KR20200121643A - Clothes treating machine and the method control the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are a clothes treatment apparatus and a control method thereof. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a clothes treatment apparatus is formed to notify a user of a case in which an excessive imbalance degree is found during a clothes treatment procedure. The notification can be delivered to the user through a terminal of the user on a wired or wireless communication basis. Therefore, even if the user is not located around the clothes treatment apparatus, the user can be aware of an excessive imbalance caused by a tangle of laundry or the like. Also, the terminal can receive a control signal to take action to solve the imbalance condition. As the control signal applied by the user through the terminal is delivered to the clothes treatment apparatus, the clothes treatment apparatus can be operated in accordance with the control signal. Accordingly, even if the user is out for a certain reason, the user can easily set a returning plan by recognizing a predicted termination moment of a clothes treatment procedure. Also, since the user can remotely take additional action for solving the imbalance condition, user convenience can be enhanced.

Description

Clothing treatment device and its control method {Clothes treating machine and the method control the same}

The present invention relates to a laundry treatment apparatus and a control method thereof, and more specifically, a clothes treatment apparatus and a control method thereof that can be easily recognized by a user when a twisting or pulling phenomenon that may occur during a clothes treatment process occurs. It is about.

Garment handling devices are used to treat garments in various ways. For example, the clothing treatment apparatus may be configured to maintain a clean state by washing, rinsing or dewatering contaminated clothing.

It takes a considerable amount of time to process the clothes by the clothes handling apparatus. In general, it takes at least one hour or more to perform all of the above-described washing, rinsing, and dehydrating treatments using a clothing treatment apparatus.

It is not easy for the user to stay around the garment handling device during this time. Accordingly, it is common for the user to go out or do other work after proceeding with the clothing treatment process by accommodating the clothing in the clothing processing apparatus.

In particular, the recent clothes treatment apparatus is configured to output an estimated time required to perform all of the clothes treatment processes during initial operation. Alternatively, a recent laundry treatment apparatus is provided with a function of setting an end time to a time zone in which a user can access the clothes treatment apparatus, such as going home after going out.

Accordingly, the user can plan the time to return home after going out by looking at the output estimated time or the self-set end time. Or, during that time, the user can spend time doing other things.

Therefore, it is rare that the user stays near the clothing processing device while the clothing processing process is in progress. As a result, it is difficult for the user to check the clothing processing process in real time.

Therefore, it is difficult for a user to respond in real time when a problem occurs in the clothing processing process, except when the clothing processing process proceeds without any problems.

As an example, an excessive imbalance may occur during washing, rinsing, or dehydration. Such a phenomenon may occur when clothes accommodated in the laundry net are excessively accommodated in the clothing processing apparatus, or when many clothes that are easily twisted, such as a long-sleeved T-shirt, are accommodated.

The preset clothing treatment process includes a process capable of solving the generated imbalance to some extent. However, the clothing treatment process is not always performed on the premise of severe imbalance. Therefore, it is difficult to expect to be resolved by a preset clothing treatment process when a serious imbalance occurs than in the usual case.

When an unbalanced state occurs, the clothing treatment apparatus further performs, for example, a dehydration step or a fabric unwinding step in order to resolve the state. Accordingly, the time required for the overall clothing treatment process is increased.

As described above, it is common for the user to plan the going out according to the expected time required after operating the clothing treatment device. However, when an imbalance occurs, the user has to wait for the end of the clothing treatment process even after returning home, which may cause inconvenience to the user.

Accordingly, there is a need for a means for detecting the occurrence of an unbalanced state and allowing the user to recognize the detected information.

Korean Patent Document No. 10-0548287 discloses an apparatus and method for detecting UB amount of a washing machine. Specifically, an apparatus and method for detecting a UB amount for controlling a spin speed by detecting a DC link current during high-speed spin-drying and detecting the amount of UB through it are disclosed.

This type of UB amount sensing device and method may detect the UB amount and prevent noise and vibration generated when the washing machine automatically spins. However, there is a limitation in that there is no consideration of a means for recognizing the situation to a user who is not adjacent to the washing machine.

Korean Patent Document No. 10-1612701 discloses a washing apparatus and a control method thereof. Specifically, a washing apparatus including a balancer that is movably mounted on a rotating drum and operated to eliminate eccentricity caused by laundry, and a control method thereof are disclosed.

However, this type of laundry device proposes a solution to the generated eccentricity, but there is a limitation in that there is no consideration of a means for recognizing the occurrence of eccentricity to the user.

Furthermore, the above-described prior literature also includes a limitation that there is no consideration of a means for inputting a command for solving the eccentricity caused by the user.

Korean Patent Document No. 10-0548287 (2006.02.02.) Korean Patent Document No. 10-1612701 (2016.04.15.)

An object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus and a control method thereof having a structure capable of solving the above-described problems.

First, it is an object of the present invention to provide a clothing processing apparatus and a control method thereof capable of recognizing a corresponding state even if the user is not located near the clothing processing apparatus when a severe imbalance occurs in the clothing processing process.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a clothes handling apparatus capable of recognizing a corresponding situation and a control method thereof even if a severe imbalance condition occurs and the expected time to complete the clothes treatment process is delayed.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a clothing processing apparatus and a control method thereof that can prevent the occurrence of a severe imbalance when a clothing treatment process is performed later by providing information on the cause of the occurrence of a severe imbalance to a user.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a clothing processing apparatus capable of remotely controlling a clothing processing apparatus and a control method thereof in order to eliminate an imbalance caused by a user.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a clothing treatment apparatus capable of remotely controlling various processes to perform various processes and a method for controlling the same in order to solve the imbalance that has occurred by a user.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a clothes treatment apparatus and a control method thereof capable of improving clothes treatment efficiency and energy efficiency according to the sequence of processes in which a severe imbalance occurs.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention, the housing; A drum that is rotatably installed inside the housing, and configured to communicate with the outside so that clothes are accommodated therein and fluid flows into the inside; A motor provided inside the housing and configured to rotate the drum by receiving power; A sensor unit provided inside the housing and configured to sense state information of the drum or the motor; And an operation unit configured to calculate imbalance information using the state information sensed by the sensor unit and connected to the sensor unit to be energized, wherein the operation unit is capable of energizing a terminal located outside the housing. A current sensor module configured to transmit the calculated imbalance information to the terminal, and the state information includes current information applied to the motor, and the sensor unit is configured to sense the current information. It provides a clothing treatment device.

In addition, the calculation unit of the clothing processing apparatus is configured to calculate the imbalance information in a preset method using the detected current information, and to compare the calculated imbalance information with the reference imbalance information set in advance. It may include.

In addition, the clothing processing apparatus may include a communication unit configured to be energizedly connected to the operation unit and the terminal, and configured to transmit the calculated imbalance information to the terminal.

In addition, the clothing processing apparatus may include: a clothing processing controller that generates control information for processing clothing accommodated in the drum; And a communication unit configured to transmit a control signal input to the terminal to the operation unit, the operation unit and the communication unit configured to be energized to the terminal, wherein the terminal is configured to receive the control signal for generating the control information. The control signal may include at least one of a power control signal for whether power is applied or a processing control signal for a clothing treatment process.

In addition, the present invention includes the steps of: (a) processing clothes accommodated in the drum according to control information generated by the clothes processing control unit; (b) detecting state information of a motor rotating the drum by a sensor unit; (c) calculating imbalance information by using the state information detected by an operation unit; (d) transmitting the calculated imbalance information to an external terminal by a communication unit; And (e) generating, by the clothing processing controller, control information for processing the clothing accommodated in the drum.

In addition, the step (c) of the control method of the laundry treatment apparatus may include: (c1) calculating the imbalance information by using the current information of the motor; (c2) comparing the imbalance information calculated by the calculation unit with preset reference imbalance information; And (c3) when the calculated imbalance information is different from the reference imbalance information, the clothing processing control unit processes the clothing accommodated in the drum according to control information generated by a preset method.

In addition, the step (c) of the control method of the clothing processing apparatus, after the step (c3), (c4) when the calculated imbalance information is the same as the reference imbalance information, the operation unit to the clothing processing control unit Transmitting a control signal to restart the dehydration treatment; And (c5) calculating information on the number of times the operation unit has transmitted the control signal, wherein step (a) includes: (a1) the control information generated according to the control signal transmitted by the clothing processing control unit. It may include the step of dewatering the clothes accommodated in the drum.

In addition, the step (c) of the control method of the laundry treatment apparatus includes (c6) comparing information on the number of times the operation unit transmits the control signal with information on a preset number of reference times, and the step (d) comprises: , (d1) when the number of times information of transmitting the control signal exceeds the reference number of times information, the communication unit may include transmitting the imbalance information to the terminal.

In addition, the step (e) of the control method of the laundry treatment apparatus may include: (e1) outputting the imbalance information transmitted by the terminal as visualization information; (e1) receiving, by the terminal, the control signal; And (e3) generating, by the clothing processing controller, control information for controlling power to the clothing processing apparatus according to the input control signal.

In addition, the step (e) of the control method of the laundry treatment apparatus may include: (e4) outputting the imbalance information transmitted by the terminal as visualization information; (e5) receiving, by the terminal, the control signal; And (e6) generating, by the clothing processing control unit, control information for unpacking the clothing accommodated in the drum according to the input control signal.

In addition, the step (c) of the control method of the laundry treatment apparatus may include: (c7) calculating information on the number of times of dehydration treatment of the clothes accommodated in the drum; And (c8) comparing the information on the number of times of dehydration treatment calculated by the operation unit with information about the number of times of dehydration treatment.

In addition, in the control method of the clothing treatment apparatus, when the information on the number of times of spin-drying treatment calculated in step (c8) is different from the information on the number of times of spin-drying treatment, the step (e) includes: (e7) the terminal Outputting the transferred imbalance information as visualization information; (e8) receiving, by the terminal, the control signal; And (e9) generating, by the clothing processing control unit, control information for processing clothing accommodated in the drum according to the input control signal, wherein the control signal is configured by the clothing processing control unit in a preset manner. It may be to perform the next garment treatment in the garment treatment process performed according to the generated control information.

In addition, the control method of the laundry treatment apparatus, when the information on the number of times of spin-drying treatment calculated in step (c8) is the same as information on the number of times of spin-drying treatment set in advance, step (e) includes: (e10) the terminal transmits And outputting the unbalanced information as visualization information, wherein the step (a) comprises: (a2) processing the clothing accommodated in the drum according to control information generated by a predetermined method by the clothing processing control unit. It may include.

According to the present invention, the following effects can be achieved.

First, when an unbalanced state occurs in the laundry treatment apparatus, the communication unit transmits information related to the state to the user's terminal. The laundry treatment apparatus and the terminal are connected to each other in a wired or wireless manner to enable electricity.

Accordingly, even when the user does not stay near the laundry treatment device, it is possible to easily recognize whether or not an imbalance has occurred in the laundry treatment device.

In addition, when a severe imbalance occurs, the clothing processing apparatus transmits information about an estimated time required to complete the processing of clothing being performed to the user's terminal.

Accordingly, the user can grasp the point of time when the clothing treatment process is to be finished even when going out and establish a return plan accordingly, thereby increasing user convenience.

In addition, the clothing processing apparatus transmits information on a cause that may cause a severe imbalance to the user's terminal.

Accordingly, the user can recognize the cause of the severe imbalance and prevent the occurrence of the same situation by excluding the corresponding factor in the process of processing clothes later. Accordingly, user convenience can be increased.

Also, the user can input a control signal through the terminal. The input control signal may be transmitted to the clothing processing apparatus through a communication unit that is electrically connected to the terminal. The transmitted control signal is calculated as control information in the clothing processing control unit, and the clothing processing apparatus is controlled accordingly.

Accordingly, even when the user is not located adjacent to the clothing processing apparatus, the unbalanced state generated by inputting a control signal through the terminal can be eliminated. Accordingly, user convenience can be increased.

In addition, a control signal for controlling power of the clothing processing apparatus, a control signal for controlling an order of a clothing processing process, and the like may be input to the control signal input through the terminal.

Accordingly, the user can solve the imbalance caused by inputting various types of control signals desired by the user. Accordingly, user convenience can be increased.

In addition, when a garment processing process in which a severe imbalance occurs is the last spinning process, a separate control signal is not input to the terminal.

Therefore, even though it is the last dehydration process, energy waste that may occur as the additional dehydration process proceeds is prevented. Accordingly, energy efficiency may be improved, and clothing treatment efficiency may also be improved.

1 is a perspective view of a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an inner perspective view of the clothing treatment apparatus of FIG. 1.
3 is an inner plan view of the laundry treatment apparatus of FIG. 1.
4 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in which a notification signal calculated through the configuration of FIG. 4 is transmitted to a terminal and a control signal is input to the terminal.
6 is a diagram illustrating another example of a process in which a notification signal calculated through the configuration of FIG. 4 is transmitted to a terminal and a control signal is input to the terminal.
7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a result according to a control signal input to the terminal of FIG. 5 or 6 is output to the terminal.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in which a notification signal calculated through the configuration of FIG. 4 is transmitted to a terminal and other control signals are input to the terminal.
9 is a diagram illustrating another example of a process in which a notification signal calculated through the configuration of FIG. 4 is transmitted to a terminal and another control signal is input to the terminal.
10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a notification signal calculated through the configuration of FIG. 4 is transmitted to a terminal and displayed.
11 is a diagram showing a result of outputting a result according to a control signal input to the terminal of FIG. 8 or 9 to the terminal.
12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in which a notification signal calculated through the configuration of FIG. 4 is transmitted to a terminal and another control signal is input to the terminal.
13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in which a notification signal calculated through the configuration of FIG. 4 is transmitted to a terminal and another control signal is input to the terminal.
14 is a diagram illustrating a result of outputting a result according to a control signal input to the terminal of FIG. 12 to the terminal.
15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a flow chart showing a specific process of step S100 in the control method of FIG. 10.
17 is a flowchart illustrating a specific process of step S200 in the control method of FIG. 10.
18 is a flowchart illustrating a specific process of step S300 in the control method of FIG. 10.
19 is a flowchart illustrating a specific process of step S400 in the control method of FIG. 10.
20 is a flowchart illustrating a specific process of step S500 in the control method of FIG. 10.

Hereinafter, a laundry treatment apparatus 10 and a control method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, descriptions or illustrations of some components and steps may be omitted in order to clarify features of the clothing treatment apparatus 10 and a control method thereof according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In the present specification, the description has been made based on the laundry treatment apparatus 10 having a structure in which the tub 400 and the drum 410 are provided, but the present invention may also be applied to a washing machine.

1. Definition of terms

The terms “front side”, “rear side”, “left side”, “right side”, “top side” and “bottom side” used in the following description will be understood with reference to the coordinate system shown in FIG. 1.

The term "clothing treatment" used in the following description collectively refers to any process performed on clothing. In one embodiment, processing of clothes may include processes such as washing, dehydration, dry cleaning, and drying.

The term "control information" used in the following description refers to arbitrary information generated by the clothing processing controller 1100 to control the clothing processing apparatus 10 to be described later. In an embodiment, the control information may be information for controlling the power and rotation speed of the motor 420. In addition, the control information may be information for controlling the amount of fluid, detergent, or fabric softener supplied into the drum 410.

The term "control signal" used in the following description means an arbitrary signal for the above-described clothing processing control unit 1100 to generate control information. The control signal may be an electrical or electronic signal.

The control signal may be applied through the manipulation unit 300 to be described later, or may be applied through the terminal 600. In addition, in an embodiment, a control signal may be applied through the operation unit 1300 to be described later.

"Preliminary washing" used in the following description is used to distinguish it from "main washing". Pre-wash means any wash performed for a lower intensity or shorter time than the main wash before the main wash is performed.

The term “rinsing” used in the following description refers to a treatment process for removing components such as detergent or soap from the laundry-treated clothing. In one embodiment, the rinsing treatment may be performed using a fluid such as water.

The term "dehydration" used in the following description refers to a treatment process for removing moisture from laundry or rinsed clothing.

The term "cloth unpacking" used in the following description refers to a process for resolving the above condition when clothes are concentrated in a specific position inside the drum during the washing, rinsing, or dewatering process described above (if they are eccentric). .

The term "unbalance (UB)" used in the following description refers to an arbitrary state in which clothes accommodated in the drum 410 are not evenly distributed within the drum 410. In one embodiment, the imbalance may be expressed as a number.

The laundry treatment apparatus 10 and its control method described in the present specification are described on the assumption that the treatment target is clothes. However, the clothing treatment apparatus 10 and its control method described below may target any material that can be subjected to any one or more of laundry treatment, rinsing treatment, dehydration treatment, and unpacking treatment such as bedding. have.

2. Description of the configuration of the laundry treatment apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention

1 to 3, the laundry treatment apparatus 10 according to the illustrated embodiment includes a housing 100, a door part 200, an operation part 300, a tub 400, and a detergent supply device 500. Include.

(1) Description of the housing 100

The housing 100 forms the outside of the laundry treatment apparatus 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which each corner is chamfered. The housing 100 may have an arbitrary shape in which an arbitrary configuration for processing clothes is accommodated therein and communicates with the exterior.

A predetermined space is formed inside the housing 100. In the embodiment shown in the space, the tub 400 and the detergent supply device 500 are accommodated in the space. Although not shown, arbitrary components for performing a function of the laundry treatment apparatus 10 may be accommodated in the housing 100.

The housing 100 includes a front surface 110, a side surface 120 and an upper surface 130.

The front surface 110 is one side of the housing 100 and an outer surface of the front side in the illustrated embodiment. The door part 200 is coupled to the front 110 so as to be openable and closed. In addition, a manipulation unit 300 may be provided on the front surface 110.

Side 120 is the other side of the housing, the left and right outer surfaces in the illustrated embodiment. A handle (not shown) may be provided on the side surface 120 to facilitate gripping and movement of the clothing treatment apparatus 10.

The upper surface 130 is the other side of the housing 100 and the outer surface of the upper side in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, a groove formed downward by a predetermined distance is formed in the upper surface 130. The user may store a detergent container or the like in the groove, or may store clothes or the like to be processed.

A rear side (not shown) is positioned on one side of the housing 100 facing the front surface 110 and on the rear side in the illustrated embodiment. A communication part (not shown) capable of supplying a fluid such as water is formed in the rear surface (not shown) of the housing 100. In addition, electrical equipment (not shown) for supplying electric power necessary for the operation of the clothing treatment apparatus 10 may be provided on the rear surface (not shown).

(2) Description of the door part 200

The door part 200 opens or closes the tub 400 in which clothes are accommodated. In the illustrated embodiment, the door part 200 is coupled to the front surface 110 so as to be able to open and close. In one embodiment, the door part 200 may be hinged to the front surface 110.

The door part 200 includes a window 210 and a handle 220.

The window 210 is formed of a transparent material. The user may check the clothing processing process performed inside the clothing processing apparatus 10 through the window 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the window 210 is located in the central portion of the door portion 200.

The handle 220 is a portion held by the user to open or close the door part 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 220 is recessed from the left side to the rear side of the door part 200. The handle 220 may have any shape that can be gripped.

(3) Description of the control panel 300

The manipulation unit 300 is a part to which a control signal for controlling the clothing processing apparatus 10 is input. The user may directly input a control signal through the manipulation unit 300.

The operation unit 300 is configured to receive a control signal for a motor provided in the tub 400, a fluid such as water supplied into the tub 400, a supply amount of detergent, softener, etc., an operation mode, and the like.

To this end, the manipulation unit 300 is electrically connected to the controller 1000 to be described later.

The operation unit 300 includes a display 310, a dial 320, an operation button 330 and an operation button 340.

The display 310 outputs an operation mode selected by the user. In addition, the display 310 may display the progress of the operation mode being performed by the laundry treatment apparatus 10 and the remaining time.

In one embodiment, the display 310 may be provided with an LED, an LCD, or the like. The display 310 may be provided in any form capable of outputting arbitrary information that the user can visually recognize.

The dial 320 receives a control signal related to an operation mode desired by the user. The user can rotate the dial 320 to select a desired operating mode. Although not shown, a name and brief description of an operation mode indicated by a specific position of the dial 320 may be displayed on the outer periphery of the dial 320.

Alternatively, the dial 320 may be provided in the form of a button (not shown). In this case, the user may be configured to select a desired operation mode by pressing a button (not shown) several times.

The operation button 330 receives a control signal related to a specific processing process desired by the user. Even after the user rotates the dial 320 to select a desired operation mode, there is a case in which a specific processing procedure may be modified.

For example, a case of adding a soaking treatment process, a rinsing treatment process, or a dehydration treatment process may be exemplified. In addition, for reasons such as going out, it may be desired to designate an end point of the garment processing process.

The manipulation button 330 receives a control signal related to the above-described specific processing process, and transmits it to the control unit 1000 to be described later. Accordingly, the laundry treatment apparatus 10 may be operated in a modified operation mode according to a user's request.

The operation button 340 applies power to or releases power to the laundry treatment apparatus 10. In addition, the operation button 340 receives a control signal for starting the operation of the clothing processing apparatus 10 according to a control signal input through the dial 320 or the operation button 330.

In the illustrated embodiment, operation buttons 340 are provided on the left and right sides of the dial 320, respectively. One operation button 340 may be configured to apply or release power to the clothing treatment device 10, and the other operation button 340 may be configured to apply a control signal related to the operation of the clothing treatment device 10. have.

(4) Description of the tub 400

The tub 400 accommodates the object to be treated by the laundry treatment apparatus 10. The tub 400 is rotatably accommodated in the inner space of the housing 100.

A fluid such as water may be injected into the tub 400. To this end, the tub 400 communicates with the outside. In addition, detergents and softeners may be added to the tub 400. To this end, the tub 400 is also in communication with the detergent supply device 500.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tub 400 is provided in a cylindrical shape. This is because the drum 410 accommodated in the tub 400 is cylindrical. The shape of the tub 400 may be changed to any shape capable of smooth rotation of the drum 410.

An opening is formed at one side of the tub 400 adjacent to the door part 200 and at the front side in the illustrated embodiment. After opening the door part 200, the user may put clothes or the like into the inner space of the drum 410 through the opening.

A space is formed inside the tub 400. That is, the tub 400 has a cylindrical shape with a hollow portion formed therein. The drum 410 is rotatably accommodated in the space.

Control information generated by the controller 1000 is transmitted to the tub 400. To this end, a separate wiring member (not shown) may be provided so that the rear side of the tub 400 may be electrically connected to the controller 1000 to be described later.

The tub 400 includes a drum 410 and a motor 420 (see FIG. 4).

The drum 410 accommodates clothing to be treated. The drum 410 has a cylindrical shape with a space formed therein. An opening is formed in the front side of the drum 410 to function as a passage for receiving clothes.

The drum 410 is accommodated in the space inside the tub 400. Specifically, the drum 410 is rotatably accommodated in the space inside the tub 400. One side of the drum 410 and the rear side in the illustrated embodiment may be coupled to the motor 420.

Accordingly, when control information is applied from the controller 1000 and the motor 420 is rotated, the drum 410 may be rotated according to the rotation of the motor 420.

A plurality of through holes (not shown) may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the drum 410. A plurality of through holes (not shown) communicate with the inner space of the drum 410 and the inner space of the tub 400.

Fluids such as water, detergents, and softeners may be introduced into the space inside the drum 410 through the through hole (not shown). When the clothing treatment process is completed, residual fluid or the like may be discharged to a space outside the drum 410 through the through hole (not shown).

The motor 420 is operated according to the control information applied from the control unit 1000. The control information may include information related to whether the motor 420 rotates, the number of rotations, and the like.

The motor 420 is coupled to the drum 410. When the motor 420 is rotated, the drum 410 is rotated according to the rotation of the motor 420.

The motor 420 may be located on the rear side of the drum 410. As described above, it is because an opening is formed in the front side of the drum 410.

(5) Description of the detergent supply device 500

The detergent supply device 500 accommodates a detergent or a softener for treating clothes. A user may put a detergent or a softener into the detergent supply device 500.

In addition, the detergent supply device 500 delivers the injected detergent or softener to the tub 400. The detergent supply device 500 and the tub 400 may be connected in fluid communication through a tube member (not shown).

The detergent supply device 500 is detachably coupled to the housing 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the detergent supply device 500 is located on the front side and upper side of the housing 100. This is to allow the user to easily add detergent or softener.

In an embodiment not shown, the detergent supply device 500 may be configured to automatically supply a detergent or a softener to the tub 400. In this case, the detergent supply device 500 may be configured to be electrically connected to the controller 1000 to be described later to receive control information.

3. Description of the configuration for implementing the control method of the laundry treatment apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention

The clothing processing apparatus 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is configured to detect a problem that may occur during a clothing processing process and transmit it to a user. In an embodiment, the problem may be a case in which the unbalance (UB) value is increased due to the fact that clothing or the like is oriented to one side inside the drum 410.

Hereinafter, a configuration for controlling the laundry treatment apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.

In the illustrated embodiment, the clothing processing apparatus 10 includes a clothing processing control unit 1000 as a configuration for controlling. The control unit 1000 includes a clothing processing control unit 1100, a sensor unit 1200, an operation unit 1300, and a communication unit 1400 as a lower component.

The controller 1000 and each of the elements constituting the controller 1000 may be provided in an arbitrary form capable of inputting, outputting, and calculating information. In an embodiment, the controller 1000 and each element constituting the controller 1000 may be provided with a microprocessor, a CPU, or the like.

The clothing treatment control unit 1100, the sensor unit 1200, the operation unit 1300, and the communication unit 1400 constituting the control unit 1000 are connected to each other so as to be energized. In addition, modules respectively provided in the clothing processing control unit 1100, the sensor unit 1200, the operation unit 1300, and the communication unit 1400 are also connected to each other so as to be energized.

In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 600 is provided to be connected to the clothes processing control unit 1100 to enable electricity. The terminal 600 may be provided as a component of the laundry treatment device 10 or may be separately provided regardless of the laundry treatment device 10.

(1) Description of the terminal 600

The terminal 600 is configured to receive information related to clothing processing from the clothing processing apparatus 10. In addition, the terminal 600 is configured to transmit a control signal for controlling the clothing processing device 10 to the clothing processing device 10.

The user may recognize information related to clothing processing by the clothing processing apparatus 10 through the terminal 600. In addition, the user may input a control signal for controlling the clothing processing device 10 to the clothing processing device 10 through the terminal 600. In an embodiment, the control signal may be a power control signal for whether or not power is applied and a processing control signal for a clothing processing process.

The terminal 600 is connected to the laundry treatment apparatus 10 so as to be energized. Specifically, the terminal 600 is configured to be electrically connected to the clothing processing control unit 1100 to enable transmission and reception of information.

The terminal 600 and the clothing processing apparatus 10 may be connected by any means through which electrical signals can be transmitted/received. In an embodiment, the terminal 600 and the clothing processing device 10 may be connected via Bluetooth, RFID, or Wi-Fi.

In addition, the terminal 600 and the clothing processing apparatus 10 may be connected to each other through a mobile communication network or the like, so that even if the terminal 600 and the clothing processing apparatus 10 are separated from each other, it may be configured to transmit and receive electrical signals.

In one embodiment, the terminal 600 may be equipped with a PDA, a smart phone, a tablet PC, a notebook, or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal 600 includes a communication module 610 and a display module 620.

The communication module 610 connects the terminal 600 and the clothes handling apparatus 10, specifically, the communication unit 1400 to enable electricity. The communication module 610 is configured to receive information from the clothing processing apparatus 10 or input a control signal to the clothing processing apparatus 10.

The communication module 610 is connected to the display module 620 so as to be energized. Information related to clothing treatment transmitted to the communication module 610 may be output to the display module 620. Also, the control signal input to the display module 620 may be transmitted to the clothing processing apparatus 10 through the communication module 610.

The display module 620 outputs information related to clothing processing transmitted to the communication module 610. It is common for users to visually perceive information. Accordingly, the display module 620 is configured to output information related to the received clothing treatment as visualization information.

The display module 620 may be configured to receive a control signal. In an embodiment, the display module 620 may be configured to receive a control signal using a user's finger or a member such as a stylus.

The control signal input to the display module 620 may be a signal related to a clothing processing process. In an embodiment, the control signal may be a signal related to whether the additional rinsing process is performed. In the above embodiment, the control signal may be a signal indicating whether the rinsing treatment is performed or the number of times the rinsing treatment is performed.

In one embodiment, the display module 620 may be provided with an LCD, OLED, or the like. The display module 620 may be provided in any form capable of outputting visualization information and receiving a control signal.

The display module 620 is electrically connected to the communication module 610. The control signal input to the display module 620 may be transmitted to the communication unit 1400 through the communication module 610.

(2) Description of the clothing treatment control unit 1100

The clothing processing control unit 1100 generates control information for the clothing processing apparatus 10 to process clothing. The generated control information is transmitted to each component of the laundry treatment device 10 such as the motor 420 and the detergent supply device 500. Accordingly, clothing may be processed according to the generated control information.

The clothing treatment control unit 1100 is connected to the operation unit 300 so as to be energized. The control signal input by the user through the manipulation unit 300 may be transmitted to the clothing processing control unit 1100. The clothing processing control unit 1100 may generate control information based on the received control signal.

The clothing treatment control unit 1100 is connected to the tub 400 and the detergent supplying device 500 so as to be energized. In addition, the clothing processing control unit 1100 may be electrically connected to an arbitrary configuration requiring control information for processing clothing.

The clothing treatment control unit 1100 is connected to the sensor unit 1200 so as to be energized. While the clothing processing process is in progress according to the control information generated by the clothing processing control unit 1100, the sensor unit 1200 is configured to detect various information on the state of the clothing processing apparatus 10.

The clothing treatment control unit 1100 is connected to the operation unit 1300 so as to be energized. The control information generated by the clothing treatment control unit 1100 is also transmitted to the operation unit 1300. The operation unit 1300 may receive control information on a processing process performed in the past, a processing process currently being performed, and a processing process to be performed in the future.

The clothing treatment control unit 1100 is connected to the communication unit 1400 so as to be energized. The control signal input by the user through the terminal 600 may be transmitted to the clothing processing control unit 1100 through the communication unit 1400. The clothing processing control unit 1100 may generate control information based on the received control signal.

The clothes treatment control unit 1100 includes a pre-wash module 1110, a main washing module 1120, a rinsing module 1130, a dewatering module 1140, a cloth unwinding module 1150, and a power control module 1160.

The pre-wash module 1110 generates control information for pre-washing clothes. The control information may include whether and the number of times pre-washing is performed, an amount of fluid to be injected into the tub 400, an amount of detergent, a rotation speed of the motor 420, and a rotation time of the motor 420.

The control information generated by the prewash module 1110 is transmitted to the tub 400 and the detergent supply device 500. In the tub 400, based on the control information, a fluid and detergent are injected therein. In addition, the motor 420 is operated to pre-wash clothes based on the control information.

In addition, the detergent supply device 500 injects the amount of detergent calculated based on the control information into the tub 400.

The washing module 1120 generates control information for main washing processing of clothes. The control information may include whether or not the washing process is performed and the number of times, an amount of fluid to be injected into the tub 400, an amount of detergent, a rotation speed of the motor 420, and a rotation time of the motor 420.

The control information generated by the laundry module 1120 is transmitted to the tub 400 and the detergent supply device 500. In the tub 400, based on the control information, a fluid and detergent are injected therein. In addition, the motor 420 is operated to perform a main washing process of clothes based on the control information.

In addition, the detergent supply device 500 injects the amount of detergent calculated based on the control information into the tub 400.

The rinsing module 1130 generates control information for rinsing clothes. The control information may include whether or not the rinsing process is performed and the number of times, the amount of fluid to be injected into the tub 400, the amount and timing of the softener, the rotation speed of the motor 420, and the rotation time of the motor 420. .

The control information generated by the rinsing module 1130 is transmitted to the tub 400 and the detergent supply device 500. In the tub 400, a fluid and a softener are injected into the tub 400 based on the control information. Also, the motor 420 is operated to rinse the clothes based on the control information.

In addition, the detergent supply device 500 injects the amount of softener calculated based on the control information into the tub 400 at the calculated time point.

The dehydration module 1140 generates control information for dehydrating clothes. The control information may include whether and the number of times the dehydration treatment is performed, a rotation speed of the motor 420 and a rotation time of the motor 420.

The control information generated by the dehydration module 1140 is transmitted to the tub 400. The motor 420 is operated to dewater the clothes based on the control information.

The fabric unwinding module 1150 generates control information for unwrapping clothes. The control information may include whether and the number of times the fabric unwinding process is performed, a rotation speed of the motor 420 and a rotation time of the motor 420.

The control information generated by the gun unwinding module 1150 is transmitted to the tub 400. The motor 420 is operated to unpack the clothes based on the control information.

The power control module 1160 generates control information for controlling power of the laundry treatment apparatus 10. The control information may include information for applying or releasing power to the laundry treatment apparatus 10. In addition, the control information may include information for applying or releasing the power of the laundry treatment apparatus 10 after a predetermined time.

Each control information of the above-described clothing processing control unit 1100 may be generated based on a control signal input by a user through the operation unit 300 or the terminal 600.

In addition, as described above, the sensor unit 1200 is configured to detect various pieces of information during each garment processing process. The clothing processing control unit 1100 may be configured to generate control information based on various pieces of information sensed by the sensor unit 1200.

(3) Description of the sensor unit 1200

The sensor unit 1200 detects arbitrary information (hereinafter referred to as “state information”) capable of expressing the state of the tub 400 while the clothing is being processed by the clothing processing apparatus 10. The state information sensed by the sensor unit 1200 may include water level information, rotation information, and information related to a current applied to the motor 420 (hereinafter, current information).

Furthermore, the sensor unit 1200 may be configured to detect an amount of detergent or a softener remaining in the detergent supply device 500.

Each piece of information sensed by the sensor unit 1200 is transmitted to the operation unit 1300. The calculation unit 1300 calculates each information required for control of the laundry treatment apparatus 10 using the transmitted information.

The sensor unit 1200 is connected to the clothing treatment control unit 1100 to enable electricity. While the clothing processing process is in progress according to the control information generated by the clothing processing control unit 1100, the sensor unit 1200 detects arbitrary information for calculating the state of the clothing processing apparatus 10.

The sensor unit 1200 is connected to the operation unit 1300 so as to be energized. Each piece of information sensed by the sensor unit 1200 is transmitted to the operation unit 1300. The operation unit 1300 is configured to calculate arbitrary information capable of expressing the state of the laundry treatment apparatus 10 using each received information.

The sensor unit 1200 includes a water level sensor module 1210, a motor sensor module 1220, and a current sensor module 1230.

The water level sensor module 1210 is configured to detect information related to the water level in the tub 400 (hereinafter "water level information"). The water level sensor module 1210 may detect the water level in the tub 400 in each process in which the clothing treatment device 10 proceeds to treat the clothing.

The water level information sensed by the water level sensor module 1210 is transmitted to the calculation unit 1300 and is used as background data for calculating whether bubbles are excessively generated in the tub 400.

The water level sensor module 1210 may be provided in the tub 400. Since the drum 410 provided in the tub 400 is rotated within the tub 400, the water level sensor module 1210 is preferably provided so as not to be affected by the rotation.

A method of detecting the water level information by the water level sensor module 1210 is a well-known technique, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The motor sensor module 1220 is configured to detect information related to the rotation of the motor 420 (hereinafter “rotation information”). The motor sensor module 1220 may detect whether the motor 420 rotates, a rotation speed, and a rotation time in each process in which the clothing treatment apparatus 10 proceeds to process clothes.

The rotation information sensed by the motor sensor module 1220 is transmitted to the calculation unit 1300 and is used as background data for calculating whether bubbles are excessively generated in the tub 400.

The motor sensor module 1220 may be provided adjacent to the tub 400. The motor sensor module 1220 may be located anywhere that can detect rotation information of the motor 420.

A method of sensing rotation information by the motor sensor module 1220 is a well-known technique, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The current sensor module 1230 is configured to detect current information applied to the motor 420 to rotate the drum 410. The current information may include arbitrary information related to the intensity of the applied current, the time at which the current is applied, and the amount of change of the current over time.

The current information sensed by the current sensor module 1230 is transmitted to the calculation unit 1300 and may be used to calculate unbalance information of clothes accommodated in the drum 410.

That is, when the current information is larger than the usual case, it can be expected that a severe imbalance occurs due to the shift of clothes or the like inside the drum 410. On the other hand, when the current information is normal or smaller, it can be expected that clothes or the like are evenly distributed inside the drum 410.

A method of sensing current information by the current sensor module 1230 is a well-known technique, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(4) Description of the operation unit 1300

The operation unit 1300 stores information transmitted from the clothing processing control unit 1100 and the sensor unit 1200.

In addition, the operation unit 1300 uses information related to whether or not an imbalance occurs (hereinafter, "imbalance information"), information related to the number of times an imbalance has occurred (hereinafter, "count information"), and information related to the clothing processing process. (Hereinafter "processing information") is calculated.

The imbalance information, number of times information, and processing information calculated by the operation unit 1300 are transmitted to the user, so that the user can recognize the situation of the clothing processing apparatus 10.

The operation unit 1300 is connected to the clothing processing control unit 1100 to enable electricity. Each control information calculated by the clothing treatment control unit 1100 may be transmitted to the operation unit 1300.

The calculation unit 1300 is connected to the sensor unit 1200 so as to be energized. Each information sensed by the sensor unit 1200 may be transmitted to the operation unit 1300.

The operation unit 1300 is connected to the communication unit 1400 so as to be energized. The imbalance information, count information, and processing information calculated by the operation unit 1300 may be transmitted to the communication unit 1400.

The operation unit 1300 includes an information receiving module 1310, a database module 1320, an unbalanced information operation module 1330, a number information operation module 1340, a processing information operation module 1350, and an information transmission module 1360. do.

The information receiving module 1310 is configured to receive control information generated by the clothing processing control unit 1100. In addition, the information receiving module 1310 is configured to receive water level information, rotation information, and current information sensed by the sensor unit 1200.

The information receiving module 1310 may be electrically connected to the clothing processing control unit 1100 and the sensor unit 1200. In an embodiment, the information receiving module 1310 may be electrically connected to the clothing processing control unit 1100 and the sensor unit 1200 in a wired or wireless manner.

Each control information, water level information, rotation information, and current information received from the information receiving module 1310 are transferred to the database module 1320.

The database module 1320 stores control information, water level information, rotation information, and current information received from the information receiving module 1310.

The database module 1320 may be provided in any form capable of inputting, outputting, and storing information. In an embodiment, the database module 1320 may be provided in the form of RAM, ROM, SSD, SD card, or the like.

The database module 1320 classifies and stores each received information in a predetermined method. As an example, each transmitted information may be classified by clothing processing process and stored in the database module 1320. Also, the received water level information may be stored in the database module 1320 as a result value using rotation information and current information as factors.

Also, reference data may be stored in the database module 1320. For example, reference imbalance information, which is a criterion for determining whether an imbalance has occurred, may be stored. In addition, reference number information may be stored as a criterion for determining whether to notify a user when an imbalance occurs.

Further, the database module 1320 may store information on the number of times of dehydration treatment, which is a criterion for whether to terminate the currently ongoing clothes treatment process and perform the next garment treatment process.

Each piece of information stored in the database module 1320 may be used as big data for the clothes processing apparatus 10 to more effectively process clothes.

The imbalance information calculation module 1330 calculates information related to whether or not an excessive imbalance has occurred in the garment processing process (hereinafter, "imbalance information") using each received information. In an embodiment, the imbalance information calculation module 1330 may calculate imbalance information based on current information.

Specifically, the motor 420 is rotated according to predetermined rotation information in order to process clothes accommodated in the tub 400. As the clothing treatment process proceeds, the received clothing may be evenly distributed within the cylindrical drum 410 or may be distributed so as to be oriented in one or more specific directions.

When the accommodated clothes or the like are distributed so as to be oriented in a specific direction of the drum 410, the center of gravity of the drum 410 deviates from the central axis. In this case, compared to the case where the center of gravity of the drum 410 is located on the central axis, the power required for the motor 420 to rotate the drum 410 is increased.

Therefore, by calculating the power using current or voltage information applied to the motor 420, it is possible to calculate whether an imbalance has occurred.

In the present embodiment, the imbalance information is calculated using current information, but voltage information may be used to calculate the imbalance information.

For example, the imbalance information operation module 1330 may calculate the imbalance information as follows.

Classified current information lowness usually height Unbalanced information 1 to 3 4 to 7 8 to 10

The current information may be classified into "low", "normal", and "high" according to the detected result. In this case, the imbalance information operation module 1330 may classify the imbalance information into 1 to 3, 4 to 7 and 8 to 10 according to the classification result of the current information.

The imbalance information calculation module 1330 compares the calculated imbalance information with preset reference imbalance information. The reference imbalance information may be defined as information related to an imbalance value that may occur when the garment processing process is normally performed.

Specifically, the reference imbalance information may be set in consideration of the amount of clothes put into the tub 400, rotation information of the motor, and control information input to wash, rinse, or spin the put clothes.

The reference imbalance information may be set in the form of a range value. As an example, the reference imbalance information set in consideration of the factors may be classified into “4 or more” or “7 or more”.

That is, if the reference imbalance information set in consideration of the clothing processing situation is "5 or more" and the calculated imbalance information is "7", it may be determined that the degree of imbalance is high. On the other hand, in the same case, if the calculated imbalance information is "4", it may be determined that the degree of imbalance is not high.

Therefore, when the calculated imbalance information has the same reference imbalance information, it can be determined that the degree of imbalance is high. Conversely, when the calculated imbalance information is different from the reference imbalance information, it can be determined that the degree of imbalance is normal or low.

When the calculated imbalance information is the same as the reference imbalance information, the imbalance information calculation module 1330 calculates that the degree of imbalance in the ongoing garment processing process is excessive.

In this case, the processing information calculation module 1350 transmits a control signal for restarting the spin-drying process to reduce the degree of imbalance to the clothes processing control unit 1100. The dewatering module 1140 generates control information for dewatering the clothes accommodated in the drum 410 according to the received control signal.

Conversely, when the calculated imbalance information is different from the reference imbalance information, the imbalance information calculation module 1330 calculates that the degree of imbalance in the ongoing garment processing process is appropriate.

The result of operation processing according to each case is transmitted to the number information operation module 1340 and the processing information operation module 1350. In addition, a result of comparing the imbalance information calculated by the imbalance information calculation module 1330 and the reference imbalance information may be stored in the database module 1320.

The number information calculation module 1340 calculates the number of times information (hereinafter “count information”) in which the processing information calculation module 1350 transmits a control signal for restarting the spinning process to the clothes processing control unit 1100.

That is, when the calculated imbalance information is the same as the reference imbalance information, the number information calculation module 1340 calculates information on the number of times a severe imbalance occurs.

Further, the number information calculation module 1340 compares the calculated number information with the preset reference number information. The preset reference number information may be defined as information related to the number of times a severe imbalance occurs when the clothing treatment process is normally performed.

Specifically, the reference number of times information may be set in consideration of the amount of clothes put into the tub 400, the rotational speed of the motor, and control information input for washing, rinsing, or spinning the put clothes.

The reference number of times information may be set to a maximum value at which a severe imbalance may occur when the clothing treatment process is normally performed. For example, the reference number information set in consideration of the factors may be set to “5” or “12”.

Accordingly, when the calculated number of times information is less than the reference number of times information, it can be determined that the severe imbalance has occurred with an appropriate number of times.

The number information calculation module 1340 compares the calculated number information with the reference number information. For example, when the calculated number information is "4" and the reference number information is "6", since the calculated number information is less than the reference number information, it may be determined that the degree of imbalance is not serious.

In this case, the processing information calculation module 1350 transmits a control signal to the clothing processing controller 1100 to process the clothing according to a preset clothing processing process. The clothing processing control unit 1100 generates control information for performing a preset clothing processing process using the received control signal.

As a result of comparison of the number information calculation module 1340, when the calculated number information exceeds the reference number information, it may be determined that the degree of occurrence of the imbalance is high.

In this case, since it is necessary to recognize to the user that an imbalance has occurred, the calculated number of times information is transmitted to the information input module 1410.

The processing information calculation module 1350 calculates information (hereinafter, "processing information") on the processing of clothes. Specifically, the processing information calculation module 1350 calculates processing information of the clothing processing performed according to the control information generated by the clothing processing controller 1100.

The processing information calculated by the processing information calculation module 1350 may include information on a clothing processing process that has been performed in the past, information on a clothing processing process that is currently in progress, and information on a clothing processing process to be performed later.

The processing information may include rotation information related to the rotation of the motor 420, current information related to the current applied to the motor 420, and the like. Further, the processing information may include arbitrary information related to a process for processing clothes accommodated in the drum 410.

The processing information calculation module 1350 may calculate an order in which the currently ongoing clothing processing process is among the entire clothing processing process. As will be described later, the processing information calculation module 1350 may calculate information related to the number of times the clothing is dehydrated (hereinafter, "dehydration processing number information").

In addition, the processing information calculation module 1350 may compare the calculated information on the number of times of spin-drying treatment and information on the number of times of predetermined spin-drying.

As will be described later, this is performed to determine whether the currently ongoing dehydration process is the last dehydration process. In an embodiment, the reference number of dehydration treatments may be the number of dehydration treatments determined according to a control signal input by a user.

When the calculated number of dehydration treatment information and the reference number of dehydration treatment are the same, it may be understood that the last dehydration treatment is performed. In this case, performing additional dehydration treatment in order to reduce the degree of imbalance is not preferable in terms of energy efficiency and clothing treatment efficiency.

Accordingly, the processing information calculated by the processing information calculation module 1350 is transmitted to the terminal 600 through the communication unit 1400 so that the user can recognize it. However, it is configured not to input a separate control signal for performing the additional dehydration treatment.

The processing information calculated by the processing information calculation module 1350 may be stored in the database module 1320.

The information transmission module 1360 transfers various pieces of information calculated by the operation unit 1300 to the communication unit 1400. The information transmission module 1360 is electrically connected to the communication unit 1400.

The information transmission module 1360 may be configured to transmit imbalance information, a comparison result of the imbalance information and the reference imbalance information, and processing information to the communication unit 1400. The information transmission module 1360 may be configured to transmit the sensed level information, rotation information, and current information to the communication unit 1400 as well.

(5) Description of the communication unit 1400

The communication unit 1400 is electrically connected to the operation unit 1300 and may receive imbalance information, a comparison result of the imbalance information and the reference imbalance information, and processing information.

Each information transmitted to the communication unit 1400 is calculated in a format that can be transmitted to the terminal 600 and transmitted to the terminal 600.

The communication unit 1400 is connected to the terminal 600 to be energized. The communication unit 1400 may transmit a signal to the terminal 600 or may receive a signal from the terminal 600. In an embodiment, the communication unit 1400 and the terminal 600 may be connected through wired or wireless communication.

The communication unit 1400 includes an information input module 1410, an alarm signal calculation module 1420, an alarm signal transmission module 1430, a control signal reception module 1440, and a control signal output module 1450.

The information input module 1410 receives each information calculated by the operation unit 1300. The information input module 1410 is electrically connected to the operation unit 1300, specifically, the information transmission module 1360.

The information input module 1410 may transmit imbalance information, a comparison result of the imbalance information with the reference imbalance information, and processing information.

Alternatively, the information input module 1410 may be configured to receive sensed water level information, rotation information, current information, and the like. In the above embodiment, the information input module 1410 may be electrically connected to the sensor unit 1200 as well.

Each information transmitted to the information input module 1410 is transmitted to the notification signal calculation module 1420.

The notification signal calculation module 1420 calculates each information received from the information input module 1410 in a form capable of being transferred to the terminal 600. In an embodiment, the notification signal calculation module 1420 may calculate each received information as visualization information.

The notification signal calculation module 1420 calculates the imbalance information, the comparison result of the imbalance information and the reference imbalance information, and processing information as a notification signal. The calculated notification signal is transmitted to the notification signal transmission module 1430.

The notification signal transmission module 1430 transmits the calculated notification signal to the terminal 600. The notification signal transmission module 1430 is connected to the terminal 600 to be energized. In an embodiment, the notification signal transmission module 1430 may be connected to the terminal 600 through wired or wireless communication.

The control signal receiving module 1440 is configured to receive a control signal input to the terminal 600. The control signal receiving module 1440 is connected to the terminal 600 to be energized. In an embodiment, the control signal receiving module 1440 may be connected through wired or wireless communication.

The control signal transmitted to the control signal receiving module 1440 is transmitted to the control signal output module 1450.

The control signal output module 1450 transmits the received control signal to the clothing treatment control unit 1100. The control signal output module 1450 is electrically connected to the clothes processing control unit 1100.

The clothing processing control unit 1100 generates control information based on the transmitted control signal, and controls the clothing processing apparatus 10 to process the clothing according to the generated control information.

4. Description of a process in which the garment processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention notifies that an imbalance has occurred and receives a control signal

The clothing processing apparatus 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may guide a user when a severe imbalance occurs during a clothing processing process through the above-described configurations.

In addition, the clothes processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to receive a control signal from a user and process clothes according to the input control signal.

Hereinafter, a result of information transmission between the laundry treatment apparatus 10 and the terminal 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 14.

5 illustrates a case where a notification signal is transmitted while the display module 620 of the user's terminal 600 is turned off. In the illustrated embodiment, the notification signal is displayed in the form of a pop-up.

Further, FIG. 6 illustrates a case in which a notification signal is transmitted while the display module 620 of the user's terminal 600 is turned on. In the illustrated embodiment, the notification signal is displayed in the form of a status bar on the upper side of the display module 620.

The notification signal calculated through the above-described configuration is transmitted to the user's terminal 600. The delivered notification signal is output as visualization information through the display module 620. Through this, the user can recognize that the dehydration treatment is delayed due to a severe imbalance.

First, information notifying that the spin-drying process is being delayed is displayed on the display module 620 ("Dehydration is being delayed" in FIGS. 5 and 6). In addition, information on the cause of the delay in the spin-drying treatment may also be displayed on the display module 620 ("I think there are a lot of laundry nets or twisted laundry" in FIGS. 5 and 6).

Further, the display module 620 displays information on whether to input a control signal related to whether an additional processing process is performed to eliminate the delay in dehydration treatment due to severe imbalance.

In the illustrated embodiment, the display module 620 is provided with a choice related to whether or not the laundry treatment apparatus 10 is operated ("Are you sure you want to end the washing process as it is?" in FIGS. 5 and 6).

Furthermore, the display module 620 may display an estimated additional time when the additional processing is performed (“Expected additional time: about 20 minutes” in FIGS. 5 and 6).

Through this, even when the user is separated from the clothing processing apparatus 10 for reasons such as going out, it is possible to easily grasp the clothing processing situation. In addition, the user may input a control signal to perform a measure to solve the problem situation.

7 shows a result of a user applying a control signal to the display module 620.

Referring to FIG. 7A, a result of a user inputting a control signal for shutting off power to the clothes treatment apparatus 10 is shown. Information indicating that the clothing processing process has ended is displayed on the display module 620. In addition, information to prevent the same problem from occurring in the future is displayed (“Try dividing the laundry and dewatering” in Fig. 7 (a)).

Referring to FIG. 7B, a result of inputting a control signal for continuing the clothing processing process by the user is shown. The display module 620 displays information indicating that the garment processing process continues. In addition, information related to the expected end time is displayed on the display module 620 according to the continuation of the garment processing process (“the estimated time to complete washing is 16:30” in FIG. 7B).

Accordingly, even when the user does not finish the garment processing process, it is possible to easily plan a return time by grasping the expected end time.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, information on whether to input a control signal related to whether to skip the currently ongoing clothing processing process is displayed on the display module 620 (FIGS. 8 and 9. "Shall I skip the current step?").

In addition, the display module 620 displays information related to an estimated additional time when the currently ongoing garment processing process continues ("Expected additional time when continuing: 20 minutes" in FIGS. 8 and 9).

Referring to FIG. 10, the terminal 600 does not receive a control signal. The illustrated embodiment corresponds to a case in which information on the number of times of dehydration processing calculated by the processing information calculation module 1350 and information on the number of times of dehydration processing are the same, that is, the last dehydration process.

However, even in this case, the user may be informed that the dehydration treatment is delayed due to a severe imbalance. In addition, information for preventing the same problem from occurring in the future is displayed, and information on the end point of the currently ongoing garment processing process is also displayed.

Referring to FIG. 11, a result of inputting a control signal for whether or not the user continues the ongoing step is displayed.

When the user inputs a control signal for skipping the currently ongoing garment processing process, the result is displayed ("The current step was skipped" in FIG. 11A). In addition, accordingly, information about the estimated time remaining until the garment processing process is completed is displayed (“Estimated time to complete washing is 16:10” in FIG. 11A).

When the user inputs a control signal for continuing the currently ongoing garment processing process, the result is displayed ("continues the current step in progress" in Fig. 11(b)). In addition, accordingly, information about the estimated time remaining until the garment processing process is completed is displayed (“Estimated time to complete washing is 16:30” in Fig. 11(a)).

12 to 14, the display module 620 displays information on whether to input a control signal related to whether or not to stop the currently ongoing garment processing process and proceed with the fabric unwinding process first (Fig. 12 and 13, "Shall we first proceed with the fabric unwinding process?").

In addition, information related to the expected additional time according to the input control signal is displayed on the display module 620 (see "Expected additional time when the fabric unwinding process is in progress: about 10 minutes, expected when spinning continues. Additional time: about 20 minutes").

Referring to FIG. 14, a result according to a control signal input by a user is displayed.

When the user inputs a control signal that proceeds with the unwinding process first, the result is displayed ("The unwinding process is performed first" in Fig. 14A). In addition, accordingly, information on the estimated time remaining until the garment processing process is completed is displayed ("The estimated time to complete washing is 16:20" in Fig. 14A).

When the user inputs a control signal for continuing the currently ongoing spin-drying treatment, the result is displayed ("continues the current spinning step in progress" in Fig. 14). In addition, accordingly, information on the estimated time remaining until the garment processing process is completed is displayed ("The estimated time to complete washing is 16:30" in Fig. 14B).)

Accordingly, the user may recognize that a severe imbalance occurs during the clothing processing process through the terminal 600 even when not located near the clothing processing apparatus 10. In addition, since various measures for resolving the above condition can be input through the terminal 600, user convenience can be increased.

Furthermore, since information on the estimated time when the garment processing process will be completed is provided together, the user who has gone out can make a plan for the time of return home.

5. Description of the control method of the laundry treatment apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention

Hereinafter, a control method of the clothing treatment apparatus 10 according to an exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 15 to 20.

(1) Description of the step (S100) of processing clothes accommodated in the drum 410 according to the control information generated by the clothes treatment control unit 1100

In step S100, clothes accommodated in the drum 410 are processed according to the control information generated by each of the modules 1110 to 1160 of the clothes processing control unit 1100.

First, the pre-wash module 1110 generates control information for pre-wash processing. The clothes accommodated in the drum 410 are pre-washed according to the generated control information (S110).

Next, the laundry module 1120 generates control information for the laundry process. The clothes accommodated in the drum 410 are subjected to main washing according to the generated control information (S120).

The control information generated by the pre-wash module 1110 and the main laundry module 1120 may be generated according to the amount of clothing accommodated in the drum 410 and a control signal input by the user. The control information may include an amount of fluid to be injected into the drum 410, an amount of detergent, and a rotation speed and rotation time of the motor 420.

When the pre-washing process and the main washing process are completed, the rinsing module 1130 generates control information for the rinsing process. The clothes accommodated in the drum 410 are rinsed according to the generated control information (S130).

The control information generated by the rinsing module 1130 may be generated according to the amount of clothing accommodated in the drum 410 and a control signal input by the user. The control information may include an amount of fluid to be injected into the drum 410, an amount of a softener, an injection time point, and a rotation speed and a rotation time of the motor 420.

When the rinsing process is completed, the spin-drying module 1140 generates control information for spin-drying. The clothes accommodated in the drum 410 are dewatered according to the generated control information (S140).

The control information generated by the dehydration module 1140 may be generated according to the amount of clothing accommodated in the drum 410 and a control signal input by a user. The control information may include a rotation speed and a rotation time of the motor 420.

When the dehydration treatment is completed, the fabric unwinding module 1150 generates control information for the fabric unwinding process. The clothes accommodated in the drum 410 are fabricated according to the generated control information (S150).

The control information generated by the cloth unwinding module 1150 may be generated according to an UB value (unbalance value) inside the drum 410. The control information may include a rotation speed and a rotation time of the motor 420.

The power control module 1160 generates control information for controlling power of the laundry treatment apparatus 10. The clothes processing apparatus 10 is powered on or off according to the generated control information (S160).

The control information may be applied by a user through the operation unit 300 or input through the terminal 600. In addition, when a preset laundry treatment process is ended, power of the laundry treatment apparatus 10 may be automatically released.

(2) Description of the step (S200) of sensing the state information of the motor 420 rotating the drum 410 by the sensor unit 1200

While the clothing accommodated in the drum 410 is being processed, the sensor unit 1200 sensing information related to the state of the drum 410 and the state of the motor 420 rotating the drum 410 (S200) to be.

The water level sensor module 1210 detects water level information inside the drum 410 (S210). The detected water level information is transmitted to the calculation unit 1300.

The motor sensor module 1220 detects rotation information of the motor 420 (S220). The detected rotation information is transmitted to the operation unit 1300.

The current sensor module 1230 detects current information applied to the motor 420 that rotates the drum 410 (S230). The sensed current information is transmitted to the operation unit 1300.

(3) Description of the step (S300) of calculating imbalance information by using the state information detected by the operation unit 1300

The operation unit 1300 receives the state information sensed by the sensor unit 1200 and calculates imbalance information, etc. using the received state information (S300).

First, the information receiving module 1310 receives water level information, rotation information, and current information from the sensor unit 1200 (S310).

The database module 1320 stores the received water level information, rotation information, and current information (S320). As described above, the database module 1320 may also store imbalance information and processing information.

The imbalance information calculation module 1330 calculates imbalance information by using the current information (S330). In addition, the imbalance information calculation module 1330 compares the calculated imbalance information with preset reference imbalance information (S340).

If the calculated imbalance information is different from the reference imbalance information, it can be determined that no severe imbalance has occurred. That is, a separate notification is not delivered to the user, or no separate action is required to resolve the imbalance.

Accordingly, the processing information calculation module 1350 transmits a control signal for continuing a preset clothing processing process to the clothing processing controller 1100 (S350).

If the calculated imbalance information is the same as the reference imbalance information, it can be determined that a severe imbalance has occurred. Therefore, it is a state in which measures to resolve the imbalance state are required.

Accordingly, the operation unit 1300 performs the step of taking the above measures (S360).

First, the processing information calculation module 1350 transmits a control signal for restarting the spin-drying process to solve the above state to the clothes processing control unit 1100 (S361). The clothing treatment control unit 1100 generates control information for causing the spin-drying module 1140 to perform spin-drying treatment according to the received control signal.

The number information calculation module 1340 calculates the number of times the control signal is transmitted from the processing information calculation module 1350 to the clothes processing control unit 1100 (S362). In other words, the number information calculation module 1340 counts the number of times a severe imbalance occurs.

In addition, the number information calculation module 1340 compares the calculated number information with the preset reference number information (S363).

When the calculated number of times information is less than the reference number of times information, it may be determined that it is an imbalance that may occur during a normal processing of clothes. Accordingly, the processing information calculation module 1350 transmits a control signal for continuing a preset clothing processing process to the clothing processing controller 1100 (S364).

When the calculated number of times information exceeds the reference number of times information, it may be determined that an imbalance has occurred that is more than that occurring in a normal clothing processing process. Accordingly, the information transmission module 1360 transmits the calculated imbalance information and the number of times information to the information input module 1410 so that the user can recognize it (S365).

At this time, it has already been seen that if the currently ongoing garment treatment process is the last dehydration process, it is preferable not to perform additional dehydration treatment. Accordingly, a process of determining whether it is the last dehydration process is performed (S370).

First, the processing information calculation module 1350 calculates information on the number of times of dehydration treatment of clothes accommodated in the drum 410 (S371).

In addition, the processing information calculation module 1350 compares the calculated information on the number of times of spin-drying treatment with the information on the number of times of predetermined spin-drying treatment (S372).

As a result of the comparison, when the calculated number of dehydration treatments is the same as the reference number of dehydration treatments, it may be determined as the last dehydration treatment process. In this case, it should be operated so that the user does not receive a control signal for further action.

Accordingly, the information transmission module 1360 transmits the processing information on the content to the information input module 1410 (S373) so that the notification signal calculation module 1420 can calculate it.

(4) Description of the step (S400) of transmitting the calculated imbalance information to the external terminal 600 by the communication unit 1400

In step S400, the communication unit 1400 transfers the calculated imbalance information and processing information to the user's terminal 600.

First, the information input module 1410 receives imbalance information and processing information from the information transmission module 1360 (S410).

The notification signal calculation module 1420 calculates a notification signal using the received imbalance information and processing information (S420).

The notification signal calculated by the notification signal calculation module 1420 may be in the form of visual information that a user can recognize. In addition, the notification signal may include information on whether bubbles are generated and an expected end time during the additional rinsing process.

In addition, when the currently ongoing laundry treatment process is the last spin-drying process, the notification signal calculation module 1420 calculates an alarm signal so as not to receive a separate control signal.

The notification signal transmission module 1430 transmits the calculated notification signal to the communication module 610 of the user's terminal 600 (S430). The notification signal transmission module 1430 is electrically connected to the terminal 600 by any means capable of wired or wireless communication.

(5) Description of the step (S500) of generating control information for processing the clothing accommodated in the drum 410 by the clothing treatment control unit 1100

In step S500, the clothing treatment control unit 1100 generates control information for additional rinsing processing of clothing accommodated in the drum 410 according to a control signal input by the user through the terminal 600 (S500).

First, the communication module 610 of the terminal 600 receives the notification signal transmitted by the notification signal transmission module 1430 (S510).

The display module 620 outputs the received notification signal (S520). The output notification signal may be in the form of visualization information or a mixture of visualization information and auditory information.

The display module 620 receives a control signal input by a user who recognizes the notification signal (S530). As described above, the terminal 600 according to the embodiment of the present invention may receive three types of control signals.

For example, the display module 620 receives a control signal for controlling the power of the clothing processing apparatus 10 (S531) (see FIGS. 5 to 7 ).

As another example, the display module 620 receives a control signal for performing a next step of a garment processing apparatus process in progress, that is, a next step of garment processing (S532) (see FIGS. 8 to 11). In this case, it is as described above that the calculated information on the number of times of dehydration treatment is different from the information on the number of times of dehydration treatment, that is, not the last dehydration process.

As another example, the display module 620 receives a control signal for unpacking clothes accommodated in the drum 410 (S533) (see FIGS. 12 to 14).

The communication module 610 transmits the input control signal to the control signal receiving module 1440 (S540). The communication module 610 and the control signal receiving module 1440 are electrically connected to each other by any means capable of wired or wireless communication.

The control signal receiving module 1440 receives a control signal from the communication module 610 (S550), and the control signal output module 1450 transmits the received control signal to the clothing processing control unit 1100 (S560).

The clothing processing control unit 1100 generates control information according to the received control signal (S570). The control information may be generated according to a control signal input through the terminal 600.

Although the above has been described with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the art will variously modify and change the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the following claims. You will understand that you can.

10: garment processing device
100: housing
110: front
120: side
130: upper surface
200: door part
210: handle
300: control panel
310: display
320: dial
330: operation button
340: operation button
400: tub
410: drum
420: motor
500: detergent supply device
600: terminal
610: communication module
620: display module
1000: control unit
1100: clothing processing control unit
1110: preliminary washing module
1120: this washing module
1130: rinse module
1140: dewatering module
1150: gun release module
1160: power control module
1200: sensor unit
1210: water level sensor module
1220: motor sensor module
1230: current sensor module
1300: operation unit
1310: information receiving module
1320: database module
1330: imbalance information operation module
1340: count information calculation module
1350: processing information operation module
1360: information transmission module
1400: Ministry of Communications
1410: information input module
1420: notification signal calculation module
1430: notification signal transmission module
1440: control signal receiving module
1450: control signal output module

Claims (13)

housing;
A drum that is rotatably installed inside the housing, and configured to communicate with the outside so that clothes are accommodated therein and fluid flows into the inside;
A motor provided inside the housing and configured to rotate the drum by receiving power;
A sensor unit provided inside the housing and configured to sense state information of the drum or the motor; And
And a calculating unit configured to be connected to the sensor unit to be energized and configured to calculate imbalance information using the state information detected by the sensor unit,
The calculation unit,
It is configured to be electrically connected to a terminal located outside the housing, and to transmit the calculated imbalance information to the terminal,
The state information includes current information applied to the motor,
The sensor unit comprises a current sensor module configured to sense the current information,
Apparel handling device. The method of claim 1,
The calculation unit,
Comprising an imbalance information calculation module, configured to calculate the imbalance information in a preset method using the sensed current information, and compare the calculated imbalance information with the preset reference imbalance information,
Apparel handling device. The method of claim 2,
Containing a communication unit configured to be energized to be connected to the operation unit and the terminal, and configured to transmit the calculated imbalance information to the terminal,
Apparel handling device. The method of claim 1,
A clothing processing control unit that generates control information for processing clothing accommodated in the drum; And
And a communication unit configured to be electrically connected to the operation unit and the terminal, and configured to transmit a control signal input to the terminal to the operation unit,
The terminal is configured to receive the control signal for generating the control information,
The control signal,
Including any one or more of a power control signal for whether the power is applied and a processing control signal for a clothing treatment process,
Apparel handling device. (a) processing clothes accommodated in the drum according to the control information generated by the clothes processing control unit;
(b) detecting state information of a motor rotating the drum by a sensor unit;
(c) calculating imbalance information by using the state information detected by an operation unit;
(d) transmitting the calculated imbalance information to an external terminal by a communication unit; And
(e) comprising the step of generating, by the clothing treatment control unit, control information for processing the clothing accommodated in the drum,
Control method of a garment processing device. The method of claim 5,
The step (c),
(c1) calculating imbalance information by using the current information of the motor by the calculation unit;
(c2) comparing the imbalance information calculated by the calculation unit with preset reference imbalance information; And
(c3) when the calculated imbalance information is different from the reference imbalance information, comprising the step of processing the clothing accommodated in the drum according to control information generated by the clothing processing control unit in a preset method,
Control method of a garment processing device. The method of claim 6,
The step (c),
After the step (c3),
(c4) when the calculated imbalance information is the same as the reference imbalance information, transmitting a control signal for restarting the spinning process by the calculation unit to the clothes processing control unit; And
(c5) calculating information on the number of times the operation unit has transmitted the control signal,
The step (a),
(a1) including the step of dewatering the clothes accommodated in the drum according to control information generated according to the control signal transmitted by the clothes treatment control unit,
Control method of a garment processing device. The method of claim 7,
The step (c),
(c6) comparing the information on the number of times the operation unit has transmitted the control signal with information on the number of times a predetermined reference number,
The step (d),
(d1) when the information on the number of times the control signal is transmitted exceeds the information on the reference number, the communication unit transmitting the imbalance information to the terminal,
Control method of a garment processing device. The method of claim 8,
The step (e),
(e1) outputting the imbalance information transmitted by the terminal as visualization information;
(e1) receiving, by the terminal, the control signal; And
(e3) generating control information for controlling power of the clothing processing apparatus according to the input control signal by the clothing processing controller,
Control method of a garment processing device. The method of claim 8,
The step (e),
(e4) outputting the imbalance information transmitted by the terminal as visualization information;
(e5) receiving, by the terminal, the control signal; And
(e6) generating, by the clothing processing control unit, control information for unpacking the clothing accommodated in the drum according to the input control signal,
Control method of a garment processing device. The method of claim 8,
The step (c),
(c7) calculating, by the calculation unit, information on the number of times of dehydration treatment of the clothes accommodated in the drum; And
(c8) comparing the information on the number of times of dehydration treatment calculated by the operation unit with information on the number of times of pre-set reference dehydration treatment,
Control method of a garment processing device. The method of claim 11,
When the information on the number of times of dehydration treatment calculated in the step (c8) is different from the information on the number of times of dehydration treatment set in advance,
The step (e),
(e7) outputting the imbalance information transmitted by the terminal as visualization information;
(e8) receiving, by the terminal, the control signal; And
(e9) generating, by the clothing processing control unit, control information for processing clothing accommodated in the drum according to the input control signal,
The control signal,
The clothing processing control unit performs the next garment processing of the clothing processing process performed according to control information generated by a preset method,
Control method of a garment processing device. The method of claim 11,
When the information on the number of times of dehydration treatment calculated in step (c8) is the same as information on the number of times of dehydration treatment,
The step (e),
(e10) including the step of outputting the imbalance information transmitted by the terminal as visualization information,
The step (a),
(a2) comprising the step of processing the clothing accommodated in the drum according to control information generated by the clothing processing control unit in a preset method,
Control method of a garment processing device.

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