Patent Description:
A laundry treating apparatus collectively refers to a laundry washing apparatus, a laundry drying apparatus, and a laundry washing and drying apparatus.

A laundry treating apparatus of the related art is provided to include a dryer for drying laundry, and a washing machine located on an upper surface of the dryer or provided to support a bottom surface of the dryer and then wash laundry. The laundry treating apparatus in which the dryer and the washing machine are stacked up and down has an advantage in that a user may easily move washed laundry from the washing machine to the dryer.

However, in the aforementioned laundry treating apparatus of the related art, since a controller provided in the dryer and a controller provided in the washing machine operate by their respective circuits independent from each other, a problem occurs in that one apparatus fails to control another apparatus. Therefore, when the operation of any one of the washing machine and the dryer is completed, a problem occurs in that a user should directly perform a process of supplying a power to the other one and a process of inputting a control command.

<CIT> relates to a drying machine, and more particularly, to an automatic drying machine and a method of operating the drying machine. <CIT> relates to a washing machine and method of controlling the same as well as a corresponding control panel.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a laundry treating apparatus and a control method for the same, which substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. The invention is defined in the independent claim. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

An object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treating apparatus and a control method for the same, in which one of two treating apparatuses capable of washing and drying laundry may control the other one.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treating apparatus and a control method for the same, in which a predicted time required for drying of laundry may be notified to a user.

Other object of the present invention is to provide a laundry treating apparatus and a control method for the same, in which consumption of a standby power may be minimized.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the disclosure.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present disclosure provides a control method for a laundry treating apparatus comprising a washing machine provided with a tub in which water is stored and a washing drum provided inside the tub, storing laundry therein, and a dryer provided with a drying drum in which laundry is stored and a supply unit for removing water from laundry by supplying the air to the drying drum.

The control method may be provided to include a course setup step of inputting a washing course through a washing machine interface provided to receive a control command; a first communication step of transmitting the washing course to the dryer by the washing machine if a preset control command is input through the washing machine interface; and an interface power supply step of supplying a power to a dryer interface provided to receive a control command if the dryer receives information on the washing course.

The preset control command may be set to a control command requesting recommendation of a drying course.

The control method may further comprise a course selection step of selecting one of a plurality of drying courses, which can be executed by the dryer, if the dryer receives the information on the washing course; and a course display step of displaying the recommended course on the dryer interface.

The control method may further comprise a laundry amount measuring step of measuring the amount of laundry stored in the washing drum by being initiated after the course setup step is completed; a second communication step of transmitting the amount of laundry measured at the laundry amount measuring step to the dryer by the washing machine; and a time display step of displaying a predicted time required to complete the recommended course on the dryer interface.

The control method may further comprise a drying standby mode step of blocking a power supplied to the dryer interface and a dryer driving unit controlling rotation of the drying drum, wherein the drying standby mode step may be initiated when a preset reference time passes after the time display step is completed.

The control method may further comprise a washing standby mode step of blocking a power supplied to the washing machine interface and a washing machine driving unit controlling rotation of the washing drum, wherein the washing standby mode step may be initiated when execution of the washing course ends.

The course selection step may select a default course set to the dryer as the recommended course.

The course selection step may select a drying course for setting the same kind of laundry as washing target laundry set to the washing course as a drying target, as the recommended course.

In another aspect of the present invention, a control method for a laundry treating apparatus comprises a washing standby mode step of supplying a power to a washing machine second controller controlling a washing machine interface without supplying the power to a washing machine driving unit controlling rotation of a washing drum, the washing machine interface, and a washing machine first controller controlling the washing machine driving unit; a drying standby mode step of supplying the power to a dryer second controller controlling the dryer interface without supplying the power to a dryer driving unit controlling rotation of a drying drum and a heat exchanger, the dryer interface and a dryer first controller controlling the dryer driving unit; a washing machine power supply step of supplying the power to the washing machine first controller, the washing machine driving unit and the washing machine interface; a course setup step of inputting a washing course through the washing machine interface; a first communication step of transmitting the washing course to the dryer second controller by the washing machine second controller if a control command requesting recommendation of a drying course is input through the washing machine interface; and an interface power supply step of supplying the power to the dryer interface if the dryer second controller receives information on the washing course.

The control method may further comprise a course selection step of selecting one of a plurality of drying courses, which can be executed by the dryer driving unit, by the dryer second controller if the dryer second controller receives the information on the washing course; and a course display step of displaying the recommended course on the dryer interface.

The control method may further comprise a laundry amount measuring step of measuring the amount of laundry stored in the washing drum by being initiated after the course setup step is completed; a second communication step of transmitting the amount of laundry measured at the laundry amount measuring step to the dryer second controller by the washing machine second controller; and a time display step of displaying a predicted time required to complete the recommended course on the dryer interface.

The predicted time may be set to be increased in proportion to the amount of laundry.

The control method may be provided to resume the drying standby mode step if a preset reference time passes after the time display step is completed.

The course selection step may be provided to select a default course set to the dryer as the recommended course.

The course selection step may be provided to select a drying course for setting the same kind of laundry as washing target laundry set to the washing course as a drying target, as the recommended course.

In other aspect of the present invention, a control method for a laundry treating apparatus comprises a standby mode step of supplying a power to a second controller controlling a dryer interface and a washing machine interface without supplying the power to a washing machine driving unit, the washing machine interface, the dryer driving unit, the dryer interface and a first controller controlling the washing machine driving unit and the dryer driving unit; a washing machine power supply step of supplying the power to the first controller, the washing machine driving unit and the washing machine interface; a course setup step of inputting a washing course through the washing machine interface; and an interface power supply step of supplying the power to the dryer interface if a control command requesting recommendation of a drying course is input through the washing machine interface.

The control method may further comprise a course selection step of selecting one of a plurality of drying courses, which can be executed by the dryer driving unit, by the second controller; and a course display step of displaying the recommended course on the dryer interface.

The control method may further comprise a laundry amount measuring step of measuring the amount of laundry stored in the washing drum; and a time display step of displaying a predicted time required to complete the recommended course on the dryer interface, and the predicted time may be set to be increased in proportion to the amount of laundry.

According to the present invention, a laundry treating apparatus and a control method for the same may be provided, in which one of two treating apparatuses capable of washing and drying laundry may control the other one.

Also, according to the present invention, a laundry treating apparatus and a control method for the same may be provided, in which a predicted time required for drying of laundry may be notified to a user.

Also, according to the present invention, a laundry treating apparatus and a control method for the same may be provided, in which consumption of a standby power may be minimized.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosure as claimed.

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Meanwhile, elements or control method of apparatuses which will be described below are only intended to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to restrict the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, a laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may be provided to include a dryer (first treating apparatus T) for drying laundry, and a washing machine (second treating apparatus L) provided to support a bottom surface of the dryer and therefore wash or dry laundry. Unlike the case shown in <FIG>, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> may be provided such that the dryer T may support a bottom surface of the washing machine L.

The dryer T includes a first cabinet <NUM>, a drying drum <NUM> rotatably provided in the first cabinet <NUM>, providing a space in which laundry is stored, and a supply unit <NUM> supplying the heated air into the drying drum <NUM>.

The first cabinet <NUM> may be provided to include a front panel <NUM> (first front panel) forming a front surface of the dryer, a rear panel <NUM> (first rear panel) forming a rear surface of the dryer, an upper panel forming an upper surface of the dryer, and a base panel mounted on an upper surface of the washing machine L.

The first front panel <NUM> is provided with a first inlet <NUM> provided to be communicated with the drying drum <NUM>, and the first inlet <NUM> may be provided to be opened or closed by a door <NUM> (first door) rotatably coupled to the first cabinet.

The drying drum <NUM> may be provided as a drum body <NUM> of a cylindrical shape of which front surface and rear surface are respectively opened. In this case, a front support <NUM> rotatably supporting the front surface of the drum body <NUM> and a rear support <NUM> rotatably supporting the rear surface of the drum body <NUM> may be provided inside the first cabinet <NUM>.

The front support <NUM> may be provided to include a first fixed body fixed into the first cabinet <NUM>, a drying drum inlet <NUM> provided to pass through the first fixed body, communicating the first inlet <NUM> with the inside of the drum body <NUM>, and a first support body <NUM> provided in the first fixed body and inserted into the front surface of the drum body <NUM>.

The first fixed body may be provided even in any shape if it may be provided with the drying drum inlet <NUM> and the first support body <NUM>. The first support body <NUM> may be provided in a pipe shape protruded from the first fixed body toward the drum body <NUM>.

The front support <NUM> may be provided to be connected to the first inlet <NUM> through a connecting body <NUM>. The connecting body <NUM> may be provided in a cylindrical shape to surround the first inlet <NUM>. In this case, the drying drum inlet <NUM> may be provided as a through hole connected to the first inlet <NUM> by passing through the connecting body <NUM>.

A discharge outlet communicated with the supply unit <NUM> may be provided in the connecting body <NUM>. The discharge outlet may be provided as a hole provided to pass through the connecting body <NUM>, and a filter <NUM> may detachably be inserted into the discharge outlet. The air inside the drum body <NUM> may move to the supply unit <NUM> through the discharge outlet and the filter <NUM>, and particles contained in the air in this process may be filtered by the filter <NUM>.

The rear support <NUM> may be provided to include a second fixed body fixed into the first cabinet <NUM>, and a second support body <NUM> provided in the second fixed body and inserted into the rear surface of the drum body <NUM>. The rear support <NUM> is provided with a supply hole <NUM> provided to pass through the second fixed body, guiding the air supplied from the supply unit <NUM> to the drum body <NUM>.

A lifter <NUM> for stirring of laundry may be provided on a circumferential surface of the drum body <NUM>. The lifter <NUM> may be provided as a board protruded from the circumferential surface of the drum body <NUM> toward a rotation center of the drum body.

The drum body <NUM> is rotated by a drying drum driving unit <NUM>, and the drying drum driving unit <NUM> may be provided to include a drying drum motor <NUM> fixed into the first cabinet <NUM>, a pulley rotated by the drying drum motor, and a belt <NUM> connecting a circumferential surface of the pulley with the circumferential surface of the drum body <NUM>.

The supply unit <NUM> may be provided to include ducts <NUM> and <NUM> and a heat exchanger <NUM> provided in the ducts to exchange heat with the air. The ducts may be provided to include a discharge duct <NUM> guiding the air discharged from the drying drum <NUM> to the outside of the first cabinet <NUM> through the discharge outlet, and a supply duct <NUM> supplying the air to the inside of the drying drum <NUM> through the supply hole <NUM>.

The discharge duct <NUM> may be provided with fans <NUM> and <NUM>, and the supply duct <NUM> may be provided with the heat exchanger <NUM>. The heat exchanger <NUM> may be provided as a heater for heating the air entering the supply duct <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates that the heater is provided with a first heater 47a and a second heater 47b, which may be controlled independently, as an example. The fans may be provided to include an impeller <NUM> rotatably provided inside the discharge duct <NUM>, and a fan motor <NUM> rotating the impeller if a power is supplied thereto. The discharge duct <NUM> may be provided with a temperature sensor <NUM> for measuring a temperature of the air discharged from the drying drum <NUM>.

The supply duct <NUM> may be provided as a path of which one end is connected to the supply hole <NUM> and free end is arranged inside or outside the first cabinet <NUM>. If the free end of the supply duct <NUM> is arranged inside the first cabinet <NUM>, a through hole <NUM> may be provided in the first rear panel <NUM>.

The washing machine L may be provided to include a second cabinet <NUM> provided to support a bottom surface of the first cabinet <NUM>, and a second accommodating unit <NUM> provided inside the second cabinet, providing a space in which laundry is stored.

The second cabinet <NUM> may be provided to include a front panel <NUM> (second front panel) forming a front surface of the washing machine L, a rear panel <NUM> (second rear panel) forming a rear surface of the washing machine, and an upper panel <NUM> (second upper panel) forming an upper surface of the washing machine, providing a space on which the bottom surface of the first cabinet <NUM> is supported.

The second front panel <NUM> is provided with an inlet <NUM> (second inlet), and the second inlet <NUM> may be provided to be opened or closed by a door <NUM> (second door). The second accommodating unit <NUM> may be provided to include a tub <NUM> provided inside the second cabinet <NUM>, providing a space in which water is stored, and a washing drum <NUM> rotatably provided inside the tub, storing laundry therein.

The tub <NUM> may be fixed to the second cabinet <NUM> through a tub support <NUM>. A tub inlet <NUM> communicated to the second inlet <NUM> is provided on a front surface of the tub <NUM>, and may be connected to the second inlet <NUM> through a gasket <NUM>.

The tub <NUM> is supplied with water through a water supply unit, and water stored in the tub <NUM> is discharged to the outside of the second cabinet <NUM> through a drainage unit.

The water supply unit may be provided to include a water supply pipe <NUM> connecting a water supply source with the tub <NUM>, and a water supply valve <NUM> controlling switching of the water supply pipe. The drainage unit may be provided to include a first drainage pipe <NUM> guiding water inside the tub <NUM> to the drainage pump <NUM>, and a second drainage pipe <NUM> guiding water discharged from the drainage pump <NUM> to the outside of the second cabinet <NUM>. The tub <NUM> may be provided with a heating unit <NUM> for heating the water supplied through the water supply source.

The washing drum <NUM> may be provided in a hollow cylindrical shape. A washing drum inlet <NUM> communicated with the second inlet <NUM> through the tub inlet <NUM> may be provided on the front surface of the washing drum, and a drum through hole <NUM> communicating the inside of the washing drum with the inside of the tub may be provided on the circumferential surface and the rear surface of the washing drum.

The washing drum <NUM> may be rotated by a washing drum driving unit <NUM> (washing drum motor). The washing drum driving unit <NUM> may be provided to include a stator <NUM> fixed to the rear surface of the tub <NUM>, forming a rotating magnetic field, a rotor <NUM> rotated by the rotating magnetic field, and a rotary shaft <NUM> connecting the rotor <NUM> with the rear surface of the washing drum <NUM> by passing through the rear surface of the tub.

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM>, and the laundry treating apparatus according to this embodiment is also provided to include a dryer T and a washing machine L. The laundry treating apparatus provided in this embodiment may be provided in the same structure as that of the laundry treating apparatus shown in <FIG> except the structure of the supply unit <NUM> provided in the dryer.

The supply unit <NUM> according to this embodiment may be provided to include ducts <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> forming a path for re-supplying the air discharged from the drum body <NUM> to the drum body <NUM>, and a heat exchanger <NUM> dehumidifying and heating the air entering the ducts.

The ducts may be provided to include a discharge duct <NUM> connected to the discharge outlet, a supply duct <NUM> connected to the supply hole <NUM>, and a connection duct <NUM> connecting the discharge duct with the supply duct. In this case, the impeller <NUM> of the fan may be provided inside the connection duct <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the heat exchanger <NUM> includes a first heat exchanger <NUM> (heat absorption unit) removing water from the air entering the connection duct <NUM>, and a second heat exchanger <NUM> (heat emission unit) provided inside the connection duct <NUM>, heating the air passing through the first heat exchanger <NUM>. The heat absorption unit <NUM> and the heat emission unit <NUM> are sequentially disposed along a moving direction of the air and connected with each other through a refrigerant pipe <NUM> that forms a circulating path of a refrigerant.

The refrigerant moves along the refrigerant pipe <NUM> by means of a compressor <NUM> arranged outside the ducts <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, and the refrigerant pipe <NUM> is provided with a pressure controller <NUM> for controlling a pressure of the refrigerant that has passed through the heat emission unit <NUM>.

The heat absorption unit <NUM> is a means for cooling the air and evaporating the refrigerant by delivering heat of the air entering the discharge duct <NUM> to the refrigerant. The heat emission unit <NUM> is a means for heating the air and condensing the refrigerant by delivering heat owned by the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor <NUM> to the air. In this case, water contained in the air will be collected in the bottom surface of the connection duct <NUM> along the surface of the heat absorption unit <NUM> when passing through the heat absorption unit <NUM>.

In order to collect water removed from the air passing through the heat absorption unit <NUM>, the dryer T is provided with a water collecting body <NUM>. The water collecting body <NUM> may be provided anywhere in the laundry treating apparatus, which can store water discharged from the heat absorption unit, and <FIG> illustrates that the water collecting body <NUM> is provided to be communicated with the bottom surface of the connection duct <NUM>, as an example.

A heat exchanger support <NUM> may further be provided in the water collecting body <NUM> such that the heat absorption unit <NUM> and the heat emission unit <NUM> are not in contact with the water (condensed water) stored in the water collecting body <NUM>.

The aforementioned laundry treating apparatus <NUM> should be provided with an input unit and a display unit, which are required for control of each of the apparatuses T and L. That is, as shown in <FIG>, the dryer T is provided with a dryer interface P1, and the washing machine is provided with a washing machine interface P2.

The dryer interface P1 may be provided to include a dryer display <NUM> and dryer input units <NUM> and <NUM>, and the washing machine interface P2 may be provided to include a washing machine display <NUM> and washing machine input units <NUM> and <NUM>.

The dryer display <NUM> is a means for displaying a control command capable of being input to the dryer T or a control command input to the dryer T, and the dryer input units <NUM> and <NUM> are means for inputting the control command to the dryer T. Likewise, the washing machine display <NUM> is a means for displaying a control command capable of being input to the washing machine L or a control command input to the washing machine L, and the washing machine input units <NUM> and <NUM> are means for inputting the control command to the washing machine L.

In order to form unity in design of the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> in which two treating apparatuses are arranged up and down, the dryer display <NUM>, the dryer input units <NUM> and <NUM>, the washing machine display <NUM> and the washing machine input units <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided in one control panel P.

The control panel P may be provided such that an upper surface is fixed to the front surface (the first front panel) of the dryer and a lower surface is fixed to the front surface (the second front panel) of the washing machine. In this case, the control panel P will serve as a fastening unit for fixing the dryer T to the washing machine L (serve to fasten the first front panel with the second front panel).

Unlike the aforementioned description, the control panel P may be provided to be fixed to any one of the first front panel <NUM> and the second front panel <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> show that the control panel P is fixed to a lower end of the first front panel <NUM>, as an example. That is, a panel accommodating groove formed as the surface of the first front panel is bent to be concave is provided on the lower end of the first front panel <NUM>, and the control panel P may be fixed to the panel accommodating groove. In this case, the control panel P will form the front surface of the dryer together with the first front panel <NUM>.

The dryer display <NUM> and the dryer input units <NUM> and <NUM> are controlled by a second controller <NUM> provided in the dryer, and the washing machine display <NUM> and the washing machine input units <NUM> and <NUM> are controlled by a second display controller <NUM> provided in the washing machine. The case that the second controller controls the display and the input units means that the second controller and each apparatus are provided to transmit and receive a control command (or control signal) to and from each other. The second controller <NUM> of the dryer and the second controller <NUM> of the washing machine may be provided to be communicated with each other through a communication circuit <NUM>.

The dryer input unit may be provided to include a dryer first input unit <NUM> and a dryer second input unit <NUM>. The dryer first input unit <NUM> may be provided as a means for selecting any one of control commands (drying courses) that can be executed by the dryer, and the dryer second input unit <NUM> may be provided as a means for executing the selected control command or inputting a control command requesting a temporary stop of the control command which is being executed.

The washing machine input unit may be provided to include a washing machine first input unit <NUM> and a washing machine second input unit <NUM>. The washing machine first input unit <NUM> may be provided as a means for selecting any one of control commands (washing courses) that can be executed by the washing machine, and the washing machine second input unit <NUM> may be provided as a means for executing the selected control command or inputting a control command requesting a temporary stop of the control command which is being executed.

Moreover, the control panel P may further be provided with a recommendation request unit <NUM>. The recommendation request unit <NUM> is a means for requesting the dryer T to recommend a drying course corresponding to a washing course (or a washing course which is being executed by the washing machine) set to the washing machine L.

The recommendation request unit <NUM> may be provided in the dryer interface P1 or the washing machine interface P2, and <FIG> illustrates that the recommendation request unit <NUM> is provided in the washing machine interface P2, as an example.

Load of the dryer is classified into driving load and interface load, wherein the driving load (dryer driving load) is a dryer driving unit B1 comprised of the drying drum motor <NUM>, the fan motor <NUM>, the heat exchanger <NUM>, and the temperature sensor <NUM>, and the interface load (dryer interface load) is a dryer interface P1 comprised of the dryer display <NUM> and the dryer input units <NUM> and <NUM>.

A power of the dryer load B1 and P1 may be provided to be controlled by a dryer first controller <NUM>. However, the operation of the dryer driving unit B1 may be controlled by the dryer first controller <NUM> and the operation of the dryer interface P1 may be controlled by the dryer second controller <NUM>.

The dryer T is connected to a power source S through a first power line <NUM>, and may be provided such that an alternating current power supplied to the first power line <NUM> is converted to a direct current power through a first converter <NUM> (dryer power converter). In this case, the dryer second controller <NUM> may be provided to be supplied with a power through a dryer first power circuit <NUM> connected to the first converter <NUM>, the dryer first controller <NUM> may be provided to be supplied with a power through a dryer second power circuit <NUM>, and the dryer driving unit B1 and the dryer interface P1 may be provided to be supplied with a power through a dryer third power circuit <NUM>.

The dryer second power circuit <NUM> may be provided with a dryer first switch <NUM>, and the dryer third power circuit <NUM> may be provided with a dryer second switch <NUM>. The dryer first switch <NUM> may be provided to open or close the dryer second power circuit <NUM> in accordance with a control command of the dryer second controller <NUM> or a control command of the dryer power controller <NUM>. The dryer power controller <NUM> may be provided in the control panel P and provided as a means for controlling power supply to the dryer driving unit B1 and the dryer interface P1.

If the dryer power controller <NUM> transmits a control command requesting power supply to the dryer second controller <NUM> (if a user inputs a power supply request signal through the dryer power controller), the dryer second controller <NUM> controls the dryer first switch <NUM> to close the dryer second power circuit <NUM> through the dryer first switch control circuit 92a. If the dryer first switch <NUM> closes the dryer second power circuit <NUM>, the dryer first controller <NUM> may be supplied with a power.

Meanwhile, the dryer second switch <NUM> may be provided to open or close the dryer third power circuit <NUM> in accordance with the control command transmitted from the dryer first controller <NUM> through the second switch control circuit 91a, or may be provided to open or close the dryer third power circuit <NUM> in accordance with the control command transmitted from the dryer second controller <NUM>. The dryer driving unit B1 and the dryer interface P1 may be supplied with a power when the dryer second switch <NUM> closes the dryer third power circuit <NUM>.

The dryer second controller <NUM> and the dryer power controller <NUM> are always connected with a power source through the dryer first power circuit <NUM>. However, the dryer driving unit B1 and the dryer interface P1 will be supplied with a power when a user inputs a control command to the dryer power controller <NUM> or when the dryer second controller <NUM> receives a control command from the washing machine second controller <NUM>.

Since the dryer T of the aforementioned structure supplies a power to only the dryer second controller <NUM> and the dryer power controller <NUM> when the dryer driving unit and the interfaces B1 and P1 are not operated, consumption of a standby power may be minimized.

Load of the washing machine L is classified into driving load and interface load, wherein the driving load of the washing machine is a washing machine driving unit B2 comprised of the washing drum driving unit <NUM>, a water supply valve <NUM>, a drainage pump <NUM>, and a heating unit <NUM>, and the interface load of the washing machine is a washing machine interface P2 comprised of the washing machine display <NUM>, the washing machine input units <NUM> and <NUM> and the preheating request unit <NUM>.

A power of the washing machine load B2 and P2 may be provided to be controlled by a washing machine first controller <NUM>. The operation of the washing machine driving unit B2 may be controlled by the washing machine first controller <NUM> and the operation of the washing machine interface P2 may be controlled by the washing machine second controller <NUM>.

The washing machine L is connected to the power source S through a second power line <NUM>, and may be provided such that an alternating current power supplied to the second power line <NUM> is converted to a direct current power through a second converter <NUM> (washing machine converter). The power line <NUM> of the dryer T and the power line <NUM> of the washing machine L are provided separately (independently) from each other, whereby even though any one of the two power lines is damaged or any one of the two apparatuses is out of order, the other one may be operated.

The washing machine second controller <NUM> may be provided to be supplied with a power through a washing machine first power circuit <NUM> connected to the second converter <NUM>, the washing machine first controller <NUM> may be provided to be supplied with a power through a washing machine second power circuit <NUM>, and the loads B2 and P2 of the washing machine may be provided to be supplied with a power through a washing machine third power circuit <NUM>.

The washing machine second power circuit <NUM> may be provided with a washing machine first switch <NUM>, and the washing machine first switch <NUM> may be provided to open or close the washing machine second power circuit <NUM> in accordance with the control command of the washing machine second controller <NUM> or the control command of the washing machine power controller <NUM>. The washing machine power controller <NUM> may be provided in the control panel P1 and thus may be provided as a means for controlling power supply to the washing machine driving unit B2 and the washing machine interface P2.

If the washing machine power controller <NUM> transmits a control command requesting power supply to the washing machine second controller <NUM> (if a user inputs a power supply request signal through the washing machine power controller), the washing machine second controller <NUM> controls the washing machine first switch <NUM> to close the washing machine second power circuit <NUM> through the washing machine first switch control circuit 96a. If the washing machine first switch <NUM> closes the washing machine second power circuit <NUM>, the washing machine first controller <NUM> will be supplied with a power.

Meanwhile, the washing machine second switch <NUM> may be provided to open or close the washing machine third power circuit <NUM> in accordance with the control signal transmitted from the washing machine first controller <NUM> through the washing machine second switch control circuit 94a, or may be provided to open or close the washing machine third power circuit <NUM> in accordance with the control command transmitted from the washing machine second controller <NUM>. The washing machine driving unit B2 and the washing machine interface P2 will be supplied with a power when the washing machine second switch <NUM> closes the washing machine third power circuit <NUM>.

The washing machine second controller <NUM> and the washing machine power controller <NUM> are always connected with a power source through the washing machine first power circuit <NUM>. However, the washing machine driving unit B2 and the washing machine interface P2 will be supplied with a power when a user inputs a control command to the washing machine power controller <NUM> or when the washing machine second controller <NUM> receives a control command from the dryer first controller <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a control method for the aforementioned laundry treating apparatus <NUM>.

As shown, if the first power line <NUM> and the second power line <NUM> are respectively connected to the power source S, the laundry treating apparatus <NUM> proceeds to a washing standby mode step S110 and a drying standby mode step S210.

The washing standby mode step S110 is the step of supplying a power to the washing machine second controller <NUM> and the washing machine power controller <NUM> without supplying the power to the washing machine driving unit B2, the washing machine interface P2 and the washing machine first controller <NUM>. That is, at the washing standby mode step S110, the washing machine first switch <NUM> maintains the state that the washing machine second power circuit <NUM> is opened, and the washing machine second switch <NUM> maintains the state that the washing machine third power circuit <NUM> is opened.

The washing machine power controller <NUM> may be provided as a switch that may operate the washing machine first switch <NUM> even though a power is not supplied thereto. In this case, the washing standby mode step S110 will be the step of supplying a power to the washing machine second controller without supplying the power to the washing machine driving unit, the washing machine interface and the washing machine first controller.

The drying standby mode step S210 is the step of supplying a power to the dryer second controller <NUM> and the dryer power controller <NUM> without supplying the power to the dryer driving unit B1, the dryer interface P1 and the dryer first controller <NUM>. That is, at the drying standby mode step S210, the dryer first switch <NUM> maintains the state that the dryer second power circuit <NUM> is opened, and the dryer second switch <NUM> maintains the state that the dryer third power circuit <NUM> is opened.

The dryer power controller <NUM> may be provided as a switch that may operate the dryer first switch <NUM> even though a power is not supplied thereto. In this case, the drying standby mode step S210 will be the step of supplying a power to the dryer second controller without supplying the power to the dryer driving unit, the dryer interface and the dryer first controller.

If a control signal requesting power supply is input to the washing machine load through the washing machine power controller <NUM> in the middle of the washing machine standby mode step S110, a washing machine power supply step S120 is executed. The washing machine power supply step S120 is the step of supplying a power to the washing machine first controller <NUM>, the washing machine driving unit B2 and the washing machine interface P2.

If the washing machine power supply step S120 is completed, the control method proceeds to a course setup step S130 of inputting a washing course to the washing machine interface P2. If a selection command of the washing course is input through the washing machine first input unit <NUM> (S130) and a start command of the selected washing course is input through the washing machine second input unit <NUM>, the control method proceeds to a course execution step S140 by controlling the washing machine driving unit B2.

The course execution step S140 may be provided to perform a laundry amount measuring step S141, a water supply step S143, a particle removal step S145, a drainage step S147 and a dehydrating step S149 in due order.

The laundry amount measuring step S141 is a process of determining the amount of laundry (washing target) inserted into the washing drum <NUM> by the washing machine first controller <NUM>. The laundry amount measuring step S141 may be provided with a process of determining the amount of laundry through the amount of a current supplied to the stator <NUM> while the washing drum <NUM> is being accelerated for the number of preset revolutions or is being rotated to reach a preset angle. In this case, the washing machine L may be provided with a current amount sensor (not shown) for measuring the amount of a current supplied to the stator <NUM>.

The water supply step S143 may be provided as a process of supplying water to the tub <NUM> by controlling the water supply valve <NUM> by the washing machine first controller <NUM>, and the particle removal step S145 may be provided as a process of rotating the washing drum <NUM> by controlling the washing drum driving unit <NUM> by the washing machine first controller <NUM>. The particle removal step S145 is the step of separating particles from laundry, and may be an example of a washing stroke or a rinsing stroke.

The drainage step S147 may be provided as a process of discharging water stored in the tub <NUM> to the outside of the second cabinet <NUM> by controlling the drainage pump <NUM> by washing machine first controller <NUM>, and the dehydrating step S149 may be provided as a process of removing water from laundry by controlling the washing drum driving unit <NUM> by the washing machine first controller <NUM>. If the dehydrating step ends (S150) (the course execution step ends), the control method resumes the washing standby mode step S110 and switches the washing machine L to a standby mode state.

If the time (predicted time) predicted when laundry which is being washed is dried by the dryer T may be notified to a user, the user may arrange a schedule in consideration of the time when drying is completed or determine whether to operate the dryer in consideration of the schedule.

In order to implement the aforementioned effect, the control method includes a first communication step S132 for notifying the dryer second controller <NUM> of a washing course set at the course setup step S130 by the washing machine second controller <NUM>. At the first communication step S132, the washing machine second controller <NUM> and the dryer second controller <NUM> perform communication with each other through the communication circuit <NUM>. The first communication step S132 may be provided to be executed only if a user requests a recommendation of a drying course through the recommendation request unit <NUM> (S131).

If the dryer second controller <NUM> receives information on the washing course through the first communication step S132, the control method executes an interface power supply step S230 of supplying a power the dryer interface P1 and a course selection step S250 of allowing the dryer second controller <NUM> to select one of a plurality of drying courses that can be executed by the dryer driving unit B1.

The interface power supply step S230 and the course selection step S250 may be set to be executed at the same time, or any one of the interface power supply step S230 and the course selection step S250 may be set to be earlier executed than the other one.

The interface power supply step S230 may be provided to supply a power to the entire dryer interface P1, or may be provided to supply a power to only the dryer display <NUM> of the dryer interface P1.

The recommended course selected at the course selection step S250 may be set to a drying course set to dry laundry that is the same kind of laundry as that washed through the washing course. That is, if the washing course is a wool washing course, the recommended course may be set to a wool drying course, if the washing course is a cotton washing course, the recommended course may be set to a cotton drying course, and if the washing course is a functional laundry washing course, the recommended course may be set to a functional laundry drying course. Unlike the aforementioned case, the recommended course may be set to a course having the lowest power consumption among the drying courses (a plurality of courses executed by the dryer driving unit) set to the dryer T.

Unlike the aforementioned description, the recommended course may be set to a default course. The default course means a drying course to the dryer T when a power is supplied to the dryer interface P1, and may include a standard course as an example.

If a power is supplied to the dryer display <NUM> through the interface power supply step S230 and the recommended course is selected through the course selection step S250, the control method executes a course display step S260 of displaying the recommended course on the dryer display <NUM>.

If the course display step S260 is completed, the control method executes a second communication step S142 of notifying the dryer T of the amount of laundry measured at the laundry amount measuring step S141 by the washing machine L. The second communication step S142 may be executed by transmitting the amount of laundry to the dryer second controller <NUM> by the washing machine second controller <NUM>.

If the amount of laundry is received through the second communication step S142, the dryer second controller <NUM> executes a time display step S290 of displaying a predicted time required to complete the recommended course on the dryer display <NUM>. The predicted time is preferably set to be increased in proportion to the amount of laundry.

The time display step S290 may be provided to be executed for a preset reference time. That is, if the execution time of the time display step S290 reaches the reference time (S291), the control method may be provided to resume the drying standby mode step S210.

The aforementioned control method may be applied to the laundry treating apparatus in which the controllers <NUM> and <NUM> for controlling the dryer and the controllers <NUM> and <NUM> for controlling the washing machine are integrated. That is, as shown in <FIG>, the aforementioned control method may be applied to a laundry treating apparatus provided with a first controller for controlling the dryer driving unit B1 and the washing machine driving unit B2 and a second controller for controlling the dryer interface P1 and the washing machine interface P2.

The control method of <FIG> includes a standby mode step S10, a washing machine power supply step S120, a course selection step S130, and a course execution step S140.

The standby mode step S10 may be provided as a step of supplying a power to the second controller <NUM> without supplying the power to the washing machine driving unit B2, the washing machine interface P2, the dryer driving unit B1, the dryer interface P1 and the first controller.

The washing machine power supply step S120 may be set to a step of supplying a power to the first controller, the washing machine driving unit B2 and the washing machine interface P2, and the course setup step S130 may be set to a step of inputting a washing course through the washing machine interface P2.

The course execution step S140 may be provided to include a laundry amount measuring step S141, a water supply step S143, a particle removal step S145, a drainage step S147 and a dehydrating step S149.

After the course setup step S130 is completed, if a control command is input through the washing machine interface, the control method of <FIG> executes the interface power supply step S230 of supplying a power to the dryer interface P1. The control command for initiating the interface power supply step S230 may be set to a control command requesting recommendation of a drying course input through the recommendation request unit <NUM>.

If the power is supplied to the dryer interface P1, the control method of <FIG> executes the course selection step S250 and the course display step S260.

The course selection step S250 may be provided as a step of selecting one of a plurality of drying courses, which can be executed by the dryer driving unit B1, as a recommended course by the second controller, and the course display step S260 may be provided as a step of displaying the recommended course on the dryer display <NUM>.

If the amount of laundry stored in the washing drum is determined through the laundry amount measuring step S141 in the middle of the course display step S260, the control method of <FIG> executes the time display step S290 of displaying a predicted time required to execute the recommended course on the dryer display <NUM>.

The aforementioned laundry treating apparatus and the aforementioned control method for the laundry treating apparatus may be carried out by various modifications. That is, the aforementioned control method of the laundry treating apparatus may be applied to a laundry treating apparatus comprising a control system different from the control system shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the laundry treating apparatus comprising the washing machine provided with the tub and the washing drum and the dryer provided with the drying drum and the supply unit, the control method for the laundry treating apparatus may be provided to include a course setup step S130 of inputting a washing course through the washing machine interface provided to receive a control command, a first communication step S132 of transmitting the washing course to the dryer by the washing machine if a control command requesting recommendation of the drying course is input through the washing machine interface (S131), and an interface power supply step S230 of supplying a power to the dryer interface provided to receive a control command if the dryer receives information on the washing course.

If the information on the washing course is received, the dryer T may execute the course selection step S250 of selecting one of a plurality of drying courses, which can be executed, as a recommended course, and a course display step S260 of displaying the recommended course on the dryer interface P1.

After the course setup step S130 is completed, the washing machine L may execute the laundry amount measuring step S141 of measuring the amount of laundry stored in the washing drum <NUM> and a second communication step S142 of transmitting the amount of laundry measured at the laundry amount measuring step to the dryer T by the washing machine L. If data on the amount of laundry is transmitted through the second communication step S142, the dryer T may executes the time display step S290 of displaying a predicted time required to complete the recommended course on the dryer interface P1. The predicted time may be set to be increased in proportion to the amount of laundry.

If a preset reference time passes (S291) after the time display step S290 is completed, the dryer T may execute the drying standby mode step S210. The drying standby mode step S210 may be provided as a step of blocking the power supplied to the dryer interface and the dryer driving unit controlling rotation of the drying drum. If the dryer T executes the recommended course, the drying standby mode step S210 may be initiated even when execution of the recommended course is completed.

The course selection step S130 may be provided to select a default course (drying course set to be executed when a user does not input a separate drying course selection command) set to the dryer T or a drying course for setting the same kind of laundry as washing target laundry set to the washing course as a drying target, as a recommended course.

Claim 1:
A control method for a laundry treating apparatus (<NUM>) comprising a washing machine (L) provided with a tub (<NUM>) in which water is stored and a washing drum (<NUM>) provided inside the tub (<NUM>), storing laundry therein, and a dryer (T) provided with a drying drum (<NUM>) in which laundry is stored and a supply unit (<NUM>) for removing water from laundry by supplying the air to the drying drum (<NUM>), the control method comprising:
a course setup step (S130) of receiving a washing course through a washing machine interface (P2) provided to receive a control command;
a first communication step (S132) of transmitting the washing course to the dryer (T) by the washing machine (L) if the washing course is input through the washing machine interface (P2); and
an interface power supply step (S230) of supplying a power to a dryer interface provided to receive a control command if the dryer (T) receives information on the washing course.