Patent Application
20250066974
The disclosure relates to a clothes care method performed by a clothes care apparatus and a spot cleaning device, and the spot cleaning device.
A clothes care apparatus is a device for caring for clothes, such as washing, drying, removing dirt or odors, and reducing wrinkles in clothes.
A clothes care apparatus may treat an entire garment, which may not satisfy the needs of users who desire to wash only a portion of the garment.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, the needs of users who desire to spot clean clothes may be met.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, partially soiled clothes may be quickly washed and made ready to wear.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, spot cleaning and drying clothes may be performed without a separate user operation.
The effects that may achieved by the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs from the following description.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method may include: transmitting, by a spot cleaning device, an end signal to notify an end of a washing process performed by the spot cleaning device in which a garment was cleaned by the spot cleaning device, based on completion of the washing process, wherein the spot cleaning device is positionable inside a clothes care apparatus so that the washing process is performable by the spot cleaning device to clean a garment while the spot cleaning device and the garment are inside the clothes care apparatus, and the spot cleaning device is positionable outside of the clothes care apparatus so that the washing process is performable by the spot cleaning device to clean a garment while the spot cleaning device and the garment are outside of the clothes care apparatus; and performing, by the clothes care apparatus, a clothes care process or providing an interface to start the clothes care process, based on the end signal having been transmitted by the spot cleaning device.
The performing may provide the interface, and the method may further include: transmitting, by the clothes care apparatus, a start command to start the washing process, based on receiving, by the interface, a user input to start the washing process; and starting, by the spot cleaning device, the washing process based on the start command having been transmitted by the clothes care apparatus.
The method may further include: receiving a user input to start the washing process; and starting, by the spot cleaning device, the washing process based on receiving the user input to start the washing process.
The method may further include: performing, by the spot cleaning device, the washing process, wherein the garment is fixed to a fixing plate, and the performing the washing process includes: moving, by the spot cleaning device, the spot cleaning device so that the spot cleaning device is in close contact with the garment fixed to the fixing plate, to perform the washing process, and moving, by the spot cleaning device, the spot cleaning device so that spot cleaning device is separated from the garment based on completion of the washing process.
The method may further include: identifying, by the clothes care apparatus, a location of the spot cleaning device, wherein the performing performs the clothes care process or provides the interface based on the identified location.
The performing may perform the clothes care process based on the identified location being in a cabinet of the clothes care apparatus.
The performing may provide the interface based on the identified location being outside a cabinet of the clothes care apparatus.
The method may further include: receiving a user input to start a predetermined course of the clothes care apparatus; and identifying, by the clothes care apparatus, a location of the spot cleaning device based on receiving the user input to start the predetermined course of the clothes care apparatus.
The method may further include: providing, by the clothes care apparatus, feedback to notify that the spot cleaning device is not detected in a cabinet of the clothes care apparatus, based on the identified location being outside the cabinet.
The method may further include: a start command to start the washing process, based on the identified location being in a cabinet of the clothes care apparatus.
The method may further include: identifying, by the clothes care apparatus, an amount of garments to be treated by the clothes care apparatus based on the end signal having been transmitted by the spot cleaning device; and determining a set value of the clothes care process based on the identified amount of garments.
The method may further include: performing, by the clothes care apparatus, a steam process during the washing process of the spot cleaning device while the spot cleaning device and the garment are inside the clothes care apparatus.
The clothes care apparatus may include at least one of a clothes management apparatus, a washing machine, or a dryer, and the clothes care process may include at least one of a drying process, a rinsing process, or a spin-drying process.
The performing, by the clothes care apparatus, the clothes care process or providing the interface to start the clothes care process, based on the end signal having been transmitted by the spot cleaning device may further includes: performing, by the clothes management apparatus, the drying process or providing an interface to start the drying process, based on the end signal having been transmitted by the spot cleaning device.
The clothes care apparatus may be the dryer, and the performing, by the clothes care apparatus, the clothes care process or providing the interface to start the clothes care process, based on the end signal having been transmitted by the spot cleaning device may further include: performing, by the dryer, the drying process without rotation of a drum or providing an interface to start the drying process without the rotation of the drum, based on the end signal having been transmitted by the spot cleaning device.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a spot cleaning kit may include: a fixing plate; a frame configured to be coupled to the fixing plate; a spot cleaning device configured to be coupled to the frame; and a fixing portion configured to fix the frame to the fixing plate, wherein the spot cleaning device may include: a moving device configured to move the spot cleaning device; a communication circuitry configured to communicate with a clothes care apparatus; and a controller configured to control the spot cleaning device to perform a washing process for a garment fixed to the fixing plate in response to receiving a start command of the washing process from the clothes care apparatus through the communication circuitry and control the communication circuitry to transmit an end signal for notifying an end of the washing process to the clothes care apparatus based on completion of the washing process.
Embodiments described in the specification and configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples of the disclosure, and various modifications may replace the embodiments and the drawings of the disclosure at the time of filing of the application.
Like reference numerals or symbols denoted in the drawings of the specification are members or components that perform the substantially same functions.
A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of the items unless context clearly indicates otherwise.
As used herein, each of the expressions “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with a corresponding expression among the expressions.
The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of a plurality of associated listed items.
It will be understood that the terms “first”, “second”, or the like, may be used only to distinguish one component from another, not intended to limit the corresponding component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).
When it is said that one (e.g., first) component is “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively”, it means that one component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.
It will be understood that when the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.
An expression that one component is “connected”, “coupled”, “supported”, or “in contact” with another component includes a case in which the components are directly “connected”, “coupled”, “supported”, or “in contact” with each other and a case in which the components are indirectly “connected”, “coupled”, “supported”, or “in contact” with each other through a third component.
It will also be understood that when one component is referred to as being “on” or “over” another component, it may be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be present.
Meanwhile, the terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” etc., used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.
Referring to
The spot cleaning device 100 is a device that may spot clean (partially wash) a garment.
The spot cleaning device 100 may be movable on a fixed garment using a moving device and may perform a washing process on the garment.
A portion of the garment to be spot cleaned may be referred to as a target area. The target area may be determined according to user's settings, or may be automatically determined by the spot cleaning device 100. The target area may be multiple parts of the garment.
The spot cleaning device 100 may spray water and washing liquid to the garment. The washing liquid may include detergent or a mixture of water and detergent. The spot cleaning device 100 may apply micro-vibrations to the garment after spraying water and washing liquid to the garment, or at the same time as spraying water and washing liquid.
A spot cleaning kit 10 may include the spot cleaning device 100. The spot cleaning kit 10 may be portable. The spot cleaning kit 10 may include a frame 250 (see
Although the spot cleaning kit 10 is described as including the spot cleaning device 100, the spot cleaning kit 10 may also be defined as the spot cleaning device 100.
The clothes care apparatus 20 is a device that may treat clothes. Clothes care (garment treatment) may include washing clothes, drying clothes by supplying hot air to the clothes, removing dirt or odors from the clothes, and reducing wrinkles in the clothes, and the like.
The clothes care apparatus 20 may include a clothes management apparatus, a washing machine, and/or a dryer.
The spot cleaning device 100 may communicate with the clothes care apparatus 20. By communicating with each other, the spot cleaning device 100 and the clothes care apparatus 20 may perform various operations to improve user convenience.
Referring to
The clothes management apparatus 20a may include a cabinet 310 and a cabinet door 330 for opening and closing the cabinet 310. The cabinet 310 may form a care room 340. The cabinet door 330 may open and close the care room 340. The care room 340 may accommodate clothes. The clothes management apparatus 20a may apply steam to the clothes accommodated in the care room 340 or spray wind to the clothes.
The cabinet door 330 may be disposed at a front of the cabinet 310.
A user interface device may be located on the front of the cabinet 310 and may include an input interface for receiving a user's control command and an output interface for displaying various information about operations of the clothes management apparatus 20a or a screen that guides a user input.
The clothes management apparatus 20a may include a machine room 370. The machine room 370 may be a space formed to accommodate various components. The machine room 370 may be located below the clothes management apparatus 20a. The machine room 370 may be located below the care room 340.
The machine room 370 may be separated from the care room 340. The machine room 370 and the care room 340 may be partitioned by a lower surface 342 of the care room.
A first airflow inlet 344 may be formed on the lower surface 342 of the care room. The first airflow inlet 344 may introduce air from the care room 340 into the machine room 370.
A machine room fan 374 may be disposed in the machine room 370. The machine room fan 374 may draw air into the machine room 370 through the first airflow inlet 344.
A machine room duct 373 may be connected to the machine room fan 374. The air drawn in through the first airflow inlet 344 may pass through the machine room duct 373.
A heat exchanger may be disposed in the machine room 370. The heat exchanger may include an evaporator 375, a condenser 376, and a compressor 377. The heat exchanger may circulate refrigerant to dehumidify and heat the air.
The refrigerant absorbs latent heat of surrounding air while evaporating in the evaporator 375, and moisture in the air may be condensed and removed. In addition, when the refrigerant is condensed in the condenser 376 via the compressor 377, latent heat may be released toward the surrounding air, thereby heating the surrounding air.
The air in the care room 340 may be introduced into the machine room duct 373 of the machine room 370 through the first airflow inlet 344, and the introduced air may be dehumidified and heated to be discharged again to the care room 340 through a machine room duct outlet 384.
As such, the clothes management apparatus 20a may supply hot air to the clothes in the cabinet 310. A drying process of the clothes management apparatus 20a may include a process in which the clothes management apparatus 20a supplies hot air that has passed through the heat exchanger to the clothes in the cabinet 310.
In an embodiment, the drying process of the clothes management apparatus 20a may include a process in which the clothes management apparatus 20a supplies hot air through the machine room duct outlet 384.
A steam generating device that receives water from a water tank 371 and generates steam may be disposed in the machine room 370. The steam generating device may include a steam generator 381 that is connected to the water tank 371 and receives water to generate steam, and a steam supply pipe 382 that guides the generated steam to a steam sprayer 383.
As such, the clothes management apparatus 20a may supply steam to the clothes in the cabinet 310.
A steam process of the clothes management apparatus 20a may include a process in which the clothes management apparatus 20a supplies steam to the clothes in the cabinet 310.
A second airflow inlet 345 may be formed at a rear of the care room 340. The air in the care room 340 may flow into the second airflow inlet 345 and move to a circulation room 349 where a fan 361 is disposed. A filter 346 may be coupled to the second airflow inlet 345.
However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the airflow inlet may be disposed at various locations.
The clothes management apparatus 20a may include the circulation room 349. The circulation room 349 may be a space formed above the care room 340. The circulation room 349 and the care room 340 may be partitioned by a partition plate 341.
The fan 361 may be disposed in the circulation room 349. Air drawn into the fan 361 through the second airflow inlet 345 may move into the circulation room 349. Air may flow into the care room 340 through a first opening 350. Air may be discharged into the care room 340 through a discharge port 343.
In an embodiment, the fan 361 may be located in a fan housing 362. The fan housing 362 may include a fan housing outlet 363. As the fan 361 operates, the air discharged to the fan housing outlet 363 may be discharged to the first opening 350 through a damper inlet 364 and a damper outlet 365.
Meanwhile, the clothes management apparatus 20a may include a damper 360. The damper 360 may be disposed in the circulation room 349 to guide a movement direction of air discharged from the fan 361. The damper 360 may open the first opening 350 to allow air to move into the care room 340 through the first opening 350.
In an embodiment, the clothes management apparatus 20a may not include the damper 360.
The drying process of the clothes management apparatus 20a may include a process in which the clothes management apparatus 20a supplies air to the clothes in the cabinet 310 through the discharge port 343.
Referring to
The dryer 20b may include a cabinet 410 that forms an exterior of the dryer, a drum 420 that is rotatably installed in the cabinet 410 and accommodates objects to be dried, a door 430 that opens and closes the drum 420, a driving device 460 that rotates the drum 420, and a heat pump device 475 that generates hot air to dry the laundry (hereinafter referred to as ‘object to be dried’ or ‘drying object’) in the drum 420.
A chamber 430a formed by the drum 420 may accommodate an object to be dried.
A cabinet 410 may include a front cover. An opening may be formed in the front cover, and the door 430 for opening and closing the opening may be rotatably installed on the front cover.
A user interface device may be disposed on an upper portion of the front cover. The user interface device may include an input interface for receiving a user control command and an output interface (e.g., display) for displaying various information about an operation of the dryer 20b or guiding a user input.
The drum 420 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with open front and rear surfaces.
The drum 420 may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise within the cabinet 410 by a driving force of the driving device 460.
A lifter 421 may be disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the drum 420 for tumbling an object to be dried. The lifter 421 may protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the drum 420 toward a center.
In an embodiment, the lifter 421 may include a protrusion or a hole for hanging a clothes hanger.
A front support plate and a rear support plate may be provided at the front and rear surfaces of the drum 420, respectively. The front surface of the drum 420 may be covered by the front support plate fixed to the front of the cabinet 410, and the rear surface of the drum 420 may be covered by the rear support plate fixed to the rear of the cabinet 410.
Here, the front support plate and the rear support plate may rotatably support the drum 420.
To this end, sliding pads for reducing frictional resistance may be disposed at a position where the front support plate and the drum 420 contact each other, and at a position where the rear support plate and the drum 420 contact each other. Rollers that rotatably support the drum 420 may be arranged at lower portions of the front support plate and the rear support plate, respectively. Accordingly, the drum 420 may rotate smoothly.
During a drying process, the drum 420 may be rotated by the driving device 460.
The driving device 460 may include a driving motor generating power to rotate the drum 420 and a driving circuit for driving the driving motor.
According to various embodiments, the driving motor of the driving device 460 may be connected only to the drum 420 or may be connected to the drum 420 and a blower fan 451. In an embodiment, a pulley connected to the drum 420 may be coupled to one side of a shaft of the driving motor of the driving device 460, and the blower fan 451 may be coupled to the other side of the shaft.
Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a motor for rotating the drum 420 is defined as a drum motor, and a motor for rotating the blower fan 451 is defined as a fan motor.
However, the drum motor and the fan motor may be the same motor or different motors.
An electrode sensor 46 may be provided in the drum 420. As the drying object in the drum 420 rotates, the drying object may come into contact with the electrode sensor 46. An electrical signal measured by the electrode sensor 46 may vary depending on a dryness of the drying object. That is, the electrode sensor 46 may output an electrical signal corresponding to the dryness of the drying object in the drum 420. Here, dryness may refer to a degree of dryness of an object to be dried.
The heat pump device 475 may include a heat exchanger 470, a compressor 473, and an expansion valve (not shown).
The heat exchanger 470 may include an evaporator 471 and a condenser 472.
The heat pump device 475 may have a refrigerant circulation flow path from the compressor 473, the condenser 472, the expansion valve, the evaporator 471, and then back to the compressor. The condenser 472 and the evaporator 471 function as the heat exchanger 470.
The evaporator 471 may be located upstream of the condenser 472 based on a flow of air.
The heat exchanger 470 may heat the air flowing into the drum 420.
The air that has passed through the chamber 430a, formed by the drum 420, may be dried while passing through the evaporator 471, heated while passing through the condenser 472, and then may be introduced into the chamber 430a again.
The blower fan 451 may introduce the air that has passed through the chamber 430a formed by the drum 420 back into the chamber 430a through the evaporator 471 and the condenser 472.
That is, the blower fan 451 may generate an air flow that circulates the inside (chamber 430a) of the drum 420 and the heat exchanger 470. To this end, the blower fan 451 may be disposed in the duct 480 through which air discharged from the drum 420 flows.
In an embodiment, the blower fan 451 may be provided downstream of the condenser 472, but the location of the blower fan 451 is not limited thereto. The blower fan 451 may be installed at any location that may generate an air flow in the duct 480.
The dryer 20b according to an embodiment may include a lint remover 490. In addition to the door 430 that opens and closes the opening, an auxiliary door for opening and closing a space where the lint remover 490 is accommodated may be further provided in the front cover.
A user may insert or withdraw the lint remover 490 through the auxiliary door.
The lint remover 490 may collect and remove lint contained in the air discharged from the chamber 430a. To this end, the lint remover 490 may include a filter.
The lint remover 490 may be disposed in the duct 480 through which air discharged from the drum 420 flows. The lint remover 490 may be disposed upstream of the heat exchanger 470. The lint remover 490 may remove lint from the air that has passed through the drum 420, thereby preventing lint from accumulating in the heat exchanger 470.
According to various embodiments, the dryer 20b may further include a heater 47. The heater 47 may be operated for a predetermined period of time in an early drying process in order to heat the air supplied to the chamber 430a more quickly.
In an embodiment, the heater 47 may be disposed downstream of the heat exchanger 470.
The air flowing into the duct 480 from the inside 430a of the drum through an inlet 483d may pass through the lint remover 490, the heat exchanger 470, and the heater 47, and may be discharged into the inside 430a of the drum through an outlet 482c.
High-temperature and humid air that has passed through the object to be dried inside 430a of the drum may flow back into the duct 480 through the inlet 483.
During the drying process of the dryer 20b, air dehumidified and heated by the heat exchanger 470 may flow into the inside 430a of the drum, may dry the object to be dried in the inside 430a of the drum, and then may flow into the duct 480, and the process of being dehumidified and heated by the heat exchanger 470 may be repeated.
The drying process of the dryer 20b may include a process in which the dryer 20b supplies hot air to clothes accommodated in the cabinet 310 (chamber 430a) while rotating the drum 420.
The drying process of the dryer 20b may include a process in which the dryer 20b supplies hot air to clothes in the cabinet 310 (chamber 430a) while stopping the drum 420.
The process in which the dryer 20b supplies hot air to the clothes in the cabinet 310 (chamber 430a) while stopping the drum 420 may be defined as a drying process without rotation of the drum 420.
Referring to
The washing machine 20c according to an embodiment may be a drum-type washing machine that rotates a drum 530 and causes laundry to repeat rising and falling to wash the laundry, and a motor-operated washing machine that uses a water current generated by a pulsator when the drum 530 rotates to wash the laundry. However, in the embodiments described below, a drum-type washing machine is described as an example of the washing machine 20c according to an embodiment.
The washing machine 20c may include a cabinet 501 that forms an exterior. In addition, the washing machine 20c may include a door 502, a control panel 510, a tub 520, a drum 530, a driver 540, a water supply 550, a drain 560, and a detergent supplier 570.
An inlet 501a may be formed at a front center of the cabinet 501 to insert or withdraw laundry.
A door 502 may be disposed at the inlet 501a. The door 502 may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet 501 using a hinge.
The door 502 may open and close the inlet 501a, and the inlet 501a closed by the door 502 may be detected by a door switch. When the inlet 501a is closed and the washing machine 20c operates, the door 502 may be locked by a door lock.
On a front upper side of the cabinet 501, a user interface device may be disposed. The user interface device may include an input interface for obtaining a user input about the washing machine 20c from a user, and an output interface (e.g., a display) for displaying information about operation information of the washing machine 20c or displaying an interface that guides a user input.
A tub 520 is disposed inside the cabinet 501 and may accommodate water for washing and/or rinsing.
The tub 520 may include a tub front part 521 having an opening 521a formed on the front, and a tub rear part 522 having a cylindrical shape with a closed rear surface.
An opening 521a may be formed on a front of the tub front part 521 to insert laundry into the drum 530 in the tub 520 or to withdraw laundry from the drum 530. A bearing 522a may be disposed on a rear wall of the tub rear part 522 to rotatably fix a motor 541.
The drum 530 may be rotatably disposed inside the tub 520 and may accommodate laundry.
The drum 530 may include a cylindrical drum body 531, a drum front part 532 formed on a front of the drum body 531, and a drum rear part 533 formed at a rear of the drum body 531.
Inside the drum body 531, through holes 531a connecting the inside of the drum 530 and the inside of the tub 520, and a lifter 534 for lifting laundry to an upper portion of the drum 530 during rotation of the drum 530 may be provided.
In an embodiment, the lifter 534 may include a protrusion or a hole for hanging a clothes hanger.
The drum front part 532 may be provided with an opening 532a to insert laundry into or withdraw laundry from the drum 530. The drum rear part 533 may be connected to a shaft 541a of the motor 541 that rotates the drum 530.
The driver 540 may include the motor 541 that rotates the drum 530.
The motor 541 may be disposed outside the tub rear part 522 of the tub 520, and may be connected to the drum rear part 533 of the drum 530 through the shaft 541a. The shaft 541a may penetrate the tub rear part 522 and may be rotatably supported by the bearing 522a formed on the tub rear part 522.
The motor 541 may include a stator 542 fixed to the outside of the tub rear part 522 and a rotor 543 that is rotatable and connected to the shaft 541a. The rotor 543 may rotate through magnetic interaction with the stator 542, and rotation of the rotor 543 may be transmitted to the drum 530 through the shaft 541a.
The motor 541 may include, for example, a 5 Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) or a 5 BrushLess Direct Current (BLDC) Motor whose rotation speed is easy to control.
The water supply 550 may supply water to the tub 520.
The water supply 550 may include a water supply pipe 551 connected to an external water supply source to supply water to the tub 520, and a water supply valve 552 disposed on the water supply pipe 551.
The water supply pipe 551 may be disposed above the tub 520 and may extend from an external water supply source to a detergent box 571. Water may be guided to the tub 520 through the detergent box 571.
The water supply valve 552 may allow or block the supply of water from an external water supply source to the tub 520 in response to an electrical signal. For example, the water supply valve 552 may include a solenoid valve that is opened and closed in response to an electrical signal.
The drain 560 may discharge water in the tub 520 and/or drum 530 to the outside.
The drain 560 may include a drain pipe 561 disposed below the tub 520 and extending from the tub 520 to the outside of the cabinet 501, and a drain pump 562 disposed on the drain pipe 561. The drain pump 562 may pump water from the drain pipe 561 to the outside of the cabinet 501.
The detergent supplier 570 may supply detergent to the tub 520 and/or drum 530.
The detergent supplier 570 may include the detergent box 571 disposed above the tub 520 to store detergent, and a mixing pipe 572 connecting the detergent box 571 to the tub 520.
The detergent box 571 may be connected to the water supply pipe 551, and water supplied through the water supply pipe 551 may be mixed with detergent in the detergent box 571. A mixture of detergent and water may be supplied to the tub 520 through the mixing pipe 572.
The washing machine 20c may perform a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process.
In the washing process, laundry in the cabinet 501 (drum 530) may be washed. Specifically, foreign substances adhered to laundry may be separated by chemical action of detergent and/or mechanical action such as falling.
In the rinsing process, laundry in the cabinet 501 (drum 530) may be rinsed. Specifically, detergent or foreign substances left in the laundry may be washed away with water.
In the spin-drying process, laundry in the cabinet 501 (drum 530) may be spin-dried. Specifically, water may be separated from the laundry by high-speed rotation of the drum 530, and the separated water may be discharged to the outside of the washing machine 20c.
Referring to
In an embodiment, the spot cleaning device 100 may include at least one sensor 108 for collecting sensor data related to the garment placed in a water spraying direction of the water sprayer 101 and/or a washing liquid spraying direction of the washing liquid sprayer 102. The at least one sensor 108 may include a camera and/or an optical sensor.
The camera may have a shooting direction toward the garment placed in the water spraying direction of the water sprayer 101 and/or the washing liquid spraying direction of the washing liquid sprayer 102. The optical sensor may include a light irradiator and a light receiver, and the light irradiator and the light receiver may have irradiation and reception directions toward the garment placed in the water spraying direction of the water sprayer 101 and/or the washing liquid spraying direction of the washing liquid sprayer 102.
The at least one sensor 108 may be located on an upper portion of a lower surface of the spot cleaning device 100. For example, the at least one sensor 108 may be arranged above the washing liquid sprayer 102. According to the disclosure, the at least one sensor 108 may be prevented from being contaminated by contaminated water, and in a case where the at least one sensor 108 includes a camera, an angle of view of the camera may be secured.
The water sprayer 101 may spray water toward the garment. The washing liquid sprayer 102 may spray a washing liquid mixed with water and detergent toward the garment. The vibrating portion 103 may wash the garment by contacting the garment and applying micro-vibrations to the garment. The intake portion 104 may intake water, washing liquid, and foreign substances sprayed on the garment.
The spot cleaning device 100 may further include a roller 105 to remove foreign substances from the garment by rotating. The spot cleaning device 100 may include a motor (not shown) to rotate the roller 105. The roller 105 may wash a target area of the garment together with the vibrating portion 103. The roller 105 may wash the garment by contacting the garment. The roller 105 may physically contact the garment on which water and washing liquid have been sprayed, thereby allowing contaminants on the garment to be well mixed with the washing liquid. In addition, the roller 105 may remove foreign substances, such as dirt, from the garment by contacting the garment.
The roller 105 may have a brush shape. Unlike what is shown in the drawing, the spot cleaning device 100 may not include the roller 105. In another example, the spot cleaning device 100 may include the roller 105 instead of the vibrating portion 103.
According to an embodiment, the spot cleaning device 100 may include a water tank 120 including a water supply tank 121 (see
The water tank 120 may include a first water tank opening 121a through which water is supplied to the water supply tank 121 or water is discharged from the water supply tank 121. The water tank 120 may include a second water tank opening 122a through which water, washing liquid, foreign substances, etc., is introduced into the drain tank 122 or water, washing liquid, foreign substances, etc., is discharged from the drain tank 122.
Hereinafter, for convenience of description, a surface provided with the water sprayer 101, the washing liquid sprayer 102, the vibrating portion 103, the intake portion 104, and/or the roller 105 is referred to as a lower surface of the spot cleaning device 100.
Referring to
According to an embodiment, differently from what is shown in the drawing, the water tank 120 may be separated from an upper surface of the spot cleaning device 100.
In a case where the water tank 120 is disposed on the upper surface of the spot cleaning device 100 as shown in
The spot cleaning device 100 may include a water tank insertion portion 106 into which the water tank 120 is inserted, and water tank fixing portions 106a and 106b for fixing the water tank 120 to prevent the water tank 120 inserted into the water tank insertion portion 106 from falling out of the water tank insertion portion 106 due to gravity.
The water tank fixing portions 106a and 106b may be arranged adjacent to the water tank insertion portion 106. The water tank fixing portions 106a and 106b may be rotatable. The water tank fixing portions 106a and 106b may be rotatable between a fixing position for preventing the water tank 120 inserted into the water tank insertion portion 106 from falling out of the water tank insertion portion 106, and a release position for allowing the water tank 120 inserted into the water tank insertion portion 106 to be withdrawn from the water tank insertion portion 106. The water tank fixing portions 106a and 106b may be provided as a pair. However, the number and arrangement of water tank fixing portions may be changed. Alternatively, an elastic protrusion may be provided on the water tank 120 to allow the water tank 120 to be fitted into the water tank insertion portion 106 without a water tank fixing portion.
The spot cleaning device 100 may include a detergent inlet 107 for inputting detergent into the detergent box. In an embodiment, differently from what is shown in the drawing, the detergent inlet 107 may be formed on the side of the spot cleaning device 100 or on an upper surface of the spot cleaning device 100.
In a case where the detergent inlet 107 is formed on the upper surface of the spot cleaning device 100, a user may add detergent to the detergent box through the detergent inlet 107, without separating the spot cleaning device 100 from the frame 250 (see
The spot cleaning device 100 may further include an inlet cover 130 that is detachably coupled to the detergent inlet 107 to cover the detergent inlet 107. As shown in
The spot cleaning device 100 may include moving portions 111, 112, 113, and 114. The moving portions 111, 112, 113, and 114 may include the first moving portion 111 and the second moving portion 112 that are connected to a first shaft 211. The moving portions 111, 112, 113, and 114 may include the third moving portion 113 and the fourth moving portion 114 that are connected to a second shaft 231. The moving portions 111, 112, 113, and 114 may move in a first direction as the first shaft 211 and the second shaft 231 rotate.
The first moving portion 111 and the second moving portion 112 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The third moving portion 113 and the fourth moving portion 114 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The first direction may refer to a vertical direction or an up-down direction. Accordingly, the first moving portion 111 and the second moving portion 112 may be arranged to be vertically spaced apart, and the third moving portion 113 and the fourth moving portion 114 may be arranged to be vertically spaced apart.
Each of the moving portions 111, 112, 113, and 114 may include a hole through which a shaft passes. A screw thread may be formed in each hole of the moving portions 111, 112, 113, and 114 to correspond to a screw thread formed on the first shaft 211 (see
Referring to
The housing 110 may be formed with one side open. The housing 110 may include the above-described first moving portion 111, the second moving portion 112, the third moving portion 113, and the fourth moving portion 114. The water supply pump 140, the drain pump 150, and the drive motor 160, which will be described below, may be accommodated in the housing 110. The detergent box 131 may be disposed in the housing 110, and the substrate 118a and the battery 118b may be accommodated in the housing 110. The housing cover 110a may cover one open side of the housing 110.
According to an embodiment, the housing 110 may include the water tank insertion portion 106 through which the water tank 120 is inserted or withdrawn, and a water tank receiving portion 117 to accommodate the water tank 120 inserted into the housing 110 through the water tank insertion portion 106. The water tank receiving portion 117 may include a water supply connection portion 117b connected to the first water tank opening 121a of the water tank 120, and a drain connection portion 117a connected to the second water tank opening 122a of the water tank 120.
Referring to
The spot cleaning device 100 may include an oscillator 103a to apply micro-vibrations to the vibrating portion 103. A plurality of oscillators 103a may be provided, and for example, four oscillators 103a may be provided in the vibrating portion 103. The oscillator 103a may be disposed in the housing 110 when the housing cover 110a is coupled to the housing 110. The oscillator 103a may include a piezoelectric element.
Referring to
According to an embodiment, the spot cleaning device 100 may further include a third water supply duct 143 branched from a point of the second water supply duct 142. The third water supply duct 143 may be connected to a connection duct 133 to be described later. The water in the third water supply duct 143 may be mixed with the detergent in the detergent box 131 inside the connection duct 133, and then may be sprayed out of the spot cleaning device 100 through the washing liquid sprayer 102.
In an embodiment, the spot cleaning device 100 may include at least one damper (not shown) or valve (not shown) configured to allow or block the supply of water to the water sprayer 101 by opening and closing the first water supply duct 141, and configured to allow or block the supply of water to the washing liquid sprayer 102 by opening and closing the third water supply duct 143.
Referring to
The spot cleaning device 100 may include the detergent box 131 for accommodating detergent. According to an embodiment, the detergent box 131 may be formed integrally with the housing 110, but is not limited thereto. The detergent box 131 may be separable from the housing 110 as a separate component accommodated in the housing 110. The detergent box 131 may be connected to the detergent inlet 107. The detergent introduced through the detergent inlet 107 may be stored in the detergent box 131.
The detergent box 131 may include a detergent outlet 131a. The detergent in the detergent box 131 may be discharged to the outside of the detergent box 131 through the detergent outlet 131a.
The detergent outlet 131a may be connected to the detergent duct 132. The detergent duct 132 may form a flow path through which detergent moves. The detergent duct 132 may be connected to the connection duct 133. The connection duct 133 may be in the form of a T-shaped valve. The connection duct 133 may include two inlets and a single outlet. One of the two inlets of the connection duct 133 may be connected to the third water supply duct 143, and the other may be connected to the detergent duct 132. The outlet of the connection duct 133 may be connected to the washing liquid sprayer 102.
Referring to
The connection duct 133 may include a nozzle portion 133b located at one end of the first inlet 133a. One end of the nozzle portion 133b may have the same diameter as the first inlet 133a so as to be connected to the first inlet 133a. The other end of the nozzle portion 133b may have a smaller diameter than the first inlet 133a. That is, the nozzle portion 133b may have the diameter decreasing from one end to the other end of the nozzle portion 133b. Due to the above-described structure of the nozzle portion 133b, a flow rate when water flowing into one end of the nozzle portion 133b is discharged to the other end of the nozzle portion 133b may increase, because the pressure decreases and the flow rate increases as a flow path area decreases while passing through the nozzle portion 133b. As a pressure of the liquid at the other end of the nozzle portion 133b decreases, the detergent in the detergent duct 132 may move to an inside of the connection duct 133 which has a relatively low pressure. Water passing through the other end of the nozzle portion 133b and detergent introduced through the second inlet 133c may be mixed in the connection duct 133. The washing liquid mixed with water and detergent may be discharged through the outlet 133d of the connection duct 133. Because the outlet 133d is connected to the washing liquid sprayer 102, the water and detergent mixed inside the connection duct 133 may be sprayed out of the spot cleaning device 100 through the washing liquid sprayer 102. As described above, the connection duct 133 may include the nozzle portion 133b therein, and thus water and detergent may be automatically mixed using a pressure difference without a separate driving device.
The spot cleaning device 100 may include the battery 118b to supply power to electrical components (e.g., water supply pump 140, drain pump 150, drive motor 160, and/or oscillator 103a), and a charging terminal 115 to charge the battery 118b. The charging terminal 115 may include a positive electrode 115a and a negative electrode 115b.
The spot cleaning device 100 may further include a charging port (not shown) for charging the battery 118b. The charging terminal 115 may be exposed through the charging port for charging the battery 118b, and the battery 118b may be charged by connecting the charging terminal 115 to a charging cable that supplies power from the outside.
The spot cleaning device 100 may include the substrate 118a on which electronic components (e.g., a controller 180 and a communication circuitry 190 of
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The user interface device 170 may include an input interface device 170a and an output interface device 170b.
The input interface device 170a may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.
The input interface device 170a may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a communication button. The input interface device 170a may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.
The power button may be a button for turning on or off the spot cleaning device 100.
The battery 118b may supply power to the substrate 118a or block the power supplied to the substrate 118a based on the power button being pressed.
In response to the spot cleaning device 100 being turned on, the battery 118b may supply power to the substrate 118a.
The operation button may be a button for starting a washing process of the spot cleaning device 100. That is, the operation button may receive a user input to start the washing process.
Based on the operation button being pressed, the controller 180 (see
In response to the operation button being pressed, the spot cleaning device 100 may start the washing process corresponding to a washing course selected by the course selection button.
The course selection button may be a button for selecting a washing course for the spot cleaning device 100.
In an embodiment, the washing course of the spot cleaning device 100 may include an automatic washing course and a manual washing course.
The automatic washing course may include a process in which the spot cleaning device 100 detects a contaminated portion of the garment and automatically washes the contaminated portion without a user having to manually set a target area.
The spot cleaning device 100 may move to scan the garment based on the start of the automatic washing course, and then identify the contaminated portion of the garment and perform the washing process on the target area which is the contaminated portion of the garment.
The manual washing course may include a process in which a user aligns a target area of garment at a preset position of the spot cleaning device 100, and then the spot cleaning device 100 washes the target area aligned at the preset position (target position).
The target position may vary depending on the user's settings.
The user may set, as the target position, any one of a first position corresponding to the water sprayer 101, a second position corresponding to the washing liquid sprayer 102, a third position corresponding to the vibrating portion 103, a fourth position corresponding to the intake portion 104, or a fifth position corresponding to the roller 105.
For example, in a case where the third position corresponding to the vibrating portion 103 is set as a target position, the spot cleaning device 100 may perform the washing process on the third position corresponding to the vibrating portion 103 as a target area, in response to the start of the manual washing course.
In an embodiment, the course selection button may be omitted.
The communication button may be a button for activating the communication circuitry 190 of the spot cleaning device 100.
Based on the communication button being pressed, the spot cleaning device 100 may establish communication with the clothes care apparatus 20 by activating the communication circuitry 190.
The output interface device 170b may generate sensory information and transmit various information related to an operation of the spot cleaning device 100 to a user.
For example, the output interface device 170b may transmit information about an operation time, an operation and state information of the spot cleaning device 100 to a user. The information about the operation time, operation and state information of the spot cleaning device 100 may be output through a screen, an indicator, voice, or the like. For example, the output interface device 170b may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, an LED module, or a speaker.
The operation time of the spot cleaning device 100 may include a remaining time for the spot cleaning device 100 to complete the washing process.
The information about an operation of the spot cleaning device 100 may include information about an ongoing operation (e.g., water spraying, washing liquid spraying, and operation of the vibrating portion) of the spot cleaning device 100.
The state information of the spot cleaning device 100 may include information about a communication state of the spot cleaning device 100, a state of the battery 118b (e.g., remaining battery capacity), the amount of water in the water tank 120, the amount of detergent in the detergent box 131, and the like.
A handle may be disposed on an upper surface of the spot cleaning device 100 to fix or release the water tank 120 to or from the spot cleaning device 100. A user may separate the water tank 120 from the spot cleaning device 100, or couple the water tank 120 to the spot cleaning device 100 by rotating the handle.
According to various embodiments, the spot cleaning device 100 may be installed in a home appliance (e.g., clothes management apparatus 20a) and/or furniture (e.g., closet).
In an embodiment, the spot cleaning device 100 may be portable as a component of a spot cleaning kit 10.
Referring to
The fixing plate 260 may be a plate on which an object to be spot cleaned, i.e., garment, is placed, and may include a flat plate.
The fixing plate 260 may be made of a material such as metal or plastic, but the material of the fixing plate 260 is not limited thereto. To improve portability of the spot cleaning kit 10, the fixing plate 260 may be made of a low density material (e.g., aluminum, plastic).
The spot cleaning device 100 may be coupled to the frame 250.
The frame 250 may support the spot cleaning device 100 to allow the spot cleaning device 100 to move within the frame 250 in a first direction. The frame 250 may extend in the first direction. The frame 250 may accommodate the spot cleaning device 100, a first motor 210, a second motor 230, the first shaft 211, and the second shaft 231.
The frame 250 may accommodate the spot cleaning device 100 to allow at least a portion (e.g., upper surface) of the spot cleaning device 100 to be exposed to the outside of the spot cleaning kit 10. The frame 250 may support the spot cleaning device 100 to allow the spot cleaning device 100 to be movable within the frame 250. The frame 250 may extend in the first direction, and the spot cleaning device 100 may move in the first direction within the frame 250. The spot cleaning device 100 may move in a vertical direction within the frame 250.
The frame 250 may include a frame cover 280 and a frame body 270 coupled to the frame cover 280.
The frame cover 280 may include a first frame hole 285 into which the spot cleaning device 100 is inserted. The spot cleaning device 100 may be inserted into the first frame hole 285. At least a portion of the spot cleaning device 100 may pass through the first frame hole 285 and protrude to the outside of the frame cover 280. The first frame hole 285 may extend in the first direction (e.g., up and down direction) to guide movement of the spot cleaning device 100 in the first direction. The spot cleaning device 100 may move in the first direction within the first frame hole 285. Unlike what is shown in the drawing, the frame cover 280 may not include a frame hole and the spot cleaning device 100 may be accommodated in the frame body.
Although not illustrated, according to various embodiments, the frame cover 280 may be coupled to a frame shaft extending in a second direction (e.g., left and right direction), and the frame shaft may be connected to a frame motor. In this instance, the frame shaft and the frame motor may be arranged in another frame larger than the frame 250.
In a case where the frame cover 280 is coupled to the frame shaft extending in the second direction, the frame cover 280 may be movable in the second direction by a driving force generated by the frame motor. As the frame cover 280 is movable in the second direction, the spot cleaning device 100 coupled to the frame cover 280 may also be moved in the second direction.
The frame body 270 may be coupled to the frame cover 280 to cover one open side of the frame cover 280. The frame body 270 may be coupled to the frame cover 280 and form an internal space of the frame 250 that accommodates the spot cleaning device 100, the first motor 210, the second motor 230, the first shaft 211, and the second shaft 231.
The frame body 270 may include first shaft supports 271 and 272 for supporting the first shaft 211, and second shaft supports 273 and 274 for supporting the second shaft 231. The frame body 270 may include a first motor mounting portion 275 to which the first motor 210 is mounted, and a second motor mounting portion 276 to which the second motor 230 is mounted. The frame body 270 may include a second frame hole 277 formed through the frame body 270 to allow the spot cleaning device 100 to be exposed to the outside.
The first shaft supports 271 and 272 may be connected to the first shaft 211. The first shaft supports 271 and 272 may include the first upper support 271 located adjacent to an upper end of one side of the frame body 270, and the first lower support 272 located adjacent to a lower end of one side of the frame body 270. The first upper support 271 and the first lower support 272 may each include a hole through which the first shaft 211 passes. The first shaft 211 may rotate within the first upper support 271 and the first lower support 272. The first shaft 211 may rotate within the first upper support 271 and the first lower support 272. In other words, even in a case where the first shaft 211 rotates within the first upper support 271 and the first lower support 272, the first upper support 271 and the first lower support 272 may not move in the first direction.
The second shaft supports 273 and 274 may be connected to the second shaft 231. The second shaft supports 273 and 274 may include the second upper support 273 located adjacent to an upper end of the other side of the frame body 270, and the second lower support 274 located adjacent to a lower end of the other side of the frame body 270. The second upper support 273 and the second lower support 274 may each include a hole through which the second shaft 231 passes. The second shaft 231 may rotate within the second upper support 273 and the second lower support 274. The second shaft 231 may rotate within the second upper support 273 and the second lower support 274. In other words, even in a case where the second shaft 231 rotates within the second upper support 273 and the second lower support 274, the second upper support 273 and the second lower support 274 may not move in the first direction.
The first motor 210 may be mounted to the first motor mounting portion 275. Although not specifically shown in the drawing, the first motor mounting portion 275 may support the first motor 210 in various structures. For example, the first motor mounting portion 275 may include an elastic protrusion to allow the first motor 210 to be fitted into the first motor mounting portion 275.
The second motor 230 may be mounted to the second motor mounting portion 276. Although not specifically shown in the drawing, the second motor mounting portion 276 may support the second motor 230 in various structures. For example, the second motor mounting portion 276 may include an elastic protrusion to allow the second motor 230 to be fitted into the second motor mounting portion 276.
The frame body 270 may include the second frame hole 277 into which the spot cleaning device 100 is inserted. The spot cleaning device 100 may be inserted into the second frame hole 277. At least a portion of the spot cleaning device 100 may pass through the second frame hole 277 and protrude to the outside of the frame body 270. The spot cleaning device 100 may be exposed toward the fixing plate 260 through the second frame hole 277. The spot cleaning device 100 exposed toward the fixing plate 260 may perform spot cleaning on the garment fixed to the fixing plate 260. The second frame hole 277 may extend in the first direction and guide the movement of the spot cleaning device 100 in the first direction. The spot cleaning device 100 may move in the first direction within the second frame hole 277.
As described above, the spot cleaning device 100 may move in the first direction (e.g., up and down direction) within the frame 250. According to various embodiments, in a case where the frame 250 accommodating the spot cleaning device 100 is coupled to a frame shaft extending in the second direction (e.g., left and right direction) and the frame shaft is connected to the frame motor, the spot cleaning device 100 may move in the first direction and the second direction. In other words, the spot cleaning device 100 may move in the up, down, left, and right directions.
The fixing plate 260 and the frame 250 may be coupled to each other through a connecting member.
For example, the frame 250 may be rotatably coupled to the fixing plate 260 through a connecting member such as a hinge 255.
In another example, the frame 250 may be rotatably coupled to the fixing plate 260 through a connecting member such as a hook.
In an embodiment, the fixing plate 260 and the frame 250 may each include fixing portions 260a and 270a.
For example, in a case where one side of the fixing plate 260 and the frame 250 are coupled through the hinge 255, the fixing portions 260a and 270a may be arranged on the other side of the fixing plate 260 and the frame 250.
The fixing portions 260a and 270a may include a coupling protrusion and a protrusion insertion hole.
For example, the fixing plate 260 may include a coupling protrusion as the first fixing portion 260a, and the frame 250 may include a protrusion insertion hole as the second fixing portion 270a. A user may fix the frame 250 to the fixing plate 260 by coupling the coupling protrusion on the fixing plate 260 to the protrusion insertion hole on the frame 250. Conversely, the fixing plate 260 may include a protrusion insertion hole as the first fixing portion 260a, and the frame 250 may include a coupling protrusion as the second fixing portion 270a.
According to various embodiments, any configuration for fixing the frame 250 to the fixing plate 260 may be the fixing portions 260a and 270a.
For example, the fixing portions 260a and 270a may include bolts, nuts, hook and loop fastener, and/or magnets.
The frame 250 may be coupled to the fixing plate 260 by electromagnetic force. For example, the fixing plate 260 may be made of a magnetic material, and the frame 250 may be made of an electromagnet. Based on power being turned on, the spot cleaning device 100 may apply current to the frame 250, thereby operating the frame 250 as an electromagnet and fixing the frame 250 to the fixing plate 260 by electromagnetic force. In this case, the fixing portions 260a and 270a may be the frame 250 and the fixing plate 260 itself (magnet).
According to various embodiments, the frame 250 and the fixing plate 260 may include only the fixing portions 260a and 270a without being coupled to each other through a connecting member. In this case, a user places a garment on the fixing plate 260, places the frame 250 on the garment, and fixes the frame 250 to the fixing plate 260 using the fixing portions 260a and 270a, thereby coupling the frame 250 to the fixing plate 260, and simultaneously fixing the frame 250 to the fixing plate 260.
Referring to
The frame 250 that is not fixed to the fixing plate 260 may include only one side of the frame 250 being connected to the fixing plate 260 by a connecting member, and the other side not being fixed to the frame 250.
The frame 250 that is not fixed to the fixing plate 260 may include the frame 250 and the fixing plate 260 not being connected by a connecting member, and the frame 250 not being fixed to the fixing plate 260 by the fixing portions 260a and 270a.
In a case where the frame 250 is not fixed to the fixing plate 260, one side of the fixing plate 260 may be exposed to the outside, and a user may place at least a portion of garment on one side of the fixing plate 260.
Referring to
By fixing the frame 250 to the fixing plate 260, an empty space 34 between the frame 250 and the fixing plate 260 becomes narrow, and thus a garment may be fixed to the fixing plate 260. That is, the garment may be fixed in the empty space 34.
The empty space 34 between the frame 250 and the fixing plate 260 may communicate with the second frame hole 277. The spot cleaning device 100 may perform spot cleaning on the garment fixed to the fixing plate 260 through the second frame hole 277.
Referring to
The user interface device 170 may include the input interface device 170a and the output interface device 170b.
The spot cleaning device 100 may receive a user input to start a washing process via the input interface device 170a. For example, in response to an operation button being pressed on the input interface device 170a, an electrical signal for starting the washing process may be transmitted to the controller 180.
The at least one sensor 108 may include a camera and/or an optical sensor.
Sensor data collected from the at least one sensor 108 may be transmitted to the controller 180.
The at least one sensor 108 may be disposed on a lower surface of the spot cleaning device 100. That is, in a case where the frame is fixed to the fixing plate 260, the at least one sensor 108 may have a shooting direction or sensing direction toward the garment fixed to the fixing plate 260.
The washing device 100a may include components for performing a washing process.
For example, the washing device 100a may include the water supply pump 140, the drain pump 150, the drive motor 160, the oscillator 103a, and/or at least one damper (not shown) or valve (not shown) configured to allow or block the supply of water to the water sprayer 101 by opening and closing the first water supply duct 141, and configured to allow or block the supply of water to the washing liquid sprayer 102 by opening or closing the third water supply duct 143.
The communication circuitry 190 may communicate with an external device (e.g., the clothes care apparatus 20) by wire and/or wirelessly.
The communication circuitry 190 may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.
The communication circuitry 190 may transmit data to an external device or receive data from the external device. For example, the communication circuitry 190 may establish communication with the clothes care apparatus 20, and transmit and receive various data.
For the communication, the communication circuitry 190 may establish a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and support the performance of the communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication circuitry 190 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated as one component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).
The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, and a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc., but is not limited thereto.
The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.
According to an embodiment, the communication circuitry 190 may communicate with an external device such as the clothes care apparatus 20, a server, and/or a user device through an access point (AP). The access point (AP) may connect a local area network (LAN) to which the spot cleaning device 100, the clothes care apparatus 20, and/or a user device is connected, to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The clothes care apparatus 20, the spot cleaning device 100, and/or the user device may be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).
The moving device 200 may include the first motor 210 and/or the second motor 230. The spot cleaning device 100 may be connected to the moving device 200 by wire and/or wirelessly. That is, the moving device 200 may be a component of the spot cleaning device 100.
The moving device 200 may move the spot cleaning device 100. For example, the moving device 200 may move the spot cleaning device 100 in a first direction (e.g., up and down direction).
According to various embodiments, in a case where the moving device 200 further includes a frame motor connected to a frame shaft that is coupled to the frame cover 280 and extends in a second direction (e.g., left and right direction), the moving device 200 may move the spot cleaning device 100 in the first direction (e.g., up and down direction) and the second direction (e.g., left and right direction).
The controller 180 may control various components (e.g., the output interface device 170b, the washing device 100a, the moving device 200, and the communication circuitry 190) of the spot cleaning device 100. The controller 180 may control various components of the spot cleaning device 100 to perform at least one process, including water spraying, washing liquid spraying, vibration, intake, and the like, according to a user input to start the washing process. For example, the controller 180 may control the washing device 100a to spray water and/or washing liquid through the water sprayer 101 and/or the washing liquid sprayer 102, or may control the washing device 100a to vibrate the vibrating portion 103, or may control the washing device 100a to rotate the roller 105, or may control the washing device 100a to provide suction force to the intake portion 104.
Controlling the washing device 100a to spray water through the water sprayer 101 may include operating the water supply pump 140 and controlling the damper or valve to open the first water supply duct 141, and close the third water supply duct 143.
Controlling the washing device 100a to spray washing liquid through the washing liquid sprayer 102 may include operating the water supply pump 140 and controlling the damper or valve to close the first water supply duct 141 and open the third water supply duct 143.
Controlling the washing device 100a to simultaneously spray water and washing liquid through the water sprayer 101 and the washing liquid sprayer 102, respectively, may include operating the water supply pump 140 and controlling the damper or valve to open the first water supply duct 141 and the third water supply duct 143.
Controlling the washing device 100a to vibrate the vibrating portion 103 may include applying a voltage to the oscillator 103a.
Controlling the washing device 100a to rotate the roller 105 may include operating the drive motor 160.
Controlling the washing device 100a to provide suction force to the intake portion 104 may include operating the drain pump 150.
The controller 180 may include hardware, such as a central processing unit (CPU), Micom, or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller 180 may include at least one memory 182 that stores data in the form of a program or an algorithm for controlling operations of components in the spot cleaning device 100, and at least one processor 181 that performs the above-described operations and operations to be described below using the data stored in the at least one memory 182. The memory 182 and the processor 181 may be implemented as separate chips. The processor 181 may include one or two or more processor chips or one or two or more processing cores. The memory 182 may include one or two or more memory chips or one or two or more memory blocks. In addition, the memory 182 and processor 181 may be implemented as a single chip.
The spot cleaning device 100 according to an embodiment may not include some of the components described above or may further include additional components.
For example, the spot cleaning device 100 may further include an actuator (not shown) that moves the first shaft supports 271 and 272 and the second shaft supports 273 and 274.
The first shaft supports 271 and 272 and the second shaft supports 273 and 274 may move toward a lower side or an upper side of the spot cleaning device 100 by the actuator.
The controller 180 may control the actuator to allow the spot cleaning device 100 to move toward the lower side or the upper side of the spot cleaning device 100.
Accordingly, the spot cleaning device 100 may move toward the lower side or the upper side of the spot cleaning device 100.
The controller 180 may start a washing process based on receiving a user input to start the washing process through the input interface device 170a.
In another example, the controller 180 may start the washing process based on receiving a command to start the washing process from the clothes care apparatus 20 via the communication circuitry 190.
Once the washing process starts, the spot cleaning device 100 may perform the washing process on a garment fixed to the fixing plate 260. Even though the garment is fixed to the fixing plate 260, unless the frame 250 and the fixing plate 260 are completely in close contact, some space may exist between the garment and the spot cleaning device 100.
Referring to
Controlling the spot cleaning device 100 to be in close contact with the garment may include controlling the spot cleaning device 100 to move toward a lower side of the spot cleaning device 100.
For example, the controller 180 may control the actuator to allow the first shaft supports 271 and 272 and the second shaft supports 273 and 274, which support the spot cleaning device 100, to move toward the lower side of the spot cleaning device 100.
In another example, in a case where the frame 250 is coupled to the fixing plate 260 by electromagnetic force, the controller 180 may increase an intensity of current applied to the frame 250 to allow the frame 250 and the fixing plate 260 to be in close contact and, as a result, to allow the spot cleaning device 100 to be in close contact with the garment.
Controlling the spot cleaning device 100 to come into close contact with the garment is not limited to the above-described examples and may be implemented in various manners.
The controller 180 may perform the washing process on the garment fixed to the fixing plate 260 (1020).
The washing process may include a water spraying process that sprays water on the garment by the water sprayer 101, a washing liquid spraying process that sprays washing liquid on the garment by the washing liquid sprayer 102, a vibration process that applies vibrations to the garment by the vibrating portion 103, a rolling process that rotates the roller 105, and/or an intake process that draws contaminated water by the intake portion 104.
The controller 180 may control the moving device 200 to dispose the water sprayer 101 on a target area and perform the water spraying process.
The controller 180 may control the moving device 200 to dispose the washing liquid sprayer 102 on the target area and perform the washing liquid spraying process.
In an embodiment, the controller 180 may control the moving device 200 to dispose the water sprayer 101 and the washing liquid sprayer 102 on the target area and perform the water spraying process and the washing liquid spraying process simultaneously.
The controller 180 may control the moving device 200 to dispose the vibrating portion 103 on the target area and perform the vibration process.
The controller 180 may control the moving device 200 to dispose the intake portion 104 on the target area and perform the intake process.
In an embodiment, the controller 180 may perform the intake process while performing the water spraying process and/or the washing liquid spraying process.
The controller 180 may control the moving device 200 to dispose the roller 105 on the target area and perform the rolling process.
In an embodiment, the controller 180 may perform the water spraying process, the washing liquid spraying process, the vibration process, the rolling process, and/or the intake process on the target area a predetermined number of times in a predetermined order, thereby performing the washing process for the garment.
The washing process may be performed by the spot cleaning device 100 according to a preset algorithm.
The controller 180 may end the washing process according to the preset algorithm (1030).
For example, the controller 180 may end the washing process based on a predetermined time having elapsed after the washing process has started. In another example, the controller 180 may end the washing process based on detecting that contamination in the target area has disappeared through the sensor 108.
The controller 180 may control the spot cleaning device 100 to be spaced apart (separated) from the garment based on the end of the washing process (1040).
Controlling the spot cleaning device 100 to be spaced apart from the garment may include controlling the spot cleaning device 100 to move toward an upper side of the spot cleaning device 100.
For example, the controller 180 may control the actuator to allow the first shaft supports 271 and 272 and the second shaft supports 273 and 274, which support the spot cleaning device 100, to move toward the upper side of the spot cleaning device 100.
In another example, in a case where the frame 250 is coupled to the fixing plate 260 by electromagnetic force, the controller 180 may reduce an intensity of current applied to the frame 250 or stop the supply of current applied to the frame 250, thereby controlling the spot cleaning device 100 to be spaced apart from the garment.
According to the disclosure, in a case where the washing process is completed, the spot cleaning device 100 may be spaced apart from the garment, thereby allowing air to flow to the target area where the spot cleaning was performed.
Controlling the spot cleaning device 100 to be spaced apart from the garment is not limited to the above-described example and may be implemented in various manners.
A portion of the above-described washing process of the spot cleaning device 100 may be omitted, and the washing process of the spot cleaning device 100 may further include additional processes.
For example, operations 1010 and 1040 may be omitted.
Referring to
Because the spot cleaning device 100 is in close contact with the garment fixed to the fixing plate 260, only the target area may be washed efficiently.
Through operation 1040, the spot cleaning device 100 may be spaced apart from the garment fixed to the fixing plate 260. Separating the spot cleaning device 100 from the garment fixed to the fixing plate 260 may include separating the fixing plate 260 from the frame 250.
By separating the spot cleaning device 100 from the garment fixed to the fixing plate 260, a space for air flow may be provided to allow the target area to be dried after the spot cleaning is completed.
A clothes care method according to an embodiment may be performed by the spot cleaning device 100 and the clothes care apparatus 20.
A user may fix a garment to the spot cleaning kit 10, and then put (place) the spot cleaning kit 10 with the garment fixed into the clothes care apparatus 20.
For example, after fixing the garment to the spot cleaning kit 10, the user may enter a user input to start a washing process via the input interface device 170a, and put the spot cleaning kit 10 in the clothes care apparatus 20.
In another example, after fixing the garment to the spot cleaning kit 10, the user may put the spot cleaning kit 10 in the clothes care apparatus 20, and then may enter a user input to start the washing process of the spot cleaning device 100 via the user interface device of the clothes care apparatus 20.
Putting the spot cleaning kit 10 in the clothes care apparatus 20 may include putting the garment to which the spot cleaning kit 10 is fixed in the clothes management apparatus 20a, or hanging the garment to which the spot cleaning kit 10 is fixed on a hanger inside the clothes management apparatus 20a.
Putting the spot cleaning kit 10 in the clothes care apparatus 20 may include putting the garment to which the spot cleaning kit 10 is fixed in the dryer 20b or hanging the garment to which the spot cleaning kit 10 is fixed on a hanger and hanging the garment on the lifter 421 of the dryer 20b.
Putting the spot cleaning kit 10 in the clothes care apparatus 20 may include putting the garment to which the spot cleaning kit 10 is fixed in the washing machine 20c, or hanging the garment to which the spot cleaning kit 10 is fixed on a hanger and hanging the garment on the lifter 534 of the washing machine 20c.
According to the clothes care method according to an embodiment, the spot cleaning kit 10 to which the garment is fixed may perform spot cleaning inside the clothes care apparatus 20, and the clothes care apparatus 20 may perform additional clothes care processes, thereby improving user convenience.
The spot cleaning device 100 may receive a user input to start a washing process (2010).
For example, in response to a selection of an operation button of the input interface device 170a by a user, the controller 180 may receive the user input to start the washing process.
The spot cleaning device 100 may start the washing process in response to receiving the user input to start the washing process (2020).
As described in
The spot cleaning device 100 may end the washing process according to a preset algorithm (2030).
The spot cleaning device 100 may control the spot cleaning device 100 to be spaced apart (separated) from the garment fixed to the fixing plate 260 based on the end of the washing process.
In an embodiment, the spot cleaning device 100 may transmit an end signal for notifying the end of the washing process to the clothes care apparatus 20 based on the completion of the washing process (2040).
The controller 180 of the spot cleaning device 100 may control the communication circuitry 190 to transmit the end signal notifying the end of the washing process to the clothes care apparatus 20 based on the completion of the washing process.
In this instance, the clothes care apparatus 20 may be a clothes care apparatus 20 with which communication with the spot cleaning device 100 has been established.
For example, the communication circuitry 190 of the spot cleaning device 100 may be paired with the clothes care apparatus 20 via a Bluetooth communication module.
To this end, the clothes care apparatus 20 may also include a communication module (e.g., a Bluetooth communication module) capable of communicating with the spot cleaning device 100.
According to the disclosure, the spot cleaning device 100 may transmit the end signal to the clothes care apparatus 20 based on the end of the washing process, thereby allowing the clothes care apparatus 20 which has received the end signal to start a subsequent clothes care operation.
Based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100, the clothes care apparatus 20 may perform a clothes care process or provide an interface for starting the clothes care process (2050).
In an embodiment, the clothes care apparatus 20 may include the clothes management apparatus 20a. In this case, performing the clothes care process or providing the interface for starting the clothes care process by the clothes care apparatus 20 based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100 may include performing a drying process or providing an interface for starting the drying process by the clothes management apparatus 20a based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
In an embodiment, the clothes care apparatus 20 may include the dryer 20b. In this case, performing the clothes care process or providing the interface for starting the clothes care process by the clothes care apparatus 20 based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100 may include performing a drying process without rotation of the drum 420 or providing an interface for starting the drying process without rotation of the drum 420 by the dryer 20b based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
In an embodiment, the clothes care apparatus 20 may include the washing machine 20c. In this instance, performing the clothes care process or providing the interface for starting the clothes care process by the clothes care apparatus 20 based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100 may include performing a rinsing process and/or a spin-drying process, or providing an interface for starting the rinsing process and/or spin-drying process by the washing machine 20c based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
In an embodiment, the clothes care apparatus 20 may perform a clothes care process or provide an interface for starting the clothes care process depending on a location of the spot cleaning device 100.
For example, the clothes care apparatus 20 may perform the clothes care process or provide the interface for starting the clothes care process depending on whether the spot cleaning device 100 is located in the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 of the clothes care apparatus 20.
In an embodiment, the clothes care apparatus 20 may perform the clothes care process based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
For example, the clothes care apparatus 20 may perform the clothes care process in response to identifying that the spot cleaning device 100 is located in the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 of the clothes care apparatus 20 and receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
In this instance, the clothes care process may be a clothes care process that does not cause a malfunction of the spot cleaning device 100. For example, the clothes care process may be a drying process that supplies hot air to the inside of the cabinet 310, 410, or 501.
For example, the clothes care process that does not cause a malfunction of the spot cleaning device 100 may include a drying process in which the clothes management apparatus 20a supplies hot air that has passed through a heat exchanger to the garment in the cabinet 310, a drying process in which the clothes management apparatus 20a supplies hot air through the machine room duct outlet 384, and/or a drying process in which the dryer 20b supplies hot air to the garment accommodated in the inside (chamber 430a) of the cabinet 310 with the drum 420 stopped.
In an embodiment, the clothes care apparatus 20 may perform a predetermined operation to determine a set value for the clothes care process based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100. For example, the clothes care apparatus 20 may identify a load (the amount of clothes to be treated) in the clothes care apparatus 20 based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100. To this end, the clothes care apparatus 20 may further include a sensor for identifying the load in the clothes care apparatus 20.
Based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100, the clothes care apparatus 20 may identify the load (the amount of clothes to be treated) in the clothes care apparatus 20, and determine the set value for the clothes care process based on the load in the clothes care apparatus 20.
In this instance, the set value of the clothes care process may include set values of the drying process, such as an operation time of the drying process, hot air temperature, and the like, and/or set values of the rinsing process and the spin-drying process.
In an embodiment, the clothes care apparatus 20 may identify a location of the spot cleaning device 100.
Identifying the location of the spot cleaning device 100 may include identifying whether the spot cleaning device 100 is in the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 of the clothes care apparatus 20.
The clothes care apparatus 20 may include a sensor for identifying the location of the spot cleaning device 100.
For example, the communication circuitry 190 of the spot cleaning device 100 may include a communication module capable of transmitting and receiving a radio signal such as a Low Frequency (LF) signal, a Radio Frequency (RF) signal, and/or an UltraWide Band (UWB) signal. The clothes care apparatus 20 may include, for example, an antenna that transmits and receives an LF signal, an RF signal, and/or a UWB signal, as the sensor for identifying the location of the spot cleaning device 100.
Once the spot cleaning device 100 outputs a radio signal, such as an LF signal, an RF signal, and/or a UWB signal in response to the power being turned on, the antenna of the clothes care apparatus 20 may receive the radio signal output from the spot cleaning device 100 to identify whether the spot cleaning device 100 is inside or outside the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 of the clothes care apparatus 20.
According to various embodiments, any sensor capable of identifying whether the spot cleaning device 100 is located inside or outside the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 of the clothes care apparatus 20 may be used as the sensor for identifying the location of the spot cleaning device 100.
In an embodiment, the clothes care apparatus 20 may provide an interface for starting the clothes care process based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
Providing the interface for starting the clothes care process by the clothes care apparatus 20 may include providing the interface via the user interface device of the clothes care apparatus 20 by the clothes care apparatus 20, and/or transmitting a signal for providing the interface for starting the clothes care process to a user device via a communication module by the clothes care apparatus 20.
The interface for starting the clothes care process may include a visual indicator that confirms an intention to start the clothes care process. In response to a selection of the visual indicator confirming an intention to start the clothes care process, the clothes care apparatus 20 may start the clothes care process.
For example, the clothes management apparatus 20a may provide an interface for starting a drying process. In another example, the dryer 20b may provide an interface for starting a drying process without rotation of the drum 420. In another example, the washing machine 20c may provide an interface for starting a rinsing process and spin-drying process.
In this instance, a set value of the clothes care process may be set in advance by the clothes care apparatus 20 without user operation. The set value of the clothes care process may include, for example, the type of drying process, an operation time of the drying process, a temperature of hot air supplied to the inside the cabinet 310 or 410 during the drying process, a set value of the rinsing process and spin-drying process, and the like.
In an embodiment, based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100 while it is not identified whether the spot cleaning device 100 is in the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 of the clothes care apparatus 20, the clothes care apparatus 20 may provide the interface for starting the clothes care process.
According to the disclosure, after spot cleaning by the spot cleaning device 100 outside the cabinet 310, 410, or 501, a user may simply put the spot cleaned garment in the clothes care apparatus 20 and select a visual indicator that confirms an intention to start the clothes care process, in order to proceed with additional clothes care.
In an embodiment, in a case where it is expected to perform a clothes care process that may cause a malfunction of the spot cleaning device 100 even though the spot cleaning device 100 is identified within the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 of the clothes care apparatus 20, the clothes care apparatus 20 may provide the interface for starting the clothes care process based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
In a case where it is expected to perform the clothes care process that may cause a malfunction of the spot cleaning device 100, the interface for starting the clothes care process may include a visual indicator to induce (or guide) the spot cleaning device 100 to be taken out from the cabinet 310, 410, or 501.
In addition, in a case where it is expected to perform the clothes care process that may cause a malfunction of the spot cleaning device 100, even though a visual indicator confirming an intention to start the clothes care process is selected, as long as the spot cleaning device 100 is identified within the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 of the clothes care apparatus 20, the clothes care apparatus 20 may output a visual indicator and/or a warning indicator that induces the spot cleaning device 100 to be taken out from the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 without starting the clothes care process.
According to the disclosure, in a case where the clothes care process that may cause a malfunction of the spot cleaning device 100 is requested, a user may be induced to remove the spot cleaning device 100 from the cabinet 310, 410, or 501.
Referring to
The clothes care apparatus 20 may provide a spot cleaning interlinking course. The spot cleaning interlinking course may refer to a predetermined course that uses the spot cleaning device 100. The clothes care apparatus 20 may receive a user input to start the spot cleaning interlinking course.
That is, the user input to start the washing process of the spot cleaning device 100 may include the user input to start the spot cleaning interlinking course.
Referring to
The clothes care apparatus 20 may be provided with a plurality of spot cleaning interlinking courses.
The spot cleaning interlinking course may include courses in which an additional clothes care is performed after spot cleaning is performed by the spot cleaning device 100.
The spot cleaning interlinking course may include a first interlinking course in which the clothes care apparatus 20 performs a first drying process after spot cleaning is performed by the spot cleaning device 100, a second interlinking course in which the clothes care apparatus 20 performs a second drying process after spot cleaning is performed by the spot cleaning device 100, a third interlinking course in which the clothes care apparatus 20 performs the first and second drying processes after spot cleaning is performed by the spot cleaning device 100, a fourth interlinking course in which the clothes care apparatus 20 performs a steam process after spot cleaning is performed by the spot cleaning device 100, a fifth interlinking course in which the clothes care apparatus 20 performs the steam process and the first drying process after spot cleaning is performed by the spot cleaning device 100, a sixth interlinking course in which the clothes care apparatus 20 performs the steam process and the second drying process after spot cleaning is performed by the spot cleaning device 100, and a seventh interlinking course in which the clothes care apparatus 20 performs the steam process, the first drying process, and/or the second drying process after spot cleaning is performed by the spot cleaning device 100, and the like.
The first drying process may include a process in which the clothes management apparatus 20a supplies hot air that has passed through a heat exchanger to the garment accommodated in the cabinet 310.
The second drying process may include a process in which the clothes management apparatus 20a supplies wind to the clothes in the cabinet 310 through the discharge port 343.
The steam process may include a process in which the clothes management apparatus 20a supplies steam to the clothes in the cabinet 310.
In an embodiment, in a case where an interlinking course including the steam process is selected, the clothes management apparatus 20a may perform the steam process and the drying process in response to receiving an end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
In an embodiment, in a case where an interlinking course including the steam process is selected, the clothes management apparatus 20a may transmit a command to start the washing process to the spot cleaning device 100, and then may proceed with the steam process before receiving an end signal from the spot cleaning device 100. That is, the clothes management apparatus 20a may perform the steam process during the washing process of the spot cleaning device 100.
In another example, the first drying process may include a process in which the dryer 20b supplies hot air to the garment accommodated in the inside (chamber 430a) of the cabinet 310 while stopping the drum 420.
In an embodiment, the interface for selecting the spot cleaning interlinking course provided by the clothes care apparatus 20 may include a visual indicator that induces placement of the spot cleaning kit 10 to which the garment is fixed into the clothes care apparatus 20.
A user may start the spot cleaning interlinking course after placing the spot cleaning kit 10 in the clothes care apparatus 20.
In an embodiment, in a case where a user input to start the spot cleaning interlinking course is received, the clothes care apparatus 20 may perform different operations depending on the location of the spot cleaning device 100.
The clothes care apparatus 20 may identify the location of the spot cleaning device 100 in response to receiving the user input to start the spot cleaning interlinking course. Identifying the location of the spot cleaning device 100 may include determining whether the spot cleaning device 100 is identified within the cabinet 310, 410, or 501.
For example, based on the spot cleaning device 100 not being identified in the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 (No in operation 3020), the clothes care apparatus 20 may provide feedback indicating that the spot cleaning device 100 is not detected in the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 (3025).
The feedback indicating that spot cleaning device 100 is not detected in the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 may include a visual indicator and/or an audible indicator.
The clothes care apparatus 20 may include a display and/or speaker as the user interface device 170.
Referring to
In an embodiment, the feedback indicating that the spot cleaning device 100 is not detected in the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 may include a visual indicator to confirming an intention to perform spot cleaning outside the cabinet 310, 410, or 501.
By selecting a UI element (“Yes” in
After spot cleaning is performed outside the cabinet 310, 410, or 501, operations 2020, 2030, 2040, and 2050 described in
Referring again to
The spot cleaning device 100 may start the washing process in response to receiving the command to start the washing process from the clothes care apparatus 20 (3040).
As described in
The spot cleaning device 100 may end the washing process according to a preset algorithm (3050).
The spot cleaning device 100 may control the spot cleaning device 100 to be spaced apart from the garment fixed to the fixing plate 260 based on the end of the washing process.
In an embodiment, the spot cleaning device 100 may transmit an end signal notifying the end of the washing process to the clothes care apparatus 20 based on completion of the washing process (3060).
The controller 180 of the spot cleaning device 100 may control the communication circuitry 190 to transmit the end signal notifying the end of the washing process to the clothes care apparatus 20 based on completion of the washing process.
In this instance, the clothes care apparatus 20 may be a clothes care apparatus 20 that has transmitted the command to start the washing process to the spot cleaning device 100.
According to the disclosure, the spot cleaning device 100 transmits the end signal to the clothes care apparatus 20 based on the end of the washing process, thereby allowing the clothes care apparatus 20 that has received the end signal to start a subsequent clothes care operation.
Based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100, the clothes care apparatus 20 may perform a clothes care process or provide an interface for starting the clothes care process (3070).
The description of operation 2050 of
However, because operation 3070 is performed after the garment is identified within the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 of the clothes care apparatus 20, in a case where the clothes care process that does not cause a malfunction of the spot cleaning device 100 is scheduled to be performed, the clothes care apparatus 20 may perform the clothes care process based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
However, according to user's settings, even in a case where the clothes care process that does not cause a malfunction of the spot cleaning device 100 is scheduled to be performed, based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100, the clothes care apparatus 20 may provide the interface for starting the clothes care process instead of immediately performing the clothes care process. Accordingly, the clothes care apparatus 20 may confirm the user's intention to start the clothes care process once again.
In contrast, in a case where the clothes care process that may cause a malfunction of the spot cleaning device 100 is scheduled to be performed, the clothes care apparatus 20 may provide an interface for starting the clothes care process based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
Referring to
The visual indicator confirming the intention to start the clothes care process may include a UI element for starting the clothes care process and/or a UI element for refusing to start the clothes care process.
The clothes care apparatus 20 may start the clothes care process in response to a selection of the UI element for starting the clothes care process. In contrast, in a case where the UI element for refusing to start the clothes care process is selected, the clothes care apparatus 20 may end a procedure without proceeding with the clothes care process.
Referring to
The visual indicator confirming the intention to start the clothes care process may include a UI element for starting the clothes care process and/or a UI element for refusing to start the clothes care process.
In a case where a clothes care process that may cause a malfunction of the spot cleaning device 100 is scheduled to be performed, the visual indicator confirming the intention to start the clothes care process may further include a visual indicator informing that the spot cleaning device 100 is required to be removed from the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 in a case where a user desires to select the UI element for starting the clothes care process.
In a case where a clothes care process that may cause a malfunction of the spot cleaning device 100 is scheduled to be performed, the clothes care apparatus 20 may start the clothes care process in response to a selection of the UI element for starting the clothes care process in a state where the spot cleaning device 100 is not identified in the cabinet 310, 410, or 501.
In a case where the clothes care process that may cause a malfunction of the spot cleaning device 100 is scheduled to be performed, the clothes care apparatus 20 may output a visual indicator and/or a warning indicator that induces the spot cleaning device 100 to be taken out from the cabinet 310, 410, or 501 in response to a selection of the UI element for starting the clothes care process in a state where the spot cleaning device 100 is identified within the cabinet 310, 410, or 501.
According to the disclosure, a user may partially wash (spot clean) a garment using the spot cleaning device 100 without a separate user operation, and then proceed additional clothes care processes using the clothes care apparatus 200.
According to the disclosure, additional clothes care processes, such as drying, wrinkle care, and the like, may be performed after spot cleaning is performed, thereby making clothes care more efficient.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a clothes care method may include: transmitting, by a spot cleaning device 100, an end signal for notifying an end of a washing process to a clothes care apparatus 20, based on completion of the washing process for a garment fixed to a fixing plate; and performing, by the clothes care apparatus 20, a clothes care process, based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the clothes care method may include: transmitting, by the spot cleaning device 100, an end signal for notifying an end of a washing process to the clothes care apparatus 20, based on completion of the washing process for a garment fixed to a fixing plate; and providing, by the clothes care apparatus 20, an interface for starting the clothes care process, based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the clothes care method may include: transmitting, by the spot cleaning device 100, an end signal for notifying an end of a washing process to the clothes care apparatus 200, based on completion of the washing process for a garment fixed to a fixing plate; and by the clothes care apparatus, performing a clothes care process or providing an interface for starting the clothes care process, based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
The clothes care method may further include transmitting, by the clothes care apparatus 20, a start command of the washing process to the spot cleaning device 100 in response to receiving a user input to start the washing process of the spot cleaning device 100.
The clothes care method may further include starting, by the spot cleaning device 100, the washing process in response to receiving the start command from the clothes care apparatus 20.
The clothes care method may further include starting, by the spot cleaning device 100, the washing process in response to receiving a user input to start the washing process.
The clothes care method may further include moving, by the spot cleaning device 100, in close contact with the garment fixed to the fixing plate 260 to perform the washing process.
The clothes care method may further include separating, by the spot cleaning device 100, from the garment fixed to the fixing plate 260 based on completion of the washing process.
The clothes care method may further include identifying, by the clothes care apparatus 20, a location of the spot cleaning device 100.
The performing the clothes care process or providing the interface for starting the clothes care process based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100 may include: performing the clothes care process or providing the interface for starting the clothes care process depending on the location of the spot cleaning device 100.
The performing of the clothes care process or providing of the interface for starting the clothes care process depending on the location of the spot cleaning device 100 may include: performing the clothes care process based on identifying that the spot cleaning device 100 is in a cabinet 310, 410 or 501 of the clothes care apparatus 20.
The performing of the clothes care process or providing of the interface for starting the clothes care process depending on the location of the spot cleaning device 100 may include: providing the interface for starting the clothes care process based on identifying that the spot cleaning device 100 is outside a cabinet 310, 410 or 501 of the clothes care apparatus 20.
The performing of the clothes care process or providing of the interface for starting the clothes care process depending on the location of the spot cleaning device 100 may further include: identifying, by the clothes care apparatus 20, a location of the spot cleaning device in response to receiving a user input to start a predetermined course that uses the spot cleaning device 100.
The clothes care method may further include: providing, by the clothes care apparatus 20, feedback to notify that the spot cleaning device is not detected in a cabinet 310, 410 or 501 of the clothes care apparatus 20, in response to identifying that a location of the spot cleaning device 100 is outside the cabinet 310, 410 or 501.
The clothes care method may further include: transmitting, by the clothes care apparatus 20, a start command of the washing process to the spot cleaning device 100, in response to identifying that a location of the spot cleaning device 100 is in the cabinet 310, 410 or 501 of the clothes care apparatus 20.
The clothes care method may further include: identifying, by the clothes care apparatus 20, an amount of garment to be treated by the clothes care apparatus 20 based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100, and determining a set value of the clothes care process based on the identified amount of garment.
The clothes care method may further include: performing, by the clothes care apparatus 20, a steam process during the washing process of the spot cleaning device 100.
The clothes care apparatus may include at least one of a clothes management apparatus 20a, a washing machine 20c, or a dryer 20b, and the clothes care process may include at least one of a drying process, a rinsing process, or a spin-drying process.
The performing the clothes care process or providing the interface for starting the clothes care process based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100 may include: by the clothes management apparatus 20a, performing, the drying process or providing an interface for starting the drying process, based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
The performing the clothes care process or providing the interface for starting the clothes care process based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100 may include: by the dryer 20b, performing a drying process without rotation of a drum 420 or providing an interface for starting the drying process without the rotation of the drum 420, based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
The performing the clothes care process or providing the interface for starting the clothes care process based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100 may include: providing, by the washing machine 20c, an interface for starting the rinsing process and the spin-drying process, based on receiving the end signal from the spot cleaning device 100.
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a spot cleaning kit 10 may include: a fixing plate 260; a frame 250 configured to be coupled to the fixing plate 260; a spot cleaning device 100 configured to be coupled to the frame 250; and a fixing portion 260a and 270a configured to fix the frame 250 to the fixing plate 260, wherein the spot cleaning device 100 may include: a moving device configured to move the spot cleaning device; a communication circuitry 190 configured to communicate with a clothes care apparatus 20; and a controller 180 configured to control the spot cleaning device 100 to perform a washing process for a garment fixed to the fixing plate 260 in response to receiving a start command of the washing process from the clothes care apparatus 20 through the communication circuitry 190 and control the communication circuitry 190 to transmit an end signal for notifying an end of the washing process to the clothes care apparatus 20 based on completion of the washing process.
The controller 180 may control the spot cleaning device 100 to be in close contact with a garment fixed to the fixing plate 260 based on a start of the washing process.
The controller 180 may control the spot cleaning device 100 to separate (be spaced apart) from the garment fixed to the fixing plate 260 based on completion of the washing process.
The spot cleaning device 100 may further include an input interface device 170a configured to receive a user input to start the washing process.
The disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program codes, and when executed by a processor, the instructions may create a program module to perform operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.
The computer-readable recording medium may include all kinds of recording media storing instructions that can be interpreted by a computer. For example, the computer-readable recording medium may be read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a magnetic disc, a flash memory, an optical data storage device, etc.
Also, the computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium, wherein the term ‘non-transitory storage medium’ simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, a ‘non-transitory storage medium’ may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.
According to an embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) online or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be stored at least semi-permanently or may be temporarily generated in a storage medium, such as a memory of a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a relay server.
Although disclosure has been shown and described in relation to specific embodiments, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2023-0112164 | Aug 2023 | KR | national |
| 10-2023-0142492 | Oct 2023 | KR | national |
This is a continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. § 111 (a), of International Application PCT/KR2024/006983, filed May 23, 2024, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2023-0112164, filed Aug. 25, 2023 and 10-2023-0142492, filed Oct. 23, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/KR2024/006983 | May 2024 | WO |
| Child | 18745120 | US |
