Washing machine and washing machine control method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine including a vibration sensor. By using only the vibration sensor, it is possible to determine whether a weight balancer is damaged on the basis of the difference between the magnitude of vibration of a tub at a fundamental frequency corresponding to the rotational speed of a drum and the magnitude of vibration of the tub at a harmonic frequency of the fundamental frequency, and to take proactive measures before the damaged state of the weight balancer worsens.

Description

Washing machine and washing machine control method

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a washing machine and a method for controlling the washing machine.

[0002] Typically, a washing machine includes a tub and a drum rotatably installed within the tub, and can wash laundry by rotating the drum containing laundry within the tub. The washing machine can perform a washing cycle for washing laundry, a rinsing cycle for rinsing washed laundry, and a spin-drying cycle for dehydrating laundry.

[0003] In the spin cycle, the washing machine can separate the water absorbed by the laundry from the laundry by accelerating the drum containing the laundry at a high speed.

[0004] Accelerating the drum at high speed can cause loud vibrations and noise in the tub for various reasons, and there is a risk that the washing machine may be damaged.

[0005] In particular, if the weight balancer that prevents weight imbalance in the tub is broken, abnormal vibrations and loud noises may occur in the tub, which can cause great anxiety to the user.

[0006] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, it is possible to easily identify whether a weight balancer is broken.

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, it is possible to determine whether abnormal vibration of a tub is caused by damage to a weight balancer.

[0008] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, preventive measures can be taken before the damage condition of a weight balancer worsens.

[0009] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, it is possible to determine whether a weight balancer is damaged using only a vibration sensor, without a sensor such as a microphone.

[0010] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine may include: a tub; a drum rotatably provided within the tub; a weight balancer coupled to the tub; a vibration sensor detecting vibration of the tub; and at least one processor determining whether the weight balancer is broken based on a difference between a magnitude of the vibration at a fundamental frequency corresponding to a rotation speed of the drum and a magnitude of the vibration at a harmonic frequency of the fundamental frequency.

[0012] A control method of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a control method of a washing machine including a vibration sensor that detects vibration of a tub, and determining whether a weight balancer coupled to the tub is broken based on a difference in the magnitude of the vibration at a fundamental frequency corresponding to a rotation speed of the drum and the magnitude of the vibration at a harmonic frequency of the fundamental frequency.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the appearance of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-section of the washing machine illustrated in Figure 1.

[0015] Fig. 3 is a drawing for explaining the weight balancer of the washing machine illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the appearance of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the washing machine shown in Figure 4.

[0018] Fig. 6 is a drawing for explaining the weight balancer of the washing machine shown in Fig. 4.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a control block diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a washing cycle of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the results of frequency analysis of sensor data obtained from a vibration sensor according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 11 shows an example of a rotation speed profile in a dehydration cycle of a drum of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of sensor data obtained from a vibration sensor according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method of a washing machine according to one embodiment when a weight balancer is determined to be broken.

[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a washing machine according to one embodiment outputting sensory information indicating a breakage of a weight balancer.

[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a washing machine according to one embodiment transmitting a signal to an external device indicating a breakage of a weight balancer.

[0028] 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.

[0029] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0033] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Washing machines according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying cycles. 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The drum rotates within the tub and can perform washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0056] 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.

[0057] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0060] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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.

[0064] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] Below, washing machines according to various embodiments are specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0068] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may be a top loading washing machine (1a; see FIGS. 1 and 2) or a front loading washing machine (1b; see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0069] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of the exterior appearance of a washing machine according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the washing machine illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a washing machine (1a) may include a housing (11a) that accommodates various components therein. The housing (11a) may form the exterior of the washing machine (1a). The housing (11a) may have a box shape with one portion open.

[0071] The housing (11a) may include a housing opening (12a) formed to allow access to the interior of the drum (30a). The housing opening (12a) may be opened approximately upwards.

[0072] The washing machine (1a) may include a door (13a) for opening and closing a housing opening (12a) provided in the housing (11a). The door (13a) may be rotatably mounted to the housing (11a) by a hinge. At least a portion of the door (13a) may be provided to be transparent or translucent so as to allow the interior of the housing (11a) to be visible.

[0073] The washing machine (1a) may include a tub (20a) provided inside the housing (11a) to store water. The tub (20a) may be arranged inside the housing (11a). The tub (20a) may include a tub opening (22a) provided to correspond to the housing opening (12a). The tub opening (22a) may be opened approximately upward. The tub (20a) may be supported inside the housing (11a). The tub (20a) may have an approximately cylindrical shape with one side open.

[0074] The tub (20a) can be elastically supported from the housing (11a) by a damper (80a). The damper (80a) can connect the housing (11a) and the tub (20a). The damper (80a) can be provided to absorb vibration energy between the tub (20a) and the housing (11a) to attenuate the vibration when the vibration generated when the drum (30a) rotates is transmitted to the tub (20a) and / or the housing (11a).

[0075] A vibration sensor (55a) that detects vibration of the tub (20a) may be provided in the tub (20a). The vibration sensor (55a) may be provided at a location capable of detecting vibration of the tub (20a).

[0076] A weight balancer (36a) may be coupled to the tub (20a) to prevent weight imbalance of the tub (20a). For example, a weight balancer (36a) may be coupled to the upper side of the tub (20a).

[0077] The weight balancer (36a) may be composed of a housing (e.g., a plastic injection molded product) and a filler (e.g., cement / concrete) filled inside the housing. The filler may be selected as a material having an appropriate weight sufficient to prevent weight imbalance of the tub (20a).

[0078] A washing machine (1a) may include a drum (30a) configured to accommodate laundry. The drum (30a) may be rotatably provided within a tub (20a). The drum (30a) may perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration while rotating within the tub (20a). The drum (30a) may include a hole (34a) connecting the internal space of the drum (30a) and the internal space of the tub (20a). The drum (30a) may have a generally cylindrical shape with one side open.

[0079] A pulsator (37a) is rotatably installed at the bottom of the drum (30a) to generate a washing water stream. Laundry can be washed by the washing water stream generated by the pulsator (37a).

[0080] The drum (30a) may include a drum opening (32a) provided to correspond to the housing opening (12a) and the tub opening (22a). Laundry may be fed into the drum (30a) or taken out from the drum (30a) through the housing opening (12a), the tub opening (22a), and the drum opening (32a).

[0081] A washing machine (1a) may include a driving device (40a) configured to rotate a drum (30a) and a pulsator (37a). The driving device (40a) may include a motor (41a) and a shaft system for transmitting driving force generated by the motor (41a) to the drum (30a) and the pulsator (37a).

[0082] The motor (41a) may include a fixed stator (48a) and a rotor (49a) that rotates by electromagnetic interaction with the stator (48a).

[0083] The shaft system may include a dehydration shaft (47a) provided to transmit the driving force of the motor (41a) to the drum (30a), a washing shaft (46a) provided to transmit the driving force of the motor (41a) to the pulsator (37a), and a clutch device (45a) for connecting or disconnecting the motor (41a) and the dehydration shaft (47a).

[0084] The dehydration shaft (47a) is formed to have a hollow space, and the washing shaft (46a) can be provided in the hollow space of the dehydration shaft (47a). The washing shaft (46a) is maintained in a state connected to the rotor (49a) of the motor (41a), and the dehydration shaft (47a) can be connected to or disconnected from the rotor (49a) of the motor (41a) by a clutch device (45a).

[0085] When the clutch device (45a) disconnects the dehydration shaft (47a) and the motor (41a), power is transmitted only to the washing shaft (46a), so that only the pulsator (37a) rotates. When the clutch device (45a) connects the dehydration shaft (47a) and the motor (41a), power is transmitted to both the dehydration shaft (47a) and the washing shaft (46a), so that the drum (30a) and the pulsator (37a) can rotate simultaneously.

[0086] When only the pulsator (37a) rotates, a washing water flow is generated by the rotation of the pulsator (37a), and the laundry rotates by the generated washing water flow, causing friction with the drum (30a), so that the laundry can be washed. When the pulsator (37a) and the drum (30a) rotate simultaneously, the laundry inside the drum (30a) rotates, causing the moisture in the laundry to be removed by centrifugal force, so that the laundry can be dehydrated.

[0087] The washing machine (1a) may include a water supply device (50a). The water supply device (50a) may supply water to the tub (20a). The water supply device (50a) may be located above the tub (20a). The water supply device (50a) may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided in 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 (60a) and / or the tub (20a). Water may be supplied to the tub (20a) via the detergent supply device (60a). Water may be supplied to the tub (20a) without passing through the detergent supply device (60a).

[0088] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub (20a). The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0089] The washing machine (1a) may include a detergent supply device (60a) configured to supply detergent to the tub (20a). The detergent supply device (60a) may be configured to supply detergent into the tub (20a) during the water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device (60a). The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub (20a). The detergent may include not only laundry detergent but also a rinse agent for a dryer, a deodorant, a sterilizer, or an air freshener.

[0090] The washing machine (1a) may include a drainage device (70a). The drainage device (70a) may be configured to discharge water stored in the tub (20a) to the outside. A drainage port (21a) may be formed at the bottom of the tub (20a) to drain water stored in the tub (20a) to the outside of the tub (20a). A drainage hose (74a) may be connected to the drainage port (21a), and a drainage valve (72a) for opening and closing the drainage hose (74a) may be provided on the drainage hose (74a).

[0091] The washing machine (1a) may provide a user interface device (15a) for interaction between the user and the washing machine (1a).

[0092] The washing machine (1a) may include at least one user interface device (15a). The user interface device (15a) may include at least one input interface (16a) and at least one output interface (17a).

[0093] At least one input interface (16a) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0094] At least one input interface (16a) 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 (16a) 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.

[0095] At least one output interface (17a) can transmit various information related to the operation of the washing machine (1a) to the user by generating sensory information.

[0096] For example, at least one output interface (17a) can transmit information related to the washing course and the operating time of the washing machine (1a), washing settings / rinsing settings / spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine (1a) can be output through a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface (17a) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0097] Fig. 3 is a drawing for explaining the weight balancer of the washing machine illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 3, the tub (20a) may include a fixing projection (20ab). For example, a plurality of fixing projections (20ab) may be formed on the upper side of the tub (20a). The plurality of fixing projections (20ab) may be fastening bolts.

[0099] The weight balancer (36a) may include a fastening hole (36ab). When a plurality of fixing projections (20ab) formed in the tub (20a) are inserted through the fastening hole (36ab) formed in the weight balancer (36a), the weight balancer (36a) can be coupled to the tub (20a) using a nut.

[0100] The method by which the weight balancer (36a) is connected to the tub (20a) is not limited thereto, and various connection methods may be adopted. For example, a fixing projection may be provided on the weight balancer (36a), and a connection hole may be provided on the tub (20a).

[0101] A weight balancer (36a) can be coupled to the tub (20a) to increase the weight of the tub (20a).

[0102] Fig. 4 illustrates an example of the exterior appearance of a washing machine according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-section of the washing machine illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the washing machine (1b) may include a washing machine housing (11b) that accommodates various components therein. The washing machine housing (11b) may form the exterior of the washing machine (1b). The washing machine housing (11b) may have a box shape with one portion open.

[0104] The washing machine housing (11b) may include a housing opening (12b) formed to allow access to the interior of the drum (30b). The housing opening (12b) may open approximately forward.

[0105] The washing machine (1b) may include a door (13b) for opening and closing a housing opening (12b) provided in the washing machine housing (11b). The door (13b) may be rotatably mounted to the washing machine housing (11b) by a hinge (14b). At least a portion of the door (13b) may be provided to be transparent or translucent so as to allow the interior of the washing machine housing (11b) to be visible.

[0106] The washing machine (1b) may include a tub (20b) provided inside the washing machine housing (11b) to store water. The tub (20b) may be arranged inside the washing machine housing (11b). The tub (20b) may include a tub opening (22b) provided to correspond to the housing opening (12b). The tub opening (22b) may be opened approximately forward. The tub (20b) may be supported inside the washing machine housing (11b). The tub (20b) may have an approximately cylindrical shape with one side open.

[0107] The tub (20b) can be elastically supported from the washing machine housing (11b) by a damper (80b). The damper (80b) can connect the washing machine housing (11b) and the tub (20b). The damper (80b) can be provided to absorb vibration energy between the tub (20b) and the washing machine housing (11b) to attenuate the vibration when the vibration generated when the drum (30b) rotates is transmitted to the tub (20b) and / or the washing machine housing (11b).

[0108] A vibration sensor (55b) that detects vibration of the tub (20b) may be provided in the tub (20b). The vibration sensor (55b) may be provided at a location capable of detecting vibration of the tub (20b).

[0109] A weight balancer (36b) may be coupled to the tub (20b) to prevent weight imbalance of the tub (20b). For example, a weight balancer (36b) may be coupled to the front of the tub (20b).

[0110] The weight balancer (36b) may be composed of a housing (e.g., a plastic injection molded product) and a filler (e.g., cement) filled inside the housing. The filler may be selected as a material having an appropriate weight sufficient to prevent weight imbalance of the tub (20b).

[0111] A washing machine (1b) may include a drum (30b) configured to accommodate laundry. The drum (30b) may be rotatably provided within a tub (20b). The drum (30b) may perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration while rotating within the tub (20b). The drum (30b) may include a hole (34b) connecting the internal space of the drum (30b) and the internal space of the tub (20b). The drum (30b) may have a generally cylindrical shape with one side open. At least one lifter (35b) may be installed on the inner circumference of the drum (30b) so that laundry may be lifted and lowered when the drum (30b) rotates.

[0112] The drum (30b) may include a drum opening (32b) provided to correspond to the housing opening (12b) and the tub opening (22b). Laundry may be fed into the drum (30b) or taken out from the drum (30b) through the housing opening (12b), the tub opening (22b), and the drum opening (32b).

[0113] The washing machine (1b) may include a driving device (40b) configured to rotate a drum (30b). The driving device (40b) may include a motor (41b) and a rotating shaft (42b) for transmitting driving force generated by the motor (41b) to the drum (30b). The rotating shaft (42b) may pass through the tub (20b) and be connected to the drum (30b).

[0114] The washing machine (1b) can be divided into a direct drive type in which a rotating shaft (42b) is directly connected to a motor (41b) to rotate a drum (30b), and an indirect drive type in which a pulley (43b) is connected between the motor (41b) and the rotating shaft (42b) to drive a drum (30b).

[0115] The washing machine (1b) according to one embodiment may be provided as an indirect drive type, but is not limited thereto and may also be provided as a direct drive type.

[0116] The rotary shaft (42b) may have one end connected to the drum (30b) and the other end connected to a pulley (43b) to transmit power from the motor (41b). A motor pulley (41ab) may be formed on the rotary shaft of the motor (41b). A drive belt (44b) may be provided between the motor pulley (41ab) and the pulley (43b), so that the rotary shaft (42b) may be driven by the drive belt (44b).

[0117] A bearing housing (45b) may be installed on a portion of the rear side of the tub (20b) to rotatably support a rotating shaft (42b). The bearing housing (45b) may be made of an aluminum alloy and may be inserted into a portion of the rear side of the tub (20b) when the tub (20b) is injection molded.

[0118] The driving device (40b) may be provided to rotate the drum (30b) forward or backward to perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, or drying operations.

[0119] The washing machine (1b) may include a water supply device (50b). The water supply device (50b) may supply water to the tub (20b). The water supply device (50b) may be located above the tub (20b). The water supply device (50b) may include a water supply pipe (51b) and a water supply valve (56b) provided in the water supply pipe (51b). The water supply pipe (51b) may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe (51b) may extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device (60b) and / or the tub (20b). Water may be supplied to the tub (20b) via the detergent supply device (60b). Water may be supplied to the tub (20b) without passing through the detergent supply device (60b).

[0120] The water supply valve (56b) can open or close the water supply pipe (51b) in response to an electrical signal. The water supply valve (56b) can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub (20b). The water supply valve (56b) may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0121] The washing machine (1b) may include a detergent supply device (60b) configured to supply detergent to the tub (20b). The detergent supply device (60b) may be configured to supply detergent into the tub (20b) during the water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe (51b) may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device (60b). The water mixed with the detergent may be supplied into the tub (20b). The detergent may include not only laundry detergent but also a dryer rinse, a deodorant, a sterilizer, or an air freshener. The detergent supply device (60b) may be connected to the tub (20b) through a connection pipe (61b).

[0122] The washing machine (1b) may include a drainage device (70b). The drainage device (70b) may be configured to discharge water contained in the tub (20b) to the outside. The drainage device (70b) may include a drainage pump (73b) for discharging water in the tub (20b) to the outside of the washing machine housing (11b), a connection hose (71b) for connecting the tub (20b) and the drainage pump (73b) so that water inside the tub (20b) can flow into the drainage pump (73b), and a drainage hose (74b) for guiding water pumped by the drainage pump (73b) to the outside of the washing machine housing (11b). The drainage device (70b) may include a drainage valve (72b) provided in the connection hose (71b) for opening and closing the connection hose (71b).

[0123] The washing machine (1b) may provide a user interface device (15b) for interaction between the user and the washing machine (1b).

[0124] The washing machine (1b) may include at least one user interface device (15b). The user interface device (15b) may include at least one input interface (16b) and at least one output interface (17b).

[0125] At least one input interface (16b) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0126] At least one input interface (16b) 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 (16b) 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.

[0127] At least one output interface (17b) can transmit various information related to the operation of the washing machine (1b) to the user by generating sensory information.

[0128] For example, at least one output interface (17b) can transmit information related to a washing course and the operating time of the washing machine (1b), washing settings / rinsing settings / spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine (1b) can be output through a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface (17b) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) module, a speaker, etc.

[0129] Fig. 6 is a drawing for explaining the weight balancer of the washing machine shown in Fig. 4.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 6, the tub (20b) may include a fixing projection (20ab). For example, a plurality of fixing projections (20ab) may be formed at the front of the tub (20b). The plurality of fixing projections (20ab) may be fastening bolts.

[0131] The weight balancer (36b) may include a fastening hole (36ab). When a plurality of fixing projections (20ab) formed in the tub (20b) are inserted through the fastening hole (36ab) formed in the weight balancer (36b), the weight balancer (36b) can be coupled to the tub (20b) using a nut.

[0132] The method by which the weight balancer (36b) is connected to the tub (20b) is not limited to this, and various connection methods may be adopted. For example, a fixing projection may be provided on the weight balancer (36b), and a connection hole may be provided on the tub (20b).

[0133] A weight balancer (36b) can be coupled to the tub (20b) to increase the weight of the tub (20b).

[0134] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a control block diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a user interface device (15; 15a, 15b), a driving device (40; 40a, 40b), a water supply device (50; 50a, 50b), a detergent supply device (60; 60a, 60b), a drainage device (70; 70a, 70b), a sensor unit (95), a communication unit (96), and / or a control unit (90).

[0136] The user interface device (15) can provide a user interface for interaction between a user and a washing machine (1).

[0137] The user interface device (15) may include at least one input interface (16; 16a, 16b) and at least one output interface (17; 17a, 17b).

[0138] At least one input interface (16) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0139] At least one input interface (16) 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 (16) 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.

[0140] At least one output interface (17) can transmit various information related to the operation of the washing machine (1) to the user by generating sensory information.

[0141] For example, at least one output interface (17) can transmit information related to the washing course and the operating time of the washing machine (1), washing settings / rinsing settings / spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine (1) can be output through a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface (17) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0142] The driving device (40; 40a, 40b) may include a motor (41; 41a, 41b) that provides driving force to rotate the drum (30; 30a, 30b), and a driving circuit that drives the motor (41). The motor (41) may operate based on a driving current supplied from the driving circuit. The driving device (40) may operate based on a control signal from the control unit (90).

[0143] The water supply device (50; 50a, 50b) may include a water supply valve (56a, 56b) that opens and closes a water supply pipe (51a, 51b) extending from an external water source to the detergent supply device (60; 60a, 60b) and / or the tub (20; 20a, 20b). The water supply valve (56a, 56b) may be opened and closed based on a control signal from the control unit (90).

[0144] The detergent supply device (60; 60a, 60b) can be configured to supply detergent into the tub (20) during the water supply process.

[0145] The drainage device (70; 70a, 70b) may include a drainage pump (73a, 73b) for discharging water from the tub (20) to the outside of the washing machine housing (11a, 11b). The drainage pump (73a, 73b) may operate based on a control signal from the control unit (90).

[0146] The sensor unit (95) may include at least one sensor that obtains information related to the operating status of the washing machine (1). The sensor unit (95) may transmit sensor data collected by at least one sensor to the control unit (90).

[0147] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (95) may include a vibration sensor (55; 55a, 55b) that detects vibration of the tub (20).

[0148] The vibration sensor (55) can detect the vibration of the tub (20). The vibration sensor (55) may be an acceleration sensor (e.g., a MEMS sensor). For example, the vibration sensor (55) may include a three-axis sensor capable of detecting displacement along three axes (X, Y, Z). As another example, the vibration sensor (55) may include a six-axis sensor capable of detecting displacement along six axes (X, Y, Z, Pitch, Roll, Yaw).

[0149] During the progress of the washing cycle (e.g., spin-drying operation), the tub (20) may be subject to vibration due to the rotation of the drum (30). More specifically, the eccentricity of the drum (30) may occur due to the imbalance of the laundry placed inside the drum (30), and the eccentricity of the drum (30) may cause vibration of the tub (20). If the rotation speed of the drum (30) increases while the laundry is placed unbalanced, the vibration of the tub (20) may also increase, and the noise caused by the vibration of the tub (20) may also increase.

[0150] The vibration sensor (55) can collect sensor data regarding the vibration of the tub (20).

[0151] For example, the vibration sensor (55) can obtain a vibration value (e.g., acceleration value) corresponding to the vibration of the tub (20).

[0152] According to various embodiments, the control unit (90) can convert time domain sensor data output from the vibration sensor (55) into frequency domain sensor data. For example, the control unit (90) can convert a vibration signal output from the vibration sensor (55) into a frequency domain vibration signal by Fourier transforming it.

[0153] To this end, the memory (92) can store instructions for converting time domain sensor data output from the vibration sensor (55) into frequency domain sensor data, and the processor (91) can convert time domain sensor data output from the vibration sensor (55) into frequency domain sensor data.

[0154] The control unit (90) can obtain information on the magnitude of vibration of the tub (20) in the frequency domain based on processing the vibration signal in the frequency domain.

[0155] In one embodiment, the control unit (90) can determine whether abnormal vibration has occurred in the tub (20) based on a vibration signal in the time domain. For example, the control unit (90) can determine that abnormal vibration has occurred in the tub (20) based on a vibration value in the time domain exceeding a threshold value.

[0156] In one embodiment, the control unit (90) can determine whether the weight balancer (36; 36a, 36b) is damaged based on the vibration signal in the frequency domain. Damage to the weight balancer (36) may include the weight balancer (36) not being properly connected to the tub (20) (e.g., misalignment of the fastening bolts) and / or the filling member of the weight balancer (36) being damaged.

[0157] Whether or not the weight balancer (36) is damaged is unrelated to whether or not abnormal vibration occurs in the tub (20). Even if the weight balancer (36) is damaged, abnormal vibration may not occur in the tub (20), and even if the weight balancer (36) is not damaged, abnormal vibration may occur in the tub (20). However, if the drum (30) continues to rotate while the weight balancer (36) is damaged and vibration occurs in the tub (20), the damage to the weight balancer (36) may worsen, causing a very loud noise or even causing damage to the washing machine (1).

[0158] According to the present disclosure, by determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on the vibration signal in the frequency domain, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the condition of the weight balancer (36) in advance even if vibration does not occur in the tub (20).

[0159] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, by determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on the vibration signal in the frequency domain, the cause of vibration in the tub (20) can be identified more accurately.

[0160] A specific method for determining whether a weight balancer is damaged based on a vibration signal in the frequency domain is described below.

[0161] According to various embodiments, the sensor unit (95) may further include a motor sensor (40c) that detects the operating state of the driving device (40).

[0162] The motor sensor (40c) may include, but is not limited to, a current sensor for measuring the driving current applied to the motor (41) and / or a torque sensor for measuring the torque load of the motor (41).

[0163] In one embodiment, the control unit (90) can determine whether abnormal vibration occurs in the tub (20) based on the output value of the motor sensor (40c).

[0164] For example, the control unit (90) can determine whether abnormal vibration occurs in the tub (20) based on the driving current applied to the motor (41).

[0165] If the driving current applied to the motor (41) exceeds a predetermined value, it can be assumed that eccentricity due to laundry has occurred inside the drum (30), and if eccentricity due to laundry occurs, abnormal vibration occurs in the tub (20).

[0166] The control unit (90) can determine that abnormal vibration has occurred in the tub (20) when the driving current applied to the motor (41) exceeds a predetermined value.

[0167] As another example, the control unit (90) can determine whether abnormal vibration occurs in the tub (20) based on the torque of the motor (41).

[0168] If the torque of the motor (41) exceeds a predetermined value, it can be assumed that eccentricity due to laundry has occurred inside the drum (30), and if eccentricity due to laundry occurs, abnormal vibration occurs in the tub (20).

[0169] The control unit (90) can determine that abnormal vibration has occurred in the tub (20) when the torque of the motor (41) exceeds a predetermined value.

[0170] Examples of the sensor unit (95) are not limited to the examples described above, and the sensor unit (95) may further include various types of sensors that obtain information related to the operating status of the washing machine (1).

[0171] For example, the sensor unit (95) may include at least one of a water level sensor that detects the water level of the tub, a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate flowing into the tub (20) through the water supply device (50), or a sensor that detects the operating status of the drainage device (70).

[0172] The sensor that detects the operating status of the drainage device (70) may include, for example, a current sensor that measures the driving current applied to the drainage pump (73), but is not limited thereto.

[0173] The washing machine (1) may include a communication unit (96) for communicating with an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance) via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0174] The communication unit (96) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0175] The communication unit (96) can transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication unit (96) can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or other home appliances, and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0176] To this end, the communication unit (96) can 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 unit (96) can include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with the external device through 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 different 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).

[0177] 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.

[0178] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote 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.

[0179] In one embodiment, the communication unit (96) can communicate with external devices such as a server, user devices, and other home appliances via a surrounding access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine (1), other home appliances, and / or user devices are connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine (1), other home appliances, and / or user devices can be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0180] The control unit (90) can control various components of the washing machine (1) (e.g., driving device (40), water supply device (50), detergent supply device (60), drain device (70)). The control unit (90) can control various components of the washing machine (1) to perform at least one cycle including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying according to user input. For example, the control unit (90) can control the motor (41) of the driving device (40) to adjust the rotation speed of the drum (30), control the water supply valve (56a, 56b) of the water supply device (50) to supply water to the tub (20), control the detergent supply device (60) to supply detergent to the tub (20), or control the drain pump (73a, 73b) of the drain device (70) to discharge water in the tub (20) to the outside.

[0181] The control unit (90) may include hardware such as a CPU, Micom, or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit (90) may include at least one memory (92) that stores algorithms for controlling the operations of components within the washing machine (1), data in the form of programs, and at least one processor (91) that performs the operations described above and operations to be described later using data stored in the at least one memory (92). The memory (92) and the processor (91) may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor (91) may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory (92) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. In addition, the memory (92) and the processor (91) may be implemented as a single chip.

[0182] At least one memory (92) can store a cycle profile corresponding to a washing course and the operating time of the washing machine, washing settings / rinsing settings / spin settings. The cycle profile can include the rotation speed of the drum (30) in the spin-drying cycle.

[0183] The control unit (90) may be mounted on a printed circuit board provided on the rear side of a control panel, which is an example of a user interface device (15).

[0184] The control unit (90) can be electrically connected to a user interface device (15), a driving device (40), a water supply device (50), a detergent supply device (60), a drainage device (70), a sensor unit (95) and / or a communication unit (96).

[0185] Figure 8 illustrates an example of an operating cycle of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 8, the washing machine (1) can sequentially perform a washing cycle (1010), a rinsing cycle (1020), and a spin-drying cycle (1030) according to a course selected by user input.

[0187] The memory (92) can store / remember data including a program for controlling washing operations according to a washing course and washing settings according to a washing course.

[0188] A program for controlling washing operations according to a washing course may include profiles of a washing cycle (1010), a rinsing cycle (1020), and / or a final spin-drying cycle (1030).

[0189] The profile of the washing cycle (1010), the rinsing cycle (1020), and / or the final spin-drying cycle (1030) may include an operation profile of the drive device (40), the water supply device (50), the detergent supply device (60), and / or the drain device (70). For example, the profile of the washing cycle (1010), the rinsing cycle (1020), and / or the final spin-drying cycle (1030) may include a profile for a target rotation speed of the drum (30) in the spin-drying cycles (1015, 1024, 1030).

[0190] The washing process (1010) may include a laundry measurement (1011) for measuring the amount of laundry, a water supply (1012) for supplying water to the tub (20), a washing (1013) for washing laundry by rotating the drum (30) at low speed, a drain (1014) for discharging water contained in the tub (20), and an intermediate spin-drying (1015) for separating water from laundry by rotating the drum (30) at high speed.

[0191] For washing (1013), the control unit (90) can control the driving device (40) to rotate the motor (41) in a forward direction (e.g., clockwise) or reverse direction (e.g., counterclockwise). By the rotation of the drum (30), laundry falls from the upper side to the lower side of the drum (30), and the laundry can be washed by falling.

[0192] For intermediate dehydration (1015), the control unit (90) can control the driving device (40) to rotate the motor (41) at high speed. By the high-speed rotation of the drum (30), water can be separated from the laundry contained in the drum (30) and discharged to the outside of the washing machine (1).

[0193] During intermediate dehydration (1015), the rotation speed of the drum (30) can be increased stepwise.

[0194] Through the rinsing cycle (1020), laundry can be rinsed. Specifically, detergent or foreign substances left on the laundry can be washed away by water.

[0195] The rinsing cycle (1020) may include a water supply (1021) that supplies water to the tub (20), a rinse (1022) that drives the drum (30) to rinse laundry, a drain (1023) that discharges water contained in the tub (20), and an intermediate spin-drying (1024) that drives the drum (30) to separate water from laundry.

[0196] The water supply (1021), drainage (1023), and intermediate spin-drying (1024) of the rinsing cycle (1020) may be the same as the water supply (1012), drainage (1014), and intermediate spin-drying (1015) of the washing cycle (1010), respectively. During the rinsing cycle (1020), the water supply (1021), rinsing (1022), drainage (1023), and intermediate spin-drying (1024) may be performed once or multiple times.

[0197] By the final dehydration cycle (1030), laundry can be dehydrated. Specifically, water is separated from the laundry by the high-speed rotation of the drum (30), and the separated water can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine (1).

[0198] The final spin cycle (1030) may include a final spin cycle that separates water from the laundry by rotating the drum (30) at a higher speed than in the intermediate spin cycles (1015, 1024). Due to the final spin cycle (1030), the last intermediate spin cycle (1024) of the rinsing cycle (1020) may be omitted.

[0199] For the final dehydration cycle (1030), the control unit (90) can control the driving device (40) to rotate the motor (41) at high speed. By the high-speed rotation of the drum (30), water can be separated from the laundry contained in the drum (30) and discharged to the outside of the washing machine (1). In addition, the rotation speed of the motor (41) can be increased in steps.

[0200] Since the operation of the washing machine (1) is terminated by the final dehydration cycle (1030), the execution time of the final dehydration cycle (1030) may be longer than the execution time of the intermediate dehydration cycle (1015, 1024).

[0201] As described above, the washing machine (1) can perform a washing cycle (1010), a rinsing cycle (1020), and a final spin-drying cycle (1030) to wash laundry. In particular, during the intermediate spin-drying cycle (1015, 1024) and the final spin-drying cycle (1030), the washing machine (1) can gradually increase the rotation speed of the motor (41) that rotates the drum (30).

[0202] The dehydration cycle described throughout the specification may include an intermediate dehydration cycle (1015) performed in the washing cycle (1010), an intermediate dehydration cycle (1024) performed in the rinsing cycle (1020), and / or a final dehydration cycle (1030).

[0203] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0204] Referring to FIG. 9, a control unit (90) according to one embodiment can perform frequency analysis of sensor data acquired from a vibration sensor (55) (1100). The sensor data acquired from the vibration sensor (55) can include the magnitude of vibration of the tub (20) in the time domain.

[0205] The control unit (90) can calculate the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) in the frequency domain by performing a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) or a fast Fourier transform (FFT) on a signal corresponding to the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) in the time domain.

[0206] To this end, the memory (92) can store a program for discrete Fourier transform or fast Fourier transform on a signal corresponding to the magnitude of the vibration. The processor (91) can calculate the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) in the frequency domain by discrete Fourier transform or fast Fourier transforming the signal obtained from the vibration sensor (55).

[0207] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the results of frequency analysis of sensor data obtained from a vibration sensor according to one embodiment.

[0208] Referring to Fig. 10, by performing frequency analysis on a signal obtained from a vibration sensor (55), information on the magnitude of vibration in the frequency domain can be obtained.

[0209] Vibration may occur in the tub (20) for various reasons, but the main cause of vibration occurring in the tub (20) may be the rotation of the drum (30).

[0210] Therefore, when frequency analysis is performed on the signal obtained from the vibration sensor (55), the magnitude of vibration at the frequency corresponding to the rotational speed of the drum (30) (hereinafter referred to as the 'fundamental frequency') may be greater than the magnitude of vibration at other frequencies.

[0211] The control unit (90) can identify the magnitude of vibration at a fundamental frequency corresponding to the rotational speed of the drum (30) and identify the magnitude of vibration at a harmonic frequency of the fundamental frequency. The fundamental frequency continuously changes depending on the rotational speed of the drum (30), and the rotational speed of the drum (30) at the time of performing frequency analysis can be determined as the fundamental frequency.

[0212] For example, as shown in Fig. 10, when the rotation speed of the drum (30) corresponds to 900 RPM, the vibration magnitude of the tub (20) at 15 Hz, which is the fundamental frequency corresponding to 900 RPM, is greater than the vibration magnitude at other frequencies.

[0213] That is, the vibration component generated in the tub (20) according to the rotation of the drum (30) has a maximum size at the fundamental frequency corresponding to the rotation speed of the drum (30).

[0214] In general, when vibration occurs in the tub (20) due to the rotation of the drum (30), the magnitude of the vibration at a harmonic frequency (e.g., 30 Hz, 45 Hz) of the fundamental frequency is significantly smaller than the magnitude of the vibration at the fundamental frequency. In the present disclosure, the harmonic frequency of the fundamental frequency may mean the nth order frequency (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) of the fundamental frequency.

[0215] Meanwhile, when abnormal vibration occurs in the tub (20), it is not easy to identify the cause of the abnormal vibration occurring in the tub (20) because the size of the vibration at the harmonic frequency may increase, and similarly, the size of the vibration at the fundamental frequency also increases.

[0216] As will be described later, according to the present disclosure, based on the results of performing frequency analysis on a signal obtained from a vibration sensor (55), it is possible to identify whether the cause of abnormal vibration occurring in a tub (20) is damage to a weight balancer (36).

[0217] Referring again to FIG. 9, the control unit (90) can determine whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on the magnitude of the vibration at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration at the harmonic frequency (1200).

[0218] For example, the control unit (90) can determine whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on the difference between the magnitude of the vibration at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration at the harmonic frequency.

[0219] Damage to the weight balancer (36) may include damage (e.g., cracks, corrosion) of the filling material (e.g., cement / concrete) filled inside the housing, damage or loosening of the fastening material (e.g., fastening bolt, nut) that connects the weight balancer (36) and the tub (20), etc.

[0220] If the weight balancer (36) is not firmly fixed to the tub (20) due to breakage of the fastening member that connects the weight balancer (36) and the tub (20), or if the filling member of the weight balancer (36) is damaged, the vibration of the tub (20) at a harmonic frequency may increase in magnitude. For example, if the weight balancer (36) is not firmly fixed to the tub (20) due to breakage of the fastening member that connects the weight balancer (36) and the tub (20), or if the filling member of the weight balancer (36) is damaged, the tub (20) and the weight balancer (36) may continuously collide, causing vibrations at a harmonic frequency component.

[0221] The vibration component of the tub (20) at the fundamental frequency is generated according to the rotation of the drum (30), but the vibration of the tub (20) at the harmonic frequency may be generated according to a cause other than the rotation of the drum (30). Accordingly, if the difference between the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the harmonic frequency is not large, it can be strongly assumed that there is a cause other than the rotation of the drum (30) (e.g., damage to the weight balancer (36)) that causes the vibration of the tub (20).

[0222] Meanwhile, when a large vibration occurs in the tub (20), not only the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the fundamental frequency but also the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the harmonic frequency increases, so it is not easy to determine whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged by using the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the fundamental frequency or the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the harmonic frequency as independent factors. Accordingly, the control unit (90) can determine whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged by using both the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the harmonic frequency.

[0223] The control unit (90) can determine that the weight balancer (36) is broken based on the difference between the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the harmonic frequency being less than a predetermined value.

[0224] For example, the control unit (90) may determine that the weight balancer (36) is broken based on the difference between the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the second harmonic frequency being less than a first predetermined value.

[0225] As another example, the control unit (90) may determine that the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on the difference between the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the third harmonic frequency being less than a second predetermined value. In this case, the second predetermined value may be greater than the first predetermined value.

[0226] As another example, the control unit (90) may determine that the weight balancer (36) is broken based on the difference between the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the nth harmonic frequency being less than the (n+1) predetermined value.

[0227] According to various embodiments, in order to improve the reliability of the damage estimation of the weight balancer (36), the control unit (90) may determine that the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on the difference between the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the kth (k is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) frequency being less than the (k+1)th predetermined value, and the difference between the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the mth (m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 different from k) frequency being less than the (m+1)th predetermined value.

[0228] For this purpose, the memory (92) can store data related to a predetermined value.

[0229] The magnitude of vibration in the frequency domain can be expressed in decibel (dB) units, which are logarithmic scales. Accordingly, the difference between the magnitude of vibration of the tub (20) at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of vibration of the tub (20) at the harmonic frequency being smaller than a predetermined value may include that the magnitude of vibration of the tub (20) at the fundamental frequency is less than a predetermined multiple of the magnitude of vibration of the tub (20) at the harmonic frequency.

[0230] For example, as shown in Fig. 10, if the magnitude of vibration at the fundamental frequency is 15 dB and the magnitude of vibration at the second harmonic frequency is -5 dB, the difference between the magnitude of vibration at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of vibration at the second harmonic frequency can be defined as 20 dB. If the predetermined value is predefined as 22 dB, the control unit (90) can determine that the weight balancer (36) is broken based on the results of the frequency analysis.

[0231] As another example, as shown in Fig. 10, if the magnitude of the vibration at the fundamental frequency is 15 dB and the magnitude of the vibration at the third harmonic frequency is -15 dB, the difference between the magnitude of the vibration at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration at the third harmonic frequency can be defined as 30 dB. If the predetermined value is predefined as 35 dB, the control unit (90) can determine that the weight balancer (36) is broken based on the results of the frequency analysis.

[0232] On the other hand, the control unit (90) can determine that the weight balancer (36) is not damaged based on the difference between the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration of the tub (20) at the harmonic frequency being greater than a predetermined value.

[0233] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to identify early whether a weight balancer (36) is damaged, regardless of the absolute magnitude of the vibration occurring in the tub (20).

[0234] Meanwhile, if frequency analysis is continuously performed on sensor data collected from a vibration sensor (55), the utilization rate of the processor (91) and memory (92) may increase for unnecessary (redundant) data processing.

[0235] Additionally, in order for the results of frequency analysis on the sensor data collected from the vibration sensor (55) to be accurate, the rotation speed of the drum (30) needs to be constant for a certain period of time.

[0236] According to various embodiments, the control unit (90) may perform an operation (1100) of performing frequency analysis on sensor data collected from a vibration sensor (55) based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition, or may perform an operation (1200) of determining whether a weight balancer (36) is damaged based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition.

[0237] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent unnecessary increases in the utilization of the processor (91) and memory (92). Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain accurate frequency analysis results to more accurately determine whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0238] Fig. 11 shows an example of a rotation speed profile in a dehydration cycle of a drum of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0239] Referring to Fig. 11, in the acceleration section (K) during the dehydration process, the drum (30) can accelerate toward the maximum speed, and after reaching the maximum speed, the rotation speed can be maintained for a predetermined period of time.

[0240] The control unit (90) can perform an operation to determine whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on whether the rotation speed of the drum (30) reaches a predetermined rotation speed. For example, the control unit (90) can perform an operation to determine whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on whether the rotation speed of the drum (30) reaches the maximum rotation speed (e.g., about 1200 RPM) in the dehydration process.

[0241] According to the present disclosure, by performing frequency analysis on sensor data acquired from a vibration sensor (55) while the rotational speed of the drum (30) is maintained, more accurate frequency analysis results can be obtained.

[0242] According to various embodiments, the predetermined rotation speed may be predefined as a rotation speed other than the maximum rotation speed in the dehydration process. Preferably, the predetermined rotation speed may be predefined as any rotation speed greater than the lowest speed at which vibration components at harmonic frequencies can be expressed (e.g., approximately 550 RPM).

[0243] In one embodiment, the control unit (90) can control the driving device (40) so that the rotational speed of the drum (30) is maintained for a predetermined period of time (e.g., about 2 seconds) based on the rotational speed of the drum (30) reaching a predetermined rotational speed, and can perform an operation of performing a frequency analysis on sensor data acquired from a vibration sensor (55) while the rotational speed of the drum (30) is maintained and an operation of determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0244] According to the present disclosure, by maintaining the drum (30) at a predetermined rotation speed for a predetermined time before the rotation speed of the drum (30) reaches the maximum rotation speed in the dehydration process and then determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged, it is possible to prevent in advance a situation in which the damage condition of the weight balancer (36) may worsen due to acceleration of the drum (30).

[0245] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of sensor data obtained from a vibration sensor according to one embodiment.

[0246] Referring to Fig. 12, vibration values ​​corresponding to the vibration of the tub (20) can be collected by various sensors.

[0247] For example, a vibration value corresponding to the vibration of the tub (20) can be obtained from the vibration sensor (55) in the time domain. The vibration value obtained from the vibration sensor (55) literally matches the vibration value of the tub (20).

[0248] As another example, a vibration value corresponding to the vibration of the tub (20) can be obtained from the motor sensor (40c) according to the time domain. The vibration value corresponding to the vibration of the tub (20) from the motor sensor (40c) can correspond to a driving current value applied to the motor (41) and / or a torque load value of the motor (41). In this case, the meaning of the vibration value corresponding to the vibration of the tub (20) being greater than a threshold value may mean that the driving current value applied to the motor (41) is greater than the threshold value and / or the torque load value of the motor (41) is greater than the threshold value.

[0249] The magnitude of the vibration value corresponding to the vibration of the tub (20) is absolute and may increase due to various causes. For example, the magnitude of the vibration value may increase due to various causes such as eccentricity of the drum (30) or damage to the weight balancer (36).

[0250] Although it cannot be determined that the weight balancer (36) is damaged or that eccentricity has occurred in the drum (30) because the size of the vibration value corresponding to the vibration of the tub (20) is large, it can be strongly assumed that the weight balancer (36) is damaged or that eccentricity has occurred in the drum (30).

[0251] The control unit (90) may perform an operation of performing frequency analysis on sensor data obtained from the vibration sensor (55) based on the vibration value corresponding to the vibration of the tub (20) exceeding a threshold value, or may perform an operation of determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0252] Referring again to FIG. 12, the control unit (90) may perform an operation of performing frequency analysis on sensor data acquired from the vibration sensor (55) at a time point (t1) when the vibration value corresponding to the vibration of the tub (20) exceeds a threshold value or at a time point when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time point (t1), or may perform an operation of determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0253] For this purpose, the memory (92) can store data related to a threshold value. The threshold value can be defined in advance as a value at which significant vibration can be estimated to occur in the tub (20).

[0254] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the utilization rate of the processor (91) and memory (92) from increasing unnecessarily.

[0255] According to the present disclosure, when significant vibration occurs in the tub (20), an operation can be performed to determine whether the weight balancer (36) is broken in order to identify the cause of the significant vibration.

[0256] In one embodiment, the control unit (90) can control the driving device (40) so that the rotational speed of the drum (30) is maintained for a predetermined period of time (e.g., about 2 seconds) based on the vibration value corresponding to the vibration of the tub (20) exceeding a threshold value, and based on the rotational speed of the drum (30) reaching a predetermined rotational speed, and can perform an operation of performing a frequency analysis on sensor data acquired from a vibration sensor (55) while the rotational speed of the drum (30) is maintained, and an operation of determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0257] According to the present disclosure, when vibration occurs in the tub (20), it is possible to more accurately and quickly determine whether the cause is damage to the weight balancer (36).

[0258] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a control method of a washing machine according to one embodiment when a weight balancer is determined to be broken.

[0259] The control unit (90) can perform at least one of the operations (1210, 1220, 1230) illustrated in FIG. 13 based on determining that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0260] Referring to FIG. 13, the washing machine (1) can terminate a washing cycle based on the determination that the weight balancer (36) is damaged (1210). For example, the control unit (90) can control various components of the washing machine (1) (e.g., the driving device (40), the water supply device (50), the detergent supply device (60), and the drainage device (70)) to terminate the washing cycle based on the determination that the weight balancer is damaged.

[0261] Terminating the wash cycle may include stopping the drum (30).

[0262] For example, the control unit (90) may stop the drum (30) based on determining that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0263] Terminating the wash cycle may mean terminating the wash cycle by skipping all operations to be performed in the future among the operations illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0264] For example, if the control unit (90) determines that the weight balancer (36) is damaged during the intermediate spin-drying (1015) of the washing cycle (1010), the control unit (90) can skip the rinsing cycle (1020) and the final spin-drying cycle (1030) and immediately end the washing cycle.

[0265] As another example, if the control unit (90) determines that the weight balancer (36) is damaged during the intermediate spin-drying (1024) in the rinsing cycle (1020), the final spin-drying cycle (1030) can be skipped and the washing cycle can be ended immediately.

[0266] According to the present disclosure, when it is determined that the weight balancer (36) is damaged, the washing cycle is immediately terminated, thereby preventing deterioration of the condition of the weight balancer (36) or damage to the washing machine (1) in advance.

[0267] In one embodiment, the control unit (90) may perform only the remaining strokes (e.g., dehydration strokes (1015, 1024, 1030)) excluding strokes in which the drum (30) must rotate at a predetermined rotational speed or higher based on the determination that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0268] For example, if the control unit (90) determines that the weight balancer (36) is damaged during the intermediate spin-drying (1015) of the washing cycle (1010), the intermediate spin-drying (1024) and final spin-drying cycle (1030) of the rinsing cycle (1020) can be omitted, and water supply (1021), rinsing (1022), and draining (1023) can be performed at least once.

[0269] According to the present disclosure, the user's convenience can be ensured by performing the remaining operations except for the dehydration operation without worsening the condition of the weight balancer (36).

[0270] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a washing machine according to one embodiment outputting sensory information indicating a breakage of a weight balancer.

[0271] Referring to FIG. 14, the washing machine (1) can output sensory information indicating damage to the weight balancer (36) based on the determination that the weight balancer (36) is damaged (1220).

[0272] For example, the control unit (90) may control the user interface device (15) (e.g., the output interface (17)) to output sensory information indicating a breakage of the weight balancer (36) based on the determination that the weight balancer (36) is broken (1210).

[0273] The output interface (17) may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc. The sensory information notifying of damage to the weight balancer (36) may include, for example, an image, animation, text, shape, sound, voice, etc. notifying of damage to the weight balancer (36). The sensory information notifying of damage to the weight balancer (36) may be information for requesting inspection of the weight balancer (36).

[0274] The output interface (17) (e.g., display) can provide sensory information indicating damage to the weight balancer (36) based on a control signal from the control unit (90).

[0275] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the output interface (17) can output text notifying of damage to the weight balancer (36). However, the sensory information notifying of damage to the weight balancer (36) is not limited to this.

[0276] As another example, the output interface (17) (e.g., a speaker) can output a sound indicating a breakage of the weight balancer (36).

[0277] According to the present disclosure, by recognizing an abnormality in the weight balancer (36) and taking immediate action, the occurrence of a loud noise due to damage to the weight balancer (36) can be prevented in advance. Furthermore, by recognizing an abnormality in the weight balancer (36) and taking immediate action, the risk of damage to the washing machine (1) due to damage to the weight balancer (36) can be prevented in advance.

[0278] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a washing machine according to one embodiment transmitting a signal to an external device indicating a breakage of a weight balancer.

[0279] Referring to FIG. 15, the washing machine (1) can transmit a signal to an external device notifying of damage to the weight balancer (36) (1230).

[0280] The control unit (90) can control the communication unit (96) to transmit a signal to an external device notifying that the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on the determination that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0281] External devices may include servers, user devices (e.g., smartphones), other home appliances, etc.

[0282] For example, a signal indicating a breakage of the weight balancer (36) can be transmitted to a user device possessed by a user of the washing machine (1) via a server.

[0283] The external device can output sensory information (e.g., image, vibration, sound, etc.) indicating the breakage of the weight balancer (36) through its output interface based on receiving a signal indicating the breakage of the weight balancer (36).

[0284] For example, if the external device is a smartphone, the smartphone may output a notification message, vibration, and / or sound based on receiving a signal indicating a breakage of the weight balancer (36).

[0285] According to the present disclosure, a user can recognize an abnormality in the weight balancer (36) and take immediate action.

[0286] In the above, various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, and the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, and various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments may be included.

[0287] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a tub (20); a drum (30) provided to be rotatable within the tub (20); a weight balancer (36) coupled to the tub (20); a vibration sensor (55) detecting vibration of the tub (20); and at least one processor (91) determining whether the weight balancer (36) is broken based on a difference between the magnitude of the vibration at a fundamental frequency corresponding to the rotation speed of the drum (30) and the magnitude of the vibration at a harmonic frequency of the fundamental frequency.

[0288] Additionally, the at least one processor (91) may determine that the weight balancer (36) is broken based on a difference between the magnitude of the vibration at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration at the harmonic frequency being less than a predetermined value.

[0289] Additionally, the at least one processor (91) can perform an operation of determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on whether the rotation speed of the drum (30) has reached a predetermined rotation speed.

[0290] Additionally, the above-described rotation speed may correspond to the maximum rotation speed in the dehydration process.

[0291] In addition, the at least one processor (91) can perform an operation of determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on whether a vibration value corresponding to the vibration of the tub (20) exceeds a threshold value.

[0292] Additionally, the harmonic frequency may be a second harmonic frequency.

[0293] Additionally, the at least one processor (91) can control an output interface to output sensory information indicating a breakage of the weight balancer (36) based on the determination that the weight balancer (36) is broken.

[0294] Additionally, the at least one processor (91) may stop the drum (30) based on determining that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0295] Additionally, the at least one processor (91) may terminate the wash cycle based on determining that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0296] Additionally, the at least one processor (91) can control the communication unit to transmit a signal to an external device notifying that the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on the determination that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0297] A control method of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include determining whether a weight balancer (36) coupled to the tub (20) is broken based on a difference between the magnitude of the vibration at a fundamental frequency corresponding to the rotation speed of the drum (30) and the magnitude of the vibration at a harmonic frequency of the fundamental frequency, in a control method of a washing machine (1) including a vibration sensor (55) that detects vibration of a tub (20).

[0298] In addition, determining whether the weight balancer (36) is broken may include determining that the weight balancer (36) is broken based on a difference between the magnitude of the vibration at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration at the harmonic frequency being less than a predetermined value.

[0299] Additionally, determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged can be performed based on whether the rotation speed of the drum (30) reaches a predetermined rotation speed.

[0300] Additionally, the above-described rotation speed may correspond to the maximum rotation speed in the dehydration process.

[0301] Additionally, determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged can be performed based on whether the vibration value corresponding to the vibration of the tub (20) exceeds a threshold value.

[0302] Additionally, the harmonic frequency may be a second harmonic frequency.

[0303] In addition, the control method of the washing machine (1) may further include outputting sensory information indicating damage to the weight balancer (36) based on the determination that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0304] In addition, the control method of the washing machine (1) may further include stopping the drum (30) based on determining that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0305] In addition, the control method of the washing machine (1) may further include terminating the washing cycle based on determining that the weight balancer (36) is broken.

[0306] In addition, the control method of the washing machine (1) may further include transmitting a signal to an external device notifying that the weight balancer (36) is broken based on the determination that the weight balancer (36) is broken.

[0307] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0308] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0309] Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0310] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0311] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. Tub; A drum provided to be rotatable within the above tub; A weight balancer coupled to the above tub; A vibration sensor that detects vibration of the tub during rotation of the drum; and A washing machine comprising at least one processor that determines whether the weight balancer is broken based on the difference between the magnitude of the detected vibration at a fundamental frequency corresponding to the rotation speed of the drum and the magnitude of the detected vibration at a harmonic frequency of the fundamental frequency.

2. In paragraph 1, At least one processor of the above, A washing machine, wherein the weight balancer is determined to be broken based on a difference between the magnitude of the vibration at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration at the harmonic frequency being less than a predetermined value.

3. In paragraph 1, At least one processor of the above, A washing machine that performs an operation of determining whether the weight balancer is broken based on whether the rotation speed of the drum reaches a predetermined rotation speed.

4. In paragraph 3, The above-mentioned rotation speed is a washing machine that corresponds to the maximum rotation speed in the dehydration process.

5. In paragraph 1, At least one processor of the above, A washing machine that performs an operation of determining whether the weight balancer is broken based on whether a vibration value corresponding to the vibration of the tub exceeds a threshold value.

6. In paragraph 1, The above harmonic frequency is the second harmonic frequency, At least one processor of the above, A washing machine that determines whether the weight balancer is broken based on the difference between the magnitude of the detected vibration at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the detected vibration at the second harmonic frequency.

7. In paragraph 1, further including an output interface; At least one processor of the above, A washing machine that controls the output interface to output sensory information indicating a breakage of the weight balancer based on the weight balancer being determined to be broken.

8. In paragraph 1, At least one processor of the above, A washing machine that stops the drum based on determining that the weight balancer is broken.

9. In paragraph 1, At least one processor of the above, A washing machine that terminates a wash cycle based on the weight balancer being determined to be broken.

10. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a communication unit for communicating with an external device; At least one processor of the above, A washing machine that controls the communication unit to transmit a signal to the external device notifying that the weight balancer is broken based on the determination that the weight balancer is broken.

11. A method for controlling a washing machine including a tub, a drum rotating within the tub, a weight balancer coupled to the tub, and a vibration sensor detecting vibration of the tub, The above vibration sensor detects vibration of the tub during rotation of the drum; A control method for a washing machine, comprising: determining whether the weight balancer is broken based on the difference between the magnitude of the detected vibration at the fundamental frequency corresponding to the rotation speed of the drum and the magnitude of the detected vibration at the harmonic frequency of the fundamental frequency.

12. In paragraph 11, Determining whether the above weight balancer is broken is: A control method for a washing machine, comprising: determining that the weight balancer is broken based on a difference between the magnitude of the vibration at the fundamental frequency and the magnitude of the vibration at the harmonic frequency being less than a predetermined value; 13. In paragraph 11, Determining whether the above weight balancer is broken is: A control method for a washing machine, wherein the control is performed based on the rotation speed of the drum reaching a predetermined rotation speed.

14. In paragraph 13, The above-mentioned predetermined rotation speed is a control method for a washing machine corresponding to the maximum rotation speed in the dehydration process.

15. In paragraph 11, Determining whether the above weight balancer is broken is: A control method for a washing machine, performed based on a vibration value corresponding to the vibration of the above tub exceeding a threshold value.

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