Patent Description:
Generally, a washing machine includes one washing apparatus (washing tub), and is an apparatus for removing contaminations from laundry using water and detergent. The washing machine performs washing of laundry through a series of operations such as a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process using a motor as a main power. In recent times, the washing machine is configured to have a drying function, so that the washing machine can also perform a drying process of drying the dehydrated laundry.

<CIT> discloses a dual-drum washing machine using a touch-screen interface with a split-screen display for managing both units, including simultaneous operation.

When washing, it may be impossible for the washing machine to simultaneously wash a plurality of laundries accommodated in one washing apparatus according to types or materials of laundry. Since a conventional washing machine has one washing apparatus, the user must directly classify a plurality of laundries into various types of laundries before execution of the washing machine, and select only some laundries incapable of being simultaneously washed in one washing machine from among total laundries.

In this case, the user may feel inconvenienced because the user must select some laundries to be washed in a separate washing process from among total laundries and the washing machine must be driven several times (e.g., twice), resulting in a waste of energy and time. In addition, although the user desires to wash a small amount of laundries using a washing machine, if a drum of the washing machine is a large-capacity drum, unnecessary power consumption occurs.

The present disclosure is directed to providing a washing machine having a plurality of washing apparatuses.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing a washing machine capable of controlling the plurality of washing apparatuses using one power button.

An aspect of the disclosure provides a washing system comprising: a first apparatus; a second apparatus disposed above the first apparatus; one control panel, disposed at a front of the second apparatus and higher than the first apparatus, including a first user interface provided in a lower area and a second user interface provided in an upper area above the lower area, and at least one controller configured to control the one control panel, wherein the first user interface, located closer to a first door of the first apparatus than the second user interface, is configured to receive user inputs associated with the first apparatus, and the first user interface includes a first power button configured to receive a user input for turning on or off power of the first apparatus, and a first start button configured to receive a user input for starting or stopping operation of the first apparatus. The second user interface, located closer to a second door of the second apparatus than the first user interface, is configured to receive user inputs associated with the second apparatus, and the second user interface includes: a second power button configured to receive a user input for turning on or off power of the second apparatus, and a second start button configured to receive a user input for starting or stopping operation of the second apparatus. The washing system is configured such that in response to the user inputs associated with the first apparatus not being received for a predetermined time after turning on the first power button, the power of the first apparatus is configured to be turned off by the at least one controller; and in response to the user inputs associated with the second apparatus not being received for the predetermined time after turning on the second power button, the power of the second apparatus is configured to be turned off by the at least one controller.

Further disclosed is a washing machine including: a housing; a first washing apparatus disposed in the housing; a second washing apparatus disposed in the housing and disposed above the first washing apparatus; a control panel disposed at the front of the housing; a first user interface provided in a lower area of the control panel, configured to receive a first control command for controlling the first washing apparatus; a second user interface provided in the lower area of the control panel, configured to receive a second control command for controlling the second washing apparatus; and a third user interface provided on the control panel. The first and second user interfaces are operated in an activation mode in which the first and second washing apparatuses are controlled according to the first and second control commands, respectively and in a sleep mode in which the first and second washing apparatuses are not controlled according to the first and second control commands, respectively. The third user interface receives a third control command for switching the first and second user interfaces from the sleep mode to the activation mode.

Disclosed is a washing machine including: a housing; a first washing apparatus disposed in the housing; a second washing apparatus disposed in the housing and disposed disposed above the first washing apparatus; a control panel disposed at the front of the housing; a first user interface provided in a lower area of the control panel, configured to receive a first control command for controlling the first washing apparatus; and a second user interface provided in the lower area of the control panel, configured to receive a second control command for controlling the second washing apparatus. The first and second user interfaces are operated in an activation mode in which the first and second washing apparatuses are controlled according to the first and second control commands, respectively and in a sleep mode in which the first and second washing apparatuses are not controlled according to the first and second control commands, respectively. The first user interface includes a first power button configured to receive a first mode switch command for switching the first user interface from the sleep mode to the activation mode. The second user interface includes a second power button configured to receive a second mode switch command for switching the second user interface from the sleep mode to the activation mode.

According to the above-described washing machine, by providing the plurality of washing apparatuses, it is possible to separately wash the laundry as needed. In addition, by controlling the plurality of washing apparatuses using one power button and an additional option button, it is possible to implement the control panel that is easy to operate and convenient to use.

Configurations illustrated in the embodiments and the drawings described in the present specification are only the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and thus it is to be understood that various modified examples, which may replace the embodiments and the drawings described in the present specification, are possible when filing the present application.

<FIG> is an external perspective view of a washing machine according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a washing machine <NUM> may include a first washing apparatus <NUM> having a front loading method in which a first laundry inlet <NUM> is formed in front of a first washing space <NUM>, and a second washing apparatus <NUM> having a top loading method in which a second laundry inlet <NUM> is formed an upper portion of a second washing space <NUM>.

The first washing apparatus <NUM> and the second washing apparatus <NUM> may perform washing by different washing methods, and have a structure in which two washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled to one platform, and may include the plurality of washing spaces <NUM> and <NUM> therein.

The first washing apparatus <NUM> may include a first drum <NUM> having the first washing space <NUM> formed therein. The first drum <NUM> may be provided in a cylindrical shape in which at least a portion of one surface thereof is opened, and may be disposed such that the opened one surface thereof faces the front side.

The first washing apparatus <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> in which the first drum <NUM> is disposed therein.

The first washing apparatus <NUM> may include a front cover <NUM> provided with a first laundry inlet <NUM> through which laundry is put into the first washing space <NUM>. A first door <NUM> may be coupled to the front cover <NUM> to open and close the first laundry inlet <NUM>.

The first door <NUM> may be provided to correspond to the first laundry inlet <NUM>, and may be rotatably provided with respect to the front cover <NUM>. The first door <NUM> may include a first door frame <NUM>, a first door cover <NUM>, and a door glass <NUM>.

The first door <NUM> may include an auxiliary door <NUM> through which laundry is put into the first washing space <NUM> even when the first door <NUM> is closed.

The second washing apparatus <NUM> may include a second drum <NUM> having the second washing space <NUM> formed therein. The second drum <NUM> may be provided in the cylindrical shape in which at least a portion of one surface thereof is opened, and may be disposed such that the opened one surface thereof faces upward.

The second washing apparatus <NUM> may include a second housing <NUM> in which the second drum <NUM> is disposed therein, and a lower portion thereof is opened. The second washing apparatus <NUM> may be disposed in the second housing <NUM>, and may include a second door <NUM> for opening and closing the second laundry inlet <NUM>. The second door <NUM> may be provided to correspond to the second laundry inlet <NUM>, and may include a second door frame <NUM> and a second door cover <NUM>. The second door <NUM> may include a third door <NUM> through which laundry is put into the second washing space <NUM> even when the second door <NUM> is closed.

In addition, the washing machine <NUM> may include a control panel <NUM> disposed above the front cover <NUM> for operating the washing machine <NUM>. The control panel <NUM> is provided with a user interface <NUM> for receiving washing setting information related to the operation of the washing machine <NUM> and displaying various information to the user. The user interface <NUM> may include an inputter for receiving a user command from the user, and a display for displaying various operation information of the washing machine <NUM> to the user according to the inputted user command. The user interface <NUM> may be provided at the front of the washing machine <NUM> for the convenience of the user. The user interface <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a control panel of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the user interface <NUM> may be provided in the control panel <NUM> to interact with the user. For example, the user interface <NUM> may receive a user input for the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM> from the user, and may display the user input or operation information corresponding to a process state.

The user interface <NUM> may include a first user interface <NUM> provided in a lower area of the control panel <NUM> and configured to receive a first control command for controlling the first washing apparatus <NUM>, a second user interface <NUM> provided in the upper area of the control panel <NUM> and configured to receive a second control command for controlling the second washing apparatus <NUM>.

The first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> may be operated in an activation mode in which the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM> are controlled according to the first and second control commands, respectively, and a sleep mode in which the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM> are not controlled according to the first and second control command, respectively.

The first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> may include a plurality of buttons (e.g., reservation, wash water temperature, number of rinsing, washing, rinsing, dehydration, selection of a water level, etc.) through which user commands related to operations of the washing machine <NUM> are input. The plurality of buttons may include a wash water temperature button for selecting the wash water temperature, a number of rinsing button for selecting the number of rinsing, and a course selection button for selecting a washing course (such as a standard course, a wool course, a boiling course, a drying course, etc.) according to the kinds of laundry.

In addition, the first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> may include additional option buttons for simultaneously controlling the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>.

The user interface <NUM> may further include a third user interface <NUM> that is provided in the lower area of the control panel <NUM> and receives a third control command for switching the first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> from the sleep mode to the activation mode.

The third user interface <NUM> may include an integrated power button <NUM>-<NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as a "power button") for simultaneously controlling power of the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>, a first start button <NUM>-<NUM> (START / PAUSE button) for starting or pausing the operation of the first washing apparatus <NUM>, and a second start button <NUM>-<NUM> (START / PAUSE button) for starting or pausing the operation of the second washing apparatus <NUM>.

The power button <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to simultaneously turn on or turn off the power of the first washing apparatus <NUM> and the second washing apparatus <NUM> with one button.

The first and second start buttons <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are configured separately because separate power buttons of the first washing apparatus <NUM> and the second washing apparatus <NUM> are not provided separately.

<FIG> is a control block diagram of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the washing machine <NUM> may further include the user interface <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, a storage <NUM>, a driver <NUM>, and a sound outputter <NUM>.

The user interface <NUM> may interact with the user. For example, the user interface <NUM> may receive the user input for the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM> from the user, and may display the user input or the operation information corresponding to the process state.

The user interface <NUM> may be installed at the front of the washing machine <NUM> for the convenience of the user. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the user interface <NUM> may be installed in the control panel <NUM>. Hereinafter, the user interface <NUM> may be installed on the control panel <NUM> as an example, but an installation position of the user interface <NUM> is not limited thereto. For example, the user interface <NUM> may be installed anywhere the user can operate and view it.

In addition, the user interface <NUM> may include a wake up function that is automatically activated when the user approaches within a certain range. For example, when the user approaches within the certain range, the user interface <NUM> may be activated. In other words, the user interface <NUM> may be turned on. On the other hand, when the user deviates from the certain range, the user interface <NUM> may be deactivated. In other words, the user interface <NUM> may be turned off.

The controller <NUM> may control overall operations of the washing machine <NUM>, such as a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process, according to the washing operation information input from the user interface <NUM>, and may include a microprocessor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a timer <NUM>.

The timer <NUM> may count operating times of the first washing apparatus <NUM> and the second washing apparatus <NUM>.

After the power button <NUM> is turned on, when a predetermined time (about <NUM> minutes) elapses without a button input from any one of the plurality of washing apparatus <NUM> and <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may control the user interface <NUM> to enter the sleep mode. The controller <NUM> may minimize power consumption by entering the sleep mode, and may clearly distinguish between the washing apparatus <NUM> or <NUM> that is in operation and the washing apparatus <NUM> or <NUM> that is not in operation.

In addition, after entering the sleep mode, the controller <NUM> may control the sleep mode to be released by inputting a wake up button or by all button inputs of the user interface <NUM>.

After turning on the power button <NUM>, when the predetermined time (about <NUM> minutes) elapses without the button input at both washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may turn off the washing machine <NUM>.

In addition, the controller <NUM> may control the driving of the user interface <NUM> to display the washing operation information input according to a user's operation command.

The storage <NUM> may store a control program and control data for controlling the operation of the washing machine <NUM> and various application programs and application data for performing various functions according to the user input.

The driver <NUM> may drive a water supply device <NUM>, a detergent supply device <NUM>, first and second drain pumps <NUM> and <NUM>, and first and second driving motors <NUM> and <NUM> related to the operation of the washing machine <NUM> according to a driving control signal of the controller <NUM>.

The sound outputter <NUM> may include a speaker <NUM> that converts an electrical signal into a sound. Here, the sound outputter <NUM> may receive the electrical sound signal from the controller <NUM> and output the sound corresponding to the received electrical sound signal.

The operation processes and effects of the washing machine according to the embodiments of the disclosure will hereinafter be described in detail.

First, turning on or off of the control panel <NUM> of the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM> with integrated power, and a process of cancelling the first or second washing apparatuses <NUM> or <NUM> through washing cancel buttons <NUM> and <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an integrated power mode control algorithm of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which a control panel of a plurality of washing apparatuses is turned off as an integrated power in the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which the control panel of the plurality of washing apparatuses is turned on as an integrated power in the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which a laundry cancel button is activated on the right side of the control panel in the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the user may turn on the power button <NUM>-<NUM> of the third user interface <NUM> provided on the control panel <NUM> (<NUM>).

When the power button <NUM>-<NUM> is turned on, the first washing apparatus <NUM> and the second washing apparatus <NUM> are simultaneously turned on while the user interface <NUM>, which has been turned off as illustrated in <FIG>, is turned on as illustrated in <FIG>.

In a state where the power of the first washing apparatus <NUM> and the second washing apparatus <NUM> is simultaneously turned on, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the power of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on (<NUM>).

When the power of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on, the first washing apparatus <NUM> may enter an operation ready state (<NUM>).

When the first washing apparatus <NUM> enters the operation ready state, the user may select the washing course and options of the first washing apparatus <NUM> using the first user interface <NUM> (<NUM>). The washing course may include the standard course, a delicate course, the wool course, the towel course, a bedding course, and the like, and the options may include wash water temperature, the number of rinsing, dehydration strength, and the like.

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> may determine whether a selection of the washing course and options of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is completed (<NUM>).

As a result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when the selection of the washing course and options of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is not completed, the controller <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> to proceed with the subsequent operation.

In operation <NUM>, when the selection of the washing course and options of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is completed, the user may select the first start button <NUM>-<NUM> of the first washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>).

When the first start button <NUM>-<NUM> is selected, the first washing apparatus <NUM> may start the operation according to the selected washing course and options and proceed with the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydrating process (<NUM>).

When the operation of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is started, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first and second washing cancel buttons <NUM> and <NUM> may be activated in the user interface <NUM>.

As such, when the user selects the first washing cancel button <NUM> of the first washing apparatus <NUM> while the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydrating process of the first washing apparatus <NUM> are performed, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the first washing cancel button <NUM> is selected (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when the first washing cancel button <NUM> is not selected, the controller <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> to continue the process of the first washing apparatus <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, when the first washing cancel button <NUM> is selected, the controller <NUM> may cancel the process of the first washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>).

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> may count the time at which the process of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is canceled by using the built-in timer <NUM>, and determine whether the counted time has elapsed the predetermined time (N minutes; a reference time for determining whether the process of the first washing apparatus is canceled, about <NUM> minutes) (<NUM>). This is to determine whether the predetermined time (about <NUM> minutes) has elapsed since the first washing cancel button <NUM> was selected and this is because the user may press the first washing cancel button <NUM> by mistake.

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when the time, in which the process of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is canceled, elapses the predetermined time (N minutes), the controller <NUM> may determine that the predetermined time elapses after the first washing cancel button <NUM> is selected.

Therefore, after the predetermined time elapses after the first washing cancel button <NUM> is selected, the controller <NUM> may turn off the power of the first washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>) and terminate the operation.

Meanwhile, in the state where the power of the first washing apparatus <NUM> and the second washing apparatus <NUM> is simultaneously turned on because the power button <NUM>-<NUM> is turned on in operation <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the power of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on (<NUM>).

When the power of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may enter an operation ready state (<NUM>).

When the second washing apparatus <NUM> enters the operation ready state, the user may select the washing course and options of the second washing apparatus <NUM> using the second user interface <NUM> (<NUM>). Subsequently, the controller <NUM> may determine whether a selection of the washing course and options of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is completed (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when the selection of the washing course and options of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is not completed, the controller <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> to proceed with the subsequent operation.

In operation <NUM>, when the selection of the washing course and options of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is completed, the user may select the second start button <NUM>-<NUM> of the second washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>).

When the second start button <NUM>-<NUM> is selected, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may start the operation according to the selected washing course and options and proceed with the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydrating process (<NUM>).

When the operation of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is started, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first and second washing cancel buttons <NUM> and <NUM> may be activated in the user interface <NUM>.

As such, when the user selects the second washing cancel button <NUM> of the second washing apparatus <NUM> while the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydrating process of the second washing apparatus <NUM> are performed, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the second washing cancel button <NUM> is selected (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when the second washing cancel button <NUM> is not selected, the controller <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> to continue the process of the second washing apparatus <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, when the second washing cancel button <NUM> is selected, the controller <NUM> may cancel the process of the second washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>).

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> may count the time at which the process of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is canceled by using the built-in timer <NUM>, and determine whether the counted time has elapsed the predetermined time (N minutes; the reference time for determining whether the process of the second washing apparatus is canceled, about <NUM> minutes) (<NUM>). This is to determine whether the predetermined time (about <NUM> minutes) has elapsed since the second washing cancel button <NUM> was selected and this is because the user may press the second washing cancel button <NUM> by mistake.

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when the time, in which the process of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is canceled, elapses the predetermined time (N minutes), the controller <NUM> may determine that the predetermined time elapses after the second washing cancel button <NUM> is selected.

Therefore, after the predetermined time elapses after the second washing cancel button <NUM> is selected, the controller <NUM> may turn off the power of the second washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>) and terminate the operation.

On the other hand, during the process (washing process, rinsing process, and dehydrating process) of the first washing apparatus <NUM> and the second washing apparatus <NUM> in operation <NUM> and operation <NUM>, when the user turns off the power button <NUM>-<NUM>, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the power button <NUM>-<NUM> is turned off (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination in operation <NUM>, when the power button <NUM>-<NUM> is not turned off, the controller <NUM> may return to operations <NUM> and <NUM> to continue the process of the first washing apparatus <NUM> and the second washing apparatus <NUM>.

On the other hand, when the power button <NUM>-<NUM> is turned off as the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may proceed with operations <NUM> and <NUM> to cancel the process of the first washing apparatus <NUM> and the second washing apparatus <NUM>, and proceed with the subsequent operation.

As such, the washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may simultaneously turn on or off the power the first washing apparatus <NUM> and the second washing apparatus <NUM> using the power button <NUM>-<NUM> provided on the control panel <NUM>. That is, one power button <NUM>-<NUM> may perform the function of integrated power. Next, a process of entering the sleep mode when the predetermined time elapses without the button input to the first or second user interface <NUM> or 402will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a sleep mode control algorithm of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the user may turn on the power button <NUM>-<NUM> of the user interface <NUM> provided in the control panel <NUM> (<NUM>).

When the power button <NUM>-<NUM> is turned on, the first washing apparatus <NUM> and the second washing apparatus <NUM> are simultaneously turned on while the user interface <NUM>, which has been turned off, is turned on (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

In the state where the power of the first washing apparatus <NUM> and the second washing apparatus <NUM> is simultaneously turned on, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the power of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on (<NUM>).

When the power of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on, the first washing apparatus <NUM> may enter the activation mode which is the operation ready state (<NUM>).

When the first washing apparatus <NUM> enters the operation ready state, the user may input the button for selecting the washing course and options of the first washing apparatus <NUM> using the user interface <NUM>.

Accordingly, the controller <NUM> may determine whether there is a button input of the first user interface <NUM> corresponding to the first washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when there is the button input of the first user interface <NUM>, the first washing apparatus <NUM> may proceed with the subsequent operation while maintaining the activation mode which is the operation ready state.

Meanwhile, in operation <NUM>, when there is no button input of the first user interface <NUM>, the first washing apparatus <NUM> may enter the sleep mode (<NUM>). The time to enter the sleep mode may be when there is no the button input of the first user interface <NUM> corresponding to the first washing apparatus <NUM> for the predetermined time (N minutes), and the time to enter the sleep mode is not limited thereto.

When the first washing apparatus <NUM> enters the sleep mode, the first user interface <NUM> corresponding to the first washing apparatus <NUM> is turned off. When the first user interface <NUM> is turned off, it means that a screen of the first user interface <NUM> displays an operation screen in which all lighting except a LED lamp of the first start button <NUM>-<NUM> is slowly darkened and turned off.

As described above, in the state where the first washing apparatus <NUM> enters the sleep mode, the controller <NUM> may determine whether there is the button input of the first user interface <NUM> corresponding to the first washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when there is no button input of the first user interface <NUM>, the first washing apparatus <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> and proceed with the subsequent operation while maintaining the sleep mode.

Meanwhile, in operation <NUM>, when there is the button input of the first user interface <NUM>, the first washing apparatus <NUM> may proceed with operation <NUM> to reenter the activation mode which is the operation ready state.

When the power of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may enter the operation ready state (<NUM>).

When the second washing apparatus <NUM> enters the operation ready state, the user may input the button for selecting the washing course and options of the second washing apparatus <NUM> using the user interface <NUM>.

Accordingly, the controller <NUM> may determine whether there is the button input of the second user interface <NUM> corresponding to the second washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when there is the button input of the second user interface <NUM>, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may proceed with the subsequent operation while maintaining the activation mode which is the operation ready state.

Meanwhile, in operation <NUM>, when there is no the button input of the second user interface <NUM>, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may enter the sleep mode (<NUM>). The time to enter the sleep mode may be when there is no the button input of the second user interface <NUM> corresponding to the second washing apparatus <NUM> for the predetermined time (N minutes), and the time to enter the sleep mode is not limited thereto.

When the second washing apparatus <NUM> enters the sleep mode, the second user interface <NUM> corresponding to the second washing apparatus <NUM> is turned off. When the second user interface <NUM> is turned off, it means that the screen of the second user interface <NUM> displays an operation screen in which all lighting except a LED lamp of the second start button <NUM>-<NUM> is slowly darkened and turned off. As described above, in the state where the second washing apparatus <NUM> enters the sleep mode, the controller <NUM> may determine whether there is the button input of the second user interface <NUM> corresponding to the second washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when there is the no button input of the second user interface <NUM>, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> and proceed with the subsequent operation while maintaining the sleep mode.

Meanwhile, in operation <NUM>, when there is the button input of the second user interface <NUM>, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may proceed with operation <NUM> to reenter the activation mode which is the operation ready state.

Next, when the first or second washing apparatus <NUM> or <NUM> enters the sleep mode after the predetermined time elapses without the button input, the first or second washing apparatus <NUM> or <NUM> may provide various display screens of the sleep mode.

For example, when the second washing apparatus <NUM> enters the sleep mode among the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>, after entering the sleep mode, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may display the screen providing a phrase "Touch to wake up" on the upper portion of the second user interface <NUM> corresponding to the second washing apparatus <NUM>.

In addition, when the second washing apparatus <NUM> enters the sleep mode among the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>, after entering the sleep mode, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may display the screen on which the LED lamp of the second start button <NUM>-<NUM> corresponds to the second washing apparatus <NUM> is slowly and repeatedly brightened and then darkened.

When the second washing apparatus <NUM> enters the sleep mode among the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>, after entering the sleep mode, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may display the screen providing a phrase "SLEEP" on a <NUM>-segment <NUM>:<NUM> of the second user interface <NUM> corresponding to the second washing apparatus <NUM>.

Also, when the second washing apparatus <NUM> enters the sleep mode among the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>, after entering the sleep mode, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may display the screen for notifying a sleep mode entry as an icon on the upper portion of the second user interface <NUM> corresponding to the second washing apparatus <NUM>.

Next, in the state where the first or second washing apparatus <NUM> or <NUM> enters the sleep mode after the predetermined time elapses without the button input, the first or second washing apparatus <NUM> or <NUM> may provide various display screens for releasing the sleep mode through wake-up.

For example, when releasing the sleep mode of the second washing apparatus <NUM> among the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may display the screen for releasing the sleep mode by touching 'Touch to wake up' provided on the upper portion of the user interface <NUM> corresponding to the second washing apparatus <NUM> in the sleep mode of the second washing apparatus <NUM>.

In this case, the sleep mode may be released by selecting any button of the second user interface <NUM> corresponding to the second washing apparatus <NUM>, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, when releasing the sleep mode of the second washing apparatus <NUM> among the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>, when the user performs wake-up in the sleep mode of the second washing apparatus <NUM>, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may display an operation screen in which lighting is sequentially turned on to side to side from the center of the second user interface <NUM>.

In addition, when releasing the sleep mode of the second washing apparatus <NUM> among the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>, when the user wakes up the sleep mode of the second washing apparatus <NUM>, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may display an operation screen in which lighting is sequentially turned on from the left side to the right side of the second user interface <NUM>.

When releasing the sleep mode of the second washing apparatus <NUM> among the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>, when the user wakes up the sleep mode of the second washing apparatus <NUM>, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may display an operation screen in which lighting is sequentially turned on from where the second user interface <NUM> is touched to the left and right side.

In addition, when releasing the sleep mode of the second washing apparatus <NUM> among the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>, when the user wakes up the sleep mode of the second washing apparatus <NUM>, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may display an operation screen in which the overall lighting is slowly brightened.

Next, a process of switching the first or second user interface <NUM> or <NUM> to the activation mode by opening the first or second door <NUM> and <NUM> while being operated in the sleep mode after the predetermined time has elapsed without the button input to the first or second user interface <NUM> or <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an activation mode switching control algorithm of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the user turns on the power button <NUM>-<NUM> of the user interface <NUM> provided in the control panel <NUM> (<NUM>).

When the power of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on, the first washing apparatus <NUM> may enter the operation ready state (<NUM>).

When the first washing apparatus <NUM> enters the operation ready state, the user may input the button for selecting the washing course and options of the first washing apparatus <NUM> using the first user interface <NUM>.

Accordingly, the controller <NUM> may determine whether there is the button input corresponding to the first washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when there is the button input, the first washing apparatus <NUM> may proceed with the subsequent operation while maintaining the operation ready state.

Meanwhile, in operation <NUM>, when there is no button input of the first user interface <NUM>, the first washing apparatus <NUM> may enter the sleep mode (<NUM>). The time to enter the sleep mode may be when there is no button input of the first user interface <NUM> corresponding to the first washing apparatus <NUM> for the predetermined time (N minutes), and the time to enter the sleep mode is not limited thereto.

As described above, in the state where the first washing apparatus <NUM> enters the sleep mode, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the first door <NUM> of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is opened (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when the first door <NUM> of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is not opened, the first washing apparatus <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> and proceed with the subsequent operation while maintaining the sleep mode.

Meanwhile, in operation <NUM>, when the first door <NUM> of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is opened, the first washing apparatus <NUM> may proceed with operation <NUM> to reenter the activation mode which is the operation ready state.

When the second washing apparatus <NUM> enters the sleep mode, the second user interface <NUM> corresponding to the second washing apparatus <NUM> is turned off.

As described above, in the state where the second washing apparatus <NUM> enters the sleep mode, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the second door <NUM> of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is opened (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when the second door <NUM> of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is not opened, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> and proceed with the subsequent operation while maintaining the sleep mode.

Meanwhile, in operation <NUM>, when the second door <NUM> of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is opened, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may proceed with operation <NUM> to reenter the activation mode which is the operation ready state.

Meanwhile, in an embodiment of the disclosure, when the first and second doors <NUM> and <NUM> are opened while the first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are operated in the sleep mode, the first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are switched to the activation mode, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Even if the first and second doors <NUM> and <NUM> are closed while the first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are operated in the sleep mode, the first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to switch to the activation mode.

Next, when first and second power buttons <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are formed in the first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, a method of switching the first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> from the sleep mode to the activation mode by using the first and second power buttons <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a control panel of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a user interface <NUM> may be provided in a control panel <NUM> to interact with the user. For example, the user interface <NUM> may receive the user input for first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM> from the user, and may display the user input or operation information corresponding to the process state.

The user interface <NUM> may include a first user interface <NUM> provided in the lower area of the control panel <NUM> and configured to receive a first control command for controlling the first washing apparatus <NUM>, and a second user interface <NUM> provided in the lower area of the control panel <NUM> and configured to receive a second control command for controlling the second washing apparatus <NUM>.

The first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> may be operated in the activation mode in which the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM> are controlled according to the first and second control commands, respectively, and the sleep mode in which the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM> are not controlled according to the first and second control command, respectively.

The first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> may include the plurality of buttons (e.g., reservation, wash water temperature, number of rinsing, washing, rinsing, dehydration, selection of a water level, etc.) through which user commands related to operations of the washing machine <NUM> are input. In addition, the first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> may include the additional option buttons for simultaneously controlling the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>.

Also, the first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> may include first and second power buttons <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> configured to receive first and second mode switch commands for switching the first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> from the sleep mode to the activation mode, respectively.

In addition, the first and second user interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> may include first and second start buttons <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> for starting or pausing the operation of the first and second washing apparatuses <NUM> and <NUM>.

The operation processes and effects of the washing machine and the method of controlling the washing machine according to another embodiment of the disclosure will hereinafter be described in detail.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an individual power mode control algorithm of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which a control panel of a first washing apparatus is turned off as an individual power in the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which the control panel of the first washing apparatus is turned on as an individual power in the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which a laundry cancel button is activated on the control panel of the first washing apparatus in the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which a control panel of a second washing apparatus is turned off as an individual power in the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which the control panel of the second washing apparatus is turned on as an individual power in the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which a laundry cancel button is activated on the control panel of the second washing apparatus in the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the user may turn on the first power button <NUM>-<NUM> of the first user interface <NUM> provided on the control panel <NUM> (<NUM>).

When the first power button <NUM>-<NUM> is turned on, the first washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on while the first user interface <NUM>, which has been turned off as illustrated in <FIG>, is turned on as illustrated in <FIG>.

In the state where the power of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the power of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on (<NUM>).

When the first washing apparatus <NUM> enters the operation ready state, the user may select the washing course and options of the first washing apparatus <NUM> using the first user interface <NUM> (<NUM>).

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the selection of the washing course and options of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is completed (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when the selection of the washing course and options of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is not completed, the controller <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> to proceed with the subsequent operation.

When the operation of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is started, as illustrated in <FIG>, a first cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> may be activated in the first user interface <NUM>.

As such, when the user selects the first washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> of the first washing apparatus <NUM> while the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydrating process of the first washing apparatus <NUM> are performed, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the first washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> is selected (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when the first washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> is not selected, the controller <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> to continue the process of the first washing apparatus <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, when the first washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> is selected, the controller <NUM> may cancel the process of the first washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>).

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> may count the time at which the process of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is canceled by using the built-in timer <NUM>, and determine whether the counted time has elapsed the predetermined time (N minutes; the reference time for determining whether the process of the first washing apparatus is canceled, about <NUM> minutes) (<NUM>). This is to determine whether the predetermined time (about <NUM> minutes) has elapsed since the first washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> was selected and this is because the user may press the first washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> by mistake.

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when the time, in which the process of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is canceled, elapses the predetermined time (N minutes), the controller <NUM> may determine that the predetermined time elapses after the first washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> is selected.

Therefore, after the predetermined time elapses after the first washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> is selected, the controller <NUM> may turn off the power of the first washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>) and terminate the operation.

On the other hand, during the process (washing process, rinsing process, and dehydrating process) of the first washing apparatus <NUM> in operation <NUM>, when the user turns off the first power button <NUM>-<NUM>, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the first power button <NUM>-<NUM> is turned off (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination in operation <NUM>, when the first power button <NUM>-<NUM> is not turned off, the controller <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> to continue the process of the first washing apparatus <NUM>.

On the other hand, when the first power button <NUM>-<NUM> is turned off as the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may proceed with operation <NUM> to cancel the process of the first washing apparatus <NUM>, and proceed with the subsequent operation.

Meanwhile, the user may turn on the second power button <NUM>-<NUM> of the second user interface <NUM> provided on the control panel <NUM> (<NUM>).

When the second power button <NUM>-<NUM> is turned on, the second washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on while the second interface <NUM>, which has been turned off as illustrated in <FIG>, is turned on as illustrated in <FIG>.

In the state where the power of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the power of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on (<NUM>).

When the second washing apparatus <NUM> enters the operation ready state, the user may select the washing course and options of the second washing apparatus <NUM> using the second user interface <NUM> (<NUM>).

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the selection of the washing course and options of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is completed (<NUM>).

When the operation of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is started, as illustrated in <FIG>, a second cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> may be activated in the second user interface <NUM>.

As such, when the user selects the second washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> of the second washing apparatus <NUM> while the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydrating process of the second washing apparatus <NUM> are performed, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the second washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> is selected (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when the second washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> is not selected, the controller <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> to continue the process of the second washing apparatus <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, when the second washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> is selected, the controller <NUM> may cancel the process of the second washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>).

Subsequently, the controller <NUM> may count the time at which the process of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is canceled by using the built-in timer <NUM>, and determine whether the counted time has elapsed the predetermined time (N minutes; the reference time for determining whether the process of the second washing apparatus is canceled, about <NUM> minutes) (<NUM>). This is to determine whether the predetermined time (about <NUM> minutes) has elapsed since the second washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> was selected and this is because the user may press the second washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> by mistake.

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when the time, in which the process of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is canceled, elapses the predetermined time (N minutes), the controller <NUM> may determine that the predetermined time elapses after the second washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> is selected.

Therefore, after the predetermined time elapses after the second washing cancel button <NUM>-<NUM> is selected, the controller <NUM> may turn off the power of the second washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>) and terminate the operation.

On the other hand, during the process (washing process, rinsing process, and dehydrating process) of the second washing apparatus <NUM> in operation <NUM>, when the user turns off the second power button <NUM>-<NUM>, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the second power button <NUM>-<NUM> is turned off (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination in operation <NUM>, when the second power button <NUM>-<NUM> is not turned off, the controller <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> to continue the process of the second washing apparatus <NUM>.

On the other hand, when the second power button <NUM>-<NUM> is turned off as the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may proceed with operation <NUM> to cancel the process of the second washing apparatus <NUM>, and proceed with the subsequent operation.

Next, a process of entering the sleep mode when the predetermined time elapses without the button input to the first or second user interface <NUM> or 407will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a sleep mode control algorithm of the washing machine according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the user may turn on the first power button <NUM>-<NUM> of the first user interface <NUM> provided in the control panel <NUM> (<NUM>).

When the first power button <NUM>-<NUM> is turned on, the first washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on while the first user interface <NUM>, which has been turned off, is turned on (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

When the power of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the power of the first washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on (<NUM>).

When the first washing apparatus <NUM> enters the operation ready state, the controller <NUM> may determine whether there is the button input of the first user interface <NUM> corresponding to the first washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>).

When the first washing apparatus <NUM> enters the sleep mode, the first user interface <NUM> corresponding to the first washing apparatus <NUM> is turned off. When the first user interface <NUM> is turned off, it means that the screen of the first user interface <NUM> displays the operation screen in which all lighting except a LED lamp of the first start button <NUM>-<NUM> is slowly darkened and turned off.

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when there is no the button input of the first user interface <NUM>, the first washing apparatus <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> and proceed with the subsequent operation while maintaining the sleep mode.

On the other hand, the user may turn on the second power button <NUM>-<NUM> of the second user interface <NUM> provided in the control panel <NUM> (<NUM>).

When the second power button <NUM>-<NUM> is turned on, the second washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on while the second user interface <NUM>, which has been turned off, is turned on (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

When the power of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the power of the second washing apparatus <NUM> is turned on (<NUM>).

When the second washing apparatus <NUM> enters the operation ready state, the controller <NUM> may determine whether there is the button input of the second user interface <NUM> corresponding to the second washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>).

Meanwhile, in operation <NUM>, when there is no button input of the second user interface <NUM>, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may enter the sleep mode (<NUM>).

As described above, in the state where the second washing apparatus <NUM> enters the sleep mode, the controller <NUM> may determine whether there is the button input of the second user interface <NUM> corresponding to the second washing apparatus <NUM> (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when there is no the button input of the second user interface <NUM>, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may return to operation <NUM> and proceed with the subsequent operation while maintaining the sleep mode.

Next, the process of switching the first or second user interface <NUM> or <NUM> to the activation mode by opening the first or second door <NUM> and <NUM> while being operated in the sleep mode after the predetermined time has elapsed without the button input to the first or second user interface <NUM> or <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an activation mode switching control algorithm of the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the user turns on the first power button <NUM>-<NUM> of the first user interface <NUM> provided in the control panel <NUM> (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when there is the button input of the first user interface <NUM>, the first washing apparatus <NUM> may proceed with the subsequent operation while maintaining the operation ready state.

Meanwhile, in operation <NUM>, when there is no button input of the first user interface <NUM>, the first washing apparatus <NUM> may enter the sleep mode (<NUM>).

When the first washing apparatus <NUM> enters the sleep mode, the first user interface <NUM> corresponding to the first washing apparatus <NUM> is turned off.

On the other hand, the user turns on the second power button <NUM>-<NUM> of the second user interface <NUM> provided in the control panel <NUM> (<NUM>).

As the result of the determination of operation <NUM>, when there is the button input of the second user interface <NUM>, the second washing apparatus <NUM> may proceed with the subsequent operation while maintaining the operation ready state.

In addition to the foregoing explanations, the present disclosure is in the following paragraphs summarized as part of the specification which must not be confused with the appended claims (that follow after the specification).

The present disclosure is directed to a washing machine comprising a housing, a first washing apparatus disposed in the housing, a second washing apparatus disposed in the housing and disposed above the first washing apparatus, a control panel disposed at the front of the housing, a first user interface provided in a lower area of the control panel, configured to receive a first control command for controlling the first washing apparatus, a second user interface provided in the upper area of the control panel, configured to receive a second control command for controlling the second washing apparatus; and a third user interface provided on the control panel. The first and second user interfaces are configured to be operated in an activation mode in which the first and second washing apparatuses are controlled according to the first and second control commands, respectively and in a sleep mode in which the first and second washing apparatuses are not controlled according to the first and second control commands, respectively. The third user interface is configured to receive a third control command for switching the first and second user interfaces from the sleep mode to the activation mode.

The third user interface may be provided in the lower area of the control panel.

The first or the second user interface may be configured to be switched to the sleep mode when the first or second control command is not input for a predetermined time while being operated in the activation mode.

The first or the second user interface may be configured to be switched to the sleep mode when the first or second washing apparatus is not driven for a predetermined time while being operated in the activation mode.

The first user interface may be configured to be switched to the activation mode when the first control command is input while the first user interface is operating in the sleep mode, and the second user interface may be configured to be switched to the activation mode when the second control command is input while the second user interface is operating in the sleep mode.

The first washing apparatus may comprise a first laundry inlet into which laundry to be processed in the first washing apparatus is put and a first door configured to open and close the first laundry inlet, and the first user interface may be configured to be switched to the activation mode when the first door is opened or closed while the first user interface is operating in the sleep mode.

The second washing apparatus may comprise a second laundry inlet into which laundry to be processed in the second washing apparatus is put and a second door configured to open and close the second laundry inlet, and wherein the second user interface is configured to be switched to the activation mode when the second door is closed or opened while the second user interface is operating in the sleep mode.

Further provided is a washing machine comprising a housing, a first washing apparatus disposed in the housing, a second washing apparatus disposed in the housing and disposed above the first washing apparatus, a control panel disposed at the front of the housing, a first user interface provided in a lower area of the control panel, configured to receive a first control command for controlling the first washing apparatus, and a second user interface provided in the lower area of the control panel, configured to receive a second control command for controlling the second washing apparatus. The first and second user interfaces are configured to be operated in an activation mode in which the first and second washing apparatuses are controlled according to the first and second control commands, respectively and in a sleep mode in which the first and second washing apparatuses are not controlled according to the first and second control commands, respectively. The first user interface comprises a first power button configured to receive a first mode switch command for switching the first user interface from the sleep mode to the activation mode, and wherein the second user interface comprises a second power button configured to receive a second mode switch command for switching the second user interface from the sleep mode to the activation mode.

The second washing apparatus may comprise a second laundry inlet into which laundry to be processed in the second washing apparatus is put and a second door configured to open and close the second laundry inlet, and the second user interface may be configured to be switched to the activation mode when the second door is closed or opened while the second user interface is operating in the sleep mode.

Claim 1:
A washing system comprising:
a first washing apparatus;
a second washing apparatus disposed above the first washing apparatus;
one control panel (<NUM>), disposed at a front of the second washing apparatus and higher than the first washing apparatus, including a first user interface (<NUM>) provided in a lower area and a second user interface (<NUM>) provided in an upper area above the lower area, and
at least one controller (<NUM>) configured to control the one control panel (<NUM>),
wherein the first user interface (<NUM>), located closer to a first door (<NUM>) of the first washing apparatus than the second user interface (<NUM>), is configured to receive user inputs associated with the first washing apparatus, and the first user interface (<NUM>) includes:
a first power button (<NUM>-<NUM>) configured to receive a user input for turning on or off power of the first washing apparatus, and
a first start button (<NUM>-<NUM>) configured to receive a user input for starting or stopping operation of the first washing apparatus, and
wherein the second user interface (<NUM>), located closer to a second door (<NUM>) of the second washing apparatus than the first user interface (<NUM>), is configured to receive user inputs associated with the second washing apparatus, and the second user interface (<NUM>) includes
a second power button (<NUM>-<NUM>) configured to receive a user input for turning on or off power of the second washing apparatus, and
a second start button (<NUM>-<NUM>) configured to receive a user input for starting or stopping operation of the second washing apparatus,
wherein the washing system is configured such that:
in response to the user inputs associated with the first washing apparatus not being received for a predetermined time after turning on the first power button (<NUM>-<NUM>), the power of the first washing apparatus is configured to be turned off by the at least one controller (<NUM>);
in response to the user inputs associated with the second washing apparatus not being received for the predetermined time after turning on the second power button (<NUM>-<NUM>), the power of the second washing apparatus is configured to be turned off by the at least one controller (<NUM>).