WO2025048177A1 - Clothes care apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

This clothes care apparatus comprises: a cabinet; a first chamber formed within the cabinet and provided to accommodate clothes; a first door provided to open or close the first chamber and having a second chamber provided to accommodate clothes; a second door rotatably coupled to the first door so as to open or close the second chamber; and a spot cleaner provided within the second chamber to partially clean clothes accommodated in the second chamber. The spot cleaner is provided to be movable in the second chamber so as to partially clean a target portion of the clothes accommodated in the second chamber.

Description

Clothing manager

The present disclosure relates to a garment manager.

A clothes care device is a device that performs clothes care, such as drying wet clothes, removing dust or odors attached to clothes, and reducing wrinkles in clothes.

The clothing manager may be equipped with a hot air supply device that supplies hot air to a management room to dry clothing, and may be equipped with a steam generator to perform refreshing functions such as removing wrinkles from clothing, deodorizing, removing static electricity, and providing fragrance.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a garment care device including a partial washing device to enable partial washing of garments.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a clothing manager that improves space utilization and user convenience by placing a partial washing device in a separate space formed inside a door.

The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

In one embodiment, a garment manager includes a cabinet, a first chamber formed inside the cabinet and configured to receive garments, a first door configured to open or close the first chamber and having a second chamber partitioned from the first chamber and configured to receive garments, a second door rotatably coupled to the first door to open or close the second chamber, and a spot cleaner provided inside the second chamber to partially wash garments received in the second chamber. The spot cleaner is configured to be movable within the second chamber to partially wash a target area of the garments received in the second chamber.

The above-mentioned partial washing device may include a water spray unit configured to spray water, a detergent spray unit configured to spray a detergent solution mixed with water and detergent, and a suction unit configured to suck up water, detergent solution, and foreign substances.

The above-mentioned partial washing device may include at least one of a vibration unit provided to provide micro-vibrations to the clothes to remove contaminants from the clothes or a roller unit provided to contact the clothes to remove contaminants from the clothes.

The above-mentioned partial washing device may further include a water supply tank provided to store water supplied to at least one of the water spray unit or the detergent spray unit, and a drain tank provided to store water, detergent, and foreign substances sucked through the suction unit.

The above water tank and the above drain tank can be detachably connected to the partial washing device.

The above garment manager may further include a moving device configured to move the partial washing device along at least one of a first direction or a second direction intersecting the first direction within the second chamber.

The above partial washing device and moving device can be arranged on the back surface of the second door so as to be located inside the second chamber when the second door is closed.

The above moving device may include a first motor that generates a driving force to move the partial washing device along the first direction and a second motor that generates a driving force to move the partial washing device along the second direction.

The above moving device may further include a frame supporting the partial washing device, a first shaft disposed on the frame, connected to the partial washing device, and extending along the first direction, and a second shaft disposed on the second door, connected to the frame, and extending along the second direction.

The above-mentioned partial washing device may be arranged to be movable along the first direction within the frame.

The above first motor may be connected to the first shaft and arranged to rotate the first shaft.

The second motor may be connected to the second shaft and configured to rotate the second shaft.

As the first shaft rotates, the partial washing device can move along the first direction within the frame.

As the second shaft rotates, the frame and the partial washing device can move along the second direction.

The above clothing manager may further include a support member arranged adjacent to the upper end of the second chamber and configured to be movable in a vertical direction and configured to support clothing accommodated in the second chamber or to support a clothing support member, and a fixing member arranged adjacent to the lower end of the second chamber and configured to fix clothing accommodated in the second chamber.

The above support member may include a guide hole formed at the rear of the second chamber and extending in a vertical direction, and a support member that is provided to be vertically movable along the guide hole and fixed at one position within the guide hole.

The above-mentioned fixing member may include a bar positioned adjacent to the lower end of the second chamber and horizontally crossing the second chamber, and a fixing member that is horizontally movable along the bar and is configured to grab and fix clothing.

The first door may include an air inlet formed on the upper side of the second chamber to allow dry air and/or steam inside the first chamber to flow into the second chamber, and an air outlet formed on the lower side of the second chamber to allow air and/or steam inside the second chamber to discharge into the first chamber.

The first door may further include a case forming the second chamber, and a plurality of holes formed in the case so that air and/or steam inside the first chamber may be introduced into the second chamber or discharged through the second chamber.

The above plurality of holes can be formed over the entire area of at least one side of the case.

At least one of the first door and the second door may include an input interface and an output interface.

The above input interface may include a partial care button for partial washing.

The above output interface can be configured to display a clothing image for setting a target area to be partially washed in response to an input of the partial care button.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an open first door of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an open second door of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial washing device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial washing device according to one embodiment from another angle.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a partial washing device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a drawing of a partial washing device according to one embodiment, with some of the configurations omitted to explain the water supply path and the drain path.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a partial washing device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial washing device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a partial washing device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a second door and a moving device according to one embodiment.

Figure 13 shows Figure 12 from a different angle.

FIG. 14 illustrates a second chamber according to one embodiment.

Figure 15 is an enlarged view of B in Figure 4.

Figure 16 is an enlarged view of A in Figure 3.

Fig. 17 is a control block diagram of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

Figure 18 illustrates an example of a control panel according to one embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for determining a target area by a garment manager according to one embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example of an interface for setting a target area provided by a control panel according to one embodiment.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example of a button for setting a target area provided on a control panel according to one embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method for determining a target area by a garment manager according to one embodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates a partial washing machine according to one embodiment scanning clothes accommodated in a second chamber.

FIG. 24 illustrates an example of a full image of a garment obtained by a partial washing device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example in which an entire image of clothing is displayed on a control panel according to one embodiment.

FIG. 26 illustrates an entire image of clothing acquired by a clothing manager according to one embodiment of the present invention and transmitted to a user device.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a method for automatically setting a target area by a garment manager according to one embodiment.

It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations of them.

The term “and/or” includes any combination of multiple related described elements or any one of multiple related described elements.

Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in this document, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “contacted” with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

Meanwhile, the terms “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “up”, “down”, and other expressions related to direction used in the description below are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment manager according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a first door of a garment manager according to one embodiment with the door open. FIG. 3 illustrates a second door of a garment manager according to one embodiment with the door open. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the clothing manager (1) may include a cabinet (10) forming an exterior, a first door (20) rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10), and a second door (30) rotatably coupled to the first door (20). As another example, the first door (20) may be movably coupled to the cabinet (10). Alternatively, the second door (30) may be movably coupled to the first door (20).

The cabinet (10) may form a first chamber (11) that is arranged to accommodate clothing. The cabinet (10) may have a rectangular hexahedron shape with one side open. An opening (10a) may be formed at the front of the cabinet (10). Accordingly, the first chamber (11) may be arranged in a form in which the front side is open.

The first door (20) can be provided to open and close the opening (10a) of the cabinet (10). The first door (20) can be rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10). The first door (20) can open and close the first chamber (11) by opening and closing the opening (10a) of the cabinet (10). The first door (20) can be provided with a hinge (20a). It can be rotatably connected to the cabinet (10) through a connecting member or connector of the back. A control panel (70) can be provided on the first door (20).

A machine room (13) partitioned from the first chamber (11) may be formed inside the cabinet (10). The machine room (13) may accommodate a heat exchanger (45) configured to heat or dehumidify air inside the first chamber (11). The machine room (13) may accommodate a steam generator (40) configured to supply steam into the first chamber (11).

The first chamber (11) may be provided to receive clothing. The first chamber (11) may form a space in which clothing is received. A clothing support member or clothing supporter (50) provided to support clothing may be provided inside the first chamber (11). The clothing support member (50) may be detachably coupled to the upper side of the first chamber (11). One or more clothing support members (50) may be provided inside the first chamber (11). For example, a plurality of clothing support members (50) may be provided inside the first chamber (11). The clothing support members (50) may be provided in a hanger shape so that clothing may be hung. The clothing support members (50) may be provided so that air may flow inside them. When air supplied into the inside of the clothing support members (50) is sprayed toward the clothing, dust or foreign substances on the clothing may be removed.

The first door (20) may include a second chamber (22) that is partitioned from the first chamber (11) and is provided to accommodate clothing. The second chamber (22) may be formed inside the first door (20). The first door (20) may include a case (23) in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with one side open, and the case (23) may form the second chamber (22). The case (23) may be provided integrally with the first door (20) or may be provided separately and coupled to the first door (20). The second chamber (22) may be provided in a form in which the front side is open.

The second door (30) may be provided to open or close the second chamber (22). The second door (30) may be rotatably coupled to the first door (20) to open and close the second chamber (22). As another example, although not shown, the second door (30) may be coupled to move up and down or left and right with respect to the first door (20).

A display (35) may be provided on the front of the second door (30). As another example, the display (35) of the second door (30) may include a touch panel and may include input interfaces and output interfaces, like the control panel of the first door. The first chamber (11) may include a first airflow inlet (11a) and a second airflow inlet (12a), and a first airflow outlet (11b) and a second airflow outlet (12b).

The first air inlet (11a) and the first air outlet (11b) may be formed on the lower surface of the first chamber (11). The first air inlet (11a) may be arranged at the front of the lower surface of the first chamber (11). The first air outlet (11b) may be arranged at the rear of the lower surface of the first chamber (11). The second air inlet (12a) may be formed on the rear surface of the first chamber (11). The second air outlet (12b) may be formed on the upper surface of the first chamber (11). The second air inlet (12a) and the second air outlet (12b) may be arranged at positions adjacent to each other. For this purpose, the second air inlet (12a) may be provided on the upper side of the rear surface of the first chamber (11). The second airflow outlet (12b) can be provided adjacent to the center of the upper surface of the first chamber (11).

A grille or filter may be provided at the first air inlet (11a) to prevent foreign substances other than water from flowing into the first air inlet (11a). A grille or filter may be provided at the first air outlet (11b) to prevent foreign substances from flowing in and to allow the air current to spread well within the first chamber (11).

The second airflow discharge port (12b) of the first chamber (11) may be connected to the clothing support member (50). The air discharged through the second airflow discharge port (12b) is delivered to the clothing placed on the clothing support member (50) through the air hole (51) formed in the clothing support member (50). As another example, the second airflow discharge port (12b) may be formed so as not to be connected to the clothing support member (50), and the air discharged through the second airflow discharge port (12b) may flow to the outside of the clothing support member (50) and be delivered to the clothing.

Referring to FIG. 2, the second chamber (22) may include a third airflow inlet (24a, 24b) and a third airflow outlet (24c).

The third airflow inlet (24a, 24b) may include a rear airflow inlet (24a) formed on the upper rear side of the second chamber (22) and an upper airflow inlet (24b) formed on the upper surface of the second chamber (22). The third airflow outlet (24c) may be formed on the lower rear side of the second chamber.

The third air inlet (24a, 24b) and the third air outlet (24c) may be formed by penetrating the case (23). Dry air and/or steam inside the first chamber (11) may be introduced into the second chamber (22) through the third air inlet (24a, 24b). Air and/or steam inside the second chamber (22) may be discharged into the first chamber (11) through the third air outlet (24c).

Since the third air inlet (24a, 24b) is arranged adjacent to the second air outlet (12b), the amount of air that flows in through the third air inlet (24a, 24b) may be greater than the amount of air that flows out through the third air inlet (24a, 24b). The above does not exclude the discharge of air through the third air inlet (24a, 24b).

Unlike that illustrated in FIG. 2, the clothing manager (1) may include a plurality of holes formed over the entire area of at least one side of the case (23). The plurality of holes may include an inlet through which air and steam are introduced from the first chamber (11) to the second chamber (22), and an outlet through which air and steam are discharged from the second chamber (22). For example, the plurality of holes may be formed over the entire area of the rear surface of the case (23), or the plurality of holes may be formed over the entire area of the upper surface, lower surface, both sides, and the rear surface of the case (23). Through this, the exchange of air and steam between the first chamber (11) and the second chamber (22) may be more smoothly achieved. The plurality of holes may also be formed over a portion of at least one of the upper surface, lower surface, both sides, and the rear surface of the case (23).

Likewise, since the third airflow outlet (24c) is arranged adjacent to the first airflow inlet (11a), the amount of air discharged through the third airflow outlet (24c) may be greater than the amount of air introduced through the third airflow outlet (24c). The above does not exclude the introduction of air through the third airflow outlet (24c).

The clothing manager (1) may include a partial washing device or partial cleaner (100) provided inside the second chamber (22) to partially wash the clothing accommodated in the second chamber (22).

The partial washing device (100) can be placed inside the second chamber (22) when the second door (30) closes the second chamber (22). The partial washing device (100) can be provided on the back surface of the second door (30).

The clothing manager (1) may include a moving device or mover (200) configured to move the partial washing device (100) in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction within the second chamber (22).

The partial washing device (100) may be arranged to be movable within the second chamber (22). More specifically, the partial washing device (100) may be arranged to be movable within the second chamber (22) along a first direction and a second direction by a moving device (200). Hereinafter, the first direction may refer to a vertical direction, and the second direction may refer to a horizontal direction. The vertical direction may include an up-down direction. The horizontal direction may include a left-right direction assuming that the second door (30) is closed.

Since the partial washing device (100) is provided to be movable within the second chamber (22), the clothes accommodated within the second chamber (22) can be spot cleaned. Partial washing may mean selectively washing a part of the clothes. The part of the clothes to be subjected to partial washing may be referred to as a target part. The target part may be determined according to the user's settings, etc.

The partial washing device (100) may be provided to spray water and a detergent onto the clothes. The detergent may refer to a detergent or a liquid in which water and a detergent are mixed. The partial washing device (100) may be provided to provide micro-vibrations to the clothes after spraying the water and the detergent onto the clothes, or at the same time as spraying the water and the detergent. The micro-vibrations may be generated by an ultrasonic vibrator provided in the partial washing device (100). Therefore, the micro-vibrations may be referred to as ultrasonic vibrations. The partial washing device (100) may provide micro-vibrations to a target area of the clothes on which the water and the detergent have been sprayed, thereby washing the target area. The partial washing device (100) may be provided to suck in the water and the detergent sprayed onto the clothes. The partial washing device (100) may reduce or eliminate water and the detergent remaining on the clothes by sucking in the water and the detergent. The partial washing device (100) may absorb contaminants or foreign substances on the clothes at the same time as sucking in the water and the detergent. The specific structure of the partial washing device (100) will be described later.

A cabinet drain tank (15a) and a cabinet water tank (15b) that are detachable from the cabinet (10) can be installed at the bottom of the cabinet (10). The cabinet drain tank (15a) and the cabinet water tank (15b) can be placed at the bottom of the first chamber (11).

The cabinet drain (15a) may be provided to store water formed by condensation or steam generated during the operation of the heat exchanger (45) before discharging it. The cabinet drain (15a) may be installed so as to be detachable from the cabinet (10) to facilitate water discharge.

The cabinet water tank (15b) may be provided to store water required to generate steam in the steam generator (40) described later. The water in the cabinet water tank (15b) may be supplied to the steam generator (40) and used to form steam. The cabinet water tank (15b) may be installed so as to be detachable from the cabinet (10) for easy water replenishment.

A cabinet drain (15a) and a cabinet water supply tank (15b) may be provided in front of the machine room (13). The machine room (13) may be provided on the lower side of the cabinet (10). The machine room (13) is provided below the first chamber (11) and may be partitioned to form a separate space from the first chamber (11). A heat exchange device (45) provided to dehumidify and heat the air inside the first chamber (11) may be accommodated inside the machine room (13).

A first fan (42), a heat exchange device (45), and a steam generator (40) can be placed inside the machine room (13).

The heat exchanger (45) can supply hot air into the first chamber (11). The heat exchanger (45) can include an evaporator (46), a compressor (48), and a condenser (47) through which refrigerant circulates. The heat exchanger (45) can dehumidify and heat air.

When the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator (46) of the heat exchanger (45), it absorbs latent heat of the surrounding air, and through this, the heat exchanger (45) can condense and remove moisture in the air. When the refrigerant is condensed in the condenser (47) through the compressor (48), the heat exchanger (45) can heat the surrounding air by releasing latent heat toward the surrounding air. The air introduced into the machine room (13) by the first fan (42) can be dehumidified and heated while passing through the evaporator (46) and the condenser (47) sequentially.

The clothing manager (1) may include a first duct (71) configured to accommodate an evaporator (46), a condenser (47) and a first fan (42). The first duct (71) may be placed in a machine room (13). One end (71a) of the first duct (71) may be connected to a first airflow inlet (11a). The other end (71b) of the first duct (71) may be connected to a first airflow outlet (11b). The first duct (71) may be connected to a first chamber (11) through the first airflow inlet (11a) and the first airflow outlet (11b).

The air of the first chamber (11) can be introduced into the first duct (71) through the first air inlet (11a) and discharged into the first chamber (11) through the first air outlet (11b). The air introduced into the first duct (71) can be dehumidified and heated while passing through the evaporator (46) and the condenser (47). The first duct (71) can form a first circulation path (72) that circulates through the first chamber (11), the first fan (42), the evaporator (46), and the condenser (47). The first fan (42) can be arranged on the first circulation path (72) to suck the air of the first chamber (11) into the first duct (71). The air sucked into the first duct (71) by the first fan (42) can be discharged into the first chamber (11) through the first airflow outlet (11b). The first circulation path (72) can refer to a circulation path in which the air that is drawn into the first duct (71) through the first airflow inlet (11a) from the first chamber (11) is discharged back into the first chamber (11) through the first airflow outlet (11b) from the first duct (71).

The clothing manager (1) may include a steam generator (40) placed in the machine room (13). The steam generator (40) may receive water from a cabinet water tank (15b) in the machine room (13) to form steam.

The steam generator (40) may include a steam generator (41) that is connected to a cabinet water tank (15b) to receive water and generate steam, a steam injection unit (43) that sprays steam generated in the steam generator (41), and a steam connection pipe (44) that connects the steam generator (41) and the steam injection unit (43).

The steam injection unit (43) can be fixed to the steam discharge port (43a) formed at the lower rear side of the first chamber (11). The steam discharge port (43a) can be formed to correspond to the steam injection unit (43). The steam injection unit (43) can inject steam generated inside the machine room (13) into the first chamber (11) through the steam discharge port (43a). The positions of the steam injection unit (43) and the steam discharge port (43a) can be changed.

The steam generating unit (41) may include a heater (not shown) therein. The steam generating unit (41) may generate steam by heating water with the heater of the steam generating unit (41).

The first door (20) may include a door guide (21) provided to guide water moving downward by gravity to the first airflow inlet (11a). The door guide (21) may be provided on the lower side of the back surface of the first door (20). The door guide (21) may be formed to slope downward from the back surface of the first door (20) toward the first airflow inlet (11a). Water on the back surface of the first door (20) may move to the door guide (21) by gravity and may be guided rearward by the door guide (21) to flow into the first airflow inlet (11a). Water flowing in through the first airflow inlet (11a) may be moved to the cabinet drain (15a) by a connecting member (not shown).

The clothing manager (1) may include a first chamber (11), a second fan (75) for circulating the air inside, and a second duct (73) in which the second fan (75) is installed. The second duct (73) may be connected to the first chamber (11). One end of the second duct (73) may be connected to a second airflow inlet (12a). The other end of the second duct (73) may be connected to a second airflow outlet (12b). Air introduced into the second duct (73) through the second airflow inlet (12a) may be discharged to the first chamber (11) through the second airflow outlet (12b). The second fan (75) may be installed inside the second duct (73) and may suck air into the second duct (73) through the second airflow inlet (12a). Air drawn into the second duct (73) by the second fan (75) can be discharged into the first chamber (11) through the second airflow discharge port (12b).

The second duct (73) can form a second circulation path (74) by connecting the first chamber (11), the second air inlet (12a), and the second air outlet (12b). The second circulation path (74) can refer to a circulation path in which air that has been introduced into the second duct (73) through the second air inlet (12a) from the first chamber (11) is discharged back into the first chamber (11) through the second air outlet (12b) from the second duct (73).

The second duct (73) may be arranged at the rear of the first chamber (11). The second duct (73) may be arranged at the rear of the second air inlet (12a) formed at the rear of the first chamber (11). The second duct (73) may be arranged at the upper rear of the first chamber (11). A filter member or filter (60) may be detachably installed in the second air inlet (12a) to filter foreign substances in the air flowing in through the second air inlet (12a). Foreign substances such as dust and odors may be removed from the air flowing in through the filter member (60). In addition to the filter, a sheet (not shown) provided to provide fragrance to clothes may be provided in the filter member (60).

The clothing support member (50) can be coupled to the upper side of the first chamber (11) so as to be connected to the second airflow discharge port (12b). The clothing support member (50) can spray air discharged from the second airflow discharge port (12b) toward the clothing. The air sprayed by the clothing support member (50) can remove foreign substances such as dust attached to the clothing. As another example, the clothing support member (50) can be coupled to the upper side of the first chamber (11) so as to be spaced below the second airflow discharge port.

The clothing manager (1) can perform a clothing management mode by placing clothing on the clothing support member (50) and closing the first door (20). In the clothing management mode, air inside the first chamber (11) can circulate inside the cabinet (10) along the first circulation path (72) and the second circulation path (74). Some of the air inside the first chamber (11) can be introduced into the second chamber (22) through the third air flow inlet (24a, 24b). The air inside the second chamber (22) can be discharged into the first chamber (11) through the third air flow outlet (24c).

Fig. 5 illustrates a partial washing device according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 illustrates a partial washing device according to one embodiment from another angle.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the clothing manager (1) may include a partial washing device (100). The partial washing device (100) is provided inside the second chamber (22) and can partially wash clothing accommodated in the second chamber (22).

The partial washing device (100) may include a water spray unit (101) configured to spray water, a detergent spray unit (102) configured to spray detergent, a vibration unit (103) configured to contact clothes and provide micro-vibrations to the clothes, and a suction unit (104) configured to suck water and detergent. For example, the vibration unit (103) may generate vibrations using an ultrasonic element.

The water spray unit (101) can spray water toward the clothes. The detergent spray unit (102) can spray a detergent mixed with water and detergent toward the clothes. As another example, the detergent can be composed only of detergent with an adjusted concentration. The vibration unit (103) can wash the clothes by coming into contact with the clothes and providing micro-vibrations to the clothes. The suction unit (104) can suck up water and detergent sprayed on the clothes, as well as foreign substances, etc.

Additionally, the partial washing device (100) may further include a roller unit (105) that is provided to remove foreign substances on clothes by rotating. The partial washing device (100) may include a motor (not shown) that is provided to rotate the roller unit (105). The roller unit (105) may wash a target area of clothes together with the vibrating unit (103). The roller unit (105) may wash clothes by coming into contact with the clothes. The roller unit (105) may physically come into contact with clothes on which water and a detergent have been sprayed, thereby allowing contaminants on the clothes to be well mixed with the detergent. In addition, the roller unit (105) may remove foreign substances such as dust on the clothes by coming into contact with the clothes. Unlike what is shown in the drawing, the partial washing device (100) may not include the roller unit (105). As another example, it may be configured to include the roller unit (105) instead of the vibrating unit (103). As another example, the roller portion (105) may be in the shape of a brush. Other examples will be described later.

According to one embodiment, the partial washing device (100) may include a water tank (120) including a water supply tank (121, FIG. 7) provided to supply water sprayed from a water spray unit (101) and a drain tank (122, FIG. 7) provided to store water sucked from a suction unit (104). The interior of the water tank (120) may be partitioned into a water supply tank (121) and a drain tank (122) by a partition wall (123, FIG. 7). Alternatively, the partial washing device (100) may include separate water supply tanks and drain tanks.

The water tank (120) may include a first water tank opening (121a) through which water is supplied to the water tank (121) or through which water is discharged from the water tank (121). The water tank (120) may include a second water tank opening (122a) through which water, cleaning liquid, foreign substances, etc. are introduced into the drain tank (122) or through which water, cleaning liquid, foreign substances, etc. are discharged from the drain tank (122).

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the water tank (120) can be detachably coupled to the partial washing device (100). The user can fill the water supply tank (121) of the water tank (120) with water and then couple it to the partial washing device (100). After separating the water tank (120) from the partial washing device (100), the user can discharge the water, detergent, and foreign substances filled in the drain tank (122). According to one embodiment, the water tank (120) can be detachably coupled to the partial washing device (100) without separating the partial washing device (100) from the second door (30). In other words, the water tank (120) can be separated from or connected to the partial washing device (100) without accessing the rear of the partial washing device (100).

The partial washing device (100) may include a water tank insertion part (106) into which a water tank (120) is inserted, and a water tank fixing part (106a, 106b) that fixes the water tank (120) inserted into the water tank insertion part (106) to prevent the water tank (120) from being pulled out of the water tank insertion part (106) by gravity.

The water bottle fixing portion (106a, 106b) may be provided adjacent to the water bottle insertion portion (106). The water bottle fixing portion (106a, 106b) may be provided to be rotatable. The water bottle fixing portion (106a, 106b) may be provided to be rotatable between a fixing position that prevents a water bottle (120) inserted into the water bottle insertion portion (106) from being pulled out from the water bottle insertion portion (106), and a fixing release position that allows a water bottle (120) inserted into the water bottle insertion portion (106) to be pulled out from the water bottle insertion portion (106). The water bottle fixing portions (106a, 106b) may be provided as a pair. However, the number and arrangement of the water bottle fixing portions may be changed. Alternatively, a water tank fixing part may not be provided, and an elastic protrusion may be provided on the water tank (120) so that the water tank (120) can be fitted into the water tank insertion part (106).

The partial washing device (100) may include a detergent inlet (107) provided to inject detergent into the detergent box. A user may inject detergent into the detergent box through the detergent inlet (107) without separating the partial washing device (100) from the second door (30). In other words, detergent may be injected into the detergent box without approaching the rear of the partial washing device (100).

The partial washing device (100) is provided to cover the detergent inlet (107) and may further include an inlet cover (130) that is detachably coupled to the detergent inlet (107). As shown in FIG. 5, when the detergent inlet (107) is provided on the upper surface of the partial washing device (100), the inlet cover (130) may be omitted. This is because even without the inlet cover, detergent does not flow out through the detergent inlet.

The partial washing device (100) may include moving parts (111, 112, 113, 114). The moving parts (111, 112, 113, 114) may include a first moving part (111) provided to be connected to a first shaft (211) and a second moving part (112). The moving parts (111, 112, 113, 114) may include a third moving part (113) provided to be connected to a third shaft (231) and a fourth moving part (114). The moving parts (111, 112, 113, 114) may be provided to move along a first direction as the first shaft (211) and the third shaft (231) rotate.

The first moving part (111) and the second moving part (112) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction. The third moving part (113) and the fourth moving part (114) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the first direction. The first direction can refer to the up-down direction or the vertical direction. Accordingly, the first moving part (111) and the second moving part (112) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other vertically, and the third moving part (113) and the fourth moving part (114) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other vertically.

Each of the moving parts (111, 112, 113, 114) may include a hole through which a shaft passes. Screw threads corresponding to screw threads formed on the first shaft (211) or the third shaft (231) may be formed within the hole of each of the moving parts (111, 112, 113, 114). Through this, as the first shaft (211) rotates in one direction, the first moving part (111) and the second moving part (112) may move upward or downward, and as the first shaft (211) rotates in the other direction, the first moving part (111) and the second moving part (112) may move downward or upward. Likewise, as the third shaft (231) rotates in one direction, the third moving part (113) and the fourth moving part (114) can move upward or downward, and as the third shaft (231) rotates in the other direction, the third moving part (113) and the fourth moving part (114) can move downward or upward. The one direction and the other direction in which the first shaft (211) and the third shaft (231) rotate can refer to the clockwise direction (CW) and the counterclockwise direction (CCW), respectively.

Fig. 7 is an exploded view of a partial washing device according to one embodiment. Fig. 8 is a drawing of a partial washing device according to one embodiment, with some of the components omitted to explain a water supply path and a drain path. Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a partial washing device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the partial washing device (100) may include a housing (110), a water supply pump (140) accommodated inside the housing (110), a drain pump (150), a driving motor (160), and a housing cover (110a). The partial washing device (100) may further include a detergent box (131), a substrate (118a), and a battery (118b).

The housing (110) may be provided in a form in which one side is open. The housing (110) may include the first moving part (111), the second moving part (112), the third moving part (113), and the fourth moving part (114) described above. A water supply pump (140), a drainage pump (150), and a driving motor (160) described later may be accommodated inside the housing (110). A detergent box (131) may be provided inside the housing (110), and a substrate (118a) and a battery (118b) may be accommodated. A housing cover (110a) may be provided to cover one open side of the housing (110).

According to one embodiment, the housing (110) may include a water tank insertion portion (106) provided to allow a water tank (120) to be introduced or withdrawn, and a water tank receiving portion (117) provided to receive a water tank (120) introduced into the housing (110) through the water tank insertion portion (106). The water tank receiving portion (117) may be provided with a water supply connection portion (117b) connected to a first water tank opening (121a) of the water tank (120), and a drain connection portion (117a) connected to a second water tank opening (122a) of the water tank (120).

Referring to FIG. 7, the partial washing device (100) may include a driving motor (160) that provides driving force to rotate the roller portion (105), and a gear portion (161) that is arranged to transmit the driving force of the driving motor (160) to the roller portion (105). According to one embodiment, the gear portion (161) may include a first gear (162) connected to a driving shaft of the driving motor (160), a second gear (164) connected to the roller portion (105), and a third gear (163) that is arranged to mesh with the first gear (162) and the second gear (164) between the first gear (162) and the second gear (164). The third gear (163) may be connected to a gear connection portion (163a) of the housing cover (110a).

The partial washing device (100) may include an ultrasonic vibrator (103a) provided to provide micro-vibrations to the vibrating unit (103). The ultrasonic vibrator (103a) may be provided in multiples, and as an example, four ultrasonic vibrators (103a) may be provided inside the vibrating unit (100). The ultrasonic vibrator (103a) may be placed inside the housing (110) when the housing cover (110a) is coupled to the housing (110).

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the partial washing device (100) supplies water stored in a water tank (121). It may include a water supply pump (140) arranged to move water to a water spray unit (101) and a washing liquid spray unit (102). The water supply pump (140) may be connected to a first water supply duct (141) and a second water supply duct (142). Water may move inside the first water supply duct (141) and the second water supply duct (142), and the first water supply duct (141) and the second water supply duct (142) may form a path through which water moves. The first water supply duct (141) may connect a water supply connection unit (117b) and the water supply pump (140). The second water supply duct (142) may connect the water supply pump (140) and the water spray unit (101). As the water supply pump (140) operates, water in the water supply tank (121) can flow into the water supply pump (140) through the first water tank opening (121a), the water supply connection (117b), and the first water supply duct (141). The water flowing into the water supply pump (140) can be discharged into the second water supply duct (142). Since the second water supply duct (142) is connected to the water spray unit (101), the water discharged into the second water supply duct (142) can be sprayed to the outside of the partial washing device (100) through the water spray unit (101).

According to one embodiment, the partial washing device (100) may further include a third water supply duct (143) branching from a point of the second water supply duct (142). The third water supply duct (143) may be connected to a connection duct (133) to be described later. The water in the third water supply duct (143) may be mixed with detergent in the detergent box (131) inside the connection duct (133) and then sprayed to the outside of the partial washing device (100) through the detergent spray unit (102). This will be described in detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the partial washing device (100) may include a drain pump (150) configured to move water, detergent, and foreign substances from a suction portion (104) to a drain pan (122). The drain pump (150) may be connected to a first drain duct (151) and a second drain duct (152). Water may move into the first drain duct (151) and the second drain duct (152), and the first drain duct (151) and the second drain duct (152) may form a path through which water moves. The first drain duct (151) may connect the suction portion (104) and the drain pump (150). The second drain duct (152) may connect the drain pump (150) and a drain connection portion (117a). As the drain pump (150) operates, water, cleaning liquid, and foreign substances can flow into the drain pump (150) through the first drain duct (151) via the suction portion (104). The water, cleaning liquid, and foreign substances flowing into the drain pump (150) can be discharged through the second drain duct (152). Since the second drain duct (152) is connected to the drain tank (122) through the drain connection portion (117a) and the second water tank opening (122a), the water, cleaning liquid, and foreign substances discharged through the second drain duct (152) can be stored in the drain tank (122).

The partial washing device (100) may include a detergent box (131) provided to accommodate detergent. According to one embodiment, the detergent box (131) may be formed integrally with the housing (110). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the detergent box (131) may be provided as a separate component accommodated within the housing (110) and separable from the housing (110). The detergent box (131) may be connected to a detergent inlet (107). Detergent introduced through the detergent inlet (107) may be stored in the detergent box (131).

The detergent box (131) may include a detergent discharge port (131a). The detergent inside the detergent box (131) may be discharged to the outside of the detergent box (131) through the detergent discharge port (131a).

The detergent box discharge port (131a) may be connected to the detergent duct (132). The detergent duct (132) may form a path through which the detergent moves. The detergent duct (132) may be connected to the connection duct (133). The connection duct (133) may be provided in the form of a T-shaped valve. The connection duct (133) may include two inlets and one outlet. One of the two inlets of the connection duct (133) may be connected to the third water supply duct (143), and the other may be connected to the detergent duct (132). The outlet of the connection duct (133) may be connected to the detergent spray unit (102).

Referring to FIG. 9, the connecting duct (133) may include a first inlet (133a) connected to a third-grade water duct (143), a second inlet (133c) connected to a detergent duct (132), and an outlet (133d) connected to a detergent spray unit (102). Water introduced through the first inlet (133a) and detergent introduced through the second inlet (133c) may be mixed inside the connecting duct (133), and then the mixed detergent may be discharged through the outlet (133d).

The connecting duct (133) may include a nozzle part (133b) provided at one end of the first inlet (133a). One end of the nozzle part (133b) may have the same diameter as the first inlet (133a) so as to be connected to the first inlet (133a). The other end of the nozzle part (133b) may have a smaller diameter than the first inlet (133a). That is, the nozzle part (133b) may be provided so that its diameter decreases from one end of the nozzle part (133b) to the other end. Due to the structure of the nozzle part (133b), the flow rate of water flowing into one end of the nozzle part (133b) may increase when it is discharged from the other end of the nozzle part (133b). This is because the pressure decreases and the flow rate increases as the flow path area decreases while passing through the nozzle part (133b). As the pressure of the fluid decreases at the other end of the nozzle portion (133b), the detergent inside the detergent duct (132) moves into the connection duct (133) having a relatively low pressure. Water passing through the other end of the nozzle portion (133b) and detergent introduced through the second inlet (133c) can be mixed inside the connection duct (133). The washing liquid mixed with water and detergent can be discharged through the discharge port (133d) of the connection duct (133). Since the discharge port (133d) is connected to the washing liquid spray portion (102), the water and detergent mixed inside the connection duct (133) can be sprayed to the outside of the partial washing device (100) through the washing liquid spray portion (102). As described above, the connection duct (133) includes the nozzle portion (133b) therein, so that water and detergent can be automatically mixed using the pressure difference without a separate driving device.

The partial washing device (100) may include a battery (118b) provided to supply power to a water supply pump (140), a drainage pump (150), a driving motor (160), and an ultrasonic vibrator (103a), and a charging terminal (115a, 115b) provided to charge the battery. The charging terminal (115a, 115b) may include a positive electrode (115a) and a negative electrode (115b).

The partial washing device (100) may include a substrate (118a) on which a second control unit (180) and a second communication unit (190) to be described later are mounted. The substrate (118a) may be accommodated inside the housing (110). In addition to the second control unit (180) and the second communication unit (190) described above, various parts (e.g., heat sinks) may be mounted on the substrate (118a) as needed.

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial washing device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, a partial washing device (100) according to one embodiment may include a water spraying unit (101), a detergent spraying unit (102), a vibrating unit (103), and a suction unit (104). In other words, the partial washing device (100) may be configured to include only the vibrating unit among the vibrating unit and the roller unit.

FIG. 11 illustrates a partial washing device according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, a partial washing device (100) according to one embodiment may include a water spraying unit (101), a detergent spraying unit (102), a roller unit (105), and a suction unit (104). In other words, the partial washing device (100) may be configured to include only the roller unit among the vibrating unit and the roller unit.

Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a second door and a moving device according to one embodiment. Fig. 13 illustrates Fig. 12 from a different angle.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the clothing manager (1) may include a moving device (200) provided to move the partial washing device (100). The moving device (200) may be provided to move the partial washing device (100) along the first direction and the second direction within the second chamber (22). The moving device (200) may be provided on the back surface of the second door (30) and may be placed within the second chamber (22) when the second door (30) is closed.

The moving device (200) may include a first motor (210) that provides a driving force to move the partial washing device (100) along a first direction, and a second motor (220) that provides a driving force to move the partial washing device (100) along a second direction. The moving device (200) may include a first shaft (211) that extends along the first direction and is connected to the first motor (210), and a second shaft (221) that extends along the second direction and is connected to the second motor (220). The first shaft (211) may rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction by the driving force of the first motor (210). The second shaft (221) may rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction by the driving force of the second motor (220).

According to one embodiment, the moving device (200) may further include a third motor (230) that provides a driving force to move the partial washing device (100) along a first direction, and a fourth motor (240) that provides a driving force to move the partial washing device (100) along a second direction. The moving device (200) may further include a third shaft (231) that extends along the first direction and is arranged parallel to the first shaft (211), and a fourth shaft (241) that extends along the second direction and is arranged parallel to the second shaft (221). The third shaft (231) may rotate by receiving a driving force from the third motor (230), and the fourth shaft (241) may rotate by receiving a driving force from the fourth motor (240). The third motor (230) can provide driving force to move the partial washing device (100) along the first motor (210) in the first direction. The fourth motor (240) can provide driving force to move the partial washing device (100) along the second direction in conjunction with the second motor (220). For example, the first to fourth motors can receive power from the power supply of the clothes manager through the hinges of the first door and the second door. As another example, the first to fourth motors can receive power from the partial washing device.

Unlike what is shown in the drawing, the moving device may include only the first motor and the second motor. In this case, the moving device may include a first link member or a first link (not shown) connecting the first shaft and the third shaft so that the first shaft and the third shaft rotate together, and a second link member or a second link (not shown) connecting the second shaft and the fourth shaft so that the second shaft and the fourth shaft rotate together. When the first motor rotates the first shaft clockwise or counterclockwise, the first shaft and the third shaft can be rotated together clockwise or counterclockwise by the first link member. When the second motor rotates the second shaft clockwise or counterclockwise, the second shaft and the fourth shaft can be rotated together clockwise or counterclockwise by the second link member.

The moving device (200) may include a frame (250) that supports the partial washing device (100). The frame (250) may support the partial washing device (100) so that the partial washing device (100) may move in a first direction within the frame (250). The frame (250) may extend along the first direction. The frame (250) may accommodate the partial washing device (100), the first motor (210), the third motor (230), the first shaft (211), and the third shaft (231). The frame (250) may be connected to the second shaft (221) and the fourth shaft (241). The frame (250) may move along the second shaft (221) and the fourth shaft (241).

The frame (250) can accommodate the partial washing device (100) such that at least a portion of the partial washing device (100) is exposed to the second chamber (22). The frame (250) can support the partial washing device (100) such that the partial washing device (100) is movable within the frame (250). The frame (250) extends along a first direction, and the partial washing device (100) is movable within the frame (250) along the first direction. The partial washing device (100) is movable up and down within the frame (250).

The frame (250) may include a frame body (260) and a frame cover (270) coupled to the frame body (260).

The frame body (260) may include a first frame hole (265) into which the partial washing device (100) is inserted. The partial washing device (100) may be inserted into the first frame hole (265). At least a portion of the partial washing device (100) may pass through the first frame hole (265) and protrude outside the frame body (260). The first frame hole (265) may extend in a first direction to guide movement of the partial washing device (100) in the first direction. The partial washing device (100) may move along the first direction within the first frame hole (265). Unlike what is illustrated in the drawing, the frame body (260) may not include the first frame hole and the partial washing device (100) may be accommodated within the frame body (260).

The frame body (260) may include a first frame moving unit (261) that is connected to the second shaft (221) and arranged to move in a second direction along the second shaft (221), and a second frame moving unit (262). The first frame moving unit (261) and the second frame moving unit (262) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The first frame moving unit (261) may be arranged adjacent to the upper end of one side of the frame body (260), and the second frame moving unit (262) may be arranged adjacent to the upper end of the other side of the frame body (260).

The frame body (260) may include a third frame moving unit (263) and a fourth frame moving unit (264) that are connected to the fourth shaft (241) and arranged to move in the second direction along the fourth shaft (241). The third frame moving unit (263) and the fourth frame moving unit (264) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The third frame moving unit (263) may be arranged adjacent to the lower end of one side of the frame body (260), and the fourth frame moving unit (264) may be arranged adjacent to the lower end of the other side of the frame body (260).

The frame body (260) may include first frame moving parts to fourth frame moving parts (261, 262, 263, 264). Each of the first frame moving parts to fourth frame moving parts (261, 262, 263, 264) may include a hole through which a shaft passes. Screw threads corresponding to screw threads formed on the second shaft (221) or the fourth shaft (241) may be formed within the holes of each of the first frame moving parts to fourth frame moving parts (261, 262, 263, 264). Through this, as the second shaft (221) rotates in one direction, the first frame moving unit (261) and the second frame moving unit (262) can move to the left or right, and as the second shaft (221) rotates in the other direction, the first frame moving unit (261) and the second frame moving unit (262) can move to the right or left. Similarly, as the fourth shaft (241) rotates in one direction, the third frame moving unit (263) and the fourth frame moving unit (264) can move to the left or right, and as the fourth shaft (241) rotates in the other direction, the third frame moving unit (263) and the fourth frame moving unit (264) can move to the right or left. The one direction and the other direction in which the second shaft (221) and the fourth shaft (241) rotate may refer to the clockwise (CW) and the counterclockwise (CCW), respectively.

The frame cover (270) can be coupled to the frame body (260) to cover an open side of the frame body (260). The frame cover (270) can be coupled to the frame body (260) to form an internal space of the frame (250) that accommodates the partial washing device (100), the first motor (210), the third motor (230), the first shaft (211), and the third shaft (231).

The frame cover (270) may include a first shaft support member (271, 272) provided to support the first shaft (211) and a third shaft support member (273, 274) provided to support the third shaft (231). The frame cover (270) may include a first motor mounting member (275) on which the first motor (210) is mounted and a third motor mounting member (276) on which the third motor (230) is mounted. The frame cover (270) may include a second frame hole (277) formed by penetrating the frame cover (270) so that the partial washing device (100) is exposed to the second chamber (22).

The first shaft support (271, 272) may be connected to the first shaft (211). The first shaft support (271, 272) may include a first upper support (271) provided adjacent to an upper side of one side of the frame cover (270) and a first lower support (272) provided adjacent to a lower side of one side of the frame cover (270). The first upper support (271) and the first lower support (272) may each include a hole provided to allow the first shaft (211) to pass therethrough. The first shaft (211) may rotate within the first upper support (271) and the first lower support (272). The first shaft (211) may idly rotate within the first upper support (271) and the first lower support (272). In other words, even if the first shaft (211) rotates within the first upper support (271) and the first lower support (272), the first upper support (271) and the first lower support (272) may not move along the first direction.

The third shaft support (273, 274) may be connected to the third shaft (231). The third shaft support (273, 274) may include a second upper support (273) provided adjacent to the other upper side of the frame cover (270) and a second lower support (274) provided adjacent to the other lower side of the frame cover (270). The second upper support (273) and the second lower support (274) may each include a hole provided to allow the third shaft (231) to pass therethrough. The third shaft (231) may rotate within the second upper support (273) and the second lower support (274). The third shaft (231) may idly rotate within the second upper support (273) and the second lower support (274). In other words, even if the third shaft (231) rotates within the second upper support (273) and the second lower support (274), the second upper support (273) and the second lower support (274) may not move along the first direction.

The first motor (210) can be mounted on the first motor mounting portion (275). Although the specific structure is not shown in the drawing, the first motor mounting portion (275) can support the first motor (210) in various structures. For example, the first motor mounting portion (275) can include an elastic protrusion so that the first motor (210) can be fitted and connected to the first motor mounting portion (275).

A third motor (230) can be mounted on the third motor mounting portion (276). Although the specific structure is not shown in the drawing, the third motor mounting portion (276) can support the third motor (230) in various structures. For example, the third motor mounting portion (276) can include an elastic protrusion so that the third motor (230) can be fitted and connected to the third motor support portion (276).

The frame cover (270) may include a second frame hole (277) into which the partial washing device (100) is inserted. The partial washing device (100) may be inserted into the second frame hole (277). At least a portion of the partial washing device (100) may pass through the second frame hole (277) and protrude outwardly from the frame cover (270). The partial washing device (100) may be exposed to the second chamber (22) through the second frame hole (277). The partial washing device (100) exposed to the second chamber (22) may partially wash clothes accommodated in the second chamber (22). The second frame hole (277) may extend in a first direction to guide movement of the partial washing device (100) in the first direction. The partial washing device (100) may move along the first direction within the second frame hole (277).

The moving device (200) may include a second motor (220) and a fourth motor (240) that provide a driving force to move the partial washing device (100) along the second direction. A second shaft (221) may be connected to the second motor (220), and a fourth shaft (241) may be connected to the fourth motor (240).

The second motor (220) and the fourth motor (240) can be coupled to the second door (30). The second door (30) can include a door body (31) and a support frame (32) coupled to the back surface of the door body (31). The door body (31) can be rotatably coupled to the first door (20). The door body (31) can open or close the second chamber (22).

The second motor (220) and the fourth motor (240) can be mounted on the support frame (32) of the second door (30). The second motor (220) can be mounted on the second motor mounting portion (32a) of the support frame (32). The second motor mounting portion (32a) can be provided adjacent to the upper side of one side of the support frame (32). Although the specific structure is not shown in the drawing, the second motor mounting portion (32a) can support the second motor (220) in various structures. For example, the second motor mounting portion (32a) can include an elastic protrusion so that the second motor (220) can be fitted and connected to the second motor support portion (32a). The fourth motor (240) can be mounted on the fourth motor mounting portion (32b) of the support frame (32). The fourth motor mounting portion (32b) may be positioned adjacent to the lower side of one side of the support frame. Although the specific structure is not shown in the drawing, the fourth motor mounting portion (32b) may support the fourth motor (240) in various structures. For example, the fourth motor mounting portion (32b) may include an elastic protrusion so that the fourth motor (240) may be fitted and connected to the fourth motor support portion (32b).

The second shaft (221) may be connected to the second shaft support (32c) of the support frame (32). The second shaft support (32c) may be provided adjacent to the upper end of the other side of the support frame (32). The second shaft support (32c) may include a hole provided to allow the second shaft (221) to pass through. The second shaft (221) may rotate idly within the second shaft support (32c). In other words, even if the second shaft (221) rotates within the second shaft support (32c), the second shaft support (32c) may not move along the second direction.

The fourth shaft (241) may be connected to the fourth shaft support (32d) of the support frame (32). The fourth shaft support (32d) may be provided adjacent to the lower end of the other side of the support frame (32). The fourth shaft support (32d) may include a hole provided to allow the fourth shaft (241) to pass through. The fourth shaft (241) may rotate idly within the fourth shaft support (32d). In other words, even if the fourth shaft (241) rotates within the fourth shaft support (32d), the fourth shaft support (32d) may not move along the second direction.

The support frame (32) may include a support frame hole (32e) formed through the support frame (32) so that the frame (250) can move in the second direction within the support frame (32). The frame (250) can move in the second direction with respect to the support frame hole (32e).

As described above, the partial washing device (100) can move along the first direction within the frame (250). The frame (250) accommodating the partial washing device (100) can move along the second direction within the support frame (32) of the second door (30). Through this, the partial washing device (100) can move along the first direction and the second direction. In other words, the partial washing device (100) can move along the up, down, left, and right directions within the second chamber (22).

Fig. 14 illustrates a second chamber according to one embodiment. Fig. 15 illustrates an enlarged view of B in Fig. 4. Fig. 16 illustrates an enlarged view of A in Fig. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, the clothing manager (1) may include a support member (80) and a fixing member (90) provided inside the second chamber (22).

The support member (80) may be positioned adjacent to the upper end of the second chamber (22). The support member (80) may be provided to support a hanger (H) or to support clothing, as shown in Fig. 9. The support member (80) may be provided to be movable in a vertical direction.

The support member (80) may include a guide hole (82) extending in a vertical direction, and a support member or supporter (81) that is provided to be movable in a vertical direction along the guide hole (82) and fixed at a position within the guide hole (82).

The guide hole (82) may be formed at the rear surface of the second chamber (22). The guide hole (82) may be formed at a position adjacent to the upper end of the rear surface of the second chamber (22). The guide hole (82) may extend in a vertical direction. The support member (81) may move vertically within the guide hole (82). Accordingly, the guide hole (82) may define a range of vertical movement of the support member (81). In order to extend the range of vertical movement of the support member (81), the length of the guide hole (82) in the vertical direction may be extended.

The support member (80) may include a coupling member or coupler (85) coupled to the support member (81) so that the support member (81) is fixed at a position within the guide hole (82). The coupling member (85) may be coupled to the support member (81) on the outside of the second chamber (22). The coupling member (85) may be coupled to the support member (81) by rotating. For example, the coupling member (85) may correspond to a nut, and the support member (81) may correspond to a bolt. The coupling member (85) may include screw threads (85a) on its inner surface, and the support member (81) may include screw threads (81a) on its outer surface.

The support member (81) may include a first groove (83a) and a second groove (84c) into which at least a portion of a hanger (H) is inserted. The support member (81) may include a first projection (83) and a second projection (84a) that protrude radially from the support member (81) to form the first groove (83a). The support member (81) may include a third projection (84b) that protrudes radially from the support member (81) to form the second groove (84c). The first groove (83a) may be formed between the first projection (83) and the second projection (84a), and the second groove (84c) may be formed between the second projection (84a) and the third projection (84b). As another example, the support member (81) may include only one of the first groove (83a) or the second groove (84c).

The first groove (83a) may have a wider width in the front-back direction than the second groove (84c). The front-back direction may refer to the left-right direction in FIG. 10. The user may insert the hanger (H) into the second groove (84c) to fix the hanger (H) in the front-back direction. If the hanger is too thick to be inserted into the second groove (84c), the user may insert the hanger into the first groove (83a). That is, the hanger (H) may be placed in the second chamber (22) by inserting the hanger (H) into the first groove (83a) or the second groove (84c) according to the user's choice.

Referring to FIG. 16, the clothing manager (1) may include a fixing member (90) provided to fix clothing accommodated in the second chamber (22).

The fixing member (90) may be provided to hold and fix at least a portion of clothing (e.g., the lower part of clothing). The fixing member (90) may include a bar (93) arranged adjacent to the lower end of the second chamber (22) and arranged to cross the second chamber (22) in a horizontal direction, and a fixing member or fixer (91, 92) provided to be horizontally movable along the bar (93).

The fixing member (91, 92) may be provided to hold and fix clothing. The fixing member (91, 92) may include a first fixing member or a first fixer (91) and a second fixing member or a second fixer (92). Alternatively, the number of fixing members may be one or three or more.

The first fixing member (91) may include a first moving member or first mover (91a) that is arranged to be horizontally movable along the bar (93), and a first rotating member or first rotator (91b) that is rotatably coupled to the first moving member (91a). The first rotating member (91b) may be elastically biased in a direction closer to the first moving member (91a). For this purpose, the first fixing member (91) may include an elastic member (not shown).

The second fixing member (92) may include a second moving member or second mover (92a) that is provided to be horizontally movable along the bar (93), and a second rotating member or second rotator (92b) that is rotatably coupled to the second moving member (92a). The second rotating member (92b) may be elastically biased in a direction approaching the second moving member (92a). For this purpose, the second fixing member (92) may include an elastic member (not shown).

According to one embodiment, the bar (93) may be fixed at a position adjacent to the bottom of the second chamber (22). Even when the bar (93) is fixed, the support member (81) is provided to be able to move vertically within the guide hole (82), so that the support member (81) or the hanger (H) hung on the support member (81) can support the upper side of the clothing, and the fixing members (91, 92) can fix the lower side of the clothing. When the length of the clothing in the vertical direction is short, the support member (81) can be moved downward so that the upper side of the clothing is supported by the support member (81) or the hanger (H) hung on the support member (81), and the fixing members (91, 92) can fix the lower side of the clothing. In order to fix the upper and lower sides of clothing of various sizes, the bar (93) may be provided to be able to move vertically.

The clothing manager (1) includes a support member (80) and a fixing member (90), so that the clothing accommodated in the second chamber (22) can be pulled taut in the up-down direction. The support member (80) fixes the upper side of the clothing, and the fixing member (90) holds and fixes the lower side of the clothing, so that the clothing can be kept taut. Through this, the partial washing of the partial washing device (100) can be made easier, and the washing efficiency of the partial washing device (100) can be improved.

Referring to FIG. 16, a home position portion (25) may be provided in the second chamber (22). A charging terminal (25a, 25b) provided to charge a battery of a partial washing device (100) may be provided in the home position portion (25). The charging terminal (25a, 25b) may include a positive electrode (25a) and a negative electrode (25b). The positive electrode (25a) and the negative electrode (25b) of the home position portion (25) may correspond to the positive electrode (115a) and the negative electrode (115b) of the partial washing device (100), respectively. The shape of the charging terminal is not limited to this example, and may be formed in various commercially available shapes.

The partial washing device (100) can be docked to the home position part (25) so that the charging terminals (115a, 115b) of the partial washing device (100) and the charging terminals (25a, 25b) provided in the home position part (25) of the first door (20) are in contact with each other. The partial washing device (100) can be docked to the home position part (25) to charge the battery (118b), and then wash the target part of the clothes accommodated in the second chamber (22) by receiving a user's input or a command from the control part.

Fig. 17 is a control block diagram of a garment manager according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17, a clothing manager (1) according to one embodiment may include a display (35), a control panel (70), a heat exchanger (45), a first fan (42), a steam generator (40), a second fan (75), an actuator (76), a partial washing device (100), a moving device (200), a first communication unit (330), and/or a first control unit (300).

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a control panel according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 18, at least one input interface (70a) may include a power button (70a-1), a course selection button (70a-2, 70a-3, 70a-4), a direction selection button (70a-5, 70a-6), an operation/pause button (70a-7), a second door (30) opening button (70a-8), a communication button (70a-10), and/or a selection button (70a-12).

Each button may include a visual indicator (e.g., text, an icon, etc.) that indicates its function.

At least one input interface (70a) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.

In the present disclosure, 'button' may be replaced with a UI element (User Interface Element), a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone.

At least one output interface (70b) can transmit various information related to the operation of the clothing manager (1) to the user by generating sensory information.

For example, at least one output interface (70b) can transmit information related to a clothing care course and an operation time of the clothing manager (1), target area setting of partial care, etc. to a user. Information about the operation of the clothing manager (1) can be output by a display (70b-1), an indicator (70b-2, 70b-3, 70b-4, 70b-5), voice, etc. At least one output interface (70b) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an indicator, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc. As another example, at least a part of an input interface and an output interface can be implemented through a display having a touch panel.

The display (70b-1) can output information related to the clothing care course and the operating time of the clothing manager (1), target area setting for partial care, etc. The display (70b-1) can include a touch panel for receiving a user's touch input.

Indicators (70b-2, 70b-3, 70b-4, 70b-5) can visually inform the user of the operating status of the clothing manager (1).

The clothing care indicator (70b-2) can light up while the clothing care course is in operation.

The delicate drying indicator (70b-3) can light up while the delicate drying course is in operation.

The partial care indicator (70b-4) can light up while the partial care course is in operation.

The power button (70a-1) is a button to turn the power of the clothing manager (1) on or off.

The course selection buttons (70a-2, 70a-3, 70a-4) are buttons for selecting the course of the clothing manager (1).

The course selection buttons (70a-2, 70a-3, 70a-4) may include buttons (70a-2, 70a-3) for selecting a course for caring for clothing accommodated in the first chamber (11) and buttons (70a-4) for selecting a course for caring for clothing accommodated in the second chamber (22).

The button for selecting a course for caring for clothing accommodated in the first chamber (11) may include a clothing care button (70a-2).

When the clothing care button (70a-2) is selected, at least one course corresponding to clothing care may be displayed on the output interface (70b) (e.g., display (70b-1)), and the user may select a desired course using the direction selection buttons (70a-5, 70a-6). The at least one course may include various courses such as a standard course, a large-capacity care course, a sterilization course, a fine dust course, a rapid course, a school uniform course, a denim course, a coat course, a wool/knit course, and a suit course.

The button for selecting a course for caring for clothes accommodated in the first chamber (11) may include a delicate drying button (70a-2).

When the delicate drying button (70a-2) is selected, at least one course corresponding to delicate drying may be displayed on the output interface (70b) (e.g., display (70b-1)), and the user may select a desired course using the direction selection buttons (70a-5, 70a-6). The at least one course may include various courses such as a custom drying course, a shirt course, a swimsuit course, an outdoor course, a fitness course, a blouse course, a denim course, a coat course, a wool/knit course, a suit course, and a space dehumidification course.

After a course for caring for clothes is selected and the operation button (70a-7) is selected, the first control unit (300) can perform the selected course by controlling the configuration of the clothes manager (1) (e.g., heat exchanger (45), steam generator (40), first fan (42), and/or second fan (75)) according to the algorithm of the selected course.

According to the present disclosure, since the second chamber (22) includes an airflow inlet (24a, 24b) and an airflow outlet (24c), when a course for caring for clothes accommodated in the first chamber (11) is performed, clothes accommodated in the second chamber (22) can also be cared for together.

Accordingly, the user can also select a course for caring for clothing accommodated in the first chamber (11) in order to care for clothing accommodated in the second chamber (22).

The button (70a-4) for selecting a course for caring for clothing accommodated in the second chamber (22) may include a partial care button (70a-4).

The partial care button (70a-4) is a button for selecting a course for partially caring for clothes accommodated in the second chamber (22) using a partial washing device (100).

When the partial care button (70a-4) is selected, an interface for controlling the partial washing device (100) may be provided on the output interface (70b) (e.g., display (70b-1)).

For example, when the partial care button (70a-4) is selected, an interface for setting a target area may be provided on the output interface (70b) (e.g., display (70b-1)).

The direction selection buttons (70a-5, 70a-6) may include a left button (70a-5) and a right button (70a-6). According to various embodiments, the direction selection buttons (70a-5, 70a-6) may include an upper button and a lower button, and the button for one direction may be omitted.

The direction selection buttons (70a-5, 70a-6) are buttons for manipulating the interface provided by the display (70b-1). For example, the direction selection buttons (70a-5, 70a-6) can be used to change the selection of UI elements provided by the display (70b-1).

In one embodiment, the direction selection buttons (70a-5, 70a-6) may be used to set a target area in a partial care course.

The operation/pause button (70a-7) is a button to operate a selected course or temporarily stop a course in operation.

The second door (30) opening button (70a-8) is a button for automatically opening the second door (30).

The communication button (70a-10) is a button for setting up communication of the clothing manager (1). Through the communication button (70a-10), the clothing manager (1) can connect to a surrounding access point (AP). The clothing manager (1) can communicate with external devices such as a server, user device, or other home appliances through the surrounding access point.

The selection button (70a-12) is a button for manipulating an interface provided by the display (70b-1). For example, the selection button (70a-12) can be used to select a UI element provided by the display (70b-1).

Examples of various buttons included in the control panel (70) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are not limited to the examples described above, and it goes without saying that some buttons may be omitted or some buttons may be added.

For example, the control panel (70) may further include interface buttons for displaying on the display (35) or removing from the display (35) a user interface related to the partial washing machine (100) described below.

The heat exchanger (45) is for heating the air supplied into the first chamber (11) and may include a compressor (48) for compressing refrigerant. The compressor (48) may operate based on a control signal from the control unit (300).

The first fan (42) can discharge the air in the first chamber (11) back into the first chamber (11) through the machine room (13), the evaporator (46), and the condenser (47). The first fan (42) can operate based on a control signal from the control unit (300).

The steam generator (40) can inject steam into the first chamber (11). The steam generator (40) can operate based on a control signal from the first control unit (300).

The second fan (75) can circulate the air in the first chamber (11) back to the first chamber (11) through the second airflow outlet (12b) or the clothing support member (50). The second fan (75) can operate based on a control signal from the control unit (300).

The actuator (76) can open the second door (30). The actuator (76) can operate based on a control signal from the first control unit (300). For example, the actuator (76) can be configured with an electromagnet or a link member or a member such as a link, or can be applied if it has a configuration capable of pushing the second door (30).

The clothing manager (1) may include a first communication unit (330) for communicating with an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, a partial washing device (100) and/or a home appliance) via wired and/or wireless communication.

The first communication unit (330) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

The first communication unit (330) can transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the first communication unit (330) can establish communication with a server, a user device, and/or other home appliances, and transmit and receive various types of data.

To this end, the first communication unit (330) may support establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the first communication unit (330) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module may communicate with the external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These different types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a Near Field Communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, a UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a first mobile communication unit (330). The first mobile communication unit (330) transmits and receives a wireless signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

In one embodiment, the first communication unit (330) can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances through a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the clothes manager (1), other home appliances, and/or user devices are connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The clothes manager (1), other home appliances, and/or user devices can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

A partial washing device (100) is provided inside the second chamber (22) and can partially wash clothes accommodated in the second chamber (22).

The partial washing device (100) may include a second control unit (180) for controlling components of the partial washing device (100) (e.g., a water spray unit (101), a detergent spray unit (102), a vibrating unit (103), a suction unit (104), and/or at least one sensor (108)), and a second communication unit (190) for communicating with an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, a first communication unit (330) and/or a home appliance).

The second communication unit (190) included in the partial washing device (100) can communicate with the first communication unit (330) of the clothing manager (1) via wire or wireless communication.

In one embodiment, when the second communication unit (190) included in the partial washing device (100) performs wireless communication with the first communication unit (330) of the clothing manager (1), the appearance within the second chamber (22) can be prevented from being disturbed by the wire for connecting the cabinet (10) of the clothing manager (1) and the partial washing device (100).

Controlling the partial washing device (100) by the first control unit (300) may include the first control unit (300) transmitting a control command to the second control unit (180).

The second communication unit (190) can communicate with the first communication unit (330) of the clothing manager (1) and transmit control commands transmitted from the first control unit (300) to the second control unit (180).

The second control unit (180) can control the configurations of the partial washing device (100) based on the control commands transmitted from the first control unit (300).

The moving device (200) can move the partial washing device (100).

According to various embodiments, the mobile device (200) may include a third control unit (not shown) for controlling the first to fourth motors, and a wired or wireless third communication unit (not shown). The third control unit of the mobile device (200) may receive a control command from the second control unit (180) through the third communication unit. That is, the second control unit (180) may control the mobile device (200). As another example, the motor of the mobile device (200) may be directly controlled by being connected to the control unit of the partial washing machine (100) by a wire.

For example, when the first control unit (300) transmits a movement control signal to the partial washing device (100), the second control unit (180) of the partial washing device (100) can move the partial washing device (100) by controlling the movement device (200).

According to various embodiments, the moving device (200) can receive a control command from the first control unit (300). That is, the first control unit (300) can control the moving device (200). For example, the first control unit (300) can move the partial washing device (100) by controlling the partial washing device (100).

In the present disclosure, controlling the partial washing device (100) may include controlling the components of the partial washing device (100) (e.g., water spray unit (101), detergent spray unit (102), vibrating unit (103), suction unit (104), and/or at least one sensor (108)), as well as controlling the movement of the partial washing device (100) by controlling the moving device (200).

In one embodiment, the partial washing device (100) may include at least one sensor (108). Sensor data collected from the at least one sensor (108) may be transmitted to the first control unit (300). For example, the sensor (108) of the partial washing device (100) may include a camera, and image data collected from the camera may be transmitted to the first control unit (300).

The first control unit (300) can control various components of the clothing manager (1) (e.g., display (35), control panel (70), heat exchanger (45), first fan (42), steam generator (40), second fan (75), actuator (76), partial washing device (100), moving device (200), first communication unit (330)). The first control unit (300) can control various components of the clothing manager (1) to perform a clothing care course or a partial care course according to user input. For example, the first control unit (300) may control the heat exchanger (45) and the first fan (42) to supply hot air into the first chamber (11), control the steam generator (40) to supply steam into the first chamber (11), control the second fan (75) to purify the air in the first chamber (11), or control the partial washing device (100) to partially wash clothes accommodated in the second chamber (22).

As another example, the first control unit (300) can control the actuator (76) to open the second door (30).

The first control unit (300) can process data collected from various components of the clothing manager (1) (e.g., control panel (70), display (35), first communication unit (330), partial washing device (100)). The first control unit (300) can process user input entered through the control panel (70) and/or display (35) and perform an operation corresponding to the user input.

As another example, the first control unit (300) can control the actuator (76) to open the second door (30) based on the selection of the second door (30) opening button (70a-8).

The first control unit (300) can process image data collected from at least one sensor (108) of the partial washing device (100).

The first control unit (300) may include hardware such as a CPU, Micom, or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the first control unit (300) may include at least one memory (320) that stores data in the form of an algorithm and a program for controlling the operations of components in the clothing manager (1), and at least one processor (310) that performs the operations described above and the operations to be described below using the data stored in the at least one memory (320). The memory (320) and the processor (310) may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor (310) may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory (320) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. In addition, the memory (320) and the processor (310) may be implemented as a single chip.

At least one memory (320) can store an algorithm for a clothing care course, a partial care course, and target area setting.

The first control unit (300) may be mounted on a printed circuit board provided on the rear of the control panel (70), for example, but the location of the first control unit (300) is not limited thereto.

The first control unit (300) can be electrically connected to the display (35), the control panel (70), the heat exchanger (45), the first fan (42), the steam generator (40), the second fan (75), the actuator (76), the partial washing unit (100), the moving unit (200), and/or the first communication unit (330).

The configurations illustrated in FIG. 17 are examples of the configurations of a clothing manager (1) according to one embodiment. The clothing manager (1) according to one embodiment may include some configurations in addition to the configurations illustrated in FIG. 17, and may not include some of the configurations illustrated in FIG. 17.

For example, a clothing manager (1) according to one embodiment may include an actuator for automatically opening a first door (20), a first door opening/closing sensor for detecting the opening/closing of the first door (20), a second door opening/closing sensor for detecting the opening/closing of the second door (30), a proximity sensor for detecting the approach of an object to a predetermined location around the clothing manager (1), etc.

For convenience of explanation, the first control unit (300) is referred to as the control unit (300) below, and the first communication unit (330) is referred to as the communication unit (330).

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for determining a target area by a garment manager according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 19, a garment manager (1) according to one embodiment can receive user input for setting a target area (1210). The garment manager (1) can receive user input for setting a target area through various methods.

A garment manager (1) according to one embodiment can determine a target area based on user input received through an input interface (70a) of a control panel (70).

In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may receive an input (1220) via the control panel (70) to select at least one zone among a plurality of zones.

The control unit (300) can determine at least one zone selected through the control panel (70) among multiple zones as a target area (1230).

A partial washing device (100) can wash a target area (1240).

FIG. 20 illustrates an example of an interface for setting a target area provided by a control panel (70) according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 20, the control unit (300) can control the output interface (70b) to provide an interface for receiving a selection for at least one zone among a plurality of zones divided from each other based on receiving a user input for setting a target area.

For example, the control unit (300) may control the display (70b-1) to provide an interface for receiving a selection for at least one of a plurality of zones (a2) that are partitioned from each other based on the selection of the partial care button (70a-4).

In one embodiment, an interface for receiving a selection for at least one of a plurality of zones (a2) that are partitioned from each other may include a pre-stored garment image and a visual indicator (g2) that partitions the pre-stored garment image into the plurality of zones (a2).

In one embodiment, the control unit (300) may control the display (70b-1) to provide an interface for determining a type of clothing (e.g., short sleeves, long sleeves, pants, etc.) based on the selection of the partial care button (70a-4), and may control the display (70b-1) to output a pre-stored clothing image corresponding to the type of clothing based on the selection of the type of clothing and a visual indicator (g2) dividing the pre-stored clothing image into a plurality of zones (a2).

The visual indicator (g2) may include a grid, but the form of the visual indicator (g2) that divides the pre-stored clothing image displayed on the display (70b-1) into a plurality of zones (a2) is not limited thereto.

A user can select at least one of the plurality of zones (a2) via the control panel (70). For example, the user can select at least one of the plurality of zones (a2) via the direction selection buttons (70a-5, 70a-6) and the selection button (70a-12), or can select at least one of the plurality of zones (a2) via a touch input to the display (70b-1).

The control unit (300) can control the display (70b-1) to output a visual indication that distinguishes at least one zone selected through the control panel (70) from non-selected zones among the multiple zones (a2).

The control unit (300) can determine at least one zone selected through the control panel (70) among multiple zones (a2) as a target area.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, even if the user cannot see the clothing accommodated in the second chamber (22), the user can easily set the target area by identifying the contaminated portion of the clothing in advance and selecting at least one area corresponding to the contaminated portion.

Fig. 21 illustrates an example of a button for setting a target area provided on a control panel (70) according to one embodiment.

A control panel (70) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of buttons (bb) for receiving a selection for at least one of a plurality of zones that are partitioned from each other.

In one embodiment, the plurality of buttons (bb) can form a garment shape. For example, the plurality of buttons (bb) can form a short-sleeved shape, a long-sleeved shape, a trouser shape, and/or a dress shirt shape.

A plurality of buttons (bb) can correspond to a plurality of zones (a2). That is, each of the plurality of buttons (bb) can correspond to each of the plurality of zones (a2).

The user can select at least one zone among a plurality of zones (a2) that are divided from each other by selecting a button (bb) corresponding to the area to be washed among a plurality of buttons (bb).

Each of the plurality of buttons (bb) may represent a physical button. Each of the plurality of buttons (bb) may be lit in response to being selected, and may be turned off in response to being deselected. As another example, the plurality of buttons (bb) may be provided on a touch panel, and the button portions may be lit or turned off.

The control unit (300) can determine at least one zone selected through the control panel (70) from among the plurality of zones (a2) as the target area. That is, the control unit (300) can determine the zone corresponding to the selected button from among the plurality of buttons (bb) as the target area.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, even if the user cannot see the clothing accommodated in the second chamber (22), the user can easily set the target area by identifying the contaminated area of his/her clothing in advance and selecting at least one button (bb) corresponding to the contaminated area.

According to the present disclosure, a user can set a target area through the control panel (70) of the clothing manager (1).

Fig. 22 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method for determining a target area by a clothing manager (1) according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 22, the control unit (300) can transmit a clothes scan command to the partial washing device (100) based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition (1310). The partial washing device (100) can move through the second chamber (22) based on receiving the clothes scan command from the control unit (300) and obtain an entire image of the clothes accommodated in the second chamber (22).

That is, the control unit (300) can control the partial washing device (100) to move the second chamber (22) and acquire an entire image of the clothes accommodated in the second chamber (22) based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition.

The given condition may include at least one of: detection of opening and closing of the second door (30); detection of new clothes based on an image acquired by a camera of the partial washing device (100); detection of a change of clothes based on an image acquired by a camera of the partial washing device (100); or receipt of a clothes scan command.

For example, the control unit (300) may control the partial washing device (100) to acquire a full image of the clothes accommodated in the second chamber (22) based on receiving a clothes scan command through the user interface provided by the control panel (70) and/or the display (35).

As another example, the control unit (300) may control the partial washing device (100) to acquire a full image of the clothes accommodated in the second chamber (22) based on receiving a clothes scan command through the communication unit (330).

As another example, the control unit (300) may control the partial washing device (100) to acquire an entire image of clothing accommodated in the second chamber (22) based on receiving a user input for setting a target area.

As another example, the control unit (300) can control the partial washing device (100) to acquire a full image of clothes accommodated in the second chamber (22) based on the detection of the opening and closing of the second door (30).

As another example, the control unit (300) may control the partial washing device (100) to acquire an entire image of the clothes accommodated in the second chamber (22) based on the detection of new clothes or the detection of replacement of clothes based on the image acquired by the camera of the partial washing device (100).

FIG. 23 illustrates a partial washing device (100) according to one embodiment scanning clothes accommodated in a second chamber (22). FIG. 24 illustrates an example of a full image of clothes acquired by a partial washing device (100) according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the partial washing device (100) can move the second chamber based on receiving a clothes scan command from the control unit (300) and obtain a partial image (ma) of clothes accommodated in the second chamber (22) at each of a plurality of locations.

For example, the partial washing device (100) may move along a predetermined path (da) in the second chamber based on receiving a clothes scan command from the control unit (300) and obtain a partial image (ma) of clothes accommodated in the second chamber (22) at a plurality of predetermined locations (dp). For example, the partial image (ma) may be obtained by a camera (image sensor), which is a sensor (108) provided in the partial washing device (100).

The partial washing device (100) can transmit a plurality of partial images (ma) acquired at a plurality of predetermined locations (dp) to the control unit (300).

The clothing manager (1) can generate a full image (M) of clothing by synthesizing multiple partial images (ma) acquired from multiple locations (dp) (1320).

In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can synthesize a plurality of partial images (ma) to generate a full image (M) of the garment.

In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can identify a contaminated portion from an entire image (M) of clothing. To this end, the memory (320) can store an algorithm for identifying a contaminated portion from an entire image of clothing. For example, the control unit (300) can input an entire image (M) of clothing into a machine learning model to identify a contaminated portion.

According to various embodiments, the second control unit (180) of the partial washing device (100) may synthesize a plurality of partial images (ma) to generate a full image (M) of the clothing.

The clothing manager (1) can receive a command to select a certain area from the entire image (M) of the clothing (1330).

A command to select a certain area from the entire image (M) of the garment can be received from an external device via a control panel (70), a user interface provided by a display (35), and/or a communication unit (330).

The clothing manager (1) needs to show the entire image (M) of the clothing to the user in order to receive a command to select a certain area from the entire image (M) of the clothing.

The clothing manager (1) can determine the selected area as a target area based on receiving a command to select an area from the entire image (M) of clothing, and the partial washing device (100) can wash the target area (1340).

Fig. 25 illustrates an example in which an entire image of clothing is displayed on a control panel (70) according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 25, in one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the display (70b-1) of the control panel (70) to display an entire image of the garment based on receiving a user input for setting a target area.

The entire image of the garment can be displayed on the display (70b-1) of the control panel (70).

The control unit (300) can control the display (70b-1) to display a visual indicator (pp) to emphasize a contaminated portion identified from the entire image (M) of the clothing while displaying the entire image (M) of the clothing.

According to the present disclosure, a user can easily set a target area by referring to a contaminated area identified from an entire image (M) of clothing by a clothing manager (1).

The entire image (M) of the clothing displayed on the display (70b-1) can be enlarged or reduced based on a user input to enlarge or reduce the entire image (M) of the clothing.

User input to zoom in or out of the entire image (M) of the garment may include, for example, a pinch zoom touch input to the display (70b-1).

The control unit (300) can control the display (70b-1) to enlarge or reduce the entire image (M) of the clothing based on receiving a user input for enlargement or reduction of the entire image (M) of the clothing.

According to the present disclosure, a user can easily find a contaminated area of clothing by zooming in or out on the clothing.

The control unit (300) can determine a target area based on a selection of a portion of the entire image (M) of clothing displayed on the display (70b-1).

The control unit (300) can control the partial washing device (100) to wash the target area based on the target area being determined.

A method of receiving a selection for a portion of an entire image (M) of clothing displayed on a display (70b-1) may include receiving a touch input to the display (70b-1) and/or using direction selection buttons (70a-5, 70a-6) and selection button (70a-12) of a control panel (70).

According to various embodiments, as in the embodiment of FIG. 25, the entire image (M) of clothing displayed on the display (70b-1) may be divided into a plurality of zones by visual indicators.

FIG. 26 illustrates an entire image of clothing acquired by a clothing manager (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention and transmitted to a user device.

Referring to FIG. 26, in one embodiment, the control unit (300) can transmit the entire image (M) of the clothing to an external device (e.g., user device (3)) through the communication unit (330).

For example, the control unit (300) may transmit the entire image (M) of clothing to the external device in response to receiving a command for target setting from the external device through the communication unit (330).

As another example, the control unit (300) may transmit the entire image (M) of the garment to an external device (e.g., a user device) based on the generation of the entire image (M) of the garment.

The user device can store applications for managing the appliance.

After the user runs an application for managing home appliances through the user device (3), the user can log in with the user's account and send various control commands to home appliances linked to the account or receive various information from home appliances linked to the account.

If the clothing manager (1) is linked to the user's account, the user can send commands to control the clothing manager (1) through the user device (3).

If the clothing manager (1) is linked to the user's account, the clothing manager (1) can transmit the entire image (M) of the clothing to the user's device (3).

The user device (3) can display the entire image (M) of clothing received from the clothing manager (1) according to the user's operation.

The user device (3) may display a visual indicator (pp) to highlight a contaminated portion identified from the entire image (M) of the garment while displaying the entire image (M) of the garment.

The entire image (M) of the clothing displayed by the user device (3) may be divided into multiple zones by visual indicators.

A method of receiving a selection for a portion of an entire image (M) of clothing displayed on a user device (3) may include receiving a touch input to the user device (3).

The user can select a confirmation button (m1) after completing selection of a certain area of the entire image (M) of the clothing by operating the user device (3).

The user device (3) can receive a selection for a certain area of the entire image (M) of the clothing and transmit a partial washing command to the clothing manager (1) based on the selection of the confirmation button (m1).

A partial wash command may include a command to select a region from a full image (M) of a garment.

The control unit (300) can determine an area corresponding to a portion of an area selected by the user device (3) from the entire image (M) of the clothing as a target area.

The control unit (300) can control the partial washing device (100) to wash the target area based on the target area being determined.

According to the present disclosure, a user can also set a target area remotely.

According to the present disclosure, target sites can be set through various methods and means.

Fig. 27 is a flowchart for explaining a method for automatically setting a target area by a clothing manager (1) according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 27, a clothing manager (1) according to one embodiment can automatically set a target area.

The control unit (300) can receive a user input for starting an automatic washing process (1410). The user input for starting an automatic washing process can be transmitted to the control unit (300) by various methods.

For example, when the partial care button (70a-4) is selected, an interface for selecting an automatic washing mode may be provided on the display (70b-1), and the control unit (300) may perform an automatic washing process based on the selection of the operation button (70a-7) while the automatic washing mode is selected.

As another example, the control unit (300) can perform an automatic washing operation based on the selection of the automatic washing button of the user interface provided by the display (35).

The automatic washing process may mean a process in which the control unit (300) automatically identifies a contaminated portion of clothing accommodated in the second chamber (22) based on sensor data collected from at least one sensor (108) of the partial washing device (100), and the partial washing device (100) washes the contaminated portion.

According to various embodiments, the control unit (300) may control the partial washing device (100) to move along a predetermined path in the second chamber (22) based on the start of the automatic washing cycle.

In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can identify a contaminated portion of clothing accommodated in the second chamber (22) based on sensor data collected from the sensor (108) while the partial washing device (100) moves (1420).

The control unit (300) can identify a contaminated portion of clothing based on the sensor data collected from the sensor (108). To this end, the memory (320) can store an algorithm for identifying a contaminated portion based on the sensor data. For example, the control unit (300) can input the sensor data into a machine learning model to identify a contaminated portion.

If the sensor (108) is a camera, the control unit (300) can identify the contaminated part of the clothing based on image data. If the sensor (108) is a light sensor, the control unit (300) can identify the contaminated part of the clothing based on light quantity data.

According to various embodiments, if the second control unit (180) of the partial washing device (100) can identify a contaminated portion of clothing based on sensor data collected from the sensor (108), the operations described above and the operations described below may be performed by the second control unit (180).

In one embodiment, the control unit (300) can control the partial washing device (100) to wash the contaminated portion (1430).

According to various embodiments, the control unit (300) may control the partial washing device (100) to wash the contaminated portion in response to identifying the contaminated portion while the partial washing device (100) moves along the predetermined path in the second chamber (22).

According to this embodiment, the partial washing device (100) can move through the second chamber (22) and wash the contaminated portion in real time.

According to various embodiments, the control unit (300) may store coordinate data for a contaminated portion while the partial washing device (100) moves along a predetermined path through the second chamber (22), and control the partial washing device (100) to wash the contaminated portion in response to the partial washing device (100) completing a scan of the clothes.

According to this embodiment, by accurately identifying the contaminated portion of clothing accommodated in the second chamber (22) and then performing washing on the contaminated portion, the time required to complete the automatic washing process can be calculated relatively accurately.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program codes, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

In addition, the computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term 'non-transitory storage medium' means a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and cases where data is stored temporarily. For example, the 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer where data is temporarily stored.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a commodity. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play StoreTM) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable recording medium, such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or an intermediary server.

According to one embodiment, a garment manager includes a cabinet, a first chamber formed inside the cabinet and configured to receive garments, a first door configured to open or close the first chamber, the first door having a second chamber configured to receive garments, a second door rotatably coupled to the first door to open or close the second chamber, and a spot cleaner provided inside the second chamber to partially wash garments received in the second chamber. The spot cleaner is configured to be movable within the second chamber to partially wash a target area of the garments received in the second chamber.

The above-mentioned partial washing device may include a water spray unit configured to spray water, a detergent spray unit configured to spray a detergent solution mixed with water and detergent, and a suction unit configured to suck up water, detergent solution, and foreign substances.

The above-mentioned partial washing device may include at least one of a vibration unit provided to provide micro-vibrations to the clothes to remove contaminants from the clothes or a roller unit provided to contact the clothes to remove contaminants from the clothes.

The above-mentioned partial washing device may further include a water supply tank provided to store water supplied to at least one of the water spray unit or the detergent spray unit, and a drain tank provided to store water, detergent, and foreign substances sucked through the suction unit.

The above water tank and the above drain tank can be detachably connected to the partial washing device.

The above garment manager may further include a moving device configured to move the partial washing device along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction within the second chamber.

The above partial washing device and moving device may be provided on the rear surface of the second door so as to be positioned inside the second chamber when the second door is closed.

The above moving device may include a first motor providing a driving force to move the partial washing device along the first direction and a second motor providing a driving force to move the partial washing device along the second direction.

The above moving device may further include a frame supporting the partial washing device, a first shaft disposed inside the frame, connected to the partial washing device, and extending along the first direction, and a second shaft disposed outside the frame, connected to the frame, and extending along the second direction.

The above-mentioned partial washing device may be arranged to be movable along the first direction within the frame.

The above first motor may be connected to the first shaft and arranged to rotate the first shaft.

The second motor may be connected to the second shaft and configured to rotate the second shaft.

As the first shaft rotates, the partial washing device can move along the first direction within the frame.

As the second shaft rotates, the frame and the partial washing device can move along the second direction.

The above clothing manager may further include a support member arranged adjacent to the upper end of the second chamber and configured to be movable in a vertical direction and configured to support clothing accommodated in the second chamber or to support a clothing support member, and a fixing member arranged adjacent to the lower end of the second chamber and configured to fix clothing accommodated in the second chamber.

The above support member may include a guide hole formed at the rear of the second chamber and extending in a vertical direction, and a support member that is provided to be vertically movable along the guide hole and fixed at one position within the guide hole.

The above-mentioned fixing member may include a bar positioned adjacent to the lower end of the second chamber and horizontally crossing the second chamber, and a fixing member that is horizontally movable along the bar and is configured to grab and fix clothing.

The first door may include an air inlet formed on the upper side of the second chamber to allow dry air and/or steam inside the first chamber to flow into the second chamber, and an air outlet formed on the lower side of the second chamber to allow air and/or steam inside the second chamber to discharge into the first chamber.

The above first door may further include a case forming the second chamber, and a plurality of holes formed in the case so that air and/or steam inside the first chamber may be introduced into the second chamber or discharged through the second chamber.

The above plurality of holes can be formed over the entire area of at least one side of the case.

At least one of the first door and the second door may include an input interface and an output interface.

The above input interface may include a partial care button for partial washing.

The above output interface can be configured to display a clothing image for setting a target area to be partially washed in response to an input of the partial care button.

The above clothing image may be a pre-stored image based on the type of clothing to be partially washed or an image captured before the clothing to be partially washed is placed in the second chamber.

According to the present disclosure, a garment manager including a partial washing device capable of partially washing garments can be provided.

According to the present disclosure, a clothing manager with improved space utilization can be provided by placing a partial washing device in a separate space formed inside a door.

The above has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments. However, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains can make various changes and implementations without departing from the gist of the technical idea of the invention described in the claims below.

Claims (15)

cabinet; A first chamber formed inside the cabinet and arranged to accommodate clothing; A first door having a second chamber configured to receive clothing, the first door being configured to open or close the first chamber; a second door rotatably coupled to the first door to open or close the second chamber; and A spot cleaner is disposed inside the second chamber to partially wash clothes accommodated in the second chamber; The above partial washing device, A clothing manager that is arranged to be movable within the second chamber so as to partially wash a target area of clothing accommodated in the second chamber. In the first paragraph, The above partial washing device, A water spray unit provided to spray water, A detergent spray unit provided to spray a detergent mixed with water and detergent, and A garment care device including a suction unit provided to suck up water, detergent, and foreign substances. In the first paragraph, The above partial washing device, A garment care device comprising at least one of a vibration unit configured to provide micro-vibrations to garments to remove contaminants from the garments, or a roller unit configured to contact the garments to remove contaminants from the garments. In the second paragraph, The above partial washing device, A water supply passage provided to store water supplied to at least one of the water spray unit or the washing liquid spray unit; It further includes a drainage tank provided to store water, cleaning liquid and foreign substances sucked through the above suction unit, A clothes manager in which the water supply tank and the drain tank are detachably connected to the partial washing device. In the first paragraph, A garment manager further comprising a moving device configured to move the partial washing device in at least one direction among a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction within the second chamber. In paragraph 5, A clothes manager in which the above-mentioned partial washing device and moving device are arranged on the back side of the second door so as to be positioned inside the second chamber when the second door is closed. In paragraph 5, The above moving device, A first motor that generates a driving force to move the above-mentioned partial washing device along the first direction, and A garment manager including a second motor that generates a driving force to move the partial washing device along the second direction. In Article 7, The above moving device, A frame supporting the above-mentioned partial washing device, A first shaft disposed on the above frame, connected to the partial washing device, and extending along the first direction; and Further comprising a second shaft disposed in the second door, connected to the frame, and extending along the second direction; A clothing manager in which the partial washing device is provided to be movable along the first direction within the frame. In Article 8, The above first motor is connected to the first shaft and is arranged to rotate the first shaft, The second motor is connected to the second shaft and is arranged to rotate the second shaft. As the first shaft rotates, the partial washing device moves along the first direction within the frame, A clothes manager in which the frame and the partial washing device move along the second direction as the second shaft rotates. In the first paragraph, A support member arranged adjacent to the upper portion of the second chamber and capable of moving in a vertical direction, and provided to support clothing accommodated in the second chamber or to support a clothing support member; and A clothing manager further comprising: a fixing member arranged adjacent to the lower end of the second chamber and configured to fix clothing accommodated in the second chamber; In Article 10, The above support member, A guide hole formed on the rear of the second chamber and extending in a vertical direction, A garment manager including a support member that is capable of moving vertically along the guide hole and is fixed at a position within the guide hole. In Article 10, The above fixed part, A bar positioned adjacent to the lower portion of the second chamber and horizontally crossing the second chamber, A garment manager including a fixing member that is horizontally movable along the above bar and is arranged to hold and fix garments. In the first paragraph, The above first door, An air inlet formed on the upper side of the second chamber so that dry air and/or steam inside the first chamber is introduced into the second chamber, A garment manager including an airflow discharge port formed at the lower side of the second chamber so that air and/or steam inside the second chamber is discharged to the first chamber. In the first paragraph, The above first door, A case forming the second chamber, Further comprising a plurality of holes formed in the case so that air and/or steam inside the first chamber is introduced into the second chamber or discharged through the second chamber, A garment manager wherein the plurality of holes are formed over the entire area of at least one side of the case. In the first paragraph, At least one of the first door and the second door includes an input interface and an output interface, The above input interface includes a partial care button for partial washing, A garment manager wherein the above output interface is configured to display an image of garments for setting a target area to be partially washed in response to an input of the above partial care button.

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