Washing machine and method for controlling same

Abstract

A method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise the steps of: starting a spin cycle; calculating the weight of clothing in a drum by using a current load of a motor for rotating the drum, and measuring the weight applied to the entire washing machine, by using a plurality of load sensors, and calculating a first weight applied to the washing machine, by using the weight of the clothing and the weight applied to the entire washing machine; and estimating the resonance rotation speed of the washing machine by using the first weight.

Description

Washing machine and method of controlling the same

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a washing machine and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] A washing machine is a home appliance used to wash clothing, towels, bedding, and other items. There are two types: drum-type washing machines, which wash laundry by repeatedly raising and lowering the laundry in a rotating drum, and electric-type washing machines, which use the water current generated by a pulsator as the drum rotates to wash laundry.

[0003] The cycles performed by a washing machine, regardless of the type of washing machine, may include a washing cycle in which detergent and water are supplied to a rotating drum containing laundry and the drum is rotated to wash the laundry, a rinsing cycle in which water is supplied to the rotating drum and the drum is rotated to rinse the laundry, and a spin-drying cycle in which the water supplied to the rotating drum is discharged to the outside and the rotating drum is rotated to remove moisture from the laundry. The washing machine rotates at high speed during the spin-drying cycle, and a design is required to avoid or quickly pass through the resonance frequency range of the washing machine during high speed rotation.

[0004] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can perform control to avoid or quickly pass through the changed natural frequency of the washing machine even when the natural frequency of the washing machine changes due to weight being applied to the washing machine during the dehydration process.

[0006] A washing machine according to one embodiment may include a housing, a drum disposed within the housing, a plurality of load sensors mounted on the housing, and a control unit configured to calculate a first weight applied from an upper side of the washing machine to the washing machine using the load sensors after a spin-drying cycle starts, and to calculate a resonant rotation speed of the drum using the first weight.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to perform a preset standard dehydration profile when the calculated resonant rotation speed is greater than or equal to a first reference rotation speed.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to perform control so that, when the calculated resonant rotation speed is less than the first reference rotation speed, the maximum dehydration speed of the drum in the dehydration process does not exceed the resonant rotation speed.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to perform control to increase the rotational acceleration of the drum while the rotational speed of the drum accelerates and passes near the resonant rotational speed in the dehydration operation when the calculated resonant rotational speed is less than the first reference rotational speed.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first reference rotational speed may be greater than or equal to a maximum dewatering speed of the drum in the standard dewatering profile.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the plurality of load sensors may be configured to be disposed on the lower side of the housing.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the plurality of load sensors may be configured to be positioned one at each corner portion of the housing.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to calculate the first weight by subtracting the previously stored weight of the washing machine from the weight measured by the load sensor.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the washing machine may further include a motor that rotates the drum, and a current sensor that detects current flowing to the motor.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to rotate the drum at the beginning of the dehydration process, calculate a second weight, which is a weight of clothes contained in the drum, using the current sensor, and calculate the first weight by subtracting the weight of the washing machine itself and the second weight, which are stored in advance, from the weight measured by the plurality of load sensors.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the control unit can determine whether additional weight is applied to the washing machine while the dehydration process is in progress using the plurality of load sensors.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to perform control to lower the maximum spin speed of the drum when it is determined that additional weight is applied to the washing machine while the spin-drying operation is in progress.

[0018] A method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment may include an operation of starting a spin-drying process, an operation of calculating a weight of laundry in a drum using a current load of a motor that rotates the drum, an operation of measuring a weight applied to the entire washing machine using a plurality of load sensors, an operation of calculating a first weight applied to the washing machine from an upper side of the washing machine using the weight of the laundry and the weight applied to the entire washing machine, and an operation of calculating a resonant rotation speed of the washing machine using the first weight.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the control method of the washing machine may further include an operation of performing a preset standard dehydration profile when the resonant rotation speed is greater than or equal to a first reference rotation speed.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the control method of the washing machine may further include an operation of performing a dehydration process such that, when the resonant rotation speed is less than the first reference rotation speed, the maximum dehydration speed of the drum does not exceed the resonant rotation speed.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a control method of a washing machine may further include performing a dehydration process, but when the resonant rotation speed is less than a first reference rotation speed, an operation of increasing the rotational acceleration of the drum while the rotational speed of the drum accelerates and passes near the resonant rotation speed.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first reference rotational speed may be greater than or equal to a maximum dewatering speed of the drum in the standard dewatering profile.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the plurality of load sensors may be arranged at the bottom of the washing machine and configured to detect the weight of the washing machine and the weight of objects loaded on the top of the washing machine.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the first weight may be calculated by subtracting the weight of the washing machine itself and the weight of clothes contained in the drum from the weights measured by the plurality of load sensors.

[0025] According to one embodiment, a control method for a washing machine may further include an operation of lowering the maximum spin speed of the drum when additional weight is detected to be applied to the washing machine using the load sensor during the spin-drying operation.

[0026] According to various embodiments proposed in the present disclosure, the washing machine can prevent abnormal noise and abnormal vibration and improve the operational stability of the washing machine by designing a spin-drying cycle control method that can avoid a changed natural frequency despite the weight applied to the upper side.

[0027] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of the lower part of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment from the perspective of function and control.

[0032] FIGS. 5a and 5b are drawings showing experimental examples of changes in natural frequency according to weight applied to a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a control profile performed in a dehydration operation of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating a control profile performed in a dehydration operation of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIGS. 11 and 12 are graphs illustrating a control profile performed in a dehydration operation of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 13 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating a control profile performed in a dehydration operation of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0041] The following description refers to the attached drawings, and specific examples of implementations are illustrated within the drawings. Furthermore, other examples may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

[0042] The various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 14 below and in this patent document, are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any appropriately arranged system or device.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0044] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0045] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0046] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0047] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0048] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0049] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0050] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0051] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0052] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0053] When we say that a component is “on” another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0054] Washing machines according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. A washing machine is an example of a clothing treatment device, and the term "clothing treatment device" encompasses devices that wash clothing (laundry items, drying items), devices that dry clothing, and devices that can perform both washing and drying of clothing.

[0055] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include top-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet for loading or removing laundry is provided facing upward, or front-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet is provided facing forward. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines of other loading methods other than top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines.

[0056] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed using a water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed by rotating the drum to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry. The front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine with a dryer that can dry the laundry contained inside the drum. The washing machine with a dryer may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the washing machine with a dryer may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine with a washing method other than the washing method described above.

[0057] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a housing that accommodates various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet formed on one side.

[0058] A washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry compartment. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the interior of the housing to be viewed.

[0059] A washing machine may include a tub provided within a housing to store water. The tub may be provided in a generally cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be positioned within the housing such that the tub opening corresponds to a laundry inlet.

[0060] The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated when the drum rotates, thereby reducing the vibrations transmitted to the housing.

[0061] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0062] The drum may be positioned within the tub such that the drum opening provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may be sequentially passed through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening to be accommodated within the drum or taken out from the drum.

[0063] The drum rotates within the tub and can perform each of the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations. The cylindrical wall of the drum is formed with a number of perforations, allowing water stored in the tub to flow into or out of the drum.

[0064] A washing machine may include a drive device configured to rotate a drum. The drive device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may be connected to the drum by penetrating the tub.

[0065] The driving device can rotate the drum forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, or drying cycle.

[0066] A washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to a tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided on the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub via the detergent supply device. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0067] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water source. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0068] A washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to a tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to add detergent for each wash cycle, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically supplies a predetermined amount of detergent during a wash cycle. The detergent supply device may include a detergent compartment for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through a water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a comprehensive term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent compartment may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0069] A washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in a tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve provided in the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump provided on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water in the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0070] The washing machine may include a control panel positioned on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for a user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0071] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0072] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. The at least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0073] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0074] For example, at least one output interface may transmit information related to the washing cycle and operating time of the washing machine, as well as washing / rinsing / spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0075] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0076] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0077] The communication module can transmit data to or receive data from external devices (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance). For example, the communication module can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

[0078] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, 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). Any of these communication modules may communicate with the external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy 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 may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0079] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0080] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0081] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances through a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine, such as a drive motor and a water inlet valve. The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one cycle, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to a user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum, or control the water inlet valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0082] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory storing program-type data, and at least one processor performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0083] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exterior of a washing machine according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0084] In one example, a washing machine (1) may include a housing (10) that accommodates various components therein. The housing (10) may have an overall hexahedral shape. The housing (10) may include an opening formed on one surface. Two or more surfaces of the housing (10) may be formed as a single piece. Each surface of the housing (10) may be manufactured separately and then assembled. The housing (10) may be formed, for example, by press molding from a sheet metal material or by injection molding from a resin material.

[0085] In one example, a door (20) that opens and closes the opening may be provided in a portion corresponding to the opening of the housing (10). The door (20) may be rotatably coupled to a hinge fixed to one surface of the housing (10). For example, at least a portion of the door (20) may be provided to be transparent or translucent so that the inside may be visible. A user may open and close the door (20) to load laundry into the drum (40) located inside the housing (10) or to take laundry out of the drum (40). The door (20) may be locked, for example, by a locking device (not shown) so as not to be opened while the washing machine (1) is in operation. In one example, the door (20) may include a door frame (21) and a glass member (22). The glass member (22) may be formed of, for example, a transparent tempered glass material so that the inside of the housing (10) may be visible, but the present document is not limited thereto.

[0086] In one example, a washing machine (1) may include a tub (30) fixedly arranged inside a housing (10). The tub (30) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with one side open. A tub opening (31) may be provided at a position corresponding to the opening of the housing (10) on the front of the tub (30). The tub (30) may store wash water. A drain hole (32) for draining wash water may be provided at the bottom of the tub (30). The drain hole (32) may be connected to, for example, a drainage device (80).

[0087] In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a damper (12). The damper (12) may be provided to connect the housing (10) and the tub (30). One side of the damper (12) may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing (10) and the other side may be fixed to the tub (30). The damper (12) may be provided to absorb vibration energy transmitted to the tub (30) and / or the housing (10) when the drum (40) rotates, thereby attenuating the vibration.

[0088] In one example, a washing machine (1) may include a drum (40) provided inside a tub (30). The drum (40) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with one side open. A front plate (43) and a rear plate (44) may be arranged on the front and rear sides of the drum (40), respectively. A drum opening may be provided in the front plate (43) at a position corresponding to the opening of the housing (10) and the tub opening (31) of the tub (30). The drum (40) may accommodate laundry. The drum (40) may receive rotational power from a driving device (60) and rotate inside the tub (30). The drum (40) may perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration while rotating inside the tub (30).

[0089] In one example, the drum (40) may include a lifter (41) and / or a plurality of holes (42). The lifter (41) may, for example, lift laundry while the drum (40) rotates, thereby causing the laundry to repeatedly rise and fall, thereby evenly washing multiple surfaces of the laundry. The holes (42) may, for example, be passages formed so that water or washing water contained in the tub (30) may flow into the interior of the drum (40), or water or washing water inside the drum (40) may be discharged to the outside. In one example, the lifter (41) or the holes (42) may be omitted.

[0090] In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a control panel (50) that supports interaction between a user and the washing machine (1). In one example, the control panel (50) may be positioned on the upper front side of the housing (10) as illustrated in FIG. 1, but the present document is not limited thereto. In one example, the control panel (50) may include an input unit (51) and a display unit (52).

[0091] The input unit (51) may include, for example, any type of user input means for obtaining user input for controlling the washing machine (1). The user may input power on / off of the washing machine (1), washing setting information (e.g., operation start / stop, course selection, time selection, etc.), etc., through the input unit (51). For example, the input unit (51) may be a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch, but the present document is not limited thereto. For example, the input unit (51) may be in the form of a jog shuttle that a user can grasp and rotate. In one example, the input unit (51) may include an infrared sensor. The user may input setting information remotely through a remote control, and the input setting information may be received by the input unit (51) as an infrared signal. In one example, the input unit (51) may include a microphone. Setting information by the user's voice may be obtained through the microphone.

[0092] The display unit (52) can display various washing setting information input by the user and / or operating status information of the washing machine (1). The display unit (52) can include various types of display panels, such as LCD, LED, OLED, QLED, and Micro LED. For example, the display unit (52) can be implemented as a touch screen with a touch pad provided on the front, and the present document is not limited to a specific type of display means. In one example, the display unit (52) can include any type of audio display means, including a speaker, and can display each of the above-described information as an auditory signal through such audio display means. In one example, the display unit (52) can operate to provide the user with information for guiding the user's input and / or information related to the currently running cycle audibly. In one example, the display unit (52) can provide information on the total amount of water used during the washing process and / or the amount of water used for each cycle. For example, the display unit (52) can separately provide information on the amount of water supplied during the operation of performing the washing process and the amount of water supplied during the operation of performing the rinsing process.

[0093] In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a drive device (60) for rotating the drum (40). The drive device (60) may include a motor (61) and a drive shaft (62) for transmitting the driving force generated by the motor (61) to the drum (40). The motor (61) may be configured with a fixed stator (611) and a rotor (612) that rotates by electromagnetic interaction with the stator (611), thereby converting electrical power into mechanical rotational power. The rotational power generated by the motor (61) may be transmitted to the drum (40) through the drive shaft (62). The drive shaft (62) may be, for example, provided to be press-fitted into the rotor (612) of the motor (61) and to rotate together with the rotor (612). The drive shaft (62) may, for example, have a portion that penetrates the rear wall of the tub (30) to connect the drum (40) and the motor (61). The driving device (60) can rotate the drum (40) forward or backward to perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations.

[0094] In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a water supply device (70) for supplying washing water to the drum (40) and / or the tub (30). The water supply device (70) may include at least one water supply pipe (71) and at least one water supply valve (72). At least one water supply pipe (71) may be provided to supply washing water into the interior of the tub (30) using an external water source. One of the at least one water supply pipe (71) may be connected to a detergent supply device (13) provided within the housing (10). Here, the detergent supply device (13) may have an interior divided into a plurality of spaces, and detergent or rinsing agent may be provided in each space. Washing water passing through the detergent supply device (13) may be supplied to the tub (30) together with detergent (or rinsing agent) through the detergent supply pipe (131). At least one of the water supply pipes (71) may be directly connected to the tub (30). For example, washing water supplied through the water supply pipe (71) directly connected to the tub (30) may be supplied directly to the tub (30) without passing through an intermediate component such as a detergent supply device (13).

[0095] In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a drainage device (80) for draining the washing water contained in the drum (40) and / or the tub (30). The drainage device (80) may include a drain valve (81), a first drainage pipe (82), a second drainage pipe (83), or a pump room (84). The drainage device (80) may be arranged, for example, at the bottom of the tub (30) to drain the washing water discharged from the tub (30) to the outside of the washing machine (1).

[0096] In one example, the drain valve (81) may be configured to open and close the drain port (32). When the drain valve (81) is opened, the washing water contained in the tub (30) may flow through the drain port (32) to the drain device (80).

[0097] In one example, the first drain pipe (82) and the second drain pipe (83) may form a path that guides the washing water to be discharged to the outside. For convenience of explanation, the upstream side with respect to the pump room (84) is referred to as the first drain pipe (82) and the downstream side is referred to as the second drain pipe (83). The first drain pipe (82) and the second drain pipe (83) may be formed integrally. For example, one end of the first drain pipe (82) may be connected to the drain port (32) and the other end may be connected to the pump room (84). The washing water may move into the pump room (84) along the first drain pipe (82). The second drain pipe (83) may, for example, one end may be connected to the pump room (84) and the other end may be connected to the outside of the washing machine (1). Therefore, the washing water passing through the pump room (84) may be discharged to the outside of the washing machine (1) along the second drain pipe (83).

[0098] In one example, a pump room (84) may be provided at the bottom of the tub (30) to store water or wash water drained from the tub (30). Inside the pump room (84), for example, a drain pump (841) may be provided to discharge the stored water or wash water to the outside. The water or wash water pumped by the drain pump (841) may be guided to the outside of the housing (10) through a second drain pipe (83).

[0099] According to one example, the washing machine (1) may include a balancer (150). The balancer (150) may include, for example, a balancer housing (151) forming an annular channel (151a) and a plurality of masses (153) arranged in the annular channel (151a) to perform a balancing function of the drum (40) while moving along the annular channel (151a). The plurality of masses (153) may have, for example, a ball shape (spherical shape). The plurality of masses (153) of the drum (40) may move in a direction opposite to the direction of eccentricity caused in the drum (40) by laundry when the drum (40) rotates, thereby compensating for the eccentricity caused by the laundry.

[0100] According to an example, the balancer (150) can be mounted on at least one of the front plate (43) and the rear plate (44) of the drum (40). Since the balancers (150) mounted on the front plate (43) and the rear plate (44) are the same overall, the following description will focus on the balancer (150) mounted on the front plate (43) of the drum (40).

[0101] In one example, the balancer housing (151) may be manufactured through injection molding using a plastic material such as polypropylene or ABS resin (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). In one example, the balancer housing (151) may be manufactured through a method of joining using a heat fusion method.

[0102] According to one example, the washing machine (1) may include a vibration sensor (106). The vibration sensor (106) may be disposed on the outer surface of the drum (40) to detect vibration of the drum (40). For example, the vibration sensor (106) may be disposed at the front and / or rear of the drum (40). Here, the front of the drum (40) may refer to the direction toward the front plate (43), and the rear of the drum (40) may refer to the direction toward the rear plate (44). The vibration sensor (106) may detect vibration while the drum (40) rotates, and the control unit (120) may calculate an eccentricity value of the drum (40) based on the vibration value measured by the vibration sensor (106).

[0103] As an example, the washing machine (1) can measure the eccentricity value in front of the drum (40) and the eccentricity value in the rear of the drum (40) using one vibration sensor (106). As an example, the vibration sensor (106) can be an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensor (or inertial measurement device). The IMU sensor can be configured to measure acceleration corresponding to linear motion and angular velocity corresponding to rotational motion for each of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis.

[0104] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of the lower part of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0105] The lower part of the washing machine illustrated in Fig. 3 illustrates the lower part of the washing machine (1) of Figs. 1 and 2. The lower part of the washing machine illustrated in Fig. 3 may be a drawing illustrating the lower surface (10a) of the housing (10) of Figs. 1 and 2 as viewed from below.

[0106] According to an example, the washing machine (1) may include a plurality of load sensors (107) (e.g., load cells or weight sensors). The load sensors (107) may be mounted on the lower portion of the washing machine (1). For example, the plurality of load sensors (107) may be mounted on the lower portion of the housing (10). The plurality of load sensors (107) may be configured to measure weight, for example, through a ground reaction force that increases according to the load of the washing machine (1), but is not limited thereto. The load sensors (107) may be provided to detect the increased weight due to objects loaded on the washing machine (1).

[0107] According to one example, a plurality of load sensors (107) may be respectively arranged at each corner portion (or corner portion) on the lower side of the washing machine (1). For example, as illustrated, four load sensors (107) may be arranged at the lower side of the washing machine (1). The plurality of load sensors (107) may be mounted on the housing (10). The plurality of load sensors (107) may each be respectively arranged at each corner portion (or corner portion) on the lower side of the housing (10). For example, as illustrated, four load sensors (107) may be arranged at the lower side of the housing (10). For example, if one load sensor (107) is a load sensor capable of measuring a load of 100 kg, if four load sensors (107) are arranged at each corner or corner, a weight of up to 400 kg may be measured, but is not limited thereto. However, the number and arrangement positions of the load sensors (107) are not limited thereto.

[0108] According to another example, the load sensor (107) may be placed on the upper part of the washing machine (1), unlike the one shown. The load sensor (107) placed on the upper part of the washing machine (1) can primarily detect the weight applied due to loading an object on the washing machine (1).

[0109] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment from the perspective of function and control.

[0110] The washing machine (1) illustrated in Fig. 4 may be substantially identical to the washing machine (1) illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3. The configuration of the washing machine (1) illustrated in Fig. 4 may be included in the washing machine (1) illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3. Hereinafter, identical or similar configurations will be referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 4, the washing machine (1) may include at least one of an input unit (51), a communication unit (90), a sensor unit (100), a control unit (120), a motor (61), a water supply valve (72), a drain valve (81), a drain pump (841), or a display unit (52).

[0112] The washing machine (1) may include an input unit (51), as described above with reference to FIG. 1. As described above, the input unit (51) may include any type of user input means for obtaining setting information from a user for controlling the operation of the washing machine (1). Various user inputs obtained through the input unit (51) may be transmitted to a control unit (120) described below. In one example, various user inputs obtained through the input unit (51) may be transmitted to the outside through a communication unit (90) described below, and the present document is not limited thereto.

[0113] In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a communication unit (90) that supports signal transmission and reception with the outside. In one example, the communication unit (90) may receive and / or transmit wired / wireless signals between an external wired / wireless communication system, an external server, and / or other devices according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. In one example, the communication unit (90) may include one or more modules that connect the washing machine (1) to one or more networks. In one example, the communication unit (90) may include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wired / wireless Internet module, a short-range communication module, and / or a location information module.

[0114] In one example, the mobile communication module may transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of an external base station, an external terminal, and an external server through a mobile communication network according to any of various communication protocols for mobile communication. The wireless signals may include various types of data signals. In one example, the wireless signals may include voice call signals, video call call signals, and text / multimedia message signals, but this document is not limited thereto.

[0115] In one example, the wired / wireless Internet module may support, but is not limited to, wireless LAN (WLAN), wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, digital living network alliance (DLNA), wireless broadband (WiBro), world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), long term evolution (LTE), or long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A). In one example, the wired / wireless Internet module of the communication unit (90) may transmit and receive data according to at least one wired / wireless Internet technology among the Internet technologies not listed above.

[0116] The short-range communication module is for short-range communication, and can support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) technologies, for example. The short-range communication module can support wireless communication between a washing machine (1) and a wireless communication system, between the washing machine (1) and another device, or between the washing machine (1) and a network in which another device is located, for example, through a short-range wireless communication network.

[0117] The location information module is, for example, a module for obtaining the location of a washing machine (1), and may be a GPS (Global Positioning System) module or a Wi-Fi module. When the washing machine (1) utilizes a GPS module, information regarding the location of the washing machine (1) can be received using signals transmitted from GPS satellites. When the washing machine (1) utilizes a Wi-Fi module, information regarding the location of the washing machine (1) can be received based on information from a wireless AP (Wireless Access Point) that transmits and receives wireless signals with the Wi-Fi module.

[0118] In one example, the communication unit (90) may receive a setting data signal input by a user from the user's mobile terminal in the form of a wireless signal according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol. In one example, the communication unit (90) may receive information and / or commands for controlling the operation of the washing machine (1) from an external server in the form of signals according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. The communication unit (90) may transmit various received signals to the control unit (120) described below. In one example, the communication unit (90) may transmit various data generated or acquired on the washing machine (1) in the form of wired / wireless signals according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol, for example, to the user's mobile terminal or an external server.

[0119] According to one example, the washing machine (1) may include a sensor unit (100) for detecting the operating status and / or internal environment of the washing machine (1). In one example, the sensor unit (100) may include at least one of a water level sensor (101), a current sensor (102), a door sensor (103), a speed sensor (104), a temperature sensor (105), a vibration sensor (106), or a load sensor (107), but this is exemplary and the present document is not limited thereto.

[0120] According to one example, the water level sensor (101) is a sensor provided to detect the water level within the tub (30). The water level sensor (101) may be provided, for example, to be located at the lower side of the tub (30) and to detect a pressure difference according to the water level of water introduced into the tub (30) as an electrical signal. In one example, the water level sensor (101) may be provided to detect the water level in a water supply situation. In one example, the water level sensor (101) may be provided to detect the progress of water drainage when draining water at the latter part of a washing cycle or a rinsing cycle. The water level sensor (101) may transmit an electrical signal regarding the water level within the tub (30) to the control unit (120).

[0121] The current sensor (102) may be provided to detect the current flowing in the motor (61) of the driving device (60). An electrical signal regarding the current value of the motor (61) generated by the current sensor (102) may be transmitted to the control unit (120). The control unit (120) may detect the load applied to the motor (61) when the motor (61) rotates using the current sensor (102), and based on this, estimate or calculate the weight of clothing contained in the drum (40).

[0122] A door sensor (103) may be provided to determine whether the door (20) is closed before the control unit (120) performs a washing operation. An electrical signal generated by the door sensor (103) regarding whether the door (20) is open or closed may be transmitted to the control unit (120).

[0123] The speed sensor (104) may be provided to detect the rotational speed, rotational angle, or rotational direction of the motor (61) or the drum (40). In one example, the speed sensor (104) may utilize a method of detecting the position of the rotor and the on / off signal of an adjacent hall sensor while the motor (61) is driven, for example. In one example, the speed sensor (104) may utilize a method of measuring the magnitude of the current applied to the motor (61) while the drum (40) is rotating. An electrical signal regarding the rotational speed, rotational angle, or rotational direction of the drum (40) generated by the speed sensor (104) may be transmitted to the control unit (120).

[0124] The temperature sensor (105) may be configured to detect the ambient temperature of the washing machine (1) or the temperature of internal components, or to detect the temperature of the wash water in the tub (30). The temperature sensor (105) may be implemented, for example, as a thermistor, a type of resistor that utilizes the property of a material's resistance changing depending on temperature. An electrical signal regarding temperature generated by the temperature sensor (105) may be transmitted to the control unit (120).

[0125] The vibration sensor (106) may be provided to detect the vibration amount of the drum (40) while the drum (40) rotates. The vibration sensor (106) may be, for example, an IMU sensor. The vibration sensor (106) may detect the vibration amount of the drum (40) during a spin-drying operation. The vibration-related signal acquired by the vibration sensor (106) may be used to estimate or measure the balance state of the laundry inside the drum (40).

[0126] According to one example, a washing machine (1) may include a control unit (120) that controls the overall operation of the washing machine (1). The control unit (120) may include a memory (122) that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling each component of the washing machine (1), and a processor (121) that generates a control signal for controlling each component of the washing machine (1) according to the program and / or data stored in the memory (122) and information obtained from each of the other components.

[0127] For example, the memory (122) can store various data that can be used to control the operation of each component of the washing machine (1). The memory (122) can store, for example, a plurality of application programs used in the washing machine (1), data for controlling the operation of the washing machine (1), and commands. At least some of the application programs stored in the memory (122) can be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. At least some of the application programs stored in the memory (122) can be stored in the memory (122) from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the washing machine (1). In one example, the memory (122) can store information on a change in natural frequency according to an additional weight applied to the upper part of the washing machine (1), as will be described later.

[0128] In one example, the processor (121) of the control unit (120) may receive various input / setting information, such as power on / off of the washing machine (1), washing machine operation setting information (e.g., operation start / stop, course selection, time selection, etc.) or other various control information, from the input unit (51) and / or communication unit (90) described above. The processor (121) may obtain various detection information from the sensor unit (100), such as information on the water level in the tub (30) detected by the water level sensor (101), information on the current flowing in the motor (61) detected by the current sensor (102), information indicating whether the door is open or closed detected by the door sensor (103), information on the rotational speed of the motor (61) or drum (40) detected by the speed sensor (104), and information on the internal water temperature detected by the temperature sensor (105). The processor (121) can obtain, for example, information indicating the amount of vibration of the drum (40) from a vibration sensor (106) to estimate or obtain an eccentricity value of the drum (40). The processor (121) can obtain, for example, information regarding the weight additionally applied to the washing machine (1), including the weight of the washing machine (1) itself, from a load sensor (107).

[0129] In one example, the processor (121) of the control unit (120) may generate an operation control command for each component of the washing machine (1) based on various pieces of information received from the input unit (51), the communication unit (90), and / or the sensor unit (100). In one example, the processor (121) may control each component related to performing at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a dehydration cycle, or a drying cycle. The processor (121) may control the operation of, for example, a driving device (60), a water supply device (70), and / or a drainage device (80) to control the performance of at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the dehydration cycle, or the drying cycle. In one example, the processor (121) may control the operation of the motor (61) of the driving device (60) to rotate the drum (40). For example, the processor (121) can control the opening and closing of the water supply valve (72) of the water supply device (70) to adjust the washing water supplied to the drum (40) and / or the tub (30). For example, the processor (121) can control the drain valve (81) and / or the drain pump (841) of the drain device (80) to drain the washing water in the drum (40) and / or the tub (30). In one example, the processor (121) can continuously obtain information from the input unit (51), the communication unit (90) and / or the sensor unit (100) while performing at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the dehydration cycle or the drying cycle, and can continuously update and control the operation of each component based on the obtained information.

[0130] In one example, the processor (121) of the control unit (120) can generate a command to control whether and how information is displayed through the display unit (52) based on various pieces of information received from the input unit (51), the communication unit (90) and / or the sensor unit (100).

[0131] For example, the processor (121) of the control unit (120) may measure the total weight applied to the load sensor (107), including the weight of the washing machine (1), by using the load sensor (107). For example, the processor (121) may calculate a first weight applied to the washing machine (1) from the upper side of the washing machine (1) by using the load sensor (107). Here, the first weight may refer to a weight applied to the washing machine (1) by an object loaded on the washing machine (1) by a user or due to the washing machine installation environment. For example, in the case of a drum-type washing machine (1), a dryer may be loaded on top, and other objects may be placed thereon according to the user's convenience. As the first weight is applied to the washing machine (1), the natural frequency of the washing machine (1) may vary. For example, as the first weight applied from the upper side of the washing machine (1) increases, the natural frequency of the washing machine (1) may decrease.

[0132] According to an example, the processor (121) of the control unit (120) can estimate or calculate the first weight periodically or aperiodically. The processor (121) can estimate or calculate the first weight periodically or aperiodically when the washing machine (1) is not in operation. For example, the processor (121) can measure the total weight applied to the washing machine (1) using a plurality of load sensors (107). The processor (121) can estimate or calculate the first weight by subtracting the weight of the washing machine (1) itself from the total weight. Here, the weight of the washing machine (1) itself can be measured in advance and stored in the memory (122). The processor (121) can calculate the first weight at predetermined time intervals to determine whether an object is loaded on the washing machine (1). The calculated first weight can be stored in the memory (122).

[0133] According to one example, the processor (121) of the control unit (120) can calculate the first weight at the beginning of the dehydration process. The processor (121) can calculate the first weight using the load sensor (107) after the dehydration process starts. When the dehydration process starts after the rinsing process is completed, the processor (121) can estimate or calculate the weight of the wet cloth while the clothes (or laundry) (hereinafter referred to as 'wet cloth') soaking in water are accommodated in the drum (40). In one example, under the control of the processor (121), the drum (40) can be rapidly accelerated in the forward and reverse directions, and the load generated in the motor (61) during the rapid acceleration in the forward and reverse directions can be estimated or calculated. The load generated in the motor (61) can be estimated or calculated by the intensity of the current detected by the current sensor (102). As the intensity of the current flowing through the motor (61) increases when the drum (40) is rapidly accelerated in the forward or reverse direction, the weight of the wet cloth may increase. The processor (121) may estimate or calculate the weight of the wet cloth using the intensity of the current detected when the drum (40) is rapidly accelerated in the forward or reverse direction. Hereinafter, the weight of the wet cloth estimated or calculated by the processor (121) in the dehydration process is referred to as the second weight.

[0134] The processor (121) can measure the total weight applied to the washing machine (1) using a plurality of load sensors (107) at the beginning of the spin-drying cycle. The processor (121) can calculate the first weight by subtracting the weight of the washing machine (1) itself and the second weight from the total weight. Here, the weight of the washing machine (1) itself may be stored in the memory (122) in a pre-measured state. The first weight applied to the washing machine (1) (or the weight of the object(s) loaded on the upper side of the washing machine (1)) can be estimated or calculated at the beginning of the spin-drying cycle before the drum (40) rotates at high speed. If the first weight is estimated or calculated while the washing machine (1) is not in operation, the accuracy may be low because the first weight is estimated or calculated while the user has placed clothes or laundry in the drum. The first weight estimated or calculated at the beginning of the spin-drying cycle is the weight estimated or calculated immediately before the high-speed rotation, and is a value estimated or calculated by taking into account the weight of the wet cloth contained in the drum (40), and thus can have relatively high accuracy.

[0135] According to an example, the processor (121) of the control unit (120) can estimate or calculate the resonant rotation speed of the washing machine (1) based on the first weight estimated or calculated by one of the aforementioned methods. The processor (121) can estimate or calculate, for example, the amount of change in the resonant rotation speed of the washing machine (1) according to the size of the first weight. The processor (121) can estimate or calculate, for example, the amount of change in the natural frequency of the washing machine (1) according to the size of the first weight. A method of estimating or calculating the resonant rotation speed of the washing machine (1) based on the first weight will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this document, the 'resonant rotation speed' is a value based on the natural frequency of the washing machine (1), and may refer to the rotation speed of the drum (40) that can generate resonance in the washing machine (1). In this document, the resonant rotation speed is indicated as a specific value without a range being provided, but those skilled in the art will be able to understand that resonance can occur in the washing machine (1) within a certain range from the resonant rotation speed. In this document, a range within a certain range from the resonant rotation speed is referred to as a 'resonant rotation range'. For example, resonance can occur for a range within 100 RPM from the resonant rotation speed value. For example, when the resonant rotation speed of the washing machine (1) is referred to as a specific value of 1000 RPM, resonance can occur in the washing machine (1) when the rotation speed of the drum (40) is between 900 RPM and 1100 RPM. In this case, the resonant rotation range is 900 RPM to 1100 RPM. However, the size of the rotation speed range that generates resonance is not limited thereto.

[0136] In this drawing, the control unit (120) is disclosed as a single comprehensive configuration that controls all components included in the washing machine (1), but this document is not limited thereto. In one example, the washing machine (1) may be configured to include a plurality of control unit configurations that individually control some of the components of the washing machine (1). In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a separate control unit having a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of a driving device (60), for example, a motor (61). In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a separate control unit having a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of a user interface according to a user input. The processor (121) of the control unit (120) may include a plurality of processors, and the memory (122) may include a plurality of memory devices.

[0137] FIGS. 5a and 5b are drawings showing experimental examples of changes in natural frequency according to weight applied to a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0138] Fig. 5a is a table regarding natural frequencies and resonant rotational speeds according to weight applied to a washing machine (e.g., the washing machine (1) of Fig. 1). Fig. 5b is a graph based on the experimental data of Fig. 5a. The graph of Fig. 5b is a graph for explaining a method for estimating or calculating a washing machine (e.g., the washing machine (1) of Fig. 4) based on a first weight estimated or calculated as described above in Fig. 4 by a processor (e.g., the processor (121) of Fig. 4). The graph illustrated in Fig. 5b is based on one experimental example, and the present disclosure is not limited by the resulting graph values.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, as the size of the first weight applied to the washing machine (1) increases, the resonant rotation speed of the washing machine (1) may decrease. The first weight may refer to the weight applied to the washing machine (1) by an object loaded on the upper side of the washing machine. For example, the size of the first weight and the resonant rotation speed may have an inverse relationship, but the relationship between the first weight and the resonant rotation speed is not limited thereto.

[0140] According to one example, information about the resonant rotation speed of the washing machine (1) according to the size of the first weight applied to the washing machine (1) may be stored in advance in the memory (122) of the control unit (120). For example, as illustrated, the memory (122) may store in advance a value about the resonant rotation speed of the washing machine (1) according to the size of the first weight. The resonant rotation speed of the washing machine (1) according to the size of the first weight may be determined through an experiment before shipment and stored in the memory (122). The correlation between the first weight and the resonant rotation speed of the washing machine (1) may vary depending on the specifications or weight of the washing machine (1).

[0141] Referring to FIG. 5A, for example, when no weight is applied to the washing machine (1), that is, when the first weight is 0 (or when there is no object loaded on the upper side of the washing machine (1), the natural frequency of the washing machine (1) may be approximately 26.5 Hz, and the resonant rotation speed may be approximately 1391 RPM. For example, when the first weight is 10 kg, the natural frequency of the washing machine (1) may be approximately 23.25 Hz, and the resonant rotation speed may be approximately 1200 RPM. For example, when the first weight is 20 kg, the natural frequency of the washing machine (1) may be approximately 20 Hz, and the resonant rotation speed may be approximately 1070 RPM. For example, when the first weight is 30 kg, the natural frequency of the washing machine (1) may be approximately 17.5 Hz, and the resonant rotation speed may be approximately 900 RPM.

[0142] Referring to Fig. 5b, a graph based on the results of Fig. 5a is illustrated. The relationship between the first weight and the resonant rotation speed may be approximately linear, as illustrated, but is not limited thereto. The relationship between the first weight and the resonant rotation speed may be inversely proportional, as illustrated, but is not limited thereto.

[0143] For example, as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, after experimentally measuring the value of the resonant rotation speed of the washing machine (1) according to the first weight, the measured data may be stored in the memory (122) of the control unit (120). As described above in FIG. 4, after the processor (121) of the control unit (120) estimates or calculates the first weight, the resonant rotation speed of the washing machine (1) based on the first weight may be estimated or calculated using the data stored in the memory (122).

[0144] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0145] The flowchart of Fig. 6 may be a flowchart for a control method of the washing machine (1) illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4. Among the configurations described below, the same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those described in Figs. 1 to 4.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 6, the control unit (e.g., the control unit (120) of FIG. 4) can start the dehydration process after completing the rinsing process (610).

[0147] For example, in the initial stage of the dehydration process, the control unit (120) can measure the entire weight of the washing machine (1), estimate or calculate the weight of the wet cloth inside the drum, and estimate or calculate the first weight applied on the washing machine (1) (620).

[0148] The control unit (120) can measure the weight of the entire washing machine (1) using a plurality of load sensors (e.g., a plurality of load sensors (107) of FIG. 3). Here, the weight of the entire washing machine (1) may include not only the weight of the washing machine (1) itself, but also all weights that apply a load to the plurality of load sensors (107), such as the weight of clothes stored in the drum (e.g., the drum (40) of FIG. 2) and objects loaded on the washing machine (1). The process of measuring the weight of the entire washing machine (1) does not necessarily have to be performed in operation 620, and may be performed prior to operation 620.

[0149] The operation of estimating or calculating the weight of the wet cloth in the drum (40) and the operation of measuring the weight of the entire washing machine (1) can be performed simultaneously or at different times, and can be performed regardless of the order of the operations.

[0150] The control unit (120) can estimate or calculate the weight of the wet cloth contained in the drum (40) by using the current load of the motor (61) that rotates the drum (40). In the initial stage of the dehydration process, the drum (40) can be rapidly accelerated in the forward and reverse directions under the control of the control unit (120), and the load generated in the motor (61) during the rapid acceleration in the forward and reverse directions is measured, and the weight of the wet cloth in the drum (40) can be estimated or measured therefrom.

[0151] The control unit (120) can estimate or calculate the first weight applied to the washing machine (1) by using the weight of the entire washing machine (1) and the weight of the wet cloth contained in the drum (40). Hereinafter, the weight of the wet cloth contained in the drum (40) is referred to as the second weight. The control unit (120) can estimate or calculate the first weight by subtracting the second weight, which is the weight of the wet cloth, and the weight of the washing machine (1) itself from the weight of the entire washing machine (1). Here, information about the weight of the washing machine (1) itself can be pre-stored in the memory (122).

[0152] For example, the control unit (120) can estimate or calculate the resonant rotation speed based on the first weight (630). The resonant rotation speed according to the size of the first weight can be stored in the memory (122). As the weight of the object(s) loaded on the washing machine (1) increases, the resonant rotation speed of the washing machine (1) (or drum (40)) can decrease. A detailed description thereof has been described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0153] According to an example, the control unit (120) can determine whether the resonant rotation speed is smaller than the first reference rotation speed (640). Here, the first reference rotation speed may refer to the maximum rotation speed of the drum (40) set in the preset standard dehydration profile. The first reference rotation speed may vary depending on the input dehydration intensity. If the resonant rotation speed is smaller than the first reference rotation speed, the drum (40) passes through a resonance section when rotating during the dehydration operation, and abnormal vibration and abnormal noise may be generated while passing through the resonance section. The present disclosure can avoid resonance of the washing machine (1) and secure the stability of operation.

[0154] According to one example, the control unit (120) may be set to compare and determine the minimum value of the resonant rotation section with the first reference rotation speed, unlike the illustrated example, in operation 640. For example, when the resonant rotation speed is 900 RPM and the resonant rotation section is 800 RPM to 1000 RPM, the size of 800 RPM and the first reference rotation speed may be compared. In this case, when it is determined that the minimum value of the resonant rotation section is not smaller than the first reference rotation speed, operation 650 may be performed, and when it is determined that the minimum value of the resonant rotation section is smaller than the first reference rotation speed, operation 660 may be performed.

[0155] For example, if the control unit (120) determines that the resonant rotation speed is not less than the first reference rotation speed in operation 640, it may perform a preset standard dehydration profile (650). In this case, even if the existing standard dehydration profile is performed, the resonant rotation section is not passed, so no abnormal noise or vibration occurs. Accordingly, the control unit (120) may perform the existing control as is.

[0156] Here, the standard dehydration profile set in advance may refer to a dehydration profile stored in the memory (122) according to the user's settings. The standard dehydration profile may not be a fixed value, but may be a profile determined by an input unit (e.g., input unit (51) of FIG. 4) or the like. The standard dehydration profile may be preset by an input unit (51) or the like before the operation of the washing machine (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIG. 1).

[0157] For example, if the control unit (120) determines that the resonant rotation speed is less than the first reference rotation speed in operation 640, the control unit (120) may perform control so that the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) does not exceed the resonant rotation speed (660). The control unit (120) may control the rotation of the drum (40) by avoiding the resonant rotation speed so that the drum (40) does not rotate within the resonant section during the dehydration process. For example, the control unit (120) may perform control so that the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) does not exceed the minimum value of the resonant rotation section, taking into account a resonant rotation section within a predetermined range from the resonant rotation speed.

[0158] Here, the maximum dehydration speed may refer to the maximum rotation speed of the drum (40) set in the preset standard profile. The maximum dehydration speed may vary depending on the maximum rotation speed value of the drum (40) set in the standard profile.

[0159] FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating a control profile performed in a dehydration operation of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0160] Fig. 7 is a graph illustrating the control process of Fig. 6. Although Fig. 7 illustrates a preset standard dehydration profile, this is merely exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0161] Referring to Fig. 7, a preset standard profile is illustrated. In section A-1 of the graph, a wrapping operation may be performed to rotate the drum at a low speed so that laundry (or wet cloth) adheres to the inner surface of the drum (40). In section A-1, for example, the rotation speed of the drum (40) may be gradually increased from 0 RPM to reach a specific rotation speed and then rotated at a constant speed for a predetermined period of time. As an example, the specific rotation speed may be approximately 100 RPM.

[0162] In one example, in section A-2 of the graph, the drum (40) may be accelerated. For example, the rotation speed may be increased so that the rotation speed of the drum (40) becomes approximately 500 RPM. In section A-2, a plurality of masses (e.g., masses (153) of FIG. 2) of a balancer (e.g., balancer (150) of FIG. 2) may be moved to a position to compensate for the eccentricity of the drum (40).

[0163] For example, in section A-3 of the graph, the drum (40) rotates at a constant speed for a predetermined period of time and the laundry can be partially dehydrated.

[0164] For example, in section A-4 of the graph, an operation is performed to reduce the rotational speed of the drum (40) to a speed within the resonance section and then accelerate again. In section A-4, the eccentricity of the drum (40) can be additionally compensated for by rearranging the multiple masses (53) of the balancer (150).

[0165] For example, section A-5 of the graph may be a section where the drum (40) accelerates to high-speed rotation. To begin dehydration in earnest, the control unit (120) may accelerate the speed of the drum (40) to the maximum dehydration speed.

[0166] For example, in section A-6 of the graph, the drum (40) can rotate while substantially maintaining the maximum dehydration speed. For example, the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) in section A-6 may be 1200 RPM. During section A-6, the drum (40) rotates at high speed so that laundry can be dehydrated in earnest.

[0167] For example, in section A-7 of the graph, the rotation speed of the drum (40) may be reduced. In section A-7, the rotation of the drum (40) stops, thereby ending the dehydration process.

[0168] For example, if it is determined that the resonant rotation speed is less than the first reference rotation speed in operation 640 of FIG. 6, operation 660 is performed, and sections B-1 and B-2 in the graph of FIG. 7 may correspond to operation 660. For example, if the resonant rotation speed estimated or calculated by the control unit (120) based on the drawing is 950 RPM, since the resonant rotation speed is less than 1200 RPM, which is the first reference rotation speed (maximum dehydration speed) of the drum (40), the control unit (120) may perform dehydration by reducing the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40), as in sections B-1 and B-2. For example, in this case, the control unit (120) may perform dehydration while avoiding the resonant section by accelerating the drum (40) only up to a maximum of 900 RPM.

[0169] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0170] The flowchart of Fig. 8 may be a flowchart for a control method of the washing machine (1) illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4. Among the configurations described below, the same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those described in Figs. 1 to 4.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 8, the control unit (e.g., the control unit (120) of FIG. 4) can start the dehydration process after completing the rinsing process (810).

[0172] For example, in the initial stage of the dehydration process, the control unit (120) can measure the entire weight of the washing machine (1), estimate or calculate the weight of the wet cloth inside the drum, and estimate or calculate the first weight applied on the washing machine (1) (820).

[0173] The control unit (120) can measure the weight of the entire washing machine (1) using a plurality of load sensors (e.g., a plurality of load sensors (107) of FIG. 3). Here, the weight of the entire washing machine (1) may include not only the weight of the washing machine (1) itself, but also all weights that apply a load to the plurality of load sensors (107), such as the weight of clothes stored in the drum (e.g., the drum (40) of FIG. 2) and objects loaded on the washing machine (1). The process of measuring the weight of the entire washing machine (1) does not necessarily have to be performed in operation 820, and may be performed prior to operation 820.

[0174] The operation of estimating or calculating the weight of the wet cloth in the drum (40) and the operation of measuring the weight of the entire washing machine (1) can be performed simultaneously or at different times, and can be performed regardless of the order of the operations.

[0175] The control unit (120) can estimate or calculate the weight of the wet cloth contained in the drum (40) by using the current load of the motor (61) that rotates the drum (40). In the initial stage of the dehydration process, the drum (40) can be rapidly accelerated in the forward and reverse directions under the control of the control unit (120), and the load generated in the motor (61) during the rapid acceleration in the forward and reverse directions is measured, and the weight of the wet cloth in the drum (40) can be estimated or measured therefrom.

[0176] The control unit (120) can estimate or calculate the first weight applied to the washing machine (1) using the weight of the entire washing machine (1) and the second weight, which is the weight of the wet cloth contained in the drum (40). The control unit (120) can estimate or calculate the first weight by subtracting the second weight, which is the weight of the wet cloth, and the weight of the washing machine (1) itself from the weight of the entire washing machine (1). Here, information about the weight of the washing machine (1) itself can be stored in the memory (122).

[0177] For example, the control unit (120) can estimate or calculate the resonant rotation speed based on the first weight (630). The resonant rotation speed according to the size of the first weight can be stored in the memory (122). As the weight of the object(s) loaded on the washing machine (1) increases, the resonant rotation speed of the washing machine (1) (or drum (40)) can decrease. A detailed description thereof has been described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0178] According to an example, the control unit (120) can determine whether the resonant rotation speed is smaller than the first reference rotation speed (840). Here, the first reference rotation speed may refer to the maximum rotation speed of the drum (40) set in the preset standard dehydration profile. The first reference rotation speed may vary depending on the input dehydration intensity. If the resonant rotation speed is smaller than the first reference rotation speed, the drum (40) passes through a resonance section when rotating during the dehydration operation, and abnormal vibration and abnormal noise may be generated while passing through the resonance section. The present disclosure can secure the stability of operation by avoiding resonance of the washing machine (1).

[0179] According to one example, the control unit (120) may be set to compare and determine the minimum value of the resonant rotation section with the first reference rotation speed, unlike the illustrated example, in operation 840. For example, when the resonant rotation speed is 900 RPM and the resonant rotation section is 800 RPM to 1000 RPM, the size of 800 RPM and the first reference rotation speed may be compared. In this case, when it is determined that the minimum value of the resonant rotation section is not smaller than the first reference rotation speed, operation 850 may be performed, and when it is determined that the minimum value of the resonant rotation section is smaller than the first reference rotation speed, operation 860 may be performed.

[0180] For example, if the control unit (120) determines that the resonant rotation speed is not less than the first reference rotation speed in operation 840, it may perform a preset standard dehydration profile (850). In this case, even if the existing standard dehydration profile is performed, the resonant rotation section is not passed, so no abnormal noise or vibration occurs. Accordingly, the control unit (120) may perform the existing control as is.

[0181] Here, the standard dehydration profile set in advance may refer to a dehydration profile stored in the memory (122) according to the user's settings. The standard dehydration profile may not be a fixed value, but may be a profile determined by an input unit (e.g., input unit (51) of FIG. 4) or the like. The standard dehydration profile may be preset by an input unit (51) or the like before the operation of the washing machine (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIG. 1).

[0182] For example, if the control unit (120) determines that the resonant rotation speed is less than the first reference rotation speed in operation 840, the control unit (120) may perform control to increase the rotational acceleration of the drum (40) while the rotational speed of the drum (40) accelerates and passes through the vicinity of the resonant rotation speed (or the resonant rotation section) during the dehydration operation (860). The control unit (120) may increase the rotational acceleration of the drum (40) near the resonant rotation speed in order to quickly pass through the resonant section of the drum (40) during the dehydration operation. The control unit (120) may control the output of the motor (61) to increase the rotational acceleration of the drum (40).

[0183] When the control unit (120) performs operation 660 of FIG. 6, the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) may become too slow, preventing proper dehydration. In operation 860, the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) is maintained to secure dehydration performance, and the resonance speed section is quickly passed, thereby shortening the time during which abnormal noise and abnormal vibration occur.

[0184] Here, the maximum dehydration speed may refer to the maximum rotation speed of the drum (40) set in the preset standard profile. The maximum dehydration speed may vary depending on the maximum rotation speed value of the drum (40) set in the standard profile.

[0185] FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating a control profile performed in a dehydration operation of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0186] Fig. 9 is a graph illustrating the control process of Fig. 8. Although Fig. 9 illustrates a preset standard dehydration profile, this is merely exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The illustrated preset standard dehydration profile is substantially identical to the preset standard dehydration profile of Fig. 7, and therefore, a detailed description of the preset standard dehydration profile is omitted below.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 9, operation 860 of FIG. 8 may have a difference in section C-1 compared to a preset standard dehydration profile. For example, if the resonant rotation speed estimated or calculated by the control unit (120) is 950 RPM, the control unit (120) may increase the acceleration while passing through the vicinity of the resonant rotation speed (or the resonant rotation section) when the drum (40) accelerates in section A-5. As illustrated, it can be confirmed that the slope increases rapidly in section C-1. The present disclosure can shorten the time during which abnormal vibration and abnormal noise of the washing machine (1) occur by shortening the time during which the drum (40) passes through the vicinity of the resonant rotation speed during acceleration.

[0188] Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0189] The flowchart of Fig. 10 may be a flowchart for a control method of the washing machine (1) illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4. Among the configurations described below, the same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those described in Figs. 1 to 4.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit (e.g., the control unit (120) of FIG. 4) can start the dehydration process after completing the rinsing process (1010).

[0191] For example, in the initial stage of the dehydration process, the control unit (120) can measure the entire weight of the washing machine (1), estimate or calculate the weight of the wet cloth inside the drum, and estimate or calculate the first weight applied on the washing machine (1) (1020).

[0192] The control unit (120) can measure the weight of the entire washing machine (1) using a plurality of load sensors (e.g., a plurality of load sensors (107) of FIG. 3). Here, the weight of the entire washing machine (1) may include not only the weight of the washing machine (1) itself, but also all weights that apply a load to the plurality of load sensors (107), such as the weight of clothes stored in the drum (e.g., the drum (40) of FIG. 2) and objects loaded on the washing machine (1). The process of measuring the weight of the entire washing machine (1) does not necessarily have to be performed in operation 620, and may be performed prior to operation 620.

[0193] The operation of estimating or calculating the weight of the wet cloth in the drum (40) and the operation of measuring the weight of the entire washing machine (1) can be performed simultaneously or at different times, and can be performed regardless of the order of the operations.

[0194] The control unit (120) can estimate or calculate the weight of the wet cloth contained in the drum (40) by using the current load of the motor (61) that rotates the drum (40). In the initial stage of the dehydration process, the drum (40) can be rapidly accelerated in the forward and reverse directions under the control of the control unit (120), and the load generated in the motor (61) during the rapid acceleration in the forward and reverse directions is measured, and the weight of the wet cloth in the drum (40) can be estimated or measured therefrom.

[0195] The control unit (120) can estimate or calculate the first weight applied to the washing machine (1) using the weight of the entire washing machine (1) and the second weight, which is the weight of the wet cloth contained in the drum (40). The control unit (120) can estimate or calculate the first weight by subtracting the second weight, which is the weight of the wet cloth, and the weight of the washing machine (1) itself from the weight of the entire washing machine (1). Here, information about the weight of the washing machine (1) itself can be stored in the memory (122).

[0196] For example, the control unit (120) may estimate or calculate the resonant rotation speed based on the first weight (1030). The resonant rotation speed according to the size of the first weight may be stored in the memory (122). As the weight of the object(s) loaded on the washing machine (1) increases, the resonant rotation speed of the washing machine (1) (or drum (40)) may decrease. A detailed description thereof has been described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0197] According to an example, the control unit (120) can determine whether the resonant rotation speed is smaller than the first reference rotation speed (1040). Here, the first reference rotation speed may refer to the maximum rotation speed of the drum (40) set in the preset standard dehydration profile. The first reference rotation speed may vary depending on the input dehydration intensity. If the resonant rotation speed is smaller than the first reference rotation speed, the drum (40) passes through a resonance section when rotating during the dehydration operation, and abnormal vibration and abnormal noise may be generated while passing through the resonance section. The present disclosure can secure the stability of operation by avoiding resonance of the washing machine (1).

[0198] According to one example, the control unit (120) may be set to compare and determine the minimum value of the resonant rotation section with the first reference rotation speed, unlike the illustrated example, in operation 1040. For example, when the resonant rotation speed is 900 RPM and the resonant rotation section is 800 RPM to 1000 RPM, the size of 800 RPM and the first reference rotation speed may be compared. In this case, when it is determined that the minimum value of the resonant rotation section is not smaller than the first reference rotation speed, operation 1050 may be performed, and when it is determined that the minimum value of the resonant rotation section is smaller than the first reference rotation speed, operation 1060 may be performed.

[0199] For example, if the control unit (120) determines that the resonant rotation speed is lower than the first reference rotation speed in operation 1040, it can perform a preset standard dehydration profile (1050). In this case, even if the existing standard dehydration profile is performed, the resonant rotation section is not passed, so no abnormal noise or vibration occurs. Accordingly, the control unit (120) can perform the existing control as is.

[0200] Here, the standard dehydration profile set in advance may refer to a dehydration profile stored in the memory (122) according to the user's settings. The standard dehydration profile may not be a fixed value, but may be a profile determined by an input unit (e.g., input unit (51) of FIG. 4) or the like. The standard dehydration profile may be preset by an input unit (51) or the like before the operation of the washing machine (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIG. 1).

[0201] For example, if the control unit (120) determines that the resonant rotation speed is not less than the first reference rotation speed in operation 1040, it may determine whether the resonant rotation speed is less than the second reference rotation speed (1060). Here, the second reference rotation speed may be less than the first reference rotation speed. The second reference rotation speed may refer to a speed that is predetermined faster than the lowest allowable value of the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) to secure a minimum dehydration function. The second reference rotation speed may be stored in advance in the memory (122). The second reference rotation speed may vary depending on the product specifications of the washing machine (1). For example, the second reference rotation speed may be 800 RPM. If the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) falls below 800 RPM during the dehydration cycle, it may be difficult to dehydrate wet clothes.

[0202] According to one example, the control unit (120) may be set to compare and determine the minimum value of the resonant rotation section with the second reference rotation speed, unlike the illustrated example, in operation 1060. For example, when the resonant rotation speed is 900 RPM and the resonant rotation section is 800 RPM to 1000 RPM, the size of 800 RPM and the second reference rotation speed may be compared. In this case, when it is determined that the minimum value of the resonant rotation section is not smaller than the second reference rotation speed, operation 1080 may be performed, and when it is determined that the minimum value of the resonant rotation section is smaller than the second reference rotation speed, operation 1070 may be performed.

[0203] For example, if the control unit (120) determines that the resonant rotation speed is less than the second reference rotation speed in operation 1060, the control unit (120) may perform control to increase the rotational acceleration of the drum (40) while the rotational speed of the drum (40) accelerates and passes through the vicinity of the resonant rotation speed (or the resonant rotation section) in the dehydration operation (1070). The control unit (120) may increase the rotational acceleration of the drum (40) near the resonant rotation speed in order to quickly pass through the resonant section of the drum (40) during the dehydration process. The control unit (120) may control the output of the motor (61) to increase the rotational acceleration of the drum (40). In operation 1070, the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) is maintained to secure dehydration performance, and the time for which abnormal noise and abnormal vibration occur can be shortened by quickly passing through the resonant speed section.

[0204] Here, the maximum dehydration speed may refer to the maximum rotation speed of the drum (40) set in the preset standard profile. The maximum dehydration speed may vary depending on the maximum rotation speed value of the drum (40) set in the standard profile.

[0205] For example, if the control unit (120) determines that the resonant rotation speed is not less than the second reference rotation speed in operation 1060, the control unit (120) may perform control so that the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) does not exceed the second reference rotation speed (1080). For example, if the control unit (120) determines that the resonant rotation speed is less than the first reference rotation speed and greater than or equal to the second reference rotation speed, the control unit (120) may perform control so that the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) does not exceed the second reference rotation speed. By setting the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) to be lower than the second reference rotation speed, the maximum margin for avoiding the resonant section can be secured.

[0206] According to one example, the control unit (120) may control the rotation of the drum (40) by avoiding the resonance rotation speed so that the drum (40) does not rotate within the resonance section during the dehydration process, unlike as illustrated. For example, the control unit (120) may perform control so that the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) does not exceed the minimum value of the resonance rotation section, considering a resonance rotation section within a predetermined range from the resonance rotation speed. By causing the rotation speed of the drum (40) to avoid the resonance rotation speed of the washing machine (1) (or the drum (40)), abnormal noise and abnormal vibration phenomena can be prevented, and as a result, the operational stability of the washing machine (1) can be improved.

[0207] Here, the maximum dehydration speed may refer to the maximum rotation speed of the drum (40) set in the preset standard profile. The maximum dehydration speed may vary depending on the maximum rotation speed value of the drum (40) set in the standard profile.

[0208] FIGS. 11 and 12 are graphs illustrating a control profile performed in a dehydration operation of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0209] Figures 11 and 12 are graphs for explaining the control process of Figure 10. Figures 11 and 12 illustrate preset standard dehydration profiles, which are merely exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The illustrated preset standard dehydration profile is substantially identical to the preset standard dehydration profile of Figure 7, and therefore, a detailed description of the preset standard dehydration profile is omitted below.

[0210] In FIGS. 11 and 12, an example is provided in which the first reference rotation speed is set to 1100 RPM and the second reference rotation speed is set to 900 RPM. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the numerical values ​​illustrated.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 11, operation 1070 of FIG. 10 may have a difference in the D-1 section compared to the preset standard dehydration profile. The D-1 section may correspond to operation 1070. For example, when the resonant rotation speed estimated or calculated by the control unit (120) is 800 RPM, the control unit (120) may determine that the resonant rotation speed is smaller than the first reference rotation speed and the second reference rotation speed. Accordingly, when the drum (40) accelerates within the A-5 section, the acceleration may be increased while passing through the vicinity of the resonant rotation speed (or the resonant rotation section). As illustrated, it may be confirmed that the slope increases rapidly in the D-1 section. The present disclosure may shorten the time during which abnormal vibration and abnormal noise of the washing machine (1) occur by shortening the time during which the drum (40) passes through the vicinity of the resonant rotation speed during acceleration.

[0212] Referring to FIG. 12, operation 1080 of FIG. 10 may have differences in sections E-1 and E-2 compared to a preset standard dehydration profile. Sections E-1 and E-2 may correspond to operation 1080. For example, when the resonant rotation speed estimated or calculated by the control unit (120) based on the drawing is 1000 RPM, the control unit (120) may determine that the resonant rotation speed is smaller than the first reference rotation speed but not smaller than the second reference rotation speed. Accordingly, the control unit (120) may set the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) to 800 RPM, which is lower than the second reference rotation speed of 900 RPM. Here, 800 RPM may refer to the lowest allowable value of the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) to secure a minimum dehydration function.

[0213] Fig. 13 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0214] The flow chart illustrated in Fig. 13 can be performed at any point during the dehydration process.

[0215] Referring to FIG. 13, a control unit (e.g., control unit (120) of FIG. 4) may perform a dehydration process. The dehydration process performed here may include a general dehydration process, and may further include a dehydration process performed according to the flow chart illustrated in FIG. 6, FIG. 8, or FIG. 10.

[0216] For example, the control unit (120) can detect a new weight additionally applied to the washing machine (1). Here, the new weight additionally applied refers to a weight that is not estimated or calculated as the first weight in the initial stage of the spin-drying process, and may refer to the weight of an object additionally loaded on the washing machine (1) by a user or the like after the first weight is estimated or calculated. The control unit (120) can detect the new weight during the spin-drying process by using a plurality of load sensors (e.g., the load sensor (107) of FIG. 3). For example, the control unit (120) can detect the new weight applied to the washing machine (1) when the weight of the entire washing machine (1) detected by the plurality of load sensors (107) increases by a predetermined range or more.

[0217] For example, if the control unit (120) detects a new weight additionally applied to the washing machine (1) in operation 1320, the control unit (120) may perform a control to lower the maximum spin-drying speed of the drum (40) (1330). For example, the control unit (120) may lower the maximum spin-drying speed to the lowest allowable value of the maximum spin-drying speed of the drum (40) to secure a minimum spin-drying function. Since it is difficult to accurately estimate or calculate the first weight while the spin-drying process is in progress, the control to lower the maximum spin-drying speed of the drum (40) to the lowest allowable value may be performed to provide a maximum margin for avoiding a resonant rotation section.

[0218] FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating a control profile performed in a dehydration operation of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0219] Fig. 14 is a graph illustrating the control process of Fig. 13. Although Fig. 14 illustrates a preset standard dehydration profile, this is merely exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The illustrated preset standard dehydration profile is substantially identical to the preset standard dehydration profile of Fig. 7, and therefore, a detailed description of the preset standard dehydration profile is omitted below.

[0220] Referring to FIG. 14, the illustrated sections F-1 and F-2 may correspond to operation 1330 of FIG. 13. The control unit (e.g., the control unit (120) of FIG. 4) may detect additional weight applied to the washing machine (1) at any point in time. The control unit (120) may perform the control profiles of sections F-1 and F-2 after detecting the additional weight. The control unit (120) may perform control to lower the maximum spin-drying speed of the drum (40) as illustrated. For example, the control unit (120) may perform deceleration control of the drum (40) to lower the maximum spin-drying speed of the drum (40) in section F-1. For example, the control unit (120) may reduce the maximum spin-drying speed to the lowest allowable value of the maximum spin-drying speed of the drum (40) to secure a minimum spin-drying function. Here, the lowest allowable value of the maximum spin-drying speed of the drum (40) may be 800 RPM.

[0221] The expression "configured to" used in the present disclosure can be appropriately used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for," "capable of," "designed to," "modified to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" may not necessarily mean only something "specially designed" in terms of hardware. Instead, in some situations, the expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" doing something together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated device for performing the corresponding operations, or a general-purpose device that can perform various operations including the corresponding operations.

[0222] Meanwhile, the terms “upper side,” “lower side,” and “front-rear direction” used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0223] Although the foregoing description in this disclosure has focused on specific embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, but rather encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. In the washing machine, Housing (10); A drum (40) placed within the above housing (10); A plurality of load sensors (107) mounted on the above housing (10); and A washing machine including a control unit (120) configured to calculate a first weight applied from the upper side of the washing machine to the washing machine using the load sensor (107) after the dehydration process starts, and to calculate a resonant rotation speed of the drum (40) using the first weight.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit (120) A washing machine configured to perform a preset standard dehydration profile when the calculated resonant rotation speed is greater than or equal to a first reference rotation speed.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above control unit (120) A washing machine configured to perform control so that, when the calculated resonant rotation speed is less than the first reference rotation speed, the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) in the dehydration process does not exceed the resonant rotation speed.

4. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above control unit (120) A washing machine configured to perform control to increase the rotational acceleration of the drum (40) while the rotational speed of the drum (40) is accelerated and passes near the resonant rotational speed during the dehydration operation when the calculated resonant rotational speed is less than the first reference rotational speed.

5. In one of the clauses 2 to 4, The above first reference rotation speed is, A washing machine having a maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) greater than or equal to the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) in the above standard dehydration profile.

6. In one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above plurality of load sensors (107) are: A washing machine configured to be placed one at each corner of the lower side of the housing (10).

7. In one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above control unit (120) A washing machine configured to calculate the first weight by subtracting the previously stored weight of the washing machine from the weight measured by the load sensor (107).

8. In one of paragraphs 1 to 7, A motor (61) that rotates the above drum (40); and It further includes a current sensor (102) that detects the current flowing to the above motor (61), The above control unit (120) At the beginning of the dehydration process, the drum (40) is rotated to calculate the second weight, which is the weight of the clothes contained in the drum (40), using the current sensor (102). A washing machine configured to calculate the first weight by subtracting the stored weight of the washing machine itself and the second weight from the weight measured by the plurality of load sensors (107).

9. In one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above control unit (120) It is configured to determine whether additional weight is applied to the washing machine while the dehydration process is in progress using the above plurality of load sensors (107), A washing machine configured to perform control to lower the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) when it is determined that additional weight has been added to the washing machine while the dehydration process is in progress.

10. In the method of controlling a washing machine, Action to initiate dehydration process; An operation of calculating the weight of laundry inside the drum (40) by using the current load of the motor (61) that rotates the drum (40), measuring the weight applied to the entire washing machine by using a plurality of load sensors (107), and calculating the first weight applied to the washing machine from the upper side of the washing machine by using the weight of the laundry and the weight applied to the entire washing machine; A control method comprising an operation of calculating a resonant rotation speed of the washing machine using the first weight.

11. In paragraph 10, When the above resonant rotation speed is greater than or equal to the first reference rotation speed, an operation of performing a preset standard dehydration profile, and A control method further comprising an operation of performing a dehydration process so that the maximum dehydration speed of the drum (40) does not exceed the resonant rotation speed when the resonant rotation speed is less than the first reference rotation speed.

12. In paragraph 10, When the above resonant rotation speed is greater than or equal to the first reference rotation speed, an operation of performing a preset standard dehydration profile, and A control method further comprising an operation of performing a dehydration process, but when the resonant rotation speed is less than a first reference rotation speed, increasing the rotational acceleration of the drum (40) while the rotational speed of the drum (40) is accelerated and passes near the resonant rotation speed.

13. In one of paragraphs 10 to 12, The above first reference rotation speed is, A control method having a maximum dehydration speed greater than or equal to that of the drum (40) in the above standard dehydration profile.

14. In one of the clauses 10 to 13, The above first weight is, A control method calculated by subtracting the weight of the washing machine itself and the weight of clothes accommodated in the drum (40) from the weight measured by the plurality of load sensors (107).

15. In one of paragraphs 10 to 14, A control method further comprising an operation of lowering the maximum spin-drying speed of the drum (40) when it is detected that additional weight is applied to the washing machine using the load sensor (107) during the spin-drying operation.

Images