Washing machine and method for controlling the same

Abstract

The washing machine may include: a tub; a drum configured to be rotatable inside the tub; a weight balancer coupled to the tub; a vibration sensor provided in the tub; and a controller configured to: compare an imbalance value of laundry in the drum with a reference value based on a driving current applied to a motor configured to rotate the drum; obtaining an angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the tub based on an output value of the vibration sensor in response to the imbalance value of the laundry being less than the reference value; and determining whether the weight balancer is damaged based on the angular velocity of the at least one rotating shaft of the tub.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a washing machine and a method for controlling the washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a washing machine may include a tub and a drum rotatably mounted within the tub, and clothes are washed by rotating the drum, which holds the clothes in the tub. A washing machine can perform a washing process, a rinsing process for the washed clothes, and a rotary drying process for the rinsed clothes.

[0003] During the rotary drying process, the water absorbed by the clothes is separated from them by the high-speed acceleration of the drum that contains the clothes.

[0004] For various reasons, high-speed acceleration of the drum can cause severe vibration and noise in the tub, and may even damage the washing machine.

[0005] In particular, if the weight balancer, which prevents the bucket from becoming unbalanced, is damaged, abnormal vibrations and noises may occur inside the bucket, which could cause anxiety for the user. Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Technical Issues]

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine and a method for controlling the washing machine, which can easily identify whether the weight balancer is damaged.

[0008] [Technical Solution]

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a washing machine may include: a tub; a drum configured to rotatable inside the tub; a weight balancer coupled to the tub; a vibration sensor disposed in the tub; and a controller, wherein the controller may be configured to: compare an imbalance value of clothes in the drum with a reference value based on a drive current applied to a motor configured to rotate the drum; obtain an angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the tub based on an output value of the vibration sensor in response to an imbalance value of the clothes being less than the reference value; and determine whether the weight balancer is damaged based on the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the tub.

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method for controlling a washing machine includes a vibration sensor disposed in a tub, the method comprising: obtaining an angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the tub based on an output value of the vibration sensor, and determining whether a weight balancer connected to the tub is damaged based on the angular velocity of the at least one rotation axis of the tub.

[0011] This patent document provides definitions for certain words and phrases throughout, and those skilled in the art will understand that in many (if not most) cases, these definitions apply to the previous and future use of the words and phrases defined herein. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To gain a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts: Figure 1 An example of the exterior of a washing machine according to an embodiment is shown.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the washing machine.

[0014] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A view of the weight balancer of the washing machine shown.

[0015] Figure 4 An example of the exterior of a washing machine according to an embodiment is shown.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the washing machine.

[0017] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 4 A view of the weight balancer of the washing machine shown.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a control block diagram of an example washing machine according to an implementation method.

[0019] Figure 8 An example of a washing cycle of a washing machine according to an embodiment is shown.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a view showing an example of the rotation axis and rotation direction of the tub in a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 11 An example is shown of the rotational speed curve of the drum during the rotary drying process in a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 12 The X-axis angular velocities of a damaged weight balancer and a normal weight balancer in a washing machine according to an embodiment are shown.

[0024] Figure 13The Y-axis angular velocities of a damaged weight balancer and a normal weight balancer in a washing machine according to an embodiment are shown.

[0025] Figure 14 The Z-axis angular velocities of a damaged weight balancer and a normal weight balancer in a washing machine according to an embodiment are shown.

[0026] Figure 15 An example is shown of using Z-axis angular velocity in a method for controlling a washing machine to determine whether the weight balancer is damaged, according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a washing machine in the event that the weight balancer is determined to be damaged, according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 17 An example of sensory information indicating a malfunction of the weight balancer is shown in the output of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 18 An example is shown of a signal indicating a malfunction of the weight balancer being transmitted from the washing machine to an external device, according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following discussion Figures 1 to 18 The various embodiments described in this patent document to illustrate the principles of this disclosure are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of this disclosure can be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

[0031] The embodiments described in the specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples of this disclosure, and various modifications may be made in place of the embodiments and drawings of this disclosure at the time of filing this application.

[0032] The same reference numerals or symbols shown in the accompanying drawings are components or parts that perform essentially the same function.

[0033] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or multiple items.

[0034] As used herein, each of the expressions “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” may include one or all possible combinations of the listed items and the corresponding expression in the expression.

[0035] The term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0036] It will be understood that the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used only to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to limit the corresponding component in other respects (e.g., importance or order).

[0037] When one (e.g., the first) component is said to be “connected” or “linked” to another (e.g., the second) component, whether or not the terms “functionally” or “communically” are used, it means that one component can be connected to another component directly (e.g., via wire), wirelessly, or via a third component.

[0038] It will be understood that when the terms "includes", "including", and / or "comprising" are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the stated feature, figure, step, operation, component, element, or combination thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof.

[0039] The expression “connected,” “linked,” “supported,” or “in contact” between one component and another includes cases where the components are directly “connected,” “linked,” “supported,” or “in contact” with each other, as well as cases where the components are indirectly “connected,” “linked,” “supported,” or “in contact” with each other through a third component.

[0040] It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as being "on" or "above" another component, it can be directly on the other component, or there may be an intermediate component.

[0041] Washing machines according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, tumble drying, and drying processes. A washing machine is an example of a garment care device, and a garment care device is a concept encompassing equipment capable of washing clothes (objects to be washed and objects to be dried), equipment capable of drying clothes, and equipment capable of both washing and drying clothes.

[0042] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include: top-loading washing machines, wherein the clothes inlet for inserting or removing clothes is configured to face upwards; or front-loading washing machines, wherein the clothes inlet is configured to face forwards. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include loading types of washing machines other than top-loading and front-loading washing machines.

[0043] In top-loading washing machines, clothes are washed using a flow of water generated by a rotating body such as an agitator. In front-loading washing machines, clothes are washed by repeatedly raising and lowering the rotating drum. Front-loading washing machines may include a dryer-combination washing machine capable of drying clothes stored in the drum. The dryer-combination washing machine may include a hot air supply for supplying hot air to the drum and a condenser for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the dryer-combination washing machine may include a heat pump. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines using washing methods other than those described above.

[0044] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a housing that houses various components. The housing may be in the form of a box with a clothes inlet on one side.

[0045] The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the clothes inlet. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing via hinges. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow visibility into the interior of the housing.

[0046] The washing machine may include a tub disposed inside the housing to store water. The tub may be formed in a generally cylindrical shape with an opening on one side. The tub may be disposed inside the housing such that the opening corresponds to the inlet for clothes.

[0047] The drum can be connected to the housing via a damper. The damper absorbs the vibrations generated when the drum rotates and reduces the vibrations transmitted to the housing.

[0048] Washing machines may include a drum configured to hold clothes.

[0049] The roller can be arranged inside the drum with a roller opening on one side corresponding to the garment inlet and the drum opening. Garments can pass through the garment inlet, the drum opening, and the roller opening in sequence, and then be received in or removed from the roller.

[0050] The drum can perform washing, rinsing, and / or spin drying while rotating inside the tub. Multiple through-holes can be formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum to allow water stored in the tub to be introduced into or drained from the drum.

[0051] The washing machine may include a drive configured to rotate the drum. The drive may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may penetrate the tub to connect to the drum.

[0052] The drive can perform corresponding operations by rotating the drum in either the forward or reverse direction, depending on the washing, rinsing, rotary drying, and / or drying process.

[0053] The washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve disposed within the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water supply source to a detergent dispenser and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub via the detergent dispenser. Alternatively, water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent dispenser.

[0054] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the controller. The water supply valve can allow or prevent water from an external water source from being supplied to the tank. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve configured to open and close in response to an electrical signal.

[0055] The washing machine may include a detergent dispenser configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent dispenser may include a manual dispenser that requires a user to input the amount of detergent for each wash, and an automatic detergent dispenser that stores a large quantity of detergent and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount during the wash cycle. The detergent dispenser may include a detergent dispenser for storing the detergent. The detergent dispenser may be configured to supply detergent to the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through a water supply line may be mixed with the detergent by the detergent dispenser. The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied to the tub. The term "detergent" may include, for example, detergent for pre-wash, detergent for main wash, fabric softener, bleach, etc. The detergent dispenser may be divided into a storage area for pre-wash detergent, a storage area for main wash detergent, a storage area for fabric softener, and a storage area for bleach.

[0056] The washing machine may include a drain assembly configured to drain water contained in a tub to the outside. The drain assembly may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve disposed on the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump disposed on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water from the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0057] The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side of the casing. The control panel provides a user interface for interaction between the user and the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0058] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from the user into electrical signals.

[0059] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a process selection dial (or process selection button), and a wash / rinse / tumble dry setting button. At least one input interface may include, for example, a touch switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touch screen, a micro dial, and / or a microphone.

[0060] At least one output interface can visually or audibly send information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0061] For example, at least one output interface can send information to the user related to the washing process, the washing machine's operating time, and the wash / rinse / tumble dry settings. Information about the washing machine's operation can be output via screen, indicator, or voice. At least one output interface may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker.

[0062] The washing machine may include a communication module for wired and / or wireless communication with external devices.

[0063] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-range wireless communication module.

[0064] The communication module can send data to or receive data from external devices (e.g., servers, user equipment, and / or home appliances). For example, the communication module can establish communication with servers and / or user equipment and / or home appliances, and send and receive various types of data.

[0065] For communication, the communication module can establish a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between external devices and support communication performance through the established communication channel. Depending on the implementation, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). In these communication modules, the respective communication module can communicate with external devices through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or the Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0066] Short-range wireless communication modules may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication modules, near-field communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication modules, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication modules, ultra-wideband (UWB) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, and microwave (uWave) communication modules.

[0067] Long-range wireless communication modules may include communication modules that perform various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, external terminal, or server on a mobile communication network.

[0068] According to the implementation, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as servers, user equipment, and other household appliances via an access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or user equipment is connected to to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or user equipment can connect to the server via the WAN. The controller can control various components of the washing machine (e.g., the drive motor and water supply valve). The controller can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one operation (including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or tumble drying) based on user input. For example, the controller can control the drive motor to adjust the drum's rotation speed or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0069] The controller may include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU) or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller may include: at least one memory for storing algorithmic and program type data for controlling the operation of components in a washing machine; and at least one processor configured to perform the aforementioned operations using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips, or may include one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Alternatively, the memory and processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0070] In the following, various embodiments of a washing machine according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] According to the embodiment, the washing machine 1 may be a top-loading washing machine 1a (see...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) or front-mounted washing machine 1b (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0072] Figure 1 An example of the exterior of a washing machine according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the washing machine.

[0073] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The washing machine 1a may include a housing 11a for accommodating various components. The housing 11a may form the exterior of the washing machine 1a. The housing 11a may be in the form of a box with one side open.

[0074] The housing 11a may include a housing opening 12a, which is formed to provide access to the interior of the roller 30a. The housing opening 12a may open substantially upward.

[0075] The washing machine 1a may include a door 13a for opening and closing a housing opening 12a formed in the housing 11a. The door 13a may be rotatably mounted to the housing 11a via a hinge. At least a portion of the door 13a may be transparent or translucent to allow visibility of the interior of the housing.

[0076] The washing machine 1a may include a tub 20a located inside the housing 11a for storing water. The tub 20a may be disposed within the housing 11a. The tub 20a may include a tub opening 22a formed corresponding to a housing opening 12a. The tub opening 22a may open substantially upward. The tub 20a may be supported inside the housing 11a. The tub 20a may have a generally cylindrical shape with one side open.

[0077] The barrel 20a can be elastically supported from the housing 11a by a damper 80a. The damper 80a can connect the housing 11a and the barrel 20a. When vibration is transmitted to the barrel 20a and / or the housing 11a, the damper 80a can attenuate the vibration generated during the rotation of the drum 30a by absorbing the vibrational energy between the barrel 20a and the housing 11a.

[0078] The barrel 20a may be equipped with a vibration sensor 55a, which is used to detect the vibration of the barrel 20a. The vibration sensor 55a may be positioned at a location capable of detecting the vibration of the barrel 20a.

[0079] The weight balancer 36a can be connected to the barrel 20a to prevent the weight of the barrel 20a from becoming unbalanced. For example, the weight balancer 36a can be connected to the upper side of the barrel 20a.

[0080] The weight balancer 36a may include a housing (e.g., injection-molded plastic) and a filling member (e.g., cement / concrete) filled in the housing. A member with appropriate weight to prevent weight imbalance of the bucket 20a may be selected as the filling member.

[0081] The washing machine 1a may include a drum 30a to hold clothes. The drum 30a may be rotatably disposed inside a tub 20a. The drum 30a may perform washing, rinsing and / or spin drying while rotating inside the tub 20a. The drum 30a may include a plurality of through holes 34a connecting the internal space of the drum 30a and the internal space of the tub 20a. The drum 30a may have a generally cylindrical shape with one side open.

[0082] The agitator 37a is rotatably disposed at the lower part of the drum 30a and can generate a water flow (washing water flow). Clothes can be washed by the water flow generated by the agitator 37a.

[0083] The roller 30a may include a roller opening 32a, which is formed to correspond to the housing opening 12a and the tub opening 22a. Clothes may be contained in the roller 30a or removed from the roller 30a through the housing opening 12a, the tub opening 22a, and the roller opening 32a.

[0084] The washing machine 1a may include a drive 40a configured to rotate a drum 30a and an agitator 37a. The drive 40a may include a motor 41a and a shaft system for transmitting the driving force generated by the motor 41a to the drum 30a and the agitator 37a.

[0085] The motor 41a may include a stationary stator 48a and a rotor 49a that interacts electromagnetically with the stator 48a to rotate.

[0086] The shaft system may include a rotary drying shaft 47a for transmitting the driving force of the motor 41a to the drum 30a, a washing shaft 46a for transmitting the driving force of the motor 41a to the agitator 37a, and a clutch 45a for connecting or disconnecting the motor 41a and the rotary drying shaft 47a.

[0087] The rotating drying shaft 47a may have a hollow portion, and the washing shaft 46a may be disposed within the hollow portion of the rotating drying shaft 47a. The washing shaft 46a may be connected to the rotor 49a of the motor 41a, and the rotating drying shaft 47a may be connected to or disconnected from the rotor 49a of the motor 41a via a clutch 45a.

[0088] With the clutch 45a disconnecting the rotating drying shaft 47a from the motor 41a, power is transmitted only to the washing shaft 46a to rotate only the agitator 37a. With the clutch 45a connected to the rotating drying shaft 47a and the motor 41a, power is transmitted to both the rotating drying shaft 47a and the washing shaft 46a, allowing the drum 30a and the agitator 37a to rotate simultaneously.

[0089] When only the agitator 37a rotates, the rotation of the agitator 37a generates a washing water flow. As the clothes rotate due to the generated washing water flow, they are washed by friction with the drum 30a. When both the agitator 37a and the drum 30a rotate simultaneously, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the clothes in the drum 30a removes moisture from the clothes, thus allowing the clothes to be dried by rotation.

[0090] The washing machine 1a may include a water supply device 50a for supplying water to the tub 20a. The water supply device 50a may be positioned above the tub 20a. The water supply device 50a may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve disposed on the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water supply source to a detergent dispenser 60a and / or the tub 20a. Water can be supplied to the tub 20a through the detergent dispenser 60a. Water can also be supplied to the tub 20a without passing through the detergent dispenser 60a.

[0091] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal. The water supply valve can allow or prevent water supply from an external water source to tank 20a. For example, the water supply valve may include a solenoid valve configured to open and close in response to an electrical signal.

[0092] The washing machine 1a may include a detergent dispenser 60a to supply detergent to the tub 20a. The detergent dispenser 60a may be configured to supply detergent to the tub 20a during a water supply process. Water supplied via a water supply line may be mixed with the detergent through the detergent dispenser 60a. The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied to the tub 20a. The term "detergent" may include, for example, laundry detergent, dryer rinse aid, deodorant, disinfectant, fabric softener, bleach, etc.

[0093] The washing machine 1a may include a drain assembly 70a to drain water contained in the tub 20a to the outside. A drain valve 21a may be formed in the lower part of the tub 20a to drain water stored in the tub 20a to the outside of the tub 20a. A drain hose 74a may be connected to the drain valve 21a, and a drain valve 72a may be provided in the drain hose 74a to open and close the drain hose 74a.

[0094] The washing machine 1a may include a user interface 15a for interaction between the user and the washing machine 1a.

[0095] The washing machine 1a may include at least one user interface 15a. The user interface 15a may include at least one input interface 16a and at least one output interface 17a.

[0096] At least one input interface 16a can convert sensory information received from the user into electrical signals.

[0097] At least one input interface 16a may include a power button, an operation button, a process selection dial (or process selection button), and a wash / rinse / tumble dry setting button. The at least one input interface 16a may include, for example, a touch switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touch screen, a micro dial, and / or a microphone.

[0098] The at least one output interface 17a can generate sensory information and transmit various information related to the operation of the washing machine 1a to the user.

[0099] For example, at least one output interface 17a can transmit information to the user related to the washing process, the operating time of the washing machine 1a, and the washing / rinsing / spin-drying settings. Information regarding the operation of the washing machine 1a can be output via screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface 17a may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker.

[0100] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A view of the weight balancer of the washing machine shown.

[0101] Reference Figure 3 The barrel 20a may include fixing protrusions 20ab. For example, multiple fixing protrusions 20ab may be formed on the upper side of the barrel 20a. The multiple fixing protrusions 20ab may be fastening bolts.

[0102] The weight balancer 36a may include fastening holes 36ab. The weight balancer 36a can be connected to the barrel 20a using nuts by inserting a plurality of fixing protrusions 20ab formed on the barrel 20a into the fastening holes 36ab formed on the weight balancer 36a.

[0103] The method of connecting the weight balancer 36a to the barrel 20a is not limited to this, and various fastening methods can be used. For example, a fixing protrusion can be provided on the weight balancer 36a, and a fastening hole can be provided on the barrel 20a.

[0104] The weight balancer 36a can be connected to the bucket 20a to increase the weight of the bucket 20a.

[0105] Figure 4 An example of the exterior of a washing machine according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the washing machine.

[0106] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5The washing machine 1b may include a washing machine housing 11b for accommodating various components. The washing machine housing 11b may form the exterior of the washing machine 1b. The washing machine housing 11b may be in the form of a box with one side open.

[0107] The washing machine housing 11b may include a housing opening 12b, which is formed to provide access to the interior of the drum 30b. The housing opening 12b can open substantially forward.

[0108] The washing machine 1b may include a door 13b for opening and closing a housing opening 12b formed in the washing machine housing 11b. The door 13b may be rotatably mounted to the washing machine housing 11b via a hinge 14b. At least a portion of the door 13b may be transparent or translucent to allow visibility into the interior of the washing machine housing 11b.

[0109] The washing machine 1b may include a tub 20b located inside the washing machine housing 11b for storing water. The tub 20b may be disposed within the washing machine housing 11b. The tub 20b may include a tub opening 22b formed corresponding to a housing opening 12b. The tub opening 22b may open generally forward. The tub 20b may be supported inside the washing machine housing 11b. The tub 20b may have a generally cylindrical shape with one side open.

[0110] The tub 20b can be elastically supported from the washing machine housing 11b by a damper 80b. The damper 80b can connect the washing machine housing 11b and the tub 20b. When vibrations are transmitted to the tub 20b and / or the washing machine housing 11b, the damper 80b can attenuate the vibrations generated during the rotation of the drum 30b by absorbing the vibrational energy between the tub 20b and the washing machine housing 11b.

[0111] The barrel 20b may be equipped with a vibration sensor 55b, which is used to detect the vibration of the barrel 20b. The vibration sensor 55b may be positioned at a location capable of detecting the vibration of the barrel 20b.

[0112] The weight balancer 36b can be connected to the bucket 20b to prevent the weight of the bucket 20b from becoming unbalanced. For example, the weight balancer 36b can be connected to the front of the bucket 20b.

[0113] The weight balancer 36b may include a housing (e.g., injection-molded plastic) and a filling member (e.g., cement / concrete) filled within the housing. A member with appropriate weight to prevent weight imbalance of the bucket 20b may be selected as the filling member.

[0114] The washing machine 1b may include a drum 30b to hold clothes. The drum 30b may be rotatably disposed inside a tub 20b. The drum 30b may perform washing, rinsing, and / or spin drying while rotating inside the tub 20b. The drum 30b may include a plurality of through holes 34b connecting the internal space of the drum 30b and the internal space of the tub 20b. The drum 30b may have a generally cylindrical shape with one side open. At least one lifter 35b may be mounted circumferentially upward on the drum 30b to lift and drop clothes during rotation of the drum 30b.

[0115] The roller 30b may include a roller opening 32b, which is formed to correspond to the housing opening 12b and the tub opening 22b. Clothes may be contained in the roller 30b or removed from the roller 30b through the housing opening 12b, the tub opening 22b, and the roller opening 32b.

[0116] The washing machine 1b may include a drive 40b configured to rotate a drum 30b. The drive 40b may include a motor 41b and a rotating shaft 42b for transmitting the driving force generated by the motor 41b to the drum 30b. The rotating shaft 42b may penetrate the tub 20b and be connected to the drum 30b.

[0117] The washing machine 1b can be divided into direct drive type and indirect drive type. In the direct drive type, the rotating shaft 42b is directly connected to the motor 41b to rotate the drum 30b. In the indirect drive type, the pulley 43b is connected between the motor 41b and the rotating shaft 42b to drive the drum 30b.

[0118] The washing machine 1b according to the embodiment can be an indirect-drive type washing machine, but is not limited thereto. That is, the washing machine 1b according to the embodiment can be a direct-drive type washing machine.

[0119] One end of the rotating shaft 42b can be connected to the roller 30b, and the other end of the rotating shaft 42b can be connected to the pulley 43b to receive driving force from the motor 41b. The motor pulley 41ab can be formed on the rotating shaft of the motor 41b. The drive belt 44b can be disposed between the motor pulley 41ab and the pulley 43b, and the rotating shaft 42b can be driven by the drive belt 44b.

[0120] At the rear of barrel 20b, a bearing housing 45b can be installed to rotatably support the rotating shaft 42b. The bearing housing 45b can be made of aluminum alloy. During injection molding of barrel 20b, the bearing housing 45b can be inserted into the rear of barrel 20b.

[0121] The drive 40b can rotate the drum 30b forward or backward to perform washing, rinsing, rotary drying and / or drying operations.

[0122] The washing machine 1b may include a water supply device 50b for supplying water to the tub 20b. The water supply device 50b may be positioned above the tub 20b. The water supply device 50b may include a water supply pipe 51b and a water supply valve 56b disposed on the water supply pipe 51b. The water supply pipe 51b may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe 51b may extend from the external water supply source to a detergent dispenser 60b and / or the tub 20b. Water can be supplied to the tub 20b through the detergent dispenser 60b. Water can also be supplied to the tub 20b without passing through the detergent dispenser 60b.

[0123] Water supply valve 56b can open or close water supply pipe 51b in response to an electrical signal. Water supply valve 56b can allow or prevent water supply from an external water source to tank 20b. For example, water supply valve 56b may include a solenoid valve configured to open and close in response to an electrical signal.

[0124] The washing machine 1b may include a detergent dispenser 60b to supply detergent to the tub 20b. The detergent dispenser 60b may be configured to supply detergent to the tub 20b during a water supply process. Water supplied via the water supply pipe 51b may be mixed with the detergent through the detergent dispenser 60b. The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied to the tub 20b. The term "detergent" may include, for example, laundry detergent, dryer rinse aid, deodorant, disinfectant, fabric softener, bleach, etc. The detergent dispenser 60b may be connected to the tub 20b via a connecting pipe 61b.

[0125] The washing machine 1b may include a drain assembly 70b for draining water contained in the tub 20b to the outside. The drain assembly 70b may include: a drain pump 73b for draining water from the tub 20b to the outside of the washing machine housing 11b; a connecting hose 71b for connecting the tub 20b and the drain pump 73b to allow water in the tub 20b to flow into the drain pump 73b; and a drain hose 74b for guiding water pumped by the drain pump 73b to the outside of the washing machine housing 11b. The drain assembly 70b may include a drain valve 72b disposed on the connecting hose 71b to open and close the connecting hose 71b.

[0126] The washing machine 1b may include a user interface 15b for interaction between the user and the washing machine 1b.

[0127] The washing machine 1b may include at least one user interface 15b. The user interface 15b may include at least one input interface 16b and at least one output interface 17b.

[0128] At least one input interface 16b can convert sensory information received from the user into electrical signals.

[0129] At least one input interface 16b may include a power button, an operation button, a process selection dial (or process selection button), and a wash / rinse / tumble dry setting button. At least one input interface 16b may include, for example, a touch switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touch screen, a micro dial, and / or a microphone.

[0130] At least one output interface 17b can generate sensory information and transmit various information related to the operation of the washing machine 1b to the user.

[0131] For example, at least one output interface 17b can transmit information to the user related to the washing process, the operating time of the washing machine 1b, and the wash / rinse / tumble dry settings. Information regarding the operation of the washing machine 1b can be output via screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface 17b may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker.

[0132] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 4 A view of the weight balancer of the washing machine shown.

[0133] Reference Figure 6 The barrel 20b may include retaining protrusions 20ab. For example, multiple retaining protrusions 20ab may be formed on the front of the barrel 20b. The multiple retaining protrusions 20ab may be fastening bolts.

[0134] The weight balancer 36b may include fastening holes 36ab. The weight balancer 36b can be connected to the barrel 20b using nuts by inserting a plurality of fixing protrusions 20ab formed on the barrel 20b into the fastening holes 36ab formed on the weight balancer 36b.

[0135] The method of connecting the weight balancer 36b to the barrel 20b is not limited to this, and various fastening methods can be used. For example, a fixing protrusion can be provided on the weight balancer 36b, and a fastening hole can be provided on the barrel 20b.

[0136] The weight balancer 36b can be connected to the barrel 20b to increase the weight of the barrel 20b.

[0137] Figure 7 This is a control block diagram of an example washing machine according to an implementation method.

[0138] Reference Figure 7In an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may include user interfaces 15, 15a, 15b; drives 40, 40a, 40b; water supply units 50, 50a, 50b; detergent dispensers 60, 60a, 60b; drainage components 70, 70a, 70b; sensors 95; communication circuitry 96; and / or controller 90.

[0139] User interface 15 can provide a user interface for interaction between the user and washing machine 1.

[0140] User interface 15 may include at least one input interface 16, 16a, 16b and at least one output interface 17, 17a, 17b.

[0141] At least one input interface 16 can convert sensory information received from the user into electrical signals.

[0142] At least one input interface 16 may include a power button, an operation button, a process selection dial (or process selection button), and a wash / rinse / tumble dry setting button. At least one input interface 16 may include, for example, a touch switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touch screen, a micro dial, and / or a microphone.

[0143] At least one output interface 17 can generate sensory information and transmit various information related to the operation of the washing machine 1 to the user.

[0144] For example, at least one output interface 17 can transmit information to the user related to the washing process, the washing machine's operating time, and the wash / rinse / tumble dry settings. Information regarding the operation of the washing machine 1 can be output via screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface 17 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker.

[0145] The drivers 40, 40a, and 40b may include motors 41, 41a, and 41b that provide driving force to rotate the rollers 30, 30a, and 30b, and a drive circuit for driving the motor 41. The motor 41 may operate based on a drive current supplied from the drive circuit. The driver 40 may operate based on a control signal from the controller 90.

[0146] Water supply units 50, 50a, and 50b may include water supply valves 56a and 56b, which can open and close water supply pipes 51a and 51b extending from an external water source to detergent dispensers 60, 60a, and 60b and / or tanks 20, 20a, and 20b. Water supply valves 56a and 56b can be opened or closed based on control signals from controller 90.

[0147] Detergent dispensers 60, 60a, and 60b can supply detergent to tank 20 during the water supply process.

[0148] The drainage assemblies 70, 70a, and 70b may include drain pumps 73a and 73b for draining water from the tub 20 to the outside of the washing machine housings 11a and 11b. The drain pumps 73a and 73b may be operated based on control signals from the controller 90.

[0149] Sensor 95 may include at least one sensor for obtaining information related to the operating status of washing machine 1. Sensor 95 may transmit sensor data collected by at least one sensor to controller 90.

[0150] In an implementation, sensor 95 may include vibration sensors 55, 55a, and 55b for detecting vibrations of barrel 20.

[0151] Vibration sensor 55 can detect the vibration of barrel 20. Vibration sensor 55 can detect the rotational vibration of barrel 20. Vibration sensor 55 can detect at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of barrel 20.

[0152] The vibration sensor 55 can be a 1-axis gyroscope sensor that detects one of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of the barrel 20.

[0153] The vibration sensor 55 can be a 2-axis gyroscope sensor that detects two of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of the barrel 20.

[0154] The vibration sensor 55 can be a 6-axis microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor or a 3-axis gyroscope sensor that detects all X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis angular velocities of the barrel 20.

[0155] Vibration sensor 55 can collect sensor data about the rotational vibration of barrel 20.

[0156] For example, vibration sensor 55 can obtain the angular velocity of the rotating shaft corresponding to the rotational vibration of barrel 20.

[0157] During a washing cycle (e.g., a spin-drying process), vibration may occur in the tub 20 due to the rotation of the drum 30. More specifically, eccentricity of the drum 30 may occur due to an imbalance of clothes in the drum 30, and vibration of the tub 20 may occur due to this eccentricity. If the rotational speed of the drum 30 increases and the clothes become unbalanced, the vibration of the tub 20 may increase, and noise may also increase due to this vibration. Eccentricity of the drum 30 may include an eccentricity greater than or equal to a preset value.

[0158] According to various embodiments, sensor 95 may also include motor sensor 40c for detecting the operating state of driver 40.

[0159] The motor sensor 40c may include, but is not limited to, a current sensor that measures the drive current applied to the motor 41 and / or a torque sensor that measures the torque load of the motor 41.

[0160] In one implementation, the controller 90 can determine the imbalance value of the clothes in the drum 30 based on the output value of the motor sensor 40c.

[0161] For example, controller 90 can determine the imbalance value of clothes in drum 30 based on the drive current applied to motor 41.

[0162] In response to the drive current applied to motor 41 being less than a specified value, controller 90 can determine that the imbalance value of the garment is less than a reference value. In response to the drive current applied to motor 41 being greater than or equal to a specified value, controller 90 can determine that the imbalance value of the garment is greater than or equal to a reference value. The reference value may be the allowable imbalance value for transitioning from a section maintaining a preset speed (e.g., 100 rpm) to the subsequent rotary drying process.

[0163] If the imbalance value of the clothing is greater than or equal to a reference value, the controller 90 can estimate that a large eccentricity has occurred in the drum 30 due to the clothing. If the eccentricity caused by the clothing in the drum 30 is greater than or equal to a preset value, abnormal vibration occurs in the drum 20. In this case, the controller 90 can restart the rotary drying process from the beginning.

[0164] If the imbalance value of the clothing is less than the reference value, the controller 90 can estimate that a small eccentricity has occurred in the drum 30 due to the clothing. In this case, the controller 90 can proceed with the subsequent rotary drying process. That is, the drum 30 can accelerate and rotate at its maximum rotational speed.

[0165] As another example, the controller 90 can determine the imbalance value of the clothes in the drum 30 based on the torque of the motor 41.

[0166] If the torque of motor 41 is less than a specified value, controller 90 can determine that the imbalance value of the clothing is less than a reference value. If the torque of motor 41 is greater than or equal to a specified value, controller 90 can determine that the imbalance value of the clothing is greater than or equal to a reference value.

[0167] In an implementation, the controller 90 can obtain at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of the barrel 20 based on sensor data, which is the output value of the vibration sensor 55.

[0168] For this purpose, memory 92 may store instructions for converting sensor data output from vibration sensor 55 into at least one of X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of barrel 20.

[0169] The controller 90 can obtain the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the barrel 20 based on the processing of the output value of the vibration sensor 55. For example, the controller 90 can obtain at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of the barrel 20 based on the output value of the vibration sensor 55.

[0170] In one implementation, the controller 90 can determine whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged based on the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the barrel 20.

[0171] The controller 90 can determine that the weight balancer 36 is damaged based on the fact that the angular velocity of at least one rotating axis of the barrel 20 is greater than a preset angular velocity.

[0172] In an implementation, damage to the weight balancer 36 may include the weight balancer 36 not being properly connected to the barrel 20 (e.g., the fastening bolts are not aligned) and / or damage to the filling component of the weight balancer 36.

[0173] If the drum 30 rotates continuously while the weight balancer 36 is damaged and vibration occurs in the tub 20, the damage to the weight balancer 36 may worsen and may generate loud noise, or the washing machine 1 may be damaged.

[0174] According to this disclosure, it is possible to determine whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged based on the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the barrel 20, thereby preventing the deterioration of the weight balancer 36 in advance.

[0175] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, the cause of vibration in the barrel 20 can be more accurately identified by determining whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged based on the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the barrel 20.

[0176] A detailed method for determining whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged will be described later based on the angular velocity of at least one rotating axis of the barrel 20.

[0177] Sensor 95 is not limited to the examples described above, and sensor 95 may also include various types of sensors that obtain information related to the operating status of washing machine 1.

[0178] For example, sensor 95 may include at least one of the following: a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the tank, a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate of water flowing into the tank 20 through the water supply 50, or a sensor for detecting the operating status of the drainage assembly 70.

[0179] For example, the sensor for detecting the operating state of the drainage assembly 70 may include, but is not limited to, a current sensor that measures the drive current applied to the drainage pump 73.

[0180] The washing machine 1 may include a communication circuit 96 for communicating with external devices (e.g., servers, user equipment, and / or home appliances) via wired and / or wireless means.

[0181] The communication circuit 96 may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0182] The communication circuit 96 can send data to or receive data from external devices. For example, the communication circuit 96 can establish communication with a server, user equipment, and / or another household appliance, and send and receive various types of data.

[0183] For communication, communication circuit 96 can establish a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between external devices and support communication performance through the established communication channel. According to embodiments, communication circuit 96 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the respective communication module can communicate with external devices through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0184] Short-range wireless communication modules may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication modules, near-field communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication modules, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication modules, ultra-wideband (UWB) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, and microwave (uWave) communication modules.

[0185] Long-range wireless communication modules may include communication modules that perform various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include mobile communication circuitry. The mobile communication circuitry transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, external terminal, or server on a mobile communication network.

[0186] In this implementation, the communication circuit 96 can communicate with external devices such as a server, user equipment, or another household appliance via an access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine 1, the other household appliance, and / or the user equipment are connected to to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine 1, other household appliances, and / or the user equipment can connect to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0187] The controller 90 can control various components of the washing machine 1 (e.g., drive 40, water supply 50, detergent supply 60, and drain assembly 70). The controller 90 can control these components to perform at least one process (including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin drying) based on user input. For example, the controller 90 can control the motor 41 of the drive 40 to adjust the rotational speed of the drum 30, control the water supply valves 56a and 56b of the water supply 50 to supply water to the tub 20, control the detergent supply 60 to supply detergent to the tub 20, or control the drain pumps 73a and 73b of the drain assembly 70 to drain water from the tub 20 to the outside.

[0188] The controller 90 may include hardware (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcomputer (Micom), or memory) and software (e.g., a control program). For example, the controller 90 may include: at least one memory 92 storing data in the form of a program or algorithm for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine 1; and at least one processor 91 performing the operations described above and below using the data stored in at least one memory 92. The memory 92 and processor 91 may be implemented as separate chips. The processor 91 may include one or two or more processor chips or one or two or more processing cores. The memory 92 may include one or two or more memory chips or one or two or more memory blocks. Alternatively, the memory 92 and processor 91 may be implemented as a single chip.

[0189] At least one memory 92 can store a cycle profile corresponding to the washing process, the washing machine's operating time, and the wash / rinse / tumble dry settings. The cycle profile may include the rotation speed of the drum 30 during the tumble dry process.

[0190] For example, controller 90 can be mounted on a printed circuit board located on the rear side of a control panel, which is an example of user interface 15.

[0191] The controller 90 can be electrically connected to the user interface 15, the driver 40, the water supply 50, the detergent source 60, the drain assembly 70, the sensor 95, and / or the communication circuit 96.

[0192] Figure 8An example of a washing cycle of a washing machine according to an embodiment is shown.

[0193] Reference Figure 8 The washing machine 1 can sequentially execute the washing process 1010, the rinsing process 1020 and the rotary drying process 1030 according to the process selected by the user input.

[0194] The memory 92 can record / store data including programs for controlling the washing operation according to the washing process and washing settings according to the washing process.

[0195] The program used to control the washing operation according to the washing process may include configuration files for the washing process 1010, the rinsing process 1020, and / or the final rotary drying process 1030.

[0196] The profiles for the washing process 1010, rinsing process 1020, and / or the final rotary drying process 1030 may include operational profiles for the drive 40, water supply 50, detergent supply 60, and / or drain assembly 70. For example, the profiles for the washing process 1010, rinsing process 1020, and / or the final rotary drying process 1030 may include target rotational speed profiles of the drum 30 in the rotary drying processes 1015, 1024, and 1030.

[0197] The washing process 1010 may include a garment measurement 1011 for measuring the amount of garments, a water supply 1012 for supplying water to the tub 20, a washing 1013 for washing the garments by rotating the drum 30 at a low speed, a draining 1014 for draining the water contained in the tub 20, and an intermediate rotary drying process 1015 for separating water from the garments by rotating the drum 30 at a high speed.

[0198] For washing 1013, the controller 90 can control the drive 40 to rotate the motor 41 forward (e.g., clockwise) or backward (e.g., counterclockwise). As the drum 30 rotates, the clothes fall from the top to the bottom of the drum 30, and thus the clothes are washed by falling.

[0199] For the intermediate rotary dryer 1015, the controller 90 can control the drive 40 to rotate the motor 41 at high speed. By rotating the drum 30 at high speed, water can be separated from the clothes contained in the drum 30 and thus discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1.

[0200] During the intermediate rotary drying 1015, the rotational speed of the drum 30 can be gradually increased.

[0201] The rinsing process 1020 can wash clothes. Specifically, detergent or foreign substances left in the clothes can be washed away with water.

[0202] The rinsing process 1020 may include water supply 1021 for supplying water to the tub 20, rinsing 1022 for rinsing clothes by driving the drum 30, draining 1023 for draining water contained in the tub 20, and intermediate rotary drying 1024 for separating water from the clothes by driving the drum 30.

[0203] The water supply 1021, drainage 1023, and intermediate rotary drying 1024 of the rinsing process 1020 can be the same as the water supply 1012, drainage 1014, and intermediate rotary drying 1015 of the washing process 1010, respectively. During the rinsing process 1020, the water supply 1021, rinsing 1022, drainage 1023, and intermediate rotary drying 1024 can be performed once or multiple times.

[0204] Through the final rotary drying process 1030, the clothes can be dehydrated. Specifically, water can be separated from the clothes by the high-speed rotation of the drum 30, and the separated water can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1.

[0205] The final rotary drying process 1030 may include a final rotary drying in which the drum 30 rotates at a higher speed than the intermediate rotary drying processes 1015 and 1024 to separate water from the clothes. Due to the final rotary drying 1030, the final intermediate rotary drying 1024 of the rinsing process 1020 can be omitted.

[0206] For the final rotary drying process 1030, the controller 90 can control the drive 40 to rotate the motor 41 at high speed. Through the high-speed rotation of the drum 30, water can be separated from the clothes contained within the drum 30 and discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1. Furthermore, the rotational speed of the motor 41 can be gradually increased.

[0207] Because the operation of washing machine 1 ends with the final rotary drying process 1030, the operation time of the final rotary drying process 1030 can be longer than the operation time of the intermediate rotary drying processes 1015 and 1024.

[0208] As described above, the washing machine 1 can perform a washing process 1010, a rinsing process 1020, and a final spin-drying process 1030 to wash clothes. In particular, during the intermediate spin-drying processes 1015 and 1024 and the final spin-drying process 1030, the washing machine 1 can gradually increase the rotational speed of the motor 41 that rotates the drum 30.

[0209] The entire rotary drying process described in this specification may include intermediate rotary drying 1015 performed in washing process 1010, intermediate rotary drying 1024 performed in rinsing process 1020, and / or final rotary drying process 1030.

[0210] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0211] Reference Figure 9 The controller 90 can obtain the angular velocity (1100) of the rotating shaft of the barrel 20 based on the output value of the vibration sensor 55.

[0212] The sensor data output from the vibration sensor 55 may include at least one of the X-axis angular velocity signal, Y-axis angular velocity signal, or Z-axis angular velocity signal of the barrel 20.

[0213] The controller 90 can obtain at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of the barrel 20 based on at least one of the X-axis angular velocity signal, Y-axis angular velocity signal, or Z-axis angular velocity signal of the barrel 20.

[0214] Figure 10 This is a view showing an example of the rotation axis and rotation direction of the tub in a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0215] Reference Figure 10 The tub 20 of the washing machine 1 can rotate in the X, Y and Z axis directions.

[0216] Vibration sensor 55 can collect angular velocity information of barrel 20.

[0217] In other words, the vibration sensor 55 can collect angular velocity information along three axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis).

[0218] The vibration sensor 55 may be a gyroscope sensor that uses the Coriolis force generated when the mass is driven in one direction and rotates in a direction perpendicular to that drive to measure angular velocity.

[0219] The vibration sensor 55 may include a mass block driven in the X-axis direction, a mass block driven in the Y-axis direction, and a mass block driven in the Z-axis direction to detect angular velocities on the three axes. The X-axis angular velocity Rx, rotating in the X-axis direction, can be detected by the mass block driven in the X-axis direction. The Y-axis angular velocity Rey, rotating in the Y-axis direction, can be detected by the mass block driven in the Y-axis direction. The Z-axis angular velocity Rz, rotating in the Z-axis direction, can be detected by the mass block driven in the Z-axis direction.

[0220] The angular velocities of the three axes X, Y and Z detected by vibration sensor 55 can also be referred to as roll, pitch and yaw, respectively.

[0221] Specifically, the rotation of barrel 20 about the X-axis can be called roll, the rotation about the Y-axis can be called pitch, and the rotation about the Z-axis can be called yaw.

[0222] Refer again Figure 9 The controller 90 can determine whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged (1200) based on the angular velocity of the rotation axis of the barrel 20.

[0223] For example, if the X-axis angular velocity Rx is greater than the preset angular velocity Rx_ref, the controller 90 can determine that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0224] Furthermore, if the Y-axis angular velocity Ry is greater than the preset angular velocity Ry_ref, the controller 90 can determine that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0225] Furthermore, if the Z-axis angular velocity Rz is greater than the preset angular velocity Rz_ref, the controller 90 can determine that the weight balancer 36 is damaged. In this case, preset angular velocities Rx_ref, Ry_ref, and Rz_ref can be preset to determine that the weight balancer 36 is damaged, and they can be different or the same values.

[0226] According to various embodiments, in order to improve the reliability of estimating damage to the weight balancer 36, the controller 90 can determine that the weight balancer 36 is damaged if at least two of the X-axis angular velocities Rx, Y-axis angular velocities Ry, or Z-axis angular velocities Rz are greater than the corresponding preset angular velocities. For example, the controller 90 can determine that the weight balancer 36 is damaged based on the fact that the X-axis angular velocity Rx is greater than a preset angular velocity Rx_ref and the Z-axis angular velocity Rz is greater than a preset angular velocity Rz_ref.

[0227] Figure 11 An example is shown of the rotational speed curve of the drum during the rotary drying process in a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0228] Reference Figure 11 During the acceleration zone K of the rotary drying process, the drum 30 can accelerate to its maximum speed and maintain its rotational speed for a specified time after reaching the maximum speed.

[0229] The controller 90 can perform an operation to determine whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged based on the rotational speed of the drum 30 reaching a predetermined rotational speed. For example, the controller 90 can perform an operation to determine whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged based on the rotational speed of the drum 30 reaching the maximum rotational speed (e.g., about 1200 RPM) during the rotary drying process.

[0230] According to this disclosure, while maintaining the rotational speed of the drum 30, the X-axis angular velocity Rx, Y-axis angular velocity Ry, or Z-axis angular velocity Rz of the drum 20 can be obtained based on sensor data output from the vibration sensor 55, thereby obtaining more accurate rotational axis angular velocity information.

[0231] According to various embodiments, the specified rotational speed can be predetermined as another rotational speed, rather than the maximum rotational speed during the rotational drying process. Preferably, the specified rotational speed can be predetermined as a speed greater than a minimum speed (e.g., about 550 RPM), at which the rotational vibration component of the drum 20 due to damage to the weight balancer 36 may occur.

[0232] In one implementation, the controller 90 can control the drive 40 to maintain the rotational speed of the roller 30 for a specified time (e.g., about 2 seconds) based on the roller 30's rotational speed reaching a predetermined speed. The controller 90 can also perform operations to obtain the rotational axis angular velocity of the drum 20 from sensor data collected by the vibration sensor 55 while maintaining the rotational speed of the roller 30, and can also perform operations to determine whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0233] According to this disclosure, before the rotational speed of the drum 30 reaches the maximum rotational speed during the rotary drying process, and after the drum 30 has been maintained at a predetermined rotational speed for a predetermined time, it can be determined whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged. Therefore, damage to the weight balancer 36 due to the accelerated rotation of the drum 30 can be prevented.

[0234] Damage to the weight balancer 36 may include damage (e.g., cracks, corrosion) to the filling material (e.g., cement / concrete) inside the housing, or damage or loosening of the fastening material (e.g., fastening bolts or nuts) connecting the weight balancer 36 and the barrel 20.

[0235] If the balancer 36 is not securely fastened to the barrel 20 due to damage to the fastening member connecting the balancer 36 and the barrel 20, or if the filling member of the balancer 36 is damaged, the rotational vibration of the barrel 20 may increase. For example, if the balancer 36 is not securely fastened to the barrel 20 due to damage to the fastening member connecting the balancer 36 and the barrel 20, or if the filling member of the balancer 36 is damaged, the barrel 20 and the balancer 36 may collide continuously, thereby causing the barrel 20 to rotate.

[0236] Therefore, under the condition of large rotational vibration of barrel 20, it can be firmly assumed (estimated) that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0237] The controller 90 can determine that the weight balancer 36 is damaged based on the fact that at least one of the X-axis angular velocity Rx, Y-axis angular velocity Ry, or Z-axis angular velocity Rz of the bucket 20 is greater than a preset angular velocity.

[0238] For example, in the rotational angular velocity of the barrel 20 caused by damage to the weight balancer 36, higher-than-normal angular velocity values ​​may appear in the order of Z-axis angular velocity Rz, X-axis angular velocity Rx, and Y-axis angular velocity Ry.

[0239] In the implementation, the controller 90 can determine that the weight balancer 36 is damaged if the Z-axis angular velocity Rz is greater than the preset angular velocity.

[0240] According to various implementation methods, the controller 90 can determine that the weight balancer 36 is damaged when the X-axis angular velocity Rx is greater than the preset angular velocity.

[0241] According to various embodiments, in order to improve the reliability of estimating damage to the weight balancer 36, the controller 90 can determine that the weight balancer 36 is damaged when the Z-axis angular velocity Rz is greater than a preset angular velocity Rz_ref and the X-axis angular velocity Rx is greater than a preset angular velocity Rx_ref.

[0242] In addition, in order to improve the reliability and accuracy of estimating damage to the weight balancer 36, the rotational speed of the roller 30 needs to be kept constant for a specified period of time.

[0243] According to various implementations, the controller 90 may perform an operation 1100 to obtain the angular velocity of the rotation axis of the barrel 20 based on the fulfillment of specified conditions, or perform an operation 1200 to determine whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged based on the fulfillment of specified conditions.

[0244] Figure 12 The X-axis angular velocities of a damaged weight balancer and a normal weight balancer in a washing machine according to an embodiment are shown.

[0245] Reference Figure 12 The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the angular velocity along the X-axis.

[0246] When the weight balancer 36 is functioning normally, the X-axis angular velocity can be the X-axis angular velocity that also takes into account the rotational vibration of the bucket 20 caused by the eccentricity of the clothing.

[0247] The X-axis angular velocity when the weight balancer 36 is functioning normally is represented by a light-colored block. The X-axis angular velocity when the weight balancer 36 is damaged is represented by a dark-colored block.

[0248] When the rotary drying process begins and the drum 30 starts to accelerate, it can be seen that the X-axis angular velocity increases in the t1 and t2 segments compared to the initial period, but is still within the normal range.

[0249] However, when roller 30 reaches near its maximum rotational speed in the t3 and t4 sections, it can be seen that the X-axis angular velocity is outside the normal range. In other words, it can be seen that the X-axis angular velocity increases rapidly from 30 m / s within the normal range to 120 m / s outside the normal range.

[0250] Therefore, if the X-axis angular velocity is greater than the preset angular velocity, it can be determined that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0251] Figure 13 The Y-axis angular velocities of a damaged weight balancer and a normal weight balancer in a washing machine according to an embodiment are shown.

[0252] Reference Figure 13 The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the angular velocity along the Y-axis.

[0253] When the weight balancer 36 is functioning normally, the Y-axis angular velocity can be the Y-axis angular velocity that also takes into account the rotational vibration of the bucket 20 caused by the eccentricity of the clothing.

[0254] The Y-axis angular velocity when the weight balancer 36 is functioning normally is represented by a light-colored block. The Y-axis angular velocity when the weight balancer 36 is damaged is represented by a dark-colored block.

[0255] When the rotary drying process begins and the drum 30 starts to accelerate, it can be seen that the Y-axis angular velocity increases in the t1 to t3 range compared to the initial period, but is still within the normal range.

[0256] However, when roller 30 reaches a speed close to its maximum rotational speed between t3 and t4, it can be seen that the Y-axis angular velocity is outside the normal range. In other words, it can be seen that the Y-axis angular velocity increases from 50 m / s within the normal range to 70 m / s outside the normal range.

[0257] Therefore, if the Y-axis angular velocity is greater than the preset angular velocity, it can be determined that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0258] Figure 14 The Z-axis angular velocities of a damaged weight balancer and a normal weight balancer in a washing machine according to an embodiment are shown.

[0259] Reference Figure 14 The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the angular velocity along the Z-axis.

[0260] When the weight balancer 36 is functioning normally, the Z-axis angular velocity can be the Z-axis angular velocity that also takes into account the rotational vibration of the bucket 20 caused by the eccentricity of the clothing.

[0261] The Z-axis angular velocity when the weight balancer 36 is functioning normally is represented by a light-colored block. The Z-axis angular velocity when the weight balancer 36 is damaged is represented by a dark-colored block.

[0262] When the rotary drying process begins and the drum 30 starts to accelerate, it can be seen that the Z-axis angular velocity increases in the t1 and t2 segments compared to the initial period, but is still within the normal range.

[0263] However, when roller 30 reaches near its maximum rotational speed in the t3 and t4 sections, it can be seen that the Z-axis angular velocity is outside the normal range. In other words, it can be seen that the Z-axis angular velocity increases rapidly from 10 m / s within the normal range to 50 m / s outside the normal range.

[0264] Therefore, if the Z-axis angular velocity is greater than the preset angular velocity, it can be determined that the weight balancer 36 is damaged. It can be seen that when the weight balancer 36 is damaged, the Z-axis angular velocity shows a value greater than the normal range compared to the X-axis angular velocity Rx or the Y-axis angular velocity Ry. Therefore, by simply using the Z-axis angular velocity, it is easy and accurate to determine whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0265] Figure 15 An example is shown of using Z-axis angular velocity to determine whether a weight balancer is damaged in a method for controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0266] Reference Figure 15 The controller 90 can start the rotary drying process (1210).

[0267] The controller 90 can rotate the drum 30 at high speed to start the rotational drying process.

[0268] The controller 90 can detect the drive current (1220) of the motor 41 during the rotary drying process.

[0269] For example, the controller 90 can detect the drive current applied to the motor 41 through the motor sensor 40c.

[0270] The controller 90 can determine whether the imbalance value of the clothes in the drum 30 is less than the reference value (1230).

[0271] For example, controller 90 can determine the imbalance value of the clothes in drum 30 based on the drive current applied to motor 41. If the drive current applied to motor 41 is less than a predetermined value, controller 90 can determine that the imbalance value of the clothes is less than a reference value. If the drive current applied to motor 41 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, controller 90 can determine that the imbalance value of the clothes is greater than or equal to the reference value. The reference value can be the allowable imbalance value for transitioning to the subsequent rotary drying process.

[0272] In response to the imbalance value of the clothes being greater than or equal to the reference value ("No" in operation 1230), the controller 90 can estimate that the drum 30 has become significantly eccentric due to the clothes, restart the drying process from the beginning, and re-detect the drive current of the motor 41.

[0273] In response to the imbalance value of the clothes being less than the reference value ("Yes" in operation 1230), the controller 90 can estimate that the drum 30 has become slightly eccentric due to the clothes and continue the subsequent rotational drying process. In this case, the controller 90 can rotate the drum 30 at its maximum rotational speed by accelerating the drum 30.

[0274] In response to the imbalance value of the clothing being less than the reference value ("Yes" in operation 1230), the controller 90 can obtain the Z-axis angular velocity (1240) based on the output value of the vibration sensor 55.

[0275] The controller 90 can determine whether the rotational speed of the roller 30 is the maximum rotational speed (1250).

[0276] In response to the fact that the rotational speed of the roller 30 is the maximum rotational speed ("Yes" in operation 1250), the controller 90 can determine whether the Z-axis angular velocity obtained when the rotational speed of the roller 30 is the maximum rotational speed is greater than or equal to the preset angular velocity (1260).

[0277] In response to the Z-axis angular velocity being less than the preset angular velocity, the controller 90 can determine that the weight balancer 36 is normal (1270).

[0278] In response to a Z-axis angular velocity greater than or equal to a preset angular velocity, controller 90 can determine that weight balancer 36 is damaged (1280).

[0279] According to this disclosure, the rotational vibration component of the barrel 20 (which shows a drastic change in the case of damage to the weight balancer 36) can be used to determine whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged, and thus it can be confirmed whether the abnormal rotational vibration of the barrel 20 is caused by damage to the weight balancer 36.

[0280] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a washing machine in the event that the weight balancer is determined to be damaged, according to an embodiment.

[0281] Based on the determination that the weight balancer 36 is damaged, the controller 90 can perform... Figure 16 At least one of the operations 1310, 1320 or 1330 shown.

[0282] Reference Figure 16The washing machine 1 can end the washing cycle (1310) based on the determination that the weight balancer 36 is damaged. For example, the controller 90 can control various components of the washing machine 1 (e.g., drive 40, water supply 50, detergent supply 60, drain assembly 70) to end the washing cycle based on the determination that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0283] Ending a washing cycle may include stopping the drum 30.

[0284] For example, controller 90 can stop roller 30 based on the determination that weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0285] Ending the washing cycle can refer to omitting... Figure 8 The process shown will involve all the steps to be performed to complete the washing cycle.

[0286] For example, if it is determined that the weight balancer 36 is damaged during the intermediate spin-dry 1015 of the washing process 1010, the controller 90 may skip (omit) the rinsing process 1020 and the final spin-drying process 1030 and immediately end the washing cycle.

[0287] As another example, if it is determined that the weight balancer 36 is damaged during the intermediate spin-dry 1024 of the rinsing process 1020, the controller 90 can skip the final spin-dry process 1030 and immediately end the washing cycle.

[0288] According to this disclosure, by immediately ending the washing cycle after determining that the weight balancer 36 is damaged, the deterioration of the weight balancer 36 or damage to the washing machine 1 can be prevented in advance.

[0289] In one implementation, based on the determination that the weight balancer 36 is damaged, the controller 90 may only perform processes other than those in which the drum 30 is required to rotate to a specified rotational speed (e.g., rotary drying processes 1015, 1024 and 1030).

[0290] For example, if it is determined that the weight balancer 36 is damaged during the intermediate rotary drying 1015 of the washing process 1010, the controller 90 may skip the intermediate rotary drying 1024 and the final rotary drying process 1030 of the rinsing process 1020 and perform at least one water supply 1021, rinsing 1022 and draining 1023.

[0291] According to this disclosure, user convenience can be achieved by performing processes other than the rotary drying process without degrading the weight balancer 36.

[0292] Figure 17 An example of sensory information indicating a malfunction of the weight balancer is shown in the output of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0293] Reference Figure 17 The washing machine 1 can output sensory information (1320) indicating that the weight balancer 36 is damaged, based on the determination that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0294] For example, controller 90 can control user interface 15 (e.g., output interface 17) to output sensory information indicating that the weight balancer 36 is damaged, based on the determination that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0295] For example, output interface 17 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc. Sensory information indicating damage to the weight balancer 36 may include, for example, images, animations, text, graphics, sounds, voice, etc., indicating damage to the weight balancer 36. Sensory information indicating damage to the weight balancer 36 may also be information used to request an inspection of the weight balancer 36.

[0296] Output interface 17 (e.g., a display) can provide sensory information indicating damage to the weight balancer 36 based on control signals from controller 90.

[0297] For example, output interface 17 can output text indicating that the weight balancer 36 is damaged. However, sensory information indicating that the weight balancer 36 is damaged is not limited to this.

[0298] As another example, output interface 17 (e.g., a speaker) can output a sound indicating that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0299] According to this disclosure, users can identify abnormalities in the weight balancer 36 and take immediate action to prevent excessive noise due to damage to the weight balancer 36. Furthermore, users can identify abnormalities in the weight balancer 36 and take immediate action to prevent the risk of damage to the washing machine 1 due to damage to the weight balancer 36.

[0300] Figure 18 An example is shown of a signal indicating a malfunction of the weight balancer being transmitted from the washing machine to an external device, according to an embodiment.

[0301] Reference Figure 18 The washing machine 1 can send a signal (1330) to an external device indicating that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0302] The controller 90 can control the communication circuit 96 to send a signal indicating that the weight balancer 36 is damaged to an external device based on the determination that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0303] External devices may include servers, user equipment (e.g., smartphones), and other home appliances.

[0304] For example, a signal indicating that the weight balancer 36 is damaged can be sent via a server to the user equipment owned by the user of the washing machine 1.

[0305] Based on the received signal indicating that the weight balancer 36 is damaged, the external device can output sensory information (e.g., images, vibrations, sounds, etc.) indicating that the weight balancer 36 is damaged through the external device's output interface.

[0306] For example, if the external device is a smartphone, the smartphone can output a notification message, vibration, and / or sound based on the received signal indicating that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0307] According to this disclosure, users can identify anomalies in the weight balancer 36 and take immediate action.

[0308] The various embodiments of this disclosure are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to a particular embodiment, and should be interpreted as including various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

[0309] According to this disclosure, it is easy to identify whether a weight balancer is damaged.

[0310] According to this disclosure, it can be confirmed whether the abnormal vibration of the barrel is caused by damage to the weight balancer.

[0311] According to this disclosure, users can take proactive measures before the weight balancer deteriorates.

[0312] According to this disclosure, a 6-axis MEMS sensor can be used to detect rotational vibration components of the barrel that may not be detected by a 3-axis MEMS sensor, and thus it can be determined whether the weight balancer is damaged.

[0313] The effects that can be achieved through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains through the following description.

[0314] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a washing machine 1 may include: a tub 20; a drum 30 configured to rotatable inside the tub 20; a weight balancer 36 connected to the tub 20; a vibration sensor 55 disposed in the tub 20; and a controller 90, wherein the controller 90 may be configured to: compare an imbalance value of clothes in the drum 30 with a reference value based on a drive current applied to a motor 41 configured to rotate the drum 30; obtain an angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the tub 20 based on the output value of the vibration sensor 55 in response to an imbalance value of clothes being less than the reference value; and determine whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged based on the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the tub 20.

[0315] In addition, the controller 90 can be configured to determine that the weight balancer 36 is damaged based on the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis being greater than a preset angular velocity.

[0316] In addition, the controller 90 can be configured to determine whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged based on the rotational speed of the roller 30 reaching a specified rotational speed.

[0317] In addition, the specified rotational speed can correspond to the maximum rotational speed during the rotary drying process.

[0318] In addition, the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis may include at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of the barrel 20.

[0319] In addition, the vibration sensor 55 may be a 1-axis gyroscope sensor configured to detect one of the X-axis angular velocities, Y-axis angular velocities, or Z-axis angular velocities of the barrel 20; a 2-axis gyroscope sensor configured to detect two of the X-axis angular velocities, Y-axis angular velocities, or Z-axis angular velocities of the barrel; a 3-axis gyroscope sensor configured to detect all X-axis angular velocities, Y-axis angular velocities, and Z-axis angular velocities of the barrel; or a 6-axis microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor.

[0320] Furthermore, the controller 90 can be configured to determine whether the imbalance value of the clothes in the drum 30 is less than a reference value based on the drive current applied to the motor 41 configured to rotate the drum 30, and in response to the imbalance value of the clothes being less than the reference value, determine whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0321] In addition, the washing machine 1 may also include an output interface 17, wherein the controller 90 may be configured to control the output interface 17 to output sensory information indicating that the weight balancer 36 is damaged based on the determination that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0322] In addition, the controller 90 can be configured to stop the drum 30 or end the washing cycle based on the determination that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0323] In addition, the washing machine 1 may also include a communication circuit 96 configured to communicate with an external device, wherein the controller 90 may be configured to control the communication circuit 96 to send a signal indicating that the weight balancer 36 is damaged to the external device based on the determination that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0324] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a washing machine 1, the washing machine 1 including a vibration sensor 55 disposed in a tub 20, the method may include: obtaining an angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the tub 20 based on the output value of the vibration sensor 55, and determining whether a weight balancer 36 connected to the tub 20 is damaged based on the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the tub 20.

[0325] In addition, determining whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged may include determining that the weight balancer 36 is damaged based on the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis being greater than a preset angular velocity.

[0326] In addition, the determination of whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged can be performed based on the rotational speed of the roller 30 reaching a specified rotational speed.

[0327] In addition, the specified rotational speed can correspond to the maximum rotational speed during the rotary drying process.

[0328] In addition, the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis may include at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of the barrel 20.

[0329] In addition, the vibration sensor 55 may be a 1-axis gyroscope sensor configured to detect one of the X-axis angular velocities, Y-axis angular velocities, or Z-axis angular velocities of the barrel 20; a 2-axis gyroscope sensor configured to detect two of the X-axis angular velocities, Y-axis angular velocities, or Z-axis angular velocities of the barrel; a 3-axis gyroscope sensor configured to detect all X-axis angular velocities, Y-axis angular velocities, and Z-axis angular velocities of the barrel; or a 6-axis MEMS sensor.

[0330] Furthermore, the method may also include determining whether the imbalance value of the clothes in the drum 30 is less than a reference value based on the drive current applied to the motor 41 configured to rotate the drum 30, and determining whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged may include determining whether the weight balancer 36 is damaged in response to the imbalance value of the clothes being less than the reference value.

[0331] In addition, the method may also include outputting sensory information indicating that the weight balancer 36 is damaged, based on the determination that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0332] In addition, the method may also include stopping the drum 30 or ending the washing cycle based on determining that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0333] In addition, the method may also include sending a signal indicating damage to the weight balancer 36 to an external device based on the determination that the weight balancer 36 is damaged.

[0334] The disclosed embodiments can be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions can be stored as program code, and when executed by a processor, the instructions can create program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium can be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0335] Computer-readable recording media can include all types of recording media that store instructions that can be interpreted by a computer. For example, computer-readable recording media can be read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage, etc.

[0336] Computer-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, when a storage medium is referred to as "non-transitory," it is understood that the storage medium is tangible and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but rather that data is stored in the storage medium semi-permanently or temporarily. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0337] According to various embodiments disclosed herein, the methods can be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product can be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., an optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or through an online application store (e.g., the Play Store). TM Distribution may be made via (e.g., download or upload) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) may be stored at least semi-permanently or may be temporarily generated in a storage medium (such as the storage of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a relay server).

[0338] Although this disclosure has been shown and described in conjunction with specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that changes and modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of this disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0339] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. This disclosure is intended to include such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine, including: bucket; A roller configured to rotate inside the barrel; A weight balancer is connected to the barrel; A vibration sensor is installed inside the barrel; as well as Controller The controller is configured as follows: Based on the drive current applied to a motor configured to rotate the drum, the imbalance value of the clothes in the drum is compared with a reference value. In response to the imbalance value of the garment being less than the reference value, the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the drum is obtained based on the output value of the vibration sensor. Whether the weight balancer is damaged is determined based on the angular velocity of at least one rotating axis of the barrel.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to determine that the weight balancer is damaged based on the angular velocity of the at least one rotating axis being greater than a preset angular velocity.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to determine whether the weight balancer is damaged based on the rotational speed of the roller reaching a predetermined rotational speed.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein, The specified rotational speed corresponds to the maximum rotational speed during the rotary drying process.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The angular velocity of the at least one rotation axis includes at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, and Z-axis angular velocity of the barrel.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The vibration sensor is a 1-axis gyroscope sensor configured to detect one of the X-axis angular velocities, Y-axis angular velocities, or Z-axis angular velocities of the bucket; a 2-axis gyroscope sensor configured to detect two of the X-axis angular velocities, Y-axis angular velocities, or Z-axis angular velocities of the bucket; a 3-axis gyroscope sensor configured to detect all X-axis angular velocities, Y-axis angular velocities, and Z-axis angular velocities of the bucket; or a 6-axis microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to: Based on the drive current applied to the motor configured to rotate the drum, it is determined whether the imbalance value of the clothes in the drum is less than the reference value, and In response to the imbalance value of the clothing being less than the reference value, it is determined whether the weight balancer is damaged.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: Output interface The controller is further configured to control the output interface to output sensory information indicating that the weight balancer is damaged, based on the determination that the weight balancer is damaged.

9. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to stop the drum or end the washing cycle based on the determination that the weight balancer is damaged.

10. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: The communication circuit is configured to communicate with external devices. The controller is further configured to, based on the determination that the weight balancer is damaged, control the communication circuit to send a signal indicating that the weight balancer is damaged to the external device.

11. A method for controlling a washing machine, the washing machine including a vibration sensor disposed in a tub, the method comprising: Based on the output value of the vibration sensor, the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the barrel is obtained, and Based on the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the bucket, determine whether the weight balancer connected to the bucket is damaged.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Determining whether the weight balancer is damaged includes: determining that the weight balancer is damaged based on the fact that the angular velocity of the at least one rotating axis is greater than a preset angular velocity.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Once the roller reaches a specified rotational speed, a determination is made as to whether the weight balancer is damaged.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The specified rotational speed corresponds to the maximum rotational speed during the rotary drying process.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The angular velocity of the at least one rotation axis includes at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, and Z-axis angular velocity of the barrel.

Images