Washing machine and method for controlling same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine including a turbidity sensor and a method for controlling same. The washing machine of the present invention comprises: a tub for accommodating water; a turbidity sensor which includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit and senses the turbidity of the water accommodated in the tub; a memory for storing an initial magnitude of a first electrical signal applied to the light-emitting unit of the turbidity sensor; and a processor which recognizes the magnitude of a second electrical signal received from the light-receiving unit while adjusting the magnitude of the first electrical signal applied to the light-emitting unit on the basis of the initial magnitude stored in the memory, recognizes the magnitude of the first electrical signal applied to the light-emitting unit on the basis of the recognized second electrical signal reaching a reference magnitude, and controls calibration of the turbidity sensor on the basis of the recognized magnitude of the first electrical signal.

Description

Washing machine and its control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof for improving the accuracy of detecting turbidity of water.

[0002] Washing machines perform a washing cycle that separates contaminants from laundry using water containing detergent, a rinsing cycle that removes contaminants or residual detergent from laundry using water that does not contain detergent, and a spin-drying cycle that removes water from laundry.

[0003] The performance of these washing machines can be determined by their wash time and water consumption. To maintain the cleaning effect of laundry while reducing wash time and water consumption, it is necessary to set the wash time and rinse cycles appropriate to the level of contamination of the laundry.

[0004] Currently, washing machines include a turbidity sensor that detects the turbidity of water, recognize the degree of contamination of laundry based on the turbidity of water detected by the turbidity sensor, set a washing time and a number of rinses based on the recognized degree of contamination of laundry, and then perform washing based on the set washing time and number of rinses.

[0005] The turbidity sensor in your washing machine may develop surface stains due to prolonged exposure to water, and may not accurately detect the actual turbidity of the water due to stains and bubbles within the tub. This may result in reduced washing machine performance.

[0006] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a washing machine and a control method thereof that performs calibration of a turbidity sensor during current operation based on the initial size of an electric signal applied to a light-emitting portion of the turbidity sensor stored in a memory.

[0007] Another aspect of the disclosed invention provides a washing machine and a control method thereof that recognize internal contamination and water contamination based on an electric signal of a light emitting portion of a turbidity sensor recognized during a previous operation and an electric signal of a light emitting portion of a turbidity sensor recognized during a current operation and output guidance information on the recognized internal contamination and water contamination.

[0008] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a washing machine comprises: a tub for receiving water; a turbidity sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, the turbidity sensor detecting turbidity of water received in the tub; a memory for storing an initial magnitude of a first electrical signal applied to the light emitting unit of the turbidity sensor; and a processor for recognizing a magnitude of a second electrical signal received from the light receiving unit during a magnitude adjustment of the first electrical signal applied to the light emitting unit based on the initial magnitude stored in the memory, recognizing a magnitude of the first electrical signal applied to the light emitting unit based on the recognized second electrical signal reaching a reference magnitude, and controlling calibration of the turbidity sensor based on the magnitude of the recognized first electrical signal.

[0009] The reference size of the second electric signal of the washing machine according to one aspect is the size of the second electric signal at which the brightness of the light received by the light receiving unit reaches the reference brightness.

[0010] According to one aspect, the washing machine further includes a water supply device that supplies water to the tub. According to one aspect, the processor of the washing machine controls the calibration of the turbidity sensor during the water supply of the washing cycle.

[0011] The processor of the washing machine according to one aspect controls the memory to update and store the size of the recognized first electrical signal to the initial size.

[0012] The processor of the washing machine according to one aspect controls the memory to store updated initial size and operating information in accordance with the match.

[0013] According to one aspect, the washing machine further includes an output unit. The processor of the washing machine according to one aspect recognizes the slope of the updated initial size and the pre-stored minimum size, recognizes at least one of the turbidity sensor, the tub, the drum, and the water contamination based on the recognized slope being greater than the reference slope, and controls the output unit to output information about the recognized at least one contamination.

[0014] A processor of a washing machine according to one aspect recognizes the size of a second electrical signal received from a light-receiving unit based on a first electrical signal of an initial size being applied to a light-emitting unit, controls a decrease in the first electrical signal applied to the light-emitting unit based on the recognized second electrical signal being greater than a reference size, and controls an increase in the first electrical signal applied to the light-emitting unit based on the recognized second electrical signal being less than a reference size.

[0015] The processor of the washing machine according to one aspect adjusts the first electrical signal in steps from an initial size to a certain size.

[0016] The processor of the washing machine according to one aspect recognizes the size of the second electric signal for each step corresponding to the step-by-step adjustment of the first electric signal, recognizes the size of the second electric signal having the smallest difference from the reference size among the sizes of the second electric signals for each step, and recognizes the size of the first electric signal corresponding to the reception of the recognized second electric signal.

[0017] According to one aspect, a washing machine further includes a water supply device for supplying water to a tub; a drainage device for draining water to the tub; and a drum provided inside the tub and rotatably provided. A processor of the washing machine according to one aspect controls the rotation of the drum and the drainage device based on a difference value between a magnitude of a recognized first electrical signal and an initial magnitude of the first electrical signal being greater than or equal to a first reference value and less than a second reference value, controls the water supply device based on the completion of drainage, and controls calibration of a turbidity sensor again.

[0018] According to one aspect, a washing machine further includes an output unit. According to one aspect, a processor of the washing machine recognizes at least one of a turbidity sensor, a tub, a drum, and water contamination based on a difference value between the magnitude of a recognized first electrical signal and an initial magnitude of the first electrical signal being greater than or equal to a second reference value, and controls the output unit to output information about the recognized at least one contamination.

[0019] A processor of a washing machine according to one aspect controls the washing process of a turbidity sensor, a tub, and a drum based on a difference value between the size of a recognized first electric signal and the initial size of the first electric signal being greater than or equal to a second reference value and less than a third reference value, and controls an output unit to output information on contamination of water in the tub based on a difference value between the size of a recognized first electric signal and the initial size of the first electric signal being greater than or equal to the third reference value.

[0020] According to one aspect, the memory of the washing machine further stores the minimum size of the first electrical signal. According to one aspect, the processor of the washing machine controls the calibration of the turbidity sensor based on the minimum size of the first electrical signal upon completion of the washing cycle, and controls the memory to store the size of the first electrical signal recognized by the calibration as an initial size. The minimum size is smaller than the initial size.

[0021] According to one aspect, the washing machine further includes a water supply device for supplying water to the tub.

[0022] A processor of a washing machine according to one aspect recognizes the turbidity of water in a tub based on the magnitude and reference magnitude of a second electric signal during the water supply of a washing cycle, and controls at least one of a washing cycle and a rinsing cycle based on the recognized turbidity.

[0023] A control method of a washing machine according to another aspect supplies water to a tub based on a reference water level, adjusts the size of a first electric signal applied to a light-emitting portion of a turbidity sensor provided in the tub based on an initial size stored in a memory, recognizes the size of a second electric signal received from a light-receiving portion of the turbidity sensor during the adjustment of the size of the first electric signal, recognizes the size of the first electric signal based on the size of the recognized second electric signal reaching the reference size, and controls calibration of the turbidity sensor based on the size of the recognized first electric signal.

[0024] The reference size of the second electrical signal is the size of the second electrical signal when the brightness of the light of the light emitting part received by the light receiving part reaches the reference brightness.

[0025] Controlling the size of the first electrical signal includes recognizing the size of a second electrical signal received from the light-receiving unit based on the first electrical signal having an initial size applied to the light-emitting unit, controlling a decrease in the first electrical signal applied to the light-emitting unit based on the recognized second electrical signal being greater than a reference size, and controlling an increase in the first electrical signal applied to the light-emitting unit based on the recognized second electrical signal being less than the reference size.

[0026] A control method of a washing machine according to another aspect further includes controlling rotation of a drum and water supply of a water supply device based on a difference value between the magnitude of a recognized first electric signal and the initial magnitude of the first electric signal being greater than or equal to a first reference value and less than a second reference value, and re-controlling calibration of a turbidity sensor.

[0027] A control method of a washing machine according to another aspect further includes controlling a washing process of a turbidity sensor, a tub, and a drum based on a difference value between a magnitude of a recognized first electric signal and an initial magnitude of the first electric signal being greater than or equal to a second reference value and less than a third reference value, and, when the washing process is completed, controlling calibration of the turbidity sensor based on a minimum magnitude of the first electric signal stored in a memory, and storing the magnitude of the first electric signal recognized by the calibration as an initial magnitude in the memory. The minimum magnitude is a magnitude smaller than the initial magnitude.

[0028] A control method of a washing machine according to another aspect further includes updating an initial size stored in a memory based on the size of a recognized first electrical signal, recognizing a slope of the updated initial size and a pre-stored minimum size, recognizing at least one of a turbidity sensor, a tub, a drum, and water contamination based on the recognized slope being greater than or equal to a reference slope, and outputting information on the recognized at least one contamination.

[0029] A method for controlling a washing machine according to another aspect further includes recognizing the turbidity of water in a tub based on the magnitude and reference magnitude of a second electric signal received from a light receiving unit during a water supply of a washing cycle, and controlling at least one of a washing cycle and a rinsing cycle based on the recognized turbidity.

[0030] According to the disclosed invention, the disclosed invention can shorten the time required for calibration of the turbidity sensor by performing calibration of the turbidity sensor during current operation based on the initial size of the electric signal applied to the light-emitting portion of the turbidity sensor stored in the memory.

[0031] The disclosed invention can reduce the time required for calibration from approximately 7-8 seconds to 2-3 seconds.

[0032] The disclosed invention can maintain the brightness of the light-emitting part of the turbidity sensor at a constant reference brightness through calibration of the turbidity sensor, and can improve the accuracy of detecting the turbidity of water by detecting the turbidity of water based on the constant reference brightness, thereby improving the reliability of the turbidity sensor and also improving the washing performance of the washing machine.

[0033] The disclosed invention recognizes contamination inside the washing machine based on the electric signal of the light emitting portion of the turbidity sensor recognized during a previous operation and the electric signal of the light emitting portion of the turbidity sensor recognized during a current operation, and performs cleaning of the inside of the washing machine based on the recognition result, thereby managing and maintaining the inside of the washing machine clean and hygienic.

[0034] The disclosed invention can recognize water contamination based on an electric signal of a light emitting portion of a turbidity sensor recognized during a previous drive and an electric signal of a light emitting portion of a turbidity sensor recognized during a current drive, and output guidance information about water contamination based on the recognition result, thereby enabling a user to recognize water contamination.

[0035] The present invention can improve the safety of a washing machine, improve the quality and marketability of the washing machine, and further secure the competitiveness of the washing machine.

[0036] Figure 1 is an internal example diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 is an example of the appearance of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 3 is an example diagram of sensors provided in a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4 is an exemplary diagram of a turbidity sensor provided in a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 is a control configuration diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 are exemplary diagrams of a first electric signal applied to a light-emitting portion of a turbidity sensor of a washing machine according to an embodiment and a second electric signal output from a light-receiving portion of the turbidity sensor.

[0042] Figures 10 and 11 are exemplary diagrams of the initial size of the first electric signal for each operation of the washing machine stored in the memory of the washing machine according to the embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 12 is an example of a display of a display unit provided in a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figures 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d and 13e are control flowcharts of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0045] 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.

[0046] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Washing machines according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying processes. A washing machine is an example of a clothing treatment device, and the term "clothing treatment device" encompasses devices that wash clothing (laundry items, drying items), devices that dry clothing, and devices that can perform both washing and drying of clothing.

[0056] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include top-loading washing machines in which a laundry inlet for loading or withdrawing laundry is provided facing upward, or front-loading washing machines in which a 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.

[0057] 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 condensation 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.

[0058] 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 bag inlet formed on one side.

[0059] A washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet. 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0063] The drum may be positioned within the tub such that the drum opening provided on one side corresponds to the laundry bag inlet and the tub opening. Laundry bags may be sequentially passed through the laundry bag inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening to be accommodated within the drum or taken out from the drum.

[0064] The drum rotates within the tub and can perform each of the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations. The cylindrical wall of the drum is formed with a number of perforations, allowing water stored in the tub to flow into or out of the drum.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] A washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires the user to add detergent for each wash cycle, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large quantity of detergent and automatically supplies a predetermined amount of detergent during the 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 the water supply process.

[0070] Water supplied through the water supply pipe can be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. The water mixed with detergent can be supplied to the interior of the tub. Detergent is a comprehensive term used to refer to pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent compartment can 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0074] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button.

[0075] 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.

[0076] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0077] 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.

[0078] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0079] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0080] The communication module can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance), or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication module can establish communication with a server and / or a user device and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

[0081] 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).

[0082] Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) 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 local area network or a wide area network)). 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).

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as servers, user devices, and other home appliances through surrounding access points (APs).

[0086] An access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) where a washing machine or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) where a server is connected. The washing machine or user device can then connect to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0087] The control unit can control various components of the washing machine (e.g., a drive motor, 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, based on 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Below, washing machines according to various embodiments are specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0090] Fig. 1 is an internal example diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment, which is described with reference to Figs. 2 to 4.

[0091] Fig. 2 is an exemplary view of the exterior of a washing machine according to an embodiment, Fig. 3 is an exemplary view of sensors provided in a washing machine according to an embodiment, and Fig. 4 is an exemplary view of a turbidity sensor provided in a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0092] In this embodiment, a front-loading washing machine is used as an example.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine (1) may include a housing (110), a tub (120), a drum (130), a driving motor (140), a water supply device (150), a detergent supply device (160), and a drain device (170).

[0094] The housing (110) forms the exterior of the washing machine (1), and has an opening formed on one side through which laundry can be inserted and removed.

[0095] The housing (110) may be provided with a door (111) for opening and closing the opening.

[0096] A gasket (112) for sealing between the door (111) and the opening may be provided on the periphery of the opening of the housing (110).

[0097] Among the surfaces of the housing of the washing machine (1), the direction in which one surface with an opening is located is called the front, and the direction in which the other surface opposite to the one surface with the opening is located is called the rear.

[0098] The tub (120) is provided inside the housing (110) and can be fixedly provided and can receive water supplied from a water supply device (150).

[0099] The drum (130) is provided inside the tub (120), and may be provided in a shape corresponding to the shape of the tub (120).

[0100] The drum (130) may be provided to be rotatable inside the tub (120).

[0101] A drum (130) has an inlet formed on one side, and a plurality of holes formed on the other side. The inlet of the drum (130) is a hole through which laundry can be inserted when the door (111) is opened, and the plurality of holes (131) may be holes that form a path for allowing water to flow between the tub (120) and the drum (130).

[0102] That is, the plurality of holes (131) allow water from the tub (120) to flow into the drum (130) and allow water inside the drum (130) to be discharged toward the tub (120).

[0103] A rotation shaft of a driving motor (140) can be connected to the outside of the drum (130).

[0104] The rotational axis of this drive motor (140) can extend to the outside of the tub (120). The rotational axis of the drive motor (140) can transmit the driving force of the drive motor (140) to the drum (130).

[0105] Accordingly, the drum (130) can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise within the tub (120) by the driving force of the driving motor (140).

[0106] A plurality of lifters (132) may be provided on the inner surface of the drum (130) to enable the laundry to rise and fall when the drum (130) rotates.

[0107] A plurality of lifters (132) can be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the drum (130).

[0108] The drive motor (140) is driven when the weight of the laundry is detected, during the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydration cycle, and the driving force according to the driving rotates the drum (130), thereby washing, rinsing, and dehydrating the laundry contained in the drum (130).

[0109] The drive motor (140) can generate driving force from power of an external power source and transmit the generated driving force as rotational force to the drum (130) through the rotation shaft.

[0110] The driving motor (140) may employ a brushless direct current motor (BLDC motor) or a synchronous motor whose rotation speed is easy to control. In addition, the driving motor (140) may employ a low-priced direct current motor (DC motor) or induction motor, but is not limited thereto.

[0111] The water supply device (150) includes one or more water supply pipes and one or more water supply valves.

[0112] One end of the first water supply pipe (151) can be connected to an external water source (not shown), and the other end of the first water supply pipe can be connected to a detergent supply device (160). The first water supply pipe (151) receives water from the external water source and guides it into the detergent supply device (160).

[0113] The first water supply pipe (151) is connected between the detergent supply device (160) and the tub (120), so that water supplied from an external water source can be guided into the tub (120) and the drum (130) together with detergent from the detergent supply device (160).

[0114] The first water supply pipe may include a first cold water pipe and a first hot water pipe.

[0115] The first water supply valve (152) is opened during the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle to allow external water to be supplied into the tub (120) and the drum (130) through the first water supply pipe (151), and is closed based on the water level in the tub (120) being a reference level to block the water supplied into the tub (120) and the drum (130).

[0116] That is, the first water supply valve (152) is opened or closed during the washing and rinsing cycles to control the amount of water supplied into the tub (120) and drum (130).

[0117] A first water supply valve (152) can be provided in the first water supply pipe.

[0118] The first water supply valve (152) can be provided in each of the first cold water pipe and the first hot water pipe.

[0119] The detergent supply device (160) can store detergent input by the user. That is, the detergent supply device (160) can store at least one of a synthetic detergent, a fabric softener, and a bleach.

[0120] This detergent supply device (160) allows water to flow into the first water supply pipe (151) during the washing cycle, and the water flows out through the first water supply pipe (151) together with the detergent.

[0121] The drainage device (170) includes a drain pipe (171) and a drain pump (172), and may further include a drain valve (not shown).

[0122] The drainage device (170) is provided at the bottom of the housing (110), but may be provided at the bottom of the tub (120).

[0123] A drain pipe (171) is provided at the bottom of the tub (120) and may be spatially connected to the tub (120). The drain pipe (171) may be a path through which water of the tub (120) flows.

[0124] The drain pump (172) pumps water inside the tub (120) and drum (130) during the drainage and dehydration cycles.

[0125] The drain pump (172) causes water in the tub (120) and drum (130) to flow in along the drain pipe (171) when pumping, and guides the flowed in water to the outside through the drain pipe (171), thereby allowing the water inside the tub (120) and drum (130) to be discharged to the outside.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine (1) further includes a control panel (180) for interface with the user.

[0127] The control panel (180) may be a user interface.

[0128] The control panel (180) may include an input unit (181) for receiving an operation command and an output unit (182) for outputting operation information of the washing machine.

[0129] The input unit (181) may include a plurality of buttons for receiving a command to start driving, a command to pause driving, and a command to end driving, and may further include a jog dial for receiving a washing course. In addition, the input unit for receiving a washing course may be provided in the form of a button.

[0130] Here, the washing cycle may include standard washing, comforter washing, boiling, wool washing, towel washing, and quick washing. The washing cycle may further include a tub wash for cleaning the inside of the washing machine.

[0131] The input unit (181) may further include an option button for inputting option information.

[0132] The optional information may include information on at least one of the amount of water, the temperature of the water, the washing time of the washing cycle, the number of rinsing cycles, the intensity of the spin-drying cycle, and the time of the spin-drying cycle.

[0133] Additionally, if the washing machine has a drying cycle, the optional information may further include information on the dryness level.

[0134] In addition to buttons, the input unit (181) may include hardware devices such as switches, pedals, keyboards, mice, trackballs, various levers, handles, or sticks.

[0135] Additionally, the input unit (181) may include a GUI (Graphical User Interface), i.e., a software device, such as a touch pad. The touch pad may be implemented as a touch screen panel (TSP) and may form a mutual layer structure with the display unit.

[0136] It can be composed of a touch screen panel (TSP) that forms a mutual layer structure with a touch pad.

[0137] The output section (182) outputs operation information of the washing machine (1).

[0138] The output unit (182) may include a display unit (182a) and a speaker (182b).

[0139] The display unit (182a) displays the operation information of the washing machine, displays the remaining time during operation, and can also display the washing course and option information selected by the user.

[0140] The display unit (182a) can display guidance information corresponding to the start, end, and pause of operation of the washing machine in the form of text or emoticons, display guidance information on contamination of the washing machine or water, and display guidance information on washing the drum of the washing machine.

[0141] The display unit (182a) may indicate whether washing is being performed or not, and may also display an error code corresponding to not being able to wash.

[0142] This display unit (182a) includes a plurality of seven segments.

[0143] The display unit (182a) may include a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), and may further include a light emitting diode (LED).

[0144] The display unit (182a) may be provided as a digital light processing (DLP) panel, a plasma display panel, an electroluminescence (EL) panel, an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel, an electrochromic display (ECD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, but is not limited thereto.

[0145] The speaker (182b) can output a notification sound corresponding to the start, end, or pause of operation of the washing machine, output guidance information regarding contamination of the washing machine or water as guidance sounds, and output guidance information regarding washing of the drum of the washing machine as guidance sounds.

[0146] The speaker (182b) can also output guidance information in voice.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 3, the washing machine (1) may further include a turbidity sensor (191) and a water level sensor (192).

[0148] The washing machine (1) may further include a second water supply pipe (153) that directly supplies water supplied from an external water source (not shown) to the tub (120), and a second water supply valve (154) provided in the second water supply pipe (153).

[0149] The second water supply pipe may include a second cold water pipe and a second hot water pipe. In this case, a second water supply valve may be provided for each of the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe.

[0150] The second water supply valve (153) can supply water to the drum and tub during the washing and rinsing cycles together with the first water supply valve.

[0151] The turbidity sensor (191) is provided in the tub (120), but may be provided at the bottom of the tub (120).

[0152] The turbidity sensor (191) can detect the turbidity of water contained in the tub (120).

[0153] The water contained in the tub (120) may be water supplied through the second water supply pipe (153) or water supplied through the first water supply pipe (151).

[0154] As shown in FIG. 4, the turbidity sensor (191) may include a light emitting portion (191a) and a light receiving portion (191b).

[0155] The light emitting unit (191a) receives the first electrical signal and outputs light with a brightness corresponding to the received first electrical signal.

[0156] Here, the first electrical signal may include a voltage signal or a current signal.

[0157] The light receiving unit (191b) receives the light output from the light emitting unit (191a) and outputs a second electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light received.

[0158] The second electrical signal may include a voltage signal or a current signal.

[0159] The amount of light received by the light receiving unit (191b) may vary depending on the turbidity of the water contained in the tub (120).

[0160] That is, the passage of light is obstructed by floating substances (i.e., contaminants) contained in the water of the tub (120), and the light output from the light emitting portion (191a) is scattered by the floating substances. In this case, the entire amount of light output from the light emitting portion (191a) cannot be received by the light receiving portion (191b).

[0161] That is, the light receiving unit (191b) can receive an amount of light corresponding to the turbidity of the water.

[0162] The washing machine may further include a sensor controller (193).

[0163] The sensor controller (193) may be provided in the processor (200, see FIG. 5) or may be provided in the turbidity sensor (191).

[0164] The sensor controller (193) can apply a first electrical signal to the light-emitting portion (191a) of the turbidity sensor and receive a second electrical signal output from the light-receiving portion of the turbidity sensor.

[0165] The sensor controller (193) can adjust the size of the first electrical signal applied to the light emitting portion (191a) of the turbidity sensor (191).

[0166] The water level sensor (192) is connected to the drain pipe (171) and detects the height (i.e., water level) of the water contained in the tub (120).

[0167] The water level sensor (192) can be implemented in a non-contact or contact manner.

[0168] The non-contact water level sensor (192) may include a radio-frequency water level sensor and an ultrasonic water level sensor.

[0169] Contact type water level sensors may include float type water level sensors, guide rope type water level sensors, pressure type water level sensors, capacitive type water level sensors, differential pressure type water level sensors, and electrode type water level sensors.

[0170] As a water level sensor of this embodiment, a pressure type water level sensor is described as an example.

[0171] The water level sensor (192) can detect the water level in the tub (120) based on the pressure in the air hose of the water level sensor.

[0172] As another example, the washing machine may include a water level sensor for turbidity detection. In this case, the water level sensor is installed inside the tub (120) and adjacent to the turbidity sensor (191), and can detect the water level corresponding to the height of the turbidity sensor (191). The water level corresponding to the height of the turbidity sensor (191) may be a reference height (h), which may be a preset height.

[0173] The reference height (h) is the height corresponding to the reference water level, and may be the height corresponding to the distance between the tub and the drum.

[0174] Fig. 5 is a control configuration diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment, which is described with reference to Figs. 6 to 12.

[0175] FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 are exemplary diagrams of a first electric signal applied to a light-emitting portion of a turbidity sensor of a washing machine according to an embodiment and a second electric signal output from a light-receiving portion of the turbidity sensor, FIGS. 10 and 11 are exemplary diagrams of the initial size of a first electric signal for each operation of a washing machine stored in a memory of a washing machine according to an embodiment, and FIG. 12 is an exemplary diagram of a display portion provided in a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 5, the washing machine (1) includes a driving motor (140), a water supply device (150), a drainage device (170), an input unit (181), an output unit (182), a turbidity sensor (191), a water level sensor (192), a processor (200), and a memory (210).

[0177] The drive motor (140) is connected to the drum (130) based on the control command of the processor (200) and transmits rotational force to the drum (130).

[0178] The drive motor (140) can control the rotation direction, rotation angle, and rotation speed of the drum (130) based on the control command of the processor (200).

[0179] The drive motor (140) can rotate the drum (130) clockwise or counterclockwise. Here, clockwise can be forward and counterclockwise can be reverse.

[0180] The drive motor (140) can be rotated forward by a certain angle less than 360 degrees, and can also be rotated backward by a certain angle less than 360 degrees.

[0181] The water supply device (150) may include first and second water supply valves (152, 154). The first and second water supply valves (152, 154) may be opened or closed based on a control command of the processor (200).

[0182] The first water supply valve (152) can supply water to the tub (120) when opened and block the water supplied to the tub (120) when closed.

[0183] The second water supply valve (154) can supply water to the tub (120) when opened and block the water supplied to the tub (120) when closed.

[0184] The drainage device (170) may include a drainage pump (172). The drainage pump (172) may perform a pumping operation based on a control command of the processor (200).

[0185] Water in the tub (120) can be discharged to the outside by pumping of the drain pump (172).

[0186] The input unit (181) receives user input.

[0187] The input unit (181) can receive a driving start command, a driving pause command, and a driving end command, can receive a washing course, and can receive additional optional information.

[0188] The input unit (181) can receive a drum washing command for the drum washing operation.

[0189] The output unit (182) can output operation information of the washing machine.

[0190] The output unit (182) may include a display unit (182a) and a speaker (182b).

[0191] The display unit (182a) displays information related to the status or operation of the washing machine (1), displays information entered into the input unit (181), and displays information to guide the user's input.

[0192] The display unit (182a) can display guidance information on contamination inside the washing machine or guidance information on water contamination based on the control command of the processor (200).

[0193] Guidance information regarding contamination inside the washing machine may include advice recommending the operation of a drum wash cycle.

[0194] Guidance information on contamination inside the washing machine may include information on the time required for drum cleaning and guidance information on drum cleaning methods.

[0195] Guidance information on contamination inside the washing machine may include information on the degree of contamination inside the washing machine.

[0196] Guidance information on water pollution may include information on the degree of water pollution.

[0197] The speaker (182b) can output information related to the status or operation of the washing machine (1) as a guide sound based on the control command of the processor (200), and can output information for guiding the user's input as a guide sound.

[0198] The speaker (182b) can output guidance information about contamination inside the washing machine as a guidance sound or guidance information about water contamination as a guidance sound.

[0199] The turbidity sensor (191) can be activated or deactivated based on a control command of the processor (200).

[0200] When activated, the turbidity sensor (191) performs calibration based on a control command of the processor (200), and when calibration is completed, it can detect the turbidity of water contained in the tub (120) and transmit information about the detected turbidity to the processor (200). The turbidity sensor (191) may include a light-emitting unit (191a) and a light-receiving unit (191b).

[0201] When performing calibration, the turbidity sensor (191) can receive a first electrical signal corresponding to the processor (200), cause the light emitting unit (191a) to emit light based on the received first electrical signal, and transmit a second electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit (191b) to the processor (200).

[0202] When turbidity is detected during a washing cycle, the turbidity sensor (191) can receive a first electrical signal corresponding to the processor (200), cause the light emitting unit (191a) to emit light based on the received first electrical signal, and transmit a second electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit (191b) to the processor (200).

[0203] The turbidity sensor (191) can also detect the turbidity of the water in the tub (120) during the rinsing cycle.

[0204] The water level sensor (192) can be activated or deactivated based on a control command of the processor (200).

[0205] The water level sensor (192) can detect the height of water contained in the tub (120) and transmit information corresponding to the detected water height to the processor (200).

[0206] The processor (200) controls the overall operation of the washing machine (1).

[0207] The processor (200) controls the operation of the washing machine based on the weight of the laundry, the washing course input into the input unit (181), and the option information.

[0208] When controlling the operation of the washing machine, the processor (200) controls the operation of the first water supply valve (152), the second water supply valve (154), the driving motor (140), and the drain pump (172), thereby performing the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and spin-drying cycle corresponding to the selected washing course and at least one option information.

[0209] The processor (200) can also control the output unit (182) to output a washing course and at least one option information selected by the user through the input unit (181).

[0210] The processor (200) can recognize the weight of the laundry based on the detection information detected by the weight detection unit (not shown), obtain a target water level based on the recognized weight of the laundry and the washing course selected by the user, and control the first and second water supply valves (152, 154) based on the obtained target water level and the water level detected by the water level sensor (192).

[0211] The processor (200) can obtain the rotation direction, rotation speed, and rotation time of the drum for each cycle and time based on the weight of the recognized laundry and the washing course selected by the user during the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle, and control the operation of the drive motor (140) based on the obtained rotation direction, rotation speed, and rotation time of the drum (130).

[0212] The processor (200) controls the rotation speed and rotation time of the drive motor (140) to perform an intermediate dehydration process after the washing process and the rinsing process are completed, and controls the rotation speed and rotation time of the drive motor (140) to perform a final dehydration process after both the washing process and the rinsing process are completed.

[0213] The processor (200) can control the drain pump (172) to discharge water in the tub (120) based on the completion of the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, or dehydration cycle.

[0214] The processor (200) applies a first electric signal to the light-emitting portion (191a) of the turbidity sensor (191) at the start of the washing cycle, recognizes the turbidity of the water based on the magnitude of the second electric signal received from the light-receiving portion (191b) of the turbidity sensor (191), and can also change the washing information of the washing cycle and the rinsing information of the rinsing cycle based on the recognized turbidity of the water.

[0215] The start point of the washing process may be the point at which the water supply for the washing process is completed.

[0216] The start point of the washing cycle may be the point at which the laundry, water, and detergent are mixed after the water supply for the washing cycle is completed, and the contamination level of the laundry can be recognized.

[0217] The processor (200) can also control the output unit (182) to output washing information of the changed washing cycle and rinsing information of the rinsing cycle.

[0218] The processor (200) can recognize the turbidity of water using a turbidity sensor (191) during the rinsing cycle and change the number of rinsing cycles based on the recognized turbidity of water.

[0219] The processor (200) performs calibration of the turbidity sensor (191) to recognize the turbidity of water based on the size of the second electrical signal received from the light receiving unit of the turbidity sensor (191).

[0220] The processor (200) can perform calibration of the turbidity sensor (191) before starting the washing process.

[0221] Before the start of the washing cycle, it may be before the weight of the laundry is detected and before the water supply for the washing cycle is performed.

[0222] The calibration control configuration of the turbidity sensor (191) of the processor is described.

[0223] The processor (200) controls the opening of the second water supply valve (154) based on the receipt of a driving start command through the input unit (182).

[0224] When performing calibration of the turbidity sensor (191), the processor (200) can control the opening of the second water supply valve (154) so ​​that water from an external water source is supplied directly to the tub (120).

[0225] The processor (200) can compare the water level detected by the water level sensor (192) during water supply with the reference water level, and control the closing of the second water supply valve (154) based on the detected water level reaching the reference water level.

[0226] The processor (200) can recognize the current calibration of the turbidity sensor (191) as the initial calibration based on the recognition that the initial size of the first electrical signal is not stored in the memory (210) and only the minimum size of the first electrical signal is stored.

[0227] When the current calibration of the turbidity sensor is recognized as the initial calibration, the processor (200) recognizes the minimum size of the first electrical signal stored in the memory (210).

[0228] The processor (200) applies a first electrical signal to the light-emitting portion (191a) of the turbidity sensor, and may apply a first electrical signal of minimum size to the light-emitting portion (191a). In this case, the light-receiving portion (191b) of the turbidity sensor receives the light output from the light-emitting portion (191a) and outputs a second electrical signal of a size corresponding to the amount of light received.

[0229] For example, the processor (200) may apply current to the light emitting portion (191a) of the turbidity sensor, but may apply the minimum current to the light emitting portion (191a).

[0230] As another example, the processor (200) may apply voltage to the light emitting portion (191a) of the turbidity sensor, but may apply a minimum voltage to the light emitting portion (191a).

[0231] The processor (200) compares the size of the second electrical signal received from the light-receiving unit (191b) with a reference size to identify whether the size of the received second electrical signal is the reference size, and controls the memory (210) to store the minimum size of the first electrical signal applied to the light-emitting unit (191a) as the initial size of the first electrical signal based on the size of the received second electrical signal being identified as the reference size.

[0232] The magnitude of the first recognized electrical signal may be a magnitude corresponding to the reference brightness.

[0233] The processor (200) adjusts the size of the first electrical signal applied to the light emitting unit (191a) based on the fact that the size of the received second electrical signal is not identified as a reference size, and applies the first electrical signal of the adjusted size to the light emitting unit (191a).

[0234] The adjustment of the size of the first electrical signal applied to the light emitting portion (191a) during the initial calibration of the turbidity sensor will be described in more detail.

[0235] The processor (200) can increase the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit (191a) by a certain size in stages based on the size of the received second electric signal being smaller than the reference size.

[0236] Each time the processor (200) increases the size of the first electrical signal step by step, it compares the size of the second electrical signal received from the light receiving unit (191b) with the reference size to identify whether the size of the received second electrical signal is the reference size, and can recognize the size of the first electrical signal when the size of the received second electrical signal reaches the reference size.

[0237] In this way, the processor (200) can adjust the size of the first electrical signal applied to the light emitting unit by increasing the size of the first electrical signal by a certain amount from the minimum size until the size of the second electrical signal received from the light receiving unit (191b) is identified as the reference size based on the fact that the size of the second electrical signal received from the light receiving unit (191b) is smaller than the reference size.

[0238] The processor (200) can control the calibration of the turbidity sensor to store the recognized size of the first electrical signal as the initial size based on the size of the received second electrical signal being identified as the reference size during the adjustment of the size of the first electrical signal.

[0239] The processor (200) checks the size of the second electrical signal (i.e., the first size) at the current stage and the size of the second electrical signal (i.e., the second size) at the previous stage based on the fact that the size of the second electrical signal received from the light receiving unit (191b) is greater than the reference size, obtains the difference between the first size and the reference size, and obtains the difference between the second size and the reference size.

[0240] When the difference between the first size and the reference size is defined as the first comparison value, and the difference between the second size and the reference size is defined as the second comparison value, the processor (200) may compare the first comparison value and the second comparison value, and recognize the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit when a second electric signal of the first size corresponding to the first comparison value is received based on the first comparison value being smaller than the second comparison value, and store the size of the recognized first electric signal as the initial size, and when the second electric signal of the second size corresponding to the second comparison value is received based on the first comparison value being larger than the second comparison value, recognize the size of the first signal applied to the light emitting unit, and store the size of the recognized first electric signal as the initial size.

[0241] That is, the processor (200) can recognize a size having a smaller difference from the reference size among the size of the second electrical signal received from the light-receiving unit (191b) at the current stage (i.e., the first size) and the size of the second electrical signal received from the light-receiving unit (i.e., the second size) at the previous stage, based on the fact that the size of the second electrical signal received from the light-receiving unit is larger than the reference size, and can recognize the size of the first electrical signal applied to the light-emitting unit when the second electrical signal having the recognized smaller size is received and store the size of the recognized first electrical signal as the initial size.

[0242] The processor (200) may recognize that the current calibration of the turbidity sensor is not the initial calibration based on the recognition that the initial size of the first electrical signal is stored in the memory (210).

[0243] The processor (200) recognizes the initial size of the first electrical signal stored in the memory (210) based on the recognition that the initial size of the first electrical signal is stored in the memory (210), and applies the first electrical signal of the recognized initial size to the light emitting unit (191a) of the turbidity sensor.

[0244] For example, the processor (200) may apply current to the light emitting portion (191a) of the turbidity sensor, but may apply an initial value of current to the light emitting portion (191a).

[0245] As another example, the processor (200) may apply voltage to the light emitting portion (191a) of the turbidity sensor, but may apply an initial value of voltage to the light emitting portion (191a).

[0246] The processor (200) compares the size of the second electrical signal received from the light-receiving unit (191b) with the reference size to identify whether the size of the received second electrical signal is the reference size, and controls the memory (210) to store the initial size of the first electrical signal applied to the light-emitting unit (191a) based on the identification of the size of the received second electrical signal as the reference size.

[0247] The magnitude of the first electrical signal recognized is the magnitude of the first electrical signal applied to the light emitting unit when the magnitude of the second electrical signal is identified as the reference magnitude.

[0248] When controlling the calibration of the turbidity sensor, the processor (200) can update the initial size of the first electrical signal stored in the memory (210).

[0249] The processor (200) can control the memory (210) to match and store the updated initial size with the operating information of the washing machine whenever the initial size of the first electrical signal stored in the memory (210) is updated. The operating information of the washing machine can include information on the operating date of the washing machine. The operating information of the washing machine can include information on the number of times the initial size has been updated. Information on the number of times the initial size has been updated can include the number of times the washing machine has been operated.

[0250] For example, the processor (200) may perform operation numbering of the washing machine and store the memory (210) to match and store the operation numbering of the washing machine, the operation date information of the washing machine, and the initial size of the first electric signal each time the processor (200) updates the initial size of the first electric signal stored in the memory (210).

[0251] The processor (200) can control the calibration of the turbidity sensor by adjusting the size of the first electrical signal applied to the light emitting unit (191a) based on the size of the second electrical signal received from the light receiving unit (191b) and the fact that it is not identified as a reference size.

[0252] The adjustment of the size of the first electrical signal applied to the light emitting unit (191a) during calibration of the turbidity sensor will be described in more detail.

[0253] The processor (200) recognizes the size of a second electric signal received from a light-emitting unit based on applying a first electric signal of an initial size stored in a memory (210) to the light-emitting unit, and applies a first electric signal of a size reduced by a certain size from the size of the first electric signal based on the size of the recognized second electric signal being greater than a reference size to the light-emitting unit (191a), recognizes the size of a second electric signal received from the light-receiving unit (191b) based on the application of the first electric signal, and compares the size of the recognized second electric signal with the reference size.

[0254] The processor (200) can gradually reduce the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit (191a) by a certain size until the size of the recognized second electric signal reaches a reference size.

[0255] The processor (200) may compare the size of the received second electric signal with a reference size each time the size of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting unit (191a) is gradually reduced by a certain size, identify whether the size of the second electric signal received from the light-receiving unit (191b) is the reference size, recognize the size of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting unit based on the size of the received second electric signal being identified as the reference size, and store the recognized size of the first electric signal as the initial size in the memory (210).

[0256] The processor (200) can adjust the size of the first electrical signal applied to the light emitting unit by decreasing the size of the first electrical signal by a certain amount from the initial size until the size of the second electrical signal received from the light receiving unit (191b) is identified as the reference size based on the fact that the size of the second electrical signal received from the light receiving unit (191b) is greater than the reference size.

[0257] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the processor recognizes the size (v1) of the second electric signal received from the light-emitting unit based on applying the first electric signal of the initial size (ci) stored in the memory (210) to the light-emitting unit, and applies a first electric signal of a size reduced by a certain size (cd) from the size of the first electric signal based on the size (v1) of the recognized second electric signal being greater than the reference size (vr) to the light-emitting unit (191a), recognizes the size of the second electric signal received from the light-receiving unit (191b) based on the application of the first electric signal, and compares the size of the recognized second electric signal with the reference size.

[0258] The processor (200) can stop the reduction control of the first electrical signal based on the size (v4) of the recognized second electrical signal reaching the reference size (vr), recognize the size (c4) of the first electrical signal when the size (v4) of the recognized second electrical signal reaches the reference size (vr), and store the size (c4) of the recognized first electrical signal in the memory as the initial size.

[0259] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the processor (200) controls the size of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting unit (191a) to be gradually reduced by a certain size, and, based on the fact that the size (v4) of the second electric signal received from the light-receiving unit (191b) is smaller than the reference size (vr), the processor (200) checks the size of the second electric signal (i.e., the first size, v4) in the current step (step 4) and the size of the second electric signal (i.e., the second size, v3) in the previous step (step 3), obtains the difference between the first size (v4) and the reference size (vr), and obtains the difference between the second size (v4) and the reference size (vr).

[0260] The processor (200) can recognize a size having a smaller difference from a reference size among the size of the second electrical signal (i.e., the first size) received from the light-receiving unit at the current stage and the size of the second electrical signal (i.e., the second size) received from the light-receiving unit at the previous stage, and can recognize the size of the first electrical signal applied to the light-emitting unit when the second electrical signal having the recognized smaller size is received, and store the size of the recognized first electrical signal as the initial size.

[0261] As shown in FIG. 7, when the difference between the first size (v4) and the reference size (vr) is defined as the first comparison value (d1), and the difference between the second size (v3) and the reference size (vr) is defined as the second comparison value (d2), the processor (200) recognizes the size (c4) of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting unit when the second electric signal of the first size (v4) corresponding to the first comparison value (d1) is received based on the fact that the first comparison value (d1) is smaller than the second comparison value (d2), and stores the size (c4) of the recognized first electric signal as the initial size, and when the second electric signal of the second size (v3) corresponding to the second comparison value (d2) is received based on the fact that the first comparison value (d1) is larger than the second comparison value (d2), recognizes the size (c3) of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting unit, and stores the size (c4) of the recognized first electric signal. You can save the size (c3) as the initial size.

[0262] The processor (200) recognizes the size of a second electrical signal received from a light-emitting unit based on applying a first electrical signal of an initial size stored in a memory (210) to the light-emitting unit, increases the size of the first electrical signal applied to the light-emitting unit (191a) by a certain size based on the size of the recognized second electrical signal being smaller than a reference size, recognizes the size of the second electrical signal received from the light-receiving unit (191b) based on the increase in the size of the first electrical signal applied to the light-emitting unit (191a), and identifies whether the size of the second electrical signal received from the light-receiving unit (191b) is the reference size.

[0263] The reference size of the second electrical signal may be a size at which the amount of light received by the light receiving unit reaches the reference light amount.

[0264] The reference size of the second electrical signal may be a size at which the brightness corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit reaches the reference brightness.

[0265] The constant size when the size of the first electrical signal decreases and the constant size when the size of the first electrical signal increases may be the same or different.

[0266] The processor (200) can gradually increase the size of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting unit (191a) by a certain size until the size of the second electric signal received from the light-receiving unit (191b) is identified as a reference size.

[0267] That is, the processor (200) can increase the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit (191a) by a certain size in stages.

[0268] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the processor (200) may compare the size of the second electrical signal received from the light receiving unit (191b) with a reference size each time the size of the first electrical signal is increased by a certain size (cd) in steps to identify whether the size of the received second electrical signal is the reference size, recognize the size (c4) of the first electrical signal when the size (v4) of the received second electrical signal reaches the reference size (vr), and store the recognized size (c4) of the first electrical signal as the initial size in the memory (210).

[0269] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the processor (200) controls the size of the first electrical signal to be increased by a certain amount step by step, and based on the fact that the size (v4) of the second electrical signal received from the light receiving unit (191b) is greater than the reference size (vr), the processor (200) checks the size of the second electrical signal (i.e., the first size, v4) in the current step (step 4) and the size of the second electrical signal (i.e., the second size, v3) in the previous step (step 3), obtains the difference between the first size (v4) and the reference size (vr), and obtains the difference between the second size (v3) and the reference size (vr).

[0270] The processor (200) can recognize a size that is smaller than the reference size among the size of the second electrical signal (i.e., the first size) received from the light-receiving unit at the current stage and the size of the second electrical signal (i.e., the second size) received from the light-receiving unit at the previous stage, and can recognize the size of the first electrical signal applied to the light-emitting unit when the second electrical signal having the recognized smaller size is received and store the size of the recognized first electrical signal as the initial size.

[0271] As illustrated in FIG. 9, when the difference between the first size (v4) and the reference size (vr) is defined as the first comparison value (d1), and the difference between the second size (v3) and the reference size (vr) is defined as the second comparison value (d2), the processor (200) recognizes the size (c4) of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting unit when a second electric signal of the first size (v4) corresponding to the first comparison value (d1) is received based on the fact that the first comparison value (d1) is smaller than the second comparison value (d2), and stores the recognized size (c4) of the first electric signal as the initial size, and when a second electric signal of the second size (v3) corresponding to the second comparison value (d2) is received based on the fact that the first comparison value (d1) is larger than the second comparison value (d2), recognizes the size (c3) of the first signal applied to the light-emitting unit and stores the recognized size (c3) of the first electric signal. You can save it in its initial size.

[0272] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the processor (200) can recognize a difference value (b2-b1) between the initial size (b1) of the first electrical signal stored in the memory (210) and the currently recognized size (b2) of the first electrical signal, and control the memory (210) to store the currently recognized size of the first electrical signal as the initial size based on the recognized difference value being less than the first reference value.

[0273] The difference value recognized here can be an absolute value.

[0274] The initial size (b1) of the first electric signal stored in the memory (210) may be the size of the first electric signal obtained during the previous operation of the washing machine.

[0275] The size of the first electrical signal currently recognized (b2) may be the size of the first electrical signal recognized while the washing machine is currently operating.

[0276] The processor can perform washing machine operation numbering each time the washing machine starts operating.

[0277] The processor (200) re-performs calibration of the turbidity sensor based on the difference value between the initial size of the first electrical signal and the recognized size of the first electrical signal being greater than or equal to the first reference value and less than the second reference value.

[0278] If the difference value between the initial size of the first electric signal and the recognized size of the first electric signal is greater than or equal to the first reference value and less than the second reference value, it is determined that there is a possibility that bubbles exist in the tub (120), and after performing a washing process inside the washing machine, calibration of the turbidity sensor (191) can be re-performed.

[0279] The processor (200) controls the drive motor (140) to rotate the drum (130) for the washing process inside the washing machine, controls the operation of the drive motor (140) to stop when a preset time has elapsed, controls the drain pump (172) based on the stop of the drive motor (140) to discharge water inside the tub (120) to the outside, and controls the opening of the second water supply valve (154) to supply water up to the reference water level based on the completion of drainage, and can identify whether the water level of the tub is the reference water level based on the water level detected by the water level sensor (192), control the closing of the second water supply valve based on the water level of the tub being the reference water level, and control the calibration of the turbidity sensor.

[0280] The processor (200) can form a water flow around the turbidity sensor (191) by rotating the drum (130), thereby removing bubbles around the turbidity sensor (191).

[0281] The processor (200) can control the rotation direction of the driving motor (140) alternately in the forward and reverse directions when the drum (130) rotates.

[0282] When the processor (200) alternately controls the rotation direction of the drive motor, the rotation direction of the drive motor (140) can be controlled in the forward direction, but after controlling the rotation by a first angle, the rotation direction of the drive motor (140) can be controlled in the reverse direction by a second angle.

[0283] The first and second angles may be the same or different.

[0284] The processor (200) can initialize the memory by deleting information about the initial size stored in the memory when the washing process is completed.

[0285] The processor (200) can check the number of times calibration is performed, and if the number of times checked is greater than the reference number, it can recognize that there is a problem with the water supply device (150) and control the output unit (182) to output guidance information about the problem with the water supply device (150).

[0286] The processor (200) can recognize contamination of the turbidity sensor, tub, and drum, i.e., contamination inside the washing machine, based on the difference between the size of the currently recognized first electrical signal and the initial size of the first electrical signal being greater than or equal to the second reference value and less than the third reference value. The processor (200) can control the output unit (182) to output guidance information about contamination inside the washing machine based on the recognition of contamination inside the washing machine.

[0287] The processor (200) can control the operation of the second water supply valve (154), the driving motor (140), and the drain pump (172) so that a drum washing process for washing the inside of the washing machine is performed based on a drum washing command being received through the input unit (181).

[0288] The processor (200) recognizes a change in the initial magnitude of the first electric signal for each operating date of the washing machine, recognizes the timing of tub washing based on the recognized change, and controls the output unit to output the recognized timing of tub washing. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the processor (200) obtains a difference value between the initial magnitude (b1) of the first electric signal recognized initially and the initial magnitude (bn) of the first electric signal recognized during the previous operation of the washing machine, and recognizes whether tub washing is necessary based on the obtained difference value being greater than or equal to the second difference value, and controls the output unit (182) to output guidance information for tub washing based on the recognition that tub washing is necessary.

[0289] Each time the processor (200) updates the initial size of the first electrical signal, it recognizes the change value between the initial size of the previous first electrical signal and the initial size of the current first electrical signal, and based on the change value of the initial size being greater than or equal to a reference change value, it can recognize contamination of the turbidity sensor, tub, and drum, i.e., contamination inside the washing machine. The change value of the initial size can include a change rate of the initial size.

[0290] Each time the processor (200) updates the initial size of the first electrical signal, it recognizes the slope of the updated initial size of the first electrical signal and the minimum size of the first electrical signal, and based on the recognized slope being greater than or equal to the reference slope, it can recognize contamination of the turbidity sensor, tub, and drum, i.e., contamination inside the washing machine.

[0291] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the processor can control the display unit (182a) to display guidance information recommending thorough cleaning.

[0292] The processor (200) can control the calibration of the turbidity sensor based on the minimum size of the first electrical signal stored in the memory (210) based on the completion of the drum washing process inside the washing machine.

[0293] The processor (200) can control the memory to recognize the size of the first electric signal so that the size of the second electric signal reaches a reference size while gradually increasing the size of the first electric signal stored in the memory (210) by a certain size from the minimum size based on the completion of the drum washing process inside the washing machine, and to store the recognized size of the first electric signal as the initial size.

[0294] After the washing process is completed, the initial size stored in the memory of the processor (200) may be the initial initial size.

[0295] The processor (200) can also recognize contamination of water in the tub based on the difference between the size of the recognized first electrical signal and the initial size of the first electrical signal stored in the memory being greater than or equal to the third reference value, even after re-calibrating the turbidity sensor or performing the tub cleaning process.

[0296] The processor (200) can also recognize contamination of water in the tub based on the difference between the size of the currently recognized first electrical signal and the initial size of the first electrical signal stored in the memory being greater than or equal to the third reference value before re-calibrating the turbidity sensor.

[0297] The processor (200) can control the output unit (182) to output guidance information on water contamination.

[0298] The processor (200) applies a first electric signal of an initial size to the light-emitting portion (191a) of the turbidity sensor during the washing cycle, compares the size of the second electric signal output from the light-receiving portion (191b) of the turbidity sensor with a reference size, and recognizes the turbidity of the water in the tub based on the difference between the size of the second electric signal output from the light-receiving portion (191b) of the turbidity sensor and the reference size, and controls at least one of the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle based on the recognized turbidity of the water.

[0299] The processor (200) may be implemented as a memory (not shown) that stores data regarding an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine or a program that reproduces the algorithm, and a processor (not shown) that performs the aforementioned operations using the data stored in the memory. In this case, the memory and the processor may be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0300] The processor (200) can perform the above-described operation using data stored in the memory (210).

[0301] The processor (200) may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the processor (300) may include one or more processor chips that perform the aforementioned operations using an algorithm for controlling the operations of components within the clothing care device, at least one memory that stores program-type data, and data stored in the at least one memory, or may include one or more processing cores.

[0302] The processor (200) may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of the artificial intelligence model, and may include a graphics-only processor (GPU), etc.

[0303] The memory (210) can store the initial size of the first electrical signal of the turbidity sensor.

[0304] The initial size of the first electric signal may be the size of the first electric signal obtained during the previous operation of the washing machine, and may be the size of the first electric signal that must be applied to the light emitting unit (191a) in order for the brightness corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit to reach the reference brightness.

[0305] The initial size of the first electrical signal may be the size of the first electrical signal that must be applied to the light-emitting unit (191a) in order for the size of the second electrical signal output from the light-receiving unit to reach the reference size.

[0306] The reference size of the second electrical signal may be the size of the second electrical signal when the brightness corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit reaches the reference brightness.

[0307] The magnitude of the first electrical signal may include a current value or a voltage value.

[0308] The memory (210) can update the initial size of the first electrical signal based on the control command of the processor (200).

[0309] The initial size of the first electrical signal stored in the memory (210) can be changed and stored each time the washing machine starts operating.

[0310] The memory (210) can store the initial size of the first electric signal for each operating date of the washing machine for a certain period of time.

[0311] The memory (210) can store the minimum size of the first electrical signal of the turbidity sensor.

[0312] The minimum size of the first electric signal may be the size of the electric signal required for the light emitting unit (191a) to emit light at a preset minimum brightness.

[0313] The minimum magnitude of the first electrical signal may include a minimum value of current or a minimum value of voltage.

[0314] The minimum size of the first electrical signal may be equal to or smaller than the initial size of the first electrical signal.

[0315] The memory (210) can store the reference size of the second electrical signal of the turbidity sensor.

[0316] The memory (210) can store information about the reference brightness of the turbidity sensor.

[0317] The memory (210) can store the reference size of the second electrical signal corresponding to the reference brightness of the turbidity sensor.

[0318] The memory (210) can store information about the reference water level.

[0319] The reference water level may be a height corresponding to the distance between the tub and the drum.

[0320] The memory (210) can store data for an algorithm for controlling the operation of components in the washing machine or a program that reproduces the algorithm.

[0321] The memory (210) may be implemented as at least one of a non-volatile memory element such as a cache, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable ROM), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and a flash memory, a volatile memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a CD-ROM, but is not limited thereto.

[0322] The memory (210) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks.

[0323] At least one component may be added or deleted to correspond to the performance of the components of the washing machine illustrated in Fig. 5. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be altered to correspond to the performance or structure of the washing machine.

[0324] Meanwhile, each component illustrated in FIG. 5 refers to software and / or hardware components such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0325] Figures 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d and 13e are control flowcharts of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0326] The washing machine controls the water supply to the reference water level (302) based on the command to start operation received through the input unit (182) (301).

[0327] Controlling the water supply can be accomplished by controlling the opening of the second water supply valve (154), comparing the water level detected by the water level sensor (192) during the water supply with the reference water level, and controlling the closing of the second water supply valve (154) based on the detected water level reaching the reference water level.

[0328] The washing machine can control the opening of the second water supply valve (154) so ​​that water from an external water source is supplied directly to the tub (120).

[0329] The washing machine identifies whether the current calibration of the turbidity sensor is the initial calibration (303).

[0330] The washing machine can recognize the current calibration of the turbidity sensor (191) as the initial calibration based on the recognition that the initial size of the first electrical signal is not stored in the memory (210) and only the minimum size of the first electrical signal is stored.

[0331] If the current calibration of the turbidity sensor is recognized as the initial calibration, the washing machine recognizes the minimum size of the first electrical signal stored in the memory (210). The minimum size of the first electrical signal may be the minimum size of the electrical signal required for the light emitting part of the turbidity sensor to emit light at a standard brightness.

[0332] The washing machine can apply a first electric signal of the minimum size recognized to the light emitting portion (191a) of the turbidity sensor (304).

[0333] For example, the washing machine may apply current to the light emitting portion (191a) of the turbidity sensor, but may apply the minimum current to the light emitting portion (191a).

[0334] As another example, the washing machine may apply voltage to the light emitting portion (191a) of the turbidity sensor, but may apply a minimum voltage to the light emitting portion (191a).

[0335] The light receiving portion (191b) of the turbidity sensor receives the light output from the light emitting portion (191a) and outputs a second electric signal of a size corresponding to the amount of light received.

[0336] The washing machine receives a second electric signal from the light receiving unit (191b) and recognizes the size of the received second electric signal (305).

[0337] For example, the washing machine can check the value of the current received from the light receiving unit (191b) of the turbidity sensor.

[0338] As another example, the washing machine can recognize the value of the voltage received from the light receiving portion (191b) of the turbidity sensor.

[0339] The washing machine can compare the size of the recognized second electric signal with the reference size to identify whether the size of the recognized second electric signal is the reference size (306), and based on the size of the received second electric signal being identified as the reference size, store the minimum size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit (191a) as the initial size of the first electric signal (307).

[0340] The magnitude of the recognized first electrical signal may be the magnitude of the first electrical signal corresponding to the reference brightness.

[0341] The reference size of the second electrical signal may be the size of the second electrical signal output from the light receiving unit when a light amount corresponding to the reference brightness is received.

[0342] The washing machine adjusts the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit (191a) based on whether the size of the recognized second electric signal is not identified as a reference size.

[0343] The fact that the size of the second electrical signal is not identified as the reference size includes that the size of the recognized second electrical signal is smaller than the reference size.

[0344] Modulating the magnitude of the first electrical signal includes increasing the magnitude of the first electrical signal.

[0345] The washing machine can increase the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit (191a) by a certain size in stages based on the size of the recognized second electric signal being smaller than the reference size.

[0346] The washing machine can apply a first electric signal increased by a certain size to the light emitting unit (308).

[0347] The washing machine recognizes the size of the second electric signal received from the light-receiving unit whenever a first electric signal that has been increased by a certain size in stages is applied to the light-emitting unit (309), identifies whether the size of the recognized second electric signal is a reference size (310), and when the size of the second electric signal is identified as the reference size based on the recognition of the size of the recognized second electric signal as the reference size, recognizes the size of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting unit, and stores the size of the recognized first electric signal as the initial size (311).

[0348] The washing machine identifies whether the size of the recognized second electric signal is greater than the reference size based on the fact that the size of the recognized second electric signal is not identified as the reference size (312), and, based on the fact that the size of the recognized second electric signal is identified as greater than the reference size, verifies the size of the second electric signal (i.e., the first size) in the current stage and the size of the second electric signal (i.e., the second size) in the previous stage, compares the size of the second electric signal with the reference size in the current stage, and compares the size of the second electric signal with the reference size in the previous stage (313).

[0349] The washing machine obtains the difference between the first size and the reference size, and obtains the difference between the second size and the reference size.

[0350] The washing machine recognizes a size that is smaller than the reference size among the size of the second electric signal (i.e., first size) received from the light-receiving unit in the current stage and the size of the second electric signal (i.e., second size) received from the light-receiving unit in the previous stage based on the size of the second electric signal received from the light-receiving unit (191b) being larger than the reference size (314), and recognizes the size of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting unit when the second electric signal of the recognized smaller size is received.

[0351] The washing machine can recognize the size of the first electric signal corresponding to the recognized small-sized second electric signal (315) and store the size of the recognized first electric signal as the initial size (316).

[0352] When the difference between the first size and the reference size is defined as the first comparison value, and the difference between the second size and the reference size is defined as the second comparison value, the washing machine can compare the first comparison value and the second comparison value, and when a second electric signal of the first size corresponding to the first comparison value is received based on the first comparison value being smaller than the second comparison value, recognize the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit, and store the size of the recognized first electric signal as the initial size, and when a second electric signal of the second size corresponding to the second comparison value is received based on the first comparison value being larger than the second comparison value, recognize the size of the first signal applied to the light emitting unit, and store the size of the recognized first electric signal as the initial size.

[0353]

[0354] The washing machine may recognize that the current calibration of the turbidity sensor is not the initial calibration based on the recognition that the initial size of the first electrical signal is stored in the memory (210).

[0355] The washing machine recognizes the initial size of the first electric signal stored in the memory (210) based on the recognition that the initial size of the first electric signal is stored in the memory (210) (317), and applies the first electric signal of the recognized initial size to the light-emitting part (191a) of the turbidity sensor (318).

[0356] For example, the washing machine may apply current to the light emitting portion (191a) of the turbidity sensor, but may apply an initial value of current to the light emitting portion (191a).

[0357] As another example, the washing machine may apply voltage to the light emitting portion (191a) of the turbidity sensor, but may apply an initial value of voltage to the light emitting portion (191a).

[0358] When the washing machine receives a second electric signal from the light receiving unit (191b), it recognizes the size of the received second electric signal (319).

[0359] The washing machine compares the size of the recognized second electric signal with the reference size to identify whether the size of the recognized second electric signal is the reference size (320), and stores the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit (191a) as the initial size in the memory (210) based on the size of the recognized second electric signal being identified as the reference size (321).

[0360] The washing machine identifies whether the size of the recognized second electrical signal is greater than the reference size based on the size of the recognized second electrical signal not being identified as the reference size (322).

[0361] The washing machine can apply a first electric signal having a size reduced by a certain size from the size of the first electric signal to the light emitting unit (191a) based on the size of the recognized second electric signal being greater than the reference size.

[0362] The washing machine can perform a reduction control that gradually reduces the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit (191a) by a certain size (323).

[0363] The washing machine recognizes the size of the second electric signal received from the light-receiving unit (191b) at each time point of the reduction control of the first electric signal (324), identifies whether the size of the recognized second electric signal is a reference size (325), and recognizes the size of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting unit when the size of the recognized second electric signal is identified as the reference size based on the size of the recognized second electric signal being identified as the reference size, and stores the size of the recognized first electric signal as the initial size (326).

[0364] The washing machine determines the size of the second electrical signal recognized in the current stage and the size of the second electrical signal recognized in the previous stage based on the size of the recognized second electrical signal being identified as being smaller than the reference size, compares the size of the second electrical signal recognized in the current stage with the reference size, and compares the size of the second electrical signal recognized in the previous stage with the reference size (328).

[0365] As a result of the comparison, the washing machine recognizes a size having a smaller difference from the reference size (329), recognizes the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit when a second electric signal of the recognized smaller size is received (330), and can store the size of the recognized first electric signal as the initial size (331).

[0366] For example, if the difference between the size of the second electric signal recognized at the current stage and the reference size is referred to as the first comparison value, and the difference between the size of the second electric signal recognized at the previous stage and the reference size is referred to as the second comparison value, the washing machine may recognize the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit when a second electric signal having a size corresponding to the first comparison value is received based on the first comparison value being smaller than the second comparison value, and store the size of the recognized first electric signal as the initial size, and if the second electric signal having a size corresponding to the second comparison value is received based on the first comparison value being larger than the second comparison value, recognize the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit when the second electric signal having a size corresponding to the second comparison value is received, and store the size of the recognized first electric signal as the initial size.

[0367] The washing machine performs an increase control to increase the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit (191a) by a certain size based on the fact that the size of the recognized second electric signal is smaller than the reference size (322, N) (332).

[0368] The washing machine can gradually increase the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit (191a) by a certain size until the size of the recognized second electric signal is identified as a reference size.

[0369] That is, each time the size of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting unit (191a) is increased by a certain amount, the washing machine recognizes the size of the second electric signal received from the light-receiving unit (191b) (333) and identifies whether the size of the recognized second electric signal is a reference size (334).

[0370] The constant size when controlling the decrease in size of the first electrical signal and the constant size when controlling the increase in size of the first electrical signal may be the same or different.

[0371] The washing machine can recognize the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit and store the size of the recognized first electric signal as the initial size when the size of the recognized second electric signal is identified as the reference size based on the size of the recognized second electric signal being identified as the reference size (335).

[0372] The washing machine identifies whether the size of the recognized second electrical signal is greater than the reference size based on the fact that the size of the recognized second electrical signal is not identified as the reference size (336).

[0373] The washing machine compares the size of the second electrical signal recognized in the current stage with the reference size based on the size of the recognized second electrical signal being greater than the reference size, and compares the size of the second electrical signal recognized in the previous stage with the reference size (337).

[0374] The washing machine recognizes a second electric signal having a smaller difference from the reference size (338), and recognizes the size of the first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit when the recognized second electric signal is received.

[0375] That is, the washing machine recognizes the size of the first electric signal corresponding to the recognized second electric signal (339) and can store the size of the recognized first electric signal as the initial size (340).

[0376] The washing machine can recognize the difference value (b2-b1) between the initial size of the first electric signal stored in the memory (210) and the size (b2) of the first electric signal recognized during the current operation, and control the memory (210) to store the size of the currently recognized first electric signal as the initial size based on the recognized difference value being less than the first reference value.

[0377] The difference value recognized here can be an absolute value.

[0378] The washing machine can perform washing machine operation numbering each time the operation of the washing machine starts, and store the initial size of the first electrical signal for each operation numbering.

[0379] When the initial size of the first electric signal is determined, the washing machine applies the initial size of the first electric signal to the light-emitting portion (191a) of the turbidity sensor during the washing cycle, compares the size of the second electric signal output from the light-receiving portion (191b) of the turbidity sensor with the reference size, and recognizes the turbidity of the water in the tub based on the difference between the size of the second electric signal output from the light-receiving portion (191b) of the turbidity sensor and the reference size, and controls at least one of the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle based on the recognized turbidity of the water.

[0380] The washing machine can re-calibrate the turbidity sensor based on the difference value between the initial size of the first electrical signal stored in the memory and the size of the first electrical signal recognized during the current operation being greater than or equal to the first reference value and less than the second reference value.

[0381] If the difference value between the initial size of the first electric signal and the recognized size of the first electric signal is greater than or equal to the first reference value and less than the second reference value, it is determined that there is a possibility that bubbles exist in the tub (120), and after performing a washing process inside the washing machine, calibration of the turbidity sensor (191) can be re-performed.

[0382] Performing a washing process inside the washing machine may include controlling a drive motor (140) to rotate a drum (130), controlling the operation of the drive motor (140) to stop when a preset time has elapsed, controlling a drain pump (172) based on the stop of the drive motor (140) to discharge water inside the tub (120) to the outside, and controlling the opening of a second water supply valve (154) to supply water up to a reference water level based on the completion of drainage, and identifying whether the water level of the tub is a reference water level based on a water level detected by a water level sensor (192), and controlling the closing of the second water supply valve based on the water level of the tub being the reference water level.

[0383] The washing machine can check the number of times calibration is performed, and if the number of times checked is greater than the standard number, it can recognize that there is a problem with the water supply device (150) and control the output unit (182) to output guidance information about the problem with the water supply device (150).

[0384] Controlling the output unit may include at least one of display control via the display unit and output control via the speaker.

[0385] The washing machine can recognize contamination of the turbidity sensor, tub, and drum, i.e., contamination inside the washing machine, based on the difference value between the initial size of the first electric signal stored in the memory and the size of the first electric signal recognized during the current operation being greater than or equal to the second reference value and less than the third reference value.

[0386] The washing machine can control the output unit (182) to output guidance information on contamination inside the washing machine based on what is recognized as contamination inside the washing machine.

[0387] The washing machine can control the operation of the second water supply valve (154), the driving motor (140), and the drain pump (172) so that a drum washing operation for washing the inside of the washing machine is performed based on a drum washing command received through the input unit (181).

[0388] The washing machine acquires a difference value between the initial size of the first electrical signal recognized initially and the initial size of the first electrical signal recognized during the operation of the previous washing machine, and recognizes whether or not drum washing is necessary based on the acquired difference value being greater than or equal to the second difference value, and it is also possible to control the output unit (182) to output guidance information for drum washing based on the recognition that drum washing is necessary.

[0389] The washing machine can control the calibration of the turbidity sensor based on the minimum size of the first electrical signal stored in the memory (210) based on the completion of the drum washing process inside the washing machine.

[0390] That is, the washing machine can control the memory to recognize the size of the first electric signal so that the size of the second electric signal reaches a reference size while gradually increasing the size of the first electric signal stored in the memory (210) by a certain size from the minimum size based on the completion of the drum washing process inside the washing machine, and to store the recognized size of the first electric signal as the initial size.

[0391] The washing machine can also recognize contamination of water in the tub based on the difference between the magnitude of the recognized first electrical signal and the initial magnitude of the first electrical signal stored in the memory being greater than or equal to the third reference value, even after re-calibrating the turbidity sensor or performing a tub wash cycle.

[0392] The washing machine can control the output unit (182) to output guidance information on water contamination.

[0393] 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.

[0394] 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.

[0395] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A tub that holds water; A turbidity sensor comprising a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and detecting the turbidity of water contained in the tub; A memory storing the initial size of the first electrical signal applied to the light-emitting portion of the turbidity sensor; and A washing machine including a processor that recognizes the size of a second electric signal received from the light-receiving unit during the size adjustment of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting unit based on the initial size stored in the memory, recognizes the size of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting unit based on the recognized second electric signal reaching a reference size, and controls calibration of the turbidity sensor based on the size of the recognized first electric signal.

2. In paragraph 1, A washing machine in which the reference size of the second electric signal is the size of the second electric signal at which the brightness of the light received by the light receiving unit reaches the reference brightness.

3. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a water supply device for supplying water to the above tub, The above processor is a washing machine that controls the calibration of the turbidity sensor during the water supply of the washing cycle.

4. In the first paragraph, the processor, A washing machine that controls the memory to update the size of the recognized first electric signal to the initial size and store it, and controls the memory to match the updated initial size with the driving information and store it.

5. In paragraph 4, Including more output sections, The processor recognizes the slope of the updated initial size and the pre-stored minimum size, recognizes at least one of the turbidity sensor, the tub, the drum, and the contamination of the water based on the recognized slope being greater than or equal to the reference slope, and controls the output unit to output information on the recognized at least one contamination.

6. In the first paragraph, the processor, Recognize the size of the second electric signal received from the light-receiving unit based on the first electric signal of the initial size being applied to the light-emitting unit, control the decrease of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting unit based on the recognized second electric signal being greater than a reference size, and control the increase of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting unit based on the recognized second electric signal being smaller than a reference size. A washing machine that adjusts the first electric signal in steps from the initial size to a certain size.

7. In the 6th paragraph, the processor, A washing machine that recognizes the size of the second electric signal for each step corresponding to the step-by-step adjustment of the first electric signal, recognizes the size of the second electric signal having the smallest difference from the reference size among the sizes of the second electric signal for each step, and recognizes the size of the first electric signal corresponding to the reception of the recognized second electric signal.

8. In paragraph 1, A water supply device for supplying water to the above tub; A drainage device for discharging water into the above tub; and Further comprising a drum provided inside the above tub and rotatably provided; A washing machine in which the processor controls the rotation of the drum and the drainage device based on the difference between the magnitude of the recognized first electric signal and the initial magnitude of the first electric signal being greater than or equal to a first reference value and less than a second reference value, controls the water supply device based on the completion of the drainage, and controls the calibration of the turbidity sensor again.

9. In paragraph 8, Including more output sections, A washing machine in which the processor controls the washing process of the turbidity sensor, the tub, and the drum based on the difference between the size of the recognized first electric signal and the initial size of the first electric signal being greater than or equal to the second reference value and less than or equal to the third reference value, and controls the output unit to output information on contamination of water in the tub based on the difference between the size of the recognized first electric signal and the initial size of the first electric signal being greater than or equal to the third reference value.

10. In paragraph 9, The above memory further stores the minimum size of the first electrical signal, The processor controls the calibration of the turbidity sensor based on the minimum size of the first electrical signal based on the completion of the washing process, and controls the memory to store the size of the first electrical signal recognized by the calibration as an initial size. The above minimum size is a washing machine that is smaller than the above initial size.

11. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a water supply device for supplying water to the above tub, The processor is a washing machine that recognizes the turbidity of water in the tub based on the magnitude of the second electric signal and the reference magnitude during the water supply of the washing cycle and controls at least one of the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle based on the recognized turbidity.

12. Supply water to the tub based on the reference water level, Adjusting the size of the first electric signal applied to the light-emitting part of the turbidity sensor provided in the tub based on the initial size stored in the memory, During the adjustment of the size of the first electrical signal, the size of the second electrical signal received from the light receiving unit of the turbidity sensor is recognized, Recognize the size of the first electrical signal based on the size of the recognized second electrical signal reaching the reference size, Controlling the calibration of the turbidity sensor based on the magnitude of the first electrical signal recognized above, A washing machine control method wherein the reference size of the second electric signal is the size of the second electric signal when the brightness of the light of the light emitting unit received by the light receiving unit reaches the reference brightness.

13. In the 12th paragraph, adjusting the size of the first electrical signal is Recognize the size of the second electric signal received from the light-receiving unit based on the first electric signal of the initial size being applied to the light-emitting unit, Controlling the reduction of the first electrical signal applied to the light emitting unit based on the above-described second electrical signal being greater than a reference size, A control method for a washing machine, comprising controlling an increase in a first electric signal applied to the light emitting unit based on the recognized second electric signal being smaller than a reference size.

14. In paragraph 13, Controlling the rotation of the drum and the water supply of the water supply device based on the difference between the magnitude of the first recognized electric signal and the initial magnitude of the first electric signal being greater than or equal to a first reference value and less than a second reference value; Re-control the calibration of the above turbidity sensor, Controlling the washing process of the turbidity sensor, the tub and the drum based on the difference value between the magnitude of the recognized first electric signal and the initial magnitude of the first electric signal being greater than or equal to the second reference value and less than the third reference value; When the above washing process is completed, the calibration of the turbidity sensor is controlled based on the minimum size of the first electric signal stored in the memory, and the size of the first electric signal recognized by the calibration is stored in the memory as the initial size, Further comprising outputting information on contamination of water in the tub through an output unit based on the difference value between the magnitude of the recognized first electric signal and the initial magnitude of the first electric signal being greater than or equal to the third reference value; A method for controlling a washing machine, wherein the minimum size is smaller than the initial size.

15. In paragraph 13, Update the initial size stored in the memory based on the size of the first electrical signal recognized above, Recognize the slope of the above updated initial size and the pre-stored minimum size, Recognizing at least one of the turbidity sensor, the tub, the drum, and the water contamination based on the recognized slope being greater than or equal to a reference slope, A control method for a washing machine, further comprising controlling the output unit to output information on at least one recognized contamination.

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