AU2007205397B2

AU2007205397B2 - Laundry machine having changeable controlling part and dual laundry machine having the same

Info

Publication number: AU2007205397B2
Application number: AU2007205397A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Seon Il Heo; Sung Gi Hwang; Seong Kyu Kim; Ju Han Yoon
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2006-01-13
Filing date: 2007-01-08
Publication date: 2010-07-01
Anticipated expiration: 2027-01-08
Also published as: WO2007081126A1; JP2009523052A; AU2007205397A1; EP1979523A1; EP1979523A4

Description

C:NRPonbDCC\TRN\2992600, LDOC-7M6/2010 LAUNDRY MACHINE HAVING CHANGEABLE CONTROLLING PART AND DUAL LAUNDRY MACHINE HAVING THE SAME Field [1] The present invention relates to laundry machines, such as dryers or washing 5 machines, and more particularly, to a laundry machine in which a mounting position of at least an input unit or a display unit of a controller can be changed. Background [2] In general, the washing machine, performing a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a spinning cycle, and the like by rotating a rotating tub and a pulsator with a motor, washes 10 laundry with friction between laundry and washing water and the rotating tub caused by pulsation of the washing water and the laundry introduced into the rotating tub. [3] In the washing machines, there are pulsator type, agitator type, and drum type washing machines according to washing methods. [4] In general, the drum type washing machines, in which washing is made by friction 15 between a washing drum rotated by driving force of a driving unit transmitted thereto and the laundry in a state where detergent, washing water and the laundry is introduced into the washing drum, gives little damage to the laundry, makes little entangling of the laundry, and can provide a washing effect of pounding, and rubbing the laundry. [5] FIG. I illustrates a related art drum type washing machine, including a controller 3 20 at an upper portion of a body having an input unit with input keys for user's inputting commands for the controller 3 and a display unit for displaying a time period left and the like. [6] The controller 3 is provided with a plurality of buttons 3 1, a display window 32, an LED window 33, and a rotary knob 50. The buttons and the knob 50 are input devices for a 25 user's operating the washing machine. The user handles the buttons and the knob 50 at the time the user selects a washing time period, a washing method, spinning and drying methods in inputting desired washing course, and time period. [7] The LED window 33 by flashing and the display window 32 by character or symbol inform various kinds of washing information, such as a washing progress state, a 30 remained time period and the like to the user.

CANRPorbDCCOTRM29920)0 1.DOC-7A6/2010 2 [8] In the meantime, in general, a laundry dryer dries wet drying object (for an example, laundry) automatically, wherein, alike the related art drum type washing machine in FIG. 1, a related art laundry dryer has a controller at an upper portion of a body. [9] Thus, since the related art washing machine or laundry dryer has the controller at 5 the upper portion of the body, the related art washing machine or laundry dryer has inconvenience in use in that access to the controller is not easy in a case the controller is positioned high from a place the user is standing. In the inconvenience, other than the inconvenience of handling the input unit of the controller positioned at a high place, there is also inconvenience of looking up the display unit. 10 [10] If the washing machine and the laundry dryer are arranged horizontally, use of the washing machine and the laundry dryer is not inconvenient. If, however, one is stacked on another one, there will be much difficulty in handling the controller of the one arranged on an upper side. [11] There is a need to provide a laundry machine, which has less inconvenience in 15 handling a controller even if the machine is arranged at a high place, particularly, on another laundry machine, including, of course, a case where the machine is positioned at floor level. [12] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more disadvantages or limitations associated with the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative. 20 Summary [13] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided laundry machine comprising: a body having a first connector and a second connector; a main control unit having a microcomputer electrically connected with the first 25 connector and the second connector, the main control unit provided in the body; and a changeable controlling unit detachably mounted to a position of the body corresponding to the first or second connector selectively, and electrically connected to the first connector or the second connector, the changeable controlling unit having at least an input unit or a display unit and having a microcomputer exchanging data with the 30 microcomputer of the main control unit.

C:.NRPortb1\DCCTRM292600 1.DOC-7A)6/2Q1O 3 [14] The present invention also provides dual laundry machines having two laundry machines arranged horizontally or vertically, at least one of the laundry machines comprising: a body having a first connector and a second connector; 5 a main control unit having a microcomputer electrically connected with the first connector and a second connector, the main control unit provided in the body; and a changeable controlling unit detachably mounted to a position of the body corresponding to the first or second connector selectively, and electrically connected to the first connector or the second connector, the changeable controlling unit having at least an 10 input unit or a display unit and having a microcomputer exchanging data with the microcomputer of the main control unit. [15] In embodiments, the laundry machine includes the body having the first connector and the second connector each for electrical connection to at least a component inside the body, and the changeable controlling unit detachably mounted to a position of the body 15 corresponding to the first or second connector selectively, and electrically connected to the first connector or the second connector, the changeable controlling unit having at least an input unit or a display unit. [16] The laundry machine can be a dryer, a washing machine, a washing and drying machine, or so on. The laundry machine is an apparatus for handling laundry, and includes 20 all kinds of apparatus related to laundry; even a dewatering machine (or a spin drying machine) is not excluded. [17] In the present invention, besides the first connector and the second connector, there can be other connectors, and the present invention does not exclude other connectors. That is, in the present invention, at least two connectors can be provided to the cabinet, so that a 25 position of the changeable controller can be changed between two or more than two places. [18] If a washing machine which is one of the laundry machines is taken as an example, in a body of the washing machine, there are a drum for holding laundry, a motor for rotating the drum, a water supply valve for controlling washing water supply, and a drain pump for draining the washing water. The controller has a main control unit for controlling 30 the motor, the water supply valve, the drain pump, or so on according to a preset operation course, an input unit for receiving selection of the operation course, or the like from the C:\NRPortbRDCC\TRM29926OO 1 DOC-7A1>/20101 3A user, and a display unit for displaying information on operation of the laundry machine to the user. [19] In general, the main control unit in the laundry machine is provided with a microcomputer for controlling various components of the laundry machine according to 5 the operation course, or the like of the laundry machine. For an example, in the washing machine, the main control unit controls operation of the motor, the water supply valve, the drain valve, and the like according to a preset operation course. [20] In the related art, at least the input unit and the display unit are fixedly secured to an upper portion of the laundry machine. The mounting place of the units can not be 10 changed on the machine. [21] In embodiments of the present invention, the changeable controlling unit is mounted to an upper portion or a lower portion of the laundry machine selectively, having at least an input unit or a display unit of a controller. [22] Therefore, if the laundry machine is mounted to a relatively high place, a position 15 of the input unit or the display unit may be changed from the upper portion to the lower portion of the laundry machine, for user's easy access thereto. [23] The changeable controlling unit may include the main control unit, the input unit, and the display unit. Or, the main control unit may be fixedly secured to a fixed WO 2007/081126 PCT/KR2007/000118 4 position in the laundry machine, and the changeable controlling unit may include the input unit or the display unit. [24] Provided to the cabinet of the body of the laundry machine, there are at least a first mounting structure and a second mounting structure as mounting structures for mounting the changeable controlling unit to the body. The first connector and the second connector are arranged at positions corresponding to the mounting structures at the cabinet. [25] The mounting structure is any form of structure as far as the structure enables mounting of the changeable controlling unit to the body, needs not to limit to a particular form of a structure, and may be a related art mounting structure. That is, as far as the mounting structure is not contrary to the object of the present invention, any form of mounting structure is acceptable. Fbwever, it is preferable that the object of the present invention can be achieved more easily by selecting an easily detachable structure. [26] In providing the monting structure and selectively mounting the changeable controlling unit to the upper portion or the lower portion of the body, a magnet which can serve as the mounting structure may be provided to the changeable controlling unit wAithot providing the mounting structure to the body separately, so that the changeable controlling unit is mounted to the body by using the magnet. fbwever, what is preferable is that, even in this case, the changeable controlling unit is mounted to the body more positively by providing a mounting structure to the body as a seat for attaching the changeable controlling unit. [27] The verd of body is a concept relative to the controller, meaning that a portion to be controlled by the controller for performing an intended function of the apparatus. For an example, the vwrd of a washing machine body with respect to the controller is adequate as far as the washing machine body includes a washing tub for holding washing object, and a driving unit-for example, a motor and so on-for driving the washing tub to wash the washing object in the washing tub under the control of the controller. As another example, the verd of a dryer body with respect to the controller is adequate as far as the dryer body includes a drum for holding laundry to be dried, and a driving unit for driving the drunk to dry the laundry in the drum. [28] The changeable controlling unit is electrically connected to the first connector or the second connector depending on a monting position of the changeable controlling unit. [29] If the changeable controlling unit includes the main control unit, the first connector WO 2007/081126 PCT/KR2007/000118 5 and the second connector are electrically connected to components in the body, for example, the motor, the water supply valve, and so on. [30] Therefore, the changeable controlling unit is electrically connected to the components in the body thrcgh the first connector or the second connector. [31] If the main control unit is mounted in the body, and the changeable controlling unit is provided with the input unit or the display unit, the first connector and the second connector are electrically connected to the main control unit. When the changeable controlling unit is mounted to a selected position, the changeable controlling unit is electrically connected to the main control unit through the first connector or the second connector. [32] Thogh the changeable controlling unit may include only the input unit or only the display unit, preferably the changeable controlling unit includes both the input unit and the display unit. [33] In handling the controller, if the user uses, not the input unit at the body, but an external input unit provided to an outside of the body, the user will have no in convenience in handling even if the changeable controlling unit only includes the display unit and the input unit is fixedly secured to one position the same as the related art. [34] It is preferable that, if the changeable controlling unit is mounted to one of the first mounting structure or the second mounting structure, the cover panel is mounted to the other one of the mounting structures. The cover panel may be mounted by using the structure for mounting the changeable controlling unit as it is, or depending on cases, other monting structure, such as screw fastening hole. What is important is, not that the first monting structure or the second monting structure is used as it is in the mounting, but that the cover panel is mounted to the other side where the changeable controlling unit is not mounted thereto. [35] If the changeable controlling unit includes both the input unit and the display unit, it is preferable that the input unit and the display unit are fabricated as one body. [36] The fabrication of the input unit and the display unit as one body is fabrication of the input unit and the display unit such that the input unit and the display unit can be moved together, but does not require that the input unit and the display unit are fabricated as one body even in detail, such as a PCB. [37] For an example, a panel may be fabricated as one body for the input unit and the display unit, like a hosing for housing detailed components of the input unit and the display unit, so that the input unit and the display unit can be moved as one.

WO 2007/081126 PCT/KR2007/000118 6 [38] Ibwever, it is preferable that the input unit and the display unit are fabricated as one body even in the detailed components. For an example, respective PCBs of the input unit and the display unit may be fabricated as one body. [39] Moreover, in a case the input unit is a touch screen type by using an LCD window, the input unit and the display unit are fabricated as one because the LCD Vindow can be used for display, too. [40] A jump connector or a branched cable may be used for electric connection between the components in the body and each of the first connector and the second connector. The components and the connectors may be connected with individual cables re spectively. The electrical connection between the main control unit and each of the first connector and the second connector vill be described in detail, taking a case the main control unit is not included to the changeable controlling unit as an example. [41] In a case the jump connector is used, the first connector and the second connector are connected to the jump connector respectively, and the jump connector is connected to the main control unit. That is, the first connector and the second connector are connected to the main control unit through the jump connector. [42] Thus, by using the jump connector, the related art main control unit can be used as it is without change. [43] In detail, the jump connector has tw connector terminals for connection to the connectors, and a terminal for electric connection to the main control unit. The connector terminals and the terminal for the main control unit are electrically connected inside the jump connector. [44] As an alternative, a branched cable may be used. The cable has one end electrically connected to the main control unit, and the other end branched into tw one of which is connected to the first connector and the other one of which is connected to the second connector. [45] Or, individual two cables may be used. That is, a first cable may be used for connecting the first connector to the main control unit, and a second cable may be used for connecting the second connector to the main control unit. In this instance, the main control unit is provided with a terminal for connection to the first connector and another terminal for connection to the second connector. Thus, if the first connector and the second connector are connected to respective connection portions on the main control unit individually, the related art main control unit is required to have one more terminal. [46] If the changeable controlling unit is provided with both the input unit and the WO 2007/081126 PCT/KR2007/000118 7 display unit, it is preferable that a unitized connector is provided for the input unit and the display unit, rather than providing individual connectors for the input unit and the display unit. [47] More preferably, the changeable controlling unit is provided with a microcomputer for controlling devices of the input unit and the display unit. The microcomputer exchanges data with the microcomputer in the main control unit. Though the mi crocomputer for controlling the input unit or the display unit may be provided to the main control unit, in that case, there is a problem in that the first connector and the second connector require many electrical terminals. Ebwever, if the microcomputer for controlling the input unit or the display unit may be provided to the changeable controlling unit, a number of terminals for connection to the main control unit are reduced, significantly. [48] If the user selects an operation corse or the like through the input unit, the mi crocomputer in the changeable controlling unit transmits the information to the mi crocomputer in the main control unit. In a case of the display unit, if the main control unit transmits information on operation to a display unit microcomputer, the display unit microcomputer having the information received thus controls devices in the display unit for displaying the information. [49] In the meantime, it is preferable that each of the first connector and the second connector has a connector housing of a fire-retardant material. By forming the connector housing of the fire-retardant material, for housing the electrical connection pins, the electrical connection pins are not exposed to an outside even if fire breaks out. [50] The connection pins may include a pin for connection to power. If fire breaks out and components of plastic melt down to expose the connection pin to an outside, an electric shock to a user touching the pins vwuld cause. [511 Connector covers may be formed of a fire-retardant material for covering the first connector or the second connector. Accordingly, for an example, if the changeable controlling unit is connected to the first connector, the connector cover is used to cover the second connector. [52] Especially, in a case the cover panel is formed of plastic, the connector cover of the fire-retardant material prevents the connection pin from exposing to an outside. [53] The dual laundry machines of the present invention include a first laundry machine and a second laundry machine. At least one of the laundry machines has the changeable controlling unit. For an example, if the first laundry machine is stacked on C \NRPoAblDCOTRN29)2M) I DOC-7m/2110 8 the second laundry machine, the changeable controlling unit of the first laundry machine may be mounted to a lower portion of the body. [54] In general, since a washing machine holds laundry and washing water during operation, the washing machine is heavier than the dryer and has vibration heavier than the 5 dryer. Accordingly, in the dual laundry machines of the dryer and the washing machine, it is preferable that the dryer is stacked on the washing machine if the dryer and the washing machine are required to be stacked. Advantageous Effects [55] The present invention permits to use the laundry machine without inconvenience 10 even if the laundry machine is placed in a floor-leveled place or a higher place. Different from the related art, the laundry machine of the present invention has less limitation of an installing place. [56] Particularly, in the case of the dual laundry machines having the dryer and the washing machine, the user can arrange the dryer and the washing machine side by side or 15 stacks one on another as the case demand. The variety of arrangements will provide many effects, and particularly, the user will be less limited by location or space for placing the machine than the related art. [57] In the meantime, in a case of launderette which has a large number of the dryers and the washing machines for commercial use, the present invention can be more useful. 20 For an example, in a case the controller on one of the dryers is out of order, one controller may be transferred from another dryer to the dryer of which controller is out of order, to solve the trouble, temporarily. Or, if a body of one dyer is out of order while a controller of another dyer is out of order, the user of the launderette may transfer the controller from the dryer of which body is out of order to the dryer of which controller is out of order. 25 [58] If it is intended to change a position of the changeable controlling unit, electrical connection of the changeable controlling unit to the motor or the main control unit is simple. [59] Even in a case of fire outbreak, since the connection pins of the connector or the like are not exposed to an outside, electrical accidents can be prevented. 30 Brief Description of the Drawings [60] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter further described, C \NRPonbIDCCTRN\292600 3 DOC-7 2010 9 by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [61] Deleted [62] FIG. 1 illustrates a related art drum type washing machine. 5 [63] FIG. 2 illustrates a laundry machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [64] FIG. 3 illustrates mounting of a changeable controlling unit and a cover panel to a body of the dryer in FIG. 2. [65] FIG. 4 illustrates a state a changeable controlling unit is mounted to a body of the 10 dryer in FIG. 2, with partially enlarged sectional views. [66] FIG. 5 illustrates dual laundry machines as an embodiment of the present invention. [67] FIG. 6 illustrates the dual laundry machines in FIG. 5, with a dryer thereof stacked on a laundry machine thereof. [68] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate laundry machines in accordance with a second embodiment 15 of the present invention, respectively. [69] FIG. 9 illustrates a laundry machine in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. [70] FIG. 10 illustrates a laundry machine in accordance with a forth embodiment of the present invention. 20 [71] FIG. 11 illustrates a case a connector cover is included to the laundry machine in FIG. 2. [72] *Description of key parts in the drawings* [73] 100 : body, 101 : a front frame [74] 102 : upper frame, 103 : screw fastening hole 25 [75] 104 : slot 105 : deco plate [76] 10 :handling unit 111 : knob [77] 112 : input button 113 : operation panel [78] 114 : operational connector 115 : screw fastening hole [79] 116 : screw 117 : projection 30 [80] 120 : cover panel 121 : screw fastening hole [81] 130 : main control unit 131 : main control unit upper connector C \NRPonlbflDC0TRA299i2(x .I DOC.7A)6/2011) 9A [82] 141 main control unit lower connector [83] 143 screw fastening hole 144 : slot [84] 150 dryer 160 : washing machine [85] 200 jump connector 210, 220, 230 : cable 5 Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [86] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, WO 2007/081126 PCT/KR2007/000118 10 examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [87] FIG. 2 illustrates a dryer among laundry machines in accordance with a embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, there are a changeable controlling unit 110 mounted to an upper portion of a body 100 of the dryer, and a cover panel 120 mounted to a lower portion of the body 100. [88] The changeable controlling unit 110 and the cover panel 120, both of which are detachably mounted to the body 100, can be dismonted from the body 100, or can be exchanged of their positions. That is, the changeable controlling unit 110 can be dismonted from the body 100, and mounted to the lower portion of the body 100, and the cover panel 120 can be minted to the upper portion of the body 100. [89] FIG. 3 illustrates an assembly drawing in which the changeable controlling unit 110 and the cover panel 120 are mounted to the body 100. In the embodiment, a main control unit 130 of the controller is minted in the body 100, and an input unit and a display unit are included to the changeable controlling unit 110. [90] Referring to FIG. 3, the changeable controlling unit 110 has various buttons, a knob, and so on mounted thereon as an input unit for inputting a drying condition or the like for drying the laundry, an LCD window or an LED as a display unit 130 for receiving a signal from the main control unit 130 and displaying accordingly, and so on. [91] The various buttons, the knob, the LCD or LED, and so on are mounted on a PCB (not shown) of the changeable controlling unit, and the PCB is mounted on a changeable controlling unit panel 113. Though the PCB may be one having an input unit PCB for the input unit and a display unit PCB for the display unit provided thereto separately, preferably, the PCB may be one having the input unit PCB and the display unit PCB provided thereto as one body. [92] The changeable controlling unit panel 113 has a screw fastening hole 115 in one side and a fastening projection 117 on the other side, for mounting the changeable controlling unit panel 113 to an upper mounting structure 103, and 104 and a lower mounting structure 143, and 144 of the body 100. [93] The upper mounting structure 103 and 104 of the body 100 includes a screw fastening hole 103 in one side of the upper frame 102 of the body 100, and a slot 104 in the other side for engagement with the projection 117 on the changeable controlling unit panel 113. [94] FIG. 4 illustrates a state a changeable controlling unit 110 is mounted to the upper portion of a body 100, with sectional views of fastening.

WO 2007/081126 PCT/KR2007/000118 11 [95] I-bw to mont the changeable controlling unit 110 to the body 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 3. [96] A front cabinet 101 of the body 100 has an upper frame 102 mounted thereto. In this state of the body 100, after aligned with the upper frame 102 on a left side slightly, the changeable controlling unit 110 is slid to a right side, so that the projection 117 on the changeable controlling unit panel 113 is placed in the slot 104 in the upper frame 102. In this instance, as shown in FIG. 4, since the projection 117 has one bent side, and the slot 104 also has a bent side in conformity with the projection 117, after the projection 117 and the slot 104 are engaged, the changeable controlling unit 110 does not fall off the body 100 in a front direction thereof. [97] In this mounted state, if a screw is placed through, and fastens the screw fastening hole 103 in the upper frame 102 and the screw fastening hole 115 in the changeable controlling unit panel 113, the changeable controlling unit 110 is secured, firmly. [98] In a state the changeable controlling unit 110 is mounted to the upper portion of the body 100 thus, a deco plate 105 can be mounted for better looking exterior. [99] Alike the changeable controlling unit panel 113, the cover panel 120 also has a screw fastening hole 121 and a projection (not shown). Different from the embodiment, it is apparent that a structure of the cover panel 120 may be different from the changeable controlling unit panel 113. [100] Referring to FIG. 3, mounted to a lower portion of the body 100 in correspondence to the upper frame 102, there is a lower frame, with a slot 144 and a screw fastening hole 143 the same with the upper frame 102. [101] Description of a method for mounting the cover panel 120 to the lower frame will be omitted because the method is identical to the method for mounting the changeable controlling unit 110, particularly, the changeable controlling unit panel 113 to the upper frame 102. Description of a method for mounting the changeable controlling unit 110 to the lower frame will also be omitted because the method is also identical. [102] In the meantime, electric connection between the changeable controlling unit 110 and the main control unit 130 in the body 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. [103] As shown, there is a jump connector 200 between the main control unit 130 and the changeable controlling unit 110. The jump connector 200 is connected to the main control unit 130 with cables 210. [104] The jump connector 200 has tWo terminals (not shown) for connection to the changeable controlling unit 110. One of the terminals is connected to an upper side WO 2007/081126 PCT/KR2007/000118 12 connector 131 which is a first connector with a cable 220, and the other terminal is connected to the lower side connector 141 which is a second connector with the other cable 230. [105] The tw terminals are electrically connected to the cables 210 connected to the main control unit 130 in the jump connector 200. [106] The changeable controlling unit 110 has a connector 114 for electrical connection to an upper side connector 131 or a lower side connector 141. [107] In a case the changeable controlling unit 110 is mounted to the upper portion of the body, the main control unit 130 is electrically connected to the changeable controlling unit 110 by connection between the upper side connector 131 and the changeable controlling unit connector 114. [108] In a case the changeable controlling unit 110 is minted to the lower portion of the body, the main control unit 130 is electrically connected to the changeable controlling unit 110 by connection between the lower side connector 141 and the changeable controlling unit connector 114. [109] If the user inputs a drying condition through the input unit, such as the buttons, and so on on the changeable controlling unit 110 in a state electrically connected thus, the main control unit 130 transmits to, and displays the drying condition on the LCD window or LED, and controls various devices in the dryer. [110] In general, the main control unit 130 is provided wth a microcomputer and a memory, and controls, according to a user's input condition, a motor for driving the drum, a heater for heating air supplied to the drun, a blower for blowing air heated by the heater to the drun and so on, for the dryer to dry the laundry. [111] It vill be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modi fications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. [112] For an example, in the embodiment, though the changeable controlling unit 110 is detachably mounted to the body 100 selectively, only the input unit can be detachably mounted to the body 100 selectively while the display unit is mounted to the upper portion of the body 100 as it is. Those are applicable to the display unit in the same fashion. [113] Depending on cases, the input unit and the display unit may be fabricated in dividually, and detachably mounted to the body 100.

WO 2007/081126 PCT/KR2007/000118 13 [114] In the meantime, FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate dual laundry machines of the present invention, respectively. [115] FIG. 5 illustrates the dryer 150 and the washing machine 160 arranged side by side, and FIG. 6 illustrates the dryer 150 in FIG. 5 stacked on the washing machine 160. [116] Since the dryers 150 in FIGS. 5 and 6 are identical to the dryer in FIG. 2, and the washing machines in FIGS. 5 and 6 are identical to the related art washing machine, detailed description of the dryers and the washing machines ill be omitted. [117] In a case the dryer 150 and the washing machine 160 are arranged side by side as shown in FIG. 5, the changeable controlling unit 110 is mounted to the upper portion of body 100, and in a case the dryer 150 is stacked on the washing machine 160 as shown in FIG. 6, the changeable controlling unit 110 is mounted to the lower portion of body 100. [118] Accordingly, the user can handle the changeable controlling unit 110 conveniently, not to mention the case the dryer 150 and the washing machine 160 are arranged side by side, even in the case the dryer 150 is stacked on the washing machine 160. Mode for the Invention [119] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate other embodiments, respectively. The laundry machine of the embodiment is almost identical to the foregoing embodiment, except that a method is different, in which the main control unit 130 is electrically connected to the upper side connector 231 and the lower side connector 241. [120] In the embodiment, no jump connector, but a branched cable 250 is used. As shown, the cable has one end connected to the main control unit 130, and the other end branched in tw lines. Accordingly, the tvxo lines of branch cables are connected to the upper side connector 231 and the lower side connector 241. [121] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment in which the main control unit 130, the upper side connector 331 and the lower side connector 341 are connected in another method. Herein, the a cable 350 for connecting the main control unit 130 to the upper side connector 331 and a cable 351 for connecting the main control unit 130 to the lower side connector 341 are provided, individually. [122] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment, in which the changeable controlling unit is provided with a microcomputer. Accordingly, data exchange between the main control unit and the changeable controlling unit is made between microcomputers. [123] Because the changeable controlling unit is provided with a microcomputer separate from the microcomputer in the main control unit, a number of cables required for transmission of signals between the changeable controlling unit and the main control WO 2007/081126 PCT/KR2007/000118 14 unit are reduced, substantially. In the related art, the microcomputer in the main control unit is individually directly connected to all of the elements such as buttons in the input unit or LCD window in the display unit, to require a large number of cables. [124] Various kinds of information are received at the microcomputer in the changeable controlling unit through input devices such as buttons, and the microcomputer transmits the information to the microcomputer in the main control unit. [125] Then, the microcomputer in the main control unit transmits information to be displayed on the display unit to the changeable controlling unit again, and the mi crocomputer controls display devices such as LCD window, to display the information to be displayed. [126] The changeable controlling unit may be provided with a microcomputer for the input unit and a microcomputer for the display unit separately, or as one integrated. [127] The laundry machine in FIG. 10 has tWo microcomputers provided to the changeable controlling unit. That is, an input unit microcomputer for the input unit and a display unit microcomputer for the display unit are provided, respectively. [128] Input means, such as the various buttons, the knob, and so on, are connected to the input unit microcomputer, and display means, such as the LCD and LED, are connected to the display unit microcomputer. [129] The main control unit 130 has signal lines and power lines extended therefrom to the upper side connector 431 and the lower side connector (not shown). [130] The microcomputer (not shown) in the main control unit is connected to the upper side connector 431 and the lower side connector through the signal lines. [131] The changeable controlling unit 110 also has power lines and signal lines extended therefrom in correspondence to the signal lines and the power lines to a connector 414. The input microcomputer (not shown) and the display unit microcomputer (not shown) in the changeable controlling unit 110 are connected to the connector 414 through separate signal lines. Since the main control unit 130 and the changeable controlling unit 110 are provided with microcomputers respectively, the main control unit 130 exchanges information with and the changeable controlling unit 110 through tvo signal lines 83. If the input unit microcomputer and the display unit microcomputer are fabricated as one such that the changeable controlling unit has only one mi crocomputer, one signal line will be adequate. [132] Other than the tm signal lines 83, three AC power lines 81 are used for AC power, and tWo DC power lines 82 are used for DC power. [133] Different from the embodiment, if the changeable controlling unit is not provided WO 2007/081126 PCT/KR2007/000118 15 with the microcomputer, since it is required that the microcomputer in the main control unit is connected to all of the various kinds of input means and all of the display means individually, a number of cables to be used will be numerous. In this case, neat ar rangement of the cables will become complicate, which is inconvenient. [134] If the user inputs an operation condition through the input unit, such as the buttons, in a state the main control unit 130 is electrically connected to the changeable controlling unit 110, the input unit microcomputer transmits information inputted thus to the microcomputer in the main control unit 130 through the signal lines. According to the input, the main control unit 130 transmits the information to the display unit mi crocomputer, and the display unit microcomputer controls the display means, such as the LCD window or the LED, or the like according to the information transmitted thus, to display the information. [135] The input unit microcomputer and the main control unit microcomputer have com nunication rules fixed with respect to each other. Therefore, if the input unit mi crocomputer transmits a signal according to the communication rules to the main control unit microcomputer, the main control unit becomes to know information the signal received thus carries. This is the same between the display unit microcomputer and the main control unit microcomputer. [136] In the meantime, FIG. 11 illustrates a case a connector cover 99 is included to the dryer in FIG. 3 for covering the upper side connector 131 or the lower side connector 141. [137] The connector cover is made of a fire-retardant material. [138] Referring to FIG. 11, the changeable controlling unit 110 is mounted to the upper portion of the body, and the cover panel 120 is mounted to the lower portion of the body, wherein the lower side connector 141, which is not in use presently, is'covered with the connector cover 99. If the cover panel 120 is made of plastic, the cover panel 120 will be melt down in case of fire. In this instance, since the lower side connector 141 is covered with the connector cover 99, connection pins, particularly, connection pins for connection to power source, in the lower side connector 141 are not exposed to an outside. [139] In a case the changeable controlling unit 110 is mounted to the lower portion, the connector cover 99 covers the upper side connector 131. [140] In the meantime, when the upper side connector 131 and the lower side connector 141 themselves can be made of the fire-retardant material, the connector cover 99 may not be used.

WO 2007/081126 PCT/KR2007/000118 16 Industrial Applicability [141] The present invention relates to laundry machines, such as dryers or washing machines, and more particularly, to a laundry machine in which a mounting position of at least an input unit or a display unit of a controller can be changed. [142] The present invention permits to use the laundry machine without inconvenience even if the laundry machine is placed at a floor-leveled place or a higher place. Different from the related art, the laundry machine of the present invention has less limitation of location or space for placing the machine. [143] Particularly, in the case of the dual laundry machines having the dryer and the washing machine, the user can arrange the dryer and the washing machine side by side or stacks one on another as the case demand. The variety of arrangements will provide many effects, and particularly, the user will be less limited by a located place or space than the related art. [144] In the meantime, in a case of launderette which has a large number of the dryers and the washing machines for commercial use, the present invention can be more useful. For an example, in a case the controller on one of the dryers is out of order, one controller may be transferred from another dryer to the dryer of which controller is out of order, to solve the trouble, temporarily. Or, if a body of one dyer is cut of order while a controller of another dyer is out of order, the user of the launderette may transfer the controller from the dryer of which body is out of order to the dryer of which controller is out of order. [145] If it is intended to change a position of the changeable controlling unit, electrical connection of the changeable controlling unit to the motor or the main control unit is simple. [146] Even in a case of fire outbreak, since the connection pins of the connector or the like are not exposed to an outside, electrical accidents can be prevented.

C N O TRN\2926 .DOC-A.12010 16A [147] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or 5 steps. [148] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general 10 knowledge.

Claims

1. A laundry machine comprising: a body having a first connector and a second connector; 5 a main control unit having a microcomputer electrically connected with the first connector and the second connector, the main control unit provided in the body; and a changeable controlling unit detachably mounted to a position of the body corresponding to the first or second connector selectively, and electrically connected to the first connector or the second connector, the changeable controlling unit having at least an 10 input unit or a display unit and having a microcomputer exchanging data with the microcomputer of the main control unit.

2. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first connector and the second connector includes a connector housing of a fire-retardant 15 material and a plurality of pins housed in the connector housing.

3. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a connector cover of a fire-retardant material covering the first connector or the second connector, selectively. 20

4. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cover panel mounted to one of positions corresponding to the first connector or the second connector in a case the changeable controlling unit is mounted to the other one of the positions. 25

5. Dual laundry machines having two laundry machines arranged horizontally or vertically, at least one of the laundry machines comprising: a body having a first connector and a second connector; a main control unit having a microcomputer electrically connected with the first 30 connector and a second connector, the main control unit provided in the body; and C NRPonb\DCOTRM2992(AX) I DOC-7A)6/200 18 a changeable controlling unit detachably mounted to a position of the body corresponding to the first or second connector selectively, and electrically connected to the first connector or the second connector, the changeable controlling unit having at least an input unit or a display unit and having a microcomputer exchanging data with the 5 microcomputer of the main control unit.

6. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the changeable control unit is provided with a microcomputer for the input unit and a microcomputer for the display unit separately. 10

7. The laundry machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the changeable control unit is provided with one integrated microcomputer for the input unit and the display unit.

8. A laundry machine, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference 15 to Figures 2-11 of the drawings.