LAUNDRY TREATING APPARATUS

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0101606, filed on Aug. 3, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND
Field

The present disclosure relates to a laundry treating apparatus, and more particularly, to a laundry treating apparatus including an output part configured to output a screen.

Discussion of the Related Art

A laundry treating apparatus is an apparatus that performs laundry treatment courses in order to, for example, remove contaminants from clothes, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as laundry) introduced into a drum.

Such a laundry treating apparatus may perform procedures such as washing, rinsing, spin-drying, drying, etc. of laundry, and may be classified into a top-loading type and a front-loading type in accordance with a method of loading laundry in a drum.

The laundry treating apparatus may include a cabinet defining the external appearance thereof, a tub accommodated in the cabinet, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub and configured to receive laundry loaded therein, and a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the interior of the drum.

In the case of a laundry treating apparatus configured to wash laundry, a drum is rotated by a motor in a state in which water and detergent are supplied to laundry received in the drum, so that contaminants attached to the laundry may be removed by friction between the drum and the wash water.

A detergent supply device has a detergent supply function to enhance a washing effect. Here, the detergent is a material enhancing a washing effect, such as fabric detergent, fabric softener, fabric bleach, etc. Powder type detergent or liquid type detergent may be used as the detergent.

In the case of a laundry treating apparatus configured to dry laundry, dry air is supplied to laundry in order to remove moisture from the laundry.

The laundry treating apparatus may include a cabinet, a drum rotatably provided in the cabinet, and a heating device configured to heat or dry air to be supplied to laundry.

As dry air is supplied to laundry received in the drum, moisture present in the laundry may be evaporated and removed by the dry air, and thus the laundry may be dried.

A laundry treating apparatus may provide a user with various options for treatment courses that are performed for laundry treatment, such as washing or drying, and the user may be allowed to adjust the options.

For example, a washing option for adjustment of various conditions for a washing course, such as temperature of wash water, the number of rinses, and the number of times of spin-drying, and a drying option for adjustment of various conditions for a drying course, such as the amount of laundry and intensity of drying, may be provided.

A laundry treating apparatus may provide various means enabling a user to adjust the aforementioned options. Related Art Document KR 10-2023-0001307 A1 discloses an option display part configured to display adjustable course options for treatment courses so that a user is capable of selecting the course options.

However, the option display part disclosed in the above related art document includes a button provided separately from an output part. That is, this option display part is complex in design. Thus, the option display part may have limitations in design in a limited space in a control panel. Further, the greater the number of course options, the greater the number of items that the option display part needs to display, which may cause inconvenience to a user.

Meanwhile, there has been developed technology for displaying options through an output part so that the options are selectable, with an option display part, which is provided separately from the output part, eliminated.

In this case, the washing option for the washing course or the drying option for the drying course described above may be displayed on the output part, and the user may select and adjust one of the options through a screen.

However, even in this case, if the number of options is large, it may be difficult to effectively display all the options on the screen having a limited size, thus causing degradation in use convenience. Further, if options, which are classified in accordance with the characteristics thereof, such as functions, are displayed together with the washing option or the drying option, the user may experience inconvenience due to complicated option configuration.

Therefore, it is an important task in this technical field to conveniently provide a user with a plurality of options for laundry treatment courses by displaying the options on a screen such that the options are distinguished from one another in accordance with the number of options or the characteristics of the options, thereby improving use convenience on the screen having a limited size.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of conveniently providing a user with option information about laundry treatment courses through a screen of an output part.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of outputting an option display screen, on which options are displayed, at a pertinent timing, thereby improving use convenience.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of efficiently displaying a plurality of options on a screen having a limited size.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of displaying various types of options while effectively distinguishing the same from one another.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of efficiently displaying options in accordance with types of treatment courses.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an option display screen is output from an output part. A first option and a second option may be displayed on the option display screen. As an object to be displayed on the screen, the first option and the second option may be interchanged with each other through selection of an option switch item displayed on the option display screen.

A plurality of treatment courses for laundry treatment may include a 1-1^stcourse and a 1-2^ndcourse. In the 1-1^stcourse, which is a course in which only one of the first option and the second option is adjustable, the option switch item may not be displayed on the option display screen. In the 1-2^ndcourse, which is a course in which the first option and the second option are adjustable, the option switch item may be displayed on the option display screen.

A laundry treating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above includes a first cabinet, a first drum, an output part, and an input part. The first drum is rotatably provided in the first cabinet to receive laundry.

The output part is provided at the first cabinet to output a screen, and the input part is provided at the first cabinet to receive a user command for selection of an object to be displayed on the screen.

The output part may output an option display screen on which a first option or a second option for a laundry treatment course is displayed. An option switch item may be displayed on the option display screen so as to be selectable through the input part. When the option switch item is selected in a state in which the first option is displayed, the second option may be displayed in place of the first option on the option display screen.

The treatment course may be provided in plural, and the plurality of treatment courses may include a 1-1^stcourse and a 1-2^ndcourse. The option switch item may be displayed on the option display screen of the 1-1^stcourse. The option switch item may not be displayed on the option display screen of the 1-2^ndcourse.

In the 1-1^stcourse, each of the first option and the second option may be settable by a user. In the 1-2^ndcourse, one of the first option and the second option may be settable by the user, and the other thereof may not be settable.

A controller may be provided in the first cabinet to control the output part and to execute the treatment course. Each of the 1-1^stcourse and the 1-2^ndcourse may be stored in plural in the controller.

The controller may execute one of the plurality of 1-1^stcourses in a first mode, may execute one of the plurality of 1-2^ndcourses in a second mode, and may control the output part such that the option switch item is displayed on the option display screen output in the first mode among the first mode and the second mode and such that the option switch item is not displayed on the option display screen output in the second mode.

The treatment course may correspond to a washing/drying course configured to sequentially perform a laundry washing course and a laundry drying course, the first option may correspond to a washing option for setting of the washing course, and the second option may correspond to a drying option for setting of the drying course.

The first option may correspond to a rinsing option for setting of the number of times of rinsing laundry. The second option may correspond to a degree of drying option for setting of the extent to which laundry is dried.

A first tub may be provided in the first cabinet to receive water, and the first drum may be rotatably mounted in the first tub. A heating part may be provided in the first cabinet, and may supply heated air to the interior of the first drum.

The treatment course may be provided in plural, and the output part may output a course selection screen configured to display the plurality of treatment courses such that the plurality of treatment courses is selectable through the input part, and may output the option display screen of the treatment course when the treatment course is selected on the course selection screen through the input part.

A screen end item may be displayed on the option display screen so as to be selectable through the input part. When the screen end item is selected on the option display screen output in place of the course selection screen, the output part may output the course selection screen.

A course item representing the treatment course may be selectably displayed on the option display screen. When the course item is selected on the option display screen, the output part may output the course selection screen.

The treatment course may be provided in plural, and the plurality of treatment courses may include a plurality of 1-1^stcourses and a plurality of 1-2^ndcourses. The controller may be provided in the first cabinet. In a first mode, the controller may execute one of the plurality of 1-1^stcourses, and in a second mode, the controller may execute one of the plurality of 1-2^ndcourses.

The controller may control the output part such that the plurality of 1-1^stcourses is displayed on the course selection screen in the first mode and the plurality of 1-2^ndcourses is displayed on the course selection screen in the second mode.

A mode selection item for selectably displaying the first mode and the second mode may be selectably displayed on the course selection screen. The first option and the second option may be displayed on the option display screen so as to be selectable through the input part.

When the first option or the second option is selected on the option display screen, the output part may output an option setting screen on which a setting value of the first option or a setting value of the second option is changeable.

A plurality of option values of the first option or the second option may be displayed on the option setting screen so as to be selectable through the input part. When one of the plurality of option values is selected on the option setting screen, the output part may output the option display screen.

The first option and the second option may be displayed so as to be selectable on the option display screen output before execution of the treatment course, and the first option and the second option may be displayed so as not to be selectable on the option display screen output during execution of the treatment course.

The output part may output a course progress screen configured to display progress information of the treatment course during execution of the treatment course and to selectably display a course item representing the treatment course.

When the course item is selected on the course progress screen, the output part may output the option display screen configured to display the first option and the second option such that the first option and the second option are not selectable.

A screen end item may be displayed on the option display screen so as to be selectable through the input part, and when the screen end item is selected on the option display screen output during execution of the treatment course, the output part may output the course progress screen.

In a paused state of the treatment course, the first option and the second option may be selectably displayed on the option display screen.

The treatment course may be provided in plural, and a screen end item may be displayed on the option display screen so as to be selectable through the input part. When the screen end item is selected on the option display screen output in the paused state, the output part may output a course selection screen on which the plurality of treatment courses is selectably displayed.

The laundry treating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first treating apparatus including the first cabinet and the first drum and a second treating apparatus including a second cabinet and a second drum rotatably mounted in the second cabinet to receive laundry.

The first treating apparatus may execute a first course among treatment courses, and the second treating apparatus may execute a second course among the treatment courses. The output part may output a double-view screen configured to display progress information of the first course and progress information of the second course in a state in which the first course and the second course are being executed.

A course item representing the first course and a course item representing the second course may be displayed on the double-view screen, and when the course item representing the first course is selected, the output part may output the option display screen of the first course.

A screen end item may be displayed on the option display screen so as to be selectable through the input part. In a state in which the first course and the second course are being executed, when the screen end item is selected on the option display screen of the first course, the output part may output a course progress screen on which progress information of the first course is displayed.

A screen end item may be displayed on the option display screen so as to be selectable through the input part. In a state in which the first course is paused and the second course is being executed, when the screen end item is selected on the option display screen of the first course, the output part may output a course selection screen on which the first course is selectably displayed.

The option display screen may include an option display area configured to display the first option or the second option and a course item representing the treatment course. The option switch item may be configured such that a state in which the first option is displayed on the option display screen and a state in which the second option is displayed on the option display screen are different from each other.

The option switch item may include a first portion corresponding to the first option and a second portion corresponding to the second option, and the first portion and the second portion may be displayed in different brightness levels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first treating apparatus of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of the first treating apparatus of the laundry treating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a view schematically showing a communication relation of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a first treating apparatus and a second treating apparatus of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the first treating apparatus and the second treating apparatus of the laundry treating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the second treating apparatus of the laundry treating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of the second treating apparatus of the laundry treating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing a control relation of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a view showing a control panel of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a concept diagram showing an operation procedure of a laundry treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a view showing a start screen among screens output from an output part in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a view showing a course selection screen among the screens output from the output part in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a view showing a course progress screen among the screens output from the output part in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a view showing a process in which the screen from the output part is switched from the course selection screen to an option display screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a view showing a process in which an option setting screen is output through selection of an option on the option display screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a view showing a process in which a mode selection screen is output through a mode selection item on the course selection screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a view showing an option display screen on which options different for respective treatment courses are displayed in an embodiment of the present

FIG. 18 is a view showing a process in which options displayed on the option display screen are changed through an option switch item in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a view showing a process in which the screen from the output part is switched from a course progress screen to the option display screen in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a view showing a process in which the option display screen is output during pause of a laundry treatment course in an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 21 is a view showing a process in which a double-view screen, the option display screen, and the course selection screen are interchanged with one another in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, to make the description of the present disclosure thorough and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

However, the present disclosure is not limited to aspects disclosed herein and may be implemented in various different forms. In the drawings, in order to clearly describe the present disclosure, descriptions of elements which are not related to the present disclosure are omitted, and the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals even when they are depicted in different drawings.

In the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, redundant description of the same elements will be omitted.

When an element is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly connected to or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element, there may be no intervening elements present.

Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

As used herein, singular forms may be intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Further, in the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

Further, as used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, “A or B” may include “A”, “B” or “both A and B”.

FIG. 1 shows a laundry treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The laundry treating apparatus 1 of the present disclosure may be constituted by a single treating apparatus or may include a plurality of treating apparatuses including a first treating apparatus 10 and a second treating apparatus 20.

The laundry treating apparatus 1 may perform a treatment course C0 for laundry treatment. If the laundry treating apparatus 1 includes a plurality of treating apparatuses, the plurality of treating apparatuses may individually perform the treatment course C0.

The treatment course C0 treats laundry in various manners, including laundry washing, laundry drying, removal of wrinkles from laundry, etc. Laundry introduced into the treating apparatus may be treated through the treatment course C0, and may then be provided to the user.

A plurality of different treatment courses C0 may be determined in advance, and may be provided to be selected by the user. For example, the plurality of treatment courses C0 may include at least one of a washing course C11 for laundry washing, a drying course C12 for laundry drying, or a washing/drying course C13 in which laundry washing and laundry drying are sequentially performed.

The laundry treating apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a controller 70, and the plurality of treatment courses C0 may be pre-stored in the controller 70 and may be provided to the user.

The treatment course C0 may include at least one cycle. The treatment course C0 may be defined by including at least one of a water supply cycle, a detergent supply cycle, a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a drainage cycle, a spin-drying cycle, or a drying cycle.

The water supply cycle may be a cycle that supplies water to a tub into which laundry is introduced. The detergent supply cycle may be a cycle that supplies detergent to the tub. The washing cycle may be a cycle that rotates a drum in a state in which the detergent is supplied to the tub, thereby washing laundry. The rinsing cycle may be a cycle that rotates the drum in a state in which water is supplied to the tub and no detergent is supplied to the tub, thereby rinsing the laundry. The drainage cycle may be a cycle that discharges water in the tub to the outside of the tub. The spin-drying cycle may be a cycle that rotates the drum in a state in which no water is supplied to the tub, thereby separating water present in the laundry from the laundry. The drying cycle may be a cycle that supplies hot dry air to the interior of the drum or the tub, thereby removing moisture from the laundry.

The plurality of treatment courses C0 may be preset to be different from one another in terms of at least one cycle, and may then be stored in the controller 70. The user may select a desired one of the plurality of treatment courses C0 to enable execution of laundry treatment.

The first treating apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. That is, the laundry treating apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes only a single treating apparatus, i.e., the first treating apparatus 10, as one example of the present disclosure.

The first treating apparatus 10 includes a first cabinet 11. The first cabinet 11 may include a space defined therein, and may define the outer appearance of the first treating apparatus 10.

The first cabinet 11 may include a front panel, a rear panel, side panels, and a top panel. The plurality of panels may be coupled to one another to form the first cabinet 11. The first cabinet 11 may include a first laundry introduction port 18 formed in one surface thereof to allow the exterior and the interior of the first cabinet 11 to communicate with each other.

Although the first laundry introduction port 18 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as being formed in the front panel in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, the position of the first laundry introduction port 18 is not necessarily limited to the front panel.

A first door 19 may be coupled to the first cabinet 11 to selectively close the first laundry introduction port 18. For example, the first door 19 may be rotatably coupled to the front panel to close the first laundry introduction port 18 according to the rotational position thereof.

The embodiment of the present disclosure may include a control panel 100. The control panel 100 may include an input part 120 and an output part 110. However, the input part 120 and the output part 110 are not necessarily provided only to the control panel 100.

The user may check course setting information or course progress information from information output from the output part 110, and may manipulate the input part 120 to generate an input signal, thereby sending various commands to the controller 70 to, for example, change setting of a course. Detailed descriptions of the control panel 100 and the controller 70 will be given later.

FIG. 2 shows the interior of the first treating apparatus 10. Although the first treating apparatus 10 is illustrated in FIG. 2 as being implemented as a washing/drying machine capable of performing washing and drying, this is only for convenience of description, and the first treating apparatus 10 is not necessarily limited to the washing/drying machine.

A first tub 12 and a first drum 13 may be provided in the interior of the first treating apparatus 10 defined by the first cabinet 11. The first tub 12 may be provided in the interior of the first treating apparatus 10 in order to receive water.

The first tub 12 may include a first tub opening formed therein so as to face the first laundry introduction port 18. Accordingly, the user may open the first door 19 and then may load laundry through the first laundry introduction port 18, and the laundry may be received in the first tub 12 via the first laundry introduction port 18 and the first tub opening.

The first drum 13 may be rotatably provided in the first tub 12. An embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a first driving part 14, and the first drum 13 may be connected to the first driving part 14 to receive rotational force.

The first drum 13 may receive laundry therein. The first drum 13 may include a first drum opening formed therein so as to face the first tub opening. Accordingly, laundry loaded through the first laundry introduction port 18 by the user may be received in the first drum 13 via the first tub opening and the first drum opening.

An embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first water supply part 15. The first water supply part 15 may receive water from the outside in a manner of, for example, being connected to an external water source. The first water supply part 15 may include a water supply hose serving as a water flow path and a water supply valve configured to control the flow of water.

An embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first detergent supply part 16. The first detergent supply part 16 may store detergent, and may be configured to supply the detergent to the interior of the first tub 12 when the detergent is required for execution of the treatment course C0 for laundry treatment.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates a structure in which the first water supply part 15 and the first detergent supply part 16 are interconnected and water flowing along the first water supply part 15 is supplied to the interior of the first tub 12 together with the detergent via the first detergent supply part 16, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first water supply part 15 may be directly connected to the interior of the first tub 12.

An embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first drainage part 17. The first drainage part 17 may be connected to the first tub 12 in order to discharge water present in the first tub 12 to the outside of the first cabinet 11. The first drainage part 17 may include a drainage hose through which water flows and a drainage pump configured to force the water to flow.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the washing course C11 for laundry washing is performed, water and detergent may be supplied to the interior of the first tub 12 through the first water supply part 15 and the first detergent supply part 16, and laundry washing may be performed through rotation of the first drum 13 by the first driving part 14. The water and detergent in the first tub 12 may be discharged to the outside of the first cabinet 11 through the first drainage part 17, if necessary.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first treating apparatus 10 may include a heating part 30. The heating part 30 may be configured to dehumidify and heat air received from the interior of the first drum 13 and then to supply the dehumidified and heated air to the interior of the first drum 13, may be configured to heat air present outside the first cabinet 11 and then to supply the heated air to the interior of the first drum 13, or may be configured to heat air present in the first drum 13.

The first treating apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure does not need to necessarily include the first tub 12. If necessary, the first tub 12 may be omitted. That is, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to a washing machine. The embodiment of the present disclosure may be a drying machine not provided with a tub or may be a washing/drying machine capable of performing washing and drying.

If the embodiment of the present disclosure includes only the first treating apparatus 10, that is, is constituted by only one treating apparatus, the first treating apparatus 10 may be understood as the laundry treating apparatus 1 itself.

That is, the first cabinet 11, the first tub 12, and the first drum 13 of the first treating apparatus 10 may be referred to as a cabinet, a tub, and a drum constituting the laundry treating apparatus 1 of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 conceptually shows an information exchange scheme of the laundry treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first treating apparatus 10 may be configured to enable communication with the outside. In the first treating apparatus 10, a first communicator for communication may be provided to enable various types of communication, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. However, the first communicator is not necessarily provided in the first treating apparatus 10.

If the first treating apparatus 10 is provided with the first communicator, the first treating apparatus 10 may directly communicate with a terminal 3 of the user or may communicate with a communication medium 4 disposed outside the laundry treating apparatus 1. When the first treating apparatus 10 communicates with the communication medium 4, the first treating apparatus 10 may exchange information with a server 2 via the communication medium 4.

The terminal 3 of the user may be any one of various devices having a communication function. For example, the terminal 3 may be any one of various devices having a communication function, such as a mobile phone, a computer, or a tablet computer.

If necessary, the first treating apparatus 10 may exchange information with the terminal 3 through a process of communication with the terminal 3 or may exchange information with the server 2 through a process of communication with the communication medium 4.

Further, the terminal 3 may exchange information with the server 2, and the first treating apparatus 10 may exchange information with the server 2 via the communication medium 4 and, as such, may indirectly exchange information with the terminal 3.

The laundry treating apparatus 1, which includes the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown in FIG. 3. The first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 may be interconnected in a wired manner to achieve information exchange therebetween, or may achieve information exchange therebetween in a wireless manner, as shown in FIG. 3.

For example, the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 may be interconnected in a direct wireless communication manner such as a Bluetooth manner, may perform communication therebetween via the communication medium 4, or may be indirectly interconnected through information exchange with the server 2 via the communication medium 4. Disposition relation between the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 may be diverse.

FIG. 4 shows a laundry treating apparatus 1 having a structure in which a first treating apparatus 10 and a second treating apparatus 20 are stacked. Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the first treating apparatus 10 installed on the second treating apparatus 20.

The first treating apparatus 10 may include the first cabinet 11, the first tub 12, and the first drum 13 described above. The second treating apparatus 20 may include a second cabinet 21, a second tub 22, and a second drum 23 separately from the first treating apparatus 10.

The first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 may individually perform the treatment course C0 for laundry treatment in an independent or cooperative manner. For example, the first treating apparatus 10 may perform a first course C1 among the plurality of treatment courses C0 for laundry treatment, and the second treating apparatus 20 may perform a second course C2 among the plurality of treatment courses C0.

In the present disclosure, for convenience of description, the treatment course C0 performed in the first treating apparatus 10 may be referred to as the first course C1, and the treatment course C0 performed in the second treating apparatus 20 may be referred to as the second course C2. Each of the first course C1 and the second course C2 may be one of the washing course C11, the drying course C12, and the washing/drying course C13.

For example, the first treating apparatus 10 may be a washing machine capable of performing the washing course C11, and the second treating apparatus 20 may be a drying machine capable of performing the drying course C12. Alternatively, each of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 may be a washing machine capable of performing the washing course C11 or a drying machine capable of performing the drying course C12.

Alternatively, at least one of the first treating apparatus 10 or the second treating apparatus 20 may be a washing/drying machine capable of performing the washing course C11, the drying course C12, and the washing/drying course C13. For example, the first treating apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 4 may be a washing/drying machine, and the second treating apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 4 may be a washing machine.

If the first treating apparatus 10 or the second treating apparatus 20 is configured to be capable of performing the drying course C12, the above-described heating part may be included therein, and if the first treating apparatus 10 or the second treating apparatus 20 is configured to be capable of performing the washing course C11, the above-described detergent supply part and the above-described water supply part may be included therein.

Referring to FIG. 4, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, a control panel 100 may be provided in each of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 or may be provided in only one of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20.

That is, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 may include the control panel 100, and the other thereof may not include the control panel 100. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first treating apparatus 10 may include the control panel 100, and the second treating apparatus 20 may not include the control panel 100.

FIG. 5 shows the front appearance of the laundry treating apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 4. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first treating apparatus 10 may include the first cabinet 11, and the second treating apparatus 20 may include the second cabinet 21. However, if necessary, the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 may be provided in one integrated cabinet.

The first treating apparatus 10 may be disposed on the second treating apparatus 20. The first treating apparatus 10 may include the control panel 100, and the second treating apparatus 20 may not include a separate control panel 100.

The first treating apparatus 10 may include a first laundry introduction port 18 configured to allow laundry to be introduced therethrough, and the second treating apparatus 20 may include a second laundry introduction port 28 configured to allow laundry to be introduced therethrough. However, the first laundry introduction port 18 and the second laundry introduction port 28 may not be necessarily formed to be always exposed to the outside.

For example, in the laundry treating apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 5, the first laundry introduction port 18 may be formed in the front surface of the first treating apparatus 10, and, although not shown, the second laundry introduction port 28 may be formed in the upper surface of the second treating apparatus 20. A concrete structure of the second treating apparatus 20 will be described later.

In the first treating apparatus 10, the first laundry introduction port 18 and the first door 19 may be disposed on the front surface thereof so as to face the user. The control panel 100 may be disposed above the first door 19.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first treating apparatus 10 may have a greater volume than the second treating apparatus 20. That is, the first treating apparatus 10 may treat a larger amount of laundry than the second treating apparatus 20.

Thus, the first treating apparatus 10 may have a greater height than the second treating apparatus 20. The first drum 13 may have a greater volume than the second drum 23. The user may use a selected one of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 or may use both the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 in accordance with the amount of laundry to be treated.

FIG. 6 is a view showing the second treating apparatus 20 disposed under the first treating apparatus 10 in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

If the second treating apparatus 20 is disposed under the first treating apparatus 10, that is, if the second treating apparatus 20 is configured to support the weight of the first treating apparatus 10, the second treating apparatus 20 may be of a front-loading type, like the first treating apparatus 10. Alternatively, the second treating apparatus 20 may be of a top-loading type, and, in this case, an apparatus drawer 40 configured to be withdrawn forwardly from the second cabinet 21 may be included therein.

The second treating apparatus 20 including the apparatus drawer 40 configured to be inserted into or withdrawn from the second cabinet 21 is shown in FIG. 6. The second treating apparatus 20 may include the second cabinet 21, the apparatus drawer 40, the second tub 22, and the second drum 23.

A space in which the apparatus drawer 40 is accommodated may be defined in the second cabinet 21, and the second tub 22 and the second drum 23 may be provided in the apparatus drawer 40. The second laundry introduction port 28 through which laundry is introduced may be formed in the upper surface of the apparatus drawer 40.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of the second treating apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 6. Although the second treating apparatus 20 is illustrated in FIG. 7 as being implemented as a washing machine capable of performing washing, this is only for convenience of description, and the second treating apparatus 20 is not necessarily limited to a washing machine.

For example, the second treating apparatus 20 may be implemented as a drying machine not provided with the second tub 22 or may be implemented as a washing/drying machine including a heating part. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the second treating apparatus 20 will be described mainly in conjunction with the structure shown in FIG. 7, unless expressly stated otherwise.

The second treating apparatus 20 may include the second cabinet 21 and the apparatus drawer 40. The second cabinet 21 may be disposed under the first cabinet 11 to support the weight of the first cabinet 11. In addition, the apparatus drawer 40 may be moved backwardly to be received in the second cabinet 21, or may be moved forwardly to be withdrawn from the second cabinet 21.

The second cabinet 21 may include an opening formed in the front surface thereof to allow the apparatus drawer 40 to move therethrough. The second cabinet 21 may be a drawer type treating apparatus having a smaller length in a height direction than a length in a width direction.

The apparatus drawer 40 may be provided on the front surface thereof with a handle configured to be grasped by the user. The user may withdraw the apparatus drawer 40 received in the second cabinet 21 in a state of grasping the handle provided on the front surface of the apparatus drawer 40.

The second tub 22 and the second drum 23 may be provided in the apparatus drawer 40. At least portions of the second tub 22 and the second drum 23 may be withdrawn to the outside of the second cabinet 21 together with the apparatus drawer 40. The second tub 22 may be configured to receive water therein, and the second drum 23 may be rotatably mounted in the second tub 22 and may be configured to receive laundry introduced thereinto through the second laundry introduction port 28.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first treating apparatus 10 may be of a front-loading type, and the second treating apparatus 20 may be of a top-loading type. The first laundry introduction port 18 of the first treating apparatus 10 may be disposed on the front surface of the first cabinet 11, and the second laundry introduction port 28 of the second treating apparatus 20 may be disposed on the upper surface of the apparatus drawer 40.

The second door 29 may be provided on the upper surface of the apparatus drawer 40 in order to open and close the second laundry introduction port 28. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The second laundry introduction port 28 of the second treating apparatus 20 may also be disposed on the front surface of the second cabinet 21.

The second treating apparatus 20 may include a second driving part 24. The second driving part 24 may be fixed to the second tub 22, the second cabinet 21, or the apparatus drawer 40. The second driving part 24 may be connected to the second drum 23 to rotate the second drum 23.

The second treating apparatus 20 may include a second water supply part 25. The second water supply part 25 may be connected to the outside of the second cabinet 21 to receive water. The second water supply part 25 may be connected to the first treating apparatus 10 or an external water source to receive water.

The second treating apparatus 20 may include a second detergent supply part 26. The second detergent supply part 26 may be configured to supply detergent to the interior of the second tub 22 in order to enable execution of the treatment course C0 in the second treating apparatus 20.

The second detergent supply part 26 may store detergent, separately from the first detergent supply part 16, or may receive detergent from the first detergent supply part 16 and then may supply the received detergent to the second tub 22.

The second water supply part 25 may be directly connected to the second tub 22 to supply water to the interior of the second tub 22, or may be connected to the second detergent supply part 26 to supply water to the second detergent supply part 26, and, as such, the second detergent supply part 26 may supply both water and detergent to the interior of the second tub 22.

The second treating apparatus 20 may include a second drainage part 27, and the second drainage part 27 may be configured to discharge water in the second tub 22 to the outside of the second cabinet 21.

FIG. 8 is a concept diagram schematically showing a connection relation between the controller 70 and each of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 70 may be provided in single or in plural. For example, the controller 70 may be provided at only one of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20, or may be defined by including a first controller 70 provided at the first treating apparatus 10 and a second controller 70 provided at the second treating apparatus 20.

If necessary, the controller 70 may be provided in single or in plural even in the interior of one treating apparatus. For example, the controller 70 may be provided in plural, and the plurality of controllers 70 may be configured to control different power consumption devices, respectively.

For example, the controller 70 may be provided in plural, and the plurality of controllers 70 may include a driving controller 70 configured to control the driving part, a water supply controller 70 configured to control the water supply part, a drainage controller 70 configured to control the drainage part, and a panel controller 70 configured to control the control panel 100.

In addition, the controller 70 may be defined by a plurality of controllers distinguished from one another in terms of controlled processing.

For example, the controller 70 may include at least one of a storage part configured to store information, a processor configured to process information, or a communicator configured to perform communication in a wired or wireless manner.

That is, although the controller 70 may represent a single object in the present disclosure, the controller 70 may be understood as collectively representing a plurality of controllers not only in terms of structures, but also in terms of control functions, if necessary.

The controller 70 may control the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20. The controller 70 may be provided at one of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 or may be provided at each of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20.

The controller 70 may be directly or indirectly connected to the first drum 13 of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second drum 23 of the second treating apparatus 20 to perform the first course C1 while rotating the first drum 13 or to perform the second course C2 while rotating the second drum 23.

The controller 70 may be connected to the output part 110 provided at the control panel 100 to control a screen D1 output from the output part 110. A detailed description of the screen D1 output from the output part 110 will be given later.

FIG. 9 shows the control panel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The laundry treating apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the input part 120 and the output part 110, as described above. The input part 120 and the output part 110 may be provided at the control panel 100, without being limited thereto.

The output part 110 may output various types of information, such as audio information and visual information, so that the information is provided to the user. For example, the output part 110 may correspond to a speaker configured to output a sound for providing information, and may be a screen output device configured to output a screen DI for providing information to the user.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the output part 110 may output various screens D1. Various screens D1 to be output from the output part 110 may be previously stored in the controller 70. The controller 70 may control the output part 110 to vary the screen D1 output from the output part 110.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the screen D1 output from the output part 110 may include a first apparatus screen associated with the first treating apparatus 10 and a second apparatus screen associated with the second treating apparatus 20. In addition, the screen D1 may include a double-view screen D40 configured to display both information associated with the first treating apparatus 10 and information associated with the second treating apparatus 20.

A plurality of screens D1 output from the output part 110 may be distinguished from one another in accordance with information to be displayed. For example, the screen D1 may include a start screen D10 configured to provide booting information of the first treating apparatus 10 or the second treating apparatus 20, a course selection screen D20 configured to display a treatment course C0 executable in the first treating apparatus 10 or the second treating apparatus 20, an option display screen D200 configured to display option information of the treatment course C0, an option setting screen D250 configured to set one of a plurality of options for the treatment course C0, and a course progress screen D30 configured to display progress information of the treatment course C0 that is being executed in the first treating apparatus 10 or the second treating apparatus 20.

The plurality of screens D1 distinguished from one another in accordance with information to be displayed may be again distinguished in accordance with the treating apparatuses. For example, the course selection screen D20 may be divided into a first course selection screen configured to display the first course C1 of the first treating apparatus 10 and a second course selection screen configured to display the second course C2 of the second treating apparatus 20.

The course progress screen D30 may include a first course progress screen configured to display progress information of the first course C1 and a second course progress screen configured to display progress information of the second course C2.

The controller 70 may control the output part 110 to output one of the first apparatus screen associated with the first treating apparatus 10, the second apparatus screen associated with the second treating apparatus 20, and the double-view screen D40 configured to simultaneously display information about the first treating apparatus 10 and information about the second treating apparatus 20.

In addition, the controller 70 may control the output part 110 to output one of the plurality of screens D1, that is, one of the start screen D10, the course selection screen D20, and the course progress screen D30, in accordance with the power-on/off states of the treating apparatuses or the progress states of the respective treatment courses C0.

The input part 120 may be configured to receive a user command. For example, the input part 120 may generate an input signal in response to manipulation by the user, and the input signal may be transmitted to the controller 70, and may be converted into various user commands.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the output part 110 may display various items on the screen D1. The various items may be selectably displayed on the screen D1, and the input part 120 may receive a user command for selection of one of the items on the screen D1.

For example, the input part 120 may be provided at the output part 110 and may be configured to sense a touch signal of the user for the screen D1. That is, the input part 120 may correspond to a touch film or the like provided at a display to which the screen D1 is output from the output part 110.

An embodiment of the present disclosure may include a power button 130 and an execution button 140. As these buttons, various types of buttons, such as a mechanical button or a touch button, may be provided.

The power button 130 may be configured to power on or power off the first treating apparatus 10 and/or the second treating apparatus 20. The execution button 140 may be configured to enable the user to command execution or stop of the first course C1 of the first treating apparatus 10 and/or the second course C2 of the second treating apparatus 20.

The power button 130 and the execution button 140 may be provided for each of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20. However, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the power button 130 and the execution button 140 may be provided at only one of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20.

For example, if the power button 130 and the execution button 140 are provided at the first treating apparatus 10, another power button 130 and another execution button 140 may not be provided at the second treating apparatus 20. In addition, each of the power button 130 and the execution button 140 of the first treating apparatus 10 may be provided in single.

In this case, the single power button 130 may be used to change the power-on/off state of the second treating apparatus 20 as well as the power-on/off state of the first treating apparatus 10. The power button 130 may control electric power of one of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 selected by the user.

In addition, the single execution button 140 may be used to change execution/stop of the second course C2 as well as execution/stop of the first course C1. The execution button 140 may change execution/stop of the course of one of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 selected by the user.

In the laundry treating apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be no apparatus change button configured to enable interchange between the first apparatus screen associated with the first treating apparatus 10 and the second apparatus screen associated with the second treating apparatus 20 in the output part 110.

As will be described later, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user may select one of a mode associated with the first treating apparatus 10 and a mode associated with the second treating apparatus 20 displayed on the output part 110, thereby determining the treating apparatus to be displayed on the screen D1.

The output part 110 and/or the input part 120 may be provided at the front panel of the first cabinet 11 or the second cabinet 21. The front panel may be provided with the first laundry introduction port 18 or the second laundry introduction port 28 described above, and may be provided with the first door 19 or the second door 29.

In an example, if the output part 110 and/or the input part 120 is provided at the first treating apparatus 10, the output part 110 and/or the input part 120 may be disposed above the first door 19 on the front panel. The control panel 100 may extend substantially in the width direction of the first cabinet 11. However, the extension length of the control panel 100 may be less than the width of the first cabinet 11.

However, the position of the output part 110 and/or the input part 120 is not necessarily limited to the above-described condition. For example, the output part 110 and/or the input part 120 may be provided at the first door 19 in place of the front panel.

If the control panel 100 is provided at the first door 19, a substrate, an outer panel, the input part 120, and the output part 110, which constitute the control panel 100, may be provided at the first door 19.

If the output part 110 and/or the input part 120 is provided at the second treating apparatus 20, the output part 110 and/or the input part 120 may also be disposed at the front panel of the second cabinet 21 or the second door 29.

The power button 130, the execution button 140, and the output part 110 may be provided at the control panel 100. For example, the power button 130 and the execution button 140 may be disposed on opposite sides of the output part 110 including a display to output a screen, respectively.

The power button 130 may be disposed on one side of the output part 110, and the execution button 140 may be disposed on the other side of the output part 110. If the power button 130 and the execution button 140 are separately defined, the input part 120 may correspond to a touch film or the like provided at the display of the output part 110.

The power button 130, the execution button 140, and the output part 110 may be disposed inside the control panel 100 with respect to the periphery of the control panel 100, and the power button 130 and the execution button 140 may have colors identical or similar to the color of the control panel 100.

FIG. 10 conceptually shows an operation procedure of the laundry treating apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure and the screen D1 of the output part 110 according to the operation procedure.

First, when power is applied through the power button 130, the laundry treating apparatus 1 may perform a start procedure P1 of determining normal states of various components and performing preparation for execution of a course by the controller 70, and the output part 110 may output the start screen D10 configured to inform the user of the start procedure P1.

After the start procedure P1 is completed, the controller 70 may perform a course selection procedure P2. A plurality of treatment courses C0 for laundry treatment may be previously stored in the controller 70, and the user may select one of the plurality of treatment courses C0 in the course selection procedure P2.

In addition, in the course selection procedure P2, various options for a course may be adjusted by the user. The output part 110 may output an option display screen D200 configured to provide option information in the course selection procedure P2. In addition, the output part 110 may output an option setting screen D250 configured to vary a setting value of one of options of the course, which is an object D120 to be currently executed, in the course selection procedure P2.

In the course selection procedure P2, if the above-described execution button 140 is manipulated in a state in which one treatment course C0 is an object D120 to be executed, the controller 70 may perform a course progress procedure P3 of executing the treatment course C0.

In the course progress procedure P3, the controller 70 may execute the treatment course C0 with options determined through the course selection procedure P2, and the output part 110 may output the course progress screen D30 configured to represent the progress situation of the corresponding treatment course C0.

FIG. 11 shows the start screen D10 output from the output part 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The start screen D10 may include an image informing the user of application of power or may include all information for execution of the treatment course C0.

The screen D1 shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to a welcome screen informing of application of power to the laundry treating apparatus 1 among start screens D10. The welcome screen may be a screen output from the output part 110 in an initial stage of power application to the laundry treating apparatus 1. The welcome screen may include various phrases and images for giving a sense of closeness to the user or informing the user of power application.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the course selection screen D20. The title of the treatment course C0, which is the object D120 to be executed among the plurality of treatment courses C0, may be displayed on the course selection screen D20.

In detail, at least some of the plurality of treatment courses C0 may be displayed on the course selection screen D20. The course selection screen D20 may be displayed to enable the user to select course items D103 respectively corresponding to the plurality of treatment courses C0.

The user may select, as the object D120 to be executed, one of the plurality of treatment courses C0 displayed on the course selection screen D20 using a user command through the input part 120 described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of treatment courses C0 may be displayed on the course selection screen D20, and one thereof may be displayed as the object D120 to be executed while being centrally disposed and having a greater size than the remaining ones thereof.

The user may change the treatment course C0, selected as the object D120 to be executed, through a method of manipulating the input part 120, for example, inputting a touch signal causing the output part 110 to slide.

As described above, the course items D103 representing respective treatment courses C0 may be displayed on the course selection screen D20. Each course item D103 may have a peripheral line so as to be visually identified by the user.

In addition, each course item D103 may include a color or an image different from that of a remaining portion of the screen, except for the course item D103.

The course item D103 may include a course title D104 representing the title of the treatment course C0 corresponding thereto, and may include an estimated run time D105 representing a run time estimated when the corresponding treatment course C0 is executed.

When a user command, an input signal, or a touch signal for selection of the course item D103 is transmitted to the controller 70 through the input part 120, the controller 70 may control the output part 110 to output an option display screen D200 on which option information of the corresponding treatment course C0 is displayed.

The user may select the course item D103 to output the option display screen D200, and may select one of a plurality of options displayed on the option display screen D200 to change a setting value for the corresponding option.

A mode selection item D51, which is configured to output, to the screen D1, a plurality of modes selectable in the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20, may be displayed on the course selection screen D20.

In detail, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first treating apparatus 10 and/or the second treating apparatus 20 may operate in at least one mode. For example, the first treating apparatus 10 may operate in one of a washing mode M11 in which the washing course C11 for laundry washing is executed, a drying mode M12 in which the drying course C12 is executed, and a washing/drying mode M13 in which the washing/drying course C13 is executed. The second treating apparatus 20 may also operate in at least one mode.

The course selection screen D20 may display treatment courses C0 according to a currently-operating mode among the plurality of modes included in the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20. In an example, FIG. 12 shows a course selection screen D20 on which washing/drying courses C13 according to the washing/drying mode M13 are displayed as the washing/drying mode M13 of the first treating apparatus 10 is selected.

The mode selection item D51 may be displayed to include the title of a currently-operating mode. When the mode selection item D51 is selected, the controller 70 may control the output part 110 to output a mode selection screen D50 configured to display the plurality of modes, for selection thereof. A detailed description of the plurality of modes will be given later.

Only some of the plurality of treatment courses C0 set in the controller 70 may be displayed on the course selection screen D20, taking into consideration a limited size of the screen D1. In FIG. 12, the course selection screen D20, on which some of the washing/drying courses C13 according to the washing/drying mode M13 are displayed, is shown.

The user may change a treatment course C0 to be displayed on the course selection screen D20 through an input signal, for example, by sliding the screen D1.

However, when the number of treatment courses C0 stored in the controller 70 in association with a corresponding mode is large, it may be inconvenient for the user to identify the entirety of the plurality of treatment courses C0, for example, in a sliding manner.

Therefore, a course view item D101 configured to selectably output a greater number of treatment courses C0 than the number of treatment courses C0 displayable on the course selection screen D20 at one time may be displayed on the output part 110.

When the course view item D101 is selected by the user, the output part 110 may display, on the screen D1, a greater number of treatment courses C0 providable to the user than the number of treatment courses C0 displayed on the course selection screen D20 in accordance with the current mode.

For example, when the course view item D101 is selected, the output part 110 may selectably display all of a plurality of currently-providable treatment courses C0. When the number of treatment courses C0 is excessively large, the plurality of treatment courses C0 may be displayed on the screen D1 in the form of a plurality of pages.

A setting item D102 may be displayed on the course selection screen D20. When the setting item D102 is selected by the user, a setting screen for setting of the first treating apparatus 10 or the second treating apparatus 20 may be output.

An indicator D110 may be displayed on the course selection screen D20. The indicator D110 is a mark configured to represent the state of the first treating apparatus 10 or the second treating apparatus 20, and may be displayed in the form of a shape corresponding to information to be provided to the user.

The indicator D110 displayed on the screen D1 may be provided in plural to represent different pieces of information. For example, the plurality of indicators D110 may represent various types of information about the apparatus, such as communication state information and reservation status information.

The course progress screen D30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 13. If the above-described execution button 140 is manipulated in a state in which one treatment course C0 is displayed on the course selection screen D20 as an object D120 to be executed, or if the execution button 140 is manipulated on an option display screen D200 for one treatment course C0, the controller 70 may execute the corresponding treatment course C0, and the output part 110 may output the course progress screen D30 representing progress information of the corresponding treatment course C0.

The course progress screen D30 may include the mode selection item D51, the setting item D102, and the indicator D110 described above. In addition, the above-described course item D103 may be displayed on the course progress screen D30, and the course item D103 may include a course title D104 representing the title of the currently-executed treatment course C0, a remaining time D106 until completion of the currently-executed treatment course C0, a cycle explanation D107 for explaining a currently-executed cycle of the treatment course C0, and a time indicator D108 configured to represent an execution degree of the treatment course C0 executed until the present with respect to the whole execution of the treatment course C0.

The time indicator D108 may be displayed to enable the user to conveniently identify a remaining cycle or a remaining time by differently indicating a previously-executed cycle and a remaining cycle or a run time taken until the present and a remaining time on a specific line corresponding to the entirety of the treatment course C0.

Hereinafter, the option display screen D200 included in the screen D1 output from the output part 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

First, the laundry treating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the first treating apparatus 10 as described above, and the first treating apparatus 10 may include the first cabinet 11, the first drum 13, the output part 110, and the input part 120.

The first drum 13 is rotatably provided in the first cabinet 11 to receive laundry, the output part 110 is provided at the first cabinet 11 to output the screen D1, and the input part 120 is provided at the first cabinet 11 to receive a user command for selection of an object to be displayed on the screen D1.

In addition, the first treating apparatus 10 may include the tub and the heating part 30 described above. The tub may be provided in the cabinet to receive water, and the drum may be rotatably mounted in the tub. The heating part 30 may be provided in the cabinet, and may supply heated air to the interior of the drum.

FIG. 14 shows a process in which the option display screen D200 is output through the course selection screen D20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14(a) shows the course selection screen D20 on which course items D103 of the plurality of washing/drying courses C13 according to the washing/drying mode M13 are displayed, and FIG. 14(b) shows the option display screen D200 converted from the course selection screen D20 shown in FIG. 14(a).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the treatment course C0 for laundry treatment may be provided in plural. The output part 110 may output the course selection screen D20 on which the plurality of treatment courses C0 is displayed so as to be selectable through the input part 120.

When the treatment course C0 is selected on the course selection screen D20 through the input part 120, the output part 110 may output the option display screen D200 of the treatment course C0. A plurality of options may be displayed on the option display screen D200.

In detail, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of options adjustable by the user may be set for the treatment course C0. Options for adjustment of conditions for each cycle of the treatment course C0 may be provided so as to be adjustable by the user. For example, in the case of the washing course C11, options for adjustment of the amount of wash water, the number of rinses, or the number of times of spin-drying may be provided so as to be adjustable by the user.

In the case of the drying course C12, options for adjustment of the degree of drying or the amount of laundry may be provided. Options adjustable by the user for each course may be determined previously in the controller 70, and the controller 70 may control the output part 110 so that the options are displayed on the option display screen D200 so as to be selectable by the user.

The option display screen D200 may include the above-described mode selection item D51, and the mode selection item D51 may be displayed so as to represent the state of the current mode of the laundry treating apparatus 1. For example, the user may check, using the mode selection item D51, whether the current mode of the first treating apparatus 10 is the washing mode M11 or the drying mode M12. A detailed description of the mode selection item D51 will be given later.

The option display screen D200 may include the above-described course item D103. The user may check the course title D104 displayed in the course item D103 on the option display screen D200, thereby easily determining which course the options displayed on the current option display screen D200 belong to.

The course item D103 may be displayed so as to be selectable by the user. When the course item D103 is selected on the option display screen D200, the output part 110 may output a screen before the option display screen D200 is output.

A screen end item D53 may be included in the option display screen D200. The screen end item D53 may be displayed on the screen in various forms. The form of the screen end item D53 may be different for each screen. FIG. 14(b) shows, as an example of the present disclosure, the screen end item D53 that includes an X-shape in order to represent end of the option display screen D200.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the course item D103 may be displayed on the option display screen D200 so as to be selectable by the user, and when the user selects the course item D103, the output part 110 may output the course selection screen D20.

In addition, the screen end item D53 may be displayed on the option display screen D200 so as to be selectable by the user.

When the screen end item D53 on the option display screen D200 is input, the output part 110 may output a screen before the option display screen D200.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the screen end item D53 is selected, the output part 110 may again output a screen immediately before the option display screen D200 is displayed, e.g., the course selection screen D20.

Thus, the user may input the course item D103 and/or the screen end item D53 in order to return to a screen immediately before the option display screen D200.

Options set previously in the controller 70 so as to be adjustable for a corresponding treatment course C0 may be displayed on the option display screen D200. An option display area D201 in which the options are displayed may be defined on the option display screen D200.

FIG. 15 shows a process in which the option setting screen D250 is output from the option display screen D200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15(a) shows the option display screen D200 on which a plurality of options is selectably displayed, and FIG. 15(b) shows the option setting screen D250 output through selection of one of the options shown in FIG. 15(a).

Referring to FIG. 15, a plurality of options may be displayed on the option display screen D200 in a selectable state T1 in which each of the plurality of options is selectable. However, in some cases, some or all of the plurality of options may be displayed in a non-selectable state T2 in which the options are not selectable by the user. A detailed description of display of the option in the non-selectable state T2 will be given later.

The option display screen D200 may include an option switch item D210. The option switch item D210 may be a means configured to display a plurality of divided options on the screen. For example, among a plurality of options, a first option D202 belonging to one group may be displayed on the option display screen D200. When the option switch item D210 is selected by the user, a second option D203 other than the first option D202 among the plurality of options may be displayed.

The first option D202 and the second option D203, which are interchanged with each other by the option switch item D210, may be displayed in the option display area D201 so as to be selectable through the input part 120.

When the first option D202 or the second option D203 is selected on the option display screen D200, the output part 110 may output an option setting screen D250 configured to vary a setting value of the first option D202 or the second option D203.

That is, when one of the options displayed in the selectable state T1 on the option display screen D200 is selected, the controller 70 may control the output part 110 to output an option setting screen D250 corresponding to the selected option.

Option values D251 for the selected option may be selectably displayed on the option setting screen D250. For example, when the first option D202 or the second option D203 is selected on the option display screen D200, a plurality of option values D251 for the first option D202 or the second option D203 may be displayed on the option setting screen D250 so as to be selectable through the input part 120.

Option values D251 for one option may be stored previously in the controller 70. In detail, each of the plurality of options may be set previously in the controller 70 so as to include a plurality of option values D251, and one of the plurality of option values D251 may be determined to be a setting value.

In the present disclosure, a setting value of an option may be one of a plurality of option values D251 for the corresponding option, and the treatment course C0 may be executed so as to fulfill conditions according to the setting value for the corresponding option.

For example, in relation to options for the washing course C11, one of a plurality of option values D251 corresponding to the number of rinses, e.g., one, two, and three, may be determined to be a setting value for the number of rinses option. The controller 70 may execute the washing course C11 so that the rinsing cycle is performed the number of times determined to be the setting value for the number of rinses option.

When options are displayed on the option display screen D200, setting values for the respective options may also be displayed. As one example of the present disclosure, FIG. 15(a) shows a state in which the setting value for the number of rinses option for a standard course executed in the washing/drying mode M13 is displayed as being “twice”.

The user may change the setting value for a certain option through the option setting screen D250. A plurality of option values D251 for the option selected on the option display screen D200 may be displayed on the option setting screen D250. In this case, the plurality of option values D251 may be displayed such that the current setting value and the remaining setting values are distinguished from one another.

FIG. 15(b) shows a state in which the option value D251 corresponding to the current setting value and the remaining option values have different brightness levels. However, distinguishment between the option value corresponding to the current setting value and the remaining option values is not necessarily limited to the above condition. A separate item indicating the option value corresponding to the current setting value may be displayed, or the option value corresponding to the current setting value and the remaining option values may be displayed in different colors.

The user may select one of the plurality of option values D251 on the option setting screen D250 to determine the setting value for the corresponding option. The controller 70 may set the option value D251 selected by the user on the option setting screen D250 to the setting value for the corresponding option.

When one of the plurality of option values D251 is selected on the option setting screen D250, the output part 110 may output the option display screen D200. That is, when one option value D251 is selected by the user on the option setting screen D250, output through conversion from the option display screen D200, the screen D1 of the output part 110 may be switched to the option display screen D200.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when one of the option values D251 displayed on the option setting screen D250 is selected, the output part 110 may again output the screen D1 immediately before the option setting screen D250 is output.

In addition, the option setting screen D250 may include the screen end item D53. When the screen end item D53 is selected, the output part 110 may again output the screen D1 immediately before the option setting screen D250 is output.

If the user does not wish to change the setting value of the corresponding option, the user may select the option value D251 displayed as the current setting value or may select the screen end item D53 to terminate output of the option setting screen D250. FIG. 15(b) shows the option setting screen D250 on which the screen end item D53 including an arrow shape is displayed.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user may conveniently check setting values of various options for a corresponding treatment course C0 through the option display screen D200 without the necessity to manipulate a separate button.

In addition, the user may select one of options on the option display screen D200, thereby conveniently changing a setting value of the corresponding option through the option setting screen D250. For reference, the above-described indicator D110 may be continuously displayed on the option display screen D200 and the option setting screen D250.

FIG. 16 shows a process in which the mode selection screen D50 is output from the course selection screen D20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16(a) shows the course selection screen D20 on which the above-described mode selection item D51 is displayed, and FIG. 16(b) shows the mode selection screen D50 output through selection of the mode selection item D51.

In detail, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first treating apparatus 10 may operate in one of the plurality of modes. For example, the controller 70 may control the first treating apparatus 10 in accordance with one of the plurality of preset modes.

The controller 70 may be configured to execute different treatment courses C0 in a plurality of modes. For example, the first treating apparatus 10 may operate in one mode among the washing mode M11, the drying mode M12, and the washing/drying mode M13. In the washing mode M11, the washing courses C11 among the plurality of treatment courses C0 may be displayed on the course selection screen D20. In the drying mode M12, the drying courses C12 may be displayed on the course selection screen D20. In the washing/drying mode M13, the washing/drying courses C13 may be displayed on the course selection screen D20.

The user may select the mode selection item D51 on the course selection screen D20 to change the mode that is currently being executed by the controller 70. For example, the first treating apparatus 10 may operate in one of a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode, and the mode selection item D51 for selectably displaying the first mode and the second mode may be selectably displayed on the course selection screen D20.

The user may select his/her desired mode from among the plurality of modes output through selection of the mode selection item D51 on the course selection screen D20, thereby easily changing the mode that is currently being executed by the first treating apparatus 10 or the controller 70.

The plurality of modes displayed through selection of the mode selection item D51 may be displayed in various forms. For example, the plurality of modes may be displayed on the screen D1 while including phrases representing the respective modes, e.g., the titles of the modes.

The mode selection item D51 may be displayed while including the title or shape of the selected mode that is currently being executed. The user may easily identify the currently-executed mode through the title represented by the mode selection item D51 on the course selection screen D20 or the like.

Referring to FIG. 16(b), in an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the mode selection item D51 is selected by a user command, the output part 110 may output the mode selection screen D50. The plurality of modes may be selectably displayed on the mode selection screen D50.

The mode selection screen D50 may be output in place of the immediately previous screen D1, e.g., the course selection screen D20, or may be output so as to be overlaid on the immediately previous screen D1. The mode selection screen D50 may be overlaid on the immediately previous screen D1 such that the immediately previous screen D1 is visible to the user. In this case, the user may identify the immediately previous screen D1, which is visible to the user through the mode selection screen D50.

If the laundry treating apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes the second treating apparatus 20 as well as the first treating apparatus 10, not only the plurality of modes selectable in the first treating apparatus 10 but also the second treating apparatus 20 may be selectably displayed on the mode selection screen D50.

The second treating apparatus 20 displayed on the screen may be understood as an item corresponding to the second treating apparatus 20, rather than directly referring to the second treating apparatus 20 in the structural concept. That is, when the item representing the second treating apparatus 20 is selected on the mode selection screen D50, control of the second treating apparatus 20 may be performed, and the output part 110 may output a screen for the second treating apparatus 20.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the item displayed corresponding to the second treating apparatus 20 on the screen D1 will be referred to as the second treating apparatus 20.

A pre-selection marker D52, which indicates a mode that is currently being executed by the controller 70, e.g., a mode associated with the screen D1 output from the output part 110, may be displayed on the mode selection screen D50.

In addition, a screen end item D53 for end of the mode selection screen D50 and return to the immediately previous screen D1 may be included. When the user does not wish to change the mode, the user may select the screen end item D53 so that the immediately previous screen D1 is output again.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the treatment course C0 may be provided in plural, and the plurality of treatment courses C0 may include a plurality of 1-1^stcourses and a plurality of 1-2^ndcourses. The controller 70 may execute one of the plurality of 1-1^stcourses in the first mode, and may execute one of the plurality of 1-2^ndcourses in the second mode.

The controller 70 may control the output part 110 such that the plurality of 1-1^stcourses is displayed on the course selection screen D20 in the first mode and the plurality of 1-2^ndcourses is displayed on the course selection screen D20 in the second mode.

For example, the first mode may be the washing/drying mode M13 of the first treating apparatus 10, and the second mode may be the washing mode M11 or the drying mode M12 of the first treating apparatus 10. The 1-1^stcourse may be the washing/drying course C13 among the first courses C1 of the first treating apparatus 10, and the 1-2^ndcourse may be the washing course C11 or the drying course C12.

In the first mode corresponding to the washing/drying mode M13, the 1-1^stcourse corresponding to the washing/drying course C13 may be selectably displayed on the course selection screen D20. In the second mode corresponding to the washing mode M11, the 1-2^ndcourse corresponding to the washing course C11 may be selectably displayed on the course selection screen D20.

A plurality of 1-1^stcourses and a plurality of 1-2^ndcourses may be stored in the controller 70. The controller 70 may execute one of the plurality of 1-1^stcourses selected through the course selection screen D20 in the first mode, and may execute one of the plurality of 1-2^ndcourses selected through the course selection screen D20 in the second mode.

FIG. 17 shows the option display screen D200 output in each of the plurality of modes executable in the first treating apparatus 10. FIG. 17(a) shows the option display screen D200 for a certain washing course C11 according to the washing mode M11, FIG. 17(b) shows the option display screen D200 for a certain drying course C12 according to the drying mode M12, and FIG. 17(c) shows the option display screen D200 for a certain washing/drying course C13 according to the washing/drying mode M13.

The above-described mode selection item D51 may be displayed on the option display screen D200, and the user may easily identify the currently-executed mode through the phrase or the symbol representing the mode selection item D51.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of treatment courses C0 may include different settable or adjustable options. For example, the laundry treatment course C0 may be provided in plural, and may include a 1-1^stcourse and a 1-2^ndcourse. In the 1-1^stcourse, only the first option D202 among the plurality of options may be adjustable, and in the 1-2^ndcourse, only the second option D203, which differs from the first option D202, may be adjustable.

That is, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, among the plurality of options, only the first options D202 may be displayed on the option display screen D200, or only the second options D203 may be displayed on the option display screen D200. The types of options displayed on the option display screen D200 may be varied depending on the treatment courses C0 corresponding thereto.

For example, the first option D202 may correspond to the washing option. For example, the first option D202 may correspond to the rinsing option for setting of the number of times of rinsing laundry. The treatment course C0 displaying the first option D202 may be the washing course C11 or the washing/drying course C13.

The second option D203 may correspond to the drying option. The second option D203 may correspond to the degree of drying option for setting of the extent to which laundry is dried. The treatment course C0 displaying the second option D203 may be the drying course C12 or the washing/drying course C13.

Alternatively, in the 1-1^stcourse, both the first option D202 and the second option D203 may be settable by the user, and in the 1-2^ndcourse, only the first option D202 or only the second option S203 may be settable by the user. That is, in the 1-1^stcourse, each of the first option D202 and the second option D203 may be settable by the user, and in the 1-2^ndcourse, one of the first option D202 and the second option D203 may be settable by the user, and the other thereof may be unsettable.

In detail, both the first option D202 and the second option D203 may be displayed on the option display screen D200 for at least some of the plurality of courses. That is, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, both the first option D202 and the second option D203 may be displayed on the option display screen D200 according to the treatment course C0.

The 1-1^stcourse may correspond to the washing/drying course C13 in which the laundry washing course and the laundry drying course are sequentially executed. The first option D202 may correspond to the washing option for setting of the washing course, and the second option D203 may correspond to the drying option for setting of the drying course.

As shown in FIG. 17(c), in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the option display screen D200 may include an option switch item D210. The option switch item D210 may be displayed so as to be selectable by the user. When the user selects the option switch item D210, the option displayed on the option display screen D200 may be changed to another option.

In detail, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of options settable for the treatment course C0 may be diverse. If the number of options is large, all of the plurality of options may not be displayed due to the limited size of the option display area D201.

Accordingly, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, only some of the plurality of options may be displayed in the option display area D201 on the option display screen D200, and the options displayed in the option display area D201 may be varied through selection of the option switch item D210. In this way, all of the plurality of options may be effectively displayed in the option display area D201 having a limited size.

Options having a correspondence relationship therebetween through the option switch item D210 may be grouped in various manners. For example, the number of options displayable in the option display area D201 at one time may be determined previously. After the predetermined number of options among the plurality of options is displayed in the option display area D201, if the option switch item D210 is selected, options not displayed until the present may be displayed.

Alternatively, the plurality of options may be divided in accordance with the characteristics thereof, and may be selectively displayed through the option switch item D210. For example, the plurality of options may be divided into first options D202 having first characteristics and second options D203 having second characteristics, and the first options D202 and the second options D203 may be alternately displayed.

For example, the first option D202 may correspond to the washing option, and the second option D203 may correspond to the drying option. On the option display screen D200 according to the washing/drying course C13, only one of the first option D202 and the second option D203 may be displayed in the option display area D201, and the other thereof may be displayed in the option display area D201 through selection of the option switch item D210.

As such, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of options may be divided in various manners to be displayed on the option display screen D200, and options to be displayed on the option display screen D200 may be conveniently changed through the option switch item D210.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an option display screen D200 for some of the plurality of treatment courses C0 may include the option switch item D210, and an option display screen D200 for the remaining ones of the plurality of treatment courses C0 may not include the option switch item D210.

For example, the option switch item D210 may be displayed on the option display screen D200 for the 1-1^stcourse among the plurality of treatment courses C0, and the option switch item D210 may not be displayed on the option display screen D200 for the 1-2^ndcourse among the plurality of treatment courses C0.

In detail, some of the plurality of treatment courses C0 may include many adjustable options or various types of options, and thus may need the option switch item D210. However, the number of adjustable options included in the remaining ones of the plurality of treatment courses C0 may be small, and thus all of the options may be displayed in the option display area D201 at one time, or only the same type of options may be settable. Thus, the option switch item D210 may not be needed.

Accordingly, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the option switch item D210 may be displayed only on the option display screen D200 for a specific treatment course C0.

The 1-1^stcourse and the 1-2^ndcourse described above may be associated with the aforementioned operation mode M1. For example, the controller 70 may control the output part 110 such that the option switch item D210 is displayed on the option display screen D200 output in the first mode among the aforementioned first and second modes and such that the option switch item D201 is not displayed on the option display screen D200 output in the second mode.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first mode may be the washing/drying mode M13, and the second mode may be the washing mode M11 or the drying mode M12. The 1-1^stcourse may be the washing/drying course C13, and the 1-2^ndcourse may be the washing course C11 or the drying course C12.

In detail, referring to FIG. 17(c), the washing/drying course C13 may be executed so as to include both the washing cycle corresponding to the washing course C11 and the drying cycle corresponding to the drying course C12, and thus both the washing option and the drying option may be adjusted.

In this case, only one of the washing option and the drying option may be displayed on the option display screen D200, and when the option switch item D210 is selected, the object displayed in the option display area D201 may be changed.

Referring to FIG. 17(a) or 17(b), the washing course C11 or the drying course C12 may be set in relation to only one of the washing option and the drying option. In this case, the washing option may be the first option D202, and the drying option may be the second option D203.

Accordingly, in the washing course C11, only the first option D202 corresponding to the washing option may be displayed on the option display screen D200, and in the drying course C12, only the second option D203 corresponding to the drying option may be displayed on the option display screen D200. In addition, the option switch item D210 may not be displayed on the option display screens D200 for the washing course C11 and the drying course C12.

For convenience of description, distinguishment between the first mode and the second mode, between the 1-1^stcourse and the 1-2^ndcourse, and between the first option D202 and the second option D203 has been described mainly in conjunction with difference between washing, drying, and washing/drying. However, the distinguishment is not necessarily defined based on the above criterion, and may be defined in various manners as needed.

FIG. 18 shows a process in which the options displayed on the option display screen D200 are changed through the option switch item D210 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the output part 110 may output the option display screen D200 on which the first option D202 or the second option D203 for the laundry treatment course C0 is displayed, and the option switch item D210 may be displayed on the option display screen D200 so as to be selectable through the input part 120.

When the option switch item D210 is selected in a state in which the first option D202 is displayed on the option display screen D200 as shown in FIG. 18(a), the second option D203 may be displayed in place of the first option D202 as shown in FIG. 18(b).

The first options D202 and the second options D203 may be determined to be completely or partially different from each other. FIG. 18 shows the option display screen D200 for the washing/drying course C13 as an embodiment of the present disclosure, and shows a process in which the drying options corresponding to the second option D203 are displayed when the option switch item D210 is selected in a state in which the washing options corresponding to the first option D202 are displayed.

The option switch item D210 may include a phrase or a symbol representing the first option D202 and a phrase or a symbol representing the second option D203. In addition, the option switch item D210 may include a symbol by which the phrase or the symbol representing the first option D202 and the phrase or the symbol representing the second option D203 are distinguished from each other.

As shown in FIG. 18, the option switch item D210 may include a first portion D212 representing the first option D202, a second portion D213 representing the second option D203, and a portion partition bar D211 for distinguishment between the first portion D212 and the second portion D213.

The option switch item D210 may be displayed to enable the user to easily identify the current option displayed on the option display screen D200. For example, in the option switch item D210, the first portion D212 and the second portion D213 may be displayed in different colors or different brightness levels.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 18(a), the first option D202 may be displayed on the option display screen D200, and the first portion D212 corresponding to the first option D202 may be displayed to be brighter than the second portion D213.

As shown in FIG. 18(b), the second option D203 may be displayed on the option display screen D200, and the second portion D213 corresponding to the second option D203 may be displayed to be brighter than the first portion D212.

Like the washing/drying course C13, when both the washing option and the drying option need to be set, an embodiment of the present disclosure may display only one of the washing option and the drying option on the option display screen D200, and may change the object displayed on the option display screen D200 when the option switch item D210 is selected. Accordingly, a plurality of options may be efficiently displayed on the screen D1 having a limited size, and may be displayed in a state of being divided in accordance with the characteristics thereof. As a result, use convenience may be greatly improved.

FIG. 19 shows a process in which the option display screen D200 is output from the course progress screen D30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19(a) shows the course progress screen D30 representing that the washing/drying course C13 is in progress, and FIG. 19(b) shows the option display screen D200 output during progress of the washing/drying course C13.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the output part 110 may output the course progress screen D30 on which progress information of the treatment course C0 is displayed during execution of the treatment course C0 and the course item D103 representing the treatment course C0 is selectably displayed.

A cycle explanation D107 representing a cycle that is currently being executed according to the treatment course C0 may be displayed in the course item D103 on the course progress screen D30. When the course item D103 is selected on the course progress screen D30, the option display screen D200, on which the first option D202 and the second option D203 are displayed so as not to be selectable, may be output.

In detail, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, even while the treatment course C0 is being executed, when the course item D103 on the course progress screen D30 is selected, the option display screen D200 may be output, and the user may check option information of the corresponding treatment course C0 through the option display screen D200. During progress of the treatment course C0, the course item D103 of the option display screen D200 may also include the cycle explanation D107.

However, since the treatment course C0 is already in progress, changes of options may be impossible in principle. Thus, options on the option display screen D200 output during progress of the treatment course C0 may be displayed in the non-selectable state T2.

That is, the first option D202 and the second option D203 may be displayed so as to be selectable on the option display screen D200 output before execution of the treatment course C0, and may be displayed so as not to be selectable on the option display screen D200 output during execution of the treatment course C0.

Items selectably displayed on the screen D1 output form the output part 110 may be separately displayed in the selectable state T1 and the non-selectable state T2. Items in the selectable state T1 and items in the non-selectable state T2 may be distinguished from each other based on brightness difference, color difference, shape difference, or the like therebetween.

However, even when the treatment course C0 is in progress, the option switch item D210 displayed on the option display screen D200 may be displayed in the selectable state T1. Accordingly, the user may conveniently identify information on the first option D202 and information on the second option D203.

When the screen end item D53 or the course item D103 is selected on the option display screen D200 output during execution of the treatment course C0, the output part 110 may again output the course progress screen D30.

FIG. 20 shows a process in which the option display screen D200 is output during pause of the treatment course C0 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20(a) shows the course progress screen D30 output during progress of the treatment course C0, FIG. 20(b) shows the course selection screen D20 output during pause of the treatment course C0, and FIG. 20(c) shows the option display screen D200 output during pause of the treatment course C0.

Referring to FIG. 20, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the treatment course C0 that is currently in progress may be paused through manipulation of the execution button 140. That is, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the execution button 140 may serve as a means for commanding execution before progress of the treatment course C0, and may serve as a means for commanding pause during progress of the treatment course C0.

As described above, during progress of the treatment course C0, the output part 110 may output the course progress screen D30 representing information on the treatment course C0. However, when the treatment course C0 is paused through manipulation of the execution button 140 during output of the course progress screen D30, the output part 110 may output the course selection screen D20 representing a plurality of treatment courses C0 according to the corresponding operation mode M1.

On the course selection screen D20 output during pause of the treatment course C0, the course item D103 representing the currently-paused treatment course C0 may be displayed as an object D120 to be executed, and the course item D103 may include a cycle explanation D107 indicating that the treatment course C0 is in a paused state.

In addition, course items D103 representing treatment courses C0 other than the treatment course C0 in the paused state may also be displayed on the course selection screen D20 on which the course item D103 representing the paused treatment course C0 is displayed as an object D120 to be executed.

If the user inputs a user command on the course selection screen D20 output during pause of the treatment course C0 to display a course item D103 of another treatment course C0 as an object D120 to be executed, for example, slides the screen D1 to place another treatment course C0 at a position corresponding to the object D120 to be executed, the paused treatment course C0 may be completely canceled.

The user may select the course item D103 representing the treatment course C0 in the paused state on the course selection screen D20 to output the option display screen D200. A plurality of options may be displayed in the selectable state T1 on the option display screen D200. That is, in the paused state of the treatment course C0, the first option D202 and the second option D203 may be selectably displayed on the option display screen D200.

On the option display screen D200 output during execution of the treatment course C0, the options may be displayed in the non-selectable state T2. On the option display screen D200 output during pause of the treatment course C0, the options may be displayed in the selectable state T1.

Further, the user may manipulate the execution button 140 on the option display screen D200 output during execution of the treatment course C0 to pause the treatment course C0, and the plurality of options on the option display screen D200 may be displayed in the selectable state T1 from the non-selectable state T2.

In addition, when the screen end item D53 is selected through the input part 120 on the option display screen D200, the output part 110 may again output the course selection screen D20 on which the plurality of treatment courses C0 is selectably displayed.

FIG. 21 shows a process in which the double-view screen D40, the option display screen D200, and the course selection screen D20 are interchanged with one another according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21(a) shows the double-view screen D40 output in a state in which each of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 executes the treatment course C0, and FIG. 21(b) shows the option display screen D200 output during execution of the first treatment course C0 and the second treatment course C0.

FIG. 21(c) shows the option display screen D200 output in a state in which the first course C1 of the first treating apparatus 10 is paused and the second course C2 of the second treating apparatus 20 is being executed, and FIG. 21(d) shows a first course selection screen output in a state in which the first course C1 of the first treating apparatus 10 is paused and the second course C2 of the second treating apparatus 20 is being executed.

Referring to FIG. 21, as described above, the laundry treating apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the second treating apparatus 20 as well as the first treating apparatus 10. The first treating apparatus 10 may include the first cabinet 11 and the first drum 13.

The second treating apparatus 20 may include a second cabinet 21 and a second drum 23 rotatably mounted in the second cabinet 21 to receive laundry. However, the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 may be defined in a single cabinet. For example, the first cabinet 11 and the second cabinet 21 may be replaced by one integrated cabinet.

The first treating apparatus 10 may execute a first course C1 among the treatment courses C0, the second treating apparatus 20 may execute a second course C2 among the treatment courses C0, and the output part 110 may output a double-view screen D40 on which progress information of the first course C1 and progress information of the second course C2 are displayed in a state in which the first course C1 and the second course C2 are being executed.

The double-view screen D40 may be output when each of the first treating apparatus 10 and the second treating apparatus 20 executes the treatment course C0. After commanding execution of the first course C1 through the first course selection screen of the first treating apparatus 10, the user may select the second treating apparatus 20 through the mode selection item D51 on the first course progress screen on which progress information of the first course C1 is displayed, and may command execution of the second course C2 through the second course selection screen. In this way, the user may command simultaneous execution of the first course C1 and the second course C2.

The double-view screen D40 may include a first area D41 in which information on the first course C1 of the first treating apparatus 10 is displayed and a second area D42 in which information on the second course C2 of the second treating apparatus 20 is displayed. The double-view screen D40 may include a partition bar for distinguishment between the first area D41 and the second area D42.

The mode selection item D51 representing the operation mode M1 of the first treating apparatus 10 and the course item D103 representing the first course C1 may be displayed in the first area D41. The mode selection item D51 representing the second treating apparatus 20 and the course item D103 representing the second course C2 may be displayed in the second area D42.

In addition, a first setting item D1021 configured to output a setting screen of the first treating apparatus 10 may be displayed in the first area D41, and a second setting item D1022 configured to output a setting screen of the second treating apparatus 20 may be displayed in the second area D42.

The indicator D110 may be displayed in each of the first area D41 and the second area D42 or may be displayed in only one of the first area D41 and the second area D42.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the course item D103 representing the first course C1 and the course item D103 representing the second course C2 may be displayed on the double-view screen D40, and when the course item D103 representing the first course C1 is selected, the output part 110 may output the option display screen D200 of the first course C1. That is, the first option display screen may be output.

Similarly, when the course item D103 representing the second course C2 is selected on the double-view screen D40, the option display screen D200 of the second course C2 may be output. That is, the second option display screen may be output.

In a state in which the first option display screen or the second option display screen is output, the user may manipulate the execution button 140 to command the controller 70 to pause the first course C1 or the second course C2.

For example, after selecting the course item D103 of the first course C1 on the double-view screen D40 to output the first option display screen, the user may manipulate the execution button 140 to command pause of the first course C1 and progress of the second course C2.

In addition, after selecting the course item D103 of the second course C2 on the double-view screen D40 to output the second option display screen, the user may manipulate the execution button 140 to command pause of the second course C2 and progress of the first course C1.

As described above, options may be displayed in the selectable state T1 or the non-selectable state T2 on the first option display screen or the second option display screen in accordance with manipulation of the execution button 140.

In addition, the screen end item D53 may be displayed on the option display screen D200 so as to be selectable through the input part 120.

In a state in which the first course C1 and the second course C2 are being executed, when the screen end item D53 is selected on the option display screen D200 of the first course C1, the output part 110 may output the course progress screen D30 on which progress information of the first course C1 is displayed.

That is, when the screen end item D53 on the option display screen D200 is selected during progress of the first course C1, the first course progress screen representing progress information of the first course C1 may be output. When a predetermined amount of time elapses after output of the first course progress screen, the output part 110 may again output the double-view screen D40.

In a state in which the first course C1 is paused and the second course C2 is being executed, when the screen end item D53 is selected on the option display screen D200 of the first course C1, the output part 110 may output the course selection screen D20 on which the first course C1 is selectably displayed.

That is, when the image end item D53 on the option display screen D200 is selected in a state in which one of the plurality of first courses C1 is paused while being executed, the first course selection screen on which the plurality of first courses C1 is selectably displayed may be output.

As described above, when the course item D103 representing the treatment course C0 in the paused state is selected on the first course selection screen, the output part 110 may output the option display screen D200 for the treatment course C0 in the paused state.

As is apparent from the above description, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of conveniently providing a user with option information about laundry treatment courses through a screen of an output part 110.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of outputting an option display screen, on which options are displayed, at a pertinent timing, thereby improving use convenience.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of efficiently displaying a plurality of options on a screen having a limited size.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of displaying various types of options while effectively distinguishing the same from one another.

In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a laundry treating apparatus capable of efficiently displaying options in accordance with types of treatment courses.

The above description is merely illustrative of specific embodiments of the present disclosure, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

LAUNDRY TREATING APPARATUS

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)