Home appliance and method for controlling same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a home appliance configured such that, when an input is received while the power is in an OFF state, an execution input unit illuminates or blinks to visually indicate the input to a user, and when the execution input unit is actuated while the power is in an OFF state, the input is indicated to the user both visually and audibly, thereby allowing the user to intuitively verify the execution status of a one-key operation.

Description

Home appliances and methods for controlling home appliances

[0001] The present invention relates to a home appliance and a method for controlling a home appliance.

[0002] Generally, home appliances are devices operated in an indoor environment for the convenience of the user. Such appliances are typically equipped to accommodate a target for processing and to perform various processing operations, such as applying physical force to the target.

[0003] For example, a garment processing device is a home appliance that performs necessary processing on laundry, such as removing contaminants from the laundry or drying it, by placing laundry such as clothes and bedding into a drum, and may include a washing machine, a dryer, a washer-dryer, a tower washer-dryer, and a garment care device.

[0004] Such a home appliance may include an operating unit that receives control commands for processing a processing target, and a display that displays the operation or information of said home appliance. Accordingly, the user operates said home appliance after placing a processing target, etc., inside said home appliance.

[0005] To explain in more detail, when operating a home appliance, the user needs to go through the process of inputting power (connecting power to the garment processing device), closing the door, selecting an operation mode (processing course), and executing the selected processing course. In other words, conventional home appliances could only begin processing a selected target after going through multiple processes. However, conventional garment processing devices, where a selected processing course is executed only after going through multiple processes, may cause inconvenience to the user.

[0006] To solve this problem, home appliances with a simplified operation method are being developed recently, in which, after turning on the power, closing the door and pressing the start button, processing is performed according to a set operation course.

[0007] However, even such home appliances still have the problem of causing inconvenience in use because they require multiple physical steps, such as closing the door, turning on the power, and pressing the start button.

[0008] In addition, there is a problem where proper processing is not performed if the processing course set as the default course in the aforementioned home appliance is not suitable for the processing target, and as a result, not only is the expected performance not satisfied, but there is also a problem of excessive power consumption and / or water consumption.

[0009] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a home appliance and a method for controlling the home appliance that improves user convenience by minimizing user operation.

[0010] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a home appliance and a control method for the home appliance that can provide optimal processing performance while maintaining minimal operation even when various processing targets are input.

[0011] The present invention aims to solve the problem of providing a home appliance and a method for controlling the home appliance that can maximize user convenience.

[0012]

[0013] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides a home appliance comprising: a cabinet having an input port; a door for opening and closing the input port; a receiving portion for receiving a processing object inserted into the input port; a control panel including a power input portion for receiving a command to supply power and an execution input portion for receiving a command different from that of the power input portion; and a control portion that performs a rapid mode (one-key operation) for turning on the power, setting a course, and executing the set course when a control command is input to the execution input portion while the power is OFF. The control panel may visually or audibly notify the state in which the execution input portion is input when input is input to the execution input portion while the power is OFF.

[0014] The above execution input unit may be configured to emit light or blink when the control unit is input while in a power-OFF state.

[0015] The above execution input unit may be turned off when the above course is performed.

[0016] The control panel may further include a display unit that includes a screen for visually displaying the execution status of the rapid mode (one-key operation).

[0017] The above display unit can be configured so that the screen turns ON when the above execution input unit is input while the power is OFF.

[0018] The above display unit can indicate the state in which power is supplied to the control unit and the screen when the above execution input unit is input while the power is OFF.

[0019] The above display unit can display boot information that drives the control unit when the above execution input unit is input while the power is OFF.

[0020] The above display unit can display weight information of the inserted clothing when the execution input unit is input while the power is OFF.

[0021] The above control panel may further include a speaker that audibly expresses the execution status of the above rapid mode (one-key operation).

[0022] The above speaker may be configured to emit a specific sound when the above execution input is input while the power is OFF.

[0023] The above speaker may be configured to emit a sound different from the specific sound when the above rapid mode is performed.

[0024] When the above control unit performs rapid mode, it can perform a default course or a course specified by the user.

[0025] The above display unit can display the execution time or remaining time of the above course.

[0026] The processing target includes clothing, and the display unit can display weight information corresponding to the weight of the clothing.

[0027] The above display unit can vary the above quantity information and the above execution time when the above input clothing changes.

[0028] The above display unit can alternately display the above quantity information and the above execution time.

[0029] The above control panel may further include a speaker that audibly expresses the execution status of the above rapid mode (one-key operation).

[0030] When the above input port is open, even if the above execution input unit is input, the state of the above execution input unit and the speaker can be maintained the same as the state before the above execution input unit was input.

[0031] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention may provide a control method for a home appliance comprising a power input unit that receives a command to turn on the power and an execution input unit that receives an execution command to operate a set course.

[0032] The above control method may include an input step in which the execution input unit is input; and an execution step in which the set course is executed.

[0033] It may further include a standby step in which the power of the above-mentioned home appliance is set to an OFF state, and an activation step in which the power of the above-mentioned home appliance is turned ON before the execution step when the above-mentioned input step is performed in the standby step.

[0034] The above activation step may further include a notification step that notifies the user visually or audibly of the state in which the power is turned ON.

[0035] The present invention has the effect of providing a home appliance and a method for controlling the home appliance that improves user convenience by minimizing user operation.

[0036] The present invention has the effect of providing a home appliance and a control method for a home appliance that can provide optimal processing performance while maintaining minimal operation even when various processing targets are input.

[0037] The present invention has the effect of reducing the execution of a processing course.

[0038] The present invention has the effect of not only improving processing performance by automatically selecting and executing an optimal processing course, but also reducing the execution time and power consumption required for the execution of the processing course, and enabling the user to utilize the optimal performance of the home appliance.

[0039] FIGS. 1 to 7 illustrate embodiments of the home appliance of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the control unit of the home appliance of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the control method of a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates the state when an execution input is input in the home appliance of the present invention.

[0043] FIGS. 11 to 15 illustrate the state in which one-key operation is performed in the home appliance of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 16 illustrates the state of the display unit when the door is opened.

[0045] FIG. 17 illustrates a control method in which the function of the execution input unit of the home appliance of the present invention varies according to the input method.

[0046] FIG. 18 illustrates the state of visual and auditory indication by the home appliance of the present invention when performing the Smart Ready function.

[0047] FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment in which a home appliance of the present invention can induce input of a smart-ready function.

[0048]

[0049] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0050] Before the explanation, directions are defined. In the embodiment of the present invention, based on the center of the home appliance shown in FIG. 1, the direction toward the floor surface where the home appliance is installed can be defined as downward, the direction away from the floor surface as upward, the direction toward the surface where the door is located as forward, and the direction away from the door as rear. Additionally, when discussing directions that are not defined, the directions can be defined and explained based on each drawing.

[0051] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a home appliance and can be applied to all types of garment processing devices, such as washing machines, dryers, washer-dryers, tower-type washer-dryers, and garment care devices.

[0052] That is, the present invention is described based on the case where the object to be processed introduced into the processing space is clothing, but this is for illustrative purposes only, and the following description may be applied to all home appliances that accommodate and process objects.

[0053] The above-mentioned clothing processing device may be any type of household appliance capable of performing at least one of washing, rinsing, spinning, drying, odor removal, and wrinkle removal of clothing.

[0054] Generally, the state where the power is OFF in a home appliance can be viewed as the standby mode, and the state where the power of the washing machine is ON can be viewed as the operating mode.

[0055] That is, even if the power of the above-mentioned home appliance is turned OFF, as long as the home appliance is connected to an external power source, it is in a state where current is supplied through standby power. Therefore, even if the power of the above-mentioned home appliance is turned OFF, commands can be input through the control panel described later.

[0056] FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the home appliance of the present invention is equipped as a washing machine.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the washing machine (1), which is a clothing processing device according to the present embodiment, may have an external shape formed by a cabinet (10) in the shape of a cuboid. Each side of the cabinet (10) may be formed by at least one plate, and the interior of the cabinet (10) may provide a space for processing clothing (to be processed) and a space for means to be arranged. That is, the cabinet (10) may provide a space for a drum (30) for processing clothing (washing, rinsing, or spin-drying) and a driving unit for executing a processing course, such as a drum motor (17), to be mounted.

[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates the door of the washing machine with the input opening opened.

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cabinet (10) may include a front panel (11) forming the front surface. An inlet (12) communicating with the inlet of the drum (30) may be formed in the front panel (11). Clothing to be processed may be fed into the drum (30), which is the processing space, through the inlet (12).

[0060] The washing machine (1) may be provided with a door (20) that closes the input opening (12), and the door (20) may be rotatably fixed to the cabinet (10). At least a portion of the door (20) may be made of a transparent material so that the interior of the input opening (12) can be viewed from the outside.

[0061] The door (20) may be provided with a door latch (21) on the rear side (the side of the door facing the input opening), and the cabinet (10) may be provided with a latch hole (13) into which the door latch (21) is inserted.

[0062] The door latch (21) is provided in a bar shape protruding from the rear surface of the door (20), and the latch hole (13) may be provided as a hole penetrating the front plate (11) of the cabinet. When the door (20) closes the input port (12), one end of the door latch (21) is inserted into the latch hole (13) and fixed to the cabinet. Thus, the door (20) can remain in a closed state (the input port can remain in a closed state).

[0063] Meanwhile, to prevent the input port (12) from opening during the operation of the washing machine (1), the washing machine (1) may be further provided with a door locking device (55, locking part) that secures the door (20) to the cabinet (1). The locking part (55) may be provided as a device that is fixed inside the cabinet (10) and fastened to one end of the door latch (21) inserted into the latch hole (13).

[0064] For example, the locking part (55) may be provided as a device that is coupled to the door latch (21) when a locking signal is input (preventing the opening of the input port) and separated from the door latch (21) when a release signal is input.

[0065] The washing machine (1) may further include a door detection device (51, detection unit) capable of determining whether the door (20) is in an open or closed state for the input port (12). For example, the detection unit (51) may be provided as a door switch that detects whether the door latch (21) is inserted into the latch hole (13). As shown in the drawing, the detection unit (51) and the locking unit (55) may be provided as a single integrated device.

[0066] The above detection unit (51) may be provided on the front of the cabinet (10) as illustrated and may be provided as a sensor that detects the approach of the door (20).

[0067] Alternatively, the sensing unit (51) provided in the present invention may function as a switch that inputs power to the clothing processing device (a switch that supplies direct current to the clothing processing device). That is, when the power of the washing machine (1) is OFF and the door (20) closes the input port (12), the sensing unit (51) can transmit a door (20) closing signal to the control unit.

[0068] The cabinet (10) may be equipped with a control panel (40) capable of inputting commands to control the washing machine (1) or displaying the status of the washing machine (1) to the user. For example, the control panel (40) may be mounted on the front surface of the cabinet (10). That is, the control panel (40) may be provided on the front panel (11) or on a separate control panel. The control panel and the front panel (11) may be combined to form the front surface of the clothing processing device.

[0069] The above control panel (40) may be equipped with a plurality of control units that can be independently operated by a user. For example, the control panel (40) may include a first control unit (41) that generates a control command and a second control unit (42) that generates a control command different from that of the first control unit.

[0070] The clothing processing device of the present invention, including the washing machine (1) described above, can operate in a standby mode and an operating mode. The operating mode refers to a mode for executing a processing course, and the standby mode refers to a mode for waiting for input of a control command from a user without executing the processing course.

[0071] The above processing course may be a course (program, etc.) set in the clothing processing device to realize at least one of washing, rinsing, spin-drying, drying, odor removal, and wrinkle removal of the target being processed.

[0072] The above clothing processing device maintains a state connected to the power supply in the above operating mode and the above standby mode.

[0073] The above operating mode can be defined as a mode for supplying power to devices for executing a processing course, such as the drum motor (17), water supply unit (16), and drainage unit (18) described later, as well as to devices that receive control commands from the user.

[0074] In contrast, the above standby mode may be defined as a mode in which power is not supplied to the device for executing the processing course, or a mode in which power is supplied only to the device receiving control commands from the user. When the power supplied to the garment processing device in the above standby mode is defined as standby power, the lower the standby power, the more energy-efficient the garment processing device can be considered.

[0075] The control panel (40) of the present invention may further include an operating unit for inputting control commands to a clothing processing device and a display unit (44) for displaying information.

[0076] An additional display (45) may be further provided on the front surface of the cabinet (10). The additional display (45) may be configured independently of the setting unit (43) and may indicate the operating status and settings of the washing machine (1). If the display unit (44) is omitted, the additional display (45) may perform the function of the display unit (44) described above. The display unit (44) and the additional display (45) may be provided as an LCD panel or an LED panel.

[0077] The first control unit (41) may be provided as a power input unit capable of turning the power of the washing machine (1) on and off. That is, the first control unit (41) may be provided as a device that generates a control command to switch the standby mode to the operating mode. For example, the first control unit (41) may be provided as a button, and the user may switch between the power OFF state (standby mode) and the power ON state (operating mode) by pressing the power input unit (41).

[0078] That is, when the user presses the power input unit (41) while the power is OFF (standby mode), the washing machine switches to the power ON state (operation mode), and when the user presses the power input unit (41) while the power is ON, the washing machine switches to the power OFF state (standby mode). The power input unit (41) may be provided with a touch-operable structure or other operable structure instead of a button.

[0079] The above second control unit (42) may be provided as an execution input unit that generates a control command to execute a processing course set in the washing machine (1) or a control command to temporarily stop a processing course currently in execution.

[0080] For example, the execution input unit (42) may be provided as a button or a touch panel and can be operated by a user by pressing it. The execution input unit (42) may also be defined as a start button. When a user presses the execution input unit (42) while a processing course is set on the washing machine (1), the set processing course can be initiated. Meanwhile, if the execution input unit (42) is pressed during the execution of the processing course, the processing course currently in execution can be temporarily suspended, and the temporarily suspended processing course can be resumed when the user presses the execution input unit (42) once more.

[0081] The setting unit (43) may be provided as a knob structure rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10). The user can rotate the setting unit (43) to select or change items necessary for operating the clothing processing device.

[0082] The setting unit (43) may be provided with a display unit (44) that outputs information. The display unit (44) may be provided on the front of the setting unit (43) to display the status or settings of the washing machine (1).

[0083] The above processing course may be a standard course (standard operation). The above standard course is set for general washing and may be set as a course with commonly used water temperature, washing time, number of rinses, and number of spins.

[0084] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a cross-section of the washing machine.

[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the interior of the cabinet (10) may be provided with a tub (31) that provides a space for storing water. In this case, the drum (30) may be rotatably provided inside the tub (31) to provide a processing space for receiving clothing to be processed.

[0086] The tub (31) may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and may be connected to the inlet (12). Additionally, the outer surface of the tub (31) may be fixed to the cabinet (10) by a spring or a damper. Thus, vibrations and shocks generated during the rotation of the drum (30) can be mitigated by the spring and damper.

[0087] The drum (30) is positioned inside the tub (31) and may be formed in a cylindrical shape. One side of the tub (31) may be provided with a tub inlet (311, tub opening) communicating with the inlet (12) of the cabinet, and one side of the drum (30) may be provided with a drum inlet (301, drum opening) communicating with the tub inlet (311). Accordingly, a user can insert clothing into the drum (30) through the inlet (12) or withdraw clothing from the drum.

[0088] The drum (30) can be rotated by the drum motor (17). The drum motor (17) can be mounted at the rear of the tub (31). The drum motor (17) may be directly connected to the drum (30) or indirectly connected to the drum (30). Being indirectly connected to the drum motor (17) means that the power of the drum motor (17) is transmitted to the drum (30) through a gear, chain, belt, etc.

[0089] Meanwhile, the clothing processing device of the present invention may include an artificial intelligence course. The clothing processing device is provided with a plurality of processing courses that implement at least one of washing, rinsing, spinning, drying, odor removal, and wrinkle removal of clothing. The artificial intelligence course is a course that selects and executes one of the plurality of processing courses provided in the clothing processing device based on at least one of the amount of clothing (cloth quantity) and the type of clothing (cloth quality) of clothing introduced into the drum (30).

[0090] For example, the artificial intelligence course may be set as a course that selects the course with the lowest execution time and power consumption required for course execution based on the amount or type of processing target input into the processing space, and executes the selected processing course.

[0091] When the artificial intelligence course is set in the washing machine (1), the washing machine (1) can detect a change in the driving state of the drum motor (17) and determine the amount or quality of the material introduced into the drum (30). The amount or quality of the material can be determined through the following process.

[0092] The washing machine (1) can determine the amount of laundry by driving the drum motor (17) to rotate the drum (30) for a certain period of time, at a certain speed, or at a certain angle, and by detecting the amount of current consumed by the drum motor (17). That is, the amount of laundry (amount of laundry measured without supplying water to the tub) can be calculated by comparing the amount of current supplied to the drum motor (17) with the current amount data according to the preset amount of laundry.

[0093] Additionally, the washing machine (1) may determine the amount of laundry by a process of rotating the drum (30) for a certain period of time, at a certain speed, or at a certain angle, a process of cutting off the current supply to the drum motor (17), and a process of measuring the number of rotations of the drum (30) while the drum (30) rotates inertia after the current supply is cut off. That is, the amount of laundry can be calculated by comparing the number of rotations of the drum (30) rotating inertia with inertia rotation data according to a preset amount of laundry. The number of rotations of the drum (30) rotating inertia can be detected through a Hall sensor that detects changes in the magnetic force of a magnet provided on the rotor of the drum motor (17).

[0094] Unlike the above, the washing machine (1) may calculate the amount of dried fabric by comparing the amount of current supplied to the drive motor (17) and the inertia rotation speed of the drum (30) with preset dried fabric amount data (dried fabric amount table).

[0095] The washing machine (1) may determine the wet mass through the process of supplying water to the tub (31) and the process of rotating the drum (30) for a certain period of time, at a certain speed, or at a certain angle. When rotating the drum (30) after supplying water to the tub (31), the washing machine (1) can determine the wet mass (wet mass, the amount of wet mass measured while water is supplied to the tub) by detecting the amount of current consumed by the drum motor (17). That is, the wet mass can be calculated by comparing the amount of current supplied to the drum motor (17) with the current amount data according to the preset wet mass.

[0096] Additionally, the washing machine (1) may determine the amount of moisture through the process of supplying water to the tub, the process of rotating the drum (30) for a certain period of time, at a certain speed, or at a certain angle, the process of cutting off the current supply to the drum motor (17), and the process of measuring the number of rotations of the drum (30) while the drum (30) rotates inertia after the current supply is cut off. That is, the amount of moisture can be calculated by comparing the number of rotations of the drum (30) rotating inertia with inertia rotation data according to a preset amount of moisture.

[0097] Unlike the above, the washing machine (1) may calculate the amount of water after water supply by comparing the amount of current supplied to the drive motor (17) and the inertia rotation speed of the drum (30) with preset water amount data (water amount table).

[0098] Meanwhile, the washing machine (1) may include a process of separating water from clothing by stepwise acceleration of the drum (30) into which clothing in a wet state is fed (spin-drying process), and a process of measuring the degree of rotation of the drum (30) in an eccentric state during spin-drying (eccentricity amount, or unbalance amount). Through this, the washing machine (1) can measure the unbalance amount.

[0099] In addition, the washing machine (1) can determine the amount of clothing (amount of clothing measured after spin-drying) by a process of rotating the drum (30) for a certain period of time, at a certain speed, or at a certain angle after spin-drying, a process of measuring the amount of current consumed by the drum motor (17) for the rotation of the drum, and comparing the measured amount of current with preset data on the amount of clothing.

[0100] In contrast, the washing machine (1) can calculate the amount of wet cloth by: a process of rotating the drum (30) for a certain period of time, at a certain speed, or at a certain angle after spin-drying; a process of cutting off the supply of current to the drum motor (17); a process of measuring the number of rotations of the drum (30) while the drum (30) rotates inertia after the supply of current is cut off; and a process of comparing the number of rotations of the drum (30) rotating inertia with inertia rotation data according to a preset amount of wet cloth.

[0101] The process of calculating the above-described amount of compress may be calculated by comparing the amount of current consumed by the drum motor (17) and the number of rotations of inertia with preset amount of compress data (amount of compress table).

[0102] The garment processing device of the present invention can calculate accurate fabric quantity and fabric quality by comparing the dry fabric quantity, moisture fabric quantity, imbalance amount, and wet fabric quantity calculated through the process described above with a preset table. Since the method for determining fabric quantity and fabric quality described above is merely an example, other methods may be used.

[0103] As previously mentioned, the artificial intelligence course can be defined as a course that selects a suitable treatment course based on at least one of the quantity, quality, and contamination level of the target to be treated among a plurality of treatment courses set in the clothing treatment device.

[0104] In addition, the artificial intelligence course may be defined as a course that generates a detergent amount, washing time, rinsing time, spin time, number of washes, number of rinses, number of spins, washing method, rinsing method, and spin method based on at least one of the amount of fabric, fabric quality, and the contamination level of the object to be treated.

[0105] The washing machine (1) may be equipped with a water supply unit (16) that guides water supplied from a water source to the tub (31). The water supply unit (16) may include a water supply pipe (161) connecting the water source and the tub (31) and a water supply valve (162) that opens and closes the water supply pipe.

[0106] The washing machine (1) may be equipped with a detergent supply unit (15) that supplies detergent to the tub. The detergent supply unit (15) may include a housing (151) that is fixed inside the cabinet (10) and communicates with the tub (31), and a drawer (152) that provides a storage space for detergent and can discharge the stored detergent into the housing (151).

[0107] The drawer (152) can be drawn out from the housing (151) to the outside of the cabinet (10), and the water supply pipe (161) can be provided to supply water to the drawer (152).

[0108] The above water supply pipe (161) and drawer (152) may be located at the top of the tub. The drawer (152) may be placed at the corner formed by the top and side edges of the front panel (11). Of course, the drawer (152) may also be placed at other locations in the cabinet (10).

[0109] The washing machine (1) may be provided with a drainage unit (18) for draining water inside the tub. The drainage unit (18) may include a drain pipe (181) for guiding water inside the tub (31) to the outside of the cabinet (10), and a drainage pump (182) for moving water along the drain pipe (181).

[0110] Additionally, a service cover (14) may be provided on the lower front side of the cabinet (10). The service cover (14) may be positioned on the lower side of the front panel (11). In order to enable the drainage of water remaining inside the drain pump (182), it is preferable that the drain pump (182) be mounted in a position that allows it to be exposed to the outside of the cabinet (10) when the service cover (14) is opened. (See FIG. 2)

[0111] The above drainage section (18) may be equipped with a filter that can be withdrawn from the drainage pump (182), and the filter may be provided so as to be exposed to the outside of the cabinet (10) when the service cover (14) is opened.

[0112] FIG. 4 illustrates a case where the home appliance of the present invention is equipped as a dryer.

[0113] The above dryer (2) may include a cabinet (10) having an input port (12) formed on its front surface, a drum (231) provided inside the cabinet for receiving clothing supplied through the input port (12), and a door (20) rotatably fixed to the cabinet (10) for opening and closing the input port (12).

[0114] The door (20) may be provided with the door latch (21), and the cabinet (10) may be provided with the latch hole (13). Additionally, the dryer (2) may also include a detection unit (51) for detecting whether the door (20) is open or closed, and a locking unit (55) for securing the door to the cabinet.

[0115] The above detection unit (51) may be equipped as a sensor that is coupled to the cabinet (10) and detects the approach of the door (20).

[0116] Of course, the sensing unit (51) may be configured as a door switch provided inside the latch hole (13). Accordingly, the sensing unit (51) may be configured to detect the closing of the door (20) by contact with the door latch (21).

[0117] Inside the cabinet (10), a drum (231) may be provided that is in communication with the input port (12) and into which clothes for drying are fed. Additionally, inside the cabinet (10), a motor (not shown) for rotating the input port (12) and a heat exchanger (a device for executing a heat exchange cycle) for heat-exchanging the clothes fed into the drum (231) with air may be provided.

[0118] The front of the cabinet (10) may be formed by a front panel (11), and the inlet (12) may be provided in the front panel (11). An inspection port (214) may be provided at the bottom of the front panel (11), and a drainage container (215) may be provided at the top of the front panel (11). The drainage container (215) is a space for storing condensate discharged from the heat exchanger and may be provided so as to be removable from the cabinet (10).

[0119] Additionally, the cabinet (10) may be equipped with a control panel (40). The control panel (40) may be composed of a plurality of buttons that can be independently operated by the user. For example, the control panel (40) may include a power input unit (41) and an execution input unit (42).

[0120] The power input unit (41) may be provided as a power input unit capable of turning the power of the dryer (2) on and off. The user can switch between the power OFF state (standby mode) and the power ON state (operation mode) by pressing the power input unit (41). The first control unit (41) may be provided as a button.

[0121] The execution input unit (42) may be provided as an execution request unit that generates a control command to execute a processing course set in the dryer (2), or a control command to temporarily suspend a processing course currently in execution. When a user presses the execution input unit (42) while a processing course is set in the dryer (2), the set processing course is initiated, and when the execution input unit (42) is pressed during the execution of the processing course, the processing course currently in execution can be temporarily suspended. The temporarily suspended processing course can be resumed when the user presses the execution input unit (42) once more.

[0122] The control panel (40) may further include a setting unit (43). The setting unit (43) may be provided as a means to enable a user to select various control commands or settings provided in the dryer (2). That is, the setting unit (43) may be provided as a selection unit that receives control commands from the user.

[0123] For example, the setting unit (43) may be provided as a knob structure rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10). The user can rotate the setting unit (43) to select or change items necessary for operating the clothing processing device.

[0124] The setting unit (43) may be provided with a display unit (44) that outputs information. The display unit (44) may be provided on the front of the setting unit (43) to display the status or settings of the dryer (2). An additional display (45) may be further provided on the front of the cabinet (10) to display the operating status and setting status of the dryer (2).

[0125] FIG. 5 illustrates the home appliance of the present invention equipped as a washing machine with a drying function.

[0126] The above washing machine (3) for drying may include a cabinet (10) having an input port (12) on the front surface, a drum (30) provided inside the cabinet (10) for receiving clothing inserted through the input port (12), and a door (20) rotatably mounted on the cabinet (10) for opening and closing the input port (12).

[0127] Inside the cabinet (10), a motor (not shown) for rotating the drum (30), a water supply unit for supplying water, a drainage unit for draining water, a detergent supply unit for supplying detergent, and a heat exchange unit for inducing heat exchange between the clothes and air inside the drum (30) may be provided.

[0128] The door (20) is provided with a door latch (21), and the cabinet (10) may be provided with a latch hole (13) into which the door latch (21) is inserted.

[0129] The washing machine (3) with drying function may include a detection unit (51) for detecting whether the door (20) is open or closed, and a locking unit (55) for securing the door to the cabinet.

[0130] The above detection unit (51) may be equipped as a sensor that is coupled to the cabinet (10) to detect the approach of the door. Alternatively, the above detection unit (51) may be configured as a door switch provided inside the latch hole (13). Accordingly, the above detection unit (51) can detect the closing of the door (20) by contact with the door latch (21).

[0131] A lower cabinet (310, second cabinet) is provided at the bottom of the cabinet (10, first cabinet), and a lower unit (330) may be provided in the lower cabinet (310). The lower unit (330) may be provided as a drawer that is pulled out from the lower cabinet (310) and may include a processing space (second processing space) in which a processing object is accommodated. The lower unit (330) may be provided as a drying unit equipped with a drum and a heat exchanger, or as a washing unit equipped with a tub and a drum for washing.

[0132] For the withdrawal of the lower unit (330), the lower cabinet (310) may be provided with a withdrawal port, and for the closure of the withdrawal port, a front panel (320) may be provided on one side of the lower unit (330).

[0133] The front panel (11) of the cabinet (10) has an input port (12) formed therein, and a control panel (40) for operating a washing machine (3) for drying can be provided on the upper part of the input port (12).

[0134] The above control panel (40) may be composed of a plurality of components that can be independently operated by the user. For example, the control panel (40) may include the power input unit (41) and the execution input unit (42).

[0135] The power input unit (41) may be provided to turn the power of the washing machine (3) on and off. The user can switch between the power OFF state (standby mode) and the power ON state (operation mode) by pressing the power input unit (41). The power input unit (41) may be provided as a button.

[0136] The above execution input unit (42) may be provided as an execution request unit that generates a control command to execute a processing course set in the above drying washing machine (3), or a control command to temporarily stop a processing course currently in execution. Meanwhile, when the above drying washing machine (3) is switched to an operating mode through the above second power mode, the above execution input unit (42) may generate a control command to execute the above-described one-key operation.

[0137] The power input unit (41) and the execution input unit (42) may be positioned at separate points and may be configured to allow for independent operation. The power input unit (41) and the execution input unit (42) may be composed of physical buttons that are operated by a user pressing them.

[0138] Additionally, the control panel (40) may further include a display unit (44) that displays the operating status or information of the washing machine (3) used for drying. The display unit (44) may be positioned between the power input unit (41) and the execution input unit (42).

[0139] The control panel (40) may be configured as a touch display. The touch display may include a display panel for displaying information and a touch panel fixed to the display panel for detecting whether a user's body has come into contact with it. The display panel may be divided into a display area, a first input area, and a second input area.

[0140] The above display area may be provided as a space for displaying control commands selectable by the user and information related to the washing machine / dryer. The first input area may be provided as a space for displaying characters, symbols, or images representing the power input unit (41), and the second input area may be provided as a space for displaying characters, symbols, or images representing the execution input unit (42).

[0141] In this case, the power input unit (41) may be provided as a touch panel located above the first input area to detect whether the user's body has made contact, and the execution input unit (42) may be provided as a touch panel located above the second input area to detect whether the user's body has made contact.

[0142] FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the home appliance of the present invention is equipped as a tower-type washer-dryer.

[0143] The tower-type washer / dryer (4) may include a lower part (410a) and an upper part (410b) arranged vertically. The lower part (410a) and the upper part (410b) may be provided to have the same size. Additionally, the upper part (410b) may have a structure that sits on top of the lower part (410a).

[0144] The lower part (410a) and the upper part (410b) may each be configured as a washing machine and a dryer. For example, the lower part (410a) may be equipped as a washing machine, and the upper part (410b) may be equipped as a dryer. Accordingly, the tower-type washer-dryer (4) may also be called a stacked washer-dryer or a wash tower.

[0145] The lower part (410a) may include a first cabinet (411) in which a tub (431) and a drum (430a, first drum) are arranged inside, a first input port provided on the front surface of the first cabinet (411) and communicating with the drum, and a first door (420a) provided in the first cabinet (411) capable of opening and closing the first input port. Inside the first cabinet (411), a motor for operating the washing machine, a drainage unit, and a water supply unit may be provided.

[0146] The front surface of the first cabinet (411) may be formed by a first front panel (411a), and the first inlet may be provided in the first front panel (411a). Additionally, the first front panel (411a) may be provided with an inspection port (414) and a detergent supply unit (415).

[0147] The upper part (410b) may include a second cabinet (412) in which a drum (430b, second drum) is disposed inside, a second input port provided on the front surface of the second cabinet (412) and communicating with the drum (430b), and a second door (420b) provided on the second cabinet (412) capable of opening and closing the second input port. The front surface of the second cabinet (412) may be formed by a second front panel (411b), and the second input port may be provided on the second front panel (411b).

[0148] The interior of the second cabinet (412) may be equipped with a motor that rotates the drum (430b) and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the clothing and the air.

[0149] Meanwhile, the cabinet (411, 412) may be equipped with a detection unit (51) that detects the opening and closing of the door (420a, 420b). The detection unit (51) may be composed of a door switch provided in the cabinet (411, 412). Accordingly, the detection unit (51) can detect whether the input opening is closed through contact with the door (420a, 420b). Of course, the detection unit (51) may be equipped with a device having a different structure as long as it can detect the opening and closing of the door (420a, 420b).

[0150] The above-mentioned detection unit (51) may be equipped with a Hall sensor, etc., which is coupled to the cabinet to detect the approach of the door, and the door may be coupled with a permanent magnet that provides a signal to the Hall sensor.

[0151] Meanwhile, the first cabinet (411) and the second cabinet (412) may have independent structures and may be arranged vertically or horizontally side by side. Additionally, the first cabinet (411) and the second cabinet (412) may be configured as a single cabinet.

[0152] A control panel (40) may be provided between the front upper portion of the first cabinet (411) and the front lower portion of the second cabinet (412). The control panel (40) may set or control the operation of the lower part (410a) and the upper part (410b).

[0153] The control panel (40) may be equipped with an operating unit of the tower-type washer-dryer (4). The operating unit (40) may be composed of a plurality of components that can be operated independently by the user. Additionally, the operating unit (40) may be configured to independently operate the lower part (410a) and the upper part (410b), respectively.

[0154] FIG. 7 illustrates the home appliance of the present invention equipped as a garment care device.

[0155] The above clothing care device (5) may include a cabinet (510) forming a processing space (511) in which clothing is received, and a door (520) that opens and closes an input opening formed in the cabinet (510).

[0156] A machine room (530) may be provided in the lower part of the cabinet (510). The machine room (530) may be equipped with a steam generator that supplies steam to the processing space (511), and a heat exchanger that dehumidifies and heats the air in the processing space (511). The processing space (511) may be equipped with a hanger on which clothing is hung.

[0157] The door (520) may be rotatably mounted on the cabinet (510). The door (520) may form the front of the garment care device (5) when closed. Additionally, the door (520) may include a door frame (521) coupled to the cabinet (510) and a door plate (523) coupled to the door frame (521) to form the front of the door (520).

[0158] The door (520) may be provided with a handle (522). One side of the door frame (521) may protrude to the side of the door plate (523), and the handle (522) may be formed between the door frame (521) and the door plate (523). The handle (522) may be provided as a groove extending along the height direction of the door.

[0159] The door (520) or the cabinet may be equipped with a detection unit (51) that detects the opening and closing of the door (20).

[0160] The control panel (40) of the above-mentioned garment care device may be provided on the door (520). The control panel (40) may be provided on the front of the door frame (521) and may be provided in a location accessible to a user when the door (520) is closed.

[0161] FIG. 8 illustrates the control structure of the home appliance of the present invention.

[0162] As described above, it can be seen that regardless of the form in which the home appliance is provided, it is commonly equipped with a control panel (40) that receives commands from the user and displays the status to the user.

[0163] In addition, all home appliances are equipped with a drive unit (M) for processing the target. In the case of a washing machine, the drive unit (M) may be a drum motor (17), a water supply valve (162), and a drain pump (182); in the case of a dryer, it may be a drum motor (17) and a heat pump system; and in the case of a garment care machine, it may be a motor that shakes a hanger and a heat pump system.

[0164] The above heat pump system may include a compressor that heats the refrigerant and a circulation fan that circulates air in the drive unit (M).

[0165] The above control panel (40) and driving unit (M), the detection unit (51) for detecting the opening of the door, the locking unit (55) for locking the door to prevent it from opening, the communication module (53), the speaker (52), etc., may have the same function even if the form of the home appliance changes. Therefore, since the functions of the components are the same even if the home appliance changes, the same reference numerals have been applied in this specification.

[0166] In addition, regardless of the configuration of the home appliance of the present invention, a control unit (50) is commonly provided.

[0167] The control unit (50) may be configured to communicate with the detection unit (51) and the control panel (40).

[0168] The fact that the control unit (50) can communicate with the detection unit (51) means that a control signal generated by the detection unit (51) can be transmitted to the control unit (50), and a control signal generated by the control unit (50) can be transmitted to the detection unit (51).

[0169] Meanwhile, the fact that the control unit (50) can communicate with the control panel (40) means that control signals generated in the power input unit (41), execution input unit (42), and setting unit (43) can be transmitted to the control unit (50), and control signals generated by the control unit (50) can be transmitted to the power input unit (41), execution input unit (42), and setting unit (43).

[0170] Additionally, the display unit (44) may be configured to display information according to a control signal from the control unit (50), and the control signal generated from the display unit (44) may be transmitted to the control unit (50).

[0171] To execute the above processing course, the home appliance of the present invention may include a driving motor (M).

[0172] For the execution of the above processing course, the above home appliance may be equipped with a locking part (55) for locking the door. The locking part (55) is configured to communicate with the control unit (50). Accordingly, when the locking signal is transmitted from the control unit (50), the locking part (55) is coupled to the door latch (13), and when the release signal is transmitted from the control unit (50), the locking part (55) can be separated from the door latch (13).

[0173] In order to output an acoustic signal set according to the control signal of the control unit (50), the clothing processing device may be equipped with a speaker (52) that is capable of communicating with the control unit (50).

[0174] In addition, a communication module (53) may be provided in the clothing processing device so that an independent terminal and the control unit (50) can communicate wirelessly.

[0175] The locking part (55) that prevents the input port (12) from opening during the execution of the above processing course may also be provided to be able to communicate with the control unit (50).

[0176] The clothing processing device of the present invention can input power in two ways. That is, the clothing processing device of the present invention may include a first power mode and a second power mode. The first power mode is a mode in which power is input to the clothing processing device when a control command is input to the power input unit (41), and the second power mode is a mode in which power is input to the clothing processing device when the detection unit (51) detects the closure of the input port during the execution of the standby mode or when the execution input unit (42) is input.

[0177] The above second power mode can be enabled or disabled according to the user's selection, but the above first power mode may be provided so that it cannot be enabled or disabled according to the user's selection.

[0178] The first power mode is defined as a normal mode or a default mode, and the second power mode can be defined as a One Key Mode, a smart mode, or a smart ready mode.

[0179] The clothing processing device with the second power mode set above may be connected to the power supply via the first power mode or via the second power mode. However, the clothing processing device without the second power mode set above may be connected to the power supply only through the first power mode.

[0180] The clothing processing device with the above second power mode set can switch to the above operating mode and set a pre-set default course as the processing course when the input port (12) is switched from an open state to a closed state during the execution of the above standby mode. Furthermore, the above default course can be initiated when a control command is input to the above execution input unit (42).

[0181] In the sense that a pre-set processing course can be executed simply by closing the door in the above standby mode and inputting a control command through the execution input unit, the operation described above is defined as One-Key Operation.

[0182] The above-described process requires the user to close the door or input the execution input unit (42) while the power is OFF, but the process of closing the input port and inputting the execution input unit (42) is merely an unavoidable operation for the execution of the processing course and is not a process of inputting control commands through the control panel (40), so the operation composed of the above-described process can be considered as one-key operation.

[0183] That is, the above one-key operation can be viewed as an operation mode that sequentially executes the process of switching the home appliance to the operating mode through the input of the execution input unit (42) while the input port (12) is closed in the above standby mode, the process of setting the above default course as the processing course, and the process of executing the above default course.

[0184] Accordingly, in the present invention, when the power of the washing machine (1) is turned OFF (standby mode) and a processing target is introduced, and after closing the door (20), the execution input unit (42) is operated once, a pre-set processing course can be executed.

[0185] For example, when the home appliance of the present invention is equipped as a washing machine, the processing course set in the clothing processing device during the one-key operation may be an artificial intelligence course that selects or generates a processing course based on at least one of the amount of fabric, fabric quality, and contamination level of the object to be processed that is fed into the drum (30). The artificial intelligence course may be set so that the conditions or options for performing the course change when the fed-in clothing changes.

[0186] When the above one-key operation is performed, the detergent stored in the drawer (152) and the water supplied from the water source can also be automatically supplied to the tub.

[0187] Accordingly, since the above-mentioned one-key operation enables power application, optimal processing course setting, and execution of the set processing course by operating the above-mentioned execution input unit (42) only once, the present invention can provide a clothing processing device and a control method for the clothing processing device that enables optimal operation with minimal operation.

[0188] Meanwhile, the setting unit (43) may be provided as a means to enable the user to select various control commands or settings provided in the home appliance. That is, the setting unit (43) may be defined as a selection unit that receives control commands from the user.

[0189] For example, the setting unit (43) may be provided as a knob structure (Knob) rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10), or the setting unit (43) may be provided so as to be input on the display unit (44).

[0190] The display unit (44) can display the status or settings of the home appliance. The display unit (44) may be provided on the front of the setting unit (43).

[0191] When operating or setting the above-mentioned home appliance, the display (44) can output the current status of the above-mentioned home appliance. For example, the display (44) can display whether power is applied, whether a standard course is selected or set, whether one-key operation is executed, the washing time, etc.

[0192] The meaning that the power of the home appliance of the present invention is OFF may mean that the power supply to the control unit (50) and the driving unit (M) is cut off. Since the control unit (50) and the driving unit (M) consume a large amount of standby power due to their own resistance, etc., even when not in operation, it is desirable to set the power supply to be cut off when the power is OFF.

[0193] In addition, the meaning that the power of the home appliance of the present invention is OFF means that the home appliance is in a standby mode state. That is, when the power of the home appliance of the present invention is OFF, standby power may be supplied to at least one of the control panel (40), the communication module (53), the detection unit (51), and the locking unit (55) so that they can operate. When the power of the home appliance of the present invention is OFF, current may be supplied to the display unit (44), but the screen installed on the display unit (44) may be in an OFF state that does not display any information.

[0194] Even when the power of the home appliance of the present invention is turned OFF, the control panel (40) is supplied with standby power, so the power input unit (41) and the execution input unit (42) may be in a state where power is supplied. Therefore, even when the power of the home appliance of the present invention is turned OFF, the power input unit (41) and the execution input unit (42) are in a state where they can receive control commands.

[0195] In addition, since the communication module (53) is in a state where it can operate even when the power of the home appliance of the present invention is turned OFF, it can download the necessary program through a server or an external terminal. Also, depending on the settings, the communication module (53) may automatically supply power to the control unit (50) to install the program on the control unit (50).

[0196] Meanwhile, the meaning that the power of the home appliance of the present invention is ON means that current is supplied to the entire configuration of the home appliance and the entire configuration inside the home appliance is in an operating mode state in which it is in a state where it can operate.

[0197] Thus, when the power of the above-mentioned home appliance is turned ON, power is supplied to the control unit (50) and the driving unit (M), so that standby power is consumed even when the control unit (50) and the driving unit (M) are not operating, and the screen of the display unit (44) is turned ON to display specific status and information.

[0198] FIG. 9 illustrates a control method for a home appliance according to the present invention.

[0199] The home appliance of the present invention may be equipped with a SMART READY function.

[0200] The smart ready above may include at least one of turning on the power of the home appliance by identifying the user's intention without inputting the power input unit (41), or performing a course set on the home appliance after turning on the power.

[0201] For example, when the power of the smart ready appliance is turned off and the door closes the input opening, it is determined that the user is ready to operate the appliance, and the power of the appliance is turned ON without input from the power input unit (41), or when the execution input unit (42) is input while the power of the appliance is turned OFF, it is determined that the user intends to operate the appliance, and the power of the appliance is turned ON, and a course is automatically set and executed, and a one-key operation (one-key process) may be included.

[0202] Regardless of what product the home appliance of the present invention is equipped with, it may include a cabinet (10) that forms an exterior in common, a receiving portion (20) that accommodates a processing target inside the cabinet (10), and a driving portion (M) that drives to provide physical force to the processing target accommodated in the receiving portion (20).

[0203] The cabinet (10) may be provided with an input port through which the processing target is inserted or withdrawn.

[0204] When the home appliance of the present invention is equipped with a washing machine, a dryer, a washing machine with drying function, or a tower clothing processing device, the processing target may be clothing, the receiving portion (20) may be equipped with a cylindrical drum, and the driving portion (M) may include a drum motor that rotates the drum.

[0205] When the home appliance of the present invention is equipped as a garment care device, the object to be processed may be a garment, the receiving part (20) may be provided as an inner case in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and the driving part (M) may include a moving hanger that shakes the mounted garment.

[0206] When the home appliance of the present invention is equipped as a dishwasher, the object to be processed may be a container such as a bowl, and the receiving portion (20) may be a case in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The driving portion (M) may include a pump that sprays water inside the receiving portion (20).

[0207] The home appliance of the present invention may be provided with a door that opens and closes the input port (10).

[0208] The home appliance of the present invention may further include a locking part (55) that locks the door to the cabinet (10) and a sensing part (51) that detects the state in which the door is closed to the cabinet (10) in order to prevent the physical force applied to the processing target from leaking out of the cabinet (10).

[0209] The home appliance of the present invention may be configured to drive the drive unit (M) when the door is closed in the cabinet (10), and the door may be configured to be locked when the drive unit (M) is operated.

[0210] The home appliance of the present invention can perform a standby stage (A1) in which the power is turned OFF.

[0211] The above standby stage (A1) may be a state in which the power supply to the control unit (50) is cut off, and the power supply to the driving unit (M) is cut off. Additionally, the screen of the display unit (44) may be in an OFF state in which no light is emitted.

[0212] However, standby power may be supplied to the control panel (40) and the communication module (53).

[0213] The home appliance of the present invention can perform an input detection step (A2) that detects the input of the execution input unit (42).

[0214] The above execution input unit (42) may be in a state where standby power is supplied even if the power of the home appliance is turned OFF. Accordingly, the home appliance of the present invention can detect whether the execution input unit (42) is input through the control panel (40).

[0215] If the execution input unit (42) is not detected as being input in the above input detection step (A2), the above waiting step (A1) may be performed.

[0216] The fact that the above execution input unit (42) is entered can be seen as the user entering an intention to operate the above home appliance.

[0217] Therefore, even if the power supply to the home appliance of the present invention is turned OFF, when the execution input unit (42) is input, the one-key operation step (A5) of driving the home appliance can be performed.

[0218] The above one-key operation step (A5) may include an activation step (A51) for turning on the power of the above home appliance.

[0219] The above activation step (A51) may include a state in which power is supplied to the control unit (50) and the power of the control unit is turned ON from an OFF state, and may include a state in which at least a part of the screen of the display unit (44) is illuminated from an OFF state and then turned ON.

[0220] The above activation step (A51) may include supplying standby power to the driving unit (M) so that the driving unit (M) is in a state where it can be driven according to a course set by the control unit (50).

[0221] The above activation step (A51) may further include a notification step that notifies the user visually or audibly of the state in which the power is turned ON. For example, when the above activation step (A51) is performed, the display unit (44) and the execution input unit (42) may emit light or the speaker (52) may emit a specific sound, indicating that the execution input unit (42) has been input.

[0222] For example, the above execution input unit (42) may be configured to blink.

[0223] The above one-key operation step (A5) may include a course setting step (A53) for setting a specific course among any course that controls the control unit (50) to drive the drive unit (M) to process the processing target.

[0224] The above course setting step (A53) can automatically set the course without input from the setting unit (53). For example, the above course setting step (A53) can be set as a standard course by default, or as an artificial intelligence course that automatically sets a course suitable for the processing target based on the target detection step (A52) described later, or as a specific course that the user has pre-set for use in the one-key driving step (A5).

[0225] Thus, since the course is set without user input in the above one-key operation step (A5), the one-key operation step (A5) is prevented from being delayed, and the additional process of the user separately inputting the control panel (40) can be omitted.

[0226] The above one-key driving step (A5) may include a performance step (A54) for performing the above-mentioned set course.

[0227] The home appliance of the present invention can perform the course without additional execution input units (51) simply by inputting the execution input unit (51) while the power is OFF. Therefore, the process from turning on the power to performing the course can be performed quickly, and user convenience can be maximized.

[0228] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned one-key operation step (A5) may further include a target detection step (A52) in which the control unit (50) recognizes the processing target or detects the state of the processing target. For example, if the home appliance of the present invention is equipped with a washing machine, a dryer, etc., the target detection step (A52) may correspond to a weight detection step that detects the presence of the clothing and the weight of the clothing.

[0229] The above weight detection step (A52) may include rotating the drum motor (17) by at least 15 degrees or more so that the control unit (50) calculates the weight of the clothing.

[0230] The above course setting step (A53) can be performed after the above target detection step (A52) is completed. By doing so, the home appliance can set a course suitable for the state of the processing target. Additionally, an artificial intelligence course that automatically sets a course suitable for the corresponding clothing can be performed using the information obtained in the above target detection step (A52).

[0231] Thus, even if the power of the home appliance of the present invention is turned OFF, when the user inputs the execution input unit (42), at least one of the following can be performed: the power is turned ON, a course is set, and the set course is executed.

[0232] For example, the above one-key operation step (A5) is performed so that the power is turned ON, a course is set, and the set course can be executed.

[0233] Meanwhile, since the above one-key operation step (A5) corresponds to the step of actually performing and completing the course, it must be assumed that the door is locked or closed on the cabinet (10).

[0234] Accordingly, when the execution input unit (42) is input in the input detection step (A2), the home appliance of the present invention can perform a closing detection step (A3) to detect whether the door has closed the input opening of the cabinet (10).

[0235] The above closing detection step (A3) may be in a state where it has been performed and completed in advance during the above waiting step (A1).

[0236] In the case where it is determined that the door is open in the closing detection step (A3), if the execution input unit (42) is input, the execution of the one-key operation step (A5) may be blocked. Additionally, the home appliance of the present invention may perform an error display step (A4) indicating a state in which the one-key operation step (A5) cannot be performed on at least one of the display unit (44) and the speaker (52).

[0237] For example, the error display step (A4) may display a phrase indicating that the door has opened the input port on the display unit (44). Additionally, if an external terminal is provided to display the status of the clothing processing device, the error display step (A4) may include displaying the door has opened the input port to the external terminal.

[0238] The above closing detection step (A3) and the above error display step (A4) can be performed when the power of the home appliance is turned OFF. Therefore, if the user inputs the execution input unit (42) again after closing the door, the above steps can be performed again so that the one-key operation step (A5) can be performed.

[0239] The control method can be summarized as follows. The home appliance of the present invention is equipped with a power input unit (41) that receives a command to turn on the power of the control unit, and an execution input unit (42) that receives a command to execute or stop a course set by the control unit.

[0240] When the power of the above control unit (50) is OFF and the execution input unit (42) is input, the above control unit (50) can perform one-key operation in which at least one of power ON, course setting, and execution of the set course is executed.

[0241] To explain based on the above display unit, the display unit (44) can be configured so that the screen turns ON when the execution input unit (42) is input while the screen is OFF. Subsequently, boot information (B) and information regarding the processing target, or information regarding the set course (C), can be displayed on the display unit (44).

[0242] To explain based on the above driving unit (M), when the above execution input unit (42) is input while the power supply to the driving unit (M) of the home appliance of the present invention is cut off, the driving unit (M) can be set to supply power.

[0243] Afterwards, the above-mentioned drive unit (M) can start driving according to the set course.

[0244] When the home appliance of the present invention is equipped as a clothing processing device, the driving unit (M) may include a drum motor (17) that provides power for shaking or rotating the clothing.

[0245] Meanwhile, the control unit (50) may be configured to execute a default course or a user-specified course when the execution input unit (42) is input while the power is OFF.

[0246] The above default course may correspond to a standard course or an artificial intelligence course.

[0247] When the above artificial intelligence course is set as the default course, depending on the condition of the input clothing, a different course from the previous one may be set, or the execution time of the course may be set differently.

[0248] In other words, in the case of the artificial intelligence course, since a customized course is set for the above clothing, if the type or weight of the above clothing changes, at least one of the course name and the course execution time may change, and the display unit (44) may also display at least one of the course name and the course execution time differently.

[0249] Additionally, the default course is executed after detecting the load of the clothing. Therefore, if the type or weight of the clothing changes, the execution time and the amount of detergent required for the course may change.

[0250] Accordingly, the display unit (44) can display at least one of the course execution time, detergent amount, and weight of the clothing differently if the type or weight of the clothing changes.

[0251] Meanwhile, when the above door is in a state where the above input port is open, even if the above execution input unit (42) is input while the power of the above control unit (50) is OFF, the above control unit (50) can maintain the state where the power is OFF.

[0252] The above display unit (44) can display failure information indicating that it is impossible to turn on the power of the control unit (50) when the execution input unit (42) is input while the door is in the open state of the input port and the power of the control unit (50) is turned off.

[0253] Meanwhile, when the above one-key operation step (A5) is performed, the execution input unit (42) may light up or blink. Additionally, the execution input unit (42) may light up or blink until the above one-key operation step (A5) is performed and terminated. This allows the user to intuitively see that the entire process, from the power input of the clothing processing device to the execution of the course, is performed in a one-key operation manner.

[0254] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment in which an execution input is input when the power of the home appliance of the present invention is in the ON state.

[0255] FIGS. 10(a), (c), (e), and (g) illustrate the shape of a control panel (40) when the home appliance of the present invention is equipped with various forms of home appliances, and FIGS. 10(b), (d), (f), and (h) illustrate changes in the control panel (40).

[0256] Referring to FIGS. 10(a), (c), (e), and (g), when the power input unit (41) is input and power is supplied to the control unit (50), the power to the control unit (50) can be turned ON, and the display unit (44) can also display boot information (B) on the screen to indicate that the power is ON.

[0257] In this case, the control unit (50) can pre-set a default course, such as a standard course or an artificial intelligence course. The user can additionally input the execution input unit (42).

[0258] Referring to FIGS. 10(b), (d), (f), and (h), the default course can be performed. In this case, the name of the course being performed (C), the time of the course execution (T), and the progress status of the course (P) can be displayed on the display unit (44).

[0259] Consequently, when the power of the control unit (50) is ON, the execution input unit (51) may lose the function of receiving a power command to turn the power of the home appliance ON / OFF. That is, the execution input unit (51) may be configured to receive an execution input to execute or stop a course set by the control unit (50).

[0260] FIGS. 11 to 15 illustrate an embodiment in which an execution input unit is input while the power is OFF, when the control panel of the home appliance of the present invention is provided in various forms.

[0261] FIG. 11 illustrates a case where a control panel is provided according to the first embodiment.

[0262] For example, when the home appliance of the present invention is equipped as a washing machine, the control panel may be equipped in the form of the first embodiment.

[0263] The setting unit (43) is provided with a rotary knob so as to protrude from the front of the cabinet (10) and rotate, and the display unit (44) may include a screen that is placed inside the setting unit (43) and exposed to the outside.

[0264] The power input unit (41) may be provided in the form of a button spaced apart from one side of the rotary knob (43), and the execution input unit (42) may be provided in the form of a button spaced apart from the other side of the rotary knob (43).

[0265] Referring to FIG. 11(a), the power of the home appliance may be in an off state. Thus, the power of the control unit (50) is in an off state, and the screen of the display unit (44) may be in an off state.

[0266] Referring to FIG. 11(b), when a user inputs the execution input unit (42), the power of the control unit (50) can be turned ON, and the display unit (44) can display boot information (B). The boot information (B) may be text or graphics that indicate that power has been supplied to the control unit (50) and that the drive unit (M), etc., of the home appliance can be controlled. For example, the boot information (B) may include a brand name of the home appliance or a program name such as “ThinQ”.

[0267] The above execution input unit (42) may light up or blink to indicate the state of receiving user input.

[0268] Referring to FIG. 11(c), the control unit (50) can immediately detect the amount of the clothing. The display unit (44) can display detection information (S) indicating that the process of detecting the amount of the clothing is underway.

[0269] The above sensing information (S) may be a phrase or graphic that intuitively suggests sensing the weight or condition of the clothing.

[0270] For example, the above sensing information (S) may include phrases such as “Sensing clothing”.

[0271] FIG. 11(d) shows that the control unit (50) can set a course immediately after detecting the amount of the clothing and execute the set course.

[0272] The above control unit (50) can automatically set a course or an artificial intelligence course suitable for the clothing.

[0273] The above display unit (44) may display at least one of the following: the name of the set course (C), such as “Artificial Intelligence Course”; the execution time or remaining time of the course (T), such as “52 minutes”; and progress information (P), such as a door and bar type, such as “Washing in Progress”, indicating which course is currently in progress among all courses.

[0274] Additionally, the display unit (44) may display weight information regarding the weight of the detected clothing. The weight information may include at least one of the weight of the clothing and the amount of detergent required. The weight information and the progress information (P) or execution time (T) may be displayed alternately.

[0275] All of the above processes can be automatically performed when the above-mentioned power is turned OFF and the above-mentioned execution input unit (51) is input.

[0276] FIG. 12 illustrates a case where a control panel is provided in the second embodiment.

[0277] For example, when the home appliance of the present invention is equipped as a dryer, the control panel may be provided in the form of the second embodiment.

[0278] The structure of the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be the same.

[0279] Referring to FIG. 12(a), the power of the home appliance may be in an off state. Thus, the power of the control unit (50) is in an off state, and the screen of the display unit (44) may be in an off state.

[0280] Referring to FIG. 12(b), when a user inputs the execution input unit (42), the power of the control unit (50) may be turned ON, and the display unit (44) may display boot information (B). The boot information (B) may be a phrase or graphic that indicates that power has been supplied to the control unit (50) and that the drive unit (M), etc., of the home appliance is in a state where it can be controlled. For example, the boot information (B) may include a phrase such as “Hello” indicating that the home appliance is ready to be executed.

[0281] The above execution input unit (42) may light up or blink to indicate the state of receiving user input.

[0282] The same process can be applied to the dryer as well.

[0283] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 12(C), or in the case of a dryer, the display unit (44) may first display temporary information to the user that includes at least one of the temporary execution time (T1) of a course unrelated to the information of the clothing, the name of the course (C), and progress information (P).

[0284] This is intended to prioritize delivering information about the drying course to the user, as dryers can take longer to detect the condition of clothing than washing machines and drying cycles run longer than washing cycles. This allows the user to check this temporary information and proceed with their schedule.

[0285] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 12(d), the control unit (50) can immediately detect the amount of the clothing. The display unit (44) can display detection information (S) indicating that the process of detecting the amount of the clothing is underway.

[0286] The above sensing information (S) may be a phrase or graphic that intuitively suggests sensing the weight or condition of the clothing.

[0287] For example, the above detection information (S) may include status information (S1) such as “clothing recognition in progress”.

[0288] Referring to FIG. 12(e), the display unit (44) may additionally display other detection information (S). For example, it may display functional information (S2) that may imply the reason or purpose of detecting the amount or condition of the clothing.

[0289] The above function information (S) may include phrases that imply that a customized course, etc. is performed through a status phrase (S1), such as “artificial paper drying optimization”.

[0290] FIG. 12(f) shows that the control unit (50) can set a course immediately after detecting the amount of the clothing and execute the set course.

[0291] The above control unit (50) can automatically set a course or an artificial intelligence course suitable for the clothing.

[0292] The above display unit (44) can display actual information including at least one of the following: the name of a set course (C), such as “Artificial Intelligence Course”; the actual execution time or actual remaining time (T2) of the course, such as “1 hour and 20 minutes”; and progress information (P), such as a door and bar type, such as “in progress”, indicating which course is currently in progress among all courses.

[0293] For example, the execution time (T) of the above course may be reduced from 1:50 to 1:20 when the condition of the clothing is detected and the weight or moisture content of the clothing is lower than the temporary value.

[0294] Additionally, the display unit (44) may display weight information regarding the weight of the detected clothing. The weight information may include at least one of the weight of the clothing and the amount of detergent required. The weight information and the progress information (P) or execution time (T) may be displayed alternately.

[0295] All of the above processes can be automatically performed when the above-mentioned power is turned OFF and the above-mentioned execution input unit (51) is input.

[0296] FIG. 13 illustrates a case where the control panel is provided as in the third embodiment.

[0297] For example, when the home appliance of the present invention is equipped as a washing machine with a drying function, the control panel may be provided in the form of the third embodiment.

[0298] The above control panel (40) may be provided in the form of a touch panel, with the entire area including the whole or the center.

[0299] The above control panel (40) may be equipped with a setting section (43) for selecting a course in the center to receive a selection command, and may display necessary information by arranging the screen of a display section (44).

[0300] The control panel (40) may have a power input unit (41) and an execution input unit (42) positioned on both sides of the display unit (44).

[0301] The above power input unit (41) and the above execution input unit (42) can receive user commands in the form of touch.

[0302] The above power input unit (41) and execution input unit (42) may light up or blink when there is a touch from the user to indicate that the user's touch input has been received.

[0303] Referring to FIG. 13(a), the power of the home appliance may be in an off state. Thus, the power of the control unit (50) is in an off state, and the screen of the display unit (44) may be in an off state.

[0304] Referring to FIG. 13(b), when a user inputs the execution input unit (42), the power of the control unit (50) can be turned ON, and the display unit (44) can display boot information (B). The boot information (B) may be text or graphics that indicate that power has been supplied to the control unit (50) and that the drive unit (M), etc., of the home appliance can be controlled. For example, the boot information (B) may include a brand name (B1) of the home appliance, such as “LG signature”.

[0305] The above execution input unit (42) may light up or blink to indicate the state of receiving user input.

[0306] Referring to FIG. 13(C), the display unit (44) can display additional boot information (B).

[0307] The above boot information (B) may display the program name (B2) of the corresponding home appliance. For example, the program name may correspond to a brand name such as “ThinQ”. By sequentially displaying the above boot information (B), the home appliance of the present invention can clearly notify the control unit (50) that power is being supplied and booting is in progress through the input of the execution input unit (42).

[0308] Referring to FIG. 13(d), the control unit (50) can immediately detect the amount of the clothing. The display unit (44) can display detection information (S) indicating that the process of detecting the amount of the clothing is underway.

[0309] The above sensing information (S) may be a phrase or graphic that intuitively suggests sensing the weight or condition of the clothing.

[0310] For example, the above detection information (S) may include phrases such as “clothing recognition in progress.”

[0311] FIG. 13(e) shows that the control unit (50) can set a course immediately after detecting the amount of the clothing and execute the set course.

[0312] The above control unit (50) can automatically set a course or an artificial intelligence course suitable for the clothing.

[0313] The above display unit (44) may display at least one of the following: the name of the set course (C), such as “Artificial Intelligence Course”; the execution time or remaining time of the course (T), such as “52 minutes”; and progress information (P), such as a door and bar type, such as “Washing in Progress”, indicating which course is currently in progress among all courses.

[0314] Additionally, the display unit (44) may display weight information regarding the weight of the detected clothing. The weight information may include at least one of the weight of the clothing and the amount of detergent required. The weight information and the progress information (P) or execution time (T) may be displayed alternately.

[0315] All of the above processes can be automatically performed when the above-mentioned power is turned OFF and the above-mentioned execution input unit (51) is input.

[0316] FIG. 14 illustrates a case where a control panel is provided according to the fourth embodiment.

[0317] For example, when the home appliance of the present invention is equipped with a tower-type washer-dryer mechanism, the control panel may be provided in the form of the fourth embodiment.

[0318] The above control panel (40) has an upper power input unit (41a) that receives a power command to supply or cut off power to a clothing processing device positioned at the top, and a lower power input unit (41b) that receives a power command to supply or cut off power to a clothing processing device positioned at the bottom, arranged vertically.

[0319] In addition, an upper execution input unit (42a) that receives an execution command to execute or stop a set course of a clothing processing device positioned at the top, and a lower execution input unit (42b) that receives an execution command to execute or stop a set course of a clothing processing device positioned at the bottom are arranged vertically.

[0320] Thus, the user can intuitively recognize which device each of the above-mentioned power input unit (41) and the above-mentioned execution input unit (42) inputs control commands to.

[0321] The above display unit (44) can be positioned between the power input unit (41) and the execution input unit (42), and can be equipped with a touch panel to also perform the role of a setting unit (43).

[0322] The above display unit (44) may be provided to display the status of the clothing processing device to which power has been input.

[0323] For example, if power is input to only one of the lower and upper garment processing devices, the display unit (44) can display the status of the garment processing device with power turned on over the entire screen area.

[0324] In addition, when power is input to both the lower and upper garment processing devices, the display unit (44) may be configured to be divided vertically to display the status of each garment processing device.

[0325] Thus, the display unit (44) can intuitively allow the user to recognize whether it can receive commands to display the status of a clothing processing device and select a course of a clothing processing device.

[0326] The following describes the control process of the control panel (40) when the lower execution input unit (42b) is input, but this is for illustrative purposes only and can be applied in the same way when the upper execution input unit (42a) is input.

[0327] Referring to FIG. 14(a), the power of the home appliance may be in an off state. Thus, the power of the control unit (50) is in an off state, and the screen of the display unit (44) may be in an off state.

[0328] Referring to FIG. 14(b), when a user inputs one of the execution input units (42), the power of the control unit (50) can be turned ON, and the display unit (44) can display boot information (B).

[0329] The above boot information (B) may be a phrase or graphic that indicates that power has been supplied to the control unit (50) and that the drive unit (M), etc., of the home appliance can be controlled. For example, the above boot information (B) may correspond to a brand name of the home appliance such as “LG signature” or a brand name (B1) such as “ThinQ” corresponding to a program name.

[0330] The above execution input unit (42) may light up or blink to indicate the state of receiving user input.

[0331] Referring to FIG. 14(c), the display unit (44) can display additional boot information (B).

[0332] The above boot information (B) may include completion information (B2) indicating that the home appliance has completed booting.

[0333] The above completion information (B2) may be a greeting such as “Hello” or “HELLO”.

[0334] Referring to FIG. 14(d), the control unit (50) can immediately detect the amount of the clothing. The display unit (44) can display detection information (S) indicating that the process of detecting the amount of the clothing is underway.

[0335] The above sensing information (S) may be a phrase or graphic that intuitively suggests sensing the weight or condition of the clothing.

[0336] For example, the above detection information (S) may include phrases such as “clothing recognition in progress.”

[0337] FIG. 14(e) shows that the control unit (50) can set a course immediately after detecting the amount of the clothing and execute the set course.

[0338] The above control unit (50) can automatically set a course or an artificial intelligence course suitable for the clothing.

[0339] The above display unit (44) may display at least one of the following: the name of the set course (C), such as “Artificial Intelligence Course”; the execution time or remaining time of the course (T), such as “52 minutes”; and progress information (P), such as a door and bar type, such as “Washing in Progress”, indicating which course is currently in progress among all courses.

[0340] Additionally, the display unit (44) may display weight information regarding the weight of the detected clothing. The weight information may include at least one of the weight of the clothing and the amount of detergent required. The weight information and the progress information (P) or execution time (T) may be displayed alternately.

[0341] All of the above processes can be automatically performed when the above-mentioned power is turned OFF and the above-mentioned execution input unit (51) is input.

[0342] FIG. 15 illustrates a case where the home appliance of the present invention is equipped as a garment care device.

[0343] FIG. 15 illustrates a case where the control panel is provided according to the fifth embodiment.

[0344] For example, when the home appliance of the present invention is equipped as a clothing management device, the control panel may be provided in the form of the fifth embodiment.

[0345] The above control panel (40) may be formed on the front of the door or around the front perimeter of the cabinet.

[0346] Since the door or the cabinet (10) is provided with a height greater than its width, the control panel (40) can be formed with a height greater than its width.

[0347] The above control panel (40) may have a power input unit (41) and an execution input unit (42) positioned below the display unit (44) which includes a screen.

[0348] Referring to FIG. 15(a), the power of the home appliance may be in an off state. Thus, the power of the control unit (50) is in an off state, and the screen of the display unit (44) may be in an off state.

[0349] Referring to FIG. 15(b), when a user inputs one of the execution input units (42), the power of the control unit (50) can be turned ON, and the display unit (44) can display boot information (B).

[0350] The above boot information (B) may include completion information indicating that the home appliance has completed booting.

[0351] The above completion information may be a greeting such as “Hello” or “HELLO”.

[0352] Referring to FIG. 15(c), the display unit (44) can display detection information (S) indicating the state of detecting the weight of the clothing.

[0353] The above sensing information (S) may be a phrase or graphic that intuitively suggests sensing the weight or condition of the clothing.

[0354] For example, the above detection information (S) may include a phrase (S2) such as “weight being measured”.

[0355] It may include phrases such as “clothing recognition in progress”.

[0356] Referring to FIG. 154(d), the home appliance of the present invention may detect condition information of the clothing regarding the material, length, moisture content, etc. of the clothing. In this case, the detection information(s) may include a phrase (S1) such as “clothing recognition in progress”.

[0357] FIG. 15(e) shows that the control unit (50) can set a course immediately after detecting the amount of the clothing and execute the set course.

[0358] The above control unit (50) can automatically set a course or an artificial intelligence course suitable for the clothing.

[0359] The above display unit (44) may display at least one of the following: the name of the set course (C), such as “Artificial Intelligence Course”; the execution time or remaining time of the course (T), such as “52 minutes”; and progress information (P), such as a door and bar type, such as “Washing in Progress”, indicating which course is currently in progress among all courses.

[0360] Additionally, the display unit (44) may display weight information regarding the weight of the detected clothing. The weight information may include at least one of the weight of the clothing and the amount of detergent required. The weight information and the progress information (P) or execution time (T) may be displayed alternately.

[0361] FIG. 16 illustrates the control process of the control panel when the door is open.

[0362] FIGS. 11 to 15 are based on the premise that the door is closed at the time the execution input unit (42) is input. However, the door may be open at the time the execution input unit (42) is input.

[0363] Referring to FIG. 16(a), (b), (c), and (d), the execution input unit (42) can be input for each embodiment of the control panel (40) while the power of the home appliance is off.

[0364] Referring to FIGS. 16(e), (f), (g), and (h), since standby power is supplied to the detection unit (51), even if the detection unit (51) detects the opening of the door, the power to the control unit (50) can be kept off.

[0365] When the power to the control unit (50) is off, the display unit (44) can display failure information (E) indicating that it is impossible to turn on the power of the home appliance or that one-key operation is impossible.

[0366] The above failure information (E) may include direct or implying phrases such as “Check the above door,” suggesting that the reason one-key operation is impossible is related to the opening of the door.

[0367] Meanwhile, when the above input port is open, even if the execution input unit (42) is input, the state of the execution input unit (42) and the speaker (52) can be maintained the same as the state before the execution input unit (42) was input. That is, the execution input unit (42) and the speaker (52) can maintain a state as if they had not detected the input of the execution input unit (42).

[0368] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment in which the function of the control unit of the present invention varies according to the input method.

[0369] The above control panel (40) may be equipped with an operation unit that receives control commands from a user, such as the power input unit (41), the execution input unit (42), and the setting unit (43).

[0370] As described above, the execution input unit (42) is configured to receive a quick command to perform one-key operation when the power of the home appliance is OFF, and is configured to receive an execution command to perform or stop a course set in the control unit (50) when the power of the home appliance is ON.

[0371] However, if the execution input unit (42) is configured to always receive a rapid command unconditionally while the power of the above-mentioned home appliance is OFF, a state may occur where the power of the above-mentioned home appliance turns ON even if a user accidentally inputs the execution input unit (42) or if a child arbitrarily inputs the execution input unit (42). In this case, not only does the home appliance operate regardless of the user's intention, but the user may also misunderstand the performance of the home appliance, and there is a possibility that safety accidents may occur due to arbitrary operation.

[0372] To improve this, the home appliance of the present invention may set a condition that the execution input unit (42) is input in a different way than when receiving the execution command in order to perform the rapid command.

[0373] For example, the execution input unit (42) may be configured to receive the execution command when the power of the control unit (50) is turned ON and the first time is input once.

[0374] The above first time may be set to 1 second or within 1 second.

[0375] However, the above execution input unit (42) may be configured to receive the rapid command when the power of the above control unit (50) is turned OFF and the input is N times continuously within a reference time, or when the input is for a second time that is longer than the first time, or when the input is for a third time that is significantly shorter than the first time.

[0376] For example, if the first input method (I) is defined as the execution input unit (42) being input once during a first time period when the power of the control unit (50) is turned ON, then when the power of the control unit (50) is turned OFF, a method different from the first input method (I) can be defined as the second input method (II).

[0377] The above second input method (II) may include the execution input unit (42) being input for a second time that is longer than the first time.

[0378] Alternatively, the second input method (II) may include inputting a third time shorter than the first time.

[0379] Alternatively, the second input method (II) may include inputting more times than the first time.

[0380] The cases in which the first input method (I) and the second input method (II) are applied may also differ depending on the timing. In other words, the first input method (I) may be applied when the power is in the ON state, and the second input method (II) may be applied when the power is in the OFF state.

[0381] This is based on the premise that the control unit (41, 42, 43) of the above control panel (40) can receive standby power and input control commands even when the power is OFF.

[0382] The control command input via the second input method (II) above is a quick command and may include turning on the power and performing the course.

[0383] For example, the first time mentioned above may correspond to 1 second or within 1 second, and N times may be set to 2 or more times.

[0384] For example, the second time may be set to a time longer than 1 second. For example, the second time may be set to 1 second to 3 seconds.

[0385] For example, the above third time may be a time shorter than 1 second or 0.5 seconds.

[0386] That is, the home appliance of the present invention imposes more restrictions on the input method when the power of the control unit (50) is OFF than when it is ON, so that the execution input unit (42) can be considered to have been input only when strict conditions are satisfied.

[0387] Meanwhile, the above quick command is set so that input is impossible when the door is in an open state. Therefore, the above second input method (II) can be set so that it cannot be applied when the door is in an open state. That is, when the door is open, even if the execution input unit (42) is input in a manner suitable for the second input method (II), it can be set so that input is impossible. In other words, the execution input unit (42) can be set to a deactivated state.

[0388] Meanwhile, the above display unit (44) can display the state in which the control command is input.

[0389] The above display unit (44) can display different content when a control command is input according to the first input method (I) and when a control command is input according to the second input method (II).

[0390] When the operation unit is input according to the first input method (I) above, progress information (P) indicating whether the course is performed or stopped can be displayed on the screen.

[0391] However, when the operation unit is input according to the second input method (II) above, boot information (B) may be displayed on the screen first, followed by detection information (S) and progress information (P) in sequence.

[0392] That is, when the display unit (44) is OFF, if the execution input unit (42) receives a control command via the second input method (II), the display unit (44) can be turned ON. That is, the screen can be turned ON and light can be emitted.

[0393] The above second input method (II) is set so that it cannot be applied when the display unit is in the ON state. That is, when the screen of the display unit is in the ON state, the power to the control unit (50) is in the ON state, so even if the execution input unit (42) is input via the second input method (II), it can be considered as if the execution input unit (42) was input via the first input method (I).

[0394] When the above display unit (44) is OFF, if the above execution input unit (42) receives a control command via the above second input method (II), power can be supplied to the above control unit (50) and the above motor (17) because a quick command to perform one-key operation has been received.

[0395] Meanwhile, when the above display unit is ON, if the above execution input unit (42) receives a control command via the first input method (I) or the second input method (II), the course is executed, so the motor may be driven or stopped.

[0396] In other words, when a control command is received according to the first input method (I), the control command may include driving the motor since power has already been supplied to the motor (17).

[0397] However, when a control command is received according to the second input method (II) above, since the power supply to the motor (17) is cut off, it may include supplying power to the motor first and then driving the motor.

[0398] That is, in the clothing processing device of the present invention, the execution input unit is configured to receive a command other than the execution command during the waiting stage, and it can be seen that the method of inputting the execution command and the method of inputting the other command are set differently.

[0399] Consequently, the home appliance of the present invention can be configured so that the command inputted varies depending on the input method of the control unit. For example, the execution input unit (42) can be configured so that the function when receiving a control command according to the first input method (I) and the function when receiving a control command according to the second input method (II) are different. In other words, when input is received via the first input method (I), the function of the execution input unit (42) can be configured to receive an execution command, and when input is received via the second input method (II), the function of the execution input unit (42) can be configured to receive a quick command.

[0400] The control method of Fig. 17 is an algorithm representing the aforementioned process.

[0401] The control method of the home appliance of the present invention may perform an input step (B1) in which the setting input unit (42) is input.

[0402] When the above input step (B1) is performed, the control panel (40) of the present invention can perform a judgment step (B2) to detect whether the power of the control unit (50) is in an ON state.

[0403] In the above judgment step (B2), if the power of the control unit (50) is in the ON state, the execution input unit (42) can be considered to be set to receive a control command via the first input method (I). The first input method (I) may include the execution input unit (42) being input once during the first time period.

[0404] If the execution input unit (42) is input in the first input method (I) during the above input step (B1), the control unit (50) can perform a course judgment step (B10) to determine whether there is a set course or whether a course has been set through the setting unit (43). If there is no set course, it can perform a ignore step (B11) to consider that there was no input from the execution input unit (42).

[0405] In addition, the ignore step (B11) can be performed even if the execution input unit (42) is input using an input method other than the first input method (I). This prevents the course from being executed arbitrarily regardless of the user's will.

[0406] If the power is detected to be OFF in the above judgment step (B2), the control panel (40) can perform a check step (B3) to determine whether the input of the execution input unit (42) is input in a manner suitable for the second input method (II).

[0407] If the above execution input unit (42) is not suitable for the second input method (II), the one-key operation is not performed and the ignore step (B11) can be performed immediately. As a result, the state in which the power of the home appliance turns ON regardless of the user's intention can be blocked.

[0408] As described above, the second input method (II) may correspond to the execution input unit (42) being input continuously for a long time during the second time, being input briefly and released during the third time, or being input multiple times N or more times during the first time.

[0409] If it is detected that the execution input unit (42) is input in the second input method (II) during the inspection step (B3) above, the aforementioned closing detection step (A3) and error display step (A4), and the one-key operation step (A5) for operating the home appliance can be performed.

[0410] FIG. 18 illustrates an additional control method for the control panel of the home appliance of the present invention.

[0411] Even if the power of the above control unit (50) is turned OFF and the execution input unit (42) is input as a second input method (II) and the above one-key operation is performed, the user may not be aware that a quick command has been input to the execution input unit (42) because the power of the above home appliance is turned OFF.

[0412] Accordingly, the home appliance of the present invention may be configured such that when the control panel (40) is input from the execution input unit (42) while the power is OFF, it notifies, visually or audibly, of the state in which the one-key operation can be performed or the state in which the input from the execution input unit (42) is detected, at least one of a visual method or an auditory method.

[0413] Referring to FIGS. 18(a), (d), (g), and (j), the power of the control unit (50) is turned OFF, so that the screen of the display unit (44) is placed in an OFF state for every embodiment of the control panel (40).

[0414] In this state, the above execution input unit (42) can be input.

[0415] Referring to FIGS. 18(b), (e), (h), and (k), the speaker (52) can emit a specific sound to audibly notify the user that the control panel (40) has detected the input of the execution input unit (42).

[0416] Thus, the user can confirm through the speaker (52) that the execution input unit (42) is in a state where it is input even when the screen of the display unit (44) is turned off, and can recognize that the home appliance of the present invention has a smart ready function.

[0417] In addition, the execution input unit (42) is configured to emit light or blink when the control unit is input while in a power-OFF state, so as to visually notify the user that the control panel (40) has detected the input of the execution input unit (42).

[0418] Thus, the user can maintain the execution input unit (42) as input through the aforementioned second input method (II).

[0419] However, the screen of the display unit (44) may remain in an 0ff state until the execution input unit (42) completes input using the second input method (II). This prevents the user from mistakenly believing that one-key operation has been performed and causing the user to stop inputting the execution input unit (42), and allows for confirmation of whether the user has a clear intention to perform one-key operation.

[0420] When the control panel (40) notifies the user of at least one of the visual and auditory methods, the user may continue to input the execution input unit (42) using the second input method (II). For example, the user may input the execution input unit (42) multiple times or continue to input it for a long period of time.

[0421] Referring to FIG. 18(c), (f), (i), and (l), if the execution input unit (42) maintains input in the second input method (II), the control panel (40) can perform the one-key operation.

[0422] Thus, the display unit (44) can be set so that the screen turns ON when the execution input unit is input while the power is OFF.

[0423] The above display unit (44) can display the state in which power is supplied to the control unit and the screen when the execution input unit is input while the power is OFF. For example, it can display boot information (B) that the control unit is operating to display the state in which the power of the home appliance is ON.

[0424] When power is turned ON on the control unit (50) and the rapid mode or one-key operation is performed, the speaker (52) may be configured to emit a sound different from the specific sound.

[0425] Thus, the user can audibly recognize that the power of the control unit (50) is ON through the input of the execution input unit (42). As a result, the user can stop the input of the execution input unit (42) and check the display unit (44) to confirm that the one-key operation is being performed.

[0426] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate an embodiment that induces input of the second input method (II) of the execution input unit.

[0427] FIG. 19 illustrates a control panel (40) provided in a first embodiment, and FIG. 20 illustrates a control panel (40) provided in a third embodiment. This is for illustrative purposes only and can be applied equally to all embodiments of the control panel (40).

[0428] As described above, the execution input unit (42) must be input as a second input method (II) so that the one-key operation, in which the set course is executed starting from the power ON of the control unit (50), can be performed.

[0429] However, if the user does not accurately recognize the second input method (II) above, a problem may arise in which the Smart Ready or One Key operation function cannot be properly utilized.

[0430] Accordingly, the home appliance of the present invention can provide a control method that induces a user who does not know the second input method (II) to input the execution input unit (42) using the second input method (II).

[0431] Referring to FIG. 19(a) and FIG. 20(a), the home appliance may be in a state where the power is OFF, the power of the control unit (50) may be OFF, and the screen of the display unit (44) may be OFF. However, the home appliance may be connected to an external power source and receiving standby power. Accordingly, at least one of the control panel (40), the communication module (53), and the detection unit (51) may be maintained in a state where the power is ON.

[0432] The above display unit (44) may be provided to indicate the state in which the execution input unit (42) is input continuously or multiple times during a set time.

[0433] For example, the above setting time may correspond to the above second time.

[0434] For example, the number of settings can be set to 3 or more.

[0435] That is, the above execution input unit (42) must be input continuously for a second period of time for the rapid command to be received. Alternatively, the above execution input unit (42) must be input a set number of times for the rapid command to be received.

[0436] The above execution input unit (42) may be set as the second input method (II), either continuously inputting during the second time or inputting a set number of times within the reference time.

[0437] Below, we will explain the cases where the second input method (II) of the above-mentioned execution input unit (42) is set to be input continuously for a set period of time or input a set number of times, respectively.

[0438] The above display unit (44) may be provided to display the state in which the execution input unit (42) has started inputting, and the state in which it is continuously inputting for the set time or the state in which the set time has been completed.

[0439] Referring to FIGS. 19(b), (c), (d) and FIGS. 20(b), (c), (d), the display unit (44) can display a state in which the execution input unit (42) is gradually input for a set period of time or a set number of times.

[0440] For example, the display unit (44) may be configured to display the difference between the input time and the setting time when the execution input unit is continuously input, or the difference between the current input count and the setting count.

[0441] For example, the above execution input unit (42) can display numerical information (N) indicating the current ratio of inputs over the entire set time or the entire number of inputs.

[0442] The above setting time and the above number of inputs can be defined as the time and number of times the above original key information can be executed.

[0443] That is, the display unit (44) can display the difference between the input time when the execution input unit (42) is continuously input and the setting time, or the difference between the number of times the execution input unit (42) is continuously input and the setting number, as a number or a ratio.

[0444] For example, when the above-mentioned execution input unit (42) is input continuously or input multiple times, the above-mentioned display unit (44) can display the state in which the second input method (II) is completed by varying the numeric information (N) from 0 to 30%, 60%, 90%, 100%, etc.

[0445] The above display unit (44) can display the ratio at which the above execution input unit (42) has been input over the entire set time or the entire number of inputs as graphic information (G) including a graph or shape.

[0446] For example, when the above-mentioned execution input unit (42) is input continuously or input multiple times, the graphic information (G) can be varied to reach from the first point to the second point, and the second input method (II) can be displayed as it is completed.

[0447] That is, the display unit (44) can display a straight line or shape that extends or expands from a first point (i) to a second point (ii) spaced apart from the first point during the set time or whenever additional input is received.

[0448] For example, the graphic information (G) can be displayed as a bar graph in the width direction, and the inside of the bar graph can be displayed to be gradually filled during the process of completing the second input method (II).

[0449] The above display unit (44) can display, using an icon or pictogram (I), the proportion of the total setting time or total number of inputs currently entered by the above execution input unit (42).

[0450] The above display unit (44) may be provided to distinguish between the state in which the execution input unit (42) is input for the set time or the state in which the set number of inputs is input, and the state in which the input for the set time or the input of the set number of inputs is completed.

[0451] For example, the display unit (44) may display an icon of the execution input unit (42) or an icon of the start button, and the process of the second input method (II) being completed may be displayed as the ring around the icon is gradually created or the icon is gradually transformed from a part to the whole.

[0452] For example, when the input of the above-mentioned setting time or the above-mentioned number of times is completed, the size or color of the above-mentioned numeric information (N) may change, the size or color of the above-mentioned graphic information (G) may change, or an additional pattern (F) of the above-mentioned pictogram (I) may appear, thereby indicating that the execution input unit (42) has completed input in the second input method (II).

[0453] Thus, even if the user does not recognize the second input method (II) of the execution input unit (42), it is possible to induce the user to input it using the second input method (II), and it is also possible to block the user from additionally inputting the execution input unit (42).

[0454] Alternatively, the display unit (44) may be placed on the execution input unit (42). That is, when the execution input unit (42) begins to be input, the execution input unit (42) may be lit up, or light may move along the perimeter of the execution input unit (42) to directly indicate the state in which the second input method (II) is completed.

[0455] To this end, the control panel (40) may be provided with a lamp in an area corresponding to the execution input unit (42) or around the execution input unit (42).

[0456] Additionally, the display unit (44) may include a plurality of lamps arranged in a row outside the screen. Thus, the display unit (44) can sequentially emit lamps from a first point to a second point spaced apart from the first point during the set time. In this case, the lamps can replace the display of graphic information (G).

[0457] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned execution input unit (42) may be configured so that the state in which input has started and the state in which input has been completed are displayed differently.

[0458] For example, the execution input unit (42) may be configured to blink when input begins and remain lit when input is completed. Alternatively, the execution input unit (42) may be configured to light up when input begins and blink when input is completed. This prevents the user from additionally inputting the execution input unit (42).

[0459] When the execution input unit (42) is completed using the second input method (II), the display unit (44) can display boot information (B). Thus, the user can recognize that the execution input unit (42) has completed input through the boot information (B).

[0460] Of course, even in this case, if the door is in a state where the input port is open, the display unit (44) may display error information (E) indicating that the control panel (40) cannot receive the input of the execution input unit (42) even if the execution input unit (42) is input or the input is completed.

[0461] The aforementioned control method is performed during the one-key operation step or activation step among the control methods of the home appliance of the present invention, and can be defined as a display step. That is, the corresponding display step can be performed as a step preceding the power input step.

[0462] 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

1. A cabinet equipped with an input port; A door for opening and closing the above input port; A receiving portion for receiving a processing target introduced into the above-mentioned input port; A control panel comprising a power input unit that receives a command to supply power, and an execution input unit that receives a command different from that of the power input unit; A control unit that performs a rapid mode (one-key operation) by turning on the power, setting a course, and executing the set course when a control command is input to the execution input unit while the power is OFF; A home appliance characterized by the above control panel notifying visually or audibly of the state in which the execution input is input when the execution input is input while the power is OFF.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above execution input unit A home appliance characterized by the above-mentioned control unit being configured to emit light or blink when input is received in the power OFF state.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above execution input unit A home appliance characterized by being turned off when the above course is performed.

4. In Paragraph 1, The control panel further includes a display unit that includes a screen for visually displaying the execution status of the rapid mode (one-key operation), and The above display part A home appliance characterized by being set so that the screen turns ON when the above-mentioned execution input unit is input while the power is OFF.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above display part When the above execution input unit is input while the power is OFF, A home appliance characterized by displaying the state of power supply to the control unit and the screen.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above display part When the above execution input unit is input while the power is OFF, A home appliance characterized by the above-mentioned control unit displaying boot information that is driven.

7. In Paragraph 4, When the above display unit receives input from the execution input unit while the power is OFF, A home appliance characterized by displaying weight information of inserted clothing.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above control panel further includes a speaker that audibly expresses the execution status of the above rapid mode (one-key operation), and The above speaker is A home appliance characterized by being configured to emit a specific sound when the above-mentioned execution input unit is input while the power is OFF.

9. In Paragraph 8, A home appliance characterized in that the above speaker is configured to emit a sound different from the above specific sound when the above rapid mode is performed.

10. In Paragraph 1, A home appliance characterized by the above-mentioned control unit performing a default course or a user-specified course when performing a rapid mode.

11. In Paragraph 10, The control panel further includes a display unit that includes a screen for visually displaying the execution status of the rapid mode (one-key operation), and The above display part A home appliance characterized by displaying the execution time or remaining time of the above course.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above processing target includes clothing, and A home appliance characterized by the above-mentioned display unit displaying weight information corresponding to the weight of the clothing.

13. In Paragraph 12, A home appliance characterized by the above-described display unit varying the weight information and the execution time when the input clothing changes.

14. In Paragraph 12, A home appliance characterized by the above-described display unit alternately displaying the weight information and the execution time.

15. In Paragraph 1, The above control panel further includes a speaker that audibly expresses the execution status of the above rapid mode (one-key operation), and A home appliance characterized in that, when the above input port is open, even if the above execution input unit is input, the state of the above execution input unit and the above speaker is maintained the same as the state before the above execution input unit is input.

16. A method for controlling a home appliance comprising a power input unit that receives a power ON command and an execution input unit that receives an execution command to operate a set course, An input step in which the above execution input unit is input; Includes a performance step in which the above-mentioned set course is performed; and A standby stage in which the power of the above-mentioned home appliance is set to an OFF state, and If the input step is performed in the above standby step, it further includes an activation step in which the power of the home appliance is turned ON before the execution step, and The above activation step is A method for controlling a home appliance, characterized by further including a notification step for visually or audibly notifying the user of the state in which the power is turned ON.

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