U.S. patent application number 10/556390 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-21 for device and method for washing machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Soungbong Choi.
Application Number | 20080196170 10/556390 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36000444 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080196170 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Choi; Soungbong |
August 21, 2008 |
Device and Method For Washing Machine
Abstract
The present invention relates to washing apparatus and washing
method, more particularly, a washing apparatus of a new structure,
and a washing method thereof, which enables not to leave out pieces
of laundry sensing of which is not possible, or not sensed yet
among pieces of laundry introduced to an inside of a drum, and
which makes automatic sensing and providing properties of pieces of
laundry introduced to the inside of the drum for a user to make
reference in setting operation.
Inventors: |
Choi; Soungbong;
(Gyeongsangnam-do, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE LLP
1900 K STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
36000444 |
Appl. No.: |
10/556390 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
July 18, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2005/002297 |
371 Date: |
March 4, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/137 ; 68/12.02;
8/147; 8/158 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 93/005 20130101;
D06F 33/00 20130101; D06F 34/28 20200201; D06F 34/18 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/137 ; 68/12.02;
8/147; 8/158 |
International
Class: |
D06F 33/02 20060101
D06F033/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 30, 2004 |
KR |
10-2004-0068440 |
Sep 1, 2004 |
KR |
10-2004-0069504 |
Claims
1. A washing apparatus comprising: a body having a drum and driving
units for driving the drum; a reader unit for receiving a signal
from an information tag on each piece of laundry introduced to an
inside of the drum, to obtain information stored in the information
tags; a display unit for displaying various kinds of information
obtained by the reader unit; an interface unit for providing an
input environment for having various particulars selected by the
user, or receiving additional information from the user; and a
control unit for receiving information obtained by the reader unit,
and information provided to the interface unit, setting operation
of various kinds of cycles by using the information received thus,
and controlling the driving units with reference to the setting,
for performing washing.
2. A washing method comprising: an information obtaining step for
obtaining information on washing of pieces of laundry from
information tags respectively of entire laundry introduced to an
inside of a drum; an information determining step for displaying
information on particulars of the pieces of laundry in the
information obtained thus, and requesting the user to determine
whether the particulars displayed thus is the same with particulars
of laundry having the user introduced thereto actually, or not; an
information revising step for receiving revised particulars of the
pieces of laundry which are not same from the user in a case
particulars of the pieces of laundry responded on the request are
not the same with each other; and an operation setting step for
setting operation of each cycle with reference to the revised
particulars, and the information on washing of the pieces of
laundry obtained thus.
3. The washing method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
information on washing includes at least one of weights of
respective pieces of laundry, and washing water temperatures of
performing preferably operation of each cycle.
4. The washing method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
information determining step includes the step of inducing the user
to select a specific button for confirmation of the particulars of
the laundry the same or not.
5. The washing method as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a
step of setting operation of each cycle with reference only to
information on washing of each piece of laundry obtained already in
a case the particulars responded on the request in the information
determining step are determined to be the same.
6. The washing method as claimed in claim, wherein the operation
setting step includes at least one of setting of washing water
temperatures for performing operation of each cycle, and setting of
washing water levels for each cycle for a weight of entire
laundry.
7. The washing method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
information revising step includes the step of revising a
difference between a number of pieces of laundry introduced to the
inside of the drum actually, and a number of pieces of laundry
obtained by the reader unit.
8. The washing method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising the
step of having the washing water levels set thus compensated for
the weight determined based on the revised number of pieces of
laundry.
9. A washing apparatus comprising: a reader unit for receiving a
signal from an information tag on each piece of laundry, to obtain
information on properties of each piece of laundry stored in the
information tags; a display unit for displaying various kinds of
information; and a control unit for receiving information on
properties of the piece of laundry from the reader unit, retrieving
information on matters to be attended to in washing according to
the properties of the piece of laundry or recommendable information
on setting of operation in washing with reference to the
information received thus, and giving a notice on the information
retrieved thus to the user through a display unit.
10. The washing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising
a memory having information to be attended to in washing for each
property of each piece of laundry stored therein
11. The washing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising
a memory having recommendable information on selection of setting
of each cycle for each property of each piece of laundry stored
therein.
12. A control method comprising: an information obtaining step for
obtaining information on properties of each piece of laundry from
an information tag on the piece of laundry introduced to an inside
of a drum by using a reader unit; an information retrieving step
for retrieving information to be attended to in washing from the
information on properties obtained thus; and a noticing step for
giving a notice on the information retrieved thus to a user.
13. The control method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the
information on properties of each piece of laundry includes
information on material of the piece of laundry.
14. The control method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the
information on properties of each piece of laundry includes at
least one kind of information selected from information on a cycle
temperature, information on usable detergent, information whether a
beaching agent can be used or not.
15. The control method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the
information on properties of each piece of laundry includes main
use of the piece of laundry.
16. The control method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the
information retrieving step includes the step of obtaining
information corresponding to the properties of the piece of laundry
from information to be attended to in washing pieces of laundry for
each property stored in the memory.
17. The control method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the
information to be attended to in washing includes at least one kind
of information selected from information on kinds of detergent
which should not be used, and information on ranges of temperature
in which a cycle should not be performed.
18. A control method comprising: an information obtaining step for
obtaining information on properties of each piece of laundry from
an information tag on the piece of laundry introduced to an inside
of a drum by using a reader unit; an information retrieving step
for retrieving recommendable information on setting operation of
each cycle from the information on properties obtained thus; and a
noticing step for giving a notice on the information retrieved thus
to a user.
19. The control method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the
information on properties of each piece of laundry includes
information on material of the piece of laundry.
20. The control method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the
information on properties of each piece of laundry includes at
least one kind of information selected from information on a cycle
temperature, information on usable detergent, information whether a
beaching agent can be used or not.
21. The control method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the
information on properties of each piece of laundry includes main
use of the piece of laundry.
22. The control method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the
information retrieving step includes the step of obtaining
information corresponding to properties of the piece of laundry
from recommendable information on setting operation of each cycle
for each property of each piece of laundry stored in a memory.
23. The control method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the
recommendable information on selection of setting of each cycle
includes at least one kind of information selected from a
preferable cycle time period, a preferable cycle temperature, and a
preferable kind of detergent.
24. The washing method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the operation
setting step includes at least one of setting of washing water
temperatures for performing operation of each cycle, and setting of
washing water levels for each cycle for a weight of entire laundry.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to International
Application No. PCT/KR2005/002297 filed on Jul. 18, 2005, as well
as Korean Patent Applications P 2004-68440 filed on Aug. 30, 2004,
and P 2004-69504 filed on Sep. 1, 2004, all of which are
incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to washing apparatuses and
washing methods, and more particularly, to a washing apparatus of a
new structure, which can make automatic sensing of each piece of
laundry introduced to an inside of a drum, and additional automatic
setting of operation for pieces of laundry unable to make the
automatic sensing, and a washing method thereof.
[0003] Moreover, the present invention relates to a washing
apparatus of a new structure, which can make a user to know
properties of a piece of laundry introduced to an inside of a drum
in advance, so that a wrong washing is prevented in advance, and a
washing method thereof.
BACKGROUND ART
[0004] In general, in the washing apparatuses, there are pulsator
type washing machines each having a vertical drum, drum type
washing machines each having a drum laid down in a horizontal
direction, and washing and drying machines each having a drying
function.
[0005] The washing apparatus performs washing by determining an
amount of laundry introduced to the drum, and setting a washing
water level and a washing time period automatically according to
the amount of laundry.
[0006] Recently, owing to development of information technology, a
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Tag is attached to a portion
of clothes for making management of logistics or management of
information possible.
[0007] The RFID tag has a predetermined memory region for enabling
memory of various kinds of information on the clothes. The memory
region has various kinds of information recorded thereon, or is a
kind of memory chip for enabling recording of additional
information.
[0008] Particularly, Korean Registered Patent Publication No.
P1995-0011598 discloses a washing information input device provided
with an information medium attached to clothes, having information
on washing recorded thereon, washing information input sensing
means mounted to an appropriate place of a body of a washing
machine for sensing the washing information on the information
media, and system control means for controlling entire system
operation of the washing machine by using the washing information
sensed at the washing information input sensing means.
[0009] That is, the Korean Registered Patent Publication No.
P1995-0011598 enables to obtain information on washing from the
information media attached to clothes and to perform an appropriate
washing according to the information on washing.
[0010] Moreover, Japanese Laid Open Patent No. 2002-360968
discloses a washing apparatus in which a noncontact identification
device is used, provided with a reader for receiving a signal from
the RFID tag to be attached to clothes and having information
recorded thereon, a central information processing unit having a
holder for informing information the reader reads, and a control
unit for setting or changing a washing mode.
[0011] That is, the Japanese Laid Open Patent No. 2002-360968
intends to obtain information on washing from the RFID tag attached
to the clothes at the time of washing, for preventing setting of an
improper washing.
[0012] However, the related arts have a problem in that obtaining
information from pieces of laundry having no information tag, such
as a bar code, or a RFID tag, is impossible.
[0013] That is, because the related arts can not obtain information
from pieces of clothes having no information tags, resulting in
left out of information on the pieces of laundry, exact setting of
operation of each cycle is failed.
[0014] For an example, in general, even though washing water levels
or operation time periods, or the like for performing operation of
each cycle vary with amounts of laundry substantially, if there is
left out of information on a plurality of pieces of laundry,
setting error on the washing water levels, or operation time
periods, obtaining an optimum washing effect will be failed, at the
end.
[0015] Moreover, if various kinds of pieces of laundry are
introduced to the inside of the drum, the related arts merely
inform that washing is not possible, but fail to provide
information on properties of the pieces of laundry, and more
detailed information on a washing performance.
[0016] That is, since the related arts fail to lead a user to pay
attention to matters to be attended to caused by properties of each
piece of clothes, in a position of the user who is merely informed
that washing is not possible, a countermeasure required for
performing washing can not be made, smoothly.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0017] An object of the present invention is to provide new washing
apparatus and washing method, which can make automatic sensing, and
washing of each piece of laundry introduced to an inside of a drum,
and make automatic setting of a washing method even taking
information on pieces of laundry unable to make the automatic
sensing into account.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide new
washing apparatus and washing method, which can make a user to know
properties of pieces of laundry in advance, for preventing wrong
washing in advance.
Technical Solution
[0019] The objects of the present invention can be achieved by
providing a washing apparatus including a body having a drum and
driving units for driving the drum, a reader unit for receiving a
signal from an information tag on each piece of laundry introduced
to an inside of the drum, to obtain information stored in the
information tags, a display unit for displaying various kinds of
information obtained by the reader unit, an interface unit for
providing an input environment for having various particulars
selected by the user, or receiving additional information from the
user, and a control unit for receiving information obtained by the
reader unit, and information provided to the interface unit,
setting operation of various kinds of cycles by using the
information received thus, and controlling the driving units with
reference to the setting, for performing washing.
[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, a washing method
includes an information obtaining step for obtaining information on
washing of pieces of laundry from information tags respectively of
entire laundry introduced to an inside of a drum, an information
determining step for displaying information on particulars of the
pieces of laundry in the information obtained thus, and requesting
the user to determine whether the particulars displayed thus is the
same with particulars of laundry having the user introduced thereto
actually, or not, an information revising step for receiving
revised particulars of the pieces of laundry which are not same
from the user in a case particulars of the pieces of laundry
responded on the request are not the same with each other, and an
operation setting step for setting operation of each cycle with
reference to the revised particulars, and the information on
washing of the pieces of laundry obtained thus.
[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, a washing
apparatus includes a reader unit for receiving a signal from an
information tag on each piece of laundry, to obtain information on
properties of each piece of laundry stored in the information tags,
a display unit for displaying various kinds of information, and a
control unit for receiving information on properties of the piece
of laundry from the reader unit, retrieving information on matters
to be attended to in washing according to the properties of the
piece of laundry or recommendable information on setting of
operation in washing with reference to the information received
thus, and giving a notice on the information retrieved thus to the
user through a display unit.
[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, a control method
includes an information obtaining step for obtaining information on
properties of each piece of laundry from an information tag on the
piece of laundry introduced to an inside of a drum by using a
reader unit, an information retrieving step for retrieving
information to be attended to in washing from the information on
properties obtained thus, and a noticing step for giving a notice
on the information retrieved thus to a user.
[0023] In further aspect of the present invention, a control method
includes an information obtaining step for obtaining information on
properties of each piece of laundry from an information tag on the
piece of laundry introduced to an inside of a drum by using a
reader unit, an information retrieving step for retrieving
recommendable information on setting operation of each cycle from
the information on properties obtained thus, and a noticing step
for giving a notice on the information retrieved thus to a
user.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS
[0024] The washing apparatus and washing method in accordance with
one aspect of the present invention permits automatic setting of
various cycles for washing by determining kinds of pieces of
laundry by a non-contact method.
[0025] The washing apparatus and washing method in accordance with
one aspect of the present invention permits exact setting of
operation of each cycle because the washing apparatus and washing
method is operated such that a difference between laundry
introduced actually and laundry sensed is determined by the user
personally even if a piece of laundry of which sensing is not
possible is introduced.
[0026] The washing apparatus and washing method in accordance with
another aspect of the present invention permits to prevent wrong
washing in advance because information to be attended to in
washing, or recommendable information on setting washing cycles of
laundry, is provided to the user according to properties of laundry
intended to wash.
[0027] The washing apparatus and washing method in accordance with
another aspect of the present invention permits to improve
satisfaction of the user on a result of washing because the washing
can be made in a state an intention of the user is added
thereto.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a washing apparatus in
accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, schematically;
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart showing the steps of a
washing method in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart showing an example of the
steps of a process for automatic setting of operation in the
washing method in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a washing apparatus in
accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present
invention, schematically;
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart showing the steps of a
washing method in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart showing the steps of a
washing method in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
BEST MODE
[0034] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in
detail with reference to the attached drawings.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a washing apparatus in
accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0036] The washing apparatus in accordance with the first preferred
embodiment of the present invention includes a body 110, a drum
120, a driving unit 130, a reader unit 140, a display unit 150, an
interface unit 160, and a control unit 170.
[0037] The body 110 forms an exterior of the washing apparatus.
[0038] The drum 120 is mounted in the body 110, and driven by the
driving unit 130.
[0039] The driving unit 130 includes a driving motor (not shown)
for driving the drum 120, and a water supply valve (not shown) for
controlling water supply.
[0040] The reader unit 140 exchanges signals with an information
tag 210 attached to each piece of laundry introduced to an inside
of the drum 120 to obtain information from the information tag
210.
[0041] It is preferable that the information tag 210 attached to
each piece of laundry has information on washing of the piece of
laundry stored therein.
[0042] It is preferable that the information tag 210 is a RFID
(Radio Frequency Identification) tag additional information may be
written thereon, and the reader unit 140 is a RFID reader which
exchanges a signal with the RFID tag to receive information from
the RFID tag, or to write new information on the RFID tag.
[0043] Of course, the information tag 210 may have a bar code, and
the reader unit 140 may be a bar code reader, or one of other
various structures which can exchange information by other
noncontact method.
[0044] Moreover, the information on washing stored in the
information tag 210 on each piece of laundry includes at least one
of a weight of the piece of laundry, a washing water temperature
for preferable operation of each cycle, a time period for each
cycle, a washing water level, and detergent to be used.
[0045] The display unit 150 receives, and displays information from
the reader unit 140.
[0046] The display unit 150 may be an LCD, or other display
device.
[0047] The interface unit 160 is provided for exchange of
information between the user and the washing apparatus. The
interface unit 160 provides an input environment for having various
particulars selected by the user, or receiving additional
information from the user. The interface unit 160 may be a general
key pad, or the like.
[0048] The control unit 170 controls driving of various driving
units 130 of the washing apparatus.
[0049] Particularly, it is preferable that the control unit 170 is
connected to the reader unit 140 so as to be able to exchange
information for receiving information on all the pieces of laundry
from the reader unit 140.
[0050] It is preferable that the control unit 170 has software
programmed therein for setting operation of each cycle for washing
the piece of laundry with reference to the information from the
reader unit 140.
[0051] A washing method by using the foregoing washing apparatus
will be described with reference to the flow charts in FIGS. 2 and
3 attached hereto.
[0052] The user introduces a plurality of pieces of laundry to an
inside of the drum 120.
[0053] In this instance, the reader unit 140 obtains information on
washing the pieces of laundry from the information tags 210 on the
pieces of laundry introduced thus (S110).
[0054] The information on washing includes at least one of weights
of the pieces of laundry, and washing water temperatures for
performing preferable operation of each cycle.
[0055] Along with this, the control unit 170 receives the
information from the reader unit 140, and displays the information
on the display unit 150 for user's notice (S120).
[0056] That is, the control unit 170 makes the user to compare
particulars of the pieces of laundry introduced to an inside of the
drum 120 actually to particulars of pieces of laundry displayed
thus.
[0057] Moreover, in the step for controlling to display the
information, the control unit 170 requests the user to confirm
whether the particulars of pieces of laundry displayed thus and the
particulars of the pieces of laundry introduced to an inside of the
drum 120 actually are the same, or not (S130).
[0058] In this instance, for requesting the user to make
confirmation of the particulars of the laundry the same or not, it
is preferable that the control unit 170 requests the user to select
a specific button for confirmation of the particulars of the
laundry the same or not. Of course, the request for making
confirmation of the particulars of the laundry the same or not may
be made by other methods not described herein.
[0059] When the user responses to the request, the control unit 170
determines whether the particulars of pieces of laundry displayed
thus and the particulars of the pieces of laundry introduced thus
actually are the same, or not through description of the
response.
[0060] The particulars may not be the same because at least one of
the pieces of laundry has no information tag 210, or a sensing
error is caused at the reader unit 140.
[0061] If it is determined that the particulars are the same, the
control unit 170 sets operation of each cycle with reference to the
information only from the reader unit 140 (S140).
[0062] In the setting of operation of each cycle, at least one of a
washing water temperature, and a washing water level for a weight
of entire laundry is set for operation of each cycle.
[0063] Opposite to this, if it is determined that the particulars
are not the same (for an example, if a piece of laundry having no
information tag 210 is introduced), the control unit 170 sets
operation of each cycle with reference to revised information after
revising the particulars which are not the same (S150).
[0064] In this instance, it is preferable that, once the user
revises the particulars which are not the same, the control unit
170 sets the operation of each cycle automatically with reference
to the revised particulars.
[0065] A process for automatic setting of operation will be
described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3 attached
hereto.
[0066] The control unit 170 requests the user to revise particulars
of the laundry which are not the same through the display unit 150
(S151).
[0067] The revision of particulars which are not the same is
revision of a difference between a number of pieces of laundry for
each particular introduced to an inside of the drum 120 actually
and a number of pieces of laundry for each particular sensed at the
reader unit 140. The revision is made through the interface unit
160.
[0068] Once the user revises the difference of numbers of pieces of
laundry for each particular, the control unit 170 determines, and
stores an amount of clothes for the number of pieces of laundry for
each particular revised thus (S152).
[0069] Though the determination of amount of clothes may be made by
determining a weight of pieces of laundry of the same kind in
information on washing obtained from laundry of the same
particulars, because, in general, in most of cases pieces of
laundry of which sensing is left out have no information tags 210,
it is preferable that the determination of amount of clothes is
made by receiving information on an approx. weight of the laundry
from the user.
[0070] Of course, the setting can be made such that the
determination of an amount of clothes for entire laundry in the
drum is made by a physical method, even if the user only performs
selection on a not-the-same button simply, without providing the
information thereto, personally.
[0071] That is, by determining a load on a driving unit by driving
the driving unit, the weight of the entire laundry can be
determined, or a separate weight sensor may be provided for
measuring the weight of entire laundry in the drum.
[0072] Then, the weight of entire laundry introduced to inside of
the drum 120 can be determined with reference to the information on
the amount of laundry determined additionally (S153).
[0073] Along with this, operation of each cycle is set with
reference to the information on weight of entire laundry
(S154).
[0074] That is, washing levels of respective cycles, such as a
washing water level in washing, a washing water level in rinsing,
and so on are set with reference to the information on weight of
entire laundry, and temperatures of washing water for performing
operation of respective cycles are set with reference to the
information on washing.
[0075] Of course, it is preferable that the information on washing
other pieces of laundry determined through the reader unit 140 is
referred to at the time of setting the operation of each cycle.
[0076] Then, the control unit 170 controls the driving unit 130
with reference to the information on operation of each cycle set
thus, to perform each cycle (S160).
[0077] At the end, the series of steps in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention permits automatic
sensing, and automatic setting of operation of pieces of laundry
even taking pieces of laundry of which automatic sensing is
impossible into account.
[0078] In the meantime, a second preferred embodiment of the
present invention suggests providing user with matters on laundry
to be attended to in washing, or recommendable information on
setting of operation in washing.
[0079] It is the most preferable that services of the second
preferred embodiment of the present invention are preformed in a
state particulars (amount, or weight, or so on) of each piece of
laundry are determined exactly by the method of the first
embodiment of the present invention. Of course, the services of the
second preferred embodiment of the present invention may be
preformed separate from the first embodiment.
[0080] A structure of a washing apparatus in accordance with a
second preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a washing
method by using the same will be described in more detail with
reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.
[0081] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a washing apparatus in
accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0082] The washing apparatus in accordance with the second
preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a body 310,
a drum 320, a driving unit 330, a reader unit 340, a display unit
350, and a control unit 370.
[0083] The body 310 forms an exterior of the washing apparatus.
[0084] The drum 320 is mounted in the body 310, and driven by the
driving unit 330.
[0085] The reader unit 340 obtains information from an information
tag 210 attached to each piece of laundry.
[0086] The information tag 210 attached to each piece of laundry
has information on properties of each piece of laundry stored
therein, and is able to transmit information, and store new
information through transmission/reception of a signal to/from the
reader unit 340.
[0087] It is preferable that the information tag 210 is a RFID
(Radio Frequency Identification) tag additional information may be
written thereon, and the reader unit 340 is a RFID reader which
exchanges a signal with the RFID tag to receive information from
the RFID tag, or to write new information on the RFID tag.
[0088] Of course, the information tag 210 may have a bar code, and
the reader unit 340 may be a bar code reader, or one of other
various structures which can exchange information by other
noncontact methods.
[0089] The display unit 350 displays various kinds of information
following progress of cycles of the washing apparatus.
[0090] The display unit 350 may be an LCD, or other display
device
[0091] It is preferable that the control unit 370 is a controller
which controls each driving unit 330 of the washing apparatus.
[0092] In a case information on properties of a particular laundry
is received from the reader unit 340, it is preferable that the
control unit 370 retrieves matters to be attended to according to
properties of the piece of laundry or recommendable information on
control of performing washing, and informs to the user.
[0093] The present invention is characterized in that a memory 380
is further included for storing various information, and sharing
information with the control unit 370.
[0094] The memory 380 is operated to retrieve information to be
attended to in washing, or recommendable information on setting of
operation of washing.
[0095] A washing method by using the foregoing washing apparatus
will be described in more detail.
[0096] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart showing the steps of a
washing method in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of
the present invention, referring to which the washing method in
accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present
invention will be described.
[0097] When the user introduces a plurality of pieces of laundry to
an inside of the drum 120, the control unit 370 controls the reader
unit 340 to obtain information on properties of the pieces of
laundry from the information tags 210 on the pieces of laundry
introduced thus (S210).
[0098] The reader unit 340 of a RF reader exchanges signal with the
information tag 210 of a RFID tag, to obtain information on
properties of the piece of laundry stored in the information
tag.
[0099] Particularly, the information on properties obtained thus is
on material (for an example, composition of fiber) of the piece of
laundry.
[0100] Of course, if the information tag 210 has information on a
cycle temperature, information on usable detergent, or information
whether a bleaching agent can be used or not further stored
therein, it is preferable that above information is also
obtained.
[0101] Upon finishing obtaining information on properties of a
particular piece of laundry introduced to the drum 320, the control
unit 370 retrieves information to be attended to from the
information on properties obtained thus (S220).
[0102] The information to be attended to in washing is kinds of
detergent which should not be used, or a temperature range which
should be avoided in performing operation of each cycle.
[0103] The retrieval of the information is made by obtaining
information stored in a state to be in correspondence to properties
of a relevant piece of laundry among information on properties of
each piece of laundry to be attended to in washing stored in the
memory 380.
[0104] For an example, if the piece of laundry is formed of protein
fiber (wool, silk, and so on), information to be attended to in
washing protein fiber is obtained from various kinds of information
stored in the memory 380, for an example, chlorine group of
bleaching agent should not be used.
[0105] If the piece of laundry is formed of acetate material
(diacetate, triacetate, and so on), information to be attended to
in washing acetate material, for an example, strong bleaching agent
should not be used, is obtained.
[0106] If the piece of laundry is formed of cellulose fiber
(cotton, hemp and so on), information to be attended to in washing
cellulose fiber, for an example, washing at a high temperature
should not be used and so on, is obtained.
[0107] Upon finishing retrieval of particulars to be attended to in
washing by above series of steps, the information retrieved thus is
displayed on the display unit 350 as data for giving a notice to
the user (S230).
[0108] At the end, the user becomes to know matters to be attended
to in washing the laundry in advance before the washing is
performed actually by the foregoing series of steps in accordance
with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, and
enables to perform washing in which damage to the laundry is
minimized as the user determines detergent, and a cycle temperature
with reference to such matters to be attended to.
[0109] In the meantime, the washing method in accordance with the
second preferred embodiment of the present invention is not simply
limited to giving a notice on the information on matters to be
attended to only.
[0110] That is, though not shown, if the washing apparatus enables
introduction of a plurality of kinds of detergent, as well as
automatic control of operation of each cycle with reference to
information on the matters to be attended to retrieved thus by the
control unit 370, the washing apparatus can perform a washing cycle
by automatic control without giving the user a notice on the
matters to be attended to.
[0111] Of course, in this case, an operation the user may not
desire can be set.
[0112] Therefore, what is required is, not the simple retrieval and
display of the matters to be attended to, or setting of operation
of entire cycle by the control unit, but making that a washing
intended by the user can be performed.
[0113] According to this, a washing method in accordance with a
third preferred embodiment of the present invention suggests
providing the user with recommendable information on setting
operation of each cycle, so that the user can set the operation of
each cycle, more smoothly.
[0114] A washing method in accordance with the third preferred
embodiment of the present invention will be described in more
detail with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 6 attached
hereto.
[0115] A process for obtaining information on properties of each
piece of laundry introduced to an inside of the drum 320 is the
same with the washing method in accordance with the foregoing
first, or second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0116] That is, the control unit 370 obtains information on
properties of the piece of laundry from each information tag 210 of
the piece of laundry introduced to the inside of the drum 320 by
using the reader unit 340 (S310).
[0117] In this instance, the information on properties preferably
includes a material (for an example, composition of fiber) of the
piece of laundry, and more preferably further includes at least one
kind of information selected from information on a cycle
temperature, information on usable detergent, and information on
viability of using bleaching agent.
[0118] In the middle, or finish of obtaining the information on
properties of each piece of laundry, the control unit 370 retrieves
recommendable information for setting operation of each cycle from
information stored in the memory 380 with reference to information
on properties of a plurality of pieces of laundry obtained thus
(S320).
[0119] The retrieval of the information is made by obtaining
information stored in a state to be in correspondence to material
(or properties) of a relevant piece of laundry among recommendable
information on properties of each piece of laundry stored in the
memory 380 for setting operation of each cycle.
[0120] For an example, if the material of the piece of laundry
determined is a natural cellulose fiber, information on operation
is retrieved from the memory 380, in which a washing cycle is
performed at a temperature below 40.degree. C.
[0121] Upon finishing retrieval of the recommendable information,
the recommendable information retrieved thus is displayed on the
display unit 350, so that the user can set operation of each cycle,
more smoothly (S330).
[0122] In the meantime, in the foregoing washing methods in the
second, and third preferred embodiments of the present invention,
the information on properties of laundry is not limited only to
information on material of laundry, necessarily.
[0123] That is, a setting may be made such that matters to be
attended to can be provided, or recommendable information can be
provided for setting operation of each cycle in view of main use of
the laundry for each piece of laundry.
[0124] For an example, if the main use of the laundry is working
clothes, determining that oily contamination occurs mostly, by
providing the user with matters to be attended to, or recommendable
information for setting a cycle (washing at a high temperature, and
so on), at the time of oily contamination, the user can wash the
laundry smoothly.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0125] Since one mode of the present invention is washing apparatus
and washing method which enable to take information on laundry that
is liable to be left out into account exactly, the present
invention has industrial applicability.
[0126] Since another mode of the present invention is washing
apparatus and washing method which enable a user to washing laundry
by using information on properties of the laundry smoothly, the
present invention has industrial applicability.
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