Dishwasher and method for controlling dishwasher

Abstract

A dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention relates to providing a control method for determining whether a filter is clogged. The dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a tub; a sump assembly disposed below the tub and storing washing water; a circulation pump that pumps and circulates the washing water stored in the sump assembly; at least one spraying device for spraying the washing water, pumped by the circulation pump, into the tub; a filter disposed below the tub and filtering foreign substances that flow inside the tub; a current sensor for detecting a driving current input to the circulation pump; a vibration sensor for detecting vibrations in the tub caused by the operation of the circulation pump; and a control unit configured to sense whether the filter is clogged on the basis of information acquired from the current sensor and the vibration sensor.

Description

Dishwashers and methods of controlling dishwashers

[0001] One embodiment disclosed in this document relates to a dishwasher and a method for determining whether a filter of the dishwasher is clogged.

[0002] A dishwasher is a device that automatically washes food scraps and other debris from dishes using detergent and washing water. The dishwasher includes a main body having a dish loading slot on the front, a washing chamber located inside the slot, and a door that opens and closes the slot. The washing chamber may include a rack for storing dishes and a nozzle that sprays water onto dishes stored in the rack to wash away dirt from the dishes.

[0003] A water collection area may be located at the bottom of the washing room to circulate or discharge used washing water. The water collection area may collect foreign substances, such as food particles, separated from dishes during washing. To prevent these foreign substances from entering the circulation pump, a filter may be placed in the water collection area to collect them.

[0004] The filter may be equipped with multiple filters to accommodate the various particle sizes of foreign substances to be collected. For example, the filter may be configured with multiple filters, including a micro filter, a fine filter, and a coarse filter, to enable collection in accordance with the size of the particles forming the foreign substances.

[0005] With repeated use of the dishwasher, excessive debris can accumulate in the filter. This can clog the passage through which wash water flows through the circulation pump, reducing cleaning performance. Furthermore, accumulated debris can cause foul odors, making it necessary to periodically remove and clean the filter.

[0006] Meanwhile, to check the amount of foreign matter collected in a dishwasher filter, the user must manually open the dishwasher door and periodically clean the filter, which can be inconvenient. Therefore, there is a need to instruct the user to clean the filter based on the amount of foreign matter collected.

[0007] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0008] A dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect the degree of clogging of a filter based on vibration characteristics of a tub obtained from a vibration sensor disposed near a sump assembly.

[0009] A dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can adaptively provide a notification to a user to instruct filter management in response to the degree of filter clogging.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a dishwasher may include a tub, a sump assembly configured to store wash water, a circulation pump that can be driven by a driving current to pump the wash water stored in the sump assembly, at least one spray device configured to spray the wash water pumped by the circulation pump into the interior of the tub, a filter configured to filter foreign substances from the wash water, a current sensor configured to detect a driving current input to the circulation pump and generate a detection value corresponding thereto, a vibration sensor configured to detect vibration of the tub and generate a detection value corresponding thereto, and a control unit configured to obtain a first natural frequency of the tub based on the detection value generated by the vibration sensor, and in response to the driving current being a detection value generated by the current sensor being less than a reference current, obtain a second natural frequency of the tub based on the detection value generated by the vibration sensor, and determine that the filter is clogged when an amount of change in the second natural frequency with respect to the first natural frequency exceeds a preset threshold range.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a control method for a dishwasher including a tub, a sump assembly configured to store wash water, a circulation pump capable of being driven by a driving current to pump the wash water stored in the sump assembly, at least one spray device configured to spray the wash water pumped by the circulation pump into the interior of the tub, a filter configured to filter foreign substances from the wash water, a current sensor configured to detect a drive current input to the circulation pump and generate a detection value corresponding thereto, and a vibration sensor configured to detect vibration of the tub and generate a detection value corresponding thereto may include an operation of acquiring a first natural frequency based on the detection value generated by the vibration sensor, an operation of acquiring a second natural frequency of the tub based on the detection value generated by the vibration sensor in response to a drive current being less than a reference current, which is a detection value generated by the current sensor, and an operation of determining that the filter is clogged when a change amount of the second natural frequency with respect to the first natural frequency exceeds a preset threshold range.

[0012] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates the lower part of a washing chamber of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a sump assembly included in a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4b is an exploded perspective view of a sump assembly included in a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a sump assembly viewed from the bottom upward according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a graph for selecting an optimal position of a vibration sensor installed in a sump assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a process of calculating a natural frequency in response to vibrations occurring in a tub of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a control flowchart for determining a clogging state of a filter in a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a control flowchart for determining a clogging state of a filter in a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the driving current input to the circulation pump according to the filter performance at each driving rpm of the circulation pump, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the natural frequency of a tub according to the volume of washing water stored in the tub and the driving rpm of the circulation pump, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a contour graph schematically illustrating vibration characteristics of a tub in response to the level of washing water stored in the tub, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a smart home system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a signaling diagram schematically illustrating a process for transmitting guide information instructing management of a filter between a dishwasher, a hub device, and an external device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates an input / output unit of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of displaying guide information for instructing an external device to manage a filter of a dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 18 illustrates a first user interface of guide information displayed on an external device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 19 illustrates a second user interface of guide information displayed on an external device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] The embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0034] Hereinafter, in this document, when looking at a door (e.g., door (11) of FIG. 1) of a dishwasher (e.g., dishwasher (1) of FIG. 1) from the front direction, the front of the dishwasher (1) where the door (11) is arranged can be defined as the “+x-axis direction”, the rear of the dishwasher (1) can be defined as the “-x-axis direction”, the right side of the dishwasher (1) can be defined as the “+y-axis direction”, the left side can be defined as the “-y-axis direction”, the upper side of the dishwasher (1) can be defined as the “+z-axis direction”, and the lower side can be defined as the “-z-axis direction”.

[0035] However, in this document, “front-back direction”, “left-right direction”, and “up-down direction” may be used based on the drawings shown, and the shape and position of each component are not limited thereby.

[0036] According to some embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components.

[0037] Additionally, some of the attached drawings may not be drawn to scale and may have exaggerated dimensions of some components to aid in understanding the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates the lower part of the washing chamber (C) of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a dishwasher (1) may include a main body (10) forming an exterior. The dishwasher (1) may further include a tub (12) provided inside the main body (10). The tub (12) may be provided in an approximately box shape. One side of the tub (12) may be open. For example, the front of the tub (12) may be formed to be open. The open side of the tub (12) may be referred to as an opening (12a).

[0042] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a door (11) arranged to open and close an opening (12a) of a tub (12). The door (11) may be coupled to a main body (10) to open and close the opening (12a) of the tub (12). The door (11) may be coupled to one side of the main body (10) and arranged to be rotatable about the coupled side. For example, the door (11) may be hinge-coupled to one end (e.g., the lower side) of the main body (10).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a storage container arranged inside the tub (12) to store dishes. The storage container may include, for example, a plurality of baskets (51, 52, 53).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the plurality of baskets (51, 52, 53) may include a second basket (52) positioned approximately in the middle in the height direction of the dishwasher (1), and a first basket (51) positioned at the bottom of the dishwasher (1) based on the second basket (52). The second basket (52) may be arranged to be supported by the second guide rack (13b), and the first basket (51) may be arranged to be supported by the first guide rack (13a).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the first guide rack (13a) and the second guide rack (13b) may be arranged to be slidable toward the opening (12a) of the tub (12). For example, each of the first guide rack (13a) and the second guide rack (13b) may be arranged to be slidable on each of the two sides (12d) of the tub (12).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the storage container may include a third basket (53) positioned above the dishwasher (1) in the height direction. The third basket (53) may be formed, for example, in the form of a rack assembly.

[0047] According to one embodiment, relatively large-sized dishes or cooking utensils can be stored in the first and second baskets (51, 52), and relatively small-sized dishes or cooking utensils can be stored in the third basket (53). However, the types of dishes that can be stored in the first to third baskets (51, 52, 53) are not limited.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can be used with some of the first to third baskets (51, 52, 53) removed. For example, the dishwasher (1) can be used with relatively large (e.g., tall) dishes or cooking utensils stored in the first basket (51) with the second basket (52) removed.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a sump assembly (100) for storing wash water. The dishwasher (1) may include a washing chamber (C) which is a space formed by the interior of a tub (12). The washing chamber (C) may be defined as an inner space of the tub (12) formed by a side surface (12d), a front surface, a rear surface, a lower surface, and a sump assembly (100) communicating with the lower surface.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may further include a spray device (41, 42, 43) configured to spray washing water. For example, the spray device (41, 42, 43) may include a first spray nozzle (41) arranged at the bottom of the lower basket (51) in the height direction of the dishwasher (1), a second spray nozzle (42) arranged at the bottom of the second basket (52) in the height direction of the dishwasher (1), and a third spray nozzle (43) arranged at the top of the third basket (53) in the height direction of the dishwasher (1). The first injection nozzle (41) can be arranged to be rotatable around the first rotation axis (41a), the second injection nozzle (42) can be arranged to be rotatable around the second rotation axis (41b), and the third injection nozzle (43) can be arranged to be rotatable around the third rotation axis (41c).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the washing water sprayed horizontally from the first spray nozzle (41) can have its direction changed by a switching device (not shown) placed inside the washing chamber (C). The third spray nozzle (43) can spray the washing water toward the dishes stored in the first to third baskets (51, 52, 53). The second spray nozzle (42) can spray the washing water toward the dishes stored in the second and third baskets (52, 53).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first injection nozzle (41) may be arranged on the lower surface of the tub (12). For example, the first injection nozzle (41) may be arranged to be fixed to the sump assembly (100).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a circulation pump (30) that pumps water stored in the sump assembly (100) to first to third spray nozzles (41, 42, 43). The circulation pump (30) may be connected to a rotation device (80), and the circulation pump (30) may supply washing water to the first spray nozzle (41) via the rotation device (80), or may move it upwards via a duct (90) to supply it to the second spray nozzle (42) and / or the third spray nozzle (43).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the circulation pump (30) may be driven by a circulation pump motor (not shown) disposed inside the circulation pump (30). The circulation pump motor may be implemented as, for example, a brushless motor (brushless DC motor, BLDC motor). Since the circulation pump motor is implemented as a brushless motor, the circulation pump (30) may be driven at a speed corresponding to the driving rotation speed (driving rpm) of the circulation pump motor.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the alternating device (80) can be connected to the first injection nozzle (41) via a connector (81). The alternating device (80) can provide washing water to at least one of the connector (81) and the duct (90).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a machine room (L) disposed below the tub (12). The machine room (L) may be formed by a lower frame (160). A circulation pump (30), a changeover device (80), and a sump assembly (100) may be disposed inside the machine room (L).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include a drain hose (20) for draining the wash water remaining inside the tub (12). The drain hose (20) may be connected to a sump assembly (100). The drain hose (20) may provide a passage through which the wash water stored inside the sump assembly (100) may be drained to the outside of the dishwasher (1).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the tub (12) may include a drain pump (40) that pumps the wash water collected inside the tub (12) so that the wash water is drained to the outside through the drain hose (20). For example, when the drainage process is initiated, the drain pump (40) is driven, and the drain pump (40) may drain the wash water collected in the tub (12) through the drain hose (20).

[0059] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the wash water collected in the sump assembly (100) may be purified by a filter inside the sump assembly (100) and then circulated back into the wash room (C) by the circulation pump (30).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may include an input / output unit (user interface) (200). The input / output unit (200) may include an input unit (user input) (e.g., input unit (210) of FIG. 7) for selecting an operation of the dishwasher (1) and an output unit (user output) (e.g., output unit (220) of FIG. 7) for outputting operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1). The input / output unit (200) may be implemented as an integrated unit with the input unit (210) and the output unit (220), or may be implemented as an independent configuration.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the input unit (210) may be implemented as a button that receives user input by physical pressing or touching. The input unit (210) may receive, for example, user input regarding the course information for which the dishwasher (1) will perform washing, or the time for which washing will be performed. The input unit (210) may receive, for example, user input for opening the door (11) of the dishwasher (1).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the output unit (220) can output operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1). The output unit (220) can be implemented as a display for visually outputting operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1), or can be implemented as a speaker for audibly outputting operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the output unit (220) may output, for example, information about the remaining execution time of the washing cycle in real time when the dishwasher (1) starts a washing cycle. The output unit (220) may output, for example, information about the washing course currently being performed when the dishwasher (1) performs a washing process. The output unit (220) may output, for example, information indicating a clogged state of the filter (101) of the dishwasher (1).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the input / output unit (200) may be configured as an integrated unit with an input unit (210) and an output unit (220). For example, the input / output unit (200) may be implemented as a touch screen panel (TSP), and may accept input by a user's touch and visually display operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1).

[0065] According to one embodiment, when the input / output unit (200) is implemented as a display panel, the input / output unit (200) may be located on one side of the main body (10) or the door (11). For example, the input / output unit (200) may be located in either the first area (A1) located at the upper part of the front of the main body (10) or the second area (A2) located at the upper part of the door (11).

[0066] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a sump assembly (e.g., sump assembly (100) of FIG. 3) included in a dishwasher (e.g., dishwasher (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] FIG. 4b is an exploded perspective view of a sump assembly (100) included in a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Figures 4a and 4b can be optionally combined with the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a sump assembly (100) can be placed inside a washing room (e.g., a washing room (C) of FIG. 2) to store washing water. The bottom surface of the washing room (C) (e.g., the bottom surface (13) of FIG. 2) can be formed to be inclined toward the sump assembly (100). Washing water can be collected in the sump assembly (100) along the bottom surface (13).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the sump assembly (100) may include a sump housing (150) and a plurality of filters (101) for collecting foreign substances contained in the wash water.

[0071] According to one embodiment, a plurality of filters (101) may be provided in plurality in response to particle sizes of foreign substances. For example, the plurality of filters (101) may include a coarse filter (110), a fine filter (120), and a micro filter (130). For example, the coarse filter (110) may form a passage pore of a relatively large size compared to other filters (e.g., the fine filter (120) and / or the micro filter (130)), the fine filter (120) may form a passage pore of a relatively medium size compared to other filters, and the micro filter (130) may form a passage pore of a relatively small size compared to other filters.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the micro filter (130) is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open upper and lower surface, and can collect foreign substances of small size.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the course filter (110) is positioned over the upper surface of the open micro filter (130) and can collect foreign substances having particles larger than a certain size before they reach the micro filter (1230).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the fine filter (120) may be formed to have a passage hole that is larger than that of the micro filter (130) and smaller than that of the coarse filter (110), and may be arranged to cover the upper portion of the sump housing (150). The coarse filter (110) may be formed in a grid shape so as to collect foreign substances larger than a certain size. The fine filter (120) may be detachably arranged on the open upper surface of the micro filter (130).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the sump housing (150) may have a roughly hemispherical shape with an open upper surface. The sump housing (150) may include a first sump housing (152) positioned at the top, a third sump housing (154) positioned at the bottom, and a second sump housing (153) positioned between the first sump housing (152) and the third sump housing (154).

[0076] According to one embodiment, foreign substances removed from dishes during the dishwashing process may be collected by a plurality of filters (101). The plurality of filters (101) may collect foreign substances according to the particle size of the foreign substances. If a critical level or more of foreign substances is collected by the plurality of filters (101), the wash water collected in the sump assembly (100) may not be smoothly pumped by the circulation pump (30). This may deteriorate the washing performance of the dishwasher (1). Hereinafter, the dishwasher (1) according to the present disclosure may transmit information about a filter clogging state to the user or transmit information instructing the user to clean the filter when a certain level or more of foreign substances is collected by the plurality of filters (101), raising concerns about deterioration in filter performance.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) obtains information about the input current of the running circulation pump (30) and the amount of wash water stored in the tub (e.g., the tub (12) of FIG. 2), and can determine whether the filter is clogged based on the information about the input current and the amount of wash water.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can obtain information about the input current of the circulation pump (30) while it is in operation, and compare it with the current for driving the circulation pump (30) when it is in normal operation (hereinafter referred to as the “reference current” of the circulation pump (30)) to determine whether the circulation pump (30) is operating normally.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can sense vibrations generated in the tub (12) as the circulation pump (30) is driven, and obtain vibration characteristics based on a frequency response function. The dishwasher (1) can determine the amount of washing water contained in the tub (11) from the vibration characteristics of the tub (11). To this end, the dishwasher (1) can be equipped with a vibration sensor (e.g., a vibration sensor (340) of FIG. 5). The vibration sensor (340) can be arranged around the sump assembly (100) to sense vibrations generated in the tub (12) as the circulation pump (100) is driven. The vibration sensor (340) can be installed at a position advantageous for detecting vibration characteristics in the tub (12). In this regard, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can determine whether the filter is clogged based on information about the input current of the circulation pump (30) and information about the amount of wash water contained in the tub (11). When the dishwasher (1) determines that the filter is clogged, the dishwasher (1) can transmit information indicating that the filter is clogged and / or information indicating filter cleaning to an external device (e.g., a user terminal or a hub device). Hereinafter, a block diagram and a control flowchart for the dishwasher (1) to determine the filter clogging state will be described in FIG. 7 and below.

[0081] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a sump assembly (e.g., sump assembly (100) of FIG. 2) viewed from below in an upward direction according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 may be understood as a bottom view viewed from the lower side of a machine room (e.g., machine room (L) of FIG. 2) toward the sump assembly (100).

[0082] The embodiment of FIG. 5 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4b.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 5, the sump assembly (100) may include a sump housing (150) forming an exterior. The sump housing (150) may include a first sump housing positioned at the top (e.g., the first sump housing (152) of FIG. 4A), a third sump housing positioned at the bottom (e.g., the third sump housing (154) of FIG. 4A), and a second sump housing positioned between the first sump housing (152) and the third sump housing (154) (e.g., the second sump housing (153) of FIG. 4A).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the sump assembly (100) may include a circulation chamber (151) formed by a microfilter (e.g., a microfilter (130) of FIG. 4A) and a portion of a sump housing (150). The circulation chamber (151) may be formed by an inner surface of a second sump housing (153) and a portion of a third sump housing (154).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the circulation chamber (151) may form a space for collecting at least a portion of the wash water flowing into the sump assembly (100) by passing through a plurality of filters (e.g., a plurality of filters (101) of FIG. 4b). The circulation chamber (151) may each be connected to a drain pump (e.g., a drain pump (40) of FIG. 2) and a circulation pump (e.g., a circulation pump (30) of FIG. 2). Some of the wash water collected in the circulation chamber (151) may be drained to the outside of the dishwasher (1) along a drain hose (e.g., a drain hose (20) of FIG. 3) by the drain pump (40), or may be sprayed from the first to third spray nozzles (41, 42, 43) by the circulation pump (30).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can determine the degree of clogging of the filter (101) based on information about the driving current of the circulation pump (30) and information about the vibration characteristics within the tub (12). For example, in order to obtain information about the driving current of the circulation pump (30), the dishwasher (1) may include a current sensor (e.g., the current sensor (350) of FIG. 7). For example, in order to obtain information about the vibration characteristics within the tub (12), the dishwasher (1) may include a vibration sensor (e.g., the vibration sensor (340) of FIG. 7).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the vibration sensor (340) may be configured to sense the vibration characteristics of a vibrating object by converting the physical vibration caused by the vibration of the tub (12) and the washing water stored in the tub (12) by the driving of the circulation pump (30) into an electrical signal representing a sensing value. The vibration sensor (340) may be implemented as, for example, an accelerometer. The vibration sensor (340) may be implemented as, for example, a piezoelectric type accelerometer or a strain gauge type accelerometer depending on the measurement type, and may also be implemented as a piezoresistive type accelerometer or a capacitive type accelerometer.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the vibration sensor (340) can sense different vibration characteristics and generate sensing values ​​corresponding to the amount of washing water collected in the tub (12). For example, the vibration sensor (340) can sense different vibration characteristics corresponding to the amount of washing water collected in the tub (12), and based on this, the dishwasher (1) can derive different natural frequency values ​​based on the vibration characteristics. The dishwasher (1) can predict the amount of washing water collected in the tub (12) based on the derived natural frequency values. The dishwasher (1) can derive a frequency response function based on the sensing value generated by the vibration sensor (340), and can derive the natural frequency of the tub (12) according to a predetermined amount of washing water collected by using the frequency response function.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the vibration sensor (340) may be positioned at a position advantageous for sensing the vibration characteristics of the tub (12). For example, depending on the position of the vibration sensor (340), the peak value of the natural frequency may change, and / or the degree of influence of noise signals around the natural frequency may change. Accordingly, the vibration sensor (340) may be positioned at a point where the amplification degree of the output signal is large compared to the input signal due to the operation of the circulation pump (30).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the vibration sensor (340) may be located near the sump assembly (100). For example, the vibration sensor (340) may be positioned (e.g., installed) at the bottom of the sump housing (150). For example, the vibration sensor (340) may be positioned near the circulation pump (30). For example, the vibration sensor (340) may be positioned at the bottom of the sump housing (150) near the circulation pump (30). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the position of the vibration sensor (340) may be determined by considering factors advantageous for sensing vibration characteristics.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 5, the vibration sensor (340) may be positioned in any one of the first to eighth regions (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d, 170e, 170f, 170g, 170h). For example, the vibration sensor (340) may be positioned in a position for sensitively sensing vibration characteristics among the first to eighth regions (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d, 170e, 170f, 170g, 170h). Conditions for selecting the position of the vibration sensor (340) will be described in FIG. 6.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the vibration sensor (340) may be placed in the third region (170c) or the fourth region (170d). When the vibration sensor (340) is placed in the third region (170c) or the fourth region (170d), the vibration sensor (340) can sensitively sense the vibration characteristics within the tub (12) generated by the operation of the circulation pump (30) and generate a sensing value corresponding thereto.

[0093] FIG. 6 is a graph for selecting an optimal position of a vibration sensor (e.g., vibration sensor (340) of FIG. 7) installed in a sump assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 6, the horizontal axis of the graph shown represents an input signal (input) according to the degree of vibration generated by the operation of a circulation pump (e.g., circulation pump (30) of FIG. 2), and the vertical axis of the graph shown represents a sensing value generated by a vibration sensor (340) in response to the input signal.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the sensing value of the vertical axis generated by the vibration sensor (340) may produce different result values ​​depending on the position of the vibration sensor (340). For example, the vibration detected by the vibration sensor (340) may be amplified differently depending on the position even though it is the same input signal. In addition, the vibration detected by the vibration sensor (340) may input different noise signals depending on the presence or absence and shape of structures located around it depending on the position of the vibration sensor (340) even though it is the same input signal. Therefore, in order to increase the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensing value generated by the vibration sensor (340), the vibration sensor (340) may need to be placed at an optimal position among the first to eighth regions (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d, 170e, 170f, 170g, 170h) illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the three graphs illustrated in FIG. 6 illustrate sensing values ​​generated by vibration sensors (340) positioned at different locations among the first to eighth regions (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d, 170e, 170f, 170g, 170h). Here, it can be understood that the larger the peak value of the vertical axis, the more the sensing value generated by the vibration sensor (340) according to the input signal is amplified and sensed.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the graph indicated by a thick solid line among the three graphs illustrates the sensing value generated by the vibration sensor (340) when the vibration sensor (340) is placed at a first position. The first position may correspond to either the third region (170c) or the fourth region (170d) of FIG. 5. For example, the graph indicated by the thick solid line may be understood as illustrating the sensing value when the vibration sensor (340) is placed at a point adjacent to the circulation pump (30).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the graph indicated by a thin solid line among the three graphs illustrates the sensing value generated by the vibration sensor (340) when the vibration sensor (340) is placed at the second position.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the graph indicated by a dotted line among the three graphs illustrates the sensing value generated by the vibration sensor (340) when the vibration sensor (340) is placed at the third position.

[0100] According to one embodiment, when the vibration sensor (340) is placed at a point adjacent to the circulation pump (30), the vibration generated by the operation of the circulation pump (30) can be sensed more sensitively. However, the position of the vibration sensor (340) is not limited to any one of the first to eighth areas (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d, 170e, 170f, 170g, 170h) of FIG. 5, and may be placed at any point below the sump assembly (100) depending on the position of the circulation pump (30) and the operation specifications of the circulation pump (30). In addition, when the vibration sensor (340) senses vibration generated by a separate means (e.g., actuator (370) of FIG. 7) rather than vibration generated by the circulation pump (30), the position of the vibration sensor (340) can be determined by considering a position where the actuator (370) can sensitively receive the vibration generated.

[0101] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a dishwasher (e.g., the dishwasher (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] The embodiment of FIG. 7 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 7, the dishwasher (1) may include a control unit (310), an input unit (210), an output unit (220), a communication unit (transceiver) (330), a vibration sensor (340), a current sensor (350), a circulation pump (30), a drain pump (40), and a valve (360).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the input unit (210) can receive user input. The input unit (210) can receive user input by physical pressing or touching. The input unit (210) can receive user input regarding course information for the dishwasher (1) to perform washing or the time for performing washing. The input unit (210) can receive user input for opening the door of the dishwasher (1) (e.g., door (11) of FIG. 1).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the output unit (220) can output operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1). The output unit (220) can be implemented as a display for visually outputting operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1), or can be implemented as a speaker for audibly outputting operation information and / or status information of the dishwasher (1).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the input unit (210) and the output unit (220) may be implemented independently or integrated. When the input unit (210) and the output unit (220) are implemented in the form of an input / output unit (200), the input / output unit (200) may be implemented as a touch screen panel.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (330) can exchange data with external devices such as a server device (e.g., a server device (###) of FIG. 14) and / or a user terminal (e.g., a user terminal of FIG. 14). The communication unit (330) can include a wired communication module that exchanges data with external devices via wire, and a wireless communication module that exchanges data with external devices via wireless.

[0108] In one embodiment, the wired communication module can connect to a wired communication network and communicate with external devices via the wired communication network. For example, the wired communication module can connect to the wired communication network via Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 technology standard) and receive data from external devices via the wired communication network.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module can wirelessly communicate with a base station or an access point (AP), and can connect to a wired communication network through the base station or the access point. The wireless communication module can also communicate with external devices connected to the wired communication network via the base station or the access point. For example, the wireless communication module (1843) can wirelessly communicate with the access point (AP) using WiFi (IEEE 802.11 technology standard), or can communicate with the base station using CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LET (Long Term Evolution), WiBro, etc. The wireless communication module can also receive data from external devices via the base station or the access point. In addition, the wireless communication module can directly communicate with external devices. For example, the wireless communication module can wirelessly receive data from external devices using WiFi, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1 technology standard), ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4 technology standard), etc.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (330) can transmit or receive data with external devices, and can transmit data received from the external devices to the control unit (310).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the vibration sensor (340) can sense the vibration characteristics of the tub (e.g., the tub (11) of FIG. 2) and generate a sensing value corresponding thereto. The vibration sensor (340) can sense the vibration characteristics of the tub (11) that vibrates according to the driving of the circulation pump (30) (e.g., the circulation pump (30) of FIG. 2) and generate a sensing value corresponding thereto. The vibration sensor (340) can sense different vibration characteristics corresponding to the amount of washing water collected in the tub (11) and generate a sensing value corresponding thereto.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the vibration sensor (340) may be implemented as an acceleration sensor. Depending on the measurement type, the vibration sensor (340) may be implemented as a piezoelectric acceleration sensor or a strain gauge acceleration sensor, and may also be implemented as a piezoresistive acceleration sensor or a capacitive acceleration sensor.

[0113] According to one embodiment, in addition to sensing the vibration characteristics of the tub (11) by driving the circulation pump (30), the vibration sensor (340) may also sense the vibration characteristics of the tub (11) by driving a separate excitation member (e.g., actuator (370)) and generate a sensing value corresponding thereto. To this end, the dishwasher (1) may further include an actuator (370). The actuator (370) may be configured to generate a predetermined vibration according to a predetermined driving cycle.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the current sensor (350) can sense the input current input to the circulation pump (30) and generate a sensing value corresponding thereto. The current sensor (350) can sense the input current input to the circulation pump (30) that is being operated and transmit the sensed value to the control unit (310). The control unit (310) can obtain the input current from the current sensor (350) (or from the sensing value generated by the current sensor (350)) and compare the input current with a reference current when the circulation pump (30) is operating normally, thereby determining whether the circulation pump (30) is operating normally. For example, when the input current of the circulation pump (30) obtained by the current sensor (350) is lower than a threshold level with respect to the reference current, it can be determined that the current circulation pump (30) has a lower output compared to normal operation. When the output of the circulation pump (30) decreases, it can be determined that the amount of washing water present in the tub (12) has decreased.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the control unit (310) may be configured to process user input and / or communication data received from an external device, and control components included in the dishwasher (1) based on the data processing. For example, the control unit (310) may control the circulation pump (30) and / or the drain pump (40) to be driven on and off by transmitting a control signal for driving the circulation pump (30) and / or the drain pump (40). For example, the control unit (310) may transmit a control signal for opening or closing a plurality of valves (40) in response to a washing cycle, so that the dishwasher (1) may form a flow path for the washing water to flow.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the control unit (310) includes a memory (313) that stores / memorizes a program and / or data, and a processor (311) that processes user input and / or communication data according to the program and / or data stored in the memory (313).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the memory (313) can store / memorize programs and / or data. The program includes a plurality of instructions combined to perform a specific function, and data can be processed and / or manipulated by the plurality of instructions included in the program. In addition, the program and / or data can include a system program and / or system data directly related to the operation of the dishwasher (1), and an application program and / or application data that provide convenience to the user.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the memory (313) may include a non-transitory memory that stores a program and / or data for controlling the components included in the dishwasher (1) and a volatile memory that stores temporary data generated while controlling the components included in the dishwasher (1).

[0119] In one embodiment, non-volatile memory may store programs and / or data electrically, magnetically, or optically, for example. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, read-only memory (ROM) for long-term data storage, flash memory. In addition, non-volatile memory may include a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), or an optical disk drive (ODD).

[0120] In one embodiment, volatile memory can load programs and / or data from, for example, non-volatile memory, and electrically store the programs and / or data. Volatile memory can include, for example, static random access memory (S-RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc. for temporarily storing data.

[0121] This memory (313) can store / remember programs and data such as an operating system (OS), middleware, and applications, and can provide programs and data to the processor (311) in response to a request from the processor (311).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the processor (311) may process user input of the input unit (210), sensing values ​​generated by the vibration sensor (340) and the current sensor (350), and / or communication data of the communication unit (330) according to programs and / or data stored / stored in the memory (313). The processor (311) may generate a control signal for controlling sensor operation, driving control of the circulation pump (30) and the drainage pump (40), and controlling the operation of the communication unit (330) based on the data processing.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the processor (311) can process the sensing values ​​generated by the vibration sensor (340) and the current sensor (350) to determine whether the filter is clogged. For example, the processor (311) can determine whether the circulation pump (30) is operating at a normal operating output based on the sensing value generated by the current sensor (350). For example, the processor (311) can determine the amount of washing water present in the tub (12) based on the sensing value generated by the vibration sensor (340). If the driving output of the circulation pump (30) is below a threshold level based on the sensing values, the processor (311) can determine whether the clogging is due to an insufficient amount of washing water or a clogging of the filter. In this regard, the control steps related to the detection method for the dishwasher (1) to detect a clogged filter will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0124] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a process of calculating a natural frequency in response to vibrations occurring in a tub (e.g., tub (12) of FIG. 2) of a dishwasher (e.g., dishwasher (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] The embodiment of FIG. 8 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0126] Referring to Fig. 8, when the dishwasher (1) starts a washing process, a circulation pump (e.g., the circulation pump (30) of Fig. 2) may be driven. When the circulation pump (30) is driven, wash water may be collected in the tub (12), vibration may occur according to the driving of the circulation pump (30), and an input signal (410) according to the vibration may be generated. The input signal (410) may include, for example, not only vibration according to the driving of the circulation pump (30), but also a noise signal corresponding to the type and shape of a structure disposed inside the dishwasher (1). The noise signal may be detected, for example, as a tone to noise ratio (TTNR) in a frequency band around a natural frequency according to the vibration of the wash water in the tub (12).

[0127] According to one embodiment, a vibration sensor (340) (e.g., the vibration sensor (340) of FIG. 7) can sense an output signal (430) based on an input signal (410) generated by driving a circulation pump (30) and generate a sensing value corresponding thereto. The vibration sensor (340) can sense vibration due to driving of the circulation pump (30) included in the input signal (410) and an output signal (430) based on the noise signal.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the vibration sensor (340) can sense different output signals (430) corresponding to a position. The vibration sensor (340) can be positioned optimally by considering, for example, a peak value of an output signal (430) corresponding to an input signal (410) and a noise signal included in the input signal (410).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can calculate the natural frequency of the tub (12) based on the input signal (410) and the output signal (430). For example, the dishwasher (1) can calculate the natural frequency of the tub (12) using a system function (e.g., a frequency response function) (420) based on the input signal (410) and the output signal (430).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the system function (420) can be set based on the equation of motion and the equation of fluid motion according to the tub (12) and the fluid (e.g., washing water) stored in the tub (12). That is, the system function (420) can be understood as a fluid-structure coupled system. The following <Mathematical Formula 1> shows the equation of motion of the structure, and the following <Mathematical Formula 2> shows the equation of motion of the fluid.

[0131]

[0132]

[0133] According to one embodiment, in a structure formed by a tub (12) and washing water stored within the tub (12), the behavior of the fluid at the interface between the structure and the fluid can exert an arbitrary external force on the structure. Therefore, the equation of motion considering <Mathematical Equations 1> and <Mathematical Equations 2> can be derived as <Mathematical Equation 3> below.

[0134]

[0135] According to one embodiment, the natural frequency of the washing water collected in the tub (12) can be derived from <Mathematical Formula 3> as <Mathematical Formula 4> below.

[0136]

[0137] In one embodiment, "(Freq water ) i" is the i-th (i) of the washing water stored in the tub (12) th ) can be defined as the natural frequency, and "m i * " can be defined as the i-th mass of the washing water. Through <Mathematical Formula 4>, it can be derived that the natural frequency of the washing water can be determined by the amount (mass) of the washing water stored in the tub (12).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can determine whether the amount of wash water is below a threshold level based on the natural frequency of the wash water sensed by the vibration sensor (340). The dishwasher (1) can determine whether a filter (e.g., multiple filters (101) of FIG. 4b) is clogged based on the amount of wash water and the intensity of the input signal of the running circulation pump (30).

[0139] FIG. 9 is a control flowchart for determining a clogging state of a filter (e.g., a plurality of filters (101) of FIG. 4b) of a dishwasher (e.g., a dishwasher (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] FIG. 10 is a control flowchart for determining a clogging state of a filter (101) in a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] The embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0142] Some of the operations illustrated in the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10 may be omitted, performed repeatedly, or performed in a changed order as needed.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 9, the dishwasher (1) can obtain the driving current of the circulation pump (e.g., the circulation pump (30) of FIG. 2) in operation 910. By obtaining the driving current of the circulation pump (30), the dishwasher (1) can determine whether the circulation pump (30) is operating normally. For example, when the driving current of the circulation pump (30) is lower than a critical level, the dishwasher (1) can determine that the circulation pump (30) is not smoothly pumping the wash water collected in the tub (e.g., the tub (12) of FIG. 2) normally. When the circulation pump (30) is operating abnormally, the dishwasher (1) can collect information on the vibration characteristics within the tub (12), and determine whether the filter (101) is clogged based on the information on the driving current of the circulation pump (30) and the information on the vibration characteristics within the tub (12).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can obtain vibration characteristics within the tub (12) at operation 920. The dishwasher (1) can obtain vibration characteristics within the tub (12) from a vibration sensor (e.g., vibration sensor (340) of FIG. 7).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can obtain information on the natural frequency of the tub (12) and the washing water stored in the tub (12) due to vibration generated by the operation of the circulation pump (30).

[0146] According to one embodiment, in order to obtain vibration characteristics within the tub (12), the dishwasher (1) can obtain the natural frequency of the tub (12) at multiple points in time.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can acquire the natural frequency of the tub (12) at a specific point in time as the washing cycle of the water supply operation - washing operation - rinsing operation - drying operation progresses. For example, the dishwasher (1) can acquire the natural frequency of the tub (12) in response to the start of the water supply operation. The natural frequency of the tub (12) at this point in time can be defined as a first natural frequency. For example, the dishwasher (1) can acquire the natural frequency of the tub (12) when the washing operation is started and the driving current input to the circulation pump (30) is below a critical level. The natural frequency of the tub (12) at this point in time can be defined as a second natural frequency.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can determine whether the amount (or water level) of wash water collected in the tub (12) is sufficient based on the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency. For example, if the difference between the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency is greater than a threshold level, the dishwasher (1) can determine that the amount of wash water replenished after the water supply cycle ends is sufficient compared to the amount of wash water when the water supply cycle starts. For example, the dishwasher (1) can determine that the amount of wash water replenished after the water supply cycle ends is insufficient compared to the amount of wash water when the water supply cycle starts when the difference between the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency is less than a threshold level.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can determine whether the filter (101) is clogged in operation 930. The dishwasher (1) can determine whether the filter (101) is clogged based on information about the driving current of the circulation pump (30) obtained in operations 910 and 920 and information about the vibration characteristics of the tub (12).

[0150] According to one embodiment, when the driving current of the circulation pump (30) is below a critical level and the difference between the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency exceeds a critical level, the dishwasher (1) can determine that the circulation pump (30) is operating abnormally due to the filter (101) being clogged by foreign substances even though the amount of washing water collected in the tub (12) is sufficient.

[0151] According to one embodiment, when the driving current of the circulation pump (30) is below a critical level and the difference between the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency is below a critical level, the dishwasher (1) can determine that the amount of washing water collected in the tub (12) is insufficient and the circulation pump (30) is operating abnormally.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may output information instructing cleaning of the filter (101) at operation 940. The dishwasher (1) may output guide information guiding the user to clean the filter (101) due to a clogged filter (101). For example, the dishwasher (1) may visually display the guide information through a display included in the output unit (220), or may audibly output the guide information through a speaker included in the output unit (220). Details of the operation of the dishwasher (1) visually displaying the guide information through the display will be described below with reference to FIG. 16.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can transmit information indicating that the filter (101) is clogged and guide information guiding the user to clean the filter (101) due to the clogging of the filter (101) to an external device. The dishwasher (1) can transmit the guide information to an external device (e.g., the user terminal (2) of FIG. 14 or other home appliances (1401 to 1409) installed in the home) via a hub device (e.g., the hub device (1400) of FIG. 14), or can directly transmit the guide information to the external device wirelessly. The hub device (1400) or the external device that receives the guide information can output the guide information through a display or speaker provided for each device. Details of the operation of transmitting the guide information, which is information indicating that the filter (101) of the dishwasher (1) is clogged and / or information instructing to clean the filter (101), to an external device and having the external device output the guide information will be described below with reference to FIG. 14.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 10, the dishwasher (1) can obtain a first natural frequency in operation 1010. The first natural frequency can be defined as a natural frequency calculated from the vibration characteristics of the tub (12) obtained by the dishwasher (1) from the sensing value generated by the vibration sensor (340) in response to the start of the water supply process included in the washing cycle. The dishwasher (1) can determine the amount (or water level) of washing water collected in the tub (12) based on the first natural frequency obtained in operation 1010 and the second natural frequency obtained in operation 1010, which will be described later.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can obtain the driving current of the circulation pump (30) in operation 1020. The dishwasher (1) can detect the driving current input to the circulation pump (30) from a sensing value generated by a current sensor (e.g., the current sensor (350) of FIG. 7). For example, the dishwasher (1) can obtain the driving current of the circulation pump (30) in real time from the sensing value generated by the current sensor (350), or can obtain the driving current at preset time intervals.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can determine, in operation 1030, whether the driving current of the circulation pump (30) is less than a threshold current (I_th). The threshold current (I_th) can be defined as the current input to the circulation pump (30) when the filter performance is lowered below a certain level (e.g., when the filter performance is lowered to 30% of an unused filter) due to foreign substances collected in the filter (101).

[0157] According to one embodiment, in response to the dishwasher (1) determining that the driving current of the circulation pump (30) is lower than the threshold current (I_th), the dishwasher (1) can obtain a second natural frequency in operation 1040. For example, the dishwasher (1) can obtain the second natural frequency from the vibration characteristics of the tub obtained from the vibration sensor (340) when the driving current is lower than the threshold current (I_th) after the water supply process is completed.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can determine, in operation 1050, whether the amount of change in the natural frequency exceeds a preset threshold range. The dishwasher (1) can determine, in operation 1010, whether the difference value between the first natural frequency obtained and the second natural frequency obtained in operation 1040 exceeds a preset threshold range.

[0159] According to one embodiment, if the amount of change in the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency exceeds the threshold range, the dishwasher (1) may determine that sufficient washing water has been collected in the tub (12) between the time when the water supply operation starts and the time when the water supply operation ends. For example, if the amount of change in the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency is within the threshold range, the dishwasher (1) may determine that sufficient washing water has not been collected in the tub (12) between the time when the water supply operation starts and the time when the water supply operation ends, and may determine that the amount of washing water collected in the tub (12) is insufficient in operation 1081.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can determine, in operation 1083, whether the number of times the wash water has been replenished exceeds a threshold number. For example, if the number of times the wash water has been replenished does not exceed a preset threshold number, the dishwasher (1) can open the water supply valve and replenish a predetermined amount of wash water to the tub (12) in operation 1085.

[0161] According to one embodiment, if the amount of change in the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency exceeds the threshold range, the dishwasher (1) may determine that the filter (101) is clogged in operation 1060. If the amount of change in the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency exceeds the threshold range and the driving current of the circulation pump (30) is lower than the threshold current, the dishwasher (1) may determine that the circulation pump (30) is operating abnormally due to the clogging of the filter (101) even though the amount of washing water collected in the tub (12) is sufficient.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may transmit guide information including information to the user that the filter (101) is clogged and / or information instructing the user to clean the filter (101) to an output unit (e.g., an output unit (220) of FIG. 7) or an external device (e.g., a hub device (1400) of FIG. 14 or a user terminal (2)) in operation 1070.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may display the guide information on a display or output it through a speaker. A specific operational example in which the dishwasher (1) displays the guide information on a display will be described in FIG. 16.

[0164] According to one embodiment, a specific operational example of the dishwasher (1) transmitting the guide information to an external device and outputting the guide information from the external device will be described below in FIG. 14.

[0165] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the driving current input to a circulation pump (e.g., circulation pump (30) of FIG. 2) according to filter performance according to the driving rpm of the circulation pump (30) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0166] The embodiment of FIG. 11 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 11, the horizontal axis of the graph indicates the performance of a filter (e.g., filter (101) of FIG. 4b). Filter performance can be defined as the degree of clogging of the filter (101) by foreign substances collected by the filter (101) as the dishwasher (1) repeatedly performs a washing cycle. For example, assuming that the filter performance of an unused filter (101) is 100%, the filter performance in the case where the fluid (e.g., wash water) no longer passes through the filter (101) due to foreign substances collected in the filter (101) can be assumed to be 0%. p1 indicates 0%, p2 indicates 20%, p3 indicates 40%, p4 indicates 60%, p5 indicates 80%, and p6 indicates 90%.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the vertical axis of the graph represents the input current of the circulation pump (30) being driven according to the filter performance.

[0169] According to one embodiment, when a wash cycle is in progress, the circulation pump (30) can pump the wash water stored in the sump assembly (e.g., the sump assembly (100) of FIG. 2) at various speeds. FIG. 11 can be understood as a graph showing the input current of the circulation pump (30) according to the filter performance at each rpm at which the circulation pump (30) is driven, as four curves.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the curve graph indicated by a circle (●) represents the input current according to the filter performance when the circulation pump (30) is driven at a speed of a first rpm. The first rpm may be, for example, 2800 rpm to 3200 rpm.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the curve graph indicated by a triangle (▲) represents the input current according to the filter performance when the circulation pump (30) is driven at a speed of the second rpm. The second rpm may be, for example, 3200 rpm to 3600 rpm.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the curve graph indicated by a diamond (◆) represents the input current according to the filter performance when the circulation pump (30) is driven at a speed of the third rpm. The first rpm may be, for example, 3600 rpm to 4000 rpm.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the curve graph indicated by a square (■) represents the input current according to the filter performance when the circulation pump (30) is driven at a speed of the fourth rpm. The fourth rpm may be, for example, 4000 rpm to 4400 rpm.

[0174] Referring to the four graphs shown, it can be understood that as the filter performance decreases, the current value of the driving current input to the circulation pump (30) decreases. For example, when the filter performance is p6 (e.g., 90%), the intensity of the driving current of the circulation pump (30) can decrease by about 11 to 15% compared to when the filter performance is p2 (e.g., 30%).

[0175] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can obtain a driving current input to the circulation pump (30) from a sensing value generated by a current sensor (e.g., current sensor (350) of FIG. 7) and determine whether the circulation pump (30) is operating normally based on the driving current (e.g., operation 910 of FIG. 9 and / or operation 1020 of FIG. 10). The dishwasher (1) can determine whether the filter (101) is clogged based on information about whether the circulation pump (30) is operating normally and the vibration characteristics of the tub (e.g., tub (12) of FIG. 2).

[0176] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the natural frequency of a tub (12) according to the volume of washing water stored in the tub (e.g., tub (12) of FIG. 2) and the driving rpm of a circulation pump (e.g., circulation pump (30) of FIG. 2), according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0177] The embodiment of FIG. 12 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 11.

[0178] Referring to Fig. 12, the horizontal axis of the graph indicates the volume of washing water stored in the tub (12). For example, V1 may correspond to 0L (e.g., no washing water in the tub (12)), V2 may correspond to 1L, V3 may correspond to 2L, V4 may correspond to 3L, and V5 may correspond to 4L. The vertical axis of the graph indicates the natural frequency according to the vibration characteristics of the tub (12) corresponding to the volume of washing water stored in the tub (12).

[0179] According to one embodiment, a dishwasher (e.g., dishwasher (1) of FIG. 1) can obtain information on vibration characteristics of a tub (12) from sensing values ​​generated by a vibration sensor (e.g., vibration sensor (340) of FIG. 7). The dishwasher (1) can obtain vibration characteristics of the tub (12) and washing water stored in the tub (12) based on vibrations generated by driving a circulation pump (30), and can calculate the natural frequency of the tub (12) based on the vibration characteristics.

[0180] According to one embodiment, when a wash cycle is in progress, the circulation pump (30) can pump the wash water stored in the sump assembly (e.g., the sump assembly (100) of FIG. 2) at various speeds. FIG. 12 can be understood as a graph showing the natural frequency of the tub (12) according to the wash water volume at each rpm at which the circulation pump (30) is driven, as three curves.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the curve graph indicated by a triangle (▲) represents the input current according to the filter performance when the circulation pump (30) is driven at a speed of a first rpm. The first rpm may be, for example, 2200 rpm to 2600 rpm.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the curve graph indicated by a square (■) represents the input current according to the filter performance when the circulation pump (30) is driven at a speed of the fourth rpm. The fourth rpm may be, for example, 3400 rpm to 3800 rpm.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the curve graph indicated by a circle (●) represents the input current according to the filter performance when the circulation pump (30) is driven at a speed of a first rpm. The first rpm may be, for example, 5200 rpm to 5600 rpm.

[0184] Referring to the three graphs shown, it can be understood that as the level of the washing water increases, the natural frequency of the tub (12) decreases. For example, when the amount of washing water V1 (e.g., 0 L) is stored in the tub (12), the natural frequency may decrease by 83% to 93% compared to when the amount of washing water V4 (e.g., 3 L) is stored in the tub (12).

[0185] For example, when the circulation pump (30) is driven at the first rpm, the natural frequency (f1) when V1 amount of washing water is stored in the tub (12) can be reduced by about 93% compared to the natural frequency (f1') when V4 amount of washing water is stored in the tub (12).

[0186] For example, when the circulation pump (30) is driven at the second rpm, the natural frequency (f2) when V1 amount of washing water is stored in the tub (12) can be reduced by about 83% compared to the natural frequency (f2') when V4 amount of washing water is stored in the tub (12).

[0187] For example, when the circulation pump (30) is driven at the third rpm, the natural frequency (f3) when V1 amount of washing water is stored in the tub (12) can be reduced by about 91% compared to the natural frequency (f3') when V4 amount of washing water is stored in the tub (12).

[0188] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can set a threshold range of a change in the natural frequency of the tub (12) in response to the driving rpm of the circulation pump (30). The threshold range may be set, for example, by considering a change in the natural frequency when the amount of washing water (the volume of washing water stored in the tub (12) or the level of washing water stored in the tub (12)) is below a predetermined level in response to the driving rpm of the circulation pump (30). For example, the threshold range may be set by considering the natural frequency of the tub (12) when the level of washing water is lower than the highest point of the sump assembly (e.g., the sump assembly (100) of FIG. 2) in response to the driving rpm of the circulation pump (30).

[0189] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) compares the change amount between the first natural frequency of the tub (12) obtained before the water supply process is initiated from the sensing value generated by the vibration sensor (350) and the second natural frequency of the tub (12) obtained when the water supply process is terminated and the driving current of the circulation pump (30) is below a threshold value with the threshold range, and when the change amount exceeds the threshold range, the dishwasher (1) can determine whether the amount of washing water stored in the tub (12) is insufficient.

[0190] For example, the dishwasher (1) can determine that the amount of washing water stored in the tub (12) is sufficient when the amount of change in the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency exceeds a critical range. The dishwasher (1) can determine that the circulation pump (30) is operating abnormally due to a clogged filter (101) even though the amount of washing water stored in the tub (12) is sufficient.

[0191] For example, the dishwasher (1) can determine that the amount of washing water stored in the tub (12) is insufficient when the amount of change in the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency is within a critical range. The dishwasher (1) can determine that the circulation pump (30) is operating abnormally due to the insufficient amount of washing water stored in the tub (12).

[0192] FIG. 13 is a contour graph schematically illustrating the vibration characteristics of a tub (12) corresponding to the level of washing water stored in the tub (e.g., tub (12) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0193] The embodiment of FIG. 13 can be optionally combined with the embodiment of FIG. 12.

[0194] Referring to Fig. 13, the horizontal axis of the graph indicates the frequency, and the vertical axis indicates the water level of the washing water stored in the tub (12). Areas distinguished by different patterns on the graph indicate the intensity of the signal according to the output signal (e.g., the output signal (430) of Fig. 8) regarding the vibration characteristics of the tub (12) obtained by the dishwasher (e.g., the dishwasher (1) of Fig. 1) from the vibration sensor (e.g., the vibration sensor (340) of Fig. 7). For example, the first to fourth response signals can be understood as being listed in order of decreasing intensity of the response signals.

[0195] For example, referring to the dotted line indicated in the graph, it can be confirmed that the natural frequency decreases as the water level of the washing water stored in the tub (12) increases. The dishwasher (1) can calculate the natural frequency of the tub (12) corresponding to the amount of washing water stored in the tub (12) based on the vibration characteristics sensed by the vibration sensor (340). Therefore, the dishwasher (1) can determine whether the amount of washing water replenished to the tub (12) during the water supply cycle is sufficient based on the amount of change between the natural frequency of the tub (12) before the water supply cycle starts and the natural frequency of the tub (12) after the water supply cycle ends.

[0196] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can determine whether the amount of washing water stored in the tub (12) is sufficient based on the vibration characteristics of the tub (12) sensed by the vibration sensor (340), and can determine whether the filter (e.g., the filter (101) of FIG. 4b) is clogged based on the driving current of the circulation pump (e.g., the circulation pump (30) of FIG. 2) obtained from the current sensor (e.g., the current sensor (350) of FIG. 7).

[0197] FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a smart home system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0198] The embodiment of FIG. 14 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 13.

[0199] Referring to FIG. 14, a home appliance (1410) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another home appliance, a user terminal (2), or a server (3), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the home appliance (1410), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the home appliance (1410) is stored.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the home appliance (1410) may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, the home appliance (1410) may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a dishwasher (1401) (e.g., the dishwasher (1) of FIG. 1 ), a refrigerator (1402), an electric range (1403), an electric oven (1404), an air conditioner (1405), a clothes manager (1406), a washing machine (1407), a dryer (1408), and a microwave oven (1409), as illustrated, and may include, for example, various types of home appliances not illustrated in the drawing, such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television. In addition, the home appliances mentioned above are merely examples, and in addition to the home appliances mentioned above, a device that is connected to another home appliance, a user terminal (2), or a server (3) and can perform the operations described below may be included in the home appliance (1410) according to one embodiment.

[0201] According to one embodiment, the server (3) may include a communication module capable of communicating with another server, a home appliance (1410), or a user terminal (2), at least one processor capable of processing data received from another server, a home appliance (1410), or a user terminal (2), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing data or processed data. The server (3) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, or a data station. The server (3) may be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on function, detailed configuration of function, or data, and may transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the server (3) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering home appliances (1410) by linking them to user accounts, and managing or controlling the registered home appliances (1410). For example, a user can access the server (3) through a user terminal (2) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (3) can register home appliances (1410) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (3) can link identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the home appliance (1410) to the user account, thereby registering, managing, and controlling the home appliance (1410). The user terminal (2) may include a communication module capable of communicating with a home appliance (1410) or a server (3), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the user terminal (2), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the user terminal (2) is stored.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the user terminal (2) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user terminal (2) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc.

[0204] According to one embodiment, a program for controlling a home appliance (1410), i.e., an application, may be stored in the memory of the user terminal (2). The application may be sold in a state stored in the user terminal (2) or downloaded and stored from an external server.

[0205] According to one embodiment, a user can access a server (3) by executing an application stored in a user terminal (2), create a user account, and perform communication with the server (3) based on the logged-in user account to register a home appliance (1410).

[0206] According to one embodiment, for example, when the home appliance (1410) is operated so that the home appliance (1410) can be connected to the server (3) according to a procedure guided by an application stored in the user terminal (2), the home appliance (1410) can be registered in the user account by registering identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the home appliance (1410) in the corresponding user account on the server (3).

[0207] According to one embodiment, a user can control a home appliance (1410) using an application stored in a user terminal (2). For example, when a user logs into a user account using an application stored in the user terminal (2), a home appliance (1410) registered to the user account appears, and when a control command for the home appliance (1410) is input, the control command can be transmitted to the home appliance (1410) via the server (3).

[0208] In one embodiment, the network may include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, and wireless networks may include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks may be interconnected.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a short-range wireless network that does not use an access point (AP). The short-range wireless network may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc. In the present disclosure, the access point may be referred to as a hub device (1400).

[0210] According to one embodiment, the hub device (1400) can connect a home appliance (1410) or a user terminal (2) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (3) is connected. The home appliance (1410) or the user terminal (2) can be connected to the server (3) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0211] According to one embodiment, the hub device (1400) may communicate with a home appliance (1410) or a user terminal (2) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), or Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and may connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0212] According to one embodiment, the home appliance (1410) may be directly connected to the user terminal (2) or server (3) without going through the hub device (1400).

[0213] According to one embodiment, the home appliance (1410) can be connected to a user terminal (2) or a server (3) via a long-range wireless network or a short-range wireless network.

[0214] For example, the home appliance (1410) can be connected to the user terminal (2) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0215] As another example, a home appliance (1410) may be connected to a user terminal (2) or a server (3) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0216] As another example, a home appliance (1410) may connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and be connected to a user terminal (2) or a server (3) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0217] In one embodiment, if the home appliance (1410) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it may also function as an access relay. Accordingly, the home appliance (1410) can connect other home appliances to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected. Furthermore, other home appliances can connect the home appliance (1410) to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server (3) is connected.

[0218] According to one embodiment, a home appliance (1410) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user terminal (2), or a server (3) via a network. For example, the home appliance (1410) can transmit information about its operation or status to another home appliance, a user terminal (2), or the server (3) when a request is received from the server (3), when a specific event occurs in the home appliance (1410), or periodically or in real time. When information about its operation or status is received from the home appliance (1410), the server (3) can update the information about the operation or status of the home appliance (1410) that has been stored therein, and transmit the updated information about the operation and status of the home appliance (1410) to the user terminal (2) via the network. Here, updating information can include various operations that change existing information, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information, an operation of replacing existing information with new information, etc.

[0219] According to one embodiment, the home appliance (1410) can obtain various information from another home appliance, a user terminal (2), or a server (3), and provide the obtained information to a user. For example, the home appliance (1410) can obtain information related to the function of the home appliance (1410) (e.g., cooking methods, washing instructions, etc.) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (3), and output the obtained information through a user interface.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the home appliance (1410) can operate according to a control command received from another home appliance, a user terminal (2), or a server (3). For example, if the home appliance (1410) has obtained prior approval from a user to operate according to a control command from the server (3) even without a user input, the home appliance (1410) can operate according to a control command received from the server (3). Here, the control command received from the server (3) may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through the user terminal (2) or a control command based on a preset condition.

[0221] According to one embodiment, the user terminal (2) can transmit information about the user to a home appliance (1410) or a server (3) via a communication module. For example, the user terminal (2) can transmit information about the user's location, health status, preferences, schedule, etc. to the server (3). The user terminal (2) can transmit information about the user to the server (3) with the user's prior consent.

[0222] According to one embodiment, the home appliance (1410), the user terminal (2), or the server (3) may determine a control command using technology such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (3) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the home appliance (1410) or information regarding the user of the user terminal (2), process the information using technology such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the home appliance (1410) or the user terminal (2) based on the processing result.

[0223] FIG. 15 is a signaling diagram schematically illustrating a process of transmitting guide information instructing management of a filter (e.g., filter (101) of FIG. 4b) between a dishwasher (1) (e.g., dishwasher (1) of FIG. 1 or dishwasher (1401) of FIG. 14), a hub device (1400) (e.g., hub device (1400) of FIG. 14), and an external device (e.g., user terminal (2) of FIG. 14), according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0224] FIG. 15 may be understood as a schematic diagram of a signaling diagram for transmitting a signal between a hub device (1400) and an external device (2) in order to determine that a filter (e.g., filter (101) of FIG. 4b) is clogged (e.g., operation 930 of FIG. 9 and / or operation 1060 of FIG. 10) of the dishwasher (1) and to transmit guide information instructing the user on the status of the filter (101) and management of the filter (101).

[0225] The embodiment of FIG. 15 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 14.

[0226] Referring to FIG. 15, the dishwasher (1) may determine that the filter (101) is clogged in step 1511. For example, step 1511 may correspond in whole or in part to operation 930 of FIG. 9 and / or operation 1060 of FIG. 10.

[0227] In one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may transmit information indicating filter clogging to the hub device (1400) in step 1512. The hub device (1400) may transmit the information to the external device (2) in step 1521. Although not shown, the dishwasher (1) may transmit information indicating filter clogging directly to the external device (2) without going through the hub device (1400).

[0228] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may output information indicating filter clogging in step 1513. The hub device (1400) may output information indicating filter clogging in step 1522. The hub device (1400) may further include a display or speaker for outputting information indicating filter clogging. The external device (2) may output information indicating filter clogging in step 1531. The external device (2) may further include a display or speaker for outputting information indicating filter clogging. With respect to an embodiment showing a user interface (UI) for step 1513, this will be described in FIG. 16.

[0229] In one embodiment, the external device (2) may receive a command from the user to stop the washing process in response to outputting information indicating a filter clog in step 1531. For example, the user may input a command to stop the washing process due to a filter (101) clogging, and to remove the filter (101) from the dishwasher (1), wash it, and then reinsert it.

[0230] In one embodiment, the external device (2) may transmit a command to stop the washing process to the hub device (1400) in step 1533. The hub device (1400) may transmit a command to stop the washing process to the dishwasher (1) in step 1523. Although not shown, the external device (2) may transmit a command to stop the washing process to the dishwasher (1) without going through the hub device (1400). An embodiment showing a user interface for step 1533 will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19.

[0231] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) may stop the washing cycle in response to receiving a user input to stop the washing cycle at step 1514.

[0232] FIG. 16 illustrates an input / output unit (e.g., input / output unit (200) of FIG. 7) of a dishwasher (e.g., dishwasher (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0233] The embodiment of FIG. 16 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 15.

[0234] Referring to Fig. 16, the illustrated input / output unit (200) can receive user input for the dishwasher (1) and display information on the operating status or normal operation of the dishwasher (1). The input / output unit (200) can be implemented as a touch display panel (TSP) capable of receiving touch input.

[0235] According to one embodiment, the input / output unit (200) may include a first display area (1610) and a second display area (1620). The first display area (1610) and the second display area (1620) may each be provided with a button for receiving a user's input, an icon for visually displaying information about the operating status of the dishwasher (1), and an LED indicator for visually displaying information about the operating status by light emission.

[0236] According to one embodiment, a first display area (1610) may be provided with a first filter icon (1611) indicating management of a filter (e.g., filter (101) of FIG. 4B) and a first LED indicator (1613) configured to illuminate in response to abnormal operation of the dishwasher (1).

[0237] According to one embodiment, when the dishwasher (1) determines that the filter (101) is clogged, the dishwasher (1) can control the first filter icon (1611) and the first LED indicator (1613) to light up. For example, the dishwasher (1) can control the first filter icon (1611) and the first LED indicator (1613) to light up at predetermined time intervals.

[0238] According to one embodiment, a second display area (1620) may be provided with a second filter icon (1621) indicating management of the filter (101) and a second LED indicator (1623) configured to illuminate in response to abnormal operation of the dishwasher (1).

[0239] According to one embodiment, when the dishwasher (1) determines that the filter (101) is clogged, the dishwasher (1) can control the second filter icon (1621) and the second LED indicator (1623) to light up. For example, the dishwasher (1) can control the second filter icon (1621) and the second LED indicator (1613) to light up at predetermined time intervals.

[0240] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can detect whether the filter (101) is in an abnormal state and adaptively guide the user to manage the filter (101) in response to whether the filter (101) is clogged.

[0241] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of displaying guide information instructing an external device (e.g., a user terminal (2) of FIG. 14) to manage a filter (e.g., a filter (101) of FIG. 4b) of a dishwasher (e.g., a dishwasher (1) of FIG. 1 and / or a dishwasher (1401) of FIG. 14) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0242] FIG. 18 illustrates a first user interface of guide information displayed on an external device (2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0243] FIG. 19 illustrates a second user interface of guide information displayed on an external device (2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0244] For convenience of explanation, the external device (2) illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 19 will be described assuming a user terminal (e.g., a smart phone). However, the external device (2) illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 19 is not limited to a user terminal, and may also be applied to a home appliance (e.g., a home appliance (1400) illustrated in FIG. 14) that is communicatively connected to a dishwasher (1) and can transmit and receive data with the dishwasher (1), and may also be applied to various types of wearable devices (e.g., a smart watch, a smart ring, smart glasses, a head-mounted device, and earbuds) that can be wirelessly and / or wirelessly connected to a user terminal.

[0245] The embodiments of FIGS. 17 to 19 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 16.

[0246] Referring to FIG. 17, the external device (2) can receive guide information instructing management of the filter (101) of the dishwasher (1) from the dishwasher (1) and / or the hub device (e.g., the hub device (1400) of FIG. 14). The external device (2) can display the guide information on the display (1700).

[0247] According to one embodiment, the external device (2) may display the guide information on the first user interface (1710) or may display the guide information on the second user interface (1720).

[0248] According to one embodiment, the first user interface (1710) may be displayed when a point of the display (1710) is touched and slid or swiped downward. For example, the first user interface (1710) may display operation information of the external device (2) or information about a message received by the external device (2), or information about the operation status of a home appliance (e.g., the home appliance (1410) of FIG. 14) connected to the external device (2).

[0249] According to one embodiment, the second user interface (1720) may display an operational status of an external device (2) and a device (e.g., a home appliance (1410) or a hub device (1400)) connected to the external device (2). For example, the second user interface (1720) may be displayed on the display (1700) in response to being wirelessly connected to the dishwasher (1), or may be displayed on the display (1700) in response to receiving guide information transmitted by the dishwasher (1). For example, the second user interface (1720) may be displayed in a pop-up manner in a predetermined area on the display (1700) in response to the occurrence of the above-described event.

[0250] Below, a description regarding a specific embodiment of the first user interface (1710) will be described in FIG. 18, and a description regarding a specific embodiment of the second user interface (1720) will be described in FIG. 19.

[0251] Referring to FIG. 18, the first user interface (1710) may include a first object (1810) indicating that the home appliance is connected to the hub device (1400), and a second object (1820) indicating guide information indicating management of the dishwasher (1).

[0252] In one embodiment, in response to receiving a click or touch on the first user interface (1710), the display (1700) may display a detailed settings screen for inputting a command for the operation of the dishwasher (1). For example, the user may input a command to stop the washing process of the dishwasher (1) on the detailed settings screen.

[0253] Referring to FIG. 19, the second user interface (1720) may include a first object (1910) indicating a type of home appliance connected to the hub device (1400), a second object (1920) indicating an abnormal operation state of the dishwasher (1), and a third object (1930) for receiving a user input regarding the operation of the dishwasher (1).

[0254] According to one embodiment, the third object (1930) may include a third-first object (1931) that receives a user input for commanding the dishwasher (1) to stop a washing process being performed, a third-second object (1933) that receives a user input for commanding the dishwasher (1) to continue performing a washing process being performed, and a third-third object (1935) that receives a user input for detailed settings of an operation of the dishwasher (1).

[0255] For example, in response to receiving an input from the 3-1 object (1931), the external device (2) may transmit a signal to the hub device (1400) and / or the dishwasher (1) to command the cessation of the washing process (e.g., step 1533 of FIG. 15).

[0256] For example, in response to receiving an input from the 3-2 object (1933), the external device (2) may transmit a signal to the hub device (1400) and / or the dishwasher (1) to command the washing process to continue.

[0257] For example, in response to receiving an input from the 3-3 object (1935), the display (1700) may display a detailed setting screen for entering a command for the operation of the dishwasher (1).

[0258] For example, if there is no response to the reception of the 3-1 object or the 3-3 object (1931, 1933, 1935) for a predetermined period of time, the external device (2) may transmit a signal to the hub device (1400) and / or the dishwasher (1) to continue the washing process.

[0259] According to one embodiment, the dishwasher (1) can detect whether the filter (101) is in an abnormal state and adaptively guide the user to manage the filter (101) through an external device (2) in response to whether the filter (101) is clogged.

[0260] A dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to providing a control method for determining whether a filter (101) is clogged.

[0261] A dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect the degree of clogging of a filter based on vibration characteristics of a tub obtained from a vibration sensor (340) placed near a sump assembly (100).

[0262] A dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can adaptively provide a notification to the user to instruct filter management in response to the degree of clogging of the filter (101).

[0263] A dishwasher according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., a dishwasher (1) of FIG. 1) comprises: a tub (12), a sump assembly (100) disposed at the bottom of the tub (12) for storing washing water, a circulation pump (30) for pumping and circulating the washing water stored in the sump assembly (100), at least one spray device (41, 42, 43) for spraying the washing water pumped by the circulation pump (30) into the interior of the tub (12), a filter (101) disposed at the bottom of the tub (12) for filtering foreign substances flowing in the interior of the tub (12), a current sensor (350) for sensing a driving current input to the circulation pump (30), a vibration sensor (340) for sensing vibration of the tub (12) generated by driving the circulation pump (30), and a sensing value generated from the current sensor (350) and the vibration sensor (340). Based on the acquired information, the control unit (310) configured to detect whether the filter (101) is clogged may be included. The control unit (31) may be configured to acquire the natural frequency of the tub (12) at a first point in time from the sensing value generated by the vibration sensor (340), and in response to the driving current of the circulation pump (30) acquired from the sensing value generated by the current sensor (350) being less than a reference current, acquire the natural frequency of the tub (12) at a second point in time from the sensing value generated by the vibration sensor (350), and determine that the filter (101) is clogged when the amount of change (or difference) in the natural frequency of the second point in time with respect to the natural frequency of the first point in time exceeds a preset threshold range.

[0264] In a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration sensor (340) may be placed at the bottom of the sump assembly (100).

[0265] In a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration sensor (340) may be placed at a position adjacent to the circulation pump (30).

[0266] In a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration sensor (340) may be configured to detect different vibrations corresponding to the amount of washing water collected in the tub (12).

[0267] In a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration sensor (340) may include an acceleration sensor or a strain gauge.

[0268] In a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the natural frequency at the first point in time may be a natural frequency of the tub (12) obtained in response to the initiation of a water supply process included in a washing cycle, and the natural frequency at the second point in time may be a natural frequency of the tub (12) obtained at any point in time after the water supply process is terminated.

[0269] A dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an actuator (370) attached to the surface of the tub (12) and configured to generate vibrations with respect to the tub (12). The control unit (310) may be configured to acquire the natural frequency at the first time point and the natural frequency at the second time point from the vibration sensor (340) in response to vibrations generated by the actuator (370).

[0270] In a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (310) may be configured to determine that the level of washing water stored inside the tub (12) is lower than a reference level when the difference between the natural frequency at the first point in time and the natural frequency at the second point in time is within a preset threshold range.

[0271] In a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (310) may be configured to transmit a control signal to the circulation pump (30) to supply a predetermined volume of washing water to the tub (12) when the number of times washing water is supplied to the tub (12) is less than a critical number.

[0272] In a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reference water level may be set to a water level when the washing water collected in the tub (12) reaches the top of the sump assembly (100).

[0273] A dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a display (200). The control unit (310) may be configured to display information indicating clogging of the filter on the display (200) when it is determined that the filter (101) is clogged.

[0274] A dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a communication unit (transceiver) (330) capable of wireless communication with an external device (2). The control unit (310) may be configured to transmit guide information instructing management of the filter (101) to the external device (2) through the communication unit (330) when it is determined that the filter (101) is clogged.

[0275] A control method of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation (920; 1010) of obtaining a natural frequency of a tub (12) at a first point in time from a sensing value generated by a vibration sensor (340), an operation (910; 1020, 1030) of obtaining a driving current of a circulation pump (30) at a second point in time from the vibration sensor (340) in response to the driving current of the circulation pump (30) being less than a reference current obtained from a sensing value generated by a current sensor (350), and an operation (1070) of determining that the filter is clogged when a change in the natural frequency of the second point in time with respect to the natural frequency of the first point in time exceeds a preset threshold range (1050).

[0276] In a control method of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration sensor (350) may be configured to detect different vibrations corresponding to the amount of washing water collected in the tub (12).

[0277] In a control method of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the natural frequency of the first point in time may be a natural frequency of the tub (12) obtained in response to the initiation of a water supply process included in a washing cycle, and the natural frequency of the second point in time may be a natural frequency of the tub (12) obtained at any point in time after the water supply process is terminated.

[0278] A control method of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an operation (1081) of determining that the level of washing water stored inside the tub (12) is lower than a reference level when the difference between the natural frequency of the first time point and the natural frequency of the second time point is within a preset threshold range.

[0279] A control method of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation (1085) of supplying a predetermined volume of washing water to the tub (12) when the number of times washing water is supplied to the tub (12) is less than a critical number (1083).

[0280] In a control method of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reference water level may be set to a water level when the washing water collected in the tub (12) reaches the top of the sump assembly (100).

[0281] A control method of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an operation (1070) of displaying information indicating clogging of the filter on the display (200) when it is determined that the filter (101) is clogged.

[0282] A control method of a dishwasher (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an operation of transmitting guide information instructing management of the filter (101) to an external device (2) when it is determined that the filter (101) is clogged.

Claims

1. In the dishwasher (1), tub (12); A sump assembly (100) configured to store wash water; A circulation pump (30) driveable by driving current to pump the washing water stored in the above sump assembly (100); At least one spray device (41, 42, 43) configured to spray the washing water pumped by the circulation pump (30) into the interior of the tub (12); A filter (101) configured to filter foreign substances from the washing water; A current sensor (350) configured to sense the driving current and configured to generate a sensing value corresponding to the driving current; A vibration sensor (340) configured to sense the vibration of the above tub (12) and configured to generate a sensing value corresponding to the vibration; and Includes a control unit (310), The above control unit (310) The first natural frequency of the tub (12) is obtained based on the sensing value generated by the vibration sensor (340), In response to the driving current obtained from the sensing value generated by the current sensor (350) being less than the reference current, the second natural frequency of the tub (12) is obtained from the sensing value generated by the vibration sensor (350). If the amount of change in the second natural frequency with respect to the first natural frequency exceeds a preset threshold range, the filter (101) is configured to determine that it is blocked. Dishwasher (1).

2. In paragraph 1, The above first natural frequency is the natural frequency of the tub (12) obtained in response to the initiation of the water supply process included in the washing cycle, The second natural frequency is a natural frequency of the tub (12) obtained at any point after the water supply process is completed, in a dishwasher (1).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, It further includes an actuator (370) configured to vibrate the tub (12) on the surface of the tub (12), The above control unit (310) A dishwasher (1) configured to obtain the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency from the vibration sensor (340) in response to vibration generated in the tub (12) by the actuator (370).

4. In one of the first to third clauses, the control unit (310) A dishwasher configured to determine that the level of washing water stored inside the tub (12) is lower than a reference level when the difference between the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency is within a preset threshold range.

5. In the fourth paragraph, the control unit (310) A dishwasher (1) configured to control the circulation pump (30) to supply a predetermined volume of washing water to the tub (12) when the number of times washing water is supplied to the tub (12) is less than a critical number.

6. In paragraph 4 or 5, The above reference water level is set to the water level when the washing water collected in the tub (12) reaches the top of the sump assembly (100) in the dishwasher (1).

7. In one of paragraphs 1 to 6, Further including a display (200), The control unit (310) is configured to display information indicating clogging of the filter on the display (200) when the control unit (310) determines that the filter (101) is clogged, in a dishwasher (1).

8. In one of paragraphs 1 to 7, It further includes a communication unit (transceiver) (330) configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device (2), A dishwasher (1), wherein the control unit (310) is configured to transmit guide information instructing management of the filter (101) to the external device (2) through the communication unit (330) when it determines that the filter (101) is clogged.

9. A control method of a dishwasher (1) comprising a tub (12), a sump assembly (100) configured to store washing water, a circulation pump (30) driveable through a driving current for pumping washing water stored in the sump assembly (100), at least one spray device (41, 42, 43) configured to spray washing water pumped by the circulation pump (30) into the interior of the tub (12), a filter (101) configured to filter foreign substances from the washing water, a current sensor (350) configured to sense the driving current and configured to generate a sensing value corresponding to the driving current, and a vibration sensor (340) configured to sense vibration of the tub (12) and configured to generate a sensing value corresponding to the vibration, An operation (920; 1010) of obtaining the first natural frequency of the tub (12) based on the sensing value generated by the vibration sensor (340); In response to the driving current of the circulation pump (30) being less than the reference current based on the sensing value generated by the current sensor (350) (910; 1020, 1030), an operation of obtaining the second natural frequency of the tub (12) from the sensing value generated by the vibration sensor (340) (920; 1040); and A method including an operation (1070) of determining that the filter is blocked when the amount of change in the second natural frequency with respect to the first natural frequency exceeds a preset threshold range (1050).

10. In paragraph 9, The above first natural frequency is the natural frequency of the tub (12) obtained in response to the initiation of the water supply process included in the washing cycle, The method wherein the second natural frequency is the natural frequency of the tub (12) obtained at any point in time after the water supply process is terminated.

11. In paragraph 9 or 10, A method further comprising an operation (1081) of determining that the level of the washing water stored inside the tub (12) is lower than the reference level when the difference between the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency is within a preset threshold range.

12. In paragraph 11, A method including an operation (1085) of controlling the circulation pump to supply a predetermined volume of washing water to the tub (12) when the number of times washing water is supplied to the tub (12) is less than a critical number (1083).

13. In paragraph 11, The above reference water level is set to the water level when the washing water collected in the tub (12) reaches the top of the sump assembly (100) in the dishwasher (1).

14. In one of the clauses 9 to 13, A method further comprising an operation (1070) of displaying information indicating clogging of the filter on the display (200) when it is determined that the filter (101) is clogged.

15. In one of the clauses 9 to 14, A method further comprising an action of transmitting guide information instructing management of the filter (101) to an external device (2) when it is determined that the filter (101) is clogged.

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