KR20230105856A - Laundry treating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a laundry handling apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a cabinet, a drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet and accommodating clothes, and processing of clothes provided in the cabinet and accommodated in the drum. a control unit that performs a course; wherein the control unit performs a remote control mode in which a command is input through a user's terminal and the processing course is performed, and the control unit performs the remote control mode in a power-on state even after the processing course is terminated in the remote control mode. Performs the remote control maintenance mode in which is maintained.

Description

Clothes handling device {LAUNDRY TREATING APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to a laundry treatment apparatus, and relates to a laundry treatment apparatus for treating laundry.

The laundry treatment device has various processes for treating clothes, such as a washing course to remove contamination from laundry by putting clothes, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as laundry) into the drum, or a drying course to remove moisture present in clothes. It is a device capable of conducting courses.

The laundry treatment apparatus may include a cabinet forming an exterior and may include a drum provided inside the cabinet to accommodate clothes. Also, when water is used in the course of processing clothes, a tub may be provided inside the cabinet, and the drum may be installed inside the tub.

Laundry handling apparatuses can be classified into a top loading method and a front loading method based on a method of putting clothes into a drum. In the top loading method, clothes may be put in through the upper surface of the cabinet, and in the front loading method, clothes may be put in through the front surface of the cabinet.

Meanwhile, Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 10-2014-0023986 discloses a laundry treatment apparatus including a display unit and a search unit for providing a plurality of treatment courses to a user.

A user may operate the laundry treatment apparatus and perform a process of treating clothes by using the display unit and the search unit.

However, since both the display unit and the search unit are provided in the laundry treatment apparatus, a user has to directly approach and use the laundry treatment apparatus.

The user has to move to a necessary place at a fixed time and perform activities, and thus, it may be inconvenient to directly locate and operate the laundry treatment device.

For example, the user may be located outside the place where the laundry treatment apparatus is located in a living space and perform other activities besides processing clothes, and furthermore, if the user moves out of the living space, use of the laundry treatment apparatus may be restricted.

Accordingly, it is to enable the user to conveniently operate the laundry treatment apparatus even if he is not located directly in front of the laundry treatment apparatus, to efficiently perform settings for the laundry treatment apparatus, and to perform an effective laundry treatment process. It becomes an important task in this technical field.

Embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide a laundry treatment apparatus that can be conveniently operated by a user.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide a laundry treatment apparatus that can be effectively operated by a user even when away from the user.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention are intended to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of improving the efficiency of remote manipulation by a user.

A laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a remote control function by a user. That is, when the remote control mode is performed, the controller may set and perform a treatment course for clothes treatment based on a user's command input through the terminal.

In addition, an embodiment of the present invention may provide a remote control maintenance mode. When the remote control maintenance mode is applied, the control unit can maintain the power-on state in which power is applied even after the processing course is completed, so that additional user manipulation is possible.

When the remote control mode is applied, the remote control maintenance mode may be basically released, and the remote control maintenance mode may be applied when a user requests the remote control maintenance mode through a terminal, etc., thereby increasing stability and efficiency of remote control.

The laundry treatment apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet, a drum, and a control unit. The drum is rotatably provided inside the cabinet, and clothes are accommodated therein.

The control unit is provided in the cabinet and performs a treatment course of clothes accommodated in the drum. The control unit performs a remote control mode in which a command is received through a user's terminal and the processing course is performed, and the control unit maintains the remote control mode in a power-on state even after the processing course is terminated in the remote control mode. Remote control maintenance mode can be performed.

The remote control mode may be applied or canceled through an input unit provided in the cabinet and inputting a user's command or the terminal. The control unit may automatically perform the remote control mode when the processing course is performed.

An embodiment of the present invention may include an input unit provided in the cabinet and including a pause button. The control unit may release the remote control mode when the pause button is input while the processing course is being performed, and maintain the remote control mode when a pause command is input through the terminal.

The remote control maintenance mode may be applied or canceled through an input unit provided in the cabinet and inputting a user's command or the terminal. When the remote control mode is executed, the control unit may set the remote control maintenance mode to a release state.

The cabinet includes a clothes inlet communicating with the inside of the drum, a clothes door that opens and closes the clothes inlet, and a door lock that maintains the closed state of the clothes door, and in the remote control maintenance mode, the control unit terminates the processing course. Thereafter, the door locking unit may be controlled to maintain the closed state of the clothing door.

The input unit may include a power button, and after the processing course ends, the remote control maintenance mode may be released when the power button is input.

The input unit may include a plurality of buttons including the power button, and the plurality of buttons except for the power button may be deactivated in the remote control maintenance mode after the processing course is finished.

The cabinet is provided with an output unit for outputting a screen for providing information to the user, and in the remote control maintenance mode, the output unit informs the user of the maintenance status of the remote control mode after the processing course is completed. can output

A release condition of the remote control maintenance mode may be displayed on the remote control maintenance guidance screen. The cabinet is provided with an output unit for providing information to the user, and when a preset time elapses after the end of the processing course, the output unit or the terminal can inform the user that the remote control maintenance mode is being performed.

Embodiments of the present invention may provide a laundry treatment apparatus that a user can conveniently operate.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a laundry treatment apparatus that can be effectively operated by a user even when away from the user.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention may provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of improving the efficiency of remote manipulation by a user.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view showing a control unit provided in a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a laundry treatment apparatus including a tub according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a laundry treatment apparatus in which a tub is omitted according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a communication relationship with respect to a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a view showing an additional function setting screen for setting a remote control mode in the clothes handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a state in which power is maintained in a remote control maintenance mode in the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a diagram illustrating a process of setting a remote control mode in the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a view showing an additional function setting screen for setting a remote control maintenance mode in the clothes handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a view showing a course selection screen and a course progress screen in the clothes handling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a view showing a remote control maintenance guidance screen in the laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention.

However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. And in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and similar reference numerals are attached to similar parts throughout the specification.

In this specification, redundant descriptions of the same components are omitted.

In addition, in this specification, when a component is referred to as being 'connected' or 'connected' to another component, it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component in the middle It should be understood that may exist. On the other hand, in this specification, when a component is referred to as 'directly connected' or 'directly connected' to another component, it should be understood that no other component exists in the middle.

In addition, terms used in this specification are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

Also, in this specification, a singular expression may include a plurality of expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In addition, in this specification, terms such as 'include' or 'having' are only intended to designate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and one or more It should be understood that the presence or addition of other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not precluded.

Also in this specification, the term 'and/or' includes a combination of a plurality of listed items or any item among a plurality of listed items. In this specification, 'A or B' may include 'A', 'B', or 'both A and B'.

1 shows a laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 10 . The cabinet 10 forms the exterior of the laundry treatment apparatus 1, and a space in which a drum 30 to be described later is accommodated is defined therein.

The cabinet 10 may have various shapes, such as a polygonal column or a circular column, as necessary. As shown in FIG. 1 , when the cabinet 10 is provided in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, the cabinet 10 may be formed by combining a plurality of panels or by integrally molding and bending the plurality of panels.

When the cabinet 10 includes a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels may include a front panel 11, a rear panel, a top panel 12, a bottom panel 13, and a pair of side panels.

A clothes opening 18 through which clothes are put inside may be formed in the cabinet 10 . The clothing opening 18 is formed on one surface of the cabinet 10 and may be an entrance for a user to put clothes into the cabinet 10 .

The clothing opening 18 may be formed on the front panel 11 or the top panel 12 of the cabinet 10 . That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the clothing opening 18 may be formed on the front panel 11 to take a front loading method or formed on the top panel 12 to take a top loading method.

1 shows a front-loading laundry treatment apparatus 1 in which the clothes opening 18 is formed on the front panel 11 of the cabinet 10, however, a top-loading apparatus may be used if necessary.

Meanwhile, a clothing door 19 for opening and closing the clothing opening 18 may be provided in the cabinet 10 . The clothing door 19 may be provided in the cabinet 10 in a variety of ways in which the clothing opening 18 can be opened and closed. FIG. 1 shows a state in which a clothing door 19 is hinged to the cabinet 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention so that one side is rotatably coupled to the cabinet 10 .

The clothing door 19 can be rotated around the hinge to determine opening and closing of the clothing opening 18 . For example, the clothing door 19 can open the clothing opening 18 by being rotated away from the cabinet 10 around the hinge, and rotated so as to come into close contact with the cabinet 10 around the hinge, thereby opening the clothing opening 18. can be closed.

Meanwhile, a door locking part 17 for locking the clothing door 19 may be provided in the cabinet 10 . The door lock unit may fix the clothing door 19 so that the clothing door 19 remains closed to the clothing opening 18 .

An embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit 90, and the control unit 90 is connected signalally to the door locking unit 17 to control the operating state of the door locking unit 17, thereby opening the clothing door. The closed state of (19) can be controlled.

For example, the door locking unit 17 may be controlled by the control unit 90 to fix the clothing door 19 in a locked state so that the clothing door 19 in a closed state does not change to an open state. When the locking state of the door locking part 17 is released, the clothing door 19 can be automatically rotated to open the clothing opening 18 or can be freely manipulated by the user to open.

Meanwhile, the cabinet 10 may include a manipulation unit 100 , and the manipulation unit 100 may include an input unit 110 and an output unit 130 . Although FIG. 1 shows the control unit 100 disposed on the upper side of the front panel 11, the position, shape and number of the control unit 100 may vary as needed.

The control unit 100 may be a means for exchanging signals or information between a user and the laundry treatment apparatus 1, for example, the control unit 90, and a detailed description of the control unit 100 will be described later.

Meanwhile, FIG. 1 schematically shows a detergent supply unit 40, a drum 30, and a tub 20 provided inside the cabinet 10.

The tub 20 is provided inside the cabinet 10 and may contain water therein. The tub 20 may be provided in the laundry treatment apparatus 1 to use a large amount of water for laundry treatment, such as a washing course and a rinsing course.

That is, when the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided to perform a laundry treatment course using wash water, such as the washing course, the tub 20 is provided inside the cabinet 10. and the drum 30 may be installed inside the tub 20 .

However, when the laundry treatment apparatus 1 is provided to perform only a treatment course that does not require the use of wash water, such as a drying course for removing moisture from clothes, unlike the washing course, the tub 20 may be omitted. That is, in the laundry treatment apparatus 1, the tub 20 may not exist and only the drum 30 may exist.

Meanwhile, the drum 30 is provided inside the cabinet 10 and clothes may be accommodated therein. That is, clothes put into the cabinet 10 through the clothes opening 18 can be accommodated in the drum 30 and undergo various treatment courses. A detailed description of the tub 20 and the drum 30 will be described later.

Meanwhile, one embodiment of the present invention may include a detergent supply unit 40. The detergent supply unit 40 may supply detergent to the inside of the drum 30 to generate and enhance a washing effect in a washing course for removing contaminants from clothes.

The clothes handling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided to communicate with the user's terminal 95 . The user's terminal 95 refers to a device through which the user can input or receive information while being separated from the laundry handling apparatus 1. can

In one embodiment of the present invention, communication is made with the terminal 95 through the control unit 90, and information can be transmitted and received. Communication with the terminal 95 and the like will be described in detail later.

Meanwhile, FIG. 2 shows a manipulation unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 100 may include an input unit 110 that generates an input signal by a user's manipulation and an output unit 130 that provides various information to the user according to an output signal of the control unit 90 .

The manipulation unit 100 may include an input unit 110 and/or an output unit 130, and the input unit 110 and the output unit 130 may be located together or separately positioned to be distinguished from each other. Each of the input unit 110 and the output unit 130 may be provided in plurality, and may be disposed in various positions in the cabinet 10 .

2 shows a manipulation unit 100 provided as a control panel in which an input unit 110 and an output unit 130 are disposed together according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2 , the output unit 130 may include a display 134 on which a screen for providing visual information to a user is output.

Specifically, the output unit 130 may include a screen circumference 132 surrounding the display 134 and a display 134 positioned on the screen circumference 132, and a control unit ( 90) to output a screen providing necessary information to the user through the display 134. In addition, the output unit 130 may further include a speaker for providing an auditory signal, for example, various notification sounds to the user.

The input unit 110 may be operated by a user to generate various input signals. For example, the input unit 110 may include a button that is physically manipulated by the user, a touch that generates a signal by contacting the user's hand, and a microphone that receives a voice signal from the user.

In the present invention, a button includes a physical button in which a physical change is generated by a user's manipulation, and a touch-type button in which an electrical signal is generated by contact with a user's hand. That is, in the present invention, buttons may be provided in various types and shapes as needed.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the input unit 110 may include a power button 111. When the power button 111 is input, power may be applied to various components provided in the laundry treatment apparatus 1 .

The clothes handling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to external power but maintains a standby state or a sleep state in which power is not applied to the rest of the components except for some components, and when the power button 111 is operated Power may also be applied to the rest of the components to be converted into a power-on state or a wake-up state in which preparations for performing a treatment course of clothes are made.

An embodiment of the present invention may include a power standby unit receiving power from external power at all times regardless of a standby state and a power application state, and the power standby unit controls the control unit when the power button 111 is input in the sleep state 90) may be provided to allow power application with other configurations.

Meanwhile, the input unit 110 may include a display button 113. The display button 113 may be provided on the screen circumference 132 of the output unit 130 or disposed around it. Also, the display button 113 may be replaced with a touch method of the display 134 .

A command based on screen information output from the display 134 may be input to the display button 113 . For example, the user can manipulate the display button 113 to select a specific area or any one item of the screen output from the display 134 .

Also, the input unit 110 may include a movement button. The movement button may be disposed on or around the periphery of the screen 132 . The movement button may be replaced with a jog type that is disposed on the screen circumference 132 and rotated, or may be replaced with a touch method of the display 134.

The user can change an object to be selected from among a plurality of lists on the screen output to the display 134 by manipulating the movement button.

The input unit 110 may include an action button 112 . The perform button 112 may also be defined as a pause button. According to an embodiment of the present invention, various processing courses for processing clothes accommodated in the drum 30 may be performed under the control of the control unit 90 . The user can manipulate the execution button 112 to perform or pause the processing course.

Meanwhile, the input unit 110 may include a pairing control button 114 . The clothes handling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may perform a pairing mode in which communication is allowed with another external device, for example, the external device 2, and mutual information exchange is possible. A pairing control mode capable of directly controlling the external device 2 may be performed.

That is, when the pairing control mode is performed, the user uses the input unit 110 provided in the cabinet 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention to perform pairing with the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the external device 2 can be controlled.

In other words, in one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 90 may perform a pairing mode in which communication with the external device 2 located outside the cabinet 10 is permitted and information is exchanged. The control unit 90 may perform the pairing mode while communicating with the other control unit 90 of the external device 2 .

In the pairing mode, when the user presses the pairing control button 114 of the input unit 110, the controller 90 transmits a command directly to the other control unit 90 of the external device 2 through the input unit 110. Control mode can be performed. It goes without saying that the control unit 90 may also perform pairing control by the other control unit 90 of the external device 2 .

Meanwhile, the input unit 110 may include an option setting unit 115 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the user can adjust the setting values for a plurality of options by manipulating the option setting unit 115 .

Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 90 may be in a state where various processing courses for processing clothes are preset.

For example, the plurality of treatment courses include a washing course for removing contaminants from clothes, a rinsing course for rinsing clothes, a spin-drying course for removing moisture from clothes in a physical manner such as centrifugal force, and a phase change such as water evaporation. A drying course for removing moisture may be included.

Meanwhile, the plurality of treatment courses may include a plurality of adjustable options, respectively. Each of the plurality of options may have a plurality of option values selectable by a user, and any one of the plurality of option values may be applied as a setting value of the corresponding option.

The user can change the set values of options that allow the change of set values by manipulating the option setting unit 115 . That is, each option is set to have an initial setting value before being changed by the user, and the user can change the setting value of a specific option from the initial setting value to another option value through the option setting unit 115 .

The option setting unit 115 may include a plurality of buttons for changing each option, allowing manipulation of options changeable by the user in the currently selected course, and prohibiting signal generation for options unchangeable by the user. It can be controlled by the control unit 90 as much as possible.

For example, the control unit 90 may reflect a change in an option that can be changed by the user for the currently selected course, but ignore the command if a change in an option that cannot be changed by the user is input.

The input unit 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include various buttons for user convenience in addition to the plurality of buttons mentioned above.

Meanwhile, FIG. 3 shows a laundry treatment apparatus 1 including a tub 20 and a detergent supply unit 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3 , when a clothes washing course is performed in the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry treatment apparatus 1 includes a tub 20 and a detergent supply unit 40. can include

Referring to FIG. 3 , the tub 20 is provided inside the cabinet 10, may form an internal space for accommodating water, and may have various shapes. A tub opening 22 facing the clothing opening 18 of the cabinet 10 may be formed on one surface of the tub 20 .

For example, the tub 20 may have a cylindrical shape with a space formed therein, and a tub opening 22 may be formed on the front surface of the tub 20 facing the clothing opening 18 . Clothes put in through the clothes opening 18 may be put into the tub 20 through the tub opening 22 .

The drum 30 may be provided inside the tub 20 . The drum 30 may have various shapes in which a space is formed therein. The drum 30 may be provided to be rotatable by the drive unit 35 .

The drive unit 35 may be provided outside the tub 20, and the drum 30 may have a rotational shaft connected to the rear surface. The driving unit 35 may be directly connected to the rotating shaft or indirectly connected through a belt or the like.

The drum 30 is rotatably provided inside the tub 20 , and a drum opening 32 may be formed on one surface facing the tub opening 22 . That is, the inside of the drum 30 may communicate with the outside through the drum opening 32 , the tub opening 22 and the clothing opening 18 .

Accordingly, clothes put in by the user through the clothing opening 18 can pass through the clothing opening 18 , the tub opening 22 and the drum opening 32 to be accommodated in the drum 30 . The clothes opening 18, the tub opening 22, and the drum opening 32 may be aligned in a direction parallel to the rotating shaft of the drum 30.

The drum 30 may have a circular cross section so as to be easily rotated around a rotation axis. For example, the drum 30 may be provided in a cylindrical shape. In addition, a plurality of through holes may be formed on the circumferential surface of the drum 30 .

In the drum 30 installed inside the tub 20 for receiving water, water inside the tub 20 flows into the drum 30 through the through-hole, so that water can be provided to clothes.

On the other hand, one embodiment of the present invention may include a water supply unit (60). The water supply unit 60 may be connected to an external water source provided outside the cabinet 10, such as a monastery in the city, to supply water to the inside of the cabinet 10.

The water supply unit 60 may include a water supply valve for regulating the flow of water, and water introduced from the outside of the cabinet 10 flows along the water supply pipe 62 and is directly supplied to the inside of the tub 20 or detergent It may be provided to the supply unit 40.

The detergent supply unit 40 may store detergent therein and supply the detergent to the inside of the tub 20 or the drum 30 . When the water supply pipe 62 is connected to the detergent supply unit 40, the detergent supply unit 40 may supply water supplied through the water supply pipe 62 and detergent together to the inside of the tub 20.

Meanwhile, one embodiment of the present invention may include a drainage part 70 . The control unit 90 may perform a draining process by controlling the drainage unit 70 to discharge water inside the tub 20 to the outside during a washing course.

The drainage unit 70 may include a drain pipe connected to the tub 20 to allow water inside the tub 20 to flow to the outside, and may include a drain valve to control the flow of water in the drain pipe. It may include a drainage pump for generating a flow of water in.

Meanwhile, an embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit 90. The control unit 90 may signalally connect with various components consuming power to control the operation of each component. The control unit 90 may be provided by being divided into a plurality of parts as needed, and may include various detailed configurations.

For example, the control unit 90 may functionally include a communication unit for communication with the outside or other elements, a storage unit for storing information, and an arithmetic unit for information processing. In addition, the control unit 90 may include a sub control unit 90 provided for each configuration and a main control unit 90 that is signally connected to the sub control unit 90 and is in charge of controlling the sub control unit 90. may be

As described above, at least some of the detailed configurations of the control unit 90 classified by function or configuration may be spatially and functionally integrated as needed. In addition, at least some of the detailed components may be spatially separated and disposed.

Meanwhile, FIG. 4 shows a form in which the tub 20 and the detergent supply unit 40 are removed and a drying course of clothes can be performed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4 , in a form in which the tub 20 is omitted, the drum 30 may be rotatably provided inside the cabinet 10 . The driving unit 35 may be located on one side of the cabinet 10 and may be connected to the drum 30 itself or a rotating shaft of the drum 30 to provide rotational force to the drum 30 .

Meanwhile, a heating unit 50 may be provided inside the cabinet 10 to provide high-temperature air to clothes inside the drum 30 . The heating unit 50 may be installed on the base unit 14 located on the lower panel 13 and provided inside the cabinet 10 .

FIG. 4 shows a heating unit 50 provided outside the drum 30 to provide dehumidified and heated air and to re-introduce air that has passed through the inside of the drum 30 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , the heating unit 50 may include an air passage 51 communicating with the inside of the drum 30 . Inside the drum 30, air containing water vapor generated by evaporating moisture present in clothes exists, and the air inside the drum 30 is discharged from the drum 30 and introduced into the air passage 51. can For example, air discharged from the inside of the drum 30 to the outside of the drum 30 through the drum opening 32 may flow into the air passage 51 and flow along the air passage 51 .

Meanwhile, the heating unit 50 may include a dehumidifying unit 52 . The dehumidifier 52 may come into contact with air flowing along the air passage 51 to condense water vapor in the air and separate it from the air. Accordingly, air flowing along the air passage 51 may be dehumidified so that water vapor is greatly reduced while passing through the dehumidifying unit 52 .

The heating unit 50 may include a temperature raising unit 53 . The temperature raising unit 53 may heat the air by being in direct or thermal contact with the air flowing along the air passage 51 . The air flowing along the air passage 51 may become high-temperature and dry while passing through the dehumidifying unit 52 and the heating unit 53 .

The heating unit 50 may include a fluid system forming a dehumidifying unit 52 and a heating unit 53 . The fluid system may include a compressor, a condenser, a diffusion valve, and an expander, the dehumidifying unit 52 may correspond to an expander, and the temperature raising unit 53 may correspond to a condenser.

However, in one embodiment of the present invention, the heating unit 50 is not limited to including the fluid system, and the dehumidifying unit 52 and the heating unit 53 may have various methods.

The heating unit 50 may include an air fan 54 . The air fan 54 may be positioned on a space communicating with the air passage 51, for example, on the air passage 51 to generate a flow of air. Due to the operation of the air fan 54, the air inside the drum 30 flows through the air passage 51 and can be circulated.

That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the heating unit 50 dehumidifies and heats the air flowing along the air flow path 51 communicating with the inside of the drum 30 and supplies it back to the inside of the drum 30, so that the drum ( 30) Moisture contained in clothes can be removed by supplying high-temperature dry air inside.

However, the heating unit 50 of FIG. 4 is only an example of the heating unit 50 for performing a drying course, and the method or type of the heating unit 50 for providing high-temperature air to clothes in the present invention. is not necessarily limited as above.

For example, the heating unit 50 may be provided as an exhaust type in which air from outside the cabinet 10 is introduced into the drum 30 and the air inside the drum 30 is discharged to the outside. In addition, the heating unit 50 may be provided in a static manner to heat and dehumidify the air inside the drum 30 without causing air flow.

In addition, the laundry treatment apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 3 and the laundry treatment apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 4 are shown separately for convenience of explanation, and it is natural that the respective components cannot coexist with each other. .

For example, one embodiment of the present invention includes a water supply unit 60, a tub 20, a detergent supply unit 40, etc. to perform a washing course for clothes, and at the same time to perform a drying course for clothes. Various types of heating units 50 may be included.

Meanwhile, FIG. 5 schematically shows various communication environments that can be performed in the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may perform a pairing mode with at least one external apparatus 2 . For example, the clothes handling device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may perform a pairing mode through mutual communication with the external device 2 disposed outside the cabinet 10 .

That is, the control unit 90 may perform a pairing mode through communication with the other control unit 90 of the external device 2 . The control unit 90 may perform a pairing mode while exchanging information with the other control unit 90 of the external device 2 or another communication unit through the communication unit.

Although FIG. 5 shows a connection with two external devices 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the external device 2 connectable to the laundry treatment device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention The number can vary.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the external device 2 may perform an external treatment course for treating clothes. For example, the external device 2 may include a drum 30 for accommodating clothes. The external device 2 may be provided with other control units 90 for controlling various devices provided in the external device 2 separately from the control unit 90 of the laundry treatment device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. can

In addition, the external device 2 may include the other output unit 130 on which a screen for providing information related to the operating status controlled by the other control unit 90 or the processing status of clothes is output.

The laundry treatment device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may perform a laundry course, and the external device 2 may perform a drying course of clothes.

Of course, the opposite case is also possible, and both the laundry treatment device 1 and the external device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention may perform a laundry course or a drying course of clothes.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, a communication method in which the control unit 90 and the external device 2 exchange information may be various. For example, the control unit 90 may directly communicate with another communication unit of the external device 2 through the communication unit through a Bluetooth method.

In addition, the control unit 90 or the communication unit is provided separately from the laundry treatment apparatus 1 and the external apparatus 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention and provides information through an external communication medium 96 that provides a signal for communication. can also be exchanged.

For example, the external communication medium 96 generates a Wi-Fi signal, and the control unit 90 exchanges information with the external communication medium 96 based on the Wi-Fi signal, and is provided in the external device 2 and is provided in the present invention. The other control unit 90, which is distinguished from the control unit 90 of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment, may receive a signal transmitted from the control unit 90 through information exchange with the external communication medium 96. there is.

As described above, in the case where the controller 90 directly generates a signal and in the case where the external communication medium 96 is used as a signal generating means, information transmitted to the outside from the controller 90 or information received by the controller 90 is collected. Routes can also vary.

For example, even when the control unit 90 directly transmits or receives a signal, the control unit 90 may directly transmit the signal to the other control unit 90 of the external device 2 or transmit the signal to the external server 97. A method in which the other controller 90 receives a signal from the server 97 by transmitting the signal may be used.

Even when the control unit 90 uses the external communication medium 96, information transmitted from the control unit 90 to the external communication medium 96 may be directly transferred to the external device 2, or the external communication medium 96 After the information transmitted to is transmitted to the server 97, the other control unit 90 of the external device 2 may receive the information from the server 97.

It is natural that the relationship between the sender and the receiver of the control unit 90 provided in the laundry treatment apparatus 1 and the other control unit 90 of the external device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be interchanged.

Meanwhile, the clothes handling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may also allow communication with the user's terminal 95 described above. For example, the control unit 90 may provide information related to the current operating state to the user through the terminal 95, and through information exchange with the terminal 95, the control unit 90 is a remote control controlled according to a command transmitted from the terminal 95. mode can be performed.

A communication or information exchange method between the control unit 90 and the terminal 95 may be the same as the communication or information exchange method between the control unit 90 and other control units 90 described above. For example, the control unit 90 may exchange information directly with the terminal 95 or exchange information through an external communication medium 96 and/or a server 97 .

Meanwhile, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an additional function setting screen P500 output from the output unit 130 or the terminal 95 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6(a) shows an additional function setting screen P500 output from the output unit 130, and FIG. 6(b) shows an additional function setting screen P500 output from the terminal 95. .

Referring to FIG. 6 , the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may support a user's remote control mode. That is, the controller 90 may receive a user's command away from the laundry treatment apparatus 1 through the remote control mode, and set and execute a treatment course of the clothes.

In the remote control mode, the control unit 90 is allowed to communicate with the user's terminal 95 and the like, and can receive a user's command from the terminal 95 and the like. For example, the user's terminal 95 may be pre-registered with the laundry handling apparatus 1 and communication may be allowed. By directly communicating with the control unit 90, an input signal generated by the terminal 95 can be transmitted to the control unit 90.

In the remote control mode, the user selects one of a plurality of treatment courses for processing clothes using the terminal 95, etc., sets options for one treatment course, or performs one treatment course. It is possible to control the control unit 90 to do so.

Accordingly, the user can conveniently use the laundry treatment apparatus 1 even though it is not located adjacent to the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the output unit 130 and/or the terminal 95 may output a setting list including remote control setting items C200 for setting the remote control mode to the screen.

That is, the output unit 130 and/or the terminal 95 may output an additional function setting screen P500 including a setting list in which the remote control setting items C200 are displayed. The additional function setting screen P500 may be provided so that the user can select the remote control setting item C200 through the input unit 110 or the terminal 95.

The user can make the controller 90 perform the remote control mode by selecting the remote control setting item C200 on the additional function setting screen P500 and setting the application of the remote control mode.

Meanwhile, the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may perform a remote control maintenance mode in which the remote control mode is continuously maintained. That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the controller 90 may perform a remote control maintenance mode for maintaining the remote control mode.

In one embodiment of the present invention, in the remote control mode, when the remote control maintenance mode is not applied, the control unit 90 may enter a standby state after a treatment course for processing clothes is finished.

As described above, in the standby state, power consumption can be minimized by not supplying power to power consuming devices other than the power standby unit. The standby state corresponds to a power-off state in which power is not applied from the user's point of view.

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the user can conveniently use the treatment course of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 remotely through the remote control mode, and furthermore, the laundry treatment apparatus 1 whose operation is terminated automatically By entering the standby state, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented.

However, the user may request the execution of additional processing courses after performing any one processing course as needed. For example, the user desires to additionally perform a rinsing course after a washing course or to additionally perform a drying course after a washing course according to his/her inclination, and continues to remotely control the controller 90 even after any one treatment course is finished. You can ask to do it.

In the case where maintenance of the remote control mode is required as described above, even after the course of processing clothes through the remote control maintenance mode, the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is powered on. The remote control mode can be performed while maintaining the applied state.

7 is an operation flowchart comparing a case in which the remote control maintenance mode is applied and a case in which it is released. 7(a) shows a control sequence of the control unit 90 or an operation sequence of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 in a state in which the remote control maintenance mode is released, and FIG. The control sequence of 90 or the operation sequence of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 is shown.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the clothes handling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention maintains a standby state before use by a user and switches to a power-on state based on a user input signal such as the power button 111. can

On the other hand, as a general operation sequence, a course selection process in which a user selects one of a plurality of treatment courses and options are set may be performed, and clothing is processed through the treatment course determined in the course selection process. process can be performed.

Meanwhile, after the process of running the course, in a state where the remote control maintaining mode is released, the operation of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be terminated and may enter a standby state.

On the other hand, in a state where the remote control maintenance mode is applied, the power supply state of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 may be maintained, and an additional course selection process and course progress process may be performed based on a user's input signal.

Specifically, the laundry handling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 10, a drum 30 rotatably provided inside the cabinet 10 and accommodating clothes, and the cabinet 10. It may include a control unit 90 that is provided in the drum 30 and performs a treatment course of the clothes accommodated in the drum 30 .

The control unit 90 receives a command through the user's terminal 95 and performs a remote control mode in which the processing course is performed, and the control unit 90 applies power even after the processing course ends in the remote control mode. In this state, a remote control maintenance mode in which the remote control mode is maintained may be performed.

Meanwhile, FIG. 8 shows a process of applying the remote control mode through the additional function setting screen P500. Referring to FIG. 8 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the remote control mode can be applied or canceled through the terminal 95 or the input unit 110 provided in the cabinet 10 to which a user's command is input. .

Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, when a user manipulates a setting button for setting an additional function, the output unit 130 may output an additional function setting screen P500 as shown in FIG. 8 (a), , A remote control setting item (C200) may be displayed on the additional function setting screen (P500).

When the user selects the remote control setting item C200 through manipulation of the input unit 110, the output unit 130 displays 'apply' and 'release' as the setting values for the remote control mode as shown in FIG. 8(b). items can be displayed.

The application and cancellation can be changed to other phrases that can express application and cancellation of the remote control mode. 8(b) shows items named 'on' and 'off'.

On the other hand, if the user selects application of the remote control mode, the output unit 130 may return to the additional function setting screen P500 again as shown in FIG. 8(c). However, the output unit 130 returns to the additional function setting screen (P500) and simultaneously displays a remote control guide display (M50) on the additional function setting screen (P500) informing the user that the remote control mode has been applied. there is.

The remote control guide display (M50) may be displayed in a pop-up form on the additional function setting screen (P500), and may disappear after being displayed for a preset time or based on a user's input signal, prompting the user to enter the remote control mode. It may include a phrase informing the application of, and may include a phrase informing the user of features in the remote control mode.

Meanwhile, when the remote control guide display M50 disappears, the output unit 130 may output the additional function setting screen P500 again as shown in FIG. 8(d), but the remote control of the additional function setting screen P500 The setting item C200 may indicate that the remote control mode is applied.

8 shows the additional function setting screen (P500) output from the output unit 130, but the process of setting the remote control mode through the additional function setting screen (P500) in the terminal 95 is also the same as the previous description. Not much different.

Meanwhile, FIG. 9 shows an additional function setting screen P500 on which a remote control maintenance setting item C220 is displayed according to an embodiment of the present invention. 9(a) is an additional function setting screen (P500) output from the output unit 130, and FIG. 9(b) corresponds to an additional function setting screen (P500) output from the terminal 95.

Referring to FIG. 9 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the additional function setting screen P500 may display a remote control maintenance setting item C220 for setting a remote control maintenance mode. However, the remote control maintenance setting item C220 can be displayed or activated only in a state in which the above-described remote control mode is applied.

For example, the additional function setting screen P500 output from the output unit 130 or the terminal 95 may display the remote control maintenance setting item C220, and the remote control maintenance setting in a state where the remote control mode is released. Entry of the item C220 may be denied or treated as dark, and an input signal for the corresponding item may be ignored.

The user can directly select application and release of the remote control maintenance mode through manipulation of the remote control maintenance setting item C220. When the remote control maintenance mode is applied, as described above, the power supply state of the laundry treatment apparatus 1 may be maintained even after the course progresses.

In the remote control maintenance mode, the control unit 90 may maintain the power supply state indefinitely, but if the user's input signal is not transmitted after a preset time elapses, the control unit 90 switches to a standby state or prompts the user to use the remote control maintenance mode. It can inform that the power is applied.

Meanwhile, FIG. 10 shows a course selection screen P200 and a course progress screen P300 that can be output from the output unit 130 . 10 (a) corresponds to a course selection screen (P200) in which one of a plurality of processing courses can be selected and options can be set, and FIG. 10 (b) shows the processing course determined on the course selection screen (P200). Corresponds to the course progress screen (P300) that displays the process being performed.

The controller 90 changes the processing course displayed on the course selection screen P200 based on the user's input signal through the input unit 110 on the course selection screen P200, or changes the processing course displayed on the course selection screen P200. Option settings can be changed.

When the user operates the execution button 112 on the course selection screen P200, the control unit 90 performs a course progress process of performing the processing course determined on the course selection screen P200, and the progress of the processing course A course progress screen P300 indicating may be output through the output unit 130 .

In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 90 may automatically perform the remote control mode when the processing course is performed. That is, the controller 90 may apply an automatic remote control function in which the remote control mode is automatically applied.

When the automatic remote control function is applied, the control unit 90 can automatically apply the remote control mode through the terminal 95 or the like while entering the course course from the course selection process.

Therefore, after the user directly manipulates the input unit 110 of the cabinet 10 to perform the course process, even without a separate setting process, the user can use the terminal 95 or the like at a point away from the laundry handling apparatus 1. The course progress may be paused or the course progress may be restarted by changing the processing course or option.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the input unit 110 may include a pause button. The pause button may be the same as the aforementioned perform button 112 or provided separately from the perform button 112 .

The controller 90 can release the remote control mode when the pause button is input while the processing course is being performed, and maintain the remote control mode when a pause command is input through the terminal 95 .

When the pause button of the input unit 110 is operated while the remote control mode is applied, the control unit 90 determines that the user is directly located close to the laundry treatment apparatus 1 and operates the input unit 110, Remote control mode can be released.

In addition, in a state where the remote control mode is applied, if a command to pause the course progress is input through the terminal 95 instead of the pause button of the input unit 110, the controller 90 allows the user to control the clothes through the remote control mode. The remote control mode can be maintained by recognizing that the user has an intention to control the processing device 1 .

Meanwhile, as described above, the remote control maintenance mode may be applied or canceled through the terminal 95 or the input unit 110 provided in the cabinet 10 and receiving a user's command.

In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 90 may set the remote control maintenance mode to a release state when the remote control mode is executed.

When the remote control maintenance mode is applied, power consumption is expected as the clothes handling device 1 maintains the power supply state even after the course progresses, and furthermore, it is common for the user to end the treatment of clothes by performing one treatment course. As expected, in one embodiment of the present invention, the remote control maintenance mode may be basically set to a release state when the remote control mode is applied unless a separate setting is made by the user.

On the other hand, as described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cabinet 10 includes a clothes inlet communicating with the inside of the drum 30, a clothes door 19 that opens and closes the clothes inlet, and the clothes door 19. It may include a door locking part 17 that maintains a closed state.

In addition, in the remote control maintenance mode, the control unit 90 may maintain the closed state of the clothing door 19 by controlling the door locking unit 17 after the treatment course ends.

Specifically, when the drum 30 rotating at high speed is exposed to the outside, a safety problem may occur. Therefore, in the course of the course, the control unit 90 controls the door locking unit 17 in a locked state to open the clothing ( 18) can be kept closed.

However, since the clothes inside the drum 30 need to be taken out by the user when the course course ends, the control unit 90 controls the door lock 17 to open after the course course ends, so that the clothes The door 19 is operated by the user and the clothing opening 18 can be opened.

On the other hand, when the remote control maintenance mode is applied, since an additional course course is expected to be performed through the user's remote control after the course course, the control unit 90 maintains the door locking unit 17 in a locked state. Thus, it is possible to stably secure the environment for treating clothes inside the drum 30 .

For example, the control unit 90 controls the door locking unit 17 in a locked state in the remote control maintenance mode, thereby preventing a dangerous situation in which the clothing door 19 is open in the course of an additional course, and the drum 30 ), it is possible to effectively prevent an abnormal situation in which clothes are removed from the inside or other objects are put into the drum 30.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the input unit 110 may include the above-described power button 111, and after the processing course ends, the remote control maintenance mode is released when the power button 111 is input. can

Even in the remote control maintenance mode for the user to remotely control the control unit 90 through the terminal 95 or the like, the control unit 90 can release the remote control maintenance mode through the user's manipulation of the input unit 110 as needed. there is.

Meanwhile, the difference between applying and canceling the remote control maintenance mode after the course progressing process can be seen as a difference between a standby state and a power supply state for the control unit 90 and other power consuming devices.

That is, when the remote control maintenance mode is released, since the laundry treatment apparatus 1 is scheduled to enter the standby state after the course progress, the controller 90 operates the remote control maintenance mode based on the input signal of the power button 111. can be unlocked.

Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the input unit 110 includes a plurality of buttons including the power button 111, and in the remote control maintenance mode after the end of the process course, the plurality of buttons are the power Except for button 111, it may be inactive.

That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 90 maintains the remote control maintenance mode based on the user's control using the terminal 95 by ignoring operation signals of various buttons provided in the input unit 110, but When the power button 111 is activated and the power button 111 is manipulated, the remote control maintenance mode can be released by recognizing the user's intention to release the remote control maintenance mode.

Meanwhile, FIG. 11 shows a screen output from the output unit 130 after the completion of the course progress. Referring to FIG. 11, in an embodiment of the present invention, in the remote control maintenance mode, the output unit 130 displays a remote control maintenance guide screen (P520) for notifying the user of the maintenance state of the remote control mode after the processing course is finished. ) can be output.

11 (a) shows a course end screen (P350) that is converted from the course progress screen (P300) and output when the course progress process ends, and FIG. 11 (b) shows the course end when the remote control maintenance mode is applied. After the output of the screen P350, a remote control maintenance guidance screen P520 output from the output unit 130 is shown.

In one embodiment of the present invention, if the power supply state is maintained in a situation where the course progress is ended, the user may suspect product failure or cause inconvenience without recognizing the situation according to the application of the remote control maintenance mode. there is.

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the output unit 130 may output a remote control maintenance guide screen P520 so that the user can recognize that the remote control maintenance mode is being applied after the course end screen P350.

Meanwhile, the release condition of the remote control maintenance mode may be displayed on the remote control maintenance guide screen P520. That is, the remote control maintenance guide screen P520 may include a phrase informing that the remote control maintenance mode is in progress and a phrase informing of a release condition of the remote control maintenance mode.

As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the remote control maintenance mode can be released using the power button 111 of the input unit 110. In addition, other buttons other than the power button 111 may be inactivated so that no input signal is generated or ignored.

That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the release condition of the remote control maintenance mode has a relatively strict condition compared to other functions or other modes. In order to conveniently release the mode, release conditions of the remote control maintenance mode may be provided through the input unit 110 .

However, in one embodiment of the present invention, the release condition of the remote control maintenance mode may be changed in various ways, such as using other buttons in addition to the power button 111.

Meanwhile, the laundry handling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention informs the user of the remote control maintenance mode through the output unit 130 or the terminal 95 when a preset time elapses after the end of the treatment course. can be notified that is running.

That is, the control unit 90 determines the elapsed time from the end of the course progress to the present, and when the elapsed time exceeds a preset time, in order to prevent unnecessary power consumption, the output unit 130 and / Or the user can be notified of the execution status of the remote control maintenance mode through the terminal 95 .

A method of notifying the remote control maintenance mode may be various. For example, the controller 90 may output a screen indicating that the remote control maintenance mode is maintained beyond a preset time through the display 134 of the output unit 130, and may provide a warning sound through a speaker. In addition, a phrase explaining the situation may be provided to the terminal 95 in the form of a notification.

Although the present invention has been shown and described in relation to specific embodiments, it is known in the art that the present invention can be variously improved and changed without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention provided by the claims below. It will be self-evident to those skilled in the art.

1: clothes handling device 2: external device
10: cabinet 11: front panel
12: top panel 13: bottom panel
14: base part 17: door lock part
18: clothing opening 19: clothing door
20: tub 22: tub opening
30: drum 32: drum opening
35: drive unit 40: detergent supply unit
50: heating unit 51: air flow path
52: dehumidifying unit 53: heating unit
54: air fan 60: water supply
62: water supply pipe 70: drainage part
90: control unit 95: terminal
96: external communication medium 97: server
100: control unit 110: input unit
111: power button 112: execution button
113: display button 114: pairing control button
115: option setting unit 130: output unit
132: screen periphery 134: display

Claims (12)

cabinet;
a drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet and accommodating clothes; and
A control unit provided in the cabinet and configured to perform a treatment course of clothes accommodated in the drum;
The control unit performs a remote control mode in which a command is input through a user's terminal and the processing course is performed,
wherein the control unit performs a remote control maintenance mode in which the remote control mode is maintained in a power-on state even after the treatment course ends in the remote control mode. According to claim 1,
The remote control mode is provided in the cabinet and applied or released through an input unit through which a user's command is input or through the terminal. According to claim 2,
The control unit automatically executes the remote control mode when the treatment course is performed. According to claim 1,
An input unit provided in the cabinet and including a pause button; further comprising,
The control unit releases the remote control mode when the pause button is input while the processing course is being performed, and maintains the remote control mode when a pause command is input through the terminal. According to claim 1,
The remote control maintenance mode is provided in the cabinet and applied or released through an input unit through which a user's command is input or through the terminal. According to claim 5,
wherein the control unit sets the remote control maintaining mode to a release state when the remote control mode is executed. According to claim 1,
The cabinet includes a clothes inlet communicating with the inside of the drum, a clothes door that opens and closes the clothes inlet, and a door lock that maintains the closed state of the clothes door,
In the remote control maintenance mode, the control unit maintains the closed state of the laundry door by controlling the door locking unit after the treatment course ends. According to claim 1,
An input unit provided in the cabinet and including a power button; further comprising,
After the treatment course ends, the remote control maintenance mode is released when the power button is input. According to claim 8,
The input unit includes a plurality of buttons including the power button,
After the end of the treatment course, in the remote control maintenance mode, the plurality of buttons are inactivated except for the power button. According to claim 1,
The cabinet is provided with an output unit for outputting a screen for providing information to a user,
In the remote control maintenance mode, the output unit outputs a remote control maintenance guide screen for notifying a user of a maintenance state of the remote control mode after the treatment course is finished. According to claim 10,
A condition for releasing the remote control maintenance mode is displayed on the remote control maintenance guidance screen. According to claim 1,
The cabinet is provided with an output unit for providing information to a user,
and notifying a user through the output unit or the terminal that the remote control maintenance mode is being executed when a preset time elapses after the end of the treatment course.

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