KR20210104393A - Laundry treating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine which changes a washing course of the washing machine for reducing a difference between predicted finishing time of a drying machine and the predicted finishing time of the washing machine, and a control method of the washing machine.

Description

Laundry treating apparatus

The present invention relates to a method of setting a pairing in which a washing machine and a dryer can mutually recognize and transmit and receive signals, and a method of using the same.

In general, a laundry treatment apparatus is a device for removing foreign substances attached to laundry through the action of water and detergent. The laundry treatment apparatus may be largely divided into a stirring type, vortex type, and drum type laundry treatment apparatus.

The agitation-type laundry treatment apparatus performs washing by rotating the washing rod rising from the center of the washing tub left and right, and the vortex-type laundry treatment apparatus uses the frictional force between the water flow and the laundry by rotating the disk-shaped rotary blade formed at the bottom of the washing tub left and right to perform laundry. In the drum type laundry treatment apparatus, water detergent and laundry are put inside and the drum is rotated to wash.

The drum-type clothes treatment apparatus may be divided into a washing machine which performs a washing cycle for separating and removes foreign substances from clothes, and a dryer which performs a drying cycle for removing moisture from clothes.

The washing machine may provide a plurality of washing courses and washing options to wash clothes. The washing course may form a cycle including a washing cycle for removing foreign substances from clothes, a rinsing cycle for separating foreign substances from clothes and detergent, and a dehydration cycle for removing moisture from clothes.

The washing option means adjusting the drum rotation speed (rpm), water temperature, water level, the intensity and degree of steam supply, etc., and the number of washing cycles, rinsing cycles, and spin-drying cycles when performing the washing course. can

In addition, the washing option includes the number of repetitions of each cycle, the strength when performing each cycle, the rotational speed of the drum when performing each cycle, water temperature and water level in performing the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and dehydration cycle. It may be a set algorithm or a control method for controlling at least any one or more of the degree, whether or not steam is supplied, and the duration of each stroke.

The dryer may provide a plurality of drying courses and drying options to dry clothes. The drying course may form a cycle including a drying cycle of providing hot air or steam to remove moisture or wrinkles from clothes.

The drying option may mean adjusting the rotation speed of the drum, the temperature of the hot air, the strength of the hot air, the number of times of supply of the hot air, the execution time of the drying course, and the like when the drying course is performed.

In recent years, there has been an increasing number of households in which the washing machine and the dryer are provided at the same time to dry the clothes immediately after the washing of the clothes is completed. Accordingly, it is possible to increase space utilization by omitting a separate process of drying clothes on a cradle indoors or outdoors, and to save time required to process clothes.

However, the end time of the washing course and the end time of the drying course may not coincide, and the time required for the washing course and the time required for the drying course may differ while the washing machine and the dryer respectively perform the washing course and the drying course. can be changed.

In particular, when the operation of the washing machine is terminated earlier than the operation of the dryer, clothes located inside the washing machine may be left in the washing machine until the operation of the dryer is terminated. In this case, laundry left in the washing machine may be dried or wrinkled, and a smell may occur over time.

An embodiment of the present invention aims to solve a problem that a user who uses both the washing machine and the dryer cannot immediately proceed with drying even after washing is completed due to a time problem at which the cycle of the dryer is terminated.

An embodiment of the present invention aims to reduce a difference between an end time of a washing machine and an end time of a dryer.

An embodiment of the present invention aims to prevent the laundry remaining in the washing machine from drying out, to prevent wrinkling, and to prevent odor.

An embodiment of the present invention aims to reduce the time lost by users who use both the washing machine and the dryer.

In one embodiment of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the washing machine and the dryer may be paired and synchronized.

An embodiment of the present invention may recommend an option of a washing course according to the operation of the dryer in order to achieve the above object.

An embodiment of the present invention can predict the error rate compared to the completion time and the initial completion time of the dryer in order to achieve the above object.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the initial completion time of the dryer and the actual completion time of the dryer set to achieve the above object may be constructed as data, and the initial completion time of the dryer may be predicted using a machine learning regression equation.

In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet having an inlet formed therein, a drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet, a tub accommodating the drum and storing wash water, and a driving unit for rotating the drum A control unit for storing a washing course including a washing cycle for removing foreign substances from clothes, a rinsing cycle for separating foreign substances from clothes and a detergent, and a dehydration cycle for removing moisture from clothes, and a dryer paired with the washing machine and a communication module for receiving the first information of the washing machine before the start of the washing course and transmitting it to the control unit, wherein the control unit detects the amount of clothes placed in the drum to calculate a first time and receives the first information After this, the first time may be changed to the second time.

The first information may be an expected end time of the dryer, and the first time may be an expected end time of the washing course.

The controller may change the first time to the second time by adding at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydration cycle.

The control unit may set the number of rotations of the drum in the washing cycle, the rotation speed of the drum in the rinsing cycle, and the rotation speed of the drum in the spin-drying cycle to be different, respectively.

The controller may change the first time to the second time when the first information is greater than the first time.

When the first information is less than the first time, the controller may set the second time equal to the first time or maintain the first time.

The washing machine may further include a display unit externally displaying the first time and the second time period, and the control unit may display the second time period on the display unit after changing the first time period to the second time period.

The display unit may receive an input for changing the second time after externally displaying the second time.

The control unit may change the first time to the second time before the start of the washing course.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the difference between the end time of the washing machine and the end time of the dryer can be reduced.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the laundry or clothes remaining in the washing machine from drying out, and it is possible to prevent wrinkles or odors from being generated.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, time of a user who uses both the washing machine and the dryer can be saved.

1 is a view showing a washing machine and a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a view showing a state in which a washing machine and a dryer are connected according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a view showing an overall control process of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;
4 is a view showing a pairing process of a washing machine and a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention;
5 is a diagram showing a download step among the interworking execution steps according to an embodiment of the present invention;
6 is a view showing a start step among the interworking execution steps according to an embodiment of the present invention;
7 is a view showing a confirmation step among the interworking execution steps according to an embodiment of the present invention;
8 is a view showing a feedback step of the interworking execution step according to an embodiment of the present invention;
9 is a diagram illustrating a machine learning step among the interworking execution steps according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description is provided to provide a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and/or systems described herein. However, this is merely an example and the present invention is not limited thereto.

In describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that the detailed description of the known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the terms to be described later are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, which may vary according to intentions or customs of users and operators. Therefore, the definition should be made based on the content throughout this specification. The terminology used in the detailed description is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present invention only, and should in no way be limiting. Unless explicitly used otherwise, expressions in the singular include the meaning of the plural. In this description, expressions such as “comprising” or “comprising” are intended to indicate certain features, numbers, steps, acts, elements, some or a combination thereof, one or more other than those described. It should not be construed to exclude the presence or possibility of other features, numbers, steps, acts, elements, or any part or combination thereof.

Hereinafter, a washing machine and a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 .

FIG. 1(a) is a view showing a washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a view showing a dryer 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The washing machine 100 includes a cabinet 110 forming an exterior, a tub 120 provided inside the cabinet 110 and storing wash water, and a drum rotatably provided inside the tub 120 to store laundry or clothes. (130), by applying a torque to the drum 130 may include a driving unit 150 for rotating the drum (130).

The cabinet 110 is provided with an inlet 141 formed by opening one side, and the inlet 141 is rotatably coupled to the cabinet 110 and may be opened and closed by a door 140 provided therein.

The tub 120 may include a tub inlet 121 having one side open and communicating with the inlet 141 . In addition, the tub 120 may be fixed inside the cabinet 110 by the tub support 113 . The tub support 113 may be provided with a spring or damper capable of absorbing vibration or vibration of the tub 120 .

A gasket 111 may be provided between the tub inlet 121 and the inlet 141 , and the gasket 111 may prevent the wash water located inside the tub 120 from leaking out of the tub 120 . have. Also, the gasket 111 may prevent the vibration of the tub 120 from being transmitted to the cabinet 110 , thereby preventing the vibration generated inside the washing machine 100 from being transmitted to the outside of the washing machine 100 .

The tub 120 may receive washing water through the water supply unit 170 . Specifically, the water supply unit 170 includes a water supply hose 171 connecting the tub 120 to a water supply source (not shown) located outside the washing machine 100 , and a water supply valve 173 for opening and closing the water supply hose 171 . ), and may supply washing water to the tub 120 .

Wash water flowing through the water supply hose 171 may flow into the tub 120 through the detergent storage unit 14 in which the detergent is stored. To this end, the detergent storage unit 14 may be located above the tub 120 , and includes a storage space 161 for storing detergent and a supply pipe 143 for communicating the storage space 161 with the tub 120 . can do.

When the water supply hose 171 is connected to the storage space 161 , the washing water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) flows through the storage space 161 through the water supply hose 171 and enters the storage space 161 . The stored detergent may come into contact with the wash water and be supplied to the tub 120 together with the wash water.

Wash water flowing into the tub 120 may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet 110 through the drain unit 180 . To this end, the drain unit 180 communicates with the tub 120 to discharge the wash water located inside the tub 120 to the outside of the cabinet 110, and a drain hose 181 to induce or help the flow of wash water. A drain pump 183 may be included.

The drum 130 may include a drum inlet 131 communicating with the tub inlet 121 . Accordingly, the laundry or clothes may be located inside the drum 130 sequentially through the door 140 , the inlet 141 , the tub inlet 121 , and the drum inlet 131 .

Laundry or clothes located inside the drum 130 may be in contact with washing water through the plurality of through holes 133 formed in the drum 130 . That is, the wash water stored in the tub 120 may flow into the drum 130 through the plurality of through-holes 133 formed in the drum 130 .

The drum 130 may be rotated by the driving unit 150 provided outside the tub 120 . To this end, the driving unit 150 may include a stator 151 fixed to the tub 120 and forming a rotating magnetic field, and a rotor 153 rotating by the rotating magnetic field of the stator 151 . In addition, the driving unit 150 may further include a rotation shaft 155 connecting the rotor 153 and the drum 130 to transmit the rotational force of the rotor 153 to the drum 130 .

On the other hand, the rotary shaft 155 is preferably connected to the drum 130 through the back surface of the tub 120, in this case, the back surface of the tub 120 may be provided with a bearing 123 for supporting the rotary shaft 155. have.

The dryer 200 is a drying cabinet 210 that forms an exterior, a drying drum 220 that is rotatably provided inside the drying cabinet 210 to store laundry or clothes, and a rotational force or torque to the drying drum 220 It may include a drying driving unit 250 for rotating the drying drum 220 by applying it.

A drying door 230 rotatably coupled to the drying cabinet 210 may be coupled, and the drying inlet 231 formed in the drying cabinet 210 according to the rotation of the drying door 230 may be selectively opened and closed. have.

The drying drum 220 includes a drying drum inlet 221 formed in communication with the drying inlet 231 and a passage through which laundry or clothes can be moved from the outside of the dryer 200 to the inside of the drying drum 220 . can provide

In the laundry or clothes positioned inside the drying drum 220 , moisture contained in the laundry or clothes may be removed by the drying unit 240 .

To this end, the drying unit 240 connects the heat exchange unit 243 for transferring thermal energy and the drying drum 220 in the heat exchange unit 243 to provide air with heat energy exchanged into the drying drum 220 . It may include a supply duct 241 and an exhaust duct 245 through which the air that provides thermal energy to laundry or clothes in the drying drum 220 is discharged to the outside.

Meanwhile, the drying drum 220 may further include a discharge hole 223 to guide air located inside the drying drum 220 to the discharge duct 245 .

The drying drum 220 may be rotated by the drying driving unit 250 .

To this end, the dry driving unit 250 includes a motor 251 including a stator forming a rotating magnetic field and a rotor rotating by the stator, a motor shaft 253 coupled to the motor 251 to transmit the rotational force of the rotor, A pulley 257 connected to the motor shaft 253 to receive torque or rotational force, and a belt 259 connecting the pulley 257 and the drying drum 220 to transmit torque or rotational force to the drying drum 220 . may include.

Meanwhile, the drying unit 240 may further include a fan 247 that forms a flow of air to form a flow of air, and the drying driving unit 250 connects the discharge hole 223 and the discharge duct 245 to each other. It may further include a connection duct 255 to guide the air discharged from the drying drum 220 to the outside.

Accordingly, the washing machine 100 may perform a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydration cycle, and the dryer 200 may perform a drying cycle.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 are paired to exchange data will be described with reference to FIG. 2 .

2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 are paired using an online system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The online system may include an access point (AP) 300 , an external terminal 400 , and a server 500 for pairing the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 .

The AP 300 (a router) may serve as a point through which the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 and the external terminal 400 to be described later can access the server 500 or the network.

That is, the AP 300 is installed in the space where the washing machine 100 or the dryer 200 is installed and transmits the wireless signal transmitted and received from the washing machine 100 or the dryer 200 to the space where the washing machine 100 or the dryer 200 is installed. It can be connected to a connected Internet line (wired or wireless).

Accordingly, the washing machine 100 or the dryer 200 may transmit/receive data to each other through the AP 300 .

However, in order for the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 to mutually transmit and receive data, mutual information must be first registered (registration step, R). That is, the washing machine 100 must specify the dryer 200 , and the dryer 200 must specify the washing machine 100 to mutually transmit and receive data.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the server 500 may be used for the registration step (R) before the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 are paired and mutual information is transmitted and received, and more preferably, the external terminal 400 more are available.

For the registration step (R), the server 500 may be made possible to directly access home appliances including the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 , and including the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 . Information about a plurality of home appliances may be registered.

Accordingly, when a user approaches the server 500 to mutually specify the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 , the server 500 provides the washing machine 100 with the dryer 200 information, and the dryer 200 . The washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 may be interconnected by providing information on the washing machine 100 to the .

More specifically, the server 500 may request unique identification information from the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 . The washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 that have received a request for unique identification information from the server 500 may provide the unique identification information to the server 500, where the unique identification information is the washing machine 100 or the dryer 200. may include the product name of , the serial number of the product, and the address of the AP 300 used by the washing machine 100 or the dryer 200 to transmit and receive information.

Accordingly, the server 500 may create a path to access the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 by specifying the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 to be registered.

On the other hand, the registration step (R) of registering the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 with the server 500 may be executed in the washing machine 100 or the dryer 200, but may also be executed through the external terminal 400.

In this document, the external terminal 400 is preferably a device including a communication module, a character input means, a display means, a central processing unit (CPU), an operating system (OS), and a storage means. As an example, the external terminal 400 may include a notebook computer or a smart phone.

The user may access the user site using the external terminal 400 . In this document, a user site is a means for registering various home appliances including the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 to the server 500 , and allows the user to specify a user who wants to access the server 500 . A series of steps may be required for

The series of processes may include a process of generating a user's id and registering it on a user site.

Accordingly, the user can access the user site through the external terminal 400 and register the home appliance to be registered.

However, when the home appliance including the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 is registered to the server 500 through the external terminal 400, the server 500 provides the user with the external terminal 400 for user identification. As such, it may be requested to access the user site through the AP 300 .

In addition, the user may register the home appliance including the washing machine 100 or the dryer 200 in the server 500 through an application program without accessing the user site through the external terminal 400 . Even in this case, the server 500 may request the user to go through a series of processes for specifying the user, and may request to access the application program through the AP 300 .

Meanwhile, the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 may further include a configuration required for the above-described registration step (R) and the below-described pairing step (P).

Specifically, the washing machine 100 includes a washing display unit 191 that displays information of the washing machine 100 externally, a washing button 193 that receives an input such as a washing course from a user, and a washing camera 195 that receives an image signal. and a washing input display unit 190 including a washing microphone 197 for receiving a voice signal.

In addition, the washing machine 100 controls or stores the information transmitted and received in the above-described registration step (R), detects the amount of laundry or clothes located inside the drum 130, and the number of rotations of the drum 130 for each washing course. It may further include a control unit 100a for controlling the.

The dryer 200 includes a drying display unit 261 that displays information of the dryer 200 externally, a drying button 263 that receives an input such as a drying course from a user, a drying camera 265 that receives an image signal, and an audio signal. It may further include a drying input display unit 260 including a drying microphone 267 for receiving.

In addition, the dryer 200 controls or stores the information transmitted and received in the above-described registration step (R), detects the amount of laundry or clothes located inside the drying drum 220, and stores the amount of laundry or clothes in the drying drum 220 by drying course. It may further include a drying control unit 200a for controlling the number of rotations.

In addition, the washing machine 100 may be provided with a communication module 100b capable of communicating with the outside, and the dryer 200 may be provided with a drying communication module 200b capable of communicating with the outside.

Accordingly, the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 may be registered with the server 500 before pairing.

Hereinafter, an overall process after the registration step (R) will be described with reference to FIG. 3 . 3 is a diagram illustrating an overall control process of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be controlled through a pairing step (P) after the registration step (R), and an interlocking execution step (I) after the pairing step (P). have.

The interlocking execution step (I) may refer to a step in which the washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is controlled using information transmitted and received with the dryer 200 , and home appliances other than the washing machine 100 (eg, , dryer), so it may be preferable to be performed after the pairing step (P).

In order to reduce the difference between the end time of the washing machine 100 and the end time of the dryer 200, the interlocking execution step (I) is a starting step (S) of recommending a washing course before operation of the washing course, and during the washing course It may include a feedback step (F) of receiving information from the dryer in real time to change the washing course.

That is, the washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may receive the expected end time of the dryer 200 to form a washing course (S), and the washing machine 100 may receive the expected end time of the dryer 200 even while the washing course is in progress. It is possible to change (F) the washing course by receiving the end time.

Therefore, the washing machine 100, which has undergone the interlocking execution step (I), can prevent the laundry or clothing from remaining in the drum 130 for a long time even after the washing course is ended to dry, wrinkle, or cause odor. can

Hereinafter, the pairing step (P) and the interworking execution step (I) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9 .

4 is a diagram illustrating a pairing step (P) of the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be paired through an external terminal 400 .

The pairing step (P) is a process after the above-described registration step (R), and in the registration step (R), unique identification information of the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 stored in the server 500 may be used.

The user may execute an application program in the external terminal 400 (P1). However, unlike in the registration step (R), when the user accesses the application through the external terminal 400 , it may not go through the AP 300 connected to the washing machine 100 or the dryer 200 . This is because, after the registration step (R), the position of the washing machine 100 or the dryer 200 is specified by the AP 300 . For example, the user may access the application through a base station or communication network such as 3G, LTE, 4G.

A user who has accessed the application program may go through a series of processes (eg, login) for user identification. Accordingly, the specified user may request (P2) a list of pairable devices from the server 500 .

The server 500 receiving a request for a pairable device list from a specified user may generate a pairable device list, and may transmit the created device list to the external terminal 400 (P3).

The external terminal 400 that has received the pairable device list from the server 500 may provide the pairable device list to the display unit of the external terminal 400, and at the same time receive a pairing target device list.

When the user sets (P4) a list of devices to be paired with (in this document, a washing machine and a dryer) in the external terminal 400, the external terminal 400 may generate (P5) setting information for pairing, You can save this. In addition, a pairing request (P6) may be made to the server 500 .

The pairing setting information may be information such as unique identification numbers and serial numbers of devices selected from the device list. In addition, the external terminal 400 may provide the pairing setting information together while requesting (P6) pairing to the server 500 .

The server 500 receiving the pairing request may store pairing setting information (P7) and then start pairing setting (P8).

After pairing setting in the server 500 is started (P8), the server 500 may check the communication connection state between the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 (P9). Accordingly, the server 500 may transmit information confirming whether communication is possible to each of the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 , and the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 may reply to the server 500 to determine whether communication is possible. may be notified to the server 500 .

When the server 500 determines that at least one of the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 is in a state in which communication with the server 500 is impossible, the server 500 transmits the state to the external terminal 400, and the external terminal 400 may indicate to the user that at least one of the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 is in a state in which communication is impossible. In this case, the user may first check the communication connection state between the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 and then go through the pairing step (P).

When the server 500 determines that both the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 are in a state in which communication with the server 500 is possible, the server 500 may transmit a pairing registration command to the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 (P10). .

The pairing registration command may include unique information for pairing between the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 .

The washing machine P11a receiving the pairing registration command from the server 500 may store information on pairing registration (P12a). In addition, the washing machine 100 storing information on pairing registration may set pairing (P13a) based on the information on pairing registration, and may display information on whether or not pairing is set to the outside (P14a). In order to externally display whether pairing is set or not, the washing machine 100 may use a light such as an LED or may display it externally through the input display unit 190 .

Accordingly, the washing machine 100 may transmit (P15a) information indicating that pairing is completed to the server 500 .

The dryer P11b receiving the pairing registration command from the server 500 may store (P12b) information on pairing registration. In addition, the dryer 200 storing information on pairing registration may set pairing (P13b) based on the information on pairing registration, and may display information on whether or not pairing is set to the outside (P14b). In order to externally display whether pairing is set or not, the dryer 200 may use a light such as an LED and may display it externally through the drying input display unit 260 .

Accordingly, the dryer 200 may transmit (P15b) information indicating that pairing is complete to the server 500 .

The server 500 receiving the information indicating that the pairing has been completed from the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 may store pairing information in the server 500 and maintain the pairing (P16).

Of course, although not specified in FIG. 4 , the washing machine 100 and the dryer 200 may communicate with the server 500 through the AP 400 .

On the other hand, after the washing machine 100 undergoes a pairing step (P) interconnected with the dryer 200, a download step (D) for receiving the expected end time of the dryer 200 to form a washing course (S) can be rough

The downloading step (D) is included in the interlocking execution step (I), but may not be an inevitable process in the interlocking execution step (I). It is possible to change the washing course by receiving the expected end time of

More specifically, when the washing machine 100 stores a course capable of changing the preset washing course by receiving the expected end time of the dryer 200, the download step (D) is performed in conjunction with the execution step (I) may not be an essential process. However, considering that the dryer 200 to be paired with the washing machine 100 may be various types of dryers, and the calculation method of the expected end time that can be provided to the washing machine 100 is different for each of the various dryers, It may be more preferable for the washing machine 100 to control the start step (S) and the feedback step (F), which will be described later, through the download step (D).

The download step (D) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 .

The user may proceed with the download step (D) through the external terminal (400). The user may start the download step (D) by executing the application program (D1) in the external terminal (400).

The user may request (D2) a downloadable course from the server 500 through the application program.

The server 500 receiving a request for a downloadable course from a user may provide a list of downloadable courses to the user (D3).

The external terminal 400 may receive the downloadable course list from the server 500 and display it externally, and may receive an input of a course to be downloaded from the user (D4).

The external terminal 400 receiving the input of the course to be downloaded from the user may request the course input to the server 500 , and the server 500 may provide the input course to the washing machine 100 ( D5 ).

The washing machine 100 may store the course downloaded from the server 500 (D6) and start the interworking execution step (I), which will be described later.

However, FIG. 5 shows the washing machine 100 downloading the course from the server 500 through the external terminal 400 , but the washing machine 100 is directly from the server 500 without going through the external terminal 400 . You can download the course.

In this case, the user may access the server 500 through the washing machine 100 instead of operating the external terminal 400 , and may download a course from the server 500 . Naturally, the washing machine 100 should be provided with a display unit and an input unit capable of presenting a course to be downloaded to the user and inputting the course selected by the user.

Meanwhile, a course downloaded from the server 500 may include a control method for changing a pre-stored course.

More specifically, the washing machine 100 may provide a plurality of washing courses and washing options to wash clothes. The washing course may form a cycle including a washing cycle for removing foreign substances from clothes, a rinsing cycle for separating foreign substances from clothes and detergent, and a dehydration cycle for removing moisture from clothes.

The washing option means adjusting the drum rotation speed (rpm), water temperature, water level, the intensity and degree of steam supply, etc., and the number of washing cycles, rinsing cycles, and spin-drying cycles when performing the washing course. can

In addition, the washing option includes the number of repetitions of each cycle, the strength when performing each cycle, the rotational speed of the drum when performing each cycle, water temperature and water level in performing the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and dehydration cycle. It may be a set algorithm or a control method for controlling at least any one or more of the degree, whether or not steam is supplied, and the duration of each stroke.

Here, the pre-stored course may mean a washing option in which some or all of the plurality of strokes stored in the washing machine 100 itself, the washing courses consisting of the strokes, and the washing courses can be changed.

Therefore, when the pre-stored laundry course is changed by the course downloaded from the server 500 or the laundry option of the pre-stored laundry course is changed, the washing machine 100 itself presents the changed course to the user (start step, S) and , may refer to a control method of receiving the expected end time of the dryer 200 during the washing course and changing the ongoing washing course in the washing machine 100 itself (feedback step, F).

Accordingly, in the interlocking execution step (I), the expected end time of the dryer 200 is received from the dryer 200 before user intervention, and the difference between the expected end time of the dryer 200 and the expected end time of the washing machine 100 is reduced. can make it

Hereinafter, a starting step (S) of recommending a changed washing course to a user before the washing course is performed will be described with reference to FIG. 6 .

6 is a view showing the process of the starting step (S) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The user may input (S1) the course downloaded in the downloading step (D) into the washing machine 100 . In this case, the user may input the down course through the input display unit 190 of the washing machine 100 , and may input the down course through the external terminal 400 . Of course, the course input through the external terminal 400 may be transmitted to the washing machine 100 via the server 500 .

After the down course is input to the washing machine 100 , the washing machine 100 may go through an operation step S2 .

The calculation step S2 may refer to a process after the input of the down course S1 and before the expected end time of the washing machine 100 and the expected end time of the dryer 200 are compared.

The calculation step (S2) includes the laundry weight sensing step (S2a) of detecting the amount of laundry or clothes located inside the drum 130, and the predicted value of the washing machine 100 based on the amount of laundry or clothes located inside the drum 130. It may include generating an expected end time for calculating the end time (S2b), and receiving and storing the expected end time from the dryer 200 (S2c to S2f).

6 illustrates a process of receiving the expected end time from the dryer 200 after the laundry weight detection step ( S2a ) and the expected end time generation step ( S2b ), but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the washing machine 100 may perform the laundry weight detection step (S2a) after receiving the expected end time from the dryer 200, and simultaneously perform the laundry weight detection step (S2a) upon receiving the expected end time from the dryer 200 can be carried out.

On the other hand, the steps of receiving and storing the expected end time from the dryer 200 (S2c to S2f) include the steps of requesting the expected end time of the dryer 200 from the washing machine 100 to the server 500 (S2c), When the server 500 transmits the expected end time to the dryer 200, the dryer 200 transmits the expected end time of the dryer 200 to the server 500 (S2d), the expected end of the dryer 200 It may include a step of receiving the time (S2e), and a step of storing the received expected end time of the dryer 200 (s2f).

That is, when the washing machine 100 requests the expected end time of the dryer 200 from the dryer 200 , it may go through the server 500 .

Thereafter, the washing machine 100 may go through a step S3 of comparing the expected end time of the washing machine 100 with the expected end time of the dryer 200 .

On the other hand, the expected end time of the washing machine 100 may be determined based on the data calculated in the above-described step S2a for detecting the amount of laundry, and the expected end time of the dryer 200 is also the amount of laundry or clothes in the drying drum 220 . It can be determined on the basis of quantity.

When the expected end time of the washing machine 100 is greater than the expected end time of the dryer 200, the washing machine 100 may recommend any one of the washing courses stored in the controller 100a (S4a).

In other words, when the washing machine 100 executes and ends the washing course is slower than the dryer 200 executes and ends the drying course, and the washing machine 100 stops operating later, the controller 100a Any one of the pre-stored washing courses in the control unit 100a may be recommended (S4a).

At this time, the control unit 100a may display any one of the washing courses stored in the control unit 100a through the display unit 191 , and the user can use the washing button 193 , the washing camera 195 , and the washing microphone 197 . A washing course may be input to at least one of them (S5a).

After receiving the input of the washing course from the user, the control unit 100a may execute the received course (S6a).

When the expected end time of the washing machine 100 is smaller than the expected end time of the dryer 200 or the time at which the washing machine 100 ends is earlier than the time at which the dryer 200 ends, the controller 100a controls the controller 100a ) can be recommended by changing the washing option in the washing course stored in (S4b).

In this case, the controller 100a adds at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spin-drying cycle to the stored washing course, or increases the driving time of at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spin-drying cycle to increase the control unit 100a ) stored in the washing course can be changed.

That is, the control unit 100a may change the option of the washing course stored in the control unit 100a so that the expected end time of the changed washing course is longer than the expected end time of the washing course stored in the control unit 100a.

In addition, the control unit 100a may externally display the changed washing course through the display unit 191 , and the user may set the changed washing course to at least one of the washing button 193 , the washing camera 195 , and the washing microphone 197 . to confirm or request to re-change the changed washing course (S5b).

When the changed washing course is confirmed, the control unit 100a may execute the changed washing course (S6b), and when the changed washing course is not permitted or confirmed by the user, the control unit 100a is configured to wash the washing course stored in the control unit 100a. It can be displayed externally by changing the options differently.

Accordingly, the user does not directly compare the expected end time of the dryer 200 with the expected end time of the washing machine 100, and the difference between the expected end time of the washing machine 100 and the expected end time of the dryer 200 is reduced. A laundry course can be recommended.

In particular, even when the expected end time of the washing machine 100 is smaller than the expected end time of the dryer 200 and thus the dryer 200 is expected to be terminated earlier than the operation of the dryer 200 , the control unit 100a controls the operating time of the washing machine 100 . It is possible to configure a washing course by increasing the number of s, thereby preventing problems occurring in laundry or clothes because the washing machine 100 is terminated earlier than the dryer 200 .

On the other hand, the above-mentioned expected end time in the start step (S) may include the time from the time of requesting the expected end time until the requested device (eg, washing machine or dryer) executes the washing or drying course and ends. and may include the time at which the washing course or the drying course ends. In addition, the expected end time of the washing machine is the expected end time before the washing course, and when the washing course is performed, it may gradually decrease according to the progress of the washing course.

Accordingly, in the start step S, the washing course of the washing machine 100 may be recommended by comparing the expected end time of the washing machine 100 and the expected end time of the dryer 200 .

Meanwhile, in the starting step (S), the calculation step (S2) and the processes (S3 to S6) after the calculation step (S2) may all be executed by the control unit 100a. That is, the controller 100a detects the amount of laundry or clothes placed in the drum 130 to generate an expected end time of the washing course, and compares it with the expected end time of the dryer 200 to change the option of the washing course. .

Also, the controller 100a may sense the amount of laundry or clothes placed in the drum 130 to generate an expected end time of the washing course as the first time. Accordingly, after receiving the expected end time of the dryer 200 from the communication module 100b, the controller 100a may change the expected end time of the washing course to the second time. This is because the communication module 100b may receive the expected end time of the dryer 200 and transmit it to the control unit 100a.

Meanwhile, the expected end time of the dryer 200 received by the communication module 100b in the start step S may be referred to as first information.

As a result, the controller 100a compares the first information with the first time and, if the first information is greater (when the washing machine is terminated earlier than the dryer), changes the first time to the second time to increase the running time of the washing course. can increase In addition, in changing the first time to the second time, the washing course may be formed by adding at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydration cycle constituting the washing course. In addition, the control unit 100a may display the changed washing course to the outside through the input display unit 190 .

Accordingly, the user can check the changed washing course and input whether to proceed with the changed washing course or to change the changed washing course again. In other words, the control unit 100a may display the second time on the input display unit 190 , and after the user confirms the second time, the user may change or maintain the second time to proceed with the washing course.

In addition, the control unit 100a compares the first information with the first time and, if the first information is smaller (when the washing machine ends later than the dryer), sets the first time without changing the first time to the second time. can keep This may mean that the control unit 100a does not change the washing option in the preset washing course.

Thereafter, when the start of the washing course is input by the user, the control unit 100a may control the drum 130 by setting the number of rotations of the drum 130 differently in each of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the spin-drying cycle.

After the starting step (S) of recommending to the user by changing the washing course before the washing course, a feedback step (F) of changing the washing course while the washing course is in progress may be performed. However, in consideration of the fact that the expected end time of the dryer 200 may be continuously changed and that the operation of the dryer 200 may have ended, before the feedback step (F), a confirmation step for interlocking with the dryer 200 (C) is preferred.

7 is a view showing the process of the confirmation step (C) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the washing machine 100 may check (C1) whether a washing course is in progress. That is, the washing machine 100 may check (C1) whether the washing course is input after the start step (S), and whether the washing course is started according to the input washing course.

When the washing course starts, the washing machine 100 may check (C2) whether the dryer 200 is operating. To this end, the washing machine 100 checks whether the dryer 200 is operating to the server 500 , and the server 500 may transmit information received from the washing machine 100 to the dryer 200 . In addition, the dryer 200 may transmit (C3) whether the dryer 200 is operating to the server 500, and the server 500 may transmit it to the washing machine 100.

The washing machine 100 may receive information on whether the dryer 200 is operating (C4), and when the dryer 200 is operated, it may request the server 500 for feedback information (C5). At this time, the washing machine 100 may transmit a unique KEY to the server 500 , and the server 500 may receive the KEY of the washing machine 100 and register (C6).

Accordingly, the washing machine 100 may continuously receive the expected end time of the dryer 200 based on the KEY or may receive it in real time.

Thereafter, when the expected end time of the dryer 200 is changed, the server 500 may request the changed expected end time from the dryer 200 . Accordingly, the dryer 200 may transmit the changed expected end time to the server 500 as the expected end time of the drying course is changed (C7), and the server 500 transmits it to the washing machine 100 (C8) can do.

However, the server 500 does not transmit to the washing machine 100 whenever the expected end time of the dryer 200 is changed, but calculates the difference between the expected end time of the drying course before the change and the expected end time of the drying course after the change. Thus, if there is a difference of a predetermined time (eg, 5 minutes), the expected end time after the change may be transmitted to the washing machine 100 .

Accordingly, in the confirmation step (C), it is possible to check the operating state of the washing machine and the operating state of the dryer before the feedback step (F).

Meanwhile, the washing machine 100 or the dryer 200 referred to in the confirmation step (C) may refer to the control unit 100a and the drying control unit 200a, respectively.

Also, after the washing course is performed, the expected end time of the dryer 200 received from the dryer 200 may be referred to as second information.

Hereinafter, the feedback step (F) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8 .

As described above, the washing course includes a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydration cycle, and the washing cycle is generally performed in the listed order.

In addition, the washing machine 100 that has received the first information from the dryer 200 in the start step S has already considered the expected end time of the dryer 200 by changing or maintaining the washing course.

Accordingly, it may be desirable for the washing machine 100 to receive the second information from the dryer 200 after a predetermined time has elapsed in the feedback step (F).

To this end, the washing machine 100 may check (F1) whether the washing cycle has ended during the currently ongoing washing course.

When the washing cycle is finished, the washing machine 100 may check (F2) whether the second information has been received from the server 500 . As described above, the server 500 may receive the second information from the dryer 200 whenever the second information is changed. This is because it can only be delivered to the washing machine 100 . That is, even if the expected end time of the dryer 200 is changed in real time, the washing machine 100 may not receive the expected end time of the dryer 200 .

When the washing machine 100 receives the second information from the server 500 , the washing machine 100 may compare the first information with the second information (F3).

When the expected end time of the dryer 200 received after the washing course is performed is less than the expected end time of the dryer 200 received before the washing course is performed (when the first information is greater than the second information), the washing machine (100) may store (F4a) the second information received from the server (500).

Thereafter, the washing machine 100 may calculate a difference between the first information and the second information and compare it with the first reference time (F5a). Here, the first reference time may be a preset value.

If the difference between the first information and the second information is less than the first reference time, the washing machine 100 may maintain the currently ongoing washing course and proceed (F6a).

When the difference between the first information and the second information is greater than the first reference time, the washing machine 100 may check whether the current cycle is a rinsing cycle (F7a). Here, the confirmation of the rinsing cycle may be confirmed by checking the number of rotations of the drum 130 , whether the drain pump is on/off, and whether the washing cycle is terminated.

The washing machine 100 may check (F8a) whether there is an additional stroke in the starting step (S) when the currently ongoing process is a rinsing process.

If there is no additional stroke in the starting step (S), the washing machine 100 may maintain the currently ongoing washing course and proceed (F9a).

However, if there is a stroke added in the starting step (S), the washing machine 100 may delete (F10a) the added stroke from the currently ongoing washing course.

If the ongoing cycle is not the rinsing cycle (F7a), the washing machine 100 may check (F11a) whether there is a dehydration cycle added in the starting step (S).

When there is no dehydration cycle added in the starting step (S), the washing machine 100 may maintain the currently ongoing washing course and proceed (F12a).

However, if there is no spin-drying cycle added in the starting step (S), the washing course may be performed (F13a) by deleting the added spin-drying cycle (F13a) from the currently ongoing washing course.

Accordingly, when the first information is greater than the second information and the dryer 200 ends earlier than the expected end time in the start step S, the washing machine 100 examines whether there is an added stroke, and Only in this case, the difference between the expected end time of the washing machine 100 and the expected end time of the dryer 200 may be reduced by deleting the added stroke.

On the other hand, when the first information is smaller than the second information and the expected end time of the dryer in the start step (S) becomes longer in the middle of the washing course, the washing machine 100 may store the second information (F4b).

The washing machine 100 may compare the difference between the second information and the first information with the first reference time (F5b).

If the difference between the second information and the first information is less than the first reference time. The washing machine 100 may proceed (F6b) by maintaining the currently ongoing washing course. That is, even if the washing machine 100 is terminated earlier than the dryer 200, if it is terminated by a difference of less than the first reference time, the laundry or clothes inside the drum 130 are less likely to have a problem, so that the ongoing washing course is maintained. can

When the difference between the second information and the first information is greater than the first reference time, the washing machine 100 may compare the difference between the second information and the first information with the second reference time (F7b).

When the difference between the second information and the first information is greater than the second reference time, the washing machine 100 may check (F8b) whether the currently ongoing cycle is a rinsing cycle.

When the currently ongoing cycle is the rinsing cycle, the washing machine 100 may increase the washing course running time by adding (F9b) a rinsing cycle and a spin-drying cycle to the currently ongoing washing course.

However, when the currently ongoing cycle is not the rinsing cycle, the washing machine 100 may add only the spin-drying cycle (F10b) to the currently ongoing washing course. In this case, the spin-drying cycle may be added a plurality of times, but since excessive spin-drying may damage laundry or clothes, it may be preferable to add only two times at most.

Meanwhile, when the difference between the second information and the first information is smaller than the second reference time, the washing machine 100 may confirm (F11b) whether the currently ongoing cycle is a rinsing cycle. That is, when the difference between the second information and the first information is greater than the first reference time and smaller than the second reference time, the washing machine 100 may confirm (F11b) whether the currently ongoing cycle is a rinsing cycle.

When the currently ongoing cycle is the rinsing cycle, the washing machine 100 may add a rinsing cycle to the currently ongoing washing course (F12b). In this case, more preferably, the rinsing cycle may be added only once.

When the currently ongoing cycle is not the rinsing cycle, the washing machine 100 may add a spin-drying cycle to the currently ongoing washing course (F13b). In this case, more preferably, the rinsing cycle may be added only once.

In addition, although FIG. 8 illustrates a process of comparing the difference between the second information and the first information with the first reference time or the second reference time, the present invention may not necessarily be limited thereto. For example, the difference between the second information and the first information is greater than the second reference time and can be compared with the third reference time, which is a preset value, and the difference between the second information and the first information is greater than the third reference time. and may be compared with the fourth reference time, which is a preset value. Accordingly, when the difference between the second information and the first information is greater than the second reference time and less than the third reference time, the number of additional strokes may be increased, and the difference between the second information and the first information is the third reference time. If it is larger and smaller than the fourth reference time, the number of additional strokes may be further increased.

In addition, although the content shown in FIG. 8 increases the number of cycles in order to increase the running time of the washing course, it may not necessarily be limited thereto. For example, in order to increase the running time of the washing course, the control unit 100a may increase the time of the cycle for forming the washing course (change of washing options), and perform another cycle without adding a washing cycle, rinsing cycle, or spin-drying cycle. You can also add The other stroke may be, for example, a delicate dehydration stroke or an anti-wrinkle stroke. The delicate dehydration stroke and the anti-wrinkle stroke are strokes stored in the control unit 100a and may be distinguished from other strokes in the number of revolutions of the drum, whether steam is supplied, the temperature of washing water, and the like.

Meanwhile, referring to the washing machine 100 in the feedback step (F) may refer to the control unit 100a of the washing machine 100 . In addition, the second reference time may be set to be larger than the first reference time by a preset value.

The second information referred to in the confirmation step (C) and the feedback step (F) may include the time required from the time of requesting the second information to the end of the building course, and may include the expected time at which the building course will end. can That is, both the first information and the second information are information related to the expected end time of the dryer 200 , but the first information may be the expected end time of the dryer 200 received before the washing course is performed, and the second information The information may be the expected end time of the dryer 200 received while the washing course is in progress, and may be classified according to whether the washing course is in progress.

Accordingly, the control unit 100a may receive the second information from the server 500 after receiving the first information, and after receiving the second information, the laundry course to be changed may be the laundry course in progress. .

In other words, the communication module 100b may receive the first information and transmit it to the control unit 100a, and the communication module 100b may receive the second information and transmit it to the control unit 100a. Accordingly, the communication module 100b may receive the second information from the server 500 after receiving the first information. In particular, the communication module 100b may transmit the second information to the control unit 100a after the washing cycle is completed in the feedback step (F).

In addition, the control unit 100a may display the washing course in progress externally through the input display unit 190 , and when the washing course in progress is changed, the changed washing course may be displayed on the input display unit 190 .

Accordingly, the feedback step (F) flexibly changes the washing course in progress, thereby reducing the difference between the expected end time of the washing machine 100 and the expected end time of the dryer 200 .

After the feedback step (F) is finished, the machine learning step (M) may proceed.

Hereinafter, the machine learning step (M) will be described with reference to FIG. 9 .

9 is a diagram showing the process of the machine learning step (M) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the machine learning step (M), the expected end time of the dryer 200 and the expected end time of the dryer 200 are compared with the actual end time of the dryer 200 by synthesizing the first information and the second information. ) can be summarized as a process of reducing the error of the actual end time.

To this end, the washing machine 100 may check (M1) whether the washing course has ended.

When the washing course has ended, the washing machine 100 may notify the server 500 that the washing course has ended, and may request (M2) third information. Here, the third information may be information about a time during which the dryer 200 actually operates by calculating a time from when the drying course is performed to when the drying course ends. That is, the third information is information about the actual operating time of the dryer 200 and may be distinguished from the first information and the second information, which are expected end times. In addition, the third information may include a time from when the drying course was started to when it was finished, and it could include a time from when the second information was requested to when the drying course was actually ended.

The server 500 receiving the request for the third information from the washing machine 100 may transmit it to the dryer 200 , and the dryer 200 may transmit (M3) the third information to the server 500 .

The server 500 may receive and store the third information from the dryer 200 (M4).

Also, the washing machine 100 may receive and store the third information from the server 500 (M5).

Accordingly, the server 500 may store the third information and calculate a difference between the third information and the first information or the third information and the second information. In addition, by accumulating data on the difference between the third information and the first information or the difference between the third information and the second information, the first information and the second information may be presented more accurately (M6).

As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, in order to reduce the difference between the expected end time of the washing machine 100 and the expected end time of the dryer 200, the start step S before the washing course and during the washing course. A feedback step (F) may be performed. As a result, the user makes the end time of the washing machine 100 close to the end time of the dryer 200 without directly considering the end time of the dryer 200, and as the washing course ends, the laundry located inside the drum 130 or The problem of clothes being left unattended can be prevented in advance. In addition, the user can execute the drying course of the dryer 200 more quickly based on the time when the washing course of the washing machine 100 ends, thereby saving time.

Although representative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention with respect to the above-described embodiments. . Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments and should be defined by the claims described below as well as the claims and equivalents.

Washing machine: 100 Cabinet: 110
Tub: 120 Drum: 130
Door: 140 Drive: 150
Detergent storage unit: 160 Water supply unit: 170
Drainage part: 180 Input display part: 190
Dryer : 200 Drying cabinet : 210
Drying drum : 220 Drying door : 230
Drying part : 240 Drying driving part : 250
Drying input display: 260 AP: 300
External terminal: 400 Server: 500
Registration Step: R Pairing Step: P
Interlocking execution stage: I

Claims (10)

A washing machine comprising: a cabinet having an inlet formed therein; a drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet; a tub accommodating the drum and storing wash water;
The washing machine is
a control unit for storing a washing cycle including a washing cycle for removing foreign substances from clothes, a rinsing cycle for separating foreign substances from clothes and a detergent, and a dehydration cycle for removing moisture from clothes; and
a communication module for receiving the first information of the dryer paired with the washing machine before the start of the washing course and transmitting the first information to the control unit;
The control unit detects the amount of clothes placed in the drum to calculate a first time, and after receiving the first information, changes the first time to a second time. According to claim 1,
The first information is a washing machine, characterized in that the expected end time of the dryer. 3. The method of claim 2,
The first time is an expected end time of the washing course. 4. The method of claim 3,
and the control unit changes the first time to the second time by adding at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydration cycle. 5. The method of claim 4,
and the control unit sets the number of rotations of the drum in the washing cycle, the rotation speed of the drum in the rinsing cycle, and the rotation speed of the drum in the spin-drying cycle to be different, respectively. 4. The method of claim 3,
The control unit is configured to change the first time to the second time when the first information is greater than the first time. 4. The method of claim 3,
The control unit sets the second time equal to the first time or maintains the first time when the first information is less than the first time. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The washing machine further includes a display unit for externally displaying the first time and the second time,
The control unit changes the first time to the second time and then displays the second time on the display unit. 9. The method of claim 8,
The display unit receives an input for changing the second time after displaying the second time to the outside. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The control unit is a washing machine, characterized in that before the start of the washing course to change the first time to the second time.

Images