Washing apparatus and controlling method thereof

Abstract

A method for controlling a washing machine including a power supply device, comprising: a step of controlling the operation of a motor in a general washing mode; a step of checking the temperature of the power supply device; a step of controlling the operation of a motor in an overheating prevention mode that reduces the power consumption of the motor when the temperature of the power supply device is above a preset first temperature; and a step of repeating the operation in the overheating prevention mode multiple times so that the temperature of the power supply device becomes below a second temperature lower than the first temperature, wherein the step of repeating the operation in the overheating prevention mode multiple times comprises a step of controlling the operation of a heater such that the power consumption of a heater heating washing water increases when the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated becomes greater than a preset value.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine and a method for controlling the same, and more specifically, to a washing machine including a power supply device and a method for controlling the same. Background Technology

[0002] A washing machine is a machine that automatically washes laundry, such as clothes, using electricity, and is configured to perform washing, rinsing, draining, and spin-drying operations according to the user's operation input.

[0003] Generally, a washing machine is a device comprising a tub containing a certain amount of water and a drum rotatably installed inside the tub, wherein each washing cycle is performed by the drum containing laundry rotating inside the tub through the drive of a motor. In this case, it includes a power supply unit that controls the rotational speed and torque of the motor and supplies power to the motor.

[0004] However, there was a problem where the motor's operating rate increased depending on the washing machine's usage environment and the subject being washed, causing the load on the power supply unit to increase and overheat. In addition, to solve this, the motor's operating rate could be changed by controlling the motor's drive when the temperature of the power supply unit overheated, but in this case, there was a problem of reduced washing performance. The problem to be solved

[0005] The present disclosure was conceived out of the aforementioned necessity, and the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that prevent overheating of a power supply device and improve washing performance.

[0006] In addition, another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that improve washing performance without increasing washing time or including additional equipment to improve washing performance. means of solving the problem

[0007] A control method for a washing machine including a power supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a step of controlling the operation of a motor in a general washing mode; a step of checking the temperature of the power supply device; a step of controlling the operation of the motor in an overheating prevention mode that reduces the power consumption of the motor when the temperature of the power supply device is above a preset first temperature; and a step of repeating the operation in the overheating prevention mode multiple times so that the temperature of the power supply device becomes below a second temperature lower than the first temperature; wherein the step of repeating the operation in the overheating prevention mode multiple times comprises a step of controlling the operation of a heater so that the power consumption of a heater heating washing water increases when the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated becomes greater than a preset value.

[0008] In this case, the step of controlling the operation of the heater may be a step of additionally driving the heater for a preset time.

[0009] Meanwhile, the step of controlling the operation of the heater may be a step of additionally driving the heater so that the temperature of the washing water rises to a preset temperature value.

[0010] Meanwhile, the step of repeating the operation of the above-mentioned overheating prevention mode method multiple times may include the step of increasing the driving force of the pump supplying the washing water to the drum when the number of times the above-mentioned overheating prevention mode is operated exceeds a preset value.

[0011] Meanwhile, the step of repeating the operation of the above-mentioned overheating prevention mode method multiple times may include: a step of detecting the temperature of the washing water; and a step of controlling the heater to decrease the temperature of the washing water and increasing the driving force of the pump supplying washing water to the drum when the temperature of the washing water is above a preset third temperature.

[0012] Meanwhile, the step of repeating the operation of the above-mentioned overheating prevention mode method multiple times is,

[0013] When the number of times the above-mentioned overheating prevention mode is operated exceeds a preset value, the method may include a step of controlling the detergent supply valve so that the amount of detergent supplied by the detergent receiving part that supplies detergent to the drum increases.

[0014] Meanwhile, the step of repeating the operation of the above-mentioned overheating prevention mode multiple times can control the water jet so that when the number of times the above-mentioned overheating prevention mode is operated exceeds a preset value, the amount of washing water sprayed by the water jet that sprays high-pressure washing water onto the drum increases.

[0015] Meanwhile, a method for controlling a washing machine comprising the step of controlling the operation of the motor in the general washing mode when the temperature of the power supply device becomes less than a preset second temperature.

[0016] Meanwhile, the control method of the washing machine further includes a step of checking whether the washing course has ended based on the input signal; and if the washing course has not ended, the step of checking whether the washing course has ended may return to the step of checking the temperature of the power supply unit.

[0017] In this case, after the step of checking whether the washing course based on the input signal has ended, if the washing course has ended, the method may include: a step of checking the number of times the overheating prevention mode has been entered during the washing course; and a step of driving the motor to supplement washing performance if the number of times the overheating prevention mode has been entered is greater than or equal to a preset value.

[0018] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a main body provided with a tub; a drum provided within the tub to accommodate laundry and rotatable; a motor providing power to rotate the drum; a heater for heating the washing water within the tub; a power supply device for controlling the rotation of the motor; and a processor that controls the operation of the motor by repeating a plurality of times in an overheating prevention mode such that if the temperature of the power supply device is above a preset first temperature, the temperature of the power supply device becomes below a second temperature lower than the first temperature, thereby reducing the power consumption of the motor; wherein the processor controls the operation of the heater such that if the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated is greater than a preset value, the power consumption of the heater increases.

[0019] In this case, the processor can control the operation of the motor in a normal washing mode when the temperature of the power supply unit falls below a preset second temperature during operation in the overheating prevention mode.

[0020] Meanwhile, the above power supply device can control the driving of the motor by being equipped with an intelligent power module.

[0021] Meanwhile, the washing machine includes a cooling fan that cools the power supply unit; and the processor may increase the driving force of the cooling fan in the overheating prevention mode.

[0022] Meanwhile, the washing machine includes a weight sensor that detects the weight of laundry contained in the drum and provides the detected value to the processor; and the processor can increase the driving force of the cooling fan if the detected value of the weight sensor is greater than or equal to a preset weight.

[0023] Meanwhile, the washing machine includes a pump for flowing the washing water in the drum; and a drain valve that opens and closes to drain or maintain the washing water in the drum; and the processor can control the pump and the drain valve to circulate the washing water in the drum when the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated is greater than a preset value.

[0024] Meanwhile, the device includes a detergent receiving section for supplying detergent to the drum; and a detergent supply valve for opening and closing the detergent receiving section; and the processor can control the detergent supply valve to increase the amount of detergent supplied when the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated is greater than a preset value.

[0025] Meanwhile, the washing machine includes a water jet comprising a water jet pump and a nozzle that sprays high-pressure washing water onto the drum; and the processor can increase the amount of washing water sprayed by the water jet if the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated is greater than a preset value.

[0026] Meanwhile, the processor can increase the driving time of the motor if the number of times the overheating prevention mode is driven is greater than a preset value. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a washing performance supplement drive according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0029] The terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure have been selected to be as widely used as possible, taking into account their functions within this disclosure; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, terms have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the corresponding description section of this disclosure. Therefore, terms used in this disclosure should be defined not merely by their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0030] The embodiments of the present disclosure are subject to various modifications and may have various embodiments; therefore, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the scope of specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the scope of the disclosed spirit and technology. In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence, such detailed description is omitted.

[0031] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but components should not be limited by these terms. Terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0032] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "consisting of" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] In the present disclosure, a "module" or "part" performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, a plurality of "modules" or a plurality of "parts" may be integrated into at least one module and implemented by at least one processor (not shown), except for a "module" or "part" that needs to be implemented in specific hardware.

[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present disclosure in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0035] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the washing machine (1) and the control method (S100) of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, the washing machine (100) may include a main body (10).

[0038] A washing machine (100) may refer to a device that washes laundry using water and detergent and performs spin-drying on wet laundry. Additionally, according to an embodiment, the washing machine (100) may perform drying on laundry after spin-drying is completed. For convenience of explanation, the object to be washed by the washing machine is referred to as "laundry," and the water used for washing is referred to as "washing water."

[0039] The washing machine (100) can be classified into a top-loading type, in which an inlet (11) is provided at the top of the main body (10) and the rotation axis of the tub (15) is perpendicular to the ground, a front-loading type, in which an inlet (11) is provided at the front of the main body (10) and the rotation axis of the tub (15) is horizontal to the ground, or a hybrid type that combines these. A washing machine of the top-loading type is also called a 'general washing machine' or a 'top loader washing machine,' and a washing machine of the front-loading type may also be called a 'drum washing machine.' Although FIG. 1 is illustrated based on a front-loading drum washing machine, the washing machine (100) and the control method (S100) of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and can be applied.

[0040] The main body (10) forms the exterior of the washing machine (100), and a laundry inlet (11) may be provided on the front of the main body (10) to allow laundry to be put into and taken out of the main body (10). A door (12) may be installed in the laundry inlet (11) so as to be openable and closable. The washing machine (100) can receive laundry into the drum (20) of the tub (15) arranged inside through the inlet (11). The internal structure of the main body will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0041] Input devices (13), such as multiple buttons and rotary levers that can be operated by a user, may be provided on the front of the main body (10), and an input interface (170) for receiving user commands for the washing machine (100) may be provided. Additionally, the front of the main body (10) may include a display (130) for displaying information related to the washing machine (100) and washing.

[0042] The detergent receiving section (14) can supply detergent, fabric softener, etc. to the tub (15) of the washing machine (100). The detergent receiving section (14) can transfer detergent to the drum (20) during the process of supplying washing water. Specifically, when the water supply valve (113) is opened and water is supplied through the water supply pipe (30), water is supplied to the detergent receiving section (14), and the detergent, fabric softener, etc. contained in the detergent receiving section (14) can be mixed with the water. Accordingly, water mixed with detergent, fabric softener, etc. can be supplied to the tub (15).

[0043] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 2, the washing machine (100) may include a tub (15), a drum (20), a water supply pipe (30), and a drain pipe (40).

[0045] The tub (15) may be provided inside the main body (10) of the washing machine (100) and may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an opening facing the laundry inlet (11). The tub (15) may store a predetermined amount of water required for washing. The bottom of the main body may include a water reservoir (19) in which washing water leaked from the tub (15) is stored without flowing out to the outside.

[0046] The tub (15) can be installed at a predetermined angle with respect to the installation surface (e.g., horizontal plane) of the washing machine (100) so that the front part of the tub (15) is higher than the rear part of the tub (15) inside the main body (10).

[0047] In detail, the front portion (20a) of the drum (20) may be installed so that it is positioned higher than the rear portion (20b) of the drum (20), that is, so that it has a preset angle (e.g., 5 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, etc.) relative to the horizontal plane. However, this is only one embodiment, and the front portion (20a) and rear portion (20b) of the drum (20) may be installed so that they are not tilted at an angle (0 degrees).

[0048] At this time, the drum (20) may be installed inside the tub (15) at the same angle as the water tank. Here, the front side may refer to a surface having an opening formed in the same direction as the inlet (11) of the main body (10) so that laundry can be inserted, and the rear side may refer to a surface opposite to the front side. Alternatively, the tub (15) may be positioned so as not to be tilted, and the rotation axis of the drum (20) may be provided in a direction horizontal to the ground.

[0049] The drum (20) is installed inside the tub (15) and is implemented in a cylindrical shape to accommodate the inserted laundry and form a space for washing the laundry. An opening corresponding to the laundry input port (11) is provided on the front of the drum (20) so that laundry can be inserted into the drum (20).

[0050] A plurality of through holes (25) may be formed in the drum (20), and the washing water inside the drum (20) may escape through the plurality of through holes (25) and be drained into the external drain pipe (400). Specifically, during the water supply process of the washing machine (100), the washing water supplied from the external water supply pipe (300) may be supplied into the interior of the tub (15) through a nozzle connected to the water supply pipe (30). Subsequently, during the spin cycle of the washing machine (100), the drum (20) rotates at high speed by the motor (112), and the washing water inside the drum (20) may escape to the outside of the drum (20) through the plurality of through holes (25) of the drum (20) due to the centrifugal force of the drum (20) rotating, and the washing water contained in the space between the outer wall of the drum (20) and the inner wall of the tub (15) may be drained into the external drain pipe (400) along the drain pipe (40).

[0051] The drum (20) may be rotatable around a rotation axis (112a). The rotation RPM of the drum may vary depending on the use of the washing machine and the performance of the motor, but for example, it may rotate 1,000 to 3,000 times per minute. A motor (112) and a rotation axis (112a) of a drive unit (110) for rotating the drum (20) may be installed on the rear part of the tub (15). The tub (15) may further include a suspension device (not shown) to dampen vibrations generated during the rotational drive of the drum (20). When the drum (20) is rotated by the motor (112), dirt on the laundry placed inside the drum (20) can be removed from the laundry during the process of friction with the water stored in the tub (15).

[0052] A spray nozzle (17) may be formed on one side of the upper portion of the tub (15), and the spray nozzle (17) may be connected to a water supply pipe (30) to supply washing water into the interior of the drum (20). A drain pipe (40) for draining washing water may be connected to one side of the lower portion of the tub (15). Washing water refers to ordinary water, but washing water may refer to a mixture containing detergent, contaminants, etc. in addition to water.

[0053] The rear portion (20b) of the drum (20) may be connected to the rotation shaft (112a) of the drive unit (110) installed on the rear portion of the tub (15). In this case, the drum (20) may receive power (e.g., rotational force) generated from the motor (112) of the drive unit (110) through the rotation shaft (112a) and rotate along the axial direction of the rotation shaft (112a).

[0054] The washing machine (100) may include a water supply pipe (30) for supplying water to a tub (15) and a drum (20). The water supply pipe (30) may be connected to an external water source (3), such as a faucet, and may include a water supply valve (113) for opening and closing the water supply pipe (30). The water supply pipe (30) may be a water path connected to supply washing water from the external water supply pipe (300) to the tub (15) or drum (20) by connecting the external water supply pipe (300) to the tub (15) or drum (20). The water supply pipe (30) may be formed as a pair to supply cold water and hot water.

[0055] The detergent receiving section (14) can supply detergent to the drum (20), and the detergent can be delivered to the drum (20) by means of a water supply pipe (30). Specifically, the water supply pipe (30) can supply laundry water supplied from an external water supply pipe (300) through the detergent receiving section (14) and the detergent filled in the detergent receiving section (14) together with the laundry water into the interior of the drum (20). The detergent receiving section (14) includes a detergent supply valve (118) that opens and closes the detergent receiving section, thereby controlling the detergent supplied into the interior of the drum (20).

[0056] The drain pipe (40) may refer to a flow path connected to the tub (15) and the external drain pipe (400) to drain the washing water filled in the drum (20) to the external drain pipe (400). The drain pipe (40) may be connected to a pump (115) that circulates the washing water in the drum and a drain valve (114) that opens and closes to drain or maintain the washing water in the drum (20). The processor (140) can control the pump (115) and the drain valve (114) to control the washing water in the drum (20) to be drained to the outside or to be circulated back into the drum. When the drain valve (114) is closed and the pump (115) is driven to control the circulation of the washing water, the fluidity of the washing water within the drum (20) increases, the washing water is evenly delivered to the laundry, and washing performance can be improved.

[0057] The drive unit (110) can drive the overall operation of the washing machine (100). The drive unit (110) can rotate the drum (20) or the pulsator (not shown) and can drive the heater (116). The washing machine (100) can receive an input signal from a user and perform a plurality of unit operations of the washing machine (100) through the drive unit (110). The plurality of unit operations may include a water supply operation, a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a spin-drying operation, a drainage operation, etc. Specific details regarding the operation of the drive unit (110) and the washing machine (100) will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 3, the washing machine (100) may include a drive unit (110), a sensor unit (120), and a processor (140).

[0060] The drive unit (110) is configured to perform the overall mechanical operation of the washing machine (100) and can perform operations under the control of the processor (140). The drive unit (110) includes a power supply (111) and a motor (112) and can rotate the drum (20) of the washing machine (100).

[0061] The power supply unit (111) may be a device that provides power to the motor (112) and controls the speed and torque of the motor (112). The power supply unit (111) may control the speed of the motor (112) according to a control signal from the processor (140), and the power supply unit (111) may control the speed of the motor (112) using a voltage control method or a frequency conversion method, etc.

[0062] The power supply unit (111) can be controlled by an intelligent power module (IPM) configured as a switching device. The intelligent power module is a power module with added protection functions to protect power devices and drive circuits, etc., and in the case of the power supply unit (111) controlling the motor (112), it can prevent damage to the components of the power supply unit (111) and the washing machine (100) due to overheating caused by an increase in load. The operation of the washing machine (100) related thereto will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 4.

[0063] The motor (112) can rotate the drum (20). Here, the motor (112) may refer to a prime mover that converts externally applied energy (e.g., electric power) into kinetic energy. The motor (112) includes a stator, a rotor, a plurality of coils wound on the stator, and a plurality of magnets on the rotor. As the rotor rotates, electromagnetic interaction occurs between the coils and the plurality of magnets, and the motor (112) can generate power through the electromagnetic interaction between the coils and the magnets. Specifically, the motor (112) can transmit kinetic energy to a rotating shaft (112a), and the rotating shaft (112a) can be coupled with the motor (112) and the drum (20) to transmit the power transmitted from the motor (112) to the drum (20) to rotate the drum (20). The rotating shaft (112a) may include a shaft, a bearing, etc.

[0064] The motor (112) can transmit power to the drum (20) through the rotating shaft (112a). The rotating shaft (112a) can be coupled to the rear portion (20b) of the drum (20) and can rotate the drum (20) by transmitting power according to the operation of the motor (112). If the washing machine (100) includes a pulsator, the drum (20) may include a pulsator (not shown) installed on the inner bottom surface and coupled to the rotating shaft (112a), and the motor (112) can rotate the pulsator by transmitting power to the pulsator through the rotating shaft (112a).

[0065] The driving unit (110) may include at least some of a water supply valve (113), a drain valve (114), a pump (115), a heater (116), a water jet (117), and a detergent supply valve (118).

[0066] The water supply valve (113) can be opened or closed to supply or block washing water into the drum (20) by the control of the processor (140). The water supply valve (113) can be implemented as a solenoid valve, an electromagnet valve, etc., which can be opened or closed by the movement of a coil according to the applied current.

[0067] A water supply valve (113) may be installed between an external water supply pipe (300) and a water supply pipe (30) of a washing machine (100). The water supply pipe (30) of the washing machine (100) connects the external water supply pipe (300) and the drum (20), and when the water supply valve (113) is in the ON state, washing water may be supplied to the inside of the drum (20) along the water supply pipe (30). That is, the water supply valve (113) can control whether washing water is supplied from the external water supply pipe (300) to the inside of the drum (20) or blocked depending on the state (ON or OFF) of the water supply valve (113).

[0068] The water supply pipe (30) may include a first water supply pipe (31) connecting the external water supply pipe (300) and the detergent receiving section (14), and a second water supply pipe (32) connecting the detergent receiving section (14) and the drum (20). The washing water supplied from the external water supply pipe (300) can supply the detergent filled in the detergent receiving section (14) along with the washing water into the interior of the drum (20) by passing through the detergent supply valve (118) and the detergent receiving section (14).

[0069] The drain valve (114) can be opened and closed to drain or retain the washing water filled inside the drum (20) under the control of the processor (140). The drain valve (114) can be implemented as a solenoid valve, an electromagnet valve, etc., which can be opened and closed by the movement of a coil according to the applied current.

[0070] A drain valve (114) may be installed between the drain pipe (40) of the washing machine (100) and the external drain pipe (400). Here, the drain pipe (40) of the washing machine (100) connects the drum (20) and the external drain pipe (400), and when the drain valve (114) is in the on state, the washing water filled inside the drum (20) can be drained along the drain pipe (40) to the external drain pipe (400). That is, the drain valve (114) can control whether the washing water is drained from inside the drum (20) to the external drain pipe (400) or maintained depending on the state (on or off) of the drain valve (114).

[0071] The pump (115) can discharge the washing water filled inside the drum (20) into the external drain pipe (400) using power or pressure under the control of the processor (140). To this end, the pump (115) can be installed between the drain pipe (40) and the external drain pipe (400).

[0072] The pump (115) may include a shaft (not shown) equipped with an impeller (not shown), an electric motor (not shown) mechanically connected to the shaft, a suction pipe (not shown) connected to a drain pipe (40), and a discharge pipe connected to an external drain pipe (400). When the drain valve (114) is in the ON state, the impeller rotates by the electric motor of the pump (115), and the washing water in the drum (20) can be forcibly discharged to the external drain pipe (400) by passing through the suction pipe and the discharge pipe. Additionally, the processor (140) can circulate the washing water in the drum (20) by driving the pump (115) when the drain valve (114) is in the OFF state.

[0073] When power is applied to the heater (116) under the control of the processor (140), it can convert the applied electrical energy into thermal energy to heat the washing water in the drum (20). The heater (116) is installed inside the tub (15), so the heater (116) can heat the washing water filled inside the drum (20) to boil the laundry or wash the drum (20). In addition, the heater (116) can heat the drum (20) to dry the laundry inside the drum (20).

[0074] The water jet (117) may include a water jet pump (not shown) and a nozzle (not shown), and the incoming washing water can be sprayed at high pressure through the nozzle using the water jet pump and sprayed to a specific location inside the drum (20) to remove contaminants remaining inside the drum (20). In this case, the water jet (117) may be implemented as a separate device from the spray nozzle (17) for supplying washing water inside the drum (20), or the water jet (117) may be implemented as a single device integrated with the spray nozzle (17).

[0075] The detergent supply valve (118) opens and closes the detergent receiving section (14) and can automatically control the detergent supplied into the drum (20). The washing machine (100) may be implemented to include a detergent supply device (not shown) equipped with a detergent supply valve (118), a detergent receiving section (14), a detergent sensor (not shown), etc. The detergent supply device (not shown) can receive and store a certain amount of detergent, and when the washing machine (100) is operated, the amount of detergent required is calculated by the processor (140) and the detergent supply valve (118) is opened to automatically supply a certain amount of detergent to the drum (20). Therefore, the user can conveniently supply an appropriate amount of detergent through the supply device (not shown) without having to measure and add detergent every time the washing machine (100) is operated.

[0076] The cooling fan (119) is controlled by the processor (140) and can cool the power supply (111). The processor (140) can drive the cooling fan (119) to lower the temperature of the power supply (111) when cooling of the power supply (111) is required, in order to prevent overheating of the power supply (111) caused by the driving of the motor (112).

[0077] In detail, the cooling fan (119) may be driven by the processor (140) to cool the power supply unit (111) in the overheating prevention mode described later, or driven with a higher driving force. In this case, the power supply unit (111) may reduce the driving time or number of drivings during the overheating prevention mode, and consequently help to compensate for the washing performance of the washing machine (100) in the overheating prevention mode.

[0078] Alternatively, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (140) may be controlled in conjunction with the weight sensor (120-2) of the sensor unit (120) to increase the driving force of the cooling fan (119) when the detected value of the weight sensor (120-2) is greater than or equal to a preset weight. In this case, since the power supply unit (111) can be cooled in advance before entering the overheating prevention mode, the power supply unit (111) may be prevented from switching to the overheating prevention mode or the frequency of entering the overheating prevention mode may be reduced. Therefore, it may help to supplement the washing performance of the washing machine (100) by the overheating prevention mode.

[0079] The sensor unit (120) can detect the operating state of the washing machine (100) or the surrounding environment, and can generate and output an electrical signal regarding the detection result. The sensor unit (120) can transmit the electrical signal to the processor (140) or store the detection result in the memory (150) of the washing machine (100) or an external device. Specifically, the sensor unit (120) can detect the operating state of the washing machine (100) or the surrounding environment while a washing course is being performed to generate an electrical signal or acquire data, and the processor (140) can process the signal or data received from the sensor unit (120) to acquire diagnostic information.

[0080] Each sensor included in the sensor unit (120) may be implemented as a physically separated separate device, or each sensor may be implemented as a single device. That is, the sensor unit (120) is not limited to being implemented as a single physical device. The sensor unit (120) transmits a detection value to the processor (140), and the processor (140) can control the operation of the washing machine (100) based on the received detection value, or store it in the memory (150) as diagnostic information, or transmit it to an external device (e.g., server, smartphone, etc.) via the communication interface (160) and store it in the external device.

[0081] The sensor unit (120) may include a speed sensor (120-1), a weight sensor (120-2), and a temperature sensor (120-3).

[0082] The speed sensor (120-1) can detect the rotational speed, rotation angle, and rotation direction of the motor (112) or drum (20). The processor (140) can calculate the rotational speed, rotation angle, and rotation direction of the motor (112) or drum (20) detected by the speed sensor (120-1) and control the operation of the washing machine based on this.

[0083] The speed sensor (120-1) can be implemented as a sensor using a method of detecting the magnitude of the load applied to the motor (112) when the motor (112) rotates the drum (20), a method of detecting the on / off signal of a Hall sensor adjacent to the position of the rotor while the rotor of the motor (112) is rotating, or a method of measuring the magnitude of the current applied to the drive unit (110) or the motor (112) during the rotation of the drum (20).

[0084] The weight sensor (120-2) can detect the weight of the drum (20). Additionally, the weight sensor (120-2) can detect the weight of the laundry and the drum (20) when laundry is present inside the drum (20), and can detect the weight of the laundry contained in the drum (20) by estimating the weight of the laundry by the difference between the detected weight and the previously stored weight of the drum (20).

[0085] The weight sensor (120-2) can detect the weight of the drum (20) by rotating the drum (20) in which there is no laundry and obtain the result as diagnostic information. To this end, the weight sensor (120-2) can detect the weight of the drum (20) by using a method such as estimating the moment of inertia from the rotational speed and rotation angle of the motor (112) or drum (20) detected through the speed sensor (120-1) described above, and estimating the weight corresponding to the moment of inertia.

[0086] Another type of weight sensor (120-2) can be implemented as various sensors, such as when the weight of the drum (20) is applied to the load cell, the shape of the load cell changes, and the magnitude of the voltage according to the changed shape is detected to estimate the weight of the drum (20) corresponding to the magnitude of the voltage.

[0087] The temperature sensor (120-3) may be an external temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the environment around the washing machine (100), or an internal temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the washing machine (100), such as the temperature of the washing water in the tub (15), the temperature of the heater (116), and the temperature of the power supply (111).

[0088] The temperature sensor (120-3) can be implemented as a thermistor, which is a type of resistor that utilizes the property that the resistance of a material changes according to temperature. In this case, the thermistor may have a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) characteristic in which the resistance decreases as the temperature rises and increases as the temperature falls.

[0089] The temperature sensor (120-3) may be a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (116) and the washing water. The temperature sensor (120-3) may further include a temperature control device (e.g., a thermostat), and the temperature control device may detect the amount of heat generated from the heater (116) and control the temperature of the washing water or drum (20) to be maintained at a specific temperature due to the heat generated from the heater (116).

[0090] In addition, the sensor unit (120) may further include at least one of a water level sensor that detects the water level or flow rate of the washing water, a detergent sensor that detects the type or remaining amount of detergent, a leak sensor that detects the leakage of the washing water, a humidity sensor that detects the humidity in the air, a humidity sensor that detects the turbidity of the washing water, a door sensor that detects whether the door (12) is open or closed, a vibration sensor that detects the degree of vibration of the washing machine (100), and a valve sensor that detects the operation of the water supply valve (113) or the drain valve (114).

[0091] That is, the sensor unit (120) can detect the weight of the drum (20), the presence or absence of a malfunction in the water supply valve (113) for supplying washing water to the spin basket (50), the temperature of the washing water supplied to the spin basket (50), the flow rate of the washing water supplied to the drum (20), the presence or absence of a malfunction in the motor (112), the presence or absence of a malfunction in the drain valve (114) for draining the washing water, the flow rate of the washing water drained from the drum (20), and the vibration of the washing machine (100). Therefore, the sensor unit (120) can help improve the washing process and washing performance of the washing machine (100) and can detect whether there is an abnormal operation of the washing machine (100).

[0092] The display (130) can display diagnostic information obtained through the sensor unit (120) in the display area under the control of the processor (140). The display (130) is positioned on the front of the housing of the washing machine (100), so that the user can check the operating status of the washing machine (100). Alternatively, the display (130) may be implemented in an external form rather than being built inside the washing machine (100), and may display video data on an external display connected to the washing machine (100) via a wired or wireless connection.

[0093] The processor (140) can control the overall operation of the washing machine (100). To this end, the processor (140) may include RAM, ROM, a graphics processing unit, a main CPU, first to n interfaces, a bus, etc.

[0094] When a user command is received, the processor (140) can operate the drive unit (110) based on the input signal and perform the washing process step by step. While the washing machine (100) is operating, the operating status of the washing machine (100) is detected through the sensor unit (120), and based on this, the processor (140) can provide feedback on the operation of the washing machine (100) or acquire diagnostic information and display it on the display (130).

[0095] Various instructions, programs, or data required for the operation of the washing machine (100) or the processor (140) may be stored in the memory (150). Information obtained by the sensor unit (120) and data received from an external electronic device may be stored in the memory (150).

[0096] The memory (150) is accessed by the processor (140), and the processor (140) may perform reading, writing, modifying, deleting, updating, etc. of data. Therefore, in describing the present disclosure, the term 'memory' may include the memory (150), RAM, ROM within the processor (140), or a memory card mounted in the washing machine (100).

[0097] The memory (150) can be implemented as volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory such as Flash Memory, ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0098] The processor (140) and the memory (150) may each be implemented as physically separate configurations, or they may be implemented as a single configuration such that the processor (140) includes the memory (150). Additionally, the processor (140) may be implemented as a single configuration or as multiple configurations in a single system. The memory (150) may also be implemented as a single configuration or as multiple configurations in a single system. The operation of the processor (140) based on such memory (150) during operation will be described in detail with reference to the block diagrams in FIG. 4 and below.

[0099] The communication interface (160) can transmit and receive various types of data by communicating with an external device (e.g., server, smartphone, etc.) according to various types of communication methods. For example, the communication interface (160) can transmit information acquired by the sensor unit (120) to the server (or smartphone) or receive control commands from the server (or smartphone) to operate the washing machine (100).

[0100] The communication interface (160) may include at least one of a Bluetooth chip, a Wi-Fi chip, a wireless communication chip and an NFC chip that perform wireless communication, an Ethernet module and a USB module that perform wired communication. In this case, the Ethernet module and the USB module that perform wired communication can communicate with an external device through an input / output port.

[0101] The input interface (170) is configured to receive various types of user commands from a user and can transmit the received user commands to a processor (140). To this end, the input interface (170) may include an input device (13) such as a touch panel or key, a plurality of operation buttons, and a rotary lever.

[0102] The speaker (180) is built into the washing machine (100) and can directly output various audio data, as well as various notification sounds or voice messages, which have undergone various processing operations such as decoding, amplification, and noise filtering by an audio processing unit (not shown).

[0103] Below, the washing course of the washing machine (100) is briefly explained in relation to the structure of the washing machine (100) and the operation of the processor (140) described above.

[0104] When a user command to manage the washing machine (100) is received, the processor (140) can supply washing water to the drum (20) as a water supply operation. Specifically, the processor (140) can control the water supply valve (113) to be opened by changing the water supply valve (113) from the off state to the on state, and thereby supply washing water to the drum (20).

[0105] In this case, the processor (140) can control the amount of washing water supplied to the drum (20) by controlling the time the water supply valve (113) is kept on. At this time, the amount of washing water supplied in the washing course can be determined based on the capacity of the drum (20). For example, the amount of washing water supplied in the washing course can be determined as the maximum amount that the drum (20) can accommodate or as a preset ratio amount. Additionally, the processor (140) can control the temperature of the washing water supplied to the drum (20) by controlling the time the water supply valve (113) is kept on for cold water and hot water. The processor (140) can also control the temperature of the washing water by driving the heater (116).

[0106] When a preset amount of washing water is supplied to the drum (20), the processor (140) can control the water supply valve (113) to be turned off so that the water supply valve (113) is closed, thereby stopping the supply of washing water.

[0107] When the supply of washing water is stopped and the water supply process is completed, the processor (140) can control the drive unit (110) to rotate the drum (20) filled with washing water as a washing process.

[0108] The processor (140) can apply a control signal to the power supply unit (111) to rotate the drum (20) filled with washing water to the motor (112) of the drive unit (110), and the power supply unit (111) can rotate the motor (112) according to the applied control signal to transmit rotational force to the drum (20) and rotate the drum (20). In addition, the processor (140) can control the water jet (117) to spray high-temperature, high-pressure washing water to remove contaminants attached inside the drum (20) and the laundry.

[0109] When the washing process is completed, the processor (140) can drain the washing water filled in the drum (20) as a draining process. Specifically, the processor (140) can control the drain valve (114) to open by changing it from the off state to the on state, thereby allowing the washing water filled in the drum (20) to be drained to the outside. Additionally, the processor (140) can control the pump (115) to discharge the washing water filled inside the drum (20) to the external drain pipe (400) using power or pressure.

[0110] The processor (140) can control the drive unit (110) to rotate the drum (20) as a dehydration process. The power supply unit (111) can drive the motor (112) according to an applied control signal and transmit rotational force to the drum (20) to rotate the drum (20). The control signal is a signal for driving the motor (112) in stages, and may be a signal for driving the motor (112) at a decelerated, accelerated, or maintained rotational speed over time.

[0111] In the above-described embodiment, the drainage and dewatering processes are explained as being performed separately; however, this is merely one embodiment, and it is also possible to perform the drainage and dewatering processes simultaneously or to perform the drainage process after the dewatering process.

[0112] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] The control method (S100) of the washing machine (100) can be implemented by proceeding with each step by the processor (140) and can be implemented as a program including an executable algorithm that can be executed on a computer.

[0114] A program containing an algorithm may be provided by storing it in a memory (150) which is a non-transitory computer-readable medium. A non-transitory computer-readable medium refers to a medium that stores data semi-permanently and can be read by a device, rather than a medium that stores data for a short period of time, such as a register, cache, or memory. Specifically, programs for performing the various methods described above may be provided by storing them in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a CD, DVD, hard disk, Blu-ray disc, USB, memory card, ROM, etc.

[0115] Below, the process after the processor (140) receives an input signal is explained in detail with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 4.

[0116] When the processor (140) receives an input signal regarding the operation of a washing machine (100) that performs operations such as a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, or a spin cycle, it can control the power supply unit (111) based on the received input signal to drive the motor (112) (S110). Hereinafter, a single cycle step such as a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, or a spin cycle is referred to as a 'washing course'.

[0117] The drum (20) rotates by means of a motor (112) and can proceed with an input washing course while stirring the laundry, washing water, or detergent contained inside the drum (20). The input signal may be a signal that sequentially proceeds with at least one washing course, such as a washing course, a rinsing course, and a spin-drying course, and the driving state based on such input signal may be referred to as a 'normal washing mode'. The 'normal washing mode' may be distinguished from the 'overheating prevention mode' described later.

[0118] A temperature sensor (120-3) can sense the temperature of a power supply unit (111) and transmit it to a processor (140), and the processor (140) can check the temperature of the power supply unit (111) using the received detection value (S110). More specifically, the processor (140) can check whether the temperature of the power supply unit (111) is above a first temperature, which is a preset first setting value. In this case, the temperature sensor (120-3) may be a temperature sensor (120-3) that detects the temperature of the power supply unit (111).

[0119] When the motor (112) performs a washing course that requires high power, for example, when the weight of the laundry detected by the weight sensor (120-2) is higher than a preset value, the power supply unit (111) may overheat as the heat generated while rotating the motor (112) increases. If the power supply unit (111) rises above a certain temperature, parts of the power supply unit (111) may be damaged or malfunction, and safety issues may arise. Therefore, the temperature sensor (120-3) provides the temperature of the power supply unit (111) to the processor (140), and the processor (140) can control the operation of the motor (112) so that the power supply unit (111) does not overheat.

[0120] If the temperature of the power supply unit (111) is above a first temperature, which is a preset first setting value, the motor (112) can be controlled to operate in an overheating prevention mode (S120). The overheating prevention mode is a driving method distinct from the general washing mode and may be a driving method that reduces the power consumption of the motor (112).

[0121] The general washing mode and the overheating prevention mode may differ in the driving time of the motor (112), the rotational RPM of the motor (112), the driving interval of the motor (112), etc. Among them, to explain the case where the driving and stopping times of the motor (112) are different, the general washing mode may be a method in which the motor (112) drives for A1 minutes and then stops driving for B1 minutes (A1-B1), and during the general washing mode, the driving and stopping of the motor (112) may be repeated multiple times in this pattern.

[0122] In this case, the overheating prevention mode according to one embodiment is a method of stopping operation for B1 minutes after running for A2 minutes, which is smaller than A1 of the normal washing mode (A2-B1), thereby reducing the operating time of the motor (112) to reduce heat generated by the operation of the motor and prevent overheating of the power supply device. The overheating prevention mode according to another embodiment is a method of stopping operation for B2 minutes, which is larger than B1, after running for A1 minutes (A1-B2), thereby increasing the time for cooling the heat generated during the operation of the motor and prevent overheating of the power supply device. The overheating prevention mode according to another embodiment is a method of stopping operation for B2 minutes, which is larger than B1, after running for A2 minutes, which is smaller than A1 (A2-B2), thereby reducing heat generated by the operation of the motor and increasing the time for cooling the heat generated during the operation of the motor and preventing overheating of the power supply device.

[0123] Alternatively, the overheating prevention mode according to one embodiment may be controlled so that the rotational RPM of the motor (112) is lower than that of the general driving mode. In addition, the overheating prevention mode described above is not limited to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the overheating prevention mode may be satisfied as long as it is a driving method that reduces the power consumption of the motor (112) and prevents overheating of the power supply device (111).

[0124] The operation of the overheating prevention mode can be controlled by the processor (140), or the power supply unit (111) can be configured as an Intelligent Power Module (IPM) to drive the motor (112) in an overheating prevention mode based on the sensed temperature.

[0125] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the power supply unit (111) is operated in an overheating prevention mode, the processor (140) can increase the driving force of the cooling fan (119) to cool the power supply unit (111). For example, if the cooling fan (119) was not operated in a normal washing mode, the cooling fan (119) is operated in an overheating prevention mode, and if the cooling fan (119) was operated in a normal washing mode, the driving force of the cooling fan (119) is increased in an overheating prevention mode, thereby increasing the cooling performance.

[0126] The processor (140) can lower the temperature of the power supply unit (111) by operating the overheating prevention mode. The temperature sensor (120-3) can sense the temperature of the power supply unit (111) at regular intervals or in real time and provide it to the processor (140), and the processor (140) can check whether the temperature of the power supply unit (111) is a preset second setting value and is lower than the second temperature which is lower than the first temperature (S130).

[0127] If the temperature of the power supply unit (111) is above the second temperature, which is a preset second setting value, the processor may continue to drive the motor (112) in an overheating prevention mode so that the temperature of the power supply unit (111) becomes below the second temperature. In this case, the first setting value and the second setting value may differ depending on the operating environment of the washing machine (100) and the specific specifications of the motor (112) and the power supply unit (111). For example, the first setting value may be set within a range of 70 to 80 degrees Celsius, and the second setting value may be set within a range of 60 to 70 degrees Celsius.

[0128] If the temperature of the power supply unit (111) is less than the second temperature, which is a preset second setting value, the motor (112) can exit the overheating prevention mode and check whether the washing course has ended (S170). And if the washing course has not ended, the operation can be controlled by returning to the normal washing mode (S101). In addition, if the temperature of the power supply unit (111) in the above-described temperature checking step (S110) is not greater than the first setting value, the motor (112) does not enter the overheating prevention mode, checks the end of the washing course (S170), and continues to maintain the normal washing mode and proceed with the washing course.

[0129] The control method (S100) of the washing machine (100) includes the operation of the above-described overheating prevention mode, so that even when a high load is required on the motor (112) due to factors such as the weight of the laundry and the power supply unit (111) overheats, the temperature of the power supply unit (111) is effectively lowered and the washing course can be carried out, and performance degradation, damage to parts, malfunction, and stability problems caused by overheating of the power supply unit (111) can be prevented.

[0130] However, regardless of whether the overheating prevention mode is entered, the total time required for a washing course including the overheating prevention mode can be maintained the same compared to a washing course conducted only in the normal washing mode. This is because the washing machine (100) displays the estimated washing time at the start of operation to prevent the washing time from becoming longer than the estimated time provided to the user, or the washing time from becoming longer than the washing time generally expected by the user, thereby preventing user inconvenience caused by the additional time required.

[0131] If the temperature of the power supply unit (111) is not below the second temperature, the processor (140) may repeat the operation of the overheating prevention mode multiple times. In this case, the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated can be calculated by considering the operating time and the stopping time of the motor (112) in the overheating prevention mode as one cycle. Alternatively, it can be based on the number of rotations of the motor (112) during the overheating prevention mode, or the number can be calculated by setting the operating time with the rotation RPM of the motor (112) reduced as one cycle. That is, the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated is counted by the processor (140) by considering a certain period or a specific signal transmission as one time, and if the number is greater than or equal to the third set value, additional operation can be controlled to prevent a decrease in washing performance.

[0132] The processor (140) can check whether the operating value of the motor (112) is greater than or equal to a third set value, which is a preset value (S150). The operating value of the motor (112) may be the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated during the overheating prevention mode, the rotational RPM of the motor (112), the driving time of the motor (112), etc. The speed sensor (120-1) senses the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated, the rotational RPM, or the rotational RPM of the drum (20), etc., and transmits it to the processor (140), and the processor (140) can calculate or predict the operating value of the motor (112) through the received detection value.

[0133] While repeating the overheating prevention mode multiple times, the processor (140) can count the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated (S150). Then, if the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated is less than a preset value, the overheating prevention mode is repeated continuously, and if the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated becomes greater than a preset value, the processor (140) can perform a washing performance supplement operation (S160).

[0134] The preset value may be a third setting value, and the third setting value may vary depending on the operating method of the overheating prevention mode, the operating environment of the washing machine (100), and the specific specifications of the motor (112) and the power supply device (111). For example, if the 'number of operations' of the overheating prevention mode is based on a signal input to enter the overheating prevention mode or the number of entries, the third setting value may be set within 3 to 15 times, or if the number of operations is based on the rotational speed of the motor of the overheating prevention mode, the third setting value may be set within the range of 20 to 100 times, preferably 50 times, and if the number of operations is based on the operating time of the motor (112) during the overheating prevention mode, the third setting value may be set within the range of 5 minutes to 40 minutes, preferably 10 minutes.

[0135] As described above, the overheating prevention mode may have a total driving time or rotation RPM of the motor (112) that is less or lower than that of the general washing mode, so the washing performance may be reduced compared to the general washing mode when washing for the same amount of time. Therefore, based on the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated, if it is operated at a rate greater than or equal to the third set value, the processor (140) may perform a driving operation to supplement the washing performance in order to supplement the washing performance. This driving operation may be referred to as "washing performance supplementing driving" below. The washing performance supplementing driving will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

[0136] The washing performance supplement drive is a drive that improves washing performance by compensating for reduced performance in the overheating prevention mode. For convenience of explanation, if expressed numerically, if the washing performance in the overheating prevention mode is 5% to 10%, the washing performance can be supplemented by 5% to 10% through the washing performance supplement drive.

[0137] When the temperature of the power supply unit (111) is detected to be below the second set value by the overheating prevention mode, the processor (140) can check whether the washing course according to the input signal has ended (S170). If the washing course has not yet ended or if there is more than a preset time remaining until the end of the washing course, the processor (140) can return to the step (S101) of controlling the operation of the motor (112) in the normal washing mode. Then, the washing course can be carried out by repeating the above-described process.

[0138] If the washing course based on the input signal has ended, the washing machine (100) may end operation or proceed to the next step (S180).

[0139] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a washing performance supplement drive according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 5, the washing performance supplement drive (S160) may include a heater drive (S161), a pump circulation drive (S162), a detergent dispenser (S163), etc.

[0141] The washing performance supplementary drive (S160) is an additional drive of the washing machine (100) to prevent a decrease in washing performance during the overheating prevention mode, as briefly described in FIG. 4, and may be a drive to supplement washing performance without increasing the total time required for the washing course.

[0142] The washing performance enhancement drive (S160) may be a heater drive (S161). The heater (116) may be installed inside the tub (15) or mounted on the tub (15) or drum (20) to heat the washing water, thereby increasing the temperature of the washing water and the laundry and improving washing performance. Alternatively, in the spin-drying and drying process, the drying of the laundry may be aided by heating the drum (20). For convenience of explanation, the following description is based on a washing course containing washing water inside the drum, but the same can be applied to the spin-drying and drying process.

[0143] The heater drive (S161) is a method of controlling the operation of the heater so that the power consumption of the heater (116) increases. During the heater drive (S161), the operation time of the heater (116) may be a first operation time, which is a preset time, or the time until the temperature of the washing water rises by a first temperature difference, which is a preset temperature value. The first operation time and the first temperature difference, which serve as the reference for the heater drive (S161), may vary depending on the operating environment of the washing machine (100), the specific specifications of the motor (112) and the power supply unit (111), and may vary based on a third setting value, which is a condition for entering a washing performance supplementary drive. Additionally, the preset time during which the heater (116) operates may vary depending on the supply power and specifications of the heater (116).

[0144] For example, in the case of the heater drive (S161) operation, that is, the situation of heating the washing water to supplement washing performance, if the rated voltage is 110V and the power consumption of the heater (116) is 900W, the heater (116) can be driven for about 10 minutes to increase the temperature of the washing water by 2 degrees Celsius, and if the rated voltage is 220V and the power consumption of the heater (116) is 2000W, the heater (116) can be driven for about 2 minutes to increase the temperature of the washing water by 2 degrees Celsius. Therefore, as a temperature to supplement washing performance, the first temperature difference can be set to 1 to 4 degrees Celsius, preferably 2 degrees Celsius, and based on this, the first driving time can be formed between 2 minutes and 10 minutes.

[0145] Washing performance can be improved by increasing the water temperature of the washing water by driving the heater (S161). Although it varies depending on the type of laundry and the washing environment, generally, washing performance can be improved below the critical point as the temperature rises, and if the temperature of the washing water is increased by about 2 degrees Celsius, a washing effect similar to running the washing course for 10 to 20 minutes longer can be expected. Therefore, the washing performance improvement drive (S160) can improve washing performance by driving the heater (116) additionally to correspond to the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated.

[0146] The washing performance supplement drive (S160) may be a washing water circulation drive (S162). Specifically, the processor (140) may increase the driving force of the pump (115) and set the water supply valve (113) and drain valve (114) to the off state to control the washing water of the drum (20) to circulate. Alternatively, the processor may increase the driving force of the pump (115) and set the water supply valve (113) and drain valve (114) to the on state to control the inflow of new washing water and the drainage of used washing water, thereby controlling the washing water to circulate.

[0147] By means of the washing water circulation drive (S162), washing water is sprayed onto the laundry by the pressure of the pump, and washing performance can be improved, or washing water is circulated and evenly distributed over a wide area of ​​the laundry, thereby improving washing performance. In addition, by introducing new washing water, contaminated washing water is discharged, the solubility of the detergent is increased, and washing performance can be improved.

[0148] The operating time of the pump (115) may vary depending on the operating environment of the washing machine (100), the specific specifications of the motor (112) and the power supply unit (111), and, for example, may be formed between 2 minutes and 10 minutes, similar to the first operating time.

[0149] The washing performance enhancement drive (S160) may be a detergent injection (S163). Specifically, if the washing machine (100) includes a detergent supply device (not shown) that stores excess detergent, the processor (140) can improve washing performance by controlling the detergent supply valve (118) to additionally inject detergent from the detergent receiving section (14) into the drum (20). In this case, the washing performance enhancement drive (S160) can improve washing performance efficiently by performing the detergent injection (S163) and the heater drive (S161) simultaneously or sequentially to increase the dissolution rate of the detergent in the washing water.

[0150] The amount of detergent supplied by the detergent input (S163) can be set differently depending on the operating environment of the washing machine (100), based on the operating environment of the washing machine (100), the size of the drum (20), the type of detergent, the capacity of the washing water for supplementing washing performance, the volume of the detergent receiving part (14), and the specific specifications of the motor (112) and the power supply device (111).

[0151] The washing performance enhancement drive (S160) may be a water jet spray (S164). When the washing machine (100) includes a water jet (117) composed of a water jet pump (not shown) and a water jet nozzle (not shown) that sprays high-pressure washing water into the drum (20), the processor (140) can improve washing performance by increasing the spray amount or spray pressure of the water jet (117) in an overheating prevention mode.

[0152] For example, if the water jet (117) is not operating in normal washing mode, the water jet (117) is operated by a washing performance supplementary drive, and if the water jet (117) is operating in normal washing mode, the driving force of the water jet (117) is increased by a washing performance supplementary drive, and the spray pressure, spray time, or spray amount of the water jet (117) can be increased. Although not shown in the drawing, the water jet (117) can be implemented through a drainage facility including a pump (115).

[0153] The amount of water jet (117) sprayed may vary depending on the operating environment of the washing machine (100), the specific specifications of the motor (112) and the power supply unit (111), and for example, the spraying time of the water jet (117) may be formed between 2 minutes and 10 minutes, similar to the first operating time.

[0154] The washing performance supplementary drive (S160) may be a motor drive control (S165). The motor (112) drive control (S165) according to one embodiment may be a drive that increases the washing time compared to the expected time of the washing course according to the input signal and increases the driving time of the motor (112) during the washing course. The motor (112) drive control (S165) has the advantage of being implementable in a washing machine (100) that does not include a heater (116), a detergent dispensing device (not shown), etc. The driving time of the motor (112) drive control (S165) or the rotation RPM of the motor (112) may be set to a value that supplements washing performance at the same level as the third setting value, based on the third setting value.

[0155] Additionally, the washing performance supplement drive (S160) is not limited to this and may be a supplement drive capable of improving washing performance, and in particular, it may be satisfied if it is a drive of the washing machine (100) to supplement the drive of the motor (112) in the overheating prevention mode.

[0156] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a washing machine (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 6, the control method (S100) of the washing machine (100) may further include a sensor detection step (S153), a first washing performance supplementary drive (S167), and a second washing performance supplementary drive (S168). For reference, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the step corresponding to the flowchart of FIG. 5 is omitted from the description, and the different step is described in detail.

[0158] The processor (140) checks whether the operating value of the motor (112) is greater than or equal to a third setting value, which is a preset value (S150), and if the number of operations of the overheating prevention mode during the overheating prevention mode is greater than the preset third setting value, it can determine the current operating state of the washing machine (100) through the sensor unit (120) and perform washing performance supplementary operation (S153).

[0159] The processor (140) can set and control the time or intensity of the washing performance supplement drive based on the detection value of the sensor unit (120) through the sensor unit detection step (S153), or select a suitable washing performance supplement drive method.

[0160] Depending on the detection result of the sensor unit (120), one of the first washing performance supplementary drive (S167) and the second washing performance supplementary drive (S168), which are among the washing performance supplementary drives described above, may be selectively driven, or the first washing performance supplementary drive (S167) and the second washing performance supplementary drive (S168) may be driven simultaneously, or the first washing performance supplementary drive (S167) and the second washing performance supplementary drive (S168) may be driven sequentially. Below, an embodiment of a control method (S100) of a washing machine (100) following the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described.

[0161] A control method for a washing machine (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may, based on a temperature sensor (120-3) that detects the temperature of the washing water, selectively perform only one of the heater drive (S161) and the circulation drive (S162) of the pump (115) as a first to second washing performance supplement drive (S167, S168), or perform both simultaneously or sequentially.

[0162] Specifically, if the temperature of the washing water detected by the temperature sensor (120-3) is higher than a preset third temperature, the processor (140) can control the heater (116) to decrease the temperature of the washing water and increase the driving force of the pump (115) that supplies washing water to the drum (20).

[0163] If the temperature of the washing water is measured to be higher than a preset temperature, the laundry may be damaged by the high temperature depending on the type of laundry, and the power consumption of the heater (116) to raise the temperature of the washing water may increase. Therefore, the processor (140) can set the maximum increase in the temperature of the washing water through the heater (116) to a third temperature considering the washing environment, and can select a washing performance supplementary drive based on this. If the temperature of the washing water is detected to be higher than the preset third temperature, the washing performance supplementary drive can be performed by terminating the operation of the heater (116), lowering the power supplied to the heater (116), and increasing the driving force of the pump (115) that supplies washing water to the drum (20).

[0164] A control method for a washing machine (100) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the processor (140) can selectively perform one of the first and second washing performance supplementary drives (S167, S168) based on a weight sensor (120-2) that detects the weight of the laundry, or can perform both simultaneously or sequentially.

[0165] Specifically, when the weight of the laundry is greater than a preset value, the operating value during the overheating prevention mode may have a value relatively higher than the third setting value, and a single operation of washing performance supplementation may be insufficient to supplement the washing performance. Therefore, two or more washing performance supplementation operations can be performed simultaneously or sequentially, and furthermore, although not shown in the drawing, a third washing performance supplementation operation (not shown) can be performed so that the processor (140) can supplement the washing performance appropriately by considering the individual washing situation.

[0166] Therefore, the control method (S100) of the washing machine (100) can flexibly perform washing performance supplementary driving based on the individual washing environment by detecting the individual washing environment through the sensor unit detection (S153) step prior to performing washing performance supplementary driving (S160).

[0167] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a washing machine (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 7, the control method (S100) of the washing machine (100) may further include a step (S173) of checking the number of overheating prevention modes during a washing course and an additional washing performance supplement drive (S175). In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the step corresponding to the flowchart of FIG. 5 is omitted from the description, and the different step is described in detail.

[0169] After the step (S170) of checking whether the washing course has ended based on the input signal, if the washing course has ended or if less than a preset time remains until the end of the washing course, the processor (140) can check the number of times the washing performance supplement drive is driven during the washing course (S173).

[0170] The processor (140) can terminate the operation or proceed to the next step if the number of times the washing performance supplement operation is less than the fourth setting value, which is a preset number, during the washing course.

[0171] However, if the number of washing performance supplementary runs during the washing course is greater than or equal to the fourth set value, which is a preset number, the processor (140) can terminate the run or proceed to the next step (S180) after going through the additional washing performance supplementary run (S175) step.

[0172] When the number of washing performance enhancement drives is greater than or equal to the fourth setting value, multiple washing performance enhancement drives are performed repeatedly, and since there may be a limit to the effect of enhancing washing performance, when washing performance enhancement drives are performed greater than or equal to the fourth setting value, the processor (140) may perform additional washing performance enhancement drives after the washing course is finished.

[0173] The additional washing performance supplement drive (S175) can correspond to the washing performance supplement drive (S160) of FIG. 5, and in particular, the washing performance can be supplemented by controlling (S165) to additionally drive the motor (112) after the end of the washing course.

[0174] The fourth setting value may vary depending on the operating environment of the washing machine (100), the specific specifications of the motor (112) and the power supply unit (111), and may be set within a range of 3 to 10 times.

[0175] As a result, the washing machine (100) can prevent the washing performance from decreasing below expectations when the washing course is performed multiple times in an overheating prevention mode, and can prevent the washing performance from deteriorating due to overheating of the power supply unit (111) by controlling the washing time to increase inevitably only in specific situations depending on the number of times the overheating prevention mode is entered.

[0176] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It is understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure. Explanation of the symbols

[0177] 100 : Washing machine 111 : Power supply 112 : Motor 140 : Processor S100: Washing machine control method

Claims

Claim 1 A method for controlling a washing machine including a power supply device, comprising: a step of controlling the operation of a motor in a general washing mode; a step of checking the temperature of the power supply device; a step of controlling the operation of the motor in an overheating prevention mode that reduces the power consumption of the motor when the temperature of the power supply device is above a preset first temperature; a step of repeating the operation in the overheating prevention mode multiple times so that the temperature of the power supply device becomes below a second temperature lower than the first temperature; and a step of controlling the operation of a heater so that the power consumption of the heater heating the washing water increases when the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated becomes greater than a preset value. Claim 2 A method for controlling a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the step of controlling the operation of the heater is the step of additionally driving the heater for a preset time. Claim 3 A method for controlling a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the step of controlling the operation of the heater is a step of additionally driving the heater so that the temperature of the washing water rises by a preset temperature difference. Claim 4 A method for controlling a washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising the step of increasing the driving force of a pump supplying washing water to a drum when the number of times the overheat prevention mode is operated exceeds the preset value. Claim 5 A method for controlling a washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a step of detecting the temperature of the washing water; and a step of controlling the heater to decrease the temperature of the washing water and increasing the driving force of a pump supplying washing water to a drum when the temperature of the washing water is above a preset third temperature as the heater is driven to increase the power consumption of the heater that heats the washing water. Claim 6 A method for controlling a washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising the step of controlling a detergent supply valve such that when the number of times the overheat prevention mode is operated exceeds the preset value, the amount of detergent supplied by a detergent receiving part that supplies detergent to the drum increases. Claim 7 A method for controlling a washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising the step of controlling a water jet such that the amount of washing water sprayed by a water jet spraying high-pressure washing water onto a drum increases when the number of times the overheat prevention mode is operated exceeds the preset value. Claim 8 A method for controlling a washing machine according to claim 1, comprising the step of controlling the operation of the motor in the general washing mode when the temperature of the power supply device becomes less than a preset second temperature. Claim 9 A method for controlling a washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a step of checking whether a washing course has ended based on an input signal; wherein the step of checking whether a washing course has ended returns to a step of checking the temperature of the power supply unit if the washing course has not ended. Claim 10 A washing machine comprising: a main body provided with a tub; a rotatable drum provided within the tub to accommodate laundry; a motor providing power to rotate the drum; a heater heating the washing water in the tub; a power supply device controlling the rotation of the motor; and a processor that controls the operation of the motor by repeating a multiple times in an overheating prevention mode such that if the temperature of the power supply device is above a preset first temperature, the temperature of the power supply device becomes below a second temperature lower than the first temperature, thereby reducing the power consumption of the motor; wherein the processor controls the operation of the heater to increase the power consumption of the heater if the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated is greater than a preset value. Claim 11 In claim 10, the washing machine, wherein the processor controls the operation of the motor in a normal washing mode when the temperature of the power supply device falls below a preset second temperature during operation in the overheating prevention mode. Claim 12 In claim 10, the power supply device is a washing machine that controls the driving of the motor by having an intelligent power module. Claim 13 A washing machine according to claim 10, comprising a cooling fan for cooling the power supply unit; wherein the processor increases the driving force of the cooling fan in the overheating prevention mode. Claim 14 A washing machine according to claim 13, comprising: a weight sensor that detects the weight of laundry contained in the drum and provides a detected value to the processor; wherein the processor increases the driving force of the cooling fan if the detected value of the weight sensor is greater than or equal to a preset weight. Claim 15 A washing machine according to claim 10, comprising: a pump for flowing washing water in the drum; and a drain valve that opens and closes to drain or maintain the washing water in the drum; wherein the processor controls the pump and the drain valve to circulate the washing water in the drum when the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated is greater than a preset value. Claim 16 A washing machine according to claim 10, comprising: a detergent receiving portion for supplying detergent to the drum; and a detergent supply valve for opening and closing the detergent receiving portion; wherein the processor controls the detergent supply valve to increase the amount of detergent supplied when the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated is greater than a preset value. Claim 17 A washing machine according to claim 10, comprising a water jet including a water jet pump and a nozzle for spraying high-pressure washing water onto the drum; wherein the processor increases the amount of washing water sprayed by the water jet when the number of times the overheating prevention mode is operated is greater than a preset value. Claim 18 In claim 10, the washing machine, wherein the processor increases the driving time of the motor if the number of times the overheating prevention mode is driven is greater than a preset value.

Images