasonic waves to irradiate the focused ultrasonic waves to the contamination.

[0216] The control unit (300) can control the detergent spraying unit (109) to spray the cleaning solution toward the contamination (D) before or while the ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) irradiates the ultrasonic waves. The control unit (300) can improve the cleaning power by spraying the cleaning solution toward the contamination (D).

[0217] The control unit (300) can perform a cooling process to cool the heat generated in the target area as the energy transmitted in the form of ultrasonic waves is converted into heat energy (1104).

[0218] At this time, the cooling process may be performed not only after the decontamination process is completed, but also simultaneously with the decontamination process.

[0219] The control unit (300) can control the fan (103) or air injection unit (104) of the washing machine (100) to perform a cooling process.

[0220] Specifically, the control unit (300) can control the on / off of the fan (103) or the air injection unit (104) based on the speed of the echo ultrasound received from the ultrasonic receiver (102) to maintain the temperature of the target area from rising above a predetermined upper limit temperature. In addition, the control unit (300) can control the fan motor or the wind direction control unit (113, 123) of the fan (103) to adjust the RPM of the fan (103), the blowing time, or the rotation speed of the wind direction control unit (113, 123). In addition, the control unit (300) can control the air injection unit (104) to adjust the air injection amount or injection time.

[0221] Accordingly, when the clothing management device (1) removes contamination using plasma, it is possible to prevent damage to clothing while increasing the contamination removal efficiency by irradiating ultrasonic waves.

[0222] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the control unit (300) controlling the fan (103) or the air injection unit (104) in the cooling process will be specifically described.

[0223] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart for controlling a fan included in a washing machine in performing the cooling process of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment.

[0224] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (100) can irradiate focused ultrasound toward the contamination (D) based on a control signal of the control unit (300). That is, the control unit (300) can control the ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) to transmit ultrasound toward the contamination (D) (1301).

[0225] The control unit (300) can control the ultrasonic receiver (102) to receive some of the ultrasonic waves (i.e., echo ultrasonic waves) that are reflected back from the contamination (D) among the ultrasonic waves transmitted toward the contamination (D) (1302).

[0226] As described above with reference to FIG. 8, the control unit (300) can measure the time from the time when the ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) irradiates ultrasonic waves to the time when the ultrasonic reception unit (102) receives echo ultrasonic waves. Thereafter, the control unit (300) can measure the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves based on the measured time and the distance between the washing device (100) and the contamination (D) determined at the time of the initial ultrasonic irradiation.

[0227] The control unit (300) can determine whether the measured echo ultrasonic speed is greater than or equal to a first reference value (1303). The first reference value may be a value preset during the manufacturing process of the clothing care device (1) and stored in the memory (62), or a value preset by the user via the user interface (70). Furthermore, the first reference value may be changed or updated through communication with a server or other user devices via the communication unit (30), or by a machine learning model.

[0228] If the speed of the echo ultrasound is less than the first reference value (No, 1303), the control unit (300) may turn off the fan (103) (1304). That is, if the speed of the echo ultrasound is less than the first reference value, the control unit (300) may determine that heat sufficient to damage the target area of ​​the clothing has not yet been generated and may not operate the fan (103).

[0229] On the other hand, if the speed of the echo ultrasound is greater than or equal to the first reference value (e.g., 1303), the control unit (300) can turn on the fan (103) (1305). The control unit (300) turning on the fan (103) may include controlling the operation of the fan motor so that rotational force is generated in the fan (103).

[0230] When the fan (103) is turned on, the control unit (300) can determine the control parameters of the fan (103) based on the calculated speed of the echo ultrasonic waves. At this time, the control parameters of the fan (103) can include at least one of the RPM of the fan motor, the driving time, or the rotation speed of the wind direction control unit (113, 123).

[0231] For example, the control unit (300) can control the RPM (i.e., rotation speed) of the fan motor according to the difference between the measured echo ultrasonic speed and the first reference value.

[0232] That is, the control unit (300) can control the RPM of the fan motor to increase as the difference between the measured echo ultrasound and the first reference value increases. In addition, when the fan (103) is turned on and wind is supplied to the target area by the fan (103), the speed of the measured echo ultrasound may decrease as the air around the contamination becomes cold. Accordingly, the control unit (300) can decrease the RPM of the fan motor as the difference between the measured echo ultrasound and the first reference value decreases.

[0233] In addition, the control unit (300) can control the operating time of the fan motor based on the difference between the measured echo ultrasonic speed and the first reference value. That is, the control unit (300) can determine that the greater the difference between the measured echo ultrasonic speed and the first reference value, the more the cooling process for dissipating heat should be performed for a relatively longer period of time. Accordingly, the control unit (300) can set the operating time of the fan motor based on the measured echo ultrasonic speed.

[0234] In addition, the control unit (300) can control the rotation speed of the wind direction control unit (113, 123) among the control parameters of the fan (103) based on the speed of the measured echo ultrasonic waves.

[0235] A fan (103) according to one embodiment may include a first wind direction adjustment unit (113), a second wind direction adjustment unit (123) for adjusting the blowing direction of the fan (103), and / or a head (133) connected to one end of the wind direction adjustment units (113, 123) and generating wind for blowing. In the present disclosure, the wind direction adjustment units (113, 123) are illustrated as including a first wind direction adjustment unit (113) that rotates in an up-and-down direction and a second wind direction adjustment unit (123) that rotates in a left-right direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and either the first wind direction adjustment unit (113) or the second wind direction adjustment unit (123) may be included.

[0236] The wind direction control unit (113, 123) is coupled to a fan motor and can rotate by receiving driving force from the fan motor by a control signal from the control unit (300). As the head (133) rotates according to the rotation of the wind direction control unit (113, 123), a wide range of air flow can be formed.

[0237] The control unit (300) can control the rotation speed of the wind direction control unit (113, 123) according to the difference between the measured speed of the echo ultrasonic wave and the first reference value. For example, the greater the difference between the measured speed of the echo ultrasonic wave and the first reference value, the greater the rotation speed of the wind direction control unit (113, 123). Accordingly, the fan (103) forms a stronger air flow.

[0238] Here, a powerful cooling process can be performed. In addition, when it is measured that the speed of the measured echo ultrasonic waves decreases as the air around the contamination cools, the control unit (300) can reduce the rotation speed of the wind direction control unit (113, 123) as the difference between the measured echo ultrasonic waves and the first reference value decreases.

[0239] The control parameters of the fan (103) that can be determined by the control unit (300) after the fan (103) is turned on are not limited to the examples described above, and if they are parameters that can affect the operation of the fan (103) in performing the cooling process, they can be controlled by the control unit (300) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102).

[0240] The control unit (300) can control the fan (103) according to the determined control parameters based on the control parameters of the fan (103) determined (1306).

[0241] The control unit (300) can continuously monitor the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) while controlling the fan (103) to perform the cooling process.

[0242] At this time, the control unit (300) can turn off the fan (103) to end the cooling process when the speed of the measured echo ultrasonic wave decreases below the first reference value.

[0243] That is, the control unit (300) controls the fan (103) so that the speed of the echo ultrasound reflected from the contamination (D) becomes less than the first reference value, thereby maintaining the temperature around the contamination (D) or the temperature of the target area where the contamination (D) is located to be less than a predetermined temperature.

[0244] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a flow chart for controlling an air injection unit included in a washing machine in performing the cooling process of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment.

[0245] The washing machine (100) according to one embodiment may further include an air injection unit (104) that supplies outside air into the chamber (11).

[0246] The air injection unit (104) can increase the efficiency of the cooling process by supplying outside air into the chamber (11) by a control signal from the control unit (300). At this time, the outside air can include air that is cooled compared to the air inside the chamber (11).

[0247] Controlling the air injection unit (104) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the control unit (300) through the ultrasonic receiver (102) may include controlling the injection valve to adjust the amount of air injection or the injection time.

[0248] 1301 and 1302 described above in FIG. 13 may correspond to 1401 and 1402 of FIG. 14.

[0249] That is, the control unit (300) transmits ultrasonic waves toward the contamination (D) (1401) and receives echo ultrasonic waves reflected back (1402) to measure the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves, as described with reference to FIG. 13.

[0250] The control unit (300) can determine whether the measured echo ultrasonic speed is greater than or equal to a second reference value (1403). The second reference value may be a value preset during the manufacturing process of the clothing care device (1) and stored in the memory (62), or a value preset by the user via the user interface (70). Furthermore, the second reference value may be changed or updated via communication with a server or other user devices via the communication unit (30), or via a machine learning model.

[0251] If the speed of the echo ultrasound received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) is greater than or equal to the first reference value and less than the second reference value (No of 1404), the control unit (300) can turn off the air injection unit (104) (1404).

[0252] At this time, the second reference value may be a value greater than the first reference value.

[0253] Accordingly, when the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) is greater than or equal to the first reference value and less than the second reference value (No of 1404), the control unit (300) can turn on only the fan (103) and turn off the air injection unit (104).

[0254] If the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) is less than the first reference value (No of 1404), the control unit (300) can turn off both the fan (103) and the air injection unit (104).

[0255] On the other hand, if the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) is greater than or equal to the second reference value (example of 1403), the air injection unit (104) can be turned on (1405). That is, the control unit (300) can turn on both the fan (103) and the air injection unit (104). If the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) is greater than or equal to the second reference value, the air around the contamination (D) may be heated more than if the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) is greater than or equal to the first reference value and less than the second reference value. That is, since the target area of ​​the clothing (C) may be at greater risk of being damaged by heat, the air injection unit (104) can be turned on together with the fan (103) in order to perform a more powerful cooling process.

[0256] When the air injection unit (104) is turned on, the control unit (300) can determine the control parameters of the air injection unit (104) based on the calculated speed of the echo ultrasonic waves. At this time, the control parameters of the air injection unit (104) can include at least one of the injection amount or the injection time.

[0257] For example, the control unit (300) can control the amount of air injected through the air injection unit (104) based on the difference between the measured speed of the echo ultrasound and the second reference value. At this time, the control unit (300) controlling the amount of air injected through the air injection unit (104) may include the control unit (300) controlling the injection valve of the air injection unit (104) to adjust the amount of air injected per unit time.

[0258] As the injection amount increases, more cooled air can be introduced into the chamber (11), so the control unit (300) can control the injection amount to increase as the difference between the measured echo ultrasound and the second reference value increases. In addition, when the air injection unit (104) is turned on and wind is supplied to the target area by the air injection unit (104), the speed of the measured echo ultrasound can decrease as the air around the contamination becomes cool. Accordingly, the control unit (300) can decrease the injection amount as the difference between the measured echo ultrasound and the second reference value decreases.

[0259] In addition, the control unit (300) can control the injection time of the air injection unit (104) based on the difference between the measured echo ultrasonic speed and the second reference value. That is, the control unit (300) can determine that the greater the difference between the measured echo ultrasonic speed and the second reference value, the more the cooling process for cooling the heat should be performed for a relatively long time. Accordingly, the control unit (300) can set the injection time of the air injection unit (104) based on the measured echo ultrasonic speed.

[0260] After the air injection unit (104) is turned on, the control parameters of the air injection unit (104) that can be determined by the control unit (300) are not limited to the examples described above, and if they are parameters that can affect the operation of the air injection unit (104) in performing the cooling process, they can be controlled by the control unit (300) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102).

[0261] The control unit (300) can control the air injection unit (104) according to the determined control parameters based on the determined control parameters of the air injection unit (104) (1406).

[0262] The control unit (300) can continuously monitor the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) while controlling the air injection unit (104) to perform the cooling process.

[0263] At this time, the control unit (300) can turn off the fan (103) if the speed of the measured echo ultrasonic wave decreases below the second reference value. However, as described above, even if the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave is below the second reference value, if it is above the first reference value, the cooling process can be performed with the fan (103) turned on.

[0264] That is, when the speed of the echo ultrasound reflected from the contamination (D) is greater than or equal to the second reference value, the control unit (300) controls the air injection unit (104) together with the fan (103) to quickly reduce the temperature of the target area through a strong cooling stroke, thereby maintaining the temperature around the contamination (D) or the temperature of the target area where the contamination (D) is located to be below a predetermined temperature.

[0265] 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.

[0266] 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.

[0267] Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0268] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0269] According to one embodiment, a clothing manager (1) includes a chamber (11) for accommodating clothing; a plasma supply unit (108) for injecting plasma into the chamber (11); at least one sensor (107) for obtaining information on contamination of the clothing accommodated in the chamber (11); and at least one washing device (100) for removing the contamination; wherein the information on contamination includes information on a target area where the contamination is located in the clothing, and the washing device may include an ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) for irradiating ultrasonic waves to the target area, an ultrasonic reception unit (102) for receiving echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target area, a fan (103) for blowing air to the target area, and a fan motor for generating rotational force of the fan.

[0270] The clothing manager (1) further includes at least one focusing device (200) that moves each of the at least one washing device within the chamber; and a control unit (300) that is electrically connected to the plasma supply unit (108), the at least one sensor (107), the at least one washing device (100), and the at least one focusing device (200); wherein the control unit (300) can control the at least one focusing device (200) so that the at least one washing device is focused at a position where focused ultrasound can be irradiated to the target region based on information about the target region.

[0271] The control unit (300) can turn on the fan (103) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being greater than or equal to the first reference value.

[0272] The control unit (300) determines the distance from each of at least one washing device (100) to contamination based on the time from the time when the ultrasonic irradiation unit (101) irradiates ultrasonic waves to the time when the ultrasonic reception unit (102) receives echo ultrasonic waves, and turns on the fan (103) included in at least one washing device (100) that is within a reference distance range from the contamination among the at least one washing device.

[0273] The control unit (300) can determine the control parameters of the fan (103) according to the speed based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102).

[0274] The control parameters of the fan (103) may include at least one of the RPM of the fan motor, the rotation speed of the wind direction control unit (113, 123), or the blowing time.

[0275] The control unit (300) can turn off the fan (103) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being less than the first reference value.

[0276] The control unit (300) can control the air injection unit (104) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102).

[0277] The control unit (300) can turn off the air injection unit (104) and turn on the fan (103) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being greater than or equal to the first reference value and less than or equal to the second reference value.

[0278] The control unit (300) can turn on both the air injection unit (104) and the fan (103) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being greater than or equal to the second reference value.

[0279] The control unit (300) can determine the control parameters of the air injection unit (104) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being greater than or equal to the second reference value.

[0280] The control parameters of the air injection unit (104) may include at least one of the injection amount or the injection time.

[0281] The control unit (300) can turn off the air injection unit (104) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being less than the second reference value.

[0282] A method for controlling a clothing manager (1) according to one embodiment may include: a step of obtaining information on contamination of the clothing accommodated in a chamber (11); a step of irradiating ultrasonic waves to the contamination from an ultrasonic irradiation unit (101); a step of receiving echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the contamination from an ultrasonic reception unit (102); and a step of controlling a fan (103) included in the washing device (100) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic reception unit (102).

[0283] The step of controlling the fan (103) included in the washing device (100) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves may include the step of turning on the fan (103) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being equal to or greater than a first reference value.

[0284] The step of controlling the fan (103) included in the washing device (100) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves includes the step of determining a control parameter of the fan (103) according to the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102), and the control parameter of the fan (103) may include at least one of the RPM of the fan motor, the driving time, or the rotation speed of the wind direction control unit (113, 123).

[0285] The step of controlling the fan (103) included in the washing device (100) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves may include a step of turning off the fan based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being less than a first reference value.

[0286] The control method of the above clothing manager (1) may further include a step of controlling the air injection unit (104) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102).

[0287] The step of controlling the fan (103) or the air injection unit (104) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves may include the step of turning off the air injection unit (104) and turning on the fan (103) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being equal to or less than a second reference value and equal to or greater than a first reference value.

[0288] The step of controlling the fan (103) or the air injection unit (104) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves may include a step of turning on both the air injection unit (104) and the fan (103) based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver (102) being equal to or greater than a second reference value.

[0289] A clothing manager (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure can maintain the temperature of a target area of ​​clothing where contamination is located within a certain range in order to increase the efficiency of removing contamination from clothing by applying indirect physical force.

[0290] A clothing care device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure can minimize damage to clothing while indirectly applying physical force to clothing during a washing process using plasma.

[0291] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0292] 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.

Claims

1. A chamber for holding clothing; A plasma supply unit that sprays plasma into the chamber; At least one sensor for obtaining information about contamination of the clothing accommodated in the chamber; and In a garment care device comprising at least one washing device for removing said contamination; Information about the above contamination, Including information about the target area, which is the area where the contamination is located in the clothing; The above washing machine, A clothing care device comprising an ultrasonic irradiation unit that irradiates ultrasonic waves to the target area, an ultrasonic receiving unit that receives echo ultrasonic waves reflected from the target area, a fan that blows air to the target area, and a fan motor that generates rotational power of the fan.

2. In paragraph 1, The above clothing manager, At least one focusing device for moving each of said at least one washing device within said chamber; and further comprising a control unit electrically connected to the plasma supply unit, the at least one sensor, the at least one washing device and the at least one focusing device; The above control unit, A clothing care device that controls at least one focusing device so that the at least one washing device is focused at a position where it can irradiate focused ultrasound to the target area based on information about the target area.

3. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, A clothing manager that turns on the fan based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver being greater than or equal to a first reference value.

4. In paragraph 3, The above control unit, The distance from each of the at least one washing device to the contamination is determined based on the time from the time when the ultrasonic irradiation unit irradiates the ultrasonic wave to the time when the ultrasonic receiving unit receives the echo ultrasonic wave, A clothes care device that turns on the fan included in at least one washing device within a standard distance range from the contamination among the at least one washing device.

5. In paragraph 3, The above washing machine, It further includes a wind direction control unit coupled with the above fan motor and controlling the blowing direction of the fan, The above control unit, A clothing manager that determines the control parameters of the fan according to the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver.

6. In paragraph 5, The above control parameters of the above fan are A clothing manager comprising at least one of the RPM of the fan motor, the driving time, or the rotation speed of the wind direction control unit.

7. In paragraph 6, The above control unit, A clothing manager that turns off the fan based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver being less than the first reference value.

8. In paragraph 2, The above clothing manager, further comprising an air injection unit for supplying outside air into the chamber; The above control unit, A clothing manager that controls the air injection unit based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver.

9. In paragraph 8, The above control unit, A clothing manager that turns off the air injection unit and turns on the fan based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver being greater than or equal to a first reference value and less than or equal to a second reference value.

10. In paragraph 8, The above control unit, A clothing manager that turns on both the air injection unit and the fan based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver being greater than or equal to the second reference value.

11. In paragraph 10, The above control unit, A clothing manager that determines the control parameters of the air injection unit based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver being greater than or equal to a second reference value.

12. In paragraph 11, The above control parameters of the above air injection unit are, A garment care device comprising at least one of a spray amount and a spray time.

13. In paragraph 12, The above control unit, A clothing manager that turns off the air injection unit based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver being less than the second reference value.

14. A step of obtaining information about a target area, which is a site where contamination is located in clothing accommodated in a chamber; A step of focusing at least one washing device for removing the contamination at a position capable of irradiating focused ultrasound to the target area based on information about the target area; A step of irradiating ultrasound to the target area; A step of receiving echo ultrasound reflected from the target area; and A method for controlling a clothing manager, comprising: a step of controlling a fan included in the washing machine based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiver; 15. In paragraph 14, A step of controlling a fan included in the washing device based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic waves; A method for controlling a clothing manager, comprising: a step of turning on the fan based on the speed of the echo ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver being greater than or equal to a first reference value.

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