KR20170082060A - Laundry treating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothes processing apparatus having a touch screen for displaying time information. The clothes processing apparatus includes first and second cabinets for forming an outer shape; A first washing tub provided in the first cabinet; A first door configured to open and close a clothes inlet of the first washing tub; A drawer housing which can be pulled into or out of the second cabinet through an opening formed in the front of the second cabinet; A second washing tub provided in the drawer housing; A second door configured to open and close a clothes inlet of the second washing tub; A touch screen (251) provided in the first cabinet; And a controller for controlling the touch screen to output a first graphic object for selecting the first washing tub and a second graphic object for selecting the second washing tub.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001]

The present invention relates to a clothes processing apparatus having a touch screen for displaying time information.

The clothes processing apparatus includes a device for washing clothes, a device for drying clothes, and a device for washing and drying clothes together. In the clothes processing apparatus, laundry is washed by water and detergent to remove contaminants from the laundry, and drying of clothes is carried out by supplying hot water supplied from clothes through a hot air supply device It is an administration to remove.

A general garment disposal apparatus includes a main body having a garment input port, a garment receiving portion provided inside the main body, a drive unit for rotating the drum constituting the garment receiving portion, a door configured to open and close the garment input port, And a control unit for displaying time information related to the processing performed in the processing apparatus and receiving the user's operation.

In such a general garment disposal apparatus, the door is designed to perform the original function of opening and closing the garment inlet and viewing the garment receiving section. In addition, the control unit is usually provided in the main body, and a plurality of buttons or knobs are provided for briefly displaying only a predetermined stroke in an on / off manner and operating the same.

This differentiation of the door and the control unit has been hampered by the simple appearance of the garment handling device and the input and output interfaces between the garment handling device and the user have to stay in a low dimensional manner.

Therefore, studies have been conducted to place a control unit on a door and implement a control unit on a touch screen. However, studies on a door structure that can bring out a high level of sensibility with integrated aesthetics and low cost for a door and a touch screen Has yet to be realized.

In addition, as the laundry functions implemented in the clothes processing apparatus are diversified, there is a need for separate laundry to separate the laundry according to the type thereof. For example, there is a desire of the user to separate the laundry into the underwear and the sock, or to separate them separately by color. However, since the general garment disposal apparatus includes one garment accommodating section for accommodating the garment, there is an inconvenience that the laundry needs to be separately washed several times in order to solve the above-mentioned needs.

In order to solve such an inconvenience, research has been conducted on a single garment processing apparatus having a plurality of washing tanks, but research on a user interface capable of controlling a plurality of washing tanks has not been studied yet. Since there is a separate control unit for each washing tub, the user has to check each control unit individually and input a control command. Therefore, a new type of user interface for controlling a plurality of washing tanks is an important issue in terms of increasing the convenience of the user.

Further, in consideration of cost, there is a need for a garment processing system that allows the user to use the existing clothes processing apparatus while still using the same. The user can create a garment processing system including a plurality of garment processing devices by disposing a new garment processing device in the existing garment processing device. Also in this case, since there is a separate control unit for each garment processing apparatus, a new type of user interface for controlling a plurality of garment processing apparatuses is required.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a door structure of a clothes processing apparatus capable of giving an integrated esthetics to a user when constructing a window for viewing a garment accommodating portion on a door and a display for displaying information processed in a garment processing apparatus .

Another object of the present invention is to provide a door structure of a garment processing apparatus capable of providing a circular display to a user by using a rectangular display.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a garment processing apparatus which can control at least one of a plurality of laundry tanks or a plurality of garment processing apparatuses using one display.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a washing machine which can accurately and intuitively recognize any one of the objects to be controlled when controlling one of a plurality of washing machines or a plurality of clothes processing apparatuses using one display To provide a new type of user interface.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a washing machine and a washing machine that artificially and intelligently determine any one of the washing tanks (or one of the clothes processing apparatuses) to be used by a user based on user's actions, And to provide a user interface that makes it available.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a clothes processing apparatus capable of using a new laundry function developed by a third party as well as a predetermined washing function in the clothes processing apparatus.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clothes processing apparatus comprising: first and second cabinets for forming an outer shape; A first washing tub provided in the first cabinet; A first door configured to open and close a clothes inlet of the first washing tub; A drawer housing which can be pulled into or out of the second cabinet through an opening formed in the front of the second cabinet; A second washing tub provided in the drawer housing; A second door configured to open and close a clothes inlet of the second washing tub; A touch screen (251) provided in the first cabinet; And a controller for controlling the touch screen to output a first graphic object for selecting the first washing tub and a second graphic object for selecting the second washing tub.

The first door includes: a door frame rotatably coupled to the first cabinet; And a door cover coupled to the door frame to form an outer surface of the first door and having a light transmitting area, wherein the touch screen is mounted on the door frame, Can be output.

Wherein the control unit selects one of the first and second washing machines when a touch is applied to any one of the first and second graphic objects and displays icons associated with functions that the selected washing machine can execute So that the touch screen can be controlled.

Wherein the control unit controls the touch screen so that icons included in the first group are output when the first washing tub is selected and controls the touch screen to control the touch screens to output icons included in the second group when the second washing tub is selected, can do.

When the icons included in one of the first and second groups are output, the controller may limit the output of the icons included in the other group.

Wherein when the touches are applied to the second graphic object while the icons included in the first group are displayed on the touch screen, the icons included in the first group disappear, The touch screen may be controlled so that the touch screen is output.

When the icons included in the first group are output, the second graphic objects are output together, and when the icons included in the second group are output, the first graphic object may be output together.

When the first washing tub is selected, a first image is displayed on the touch screen, icons included in the first group are displayed on the first image, and when the second washing tub is selected, A second image different from the first image may be output, and icons included in the second group may be displayed on the second image.

The first washing tub may rotate around a first rotating shaft, and the second washing tub may rotate about a second rotating shaft intersecting the first rotating shaft.

Wherein each of the icons included in the first group is associated with a function that the first washing machine can perform in accordance with the characteristics of the first rotation axis and each of the icons included in the second group is associated with a characteristic of the second rotation axis And can be linked to functions that the second washing tub can perform.

Wherein when the first icon is touched while the icons included in the first group are being output, the control unit executes the function associated with the first icon using the first washing machine, When the second icon is touched while the icons are being output, the function associated with the second icon can be executed using the second washing machine.

The controller may control the touch screen to output guidance information for guiding the progress of the function using any one of the first and second washing machines.

The controller may control the touch screen to output the first and second graphic objects when a touch input satisfying a preset condition is applied to the touch screen during output of the guide information.

Wherein the first and second graphical objects comprise transparent images, the guidance information overlaps the first and second graphic objects, and the touch input for any one of the first and second graphic objects is one of the one Lt; / RTI >

Wherein the controller is configured to control the first area of the touch screen when the first function using the first washing tub and the second function using the second washing tub are being executed, And outputting second guide information for guiding the progress of the second function to a second region different from the first region.

A first virtual button for stopping or restarting the first function is displayed in the first area, and a second virtual button for stopping or restarting the second function is displayed in the second area.

Wherein the touch screen is formed in a circular shape and the control unit counts a scheduled completion time of the function using any one of the functions when the function using any one of the functions is executed, The touch screen may be controlled such that an image gradually changing in size is output.

The controller may control the touch screen to output icons included in the first group when the first door is switched from the first state to the second state due to an external force.

The first state may be an open state in which the door is open at the garment input port, and the second state may be a closed state in which the door is closing the garment input port.

The control unit may control the touch screen to output icons included in the second group when the second door is switched from the first state to the second state by an external force.

Effects of the clothes processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described as follows.

According to the present invention, the door cover is provided with an opaque area and first and second transparent areas separated from each other in the opaque area, and the window part and the display part (or Touch screen), so that a simple door appearance can be realized. Particularly, when the first and second light-transmissive regions are circularly formed so as to correspond to a circular door, the user can be provided with an integrated esthetics.

Further, when the second light-transmissive region is formed in a circular shape disposed so as to overlap within the rectangular display, the visual information may be output only to the portion corresponding to the circular second light-transmissive region, and a circular display portion may be provided to the user . At this time, the control unit can control the output of the time information on the portion not corresponding to the second light-transmitting region of the display, thereby saving power.

The effects obtained by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description will be.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a clothes processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 1B is a conceptual view showing a state in which the first door shown in FIG. 1A is first rotated to open the clothes inlet. FIG.
Fig. 1C is a conceptual view showing a state in which the first door is rotated in a second order in the state shown in Fig. 1B. Fig.
2 is an exploded perspective view of the first door shown in FIG.
3 is a conceptual view for explaining a second washing tub in the clothes processing apparatus shown in Fig.
4 is a flowchart typically showing a control method of the present invention.
FIGS. 5, 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate examples in which the control method of FIG. 4 is applied.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual view showing a garment processing apparatus displaying first and second graphic objects in response to a user input satisfying predetermined conditions. FIG.
8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main washing apparatus and the auxiliary washing apparatus in the clothes processing apparatus including the main washing apparatus and the auxiliary washing apparatus.
FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method of outputting related information to a touch screen as a stroke is executed in at least one of the main washing apparatus and the auxiliary washing apparatus.
10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method of controlling the acoustic output of each garment processing apparatus.
11A and 11B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method of controlling information output to the touch screen based on user behavior.
12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an operation related to a child lock function;
FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a method in which the main washing apparatus performs connection or disconnection with the auxiliary washing apparatus based on user input. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a conceptual view showing a clothes processing apparatus that can utilize a new washing function developed by a third party as well as a preset washing function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A garment processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Terms including ordinals, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited to these terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

In other respects, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar components to those of the previous embodiment, and a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

In the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, a detailed description of related arts will be omitted when it is determined that the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein may be obscured.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. It should be understood that it includes water and alternatives.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a garment treating apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C are views showing a state where the first door 120 shown in FIG. And the garment input port 160a is opened.

Referring to these drawings, the clothes processing apparatus 100 includes a first cabinet 110 and a first door 120. [

The first cabinet 110 forms an outer shape of the clothes processing apparatus 100 and has a first garment input port 160a through which garment is inserted. In this embodiment, a first garment input port 160a is formed on the front surface of the first cabinet 110 having a hexahedron shape.

The first cabinet 110 is provided therein with a garment receiving portion for receiving laundry through the first garment input port 160a. The garment receiving portion may be referred to as a 'washing tub'.

For example, when the clothes processing apparatus 100 of the present invention is configured as an apparatus for drying laundry, the clothes receiving unit may include a first drum 150 rotatably installed in the first cabinet 110 .

For example, when the clothes processing apparatus 100 of the present invention is configured as an apparatus capable of performing washing and drying of laundry together, the clothes receiving unit is provided in the first cabinet 110, And a first drum 150 rotatably installed in the tub to receive laundry.

The first cabinet 110 is provided with a drive unit (not shown) configured to rotate the first drum 150. The drive unit may include a motor for generating a driving force and a belt for rotating the drum 150 using the driving force.

A detergent supply unit (not shown) may be installed in the first cabinet 110 so as to be drawable and drawable. The cover 112 covering the detergent supply portion can be configured to be rotatable in the up and down direction.

The first cabinet 110 may be provided with a power button 170 to turn on / off the power of the clothes processing apparatus 100. When the display 122, which will be described later, is configured as a touch screen, it may be configured to turn on / off the power of the clothes processing apparatus 100 through touch input to the touch screen 122. In this case, since the power button 170 is not provided, a simpler appearance can be realized.

The first door 120 is rotatably installed with respect to the first cabinet 110 by the hinge unit 140 and is configured to open and close the first garment input port 160a. As shown in the figure, the first cabinet 110 may include a door receiving portion 160b recessed inwardly from the outer surface and having a first garment input port 160a therein. The first door 120 is received in the first door receiving portion 160b and the outer edge portion of the first door 120 is connected to the first cabinet 110 adjacent to the first door receiving portion 160b, As shown in FIG.

In order to prevent the first door 120 from being caught in the first cabinet 110 when the first door 120 is opened due to the structure in which the first door 120 is received in the first door receiving portion 160b, The hinge unit 140 may have a double hinge structure having two different rotation axes. In this case, as shown in Figs. 1B and 1C, after the first door 120 is separated from the first door receiving portion 160b by the first rotation relative to any one of the rotation shafts, So that the first door 120 is rotated by the second rotation of the first door 120.

The hinge unit 140 is mounted on one side of the first door 120. The hinge unit 140 is installed on the other side of the first door 120. The hinge unit 140 is fixed to the first cabinet 110, . The locking device may be configured to be pressed so that the first door 120 is locked when the other side of the first door 120 is pressed once and the first door 120 is unlocked when pressed again.

The first door 120 is provided with a window 121 and a display 122.

In a state in which the first door 120 is closed, the window 121 is arranged to correspond to the first garment input port 160a so as to be able to see through the garment receiving portion. Accordingly, the user can check the state of the clothes accommodated in the clothes accommodating portion through the window 121. [

The display 122 displays (outputs) information to be processed in the garment processing apparatus 100. For example, the display 122 displays execution screen information of a stroke (washing, dehydrating, drying, etc.) driven by the clothes processing apparatus 100, UI (User Interface) corresponding to such execution screen information, GUI User Interface) information.

Hereinafter, the detailed structure of the first door 120 will be described.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first door 120 shown in Fig.

Referring to FIG. 2, the first door 120 includes a door frame 130, a door window 136, a display module 128, and a door cover 190. As described above, the hinge unit 140 for coupling with the first cabinet 110 is mounted on the first door 120, but the hinge unit 140 is omitted in the figure.

In this embodiment, the first door 120 is formed in a circular shape (including a garden shape and an oval shape). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first door 120 may be formed in a polygonal shape (rectangular, hexagonal, etc.).

The door frame 130 is rotatably coupled to the first cabinet 110 so that the hinge unit 140 is coupled to the door frame 130 and the first cabinet 110, respectively.

As shown, the door frame 130 may include an outer frame 131 and an inner frame 132. The outer frame 131 and the inner frame 132 may be formed of a synthetic resin material (for example, an ABS material, a PC material, or the like).

The reason why the above-described configurations are referred to as the outer frame 131 and the inner frame 132 is that when the door frame 130 alone is placed in the closed state of the first door 120, This is because the inner frame 132 is directed to the outside of the first cabinet 110 and the inner frame 132 is directed to the inside of the first cabinet 110. Without this distinction, the outer frame 131 and the inner frame 132 may be referred to as a first frame and a second frame, respectively.

The door frame 130 includes a first opening 130a facing the first garment input port 160a and a second opening corresponding to the display module 128 installed in the first door 120, 131b. The first opening 130a may also be referred to as a door window hole in that the door window 136 is provided in the first opening 130a and that the display module 128 is mounted in the second opening 131b The second opening 131b may also be referred to as a display hole. The second opening 131b may be located on the first opening 130a.

The first opening 130a may include a front opening 131a formed in the outer frame 131 and a rear opening 132a formed in the inner frame 132. [ The second opening 131b is formed in the outer frame 131. A communication part 132b may be formed on the rear side opening 132a of the inner frame 132 and the display module 128 may be mounted inside the door frame 130 through the communication part 132b.

The door window 136 is installed in the door frame 130 to correspond to the first opening 130a. The door window 136 is formed of a translucent material such as glass or synthetic resin so that the door 120 is disposed to correspond to the first garment input port 160a when the door 120 is closed.

A display module 128 is installed inside the door frame 130. The display module 128 is arranged to correspond to the second opening 131b and the display 122 provided in the display module 128 is configured to output time information related to information processed in the clothes processing apparatus 100 .

A door cover 190, which forms an outer appearance of the first door 120, is coupled to the door frame 130. The door cover 190 may be formed of a light-transmitting glass material or a synthetic resin material.

The door cover 190 has an opaque area 193 and a second translucent area 191 corresponding to the first opening 130a in the opaque area 193 and a second translucent area 191 corresponding to the second opening 131b, And a light-transmissive region 192. The first and second light-transmissive regions 191 and 192 are separated from each other by the opaque region 193. In this embodiment, the door frame 130 and the door cover 190 are circularly formed so as to correspond to the circular first door 120, and the first and second light-transmitting regions 191 and 192 are formed in a circular shape.

According to the present invention, the door cover is provided with an opaque region and first and second transparent regions that are separated from each other in the opaque region, and each of the first and second transparent regions has a window and a display So that a simple door appearance can be realized. Particularly, when the first and second light-transmissive regions are circularly formed so as to correspond to a circular door, the user can be provided with an integrated esthetics.

The door cover 190 may be formed to be bent at least in one portion. For example, the first cover portion and the second cover portion on both sides of the bending portion can be formed obliquely with respect to each other by the bent bending portion. Here, the first cover portion and the second cover portion are formed in a flat shape. In order to correspond to the door cover 190, the door frame 130 may also be formed at least partially bent.

In this embodiment, the first light-transmitting region 191 is formed over the first cover portion and the bending portion, and the second light-transmitting region 192 is formed in the second cover portion.

The second transparent region 192 is formed to be smaller than the second opening 131b so that the door cover 190 overlaps the second opening 131b when engaged with the door frame 130. [

As shown in the figure, the second opening 131b is formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the rectangular display module 128, and the second transparent region 192 is formed in a circular shape to be overlapped within the second opening 131b . With the above configuration, the visual information is output only to the portion corresponding to the circular second transparent portion 192, so that the circular display 122 can be provided to the user.

The circular display has a higher price than a generally used square display, and since it is difficult to accurately locate the mounting position, the assembly failure may occur frequently. However, according to the above structure, the user can be provided with the touch screen 122 which is seen as a circular shape, while using a square display which is less expensive and can be assembled in an accurate position.

Since the second transparent region 192 is surrounded by the non-transparent region 193, the time information output from the portion of the touch screen 122 that does not correspond to the second transparent region 192 is not visible to the user. In view of this, the time information may not be output to the portion of the touch screen 122 that does not correspond to the second light-transmissive region 192.

For example, in a state in which time information related to information processed in the garment processing apparatus 100 is output to a portion of the touch screen 122 corresponding to the second transparent region 192, And an outer image surrounding the time information may be output to the corresponding part. The outline image may be filled with a specific sequence of colors (for example, black) as a portion that does not correspond to the second transmissive region 192.

As another example, in a state in which time information related to information processed in the garment processing apparatus 100 is output to a portion of the display 122 corresponding to the second transparent region 192, And the corresponding portion may be configured to be off. That is, not only the time information but also the outline image is not output to the portion of the display module 128 which does not correspond to the second transparent region 192. In this example, since only a part of the display 122 is driven, the display 122 can be efficiently driven, compared with the previous example in which the entire display 122 is driven, thereby achieving a power saving effect.

The display 122 formed on the door cover 190 may have a mutual layer structure with a touch sensor (not shown) or may be integrally formed to implement the touch screen 122. The touch screen 122 functions as a user input for providing an input interface between the garment processing apparatus 100 and a user and can provide an output interface between the garment processing apparatus 100 and the user. For example, selection and change of an operation mode for performing washing, dehydrating drying, etc. can be implemented in the display 122 by the user's touch input (or touch).

The touch screen 122 is provided with a touch sensor for sensing a touch input.

The touch sensor senses a touch input applied to the touch screen 122 using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistance film type, a capacitive type, an infrared type, an ultrasonic type, and a magnetic field type.

As an example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in a pressure applied to a specific portion of the touch screen 122 or a capacitance occurring at a specific portion into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a position, an area, a pressure at the time of touch, etc. of a touch target object touching the touch screen 122 on the touch screen 122. Here, the touch object may be a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like as an object to which a touch is applied to the touch screen 122.

As such, when there is a touch input to the touch screen 122, the corresponding signal (s) is sent to the controller. The controller processes the signal (s) and sends the corresponding data to the controller (not shown). Thus, the controller can know which area of the touch screen 122 is touched or the like. Here, the controller may be separate from the control unit, or may be the control unit itself.

Meanwhile, the control unit may perform different controls or perform the same control according to the type of the touch target object touching the touch screen 122. Whether to perform different controls or perform the same control depending on the type of the touch object may be determined according to the operating state of the clothes processing apparatus 100 or an application program being executed.

The touch screen 122 may be a short touch, a long touch, a multi touch, a drag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch such as a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipe touch, a hovering touch, and the like.

The touch screen 122 is configured to sense a touch input to a sensing region including the second transmissive region 192. [

The touch screen 122 is attached on the rear surface of the door cover 190 so as to cover a part of the opaque region 193 surrounding the second transparent region 192 and the second transparent region 192 . The touch sensing area of the touch screen 122 includes not only the second transmissive area 192 but also a part of the opaque area 193 surrounding the second transmissive area 192. Accordingly, various UIs or GUIs using a part of the opaque region 193 surrounding the second transparent region 192 can be provided.

In this structure, the touch sensor is formed in the form of a touch film having a touch pattern, and may be disposed between the door cover 190 and the display module 128. The touch film is made of a transparent conductive film, and the known ITO film (Indium-Tin Oxide film) or CNT film (Carbon Nano Tube film) can be used as the touch film.

The touch film may be composed of one or two layers. For example, in the case of a glass-film-film (GFF) in which the touch film is composed of two layers, the touch film may be attached to the rear surface of the door cover 190 or attached on the display module 128 . As another example, in the case of a method [G1F (Glass-Film)] in which the touch film is composed of one layer, the touch film may be attached to the rear surface of the door cover 190 and formed integrally with the door cover 190 .

The touch sensor may be formed by patterning metal wires directly on the rear surface of the door cover 190 without a separate touch film.

Alternatively, the touch sensor may be formed integrally with a display provided in the display module 128. For example, the touch sensor may be on-cell on a display or in-cell on a display.

The present invention can be applied not only to the case where the touch screen 122 is provided to the first door 120 but also to a case where the touch screen 122 is disposed at a position other than the first door 120. For example, the touch screen 122 may be provided on one side of the first cabinet 110, and the one side may correspond to a side where the power button 170 is disposed in the first cabinet 110. However, for convenience of explanation, the case where the touch screen 122 is provided in the first door 120 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the clothes processing apparatus 100 includes a plurality of washing tanks, and can perform input / output with respect to at least one of the plurality of washing tanks using the touch screen 122.

3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a second washing tub in the clothes processing apparatus shown in FIG.

The clothes processing apparatus 100 according to the present invention may include a main laundry apparatus 200 and an auxiliary laundry apparatus 300. [ The auxiliary washing machine 300 may be provided at one side or the lower side of the main washing machine 200. The main washing machine 200 includes a first cabinet 210 forming an outer shape of the main washing machine 200. The auxiliary washing machine 300 includes a second cabinet 210 forming an outer shape of the auxiliary washing machine 300, A cabinet 310 may be provided. At this time, the first cabinet 210 and the second cabinet 310 may be integrally formed.

The main washing machine 200 includes a first main body 210 forming an outer shape, a first washing machine 260 provided in the first main body, a first door 220 opening and closing the first washing machine, A touch screen 222 provided on the door 220 and a window 221, a first output unit 240, a first communication unit 250, a power button 270 and a first control unit 280 have. The components shown in FIG. 3 are not essential for implementing the main washing apparatus 200, so that the mobile terminal described herein can have more or fewer components than those listed above .

Meanwhile, the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 includes a second washing tub 360 different from the first washing tub 260.

The auxiliary washing apparatus 300 may exist in various forms. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the auxiliary washing apparatus 200 may be a top loading washing apparatus. The main washing apparatus 200 may be configured such that if the first washing tub 260 rotates about the first rotating shaft, the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 may be configured such that the second washing tub 360 rotates The second rotating shaft is rotated about the second rotating shaft. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 may have the same structure as the main washing apparatus 200, or may be modified into various structures not shown in the drawings.

The auxiliary washing apparatus 300 may be configured to have at least one of washing capacity, volume, and height smaller than the main washing apparatus 200. Accordingly, the user can selectively use at least one of the main washing machine and the auxiliary washing machine 200 or 300 according to the amount of laundry. In addition, the user can select at least one of the main washing machine and the auxiliary washing machine 200 or 300 depending on the type of laundry. For example, laundry, small clothes, underwear, or the like may be separately cleaned, or a small amount of laundry may be washed using the auxiliary washing apparatus 300, and other laundry may be discharged by using the main washing apparatus 200 You can wash it.

The auxiliary washing machine 300 includes a second body 310 forming an outer appearance, a drawer housing 330 which can be drawn into the second body 310 or drawn out from the second body 310, And a second washing tub 360 provided in the washing tub 330.

The drawer housing 330 is drawn into the second main body 310 or drawn out from the second main body 310 through the opening 312 formed in the second main body 310 toward the front side of the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 .

The second washing tub 360 may be rotated by a second motor provided outside the second washing tub 360 in the drawer housing 330.

In addition, a cover panel 331 may be provided in front of the drawer housing 330. The cover panel 331 may be integrally formed with the drawer housing 330. The cover panel 331 may be provided with a handle 332 for pulling in and out the drawer housing 330. The upper surface of the cover panel 331 may be provided with a control for operating the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 A panel 370 may be provided.

A supply hole 365 for supplying wash water into the second washing tub 360 and a second door 363 for inserting and removing laundry into the second washing tub 360 are provided on the upper portion of the drawer housing 330 Can be installed. And a handle 364 for pulling and opening the second door 363 may be provided on one side of the second door 363.

Each of the output units 240 and 340 included in the main washing and auxiliary washing apparatuses 200 and 300 generates an output related to visual, auditory, tactile or the like and includes a display, an acoustic output unit, a haptic- Or the like. For example, when the first stroke of the main washing machine 200 is terminated, a notification sound notifying the end of the first stroke is output through the first output unit 240, A notification sound informing the end of the second stroke may be output through the second output unit 340. In this case,

The first and second communication units 250 and 350 serve as a path for connecting the main washing machine and the auxiliary washing machines 200 and 300 with each other. The main washing machine 200 can perform appropriate control in connection with the auxiliary washing machine 300 connected to the auxiliary washing machine 300.

The first and second control units 280 and 380 perform operations related to a plurality of application programs (application programs or applications) driven by the respective washing machines. For example, the first control unit 280 performs operations related to the main laundry apparatus 200, and the second control unit 380 performs operations related to the auxiliary laundry apparatus 300.

The first and second control units 280 and 280 are integrally formed with the clothes processing apparatus 100 according to the present invention so that the clothes processing apparatus 100 ). ≪ / RTI > The control unit may provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information or the like inputted or outputted through the above-mentioned components, or by driving an application program stored in a memory (memory).

Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the first and second controllers 280 and 280 perform operations related to the garment processing apparatus 100 while communicating with each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention is applicable to a case where one control unit performs operations of the first and second control units.

Meanwhile, the auxiliary washing machine 300 is positioned within a predetermined distance from the main washing machine 200. The predetermined distance is a distance at which the main washing machine and the auxiliary washing machine 200 or 300 can perform mutual wired / wireless communication, and the predetermined distance may vary according to a communication method.

For example, the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 may be provided under the main washing apparatus 200 for the convenience of the user using the main washing apparatus 200. That is, the auxiliary washing machine 300 can elevate the installation position of the main washing machine 200 to provide convenience to the user who uses the main washing machine 200.

When the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 is located below the main washing apparatus 200, the user must operate the control panel 370 by bending or squatting in a line state. In order to solve such an inconvenience, the clothes processing apparatus 100 according to the present invention may use at least one of the main washing machine and the auxiliary washing machine 200 or 300 using the touch screen 222 provided in the main washing machine 200 And a user interface for controlling the user. In other words, the main washing apparatus 200 can output a graphic interface to the touch screen 222, which can control the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 depending on whether the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 is connected to the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 or not.

Hereinafter, a specific operation of the clothes processing apparatus 100 will be described.

4 is a flowchart typically showing a control method of the present invention.

First, the first controller 280 of the main washing machine 200 determines whether the auxiliary washing machine 300 is connected to the main washing machine 300 at step S410.

The main washing machine 200 and the auxiliary washing machine 300 may be interconnected or disconnected according to a user's request. When the connection is established, control is performed by the first control unit 280 in the clothes processing apparatus 100. When the connection is released, the main washing machine 200 is controlled by the first controller 280 and the auxiliary washing machine 300 is separately controlled by the second controller 380.

Meanwhile, the auxiliary washing machine 300 may be connected to the main washing machine 200 through a cable, or may be wirelessly connected to the main washing machine 200 by wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the like. Specifically, the main washing machine 200 includes a first communication unit 250, the auxiliary washing machine 300 includes a second communication unit 350, and the first and second communication units 250, The washing machine and the auxiliary washing machine 200, 300 may be connected. The first and second control units 280 and 280 may determine whether or not they are interconnected.

The first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 to output time information. The first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 such that different information is output depending on whether the auxiliary screen is connected to the auxiliary washing apparatus 300.

The first control unit 280 can determine whether the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 is connected to the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 periodically or irregularly so that different information is output depending on whether the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 is connected or not. For example, the connection may be periodically determined when the touch screen 222 is turned on. For example, when the main washing apparatus 200 is disconnected from the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 and the connection is established, when the main washing apparatus 200 is activated in the standby state, the power of the main washing apparatus 200 is turned off, If a preset event occurs, the connection may be determined irregularly.

The different information output to the touch screen 222 depending on the connection is related to a user interface that enables input and output between at least one of the main washing machine and the auxiliary washing machine 200 or 300 and the user.

When the main washing machine 200 is not connected to (or disconnected from) the auxiliary washing machine 300, the main washing machine 200 provides a first user interface for enabling input and output between the main washing machine 200 and the user do.

The first user interface includes icons (or icons included in the first group) associated with the administration such as washing, dehydrating, drying, etc., driven in the main washing machine 200.

In other words, if no connection is established with the auxiliary washing machine 300, the first controller 280 outputs icons associated with functions that can be performed using the first washing machine 260 to the touch screen 222 (S430). The icons included in the first group are displayed while the touch screen 222 is turned on.

When a touch is applied while the icons included in the first group are being output, the first controller 280 executes the function associated with the touched icon using the first washing machine 260.

Meanwhile, when the main washing machine and the auxiliary washing machines 200 and 300 are connected, the main washing machine 200 may provide a second user interface for enabling input and output between the auxiliary washing machine 300 and the user. The second user interface includes icons (or icons included in the second group) associated with the administration such as washing, dehydrating, drying, etc. driven in the auxiliary washing apparatus 300.

The first controller 280 may selectively output any one of the first and second user interfaces. It may selectively output either the first or the second user interface. The size of the touch screen 222 is limited to display both the first and second user interfaces. If all of the first and second user interfaces are displayed, it is difficult to find an icon to be used among many icons displayed on the touch screen .

For this, when connected to the auxiliary washing machine 300, the first controller 280 controls the first graphic object to select the first washing machine 260 and the second graphic object to select the second washing machine 360 And outputs it to the touch screen 222 (S450).

Next, the first control unit 280 senses a touch on any one of the first and second graphic objects (S470), and determines whether any one of the first and second washing tanks 260 and 360 Icons associated with executable functions may be output (S490).

More specifically, when a touch is applied to any one of the first and second graphic objects, the first control unit 280 selects one of the first and second washing tanks, And controls the touch screen 222 such that icons associated with the functions are output. That is, either one of the first and second user interfaces may be selectively output by user input. As described above, since any one of the plurality of user interfaces configured to control different clothes processing apparatuses is selectively output, the touch screen of the small screen can be efficiently used, and the user can conveniently select an interface to be used .

For example, when a touch is applied to the first graphic object, icons included in the first group are output, and when the second graphic object is touched, icons included in the second group are output. The icons included in the first group or the icons included in the second group are selectively output based on the sensed touch.

When a touch is applied while the icons included in the first group are being output, the first controller 280 executes the function associated with the touched icon using the first washing machine 260.

Alternatively, if a touch is applied while the icons included in the second group are being output, the first control unit 280 transmits a control command so that the function associated with the touched icon is executed in the auxiliary washing apparatus 300.

More specifically, when a touch is applied to any icon included in the second group, the function associated with the touched icon is performed by the auxiliary washing device (not shown) having the second washing tub 360 300 to the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 so that the washing command corresponding to the function is executed. In this case, the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 performs a function corresponding to the control command transmitted using the second washing tub 360. [

Although not shown in the drawing, the first and second graphic objects are displayed, and the connection between the main washing machine and the auxiliary washing machines 200 and 300 can be released. In this case, the first control unit 280 controls the touch screen 222 such that the first and second graphic objects disappear and icons included in the first group are displayed.

According to this example, since the user can control a plurality of clothes processing apparatuses using the interface provided in the specific clothes processing apparatus, the problem that the control units provided in the respective clothes processing apparatuses are individually used can be solved have.

The control method related to the present invention described above can be embodied in various forms as shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. Hereinafter, in the illustrated embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar components as those of the preceding example, and the description is replaced with the first explanation.

FIGS. 5, 6A, 6B, and 6C are views illustrating examples in which the control method of FIG. 4 is applied.

5, when the display of the touch screen 222 is turned off and on, different information is output to the touch screen 222 depending on whether the display is connected to the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 or not do.

For example, when the display of the touch screen 222 is turned on without being connected to the auxiliary washing apparatus 300, the main washing apparatus control screen 510 is displayed on the touch screen 222. The main washing machine control screen 510 includes icons associated with functions that can be executed using the first washing machine 260, and includes icons included in the first group. The icons included in the first group are associated with the function of executing the washing, dewatering, drying, and the like using the first washing tub.

If any one of the icons is selected by the touch, the selected icon is highlighted so that the selected icon 512 is distinguished from the remaining unselected icons.

This figure shows an example in which the icons included in the first group are arranged in a circular shape along the outer circumferential surface of the touch screen 222. Information 514 describing functions associated with the selected icon 512 may be displayed in the form of images, text, and moving images in the center of the touch screen 222. For example, when the first icon is selected, a description related to the first icon may be displayed in the central area of the touch screen 222. [ Thereafter, when the second icon is selected, the description associated with the first icon is switched to a description associated with the second icon.

According to this example, by means of the icons arranged in a circle along the outer circumferential surface of the circular display, the user can check various icons at a glance. In addition, since the descriptions of icons different from each other according to the touch are displayed in the central area of the touch screen 222 while the icons are displayed as they are, the user can effectively transmit desired information without greatly changing the displayed information. In other words, a new type of user interface optimized for circular display can be provided.

The main washing machine control screen 510 may include a virtual operation button 516 for allowing the first washing machine 260 to operate with the function associated with the selected icon 512. [ When a second touch is applied to the virtual operation button 516 with any one of the icons being selected by the first touch, the function associated with the selected icon is executed.

When the number of icons included in the first group is larger than a predetermined number, the main washing machine control screen 510 includes a plurality of pages, and each of the pages may include different icons.

When a touch input that continuously moves from the first point to the second point is applied while one of the pages is being output, the first controller 280 controls the one of the other pages based on the touch input Quot; page ". The other page may be different according to the moving direction of the touch input.

The user can confirm the output associated with the main washing apparatus using the information contained in the main washing apparatus control screen 510 and input a control command related to the main washing apparatus.

The first graphic object 520 and the second graphic object 522 are displayed on the touch screen 222 when the display of the touch screen 222 is turned on while the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 is connected.

The display positions of the first and second graphic objects 520 and 522 may vary depending on the arrangement of the main and auxiliary washing machines 200 and 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 is disposed under the main laundry apparatus 200, the first graphic object 520 is relatively more likely than the second graphic object 522 Shown above. This allows the user to intuitively recognize which garment processing device each graphic object is associated with.

6A and 6B, as one of the first and second graphic objects 520 and 522 is touched, the icons corresponding to the corresponding one of the groups are displayed on the touch screen 222, As shown in FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, when a touch is applied to the first graphic object 520, the main washing device control screen 510 is displayed on the touch screen 222, The included icons are displayed.

Here, the icons included in the first group are related to the functions performed by the first washing machine 260 provided in the main washing machine 200.

Different icons may be included in the first group depending on the characteristics of the first washing tub 260. For example, functions that can be performed in the first washing tank vary depending on the size of the washing tub, the rotating shaft of the washing tub, the presence or absence of a heater capable of heating water to be supplied to the washing tub to a predetermined temperature, The icon also changes. That is, the icons included in the first group vary depending on the type of the main washing machine 200.

6B, when a touch is applied to the second graphic object 522, an auxiliary washing device control screen 610 is displayed on the touch screen 222, so that the auxiliary washing device control screen 610 is included in the second group Icons are displayed.

Here, the icons included in the second group are associated with the functions performed by the second washing machine 360 provided in the auxiliary washing machine 300. The icon included in the second group also depends on the characteristics of the second washing tub (or the type of the auxiliary washing unit). If the main washing machine and auxiliary washing machine 200, 300 are the same product, the first and second groups will contain the same icons.

The first control unit 280 may receive the icons included in the second group from the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 and may generate the auxiliary washing apparatus control screen 610 using the received icons. Alternatively, a group corresponding to the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 may be determined as a second group among a plurality of groups stored in the memory, or icons corresponding to the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 may be downloaded from a predetermined server Stored in the memory, and the second group can be set using the downloaded icons.

As a result, the icons included in the first group or the icons included in the second group are selectively output according to the user input, and when the icons included in the first and second groups are output, The output of the icons contained in the icon is limited.

Meanwhile, icons common to the main washing machine control screen 510 and the auxiliary washing machine control screen 610 may be included.

As an example, a virtual action button 516 may be commonly included. However, the virtual button included in the main washing machine control screen 510 causes the first washing machine 260 to operate or pause the operation, and the virtual button included in the auxiliary washing machine control screen 610 is operated in the second washing machine 360) or suspends the operation. That is, functions associated with icons of the same shape may be related to different washing machines.

As another example, the virtual setting button 630 can be commonly included. Whether the main washing apparatus control screen 510 is displayed or the auxiliary washing apparatus control screen 610 is displayed or the virtual setting button 630 can be displayed together on the touch screen 222 and the virtual setting button 630 is touched A setting screen (not shown) is displayed on the touch screen 222.

On the other hand, when the icons included in the first group are outputted, the first background image is displayed on the touch screen 222, and the icons included in the first group are displayed on the first background image.

On the other hand, when the icons included in the second group are outputted, the touch screen 222 displays a second background image different from the first background image, and an icon Are displayed. The second background image means an image having a different shape, color, etc. from the first background image.

For example, the first background image may be an image filled with black and the second background image may be an image filled with white.

Likewise, the background of the first graphic object 520 may consist of a black-filled image, and the background of the second graphic object 522 may be an image of white-filled. Since the graphic object and the background image of the control screen are made of the same or similar color, the user can intuitively recognize which group of icons are being displayed on the touch screen 222 or which washing machine is selected.

In order to more clearly convey the selected washing tub, the first and second background images may further include text, moving images, codes, and the like corresponding to the respective washing tubs. In one example, the first image includes the name of the main washing apparatus 200, and the second image may include the name of the auxiliary washing apparatus 300. [

Meanwhile, the first and second graphic objects may be modified into various forms according to the embodiment. The first graphic object is defined as a function to display icons (or main washing machine control screen) included in the first group, and the second graphic object is defined as a function to display icons (or auxiliary washing device control Screen) on the screen. The first graphic object or the second graphic object can be regarded as a graphic object regardless of the form if the above definition is satisfied.

Referring to FIG. 6C, when the main washing machine control screen 510 is outputted, the second graphic object 620 may be displayed together. In other words, the main washing machine control screen 510 may include a second graphic object 620.

In this case, the second graphic object 620 indicates that the screen currently being output is the main washing machine control screen 510, and when a touch is applied to the second graphic object 620, The control screen 510 is switched to the auxiliary washing apparatus control screen 610. [ That is, the icons included in the first group disappear, and the icons included in the second group may appear.

Alternatively, the auxiliary washing machine control screen 610 may include a first graphic object 622. When the first graphic object 622 is touched by the first graphic object 622, the auxiliary graphic screen 622 is displayed on the main washing device control screen 610, Control screen 510 is displayed.

On the other hand, the first and second graphene objects may be displayed on the touch screen 222 by a user input satisfying predetermined conditions.

7 is a conceptual diagram showing a garment processing apparatus for displaying first and second graphic objects in response to a user input satisfying predetermined conditions.

The first control unit 180 can output the first and second graphic objects as long as the user input satisfying predetermined conditions is input regardless of the information displayed on the touch screen 222. [

For example, a user input that meets predetermined conditions may be a touch input that starts in a predetermined area of the touch screen 222 and moves in a predetermined direction.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when a touch input starting from the 12 o'clock position of the touch screen 222 and moving to the 6 o'clock position is input, a curtain window 710 covering the screen is displayed An animation effect may occur from the top of the touch screen 222 to the bottom.

The curtain window 710 includes first and second graphic objects 720 and 722. The first and second graphical objects 720 and 722 may be transparent images so that the first and second graphic objects 720 and 722 may be overlapped with the previously displayed image. In this case, a touch input to the curtain window 710 may be defined as a control command for the curtain window 710, even if at least a portion of the previously displayed screen is displayed.

When a touch is applied to the X display included in the curtain window 710, the curtain window 710 disappears and a screen that has been output is displayed. According to such a driving method, the user can display or disappear the first and second graphic objects 720 and 722 as needed, thereby realizing a simple user interface. In addition, since the first and second graphic objects 720 and 722 are not necessarily displayed on the touch screen 222 at all times, it is possible to acquire more parts capable of displaying information.

Further, the curtain window 710 may further include status information of the clothes processing apparatus. The state information may include at least one of wireless on / off information, sound on / off information, child lock on / off information, information on a set function, and remote control on / off information. The user can simply check whether the function related to the setting of the clothes processing apparatus is on or off, and also can easily turn on / off a specific function by using the on / off information.

Meanwhile, the user input satisfying predetermined conditions can be variously modified according to the embodiment. For example, when a touch input is applied to successively tapping an empty space in which a graphic object associated with a control function is not displayed on an on-screen touch screen, the first and second graphic objects may be displayed. In another example, when a touch input is applied to successively tap a predetermined area of a touch screen that is turned off a plurality of times, the first and second graphic objects may be displayed while the touch screen is turned on. For this purpose, the touch sensor of the touch screen may be turned on to detect the touch while the display of the touch screen is off.

Hereinafter, the operation of each of the main washing apparatus and the auxiliary washing apparatus in the clothes processing apparatus 100 including the main washing apparatus and the auxiliary washing apparatus will be described in more detail.

8 is a flow chart showing the operation of the main washing apparatus and the auxiliary washing apparatus in the clothes processing apparatus including the main washing apparatus and the auxiliary washing apparatus.

The garment treating apparatus 100 includes a main laundry apparatus and auxiliary laundry apparatuses 200 and 300. The main washing machine 200 outputs at least one of a first user interface for inputting / outputting the main washing machine 200 and a second user interface for performing input / output of the auxiliary washing machine 300 through the touch screen 222 do. Accordingly, the main washing machine 200 operates as a master device that generates a control command according to a user input, and the auxiliary washing machine 300 operates as a slave (a master device) slave device. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the main washing apparatus 200 is operated by the first control unit 280 and the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 is operated by the second control unit 380.

First, the first controller 280 controls the touch screen 222 to output icons included in the second group (S810). Since the method of outputting icons included in the second group has been described above, a detailed description will be omitted.

Next, a touch on any one of the icons included in the second group is sensed (S820), and a wash command corresponding to the function associated with the touched icon is transmitted to the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 (S830 ). For example, if a touch is applied to a first icon associated with the first function, a wash command corresponding to the first function is transmitted, and if a touch is applied to a second icon associated with the second function, A laundry command corresponding to the function may be transmitted. In other words, the wash command depends on the icon to which the touch is applied.

The washing command includes a wakeup signal for turning on the power of the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 so that the function corresponding to the washing command can be executed even when the power of the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 is turned off . That is, the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 can be turned on by the washing command.

Meanwhile, the second controller 380 determines whether the function corresponding to the laundry command can be executed in response to the transmitted laundry command (S840). For example, the second control unit 380 can determine that the clothes can not be laundered if the clothes inlet for loading or unloading clothes is not closed by the second door 363. In addition, when the function corresponding to the laundry instruction can not be executed because another stroke has already been executed and the function corresponding to the washing instruction is a function that can not be executed because it does not match the characteristics of the auxiliary washing apparatus 300, Or the laundry is not contained in the second washing tub 360 as much as the function required by the function of washing the laundry.

If it is determined that the laundry is not laundryable, the second controller 380 transmits a laundry detention message to the main washing machine 200 (S850). The non-washable message may include the reason why the washable condition is determined to be non-washable.

The first control unit 280 outputs notification information indicating that the laundry is not allowed in response to the wash disabled message (S852). More specifically, the notification information warning that the function associated with the touched icon can not be performed in the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 can be output in at least one of visual, auditory, and tactile manner.

The notification information may include a reason why the laundry is determined to be in the laundry-unavailable state. For example, when the second door 363 is opened and the laundry can not be washed, a message such as "close the door of the auxiliary washing apparatus" may be included in the notification information.

Otherwise, the second controller 380 executes a function corresponding to the wash command, and transmits a progress message to the main washing machine 200 (S860).

For example, when a first function including a plurality of processes is executed, it is possible to determine which one of the plurality of processes is being performed, the progress of the process being performed, the amount of energy, water, May be included in the progress message.

In response to the progress message, the first control unit 280 outputs guidance information to guide the progress process (S862). Specifically, the first control unit 280 receives a progress message informing the progress of the function as the function is executed in the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 by user input, and based on the received progress message, And outputs guidance information for guiding the progress. The guide information may be output in at least one of a visual, auditory, and tactile manner.

Although not shown in the drawing, the first control unit 280 can output icons included in the first group, and when a touch is applied to any one of the icons included in the first group, 260). In this case, first guidance information for guiding the washing progress of the first washing tub 260 may be output.

Hereinafter, the information for guiding the washing progress of the first washing tub 260 is referred to as 'first guide information', and the information for guiding the washing process of the second washing tub 360 is referred to as 'second guiding information' .

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method of outputting related information to the touch screen as the stroke is executed in at least one of the main washing apparatus and the auxiliary washing apparatus. More specifically, FIG. 9A is a conceptual diagram of outputting first guide information, FIG. 9B is a conceptual diagram of outputting second guide information, and FIGS. 9C and 9D are conceptual diagrams of outputting first and second guide information at the same time.

The first control unit 280 may be configured to generate guidance information for guiding the progress of a function being executed in at least one of the first and second washing tanks 260 and 360 And outputs it to the touch screen 222.

For example, when the function is being executed in the first washing tub 260 and the function is not executed in the second washing tub 360, the first guide information is output.

Referring to FIG. 9A, the first controller 280 may output the main washing machine control screen 510 including the icons included in the first group to the touch screen 222. If a touch is applied to the first icon 900 while the icons included in the first group are being output, a function associated with the first icon is selected, and when the virtual operation button 516 is touched, The function associated with the icon is executed by using the first washing tub 260. As the function associated with the first icon is executed, the first guidance information 910 is displayed on the touch screen 222.

The first guide information 910 may include information on a process performed in the first washing tub 260. Also, a virtual pause button 914 may be included to pause the operation being executed.

The first control unit 180 counts the completion time of the function using at least one of the first and second washing tanks 260 and 360. The first control unit 180 gradually increases the size along the edge of the touch screen 222 based on the counted time The progressive image 912 can be output.

Accordingly, the first guidance information 910 may further include a progressive image 912 whose size gradually varies along the outer circumferential surface at one point of the touch screen 222 as the expected completion time varies.

The one point corresponds to the 12 o'clock position of the touch screen 222, and the progressive image 912 may gradually expand clockwise as time passes. Thus, through the user interface adapted to the characteristics of the circular display, the garment processing apparatus can inform the user of the remaining time in a new form.

On the other hand, as the function progresses, the information included in the first guide information 910 becomes variable. Specifically, the first guide information 910 includes information for guiding the progress of the function while the function is in progress, but when the function is terminated, the first guide information 910 includes information for guiding the end of the function . For example, when the function is terminated, the first guidance information 910 may include information on the usage amount of energy, water, detergents, and the like.

The first background image described above with reference to FIG. 6A may be displayed below the first guide information 910. For example, since the black-filled image is displayed as the background image of the first guide information 910, the user intuitively recognizes that the first guide information 910 is for the first washing tub 260 .

On the other hand, if the function is not being executed in the first washing tub 260 and the function is being executed in the second washing tub 360, second guide information is output.

Referring to FIG. 9B, the first controller 280 may output the auxiliary washing device control screen 610 including the icons included in the second group to the touch screen 222. When the second icon 902 is touched while the icons included in the second group are being output, the first controller 280 selects the function associated with the second icon. When the virtual operation button 516 is touched, the first control unit 280 transmits a washing command to the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 (300) so that the function associated with the second icon is executed in the second external processing apparatus 300 ).

As the function is executed in the auxiliary washing apparatus 300, the first control unit 280 receives a progress message notifying the progress of the function, 2 guide information 920 to the touch screen 222. [

Like the first guide information 910, the second guide information 920 may include information on the process in the second washing tub 260 and information on the remaining time until the function is terminated. Also, a virtual pause button 914 for pausing an operation being executed and a progress image 922 for guiding the remaining time can be included.

As the function progresses, the information included in the second guide information 910 also changes.

The second background image described above with reference to FIG. 6A may be displayed below the second guide information 920. For example, an image filled with white may be displayed as a background image of the second guidance information 920. [

On the other hand, when the function is executed in any one of the first and second washing tanks, guidance information corresponding to any one of the washing tanks is displayed on the touch screen. Thereafter, the user can select another washing tub using the graphic object, and execute the function for the other washing tub. The first guide information 910 includes the second graphic object 620 and the second guide information 920 is displayed so that the other one of the washing machines can be selected while the guide information for any one of the washing machines is displayed. A first graphic object 610 may be displayed. In this way, the function is executed in any one of the washing tanks, and different functions can be simultaneously executed in the respective washing tanks.

9C, when the first graphic object 622 is touched while the second guide information 920 is being displayed, the first control unit 280 displays the second guide information 920, To the main washing machine control screen (510). That is, as the touch is applied to the first graphic object 622, the second guide information 920 disappears, and the main washing machine control screen 510 may appear.

Subsequently, the function for the first washing tub can be executed by the touch applied to the main washing control screen 510. [ Thus, the function for the first washing tub and the function for the second washing tub can be performed at the same time. Hereinafter, the function executed in the first washing tub will be referred to as a 'first function' and the function executed in the second washing tub will be referred to as a 'second function' for convenience of explanation.

As the first and second functions are executed, the first controller 280 displays the first guide information 930 for the first function in the first area of the touch screen 222, and the touch screen 222 The second guidance information 930 for the second function is displayed in the second region of the second function.

The positions of the first and second areas may be changed depending on the arrangement of the main washing machine and the auxiliary washing machines 200 and 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 is disposed under the main washing apparatus 200, the first area is displayed relatively above the second area. In this way, the user can intuitively recognize which garment processing device each guide information relates to.

Further, the first background image may be displayed in the first area and the second background image may be displayed in the second area. Since the first guide information 930 is displayed on the first background image and the second guide information 940 is displayed on the second background image, the first and second guide information 930 and 940 can be easily distinguished.

The first guide information 930 includes a first virtual operation / pause button 932 for suspending or resuming the first function, and the second guide information 940 includes the second function for suspending or resuming the second function, A second virtual operation / pause button 942 may be included. The user can individually control the main washing machine and the auxiliary washing machines 200 and 300 using the first and second virtual operation / pause buttons 940 and 942. [

On the other hand, since the first and second functions are performed separately, one of them is terminated first.

The first control unit 280 stops the output of the first and second guide information so that when either one of the first and second functions is terminated, And output it to the touch screen 222.

Here, the completion information includes at least one of the name of the completed function, the start time at which the function started, the end time at which the function was finished, the total time at which the function was executed, the usage amount of energy, water, detergents, .

One of the completion information is output for a predetermined time, and the other guide information is output to the touch screen 222 after the predetermined time. Since any one of the above is finished, the output of any one of the guide information ends, and the other guide information is expanded and displayed as an area including the first and second areas.

9D, the first guidance information 932 for the first function is displayed in the first area and the second guide information 942 for the second function is displayed in the second area, The second function whose scheduled completion time is relatively fast is terminated earlier than the first function.

When the second function is terminated, the first and second guidance information 930 and 940 disappear from the touch screen 222 and the completion information 950 of the second function is displayed for a predetermined time in an area including the first and second areas . For example, the completion information 950 of the second function may be displayed in the entire area of the touch screen 222. [

After a predetermined time, the completion information 950 of the second function disappears from the touch screen 222 and the first guidance information 930 'is displayed. Since the display of the second guide information 940 is terminated in accordance with the end of the second function, the first and second areas are integrated, and the first guide information 930 'is stored in the area including the first and second areas Is displayed.

Then, when the first function is terminated, the first guidance information 930 'disappears and the completion information 960 of the first function is displayed on the touch screen 222 for a predetermined time. After a predetermined time, the touch screen 222 may display the first and second graphic objects 520 and 522 shown in FIG. 5 in an off state or in a turned-on state.

10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams showing a method of controlling the acoustic output of each garment processing apparatus.

The information output from the garment processing apparatus 100 may be output in a visual manner as well as in a mixed visual and auditory manner. Since the main washing machine and the auxiliary washing machines 200 and 300 have separate output units 240 and 340, there is a possibility that the outputs are overlapped. In particular, there is a problem that the output of the auditory system is superimposed.

For example, when the first function is terminated, the second function is terminated while the first completion information is output through the first output unit 240 in an audible manner, and the second completion information is output to the second output unit 340. [ Lt; / RTI > The problem of overlap occurs because the first and second completion information are simultaneously output from different output units.

In order to solve such a problem, the first control unit 280 of the main washing apparatus 200 corresponding to the master apparatus is connected to the second output unit 340 when the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 corresponding to the slave apparatus is connected, The second control unit 380 and / or the second output unit 340 may be restricted so that no output is generated in the second output unit 340. [

More specifically, the first control unit 280 may sense a situation where an output should be generated in the second output unit 380 while communicating with the second control unit 380. [ In this case, the first control unit 280 may output information to be output from the second output unit 340 using the first output unit 240. [ The second output unit 340 is controlled by the first control unit 280 and / or the second control unit 380 so that corresponding information is not outputted.

The first control unit 280 outputs the output related to the first washing tub 260 using the first output unit 240 and the output related to the second washing tub 360 uses the second output unit 340 Can be output.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, when a touch is applied to the first graphic object 520, the first washing machine 260 is selected and the main washing machine control screen 510 is displayed on the touch screen 222 A notification sound indicating that the first washing tub 260 has been selected may be output from the first output unit 240. When an event is generated by a touch on the main washing machine control screen 510, audible information according to the generated event is output through the first output unit 240. [

The second washing machine 360 is selected and the auxiliary washing machine control screen 610 is displayed on the touch screen 222. When the second washing machine 360 is touched to the second graphic object 522, A notification sound may be output from the second output unit 340. Thereafter, when an event occurs in the auxiliary washing apparatus 300, the auditory information according to the generated event is output through the second output unit 340. [

Meanwhile, when the first information is output to the first output unit 240 and the second output unit 340 receives the second information, the first control unit 280 outputs the first information And transmits an output restriction command to the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 so that the second information is output. The second output unit 340 outputs the second information after the output of the first information is completed according to the output limit command.

For example, when the second function is terminated while the first completion information is output in an audible manner through the first output unit 240, the second completion information is outputted after the output of the first completion information is terminated The second control unit 380 and / or the second output unit 340 may be controlled.

On the contrary, when the first output unit 240 generates an event to output the first information while the second information is being output to the second output unit 340, the first control unit 280 outputs the second information The output of the first output unit 240 is limited until the output of the second information is terminated and the first information is output using the first output unit 240 after the output of the second information is terminated.

On the other hand, the first and second functions proceed individually, but the other one may be terminated while concurrently terminating or outputting any one of the completion information. In this case, the first and second completion information can be output in a superimposed manner, which is problematic.

When the first and second functions are concurrently terminated, the first control unit 280 first outputs any one of the completed information, which is started first, for a predetermined time, and outputs the other complete information for a predetermined time after a predetermined time elapses do. Thus, the information output to the touch screen 222 is not overlapped.

The user is prevented from outputting different information at the same time through the respective output units, so that the user can use the clothes processing apparatus including the plurality of laundry apparatuses without confusion.

Meanwhile, any one of the first and second user interfaces can be selectively output by artificial intelligence even if there is no touch on any one of the first and second graphic objects. And a method of selectively outputting any one of the interfaces artificially and intelligently based on user behavior will be described in detail.

11A and 11B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method of controlling information output to the touch screen based on user behavior.

Referring to FIG. 11A, when the state of the first door 220 provided in the main washing apparatus 200 is changed by an external force, the first controller 280 controls the main washing apparatus 200 such that the main washing apparatus control screen 510 is displayed, Lt; / RTI > Specifically, when the first door 220 is switched from the first state to the second state by an external force, the icons included in the first group are displayed on the touch screen 222.

Here, the first state may be an open state in which the first door 220 is opened at the garment input port, and the second state may be a closed state in which the first door 220 closes the garment input port. The reason for the user to switch the first door 220 to the closed state is that there is a willingness to use the first washing tub 260.

The main washing machine control screen 510 is outputted to the touch screen 222 in accordance with the state change of the first door 220 regardless of the type of information being output.

11B, when a predetermined state change is detected while the touch screen 222 is turned off, the first control unit 280 turns on the touch screen 222 and displays information corresponding to the state change Thereby controlling the touch screen 222 as much as possible.

For example, when the drawer housing 330 is drawn into the second main body 310 in a state of being drawn out from the second main body 310, the first control unit 280 displays the icons included in the second group 310 And controls the touch screen 222. If the touch screen 222 is off, the first control unit 280 turns on the touch screen 222 which is turned off so that icons included in the second group are displayed. This is because the user is willing to use the second washing tub 360.

Although not shown in the drawings, when the second door 363 provided in the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 is switched from the open state to the closed state, the first controller 280 controls the touch screen It is possible to control the display unit 222. That is, the auxiliary washing apparatus control screen 610 may be output to the touch screen 222 according to the change of the state of the second door 63. [

In order to enable such control, the second controller 380 senses a state change of the components included in the auxiliary washing apparatus 300, and when the sensed state change satisfies a predetermined condition, (280). The first controller 280 controls the touch screen 222 to display the auxiliary washing apparatus control screen 610 in response to the received status change message.

12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an operation related to a child lock function.

The first control unit may execute a child lock function based on the user input.

Here, the child lock function means a function for preventing a malfunction or accident caused by a child by controlling a hardware button or a software button not to operate. When the child lock function is executed, even if a touch is applied to the touch screen, the function execution by the touch is limited. Only the touch input for releasing the child lock function is valid, and other touch inputs are ignored.

According to the present invention, when the child lock function is executed in a state that the main washing apparatus and the auxiliary washing apparatuses 200 and 300 are connected, the first control unit 280 controls the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 so that the child- To the washing machine (300). The second control unit 380 executes the child lock function in response to the received lock command.

The user can perform the child lock function to the main washing machine and the auxiliary washing machines 200 and 300 by using the touch screen 222 provided in the main washing machine 200. [

As the child lock function is executed in the main washing machine and the auxiliary washing machines 200 and 300, an indicator 1210 can be outputted to guide the main washing machine and the auxiliary washing machines 200 and 300 to be locked. Accordingly, the user can recognize that both the main washing machine and the auxiliary washing machines 200 and 300 are locked.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for the main washing apparatus to perform connection or disconnection with the auxiliary washing apparatus based on user input.

Referring to FIG. 13, the first control unit 280 performs a connection with the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 or controls the first communication unit 350 so that the connection is released based on a user input.

The first control unit 280 may output connection state information 1310 to the touch screen 222 to guide the connection state with the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 when the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 is connected.

Here, the connection state information 1310 may include at least one of a name, a maker, and a product number as information related to the auxiliary washing apparatus 300, and the position of the main washing apparatus and the auxiliary washing apparatus 200 300 may be visually And may further include batch status information 1312 indicating the batch status.

When a release command for releasing the connection with the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 is received from the user, the first control unit 280 can release the connection. Thereafter, the icons included in the second group are limited to be displayed on the touch screen 222, and the icons included in the first group are displayed.

According to the present example, the user can integrally manage the clothes processing system using the main laundry 200 according to the usage style, or use it as an individual device instead of the clothing processing system.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a clothes processing apparatus capable of using a new washing function developed by a third party, in addition to a preset washing function.

The main washing machine 200 can easily install a new washing function developed by a third party as well as a predetermined washing function in the memory according to a user's request.

More specifically, the first control unit 280 selects one of the main washing apparatus and the auxiliary washing apparatuses 200 and 300 included in the clothes processing apparatus 100 on the basis of the user input, Functions can be connected to a predetermined server and downloaded.

For example, based on a user request, functions that can be executed in the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 can be downloaded from a predetermined server. The first control unit 280 may set the downloaded icons as icons included in the second group. The icons corresponding to the auxiliary washing apparatus 300 can be downloaded from the predetermined server and stored in the memory and the second group can be set using the downloaded icons.

In addition, the first controller 280 may set at least one of the types of icons included in the second group, the output order, and the output position based on user input or reset the existing setting to another setting.

For example, as shown in the first drawing of FIG. 14, when the A function to the F function are set in the second group in advance for the auxiliary washing device called ' A corresponding icon is displayed at a predetermined output position.

Upon receiving a download request for the 'LG Conversation,' the first control unit 280 can download the G functions and the M functions, which are new functions that can be executed in the 'LG conversation' from the predetermined server. When the downloading is completed, as shown in the second drawing of FIG. 14, the touch screen 222 displays an icon corresponding to the previously stored A function to F function and the newly downloaded G function to M function, respectively, (222).

Thereafter, the first control unit 280 may add a new icon to the second group, delete the predetermined icon, or change the display position of the predetermined icon based on the user's input. 14, when a user input for dragging and dropping the L icon corresponding to the L function to a position where the C icon corresponding to the C function is displayed is detected, the first control unit 280 may delete the C icon in the second group and add the L icon. The L icon is displayed at the position where the C icon is displayed.

Accordingly, the user can construct an interface optimized for himself / herself, and can install and use a new function developed by a third party in his / her clothes processing apparatus.

The present invention described above can be embodied as computer-readable codes on a medium on which a program is recorded. The computer readable medium includes all kinds of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of the computer-readable medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, and the like, and also implemented in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission over the Internet) . Also, the computer may include a control unit 180 of the terminal.

Accordingly, the above description should not be construed in a limiting sense in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the scope of equivalents of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

First and second cabinets forming an external shape;
A first washing tub provided in the first cabinet;
A first door configured to open and close a clothes inlet of the first washing tub;
A drawer housing which can be pulled into or out of the second cabinet through an opening formed in the front of the second cabinet;
A second washing tub provided in the drawer housing;
A second door configured to open and close a clothes inlet of the second washing tub;
A touch screen provided in the first cabinet; And
And a controller for controlling the touch screen to output a first graphic object for selecting the first washing tub and a second graphic object for selecting the second washing tub. The method according to claim 1,
The first door includes:
A door frame rotatably coupled to the first cabinet; And
And a door cover coupled to the door frame to form an outer appearance of the first door and having a light transmitting area,
Wherein the touch screen is mounted on the door frame and outputs time information through the light transmitting area of the door cover. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
Wherein when the touch is applied to any one of the first graphic object and the second graphic object, the controller selects one of the first and second washing machines, and displays icons associated with functions of the selected washing machine, Of the garment. The method of claim 3,
Wherein,
Wherein the controller controls the touch screen so that icons included in the first group are output when the first washing machine is selected and controls the touch screen to output icons included in the second group when the second washing machine is selected, Gt; 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein,
Wherein when the icons included in one of the first and second groups are output, the output of the icons included in the other group is limited. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein,
Wherein when the touches are applied to the second graphic object while the icons included in the first group are displayed on the touch screen, icons included in the first group disappear, and icons included in the second group are displayed And controls the touch screen. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein when the icons included in the first group are output, the second graphic objects are output together, and when the icons included in the second group are outputted, the first graphic objects are output together Processing device. 5. The method of claim 4,
When the first washing tub is selected, a first image is displayed on the touch screen, icons included in the first group are displayed on the first image,
Wherein when the second washing tub is selected, a second image different from the first image is output to the touch screen, and icons included in the second group are displayed on the second image. 5. The method of claim 4,
The first washing tub is rotated about a first rotating shaft,
And the second washing tub rotates about a second rotation axis intersecting with the first rotation axis. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein each of the icons included in the first group is associated with a function that the first washing machine can perform in accordance with the characteristic of the first rotation axis,
Wherein each of the icons included in the second group is associated with a function that can be executed by the second washing tub according to the characteristic of the second rotation axis. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein,
Wherein when the first icon is touched while the icons included in the first group are being output, a function associated with the first icon is executed using the first washing machine,
Wherein when the second icon is touched while the icons included in the second group are being output, the function associated with the second icon is executed using the second washing machine. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein,
Wherein the controller controls the touch screen to output guidance information for guiding the progress of the function using any one of the first and second washing machines. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein,
And controls the touch screen to output the first and second graphic objects when a touch input satisfying predetermined conditions is applied to the touch screen during output of the guide information. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the first and second graphic objects comprise a transparent image, the guide information overlaps the first and second graphic objects,
Wherein the touch input to any one of the first and second graphic objects generates a control command for any one of the first and second graphic objects. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein,
When the first function using the first washing tub and the second function using the second washing tub are being executed, first guide information for guiding the progress of the first function to the first area of the touch screen is outputted And outputs second guide information for guiding the progress of the second function to a second region different from the first region. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein a first virtual button for stopping or restarting the first function is displayed in the first area and a second virtual button for stopping or resuming the second function is displayed in the second area. Device. 13. The method of claim 12,
The touch screen is formed in a circular shape,
Wherein,
Wherein when the function using any one of the above functions is executed, the predetermined time of completion of the function using any one of the above functions is counted, and based on the counted time, Of the garment. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein,
And controls the touch screen to output icons included in the first group when the first door is switched from the first state to the second state by an external force. 19. The method of claim 18,
Wherein the first state is a state in which the door is opened in the garment input port, and the second state is a closed state in which the door is closing the garment input port. 20. The method of claim 19,
Wherein,
And controls the touch screen to output icons included in the second group when the second door is switched from the first state to the second state by an external force.

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