KR102512221B1 - Laundry machine and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The washing machine has a control panel; drum; drum motor; A communication unit capable of exchanging data with the dryer; and a controller electrically connected to the control panel, the drum motor, and the communication unit. The control unit operates in one of a first mode and a second mode depending on a first user input through the control panel, and responds to a second user input through the control panel in the first mode. to control the communication unit to transmit a control command for controlling the dryer to the dryer, and to control the drum motor to rotate the drum in response to a third user input through the control panel in the second mode. can Accordingly, the size of the menu (or button) for controlling the washing machine or dryer is not reduced, and user's operation mistake due to the miniaturization of the menu (or button) can be prevented.

Description

Clothes handling device and its control method {LAUNDRY MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF}

The disclosed invention relates to a laundry treatment apparatus including a washing machine, and relates to a laundry treatment apparatus including a washing machine capable of communicating with a dryer.

In general, a washing machine includes a tub and a drum rotatably installed in the tub, and can wash laundry by rotating a drum containing laundry inside the tub. The washing machine may perform a washing process for washing laundry, a rinsing process for rinsing washed laundry, and a spin-drying process for spin-drying laundry.

In addition, the dryer may include a drum installed to be rotatable, and dry matter (laundry) may be dried by injecting hot dry air into the drum while the drum rotates. The dryer may perform a drying process of drying the dried product.

Recently, a dryer equipped with a heat pump and capable of operating only with electricity has been commercialized. As a result, restrictions on installing the dryer are reduced, and households equipped with the washing machine along with the dryer are increasing.

For example, the dryer may be disposed side by side (horizontally) with the washing machine, or may be disposed at the location of the washing machine.

When the dryer is arranged side by side with the washing machine, the user can immediately put the washed laundry into the dryer. However, since the dryer is arranged side by side with the washing machine, the space occupied by the dryer and the washing machine increases.

When the dryer is disposed above the washing machine, the user can immediately put the washed laundry into the dryer, and the space occupied by the dryer and the washing machine can be reduced similarly to using the washing machine alone.

However, when the dryer is disposed on top of the washing machine, the user has difficulty in operating the dryer because the control panel of the dryer is located at a high position.

In order to overcome these problems, one aspect of the disclosed invention is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus including a washing machine capable of controlling a dryer using a control panel of the washing machine and a control method therefor.

One aspect of the disclosed invention is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus including a washing machine capable of integrating a menu (or button) capable of controlling a washing machine and a menu (or button) capable of controlling a dryer, and a control method therefor. .

One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a washing machine in which a menu (or button) for starting or temporarily stopping the operation of a washing machine is provided separately from a menu (or button) for starting or temporarily stopping the operation of a dryer. A clothes handling device and a control method thereof are provided.

According to one aspect of the disclosed outbreak, a washing machine includes a control panel; drum; drum motor; A communication unit capable of exchanging data with the dryer; and a controller electrically connected to the control panel, the drum motor, and the communication unit. The control unit operates in one of a first mode and a second mode depending on a first user input through the control panel, and responds to a second user input through the control panel in the first mode. to control the communication unit to transmit a control command for controlling the dryer to the dryer, and to control the drum motor to rotate the drum in response to a third user input through the control panel in the second mode. can

In response to at least one of a user input for power-on of the washing machine and a user input for controlling the dryer, the controller identifies whether communication with the dryer is possible and controls the communication unit to receive information from the dryer. can

The control unit may control the communication unit to identify whether communication is possible with the dryer and to receive information from the dryer at every predetermined time.

The control panel includes a first control switch and a second control switch, and the control unit switches to a first mode in response to a user input through the first control switch in the second mode, and the first mode In , it is possible to switch to the second mode in response to a user input through the second control switch.

The control panel includes at least one input switch, and the control unit acquires the second user input for controlling the dryer through the at least one input switch in the first mode, and , the third user input for controlling the drum motor may be obtained through the at least one input switch.

The control panel includes a first operation switch and a second operation switch, and the controller, in both the first mode and the second mode, responds to a user input through the first operation switch to dry the dryer in the dryer. Controls the communication unit to transmit a control command for starting an operation, and rotates the drum for washing in response to a user input through the second operation switch in both the first mode and the second mode. The drum motor can be controlled.

The communication unit may exchange data with the dryer in a wired or wireless manner, and the control unit may perform a drying operation of the dryer in response to a user input through the control panel when the communication unit exchanges data with the dryer in a wired manner. If the communication unit controls the communication unit to transmit a control command for starting the dryer, and the communication unit wirelessly exchanges data with the dryer, the control command for starting the drying operation of the dryer may not be transmitted.

The control panel includes at least one input switch, and the control unit activates remote control of the dryer in response to a user input through the at least one input switch in both the first mode and the second mode. The communication unit may be controlled to transmit a control command for the washing machine and remote control of the washing machine may be activated.

The washing machine further includes a cabinet accommodating the drum and having an opening formed at a front thereof, and a door capable of closing the opening, and the control unit determines whether the door is closed in response to a user input through the at least one input switch. , the remote control of the washing machine may be activated in response to determining that the door is closed, and the remote control of the washing machine may be deactivated in response to determining that the door is not closed.

According to an aspect of the disclosed outbreak, a method for controlling a washing machine including a control panel, a drum, and a drum motor is performed in one of a first mode and a second mode depending on a first user input through the control panel. operate; transmits, in the first mode, a control command for controlling a dryer capable of communicating with the washing machine to the dryer in response to a second user input through the control panel; In the second mode, the drum motor may be controlled to rotate the drum in response to a third user input through the control panel.

According to an aspect of the disclosed outbreak, a control panel configured to acquire a user input for a washing machine operating in one of a first mode and a second mode and communicating with a dryer receives a user input for switching to the first mode. a first control switch for acquiring and a second control switch for acquiring a user input for switching to the second mode; a setting switch that obtains a user input for selecting a drying setting in the first mode and a user input for selecting a washing setting in the second mode; and a first operation switch obtaining a user input for starting the operation of the dryer in both the first mode and the second mode, and a user for starting the operation of the washing machine in both the first mode and the second mode. A second operation switch for acquiring an input, wherein the setting switch displays a first image representing the drying setting in the first mode and displays a second image representing the washing setting in the second mode. there is.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a laundry treatment apparatus including a washing machine capable of controlling a dryer using a control panel of the washing machine and a control method thereof may be provided. As a result, even if the dryer is installed on the washing machine, the user can operate the dryer without discomfort.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a laundry treatment apparatus including a washing machine capable of integrating a menu (or button) capable of controlling a washing machine and a menu (or button) capable of controlling a dryer and a control method thereof are provided, can do. Accordingly, the size of the menu (or button) for controlling the washing machine or dryer is not reduced, and user's operation mistake due to the miniaturization of the menu (or button) can be prevented.

One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a washing machine in which a menu (or button) for starting or temporarily stopping the operation of a washing machine is provided separately from a menu (or button) for starting or temporarily stopping the operation of a dryer. A clothes handling device and a control method thereof are provided. Thereby, the user can stop the washing machine or dryer with only one button in an emergency situation.

1 illustrates a washing machine and a dryer disposed horizontally according to an embodiment.
2 shows a washing machine and a dryer vertically arranged according to an embodiment.
3 shows a side cross-section of a washing machine according to an embodiment.
4 shows a configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment.
5 shows a control panel included in a washing machine according to an embodiment.
6 illustrates a touch panel of a control panel included in a washing machine according to an embodiment.
7 illustrates a first user interface of a control panel included in a washing machine according to an embodiment.
8 illustrates a second user interface of a control panel included in a washing machine according to an embodiment.
9 illustrates an example in which a washing machine is connected to a dryer by wire according to an embodiment.
10 illustrates an example in which a washing machine is wirelessly connected to a dryer according to an embodiment.
11 shows a side cross-section of a dryer according to an embodiment.
12 illustrates air circulation and refrigerant circulation in the dryer according to an embodiment.
13 shows a configuration of a dryer according to an embodiment.
14 shows a control panel included in a dryer according to an embodiment.
15 illustrates a mode switching method of a washing machine according to an embodiment.
16 illustrates a washing/drying setting input method of a washing machine according to an embodiment.
17 illustrates a washing setting input of a washing machine according to an embodiment.
18 illustrates dry setting input of a washing machine according to an embodiment.
19 illustrates a method of starting a washing/drying operation of a washing machine according to an embodiment.
20 illustrates a wash start input of a washing machine according to an embodiment.
21 illustrates a dry start input of a washing machine according to an embodiment.
22 illustrates a remote control activating method for washing machines and dryers according to an embodiment.
23 illustrates remote control activation by a washing machine according to one embodiment.
24 illustrates a power-off method of washing machines and dryers according to an embodiment.
25 illustrates power-off of a dryer by a washing machine according to an embodiment.

Like reference numbers designate like elements throughout the specification. This specification does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and general content or overlapping content between the embodiments in the technical field to which the present invention belongs is omitted. The term 'unit, module, member, or block' used in the specification may be implemented as software or hardware, and according to embodiments, a plurality of 'units, modules, members, or blocks' may be implemented as one component, It is also possible that one 'part, module, member, block' includes a plurality of components.

Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only the case of being directly connected but also the case of being indirectly connected, and indirect connection includes being connected through a wireless communication network. do.

In addition, when a certain component is said to "include", this means that it may further include other components without excluding other components unless otherwise stated.

Throughout the specification, when a member is said to be located “on” another member, this includes not only a case where a member is in contact with another member, but also a case where another member exists between the two members.

Terms such as first and second are used to distinguish one component from another, and the components are not limited by the aforementioned terms.

Expressions in the singular number include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In each step, the identification code is used for convenience of explanation, and the identification code does not explain the order of each step, and each step may be performed in a different order from the specified order unless a specific order is clearly described in context. there is.

Hereinafter, the working principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 shows a washing machine and a dryer vertically arranged according to an embodiment. 2 shows a washing machine and a dryer disposed horizontally according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the washing machine 100 may be disposed adjacent to the dryer 300 . As such, since the washing machine 100 is disposed adjacent to the dryer 300, the user can move the laundry from the washing machine 100 to the dryer 300 without carrying and moving the laundry.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the washing machine 100 may be disposed parallel to (horizontally) the dryer 300 . Since the washing machine 100 is arranged side by side with the dryer 300, the user can not only easily move the laundry from the washing machine 100 to the dryer 300, but also can control the control panel of the washing machine 100 and the dryer 300. control panel

Easy to use. On the other hand, since the washing machine 100 is disposed parallel to the dryer 300, the user's living space may be reduced.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2 , a dryer 300 may be disposed (vertically) above the washing machine 100 . Since the washing machine 100 usually washes laundry (eg, clothes or shoes) using water, the weight (or weight) of the washing machine 100 may greatly increase during the washing operation. On the other hand, since the dryer 300 only uses high-temperature dry air to dry items (eg, clothes or shoes), the weight (or weight) of the dryer 300 does not change significantly during the drying operation. Accordingly, a relatively lightweight dryer 300 (during operation) can be placed above the washing machine 100.

As such, since the dryer 300 is disposed above the washing machine 100, the space occupied by the washing machine 100 and the dryer 300 may be similar to a case where the washing machine 100 is used alone. In other words, the user's living space may not greatly decrease due to the dryer 300 . However, since the dryer 300 is disposed above the washing machine 100, the control panel of the dryer 300 is disposed at a high position, and as a result, some users may have difficulty using the control panel of the dryer 300. can

When the dryer 300 is disposed on top of the washing machine 100, in order to prevent a user from experiencing difficulties in using the control panel of the dryer 300, and when the dryer 300 is disposed side by side with the washing machine 100 In order for a user to collectively control the dryer 300 and the washing machine 100, the washing machine 100 may provide a user interface for controlling the dryer 300 using a control panel of the washing machine 100. In other words, the user may control the dryer 300 using the control panel of the washing machine 100 .

In order to provide a user interface for the washing machine 100 to control the dryer 300, the washing machine 100 may communicate with the dryer 300 by wire or wirelessly. For example, the washing machine 100 may not only acquire washing settings for a washing operation (eg, washing temperature, rinse count, spin-drying intensity, etc.) from a user, but also may obtain drying settings for a drying operation (eg, For example, drying degree, additional time for preventing wrinkles, drying time, etc.) may be obtained. In addition, the washing machine 100 may transmit the drying settings acquired from the user to the dryer 300 by wire or wirelessly, and the dryer 300 dries the dried object depending on the drying settings received from the washing machine 100. can do.

3 shows a side cross-section of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

The configuration of the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and the previously described FIGS. 1 and 2 together.

The washing machine 100 includes a cabinet 101. In addition, the washing machine 100 includes a door 102, a control panel 110, a tub 120, a drum 130, a drum motor 140, and a water supply unit ( 150), a drainage unit 160, and a detergent supply unit 170 are further included.

At the center of the front of the cabinet 101, an inlet 101a for putting in or taking out laundry is provided.

A door 102 is provided in the inlet 101a. The door 102 is rotatably mounted to the cabinet 101 by a hinge.

The door 102 can open and close the inlet 101a, and the closing of the inlet 101a by the door 102 can be detected by the door switch 103. When the inlet 101a is closed and the washing machine 100 operates, the door 102 may be locked by the door lock 104 .

A control panel 110 including a user input unit for obtaining a user input on the washing machine 100 from a user and a display displaying operation information of the washing machine 100 is provided on the upper front side of the cabinet 101 . The control panel 110 is described in more detail below.

The tub 120 is provided inside the cabinet 101 and may contain water for washing and/or rinsing.

The tub 120 includes tub front parts 121 having an opening 121a formed on the front side and tub rear parts 122 having a cylindrical shape with a closed rear side.

An opening 121a is provided on the front of the tub front part 121 to put laundry into the drum 130 provided in the tub 120 or to take laundry out of the drum 130 . A bearing 122a for rotatably fixing the drum motor 140 is provided on the rear wall of the tub rear part 122 .

The drum 130 is rotatably provided inside the tub 120 and can accommodate laundry.

The drum 130 includes a cylindrical drum body 131, a drum front part 132 provided in front of the drum body 131, and a drum rear part 133 provided in the rear of the drum body 131 do.

On the inner surface of the drum body 131, there is a through hole 131a connecting the inside of the drum 130 and the inside of the tub 120, and a lifter for lifting laundry to the top of the drum 130 while the drum 130 rotates. 131b) is provided. The drum front part 132 is provided with an opening 132a for putting laundry into the drum 130 or taking out laundry from the drum 130 . The drum rear part 133 may be connected to the shaft 141 of the drum motor 140 that rotates the drum 130 .

The drum motor 140 is provided outside the tub rear part 122 of the tub 120 and is connected to the drum rear part 133 of the drum 130 through a shaft 141 . The shaft 141 passes through the tub rear part 122 and is rotatably supported by bearings 122a provided on the tub rear part 122 .

The drum motor 140 includes a stator 132 fixed to the outside of the tub rear part 122 and a rotor 143 rotatably provided and connected to the shaft 141 . The rotor 143 may rotate through magnetic interaction with the stator 142 , and rotation of the rotor 143 may be transmitted to the drum 130 through the shaft 141 .

The drum motor 140 may include, for example, a BrushLess Direct Current Motor (BLDC Motor) or a Permament Synchronous Motor (PMSM) whose rotational speed can be easily controlled.

The water supply unit 150 is provided above the tub 120 and may supply water to the tub 120/drum 130 .

The water supply unit 150 includes a water supply conduit 151 connected to an external water supply source to supply water to the tub 120 and a water supply valve 152 provided on the water supply conduit 151 .

The water supply conduit 151 may extend from an external water supply source to the detergent drawer 171 . Water is guided to the tub 120 via the detergent box 171 .

The water supply valve 152 may allow or block the supply of water from an external water supply source to the tub 120 in response to an electrical signal. The water supply valve 152 may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

The drainage unit 160 is provided below the tub 120 and can discharge water accommodated in the tub 120 and/or the drum 130 to the outside.

The drain unit 160 includes a drain pipe 161 extending from the tub 120 to the outside of the cabinet 101 and a drain pump 162 provided on the drain pipe 161 . The drain pump 162 may pump water in the drain pipe 161 to the outside of the cabinet 101 .

The detergent supply unit 170 is provided above the tub 120 and may supply detergent to the tub 120/drum 130 .

The detergent supply unit 170 includes a detergent box 171 storing detergent and a mixing conduit 172 connecting the detergent box 171 to the tub 120 .

The detergent box 171 is connected to the water supply conduit 151, and water supplied through the water supply conduit 151 may be mixed with detergent in the detergent box 171. A mixture of detergent and water may be supplied to the tub 120 through the mixing conduit 172 .

4 shows a configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment. 5 shows a control panel included in a washing machine according to an embodiment. 6 illustrates a touch panel of a control panel included in a washing machine according to an embodiment. 7 illustrates a first user interface of a control panel included in a washing machine according to an embodiment. 8 illustrates a second user interface of a control panel included in a washing machine according to an embodiment. 9 illustrates an example in which a washing machine is connected to a dryer by wire according to an embodiment. 10 illustrates an example in which a washing machine is wirelessly connected to a dryer according to an embodiment.

The washing machine 100 may further include the following electrical components as well as the mechanical components described with reference to FIG. 3 . The washing machine 100 includes a drum motor 140, a water supply valve 152, a drain pump 162, a door switch 103, a door lock 104, a control panel 110, , It includes a communication unit 180 and a control unit 190.

The drum motor 140 may rotate the drum 130 in response to a drive signal from the control unit 190 . For example, the drum motor 140 may receive a reference speed from the control unit 190 and rotate the drum 130 so that the rotation speed of the drum 130 follows the reference speed.

The water supply valve 152 may maintain a normally closed state and may be opened in response to a water supply signal from the control unit 190 . When the water supply valve 152 is opened, water may be supplied to the tub 120 through the water supply pipe 151 .

The drain pump 162 may pump water in the drain pipe 161 to the outside of the cabinet 101 in response to a drain signal from the controller 190 . Water received in the tub 120 may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 101 through the drain pipe 162 by the pumping of the drain pump 162 .

The door switch 103 may detect a closed state of the door 102 and an open state of the door 102 , respectively. For example, the door switch 103 may be opened (off) when the door 102 is open and closed (on) when the door 102 is closed. The door switch 103 may provide the control unit 190 with a signal indicating a state in which the door 102 is closed or a signal indicating a state in which the door 102 is open.

The door lock 104 may lock the door 102 in response to a locking signal from the control unit 190 . For example, when the door 102 closes the inlet 101a and the washing machine 100 operates, the controller 190 may control the door lock 104 to lock the door 102 .

The control panel 110 may include a user input unit that obtains a user input and a display that displays washing setting and/or washing operation information in response to the user input. In other words, the control panel 110 may provide an interface (hereinafter referred to as a 'user interface') for interaction between the user and the washing machine 100 .

As shown in FIG. 5, the control panel 110 includes a washing machine power button 211 that obtains a user input for powering on the washing machine 100 or a user input for powering off the washing machine 100. can do.

Regarding power, the washing machine 100 may be in three states including "off state", "standby state" and "on state", and depending on the power state of the washing machine 100, the washing machine 100 interacts with each other. Other actions can be performed.

Washing machine 100 may be placed in an "off state" where its plug is not inserted into a power socket. In the "off state", power is not supplied to the display device 100 at all, and the washing machine 100 may not perform any operation.

The washing machine 100 may be placed in a “standby state” in which the plug is inserted into the power socket and the user's power-on command (eg, an act of touching the power button) is not input. Power may be supplied to some of components included in the washing machine 100 in the “standby state”. For example, in the "standby state", power may be supplied to a part of the control panel 110, the communication unit 180, and the control unit 190.

The washing machine 100 may be placed in an “on state” when the plug is inserted into the power socket and a user's power-on command (eg, an act of touching the power button) is input. In the "on state", power may be supplied to all components included in the washing machine 100 .

When the washing machine power button 211 is touched or pressed by the user while the plug of the washing machine 100 is inserted into the socket, the washing machine 100 is converted from the 'standby state' to the 'on state' and is included in the washing machine 100 Power is supplied to all configured components and all functions of the washing machine 100 may be activated. When the user touches or presses the power button 211 of the washing machine in the 'on state', the washing machine 100 is switched from the 'on state' to the 'standby state' and many functions of the washing machine 100 may be deactivated.

The washing machine power button 211 may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the washing machine power button 211 may include a first touch switch 211a that obtains a user's touch input, and the first touch switch 211a is the control unit 190 can be connected with

The washing machine power button 211 may display the power state of the washing machine 100 . For example, in the 'on state', the washing machine power button 211 may emit light, and in the 'standby state', the washing machine power button 211 may not emit light. The washing machine power button 211 may further include, for example, a first light emitting diode that emits light depending on the power state of the washing machine 100 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the control panel 110 includes a dryer control button 221 for obtaining a user input for activating the dryer control for controlling the dryer 300 and a washing machine control for controlling the washing machine 100. A washing machine control button 222 obtaining a user input for activating the may be further included.

As described above, the washing machine 100 provides a first user interface for controlling the washing machine 100 and a second user interface for controlling the dryer 300 using one control panel 110. can do. In order to provide a plurality of user interfaces using one control panel 110, the washing machine 100 operates in a dryer control mode for obtaining a user input for the dryer 300 or for the washing machine 100. It may operate in a washing machine control mode for obtaining user input.

The washing machine 100 may provide a dryer control button 221 and a washing machine control button 222 so that the user can select dryer control or washing machine control. In response to the dryer control button 221 being touched or pressed, the washing machine 100 may operate in a dryer control mode for obtaining a user input for the dryer 300 . In other words, the washing machine 100 may provide the user with a first user interface for acquiring a user input for the dryer 300 using the control panel 110 .

In addition, in response to the washing machine control button 222 being touched or pressed, the washing machine 100 may operate in a washing machine control mode in which a user input for the washing machine 100 is obtained. In other words, the washing machine 100 may provide a second user interface for acquiring a user input for the washing machine 100 to the user using the control panel 110 .

For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the dryer control button 221 may include a second touch switch 221a, and the washing machine control button 222 may include a third touch switch 222a. . The second touch switch 221a and the third touch switch 222a may be connected to the controller 190, respectively.

The dryer control button 221 and the washing machine control button 222 may respectively display a control mode of the control panel 110 . For example, when the control panel 110 operates in the dryer control mode, as shown in FIG. 7 , the dryer control button 221 may emit light and the washing machine control button 222 may not emit light. there is. Also, when the control panel 110 operates in the washing machine control mode, the washing machine control button 222 may emit light, and the dryer control button 221 may not emit light, as shown in FIG. 8 . . For example, the dryer control button 221 may further include a second light emitting diode that emits light depending on the dryer control mode of the control panel 110, and the washing machine control button 222 is the control panel 110 Depending on the control mode of the washing machine may further include a third light emitting diode that emits light.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the control panel 110 includes a drying operation button 231 for obtaining a user input for starting or temporarily stopping the drying operation of the dryer 300 and a washing operation of the washing machine 100. A washing operation button 232 obtaining a user input for initiating or temporarily stopping the washing operation may be further included.

As described above, in the dryer control mode, the washing machine 100 may obtain a user input related to the drying operation of the dryer 300 through buttons included in the control panel 110, and in the washing machine control mode, the washing machine 100 ) buttons included in the control panel 110 may obtain a user input related to the washing operation of the washing machine 100 . In other words, the washing machine 100 may obtain a user input for controlling the dryer 300 in the dryer control mode and a user input for controlling the washing machine 100 in the washing machine control mode.

In comparison, the drying operation button 231 may obtain a user input for starting or temporarily stopping the drying operation of the dryer 300 regardless of the control mode. Specifically, the drying operation button 231 may obtain a user input for starting or temporarily stopping the drying operation of the dryer 300 in the dryer control mode, as well as drying the dryer 300 in the washing machine control mode. A user input for starting the operation or temporarily stopping the drying operation may be obtained.

Thereby, the user can quickly stop the operation of the dryer 300 in an emergency situation. For example, in order to put additional dry matter into the dryer 300 in operation, the user does not touch the dryer control button 221 to switch from the washing machine control mode to the dryer control mode, directly drying operation button 231 ) to temporarily stop the operation of the dryer 300.

The washing operation button 232 may also obtain a user input for starting or temporarily stopping the washing operation of the washing machine 100 regardless of the control mode. Specifically, the washing operation button 232 may acquire a user input for starting or temporarily stopping the washing operation of the washing machine 100 in the washing machine control mode, and also may wash the washing machine 100 in the dryer control mode. A user input for starting the operation or temporarily stopping the washing operation may be obtained.

Each of the drying operation button 231 and the washing operation button 232 may include a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the drying operation button 231 may include a fourth touch switch 231a, and the washing operation button 232 may include a fifth touch switch 232a. . Each of the fourth touch switch 231a and the fifth touch switch 232a may be connected to the controller 190 .

The drying operation button 231 and the washing operation button 232 may indicate whether the dryer 300 is operating and whether the washing machine 100 is operating, respectively. For example, when the dryer 300 is in operation, the drying operation button 231 may emit light. Also, when the washing machine 100 is in operation, the washing operation button 232 may emit light. For example, the drying operation button 231 may further include a fourth light emitting diode that emits light depending on whether the dryer 300 is in operation, and the washing operation button 232 operates the washing machine 100. A fifth light emitting diode emitting light depending on whether or not the light emitting diode may be further included.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the control panel 110 may further include a course selection dial 241 and a course display 251 .

The course selection dial 241 may obtain a user input for selecting a drying course in the dryer control mode and a user input for selecting a washing course in the washing machine control mode. The course display 251 may display a drying course selected by rotation of the course selection dial 241 in the dryer control mode and a washing course selected by rotation of the course selection dial 241 in the washing machine control mode.

Here, the drying course is set in advance by the designer of the dryer 300 according to the type of drying material (eg, blanket, underwear, etc.) and material (eg, wool, etc.) (eg, degree of drying). , additional time to prevent creasing, drying time, etc.). For example, standard drying may include drying settings applicable to most types of drying, and duvet drying may include drying settings optimized for drying comforters.

The drying course may be divided into, for example, standard drying, synthetic fiber drying, wool drying, delicate drying, blanket drying, towel drying, small amount drying, shelf drying, dusting, and the like.

The course selection dial 241 may obtain a user input (dial rotation) for selecting one of a plurality of drying courses in the dryer control mode. Also, the course display 251 may display a plurality of drying courses in a predetermined order depending on the rotation of the course selection dial 241 in the dryer control mode. When the rotation of the course selection dial 241 is stopped, a drying course displayed on the course display 251 may be selected as a course for drying the dry matter.

The washing course includes laundry settings (eg, washing temperature, rinse, etc.) preset by the designer of the washing machine 100 according to the type (eg, blanket, underwear, etc.) and material (eg, wool, etc.) of the laundry. number of times, dehydration intensity, etc.). For example, a standard wash may include wash settings that can be applied to most laundry loads, and a duvet wash may include wash settings optimized for washing duvets.

The washing course may be divided into, for example, standard washing, strong washing, wool washing, duvet washing, baby clothes washing, towel washing, small amount washing, boiled washing, power saving washing, outdoor washing, rinsing/spinning, spin-drying, and the like.

The course selection dial 241 may obtain a user input (dial rotation) for selecting one of a plurality of wash courses in the washing machine control mode. Also, the course display 251 may display a plurality of washing courses in a predetermined order depending on the rotation of the course selection dial 241 in the washing machine control mode. When the rotation of the course selection dial 241 is stopped, a wash course displayed on the course display 251 may be selected as a course for washing laundry.

The course display 251 may display operation information of the dryer 300 in operation in the dryer control mode. For example, the course display 251 may display the remaining time until the end of the drying operation of the dryer 300 in the dryer control mode.

Also, the course display 251 may display operation information of the washing machine 100 in operation in the washing machine control mode. For example, the course display 251 may display the remaining time until the end of the washing operation of the washing machine 100 in the washing machine control mode.

When both the dryer 300 and the washing machine 100 are in operation, the course display 251 displays both the time remaining until the drying operation of the dryer 300 ends and the washing operation of the washing machine 100 ends. can

The course display 251 may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel or a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the control panel 110 may include a plurality of setting buttons 261 , 262 , and 263 and a plurality of setting displays 271 , 272 , and 273 . As shown in FIG. 5 , the control panel 110 includes a first setting button 261, a first setting display 271, a second setting button 262, a second setting display 272, 3 setting buttons 263 and a third setting display 273 may be included.

The first setting button 261 may obtain a user input for selecting drying information in the dryer control mode and a user input for selecting a washing temperature in the washing machine control mode. The first setting display 271 may display drying information selected through the first setting button 261 in the dryer control mode and display the washing temperature selected through the first setting button 261 in the washing machine control mode.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the first setting button 261 may include a sixth touch switch 261a, and the sixth touch switch 261a may be connected to the controller 190.

The first setting button 261 may display letters or symbols indicating 'drying level' in the dryer control mode, and may display letters or symbols indicating 'washing temperature' in the washing machine control mode. For example, on the first setting button 261 in the dryer control mode, as shown in FIG. 7 , the word 'drying degree' may be displayed on a part of the first setting button 261, and in the washing machine control mode, As shown in FIG. 8 , text 'washing temperature' may be displayed on another part of the first setting button 261 .

The first setting button 261 includes a sixth upper light emitting diode that emits light to display the text 'drying degree' in the dryer control mode, and a sixth upper light emitting diode that emits light to display the text 'washing temperature' in the washing machine control mode. 6 lower light emitting diodes may be included.

In the dryer control mode, the first setting display 271 displays the selected drying level (for example, letters or numbers representing the drying level, such as 1, 2, or 3) depending on the number of times the first setting button 261 is touched. can be displayed In addition, the first setting display 271 displays a washing temperature selected depending on the number of touches of the first setting button 261 in the washing machine control mode (for example, letters indicating a washing temperature such as 30 degrees, 40 degrees, or 50 degrees). or numbers).

The first setting display 271 may include, for example, a 7-segment display as shown in FIG. 6 .

The second setting button 262 may obtain a user input for selecting an additional time for wrinkle prevention in the dryer control mode and a user input for selecting the number of rinses in the washing machine control mode. The second setting display 272 displays the additional time for wrinkle prevention selected through the second setting button 262 in the dryer control mode, and displays the number of rinses selected through the second setting button 262 in the washing machine control mode. can do.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the second setting button 262 may include a seventh touch switch 262a, and the seventh touch switch 262a may be connected to the controller 190.

The second setting button 262 may display letters or symbols indicating 'anti-wrinkle' in the dryer control mode, and may display letters or symbols indicating 'number of times of rinsing' in the washing machine control mode. For example, in the dryer control mode, on the second setting button 262, as shown in FIG. 7, the word 'anti-wrinkle' may be displayed on a part of the second setting button 262, and in the washing machine control mode, As shown in FIG. 8 , the text 'number of rinses' may be displayed on another part of the second setting button 262 .

The second setting button 262 includes a seventh upper light emitting diode that emits light to display the text 'anti-wrinkle' in the dryer control mode, and a seventh upper light emitting diode that emits light to display the text 'rinse count' in the washing machine control mode. 7 bottom light emitting diodes.

The second setting display 272 displays an additional time (for example, an additional time such as 1 hour, 2 hours, or 3 hours) for wrinkle prevention selected depending on the number of touches of the second setting button 262 in the dryer control mode. letters or numbers) can be displayed. In addition, the second setting display 272 displays the number of rinses selected depending on the number of touches of the second setting button 262 in the washing machine control mode (or letters or numbers indicating the number of rinses, such as once, twice, or three times). ) can be displayed.

The second settings display 272 may include, for example, a 7-segment display as shown in FIG. 6 .

The third setting button 263 may obtain a user input for selecting a drying time in the dryer control mode and a user input for selecting a spin-drying intensity in the washing machine control mode. The third setting display 273 may display the drying time selected through the third setting button 263 in the dryer control mode and the spin-drying intensity selected through the second setting button 262 in the washing machine control mode.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the third setting button 263 may include an eighth touch switch 263a, and the eighth touch switch 263a may be connected to the controller 190.

Letters or symbols indicating 'time setting' in the dryer control mode may be displayed on the third setting button 263, and letters or symbols meaning 'spinning strength' in the washing machine control mode may be displayed on the third setting button 263. For example, on the third setting button 263 in the dryer control mode, as shown in FIG. 7, the text 'time setting' may be displayed on a part of the third setting button 263, and in the washing machine control mode, As shown in FIG. 8, the text 'dehydration strength' may be displayed on another part of the third setting button 263.

The third setting button 263 includes an eighth upper light emitting diode that emits light to display the text 'time setting' in the dryer control mode, and a third light emitting diode to emit light to display the text 'spinning strength' in the washing machine control mode. 8 bottom light emitting diodes.

The third setting display 273 is a drying time selected depending on the number of touches of the third setting button 263 in the dryer control mode (for example, letters indicating an additional time such as 1 hour, 2 hours, or 3 hours, or numbers) can be displayed. In addition, the third setting display 273 displays the selected spin-drying intensity (or letters or numbers representing spin-drying intensities such as 1, 2, or 3) depending on the number of touches of the third setting button 263 in the washing machine control mode. can do.

The third setting display 273 may include, for example, a 7-segment display as shown in FIG. 6 .

As such, each of the first, second, and third setting buttons 263 is implemented as a single touch switch, and different user inputs can be obtained in different control modes. Characters or symbols representing different user inputs in different control modes may be displayed on each of the first, second, and third setting buttons 263 .

Also, each of the first, second and third setting displays 273 may display different information in different control modes.

The control panel 110 may include a remote control button 281 and an additional setting display 291 as shown in FIG. 5 .

The remote control button 281 obtains a user input for activating or deactivating remote control of the dryer 300 and/or the washing machine 100 by an external device such as a user device in a dryer control mode and a washing machine control mode. can do. As shown in FIG. 6 , the remote control button 281 may include a ninth touch switch 281a, and the ninth touch switch 281a may be connected to the controller 190. Also, the remote control button 281 may emit light in the dryer control mode and the washing machine control mode.

The additional setting display 291 may display whether or not the remote control of the dryer 300 and the remote control of the washing machine 100 are activated. The additional setting display 291 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, and the like.

As such, the control panel 110 may include a plurality of buttons and a plurality of displays. A plurality of buttons may obtain different user inputs in different control modes, and a plurality of displays may display different information in different control modes.

The communication unit 180 may transmit data to the dryer 300 and receive data from the dryer 300 .

The communication unit 180 is a wired communication module 181 that exchanges data with the dryer 300 by wire, a wireless communication module 182 that exchanges data with the dryer 300 wirelessly, and data with the dryer 300. It may include a communication interface 183 serving as a passage for exchanging.

The wired communication module 181 may exchange data with the dryer 300 using various wired communication standards.

For example, the wired communication module 181 may exchange data with the dryer 300 through a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART). The wired communication module 181 may exchange data with the dryer 300 using a communication standard such as RS-422 or RS-485 through a universal asynchronous transceiver. In addition, the wired communication module 181 may exchange data with the dryer 300 using Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 technical standard).

The wired communication module 181 may include a communication circuit (eg, a network interface controller) including a processor and/or memory for modulating/demodulating data for wired communication.

The wireless communication module 182 may exchange data with the dryer 300 using various wireless communication standards.

For example, the wireless communication module 162 may access a wireless repeater using WiFi™ (IEEE 802.11 technology standard) wireless communication, and exchange data with the dryer 300 via the wireless repeater. Wi-Fi wireless communication may provide peer to peer communication between nodes (eg, a display device and an audio device) without going through a wireless repeater. As such, direct communication using Wi-Fi wireless communication is referred to as "WiFi P2P" or "WiFi direct". The wireless communication module 182 may exchange data with the dryer 300 using a Wi-Fi P2P communication standard.

In addition, the wireless communication module 162 exchanges data with the dryer 300 using Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1 technical standard) or ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4 technical standard) wireless communication. can Alternatively, the wireless communication module 162 may exchange data with the dryer 300 using Near Field Communication (NFC).

The wireless communication module 182 may include a communication circuit (eg, a wireless network interface controller) including a processor and/or a memory that decodes/encodes data for wireless communication.

The communication interface 183 may form a wired channel or a wireless channel for exchanging data with the dryer 300 .

For example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the communication interface 183 may be provided on the rear surface of the cabinet 101 so as not to be recognized by a user. The communication interface 183 may be implemented as a connection terminal into which a communication line 181a or a wireless dongle 182a may be inserted.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , when the communication line 181a is connected to the communication interface 183, the wired communication module 181 is activated and the wired communication module 181 connects the communication interface 183 and the communication line. Data may be exchanged with the dryer 300 by wire through 181a.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 10 , when the wireless dongle 182a for wireless communication is connected to the communication interface 183, the wireless communication module 182 is activated and the wireless communication module 182 is connected to the communication interface 183. And data can be exchanged with the dryer 300 wirelessly through the wireless dongle 182a.

The communication interface 183 may have various types of connectors. For example, the communication interface 183 may include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) terminal or an RJ-45 terminal.

The control unit 190 may be mounted, for example, on a printed circuit board provided on the rear surface of the control panel 110 .

The controller 190 may be electrically connected to the drum motor 140, the water supply valve 152, the drain pump 162, the door switch 103, the door lock 104, the control panel 110, and the communication unit 180. there is.

The controller 190 includes a processor 191 that generates control signals for controlling the operation of the washing machine 100 and stores or stores programs and data for generating control signals for controlling the operation of the washing machine 100. memory 192. The processor 191 and the memory 192 may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. Also, the controller 190 may include a plurality of processors or a plurality of memories.

The processor 191 may process data and/or signals according to a program provided from the memory 192 and provide control signals to each component of the washing machine 100 based on the processing result.

The processor 191 may receive a user input from the control panel 110 and process the user input.

In response to a user input, the processor 191 may perform a dryer control mode for controlling the drying operation of the dryer 300 and changing drying settings or a washing machine control mode for controlling the washing operation of the washing machine 100 and changing the washing settings. mode can work. For example, the processor 191 converts to the dryer control mode and provides communication data for changing drying settings of the dryer 300 to the communication unit 180 based on a user input through the dryer control button 221. can do. Also, the processor 191 may switch to a washing machine control mode and change washing settings of the washing machine 100 based on a user input through the washing machine control button 222 .

The processor 191 may control the control panel 110 to display washing settings (or drying settings) and washing operation information (or drying operation information) in response to a user input. For example, the processor 191 may control the control panel 110 to display drying operation information or drying settings of the dryer 300 based on a user input through the dryer control button 221 . Also, the processor 191 may control the control panel 110 to display washing operation information or washing settings of the washing machine 100 based on a user input through the washing machine control button 222 .

The processor 191 may control the drum motor 140, the water supply valve 152, the drain pump 162, and the door lock in response to a user input. The processor 191 sets washing settings in response to user input through the course selection dial 241, the first setting button 261, the second setting button, and the third setting button 263, and based on the washing setting Thus, the drum motor 140, the water supply valve 152, the drain pump 162, and the door lock can be controlled. For example, the processor 191 controls the drum motor 140, the water supply valve 152, the drain pump 162, and the door lock to sequentially perform a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process. can do.

The processor 191 may provide communication data for controlling the operation of the dryer 300 to the communication unit 180 in response to a user input. The processor 191 sets drying settings in response to user input through the course selection dial 241, the first setting button 261, the second setting button, and the third setting button 263, and determines the drying setting. Drying settings may be provided to the communication unit 180 to transmit information to the dryer 300 .

The processor 191 may include an arithmetic circuit, a memory circuit, and a control circuit. The processor 191 may include one chip or a plurality of chips. Also, the processor 191 may include one core or a plurality of cores.

The memory 192 may store/store data including a program for controlling a washing operation according to a washing course, washing settings according to a washing course, and drying settings according to a drying course. Also, the memory 192 may memorize/store a currently selected washing course, washing setting, drying course, and drying setting based on a user input.

The memory 192 includes volatile memories such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), and EpiROM (EPROM). Non-volatile memory such as Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) may be included. The memory 192 may include one memory element or may include a plurality of memory elements.

As described above, the washing machine 100 has a first user interface for controlling the operation of the dryer 300 and a control system for controlling the operation of the washing machine 100 using one control panel 110. 1 User interface can be provided. The washing machine 100 may transmit communication data for controlling a drying operation of the dryer 300 to the dryer 300 based on a user input input through the first user interface. Also, the washing machine 100 may provide a control signal for controlling a washing operation based on a user input input through the second user interface.

11 shows a side cross-section of a dryer according to an embodiment. 12 illustrates air circulation and refrigerant circulation in the dryer according to an embodiment.

The configuration of the dryer 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 and FIGS. 1 and 2 described above.

Dryer 300 includes a cabinet 301 . In addition, the dryer 300 includes a door 302, a control panel 310, a drum 330, a drum motor 335, a fan 340, and a fan motor ( 345), a duct 350, a heater 355, and a heat pump 360.

At the center of the front of the cabinet 301, an inlet 301a for putting in or taking out laundry is provided.

The door 302 can open and close the inlet 301a, and the closing of the inlet 301a by the door 302 can be detected by the door switch 303. When the inlet 301a is closed and the dryer 300 operates, the door 302 may be locked by the door lock 304 .

A control panel 310 including a user input unit for acquiring a user input for the dryer 300 from a user and a display displaying operation information of the dryer 300 is provided on the upper front side of the cabinet 301 . The control panel 310 is described in more detail below.

The dryer 300 includes a drum 330 that accommodates an object to be dried and dries the object to be dried. The drum 330 may be rotatably installed in the cabinet 101 .

The drum 330 includes a drum body 331 formed in a cylindrical shape with a center of rotation in the front and rear horizontal direction. A front panel 332 having an inlet 332a allowing an object to be dried to be put into the drum 330 may be disposed on the front surface of the drum body 331 . In addition, the rear surface of the drum body 331 may be closed by a rear panel 333 provided with an inlet 333a through which hot dry air is introduced.

The front panel 332 of the drum 330 may be provided with an outlet 332b through which air used to dry the object is discharged. A filter 334 for collecting foreign substances generated from the object to be dried may be installed at the outlet 332b. Accordingly, foreign substances generated in the object to be dried may be collected by the filter 334 .

The drum 330 may receive rotational force from the drum motor 335 and rotate. The drum 330 is connected to a drum motor 335 disposed in the cabinet 301 by a belt 336. The drum motor 335 may provide rotational force to the drum 330 through a belt 336 .

At least one heat source is provided in the dryer 300, and the dryer 300 may supply high-temperature air to the drum 330 through the heat source. For example, the dryer 300 may include a heater 355 and a heat pump 360 as heat sources. At this time, the dryer provided with the heat pump constituting the refrigerant circuit may be classified into a circulation dryer and an exhaust dryer according to the flow of circulated air. A circulation dryer refers to a dryer that can dry an object while circulating without air being discharged or sucked. An exhaust type dryer refers to a dryer that sucks in air from the outside, uses it for drying, and then discharges it to the outside of the dryer.

The dryer 300 may include a fan 340 circulating air inside the drum 330 . The fan 340 may suck in air from inside the drum 330 and discharge the air through the duct 350 . Air inside the drum 330 may circulate between the drum 330 and the duct 350 by the fan 340 . The fan 340 may be rotated by the fan motor 345 .

A heater 355 and a heat pump 360 may be provided on the duct 350 through which air inside the drum 330 circulates.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the heat pump 360 includes a compressor 361 , a condenser 362 , an evaporator 364 , and an expander 363 . A compressor 361 , a condenser 362 , an expander 363 , and an evaporator 364 may be seated on the bottom of the cabinet 301 .

The compressor 361 may compress the gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure state, and discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The discharged refrigerant may be delivered to the condenser 162 .

The condenser 362 may condense the compressed gaseous refrigerant into a liquid. The condenser 362 may emit heat to surroundings through a process of condensing the refrigerant. The condenser 362 may be provided on the duct 350 and may heat air through heat generated during condensation of the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser 362 may be transferred to the expander 363 .

The expander 363 may expand the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser 362 into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. For example, the expander 363 may include an expansion valve for adjusting a pressure difference between refrigerants.

The evaporator 364 may evaporate the liquid refrigerant expanded in the expander 363 . As a result, the evaporator 364 may return the low-temperature, low-pressure individual refrigerant to the compressor 361 .

The evaporator 364 may absorb heat from the surroundings through an evaporation process that changes a low-pressure liquid refrigerant into a gaseous refrigerant. The evaporator 364 may be provided on the duct 350 and may cool air passing through the evaporator 364 during an evaporation process.

When the ambient air is cooled by the evaporator 364 and the temperature of the ambient air becomes lower than the dew point, the air around the evaporator 364 may be condensed. Due to condensation occurring around the evaporator 364, the absolute humidity of the air passing through the evaporator 364 may be lowered. In other words, the amount of water vapor included in the air passing through the evaporator 364 may decrease.

Using the condensation around the evaporator 364, the dryer 300 can reduce the amount of water vapor contained in the air inside the drum 330 and also dry the dried product.

The evaporator 364 may be located upstream of the condenser 362 based on the flow of air by the fan 340 . The air circulating by the fan 340 is dried (water vapor is condensed) by the evaporator 364 while passing through the evaporator 364, and then can be heated by the condenser 362 while passing through the condenser 362. there is.

The heater 355 may assist the condenser 362 to heat the air. For example, before the condenser 362 of the heat pump 360 sufficiently heats the air in the duct 350, the heater 355 may assist the condenser 362 to heat the air in the duct 350.

The temperature inside the drum 330 may rise more quickly by the heater 355 assisting the condenser 362, and the dryer 300 may dry the dried product more quickly.

The heater 355 may be located downstream of the condenser 362 based on the flow of air by the fan 340 . The heater 355 may be implemented through a heating coil. However, the heater 355 is not limited thereto and may be implemented using various known elements.

13 shows a configuration of a dryer according to an embodiment. 14 shows a control panel included in a dryer according to an embodiment.

The dryer 300 may further include the following electrical components as well as the mechanical components described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 . The dryer 300 includes a drum motor 335, a fan motor 345, a heater 355, a compressor 361, a door switch 303, a door lock 304, and a control. It includes a panel 310, a communication unit 380, and a control unit 390.

The drum motor 335 may rotate the drum 330 in response to a drive signal from the control unit 390 . The fan motor 345 may rotate the fan 340 in response to a drive signal from the controller 390 . The heater 355 may heat air in the duct 350 in response to a heating signal from the controller 390 . The compressor 361 may circulate the refrigerant of the heat pump 360 in response to a drive signal from the controller 390 .

The door switch 303 may detect a closed state of the door 302 and an open state of the door 302 , respectively. The door lock 304 may lock the door 302 in response to a locking signal from the control unit 390 . When the door 302 closes the inlet 301a and the dryer 300 operates, the controller 390 may control the door lock 304 to lock the door 302 .

The control panel 310 may include a user input unit that obtains user input and a display that displays drying setting and/or drying operation information in response to the user input. In other words, the control panel 310 may provide an interface for interaction between the user and the dryer 300 (hereinafter referred to as 'user interface').

As shown in FIG. 14, the control panel 310 includes a dryer power button 411 that obtains a user input for powering on the dryer 300 or a user input for powering off the dryer 300. can do. In addition, the dryer power button 411 may display the power state of the dryer 300 .

Regarding power, the dryer 300 may be placed in three states including an "off state", a "standby state", and an "on state" like the washing machine 100 . The operation of the dryer 300 in each of the "off state", "standby state", and "on state" may be the same as that of the washing machine 100.

The dryer power button 411 may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch. The dryer power button 411 may include, for example, a touch switch.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the control panel 310 may include a drying operation button 431 that obtains a user input for starting or temporarily stopping the drying operation of the dryer 300 . Also, the drying operation button 431 may indicate whether the dryer 300 is in operation. The drying operation button 431 may be the same as the drying operation button 231 (see FIG. 5 ) of the washing machine 100 .

As shown in FIG. 14, the control panel 310 includes a course selection dial 441 for obtaining a user input for selecting a drying course and a course display displaying a drying course selected by rotation of the course selection dial 241. (451) may be further included. The course selection dial 441 and the course display 451 may be the same as the course selection dial 241 (see FIG. 5 ) and the course display 251 (see FIG. 5 ) of the washing machine 100 in the dryer control mode.

As shown in FIG. 14, the control panel 310 includes a first setting button 461, a first setting display 471, a second setting button 462, a second setting display 472, A third setting button 463 and a third setting display 473 may be included. The first, second, and third setting buttons 461, 462, and 463 correspond to the first, second, and third setting buttons 261, 262, and 263 (see FIG. 5) of the washing machine 100 in the dryer control mode. can be the same Also, the first, second, and third setting displays 471, 472, and 473 are the first, second, and third setting displays 271, 272, and 273 of the washing machine 100 in the dryer control mode (see FIG. 5). ) may be the same as

As shown in FIG. 14, the control panel 310 includes a remote control button 481 for acquiring a user input for activating or inactivating remote control of the dryer 300 by an external device such as a user device, and a dryer ( 300) may include an additional setting display 491 indicating whether or not the remote control is activated. The remote control button 481 and the additional setting display 491 may be the same as the remote control button 281 (see FIG. 5) and the additional setting display 291 (see FIG. 5) of the washing machine 100 in the dryer control mode. .

The communication unit 380 may transmit data to the washing machine 100 and receive data from the washing machine 100 .

The communication unit 380 includes a wired communication module 381 that exchanges data with the washing machine 100 by wire, a wireless communication module 382 that exchanges data with the washing machine 100 wirelessly, and data with the washing machine 100. A communication interface 383 serving as a passage for exchanging may be included. The wired communication module 381, the wireless communication module 382, and the communication interface 382 include the wired communication module 181 (see FIG. 4), the wireless communication module 182 (see FIG. 4) and the communication interface (see FIG. 4) of the washing machine 100 ( 183, see FIG. 4).

The control unit 390 may be mounted, for example, on a printed circuit board provided on the rear surface of the control panel 310 .

The controller 390 includes the drum motor 335, the fan motor 345, the heater 355, the compressor 361, the door switch 303, the door lock 304, the control panel 310, and the communication unit 380. can be electrically connected.

The controller 390 includes a processor 391 for generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the dryer 300, and a program for generating a control signal for controlling the operation of the dryer 300 and storing or storing data. memory 392. The processor 391 and the memory 392 may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. Also, the controller 390 may include a plurality of processors or a plurality of memories.

The processor 391 may process data and/or signals according to a program provided from the memory 392 and provide control signals to each component of the dryer 300 based on the processing result.

The processor 391 may receive a user input from the control panel 310 and process the user input.

The processor 391 may control the control panel 310 to display drying setting and drying operation information in response to a user input.

The processor 391 may control the drum motor 335, the fan motor 345, the heater 355, the compressor 361, and the door lock 304 to perform a drying operation in response to a user input.

Also, the processor 391 operates the drum motor 335, the fan motor 345, the heater 355, the compressor 361, and the door to perform a drying operation depending on the drying settings received through the communication unit 380. The lock 304 can be controlled.

The processor 391 may include an arithmetic circuit, a memory circuit, and a control circuit. The processor 391 may include one chip or a plurality of chips. Also, the processor 391 may include one core or a plurality of cores.

The memory 392 may store/store data including a program for controlling a washing operation according to a drying course and drying settings according to a drying course. Also, the memory 392 may memorize/store a currently selected drying course and drying setting based on a user input.

The memory 192 may include volatile memories such as S-RAM and D-RAM, and non-volatile memories such as ROM and EPROM. The memory 192 may include one memory element or may include a plurality of memory elements.

As described above, the dryer 300 may not only perform a drying operation for drying the dried product based on the user input obtained through the control panel 310, but also the drying operation received through the communication unit 380. A drying operation for drying the dried product may be performed based on the settings.

Hereinafter, operations of the washing machine 100 and the dryer 300 will be described. The operation of the washing machine 100 may be performed under the control of the controller 190 and/or the processor 191, and may be performed under the control of the operation controller 390 and/or the processor 391 of the dryer 300. can

15 illustrates a mode switching operation of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

Together with FIG. 15 , a mode conversion method 1000 of the washing machine 100 is described.

The washing machine 100 is turned on (1005).

The washing machine 100 may be placed in a “standby state” in which the plug is inserted into the power socket and the user's power-on command is not input.

When the washing machine power button 211 of the control panel 110 is touched or pressed by a user, the washing machine 100 may be switched from a 'standby state' to an 'on state'. In the “standby state”, power may be supplied to the controller 190 and the control panel 110 . Power may be supplied to the first touch switch 211a of the washing machine power button 211, and the first touch switch 211a may detect a user touch for power-on of the washing machine 100, and the user touch An electrical signal according to the detection may be provided to the controller 190 . The controller 190 may supply power to all components included in the washing machine 100 in response to a user's touch for power-on. In other words, the washing machine 100 is switched from the "standby state" to the "on state", and power may be supplied to all components included in the washing machine 100 in the "on state".

The washing machine 100 determines whether it is connected to the dryer 300 (1010).

The controller 190 may identify whether communication with the dryer 300 is possible through the communication unit 180 .

For example, the controller 190 may identify whether the communication line 181a or the wireless dongle 182a is inserted into the communication interface 183 . The communication line 181a or the wireless dongle 182a is not inserted into the communication interface 183, and the controller 190 may identify that it is not connected to the dryer 300.

When the communication line 181a or the wireless dongle 182a is inserted into the communication interface 183, the controller 190 may transmit a request message and identify whether a response message has been received in response to the request message. If a response message is not received, the controller 190 may identify that the dryer 300 is not connected.

When the response message is received, the controller 190 can identify that it is connected to the dryer 300 and can communicate with the dryer 300 .

If it is identified that it can communicate with the dryer 300, the controller 190 can identify whether the communication line 181a or the wireless dongle 182a is inserted into the communication interface 183. In other words, the controller 190 may identify whether communication with the dryer 300 is possible by wire or communication with the dryer 300 wirelessly.

When the washing machine 100 determines that it is connected to the dryer 300 (YES in 1010), it obtains information about the dryer 300 from the dryer 300 (1015).

When it is identified that communication with the dryer 300 is possible, the control unit 190 may request drying operation information and/or drying setting information of the dryer 300 through the communication unit 180, and through the communication unit 180, the dryer ( 300) drying operation information and/or drying setting information may be received. For example, the control unit 190 determines whether the dryer 300 is in an "on state", if the dryer 300 is in an "on state", whether the dryer 300 is in a drying operation, and if the dryer 300 is in a drying operation, the remaining time until the drying operation is completed. Time may be received through the communication unit 180 .

Based on the information received from the dryer 300, the control unit 190 determines whether the dryer 300 is in an “on state” or, if the dryer 300 is in an “on state,” whether the dryer 300 is in a drying operation, and whether the dryer 300 is in a drying operation. If it is in the middle, the remaining time until the drying operation is completed can be identified.

As such, the washing machine 100 may identify whether or not it is connected to the dryer 300 after being powered on, and may receive operation information and/or setting information of the dryer 300 from the dryer 300 .

However, it is not limited to this, and the washing machine 100 supplies power to the communication unit 180 at a predetermined cycle during the "standby state", identifies whether or not it is connected to the dryer 300 through the communication unit 180, and Operation information and/or setting information of the dryer 300 may be received from 300 . In addition, the washing machine 100 identifies whether or not it is connected to the dryer 300 through the communication unit 180 at a predetermined cycle even during the "on state", and determines operation information and/or setting of the dryer 300 from the dryer 300. information can be received.

After determining that it is not connected to the dryer 300 (No in 1010) or receiving information about the dryer 300, the washing machine 100 operates in the washing machine control mode (1020).

Regardless of whether communication with the dryer 300 is possible, the washing machine 100 may operate in the washing machine control mode after being turned on. In other words, the washing machine control mode is the default setting of the operating mode of the washing machine 100 .

After the washing machine 100 is turned on, the controller 190 may operate in the washing machine control mode until a user input for changing an operation mode is obtained. The controller 190 may display information about the washing machine 100 and obtain a user input for the washing machine 100 in the washing machine control mode. Specifically, in the washing machine control mode, the controller 190 may display washing operation information and/or washing setting information and obtain a user input for controlling the washing operation and/or washing setting.

The controller 190 may control the control panel 110 so that the washing machine control button 222 emits light. The controller 190 may control the control panel 110 to display a washing course on the course display 251 . In addition, the controller 190 controls the first setting button 261, the second setting button 262, and the third setting button 263 to display 'washing temperature', 'rinsing count', and 'spinning strength', respectively. The panel 110 can be controlled. In other words, the controller 190 may control the control panel 110 to display information related to the operation of the washing machine 100 on the display and obtain an input related to the operation of the washing machine 100 through input buttons.

Thereafter, the washing machine 100 determines whether a washing operation is in progress (1025).

The controller 190 may store data indicating a non-washing operation in the memory 192 before the washing machine 100 starts the washing operation. In addition, the controller 190 may store data representing a washing operation in the memory 192 in response to a washing start command through the washing operation button 232 .

The controller 190 may identify whether the washing machine 100 is in operation or not, based on data stored in the memory 192 . For example, the controller 190 may identify that the washing machine 100 is in operation based on data indicating that the washing operation is in progress stored in the memory 192 . In addition, the controller 190 may identify that the washing machine 100 is not in operation based on data indicating that washing is not in operation stored in the memory 192 .

If the washing operation is in progress (Yes in 1025), the washing machine 100 displays washing operation information (1030), and if it is not in the washing operation (No in 1025), the washing machine 100 displays wash setting information (1035).

When the washing machine 100 is in a washing operation, the controller 190 may display information about the washing operation of the washing machine 100 on the control panel 110 . For example, the controller 190 may display the remaining time until the end of the washing operation on the course display 251 .

Also, when the washing machine 100 is not in operation, the control unit 190 may display information about washing settings of the washing machine 100 on the control panel 110 . For example, the controller 190 displays a washing course on the course display 251, displays a washing temperature on the first setting display 271, displays the number of times of rinsing on the second setting display 272, and 3 The dehydration intensity can be displayed on the setting display 273.

As such, the washing machine 100 may display information on a washing operation of the washing machine 100 or information on washing settings on the control panel 110 in the washing machine control mode.

The washing machine 100 determines whether a user input for switching to the dryer control mode is obtained during the washing machine control mode (1040).

A dryer control button 221 for acquiring a user input for activating dryer control for controlling the dryer 300 may be provided on the control panel 110 . In order to switch the operation mode of the washing machine 100 to the dryer control mode in which the dryer 300 can be controlled using the control panel 110 of the washing machine 100, the user touches the dryer control button 221 or Or you can press

When the dryer control button 221 is touched or pressed, the controller 190 may determine that a user input for activating the dryer control has been obtained.

If the user input for switching to the dryer control mode is not obtained (No in 1040), the washing machine 100 may maintain the washing machine control mode. Also, the washing machine 100 may display wash operation information and/or wash setting information and obtain a user input for controlling the wash operation and/or wash setting.

When a user input for switching to the dryer control mode is obtained (YES in 1040), the washing machine 100 determines whether it is connected to the dryer 300 (1045).

In response to a touch of the dryer control button 221 , the controller 190 may determine whether communication with the dryer 300 is possible through the communication unit 180 . In other words, the controller 190 may identify whether or not it is possible to switch to the dryer control mode.

Operation 1045 may be the same as operation 1010 .

When it is determined that the washing machine 100 is not connected to the dryer 300 (No in 1045), the washing machine control mode may be maintained.

When it is determined that the washing machine 100 is connected to the dryer 300 (YES in 1045), the washing machine 100 obtains information about the dryer 300 from the dryer 300 (1055).

Operation 1055 may be the same as operation 1015.

In this way, when obtaining a user input for switching to the dryer control mode, the washing machine 100 identifies whether or not it is connected to the dryer 300, and provides operation information and/or setting information of the dryer 300 from the dryer 300. can receive

However, if not limited thereto, the washing machine 100 identifies whether or not it is connected to the dryer 300 through the communication unit 180 at a predetermined cycle, and receives operation information of the dryer 300 from the dryer 300 and/or Setting information can be received.

Thereafter, the washing machine 100 operates in the dryer control mode (1060).

In response to the dryer control button 221 being touched, the controller 190 displays drying operation information and/or drying setting information of the dryer 300 and obtains a user input for the dryer 300. It can operate in control mode.

The controller 190 may display information on the dryer 300 received through the communication unit 180 and obtain a user input for the dryer 300 in the dryer control mode. Specifically, in the dryer control mode, the controller 190 may display drying operation information and/or drying setting information and obtain a user input for controlling the drying operation and/or drying setting.

The controller 190 may control the control panel 110 so that the dryer control button 221 emits light. The controller 190 may control the control panel 110 to display a drying course on the course display 251 . In addition, the controller 190 controls the first setting button 261, the second setting button 262, and the third setting button 263 to display 'drying degree', 'wrinkle prevention', and 'time setting', respectively. The panel 110 can be controlled. In other words, the controller 190 may control the control panel 110 to display information related to the operation of the dryer 300 on the display, and obtain an input related to the operation of the dryer 300 through input buttons.

The washing machine 100 determines whether the dryer 300 is in a drying operation (1065).

The controller 190 may identify whether the dryer 300 is in operation or not, based on operation information of the dryer 300 received from the dryer 300 . For example, the controller 190 may identify that the dryer 300 is in operation based on data indicating that the dryer is in operation received through the communication unit 180 . In addition, the controller 190 may identify that the dryer 300 is not in operation based on the data representing the non-operation of drying received through the communication unit 180 .

If the drying operation is in progress (Yes in 1065), the washing machine 100 displays drying operation information (1070), and if it is not in the drying operation (No in 1065), the washing machine 100 displays drying setting information (1075).

When the dryer 300 is in a drying operation, the controller 190 may display information about the drying operation of the dryer 300 on the control panel 110 . For example, the controller 190 may display the remaining time until the end of the drying operation on the course display 251 .

Also, when the dryer 300 is not in operation, the control unit 190 may display information about drying settings of the dryer 300 on the control panel 110 . For example, the controller 190 displays a drying course on the course display 251, displays a drying degree on the first setting display 271, and sets an additional time for preventing wrinkles on the second setting display 272. and the drying time may be displayed on the third setting display 273.

As such, the washing machine 100 may display information on a drying operation of the dryer 300 or information on a drying setting on the control panel 110 in the dryer control mode.

During the dryer control mode, the washing machine 100 determines whether a user input for switching to the washing machine control mode is obtained (1080).

The control panel 110 may include a washing machine control button 222 that obtains a user input for activating a washing machine control for controlling the washing machine 100 . In order to switch the operating mode of the washing machine 100 to the washing machine control mode in which the washing machine 100 can be controlled using the control panel 110 of the washing machine 100, the user touches the washing machine control button 222 or Or you can press

When the washing machine control button 222 is touched or pressed, the controller 190 may determine that a user input for activating the washing machine control has been acquired.

If the user input for switching to the washing machine control mode is not obtained (No in 1080), the washing machine 100 may maintain the dryer control mode. Also, the washing machine 100 may display drying operation information and/or drying setting information and obtain a user input for controlling the drying operation and/or drying setting.

When a user input for switching to the washing machine control mode is obtained (YES in 1080), the washing machine 100 may operate in the washing machine control mode.

As described above, the washing machine 100 operates in the washing machine control mode for controlling the washing operation and/or washing setting of the washing machine 100 or the drying operation of the dryer 300 depending on the user input. It can operate in dryer control mode to control and enter drying settings.

Accordingly, the user may control the drying operation of the dryer 300 and input drying settings using the control panel 110 of the washing machine 100 . For example, when the dryer 300 is located above the washing machine 100, the user uses the control panel 110 of the washing machine 100 without manipulating the control panel 310 of the dryer 300 to dry the dryer. (300) can be controlled.

16 illustrates a washing/drying setting input method of a washing machine according to an embodiment. 17 illustrates a washing setting input of a washing machine according to an embodiment. 18 illustrates dry setting input of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

16, 17, and 18, a setting input method 1100 of the washing machine 100 will be described.

The washing machine 100 is turned on (1105).

Operation 1105 may be the same as operation 1005 shown in FIG. 15 .

The washing machine 100 obtains information about the dryer 300 from the dryer 300 (1110).

The control unit 190 may identify whether or not communication with the dryer 300 is possible through the communication unit 180, and if it is identified that communication with the dryer 300 is possible, the dryer 300 is dried through the communication unit 180. Operation information and/or drying setting information may be received.

As such, the washing machine 100 first determines whether or not it is connected to the dryer 300, and when it determines that it is connected to the dryer 300, it obtains information about the dryer 300 from the dryer 300. However, below, it is assumed that the washing machine 100 is connected to the dryer 300.

Operation 1110 may be the same as operations 1010 and 1015 shown in FIG. 15 .

The washing machine 100 operates in the washing machine control mode (1115).

Regardless of whether or not communication with the dryer 300 is possible after being turned on, the washing machine 100 may operate in the washing machine control mode.

Operation 1115 may be the same as operation 1020 shown in FIG. 15 .

The washing machine 100 displays washing setting information or washing operation information (1120).

The controller 190 may determine whether the washing machine 100 is in a washing operation based on data stored in the memory 192, for example. The controller 190 displays information about the washing operation of the washing machine 100 on the control panel 110 when the washing machine 100 is in a washing operation, and sets washing settings of the washing machine 100 when the washing machine 100 is not in operation. Information on the control panel 110 may be displayed.

As such, the washing machine 100 may display information on a washing operation of the washing machine 100 or information on washing settings on the control panel 110 in the washing machine control mode.

Operation 1115 may be the same as operations 1025, 1030, and 1035 illustrated in FIG. 15 .

The washing machine 100 determines whether a user input for switching to the dryer control mode is obtained during the washing machine control mode (1125).

When the dryer control button 221 provided on the control panel 110 is touched or pressed, the controller 190 may determine that a user input for activating the dryer control has been acquired.

Operation 1125 may be the same as operation 1040 shown in FIG. 15 .

When it is determined that the user input for switching to the dryer control mode is not obtained (No in 1125), the washing machine 100 obtains a user input for changing laundry settings in the washing machine control mode (1130).

The control panel 110 includes a course selection dial 241 for obtaining a user input for selecting a washing course in the washing machine control mode and a circuit for selecting washing settings (eg, washing temperature, number of rinses, spinning speed, etc.) First, second, and third setting buttons 261, 262, and 263 for acquiring user input may be provided. The user may manipulate the course selection dial 241 and the first, second, and third setting buttons 261, 262, and 263 to input a washing course and washing setting of the washing machine 100 in the washing machine control mode.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17 , the course selection dial 241 may be rotated by the user. The controller 190 may identify a user input for selecting a washing course in response to rotation of the course selection dial 241 . In addition, the controller 190 may identify a user input for changing washing settings in response to at least one of the first, second, and third setting buttons 261, 262, and 263 being touched or pressed.

The washing machine 100 changes and stores laundry settings in response to obtaining a user input (1135).

The controller 190 may sequentially display a plurality of washing courses on the course display 251 while the course selection dial 241 rotates. Also, the controller 190 may select a laundry course displayed on the course display 251 as a course for washing laundry when the rotation of the course selection dial 241 is stopped.

The controller 190 may change the washing temperature for washing the laundry in response to the first setting button 261 being touched or pressed, and the rinsing temperature for rinsing the laundry in response to the second setting button 262 being touched or pressed. The number of times may be changed, and spin-drying strength for spin-drying laundry may be changed in response to a touch or pressing of the third setting button 263 .

The controller 190 may store or memorize the selected wash course and changed wash settings in the memory 192 .

The washing machine 100 displays the changed washing settings in response to a user input (1140).

For example, the controller 190 may display the selected wash course on the course display 251 by stopping the rotation of the course selection dial 241 . In addition, the controller 190 may display the changed washing temperature, the changed number of rinses, and the changed spinning power on the first, second, and third setting displays 271, 272, and 273.

In this way, the washing machine 100 may acquire wash settings for controlling the washing operation through the control panel 110 in the washing machine control mode, and display the change of the wash settings on the control panel 110 .

Returning to operation 1125, when a user input for switching to the dryer control mode is obtained (Yes in 1125), the washing machine 100 obtains information about the dryer 300 from the dryer 300 (1155).

The controller 190 may identify whether communication with the dryer 300 is possible through the communication unit 180 in response to a user input for switching to the dryer control mode, and communication with the dryer 300 is possible. If identified, drying operation information and/or drying setting information of the dryer 300 may be received through the communication unit 180 .

Operation 1155 may be the same as operations 1010 and 1015 shown in FIG. 15 .

The washing machine 100 operates in the dryer control mode (1160).

In response to the dryer control button 221 being touched, the washing machine 100 may operate in the dryer control mode.

Operation 1160 may be the same as operation 1060 shown in FIG. 15 .

The washing machine 100 displays drying setting information or drying operation information (1165).

For example, the controller 190 may determine whether the dryer 300 is in a washing operation based on data received from the dryer 300 . The control unit 190 displays information on the drying operation of the dryer 300 on the control panel 110 when the dryer 300 is in a drying operation, and sets the drying operation of the dryer 300 when the dryer 300 is not in operation. Information on the control panel 110 may be displayed.

As such, the washing machine 100 may display information on a drying operation of the dryer 300 or information on a drying setting on the control panel 110 in the dryer control mode.

Operation 1165 may be the same as operations 1065, 1070, and 1075 illustrated in FIG. 15 .

The washing machine 100 determines whether a user input for switching to the washing machine control mode is obtained during the dryer control mode (1170).

When the washing machine control button 222 provided on the control panel 110 is touched or pressed, the controller 190 may determine that a user input for activating the washing machine control has been obtained.

Operation 1170 may be the same as operation 1080 shown in FIG. 15 .

When a user input for switching to the washing machine control mode is obtained (Yes in S1170), the washing machine 100 operates in the washing machine control mode (S1115).

When it is determined that the user input for switching to the washing machine control mode is not obtained (No in 1170), the washing machine 100 obtains a user input for changing washing settings in the dryer control mode (1175).

In the control panel 110, a course selection dial 241 for obtaining a user input for selecting a drying course in the dryer control mode and drying settings (eg, degree of drying, time to add wrinkle prevention, drying time, etc.) are provided. First, second, and third setting buttons 261, 262, and 263 for acquiring a user input for selection may be provided. A user may manipulate the course selection dial 241 and the first, second, and third setting buttons 261, 262, and 263 to input a drying course and drying setting of the dryer 300 in the dryer control mode.

For example, as shown in FIG. 18 , the course selection dial 241 may be rotated by the user. The controller 190 may identify a user input for selecting a drying course in response to rotation of the course selection dial 241 . In addition, the controller 190 may identify a user input for changing drying settings in response to at least one of the first, second, and third setting buttons 261, 262, and 263 being touched or pressed.

The washing machine 100 changes and stores drying settings in response to obtaining a user input (1135).

The controller 190 may sequentially display a plurality of drying courses on the course display 251 while the course selection dial 241 rotates. In addition, the controller 190 may select a drying course displayed on the course display 251 as a course for the dryer 300 to dry the dry matter when the rotation of the course selection dial 241 is stopped.

The controller 190 may change the degree of drying for drying the dried product in response to the first setting button 261 being touched or pressed, and the control unit 190 may change the drying degree for drying the dried product in response to the second setting button 262 being touched or pressed to prevent wrinkles of the dried product. The additional time for drying may be changed, and the drying time during which the dryer 300 operates for drying may be changed in response to a touch or pressing of the third setting button 263 .

The controller 190 may store or memorize the selected drying course and changed drying settings in the memory 192 .

The washing machine 100 displays the changed drying setting in response to the user input (1185).

For example, the controller 190 may display the drying course selected by stopping the rotation of the course selection dial 241 on the course display 251 . Also, the controller 190 may display the changed drying degree, the changed additional time for preventing wrinkles, and the changed drying time on the first, second, and third setting displays 271, 272, and 273.

The washing machine 100 transmits drying settings to the dryer 300 (1190).

The controller 190 may control the communication unit 180 to transmit changed drying course and drying setting information to the dryer 300 in response to a user input.

The controller 190 controls the communication unit 180 to transmit information on the drying course and/or drying setting to the dryer 300 whenever a user input for changing the drying course and/or drying setting is obtained, or The communication unit 180 may be controlled to transmit information on a drying course and/or drying setting stored in the memory 192 to the dryer 300 at predetermined times.

The controller 390 of the dryer 300 may receive a drying course and drying settings through the communication unit 380 . The controller 390 of the dryer 300 stores the drying course and drying settings received from the washing machine 100 in the memory 392, and displays the drying course and drying settings received from the washing machine 100 on the control panel 310. can be displayed

In this way, the washing machine 100 may acquire drying settings for controlling the drying operation through the control panel 110 during the dryer control mode, and display the change of the drying settings on the control panel 110 . Also, the washing machine 100 may transmit information about drying settings to the dryer 300 .

As described above, the washing machine 100 may obtain a user input for controlling a washing operation in the washing machine control mode and a user input for controlling a drying operation in the dryer control mode.

Accordingly, the user may input user input for controlling the drying operation of the dryer 300 and changing drying settings using the control panel 110 of the washing machine 100 . In other words, the user may be provided with a first user interface for controlling the washing machine and a second user interface for controlling the dryer through one control panel 110 .

19 illustrates a method of starting a washing/drying operation of a washing machine according to an embodiment. 20 illustrates a wash start input of a washing machine according to an embodiment. 21 illustrates a dry start input of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

Together with FIGS. 19, 20 and 21, a method 1200 for starting an operation of the washing machine 100 will be described.

The washing machine 100 is turned on (1205), obtains information about the dryer 300 from the dryer 300 (1210), operates in the washing machine control mode (1215), displays washing setting information or washing operation information ( 1220), it is determined whether a user input for switching to the dryer control mode is obtained (1225).

Operations 1205, 1210, 1215, 1220, and 1225 may be the same as operations 1105, 1110, 1115, 1120, and 1125 illustrated in FIG. 16 .

When it is determined that the user input for switching to the dryer control mode is not obtained (No in 1225), the washing machine 100 determines whether a user input for starting or temporarily stopping the drying operation is obtained in the washing machine control mode ( 1230).

A drying operation button 231 may be provided on the control panel 110 to obtain a user input for starting or temporarily stopping the drying operation of the dryer 300 .

For example, as shown in FIG. 20 , in the washing machine control mode, a user may input a user input for the dryer 300 to dry clothes according to a drying course and drying settings through a drying operation button 232 . there is. Also, the user may input a user input for temporarily stopping the drying operation through the drying operation button 231 while the dryer 300 is in the drying operation.

Regardless of the control mode of the washing machine 100, the controller 190 may obtain a user input for starting the drying operation or a user input for temporarily stopping the drying operation from the user through the drying operation button 231. . In other words, the controller 190 may obtain a user input for starting a drying operation or a user input for temporarily stopping a drying operation through the drying operation button 231 in the dryer control mode, and also in the washing machine control mode. A user input for starting the drying operation or a user input for temporarily stopping the drying operation may be obtained through the operation button 231 .

When it is determined that a user input for starting or temporarily stopping drying has been obtained (YES in 1230), the washing machine 100 transmits a control command for starting or temporarily stopping the drying operation to the dryer 300 ( 1235).

The controller 190 controls the communication unit 180 so that the dryer 300 transmits a control command for starting a drying operation to the dryer 300 in response to the drying operation button 231 being touched or pressed. can Also, the controller 190 may control the communication unit 180 to transmit a control command for starting a drying operation to the dryer 300 together with information on a drying course and/or drying setting.

The controller 190 may determine whether to transmit a control command for starting a drying operation to the dryer 300 depending on whether the dryer 300 communicates with the dryer 300 by wire or wirelessly. For example, when communicating with the dryer 300 by wire, the controller 190 may transmit a control command for starting a drying operation to the dryer 300 .

On the other hand, when communicating with the dryer 300 wirelessly, the control unit 190 may not transmit a control command for starting a drying operation to the dryer 300 . When the washing machine 100 wirelessly communicates with the dryer 300, the washing machine 100 may be located far from the dryer 300. Accordingly, the user of the washing machine 100 may operate the dryer 300 without checking the dryer 300 . For example, even if a pet or the like enters the dryer 300, the user may operate the dryer 300 without confirming it. To prevent this, when communicating with the dryer 300 wirelessly, the control unit 190 of the washing machine 100 is prevented from transmitting a drying operation command for rotating the drum 330 of the dryer 300 to the dryer 300. (or banned).

As such, the controller 190 may preferably control the wired communication module 181 so that the dryer 300 transmits a control command for starting a drying operation to the dryer 300 .

The controller 390 of the dryer 300 may receive a control command for starting a drying operation through the communication unit 380 . In response to a control command for starting a drying operation, the controller 390 may control components included in the dryer 300 to perform a drying operation. The controller 390 can identify whether the door 302 is closed depending on the output signal of the door switch 303 . When it is identified that the door 302 is closed, the controller 390 may control the door lock 304 to lock the door 302 . When it is identified that the door 302 is locked, the controller 390 controls the drum motor 335 to rotate the drum 330 and the fan motor 345 to rotate the fan 340, and controls the duct 350 to rotate. ) can control the heater 355 to heat the inside.

In addition, the controller 190 of the washing machine 100 controls the dryer 300 to temporarily stop the drying operation in response to the drying operation button 231 being touched or pressed during the drying operation of the dryer 300. The communication unit 180 may be controlled to transmit a command to the dryer 300 .

The controller 390 of the dryer 300 may receive a control command for temporarily stopping the drying operation through the communication unit 380 . In response to a control command for temporarily stopping the drying operation, the controller 390 may control components included in the dryer 300 to stop the drying operation. For example, the controller 390 controls the drum motor 335 to stop the drum 330, controls the fan motor 345 to stop the fan 340, and stops heating the duct 350. The heater 355 can be controlled.

When determining that a user input for starting or temporarily stopping drying has not been obtained (No in 1230), the washing machine 100 determines whether a user input for starting or temporarily stopping a washing operation has been obtained (1240).

A washing operation button 232 may be provided on the control panel 110 to obtain a user input for starting or temporarily stopping the washing operation of the washing machine 100 .

For example, as shown in FIG. 21 , in the washing machine control mode, a user may input a user input for the washing machine 100 to wash laundry according to a washing course and washing settings through a washing operation button 232 . there is. Also, the user may input a user input for temporarily stopping the washing operation through the washing operation button 232 while the washing machine 100 is in the washing operation.

Regardless of the control mode of the washing machine 100, the controller 190 may obtain a user input for starting the washing operation or a user input for temporarily stopping the washing operation from the user through the washing operation button 232. In other words, in the washing machine control mode, the controller 190 may not only obtain a user input for starting a washing operation or a user input for pausing the washing operation through the washing operation button 232, but also perform laundry in the dryer control mode. A user input for starting the washing operation or a user input for temporarily stopping the washing operation may be obtained through the operation button 232 .

When it is determined that a user input for starting or temporarily stopping drying is obtained (YES in S1240), the washing machine 100 starts a washing operation or temporarily stops the washing operation (S1245).

The controller 190 may control elements included in the washing machine 100 to perform a washing operation in response to the washing operation button 232 being touched or pressed. The controller 190 can identify whether the door 102 is closed depending on the output signal of the door switch 103 . When it is identified that the door 102 is closed, the controller 190 may control the door lock 104 to lock the door 102 . When it is identified that the door 302 is locked, the controller 190 controls the water supply valve 152 to supply water to the tub 120 and the drum motor to rotate the drum 130 at a low speed for washing/rinsing. (140) can be controlled. In addition, the controller 190 may control the drainage pump 162 to discharge water contained in the tub 120 and control the drum motor 140 to rotate the drum 130 at high speed for dehydration.

In addition, the controller 190 may control elements included in the washing machine 100 to temporarily stop the washing operation in response to the washing operation button 232 being touched or pressed during the washing operation of the washing machine 100. there is. For example, the controller 190 may control the water supply valve 152 to stop supplying water while supplying water, and control the drum motor 140 to stop rotation of the drum 130 during washing/rinsing. Also, the controller 190 may control the drainage pump 162 to stop water drainage while draining water, and control the drum motor 140 to stop rotation of the drum 130 during water drainage.

Returning to operation 1225, when a user input for switching to the dryer control mode is obtained (YES in 1225), the washing machine 100 obtains information about the dryer 300 from the dryer 300 (1255). The washing machine 100 operates in the dryer control mode (1260), displays drying setting information or drying operation information (1265), and determines whether a user input for switching to the washing machine control mode is obtained (1270).

Operations 1255, 1260, 1265, and 1270 may be the same as operations 1155, 1160, 1165, and 1170 illustrated in FIG. 16 .

When a user input for switching to the washing machine control mode is obtained (Yes in S1270), the washing machine 100 operates in the washing machine control mode (S1215).

When it is determined that the user input for switching to the washing machine control mode is not obtained (No in 1270), the washing machine 100 determines whether a user input for starting or temporarily stopping a washing operation is obtained in the dryer control mode ( 1275).

Regardless of the control mode of the washing machine 100, the controller 190 may obtain a user input for starting the washing operation from the user through the washing operation button 232.

Operation 1275 may be the same as operation 1240 .

When it is determined that a user input for starting or temporarily stopping washing has been obtained (YES in S1275), the washing machine 100 starts a washing operation or temporarily stops the washing operation (S1280).

Operation 1280 may be the same as operation 1245.

When it is determined that a user input for starting or temporarily stopping washing has not been obtained (No in 1280), the washing machine 100 determines whether a user input for starting or temporarily stopping a drying operation has been obtained (1285).

The controller 190 may obtain a user input for starting the washing operation from the user through the drying operation button 231 regardless of the control mode of the washing machine 100 .

Operation 1285 may be the same as operation 1230.

When determining that a user input for starting or temporarily stopping drying has been obtained (YES in 1285), the washing machine 100 transmits a control command for starting or temporarily stopping the drying operation to the dryer 300 ( 1290).

Operation 1290 may be the same as operation 1235.

As described above, the washing machine 100 may obtain a user input for starting/pausing a washing operation and a user input for starting/pausing a drying operation, regardless of a control mode.

Thereby, the user can quickly stop the operation of the dryer 300 in an emergency situation. For example, in order to stop the dryer 300 in a drying operation, the user directly touches the drying operation button 231 without touching the dryer control button 221 for switching the control mode, thereby causing the dryer 300 to stop. ) can be temporarily stopped.

22 illustrates a remote control activating method for washing machines and dryers according to an embodiment. 23 illustrates remote control activation by a washing machine according to one embodiment.

Together with FIGS. 22 and 23 , a remote control activating method 1300 of the washing machine 100 is described.

The washing machine 100 is turned on (1305), obtains information about the dryer 300 from the dryer 300 (1310), operates in the washing machine control mode (1315), displays washing setting information or washing operation information ( 1320), it is determined whether a user input for switching to the dryer control mode is obtained (1325).

Operations 1305, 1310, 1315, 1320, and 1325 may be the same as operations 1105, 1110, 1115, 1120, and 1125 illustrated in FIG. 16 .

When it is determined that the user input for switching to the dryer control mode has not been obtained (No in 1325), the washing machine 100 determines whether a user input for remote control has been obtained in the washing machine control mode (1330).

A remote control button 281 for activating remote control of the washing machine 100 and/or the dryer 300 using an external device (eg, a user device) may be provided on the control panel 110 .

For example, as shown in FIG. 23 , a user may input a user input for activating remote control of the washing machine 100 and/or the dryer 300 through the remote control button 281 . In addition, the user may use the remote control button 281 to deactivate the remote control of the washing machine 100 and/or the dryer 300 while the remote control of the washing machine 100 and/or the dryer 300 is activated. User input can be entered.

The controller 190 may obtain a user input for activating the remote control of the washing machine 100 and/or the dryer 300 or a user input for deactivating the remote control through the remote control button 281 .

If it is not determined that a user input for activating the remote control has been obtained (No in 1330), the washing machine 100 may wait for a user input in the washing machine control mode.

When it is determined that a user input for activating the remote control is obtained (Yes in S1330), the washing machine 100 determines whether the door 102 of the washing machine 100 is locked (S1335).

The controller 190 may determine whether the door of the washing machine 100 is locked based on operation information of the door lock 104 . When the door 102 is closed and a user input for starting washing is obtained, the controller 190 controls the door lock 104 to lock the door 102 and stores data representing the locking of the door 102 in memory. (192).

The controller 190 may identify whether the door 102 of the washing machine 100 is locked based on data stored in the memory 192 .

When the washing machine 100 determines that the door 102 of the washing machine 100 is locked (YES in S1335), the remote control of the washing machine 100 is activated (S1340).

The controller 190 may allow wireless remote control by an external device (eg, a user device, etc.). For example, the control unit 190 may wirelessly obtain a control command for remote control from an external device through the communication unit 180, and may control the operation of the washing machine 100 in response to the obtained control command. .

When it is determined that the door 102 of the washing machine 100 is not locked (No in 1335), the washing machine 100 determines whether the door 302 of the dryer 300 is locked (1345).

The controller 190 may determine whether the door 302 of the dryer 300 is locked based on operation information of the door lock 304 of the dryer 300 . When the door 302 is closed and a user input for starting drying is obtained, the dryer 300 controls the door lock 304 to lock the door 302 and transmits data indicating locking of the door 302 to the communication unit. It can be transmitted to the washing machine 100 through 380.

The controller 190 of the washing machine 100 may identify whether the door 302 of the dryer 300 is locked based on the data received from the dryer 300 .

When the washing machine 100 determines that the door 302 of the dryer 300 is locked (YES in S1345), the remote control of the dryer 300 is activated (S1350).

The controller 190 may control the communication unit 180 to transmit a control command for allowing wireless remote control of the dryer 300 by an external device (eg, a user device) to the dryer 300 . In response to receiving a control command for allowing wireless remote control, the control unit 390 of the dryer 300 wirelessly obtains a control command for remote control from an external device through the communication unit 380 and obtains the control command. In response, the operation of the dryer 300 may be controlled.

When it is determined that the door 302 of the dryer 300 is not locked (No in 1345), the washing machine 100 may continue to obtain user input in the washing machine control mode.

Returning to operation 1325, when a user input for switching to the dryer control mode is obtained (YES in 1325), the washing machine 100 obtains information about the dryer 300 from the dryer 300 (1355). The washing machine 100 operates in the dryer control mode (1360), displays drying setting information or drying operation information (1365), and determines whether a user input for switching to the washing machine control mode is obtained (1370).

Operations 1355, 1360, 1365, and 1370 may be the same as operations 1155, 1160, 1165, and 1170 illustrated in FIG. 16 .

When a user input for switching to the washing machine control mode is obtained (YES in S1370), the washing machine 100 operates in the washing machine control mode (S1315).

When it is determined that the user input for switching to the washing machine control mode has not been obtained (No in 1370), the washing machine 100 determines whether a user input for remote control has been obtained in the dryer control mode (1375).

Operation 1375 may be the same as operation 1330 .

The washing machine 100 determines whether the door 302 of the dryer 100 is locked when it is determined that a user input for activating the remote control is obtained (YES in S1375) (S1380). When the washing machine 100 determines that the door 302 of the dryer 300 is locked (YES in S1380), the remote control of the dryer 300 is activated (S1385).

Operations 1380 and 1385 may be the same as operations 1345 and 1350 .

When it is determined that the door 302 of the dryer 300 is not locked (No in 1380), the washing machine 100 determines whether the door 102 of the washing machine 100 is locked (1390). When the washing machine 100 determines that the door 102 of the washing machine 100 is locked (YES in S1390), the remote control of the washing machine 100 is activated (S1395).

Operations 1390 and 1395 may be the same as operations 1335 and 1340 .

When it is determined that the door 102 of the washing machine 100 is not locked (No in 1390), the washing machine 100 may continue to obtain user input in the dryer control mode.

As described above, the washing machine 100 may allow wireless remote control of the washing machine 100 in response to a user input for activating the remote control, and may allow wireless remote control of the dryer 300. A control command may be transmitted to the dryer 300 . However, the washing machine 100 may not allow remote control when it is determined that the door 102 of the washing machine 100 is not locked, and when it is determined that the door 302 of the dryer 300 is not locked, the dryer 300 ) may not transmit a control command for allowing wireless remote control to the dryer 300.

When remote control is allowed, the washing machine 100 (or dryer) wirelessly communicates with the external device and may receive a control command from the external device. When the washing machine 100 (or dryer) communicates wirelessly, the washing machine 100 (or dryer) may be located far from an external device. Accordingly, the user of the external device may operate the washing machine 100 (or dryer) without checking the state of the washing machine 100 (or dryer). For example, even if a pet or the like enters the washing machine 100 (or dryer), the user may operate the washing machine 100 (or dryer) without confirming it. To prevent this, the washing machine 100 (or dryer) may allow remote control only when the door 102 is locked (ie, only after the washing machine starts operating). The remote control of the dryer 300 may be activated in the same way as the washing machine 100 .

24 illustrates a power-off method of washing machines and dryers according to an embodiment. 25 illustrates power-off of a dryer by a washing machine according to an embodiment.

24 and 25, a power-off method 1400 of the washing machine 100 is described.

The washing machine 100 is turned on (1405), obtains information about the dryer 300 from the dryer 300 (1410), operates in the washing machine control mode (1415), displays washing setting information or washing operation information ( 1420), it is determined whether a user input for switching to the dryer control mode is obtained (1425).

Operations 1405, 1410, 1415, 1420, and 1425 may be the same as operations 1105, 1110, 1115, 1120, and 1125 illustrated in FIG. 16 .

When the washing machine 100 determines that the user input for switching to the dryer control mode is not obtained (No in 1425), the washing machine 100 receives a user input for power-off (user input for switching to the standby state) in the washing machine control mode. It is determined whether or not it has been obtained (1430).

A washing machine power button 211 may be provided in the control panel 110 to obtain a user input for powering on the washing machine 100 or powering off the washing machine 100 .

For example, as shown in FIG. 24 , the user inputs a user input for switching the washing machine 100 from the “on state” to the “standby state” through the washing machine power button 211 in the washing machine control mode. can In response to the washing machine power button 211 being touched or pressed, the controller 190 switches the washing machine 100 from the "standby state" to the "on state" or from the "on state" to the "standby state" can do.

If it is not determined that a user input for power-off (user input for switching to a standby state) has been obtained (No in 1430), the washing machine 100 may wait for a user input in the washing machine control mode.

The washing machine 100, when determining that a user input for power-off is obtained (Yes in S1430), powers off (converts the washing machine to a standby state) (S1435).

The controller 190 may switch the washing machine 100 from the "on state" to the "standby state".

Power may be supplied limitedly to components of the washing machine 100 in the “standby state”. For example, power is supplied to all components of the washing machine 100 in the "on state", but power is limitedly supplied to the control panel 110, the communication unit 180 and the control unit 190 in the "standby state". can

In this way, the controller 190 may switch the washing machine 100 from the "on state" to the "standby state" in response to obtaining a user input for power-off in the washing machine control mode.

Returning to operation 1425, when a user input for switching to the dryer control mode is obtained (YES in 1425), the washing machine 100 obtains information about the dryer 300 from the dryer 300 (1455). The washing machine 100 operates in the dryer control mode (1460), displays drying setting information or drying operation information (1465), and determines whether a user input for switching to the washing machine control mode is obtained (1470).

Operations 1455, 1460, 1465, and 1470 may be the same as operations 1155, 1160, 1165, and 1170 illustrated in FIG. 16 .

When a user input for switching to the washing machine control mode is obtained (Yes in S1470), the washing machine 100 operates in the washing machine control mode (S1415).

When it is determined that the user input for switching to the washing machine control mode is not obtained (No in 1470), the washing machine 100 determines whether or not a user input for power-off is obtained in the dryer control mode (1475). When it is determined that the user input for power-off is obtained (Yes in S1475), the washing machine 100 powers off the dryer 100 (converts the washing machine to a standby state) (1480).

The controller 190 sends a control command for switching the power state of the dryer 300 to the dryer 300 through the communication unit 180 in response to the washing machine power button 211 being touched or pressed in the dryer control mode. can be sent to

For example, the controller 190 may identify a power state (eg, standby state or on state) of the dryer 300 based on information received from the dryer 300 . When the controller 190 identifies that the dryer 300 is in a "standby state", it may transmit a control command for switching the dryer 300 in a "standby state" to an "on state" to the dryer 300, and When it is identified that 300 is in an “on state”, a control command for converting the dryer 300 in an “on state” into a “standby state” may be transmitted to the dryer 300 .

The controller 390 of the dryer 300 may receive a control command for switching the power state from the washing machine 100 and switch the power state of the dryer 300 in response to the received control command.

In the above, it has been described that the washing machine 100 changes the power state of the dryer 300 in response to the washing machine power button 211 being touched or pressed in the dryer control mode. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the washing machine 100 may change the power state of the washing machine 100 itself in response to the washing machine power button 211 being touched or pressed in the dryer control mode. Specifically, the washing machine 100 may switch from an “on state” to a “standby state” in response to the washing machine power button 211 being touched or pressed in the dryer control mode.

As described above, the washing machine 100 may switch its power state from “on state” to “standby state” in response to a user input for power-off in the washing machine control mode, and in the dryer control mode A control command for switching the power state of the dryer 300 may be transmitted to the dryer 300 in response to a user input for power-off. Accordingly, the user may power-on or power-off the dryer 300 using the control panel 110 of the washing machine 100 .

As described above, the washing machine includes a control panel; drum; drum motor; A communication unit capable of exchanging data with the dryer; and a controller electrically connected to the control panel, the drum motor, and the communication unit. The control unit operates in one of a first mode and a second mode depending on a first user input through the control panel, and responds to a second user input through the control panel in the first mode. to control the communication unit to transmit a control command for controlling the dryer to the dryer, and to control the drum motor to rotate the drum in response to a third user input through the control panel in the second mode. can

Accordingly, the user can control not only the operation of the washing machine using the control panel of the washing machine, but also the operation of the dryer that can communicate with the washing machine. In other words, the user may be provided with a first user interface for controlling the washing machine and a second user interface for controlling the dryer through one control panel.

The control panel includes a first control switch and a second control switch, and the control unit switches to a first mode in response to a user input through the first control switch in the second mode, and the first mode In , it is possible to switch to the second mode in response to a user input through the second control switch.

The control panel includes at least one input switch, and the control unit acquires the second user input for controlling the dryer through the at least one input switch in the first mode, and , the third user input for controlling the drum motor may be obtained through the at least one input switch.

Accordingly, the size of the menu (or button) for controlling the washing machine or dryer is not reduced, and user's operation mistake due to the miniaturization of the menu (or button) can be prevented.

The control panel includes a first operation switch and a second operation switch, and the controller, in both the first mode and the second mode, responds to a user input through the first operation switch to dry the dryer in the dryer. Controls the communication unit to transmit a control command for starting an operation, and rotates the drum for washing in response to a user input through the second operation switch in both the first mode and the second mode. The drum motor can be controlled.

Accordingly, the user can stop the washing machine or the dryer with only one button in an emergency situation, and can further quickly stop the operation of the dryer or the washing machine in an emergency situation.

The communication unit may exchange data with the dryer in a wired or wireless manner, and the control unit may perform a drying operation of the dryer in response to a user input through the control panel when the communication unit exchanges data with the dryer in a wired manner. If the communication unit controls the communication unit to transmit a control command for starting the dryer, and the communication unit wirelessly exchanges data with the dryer, the control command for starting the drying operation of the dryer may not be transmitted.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a user of the washing machine from operating the dryer without checking the dryer. In other words, safety accidents caused by the dryer can be prevented.

The control panel includes at least one input switch, and the control unit activates remote control of the dryer in response to a user input through the at least one input switch in both the first mode and the second mode. The communication unit may be controlled to transmit a control command for the washing machine and remote control of the washing machine may be activated. The washing machine further includes a cabinet accommodating the drum and having an opening formed at a front thereof, and a door capable of closing the opening, and the control unit determines whether the door is closed in response to a user input through the at least one input switch. , the remote control of the washing machine may be activated in response to determining that the door is closed, and the remote control of the washing machine may be deactivated in response to determining that the door is not closed.

Accordingly, it can be prevented that the user of the external device operates the washing machine (or dryer) without checking the state of the washing machine (or dryer). In other words, a safety accident of a washing machine (or dryer) for remote control can be prevented.

In response to at least one of a user input for power-on of the washing machine and a user input for controlling the dryer, the controller identifies whether communication with the dryer is possible and controls the communication unit to receive information from the dryer. can The control unit may control the communication unit to identify whether communication is possible with the dryer and to receive information from the dryer at every predetermined time.

Accordingly, the washing machine can monitor the operation of the dryer and provide information about the operation of the dryer to the user through the control panel.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. Instructions may be stored in the form of program codes, and when executed by a processor, create program modules to perform operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media in which instructions that can be decoded by a computer are stored. For example, there may be read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage device, and the like.

The device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic wave), and this term refers to the case where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium. and temporary storage are not distinguished. For example, 'non-temporary storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided by being included in a computer program product. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. A computer program product is distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g. compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or through an application store (e.g. Play Store™) or on two user devices (e.g. It can be distributed (eg downloaded or uploaded) online, directly between smartphones. In the case of online distribution, at least a part of a computer program product (eg, a downloadable app) is stored on a device-readable storage medium such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or a relay server. It can be temporarily stored or created temporarily.

As above, the disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art to which the disclosed embodiments belong will understand that the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in other forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

100: washing machine 101: cabinet
101a: slot 102: door
103: door switch 104: door lock
110: control panel 120: tub
121: tub front part 122: tub rear part
130: drum 131: drum body
131a: through hole 131b: lifter
132: drum front part 133: drum rear part
140: drum motor 141: shaft
142: stator 143: rotor
150: water supply part 151: water supply conduit
152: water supply valve 160: drain
161: drain pipe 162: drain pump
170: detergent supply unit 171: detergent box
172: mixed conduit 180: communication unit
181: wired communication module 182: wireless communication module
183: communication interface 190: control unit
191: processor 192: memory
211: washing machine power button 221: dryer control button
222: washing machine control button 231: dryer operation button
232: washing operation button 241: course selection dial
251 course display 261 first setting button
262: second setting button 263: third setting button
271 first setting display 272 second setting display
273 Third setting display 281 Remote control button
291: Additional setting display
300: dryer 301: cabinet
301a: slot 302: door
303: door switch 304: door lock
310: control panel 330: drum
331 drum body 332 front panel
332a: inlet 332b: outlet
333: rear panel 333a: inlet
334: filter 335: drum motor
340: fan 345: fan motor
350: duct 355: heater
360: heat pump 361: compressor
362 condenser 363 expander
364: evaporator 411: dryer power button
431: drying operation button 441: course selection dial
451 course display 461 first setting button
462: second setting button 463: third setting button
471 first setting display 472 second setting display
473 Third setting display 481 Remote control button
491: Additional setting display

Claims (20)

a washing machine performing a washing operation;
a dryer that performs a drying operation;
a control panel providing a first user interface for controlling the washing machine and a second user interface for controlling the dryer; and
A controller configured to receive a control signal through the first user interface and the second user interface;
The control panel,
a wash selection button for receiving a selection for activating the first user interface;
a dry selection button for receiving a selection for activating the second user interface;
a wash setting button for receiving a setting for the washing operation in an activated state of the first user interface;
a light emitting element disposed behind the washing setting button to display an activation state of the first user interface;
a first pause button for receiving a pause of the washing operation;
a second pause button for receiving a pause of the drying operation; and
A display displaying washing operation information of the washing machine and drying operation information of the dryer;
The control unit,
Controlling the light emitting device to display an activation state of the first user interface in response to a signal input from the wash selection button;
and providing a control signal for the dryer in response to a signal input from the second pause button in an activated state of the first user interface. According to claim 1,
The controller controls the display to simultaneously display the washing operation information and the drying operation information. According to claim 1,
The control panel further includes a wash course selector for selecting one of a plurality of wash courses;
The control unit controls the control panel to activate the wash course selection unit in response to a signal input from the wash selection button. According to claim 1,
The control panel further includes a drying course selection unit for receiving a selection of one drying course from among a plurality of drying courses;
The control unit controls the control panel to activate the drying course selection unit in response to a signal input from the drying selection button. According to claim 1,
In an inactive state of the first user interface, the first pause button is maintained in an activated state. a washing machine performing a washing operation;
a dryer that performs a drying operation;
a control panel providing a first user interface for controlling the washing machine and a second user interface for controlling the dryer; and
A controller configured to receive a control signal through the first user interface and the second user interface;
The control panel,
a wash selection button for receiving a selection for activating the first user interface;
a dry selection button for receiving a selection for activating the second user interface;
a drying setting button for receiving a setting for the drying operation in an activated state of the second user interface;
a light emitting element disposed behind the drying setting button to display an activation state of the second user interface;
a washing pause button for receiving a pause of the washing operation;
a drying pause button for receiving a pause of the drying operation; and
A display displaying washing operation information of the washing machine and drying operation information of the dryer;
The control unit,
Controlling the light emitting element to display an activation state of the second user interface in response to a signal input from the dry selection button;
A laundry treatment device configured to provide a control signal to the washing machine in response to a signal input from the wash pause button in an activated state of the second user interface. According to claim 6,
The controller controls the display to simultaneously display the washing operation information and the drying operation information. According to claim 6,
The drying setting button includes a drying time button for inputting a drying time. According to claim 8,
The control panel further includes a display unit displaying a drying time input through the drying time button,
The controller controls the display unit to change the drying time in response to a signal input through the drying time button. According to claim 6,
In an inactive state of the second user interface, the drying pause button is maintained in an activated state. a washing machine performing a washing operation;
a dryer that performs a drying operation;
a control panel providing a first user interface for controlling the washing machine and a second user interface for controlling the dryer; and
A controller configured to receive a control signal through the first user interface and the second user interface;
The control panel,
a wash selection button for receiving a selection for activating the first user interface;
a first light emitting element displaying an activation state of the first user interface;
a first pause button for receiving a pause of the washing operation;
a dry selection button for receiving a selection for activating the second user interface;
a second light emitting element displaying an activation state of the second user interface;
a second pause button for receiving a pause of the drying operation; and
A display displaying washing operation information of the washing machine and drying operation information of the dryer;
The control unit,
Controlling the first light emitting device to display an activation state of the first user interface in response to a signal input from the wash selection button;
Controlling the second light emitting device to display an activation state of the second user interface in response to a signal input from the dry selection button;
While the first user interface is active, providing a control signal of the dryer in response to a signal input through the second pause button;
While the second user interface is activated, a control signal for the washing machine is provided in response to a signal input through the first pause button. According to claim 11,
The control unit,
Controlling the display to display the washing operation information during an activation state of the first user interface;
and controlling the display to display the drying operation information while the second user interface is activated. According to claim 11,
The first user interface,
a wash course selector for selecting one wash course from among a plurality of wash courses; and
and a wash setting button for receiving a wash operation setting for the one wash course. According to claim 13,
The first light emitting device is disposed behind the laundry setting button. According to claim 11,
The second user interface,
a drying course selection unit for selecting one drying course from among a plurality of drying courses; and
and a drying setting button for receiving a drying operation setting for the one drying course. According to claim 15,
The second light emitting element is disposed behind the dry setting button. According to claim 15,
The drying setting button includes a drying time button for inputting a drying time. According to claim 11,
The controller controls the display to simultaneously display the washing operation information and the drying operation information. According to claim 11,
The washing selection button and the drying selection button include a touch switch. A laundry treatment apparatus including a washing machine, a drying machine that operates independently of the washing machine, and a control panel providing a first user interface for controlling the washing machine and a second user interface for controlling the drying machine. In the control method of
In response to a signal input from a first selection button disposed on the control panel, the first user interface is activated and a first light emitting element disposed on the control panel is driven to display an activation state of the first user interface. ;
transmitting a control signal for temporarily stopping the operation of the washing machine to the washing machine in response to a signal input from a first pause button disposed on the control panel;
In response to a signal input from a second selection button disposed on the control panel, the second user interface is activated and a second light emitting element disposed on the control panel is always driven to display an activation state of the second user interface. ;
transmits a control signal for temporarily stopping an operation of the drying device to the drying device in response to a signal input from a second pause button disposed on the control panel during an activation state of the first user interface;
and controlling a display disposed on the control panel to display both operation information of the washing machine and operation information of the drying machine while the first user interface is activated.

Images