Washing machine and method of controlling rinsing cycle

Abstract

A washing machine capable of optimizing the rinsing time and the amount of rinsing water by using a conductivity sensor, and a method of controlling a rinsing cycle thereof. When the amount of detergent remaining in the rinsing water is determined to be small according to the measured conductivity, the amount of rinsing water and the rinsing time are minimized, that is, the rinsing water is alternately supplied in stages of times, the conductivity of the rinsing water is measured at the stop of the supply of rinsing water, and if the measured conductivity is below a reference value, the rinsing cycle is stopped and enters to a final-spin dry cycle, so that the water and energy is saved and the rinsing is achieved with the optimum algorithm when laundry having a little contamination and a small amount of detergent is input.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0131272, filed on Dec. 8, 2011 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]The following description relates to a washing machine capable of optimizing the rinsing time and the amount of rinsing water by using a conductivity sensor, and a method of controlling the rinsing cycle thereof.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]In general, a washing machine for example, a drum-type washing machine, is an apparatus including a water tub to store water, for example, washing water or rinsing water, a cylindrical drum rotatably installed in the water tub to receive laundry, and a motor to generate a driving force to rotate the drum. As the cylindrical drum rotates, the laundry accommodated in the drum is ascended and descended, so the laundry is washed by the descendi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a washing machine with a conductivity sensor that can measure the conductivity of rinsing water and determine the amount of detergent dissolved in it. An algorithm is used to minimize the amount of rinsing water and the rinsing time if the amount of detergent is small. This saves water and energy by avoiding unnecessary rinsing. The algorithm controls the amount of rinsing water and the rinsing time by measuring the conductivity of rinsing water and stopping the water supply when the conductivity reaches a certain level. This results in efficient rinsing performance even when a small amount of detergent is used.

Problems solved by technology

However, in the case of laundry having a little contamination, a user may put a small amount of detergent according to the weight of the laundry.

Accordingly, even when the rinsing cycle is needed to be finished due to the depletion of detergent dissolved in the rinsing water, the rinsing cycle is continued, thereby causing water and energy to be wasted.

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