Washing machine, apparatus and method of controlling the same

Abstract

A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a driver, an electrode sensor, and a controller. The driver operates each part of the washing machine. The electrode sensor detects bubble generation using a voltage change between the electrodes when the bubbles contact the electrodes during the washing cycle. The controller controls the driver using a bubble detection signal from the electrode sensor to allow a bubble-removal cycle to be performed. Therefore, when the bubbles are excessively generated during the operation of the washing machine, the bubble generation can be swiftly detected and the relevant operation is performed thereto.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method of controlling a washing machine capable of enhancing a washing cycle by detecting bubbles when the bubbles are excessively generated during the washing cycle and performing a cycle thereto. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Washing machines can be classified into three kinds according to the method of performing the washing cycle. In detail, the washing machines are classified into a pulsator type washing machine, an agitator type washing machine, and a drum washing machine. In the pulsator type washing machine, a pulsator is mounted in the lower side of a drum standing upright, a rotational water current is generated by rotation of the pulsator, and the laundry is washed by being rubbed against the water current. In the agitator type washing machine, an agitator extending upright to the upper side ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, an apparatus and a method of controlling the same capable of enhancing washing efficiency by detecting bubbles upon generation of the bubbles and immediately performing a bubble-removal cycle.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, an apparatus and a method of controlling the same capable of enhancing convenience in applying the product by having bubble generation detected in the inside of a drum regardless of whether the washing machine being a closed type or an open type.

[0013] A further another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, an apparatus and a method of controlling the same capable of improving the operation reliability of a bubble detection device by having bubble generation detected by an electronic-sensitive method.

[0019] According to the present invention, since when the bubble is generated during the washing cycle of the washing machine, the bubble generation can be exactly detected and the bubble-removal cycle can be performed, washing efficiency can be enhanced. Also, the operation reliability of the washing machine improves and the apparatus of controlling the washing machine can be conveniently applied to the washing machine regardless of its type.

Problems solved by technology

The drum washing machine consumes a small amount of water, however, a large amount of bubbles is generated during the washing cycle and leaked to the outside of the washing machine.

To suppress the large amount of bubbles generated during the washing cycle, detergent only for the drum washing machine is used but deterioration of washing efficiency due to the bubbles generated during the washing cycle of the drum washing machine, a contamination problem due to leakage of the bubbles, and a short-circuit problem of the washing machine still remain unsolved.

However, since the above method can remove the bubble generation only when a predetermined pressure is produced in the inside of the drum, a point when the bubble generation is detected may be delayed compared with a point when the bubbles are actually generated.

Accordingly, since the washing cycle is performed for a long time with the bubble generated, washing efficiency is deteriorated.

Also, in the case where the inside of the washing machine is sealed, air pressure is raised due to the bubbles and the pressure can be detected but in case of an open type washing machine, the bubble generation cannot be fundamentally detected.

Therefore, when the washing machine is used for a long time, the fluff is pushed up together with the bubbles and caught in the heater and becomes a cause of catching fire during the dry cycle.

Also, corrosion might occur and the reliability of the product is deteriorated.

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