KR20230031859A - Laundry treating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a laundry treating apparatus which provides users with a unified sense of aesthetics by configuring a door with a window for looking into a laundry accommodating part and a display for displaying information processed in the laundry treating apparatus. A laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first laundry treating device performing a first function, a second laundry treating device performing a second function, a touch screen outputting any one of a first icon associated with the first function and a second icon associated with the second function, and a control unit controlling the touch screen to output a first graphic object and a second graphic object, wherein the control unit controls the touch screen to output the second graphic object when the first and second laundry treating devices are connected and not to output the second graphic object when the first and second laundry treating devices are not connected.

Description

Clothes handling device {LAUNDRY TREATING APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to a laundry treatment apparatus having a touch screen displaying visual information.

The laundry treatment apparatus includes a laundry washing apparatus, a laundry drying apparatus, and a laundry washing and drying apparatus. In the laundry treatment apparatus, washing of clothes is a process of removing contaminants from laundry through the action of water and detergent, and drying of clothes is a process of removing moisture contained in clothes through a hot air supply device provided in the laundry treatment apparatus. administration to remove

A general laundry handling apparatus includes a main body forming an outer shape and having a clothes inlet, a clothes accommodating part provided inside the main body, a driving unit that rotates a drum constituting the clothes accommodating part, a door configured to open and close the clothes inlet, and a user receiving clothes. and a control unit that displays visual information related to an administration processed by the processing device and receives a user's manipulation.

In such a general laundry handling apparatus, the door is designed to open and close the laundry inlet and perform its original function of looking into the laundry receiving unit. In addition, the control unit is usually provided in the main body, and is provided with a plurality of buttons or knobs for briefly displaying only predetermined strokes in an on/off manner and manipulating them.

This division of the door and the control unit hinders the simple appearance of the laundry treatment apparatus, and the input and output interface between the laundry treatment apparatus and the user has no choice but to remain in a low-level manner.

Therefore, research is being conducted to place a control unit on the door and realize the control unit as a touch screen, but research on a door structure that can bring a unified aesthetic sense of the door and the touch screen and high-quality sensibility at low cost is still incomplete.

In addition, as washing functions implemented in laundry treatment devices become more diverse, there is a growing demand for separate washing to separate and wash laundry according to types. For example, there is a user desire to separate laundry into underwear and socks, or separate laundry by color. However, since a general clothes handling apparatus has only one clothes accommodating unit for storing clothes, it is inconvenient to separately wash the clothes several times to solve the above needs.

In order to solve this inconvenience, research on a single laundry treatment apparatus having a plurality of washing tubs has been conducted, but research on a user interface capable of controlling a plurality of washing tubs is still unknown. Since a separate control unit exists for each washing tub, the user has to check each control unit individually and inputs a control command, which is inconvenient. Therefore, a new type of user interface for controlling a plurality of washing tubs is an important problem in terms of increasing user convenience.

Furthermore, there is a need for a laundry treatment system that enables separate laundry while using a user's existing laundry treatment apparatus as it is, taking cost into consideration. A user may create a laundry treatment system including a plurality of laundry treatment apparatuses by adding a new laundry treatment apparatus to an existing laundry treatment apparatus. Even in this case, since a separate control unit exists for each laundry treatment apparatus, a new type of user interface for controlling a plurality of laundry treatment apparatuses is required.

One object of the present invention is to provide a door structure of a clothes handling device that can give a user a unified sense of aesthetics when a window through which a clothes container can be viewed on a door and a display displaying information processed in the clothes handling device are configured. is to do

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

Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of controlling at least one of a plurality of washing tubs or a plurality of laundry treatment apparatuses using a single display.

Another object of the present invention is to allow a user to accurately and intuitively recognize any one of a plurality of washing tubs or a plurality of laundry treatment apparatuses using a single display. It is to provide a new type of user interface.

Another object of the present invention is to artificially intelligently determine which washing tub (or any one clothes handling device) the user wants to use based on the user's behavior, and to immediately use the washing tub without the user applying a separate input. It is to provide a user interface that can be used.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treatment apparatus capable of using a new washing function developed by a third party as well as a washing function previously set in the laundry treatment apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object of the present invention, the laundry treatment apparatus of the present invention includes a first washing tub; a touch screen that outputs icons related to functions that the first washing tub can execute; and when connected to an external device having a second washing tub within a predetermined distance, controlling the touch screen to output a first graphic object configured to select the first washing tub and a second graphic object configured to select the second washing tub. It includes a control unit that

The laundry treatment apparatus may further include a wireless communication unit wirelessly connected to an external device including the second washing tub to transmit/receive data.

The control unit may control the wireless communication unit to perform a connection with an external device including the second washing tub or release the connection based on a user input.

The controller may control the touch screen so that the first and second graphic objects disappear when the connection is released.

When a touch is applied to any one of the first and second graphic objects, the control unit selects one of the first and second washing tubs, and outputs icons related to functions that the selected washing tub can execute. It is possible to control the touch screen as much as possible.

The controller controls the touch screen to output icons included in the first group when the first washing tub is selected, and displays icons included in the second group when the second washing tub is selected. can control.

The control unit, when a touch is applied to any one icon included in the second group, executes a function associated with the touched icon in an external device having the second washing tub, so that the laundry corresponding to the function is executed. A command may be transmitted to an external device having the second washing tub.

When receiving a wash impossible message in response to the wash command from an external device including the second washing tub, the control unit provides notification information for warning that the function cannot be performed in the external device including the second washing tub. can be printed out.

When the function is executed, the control unit receives a progress message notifying the progress of the function from an external device having the second washing tub, and guides the progress of the function based on the received progress message. The touch screen may be controlled to output information.

When the washing function using the first washing tub is executed while the function is being performed, the control unit outputs first guide information for guiding the progress of the function to the first area of the touch screen, and the first area Second guide information for guiding the progress of the washing function may be output to a second area different from the washing function.

When the washing function is completed, the control unit stops the output of the first and second guide information and outputs the completion information of the washing function to the entire area of the touch screen so as to notify that the washing function has been completed. A clothes handling device characterized in that for doing.

The control unit may resume the output of the first guide information that has been stopped when a predetermined time elapses after the washing function is completed, and output the first guide information to the entire area of the touch screen.

The control unit may issue an output limiting command so that when the function is terminated while outputting completion information of the washing function, an external device including the second washing tub outputs a notification according to the termination of the function after the predetermined time has elapsed. It can be transmitted to an external device equipped with the second washing tub.

Icons included in the second group may vary according to the type of external device having the second washing tub.

When connected to the external device including the second washing tub, the controller accesses a preset server and downloads icons corresponding to the external device including the second washing tub, and sets the downloaded icons to the second group. It can be set with icons included in .

The first washing tub may rotate around a first rotational axis, and the second washing tub may rotate around a second rotational axis intersecting the first rotational axis.

Each of the icons included in the first group is related to a function that the first washing tub can execute according to the characteristics of the first washing tub, and each of the icons included in the second group is related to the characteristics of the second washing tub. Accordingly, it may be linked to functions that the second washing tub can execute.

The control unit may output different information depending on whether or not an external device having the second washing tub is connected when the display of the touch screen that has been turned off is turned on.

If it is not connected to the external device including the second washing tub, icons related to functions executable by the first washing tub are displayed on the touch screen, and if it is connected to the external device including the second washing tub, The first and second graphic objects may be output to the touch screen.

When a child lock function is executed for the first washing tub in a state in which the control unit is connected to an external device including the second washing tub, the child lock function is activated in the external device including the second washing tub. To be executed, a lock command may be transmitted to an external device having the second washing tub.

Effects of the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present invention are described below.

According to the present invention, an opaque area and first and second translucent areas separated from each other within the opaque area are formed on the door cover, and a window portion and a display portion (or touch screen) is configured, and a simple door appearance can be implemented. In particular, when the first and second light-transmitting areas are formed in a circular shape to correspond to a circular door, a unified aesthetic feeling can be given to the user.

In addition, when the second light-transmitting area is formed in a circular shape overlapping the rectangular display, visual information is output only to a portion corresponding to the circular second light-transmitting area, so that the user can be provided with a circular display unit. . In this case, the controller may save power by controlling the output of visual information for a portion of the display that does not correspond to the second light-transmitting area.

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

1A is a perspective view illustrating a laundry treatment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 1B is a conceptual view showing a state in which the door shown in FIG. 1A is first rotated to open a clothes inlet;
1C is a conceptual view illustrating a state in which a door is rotated secondarily in the state shown in FIG. 1B;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the door shown in Figure 1a;
3 is a conceptual view showing a state in which another laundry treatment apparatus is connected to the laundry treatment apparatus shown in FIG. 1A;
4 is a flowchart representatively showing the control method of the present invention.
5, 6a, 6b, and 6c are exemplary diagrams showing examples to which the control method of FIG. 4 is applied.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a laundry handling apparatus displaying first and second graphic objects in response to a user input that satisfies a predetermined condition;
8 is a flowchart illustrating operations of first and second laundry handling apparatuses in a laundry system including first and second laundry handling apparatuses;
9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method of outputting related information to a touch screen as an operation is executed in at least one of the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses.
10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method of controlling sound output of each laundry treatment 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;
13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of connecting or disconnecting the first laundry treatment apparatus from the second laundry treatment apparatus based on a user input;
FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a laundry treatment apparatus enabling use of a new washing function developed by a third party as well as a preset washing function;

Hereinafter, the laundry treatment apparatus according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first and second, may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

Even in different embodiments, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar components as the previous embodiment, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The accompanying drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all changes and equivalents included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are included. It should be understood to include water or substitutes.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a laundry handling apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are the clothes slot 160a in which the door 120 shown in FIG. 1A is first and secondly rotated, respectively. ) are conceptual diagrams showing the open state.

Referring to these drawings, the laundry treatment apparatus 100 includes a main body 110 and a door 120.

The main body 110 forms the outer shape of the laundry treatment device 100 and has a laundry inlet 160a into which laundry is put. In this embodiment, it is shown that the clothing inlet 160a is formed on the front side of the main body 110 having a hexahedral shape.

The body 110 has a clothes accommodating portion in which laundry is received through the clothes inlet 160a. The clothes accommodating unit may be referred to as a 'washing tub'.

For example, when the clothes handling device 100 of the present invention is configured as a device for drying laundry, the clothes receiving unit may be composed of the drum 150 rotatably provided inside the main body 110 .

As another example, when the clothes handling device 100 of the present invention is configured as a device capable of both washing and drying laundry, the clothes receiving portion is a tub (not shown) provided inside the body 110 to store wash water. and a drum 150 rotatably provided inside the tub to accommodate laundry.

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

A detergent supply unit (not shown) may be installed in the main body 110 to be drawn out and drawn in a drawer type. The cover 112 covering the detergent supply unit may be configured to be rotatable in the vertical direction.

A power button 170 may be provided on the main body 110 to turn on/off the power of the laundry treatment apparatus 100 . When the display 122 to be described later is composed of a touch screen, power of the laundry treatment apparatus 100 may be turned on/off through a touch input to the touch screen 122. In this case, since the power button 170 is not provided, a simpler appearance can be implemented.

The door 120 is rotatably installed with respect to the main body 110 by the hinge unit 140 and is configured to open and close the clothes inlet 160a. As shown, the main body 110 may include a door accommodating portion 160b that is recessed inward from an outer surface and has a clothes inlet 160a therein. When the door 120 is closed, the door 120 is accommodated in the door accommodating portion 160b, and the outer surface of the door 120 is arranged to be flush with the outer surface of the main body 110 adjacent thereto. can

Due to the structure in which the door 120 is accommodated in the door accommodating portion 160b, the hinge unit 140 has two different It may have a double hinge structure having a rotation axis. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C , after the door 120 is separated from the door accommodating part 160b by the first rotation about one rotation axis, the second rotation about the other rotation axis. The door 120 may be configured to be rotated by.

In the structure in which the hinge unit 140 is mounted on one side of the door 120 , a locking device for fixing or releasing the door 120 to the main body 110 is provided on the other side of the door 120 . The locking device may be configured in a push type, so that the door 120 is locked when the other side of the door 120 is pressed once, and the door 120 is unlocked when the other side of the door 120 is pressed again.

The door 120 includes a window 121 and a display 122 .

When the door 120 is closed, the window 121 is disposed to correspond to the clothes inlet 160a so that the clothes container can be viewed. Accordingly, the user can check the state of the clothes accommodated in the clothes accommodating unit through the window 121 .

The display 122 displays (outputs) information processed by the laundry treatment apparatus 100 . For example, the display 122 may display execution screen information of an operation (washing, spin-drying, drying operation, etc.) driven by the clothes handling apparatus 100, or a UI (User Interface) or GUI (Graphic Graphics) corresponding to such execution screen information. User Interface) information can be displayed.

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

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the door 120 shown in FIG. 1A.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the 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 body 110 is mounted on the door 120, but the hinge unit 140 is omitted in this drawing.

In this embodiment, it is shown that the door 120 is formed in a circular shape (including a circular shape and an elliptical shape). However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. The door 120 may be formed in a polygonal shape (rectangle, hexagon, etc.).

The door frame 130 is rotatably coupled to the body 110, and for this purpose, the hinge unit 140 is coupled to the door frame 130 and the body 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 (eg, ABS material, PC material, etc.).

For reference, the reason why the above components are referred to as the outer frame 131 and the inner frame 132 is that when the door frame 130 itself is viewed with the door 120 closed, the outer frame 131 is the main body ( 110), and the inner frame 132 faces the inside of the main body 110. Without such distinction, the outer frame 131 and the inner frame 132 may be referred to as first and second frames, respectively.

The door frame 130 includes a first opening 130a facing the clothes inlet 160a when the door 120 is closed, and a second opening 131b corresponding to the display module 128 mounted therein. do. The first opening 130a may also be referred to as a door window hole in that the door window 136 is installed in the first opening 130a, and 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 communicating portion 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 communicating portion 132b.

The door window 136 is installed on the door frame 130 to correspond to the first opening 130a. The door window 136 is formed of a light-transmitting material (glass, synthetic resin material, etc.), and is disposed to correspond to the clothes inlet 160a when the door 120 is closed.

A display module 128 is installed inside the door frame 130 . The display module 128 is disposed to correspond to the second opening 131b, and the display 122 provided in the display module 128 is configured to output visual information related to information processed by the laundry treatment apparatus 100. .

A door cover 190 forming the exterior of the 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 includes an opaque area 193, a first light-transmitting area 191 corresponding to the first opening 130a within the non-transmissive area 193, and a second light-transmitting area 191 corresponding to the second opening 131b. A light-transmitting area 192 is included. The first and second light-transmitting areas 191 and 192 are partitioned from each other by the non-transmitting area 193 . In this embodiment, the door frame 130 and the door cover 190 are formed in a circular shape to correspond to the circular door 120, and the first and second light-transmitting areas 191, 192) is shown to be formed in a circular shape.

According to the present invention, an opaque area and first and second translucent areas separated from each other within the opaque area are formed on the door cover, and a window and a display (or touch screen) are formed in the first and second translucent areas, respectively. ) is configured, and a simple door appearance can be implemented. In particular, when the first and second light-transmitting areas are formed in a circular shape to correspond to a circular door, a unified aesthetic feeling can be given to the user.

At least one portion of the door cover 190 may be formed in a curved shape. For example, the first cover part and the second cover part on both sides of the bending part may be formed to be inclined with respect to each other by the curved bending part. Here, the first cover part and the second cover part are formed in a flat shape. To correspond to the door cover 190, the door frame 130 may also be formed in a curved shape at least in part.

In this embodiment, it is shown that the first light-transmitting area 191 is formed across the first cover part and the bending part, and the second light-transmitting area 192 is formed on the second cover part.

Meanwhile, the second light-transmitting area 192 is smaller than the second opening 131b and overlaps the second opening 131b when the door cover 190 is coupled to the door frame 130 .

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

A circular display is generally more expensive than a widely used rectangular display, and due to its shape, it is difficult to set an accurate installation position, and assembly defects may occur frequently. However, according to the above structure, a touch screen 122 that looks round can be provided to the user while using a rectangular display that has a lower cost and can be assembled in an accurate position.

Since the second light-transmitting area 192 is surrounded by the non-transmitting area 193, visual information output from a portion of the touch screen 122 that does not correspond to the second light-transmitting area 192 is not visible to the user. Considering this, visual information may not be output to a portion of the touch screen 122 that does not correspond to the second light-transmitting area 192 .

For example, in a state in which visual information related to information processed by the laundry treatment apparatus 100 is output to a portion of the touch screen 122 corresponding to the second light-transmitting area 192, the second light-transmitting area 192 does not display any information. An outer image surrounding the visual information may be output to the corresponding portion. The outer image is a portion that does not correspond to the second light-transmitting area 192 and may be filled with a specific color (for example, black).

As another example, in a state in which visual information related to information processed by the laundry treatment apparatus 100 is output to a portion of the display 122 corresponding to the second light-transmitting area 192, the second light-transmitting area 192 does not display any information. The corresponding part may be configured to be turned off. That is, not only visual information but also outside images are not output to a portion of the display module 128 that does not correspond to the second light-transmitting area 192 . In this example, since only a part of the display 122 is driven, the display 122 can be efficiently driven compared to the previous example in which the entirety of the display 122 is driven, thereby obtaining a power saving effect.

The display 122 formed on the door cover 190 may implement a touch screen 122 by forming a mutual layer structure or integrally with a touch sensor (not shown). The touch screen 122 may function as a user input unit providing an input interface between the laundry treatment apparatus 100 and the user, and may provide an output interface between the laundry treatment apparatus 100 and the user. For example, selection and change of an operation mode for performing washing, spin-drying, and the like may be implemented by a user's touch input (or touch) to the display 122 .

The touch screen 122 includes a touch sensor to sense 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 resistive film method, a capacitive method, an infrared method, an ultrasonic method, and a magnetic field method.

As an example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in pressure applied to a specific part of the touch screen 122 or a change in capacitance generated in a specific part into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect a touch position, area, and pressure upon touch of a touch object that applies a touch to the touch screen 122 on the touch screen 122 . Here, the touch object is an object that applies a touch to the touch screen 122, and may be, for example, a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, or a pointer.

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

Meanwhile, the controller may perform different controls or the same control according to the type of the touch object that touches the touch screen 122 . Whether to perform different controls or the same control according to the type of touch object may be determined according to an operating state of the laundry treatment apparatus 100 or an application program being executed.

The touch screen 122 includes a short (or tap) touch, a long touch, a multi-touch, a drag touch, a flick touch, and a pinch-in touch. Various types of touches, such as a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipe touch, and a hovering touch, may be sensed.

The touch screen 122 is configured to sense a touch input to a sensing area including the second light-transmitting area 192 .

In this embodiment, the touch screen 122 is attached to the rear surface of the door cover 190 to cover a portion of the second light-transmitting area 192 and the non-transmissive area 193 surrounding the second light-transmitting area 192. is foreshadowing According to the above configuration, the touch sensing area of the touch screen 122 includes not only the second transmissive area 192 but also a part of the non-transmissive area 193 surrounding the second transmissive area 192 . Accordingly, various UIs or GUIs using a part of the non-transmissive area 193 surrounding the second light-transmitting area 192 may be provided.

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

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

The touch sensor may be formed in a form in which a metal wire is directly patterned on the rear surface of the door cover 190 without a separate touch film.

Alternatively, the touch sensor may be integrally formed with a display included in the display module 128 . For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display (on-cell) or provided inside the display (in-cell).

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

On the other hand, the laundry treatment device goes beyond being used alone and can be connected to other laundry treatment devices equipped with washing tubs by wire/wireless connection to be expanded to a laundry treatment system that performs processes such as washing, spin-drying, and drying in conjunction with each other. . Hereinafter, the operation of the laundry treatment device in the laundry treatment system will be described in detail.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which another laundry treatment apparatus is connected to the laundry treatment apparatus shown in FIG. 1A.

The laundry treatment system includes a plurality of laundry treatment devices. However, for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 3 , the case in which the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses 200 and 300 are included in the laundry treatment system will be described only. However, the present invention is not limited to the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses 200 and 300 shown in FIG. 3 and may be applied to a laundry treatment system including various types of laundry treatment apparatuses.

The first laundry treatment apparatus 200 may include features of the laundry treatment apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1A to 2 or similar features thereto.

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

Meanwhile, the second laundry treatment device 300 corresponds to an 'external device' based on the first laundry treatment device 200, and includes a second washing tub 360 different from the first washing tub 260. .

The second laundry treatment device 300 may exist in various forms. For example, referring to FIG. 3 , the second laundry treatment device 200 may be formed as a top-loading washing device. If the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 is a washing machine in which the first washing tub 260 rotates around a first rotation axis, the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 has the second washing tub 360 It may be a washing machine that rotates around a second rotation axis crossing the first rotation axis. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 may have the same structure as the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 or may be modified into various structures not shown in the drawings.

The second laundry treatment apparatus 300 may be configured and provided so that at least one of washing capacity, volume, and height is smaller than that of the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 . Accordingly, the user can selectively use at least one of the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses 200 and 300 according to the amount of laundry. Also, the user may select at least one of the first and second laundry treatment devices 200 and 300 according to the type of laundry. For example, if separate washing is required, such as baby clothes and underwear, or a small amount of laundry is washed using the second laundry treatment apparatus 300, and other laundry is washed using the first laundry treatment apparatus 200. ) can be used to wash.

The second laundry treatment apparatus 300 includes a second body 310 forming an exterior, a drawer housing 330 that can be drawn into or drawn out of the second body 310, and a drawer. A second washing tub 360 provided inside the lower housing 330 is provided.

The drawer housing 330 is introduced into the second body 310 through an opening 312 formed in the second body 310 toward the forward direction of the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 or is removed from the second body 310. can be withdrawn.

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

In addition, a cover panel 331 may be installed in front of the drawer housing 330 . The cover panel 331 may be integrally formed with the drawer housing 330 . In addition, a handle 332 for pulling in and out of the drawer housing 330 may be formed on the cover panel 331, and the upper surface of the cover panel 331 is used to operate the second laundry treatment device 300. A control panel 370 may be provided.

In addition, a supply hole 365 for supplying wash water into the second washing tub 360 and a second door 363 through which laundry can be put into or taken out of the second washing tub 360 are provided at the top of the drawer housing 330. can be installed A handle 364 for pulling and opening the second door 363 may be provided on one side of the second door 363 .

On the other hand, each of the output units 240 and 340 included in the first and second laundry handling apparatuses 200 and 300 is for generating an output related to sight, hearing, or tactile sense, and includes a display, an audio output unit, a haptic module, and an optical output. At least one of the parts may be included. For example, when the first cycle is finished in the first laundry treatment apparatus 200, a notification sound indicating the end of the first cycle is output through the first output unit 240, and the second laundry treatment device 240 When the second stroke ends in the device 300, a notification sound indicating the end of the second stroke may be output through the second output unit 340.

The first and second communication units 250 and 350 serve as passages for connecting the first and second laundry treatment devices 200 and 300 wired/wireless to each other. The first laundry treatment apparatus 200 may perform appropriate control related to the connected second laundry treatment apparatus 300 in response to being connected to the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 .

The first and second controllers 280 and 380 generally control overall operations of the laundry treatment apparatus in addition to operations related to a plurality of application programs (applications) run in each laundry treatment apparatus. The control unit may provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the components described above or by driving an application program stored in a memory (memory).

Meanwhile, the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 is positioned within a predetermined distance from the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 . The predetermined distance means a distance at which the first and second laundry handling apparatuses 200 and 300 can perform mutual wire/wireless communication, and the predetermined distance may vary according to a communication method.

For example, for the convenience of a user who uses the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 , the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 may be provided under the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 . That is, the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 may provide convenience to a user using the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 by raising the installation position of the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 .

Meanwhile, when the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 is located below the first laundry treatment apparatus 200, the user must bend over or squat down to operate the control panel 370 while standing. To solve this inconvenience, the laundry handling system according to the present invention uses the touch screen 222 provided in the first laundry handling apparatus 200 to at least one of the first and second laundry handling apparatuses 200 and 300. Provides a user interface to control. In other words, the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 displays a graphic interface capable of controlling the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 on the touch screen 222 depending on whether or not the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 is connected. can be printed out.

Hereinafter, a detailed operation of the first laundry treatment device 200 will be described.

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

First, the first controller 280 provided in the first laundry treatment device 200 determines whether it is connected to an external device having a washing tub (S410).

The external device may be the 'second laundry treatment apparatus 300 having the second washing tub 360' described above with reference to FIG. 3, and includes various types of laundry treatment apparatus including the washing tub. For convenience of description, a case in which the external device is the second laundry treatment device 300 will be described as an example, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 may be connected to the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 by wire through a cable or wirelessly connected to the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 through a wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. can Specifically, the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 includes a first communication unit 250, the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 includes a second communication unit 350, and the first and second communication units 250 and 350 As a result, the first and second laundry treatment devices 200 and 300 may be connected. Also, each of the first and second controllers 280 and 380 may determine whether or not they are interconnected.

The first controller 280 controls the touch screen 222 to output time information, and controls the touch screen 222 to output different information depending on whether or not it is connected to the second laundry treatment device 300 .

The first controller 280 may periodically or irregularly determine whether or not the second laundry treatment device 300 is connected so that different information is output depending on whether or not the laundry is connected. For example, whether or not the touch screen 222 is connected may be periodically determined when the touch screen 222 is turned on. For another example, when the connection with the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 is disconnected and then connected, or when the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 is activated in a standby state, the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 When a predetermined event occurs, such as when the power is turned off and then turned on, connection may be determined irregularly.

Different information output to the touch screen 222 according to whether or not the connection is made is related to a user interface enabling input/output between at least one of the first and second laundry handling devices 200 and 300 and the user.

When the connection with the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 is not established (or when the connection is released), the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 enables input/output between the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 and the user. A first user interface is provided.

The first user interface includes icons (or icons included in the first group) associated with processes such as washing, spin-drying, and drying driven by the first laundry handling apparatus 200 .

In other words, if the connection with the second laundry machine 300 is not established, the first controller 280 displays icons related to functions that can be executed using the first washing tub 260 on the touch screen 222. output (S430). Icons included in the first group are displayed while the touch screen 222 is turned on.

If a touch is applied while the icons included in the first group are being output, the first controller 280 executes a function related to the touched icon using the first washing tub 260 .

Meanwhile, when the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses 200 and 300 are connected, the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 may provide a second user interface enabling input/output between the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 and the user. can The second user interface includes icons (or icons included in the second group) associated with processes such as washing, spin-drying, and drying driven by the second laundry handling apparatus 300 .

The first controller 280 may selectively output one of the first and second user interfaces. This may selectively output any one of the first and second user interfaces. The size of the touch screen 222 is limited to display both the first and second user interfaces, and if both the first and second user interfaces are displayed, difficulties arise in finding an icon to be used among many icons displayed on the touch screen. because it does

To this end, when connected to the second laundry treatment apparatus 300, the first controller 280 provides a first graphic object configured to select the first washing tub 260 and a second graphic configured to select the second washing tub 360. The object is output to the touch screen 222 (S450).

Next, the first controller 280 detects a touch applied to any one of the first and second graphic objects (S470), and based on the detected touch, one of the first and second washing tubs 260 and 360 is 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 tubs, and performs actions that the selected washing tub can execute. The touch screen 222 is controlled so that icons associated with functions are output. That is, one of the first and second user interfaces may be selectively output according to a user input. In this way, since any one of a plurality of user interfaces configured to control different laundry handling apparatuses is selectively output, the touch screen of the small screen is efficiently used, and the user can conveniently select the interface he/she wants to use. .

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

If a touch is applied while the icons included in the first group are being output, the first controller 280 executes a function related to the touched icon using the first washing tub 260 .

In contrast, when a touch is applied while icons included in the second group are being output, the first controller 280 transmits a control command so that the function related to the touched icon is executed in the second laundry treatment device 300 do.

More specifically, when a touch is applied to any one icon included in the second group, the first controller 280 performs a function associated with the touched icon to perform a second laundry treatment provided with the second washing tub 360. A wash command corresponding to the function is transmitted to the second laundry treatment device 300 to be executed in the device 300 . In this case, the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 executes a function corresponding to the control command transmitted using the second washing tub 360 .

Although not shown in the drawings, the first and second graphic objects may be displayed, and then the connection between the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses 200 and 300 may be disconnected. In this case, the first controller 280 controls the touch screen 222 so that the first and second graphic objects disappear and icons included in the first group are displayed.

According to this example, since a user can control a plurality of laundry handling apparatuses using an interface provided by a specific laundry handling apparatus, the problem of having to individually use a control unit provided in each laundry handling apparatus can be solved. there is.

The control method related to the present invention described above may be embodied in various forms as shown in FIGS. 5 to 11 . Hereinafter, in the detailed embodiment to be described, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar components as the previous example, and the description is replaced with the first description.

5, 6a, 6b and 6c are exemplary diagrams showing examples to which the control method of FIG. 4 is applied.

As an example of such control, referring to FIG. 5 , when the display of the touch screen 222 is turned off and then turned on, different information is displayed on the touch screen 222 depending on whether or not it is connected to the second laundry treatment device 300 . is output on

For example, when the display of the touch screen 222 is turned on while not connected to the second laundry treatment apparatus 300, the first laundry treatment apparatus control screen 510 is displayed on the touch screen 222. The first laundry treatment apparatus control screen 510 includes icons associated with functions that can be executed using the first washing tub 260, and includes icons included in the first group. Each of the icons included in the first group is linked to a function of executing processes such as washing, spin-drying, and drying using the first washing tub.

When any one of the icons is selected by touch, the selected icon 512 is highlighted so that the selected icon 512 is distinguished from the rest of the non-selected 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 a function associated with the selected icon 512 may be displayed in the form of an image, text, or video at 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 region of the touch screen 222 . Then, when the second icon is selected, the description related to the first icon is switched to the description related to the second icon.

According to this example, the user can check various icons at a glance by the icons arranged in a circular shape along the outer circumferential surface of the circular display. In addition, since the display of the icons is maintained and descriptions of different icons are displayed in the central area of the touch screen 222 according to the touch, information desired by the user can be effectively conveyed without significantly changing the displayed information. In other words, a new type of user interface optimized for a circular display may be provided.

The first laundry handling apparatus control screen 510 may include a virtual operation button 516 for operating the first washing tub 260 with a function associated with the selected icon 512 . When a second touch is applied to the virtual operation button 516 in a state in which an icon is selected by the first touch, a function associated with the selected icon is executed.

If the number of icons included in the first group exceeds a predetermined number, the first laundry handling apparatus control screen 510 includes a plurality of pages, and each page may include different icons.

If a touch input continuously moving from a first point to a second point is applied while one of the pages is being output, the first controller 280 converts the one page to another one based on the touch input. You can switch to the page of The other page may be different according to the moving direction of the touch input.

The user may check an output related to the first laundry handling machine by using information included in the first laundry handling machine control screen 510 and input a control command related to the first laundry handling machine.

Meanwhile, when the display of the touch screen 222 is turned on while connected to the second clothes handling device 300, the first graphic object 520 and the second graphic object 522 are displayed on the touch screen 222. .

The display positions of the first and second graphic objects 520 and 522 may vary according to the disposition of the first and second laundry handling apparatuses 200 and 300 . For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , when the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 is disposed under the first laundry treatment apparatus 200, the first graphic object 520 is the second graphic object 522 ) is displayed relatively above. Through this, the user can intuitively recognize which clothes handling device each graphic object is associated with.

As another example of control, referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B , when a touch is applied to any one of the first and second graphic objects 520 and 522, a group of icons corresponding to either one is displayed on the touch screen 222. can be output to

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, when a touch is applied to the first graphic object 520, the first clothes handling apparatus control screen 510 is displayed on the touch screen 222, and accordingly, the first Icons included in the group are displayed.

Here, each icon included in the first group is linked to a function executed by the first washing tub 260 provided in the first laundry treatment device 200 .

Different icons may be included in the first group according to the characteristics of the first washing tub 260 . For example, since the functions that can be executed in the first washing tub vary depending on the size of the washing tub, the rotating shaft of the washing tub, and the presence or absence of a heater capable of heating water put into the washing tub to a certain temperature, the first group includes The icon will also change. That is, the icons included in the first group vary according to the type of the first laundry treatment device 200 .

Unlike this, as shown in FIG. 6B, when a touch is applied to the second graphic object 522, the second clothes handling apparatus control screen 610 is displayed on the touch screen 222, and accordingly, the second group The icons included in are displayed.

Here, each icon included in the second group is linked to a function executed by the second washing tub 360 of the second laundry treatment device 300 . Icons included in the second group also vary according to the characteristics of the second washing tub (or the type of the second laundry treatment device). If the first and second laundry handling apparatuses 200 and 300 are the same product, the first and second groups include the same icons.

The first controller 280 may receive icons included in the second group from the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 and create the second laundry treatment apparatus control screen 610 using the received icons. Alternatively, among a plurality of groups stored in the memory, any one group corresponding to the second laundry machine 300 is determined as the second group, or a group corresponding to the second laundry machine 300 is determined from a preset server. Icons may be downloaded and stored in a memory, and a second group may be set using the downloaded icons.

In conclusion, 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 any one of the first and second groups are output, the other one The output of icons included in is limited.

Meanwhile, the same icon may be commonly included in the first laundry treatment apparatus control screen 510 and the second laundry treatment apparatus control screen 610 .

For example, a virtual operation button 516 may be commonly included. However, virtual buttons included in the first laundry treatment apparatus control screen 510 operate or temporarily stop the operation of the first laundry tub 260, and virtual buttons included in the second laundry treatment apparatus control screen 610 The second washing tub 360 is operated or temporarily stopped. That is, even if the icon has the same shape, functions associated therewith may be related to different washing tubs.

As another example, a virtual setting button 630 may be commonly included. Whether the first laundry treatment apparatus control screen 510 or the second laundry treatment apparatus control screen 610 is displayed, the virtual setting button 630 may be displayed on the touch screen 222 together, and the virtual setting button ( 630), a setting screen (not shown) is displayed on the touch screen 222.

Meanwhile, when icons included in the first group are output, a first background image is displayed on the touch screen 222, and icons included in the first group are displayed on the first background image.

In contrast, when icons included in the second group are output, a second background image different from the first background image is displayed on the touch screen 222, and icons included in the second group are displayed on the second background image. are displayed The second background image means an image different from the first background image in shape, color, and the like.

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.

Similarly, the background of the first graphic object 520 may be made of an image filled with black, and the background of the second graphic object 522 may be made of an image filled with white. Since the graphic object and the background image of the control screen have the same or similar color, the user can intuitively recognize which group of icons is displayed on the touch screen 222 or which washing tub is selected.

In order to more clearly convey the selected washing tub, the first and second background images may further include text, video, or codes corresponding to the respective washing tubs. For example, the first image may include the name of the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 and the second image may include the name of the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 .

Meanwhile, the first and second graphic objects may be transformed into various forms according to embodiments. The first graphic object is defined as a function of displaying icons (or the first laundry handling apparatus control screen) included in the first group, and the second graphic object is defined as icons included in the second group (or the second control screen). It can be defined as a function to display the control screen of the clothes handling device). If the above definition is satisfied, it may correspond to the first graphic object or the second graphic object regardless of its shape.

Referring to FIG. 6C , when the first laundry handling apparatus control screen 510 is output, a second graphic object 620 may be displayed together. In other words, the first laundry handling apparatus control screen 510 may include a second graphic object 620 .

In this case, the second graphic object 620 informs that the currently displayed screen is the first laundry handling apparatus control screen 510, and when a touch is applied to the second graphic object 620, the first controller 1 Switch the laundry handling apparatus control screen 510 to the second laundry handling apparatus control screen 610 . That is, icons included in the first group may disappear and icons included in the second group may appear.

Unlike this, the second laundry handling apparatus control screen 610 may include a first graphic object 622 . The first graphic object 622 informs that the currently displayed screen is the second clothes handling device control screen 610, and when a touch is applied to the first graphic object 622, the second clothes handling device control screen 610 It is switched to the first laundry handling apparatus control screen 510 .

Meanwhile, the first and second graphic objects may be displayed on the touch screen 222 according to a user input that satisfies a preset condition.

7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a laundry treatment apparatus displaying first and second graphic objects in response to a user input that satisfies a predetermined condition.

Regardless of information being displayed on the touch screen 222, the first controller 180 can output first and second graphic objects only when a user input that satisfies a preset condition is input.

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

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

The curtain window 710 includes first and second graphic objects 720 and 722 . The first and second graphic objects 720 and 722 are made of transparent images, and the previously displayed screen and the first and second graphic objects 720 and 722 may overlap each other. In this case, even if at least a part of the existing screen is displayed, the touch input to the curtain window 710 may be defined as a control command for the curtain window 710 .

When a touch is applied to the X mark included in the curtain window 710, the curtain window 710 disappears and a previously displayed screen is displayed. According to this driving method, the user can display or disappear the first and second graphic objects 720 and 722 as needed, so that a simple user interface is implemented. In addition, since the first and second graphic objects 720 and 722 do not always have to be displayed on the touch screen 222, a larger number of areas capable of displaying information can be secured.

Furthermore, the curtain window 710 may further include state information of the laundry treatment device. The state information may include at least one of wireless communication on/off information, sound on/off information, child lock on/off information, set function information, and remote control on/off information. The user can easily check whether a function related to the setting of the clothes handling apparatus is turned on/off, and can also simply turn on/off a specific function using the on/off information.

Meanwhile, a user input that satisfies a preset condition may be modified in various ways according to embodiments. For example, when a touch input in which a plurality of consecutive taps is applied to an empty space where a graphic object associated with a control function is not displayed on a touch screen that is turned on is applied, first and second graphic objects may be displayed. As another example, when a touch input in which a predetermined area of the touch screen is turned off is continuously tapped multiple times, the first and second graphic objects may be displayed while the touch screen is turned on. To this end, a touch sensor of the touch screen may be turned on to sense a touch even while the display of the touch screen is turned off.

Hereinafter, operations of each of the first and second laundry handling apparatuses in the laundry system including the first and second laundry handling apparatuses will be described in more detail.

8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses in the laundry system including the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses.

The laundry treatment system includes first and second laundry treatment devices 200 and 300 . The first laundry treatment apparatus 200 includes a first user interface performing input/output of the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 and a second user performing input/output of the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 through the touch screen 222 . Output at least one of the interfaces. Accordingly, the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 operates as a master device generating a control command according to a user input, and the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 performs functions according to the control command generated by the master apparatus. It can operate as a slave device that performs Hereinafter, it is assumed that the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 is operated by the first control unit 280 and the second laundry treatment 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 the icons included in the second group has been described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a touch applied to any one of the icons included in the second group is detected (S820), and a wash command corresponding to a function associated with the touched icon is transmitted to the second laundry treatment device 300. (S830). For example, when a touch is applied to a first icon associated with a first function, a wash command corresponding to the first function is transmitted, and when a touch is applied to a second icon associated with a second function, the second icon associated with the second function is touched. A wash command corresponding to the function may be transmitted. That is, the washing command changes according to the icon to which the touch is applied.

Even when the power of the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 is turned off, the wash command generates a wakeup signal for turning on the power of the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 so that a function corresponding to the wash command can be executed. ) may be included. That is, the power of the second laundry treatment device 300 may be turned on according to the washing command.

Meanwhile, the second controller 380 determines whether a function corresponding to the wash command can be executed in response to the transmitted wash command (S840). For example, the second controller 380 may determine that the laundry is impossible when a clothes input port through which clothes can be inserted or removed is not closed by the second door 363 . In addition, when the function corresponding to the wash command cannot be executed because another process is already being executed, or when the function corresponding to the wash command cannot be executed because it does not match the characteristics of the second laundry treatment device 300, the wash command A case in which the number of clothes required by the function corresponding to is not contained in the second washing tub 360 may correspond to a non-washable state.

When it is determined that the washing is impossible, the second controller 380 transmits a washing impossible message to the first laundry treatment device 200 (S850). The non-washable message may include a reason for determining the non-washable state.

The first controller 280 outputs notification information indicating that washing is impossible in response to the washing impossible message (S852). More specifically, notification information warning that the function associated with the touched icon cannot be performed in the second clothes handling device 300 may be output in at least one of visual, auditory, and tactile methods. .

The notification information may include a reason for determining that the washing is impossible. For example, when washing is impossible because the second door 363 is open, a message such as "Please close the door of the second laundry treatment device" may be included in the notification information.

In contrast, when it is determined that the washing is possible, the second controller 380 executes a function corresponding to the washing command and transmits a progress message informing of the progress to the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 (S860).

For example, when a first function consisting of a plurality of processes is executed, which process among the plurality of processes is being performed, the progress rate of the process being performed, and the consumption of energy, water, detergent, etc. Information on whether or not it is done may be included in the progress message.

The first controller 280 outputs guide information for guiding the progress in response to the progress message (S862). Specifically, the first control unit 280 receives a progress message notifying the progress of the function as the function is executed in the second clothes handling apparatus 300 according to a user input, and based on the received progress message, the first control unit 280 performs the function. Outputs guide information that guides the progress of the function. The guide information may be output in at least one of visual, auditory and tactile methods.

Although not shown in the drawings, the first controller 280 may output icons included in the first group, and when a touch is applied to any one icon included in the first group, a function related thereto is displayed in the first washing tub ( 260) can be used. In this case, first guide information for guiding the washing process of the first washing tub 260 may be output.

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

9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method of outputting related information to a touch screen when an operation is executed in at least one of the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses. Specifically, FIG. 9A is a conceptual diagram in which first guide information is output, FIG. 9B is a conceptual diagram in which second guide information is output, and FIGS. 9C and 9D are conceptual diagrams in which first and second guide information are simultaneously output.

When a function (or administration) is being executed in at least one of the first and second washing tubs 260 and 360, the first controller 280 provides guide information for guiding the progress of the function being executed in the at least one. It is output to the touch screen 222.

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

Referring to FIG. 9A , the first controller 280 may output the first control screen 510 of the clothes handling apparatus including the icons included in the first group to the touch screen 222 . If a touch is applied to the first icon 900 while outputting the icons included in the first group, a function associated with the first icon is selected, and if a touch is applied to the virtual operation button 516, the first icon 900 is touched. A function associated with the icon is executed using the first washing tub 260 . As the function associated with the first icon is executed, first guide information 910 is displayed on the touch screen 222 .

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

Meanwhile, the first controller 180 counts a scheduled completion time of a function using at least one of the first and second washing tubs 260 and 360, and gradually increases the size along the edge of the touch screen 222 based on the counted time. It is possible to output a progress image 912 that changes to .

Accordingly, the first guide information 910 may further include a progress image 912 whose size gradually changes along the outer circumferential surface at one point of the touch screen 222 as the scheduled completion time changes.

The one point corresponds to the 12 o'clock point of the touch screen 222, and the progress image 912 may gradually unfold in a clockwise direction as time passes. In this way, through the user interface tailored to the characteristics of the circular display, the clothes handling apparatus can inform the user of the remaining time in a new form.

Meanwhile, as the function progresses, the information included in the first guide information 910 changes. Specifically, while the function is in progress, the first guide information 910 includes information for guiding the progress of the function, but when the function ends, the first guide information 910 includes information for guiding the end of the function. . For example, when the function ends, the first guide information 910 may include information about the amount of energy, water, detergent, 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 an image filled with black is displayed as a background image of the first guide information 910, the user can intuitively recognize that the first guide information 910 is for the first washing tub 260. be able to

Meanwhile, when 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 control unit 280 may output the second clothes handling apparatus control screen 610 including the icons included in the second group to the touch screen 222 . If a touch is applied to the second icon 902 while outputting the icons included in the second group, the first controller 280 selects a function associated with the second icon. Thereafter, when a touch is applied to the virtual operation button 516, the first controller 280 issues a washing command so that the function associated with the second icon is executed in the second external treatment device 300, and Send to (300).

As the function is executed in the second laundry handling apparatus 300, the first controller 280 receives a progress message notifying the progress of the function, and guides the progress of the function based on the received progress message. The second guide information 920 to be displayed is output to the touch screen 222 .

Like the first guide information 910, the second guide information 920 may include information about a process being performed in the second washing tub 260 and information about a remaining time until the function ends. In addition, a virtual pause button 914 for temporarily pausing an operation being executed and a progress image 922 for guiding remaining time may 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 guide information 920 .

Meanwhile, when a function is executed in one of the first and second washing tubs, guide information corresponding to the one of the washing tubs is displayed on the touch screen. Thereafter, the user can select another washing tub by using a graphic object and execute a function for the other washing tub. The first guide information 910 includes a second graphic object 620 so that the other washing tub can be selected while the guide information on the one washing tub is displayed, and the second guide information 920 A first graphic object 610 may be displayed on . Accordingly, a function may be executed in one washing tub, and different functions may be concurrently executed in the respective washing tubs.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9C , when a touch is applied to the first graphic object 622 while the second guide information 920 is being displayed, the first controller 280 displays the second guide information 920. is switched to the first laundry treatment apparatus control screen 510 . That is, as a touch is applied to the first graphic object 622 , the second guide information 920 may disappear and the first laundry handling apparatus control screen 510 may appear.

Subsequently, the function for the first washing tub may be executed by a touch applied to the first laundry treatment apparatus control screen 510 . Accordingly, the functions of the first washing tub and the functions of the second washing tub may be concurrently performed. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a function executed in the first washing tub is referred to as a 'first function', and a function executed in the second washing tub is referred to as a 'second function'.

As the first and second functions are executed, the first control unit 280 displays first guide information 930 for the first function on the first area of the touch screen 222, and the touch screen 222 The second guide information 930 for the second function is displayed in the second area of ).

The positions of the first and second areas may vary depending on the arrangement of the first and second laundry treatment devices 200 and 300 . For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , when the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 is disposed below the first laundry treatment apparatus 200, the first area is displayed relatively higher than the second area. Through this, the user can intuitively recognize which laundry treatment device each guide information is associated with.

Furthermore, the first background image described above with reference to FIG. 6A may be displayed on the first area, and the second background image may be displayed on 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 to pause or resume the first function, and the second guide information 940 to pause or resume the second function. A second virtual action/pause button 942 may be included. The user may individually control the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses 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 proceed separately, one of them ends first.

When any one of the first and second functions is terminated, the first control unit 280 stops outputting the first and second guide information so that either one of the functions is terminated, and outputs any one of the completion information. It can be output to the touch screen 222 .

Here, the completion information includes at least one of the name of the completed function, the start time when the function started, the end time when the function ended, the total time the function was executed, the amount of energy, water, detergent, etc., and information about the clothes handling device that executed the function. can include

Any one of the completion information is output for a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, another guide information is output on the touch screen 222 . Since any one of the above is ended, the output of any one of the guide information is also ended, and the other guide information is expanded and displayed to the area including the first and second areas.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9D , first guide information 932 for a first function is displayed in a first area and second guide information 942 for a second function is displayed in a second area. The second function, whose expected completion time is relatively early, ends earlier than the first function.

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

After a predetermined time elapses, the completion information 950 of the second function disappears from the touch screen 222 and the first guide information 930' is displayed. Since the display of the second guide information 940 is terminated according to the end of the second function, the first and second areas are integrated, and the first guide information 930' is displayed in the area including the first and second areas. will be displayed

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

10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams illustrating a method of controlling sound output of each laundry treatment apparatus.

Information output from the clothes handling system may be output not only in a visual manner, but also in a mixed manner of a visual method and an auditory method. Since the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses 200 and 300 each have separate output units 240 and 340, outputs may be overlapped. In particular, there is a problem in that the output of the auditory method overlaps.

For example, as the first function ends, while the first completion information is being output in an auditory manner through the first output unit 240, the second function ends and the second completion information is sent to the second output unit 340. can be output through Since the first and second completion information are simultaneously output from different output units, an overlapping problem occurs.

In order to solve this problem, the first control unit 280 of the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 corresponding to the master device outputs a second output when the second laundry treatment 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 by the unit 340 .

More specifically, the first control unit 280 may detect a situation in which an output should be generated from 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 not to output corresponding information.

Meanwhile, the first control unit 280 outputs an output related to the first washing tub 260 using the first output unit 240, and outputs an output related to the second washing tub 360 through the second output unit 340. You can print using .

For example, as shown in FIG. 10A , when a touch is applied to the first graphic object 520, the first laundry tub 260 is selected and the first laundry treatment apparatus control screen 510 is displayed on the touch screen 222. A notification sound indicating that the first washing tub 260 is selected may be output from the first output unit 240 . When an event occurs due to a touch applied to the first clothes handling apparatus control screen 510, auditory information according to the generated event is output through the first output unit 240.

For another example, when a touch is applied to the second graphic object 522, the second laundry tub 360 is selected and the second laundry treatment apparatus control screen 610 is output on the touch screen 222. 360) may be output from the second output unit 340. Thereafter, when an event occurs in the second clothes handling apparatus 300, auditory information according to the occurred event is output through the second output unit 340.

Meanwhile, when an event for outputting the second information to the second output unit 340 occurs while the first information is being output to the first output unit 240, the first control unit 280 outputs the first information. After completion, an output limiting command is transmitted to the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 so that the second information is output. According to the output limit command, the second output unit 340 outputs the second information after the output of the first information is finished.

For example, if the second function is terminated while the first completion information is being output in an auditory manner through the first output unit 240, the output of the first completion information is terminated and then the second completion information is output. The second control unit 380 and/or the second output unit 340 may be controlled.

Conversely, when an event for outputting the first information to the first output unit 240 occurs 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 it is finished, and after the output of the second information is finished, the first information is output using the first output unit 240 .

On the other hand, the first and second functions are individually progressed, but may be terminated simultaneously or the other one may be terminated while one of the completion information is being output. In this case, it is a problem that the first and second completion information may overlap and be output.

When the first and second functions are terminated at the same time, the first control unit 280 first outputs one completion information for a predetermined time first, and outputs the other completion information for a predetermined time after the predetermined time has elapsed. do. As a result, information output to the touch screen 222 is not duplicated.

Since different information is blocked from being simultaneously outputted through each output unit, a user can use a laundry treatment system including a plurality of laundry treatment devices without confusion.

Meanwhile, even if there is no touch applied to any one of the first and second graphic objects, one of the first and second user interfaces may be selectively output by artificial intelligence. A method of selectively outputting an interface based on artificial intelligence based on user behavior will be examined in detail.

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

Referring to FIG. 11A , when the state of the first door 220 provided in the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 is changed by an external force, the first control unit 280 displays the first laundry treatment apparatus control screen 510. The touch screen 222 is controlled to be output. Specifically, when the first door 220 is converted from the first state to the second state by an external force, icons included in the first group are displayed on the touch screen 222 .

Here, the first state may mean an open state in which the first door 220 is open in the clothing input port, and a second state may mean a closed state in which the first door 220 closes the clothing input port. The reason why the user switches the first door 220 to the closed state is that he or she has an intention to use the first washing tub 260 .

Regardless of the type of information being output, the first laundry treatment apparatus control screen 510 is displayed on the touch screen 222 according to the state change of the first door 220 .

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 11B , when a change in a preset state is detected while the touch screen 222 is turned off, the first controller 280 turns on the touch screen 222 and displays information corresponding to the change in state. The touch screen 222 is controlled as much as possible.

For example, when the drawer housing 330 is drawn into the second body 310 in a state of being drawn out from the second body 310, the first controller 280 displays icons included in the second group. Controls the touch screen 222. If the touch screen 222 is off, the first controller 280 turns on the off touch screen 222 so that icons included in the second group are displayed. This is because the user has an intention to use the second washing tub 360 .

Although not shown in the drawings, when the second door 363 provided in the second laundry handling apparatus 300 is converted from an open state to a closed state, the first controller 280 outputs icons included in the second group. The touch screen 222 may be controlled. That is, according to the state change of the second door 63 , the second laundry handling apparatus control screen 610 may be displayed on the touch screen 222 .

To enable such control, the second control unit 380 detects a state change of components provided in the second laundry handling apparatus 300, and provides a state change message when the detected state change satisfies a preset condition. 1 is transmitted to the control unit 280. The first controller 280 controls the touch screen 222 to display the second laundry treatment 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 controller may execute a child lock function based on a user input.

Here, the child lock function refers to a function to prevent malfunctions and accidents caused by children by controlling hardware buttons or software buttons not to operate. When the child lock function is executed, even if a touch is applied to the touch screen, function execution by the touch is restricted. Only the touch input that cancels the child lock function is valid, and other touch inputs are ignored.

According to the drawing, when the child lock function is executed while the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses 200 and 300 are connected, the first controller 280 locks the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 so that the child lock function is also executed. The command is transmitted to the second laundry treatment device 300 . The second controller 380 executes the child lock function in response to the received lock command.

A user may execute a child lock function on the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses 200 and 300 using the touch screen 222 provided in the first laundry treatment apparatus 200 .

As the child lock function is executed in the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses 200 and 300, an indicator 1210 guiding that the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses 200 and 300 are locked may be output. Through this, the user can recognize that both the first and second laundry treatment devices 200 and 300 are locked.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method of connecting or disconnecting the first laundry treatment apparatus from the second laundry treatment apparatus based on a user input.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the first controller 280 controls the first communication unit 350 to establish a connection with the second laundry treatment apparatus 300 or to release the connection based on a user input.

When connected to the second laundry treatment apparatus 300, the first controller 280 outputs, on the touch screen 222, connection status information 1310 for guiding a connection status with the second laundry treatment apparatus 300. can

Here, the connection state information 1310 is information related to the second laundry treatment apparatus 300, and may include at least one of a name, manufacturer, and product number, and arrangement positions of the first and second laundry treatment apparatuses 200 and 300. It may further include arrangement state information 1312 that visually indicates.

When a release command for releasing the connection with the second laundry handling apparatus 300 is received from the user, the first controller 280 may release the connection. Thereafter, display of the icons included in the second group is restricted on the touch screen 222, and icons included in the first group are displayed.

According to this example, the user may use the first laundry treatment device 200 to comprehensively manage the clothes treatment system according to the usage style, or use the clothes treatment system as an individual device.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a laundry treatment apparatus enabling use of a new washing function developed by a third party as well as a preset washing function.

The first laundry handling device 200 may simply install a new washing function developed by a third party in response to a user's request, as well as a washing function previously set in the memory.

More specifically, the first controller 280 selects one of the first and second laundry handling apparatuses 200 and 300 included in the laundry handling system based on a user input, and performs functions that can be executed in the selected laundry handling apparatus. It can be downloaded by connecting to a preset server.

For example, functions that can be executed in the second laundry handling apparatus 300 may be downloaded from a preset server based on a user request. The first controller 280 may set the downloaded icons as icons included in the second group. Icons corresponding to the second clothes handling apparatus 300 may be downloaded from a preset server, stored in a memory, and a second group may be set using the downloaded icons.

Furthermore, the first controller 280 may set at least one of the type, display order, and display location of the icons included in the second group based on a user input or reset an existing setting to another setting.

For example, as shown in the first drawing of FIG. 14 , in the case where functions A through F are preset as the second group for a second laundry treatment apparatus called 'LG Tongdori', functions A through F are preset. Icons respectively corresponding to are displayed at preset output positions.

When a download request for 'LG Tongdori' is received, the first control unit 280 can download G functions or M functions, which are new functions that can be executed in 'LG Tongdori', from a preset server. When the download is completed, as shown in the second drawing of FIG. 14 , icons corresponding to previously stored functions A to F and newly downloaded functions G to M are displayed on the touch screen 222 . (222).

Thereafter, the first controller 280 may add a new icon to the second group, delete a preset icon, or change a display position of a preset icon based on a user input. For example, as shown in the third drawing of FIG. 14, when a user input of dragging and dropping an L icon corresponding to an L function to a position where a C icon corresponding to a C function is displayed is detected, a first control unit ( 280) may delete the C icon from the second group and add the L icon. The L icon is displayed at the location where the C icon was displayed.

In this way, the user can build an interface optimized for himself/herself, and install and use new functions developed by a third party in his or her laundry treatment device.

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

Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

a first clothes treatment device that performs a first function for treatment of clothes;
a second clothes treatment device that performs a second function for treatment of clothes;
a touch screen provided in the first clothes handling apparatus and outputting one of a first icon associated with the first function and a second icon associated with the second function; and
A control unit controlling the touch screen to output a first graphic object selected to display the first icon and a second graphic object selected to display the second icon;
The controller outputs the second graphic object in a connected state of the first and second clothes handling devices, and outputs the second graphic object in a non-connected state of the first and second clothes handling devices. A clothes handling device that controls the touch screen not to output a graphic object. According to claim 1,
The controller controls the touch screen to output a device selection screen displaying the second graphic object in the connected state and not to output the device selection screen in the non-connected state. According to claim 1,
The touch screen outputs a control screen of the first clothes handling apparatus on which the first icon is displayed,
The controller controls the touch screen to display the second graphic object on the control screen in the connected state and to remove the second graphic object on the control screen in the non-connected state. According to claim 1,
The controller controls the touch screen to output any one of the first icon and the second icon in the connected state and to output only the first icon excluding the second icon in the non-connected state. Device. According to claim 1,
The controller controls the touch screen so that the second icon is not output when the connected state is switched to the non-connected state. According to claim 1,
The first laundry treatment apparatus and the second laundry treatment apparatus are positioned within a predetermined distance in the connected state. According to claim 1,
The control unit periodically determines whether the first and second laundry treatment devices are connected while the touch screen is turned on. According to claim 1,
The control unit determines whether the first and second laundry treatment devices are connected when a predetermined event occurs. According to claim 8,
The preset event includes whether the first or second laundry treatment apparatus is activated in a standby state or whether power is applied to the first laundry treatment apparatus or the second laundry treatment apparatus. According to claim 1,
The first clothing handling device includes a first clothing inlet into which clothes are put and a first door that opens and closes the first clothing inlet;
The control unit controls the touch screen to output the first icon when an open/closed state of the first door is changed while the second icon is output. According to claim 1,
The first icon and the second icon are provided in plurality, respectively,
The touch screen outputs a first control screen displaying the plurality of first icons and a second control screen displaying the plurality of second icons,
On the first control screen and the second control screen, a single virtual operation button for executing a selected one of the plurality of first icons and the plurality of second icons is displayed at the same location. According to claim 1,
The touch screen outputs a first control screen on which the first icon is displayed,
The laundry treatment apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a preset name for the first icon and an explanatory text preset for the first icon are displayed on the first control screen. According to claim 12,
The first icon is provided in plurality,
On the first control screen, the explanatory phrase is displayed for a selected one of the plurality of first icons. According to claim 13,
The plurality of first icons are arranged to form a circle or a polygon,
The explanation text is displayed at a position surrounded by the plurality of first icons. According to claim 1,
The first icon is provided in plurality,
The plurality of first icons are arranged to form a circular shape or a polygonal shape. According to claim 15,
The plurality of first icons are arranged along the circumference of the touch screen. According to claim 15,
The touch screen has a circular shape,
The plurality of first icons are arranged to form a circular shape along the circumference of the touch screen. According to claim 1,
The first icon and the second icon are provided in plurality, respectively,
The touch screen outputs a control screen on which the plurality of first icons or the plurality of second icons are displayed;
The control unit outputs the control screen as a single page if the number of the first icons or the number of second icons is less than a predetermined number, and displays the control screen as a plurality of pages including different icons if the number is greater than the predetermined number. A laundry treatment device controlling the touch screen to be output. According to claim 1,
The control unit controls the touch screen so that the first graphic object and the second graphic object are output together in the connected state,
The display positions of the first graphic object and the second graphic object are changed according to arrangement states of the first and second clothes handling apparatuses. According to claim 1,
The control unit controls the touch screen so that the first graphic object and the second graphic object are output together in the connected state,
The relative position of the second graphic object with respect to the first graphic object corresponds to the relative position of the second clothing handling apparatus with respect to the first laundry handling apparatus.

Images