CLOTHING PROCESSING DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD OF CLOTHING PROCESSING DEVICE

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a clothing processing device and a control method of same, wherein an input of a command for changing the duration for implementing a washing or drying course or an option can be received, and the duration of implementation can be extended or shortened when the command is input.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for treating laundry and control method thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Generally, the term "laundry treating apparatus" refers to a device capable of washing, drying, or washing/drying laundry. Here, the laundry treating apparatus may perform only a washing or drying function, or may perform both washing and drying.

[0003] Such a laundry treating apparatus includes a arbitrary course or option for washing or drying laundry, and an execution time of the course or option is calculated based on the amount of laundry. For example, when the laundry amount is large, the execution time may be set to be relatively long. When the laundry amount is small, the execution time may be set to be relatively small.

[0004] FIG. 1 shows a control method for performing a arbitrary course or option of a laundry treating apparatus of the related art. (Refer to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2009-0077097, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2008-0102611, etc.)

[0005] FIG. 1 (a) shows a control method of performing a arbitrary course or option by a laundry treating apparatus of the related art.

[0006] Referring to FIG. 1 (a), a laundry treating apparatus of the related art may include a power supplying step S1 of supplying power to the laundry treating apparatus by inputting a power button (on), a selecting step S2 of selecting an appropriate course or option from a control panel of the laundry treating apparatus, and a starting step S3 of inputting an execution button for executing the course or option.

[0007] When the laundry treating apparatus of the related art is provided as a front load type washer having an opening provided to a front side of a cabinet to put laundry therethrough, if the starting step S3 is performed, a door locking step S4 of fixing the opening to the cabinet may be performed.

[0008] Thereafter, the laundry treating apparatus of the related art performs a laundry amount detecting step S5 of detecting a laundry amount through a current value applied while a laundry received drum and the like is rotated. Once the laundry amount is calculated, a controller of the laundry treating apparatus of the related art performs a time displaying step S6 of displaying an estimated execution time of the selected course or option to a user and an executing step S7 of executing the course or option automatically.

[0009] However, the laundry amount detecting step S5 and the time displaying step S6 of the laundry treating apparatus of the related art are performed after the starting step S3 of executing the course or option by the user. Therefore, there is a problem that the user is forced to input an execution of the course or option while failing to receive information on the laundry amount or the estimated execution time.

[0010] As a result, there are a problem in that the user is unable to control the execution time of the course or option actively and a problem in that the time display step S6 is unable to play a role above simply displaying only simple information at a service level to the user.

[0011] Furthermore, although the execution time displayed in the time displaying step S6 fails to fit user's current intention or situation, there is a problem in that the laundry treating apparatus of the related art has no room for the user to take active measures such as adding or reducing laundry.

[0012] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus of the related art has a problem in that the course or option cannot be canceled or changed unless active measures such as arbitrarily turning off the power of the washer are taken to change the selected course or option even if the execution time of the selected course or option does not fit the intention.

[0013] This inconvenience has a problem in being further maximized when remotely controlling the laundry treating apparatus of the related art.

[0014] FIG. 1 (b) shows a rotational state of a drum when a laundry treating apparatus of the related art senses a laundry amount.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1 (b), the laundry treating apparatus of the related art rotates the drum D in a direction I to detect a laundry amount of the laundry L.

[0016] Specifically, the laundry treating apparatus of the related art calculates the weight of the laundry L by measuring a current value applied to or outputted from the drive unit that rotates the drum D while rotating the drum in the direction I.

[0017] When the laundry treating apparatus of the related art rotates the drum D to detect the laundry amount, the laundry L paced on a floor surface of the drum is lifted and then falls in direction II by gravity within the drum D so as to be separated from an inner wall of the drum.

[0018] Accordingly, the laundry treating apparatus of the related art has a limitation in that a current value, which is applied or outputted while continuously rotating the drum D one or more times in the I direction I, should be aligned in order to detect an accurate weight of the laundry L.

[0019] As a result, the laundry treating apparatus of the related art has a problem that the time for sensing the laundry amount inevitably requires more time than the time for continuously rotating the drum.

[0020] In addition, since the time required for the laundry amount detecting step S5 is set to be relatively long, the laundry treating apparatus of the related art has a problem that the time displaying step S6 for displaying the execution time of the course or option may not be quickly guided to the user.

[0021] Therefore, the laundry treating apparatus of the related art has a problem that a user is fundamentally blocked from the possibility that a user will utilize information on a laundry amount of laundry or an estimated execution time.

[0022] Furthermore, since a user is unable to adjust an execution time of a determined course or option, the laundry treating apparatus of the related art has a problem of failing to ensure user's convenience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL TASK

[0023] One technical task of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of immediately informing a user of an estimated execution time of a course or option before performing the course or option.

[0024] Another technical task of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus for enabling a user to control an execution time of a course or option that provides a method of performing a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle within a predetermined range.

[0025] Another technical task of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus for enabling a user to adjust an execution time within an upper or lower limit of a arbitrary course or option.

[0026] Another technical task of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of changing an execution time of one or more of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle when a user changes an execution time of a arbitrary course or option.

[0027] Further technical task of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of maintaining a washing effect even if a user changes an execution time of a arbitrary course or option.

[0028] Another further technical task of the present disclosure is to provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of maintaining a dewatering effect even if a user changes an execution time of a arbitrary course or option.

TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

[0029] In one technical aspect of the present disclosure, provided is a laundry treating apparatus including a time adjustment unit receiving an input of a command for extending or reducing an execution time of a selected course or option and a controller performing the course or option by extending or reducing the execution time of the selected course or option based on inputting the time adjustment unit.

[0030] Based on inputting the time adjustment unit, the controller may extend or reduce the execution time of one or more of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle performed in the selected course or option.

[0031] Based on inputting the time adjustment unit, the controller may vary an rpm of the drum set in at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle or a rate (actual operation rate) of rotating the drum in one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle.

[0032] Based on inputting the time adjustment unit, the controller may change an actual operation rate of the drum in the washing cycle.

[0033] Based on inputting a command for extending the execution time from the time adjustment unit, the controller may decrease the actual operation rate in the washing cycle.

[0034] Based on inputting a command for reducing the execution time from the time adjustment unit, the controller may increase the actual operation rate in the washing cycle.

[0035] Based on inputting a command for extending the execution time from the time adjustment unit, the controller may further increase the execution time or a count of the rinsing cycle.

[0036] Based on inputting a command for reducing the execution time from the time adjustment unit, the controller may maintain the execution time or a count of the rinsing cycle.

[0037] Based on inputting a command for extending the execution time from the time adjustment unit, the controller may decrease an rpm of the drum in the dewatering cycle.

[0038] The controller may maintain the rpm of the drum in the dewatering cycle to be higher than a medium rpm at which the laundry is separated from an inner wall of the drum.

[0039] Based on inputting a command for reducing the execution time from the time adjustment unit, the controller may increase an rpm of the drum in the rinsing cycle.

[0040] Based on inputting the time adjustment unit, the controller may proportionally extend or shorten the execution time of each of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle.

[0041] The controller may detect a laundry amount of the laundry by controlling the drive unit and calculate and forward the execution time of the selected course or option according to the detected laundry amount to the display unit.

[0042] Based on the execution time equal to or greater than a reference time, the controller may display a signal of inducing adjustment of the time adjustment unit on the display unit.

[0043] The laundry treating apparatus may include an execution unit receiving an input of a command for executing the selected course or option or the prescribed course or option.

[0044] The display unit may display an estimated time of the prescribed course or option before inputting the execution unit.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

[0045] The present disclosure has an effect of immediately informing a user of an estimated execution time of a course or option before performing the course or option.

[0046] The present disclosure has an effect of enabling a user to control an execution time of a course or option that provides a method of performing a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle within a predetermined range.

[0047] The present disclosure has an effect of enabling a user to adjust an execution time within an upper or lower limit of a arbitrary course or option.

[0048] The present disclosure has an effect of changing an execution time of one or more of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle when a user changes an execution time of a arbitrary course or option.

[0049] The present disclosure has an effect of maintaining a washing effect even if a user changes an execution time of a arbitrary course or option.

[0050] The present disclosure has an effect of maintaining a dewatering effect even if a user changes an execution time of a arbitrary course or option.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0051] 

FIG. 1 shows a control method of a laundry treating apparatus of the related art.

FIG. 2 shows an exterior embodiment of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an inner structure of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a control configuration of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a control panel of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of a method of controlling a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a method of controlling a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows an additional embodiment of a method of controlling a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a control method of changing an operation time of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of changing an execution time of a course or option of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of changing an execution time of a course or option of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of changing an execution time of a washing cycle of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of changing an execution time of a dewatering cycle of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 shows a method of detecting a laundry amount in a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 shows a drum rotation angle upon laundry amount detection in a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 shows a detailed process of laundry amount detection in a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of detecting a laundry amount with inertia moment only in a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

BEST MODE FOR INVENTION

[0052] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar reference numbers shall be assigned to the same or similar configurations even in different embodiments, and the description thereof shall be replaced with the first description. The singular representations used in this specification include plural representations unless explicitly meant otherwise in the context. In explaining embodiments of the present disclosure, if it is deemed that a specific description of the prior art related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily blur the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description shall be omitted. It should also be noted that the accompanying drawings are intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification and should not be construed as limiting the technical ideas disclosed in this specification by the accompanying drawings.

[0053] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 shows an inner structure of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0054] In the orthogonal coordinate system shown in the drawing, positive and negative directions of the x-axis are defined as front and rear directions of a laundry treating apparatus, respectively, and positive and negative directions of the z-axis are defined as top and bottom directions of the laundry treating apparatus. In addition, a positive direction of the y-axis is defined as a right direction of the laundry treating apparatus, and a negative direction of the y-axis is defined as a left direction of the laundry treating apparatus.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, a laundry treating apparatus 1 of the present disclosure may include a cabinet 10 forming an exterior and a laundry receiving part 20' provided within the cabinet 10 to receive laundry therein.

[0056] The cabinet 10forms the exterior of the laundry treating apparatus 1 and may include an opening 12 through which laundry may be put or withdrawn and a door 13 opening/closing the opening 12. The door 13 is rotatably coupled to a front side of the cabinet 10, and the opening 12 may be opened/closed depending on turning the door 13.

[0057] Meanwhile, FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a laundry treating apparatus of a front load type, in which the opening 12 and the door 13 are formed on the front side of the cabinet 10. Alternatively, the present disclosure may include a laundry treating apparatus of a top load type, in which the opening 12 and the door 13 are formed on a top side of the cabinet 10.

[0058] When the door 13 is coupled to the opening 12, it is locked so as not to open the opening 12 arbitrarily. The door 13 may lock the opening by a solenoid, a direct fastening means, or the like.

[0059] A detergent box 14 detachably received in the cabinet to receive a detergent or fabric softener therein and a control panel 16 configured to input an activation command to the laundry treating apparatus or display a status of the laundry treating apparatus may be provided to the front side of the cabinet 10.

[0060] The detergent box 14 and the control panel 16 may be disposed above the opening 12 to be easily gripped or touched by a user.

[0061] The detergent box 14 is configured to be withdrawable in a front direction and may store a powder or liquid detergent therein. For example, the detergent box 14 may be a drawer type.

[0062] The control panel 16 may be provided to one side of the detergent box 14, and may include an input unit 18 to receive an input of an activation command including a washing course and option information related to washing from a user and a display unit 17 to display the inputted information and a washing progress status.

[0063] The input unit 18 may be a button type or a rotary knob type and may be provided as a touch panel. The display unit 17 may include a display unit having liquid crystals and a speaker outputting sound. Yet, the display unit 17 may be configured in any shape capable of displaying the status of the laundry treating apparatus 1, and may be integrally provided with the input unit 18.

[0064] In some implementations, the control panel 16 may be provided with a controller P to control the laundry treating apparatus 1.

[0065] The controller may control the electronic parts of the laundry treating apparatus 1 described later by being supplied with power from an external power source.

[0066] In this case, since the electronic parts (hereinafter, a load unit) are connected in parallel to the controller, each load unit (e.g., a drive unit, a water supply valve, a communication module, etc.) may operate independently.

[0067] The laundry receiving part 20' provided in a manner of being received in the cabinet 10 may include a tub 20 storing water therein and a drum 30 rotatably received in the tub 20 to receive laundry therein.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3, the tub 20 is provided within the cabinet 10, and may for a space for storing wash water therein. For example, the tub may have a cylindrical shape.

[0069] The tub 20 may include a tub entrance 21 through which laundry is put or withdrawn and a tub support part 23 fixing the tub 20 to an inside of the cabinet 10. The tub entrance 21 may communicate with the entrance 12. The tub support part 23 is provided under the tub 20 and may attenuate the vibration generated from the tub 20. For example, the tub support part may include a damper, a spring, etc.

[0070] The tub 20 may further include a water level sensor 90 measuring a water level in the tub. The water level sensor 90 may include an extension pipe extended from a bottom end of the tube to an upper side, a diaphragm provided to seal a top end of the extension pipe, and a sensor detecting a frequency of the diaphragm.

[0071] The laundry treating apparatus 1 of the present disclosure may further include a vibration sensor 92 detecting vibrations within the tub 20. The vibrations sensor 92 is configured to detect at least one of the vibrations on x-, y- and z-axes and may deliver a state of an inside of the tub to the controller.

[0072] The drum 30 is rotatably provided within the tub 20, and may include a drum entrance 31 through which laundry may be put or withdrawn. For example, the drum may have a cylindrical shape. The drum entrance 31 may communicate with the entrance 12 and the tub entrance 21. Therefore, laundry may be put into the drum 30 through the entrance 12, the tub entrance 21 and the drum entrance 31 in order.

[0073] Meanwhile, between the entrance 12 of the cabinet 10 and the tub entrance 21 of the tub 20, a gasket 19 may be further provided. The gasket 19 prevents the wash water in the tub 20 from leaking to the cabinet 10 and may also prevent the vibration generated from the tub 20 from being delivered to the cabinet 10. For example, the gasket may include an elastic member.

[0074] A plurality of perforated holes 33 communicating with the tub 20 may be formed in an inner circumferential surface of the drum 30. The wash water received in the tub 20 may be supplied into the drum 30 through the perforated holes 33, and the wash water in the drum 30 may be discharged to the tub 20 through the perforated holes 33.

[0075] In some implementations, the laundry treating apparatus 1 of the present disclosure may include a drive unit coupled to the tub 20 to rotate the drum 30, a water supply unit 70 supplying wash water into the tub 20, and a drain unit 80 discharging the wash water of the tub 20 externally.

[0076] The drain unit 80 may include a drain pipe 81 communicating with the tub 20, and may further include a drain pump 82 connected to the drain pipe to provide a power for draining water to the tub 20.

[0077] The water supply unit 70 may include a water supply pipe 71 supplying water to the tub 20 and a water supply valve opening/closing the water supply pipe 71, and the water supply pipe 71 may be configured to communicate with the detergent box 14.

[0078] Therefore, the detergent box 14 is configured to communicate, thereby supplying a detergent to the tub 20 automatically for water supply.

[0079] In some implementations, the laundry treating apparatus 1 of the present disclosure may further include a circulation unit 80a circulating again the water drained from the tub 20. The circulation unit 80a may include a circulation flow path 81a having both ends connected to the tub 20 and a circulation pump 82b providing a power to the circulation flow path.

[0080] The circulation pump 82b communicates with a bottom surface of the tub 20 to pressurize the wash water, and the circulation flow path 81a may be configured to spray the wash water into the drum in a manner that one side of the circulation flow path 81a is connected to the circulation pump while the other side is connected to the gasket 19.

[0081] Yet, since the circulation flow path and the circulation pump described above are the components necessary for a case of spraying the wash water stored in the tub, it may not exclude a case of spraying the wash water into the drum through a spray water supply flow path connected to a water supply source outside the cabinet.

[0082] Namely, when one side of the spray water supply flow path is connected to the water supply source and the other side is connected to the tub, if a nozzle capable of spraying wash water into the drum is provided, the wash water may be sprayed into the drum during a filtration motion and a squeeze motion.

[0083] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus 1 of the present disclosure may further include balancers 51 and 53 to attenuate the vibration generated from the drum 30. The balancers 51 and 53 may remove the eccentricity of the drum 30, which is generated as laundry is unequally distributed within the drum 30. Namely, the balancers 51 and 53 are moved to specific positions under the control of the microcomputer, thereby attenuating the unbalance of the drum 30.

[0084] In this case, the balancer may be provided to each of front and rear sides of the drum 30 or may be provided to either the front side or the rear side of the drum 30. For example, the balancer may include a front balancer 51 and a rear balancer 53 provided to the front side and the rear side of the drum 30, respectively. The balancers may include ball balancers, liquid balancers, etc.

[0085] The drive unit 9 is provided to an outside of the tub 20, and may be connected to the drum 30 in a manner of being coupled to or penetrating a backside of the drub 20. The drive unit 9 is fixed to the backside of the tub 20, and may convert electric energy into mechanical energy. Namely, the drive unit 9 may rotate the drum 30 by being supplied with a current externally.

[0086] The drive unit 9 may include a stator 91 generating a magnetic field, a rotor 93 rotated by the magnetic field within the stator 91, and a rotation shaft connecting the drum 30 and the rotor 93 together by penetrating the backside of the tub 20.

[0087] The drive unit may include a Bush-Less Direct Current (BLDC) motor. IN this case, the stator 41 may include a coil and the rotor 93 may include a permanent magnet. Meanwhile, a rotation shaft bearing 25 rotatably supporting the rotation shaft 95 may be further provided to the backside of the tub 20.

[0088] FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the controller controlling the load of the present disclosure.

[0089] The controller P is provided to a control panel and the like and may be configured to perform a washing course and an option by receiving an input of a command for activating the laundry treating apparatus through the input unit 16. Namely, the controller P may be configured to control the water supply valve 72, the drain pump 82 and the drive unit 9 using water level information detected by the water level sensor 90 while performing the determined washing course and option.

[0090] In addition, the controller P may provide a current status of the laundry treating apparatus through the display unit 17, and may be provided to detect the vibration of the drum through a vibration sensor 92 or a current value applied to the drive unit 9.

[0091] In some implementations, the controller P may further include a parallel operation device P1 capable of receiving and processing a signal value of the vibration sensor 92, a current value applied to the drive unit 40, an RPM of the drum 30, etc.

[0092] In addition, the controller P may further include a storage unit P2 capable of storing a data value processed by the parallel operation device, an algorithm for operating the parallel operation device P1, and various electric signals inputted to the parallel operation device P1.

[0093] The controller P of the present disclosure may implement an artificial neural network learning logic for generating an artificial neural network with the parallel operation device P1 and the storage unit P2. The artificial neural network may be used to derive one coherent result value by combining and analyzing a plurality of factors.

[0094] A controller of the related art has a problem that a single output value may be derived using a single input value only. Yet, since the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may utilize two or more signals through the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure, it may obtain necessary information more accurately than using a single information.

[0095] In some implementations, a plurality of courses or options for operating the laundry treating apparatus may be pre-stored in the storage unit P2. A plurality of the courses or options may include a combination of a method or sequence for operating the water supply valve 72, the drive unit 9 and the drain pump 82 and an operating strength thereof to perform a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle.

[0096] In the storage unit P2, data of matching a current value applied to or outputted from the drive unit 9 to a laundry amount, a laundry texture or the like may be stored as a table and the like.

[0097] In the storage unit P2, an estimated time of a plurality of the courses or options corresponding to the amount of laundry may be stored as data.

[0098] In addition, an appropriate detergent amount necessary to perform each course or option corresponding to an amount of laundry may be pre-stored as data. The detergent amount may conceptually include one or more of a wash detergent, a softener, and a bleach.

[0099] The controller P may control each of the components of the laundry treating apparatus using various algorithms and data stored in the storage unit P2.

[0100] If the amount of the laundry is detected, the controller P may calculate one or more of an execution time and a necessary detergent amount for a arbitrary course or option for performing a washing of the laundry .

[0101] FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of the control panel 16 provided to the laundry treating apparatus 1 of the present disclosure.

[0102] The display unit 17 may be provided as a display panel only, but the input unit 18 may be provided as a physical button that is inputtable separately.

[0103] The control panel 16 may include a power unit 120 receiving an input of a command for supplying a power to the laundry treating apparatus 1.

[0104] If the power unit 120 is inputted, a power may be supplied to the control panel 16, and the controller P including the drive unit 9 may be supplied with the power all.

[0105] The input unit 18 may further include a selection unit for selecting or changing the washing course or option. The selection unit 140 and 160 may include a course selection unit 140 configured to receive an input of selecting one of arbitrary courses of performing a series of washing processes including washing, rinsing and dewatering cycles of the laundry treating apparatus 1 and an option selection unit 160 configured to receive an input of selecting one of arbitrary options for adjusting strength and level of the course..

[0106] For example, when the laundry treating apparatus 1 is provided as a washer, the course may be classified into a first course including washing methods of removing foreign substances of general laundry or a set thereof, a second course including washing methods of sterilizing the laundry or a set thereof, and a third course including methods of removing foreign substances in consideration of texture of the laundry and a set thereof.

[0107] In addition, the option may be classified into a first option of adjusting a washing strength in the selected course, a second option of adjusting the number of rinsing, a third option of adjusting a dewatering strength, and a fourth option of determining a water temperature of a tub receiving laundry and water therein. Adjusting the washing strength and the dewatering strength may mean adjusting an rpm of the drum, a rotation direction change cycle of the drum and the like in the washing cycle and the dewatering cycle.

[0108] As the first course is the classification of a general course of washing laundry, it may be referred to as a daily course. As the second course is the classification of a course for sterilization, it may be referred to as a sanitary course. As the third course is the classification of a course in consideration of laundry texture, laundry amount and the like, it may be referred to as a customized course.

[0109] The course selection unit 140 may be configured to select a course set or selected sequentially if inputted repeatedly.

[0110] The course selection unit 140 may include a first course selection unit 141 configured to select one from the first course, a second course selection unit 142 configured to select one from the second course, and a third course selection unit 143 configured to select on from the third course.

[0111] The option selection unit 160 may be configured to select a course set or displayed sequentially by being repeatedly inputted like the course selection unit 140. In addition, the option selection unit 160 may include a first option selection unit 161 adjusting a washing strength in the selected course, a second option selection unit 162 adjusting the number of rinsing, a third option selection unit 163 adjusting a dewatering strength, and a fourth option selection unit 164 adjusting a water temperature of the tub receiving laundry and water therein. The option selection unit 160 may be configured to select a desired option by inputting each option selection unit sequentially.

[0112] The display unit 130 may include a liquid crystal display, and may include a light-reflecting lamp, a sound-emitting speaker, etc. The display unit 130 may include a first display unit 131 displaying a course selected from the course selection unit 140 and a second display unit 132 displaying an option selected from the option selection unit 160.

[0113] The first display unit 131 may be configured to display the selected course. For example, a portion corresponding to the selected course may be turned on or a name of the course may be represented on the display unit.

[0114] The second display unit 132 may be configured to display the selected option. For example, a portion corresponding to the selected option may be turned on or a name of the option may be represented on the display unit.

[0115] Specifically, the first display unit 131 may be configured in a manner of if the course selection unit 140 is inputted, turning on a corresponding course, or in a manner of if the course selection unit 140 is inputted, displaying a corresponding course on an LCD or emitting sound. The first display unit 131 may include a display panel or a lamp that emits light next to a text that describes the course contents.

[0116] If a user clicks the daily course 141, the general course is sequentially turned on in order so as to have a corresponding course recognized by the user.

[0117] If a user clicks the sanitary course, a course sequentially corresponding to the sanitary course is turned on in order. If a user clicks the customized course, a course sequentially corresponding to the customized course may be turned on in order.

[0118] The second display unit 132 may be configured in a manner of if the option selection unit 160 is inputted, turning on a corresponding option, or in a manner of if the option selection unit 160 is inputted, displaying a corresponding option on an LCD or emitting sound. The second display unit 132 may include a display panel or a lamp that emits light next to a text that describes the option contents.

[0119] As the option selection unit 160 is repeatedly clicked or touched, the first to fourth options may be turned on sequentially. Thus, a user may select a desired option.

[0120] In some implementations, the option selection unit 160 may further include a switch or a touch zone capable of performing an additional function on the laundry treating apparatus 1as well as the Wash, Rinse, Dewater, and Water temperature.

[0121] The option selection unit 160 may further include a steam adjustment unit 160a adding an option of supplying steam into the laundry treating apparatus 1, a reservation unit 160b of pre-determining an operation time of the laundry treating apparatus 1, an additional setting unit 160d clicked to add laundry during an operation of the laundry treating apparatus 1, a turbo unit 160e forming a strong water current by instantly raising a drum rpm of the laundry treating apparatus 1, a turbo dry unit 160f adding an option of supplying strong hot air, a wind dry unit 160g adding an option of supplying warm or cool air other than hot air, and a time dry unit 160h adding an option of performing natural drying by rotating only a drum at a predetermined speed.

[0122] In some implementations, the second display unit 132 may include a display unit capable of displaying status information of the laundry treating apparatus 1 except a process for inputting a course or option in case that a drying or washing cycle is in progress, that a reservation setting is performed, or that a drying or washing cycle ends, despite displaying details of an option of a course at the moment of determining the course or option.

[0123] The display unit 17 may further include a third display unit 133 displaying an execution time estimated when a plurality of the courses or options are performed.

[0124] If a prescribed course or option is selected from a plurality of the courses or options, the third display unit 133 may display an execution time of the course or option according to an amount of the laundry to a user.

[0125] In addition, the above-described structure is only an embodiment, and the control panel 16 may be provided in any form as long as it may include the input unit 18 receiving an input of a command to drive the laundry treating apparatus and the display unit 17 displaying the status of the laundry treating apparatus.

[0126] A user may set a desired course or option by inputting the course selection unit 140 or the option selection unit 160. In addition, even if the user does not input the course selection unit 140 or the option selection unit 160, a standard course or a standard option may be preset.

[0127] For example, reference values of the standard washing course and Wash/Rinse/Dewater/Water temperature may be determined as standards.

[0128] A user may select a desired course or option by inputting the course selection unit 140 and the option selection unit 160, and may desire to perform a standard course or option set as a reference as it is. For the course of option, the user may select a prescribed course of option by inputting the course selection unit 140 and the option selection unit 160, or may select the standard course or option by not inputting the course selection unit 140 and the option selection unit 160.

[0129] The control panel 16 may include an execution unit 170 receiving an input of a command to execute the selected course or option or the preset standard course or option.

[0130] If the execution unit 170 is inputted, the controller P may lock the door 13 not to be separated from the cabinet 10. A detection unit detecting whether the door 13 is located to the cabinet 10 may be installed in at least one of the door 13 and the cabinet 10, and the detection unit may be controlled by the controller P.

[0131] An execution time of a standard course or option or a course or option selected by a user may be displayed on the third display unit 133.

[0132] In some implementations, the display unit 16 may be configured to indicate detergent amounts necessary to perform a plurality of the courses or options. The execution time of the course or option may vary depending on an amount of laundry. In addition, the detergent amount to perform a plurality of the courses or options may vary depending on the amount of the laundry.

[0133] Therefore, if detecting the amount of the laundry, the controller P may display at least one of the execution time of the course or option and the detergent amount necessary for the course or option on the display unit 17.

[0134] For example, an estimated execution time of the course or option may be displayed on the third display unit 133 and a necessary detergent amount may be displayed on the second display unit 132.

[0135] The laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may first detect an amount of the laundry before inputting the execution unit 170 and then display the estimated time of the selected course or option and the necessary detergent amount on the display unit 16.

[0136] To this end, the controller P of the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may be configured to detect the amount of the laundry before the execution unit 170 is inputted.

[0137] The controller P may calculate the amount of the laundry through a current value applied to or outputted from the drive unit 9 over controlling the drive unit 9, and may display an estimated execution time of the selected course or option to a user even before inputting the execution unit 170.

[0138] Thus, the user may be immediately informed on the estimated execution time of the course or option before the selected course or option is executed. If the estimated execution time fails to fir a situation or a user's schedule, the user may be guided to select other courses or options.

[0139] Thus, the user may immediately change the course or option initially selected by the user into a course or option appropriate for a situation of the user.

[0140] In addition, a user may change a course or option while checking estimated execution times of several courses or options in advance before executing a selected course or option.

[0141] In addition, a user may check a necessary detergent amount appropriate for laundry in a current status of a course or option selected from a plurality of courses or options and then put an appropriate amount of detergent.

[0142] In some implementations, the control panel 16 of the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may further include a time adjustment unit 200 capable of changing an execution time of the executed course or option.

[0143] The time adjustment unit 200 may be configured in a manner of selecting the course or option and then inputting some buttons of the option selection unit 160, or may be provided as a separate button in the control panel 16.

[0144] For example, when the time adjustment unit 200 is provided as a separate button, a user may input the time adjustment unit 200 and then extend or reduce an estimated execution time of the selected course or option.

[0145] The extension or reduction of the estimated execution time may be performed by inputting some buttons of the option selection unit 160.

[0146] For example, an execution time may be adjusted by inputting the option button of Dewater 163 and the option button of Water temperature 164.

[0147] FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of a control method of detecting an amount of laundry before inputting the execution unit 170.

[0148] If the power unit 120 of the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure is inputted, the water supply unit 70, the drive unit9, the drain unit 80 and the like may be provided with power and the controller P may be provided with power as well.

[0149] As the power unit 120 is inputted, if the controller P is supplied with power, the controller P may be configured to detect a laundry amount of clothes.

[0150] Namely, in the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure, a prerequisite condition for detecting the laundry amount of clothes may include an input of the power unit 120.

[0151] Therefore, before a user inputs the power unit 120, even if the user opens the door 13, puts laundry into the drum 30, and then closes the door 13, the controller P may immediately detect the amount of the laundry.

[0152] The controller P may calculate an estimated time for executing a specific course or option according to the laundry amount.

[0153] To this end, the controller P may recognize in a manner of matching the estimated time corresponding to the laundry amount in the storage unit P2.

[0154] In addition, a detergent amount necessary for the laundry amount to execute a arbitrary course or option may be organized as data. The controller P may calculate a detergent amount necessary to perform washing on the laundry according to the course or option in the storage unit P2.

[0155] For example, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may perform a power supplying step A1 of supplying a power by inputting the power unit 120 of the laundry treating apparatus and a laundry amount detecting step A2 of detecting an amount of laundry received in the drum 30 based on performing the power supplying step A1.

[0156] If the amount of the laundry is detected in the laundry amount detecting step A2, an information displaying step A3 of displaying at least one of the amount of the laundry, an estimated execution time of a course or option of performing washing of the laundry, and a detergent amount necessary for the course or option on the display unit 16 may be performed.

[0157] In the information displaying step A3, an execution time corresponding to a preset standard course or option matched to the amount of the laundry may be displayed.

[0158] A user may check the laundry amount and the execution time of the preset course or option, which are displayed in the information displaying step A3, and then compare them with a schedule of the user, and may check a detergent amount.

[0159] If the user is satisfied with the information displayed in the information displaying step A3, the user may input the execution unit 170. The controller P may perform an execution inputting step A6 of detecting that the execution unit 170 is inputted.

[0160] Once the execution inputting step A6 is performed, the controller P locks the door 13 to the cabinet 10 by controlling the lock unit, thereby preventing the door 13 from being open arbitrarily.

[0161] In addition, if the execution inputting step A6 is performed, the controller P may perform one or more of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle and a dewatering cycle according to the settings of the course or option. After the execution inputting step A6, a procedure for detecting an amount of laundry may be skipped. Therefore, a total washing time may be prevented from being delayed.

[0162] In some implementations, after the user has confirmed at least one of the amount of the laundry, the execution time of the preset course or option, and the detergent amount in the information displaying step A3, a course setting step A4 of receiving an input of the course selection unit 140 or the option selection unit 160 may be further performed.

[0163] For example, the user may check the amount of the laundry through the course setting step S4 and then input the course selection unit 140 or the option selection unit 160. After confirming the execution time, the user may change the course or option by inputting the course selection unit 140 or the option selection unit 160.

[0164] If the course setting step A4 is performed, the controller P may perform a change displaying step A5 of recalculating an estimated execution time or a detergent amount of a changed course or option corresponding to the amount of the laundry and then forwarding it to the display unit 16.

[0165] In the change displaying step A5, one or more of the estimated execution time of the changed course or option and the changed detergent amount may be displayed on the display unit 16.

[0166] If determining that the estimated execution time or the detergent amount is appropriate, the user may input the execution unit 170. If the estimated execution time or the detergent amount is not appropriate, the user may re-input the course selection unit 140 or the option selection unit 160.

[0167] If detecting the input of the execution unit 170, the controller P may perform an execution inputting step A6. If detecting the input of the course selection unit 140 or the option selection unit 160, the controller P may re-perform the course setting step A4 and the change displaying step A5.

[0168] FIG. 7 shows another control method of detecting a laundry amount before an input of the execution unit 170 of the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0169] The controller P may be configured to detect an amount of laundry if detecting opening/closing of the door 13 before the execution unit 170 is inputted. Namely, a condition for detecting the amount of the laundry may include the opening/closing of the door 13.

[0170] The laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may perform an opening/closing step B 1 of detecting opening/closing of the door 13. If the opening/closing of the door 13 is detected in the opening/closing step B1, the controller P may perform a laundry amount detecting step B2 of detecting an amount of laundry and an information displaying step B3 of displaying one or more of the amount of the laundry, an execution time of a preset course or option, and a necessary detergent amount according to the detected laundry amount.

[0171] After the information displaying step B3, the controller P may perform an execution inputting step B6 by detecting whether a user inputs the execution unit 170, or may perform a course setting step B4 and a change displaying step B5 by detecting whether the user changes a course or option.

[0172] The information displaying step B3, the course setting step B4, the change displaying step B5, and the execution inputting step B6 may be the same as the aforementioned embodiment.

[0173] If the door 13 is open/closed, it may mean that it is highly probable that the laundry is already put in the drum 30. In addition, if the door 13 is opened/closed, it may mean that an amount of the laundry is increased/decreased in the drum 30.

[0174] Accordingly, if detecting that the door 13 is opened/closed, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may immediately detect the amount of the laundry and then inform the user of the laundry amount itself, an estimated execution time or a changed execution time of a course or option and a necessary detergent amount or a changed detergent amount.

[0175] FIG. 8 shows an additional control method of detecting a laundry amount before the execution unit 170 is inputted.

[0176] The laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may be configured to detect an amount of laundry when a user selects a desired course or option from a plurality of courses or options.

[0177] An estimated execution time necessary for a user or a necessary detergent amount may include an execution time or a detergent amount of a course or option selected by the user. Therefore, when a user selects a course or option, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may be configured to provide an estimated execution time or detergent amount corresponding to the selected course or option.

[0178] Meanwhile, a time point for a user to input the course selection unit 140 and the option selection unit 160 is after the power unit 120 is inputted, and highly likely, after laundry is put in the drum 30 via opening/closing the door 13.

[0179] So to speak, if an estimated execution time or a detergent amount according to an amount of laundry is provided to a user after a time point when the course selection unit 140 and the option selection unit 160 are inputted, an estimated execution time or a detergent amount may be accurately provided to the user irrespective of whether the user is a person who has a habit of putting laundry in the drum 30 and then inputting the power unit 120 or a person who inputs the power unit 120 first and puts laundry into the drum 30.

[0180] To this end, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may perform a course inputting step C1 of detecting that the course selection unit 140 or the option selection unit 160 is inputted.

[0181] If detecting that the course selection unit 140 or the option selection unit 160 is inputted, the controller P may perform a laundry amount detecting step C2 of detecting an amount of laundry.

[0182] Once the laundry amount detecting step C2 is performed, the controller P may perform an information displaying step C3 of displaying at least one of the amount of the laundry, an estimated execution time of a selected course or option corresponding to the amount of the laundry, and a detergent amount for performing the course or option on the display unit 16.

[0183] After the information displaying step C3, the controller P may perform an execution inputting step C6 of detecting whether a user inputs the execution unit 170, or may perform a course setting step C4 and a change displaying step C5 by detecting whether the user changes a course or option.

[0184] The information displaying step C3, the course setting step C4, the change displaying step C5, and the execution inputting step C6 may be the same as the aforementioned embodiment.

[0185] FIG. 9 illustrates a control method in which a user may change an execution time of a course or option in the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0186] When the controller P of the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure receives an input of a command for selecting the arbitrary course or option or a prescribed course or option in a manner of inputting a user selection unit 140/160, it display an estimated time of the selected course or option on the display unit 130.

[0187] In this case, when the time adjustment unit 200 receiving an input of a command to extend or reduce the execution time of the selected course or option is inputted, the controller P may be configured to perform the course or option by extending or reducing the execution time of the selected course or option.

[0188] Of course, the execution time of the course or option may be set to a minimum time (lower limit) to achieve a washing purpose and a maximum time (upper limit) to prevent washing delays. The controller p may change the execution time of the course or option according to an input of the time adjustment unit 200 within the lower limit time and the upper limit time.

[0189] The upper limit time may be set to three times or less of the execution time of the arbitrary course or option, and the lower limit time may be set to half of the execution time of the arbitrary course or option.

[0190] When the time adjustment unit 200 is input, the controller P may extend or reduce an execution time of at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle performed in the selected course or option.

[0191] For example, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may perform a laundry amount detection step T 1 of detecting a laundry amount of the clothes and then a course selection step T2 of receiving a command for selecting a arbitrary course or option through the control panel 16 by a user.

[0192] When a prescribed course or option is selected, an estimation display step T3 of displaying an execution time of the course or option corresponding to the laundry amount of the clothes may be performed.

[0193] In this case, when the execution time of the course or option displayed in the estimation display step T3 is set to be less than or longer than estimated, a time change step T4 of receiving an input of a change command of the execution time may be performed. When the time adjustment unit 200 is inputted, the controller P may change the execution time of the course or option in the time change step T4 between the upper limit and the lower limit.

[0194] When the execution time of the course or option is extended or reduced in the time change step T4, an input reflection step T5 of changing the execution time of the course or option may be performed in a manner of reflecting this.

[0195] When the change of the execution time is satisfied, the user may enter the execution unit 170 to perform a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle according to the course or option. When the execution unit 170 is inputted, the controller P may perform an execution input step T6 of performing a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle according to the selected course or option.

[0196] Meanwhile, when the execution unit 170 is inputted without the input to the time adjustment unit 200 in the time change step T4, the controller P may perform the execution input step T6 of performing a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle according to the selected course or option.

[0197] Meanwhile, when the execution time of the course or option selected in the input reflection step T5 is extended or reduced, the controller P may determine how to extend or reduce the execution time.

[0198] The controller P may determine to extend or reduce the execution time of at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle performed at the selected course or option in the input reflection step T5.

[0199] FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment in which the controller P extends and shortens an execution time of a course or option.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 10 (a), if the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure is provided as a washing machine, a arbitrary course or option may consist of a washing cycle to remove foreign substances from clothes with water and detergent, a rinsing cycle to rinse clothes with water, and a dewatering cycle to remove water from the clothes. The laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may define an original execution time of a selected course or option as a reference time t1.

[0201] The washing cycle may be performed for a reference washing time tw, the rinsing cycle may be performed for a reference rinsing time tr, and the dewatering cycle may be performed for a reference dewatering time th.

[0202] When the execution time of the selected course or option is extended or reduced, the controller P may select and extend or shorten an execution time of at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle.

[0203] Specifically, the controller P may extend or shorten the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle in proportion.

[0204] Referring to FIG. 10 (b), an execution time extended from an existing execution time of a selected course or option may be defined as an expansion time t2, and a difference between the expansion time t2 and the reference time t1 may be defined as an extension time te.

[0205] If the execution time is increased by the extension time te, it may be extended in a ratio of the reference washing time tw, the reference rinsing time (tr), and reference dewatering time th.

[0206] Accordingly, the washing cycle may be performed for an extended washing time twe longer than the reference washing time tw, the washing cycle may be performed for an extended rinsing time tre longer than the reference rinsing time tr, and the dewatering cycle may be performed for an extended dewatering time longer than the reference dewatering time th.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 10 (c), a reduced execution time in an existing execution time of a selected course or option may be defined as a reduced time t3, and a difference between the reference time t1 and the reduced time t3 may be defined as a shortened time ts.

[0208] If the execution time is reduced by the shortened time ts, it may be reduced by a ratio of the existing reference washing time tw, reference rinsing time tr, and reference dewatering time th.

[0209] Accordingly, the washing cycle may be performed for a reduced washing time tws shorter than the reference washing time tw, the rinsing cycle may be performed for a reduced rinsing time trs shorter than the reference rinsing time, and the dewatering cycle may be performed for a reduced dewatering time ths shorter than the reference dewatering time dh.

[0210] As a result, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may achieve the original purpose of the course or option by extending and shortening the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle proportionally, even if the execution time of the selected course or option is extended or shortened.

[0211] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment in which the controller P extends and shortens an execution time of a course or option.

[0212] Referring to FIG. 11 (a), if the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure is provided as a washing machine, a arbitrary course or option may consist of a washing cycle to remove foreign substances from clothes with water and detergent, a rinsing cycle to rinse clothes with water, and a dewatering cycle to remove water from the clothes. The laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may define an original execution time of a selected course or option as a reference time t1.

[0213] The washing cycle may be performed for a reference washing time tw, the rinsing cycle may be performed for a reference rinsing time tr, and the dewatering cycle may be performed for a reference dewatering time th.

[0214] When the execution time of the selected course or option is extended or reduced, the controller P may select and extend or shorten an execution time of at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle.

[0215] The controller P may extend and reduce only one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle, or may extend and reduce the rest except for one only.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 11 (b), when an execution time of a course or option is extended, the controller P may perform the washing cycle for an extended washing time twe longer than the reference washing time tw. The execution time of the rinsing cycle or the dewatering cycle may be maintained as it is.

[0217] In addition, if the execution time of the rinsing cycle is maintained, the number of rinsing cycles s is not increased, so an amount of water may be saved.

[0218] If the execution time of the dewatering cycle is maintained, the duration of a physical force applied to laundry in the drum 30 may be reduced, thereby preventing damage to the laundry.

[0219] Of course, in some cases, the execution time of the dewatering cycle may be increased, and the number of rinsing or the rinsing time in the rinsing cycle may be increased as well.

[0220] Referring to FIG. 11(c), when an execution time of a course or an option is reduced, the controller P may perform the washing cycle for a reduced washing time tws shorter than the reference washing time tw. The execution time or number of the rinsing cycle may be maintained as it is, or the execution time of the dewatering cycle may be maintained as it is.

[0221] When the rinsing cycle time is maintained, the effect of separating foreign substances or detergents from the laundry may be maintained. In addition, the dewatering effect may be achieved as it is by maintaining the dewatering cycle time.

[0222] In contrast, when a command for extending the execution time is inputted from the time adjustment unit 200, the controller P may further extend the execution time of the rinsing cycle or increase the number of rinsing to further separate the foreign substances and the detergent from the laundry.

[0223] Of course, in some cases, the execution time of the dewatering cycle may be reduced, and the dewatering time may be reduced in the dewatering cycle.

[0224] In addition, when the time adjustment unit 200 is inputted, the controller P may vary the rpm of the drum set in at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle, or change a rotation rate (actual operation rate) of the drum in any one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle.

[0225] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment in which the controller P shortens or extends an execution time of a washing cycle.

[0226] In extending or shortening the execution time, when the execution time of the washing cycle is proportionally extended or reduced or the execution time of the washing cycle is specified and extended, the control method of FIG. 12 may be applied.

[0227] Referring to FIG. 12 (a), in the washing cycle, it is possible to repeat rotating the drum at a washing speed, stopping the drum, and then rotating the drum at the washing speed.

[0228] By intermittently rotating the drum, it is possible to prevent the laundry from being twisted and not uniformly washed, and to provide sufficient physical force to the laundry by changing the rotation direction of the drum. In addition, it is possible to secure time for detergent and water to permeate the laundry or for foreign substances to be separated with the detergent.

[0229] A ratio of a driving time of the drive unit 9 to the total time of a whole washing cycle may be defined as an actual operation rate. The actual operation rate of the washing cycle performed in a selected course or option may be defined as, for example, 50%. That is, the ratio of the time taken to drive the drive unit 9 and the time taken to stop the drive unit 9 during the washing cycle may be the same.

[0230] The controller P may vary the actual operation rate when the execution time is changed in the washing cycle.

[0231] Referring to FIG. 12 (b), the execution time in the washing cycle may be extended. When the execution time of the washing cycle is extended, the controller P may decrease the actual operation rate. That is, it is possible to prevent excessive physical force from being applied to laundry for a long time by lowering the ratio of the rotation time of the drum to the entire washing cycle execution time.

[0232] Meanwhile, the rpm of the drum may be maintained in the washing cycle. Accordingly, while the drum 30 rotates, sufficient physical force may be transmitted to the laundry to separate foreign substances from the laundry.

[0233] Referring to FIG. 12 (c), the execution time in the washing cycle may be reduced. When the execution time of the washing cycle is reduced, the controller p may increase the actual operation rate. That is, by increasing the ratio of the rotating time of the drum 30 to the entire washing cycle execution time, sufficient physical force may be transmitted to the laundry even in a reduced time.

[0234] However, even if the execution time of the washing cycle is reduced, the controller P may not increase the rpm of the drum. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent damage to the laundry by applying a physical force greater than or equal to a reference value to the laundry.

[0235] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment in which the controller P shortens or extends an execution time of a dewatering cycle.

[0236] In extending or shortening the execution time, when the execution time of the dewatering cycle is proportionally extended or reduced or the execution time of the dewatering cycle is extended by being specified, the control method of FIG. 13 may be applied.

[0237] The laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure detects a wet cloth amount wo through a laundry amount detection step based on starting a dewatering cycle, performs a first dewatering step I of raising a drum to medium-speed RPM and stopping the drum, and a second dewatering step II of decelerating or stopping the drum and then raising the drum to high-speed RPM, which is maximum speed, to remove moisture from the laundry. The total dewatering time may correspond to the reference dewatering time th.

[0238] When a command for extending an execution time is inputted from the time adjustment unit 200, the controller P may reduce rpm of the drum 30 in the dewatering cycle and may further perform the dewatering cycle for an extended dewatering time (the) longer than the reference dewatering time th. Accordingly, damage to the laundry may be prevented by reducing the total amount of physical force applied to the laundry while extending the execution time.

[0239] Specifically, the controller P may lower the rpm of the drum 30 to an extended rpm lower than the high speed rpm in the second dewatering step II. The extended rpm may be maintained higher than the medium speed rpm at which the laundry is separated from the inner wall of the drum. Therefore, even if the rpm of the drum is lowered, sufficient centrifugal force to remove water may be transmitted to the laundry.

[0240] Meanwhile, when a command to reduce the execution time is inputted from the time adjustment unit 200, the controller P may increase the rpm of the drum in the dewatering cycle and perform the dewatering cycle for a reduced dewatering time ths shorter than the reference dewatering time th. Accordingly, the dewatering effect may be maintained while securing centrifugal force applied to the laundry as well as reducing the execution time.

[0241] Specifically, the controller P may increase the rpm of the drum 30 to a reduced rpm higher than the high speed rpm in the second dewatering step II.

[0242] Of course, unlike the method described above, the controller P may minimize the effect on the laundry by extending or reducing the duration time of the first dewatering step I.

[0243] FIG. 14 shows a method of controlling laundry amount detection in a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0244] As described above, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may perform a laundry amount detecting step of detecting an amount of laundry before an input of the execution unit 170. The laundry amount detecting step described below may be performed in the aforementioned laundry amount detecting step.

[0245] The laundry amount detecting step may include a rotating step D1 of rotating the drum and a calculating step D3 of calculating a weight of laundry by measuring a first current value applied to or outputted in the rotating step.

[0246] The laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may rotate the drum 30 less than one revolution in the rotating step D1. Accordingly, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may detect an amount of the laundry before rotating the drum 30 at one revolution.

[0247] For example, the laundry amount detecting step may be terminated within 1 second. Accordingly, before determining that a user inputs the power unit 120, opens/closes the door 13, or selects the arbitrary course or option and inputs the execution unit 170, one or more of an amount of the laundry and an estimated execution time and detergent amount based on the laundry amount may be displayed on the display unit 17.

[0248] Accordingly, the user may select or change a course or option while checking the estimated execution time and the detergent amount, and input the execution unit 170.

[0249] As a result, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may quickly detect an amount of laundry before finally determining to perform a course or option selected by a user, thereby providing an estimated execution time or a detergent amount.

[0250] In addition, a user may be prevented from waiting for a long time to check an estimated execution time and an appropriate detergent amount of a course or option selected by the user. As a result, washing delay can be prevented.

[0251] Meanwhile, in the laundry amount detecting step, the rotating step D1 is terminated before the drum 30 makes one revolution. Hence, in the laundry amount detecting step, a restoring step D2 of returning the drum 30 to a correct position may be performed.

[0252] The calculating step D3 may be performed when the rotating step D1 is being performed or when the rotation step D1 is terminated, and may be performed when both the rotating step D1 and the restoring step D2 are performed.

[0253] The laundry amount detecting step may further include a displaying step D4 of displaying the amount of the laundry on the display unit 17 when the calculating step D3 is terminated.

[0254] In the displaying step D4, the amount of the laundry may be displayed only, an estimated execution time of a specific course or option corresponding to the laundry amount may be displayed, or a required detergent amount necessary to perform the course or option may be displayed.

[0255] The laundry amount detecting step may be performed before an input of the execution unit 170, or may be identically performed in an additional detecting step and the like performed after the execution unit 170 has been inputted.

[0256] Namely, in each of a dry laundry amount detecting step to perform a washing cycle and a wet laundry amount detecting step to perform a dewatering cycle, the same laundry amount detecting step may be performed. In addition, in a step of checking whether laundry is wet laundry or dry laundry, the laundry amount detecting step may be performed.

[0257] FIG. 15 shows an aspect of laundry amount detection in a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0258] Referring to FIG. 15 (a), a laundry may be disposed on a floor surface of the drum 30 by its own weight.

[0259] Referring to FIG. 15 (b), as the laundry amount detecting step is performed, if the rotating step D1 is performed, the drum 30 may rotate right before making one revolution.

[0260] In the rotating step D1, the drum 30 may be rotated up to or less than an angle at which the laundry is separated from an inner wall of the drum or the disposition is varied. Accordingly, while the position of the laundry in the drum 30 is varied, unnecessary loads or impacts may be prevented from being transmitted to the drive unit 9. Accordingly, the controller P may accurately calculate the load of the laundry through a current value applied to or output from the drive unit 9.

[0261] For example, in the rotating step D1, the drum may be rotated in a range of 0° to 90° or less.

[0262] However, as the rotation angle of the drum 30 decreases, the time for the controller P to detect the laundry amount may be shortened, and an error in detecting the weight of the laundry may decrease. Accordingly, in the rotating step D 1, it is preferable that the drum 30 rotates in a range of 10 degrees to 45 degrees or less.

[0263] FIG. 16 shows a laundry amount detection calculating method of a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0264] Referring to FIG. 16 (a) and FIG. 16 (b), once the laundry amount detecting step is performed, the controller P may rotate the drum 30 less than one revolution through the rotating step D 1. In the calculating step D3, the controller P may calculate (process) an amount of the laundry by measuring a current value applied to or outputted from the drive unit 9 in the rotating step D 1.

[0265] The controller P may use an equation of Te = Jdw/dt+Bw+mgrsin Θ to detect the laundry amount.

[0266] Te is a torque value applied to the drive unit 9 and corresponds to 'I (current value) X K (drive unit constant)'. That is, since the drive unit constant k is an eigenvalue of the drive unit 9 itself, the controller P may calculate a torque value applied to the drive unit 9 when detecting the current value I.

[0267] Here, in the case of sin Θ in mgrsin Θ, as the rotation angle of the drum decreases, it decreases exponentially, and thus any angle between 15 and 90 degrees or between 10 and 45 degrees may be sufficiently ignored.

[0268] In addition, Bw is a friction torque, and when the drum 30 rotates, B becomes very small, so it may be ignored.

[0269] As a result, only the formula Te = Jdw/dt may remain. In this case, since dw/dt is an angular acceleration for rotating the drum, the controller p may detect an angular acceleration when rotating the drum in the rotating step d1. The angular acceleration may also be directly calculated through a current value applied to the drive unit 9.

[0270] Therefore, when the current value is measured, both the torque value Te applied to the drive unit 9 and the angular acceleration dw/dt may be calculated, and thus an inertial moment J may be calculated.

[0271] As a result, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may immediately detect the amount of the laundry by grasping the inertial moment J.

[0272] FIG. 17 shows a process for calculating a laundry amount with an inertia moment in a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0273] In the storage unit, data for describing association between the inertia moment and the laundry amount may be stored.

[0274] If obtaining the weight of the laundry, it is able to detect an inertia moment generated when the laundry is rotated in the drum 30. If obtaining the inertia moment, it is able to detect the weight of the laundry.

[0275] For example, if the controller P detects the inertia moment as 55000 in the calculating step D3, when the drum 30 is rotated counterclockwise, an amount of the laundry may be confirmed as 2kg. When the drum 30 is rotated clockwise, the amount of the laundry may be confirmed as 3kg.

[0276] Thus, the controller p may immediately detect the amount of the laundry through data obtained by arranging the inertial moment and the weight of the laundry stored in the storage unit p2 based on a diameter of the drum 30, a rotation direction of the drum 30 and the like.

[0277] Consequently, the controller P may detect the amount of the laundry by detecting only a current value applied or output in the rotating step D1. That is, the calculating step D3 may be performed during the rotating step D1 or at the moment when the rotating step D1 is terminated.

[0278] As a result, the rotating step D1 and the calculating step D3 may be completely performed before the position of the drum 30 is restored to the original position. That is, the calculating step D3 may already be terminated before the restoring step D2 is terminated.

[0279] As a result, the rotating step D1 and the calculating step D3 may be entirely performed within 0.3 to 1 second, and the laundry amount detecting step itself may be performed within 0.3 to 1 second.

[0280] Therefore, the controller P may detect the laundry amount in an instant so that a user hardly feels the time for detecting the laundry amount and provide an execution time of a selected course or option.

[0281] Meanwhile, when the laundry amount is detected in the calculating step D3, the controller P may calculate and display an execution time or detergent amount of a course or option corresponding to the laundry amount almost at the same time.

[0282] As a result, the rotating step D1, the calculating step D3, and the displaying step D4 may be entirely performed before the position of the drum is restored.

[0283] Therefore, the rotating step D1, the calculating step D3, and the displaying step D4 may be entirely performed within 0.3 to 1 second.

[0284] As described above (refer to Background Art of the disclosure), since the related art laundry treating apparatus detects a laundry amount after a course or option has been executed, a user cannot recognize the amount of the laundry until the course or option is selected and executed.

[0285] In addition, since the related art laundry treating apparatus rotates a drum at least one rotation or more when detecting a laundry amount, it is unable to quickly perform laundry amount detection, and thus the laundry amount is displayed relatively late even after execution of a course or option.

[0286] Therefore, in the case of the related art laundry treating apparatus, since a user does not recognize a laundry amount before executing a course or option, there is no room for putting a suitable detergent, and a detergent is excessively added to ensure washing performance. This not only wastes the detergent, but also damages health as residual detergent remains in the laundry, and causes environmental pollution.

[0287] In addition, in case of the related art laundry treating apparatus, a user usually leaves the laundry treating apparatus without waiting until detecting a laundry amount after executing a course or option, thereby failing to check an execution time or end time of the course or option.

[0288] Accordingly, the user often has to visit the laundry treating apparatus to check the end of the course or option. In addition, in the related art laundry treating apparatus, laundry is left in the drum for a long time even after the course or option is terminated, causing wrinkles in the clothes, or in severe cases, decomposition of the laundry may occur.

[0289] Furthermore, since the related art laundry treating apparatus performs the locking of a door when a course or option is executed, there is no possibility for a user to adjust a laundry amount thereafter.

[0290] However, a laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may detect and display a laundry amount before execution of a course or option.

[0291] Accordingly, a user may recognize a laundry amount before executing a course or option and input a detergent in consideration of an appropriate detergent amount corresponding thereto. For example, a user may check a detergent amount corresponding to a laundry amount displayed on a detergent container, and may put the checked detergent into the laundry treating apparatus.

[0292] As a result, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure can save a detergent, solve the problem of excessive detergent remaining in the laundry after the end of a course, and prevent environmental pollution.

[0293] In addition, since the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure detects a laundry amount by rotating a drum less than one revolution, even if the laundry amount is detected before execution of a course or option, it does not cause washing delay and the like or inconvenience to a user.

[0294] For example, in the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure, when a power unit is inputted or opening/closing of a door is detected due to the input of laundry, a laundry amount is detected and displayed within 3 seconds, so that a washing delay is not caused.

[0295] In addition, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure may detect a laundry amount before executing a course or option and display an estimated time or an end time of the course or option corresponding to the laundry amount.

[0296] Accordingly, in a process for selecting a prescribed course or option from arbitrary courses or options, a user may recognize an estimated time or an end time of each course or option. Thus, the user may select a course or option suitable for a current schedule.

[0297] In addition, a user may recognize an estimated time or end time of a course or option before executing the course or option. Therefore, since the user checks the estimated time or the end time and then executes the course or option, it is possible to reduce the trouble of checking the laundry treating apparatus until the end of the course or option. Furthermore, since the user can recognize the end time of the course or the option, it is possible to prevent laundry from being left inside a drum after the end of the course.

[0298] In addition, since the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure does not lock the door before executing a course or option, a laundry amount is detected and displayed before the door is locked. Accordingly, a user may further put or withdraw laundry by checking the displayed laundry amount.

[0299] For example, if a user determines that there is too much laundry amount to perform a specific course or option, the user withdraws some of laundry to prevent an operation of the laundry treating apparatus from being interrupted due to future eccentricity and over-vibration.

[0300] For example, when a user confirms that laundry is bulky but weighs less, more laundry can be added to prevent contaminated laundry from being left unattended for a long time.

[0301] As described above, unlike the related art laundry treating apparatus, the laundry treating apparatus of the present disclosure quickly detects a laundry amount, and thus displays the laundry amount or an estimated execution time before executing a course or option or locking a door, thereby deriving the aforementioned remarkable effects.

[0302] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An laundry treating apparatus, the laundry treating apparatus executing a arbitrary course or option of performing a washing cycle of washing the laundry with water and detergent, a rinsing cycle of rinsing the laundry with the water, and a dewatering cycle of removing the water from the laundry, the laundry treating apparatus comprising:

a selection unit receiving an input of a command for selecting the arbitrary course or option or a prescribed course or option;

a display unit displaying an estimated time of the selected course or option;

a time adjustment unit receiving an input of a command for extending or reducing an execution time of the selected course or option; and

a controller performing the course or option by extending or reducing the execution time of the selected course or option based on inputting the time adjustment unit.

2. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein based on inputting the time adjustment unit, the controller is provided to extend or reduce the execution time of one or more of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle performed in the selected course or option.

3. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:

a tub storing water therein;

a drum rotatably provided to the tub to receive the laundry therein; and

a drive unit coupled to the tub to rotate the drum,

wherein based on inputting the time adjustment unit, the controller is provided to vary an rpm of the drum set in at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle or a rate (actual operation rate) of rotating the drum in one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle.

4. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 3, wherein based on inputting the time adjustment unit, the controller is provided to change the actual operation rate of the drum in the washing cycle.

5. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 4, wherein based on inputting a command for extending the execution time from the time adjustment unit, the controller is provided to decrease the actual operation rate in the washing cycle.

6. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 4, wherein based on inputting a command for reducing the execution time from the time adjustment unit, the controller is provided to increase the actual operation rate in the washing cycle.

7. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 2, wherein based on inputting a command for extending the execution time from the time adjustment unit, the controller is provided to additionally increase the execution time or a count of the rinsing cycle.

8. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 2, wherein based on inputting a command for reducing the execution time from the time adjustment unit, the controller is provided to maintain the execution time or a count of the rinsing cycle.

9. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 2, wherein based on inputting a command for extending the execution time from the time adjustment unit, the controller is provided to decrease an rpm of the drum in the dewatering cycle.

10. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller is provided to maintain the rpm of the drum in the dewatering cycle to be higher than a medium rpm at which the laundry is separated from an inner wall of the drum.

11. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 2, wherein based on inputting a command for reducing the execution time from the time adjustment unit, the controller is provided to increase an rpm of the drum in the rinsing cycle.

12. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 1, wherein based on inputting the time adjustment unit, the controller is configured to proportionally extend or shorten the execution time of each of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dewatering cycle.

13. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the controller is provided to detect a laundry amount of the laundry by controlling the drive unit and wherein the controller is provided to calculate and forward the execution time of the selected course or option according to the detected laundry amount to the display unit.

14. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 13, wherein based on the execution time equal to or greater than a reference time, the controller is provided to display a signal of inducing adjustment of the time adjustment unit on the display unit.

15. The laundry treating apparatus of claim 13, comprising an execution unit receiving an input of a command for executing the selected course or option or the prescribed course or option,
wherein the display unit is configured to display an estimated time of the prescribed course or option before inputting the execution unit.

Drawing