Washing machine and method for controlling same

Abstract

This washing machine includes a tub, a drum rotatably provided in the tub, a weight balancer coupled to the tub, a vibration sensor provided in the tub, and a control unit, wherein the control unit: compares an unbalance value of laundry inside the drum with a reference value on the basis of a driving current applied to a motor rotating the drum; obtains an angular velocity of at least one rotary shaft of the tub on the basis of the output value of the vibration sensor if the unbalance value of the laundry is lower than the reference value; and determines whether the weight balancer is broken on the basis of the angular velocity of the at least one rotary shaft of the tub.

Description

Washing machine and its 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] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a washing machine and a method for controlling the washing machine, which can easily identify whether the weight balance is broken.

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a washing machine comprises: a tub; a drum provided to be rotatable within the tub; a weight balancer coupled to the tub; a vibration sensor provided in the tub; and a control unit; wherein the control unit compares an unbalance value of laundry inside the drum with a reference value based on a driving current applied to a motor that rotates the drum, and when the unbalance value of the laundry is less than the reference value, obtains an angular velocity of at least one rotational axis of the tub based on an output value of the vibration sensor, and determines whether the weight balancer is broken based on the angular velocity of at least one rotational axis of the tub.

[0008] A control method of a washing machine according to one aspect of the disclosed invention may include: a control method of a washing machine including a vibration sensor provided in a tub, obtaining an angular velocity of at least one rotational axis of the tub based on an output value of the vibration sensor; and determining whether a weight balancer coupled to the tub is broken based on the angular velocity of at least one rotational axis of the tub.

[0009] Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those skilled in the art will understand that these definitions apply, in most cases, to both prior and future uses of the words and phrases.

[0010] To more fully understand the present disclosure and its advantages, reference should be made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the appearance of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-section of the washing machine illustrated in Figure 1.

[0013] Fig. 3 is a drawing for explaining the weight balancer of the washing machine illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the appearance of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the washing machine shown in Figure 4.

[0016] Fig. 6 is a drawing for explaining the weight balancer of the washing machine shown in Fig. 4.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a control block diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a washing cycle of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the rotation axis and rotation direction of a tub in a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Figure 12 shows the X-axis angular velocity when the weight balance of a washing machine is damaged and normal according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13 shows the Y-axis angular velocity when the weight balance of a washing machine is damaged and normal according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 14 illustrates the Z-axis angular velocity when the weight balance of a washing machine is damaged and normal according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of determining damage to a weight balance using the Z-axis angular velocity in a control method of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 16 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.

[0027] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a washing machine according to one embodiment outputting sensory information indicating a breakage of a weight balancer.

[0028] FIG. 18 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.

[0029] The various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, as illustrated in Figures 1 through 18 below and in this patent document, are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any appropriately arranged system or device.

[0030] 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.

[0031] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0058] 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.

[0059] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0062] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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.

[0066] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Below, washing machines according to various embodiments are specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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).

[0077] 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).

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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).

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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).

[0084] The motor (41a) may include a fixed stator (48a) and a rotor (49a) that rotates by electromagnetic interaction with the stator (48a).

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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).

[0093] The washing machine (1a) may provide a user interface device (15a) for interaction between the user and the washing machine (1a).

[0094] 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).

[0095] At least one input interface (16a) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] Fig. 3 is a drawing for explaining the weight balancer of the washing machine illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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).

[0103] A weight balancer (36a) can be coupled to the tub (20a) to increase the weight of the tub (20a).

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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).

[0110] 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).

[0111] 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).

[0112] 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).

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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).

[0115] 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).

[0116] 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).

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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).

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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).

[0124] 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).

[0125] The washing machine (1b) may provide a user interface device (15b) for interaction between the user and the washing machine (1b).

[0126] 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).

[0127] At least one input interface (16b) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] Fig. 6 is a drawing for explaining the weight balancer of the washing machine shown in Fig. 4.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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).

[0135] A weight balancer (36b) can be coupled to the tub (20b) to increase the weight of the tub (20b).

[0136] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a control block diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0137] 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).

[0138] The user interface device (15) can provide a user interface for interaction between a user and a washing machine (1).

[0139] The user interface device (15) may include at least one input interface (16; 16a, 16b) and at least one output interface (17; 17a, 17b).

[0140] At least one input interface (16) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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).

[0145] 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).

[0146] The detergent supply device (60; 60a, 60b) can be configured to supply detergent into the tub (20) during the water supply process.

[0147] 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).

[0148] 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).

[0149] In one embodiment, the sensor unit (95) may include a vibration sensor (55; 55a, 55b) that detects vibration of the tub (20).

[0150] The vibration sensor (55) can detect the vibration of the tub (20). The vibration sensor (55) can detect the rotational vibration of the tub (20). The vibration sensor (55) can detect at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, the Y-axis angular velocity, or the Z-axis angular velocity of the tub (20).

[0151] The vibration sensor (55) may be a single-axis gyro sensor that detects any one of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of the tub (20).

[0152] The vibration sensor (55) may be a two-axis gyro sensor that detects two of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of the tub (20).

[0153] The vibration sensor (55) may be a 3-axis gyro sensor or a 6-axis MEMS sensor that detects all of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, and Z-axis angular velocity of the tub (20).

[0154] The vibration sensor (55) can collect sensor data regarding the rotational vibration of the tub (20).

[0155] For example, the vibration sensor (55) can obtain the angular velocity of the rotational axis corresponding to the rotational vibration of the tub (20).

[0156] During the progress of the washing cycle (e.g., spin-drying operation), vibration may occur in the tub (20) due to the rotation of the drum (30). More specifically, eccentricity of the drum (30) may occur due to the imbalance of laundry placed inside the drum (30), and vibration of the tub (20) may occur due to the eccentricity of the drum (30). If the rotation speed of the drum (30) increases while the laundry is placed unbalanced, vibration of the tub (20) may also increase, and noise due to the vibration of the tub (20) may also increase. The occurrence of eccentricity in the drum (30) may include the eccentricity of the drum (30) being greater than a preset value.

[0157] 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).

[0158] 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).

[0159] In one embodiment, the control unit (90) can determine the unbalance value of laundry placed inside the drum (30) based on the output value of the motor sensor (40c).

[0160] For example, the control unit (90) can determine the unbalance value of laundry placed inside the drum (30) based on the driving current applied to the motor (41).

[0161] The control unit (90) can determine that the unbalance value of the laundry is lower than a reference value if the driving current applied to the motor (41) is lower than a predetermined value. If the driving current applied to the motor (41) is higher than a predetermined value, the control unit (90) can determine that the unbalance value of the laundry is higher than a reference value. The reference value may be an allowable value of the unbalance value for moving on to the next dehydration process in a maintenance section of a preset speed (e.g., 100 rpm).

[0162] If the imbalance value of the laundry exceeds the reference value, the control unit (90) can estimate that a significant eccentricity due to the laundry has occurred inside the drum (30). If the eccentricity due to the laundry in the drum (30) exceeds the preset value, abnormal vibration occurs in the tub (20). At this time, the control unit (90) can restart the spin-drying cycle from the beginning.

[0163] If the imbalance value of the laundry is below a reference value, the control unit (90) can estimate that there is little eccentricity caused by the laundry inside the drum (30). At this time, the control unit (90) can proceed to the next stage of dehydration. That is, the drum (30) can be accelerated to rotate at the maximum rotation speed.

[0164] As another example, the control unit (90) can determine the unbalance value of laundry placed inside the drum (30) based on the torque of the motor (41).

[0165] The control unit (90) can determine that the unbalance value of the laundry is below a reference value if the torque of the motor (41) is below a predetermined value. If the torque of the motor (41) is above a predetermined value, the control unit (90) can determine that the unbalance value of the laundry is above a reference value.

[0166] In one embodiment, the control unit (90) can obtain at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of the tub (20) based on sensor data, which is an output value of the vibration sensor (55).

[0167] To this end, the memory (92) can store instructions for converting sensor data output from the vibration sensor (55) into at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of the tub (20).

[0168] The control unit (90) can obtain the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the tub (20) based on the output value of the vibration sensor (55). For example, the control unit (90) can obtain at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, the Y-axis angular velocity, or the Z-axis angular velocity of the tub (20) based on the output value of the vibration sensor (55).

[0169] In one embodiment, the control unit (90) can determine whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on the angular velocity of at least one rotational axis of the tub (20).

[0170] The control unit (90) can determine that the weight balancer (36) is broken based on the angular velocity of at least one rotational axis of the tub (20) being greater than a preset angular velocity.

[0171] In one embodiment, a breakage of 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 broken.

[0172] 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 damage to the washing machine (1).

[0173] According to the present disclosure, by determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on the angular velocity of at least one rotational axis of the tub (20), it is possible to prevent deterioration of the condition of the weight balancer (36) in advance.

[0174] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, by determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on the angular velocity of at least one rotational axis of the tub (20), the cause of vibration in the tub (20) can be more accurately identified.

[0175] A specific method for determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the tub (20) will be described later.

[0176] 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).

[0177] 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).

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] The communication unit (96) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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).

[0183] 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.

[0184] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0185] 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).

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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).

[0190] 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).

[0191] Figure 8 illustrates an example of an operating cycle of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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).

[0195] 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).

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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).

[0199] During intermediate dehydration (1015), the rotation speed of the drum (30) can be increased stepwise.

[0200] Through the rinsing cycle (1020), laundry can be rinsed. Specifically, detergent or foreign substances left on the laundry can be washed away by water.

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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.

[0203] 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).

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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).

[0207] 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).

[0208] 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).

[0209] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 9, the control unit (90) can obtain the angular velocity of the rotation axis of the tub (20) based on the output value of the vibration sensor (55) (1100).

[0211] The sensor data output from the vibration sensor (50) may include at least one signal among the X-axis angular velocity signal, the Y-axis angular velocity signal, or the Z-axis angular velocity signal of the tub (20).

[0212] The control unit (90) can obtain at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, the Y-axis angular velocity, or the Z-axis angular velocity of the tub (20) based on at least one angular velocity signal of the X-axis angular velocity signal, the Y-axis angular velocity signal, or the Z-axis angular velocity signal of the tub (20).

[0213] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the rotation axis and rotation direction of a tub in a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0214] Referring to Fig. 10, the tub (20) of the washing machine (1) can rotate in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0215] The vibration sensor (55) can collect angular velocity information of the tub (20).

[0216] That is, the vibration sensor (55) can collect three-axis angular velocity information of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

[0217] The vibration sensor (55) may be a gyro sensor that measures angular velocity by using the Coriolis force generated when a mass is driven in one direction and rotated in a direction orthogonal to the driving.

[0218] The vibration sensor (55) may include a mass driven in the X-axis direction, a mass driven in the Y-axis direction, and a mass driven in the Z-axis direction to detect angular velocities in three directions. The X-axis angular velocity (Rx) that rotates in the X-axis direction can be detected by the mass driven in the X-axis direction. The Y-axis angular velocity (Ry) that rotates in the Y-axis direction can be detected by the mass driven in the Y-axis direction. The Z-axis angular velocity (Rz) that rotates in the Z-axis direction can be detected by the mass driven in the Z-axis direction.

[0219] The angular velocities of the three axes of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis detected by the vibration sensor (55) can be referred to as roll, pitch, and yaw, respectively.

[0220] Specifically, rotation of the tub (20) around the X-axis can be called Roll, rotation around the Y-axis can be called Pitch, and rotation around the Z-axis can be called Yaw.

[0221] Referring again to FIG. 9, the control unit (90) can determine whether the weight balance (36) is damaged based on the angular velocity of the rotational axis of the tub (20) (1200).

[0222] For example, the control unit (90) can determine that the weight balancer (36) is broken if the X-axis angular velocity (Rx) is greater than the preset angular velocity (Rx_ref).

[0223] Additionally, the control unit (90) can determine that the weight balancer (36) is broken if the Y-axis angular velocity (Ry) is greater than the preset angular velocity (Ry_ref).

[0224] In addition, the control unit (90) can determine that the weight balancer (36) is damaged if the Z-axis angular velocity (Rz) is greater than the preset angular velocity (Rz_ref). At this time, the preset angular velocities Rx_ref, Ry_ref, and Rz_ref are preset values ​​for determining damage to the weight balancer (36), and may be different values ​​or the same values.

[0225] 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 if at least two of the X-axis angular velocity (Rx), the Y-axis angular velocity (Ry), or the Z-axis angular velocity (Rz) are greater than their respective preset angular velocities. For example, the control unit (90) may determine that the weight balancer (36) is damaged if the X-axis angular velocity (Rx) is greater than the preset angular velocity (Rx_ref) and the Z-axis angular velocity (Rz) is greater than the preset angular velocity (Rz_ref).

[0226] 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.

[0227] 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.

[0228] 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.

[0229] According to the present disclosure, by obtaining the X-axis angular velocity (Rx), Y-axis angular velocity (Ry), or Z-axis angular velocity (Rz) of the tub (20) based on sensor data output from the vibration sensor (55) while the rotational speed of the drum (30) is maintained, more accurate rotational axis angular velocity information can be obtained.

[0230] Depending on various embodiments, the predetermined rotational speed may be predefined as a rotational speed other than the maximum rotational speed during the dehydration process. Preferably, the predetermined rotational speed may be predefined as any rotational speed greater than the lowest speed (e.g., approximately 550 RPM) at which a rotational vibration component of the tub (20) may be generated due to damage to the weight balancer (36).

[0231] 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 obtaining the rotational axis angular speed of the tub (20) from sensor data collected by the 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.

[0232] 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).

[0233] 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.

[0234] 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 rotational vibration of the tub (20) may increase. 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 the rotational vibration of the tub (20).

[0235] Therefore, if the rotational vibration of the tub (20) occurs significantly, it can be strongly assumed that the weight balance (36) is damaged.

[0236] The control unit (90) can determine that the weight balancer (36) is broken based on the fact that at least one of the X-axis angular velocity (Rx), Y-axis angular velocity (Ry), and Z-axis angular velocity (Rz) of the tub (20) is greater than a preset angular velocity.

[0237] For example, among the rotational axis angular velocities of the tub (20) caused by damage to the weight balancer (36), angular velocity values ​​higher than the normal values ​​may occur in the order of Z-axis angular velocity (Rz), X-axis angular velocity (Rx), and Y-axis angular velocity (Ry).

[0238] In one embodiment, the control unit (90) may determine that the weight balance (36) is broken if the Z-axis angular velocity (Rz) is greater than a preset angular velocity.

[0239] According to various embodiments, the control unit (90) may determine that the weight balance (36) is broken if the X-axis angular velocity (Rx) is greater than a preset angular velocity.

[0240] According to various embodiments, in order to improve the reliability of damage estimation of the weight balancer (36), the control unit (90) may determine that the weight balancer (36) is damaged when the Z-axis angular velocity (Rz) is greater than the preset angular velocity (Rz_ref) and the X-axis angular velocity (Rx) is greater than the preset angular velocity (Rx_ref).

[0241] In addition, in order to improve the reliability and accuracy of damage estimation of the weight balancer (36), it is necessary for the rotation speed of the drum (30) to be constant for a predetermined period of time.

[0242] According to various embodiments, the control unit (90) may perform an operation (1100) of obtaining an angular velocity of the rotational axis of the tub (20) based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition, or may perform an operation (1200) of determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition.

[0243] Figure 12 shows the X-axis angular velocity when the weight balance of a washing machine is damaged and normal according to one embodiment.

[0244] Referring to Figure 12, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the X-axis angular velocity.

[0245] The X-axis angular velocity in the case where the weight balance (36) is normal may be an X-axis angular velocity that even takes into account the rotational vibration of the tub (20) caused by eccentricity due to laundry.

[0246] The X-axis angular velocity when the weight balance (36) is normal is represented by a light block. The X-axis angular velocity when the weight balance (36) is damaged is represented by a dark block.

[0247] As the dehydration process progresses and the drum (30) begins to accelerate, it can be seen that the X-axis angular velocity increases from the initial point from the t1 section to the t2 section, but is still within the normal range.

[0248] However, when the drum (30) reaches near the maximum rotation speed in the t3 section - t4 section, it can be seen that the X-axis angular velocity goes out of the normal range. That is, it can be seen that the X-axis angular velocity rapidly increases from 30 m / s, which is within the normal range, to 120 m / s, which is out of the normal range.

[0249] Therefore, if the X-axis angular velocity is greater than the preset angular velocity, it can be determined that the weight balance (36) is broken.

[0250] Figure 13 shows the Y-axis angular velocity when the weight balance of a washing machine is damaged and normal according to one embodiment.

[0251] Referring to Figure 13, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the Y-axis angular velocity.

[0252] The Y-axis angular velocity in the case where the weight balance (36) is normal may be the Y-axis angular velocity that even takes into account the rotational vibration of the tub (20) caused by eccentricity due to laundry.

[0253] The Y-axis angular velocity when the weight balance (36) is normal is represented by a light block. The Y-axis angular velocity when the weight balance (36) is damaged is represented by a dark block.

[0254] As the dehydration process progresses and the drum (30) begins to accelerate, it can be seen that the Y-axis angular velocity increases from the initial point from the t1 section to the t3 section, but is still within the normal range.

[0255] However, when the drum (30) reaches near the maximum rotation speed in the t3 section - t4 section, it can be seen that the Y-axis angular velocity is outside the normal range. That is, it can be seen that the Y-axis angular velocity increases from 50 m / s, which is within the normal range, to 70 m / s, which is outside the normal range.

[0256] Therefore, if the Y-axis angular velocity is greater than the preset angular velocity, it can be determined that the weight balance (36) is broken.

[0257] Figure 14 illustrates the Z-axis angular velocity when the weight balance of a washing machine is damaged and normal according to one embodiment.

[0258] Referring to Figure 14, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the Z-axis angular velocity.

[0259] The Z-axis angular velocity in the case where the weight balance (36) is normal may be a Z-axis angular velocity that even takes into account the rotational vibration of the tub (20) caused by eccentricity due to laundry.

[0260] The Z-axis angular velocity when the weight balance (36) is normal is represented by a light block. The Z-axis angular velocity when the weight balance (36) is damaged is represented by a dark block.

[0261] As the dehydration process progresses and the drum (30) begins to accelerate, it can be seen that the Z-axis angular velocity increases from the initial point from the t1 section to the t2 section, but is still within the normal range.

[0262] However, when the drum (30) reaches near the maximum rotation speed in the t3 section - t4 section, it can be seen that the Z-axis angular velocity deviates from the normal range. That is, it can be seen that the Z-axis angular velocity rapidly increases from 10 m / s, which is within the normal range, to 50 m / s, which is outside the normal range.

[0263] Therefore, if the Z-axis angular velocity is greater than the preset angular velocity, it can be determined that the weight balance (36) is damaged. It can be seen that when the weight balance (36) is damaged, the Z-axis angular velocity shows a value greater than the normal range compared to other X-axis angular velocities (Rx) or Y-axis angular velocities (Ry). Therefore, it is possible to easily and accurately determine whether the weight balance (36) is damaged by using only the Z-axis angular velocity.

[0264] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of determining damage to a weight balance using the Z-axis angular velocity in a control method of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0265] Referring to FIG. 15, the control unit (90) can initiate a dehydration process (1210).

[0266] The control unit (90) can initiate the dehydration process by rotating the drum (30) at high speed.

[0267] The control unit (90) can detect the driving current of the motor (41) in the dehydration process (1220).

[0268] For example, the control unit (90) can detect the driving current applied to the motor (41) through the motor sensor (40c).

[0269] The control unit (90) can determine whether the unbalance value of the laundry placed inside the drum (30) is less than a reference value (1230).

[0270] For example, the control unit (90) can determine the unbalance value of laundry placed inside the drum (30) based on the driving current applied to the motor (41). If the driving current applied to the motor (41) is less than a predetermined value, the control unit (90) can determine that the unbalance value of the laundry is less than a reference value. If the driving current applied to the motor (41) is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit (90) can determine that the unbalance value of the laundry is greater than or equal to a reference value. The reference value may be an allowable unbalance value for moving on to the next dehydration process.

[0271] If the unbalance value of the laundry is greater than the reference value (1230, No), the control unit (90) estimates that a large eccentricity due to the laundry has occurred inside the drum (30), and can restart the spin-drying cycle from the beginning and then re-detect the driving current of the motor (41).

[0272] If the imbalance value of the laundry is less than the reference value (1230, example), the control unit (90) estimates that the eccentricity caused by the laundry inside the drum (30) is small and can proceed with the next stage of dehydration. At this time, the control unit (90) can accelerate the drum (30) to rotate it at the maximum rotation speed.

[0273] If the unbalance value of the laundry is less than the reference value (1230, example), the control unit (90) can obtain the Z-axis angular velocity based on the output value of the vibration sensor (55) (1240).

[0274] The control unit (90) can determine whether the rotation speed of the drum (30) is the maximum rotation speed (1250).

[0275] The control unit (90) can determine whether the Z-axis angular velocity obtained when the rotation speed of the drum (30) is the maximum rotation speed (1250, example) is greater than or equal to the preset angular velocity when the rotation speed of the drum (30) is the maximum rotation speed (1260).

[0276] The control unit (90) can determine that the weight balance (36) is normal if the Z-axis angular velocity is less than the preset angular velocity (1270).

[0277] The control unit (90) can determine that the weight balance (36) is broken if the Z-axis angular velocity is greater than the preset angular velocity (1280).

[0278] According to the present disclosure, by using the vibration rotation component of the tub (30) that shows a rapid change when the weight balancer (36) is damaged to determine whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged, it is possible to confirm whether the abnormal rotational vibration of the tub (30) is caused by damage to the weight balancer (36).

[0279] FIG. 16 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.

[0280] The control unit (90) can perform at least one of the operations (1310, 1320, 1330) illustrated in FIG. 16 based on determining that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0281] Referring to FIG. 16, the washing machine (1) can terminate a washing cycle based on determining that the weight balancer (36) is damaged (1310). 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 a washing cycle based on determining that the weight balancer is damaged.

[0282] Terminating the wash cycle may include stopping the drum (30).

[0283] For example, the control unit (90) may stop the drum (30) based on determining that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0284] 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.

[0285] 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.

[0286] 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.

[0287] 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.

[0288] 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.

[0289] 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.

[0290] 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).

[0291] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a washing machine according to one embodiment outputting sensory information indicating a breakage of a weight balancer.

[0292] Referring to FIG. 17, 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 (1320).

[0293] For example, the control unit (90) may control the user interface device (15) (e.g., 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.

[0294] 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).

[0295] 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).

[0296] For example, the output interface (17) can output text notifying of a breakage of the weight balancer (36). However, the sensory information notifying of a breakage of the weight balancer (36) is not limited to this.

[0297] As another example, the output interface (17) (e.g., a speaker) can output a sound indicating a breakage of the weight balancer (36).

[0298] 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.

[0299] FIG. 18 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.

[0300] Referring to FIG. 18, the washing machine (1) can transmit a signal to an external device notifying of damage to the weight balancer (36) (1330).

[0301] 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.

[0302] External devices may include servers, user devices (e.g., smartphones), other home appliances, etc.

[0303] 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.

[0304] 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).

[0305] 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).

[0306] According to the present disclosure, a user can recognize an abnormality in the weight balancer (36) and take immediate action.

[0307] 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.

[0308] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily identify whether a weight balancer is damaged.

[0309] According to the present disclosure, it can be confirmed whether the abnormal vibration of the tub is caused by damage to the weight balancer.

[0310] According to the present disclosure, preventive measures can be taken before the damage condition of the weight balancer worsens.

[0311] According to the present disclosure, the vibration rotation component of a tub that could not be detected by a 3-axis MEMS sensor can be detected using a 6-axis MEMS sensor, thereby determining whether a weight balancer is damaged.

[0312] 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.

[0313] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: 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) provided in the tub (20); and a control unit (90); wherein the control unit (90) compares an unbalance value of laundry inside the drum (30) with a reference value based on a driving current applied to a motor (41) that rotates the drum (30), and if the unbalance value of the laundry is less than the reference value, obtains an angular velocity of at least one rotational axis of the tub (20) based on an output value of the vibration sensor (55), and determines whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on the angular velocity of at least one rotational axis of the tub (20).

[0314] Additionally, the control unit (90) may determine that the weight balancer (36) is broken based on the angular velocity of at least one rotational axis being greater than a preset angular velocity.

[0315] In addition, 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.

[0316] Additionally, the above-described rotation speed may correspond to the maximum rotation speed in the dehydration process.

[0317] Additionally, the angular velocity of the at least one rotation axis may include at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, the Y-axis angular velocity, or the Z-axis angular velocity of the tub (20).

[0318] In addition, the vibration sensor (55) may be a single-axis gyro sensor that detects any one of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of the tub (20); a two-axis gyro sensor that detects two of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of the tub; or a three-axis gyro sensor that detects all of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, and Z-axis angular velocity of the tub; or a six-axis MEMS sensor.

[0319] In addition, the control unit (90) can determine whether the unbalance value of the laundry inside the drum (30) is less than a reference value based on the driving current applied to the motor (41) that rotates the drum (30), and in response to the unbalance value of the laundry being less than the reference value, determine whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0320] In addition, the output interface (17) is further included, and the control unit (90) can control the output interface (17) to output sensory information indicating damage to the weight balancer (36) based on the determination that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0321] Additionally, the control unit (90) can stop the drum (30) or terminate the washing cycle based on determining that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0322] In addition, it further includes a communication unit (96) for communicating with an external device, and the control unit (90) can control the communication unit (36) to transmit a signal to the external device notifying that the weight balancer (36) is damaged based on the determination that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0323] A control method of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include, in a control method of a washing machine (1) including a vibration sensor provided in a tub (20), obtaining an angular velocity of at least one rotational axis of the tub (20) based on an output value of the vibration sensor (55); and determining whether a weight balancer (36) coupled to the tub (20) is damaged based on the angular velocity of at least one rotational axis of the tub (20).

[0324] In addition, determining whether the weight balance (36) is broken may include determining that the weight balancer (36) is broken based on the angular velocity of at least one rotational axis being greater than a preset angular velocity.

[0325] Additionally, determining whether the weight balance (36) is damaged can be performed based on whether the rotation speed of the drum (30) has reached a predetermined rotation speed.

[0326] Additionally, the above-described rotation speed may correspond to the maximum rotation speed in the dehydration process.

[0327] Additionally, the angular velocity of the at least one rotation axis may include at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, the Y-axis angular velocity, or the Z-axis angular velocity of the tub (20).

[0328] In addition, the vibration sensor (55) may be a single-axis gyro sensor that detects one of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of the tub (20), a two-axis gyro sensor that detects two of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, or Z-axis angular velocity of the tub (20), or a three-axis gyro sensor or six-axis MEMS sensor that detects all of the X-axis angular velocity, Y-axis angular velocity, and Z-axis angular velocity of the tub (20).

[0329] In addition, the method may further include determining whether the unbalance value of laundry inside the drum (30) is less than a reference value based on the driving current applied to the motor (41) that rotates the drum (30); and determining whether the weight balance (36) is damaged may include determining whether the weight balancer (36) is damaged in response to the unbalance value of the laundry being less than the reference value.

[0330] In addition, it may further include outputting sensory information indicating damage to the weight balancer (36) based on the determination that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0331] Additionally, it may further include stopping the drum (30) or terminating the washing cycle based on determining that the weight balancer (36) is damaged.

[0332] In addition, it 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.

[0333] 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.

[0334] 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.

[0335] 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.

[0336] 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.

[0337] 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.

[0338] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, various modifications and variations may occur to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is intended to encompass such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Tub; A drum provided to be rotatable within the above tub; A weight balancer coupled to the above tub; A vibration sensor provided in the above tub; and including a control unit; The above control unit, Based on the driving current applied to the motor that rotates the drum, the unbalance value of the laundry inside the drum is compared with a reference value, If the unbalance value of the laundry is less than the reference value, the angular velocity of at least one rotation axis of the tub is obtained based on the output value of the vibration sensor, A washing machine that determines whether the weight balancer is broken based on the angular velocity of at least one rotational axis of the tub.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A washing machine wherein the weight balancer is determined to be broken based on the angular velocity of at least one of the rotational shafts being greater than a preset angular velocity.

3. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, 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, A washing machine wherein the angular velocity of the at least one rotational axis includes at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, the Y-axis angular velocity, or the Z-axis angular velocity of the tub.

6. In paragraph 1, A washing machine wherein the vibration sensor is a 1-axis gyro sensor that detects one of the X-axis angular velocity, the Y-axis angular velocity, or the Z-axis angular velocity of the tub; a 2-axis gyro sensor that detects two of the X-axis angular velocity, the Y-axis angular velocity, or the Z-axis angular velocity of the tub; or a 3-axis gyro sensor that detects all of the X-axis angular velocity, the Y-axis angular velocity, and the Z-axis angular velocity of the tub; or a 6-axis MEMS sensor.

7. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, Based on the driving current applied to the motor that rotates the drum, it is determined whether the unbalance value of the laundry inside the drum is less than a reference value, A washing machine that determines whether the weight balancer is broken in response to the unbalance value of the laundry being less than the reference value.

8. In paragraph 1, further including an output interface; The above control unit, 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.

9. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A washing machine that stops the drum or terminates the wash cycle based on determining that the weight balancer is broken.

10. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a communication unit for communicating with an external device; The above control unit, 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 vibration sensor provided in a tub, Obtaining the angular velocity of at least one rotational axis of the tub based on the output value of the vibration sensor; A control method for a washing machine, comprising: determining whether a weight balancer coupled to the tub is broken based on the angular velocity of at least one rotational axis of the tub.

12. In paragraph 11, Determining whether the above weight balance is broken is: A control method for a washing machine, comprising: determining that the weight balancer is broken based on the angular velocity of at least one rotational shaft being greater than a preset angular velocity; 13. In paragraph 11, Determining whether the above weight balance 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, A control method for a washing machine, wherein the angular velocity of at least one of the rotational shafts includes at least one of the X-axis angular velocity, the Y-axis angular velocity, or the Z-axis angular velocity of the tub.

Images