Clothes-treating apparatus and method for controlling same

Abstract

The present invention is characterized by comprising: a cabinet having an opening at the front; a door which is coupled to the cabinet and opens / closes the opening; a locking unit for locking the door to the cabinet; a drum which is accommodated in the cabinet and accommodates clothes; a driving unit provided to rotate the drum; a control unit which controls the driving unit to rotate the drum and thereby detect the amount of the clothes or provides a command to perform an arbitrary course for treating the clothes; and a display unit which is coupled to the cabinet and displays information on the outside, wherein the display unit displays at least one of the amount of water usage or the amount of electricity usage that is required according to the amount of the clothes.

Description

Clothing processing device and control method of clothing processing device

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothing processing device and a method for controlling said clothing processing device.

[0002] Generally, the term "clothing processing device" refers to a device capable of washing, drying, or performing washing or drying of clothing, etc. Here, the clothing processing device may perform only washing or drying functions, or may perform both washing and drying.

[0003] Such a garment processing device is equipped with any course or option for performing washing or drying of garments, and the execution time of said course or option is calculated based on the volume of the garments. For example, if the volume of garments is large, the execution time will be set relatively long, and if the volume of garments is small, the execution time will be set relatively short.

[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a control method for performing any course or option of a conventional clothing processing device. (See Korean Patent Publications No. 10-2009-0077097 and 10-2008-0102611, etc.)

[0005] FIG. 1(a) illustrates a control method in which a conventional clothing processing device performs any course or option.

[0006] Referring to FIG. 1(a), a conventional clothing processing device may include a power supply step (s1) for supplying power to the clothing processing device by inputting (on) a power button, a selection step (s2) for selecting an appropriate course or option on the control panel of the clothing processing device, and a start step (s3) for inputting an execution button to execute the course or option.

[0007] In the case where the conventional clothing processing device is equipped as a front load type washing machine having an opening for introducing clothing at the front of the cabinet, when the starting step (s3) is performed, a door locking step (s4) for fixing the opening to the cabinet may be performed.

[0008] Subsequently, the conventional clothing processing device performs a volume detection step (S5) in which it detects the volume of clothing through an applied current value while rotating a drum or the like that receives the clothing. When the volume of the clothing is calculated, the control unit of the conventional clothing processing device performs a time display step (S6) in which it displays the expected execution time of the selected course or option to the user, and performs an execution step (S7) in which it automatically executes the course or option.

[0009] However, the load detection step (S5) and time display step (S6) of the conventional clothing processing device are performed after the start step (S3) in which the user executes a course or option. Therefore, there was a problem in that the user was forced to input the execution of a course or option without receiving information about the load of clothing or the expected execution time.

[0010] As a result, there was a problem in that the user could not actively control the execution time of the course or option, and the time display step (s6) could not perform a role beyond simply displaying simple information to the user at the service level.

[0011] Furthermore, conventional clothing processing devices had a problem in that they did not allow the user to take active measures, such as adding or reducing clothing, even if the execution time displayed in the time display step (s6) did not match the user's current intention or situation.

[0012] In addition, conventional garment processing devices had a problem in that even if the execution time of a selected course or option did not match the intention, it was impossible to cancel or change the course or option unless active measures were taken, such as manually turning off the washing machine's power again.

[0013] This inconvenience was further exacerbated when the aforementioned conventional clothing processing device was controlled remotely.

[0014] FIG. 1(b) illustrates the rotational state of the drum when a conventional clothing processing device detects the amount of fabric.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1(b), a conventional clothing processing device rotated the drum (D) in the I direction to detect the amount of clothing (L).

[0016] Specifically, the conventional clothing processing device calculated the weight of the clothing (L) by measuring the current value applied to or output to the driving unit that rotates the drum (D) while rotating the drum (D) in the I direction.

[0017] In a conventional clothing processing device, when the drum (D) is rotated to detect the amount of material, the clothing (L) on the bottom surface of the drum rises inside the drum (D) and then falls in direction II due to gravity, inevitably separating from the inner wall of the drum.

[0018] Therefore, conventional clothing processing devices had a limitation in that they had to align the applied or output current values ​​while continuously rotating the drum (D) in the I direction for at least one rotation to detect the accurate weight of the clothing (L).

[0019] As a result, conventional clothing processing devices had a problem in that the time required to detect the amount of clothing was inevitably longer than the time required to continuously rotate the drum.

[0020] In addition, conventional clothing processing devices had a problem in that the time required for the volume detection step (S5) was set to be relatively long, so the time display step (S6) indicating the execution time of a course or option could not be quickly guided to the user.

[0021] Therefore, conventional clothing processing devices had a problem in that they fundamentally blocked the possibility for users to utilize information on the amount of clothing or the estimated execution time.

[0022] Accordingly, a clothing processing device with a so-called 1-second volume detection method has emerged, which determines the volume by aligning the applied or output current values ​​while rotating the drum less than once.

[0023] The above 1-second detection of the amount of material can be performed repeatedly without delay due to the short detection time, but there was a problem in that the criteria for repeated execution and the method of repeated detection had to be specifically established.

[0024] In addition, since courses using heaters consume a lot of energy, there was a problem that energy consumption varied significantly depending on the amount of heat compared to general courses, requiring detection to be more accurate than 1-second heat detection.

[0025] In addition, conventional garment processing devices were equipped to provide estimated energy and water usage in stages according to courses or options, but since they provided guidance without considering the volume, there was a problem of low reliability.

[0026] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a garment processing device capable of detecting the amount of clothing before performing a course or option set in the garment processing device.

[0027] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a garment processing device capable of immediately notifying the user of the expected execution time of the course or option before performing the course or option.

[0028] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a garment processing device that allows a user to immediately change a course or option when the expected execution time of the course or option is not suitable for the situation.

[0029] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a clothing processing device that offers a degree of freedom for a user to change a course or option while checking the expected execution time before executing the course or option of the clothing processing device.

[0030] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a garment processing device capable of identifying and executing an appropriate course or option while checking the amount of garment or the expected execution time.

[0031] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a garment processing device capable of immediately (e.g., within 1 second) guiding the amount of clothing.

[0032] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a garment processing device capable of immediately detecting and guiding the volume when power is supplied to the garment processing device or when the opening and closing of the door is completed.

[0033] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a garment processing device capable of immediately detecting the amount of material and providing guidance when a course or option is selected.

[0034] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a clothing processing device capable of guiding energy and water usage by considering courses, options, and volume.

[0035] The clothing processing device of the present invention comprises a cabinet having an opening at the front, a door coupled to the cabinet for opening and closing the opening, a locking unit for locking the door to the cabinet, a drum received in the cabinet for receiving clothing, a driving unit provided to rotate the drum, a control unit that controls the driving unit to rotate the drum to detect the amount of clothing or provide a command to perform any course for processing the clothing, a display unit coupled to the cabinet for displaying information to the outside, and the display unit may display one or more of the required water usage and electricity usage according to the amount of clothing.

[0036] The driving unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention can rotate the drum less than one revolution when the locking unit is in an unlocked state of the door.

[0037] The driving unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention can detect the amount of clothing by rotating the drum to an angle less than or equal to the angle at which the clothing is separated from the inner wall of the drum or its arrangement is varied when the locking unit unlocks the door.

[0038] The display unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention can display one or more of the water usage and the electricity usage when the door is closed and the lock is unlocked.

[0039] The present invention includes a course selection unit configured to receive a selection command for selecting any one of the arbitrary courses of the clothing processing device, and the display unit can display one or more of the required water usage and electricity usage according to the course input to the course selection unit.

[0040] The present invention includes an execution unit configured to receive an execution command for performing the selected course, and the execution unit may be configured to allow the execution command to be entered while one or more of the amount of the clothing and the execution time of the course for processing the clothing are displayed on the display unit.

[0041] The display unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention can display the water usage amount in stages.

[0042] The display unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention can display the electricity usage in stages.

[0043] The display unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention can numerically display the amount of water used.

[0044] The display unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention can numerically display the electricity usage.

[0045] The display unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention can display one or more of the amount of clothing, the course for processing the clothing, the water usage, and the electricity usage.

[0046] The display unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention may display the amount of clothing, and then switch the screen to display one or more of the water usage and the electricity usage.

[0047] The display unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention can block the display of the water usage and electricity usage when the execution command is input to the execution unit before the control unit completes the detection of the amount of clothing.

[0048] The display unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention can display one or more of the water usage and electricity usage used in the performed course.

[0049] The control unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention provides feedback by comparing the water usage and electricity usage required according to the amount of clothing with the water usage and electricity usage used in the performed course, and the display unit can display the feedback.

[0050] The present invention includes an option control unit that receives a command to change an option of the course selection unit of the clothing processing device, and the display unit can change and display one or more of the water usage and electricity usage according to the changed option when a command to change an option is input to the option control unit.

[0051] The present invention has the effect of detecting the amount of clothing before performing a course or option set in a clothing processing device.

[0052] The present invention has the effect of providing a clothing processing device capable of immediately notifying the user of the expected execution time of the course or option before performing the course or option.

[0053] The present invention has the effect of allowing the user to immediately change the course or option when the expected execution time of the course or option does not suit the situation.

[0054] The present invention has the effect of providing a degree of freedom for a user to change a course or option while checking the expected execution time before executing a course or option of a clothing processing device.

[0055] The present invention has the effect of being able to identify an appropriate course or option and execute it while checking the amount of clothing or the estimated execution time.

[0056] The present invention has the effect of immediately guiding the amount of clothing (e.g., within 1 second).

[0057] The present invention has the effect of immediately detecting the volume and providing guidance when power is supplied to the clothing processing device or when the opening and closing of the door is completed.

[0058] The present invention has the effect of immediately detecting the amount when a course or option is selected and providing guidance accordingly.

[0059] The present invention has the effect of guiding energy and water usage by taking into account the course, options, and amount.

[0060] FIG. 1 illustrates a control method of a conventional clothing processing device.

[0061] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the external appearance of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the internal structure of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 4 illustrates the control configuration of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a control panel of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the control method of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 7 illustrates an extended embodiment of the control method of FIG. 6.

[0067] FIG. 8 illustrates an extended embodiment of the control method of FIG. 6.

[0068] FIG. 9 illustrates an extended embodiment of the control method of FIG. 6.

[0069] FIG. 10 illustrates an extended embodiment of the control method of FIG. 6.

[0070] FIG. 11 illustrates an extended embodiment of the control method of FIG. 6.

[0071] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the control method of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0072] FIG. 13 illustrates an extended embodiment of the control method of FIG. 12.

[0073] FIG. 14 illustrates another extended embodiment of the control method of FIG. 12.

[0074] FIG. 15 illustrates another extended embodiment of the control method of FIG. 12.

[0075] FIG. 16 illustrates an additional embodiment of the control method of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0076] FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of the control method of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0077] FIG. 18 illustrates an example in which the clothing processing device of the present invention separates a wet cloth and a dry cloth.

[0078] FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment in which the clothing processing device of the present invention separates wet cloths and dry cloths.

[0079] FIG. 20 illustrates a method for detecting the amount of fabric of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0080] FIG. 21 illustrates the drum rotation angle when detecting the amount of fabric in the garment processing device of the present invention.

[0081] FIG. 22 illustrates the specific process of detecting the amount of fabric in the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0082] FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment in which the clothing processing device of the present invention detects the amount of fabric using only the moment of inertia.

[0083] FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment in which a screen guiding energy and water usage is displayed on the display unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0084] FIG. 25 illustrates another embodiment of FIG. 24.

[0085] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification, identical or similar reference numbers are assigned to identical or similar components even if they are different embodiments, and the description thereof is replaced by the first description. Singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of related prior art are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Additionally, it should be noted that the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be interpreted as limiting the technical concept disclosed in this specification.

[0086] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the clothing processing device of the present invention, and FIG. 3 illustrates the internal structure of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0087] In the Cartesian coordinate system shown in the drawing, the positive and negative directions of the x-axis are defined as the front and rear of the garment processing device, respectively, and the positive and negative directions of the z-axis are defined as the upward and downward directions of the garment processing device, respectively. Additionally, the positive direction of the y-axis is defined as the right side of the garment processing device, and the negative direction of the y-axis is defined as the left side of the garment processing device.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 2, the clothing processing device (1) of the present invention may include a cabinet (10) forming an exterior, and a clothing receiving section provided inside the cabinet (10) for receiving clothing.

[0089] The cabinet (10) forms the exterior of the clothing processing device (1) and may include an opening (12) through which clothing can enter and exit, and a door (13) for opening and closing the opening (12). The door (13) is rotatably connected to the front of the cabinet (10), and the opening (12) can be opened and closed according to the rotation of the door (13).

[0090] Meanwhile, FIG. 2 illustrates a front-load type clothing processing device in which the opening (12) and door (13) of the clothing processing device (1) of the present invention are formed on the front surface of the cabinet (10), but this is merely one embodiment, and the device may also be provided as a top-load type clothing processing device in which the opening (12) and door (13) are formed on the upper surface of the cabinet (10).

[0091] The door (13) may be provided to be locked when coupled to the opening (12) so as not to open the opening (12) at will. The door (13) may lock the opening (12) by means of a solenoid, a direct fastening means, etc.

[0092] The front of the cabinet (10) may be provided with a detergent box (14) that accommodates detergent or fabric softener and is detachably housed in the cabinet, and a control panel (16) that can input operation commands to the garment processing device or display the status of the garment processing device.

[0093] The detergent box (14) and control panel (16) may be positioned above the opening (12) so that the user can easily grasp or contact them.

[0094] The detergent box (14) is provided to be pulled out forward and can store powder detergent or liquid detergent inside. For example, the detergent box may be a drawer type.

[0095] The above control panel (16) may be provided on one side of the detergent box (14) and may include an input unit (18) for receiving operation commands including washing course and washing-related option information from a user, and a display unit (17) for displaying the input information and washing progress status.

[0096] The input unit (18) may be of the button type or rotary knob type and may be provided as a touch panel. The display unit (17) may include a display unit having a liquid crystal and a speaker emitting sound, but may be provided in any shape as long as it can display the status of the clothing processing device (1), and may be provided integrally with the input unit (18).

[0097] Meanwhile, the control panel (16) may be equipped with a control unit (P) for controlling the clothing processing device (1).

[0098] The above control unit can control the electrical components of the clothing processing device (1) described below by receiving power from an external power source.

[0099] At this time, since the above electrical components (hereinafter, load units) are connected in parallel to the control unit, each load unit (drive unit, water supply valve, communication module, etc.) can operate independently of each other.

[0100] The clothing receiving section (20') provided in the cabinet (10) may include a tub (20) for storing water and a drum (30) rotatably provided inside the tub (20) for receiving clothing.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 3, the tub (20) is provided inside the cabinet (10) and can form a space for storing washing water. For example, the tub may have a cylindrical shape.

[0102] The tub (20) may include a tub inlet (21) through which clothing can be inserted and removed, and a tub support (23) that secures the tub (20) inside the cabinet (10). The tub inlet (21) may be connected to the inlet (12). The tub support (23) is provided below the tub (20) and can dampen vibrations generated in the tub (20). For example, the tub support may include a damper, a spring, etc.

[0103] The above tub (20) may further include a water level sensor (90) on one side for measuring the water level inside the tub. The water level sensor (90) may include an extension tube extending from the bottom to the top of the tub, a diaphragm provided by sealing the top of the extension tube, and a sensor for detecting the vibration frequency of the diaphragm.

[0104] Additionally, the clothing processing device (1) of the present invention may further be equipped with a vibration sensor (92) for detecting vibrations inside the tub (20). The vibration sensor (92) is configured to detect at least one of vibrations along the x, y, and z axes and can transmit the state inside the tub to a control unit.

[0105] The drum (30) is rotatably provided inside the tub (20) and may include a drum inlet (31) through which clothing can be inserted or removed. For example, the drum may have a cylindrical shape. The drum inlet (31) may be connected to the inlet (12) and the tub inlet (21). Accordingly, clothing can be introduced into the drum (30) by sequentially passing through the inlet (12), the tub inlet (21), and the drum inlet (31).

[0106] Meanwhile, a gasket (19) may be further provided between the inlet (12) of the cabinet (10) and the tub inlet (21) of the tub (20). The gasket (19) prevents the washing water inside the tub (20) from leaking into the cabinet (10) and prevents vibrations generated in the tub (20) from being transmitted to the cabinet (10). For example, the gasket may be formed of an elastic material.

[0107] A plurality of through holes (33) communicating with the tub (20) may be formed on the inner surface of the drum (30). Washing water contained inside the tub (20) can be supplied into the drum (30) through the through holes (33), and washing water inside the drum (30) can be discharged to the tub (20) through the through holes (33).

[0108] Meanwhile, the clothing processing device (1) of the present invention may include a driving unit (9) coupled to the tub (20) to rotate the drum (30), a water supply unit (70) for supplying washing water into the tub (20), and a drainage unit (80) for discharging the washing water of the tub (20) to the outside.

[0109] The above drainage section (80) may be provided with a drain pipe (81) communicating with the tub (20), and may further include a drain pump (82) connected to the drain pipe to provide power for draining water to the tub (20).

[0110] The above water supply unit (70) may include a water supply pipe (71) that supplies water to the tub (20) and a water supply valve (72) that opens and closes the water supply pipe (71), and the water supply pipe (71) may be provided to communicate with the detergent box (14).

[0111] Accordingly, the detergent box (14) may be configured to communicate with the tub (20) so as to automatically supply detergent to the tub (20) when water is supplied.

[0112] Meanwhile, the clothing processing device (1) of the present invention may further include a circulation unit (80a) that recirculates water drained from the tub (20). The circulation unit may include a circulation channel (81a) connected at both ends to the tub (20) and a circulation pump (82b) that provides power to the circulation channel.

[0113] The above circulation pump (82b) pressurizes the washing water by communicating with the bottom surface of the tub (20), and the above circulation path (81a) may be configured such that one side is connected to the circulation pump and the other side is connected to the gasket (19) to spray the washing water into the drum.

[0114] However, since the aforementioned circulation path and circulation pump are configurations necessary for spraying washing water stored in the tub, this does not exclude the case where washing water is sprayed into the drum through a spray water supply path connected to a water source outside the cabinet.

[0115] That is, if the above-mentioned spray water supply channel is connected to a water source on one side and to the tub on the other side, and is equipped with a nozzle capable of spraying washing water into the interior of the drum, then washing water can be sprayed into the interior of the drum during the filtration motion and the squeeze motion.

[0116] Additionally, the clothing processing device (1) of the present invention may further include balancers (51, 53) for damping vibrations generated in the drum (30). The balancers (51, 53) can eliminate the eccentricity of the drum (30) caused by the clothing being biased to one side inside the drum (30). That is, the balancers (51, 53) can dampen the unbalance of the drum (30) by moving to a specific position according to the control of the microcomputer.

[0117] At this time, the balancer may be provided at the front and rear of the drum (30), respectively, or may be provided at only one of the front or rear of the drum (30). For example, the balancer may include a front balancer (51) and a rear balancer (53) provided at the front and rear of the drum (30), respectively. The balancers (51, 53) may be ball balancers, liquid balancers, etc.

[0118] The driving unit (9) is provided on the outside of the tub (20) and can be connected to the drum (30) by being coupled to or penetrating the back surface of the tub (20). The driving unit (9) is fixed to the back surface of the tub (20) and can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. That is, it can rotate the drum (30) by receiving current from the outside.

[0119] The driving unit (9) may include a stator (91) that generates a magnetic field, a rotor (93) that rotates by the magnetic field inside the stator (91), and a rotating shaft (95) that connects the drum (30) and the rotor (93) by penetrating the back surface of the tub (20).

[0120] The above drive unit may be a BLDC (Brush-Less Direct Current) motor. In this case, the stator (41) may be composed of coils and the rotor (93) may be a permanent magnet. Meanwhile, a rotational shaft bearing (25) that rotatably supports the rotational shaft (95) may be further provided on the back of the tub (20).

[0121] FIG. 4 illustrates the configuration of a control unit for controlling the load of the present invention.

[0122] The above control unit (P) may be provided in a control panel, etc., and may be configured to receive a command to operate a clothing processing device through an input unit (16) and to perform a washing course and options. That is, while performing the determined washing course and options, the above control unit (P) may be configured to control the water supply valve (72), the drainage pump (82), and the driving unit (9) using water level information detected by the water level sensor (90).

[0123] In addition, the control unit (P) can provide the current status of the clothing processing device through the display unit (17) and can be configured to detect the vibration of the drum through the vibration sensor (92) or the current value applied to the driving unit (9).

[0124] Meanwhile, the control unit (P) may further include a parallel processing unit (P1) capable of receiving and processing various signals, such as the signal value of the vibration sensor (92), the current value applied to the driving unit (40), and the RPM of the drum (30).

[0125] Additionally, the control unit (P) may further include a storage unit (P2) capable of storing data values ​​processed by the parallel computing device, storing an algorithm capable of operating the parallel computing device (p1), or storing various electrical signals input to the parallel computing device (P1).

[0126] The control unit (P) of the present invention can implement an artificial neural network learning logic that generates an artificial neural network using the parallel computing device (P1) and the storage unit (P2). The artificial neural network can be used to derive a single consistent result value by combining and analyzing a plurality of factors.

[0127] Conventional control units had a problem in that they could only derive one output value from one input value. However, since the clothing processing device of the present invention can utilize two or more signals through the parallel processing device (P1), it can obtain necessary information more accurately than when utilizing one piece of information.

[0128] Meanwhile, the storage unit (P2) may have a plurality of courses or options for operating the clothing processing device stored in advance. The plurality of courses or options may consist of a combination of the method, sequence, or intensity of operation of the water supply valve (72), driving unit (9), and drain pump (82) to perform washing, rinsing, and spin-drying operations.

[0129] In the above storage unit (P2), data such as a table may be stored that can match the current value applied to or output to the driving unit (9) with the amount or quality of the clothing.

[0130] The above storage unit (P2) may store data for the estimated time of a plurality of courses or options corresponding to the amount of the clothing.

[0131] In addition, the storage unit (P2) may have the appropriate amount of detergent required to perform each course or option corresponding to the amount of clothing stored in advance as data. The amount of detergent may be a concept that includes one or more of laundry detergent, fabric softener, and bleach.

[0132] The above control unit (P) can control each component of the clothing processing device by utilizing various algorithms and data stored in the above storage unit (P2).

[0133] When the amount of the clothing is detected, the control unit (P) can calculate one or more of the execution time of any course or option for washing the clothing and the amount of detergent required.

[0134] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a control panel (16) provided in the clothing processing device (1) of the present invention.

[0135] The above display unit (17) may be provided as a display panel, and the above input unit (18) may be provided as a physical button that can be input separately.

[0136] The above control panel (16) may include a power supply unit (120) that receives a command to supply power to the clothing processing device (1).

[0137] When the above power supply unit (120) is input, power can be supplied to the control panel (16), and power can be fully supplied to the control unit (P) including the driving unit (9).

[0138] The input unit (18) may further include a selection unit for selecting or changing the washing course or option. The selection unit (140, 160) may include a course selection unit (140) provided to receive an input for selecting any one of the courses that perform a series of washing processes including washing, rinsing, and spin-drying of the clothing processing device (1), and an option selection unit (160) provided to receive an input for selecting any one of the options that adjust the intensity and degree of the course.

[0139] For example, if the above clothing processing device (1) is equipped as a washing machine, the course may be classified into a first course equipped as a washing method or set thereof for removing foreign substances from general clothing, a second course equipped as a washing method or set thereof for sterilizing the clothing, and a third course equipped as a washing method or set thereof for removing foreign substances considering the material of the clothing.

[0140] In addition, the above options may be classified into a first option for adjusting the washing intensity in the selected course, a second option for adjusting the number of rinses, a third option for adjusting the spin intensity, and a fourth option for determining the water temperature of the tub containing the clothes and water. Adjusting the washing intensity and the spin intensity may mean adjusting the RPM of the drum, the rotation direction change cycle of the drum, etc., during the washing and spin cycles.

[0141] The above-mentioned first course is classified as a general course for washing clothes and may be named the daily course; the above-mentioned second course is classified as a course for sterilization and may be named the hygiene course; and the above-mentioned third course is classified as a course that considers the material and volume of the clothes and may be named the customized course.

[0142] When the above course selection unit (140) is repeatedly input, it may be configured so that a sequentially set or displayed course is selected.

[0143] The above course selection unit (140) may include a first course selection unit (141) provided to select one of the first courses, a second course selection unit (142) provided to select one of the second courses, and a third course selection unit (143) provided to select one of the third courses.

[0144] The above option selection unit (160) may also be configured to select a course that is sequentially set or displayed by being repeatedly input, similar to the above course selection unit (140). Additionally, the above option selection unit (160) may include a first option selection unit (161) for adjusting the washing intensity in the selected course, a second option selection unit (162) for adjusting the number of rinses, a third option selection unit (163) for adjusting the spin intensity, and a fourth option selection unit (164) for determining the water temperature of a tub containing clothes and water. The above option selection unit (160) may be configured to select a desired option by sequentially inputting each option selection unit.

[0145] The above display unit (130) may be provided with a display liquid crystal, a light-reflecting lamp, a speaker that emits sound, etc. The above display unit (130) may include a first display unit (131) that displays the course selected in the course selection unit (140), and a second display unit (132) that displays the option selected in the option selection unit (160).

[0146] The first display unit (131) may be configured to display the selected course. For example, a part corresponding to the selected course may light up, or the name of the course may be displayed on the display unit.

[0147] The second display unit (132) may be provided to display the selected option. For example, a part corresponding to the selected option may light up, or the name of the option may be displayed on the display unit.

[0148] Specifically, the first display unit (131) may be provided in a manner that illuminates the corresponding course when the course selection unit (140) is input, or may be provided in a manner that displays the corresponding course on a liquid crystal display or emits sound when the course selection unit (140) is input. The first display unit (131) may be provided as a display panel, or may be provided as a lamp that emits light next to text containing the course content.

[0149] When the user clicks the daily course (141), the general course lights up sequentially in order, allowing the user to recognize the corresponding course.

[0150] In addition, when the user clicks the above hygiene course, the courses corresponding to the above hygiene course light up sequentially, and when the user clicks the above custom course, the courses corresponding to the above custom course light up sequentially.

[0151] The second display unit (132) may be provided in a manner that lights up a corresponding option when the option selection unit (160) is input, or may be provided in a manner that displays a corresponding option on a liquid crystal display or emits sound when the option selection unit (160) is input. The second display unit (132) may be provided as a display panel, or may be provided as a lamp that emits light next to text containing the option content.

[0152] The above option selection unit (160) can also be repeatedly clicked or touched to sequentially light up the first, second, third, and fourth options. Thus, the user can select the desired option.

[0153] Meanwhile, the above option selection unit (160) may further include a switch or touch area capable of performing additional functions to the clothing processing device (1) in addition to washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and water temperature.

[0154] The above option selection unit (160) may further include a steam control unit (160a) for adding an option to supply steam inside the clothing processing device (20), a reservation unit (160b) for predetermining the operating time of the clothing processing device (1), an additional setting unit (160d) for clicking to add clothing during the operation of the clothing processing device (20), a turbo unit (160e) for adding an option to instantaneously increase the drum rpm of the clothing processing device (20) to form a strong water flow, a turbo drying unit (160f) for adding an option to supply strong hot air, a wind drying unit (160g) for adding an option to supply warm air or cold air instead of hot air, and a time drying unit (160h) for adding an option to perform natural drying by rotating only the drum at a constant speed.

[0155] Meanwhile, the second display unit (132) can display the details of the course option at the moment the course or option is determined, but can be provided as a display unit capable of displaying status information of the clothing processing device (1) except during the process of inputting the course or option, such as when a drying or washing process is in progress, when a reservation setting is performed, or when a drying or washing process is finished.

[0156] The above display unit (17) may further include a third display unit (133) that displays the expected execution time when performing the plurality of courses or options.

[0157] The third display unit (133) can display the execution time of the course or option to the user according to the amount of clothing when any one of the plurality of courses or options is selected.

[0158] In addition, the above-described structure is merely one example, and the control panel (16) may be provided in any form as long as it is equipped with an input section (18) capable of receiving a command to drive the clothing processing device and a display section (17) that displays the status of the clothing processing device.

[0159] The user can set a desired course or option by inputting the course selection section (140) or the option selection section (160). Additionally, even if the user does not input the course selection section (140) or the option selection section (160), a standard course or standard option may be pre-set.

[0160] For example, the standard washing course and the reference values ​​for washing, rinsing, spinning, and water temperature mentioned above may be set as standards.

[0161] The user may select a desired course or option by inputting the course selection unit (140) and the option selection unit (160), or may wish to perform the standard course or standard option set as a standard. The user may select any one of the course or option by inputting the course selection unit (140) and the option selection unit (160), or may select the standard course or standard option by not inputting the course selection unit (140) and the option selection unit (160).

[0162] The control panel (16) may further include an execution unit (170) that receives a command to execute the selected course or option or a pre-set standard course or standard option.

[0163] When the above execution unit (170) is input, the control unit (P) can lock the door (13) so that it is not separated from the cabinet (10). At least one of the door (13) and the cabinet (10) may be equipped with a detection unit that detects whether the door (13) is locked to the cabinet (10), and the detection unit may be controlled by the control unit (P).

[0164] The third display unit (133) above may display whether the user has selected a course or option, or the execution time of a standard course or option.

[0165] Meanwhile, the display unit (16) may be provided to guide the amount of detergent required when performing the plurality of courses or options. The execution time of the course or option varies depending on the amount of clothing. In addition, the amount of detergent required to perform the plurality of courses or options may also vary depending on the amount of clothing.

[0166] Accordingly, when the control unit (P) detects the amount of clothing, it can display at least one of the execution time of the course or option and the amount of detergent required for the course or option on the display unit (17).

[0167] For example, the estimated execution time of the above course or option may be displayed on the third display unit (133), and the amount of detergent required may be displayed on the second display unit (132).

[0168] The clothing processing device of the present invention can first detect the amount of clothing before the execution unit (170) is input, and display the estimated time of the selected course or option and the amount of detergent required on the display unit (16).

[0169] To this end, the control unit (P) of the clothing processing device of the present invention may be configured to detect the amount of the clothing before the execution unit (170) is input.

[0170] The control unit (P) can calculate the amount of clothing through the current value applied to or output to the driving unit (9) by controlling the driving unit (9), and can display the expected execution time of a course or option selected by the user even before the execution unit (170) is input.

[0171] Thus, the user can be immediately notified of the estimated execution time of the selected course or option before performing the course or option, and can be guided to select another course or option if the estimated execution time does not suit the situation or the user's schedule.

[0172] Thus, users can immediately change from the course or option they initially selected to a course or option suitable for their situation.

[0173] In addition, the user can change the course or option while checking the estimated execution time of multiple courses or options in advance before executing the selected course or option.

[0174] In addition, the user can check the required amount of detergent for the current state of the clothing and add an appropriate amount of detergent to any one of the multiple courses or options.

[0175] Meanwhile, the control panel (16) of the clothing processing device of the present invention may further include a time adjustment unit (200) capable of changing the execution time of the course or option being performed.

[0176] The time adjustment unit (200) may be provided in a manner such that some buttons of the option selection unit (160) are input after the course or option is selected, or it may be provided as a separate button on the control panel (16).

[0177] For example, if the time adjustment unit (200) is provided as a separate button, the user can extend or reduce the expected execution time of the selected course or option after inputting the time adjustment unit (200).

[0178] The extension or reduction of the above-mentioned expected execution time can be performed through the input of some buttons of the option selection unit (160).

[0179] For example, the execution time can be adjusted by inputting the dehydration (163) option button and the water temperature (164) option button located at the bottom of the third display unit (133).

[0180] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a control method for detecting the amount of clothing before inputting to the execution unit (170).

[0181] When the power supply unit (120) of the clothing processing device of the present invention is input, power can be supplied to the water supply unit (70), the driving unit (9), the drainage unit (80), etc., and power can also be supplied to the control unit (P).

[0182] The above control unit (P) can be configured to detect the amount of the clothing when the power supply unit (120) is input and power is supplied.

[0183] That is, the essential condition for the clothing processing device of the present invention to detect the amount of the clothing may be the input of the power supply unit (120).

[0184] Therefore, even if the user opens the door (13), puts clothing into the drum (30), and closes the door (13) before inputting the power supply (120), the control unit (P) can immediately detect the amount of clothing.

[0185] The control unit (P) can calculate the estimated time for performing a specific course or option according to the amount of the clothing.

[0186] To this end, the control unit (P) can recognize the estimated time corresponding to the amount of clothing in the storage unit (P2).

[0187] In addition, the storage unit (P2) may also contain data on the amount of detergent required when performing any course or option on the amount of clothing. The control unit (P) can calculate the amount of detergent required when performing washing of the clothing in the storage unit (P2) using the course or option.

[0188] For example, the clothing processing device of the present invention may perform a power supply step (A1) that supplies power by inputting the power supply unit (120) of the clothing processing device, and a volume detection step (A2) that detects the volume of clothing contained in the drum (30) when the power supply step (A1) is performed.

[0189] When the amount of clothing is detected in the above amount detection step (A2), an information display step (A3) can be performed in which at least one of the amount of clothing, the expected execution time of a course or option for washing the clothing, and the amount of detergent required for the course or option is displayed on the display unit (16).

[0190] In the above information display step (A3), the execution time corresponding to a preset standard course or standard option corresponding to the quantity of the clothing may be displayed.

[0191] The user can check the amount of clothing displayed in the information display step (A3), the execution time of a pre-set course or option, compare it with their own schedule, and check the amount of detergent.

[0192] If the user is satisfied with the information displayed in the information display step (A3), the user can input the execution unit (170). The control unit (P) can perform an execution input step (A6) that detects when the execution unit (170) is input.

[0193] When the above execution input step (A6) is performed, the control unit (P) controls the locking unit to lock the door (13) to the cabinet (10), thereby preventing the door (13) from being opened arbitrarily.

[0194] In addition, when the execution input step (A6) is performed, the control unit (P) can perform one or more of the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying steps according to the setting of the course or option. After the execution input step (A6), the procedure for detecting the amount of clothing can be omitted. Therefore, the delay in the total washing time can be prevented.

[0195] Meanwhile, after the user confirms at least one of the amount of clothing, the execution time of a preset course or option, and the amount of detergent in the information display step (A3), a course setting step (A4) for receiving input of a course selection unit (140) or an option selection unit (160) may be further performed.

[0196] For example, the user can check the amount of the clothing through the course setting step (A4) and then input the course selection unit (140) or the option selection unit (160), and can change the course or option by checking the execution time and then inputting the course selection unit (140) or the option selection unit (160).

[0197] When the above course setting step (A4) is performed, the control unit (P) can perform a change display step (A5) that recalculates the expected execution time or detergent amount of the changed course or option corresponding to the amount of clothing and transmits it to the display unit (16).

[0198] In the above change display step (A5), one or more of the expected execution time of the changed course or option and the changed amount of detergent may be displayed on the display unit (16).

[0199] If the user determines that the above-mentioned estimated execution time or amount of detergent is appropriate, the user may input the above-mentioned execution unit (170), and if the above-mentioned estimated execution time or amount of detergent is not appropriate, the user may re-input the above-mentioned course selection unit (140) or option selection unit (160).

[0200] The control unit (P) can perform the execution input step (A6) when it detects the input of the execution unit (170), and can perform the course setting step (A4) and the change display step (A5) again when it detects the input of the course selection unit (140) or the option selection unit (160).

[0201] FIG. 7 illustrates an extended embodiment of the control method of FIG. 6.

[0202] In the load detection step (A2) of the garment processing device of the present invention, the driving unit (9) rotates the drum to a first angle when the power unit (120) is input and the locking unit unlocks the door, and rotates the drum to a second angle greater than the first angle when the drum returns to its original position. The display unit (16) may be provided to display one or more of the load measured after the drum starts rotating to the second angle and the execution time of the garment processing course. That is, the load detection step may include a first load detection step (A2-1) of rotating the drum to the first angle and a second load detection step (A2-3) of rotating the drum to the second angle.

[0203] The above driving unit (9) can determine the amount of material more precisely by repeatedly rotating the drum (30), and the accuracy of material detection can be increased by increasing the rotation angle of the drum from the first angle to the second angle, and can determine whether it is a wet cloth by detecting a change in the shape of the material. Detailed information on the method for determining a wet cloth will be described later.

[0204] While repeating the rotation of the drum or increasing the rotation angle improves the precision of quantity detection, it may delay the detection time. Therefore, it is necessary to establish criteria for repetition or increasing the angle.

[0205] Accordingly, the load detection step (A2) of the present invention may include an excess load detection step (A2-2) for determining whether the load detected when the drum (30) is rotated to the first angle exceeds the reference weight. In the excess load detection step, if the weight of the clothing exceeds the reference weight, the drum may be rotated to the second angle. That is, if the load measured in the first load detection step (A2-1) exceeds the reference weight, the second load detection step (2-3) is performed, and if it is less than or equal to the reference weight, the rotation of the drum to the second angle is blocked and the information display step (A3) may be performed.

[0206] This is because, when the load is large, the amount of water, energy, and processing time required for washing increase exponentially; therefore, it is necessary to accurately determine the load at the load detection stage to accurately determine the total processing time.

[0207] In addition, the above-described volume detection step (A2) of the present invention may rotate the drum to the second angle when the detected volume is detected as a wet cloth when the drum (30) is rotated to the first angle.

[0208] This is because, in the case of a wet cloth, the weight detected by rotating to the first angle above is the weight including water, so the actual weight of the clothing may be smaller than the detected weight. Therefore, since the water usage and course time may be significantly less than the water usage and course time based on the detected weight, the wet cloth detection can be repeated to reconfirm whether it is a wet cloth.

[0209] As a method to reconfirm the compress, the drum (30) can be rotated to a second angle greater than the first angle. In the case of a compress, the compresses are clumped together by the water contained in the clothing, so the shape is easily maintained and there may be no change in the shape of the compress. Therefore, if a change in the shape of the compress is detected when the drum is rotated to the second angle, it can be determined to be a dry compress, and if no change in the shape of the compress is detected, it can be determined to be a compress.

[0210] For example, if the time the drum (30) stops at the second angle is longer than the reference time, it can be determined that the clothing is a wet cloth. Since the amount of clothing that detaches is small in the case of a wet cloth, it may take longer to return to the original state at the second angle, so it can be determined that the clothing is a wet cloth. At this time, the display unit can determine that the amount of cloth is lower than the detected amount of cloth and display a shorter execution time than the execution time based on the detected amount of cloth.

[0211] Likewise, when the drum (30) returns from the second angle, if the rotation angle of the drum is greater than a certain angle, it can be determined that the clothing is a wet cloth. Since the amount of clothing that detaches is small when it is a wet cloth, it returns less than when it is not a wet cloth, and since the angle when the drum stops can be greater than 0 degrees, if the return angle is greater than a certain angle, it can be determined that the clothing is a wet cloth. At this time, the display unit can determine that the amount of cloth is lower than the detected amount of cloth and display a shorter execution time than the execution time based on the detected amount of cloth.

[0212] To summarize the above, the drum (30) is rotated to the first angle to determine whether the clothing is a large quantity or a wet cloth, and if it is a large quantity or a wet cloth, the drum is rotated to the second angle to determine the quantity and whether it is a wet cloth more precisely.

[0213] Meanwhile, the first angle may be less than or equal to the angle at which the clothing is separated from or positioned differently from the inner wall of the drum, for example, the first angle may be set to 45 degrees or less.

[0214] In addition, the second angle may be less than the angle at which the garment is separated from or placed differently from the inner wall of the drum when the weight of the garment is greater than or equal to the reference weight. For example, the second angle may be set to 90 degrees or less, and the reference weight may be set to more than half the capacity of the garment processing device.

[0215] One embodiment of the present invention may further include a detection unit for detecting whether the door (13) is open or closed, and the driving unit (9) rotates the drum (30) to a first angle when the power unit (120) is input and the lock unit detects the opening or closing of the door, and rotates the drum to a second angle greater than the first angle when the drum returns, and the display unit (16) may display one or more of the weight of the clothing measured after the drum starts rotating to the second angle and the execution time of the course for processing the clothing.

[0216] That is, when the power supply unit (120) is input and the opening or closing of the door (13) is detected, the drum is rotated to a first angle, and when the drum returns, the drum is rotated to a second angle greater than the first angle, and the display unit can display one or more of the weight of the clothing measured after the lock unit detects the opening or closing of the door and the drum begins to rotate to the second angle, and the execution time of the course for processing the clothing. That is, the weight detection step (A2) can be performed.

[0217] Thus, the quantity detection step (A2) can be performed even if the clothing is introduced after the power supply unit (120) is input.

[0218] Meanwhile, the display unit (9) may wait until the opening or closing of the door is detected again if there is no clothing inside the drum (30), and when the detection unit detects the opening or closing of the door again, it rotates the drum to a first angle, and when the drum returns, it rotates the drum to a second angle greater than the first angle, and the display unit may display one or more of the weight of the clothing and the execution time of the course for processing the clothing, which were measured after the locking unit detects the opening or closing of the door again and the drum begins to rotate to the second angle. That is, the weight detection step (A2) can be performed again.

[0219] Thus, even if the power supply unit (120) is input and the quantity detection step (A2) is performed while the above clothing is not inserted, the course is not performed immediately, and when the door (13) is opened and the above clothing is inserted and the door is closed, the quantity detection step is performed again to determine the quantity.

[0220] Meanwhile, the clothing processing device of the present invention may further include a storage unit that stores the opening and closing history of the door (13) that occurred before the input of the above-mentioned front-warm unit (120).

[0221] Thus, when the power supply unit (120) is input and the history is stored in the storage unit, the driving unit (9) rotates the drum (30) to a first angle even before the lock unit detects the opening or closing of the door (13), and when the drum returns, rotates the drum to a second angle greater than the first angle, and the display unit (16) can display one or more of the weight of the clothing measured after the drum starts rotating to the second angle and the execution time of the course for processing the clothing.

[0222] Additionally, when the weight of the clothing exceeds the reference weight, the drive unit (9) rotates the drum (30) at a third speed greater than the second angle while the locking unit locks the door (13), and the display unit (16) can display one or more of the weight of the clothing measured after the drum starts rotating at the third angle and the execution time of the course for processing the clothing, and the third angle can be one rotation or more, i.e., 360 degrees or more. Thus, when the weight of the clothing is large, the amount can be determined more precisely.

[0223] FIG. 8 illustrates an extended embodiment of the control method of FIG. 6.

[0224] The driving unit (9) of the clothing processing device of the present invention performs a load detection step (B2) in which the drum is rotated after the power input step (B1) in which the power supply unit (120) is input is performed, and the locking unit is unlocked (unlocked) the door (13). When the course input step (B3) in which the course is input to the course selection unit is performed, the additional load detection (B4) in which the drum is additionally rotated is performed, and the display unit may perform an information display step (B5) in which one or more of the weight of the clothing and the execution time of the course are displayed after the additional load detection is started. The load detection and the additional load detection may be performed by rotating the drum less than one revolution. That is, the load detection by rotating the drum less than one revolution can be performed repeatedly.

[0225] In summary, power is input to the power supply unit (120), the driving unit (9) rotates to detect the amount of material, and when the course is input to the course selection unit, the driving unit rotates to detect the amount of material, and then the display unit can display one or more of the weight of the clothing and the execution time of the course to notify the user.

[0226] FIG. 9 illustrates an extended embodiment of the control method of FIG. 8.

[0227] The clothing processing device of the present invention further includes a heater configured to increase the temperature inside the drum (30), and the heater may be configured to increase the temperature inside the drum during a boiling course, a drying course, etc., among the arbitrary courses.

[0228] The course using the above heater can be named the Energy Course.

[0229] After the power input step (C1) in which the power supply unit (120) is input is performed, the above driving unit (9) performs a weight detection step (C2) in which the lock unit rotates the drum while the door (13) is unlocked, and a first information display step (C3) in which the display unit (17) displays one or more of the weight of the clothing and the execution time measured in the weight detection step is performed, and when the course input step (C4) in which the energy course is input into the course selection unit is performed, an additional weight detection step (C5) in which the drum is additionally rotated is performed, and after the additional weight detection is started, a second information display step (C6) in which the display unit displays one or more of the weight of the clothing and the execution time of the course can be performed.

[0230] If a course other than the energy course is entered in the course input step (C4), the additional amount detection step (C5) may be omitted. In the case of the energy course, since the variation in energy according to the amount is significant, the additional amount detection may be performed to make a more accurate judgment.

[0231] However, it is not limited to this, and the additional amount detection can be performed regardless of whether it is the energy course mentioned above.

[0232] In addition, in the case of the energy course, the additional weight detection step may be repeated 10 or more times before the energy course is performed, and after the additional weight detection step is completed 10 or more times, the display unit (17) may be provided to display one or more of the weight of the clothing and the execution time. By doing so, the weight of the clothing can be determined more accurately and the accurate time can be guided.

[0233] Meanwhile, in the case of the above energy course, the additional weight detection step (C5) is performed, and the display unit (17) displays one or more of the weight of the clothing and the execution time, and after repeating the additional weight detection step, one or more of the weight of the clothing and the execution time may be updated and displayed. If the weight measured in the first additional weight detection step and the weight measured in subsequent additional weight detection steps are the same, there is no need to update and display it.

[0234] In another embodiment, the additional quantity detection step (C5) may be performed after the energy course has started. In this case, the locking part may lock the door (13), and there may be no limit on the number of rotations of the drum while the door is locked, allowing for more precise determination of the quantity.

[0235] When the energy course is entered into the course selection unit, the amount detection and the additional amount detection (C5) can be repeated multiple times. This allows for providing the user with a more accurate amount of energy usage in the energy course, where the difference in energy consumption based on the amount is significant.

[0236] FIG. 10 illustrates an extended embodiment of the control method of FIG. 8.

[0237] In the clothing processing device of the present invention, the driving unit (9) performs a power input step (D1) in which the power supply unit (120) is input, and then performs a load detection step (D2) in which the locking unit rotates the drum while the door (13) is unlocked, and then performs a first information display step (D3) in which the display unit (17) displays one or more of the weight of the clothing and the execution time measured in the load detection step, and then performs a course input step (D4) in which the energy course is input into the course selection unit, and then performs a load unwinding motion (D5) in which the drum repeats forward and reverse rotations one or more times, and performs an additional load detection (D6) in which the drum rotates additionally, and then performs a second information display step (D7) in which the display unit displays one or more of the weight of the clothing and the execution time of the course after the additional load detection has started.

[0238] That is, the potting motion can be performed before the above energy course is input and the above additional potting detection is performed.

[0239] The above-mentioned popping motion may mean that the drum rotates one or more times, and may be configured to repeat forward and reverse rotation.

[0240] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned loosening motion may be repeated two or more times. By doing so, the clumping of the fabric can be removed.

[0241] By performing the above-mentioned population motion, eccentricity can be reduced during the process of performing the above-mentioned energy course, and thereby the amount of energy used in the above-mentioned energy course can be reduced.

[0242] However, this is not limited thereto, and the above-mentioned population motion can be performed even if a course other than the above-mentioned energy course is input into the above-mentioned course input section.

[0243] FIG. 11 illustrates an extended implementation example of the control method of FIG. 6.

[0244] The clothing processing device of the present invention can perform a power input step (A1) that supplies power to one or more of the control unit (P), the driving unit (9), the water supply unit (70), the drainage unit (80), and the control panel (16) when it receives a command from the power supply unit (120).

[0245] When the above power input step (A1) is completed, the clothing processing device can perform a volume detection step (A2) for detecting the volume of the clothing.

[0246] At this time, the control unit (P) may also perform a clothing detection step (A2-1) to detect whether the clothing is contained in the drum (30). If there is clothing in the drum (30) during the clothing detection step (A2-1), the aforementioned control method may be performed.

[0247] However, if the clothing is not contained in the drum (3), the control unit (P) may perform a door opening / closing detection step (A2-2) that waits until the door (13) is opened and closed. That is, if the control unit (P) does not detect the amount of clothing, it may wait until it detects the opening or closing of the door.

[0248] At this time, when the door opening / closing detection step (A2-2) is performed, the control unit (P) can perform the quantity detection step (A2) again to additionally detect the quantity of clothing.

[0249] Thus, the clothing processing device of the present invention can immediately detect the amount of clothing when the drum (30) is filled with clothing before the input of the power supply unit (120). However, when the drum (30) is not filled with clothing before the input of the power supply unit (120), the amount of clothing can be detected by waiting for the clothing to be introduced into the drum (30).

[0250] Consequently, the garment processing device of the present invention can detect the amount of the garment before input to the execution unit (170) and transmit information such as the execution time of a course or option and the amount of detergent required to the user.

[0251] FIG. 12 illustrates another control method for detecting the amount of fabric before inputting the execution unit (170) of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0252] The control unit (P) may be configured to detect the amount of clothing before the execution unit (170) is input when it detects the opening or closing of the door (13). That is, the condition for detecting the amount of clothing may be the opening or closing of the door (13).

[0253] The clothing processing device of the present invention can perform an opening / closing step (B1) for detecting the opening / closing of a door (13). When the opening / closing of the door (13) is detected in the opening / closing step (B1), the control unit (P) can perform a volume detection step (B2) for detecting the volume of the clothing, and can perform an information display step (B3) for displaying one or more of the volume of clothing, the execution time of a preset course or option, and the amount of detergent required, according to the detected volume.

[0254] After the information display step (B3), the control unit (P) can perform the execution input step (B6) by detecting whether the user inputs the execution unit (170), and can perform the course setting step (B4) and the change display step (B5) by detecting whether the user changes the course or option.

[0255] The information display step (B3), the course setting step (B4), the change display step (B5), and the execution input step (B6) may be the same as those in the previously described embodiment.

[0256] The fact that the door (13) is opened or closed may mean that there is a high probability that clothing has been put into the drum (30). Additionally, the fact that the door (13) is opened or closed may mean that the amount of clothing in the drum (30) has increased or decreased.

[0257] Thus, when the garment processing device of the present invention detects that the door (13) is opened or closed, it can immediately detect the amount of the garment and provide the user with the amount of the garment itself, the expected execution time or changed execution time of the course or option, and the amount of detergent required or the amount of detergent changed.

[0258] FIG. 13 illustrates an extended embodiment of FIG. 12.

[0259] The clothing processing device of the present invention may further perform a power input step (B0) that detects whether power is input prior to the opening / closing step (B1).

[0260] Only when the above power input step (B0) is performed can power be supplied to the control unit (P) to detect whether the door (30) is open or closed.

[0261] Accordingly, after the power input step (B0) is performed, the control unit (p) can perform the quantity detection step (B2) when it detects that the door (13) is opened and closed.

[0262] When the opening or closing of the door (13) is detected in the above opening / closing step (B1), the control unit (P) can perform a volume detection step (B2) for detecting the volume of the clothing, and can perform an information display step (B3) for displaying one or more of the volume of clothing, the execution time of a preset course or option, and the amount of detergent required, according to the detected volume.

[0263] After the information display step (B3), the control unit (P) can perform the execution input step (B6) by detecting whether the user inputs the execution unit (170), and can perform the course setting step (B4) and the change display step (B5) by detecting whether the user changes the course or option.

[0264] The information display step (B3), the course setting step (B4), the change display step (B5), and the execution input step (B6) may be the same as those in the previously described embodiment.

[0265] Thus, when the garment processing device of the present invention detects that the door (13) is opened or closed while the power is supplied to the garment processing device, it can immediately detect the amount of the garment and provide the user with the amount of the garment itself, the expected execution time or changed execution time of the course or option, and the amount of detergent required or the amount of detergent changed.

[0266] FIG. 14 illustrates another extended embodiment of FIG. 12.

[0267] The clothing processing device of the present invention may be configured so that the history of the door (13) being opened and closed is stored in the storage unit (P2). That is, even if the power supply unit (120) is not input, power can be supplied to the control panel (16) or the storage unit (P2) through standby power so that the history of the door (13) being opened and closed can be stored.

[0268] Accordingly, the clothing processing device of the present invention can perform a history storage step (B11) of storing the opening and closing history of the door (13) in the storage unit (P2) when the door (13) is opened and closed even before the power supply unit (120) is input.

[0269] Subsequently, when the power input step (B0) is performed in which the power supply unit (120) of the present invention is input and power is supplied to the control unit (P), the control unit (P) can perform a quantity detection step (B2).

[0270] When the opening or closing of the door (13) is detected in the above opening / closing step (B1), the control unit (P) can perform a volume detection step (B2) for detecting the volume of the clothing, and can perform an information display step (B3) for displaying one or more of the volume of clothing, the execution time of a preset course or option, and the amount of detergent required, according to the detected volume.

[0271] After the information display step (B3), the control unit (P) can perform the execution input step (B6) by detecting whether the user inputs the execution unit (170), and can perform the course setting step (B4) and the change display step (B5) by detecting whether the user changes the course or option.

[0272] The information display step (B3), the course setting step (B4), the change display step (B5), and the execution input step (B6) may be the same as those in the previously described embodiment.

[0273] Thus, the clothing processing device of the present invention can detect the amount of clothing when the power supply unit (120) is input, even if the user has already put clothing into the drum (30) before the power supply unit (120) is input. Accordingly, the clothing processing device of the present invention can help the user select the optimal course and option or amount of detergent before inputting the execution unit (170).

[0274] FIG. 15 illustrates another extended embodiment of FIG. 12.

[0275] In the clothing processing device of the present invention, when the opening or closing of the door is detected in the opening / closing step (B1), the volume detection step (B2) can be performed.

[0276] At this time, the control unit (P) may also perform a clothing detection step (B2-1) to detect whether the clothing is contained in the drum (30). If there is clothing in the drum (30) during the clothing detection step (B2-1), the aforementioned control method may be performed as is.

[0277] However, if the clothing is not contained in the drum (30), the control unit (P) may perform a door opening / closing detection step (B2-2) that waits until the door (13) is opened and closed. That is, if the control unit (P) does not detect the amount of clothing, it may wait until it detects the opening or closing of the door.

[0278] At this time, when the door opening / closing detection step (B2-2) is performed, the control unit (P) can perform the quantity detection step (B2) again to additionally detect the quantity of clothing.

[0279] Thus, the clothing processing device of the present invention can immediately detect the amount of clothing when the door (30) is opened and closed and the input of clothing into the drum (30) is completed. Accordingly, the estimated execution time or required amount of detergent for a course or option selected by the user can be quickly guided before inputting to the execution unit (170).

[0280] In addition, the clothing processing device of the present invention can detect the amount of clothing by waiting for the amount of clothing to be introduced into the drum (30) when the condition in which clothing is not received in the drum (30) even when the door (30) is opened and closed. Even if the opening and closing of the door (30) is an essential condition for detecting the amount of clothing, the amount of clothing can be accurately detected after the point in time when clothing is received in the drum (30).

[0281] Consequently, the garment processing device of the present invention can detect the amount of the garment before input to the execution unit (170) and transmit information such as the execution time of a course or option and the amount of detergent required to the user.

[0282] FIG. 16 illustrates an additional control method capable of detecting the amount before the execution unit (170) is input.

[0283] The clothing processing device of the present invention may be configured to detect the volume of clothing when a user selects a desired course or option among a plurality of courses or options.

[0284] The estimated execution time or detergent amount required by the user may be the execution time or detergent amount of the course or option selected by the user. Therefore, the garment processing device of the present invention may be provided to guide the user to the corresponding estimated execution time or detergent amount when the user selects a course or option.

[0285] Meanwhile, the point in time when the user inputs the course selection unit (140) and the option selection unit (160) is likely after the power unit (120) has been input and after the door (13) has been opened and closed and clothing has been fed into the drum (30).

[0286] In other words, if the user is guided to the estimated execution time or amount of detergent according to the amount of clothing after the course selection unit (140) and the option selection unit (160) are entered, the user can be accurately guided to the estimated execution time or amount of detergent regardless of whether the user is someone who has a habit of entering the power unit (120) after putting clothing into the drum (30) or someone who enters the power unit (120) first and then puts clothing into the drum (30).

[0287] To this end, the clothing processing device of the present invention may perform a course input step (C1) that detects that the course selection unit (140) or the option selection unit (160) has been input.

[0288] When the control unit (P) detects that the course selection unit (140) or the option selection unit (160) has been input, it can perform a quantity detection step (C2) for detecting the quantity of the clothing.

[0289] When the above amount detection step (C2) is performed, the control unit (P) may perform an information display step (C3) in which at least one of the amount of the clothing, the expected execution time of a selected course or option corresponding to the amount of the clothing, and the amount of detergent for executing the course or option is displayed on the display unit (16).

[0290] After the information display step (C3), the control unit (P) can perform the execution input step (C6) which detects whether the user inputs the execution unit (170), and can perform the course setting step (C4) and the change display step (C5) by detecting whether the user changes the course or option.

[0291] The information display step (B3), the course setting step (C4), the change display step (C5), and the execution input step (C6) may be the same as those in the previously described embodiment.

[0292] FIG. 17 illustrates an additional embodiment of the method for controlling a clothing processing device according to the present invention.

[0293] The clothing processing device of the present invention may be configured to additionally detect the amount of material even after the execution unit (120) is input after the amount of material is detected and a course or option is executed.

[0294] Thus, the garment processing device of the present invention can check whether the amount of the garment is too large to perform the course or option, or whether the estimated execution time or the amount of detergent is excessively displayed because the weight of the garment is measured excessively due to the garment being in a moisture-retaining state (wet cloth).

[0295] As a result, the garment processing device of the present invention not only rapidly detects the volume of the garment but also accurately detects the condition of the garment thereafter to adjust it so as to perform an optimal course or option.

[0296] Referring to FIG. 16(a), the clothing processing device of the present invention can perform a power input step (E1) in which power is supplied by inputting the power supply unit (120), an opening / closing step (E2) in which the opening / closing of the door (13) is detected, a volume detection step (E3) in which the volume of the clothing is detected when the power supply unit (120) is input and the opening / closing of the door (13) is detected, and an information display step (E4) in which the execution time of a course or option corresponding to the volume of the clothing or the amount of detergent required is displayed on the display unit (16).

[0297] Afterward, when a course setting step (E5) is performed in which a user inputs one or more of the course selection unit (140) and the option selection unit (160) to set a desired course or option, a change display step (E6) may be performed to display the execution time or required amount of detergent for the changed course or option.

[0298] When the user confirms the desired course or option in the information display step (E4) or change display step (E6), the execution unit (170) is input, and an execution input step (E7) in which the course or option is executed can be performed.

[0299] When the above course or option is performed, the door (13) can be locked to the cabinet (10).

[0300] The clothing processing device of the present invention may perform an additional detection step (E9) to additionally check the condition of the clothing when there is no risk of water, detergent, or clothing being discharged through the door (13).

[0301] The control unit (P) can perform a final display step (E10) that immediately informs the user if the amount of clothing, estimated execution time, or required amount of detergent changes through the additional detection step (E9).

[0302] Thus, in the event that a change in circumstances occurs in the matters that were announced to the user in the information display stage (E4), the corresponding control method can be modified and announced to the user.

[0303] As a result, courses or options can be performed in a manner more suitable for the clothing, and the user can be guided to the changed situation to induce an appropriate response.

[0304] For example, in the additional detection step (E9), if the control unit (P) is greater than the reference value for performing the course or option, in the final display step (E10), the control unit (P) may display a notice to the user to stop performing the course or option and to withdraw some of the clothing on the display unit (16).

[0305] In addition, if the control unit (P) detects in the additional detection step (E9) that the weight of the clothing is excessively measured because it is a wet cloth, it may modify the expected execution time or remaining time on the display unit (16) or modify and display the required amount of detergent in the final display step (E10).

[0306] When the above control unit (P) receives input from the above execution unit (170), it can additionally detect the amount of the clothing and recalculate the estimated time of the above arbitrary course or option.

[0307] As described above, the control unit can first detect the amount of clothing before the execution unit is input, and additionally detect the amount of clothing when the execution unit is input.

[0308] The above display unit displays the estimated execution time of the course or option corresponding to the amount detected first before the execution unit is input, and when the execution unit is input, it can display the estimated execution time of the course or option corresponding to the amount detected additionally.

[0309] When the above-mentioned display unit is input, it can change and display the expected execution time of the course or option corresponding to the amount detected in the first step to the expected execution time of the course or option corresponding to the amount detected in the second step.

[0310] The above display unit can display a longer expected execution time for the course or option corresponding to the amount detected additionally than the expected execution time for the course or option corresponding to the amount detected in the first stage.

[0311] The estimated execution time indicated in the second step above may continue until the course or option is executed.

[0312] Meanwhile, when the control unit (P) recalculates the course or option, it can detect the quantity more precisely.

[0313] To this end, the time for the control unit (P) to additionally detect the amount of the clothing may be set to be longer than the time for the first detection of the amount of the clothing.

[0314] The control unit (P) is configured to control the drive unit to detect the amount of clothing, and the drive unit may be controlled to rotate the drum intermittently in a first manner before the execution unit is input, and to rotate the drum intermittently in a second manner after the execution unit is input. At this time, the control unit (P) may control the drive unit such that the angle or number of rotations of the drum intermittently in the second manner is greater than the angle or number of rotations of the drum intermittently in the first manner. That is, the control unit (P) can detect the amount of clothing more precisely through more information and time when additionally detecting the amount.

[0315] In the quantity detection stage, the driving unit may rotate less than one revolution when rotating intermittently for the first time to reduce the quantity detection time. However, the driving unit may rotate more than one revolution when rotating intermittently for the second time to ensure precision in quantity detection.

[0316] Meanwhile, the above display unit may indicate that the estimated execution time of the course or option corresponding to the additionally detected amount is the final estimated execution time.

[0317] FIG. 18 illustrates a control method in which the clothing processing device of the present invention can detect whether the clothing is wet or dry in the additional detection step (E9).

[0318] The clothing processing device of the present invention can perform a water supply step (E91) of opening the water supply valve (72) when the additional detection step (E9) is performed, and can perform a wet cloth detection step (E91) of detecting whether the clothing was initially a wet cloth during or after the water supply step (E91) is completed.

[0319] The above water supply step (E91) may supply enough water to perform the above course or option.

[0320] Additionally, the water supply step (E91) may supply only a small amount of water that the garment can absorb when the garment is expected to be a dry cloth. For example, if the garment is a dry cloth, the water supply step (E91) may supply only enough water so that the water level does not rise.

[0321] At this time, after the water supply step (E91) is completed, if the water level of the tub (20) is higher than the expected water level, the control unit (P) can determine that the clothing is not a dry cloth but a wet cloth containing a certain amount of moisture.

[0322] If the above clothing is a wet cloth, the actual weight of the clothing may be less than the weight of the clothing detected in the above weight detection step (E3) by the amount of water absorbed by the clothing.

[0323] Accordingly, the control unit (P) may calculate the weight of the clothing after removing the amount of moisture from the weight of the clothing, and may calculate the weight of the clothing when the washing water level is such that washing can be performed.

[0324] Accordingly, the control unit (P) can estimate the weight when the clothing is dry and change the execution time or amount of detergent of the course or option and display it in the final display step (E10).

[0325] In other words, when the control unit (P) receives input from the execution unit (170), it can drive the lock unit and temporarily drive the water supply unit (70), and then additionally detect the amount of the clothing to recalculate the estimated time of the arbitrary course or option.

[0326] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned amount detection step may be performed to start a course or option before supplying water to the tub (20), and may be performed to detect the amount of dewatered water to perform a dewatering process after the water is drained from the tub (20).

[0327] FIG. 19 illustrates a control method in which the clothing processing device of the present invention can detect whether the clothing is wet or dry in the additional detection step (E9).

[0328] Referring to FIG. 19(a), the clothing processing device of the present invention may perform a rotation step (E9A) to determine the condition of the clothing by rotating the drum when the additional detection step (E9) is performed, and may perform a moisture detection step (E9B) to detect whether the clothing was initially a wet cloth during or after the rotation step (E9A) is completed.

[0329] The above rotation step (E9A) may be a step of continuously rotating the drum one or more times.

[0330] The control unit (p) can detect whether the clothing is wet by using the current value applied to or output to the driving unit (9) in the rotation step.

[0331] FIG. 19(b) illustrates the difference between when the clothing on the drum (30) is a wet cloth and when it is a dry cloth.

[0332] The left figure illustrates the case where the above clothing, such as a dry towel, is a dry cloth, and the right figure illustrates the case where the clothing, such as a wet towel, is a wet cloth.

[0333] When the clothing in the above wet cloth and the clothing in the above dry cloth have the same weight (e.g., 5 kg), the current value of the driving unit (9) for rotating the drum (30) may not differ significantly. However, in the case of the above wet cloth, the contact force is better than that of the dry cloth, so they clump together well, so a large amount of clothing may fall simultaneously onto the inner wall of the drum every time the drum rotates once. As a result, the vibration value of the clothing in the wet cloth state may be detected as greater than that of the clothing in the dry cloth state.

[0334] Accordingly, the control unit (P) can detect that the clothing is a wet cloth if the vibration value generated in the drum (30) is greater than or equal to a reference value, or if a one-time vibration waveform is generated as it rotates once.

[0335] If the above clothing is a wet cloth, the actual weight of the clothing may be less than the weight of the clothing detected in the above weight detection step (E3) by the amount of water absorbed by the clothing.

[0336] Accordingly, the control unit (P) may calculate the weight of the clothing after removing the amount of moisture from the weight of the clothing, and may calculate the weight of the clothing when the washing water level is such that washing can be performed.

[0337] Accordingly, the control unit (P) can estimate the weight when the clothing is dry and change the execution time or amount of detergent of the course or option and display it in the final display step (E10).

[0338] FIG. 20 illustrates a control method for detecting the amount of fabric in the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0339] As described above, the clothing processing device of the present invention may perform a volume detection step for detecting the volume of clothing before input to the execution unit (170). The volume detection step described below may be performed in the volume detection step described above.

[0340] The above weight detection step may include a rotation step (D1) for rotating the drum and a calculation step (D3) for calculating the weight of the clothing by measuring a first current value applied to or output to the rotation step.

[0341] The clothing processing device of the present invention can rotate the drum (30) less than one revolution in the rotation step (D1). By doing so, the clothing processing device of the present invention can detect the amount of clothing before the drum (30) rotates one revolution.

[0342] For example, the above-mentioned volume detection step may be completed within 1 second. Accordingly, before determining whether the user inputs the power supply unit (120), opens or closes the door (13), selects any course or option, or inputs the execution unit (170), one or more of the volume of the clothing, the estimated execution time based on the volume, and the amount of detergent may be displayed on the display unit (17).

[0343] Thus, the user can select or change a course or option and input the execution unit (170) while checking the above-mentioned expected execution time and amount of detergent.

[0344] Consequently, the garment processing device of the present invention can provide guidance on the estimated execution time or amount of detergent by rapidly detecting the amount of material before the user makes a final decision to perform a course or option selected by the user.

[0345] In addition, it can prevent users from waiting for a long time to check the estimated execution time of the selected course or option or the appropriate amount of detergent. As a result, laundry delays can be prevented.

[0346] Meanwhile, in the above-mentioned quantity detection step, the rotation step (D1) is terminated before the drum (30) completes one rotation. Therefore, in the above-mentioned quantity detection step, a restoration step (D2) in which the drum (30) returns to its original position can be performed.

[0347] The above operation step (D3) can be performed during the process of performing the above rotation step (D1) or when the rotation step (D1) is completed, and can be performed when both the above rotation step (D1) and the above restoration step (D2) are performed.

[0348] The quantity detection step may further include a display step (D4) for displaying the quantity of the clothing on the display unit (17) when the calculation step (D3) is completed.

[0349] In the above display step (D4), only the amount of the clothing may be displayed, the estimated execution time of a specific course or option corresponding to the amount of clothing may be displayed, and the required amount of detergent needed to perform the course or option may be displayed.

[0350] The above quantity detection step may be performed before the input of the execution unit (170), but it may also be performed in the same way in an additional detection step, etc., performed after the input of the execution unit (170).

[0351] That is, the same amount of material detection step can be performed in both the dry material detection step for performing the washing process and the wet material detection step for performing the spin-drying process. In addition, the amount of material detection step can also be performed in the step of checking whether the garment is wet or dry.

[0352] FIG. 21 illustrates the shape of the fabric quantity detection of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0353] Referring to FIG. 21(a), the clothing can be placed on the bottom surface of the drum (30) by its own weight.

[0354] Referring to FIG. 21(b), when the above quantity detection step is performed and the above rotation step (D1) is performed, the drum (30) can rotate until it has completed one rotation.

[0355] In the above rotation step (D1), the drum (30) can be rotated to an angle below which the clothing is separated from the inner wall of the drum or its position is varied. This prevents unnecessary load or shock from being transmitted to the driving unit (9) as the position of the clothing within the drum (30) is varied. Accordingly, the control unit (P) can accurately calculate the load of the clothing through the current value applied to or output to the driving unit (9).

[0356] For example, in the rotation step (D1), the drum can be rotated in a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees or less.

[0357] However, as the angle at which the drum (30) is rotated becomes smaller, the time for the control unit (P) to detect the amount of the clothing may be shortened, and the error in detecting the weight of the clothing may be reduced. Therefore, it is preferable that the drum (30) be rotated in a range of 10 degrees to 45 degrees or less during the rotation step (D1).

[0358] FIG. 22 illustrates the calculation method for detecting the amount of clothing in the garment processing device of the present invention.

[0359] Referring to FIG. 22(a) and FIG. 22(b), when the above-mentioned quantity detection step is performed, the control unit (P) can rotate the drum (30) less than one revolution through the above-mentioned rotation step (D1). In the above-mentioned calculation step (D3), the control unit (P) can calculate (process) the quantity of the clothing by measuring the current value applied to or output to the driving unit (9) in the above-mentioned rotation step (D1).

[0360] The above control unit (P) may use the formula Te = Jdw / dt + Bw + mgrsinΘ to detect the amount.

[0361] Te is a torque value applied to the driving unit (9), corresponding to I (current value) xK (driving unit constant). That is, since the driving unit constant (k) is an intrinsic value of the driving unit (9) itself, the control unit (P) can calculate the torque value applied to the driving unit (9) when it detects the current value (I).

[0362] At this time, in the case of sinΘ in the above mgrsinΘ, since it decreases exponentially as the rotation angle of the drum decreases, it can be sufficiently ignored if it is between 15 and 90 degrees or between 10 and 45 degrees.

[0363] Also, Bw is a friction torque, and as the drum (30) rotates, B becomes very small and can be ignored.

[0364] As a result, only the formula Te = Jdw / dt remains. At this time, since dw / dt is the angular acceleration that rotates the drum, the control unit (p) can detect the angular acceleration when rotating the drum in the rotation step (d1). The angular acceleration can also be calculated directly through the current value applied to the driving unit (9).

[0365] Therefore, by measuring the current value, both the torque value (Te) and the angular acceleration (dw / dt) applied to the driving unit (9) can be calculated, and thus the moment of inertia (J) can be calculated.

[0366] Consequently, the clothing processing device of the present invention can determine the moment of inertia (J) and immediately detect the amount of the clothing.

[0367] FIG. 23 illustrates the process of the clothing processing device of the present invention calculating the volume using the moment of inertia.

[0368] The above storage unit (P2) may store data describing the relationship between the moment of inertia and the amount.

[0369] By determining the weight of the above clothing, the moment of inertia generated when the clothing rotates on the drum (30) can be detected, and by determining the moment of inertia, the weight of the above clothing can be detected.

[0370] For example, if the control unit (P) detects the moment of inertia as 55000 in the above calculation step (D3), the amount of clothing can be determined as 2kg when the drum (30) is rotated counterclockwise, and as 3kg when the drum (30) is rotated clockwise.

[0371] In this way, the control unit (p) can immediately detect the amount of clothing by using data organized based on the diameter of the drum (30), the rotation direction of the drum (30), etc., of the moment of inertia and the weight of the clothing stored in the storage unit (p2).

[0372] Consequently, the control unit (P) can detect the amount of the clothing by detecting only the current value applied or output in the rotation step (D1). That is, the calculation step (D3) can be performed while the rotation step (D1) is being performed or at the moment the rotation step (D1) ends.

[0373] As a result, the rotation step (D1) and the operation step (D3) can be fully completed before the position of the drum (30) is restored to its original position. That is, the operation step (D3) can be completed before the restoration step (D2) is completed.

[0374] As a result, the rotation step (D1) and the calculation step (D3) can all be performed within 0.3 seconds to 1 second, and the quantity detection step itself can be performed within 0.3 seconds to 1 second.

[0375] Therefore, the control unit (P) can detect the amount of food in an instant such that the user hardly feels the time spent detecting the amount of food, and can guide the execution time of the selected course or option.

[0376] Meanwhile, when the amount is detected in the calculation step (D3) above, the control unit (P) can calculate and display the execution time or detergent amount of a course or option corresponding to the amount almost simultaneously.

[0377] As a result, the rotation step (D1), the calculation step (D3), and the display step (D4) can all be performed before the position of the drum is restored.

[0378] Therefore, the rotation step (D1), the operation step (D3), and the display step (D4) can all be performed within 0.3 seconds to 1 second.

[0379] FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment in which a screen guiding energy and water usage is displayed on the display unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention.

[0380] The display unit (130) of the clothing processing device of the present invention can display one or more of the required water usage and electricity usage according to the amount of clothing. That is, the display unit can display one or more of the water usage and electricity usage after the amount detection is completed. More specifically, even if power is input to the power unit (120), a course is selected in the course selection unit, and the execution unit is input, if the amount detection is not completed, the display unit cannot display one or more of the water usage or electricity usage.

[0381] Additionally, the display unit (130) may be configured to display the required water usage and electricity usage by taking into account both the selected course or option and the amount.

[0382] Since the amount is detected before the course is selected, when a course is entered into the course selection unit or an option is entered into the option adjustment unit, the time, energy, and water levels can be changed and displayed immediately upon input on the display unit (130).

[0383] For example, if the user adds one rinse cycle, the display unit (130) may display a performance time of 40 minutes, energy level 2, and water level 3, and if the user adds standard drying of the drying option, it may display a performance time of 100 minutes, energy level 6, and water level 3.

[0384] Referring to FIG. 24, the course name, estimated execution time, estimated electricity usage, and estimated water usage can be displayed on one screen.

[0385] The above-mentioned estimated electricity usage and water usage may be displayed numerically or in stages using bar-shaped icons. However, this is not limited to these methods, and any method that allows the user to intuitively check the information is acceptable.

[0386] Meanwhile, when a course entered into the course selection unit is executed and terminated, one or more of the water usage and electricity usage used in the course can be displayed, and the control unit is configured to provide feedback by comparing the water usage and electricity usage used in the course with the estimated water usage and estimated electricity usage required according to the amount of clothing, and the display unit (130) can output the feedback when the course is terminated.

[0387] Additionally, when the automatic detergent dispenser is provided and operated, the display unit (130) may be provided to display one or more of water usage or electricity usage without providing guidance on the amount of detergent. Since the guidance on the amount of detergent is intended to make it easier for the user to dispense an appropriate amount of detergent, the amount of detergent may not be guided when the automatic detergent dispenser is operated because the user does not supply detergent.

[0388] FIG. 25 illustrates another embodiment in which the display part of FIG. 24 displays water usage and electricity usage.

[0389] Referring to FIG. 25, the display unit of the clothing processing device of the present invention may be configured to display electricity usage, water usage, etc. by switching the screen.

[0390] The above display unit (130) may be configured such that the execution time is displayed on the initial screen, the screen is switched to display options after a certain amount of time has elapsed, and the electricity usage and water usage are displayed after a certain amount of time has elapsed again.

[0391] The present invention may be modified and implemented in various forms, and its scope of rights is not limited to the embodiments described above. Therefore, if a modified embodiment includes the components of the claims of the present invention, it should be considered to fall within the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

A cabinet having an opening at the front; A door coupled to the cabinet above to open and close the opening above; A locking part that locks the above door to the above cabinet; A drum accommodated in the above cabinet and accommodating clothing; A driving unit configured to rotate the above drum; A control unit that controls the drive unit to rotate the drum to detect the amount of the clothing or provides a command to perform any course for processing the clothing; A display unit coupled to the above cabinet and displaying information externally; The above display part A clothing processing device characterized by displaying one or more of the required water usage and electricity usage according to the amount of the clothing. In paragraph 1, The above driving unit A clothing processing device characterized by detecting the amount of clothing by rotating the drum less than one revolution while the locking part is in an unlocked state of the door. In paragraph 2, A clothing processing device characterized by the above driving unit detecting the amount of clothing by rotating the drum at an angle less than or equal to the angle at which the clothing is separated from the inner wall of the drum or its position is varied when the above locking unit is unlocked the door. In paragraph 1, The above display part A clothing processing device characterized by displaying one or more of the water usage and the electricity usage when the door is closed and the lock is unlocked. In paragraph 1, It includes a course selection unit configured to receive a selection command for selecting any one of the above arbitrary courses; and The above display part A clothing processing device characterized by displaying one or more of the required water usage and electricity usage according to the course entered in the course selection unit. In paragraph 5, An execution unit configured to receive an execution command for performing the selected course; comprising The above execution unit A clothing processing device characterized by being configured to allow input of an execution command while one or more of the quantity of the clothing and the execution time of the course for processing the clothing are displayed on the display unit. In paragraph 1, The above display part A clothing processing device characterized by displaying the above water usage amount in stages. In paragraph 1, The above display part A clothing processing device characterized by displaying the above-mentioned electricity usage in stages. In paragraph 1, The above display part A clothing processing device characterized by numerically displaying the above water usage amount. In paragraph 1, The above display part A clothing processing device characterized by numerically displaying the above-mentioned electricity usage. In paragraph 1, The above display part A clothing processing device characterized by displaying one or more of the above-mentioned amount of clothing, the above-mentioned course for processing clothing, the above-mentioned water usage, and the above-mentioned electricity usage. In paragraph 1, The above display part A clothing processing device characterized by displaying the amount of clothing above, then switching the screen to display one or more of the water usage and electricity usage above. In paragraph 6, The above display part A clothing processing device characterized by blocking the display of water usage and electricity usage when the execution command is input to the execution unit before the detection of the amount of clothing is completed. In paragraph 1, The above display part A clothing processing device characterized by displaying one or more of the water usage and electricity usage used in the performed course when the above course is completed. In Paragraph 14, The above control unit Provides feedback by comparing the estimated water usage and estimated electricity usage required according to the volume of the above clothing with the water usage and electricity usage used in the performed course, and The above display part A clothing processing device characterized by displaying the above feedback. In paragraph 5, Includes an option control unit that receives a command to change the option of the above course selection unit; The above display part A clothing processing device characterized by changing and displaying one or more of water usage and electricity usage according to the changed option when a command to change an option is input to the above-mentioned option control unit.

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