U.S. patent application number 12/137315 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-14 for clothes treating machine and method for controlling the same.
Invention is credited to Kyung Ah Choi, Joo Yeon KIM.
Application Number | 20090119848 12/137315 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40149233 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090119848 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Joo Yeon ; et
al. |
May 14, 2009 |
CLOTHES TREATING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME
Abstract
A clothes treating machine is disclosed. The clothes treating
machine includes a cabinet forming the external appearance of the
clothes treating machine, the cabinet for keeping clothes, an air
conditioning unit for supplying cool air into the cabinet, and a
control unit for controlling the air conditioning unit based on the
state of clothes kept in the cabinet.
Inventors: |
KIM; Joo Yeon; (Changwon-si,
KR) ; Choi; Kyung Ah; (Changwon-si, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KED & ASSOCIATES, LLP
P.O. Box 221200
Chantilly
VA
20153-1200
US
|
Family ID: |
40149233 |
Appl. No.: |
12/137315 |
Filed: |
June 11, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/149.2 ;
68/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 61/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/149.2 ;
68/6 |
International
Class: |
D06F 95/00 20060101
D06F095/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 13, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0057918 |
Claims
1. A clothes treating machine comprising: a cabinet forming the
external appearance of the clothes treating machine, the cabinet
for keeping clothes; an air conditioning unit for supplying cool
air into the cabinet; and a control unit for controlling the air
conditioning unit based on the state of clothes kept in the
cabinet.
2. The clothes treating machine according to claim 1, wherein the
air conditioning unit supplies warm air to control the interior
temperature of the cabinet.
3. The clothes treating machine according to claim 2, further
comprising: a humidity control unit for controlling the interior
humidity of the cabinet, wherein the humidity control unit is
controlled by the control unit.
4. The clothes treating machine according to claim 3, wherein the
humidity control unit includes desiccant for dehumidification.
5. The clothes treating machine according to claim 3, further
comprising: a filter mounted in the cabinet for deodorizing or
purifying air.
6. The clothes treating machine according to claim 3, further
comprising: an air freshening unit mounted in the cabinet.
7. The clothes treating machine according to claim 6, wherein the
air freshening unit contains vegetable resin having an aromatic
effect and an insect proofing effect.
8. The clothes treating machine according to claim 2, further
comprising: a flow rate control unit mounted in the cabinet for
controlling the flow rate of cool air and warm air supplied from
the air conditioning unit.
9. The clothes treating machine according to claim 3, wherein the
cabinet is divided into a plurality of independent
compartments.
10. The clothes treating machine according to claim 9, wherein the
control unit individually controls the interior temperature and
humidity of each compartment.
11. The clothes treating machine according to claim 10, further
comprising: ducts connected between the respective compartments and
the air conditioning unit for defining flow channels along which
cool air or warm air circulates; and a flow channel control unit
for selectively opening and closing the respective ducts, wherein
the flow channel control unit is controlled by the control
unit.
12. The clothes treating machine according to claim 11, further
comprising: a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor for
measuring the interior temperature and humidity of each
compartment, respectively.
13. The clothes treating machine according to claim 12, further
comprising: a display unit for displaying the temperature and
humidity measured by the temperature sensor and the humidity
sensor.
14. The clothes treating machine according to claim 13, further
comprising: an input unit for allowing a user to directly establish
an operation mode of the clothes treating machine.
15. The clothes treating machine according to claim 13, wherein the
control unit includes a storage part for storing proper operation
modes based on the state of clothes kept in the cabinet, and the
control unit automatically establishes a proper operation mode from
the storage part.
16. The clothes treating machine according to claim 15, further
comprising: an identification tag configured to be detachably
attached to clothes for allowing information of the attached
clothes to be inputted thereinto; and an identification sensor for
determining whether the clothes are received and confirming the
clothes information from the identification tag, wherein the
control unit automatically establishes the proper operation mode
from the storage part depending upon the determination as to
whether the clothes are received and the confirmation of the
clothes information by the identification sensor.
17. The clothes treating machine according to claim 16, further
comprising: a communication module for receiving weather
information and clothes caring information from the outside,
wherein the control unit automatically establishes the proper
operation mode from the storage part depending upon the weather
information and the clothes caring information received through the
communication module.
18. A method for controlling a clothes treating machine,
comprising: inputting information necessary to establish an
operation mode of the clothes treating machine; establishing a
proper operation mode based on the inputted information; and
performing a keeping operation according to the established proper
operation mode.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the step of inputting
the information includes determining whether clothes are received
in a cabinet of the clothes treating machine, and confirming
information of the received clothes.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the step of inputting
the information further includes inputting weather information and
clothes caring information through communication in real time.
21. The method according to claim 18, wherein the step of
establishing the proper operation mode includes confirming a proper
operation mode based on the state of clothes kept in the clothes
treating machine and automatically establishing the proper
operation mode by the clothes treating machine.
22. The method according to claim 18, wherein the step of
establishing the proper operation mode includes displaying the
state of clothes kept in the clothes treating machine, and manually
establishing the proper operation mode based on the state of the
clothes by a user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2007-57918, filed on Jun. 13, 2007, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set
forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a clothes treating machine,
and more particularly, to a clothes treating machine that is
capable of keeping clothes at optimum temperature and humidity
based on the state of the clothes.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] A clothes treating machine is a machine that keeps and
protects clothes. Generally, clothes are simply kept in a
predetermined place without special treatment to the clothes. For
example, clothes are kept in a wardrobe, in a state in which the
clothes are not exposed to the outside, to prevent dust from
sticking to the clothes. Alternatively, clothes are hanged on a
hanger in a state in which the clothes are exposed to the
outside.
[0006] Therefore, keeping clothes using such a conventional clothes
treating machine has the following problems.
[0007] First, when clothes are kept in a room-temperature, humid
space, mold or tick is apt to be parasitic on the clothes. When the
clothes are kept for a long period of time, therefore, the clothes
may be easily damaged due to mold or tick.
[0008] Second, temperature and humidity greatly change according to
seasons, with the result that it is difficult to optimally keep the
clothes. Especially for luxury winter clothes such as fur, it is
necessary to maintain the quality of the clothes through optimum
keeping of the clothes in consideration of the prices of the
clothes based on the wearable periods of the clothes. In the
conventional clothes treating machine, however, it is not possible
to provide an optimum keeping environment based on the materials
for clothes.
[0009] Therefore, there is a high necessity for an improved clothes
treating machine that is capable of appropriately protecting and
keeping clothes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a clothes
treating machine that substantially obviates one or more problems
due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a clothes
treating machine that is capable of effectively preventing the
damage to clothes due to mold or tick, which may be caused during
keeping the clothes.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
clothes treating machine that is capable of providing an optimum
keeping environment based on the state of clothes kept in the
clothes treating machine.
[0013] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be
learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
structure particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0014] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, a clothes treating machine includes a
cabinet forming the external appearance of the clothes treating
machine, the cabinet for keeping clothes, an air conditioning unit
for supplying cool air into the cabinet, and a control unit for
controlling the air conditioning unit based on the state of clothes
kept in the cabinet.
[0015] Preferably, the air conditioning unit supplies warm air to
control the interior temperature of the cabinet.
[0016] Preferably, the clothes treating machine further includes a
humidity control unit for controlling the interior humidity of the
cabinet, the humidity control unit being controlled by the control
unit.
[0017] Preferably, the humidity control unit includes desiccant for
dehumidification.
[0018] Preferably, the clothes treating machine further includes a
filter mounted in the cabinet for deodorizing or purifying air.
[0019] Preferably, the clothes treating machine further includes an
air freshening unit mounted in the cabinet.
[0020] Preferably, the air freshening unit contains vegetable resin
having an aromatic effect and an insect proofing effect.
[0021] Preferably, the clothes treating machine further includes a
flow rate control unit mounted in the cabinet for controlling the
flow rate of cool air and warm air supplied from the air
conditioning unit.
[0022] Preferably, the cabinet is divided into a plurality of
independent compartments.
[0023] Preferably, the control unit individually controls the
interior temperature and humidity of each compartment.
[0024] Preferably, the clothes treating machine further includes
ducts connected between the respective compartments and the air
conditioning unit for defining flow channels along which cool air
or warm air circulates, and a flow channel control unit for
selectively opening and closing the respective ducts, the flow
channel control unit being controlled by the control unit.
[0025] Preferably, the clothes treating machine further includes a
temperature sensor and a humidity sensor for measuring the interior
temperature and humidity of each compartment, respectively.
[0026] Preferably, the clothes treating machine further includes a
display unit for displaying the temperature and humidity measured
by the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor.
[0027] Preferably, the clothes treating machine further includes an
input unit for allowing a user to directly establish an operation
mode of the clothes treating machine.
[0028] Preferably, the control unit includes a storage part for
storing proper operation modes based on the state of clothes kept
in the cabinet, and the control unit automatically establishes a
proper operation mode from the storage part.
[0029] Preferably, the clothes treating machine further includes an
identification tag configured to be detachably attached to clothes
for allowing information of the attached clothes to be inputted
thereinto and an identification sensor for determining whether the
clothes are received and confirming the clothes information from
the identification tag, and the control unit automatically
establishes the proper operation mode from the storage part
depending upon the determination as to whether the clothes are
received and the confirmation of the clothes information by the
identification sensor.
[0030] Preferably, the clothes treating machine further includes a
communication module for receiving weather information and clothes
caring information from the outside, and the control unit
automatically establishes the proper operation mode from the
storage part depending upon the weather information and the clothes
caring information received through the communication module.
[0031] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for
controlling a clothes treating machine includes inputting
information necessary to establish an operation mode of the clothes
treating machine, establishing a proper operation mode based on the
inputted information, and performing a keeping operation according
to the established proper operation mode.
[0032] Preferably, the step of inputting the information includes
determining whether clothes are received in a cabinet of the
clothes treating machine and confirming information of the received
clothes.
[0033] Preferably, the step of inputting the information further
includes inputting weather information and clothes caring
information through communication in real time.
[0034] Preferably, the step of establishing the proper operation
mode includes confirming a proper operation mode based on the state
of clothes kept in the clothes treating machine and automatically
establishing the proper operation mode by the clothes treating
machine.
[0035] Preferably, the step of establishing the proper operation
mode includes displaying the state of clothes kept in the clothes
treating machine and manually establishing the proper operation
mode based on the state of the clothes by a user.
[0036] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description of the present
invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide
further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
[0038] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a clothes treating
machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a cycle circuit diagram of an air conditioning
unit mounted in the clothes treating machine;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating the connection
between the air conditional unit and compartments of the clothes
treating machine;
[0041] FIG. 4 is a constructional view illustrating the connection
between components of the compartments and the air conditional unit
of the clothes treating machine;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating input and output
relations of a control unit; and
[0043] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling
a clothes treating machine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts.
[0045] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a clothes treating
machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the structure of the clothes treating machine
according to this embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to FIG. 1.
[0046] In the clothes treating machine according to this embodiment
of the present invention, a cabinet 10 forms the external
appearance of the clothes treating machine. Also, the cabinet 10
has a clothes keeping space for keeping clothes defined therein. At
the front of the cabinet 10 may be mounted a door 11, which can be
opened and closed such that clothes can be received in the cabinet
10. In the cabinet 10 may be mounted an air conditioning unit 20
(see FIG. 2) for supplying cool air to the clothes received in the
cabinet 10. Also, a display unit 70 for displaying a state in which
the clothes are kept may be mounted at the front of the cabinet
10.
[0047] The respective components of the clothes treating machine
will be described in detail.
[0048] First, the cabinet 10 forms the external appearance of the
clothes treating machine. In the cabinet 10 is defined a clothes
keeping space for keeping clothes. The cabinet 10 may be
constructed in an airtight structure in which air in the cabinet 10
does not leak to the outside. Also, the cabinet 10 may be made of a
material exhibiting low heat conductivity such that clothes keeping
environment in the cabinet 10 is not affected by external
conditions.
[0049] Also, the cabinet 10 may be divided into a plurality of
compartments 30. For clothes, optimum keeping environments required
depending upon materials and uses of the clothes may be different.
For this reason, the clothes treating machine according to this
embodiment includes several independent compartments 30, and
clothes keeping environments required based on the clothes kept in
the respective compartments 30 are individually prepared for the
respective compartments 30. Consequently, housing members
constituting the respective compartments 30 are preferably made of
a material exhibiting low heat conductivity.
[0050] In this embodiment, the cabinet 10 is divided into several
compartments 30, although the cabinet 10 may not be divided such
that the cabinet 10 can be used as a single space.
[0051] The door 11 may be mounted at the front of the cabinet 10
such that the door 11 can be opened and closed. In a state in which
the door 11 is open, it is possible to put clothes in the cabinet
10. In a state in which the door 11 is closed, the clothes keeping
environment in the cabinet is maintained. At a predetermined region
of the door 11 where the door 11 is in contact with the cabinet 10
may be mounted a packing (not shown) such that the cabinet 10 is
maintained in an airtight state.
[0052] Meanwhile, the air conditioning unit 20 may be mounted in
the cabinet 10. In consideration of the clothes keeping space
defined in the cabinet 10, it is preferred to mount the air
conditioning unit 20 at the inside upper part of the cabinet 10. A
detailed description of the air conditioning unit 20 will be given
in the following.
[0053] The display unit 70 may be mounted at one side of the
cabinet 10 for displaying a clothes keeping condition and operating
state. The display unit 70 is a device that interfaces with a user.
Preferably, the display unit 70 is mounted at the front of the
cabinet 10.
[0054] FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the structure of the
air conditioning unit 20. Hereinafter, the structure of the air
conditioning unit 20 will be described in detail with reference to
FIG. 2.
[0055] In this embodiment of the present invention, the air
conditioning unit 20 is mounted in the cabinet 10 (see FIG. 1) in
which clothes are kept. In the conventional clothes treating
machine, when clothes are not appropriately treated such that the
clothes can be protected, the clothes may damaged due to mold or
tick during keeping the clothes for a long period of time.
Therefore, the clothes treating machine according to this
embodiment is constructed in a structure to supply cool air into
the clothes keeping space for protection against insects in
consideration of a fact that mold or tick inhabits the clothes
keeping space at room temperature or higher.
[0056] Also, in the conventional art, chemical treatment is carried
out with respect to clothes in order to prevent the inhabitation of
mold or tick and thus achieve an insect proofing effect. In this
case, however, the clothes may be damaged due to chemicals.
According to the present invention, on the other hand, it is
possible to achieve an insect proofing effect, without damage to
clothes, by controlling temperature in the cabinet through the
supply of cool air. Also, the optimum keeping environments for most
clothes are prepared to have temperatures lower than room
temperature. Consequently, the present invention is more preferred
in consideration of the clothes keeping environments as well as the
insect proofing effect.
[0057] The air conditioning unit 20 may include a compressor 24, a
condenser, an expander 22, and an evaporator. In the air
conditioning unit 20, a refrigerant circulates according to a
refrigerating cycle. The refrigerant circulates according to the
following cycle. The compressor 24 adiabatically compresses a
low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a
high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The
high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is
cooled/condensed by the condenser into a room-temperature,
high-pressure liquid refrigerant. Also, the room-temperature,
high-pressure liquid refrigerant passes through the expander 22,
with the result that the room-temperature, high-pressure liquid
refrigerant is changed into a low-temperature, low-pressure
two-phase fluid. While passing through the evaporator, the
refrigerant absorbs external heat, with the result that the
refrigerant is evaporated into a gaseous state, and the gaseous
refrigerant flows to the compressor 24. Consequently, the condenser
performs heat treatment, while heating the surrounding air, to
supply warm air, whereas the evaporator performs heat treatment,
while cooling the surrounding air, to supply cool air.
[0058] In this embodiment, it is preferred that the air
conditioning unit 20 further include a four-way valve 25 mounted at
the connection between the compressor and a refrigerant pipe and a
first heat exchange part 21 and a second heat exchange part 23
corresponding to the condenser and the evaporator,
respectively.
[0059] As previously described, the air conditioning unit 20 is
preferably mounted at the inner upper part of the cabinet 10. The
first heat exchange part 21 is preferably mounted to perform heat
exchange with the outside top or rear of the cabinet 10, and the
second heat exchange part 23 is mounted, such that the second heat
exchange part 23 communicates with the interior of the cabinet 10,
to perform heat exchange.
[0060] The four-way valve 25 is constructed in a structure to
switch between a refrigerant inlet pipe and a refrigerant outlet
pipe such that the second heat exchange part 23, communicating with
the interior of the cabinet 10, serves as an evaporator when it is
necessary to supply cool air, and the second heat exchange part 23
serves as a condenser when it is necessary to supply warm air.
[0061] In the air conditioning unit 20 according to this
embodiment, therefore, it is possible to supply either cool air or
warm air into the cabinet according to the switching of the
four-way valve 25. That is, the air conditioning unit 20 is
constructed in a structure to control the interior temperature of
the cabinet 10 through the adjustment of the direction in which the
refrigerant flows in the air conditioning unit 20.
[0062] In this embodiment, it is possible to control the keeping
temperature by the air conditioning unit 10, thereby providing
optimum keeping environments based on the materials for clothes.
Especially, luxury winter clothes are intensively worn in winter
but are kept in the other seasons. Also, users wish to maintain the
luxury winter clothes at an optimum keeping state to maximally
extend the life span of the clothes, since the luxury winter
clothes are very expensive. Consequently, when the clothes treating
machine has such a temperature control function as in this
embodiment, it is possible to keep the clothes at optimum keeping
temperatures suitable for the materials of the clothes, thereby
maximally extending the life span of the clothes while maintaining
properties of the respective clothes.
[0063] Furthermore, the structure to supply warm air as in this
embodiment has an advantage in that, clothes are heated by warm air
in the clothes treating machine before the clothes are worn on a
cold day, whereby users can wear the clothes in a warm state.
[0064] Meanwhile, the clothes treating machine according to this
embodiment may include a air conditioning unit 20 that is capable
of supply cool air and warm air. In this embodiment, therefore, the
air conditioning unit 20 uses a refrigerant cycle of the
compressor. However, the present invention is not limited to the
above-described construction. For example, the air conditioning
unit may be constructed in a structure having a nitrogen cooling
device and a fan to supply cool air or a structure having a heater
and a fan to supply warm air. In addition, the air conditioning
unit may be constructed to use a thermoelectric element if economic
efficiency is acceptable.
[0065] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating the connection
between the air conditional unit and the compartments 30 in which
clothes are kept, and FIG. 4 is a constructional view illustrating
the connection between components of each compartment 30 and the
air conditional unit. Hereinafter, the structure of the
compartments 30 in the cabinet 10 will be described with reference
to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0066] As previously described, the clothes treating machine
according to this embodiment is constructed in a structure in which
a plurality of the compartments 30 are independently defined in the
cabinet 10, and the respective compartments constitute clothes
keeping spaces for keeping clothes. The respective compartments 30
communicate with the air conditioning unit 20 to define cool air
and warm air circulation channels. The cool air and warm air
circulation channels are selectively opened and closed by flow
channel control units 32.
[0067] Meanwhile, it is preferred that the flow channels
communicating with the air conditioning unit 20 are defined for the
respective compartments 30 to individually provide clothes keeping
environments for the respective compartments 30. In this
embodiment, the compartments 30 may include ducts 31 communicating
with the air conditioning unit 20 for defining the flow channels.
Also, the ducts 31 are individually provided for the respective
compartments 30 to define the respective flow channels
communicating with the air conditioning unit 20.
[0068] Also, the respective ducts may be selectively opened and
closed by the flow channel control units 32. The ducts 31 of the
respective compartments 30 communicate with the air conditioning
unit 20. Consequently, when the air conditioning unit 20 performs
heat exchange to control the temperature of one of the compartments
30, the ducts 31 communicating with the other compartments 30 are
closed, whereby individual clothes keeping environments are
maintained.
[0069] In this embodiment, the flow channel control units 32 are
mounted at a position where air is suctioned from the air
conditioning unit 20 into the respective compartments 30 and a
position where air is exhausted from the respective compartments
30. Also, the flow channel control units 32 as well as the air
conditioning unit 20 may be controlled by a control unit 50 (see
FIG. 5).
[0070] Also, when the air circulation channels of the respective
compartments 30 are defined by the flow channel control units 32,
the flow rate of the air circulating along the flow channels in the
cabinet 10 may be controlled by flow rate control units 33. Also,
the flow rate control units 33 may be controlled by the control
unit 50. Consequently, it is possible to control the flow rate of
the cool air or the warm air introduced from the air conditioning
unit 20, whereby controlling the temperature change rate. Also,
when air-blowing operations are required in the respective
compartments 30, the flow rate control units 33 are controlled to
control the intensity of the air blown.
[0071] In this embodiment, therefore, the flow rate control units
33 are implemented by blowing fans 33 mounted at positions where
air is suctioned from the air conditioning unit 20 into the
respective compartments 30. The blowing fans 33 are constructed to
guide the circulation of air from the air conditioning unit 20 to
the respective compartments 30 and control the flow rate of air
introduced into the respective compartments 30 based on the
rotational speeds of the respective blowing fans 33. Also, the
operations of the respective blowing fans 33 may be controlled by
the control unit 50.
[0072] However, the flow rate control units 33 are not limited to
the blowing fans 33 according to this embodiment. Also, the flow
rate control units 33 may not be mounted at the positions where air
is introduced into the respective compartments 30 but any other
positions.
[0073] FIG. 4 is a constructional view illustrating the connection
between components of each compartment and the air conditional
unit. Hereinafter, the construction for preparing optimum keeping
environments of the clothes treating machine will be described in
detail with reference to FIG. 4.
[0074] In this embodiment, a humidity control unit 34 may be
mounted in the cabinet 10 for controlling the humidity of air. The
humidity control unit 34 controls the humidity of air, under the
control of the control unit 50 (see FIG. 5) to control the interior
humidity of each compartment 30. Mold or tick inhabits each
compartment 30 at a specific humidity environment. Consequently, it
is possible to maintain the interior of the cabinet 10 at low
humidity through the operation of the humidity control unit 34,
thereby improving an insect proofing effect. Also, it is possible
to provide optimum keeping environments based on clothes by the
humidity control unit 34.
[0075] In this embodiment, therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the
humidity control unit 34 is mounted in the cabinet 10 for
controlling the humidity of air. In this embodiment, the humidity
control unit 34 may be implemented by a desiccant rotor including
desiccant. The desiccant rotor is constructed in a structure to
control the humidity of air, through a dehumidifying process for
absorbing or suctioning moisture from the surrounding air at room
temperature to remove the moisture and a reproduction process for
evaporating the suctioned moisture at high temperature to remove
the moisture, using desiccant.
[0076] In this embodiment, therefore, when a dehumidifying
operation is carried out under the control of the control unit 50,
the humidity control unit 34 performs the dehumidifying process. On
the other hand, when a humidifying operation is carried out under
the control of the control unit 50, the humidity control unit 34
performs the reproduction process. In this way, the humidity is
controlled.
[0077] In this embodiment, the humidity control unit 34 including
the desiccant is adopted to control the humidity; however, the
present invention is not limited to the illustrated humidity
control unit 34. For example, it is possible that a bypass valve is
connected to the expander 22 of the air conditioning unit 20, and
the second heat exchange part 23 performs condensation, expansion,
and evaporation to control the humidity. However, it is preferred
to simultaneously control the temperature and the humidity in order
to provide optimum clothes keeping environments. Consequently, it
is preferred to separately construct the humidity control unit 34.
Of course, a humidifying unit and a dehumidifying unit may be
separately provided to control the humidity.
[0078] Meanwhile, the clothes treating machine according to this
embodiment may include a filter 35 for deodorizing or purifying air
circulating in each compartment 30. This is because, when clothes
which users have worn are directly kept in the clothes treating
machine, the other clothes in the clothes treating machine may be
affected by bad smells and dust from the clothes which the users
have worn.
[0079] Also, an air freshening unit 36 may be provided to keep
clothes in a fresh state. In this embodiment, therefore, the air
freshening unit 36 may contain vegetable resin having an aromatic
effect as well as an insect proofing effect.
[0080] The humidity control unit 34, the filter 35, and the air
freshening unit 36 are preferably mounted on the air circulation
channel, such that most air passes through the humidity control
unit 34, the filter 35, and the air freshening unit 36, in
consideration of operational efficiency. However, the arrangement
of the humidity control unit 34, the filter 35, and the air
freshening unit 36 on the air circulation channel shown in FIG. 4
is merely a possible example, and therefore, it is obvious that the
humidity control unit 34, the filter 35, and the air freshening
unit 36 may be arranged in different sequences.
[0081] Hereinafter, the operation of the clothes treating machine
according to the above-described embodiment of the present
invention will be described.
[0082] First, when the operation of the clothes treating machine is
initiated, heat exchange is carried out at a region adjacent to the
second heat exchange part 23 of the air conditioning unit 20.
[0083] With the operation of the air conditioning unit 20, the flow
channel necessary for the operation is selectively formed by the
flow channel control units 32. That is, the duct 31 of the
compartment 30 in which air conditioning is required is opened by
the flow channel control units 32 such that the flow channel is
formed between the compartment 30 and the air conditioning unit 20,
whereas the ducts 31 connected to the compartments 30 in which air
conditioning is not required are closed. Consequently, the air
circulation channel is formed only for the compartment 30 in which
air conditioning is required.
[0084] Meanwhile, the blowing fan 33 mounted in the compartment 30
is operated to guide the circulation of air along the air
circulation channel. At this time, it is possible to control the
rotational speed of the blowing fan 33 to control the flow rate of
air supplied into the compartment 30. Consequently, air
heat-exchanged by the operation of the blowing fan 33 is supplied
into the compartment 30, in which clothes are kept, through the
duct 31, and is then discharged from the compartment 30 to form a
flow channel along which the air flows toward the air conditioning
unit 20.
[0085] The air in the compartment 30 circulates along the flow
channel. Specifically, the air passes through the humidity control
unit 34, with the result that the humidity of the air is
controlled. Also, the air passes through the purification filter 35
and the air freshening unit 36, with the result that foreign matter
is removed from the air and aroma is added to the air. After that,
the air is supplied into the compartment 30.
[0086] Meanwhile, the clothes treating machine according to this
embodiment of the present invention may further include a control
unit 50 (see FIG. 5) for controlling the air conditioning unit 20.
When the humidity control unit 34, the flow rate control units 33,
the ducts 31 and/or the flow channel control units 32 are included
in the clothes treating machine according to this embodiment of the
present invention, the humidity control unit 34, the flow rate
control units 33, the ducts 31 and/or the flow channel control
units 32 may be controlled by the control unit 50.
[0087] FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating the construction of
the clothes treating machine. Hereinafter, the operation of the
control unit 50 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
5.
[0088] In this embodiment, the clothes treating machine includes an
air conditioning unit 20, a humidity control unit 34, a plurality
of compartments 30, ducts 31 connected to the respective
compartments 30, and flow channel control units 32. In addition,
the clothes treating machine further includes a control unit 50 for
controlling the air conditioning unit 20, the humidity control unit
34, the flow rate control units 33, and the flow channel control
units 32. Consequently, it is possible for the control unit 50 to
control temperature and humidity in a bundle based on operation
modes required for the respective compartments 30.
[0089] Also, in this embodiment, the clothes treating machine
further includes a temperature sensor 51 for measuring clothes
keeping temperature and a humidity sensor 52 for measuring clothes
keeping humidity. Preferably, the temperature sensor 51 and the
humidity sensor 52 are mounted in the cabinet 10.
[0090] In this embodiment, the clothes treating machine is
constructed in a structure in which the plurality of compartments
30 are provided, and independent clothes keeping environments are
provided for the respective compartments 30. Consequently, the
temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52 are preferably
mounted in each compartment 30.
[0091] The temperature and humidity values measured by the
temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52 are transmitted to
the control unit 50. The control unit 50 compares the measured
temperature and humidity values with a required clothes keeping
environment to control the air conditioning unit 20 and the
humidity control unit.
[0092] Also, the temperature and humidity values measured by the
temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52 may be displayed
on the display unit 70 mounted at the cabinet 10. Consequently, it
is possible for a user to determine whether or not the clothes
treating machine is being normally operated from the measured
values displayed on the display unit 70.
[0093] Hereinafter, establishment of an operation mode controlled
by the control unit 50 will be described.
[0094] The clothes treating machine according to this embodiment
may include an input unit 60 for allowing a user to directly
establish an operation mode. The control unit 50 controls the
operation of the clothes treating machine according to the
operation mode directly established through the input unit 60. In
this embodiment, for example, the input unit 60 may be mounted at
the front of the cabinet 1, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0095] Also, the control unit 50 may decide a proper operation mode
to automatically establish the operation mode instead of the user's
direct establishment of the operation mode. Factors deciding the
optimum clothes keeping environment include the materials for
clothes, weather at the time when clothes are worn, and the state
of clothes during keeping the clothes. In addition, various kinds
of clothes caring information are provided. Consequently, it is
very difficult for a user to directly decide the proper operation
mode. In the clothes treating machine according to this embodiment,
therefore, it is possible for the control unit 50 to automatically
establish the proper operation mode based on the state of the
clothes.
[0096] Specifically, the control unit 50 according to this
embodiment includes a storage part 53 for storing proper control
modes based on the state of the clothes kept in the clothes
treating machine. This is because the contents of keeping
operations are different depending upon the materials of clothes
and weather information. For example, fur is maintained in an
optimum state at a temperature of 15.degree. C. and a humidity of
55%. Also, in weather containing a large amount of yellow sand, it
is required to remove yellow sand from clothes using the
purification filter 35 at the time of blowing air. Proper operation
modes based on the materials for clothes and various kinds of
weather information are stored in the storage part 53.
Consequently, the control unit 50 determines one of the proper
operation modes from the storage part 53. The contents stored in
the storage part 53 may be inputted at the stage of production.
However, it is preferred to input or modify the contents later.
[0097] The storage part 53 stores various different proper
operation modes based on the several variables, such as the
materials for clothes, weather information, etc. It is preferred
for the clothes treating machine according to this embodiment to be
constructed in a structure to allow information corresponding to
values of the variables to be inputted in order to determine or
recommend one or more operation modes from the stored operation
modes. Therefore, the clothes treating machine according to this
embodiment may be constructed in a structure to collect the
following information and transmit the collected information to the
control unit 50.
[0098] First, the clothes treating machine according to this
embodiment may include an identification tag 54 configured to be
detachably attached to clothes, the identification tag 54 being
also configured to allow clothes information to be inputted
thereinto, and an identification sensor 55 for confirming the
clothes information from the identification tag 54.
[0099] The identification tag 54 is configured to be detachably
attached to clothes to be kept. Also, identification tag 54 is
configured to allow clothes information, such as the materials for
clothes to which the identification tag 54 is attached, to be
inputted thereinto. Also, the identification sensor 55 is mounted
at one side of the cabinet for confirming the clothes information
from the identification tag 54. In this case, the identification
sensor 55 determines whether or not clothes are received when the
identification tag 54 is confirmed by the identification sensor 55.
In addition, the identification sensor 55 confirms the information
of the received clothes.
[0100] With the above-described construction, it is possible for
the control unit 50 to confirm whether or not clothes are received
and the information of the received clothes from the identification
sensor 55 to acquire information necessary to decide a proper
operation mode from the stored contents of the storage part 53.
Also, when specific luxury clothes have not been received for a
predetermined period of time, the control unit 50 may inform a user
that the specific luxury clothes are not being kept in the clothes
treating machine.
[0101] Also, the clothes treating machine according to this
embodiment may include a communication module 56 to which weather
information and clothes caring information are inputted.
Consequently, it is possible to collect weather information and
clothes caring information through the communication module 56. The
communication module 56 is configured to communicate with an
external server which supplies the above-mentioned information,
preferably, a home network server.
[0102] Weather information and clothes caring information supplied
from the server may be inputted to the communication module 56. For
example, weather information for a time when a user wears clothes
and additional information on keeping and caring of the clothes may
be inputted to the communication module 56.
[0103] In this embodiment, the identification tag 54, the
identification sensor 55, and the communication module 56 transmit
the information on the state of clothes kept to the control unit
50. The control unit 50 utilizes the received information as the
value of a variable necessary to determine a proper operation mode
from the operation modes stored in the storage part 53.
Consequently, it is possible for the control unit 50 to
automatically establish a proper operation mode based on the input
information such that the clothes treating machine can be operated
at the established proper operation mode.
[0104] The contents of the proper operation mode recommended by the
storage part based on the information inputted to the control unit
and the above-described information may be displayed on the display
unit 70. In this case, it is possible for the control unit 50 to
automatically establish the operation mode based on the
above-described information. Alternatively, it is possible for a
user to directly establish the operation mode through the input
unit 60 with reference to the recommended proper operation mode
displayed on the display unit 70.
[0105] In the clothes treating machine according to this embodiment
as described above, it is possible for a user to directly establish
an operation mode through the input unit 60, or it is possible for
the control unit 50 to automatically establish an proper operation
mode from the proper operation modes stored in the storage part 53
according to the input information. Also, it is possible to display
the input information and the operation modes stored in the storage
part 53 such that a user can establish an operation mode with
reference to those displayed on the display unit 70.
[0106] Hereinafter, the controlling operation of the control unit
50 according to this embodiment will be described.
[0107] A user puts clothes to which the identification tag 54 is
attached in the clothes treating machine. In this case, the
identification sensor 55, mounted in the clothes treating machine,
identifies the identification tag 54, collects information on the
determination as to whether the clothes are received in the clothes
treating machine and information on the clothes received in the
clothes treating machine, and transmits the collected information
to the control unit 50. Also, the communication module 56, mounted
in the clothes treating machine, receives weather information from
a server for supplying weather information, preferably a home
network server when a home network is constructed, and transmits
the received weather information to the control unit 50. The
control unit 50 determines a proper operation mode necessary to
provide the optimum keeping environment from the operation modes
stored in the storage part 53 according to the clothes state
information and the weather information. In this case, it is
possible to automatically establish the proper operation mode based
on the determination of the control unit 50. Alternatively, it is
possible for a user to directly establish the operation mode under
a condition that the control unit 50 recommends the proper
operation mode.
[0108] When the proper operation mode is established through the
above-described process, the control unit 50 controls the air
conditioning unit 20, the humidity control unit 34, the flow rate
control unit 33, and the flow channel control unit 32, with respect
to the compartment 30 in which the clothes are kept, according to
the contents of the established operation mode. Also, the
temperature sensor 51 and the humidity sensor 52, mounted in the
compartment 30, measure temperature and humidity. The control unit
50 compares the measured temperature and humidity values with
established values to perform the operation.
[0109] Hereinafter, a method for controlling the clothes treating
machine with the above-stated construction according to an
embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail
with reference to FIG. 6.
[0110] The method for controlling the clothes treating machine
according to this embodiment includes an input step (S100) of
inputting information necessary to establish an operation mode of
the clothes treating machine, an establishment step (S110) of
establishing a proper operation mode based on the input
information, and an operation step (S120) of performing a keeping
operation according to the established proper operation mode.
[0111] The respective steps will be described hereinafter in more
detail.
[0112] First, necessary information is inputted to the control unit
to establish the operation mode of the clothes treating machine
(S100). The control method according to this embodiment is to
control the keeping operation for keeping clothes. Consequently, a
step of inputting variable information on the state of clothes
necessary to decide the contents of the operation is required
before others.
[0113] At the information input step (S100), user's direct input of
the information is possible, or automatic input of the information
is possible. According to this embodiment, the input step (S100)
preferably includes a step of automatically recognizing and
inputting the information.
[0114] Specifically, the input step (S100) includes a step (S101)
of determining whether clothes are received in the cabinet and a
step (S102) of confirming information of the received clothes. The
step of determining whether clothes are received in the cabinet is
carried out to determine whether the operation of the clothes
treating machine is commenced, and the step of confirming the
clothes information is considered when the operation mode is
established depending upon properties of the clothes kept in the
cabinet, such as the materials of the clothes, at a subsequent
establishment step.
[0115] As previously described, the construction of the
identification tag 54 in which the clothes information is inputted
and the identification sensor 55 for identifying the identification
tag 54 is an example of a preferred construction that is capable of
implementing the step (S111) of determining whether clothes are
received in the cabinet and the step (S102) of confirming the
clothes information.
[0116] According to this embodiment, the input step (S100) further
includes a step (S103) of inputting weather information and clothes
caring information through communication. The step (103) of
inputting the weather information and the clothes caring
information is carried out to determine whether an additional
measure is necessary for the keeping operation according to the
inputted weather information and to acquire more preferable clothes
caring information from the newly added clothes caring
information.
[0117] Also, the construction in which the communication module 56
communicates with the home network server providing the
above-mentioned information such that the input of the information
is possible is an example of a preferred construction that is
capable of implementing the step (103) of inputting the weather
information and the clothes caring information.
[0118] According to this embodiment, the establishment step (S110)
of establishing a proper operation mode based on the input
information is carried out after the completion of the input step
(S100). The establishment step (S110) is a step of deciding the
contents to which the clothes treating machine performs the keeping
operation.
[0119] At the establishment step (S110), automatic establishment of
the proper operation mode by the clothes treating machine is
possible, or user's direct establishment of the operation mode is
possible.
[0120] When the proper operation mode is automatically established
by the clothes treating machine at the establishment step (S110),
the establishment step (S110) may include a step (S111) of
determining the proper operation mode and a step (S112) of
automatically establishing the operation mode according to the
determination result.
[0121] At the step (S111) of determining the proper operation mode,
a process for determining the proper operation mode with respect to
the clothes based on the received clothes information inputted at
the input step and weather information for a time when a user wore
the clothes is carried out. The construction in which the clothes
treating machine includes the storage part 53 for storing optimum
keeping operation modes based on the state of the clothes is an
example of a preferred construction that is capable of implementing
the step (S111) of determining the proper operation mode.
[0122] On the other hand, when the operation mode is directly
established by the user, the establishment step (S110) may include
a step (S113) of displaying the input information and a step (S114)
of establishing the operation mode by the user.
[0123] At the step (S113) of displaying the input information, a
process for displaying the received clothes information inputted at
the input step and the weather information for a time when the user
wore the clothes is carried out. Subsequently, the step (S114) of
establishing the operation mode by the user with reference to the
displayed input information is carried out.
[0124] After the operation mode is established at the establishment
step (S110), the operation step (S120) of performing the keeping
operation according to the contents of the operation mode is
carried out. The state information of clothes kept is inputted, and
the keeping operation is carried out based on the clothes state
information. Consequently, it is possible to keep the received
clothes at the optimum condition.
[0125] As apparent from the above description, the clothes treating
machine and the method for controlling the same according to the
present invention has the following effects.
[0126] First, it is possible to effectively prevent the damage to
clothes due to mold or tick, which may be caused during keeping the
clothes for a long period of time.
[0127] Second, it is possible to control the keeping environment
such as temperature and humidity and thus provide the optimum
environment based on the state of clothes kept, thereby extending
the life span of the clothes.
[0128] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *