Clothes care apparatus

Abstract

This clothes care apparatus comprises: a care room for accommodating clothes; and a steam spray device for spraying steam to the clothes accommodated in the care room. The steam spray device comprises: a spray plate including spray holes through which steam is sprayed; a driver for moving the spray plate such that the spray plate is moved in a first direction toward the clothes accommodated in the care room and in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a distance sensor disposed on the spray plate for sensing the distance between the clothes accommodated in the care room and the spray holes.

Description

Garment manager

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a garment manager with an improved heating structure.

[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] The clothing manager may be equipped with a condenser that heats a room where clothing is stored or supplies hot air to the room to dry the clothing, and may be equipped with a steam generator configured to perform refreshing functions such as removing wrinkles from clothing, deodorizing, and removing static electricity.

[0004] The wrinkle removal function of a garment manager is designed to remove wrinkles from clothes by spraying steam onto the clothes and drying any remaining moisture in the clothes. This wrinkle removal function can remove some wrinkles from clothes, but it cannot remove wrinkles at the level of ironing.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a garment manager having improved efficiency in removing wrinkles from garments through a steam injection device.

[0006] The technical problems to be achieved in this document 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 invention belongs from the description below.

[0007] A garment manager according to an example of the present disclosure includes a management room for accommodating garments, and a steam injection device for spraying steam on garments accommodated in the management room, wherein the steam injection device includes a spray plate including a spray port through which steam is sprayed, a driver for moving the spray plate so that the spray plate moves in a first direction toward the garments accommodated in the management room and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a distance sensor disposed on the spray plate for sensing a distance between the garments accommodated in the management room and the spray port.

[0008] The steam spraying device of the garment manager can effectively remove wrinkles from the garments by spraying steam on the garments while moving in a position adjacent to the garments stored in the management room.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a garment manager according to one embodiment with the door open.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a steam injection device of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a state in which a first driver of a steam injection device of a garment manager according to one embodiment is driven.

[0014] Fig. 6 is a control block diagram of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a process of storing clothes in a clothing manager according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a process of driving a steam injection device of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a process of driving a steam injection device of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a process of driving a steam injection device of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a process of driving a steam injection device of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 12 is a drawing illustrating a process of driving a steam injection device of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a process of driving a steam injection device of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 14 is a drawing illustrating a process of driving a steam injection device of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

[0023] 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.

[0024] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0028] 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).

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 another component exists between the two components.

[0033] Meanwhile, the terms “front / rear direction,” “left / right direction,” “vertical direction,” “front,” “rear,” “upper side,” “lower side,” etc. used in the description below are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment manager according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a garment manager according to one embodiment with the door open. FIG. 3 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the clothing manager (1) may include a main body (10) forming an exterior and a door (20) rotatably coupled to the main body (10).

[0036] The main body (10) may be provided in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with an open front. The door (20) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (10) to open and close the open front of the main body (10).

[0037] The main body (10) may include a management room (30) provided inside the main body (10) and configured to accommodate and manage clothing. The door (20) can open and close the management room (30) by opening and closing the open front of the main body (10).

[0038] The front surface (22) of the door (20) may include a display unit (25) that displays the status of the garment manager (1) to the user and allows the user to input information into the garment manager (1). The display unit (25) may be provided as a touch panel capable of displaying. The display unit (25) may be provided to display information such as the current status of the garment manager (1) and the status of the garment to the user and provide an interface that allows the user to input information.

[0039] A camera (200) for acquiring an image of clothing (A) stored in the management office (30) may be included on the inner surface (21) of the door (20) forming the front of the management office (30).

[0040] For example, the camera (200) may be positioned to face the outside of the management office (30) when the door (20) is opened and to face the management office (30) when the door (20) is closed.

[0041] The camera (200) can capture an image of clothing (A) stored in the management room (30) from outside the management room (30). The camera (200) can capture an image of clothing (A) stored in the management room (30).

[0042] The main body (10) may be partitioned from the management room (30) and may include a machine room (40) located below the management room (30).

[0043] The machine room (40) can be formed below the lower surface (30a) of the management room (30).

[0044] For example, a garment manager (1) may include a steam generator (50) that generates steam. The steam generator (50) may be placed inside the machine room (40).

[0045] For example, a clothing manager (1) may include a machine room duct (60) arranged to blow air into a management room (30) and placed inside a machine room (40).

[0046] For example, the clothing manager (1) may include a machine room fan (61) connected to a machine room duct (60) and arranged to blow air into the management room (30) through the machine room duct (60).

[0047] For example, the management office (30) may include a machine room inlet (31) and a machine room outlet (32) connected to a machine room duct (60).

[0048] For example, air inside the management room (30) can flow into the machine room duct (60) through the machine room inlet (31) and then flow back into the management room (30) through the machine room outlet (32).

[0049] For example, the inlet (31) and outlet (32) may be arranged on the lower surface (30a) of the management room (30). For example, the inlet (31) may be arranged on the rear surface (30b) or the side surface (30c) of the management room (30). For example, the outlet (32) may be arranged on the rear surface (30b) or the side surface (30c) of the management room (30).

[0050] For example, a compressor or condenser may be placed inside the machine room duct (60) to dehumidify or heat the air flowing into the management room (30).

[0051] For example, a clothing manager (1) may include a drain tank (11) and a water tank (12) that are provided to be detachable from the main body (10).

[0052] For example, the drain tank (11) and the water supply tank (12) may be placed at the bottom of the main body (10). For example, the drain tank (11) and the water supply tank (12) may be placed in the machine room.

[0053] For example, a drain (11) can be provided to facilitate the treatment of condensate generated during the operation of the clothing management machine (1).

[0054] For example, the water tank (12) can store water required to generate steam in the steam generator (50).

[0055] Water in the water tank (12) can be supplied to the steam generator (60) and used to form steam. The water tank (12) can be installed so as to be detachable from the main body (10) to facilitate water replenishment.

[0056] For example, a drainage tank (11) and a water supply tank (12) may be provided in front of the machine room (40). The machine room (40) may be provided on the lower side of the main body (10). The machine room (40) may be provided on the lower side of the management room (30).

[0057] For example, a steam generator (60) that receives water from a water tank (12) and forms steam can be placed in the machine room (40).

[0058] The steam generator (60) is connected to a water tank (12) and can receive water to generate steam.

[0059] Steam generated in the steam generator (60) can be transferred to the steam injection device (100) through the connecting member (61) and injected into the management room (30).

[0060] The clothing manager (1) may include a clothing support member (70) provided inside the management room (30) to support clothing (A). The clothing support member (70) may be installed on the upper surface (30d) of the management room (30). The clothing support member (70) may be detachably installed on the management room (30). A user may support clothing (A) on the clothing support member (70) detached from the management room (30) and then reattach the clothing support member (70) on which the clothing (A) is supported to the upper surface (30d) of the management room (30).

[0061] The clothing support member (70) can be formed in a hanger shape so that clothing (A) can be hung on it.

[0062] The clothing support member (70) may be designed to allow air to flow into its interior. Dust or foreign substances on the clothing may be removed by the air supplied into the interior of the clothing support member (70).

[0063] An air hole (71) may be formed in the clothing support member (70) to allow air to flow into the interior of the clothing support member (70). The air hole (71) may be formed at the top of the clothing support member (70), and air may be supplied to the clothing through the air hole (71).

[0064] For example, the clothing manager (1) may include a blower (80) for circulating air inside the management room (30). According to one embodiment, the blower (80) may be placed at the top of the management room (30).

[0065] For example, the blower (80) may be arranged to suck in air inside the management room (30) and supply air to the clothing support member (70) through the air hole (71).

[0066] For example, the blower (80) may be arranged to suck in air inside the management room (30) through the suction unit (81).

[0067] The clothing manager (1) may include a steam injection device (100) that sprays steam generated from a steam generator (50).

[0068] The clothing manager (1) may include a supply member (51) that connects a steam generating device (50) and a steam injection device (100) and supplies steam generated from the steam generating device (50) to the steam injection device (100).

[0069] The supply member (51) may be provided in a hose shape. The supply member (51) may be provided with a flexible material so that its shape can be easily changed.

[0070] A steam injection device (100) may be provided to spray steam toward clothing (A) to remove wrinkles from the clothing.

[0071] The steam injection device (100) may include a spray plate (110) including a spray hole (111) through which steam is injected.

[0072] The injection plate (100) may be arranged to extend in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the clothing support member (70).

[0073] For example, the clothing support member (70) may be coupled to the management room (30) so that the longitudinal direction of the clothing support member (70) is arranged in the front-back direction (X), which is the width direction of the side surface (30c) of the management room (30). For example, the spray plate (100) may be arranged to extend in the front-back direction (X).

[0074] For example, the clothing support member (70) may be coupled to the management room (30) so that the longitudinal direction of the clothing support member (70) is arranged in the left-right direction (Y), which is the width direction of the rear surface (30b) of the management room (30). For example, the spray plate (100) may be arranged to extend in the left-right direction (Y).

[0075] The nozzles (111) may be provided in multiple numbers. The plurality of nozzles (111) may be spaced apart from each other in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the clothing support member (70) on the nozzle plate (100). For example, the plurality of nozzles (111) may be spaced apart from each other in the front-back direction (X).

[0076] The plurality of nozzles (111) may be arranged to open in a direction toward the clothing (A) supported on the clothing support member (70). For example, the plurality of nozzles (111) may be arranged to open toward the clothing (A) in the left-right direction (Y).

[0077] A plurality of nozzles (111) may be arranged so that steam is sprayed over the entire area of ​​the clothing (A) in the longitudinal direction of the clothing support member (70). For example, a plurality of nozzles (111) may be arranged so that steam is sprayed over the entire area of ​​the clothing (A) in the front-back direction (X).

[0078] The plurality of nozzles (111) are all provided with the same shape, and the following description will be based on one of the plurality of nozzles (111).

[0079] For example, the width of the side (30c) of the management room (30) may be provided to be longer than the width of the back (30b) of the management room (30). Accordingly, the clothing support member (70) may be provided so that the longitudinal direction of the clothing support member (70) corresponds to the width direction of the side (30c) and is coupled to the management room (30). The spray plate (110) may be arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the clothing plate (110) extends in the direction corresponding to the width direction of the side (30c). For example, the spray plate (110) may be arranged so as to extend in the front-back direction (X).

[0080] The steam injection device (100) may include a blade (120) to which an injection plate (110) is coupled.

[0081] The blade (120) may be arranged to be coupled with the supply member (51). One end (52) of the supply member (51) may be connected to the steam generator (50), and the other end (53) of the supply member (51) may be connected to the blade (120).

[0082] Steam supplied through the supply member (51) can be arranged to move to the injection port (111) through the other end (53) of the supply member (51) and the blade (120) and be sprayed to the outside.

[0083] The spray plate (110) may be placed on the side of the blade (120) facing the clothing (A) accommodated inside the management room (30). For example, the spray plate (110) may be placed on the end of the blade (120) facing the clothing (A) in the left-right direction (Y).

[0084] The spray plates (110) and blades (120) may each be provided as a pair. The pair of plates (110) and the pair of blades (120) may be arranged to face each other with respect to the garment (A). For example, the pair of plates (110) may be arranged symmetrically in the left-right direction (Y) with respect to the garment (A).

[0085] A pair of spray plates (110) may be arranged adjacent to each of a pair of side surfaces (30c) and steam may be sprayed through spray holes (111) formed on the pair of spray plates (110).

[0086] A pair of spray plates (110) and a pair of blades (120) are each symmetrically arranged around the clothing (A) accommodated in the management room (30) and are arranged in the same shape. Hereinafter, one of the spray plates (110) and one blade (120) among the pair of spray plates (110) and the pair of blades (120) will be described as a reference.

[0087] The steam injection device (100) may include a first driver (130) that moves the injection plate (110) in the direction of the clothing (A) accommodated inside the management room (30) and in the opposite direction. The first driver (130) may be placed on the blade (120).

[0088] The steam injection device (100) may include a second driver (140) that moves the injection plate (110) up and down. The second driver (140) may be configured to move the blade (120) up and down so that the injection plate (110) moves upward and downward.

[0089] Below, the steam injection device (100) is described in detail.

[0090] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a steam injection device of a garment manager according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a state in which a first driver of the steam injection device of a garment manager according to one embodiment is driven.

[0091] In the case of a clothing manager, steam is sprayed inside the management room to transfer moisture to the clothes stored inside the management room, and as the moisture remaining in the clothes evaporates, wrinkles in the clothes are removed.

[0092] At this time, steam was sprayed throughout the entire room, transferring moisture to the clothing, making it difficult to effectively remove wrinkles from the clothing. Specifically, because no physical pressure was applied to the clothing, wrinkles could not be physically removed. Furthermore, temperatures above a certain temperature were not directly transferred to the clothing, limiting the effectiveness of wrinkle removal.

[0093] For example, a clothing manager (1) may be configured to directly spray high-temperature steam onto clothing (A) stored inside a management room (30) so that the steam physically hits the clothing (A), thereby allowing wrinkles in the clothing (A) to be easily removed.

[0094] The clothing manager (1) can move the steam spray nozzle (111) in the up-and-down direction (Z) so that the steam is sprayed to the overall area of ​​the clothing (A).

[0095] In addition, the clothing manager (1) may be configured to adjust the distance between the nozzle (111) and the clothing (A) so that steam is sprayed onto the clothing (A) at a pressure higher than a predetermined pressure to pressurize the clothing, and the nozzle (111) may be configured to spray steam at a predetermined distance from the clothing (A).

[0096] The second driver (140) may be provided to move the spray plate (110) on which the spray port (111) is provided in the up-and-down direction (Z). The second driver (140) may be provided to move the blade (120) on which the spray plate (110) is positioned in the up-and-down direction (Z).

[0097] The second driver (140) may include a holder (141) that supports the blade (120) and an elevating member (142) that is provided to move the holder (141) in the up-and-down direction (Z).

[0098] A rail (143) may be provided on the rear side of the rear surface (30b) of the management room (30). The rail (143) is arranged on the outside of the management room (30) and can guide the holder (141) in the up-and-down direction (Z). When the holder (141) is moved by the lifting unit (142), it can move in the up-and-down direction (Z) along the rail (143).

[0099] The holder (141) can be combined with the blade (120). When the holder (141) is moved in the up-down direction (Z) by the lifting member (142), the blade (120) moves in the up-down direction (Z) in conjunction with the holder (141), and accordingly, the spray plate (110) combined with the blade (120) and the spray port (111) provided on the spray plate (110) can move in the up-down direction (Z).

[0100] The lifting member (142) may include a driving motor (142a), a gear member (142b) that converts the rotational force generated from the driving motor (142a), and an lifting member (142c) that moves the holder (141) in the up-and-down direction (Z) using the rotational force transmitted through the gear member (142b).

[0101] The lifting member (142c) can be combined with the holder (141) and arranged to move the holder (141) in the up-and-down direction (Z) through the rotational force generated from the driving motor (142a).

[0102] For example, the lifting member (142c) may be provided as a shaft in a screw shape. The lifting member (142c) may be provided to penetrate the holder (141), and the lifting member (142c) and the holder (141) may be provided to be screw-connected.

[0103] As the lifting member (142c) is rotated in one direction or the opposite direction by the rotation of the gear part (142b), the holder (141) screw-connected to the lifting member (142c) can be arranged to move upward or downward along the screw line of the lifting member (142c).

[0104] For example, the lifting member (142c) may be provided in the form of a belt connected to a pulley of a gear unit (142b) or a driving motor (142a). As the gear unit (142b) rotates, the pulley rotates, and as the belt moves accordingly, the holder (141) connected to the lifting member (142c) may move upward or downward.

[0105] The rail (143) may be arranged to extend in the vertical direction (Z). The holder (141) includes a guide portion arranged to be in contact with at least a portion of the rail (143), and the holder (141) may be moved along the extension direction of the rail (143).

[0106] The nozzle (111) can be moved in the up-down direction (Z) by the second driver (140), and accordingly, steam can be sprayed over the entire area of ​​the clothing (A) in the up-down direction (Z).

[0107] The first driver (130) can move the spray plate (110) in the first direction (F), which is the direction in which the clothing (A) is located, and in the second direction (B), which is the opposite direction to the first direction (F), based on the blade (120).

[0108] The steam injection device (100) may be placed on the injection plate (111) and may include a distance sensor (112) that senses the distance between the clothing (A) accommodated in the management room (30) and the injection port (111).

[0109] When it is required that the nozzle (111) be positioned closer to the clothing (A) and steam is sprayed based on the distance value sensed by the distance sensor (112) between the clothing (A) and the nozzle (111), the first driver (130) can move the spray plate (110) in the first direction (F).

[0110] Conversely, when it is required that the nozzle (111) be positioned further away from the clothing (A) and spray steam based on the distance value sensed by the distance sensor (112) between the clothing (A) and the nozzle (111), the first driver (130) can move the spray plate (110) in the second direction (B).

[0111] The distance sensor (112) can be placed at the same height as the nozzle (111) in the vertical direction (Z). This is to accurately measure the distance between the nozzle (111) and the clothing (A).

[0112] The steam injection device (100) is placed on the injection plate (111) and may include a temperature sensor (113) that senses the surface temperature of clothing (A) accommodated in the management room (30).

[0113] When the surface temperature value of the clothing (A) sensed by the temperature sensor (113) is greater than the set temperature value, the first driver (130) can move the spray plate (110) in the second direction (B) to prevent the clothing (A) from being damaged.

[0114] The temperature sensor (113) can be placed at the same height as the spray nozzle (111) in the vertical direction (Z). Since the highest temperature steam is sprayed onto the surface of the clothing (A) at a position facing the spray nozzle (111), the surface temperature of the clothing (A) can be formed to be the highest, and accordingly, the surface temperature of the clothing (A) at a position facing the spray nozzle (111) can be accurately measured.

[0115] For example, the first driver (130) may include a telescoping member (131) that is arranged to expand and contract in the first direction (F) and the second direction (B).

[0116] For example, the first driver (130) may include a cam member or an elastic member configured to pressurize the spray plate (110) in the first direction (F) and the second direction (B). In addition, the first driver (130) may include a support member that additionally supports the spray plate (110) so that the spray plate (110) is maintained in a state of being moved in the first direction (F) and the second direction (B).

[0117] One end of the telescoping member (131) may be connected to the blade (120) and the other end of the telescoping member (131) may be connected to the spray plate (110). The spray plate (110) may be arranged on the side of the blade (120) in the first direction (F) toward the clothing (A).

[0118] When the telescoping member (131) is extended, one end of the telescoping member (131) is connected to the blade (120), so that the other end of the telescoping member (131) moves, and accordingly, the spray plate (110) arranged at the other end of the telescoping member (131) can move in the first direction (F).

[0119] When the telescoping member (131) is maintained in an extended state, the spray plate (110) can be arranged to spray steam while maintaining a position adjacent to the clothing (A) in the first direction (F).

[0120] Conversely, when the telescoping member (131) contracts, the other end of the telescoping member (131) moves back toward the blade (120), so that the spray plate (110) can move in the second direction (B). Accordingly, when the telescoping member (131) contracts, the spray plate (110) can move in a direction away from the clothing (A).

[0121] When the telescoping member (131) is maintained in a contracted state, the spray plate (110) can be arranged to move in the second direction (B) so that steam is sprayed while maintaining a predetermined distance from the clothing (A).

[0122] Below, the operation of the clothing management machine (1) when clothing (A) is transported inside the management room (30) and after being stored is described in detail.

[0123] FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of a garment manager according to one embodiment, FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a process of storing garments in a garment manager according to one embodiment, and FIGS. 8 to 14 are drawings illustrating a process of operating a steam injection device of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

[0124] The clothing manager (1) may include a control unit (300) that controls the operation of the clothing manager (1).

[0125] 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 (320) that stores data in the form of an algorithm and a program for controlling the operation of components within the clothing manager (1), and at least one processor (310) that performs an operation using data stored in the at least one memory (320).

[0126] The memory (320) and the processor (310) may be implemented as separate chips. The processor (310) may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory (320) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory (320) and the processor (310) may be implemented as a single chip.

[0127] At least one memory (320) can store an algorithm for setting a clothing care course in which a blower (80) is driven, a wrinkle removal course in which a steam generator (50) and a steam injection device (100) are driven, etc.

[0128] The control unit (300) can be electrically connected to the display unit (25), blower (80), steam generator (50), steam injection unit (100), camera (200), and communication unit (330).

[0129] 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 of the configurations illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0130] For example, the control unit (300) according to one embodiment may be electrically connected to an actuator for automatically opening the door (20) of the clothing manager (1), a door opening / closing sensor for detecting the opening / closing of the door (20), a lighting device, etc.

[0131] The clothing manager (1) may include a communication unit (330) for communicating with an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance) via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0132] The communication unit (330) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0133] The communication unit (330) can transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication unit (330) can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or other home appliances, and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0134] To this end, the communication unit (330) may 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 (330) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module may 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).

[0135] 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.

[0136] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication, and transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0137] In one embodiment, the communication unit (330) 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 garment manager (1), other home appliances, and / or user devices are connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The garment manager (1), other home appliances, and / or user devices can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0138] The communication unit (330) is electrically connected to the control unit (300) and operates the clothing manager (1) based on data received from the communication unit (330), and can transmit data such as the status of the clothing manager (1) transmitted from the control unit (300) to other home appliances and / or user devices.

[0139] For example, the clothing manager (1) may include at least one sensor, and sensor data collected from at least one sensor may be transmitted to the control unit (300). For example, image data collected from a camera (200) may be transmitted to the control unit (300). For example, distance data between the clothing (A) and the nozzle (111) collected from the filter sensor (112) may be transmitted to the control unit (300). For example, surface temperature data of the clothing (A) collected from the temperature sensor (113) may be transmitted to the control unit (300).

[0140] The control unit (300) can control various components of the clothing manager (1) (e.g., display unit (25), steam generator (50), blower (80), steam injection device (100), camera (200), communication unit (330)). The control unit (300) can control various components of the clothing manager (1) to perform various courses according to user input through the display unit (25) or communication unit (330).

[0141] The control unit (300) can process user input input through the display unit (25) and communication unit (330) of the clothing manager (1) and perform an action corresponding to the user input.

[0142] For example, the control unit (300) can change the operation mode of the blower (90), the steam generator (50), and / or the steam injection unit (100) based on which course of the clothing manager (1) is selected through the display unit (25).

[0143] The control unit (300) can control the blower (80), the steam generator (50), and the steam injection device (100) so that only the blower (80) is driven, or only the blower (80) and the steam generator (50) are driven, or only the steam generator (50) and the steam injection device (100) are driven, or all of the blower (80), the steam generator (50), and the steam injection device (100) are driven based on the course information entered by the user.

[0144] For example, when a user inputs a clothing care course, the control unit (300) can control the blower (80) and the steam generator (50) so that the blower (80) and the steam generator (50) are operated. For example, when a user inputs a wrinkle removal course, the control unit (300) can control the steam generator (50) and the steam injection device (100) so that the steam generator (50) and the steam injection device (100) are operated.

[0145] The control unit (300) can process the image of the clothing (A) acquired by the camera (200). The control unit (300) can determine the material of the clothing (A) based on the image of the clothing (A) acquired by the camera (200).

[0146] Once the material of the clothing (A) is determined, the steam injection device (100) can be controlled according to various stored algorithms depending on the type of material of the clothing.

[0147] At least one memory (320) may store data in the form of an algorithm or program for moving the nozzle (111) to an appropriate distance between the clothing and the nozzle (111) according to the material of the clothing.

[0148] At least one memory (320) may store data in the form of an algorithm or program for moving the nozzle (111) so that the surface temperature of the clothing does not rise above the thermal deformation limit temperature of the clothing surface according to the material of the clothing.

[0149] The control unit (300) can control the first driver (130) to move the spray plate (110) in the first direction (F) or the second direction (B) based on the distance value between the clothes (A) and the spray port (111) sensed by the distance sensor (112) in the wrinkle removal course of the clothes manager (1) in which steam is sprayed.

[0150] The control unit (300) can control the first driver (130) so that the spray plate (110) moves in the first direction (F) by the first driver (130) when the distance value between the clothing (A) and the spray port (111) sensed by the distance sensor (112) is greater than the appropriate distance value between the clothing (A) and the spray port (111) for the material of the clothing (A).

[0151] The control unit (300) can control the first driver (130) so that the spray plate (110) moves in the first direction (F) by the first driver (130) until the distance value between the clothing (A) and the spray port (111) sensed by the distance sensor (112) corresponds to the appropriate distance value between the clothing (A) and the spray port (111) for the material of the clothing (A).

[0152] The control unit (300) can control the first driver (130) to increase the distance between the clothing (A) and the spray nozzle (111) so that the surface temperature of the clothing (A) is reduced when the surface temperature value of the clothing (A) sensed by the temperature sensor (113) is greater than the determined limit temperature value of the surface of the material of the clothing (A). The control unit (300) can control the first driver (130) to move the spray plate (110) in the second direction (B) when the surface temperature value of the clothing (A) sensed by the temperature sensor (113) is greater than the determined limit temperature value of the surface of the material of the clothing (A).

[0153] The control unit (300) can control the second driver (140) so that steam is sprayed to the entire garment in the up-down direction (Z) while the nozzle (111) is positioned at an appropriate distance between the nozzle (111) and the garment (A) for the material of the garment (A).

[0154] The second driver (140) can move the nozzle (111) in the up-and-down direction (Z) by moving the blade (120) in the up-and-down direction (Z).

[0155] Below, the operating sequence of the clothing manager (1) is described.

[0156] As shown in Fig. 7, the first garment (A1) is supported on a separated garment support member (70), and the user can store the garment support member (70) on which the first garment (A1) is supported in the management room (30).

[0157] The first clothing (A1) is arbitrarily divided into the first clothing (A1) and the second clothing (A2) based on the material of the clothing, and the first clothing (A1) is assumed to be clothing made of cotton material, for example.

[0158] For example, in order for the first garment (A1) to be stored in the management office (30), the door (20) may be in an open state. At this time, since the camera (200) is arranged to be placed on the inner surface (21) of the door (20), the camera (200) can obtain an image of the first garment (A1) from the front of the management office (30) when the first garment (A1) is stored while the door (20) is open.

[0159] Since the clothing support member (70) is coupled inside the management room (30) so that the longitudinal direction of the clothing support member (70) is arranged in the front-back direction (X), the longitudinal direction of the first clothing (A1) when the first clothing (A1) is supported by the clothing support member (70) can also correspond to the front-back direction (X). The first clothing (A1) is arranged to be stored in the management room (30) in the front-back direction (X), and accordingly, the first clothing (A1) can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the first clothing (A1) when the first clothing (A1) is supported by the clothing support member (70) and stored inside the management room (30).

[0160] An open door (20) is placed in front of the management office (30), and accordingly, a camera (200) placed on the inner surface (21) of the door (20) can obtain an image of the first garment (A1) located in front of the management office (30). At this time, the overall shape of the first garment (A1) can be collected in the field of view of the camera (200).

[0161] For example, a detection sensor that senses the moment when the first garment (A1) is positioned on the inner surface (21) of the door (20) in the front-back direction (X) may be placed on the inner surface (21) of the door (20). When the detection sensor detects the first garment (A1), the control unit (300) may control the camera (200) to operate based on the information thereon.

[0162] For example, the camera (200) may be arranged to acquire an image of the interior of the management office (30) when the door (20) is closed. As the inner surface (21) of the door (20) forms the front of the management office (30), the camera (200) may be positioned toward the interior of the management office (30).

[0163] For example, a user may store a garment support member (70) supporting a first garment (A1) in a management room (30) and then close the door (20). The camera (200) may be arranged to acquire an image of the first garment (A1) stored inside the management room (30) while the door (20) is closed.

[0164] The control unit (300) can determine the material of the first garment (A1) based on the image acquired from the camera (200) and control the steam generator (50) and the steam injection device (100) according to the determined value.

[0165] For example, the control unit (300) can determine the degree of wrinkling of the first garment (A1) based on the image acquired from the camera (200) and control the steam generator (50) and the steam injection device (100) according to the determined value. For example, the control unit (300) can control the steam injection device (100) by determining the amount of steam injection and the duration of steam injection according to the determined degree of wrinkling of the first garment (A1).

[0166] For example, a plurality of cameras (200) may be provided. The plurality of cameras (200) may be positioned at different heights in the vertical direction (Z) to obtain images of the first garment (A1) photographed from various angles.

[0167] The control unit (300) can accurately determine the length of the first garment (A1) in the vertical direction (Z), the material of the first garment (A1), and the degree of wrinkling of the first garment (A1) in the state where the first garment (A1) is supported on the support member (70) based on images of the first garment (A1) taken from various angles.

[0168] For example, the control unit (300) can control the steam injection device (100) to inject more steam or to further reduce the adjustment distance (df1) between the injection port (111) and the first garment (A1) at a position where the first garment (A1) is severely wrinkled in the vertical direction (Z) while being supported by the support member (70).

[0169] For example, the clothing manager (1) includes a door opening / closing sensor, and when the user closes the door (20), the control unit (300) can control the display unit (25) to display the type of material of the first clothing (A1) determined on the display unit (25) based on the value detected by the door opening / closing sensor.

[0170] When a user inputs information of consent regarding the type of material of the first garment (A1) determined, the control unit (300) can control the garment manager (1) to operate the garment manager (1) in the garment care course and / or wrinkle control course based on the determined value.

[0171] If the user does not input information on the type of material of the first garment (A1) that has been determined and inputs other information on the material of the first garment (A1), the control unit (300) can control the garment manager (1) to operate the garment manager (1) in the garment care course and / or wrinkle control course based on the value selected by the user.

[0172] When the door (20) is closed, the control unit (300) can control the display unit (25) to display information on the first garment (A1) stored inside the management room (30) and information on the garment manager (1).

[0173] When a user inputs data on the selection of the driving course of the clothing manager (1) or information on the first garment (A1) into the display unit (25), the control unit (300) can control the clothing manager (1) based on the data input by the user.

[0174] Finally, when the material of the first garment (A1) is determined, the control unit (300) determines an appropriate distance between the first garment (A1) and the nozzle (111) according to the determined material of the first garment (A1), and can move the nozzle (111) so that the nozzle (111) is positioned at the determined appropriate distance from the first garment (A1).

[0175] Here, the appropriate distance can be defined as the minimum distance at which the material of the first garment (A1) is not damaged by the temperature and pressure of the steam when high-temperature and high-pressure steam is sprayed, depending on the material of the first garment (A1).

[0176] This means that the appropriate distance is different depending on the material of the first garment (A1), and the appropriate distance according to various materials is stored in at least one memory (320), and the steam injection device (100) can be controlled through an algorithm depending on the material of the first garment (A1).

[0177] When the garment manager (1) is operated in the wrinkle removal course, the distance sensor (112) can sense the first initial distance (ds1) between the nozzle (111) and the first garment (A1), as shown in FIG. 8.

[0178] For example, the distance sensor (112) may be provided as an ultrasonic sensor. For example, the distance sensor (112) may be provided as an infrared sensor, a lidar sensor, a radar sensor, etc.

[0179] When the first initial distance (ds1) between the nozzle (111) and the first garment (A1) obtained from the distance sensor (112) is measured to be further than the determined appropriate distance, the control unit (300) can control the first driver (130) to drive the first driver (130) so that the nozzle (111) moves in the first direction (F) as shown in FIG. 9.

[0180] As the first driver (130) is driven so that the nozzle (111) moves in the first direction (F), the telescoping member (131) is arranged to extend, and the adjustment distance (df1) between the nozzle (111) and the first garment (A1) can gradually decrease.

[0181] The control unit (300) can drive the first driver (130) until the adjustment distance (df1) between the nozzle (111) and the first garment (A1) becomes equal to the determined appropriate distance. When the adjustment distance (df1) between the nozzle (111) and the first garment (A1) becomes equal to the determined appropriate distance, the control unit (300) can stop driving the first driver (130) and control the first driver (130) so that the adjustment distance (df1) between the nozzle (111) and the first garment (A1) is maintained.

[0182] If the first garment (A1) is made of cotton, the cotton material is less susceptible to damage from high-temperature, high-pressure steam, and the nozzle (111) can be positioned so close to the first garment (A1) that it comes into contact with it.

[0183] The control unit (300) can control the first driver (130) so that the nozzle (111) is positioned very close to the first garment (A1) when the determined first garment (A1) is made of cotton.

[0184] Accordingly, high temperature and high pressure steam is directly sprayed onto the first garment (A1), so that wrinkles on the first garment (A1) can be easily removed.

[0185] The injection plate (110) may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity so as to maintain a temperature approximately corresponding to the temperature of the steam injected from the injection port (111). For example, the injection plate (110) may be made of a metal material such as steel or aluminum.

[0186] This is to prevent the problem of steam condensing around the nozzle (111) when the temperature of the nozzle plate (110) is lower than the steam sprayed from the nozzle (111) by a predetermined amount or more. Accordingly, the nozzle plate (110) may be provided to maintain a temperature approximately corresponding to the temperature of the steam when the steam is sprayed from the nozzle (111).

[0187] For example, when the first garment (A1) and the spray port (111) are positioned very close to each other as the spray plate (110) is maintained at a high temperature, the spray plate (110) may be arranged to physically remove wrinkles from the first garment (A1) by partially contacting the first garment (A1). That is, the spray plate (110) may be arranged to directly iron the first garment (A1).

[0188] The temperature sensor (113) may be arranged to sense the temperature of one surface (A1S) of the first garment (A1) while steam is being sprayed.

[0189] The control unit (300) can control the first driver (130) to move the injection plate (110) in the second direction (B) when the temperature of one surface (A1S) of the first garment (A1) sensed by the temperature sensor (113) is sensed to be higher than the determined limit temperature of the material of the first garment (A1).

[0190] Here, the limit temperature of the material of the first garment (A1) can be defined as the maximum temperature in the temperature range where the material is not deformed or damaged, and the temperature at which the material may be damaged when heat exceeding the limit temperature is transferred.

[0191] That is, when high-temperature steam is continuously sprayed at a location adjacent to the first garment (A1), the surface temperature of the first garment (A1) may rise above the limit temperature. Therefore, in order to lower the surface temperature of the first garment (A1), the control unit (300) may control the first driver (130) to move the spray nozzle (111) away from the first garment (A1) in the second direction (B), as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0192] Thereafter, if the temperature of one surface (A1S) of the first garment (A1) sensed by the temperature sensor (113) is sensed to be lower than the determined limit temperature of the material of the first garment (A1), the control unit (300) can control the first driver (130) so that the spray plate (110) moves in the first direction (B) again.

[0193] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the second garment (A2) is placed in the management room (30), the control unit (300) can determine the material of the second garment (A2) through the image acquired from the camera (200).

[0194] The second garment (A2) is a garment formed of a different material from the first garment (A1) described above. For example, it is assumed that the second garment (A2) is formed of wool.

[0195] In the case of the wool material of the second garment (A2), the material is more susceptible to thermal deformation than the cotton material of the first garment (A1), so the appropriate distance may be determined to be longer.

[0196] When the garment manager (1) is operated in the wrinkle removal course, the distance sensor (112) can sense the second initial distance (ds2) between the nozzle (111) and the second garment (A2), as shown in FIG. 11.

[0197] When the second initial distance (ds2) between the nozzle (111) and the second garment (A2) obtained from the distance sensor (112) is measured to be further than the determined appropriate distance, the control unit (300) can control the first driver (130) to drive the nozzle (111) so that the nozzle (111) moves in the first direction (F).

[0198] As the first driver (130) is driven so that the nozzle (111) moves in the first direction (F), the telescoping member (131) is arranged to extend, and the adjustment distance (df2) between the nozzle (111) and the first garment (A1) can gradually decrease.

[0199] However, since the second garment (A2) is formed of a material that is easily subject to thermal deformation compared to the first garment (A1), the determined appropriate distance of the second garment (A2) may be determined to be longer than the determined appropriate distance of the first garment (A1).

[0200] The control unit (300) drives the first driver (130) until the adjustment distance (df2) between the nozzle (111) and the second garment (A2) becomes equal to the determined appropriate distance, and when the adjustment distance (df2) between the nozzle (111) and the second garment (A2) becomes equal to the determined appropriate distance, the driving of the first driver (130) is terminated. The adjustment distance (df2) between the nozzle (111) and the second garment (A2) that is ultimately maintained may be set longer than the adjustment distance (df1) between the nozzle (111) and the first garment (A1) that is ultimately maintained.

[0201] That is, the control unit (300) can control the steam injection device (100) so that the distance between the spray port (111) through which steam is ultimately injected and the clothing varies depending on the material of the clothing supported on the clothing support member (70).

[0202] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the adjustment distance (df1) between the nozzle (111) and the first garment (A1) corresponds to the determined adjustment distance, the control unit (300) can control the second driver (140) to move the blade (120) in the up and down direction through the second driver (140).

[0203] For example, the control unit (300) can control the second driver (140) so that the blade (120) moves down from the upper side once. For example, the control unit (300) can control the second driver (140) so that the blade (120) moves from the upper side to the lower side and then moves back and forth upward again. For example, the control unit (300) can control the second driver (140) so that the blade moves back and forth in the upper and lower direction multiple times.

[0204] While the second driver (140) is being driven, the control unit (300) can drive the first driver (130) based on data from the distance sensor (112) that is continuously received so that the control distance (df1) between the nozzle (111) and the first garment (A1) is maintained.

[0205] The first garment (A1) may be reduced or expanded in cross-section in the vertical direction by the area or shape of the garment or an attachment such as a button, and at this time, when the blade (120) moves in the vertical direction (Z) along the same line in the left-right direction (Y), the adjustment distance (df1) between the injection port (111) and the first garment (A1) may be changed.

[0206] In particular, if the adjustment distance (df1) between the nozzle (111) and the first garment (A1) is formed shorter than the determined appropriate distance, the first garment (A1) may be damaged, and if the adjustment distance (df1) between the nozzle (111) and the first garment (A1) is formed longer than the determined appropriate distance, the wrinkle removal performance of the first garment (A1) may be deteriorated.

[0207] To prevent this, while the second driver (140) is driven to move the blade (120) in the up-and-down direction (Z), the control unit (300) can control the first driver (130) so that the adjustment distance (df1) between the nozzle (111) and the first garment (A1) is maintained based on the value sensed by the distance sensor (112).

[0208] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. Management office for accommodating clothing; A steam spraying device for spraying steam on clothes stored in the above management room; The above steam injection device A spray plate including a nozzle through which steam is sprayed, A driver for moving the spray plate, wherein the spray plate is arranged to move in a first direction toward the clothing accommodated in the management room and a second direction opposite to the first direction; A clothing manager including a distance sensor disposed on the above-mentioned spray plate and sensing the distance between the clothing accommodated in the management room and the spray port.

2. In paragraph 1, It includes a control unit that controls the above steam injection device, A garment manager in which the control unit controls the driver so that the spray plate moves in the first direction or the second direction based on what is sensed by the distance sensor.

3. In paragraph 2, Further comprising a camera provided to acquire images of clothing stored in the above management office, The above control unit is a clothing manager that determines the material of clothing stored in the management room based on the image obtained from the camera.

4. In paragraph 3, The above control unit Based on the image acquired from the camera, the distance between the clothing received in the management room and the spray plate is determined, A garment manager that controls the driver so that the spray plate moves to a position corresponding to the determined distance.

5. In paragraph 4, A garment manager, wherein the steam injection device further includes an elevating driver configured to move the injection plate in an up-and-down direction.

6. In paragraph 5, A garment manager in which the control unit controls the driver and the lifting driver so that the spray plate moves in the up and down direction while maintaining the determined distance.

7. In paragraph 4, A clothing manager, wherein the steam injection device further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the injection plate and sensing the surface temperature of clothing accommodated in the management room.

8. In paragraph 7, A clothing manager in which the control unit controls the driver so that the spray plate moves in the second direction based on the value sensed by the temperature sensor when the value sensed by the temperature sensor at the determined distance is greater than the set value at the determined distance.

9. In paragraph 1, A clothing manager in which the distance sensor is provided to sense the distance between the nozzle and the clothing stored in the management room at the same height in the vertical direction as the nozzle.

10. In paragraph 3, Further comprising a door provided to open the above management office, The above camera is placed on the door, The above camera is a clothing manager provided to obtain images of clothing stored in the management room based on the storage of clothing.

11. In paragraph 1, The driver includes a telescoping member configured to extend or contract in the first direction and the second direction, A garment manager wherein the above-mentioned spray plate is arranged on one end of the above-mentioned telescoping member.

12. In paragraph 11, A garment manager in which the driver drives the telescoping member so that the telescoping member extends when the spray plate moves in the first direction, and drives the telescoping member so that the telescoping member extends when the spray plate moves in the second direction.

13. In paragraph 1, The steam injection device further includes a lifting driver configured to move the injection plate up and down and a blade that supports the injection plate, The above lifting driver is a garment manager including a holder that supports the blade and an lifting unit that lifts the holder in the up and down direction.

14. In paragraph 13, It further includes a steam generator and a supply member configured to supply steam generated from the steam generator to the blade, A clothing manager in which one end of the supply member is connected to the steam generator, and the other end of the supply member is connected to the blade so that the supply member moves in the up-and-down direction in conjunction with the blade when the blade moves in the up-and-down direction.

15. In paragraph 1, A clothing manager in which the above spray plate is provided so that the heat of steam sprayed from the above spray port is transmitted to the entire spray plate.

Images