Washing machine and method for controlling same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine and a method for controlling same. The washing machine of the present invention comprises: a tub; a turbidity sensor provided in the tub to detect the turbidity of water; a conductivity sensor provided in the tub to detect the conductivity of the water; a drain pipe provided at the lower end of the tub; a drain pump provided in the drain pipe; a water level sensor connected to the drain pipe to detect the water level of the drain pipe and the tub; and a processor for controlling the operation of the drain pump on the basis of the water level detected by the water level sensor and at least one of the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor and the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor.

Description

Washing machine and its control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof for discharging water contained in a tub and detecting the state of water contained in the tub.

[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 not containing detergent, a spin-drying cycle that removes water from laundry, and a draining cycle that discharges water inside the tub to the outside during the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and spin-drying cycle.

[0003] Currently, washing machines cannot detect water remaining below the water level sensor's position. Therefore, washing machines perform an additional draining cycle at the end or beginning of a cycle, by operating the drain pump for a set period of time to drain any remaining water in the tub and drain pipe.

[0004] This causes the actual operating time of the washing machine to be longer than the operating time required to perform the washing cycle selected by the user.

[0005] If the washing machine does not perform an additional draining cycle at the end or beginning of its operation, the remaining water in the drain pipe or under the tub can reduce the accuracy of the turbidity sensor's calibration and water hardness detection. This can lead to decreased washing machine performance.

[0006] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a washing machine and a control method thereof, which includes a water level sensor provided adjacent to a drain pump, and a turbidity sensor and a conductivity sensor provided at the bottom of a tub, and recognizes completion of drainage using the water level sensor, the turbidity sensor, and the conductivity sensor.

[0007] Another aspect of the disclosed invention provides a washing machine and a control method thereof that controls water supply based on recognition of completion of drainage, performs calibration of a turbidity sensor, and detects the hardness of water in a tub using a conductivity sensor.

[0008] According to one aspect, a washing machine includes: a tub; a turbidity sensor provided in the tub and detecting turbidity of water; a conductivity sensor provided in the tub and detecting conductivity of water; a drain pipe provided at the bottom of the tub; a drain pump provided in the drain pipe; a water level sensor connected to the drain pipe and detecting water levels in the drain pipe and the tub; and a processor that controls the operation of the drain pump based on at least one of turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor and conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor and a water level detected by the water level sensor.

[0009] According to one aspect, a water level sensor of a washing machine includes a hose connected to a drain pipe and provided outside the tub, and outputs information corresponding to the pressure of the hose. According to one aspect, a processor of the washing machine recognizes the water level of the tub and drain pipe based on the information received from the water level sensor.

[0010] A processor of a washing machine according to one aspect maintains and controls the operation of a drain pump based on the fact that the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor is below a reference turbidity, the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor is below the reference conductivity, and the water level detected by the water level sensor is above a first reference water level.

[0011] A processor of a washing machine according to one aspect controls the operation of a drain pump to stop based on the fact that the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor is below a reference turbidity, the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor is below the reference conductivity, and the water level detected by the water level sensor is below a first reference water level.

[0012] The first reference water level of the washing machine according to one aspect includes the water level corresponding to the connection point of the drain pipe and the water level sensor.

[0013] The turbidity sensor and conductivity sensor of the washing machine according to one aspect are provided on the lower surface of the tub and protrude from the lower surface.

[0014] The processor of the washing machine according to one aspect recognizes that water above a second reference level exists in the tub based on whether the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor exceeds a reference turbidity level or whether the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor exceeds a reference conductivity level.

[0015] The processor of the washing machine according to one aspect recognizes that water below a second reference level exists in the drain pipe based on the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor being below a reference turbidity level and the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor being below a reference conductivity level.

[0016] The second reference water level of the washing machine according to one aspect includes the water level corresponding to the lower surface of the tub.

[0017] According to one aspect, a washing machine further includes a water supply pipe supplying water to a tub; and a water supply valve provided on the water supply pipe. The processor of the washing machine according to one aspect controls the opening of the water supply valve based on stopping a drain pump, and controls the closing of the water supply valve based on a water level detected by a water level sensor during water supply control reaching a third reference water level. The third reference water level is a water level at which a turbidity sensor and a conductivity sensor are submerged in water.

[0018] According to one aspect, the washing machine further includes a drum provided within the tub and configured to accommodate laundry. The third reference water level of the washing machine according to one aspect is the water level corresponding to the lowest section of the drum.

[0019] According to one aspect, the processor of the washing machine controls the calibration of the turbidity sensor based on controlling the closing of the water supply valve.

[0020] According to one aspect, the processor of the washing machine controls the operation of the conductivity sensor based on controlling the closing of the water supply valve, and recognizes the hardness of the water based on the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor.

[0021] A control method of a washing machine according to another aspect recognizes turbidity based on first detection information received from a turbidity sensor provided on the lower surface of a tub, recognizes conductivity based on second detection information received from a conductivity sensor provided on the lower surface of the tub, recognizes a water level based on third detection information received from a water level sensor connected to a drain pipe on the lower surface of the tub, and controls the operation of a drain pump provided on the drain pipe based on at least one of the recognized turbidity and the recognized conductivity and the recognized water level.

[0022] Controlling the operation of the drain pump includes operating the drain pump based on the recognized turbidity being less than or equal to a reference turbidity, the recognized conductivity being less than or equal to the reference conductivity, and the recognized water level being greater than or equal to a first reference water level, and stopping the drain pump based on the recognized turbidity being less than or equal to the reference turbidity, the recognized conductivity being less than or equal to the reference conductivity, and the recognized water level being less than a first reference water level. The first reference water level includes a water level corresponding to a connection point of the drain pipe and the water level sensor.

[0023] Controlling the operation of the drain pump includes recognizing that water above a second reference level is present in the tub based on the recognized turbidity exceeding a reference turbidity or the recognized conductivity exceeding a reference conductivity, and operating the drain pump.

[0024] Controlling the operation of the drain pump includes recognizing that water below a second reference level exists in the drain pipe based on the recognized turbidity being below a reference turbidity, the recognized conductivity being below the reference conductivity, and the recognized water level being above a first reference level, and operating the drain pump. The second reference level includes a water level that is higher than the first reference level and corresponds to the lower surface of the tub.

[0025] A control method for a washing machine according to another aspect further includes controlling the opening of a water supply valve based on stopping a drain pump, controlling the closing of the water supply valve based on the water level detected by a water level sensor during water supply control reaching a third reference water level, and controlling the calibration of a turbidity sensor based on the controlling the closing of the water supply valve. The third reference water level is a water level at which the turbidity sensor and the conductivity sensor are submerged in water.

[0026] A control method of a washing machine according to another aspect further includes controlling the opening of a water supply valve based on stopping a drain pump, controlling the closing of the water supply valve based on the water level detected by a water level sensor during water supply control reaching a third reference water level, controlling the operation of a conductivity sensor based on controlling the closing of the water supply valve, and recognizing the hardness of water based on the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor.

[0027] A method for controlling a washing machine according to another aspect further includes controlling a washing cycle and a rinsing cycle based on the recognized water hardness.

[0028] According to the disclosed invention, the disclosed invention recognizes the completion of the drainage cycle by using a water level sensor provided adjacent to the drain pump, a turbidity sensor provided at the bottom of the tub, and a conductivity sensor, so that the presence or absence of residual water inside the washing machine can be accurately recognized, thereby improving the performance of the drainage cycle and eliminating the need to perform an additional drainage cycle at the end or beginning of the washing machine's operation. Accordingly, the disclosed invention can minimize the operating time of the washing machine and reduce power consumption due to the additional drainage cycle.

[0029] The disclosed invention can prevent water supplied during the current operation of a washing machine from mixing with water used during a previous operation. Consequently, the disclosed invention can improve the accuracy of turbidity sensor calibration and the accuracy of water hardness detection within the tub.

[0030] The disclosed invention can improve the reliability of a turbidity sensor by improving the accuracy of calibration of the turbidity sensor and the accuracy of detecting the hardness of water in a tub, and can improve washing performance by performing an optimal washing cycle and rinsing cycle.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Figure 1 is an internal example diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 is an example of the appearance of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 is an example diagram of sensors provided in a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 is an exemplary diagram of a water level sensor provided in a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 is an example of a third reference water level of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 6 is an exemplary diagram of a turbidity sensor provided in a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 7 is a control configuration diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figures 8 and 9 are examples of water levels in a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figures 10a and 10b are control flowcharts of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0041] 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.

[0042] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0046] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] The washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 on 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0075] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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).

[0078] 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).

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

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

[0081] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as servers, user devices, and other home appliances through surrounding access points (APs).

[0082] An access point (AP) can connect the local area network (LAN) where the washing machine or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) where the server is connected. The washing machine or user device can then connect to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] Below, washing machines according to various embodiments are specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0086] Fig. 1 is an internal example diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment, which is described with reference to Figs. 2 to 6.

[0087] 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, FIG. 4 is an exemplary view of a water level sensor provided in a washing machine according to an embodiment, FIG. 5 is an exemplary view of a third reference water level of a washing machine according to an embodiment, and FIG. 6 is an exemplary view of a turbidity sensor provided in a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0088] In this embodiment, a front-loading washing machine is used as an example.

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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.

[0091] The housing (110) may be provided with a door (111) for opening and closing the opening.

[0092] 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).

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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).

[0095] The drum (130) is provided inside the tub (120), and may be provided in a shape corresponding to the shape of the tub (120).

[0096] The drum (130) may be provided to be rotatable inside the tub (120).

[0097] 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).

[0098] That is, the plurality of holes (131) allow water from the tub (120) to flow into the drum (130) and also allow water from inside the drum (130) to be discharged toward the tub (120).

[0099] A rotation shaft of a driving motor (140) can be connected to the outside of the drum (130).

[0100] 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).

[0101] Accordingly, the drum (130) can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise within the tub (120) by the driving force of the driving motor (140).

[0102] 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.

[0103] A plurality of lifters (132) can be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the drum (130).

[0104] 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).

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] The water supply device (150) includes one or more water supply pipes (151) and one or more water supply valves (152).

[0108] 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 (151) can be connected to a detergent supply device (160). The first water supply pipe (151) receives water from the external water source and guides the received water into the detergent supply device (160).

[0109] That is, 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 drum (130) together with detergent from the detergent supply device (160).

[0110] The first water supply pipe may include a first cold water pipe and a first hot water pipe.

[0111] 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 at the target level to block the water supplied into the tub (120) and the drum (130).

[0112] The target height may be the height of water required to perform the washing and rinsing cycles determined by the washing course and option information selected by the user.

[0113] 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).

[0114] A first water supply valve (152) may be provided in each first water supply pipe (151).

[0115] The first water supply valve (152) can be provided in each of the first cold water pipe and the first hot water pipe.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] The drainage device (170) includes a drain pipe (171) and a drain pump (172), and may further include a drain valve.

[0119] The drainage device (170) is provided at the bottom of the housing, but may be provided at the bottom of the tub (120).

[0120] 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 discharged from the tub (120) flows.

[0121] The drain pump (172) pumps water inside the tub (120) and drum (130) during the drainage and dehydration cycles.

[0122] The drain pump (172) causes water in the tub (120) and drum (130) to flow in along one side of the drain pipe (171) when pumping, and guides the flowed in water to the outside through the other side of the drain pipe (171), thereby allowing the water inside the tub (120) and drum (130) to be discharged to the outside.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine (1) further includes a control panel (180) for interface with the user.

[0124] The control panel (180) may be a user interface.

[0125] 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.

[0126] The input unit (181) may include a plurality of buttons for receiving a driving start command, a driving pause command, and a driving stop command, 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] The input unit (181) may further include an option button for inputting option information.

[0129] The optional information may include 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.

[0130] Additionally, if the washing machine has a drying cycle, the optional information may further include the dryness level.

[0131] The input unit (181) may include hardware devices such as switches, pedals, keyboards, mice, trackballs, various levers, handles, sticks, etc., in addition to buttons and jog dials.

[0132] 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.

[0133] The output section (182) outputs operation information of the washing machine (1).

[0134] The output unit (182) may include a display unit (182a) and a speaker (182b).

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] The display unit (182a) includes a plurality of seven segments.

[0138] The display unit (182a) may be provided as a liquid crystal display (LCD), 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.

[0139] The speaker (182b) can output an alarm sound corresponding to the start, end, and pause of operation of the washing machine.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 3, the washing machine (1) may further include a second water supply pipe (153), a second water supply valve (154), a water level sensor (191), a turbidity sensor (192), and a conductivity sensor (193).

[0141] A second water supply pipe (153) may be provided between an external water source (not shown) and the tub (120). The second water supply pipe (153) may directly supply water supplied from the external water source to the tub (120).

[0142] The second water supply pipe (153) may also include a second cold water pipe and a second hot water pipe. In this case, a second water supply valve (154) may be provided in each of the second cold water pipe and the second hot water pipe.

[0143] The second water supply valve (154) can directly supply water supplied from an external water source to the tub (120) by opening it, and can block the supply of water from the external water source to the tub (120) by closing it.

[0144] The water level sensor (191) is connected to the drain pipe (171) and may be connected at a point adjacent to the drain pump (172).

[0145] The first end of the water level sensor (191) is connected to the drain pipe (171), and the second end of the water level sensor (191) is provided on the outside of the tub (120), but may be provided inside the housing (110).

[0146] The water level sensor (191) detects the height (i.e., water level) of the water contained in the tub (120).

[0147] The water level detection range (hr) of the water level sensor (191) may be from the connection point of the drain pipe (171) and the water level sensor (191) to the point where water can be accommodated in the tub.

[0148] The water level sensor (191) can detect the height of water remaining in the drain pipe (171) during the drainage operation.

[0149] The water level sensor (191) can detect the height of water existing in the area (ha) between the connection point of the drain pipe (171) and the water level sensor (191) and the lowest section of the tub.

[0150] The water level at the connection point between the drain pipe (171) and the water level sensor (191) may be the lowest water level detected by the water level sensor (191), which may be the first reference water level (Wr) of the washing machine.

[0151] The water level sensor (191) can be implemented in a non-contact or contact manner.

[0152] The non-contact water level sensor (191) may include a radio-frequency water level sensor and an ultrasonic water level sensor.

[0153] 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.

[0154] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the water level sensor (191) of the present embodiment may include a pressure-type water level sensor.

[0155] The water level sensor (191) may include, but is not limited to, a hose (191a) connected to a drain pipe, a diaphragm (191b) connected to the hose (191a), a ferrite (191c) provided on the diaphragm (191b), and a coil (191d) wound around the ferrite (191c).

[0156] Briefly explaining the water level detection principle of the water level sensor, when water is contained in the drain pipe (171) and the tub (120), the pressure in the hose (191a) changes in response to the water level, a force corresponding to the pressure in the hose (191a) is transmitted to the diaphragm (191b), and the ferrite (191c) rises in the coil (191d) by the force transmitted to the diaphragm (191b), and as the ferrite (191c) rises in the coil (191d), the magnetic flux changes, and the inductance of the coil (191d) changed by the magnetic flux is output.

[0157] Here, the inductance of the coil is the value that determines the resonant frequency.

[0158] The resonant frequency may be information corresponding to the height of the water (i.e. water level) in the tub.

[0159] The water level sensor (191) can also be installed inside the drain pipe (171).

[0160] The turbidity sensor (192) is provided in the tub (120), but may be provided at the bottom of the tub (120).

[0161] A turbidity sensor (192) can be provided in the space between the tub (120) and the drum (130).

[0162] The turbidity sensor (192) can detect the turbidity of water contained in the tub (120).

[0163] The turbidity sensor (192) can detect the turbidity of the water contained in the tub (120) when the water level in the tub (120) is the third reference water level (Ws).

[0164] As illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the third reference water level (Ws) may be the height of water between the connection point of the drain pipe (171) and the water level sensor (191) and the lowest surface of the drum (130).

[0165] The turbidity sensor (192) and the conductivity sensor (193) can be provided to protrude from the lower surface of the tub.

[0166] As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the third reference water level (Ws) may be the height of water between the lowest point of the tub (120) and the uppermost point of the turbidity sensor (192) or the uppermost point of the conductivity sensor (193).

[0167] That is, the third reference water level (Ws) may be the water height from the lowest section of the tub to the point that is higher between the uppermost section of the turbidity sensor (192) and the uppermost section of the conductivity sensor (193).

[0168] The third reference water level (Ws) may be the water height at which both the turbidity sensor (192) and the conductivity sensor (193) are submerged in water.

[0169] 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).

[0170] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the turbidity sensor (192) may include a light emitting portion (192a) and a light receiving portion (192b).

[0171] The light emitting unit (192a) receives the first electrical signal and outputs light with a brightness corresponding to the received first electrical signal.

[0172] Here, the first electrical signal may include a voltage signal or a current signal.

[0173] The light receiving unit (192b) receives the light output from the light emitting unit (192a) and outputs a second electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light received.

[0174] The second electrical signal may include a voltage signal or a current signal.

[0175] The amount of light received by the light receiving unit (192b) may vary depending on the turbidity of the water contained in the tub (120).

[0176] The amount of light received by the light receiving unit (192b) may vary depending on the amount of light output from the light emitting unit (192a). Therefore, in order to ensure that the amount of light received by the light receiving unit of the turbidity sensor varies only depending on the turbidity of the water contained in the tub (120), calibration is required so that the amount of light output from the light emitting unit (192a) becomes the initial amount of light.

[0177] The turbidity sensor (192) can perform calibration when the water in the tub (120) is not mixed with detergent or laundry contaminants.

[0178] The conductivity sensor (193) is provided in the tub (120), but may be provided at the lower part of the tub (120).

[0179] A conductivity sensor (193) can be provided in the space between the tub (120) and the drum (130).

[0180] The conductivity sensor (193) may be provided adjacent to the turbidity sensor (192).

[0181] The conductivity sensor (193) can detect the conductivity of water contained in the tub (120).

[0182] The conductivity sensor (193) can detect the conductivity of the water contained in the tub (120) when the water level in the tub (120) is the third reference water level (Ws).

[0183] The conductivity sensor (193) may include a first electrode and a second electrode, and may detect the conductivity of water in the tub through current conduction between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0184] The conductivity sensor (193) can output a higher conductivity signal as the amount of electrolyte ions, such as sodium, calcium, and magnesium, increases.

[0185] The conductivity of water is information corresponding to the hardness of the water and can be proportional to the hardness.

[0186] Fig. 7 is a control configuration diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment, which is described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9.

[0187] Figures 8 and 9 are examples of water levels in a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0188] As shown in FIG. 7, 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 water level sensor (191), a turbidity sensor (192), a conductivity sensor (193), a processor (200), and a memory (210).

[0189] The drive motor (140) rotates the drum (130).

[0190] The drive motor (140) can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise based on the control command of the processor (200), and can rotate at a rotation angle, rotation speed, and rotation time corresponding to the control command of the processor (200).

[0191] That is, the drive motor (140) can rotate the drum (130) in a rotational direction, rotational angle, rotational time, and rotational speed corresponding to the control command of the processor (200).

[0192] 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).

[0193] The first water supply valve (152) can supply water to the tub (120) and drum (130) when opened, and can block the water supplied to the tub (120) and drum (130) when closed.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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).

[0196] Water in the tub (120) and drum (130) can be discharged to the outside by pumping of the drain pump (172).

[0197] The input unit (181) receives user input.

[0198] 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.

[0199] The output unit (182) can output operation information of the washing machine.

[0200] The output unit (182) may include a display unit (182a) and a speaker (182b).

[0201] The display unit (182a) displays information related to the status or operation of the washing machine (1) based on the control command of the processor (200), displays information input to the input unit (181), and displays information to guide the user's input.

[0202] 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.

[0203] The water level sensor (191) can be activated or deactivated based on a control command of the processor (200).

[0204] The water level sensor (191) can detect the height of water contained in the tub (120) and transmit information corresponding to the detected water height to the processor (200).

[0205] The water level sensor (191) can transmit inductance information corresponding to the detected water height to the processor (200).

[0206] The water level sensor (191) can also transmit information about the frequency corresponding to the inductance to the processor (200).

[0207] The water level sensor (191) can detect the height of water supplied to the tub during the washing and rinsing cycles based on the control command of the processor (200), and can detect the height of water received in the tub during the draining cycle.

[0208] The turbidity sensor (192) can be activated or deactivated based on a control command of the processor (200).

[0209] The turbidity sensor (192) can perform calibration based on the control command of the processor (200).

[0210] The turbidity sensor (192) may include a light emitting portion (192a) and a light receiving portion (192b).

[0211] When performing calibration, the turbidity sensor (192) can receive a first electrical signal corresponding to the processor (200), cause the light emitting unit (192a) 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 (192b) to the processor (200).

[0212] The turbidity sensor (192) can receive a first electrical signal corresponding to the processor (200) during the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and draining cycle, cause the light emitting unit (192a) 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 (192b) to the processor (200).

[0213] The conductivity sensor (193) can be activated or deactivated based on a control command of the processor (200).

[0214] The conductivity sensor (193) detects the conductivity of the water in the tub (120) and transmits information about the detected conductivity of the water to the processor (200). The information about the conductivity of the water may include information about the hardness of the water.

[0215] The conductivity sensor (193) can detect the conductivity of water in the tub during the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and draining cycle.

[0216] The processor (200) controls the overall operation of the washing machine (1).

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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).

[0219] When controlling the operation of the washing machine, 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 (191).

[0220] The processor (200) can recognize the water level in the tub based on frequency information received from the water level sensor (192).

[0221] The processor (200) obtains frequency information based on inductance information received from the water level sensor (192), and can also recognize the water level in the tub based on the obtained frequency information.

[0222] The processor (200) can obtain the rotation direction, rotation angle, rotation speed and rotation time of the drum for each cycle and each cycle execution time based on the weight of the recognized laundry and the washing course and option information 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, rotation angle and rotation time of the drum (130).

[0223] The processor (200) obtains the rotation speed, rotation direction, and rotation time of the drive motor (140) based on the weight of the recognized laundry during the dehydration process and the washing course and option information selected by the user, and controls the operation of the drive motor (140) based on the obtained rotation speed, rotation time, and rotation direction of the drive motor (140).

[0224] The processor (200) can recognize the turbidity of water based on the first detection information (turbidity information) detected by the turbidity sensor (192), recognize the conductivity of water based on the second detection information (conductivity information) detected by the conductivity sensor (193), and recognize the water level based on the third detection information (water level low information) detected by the water level sensor (193).

[0225] The processor (200) can also change the washing information of the washing cycle and the rinsing information of the rinsing cycle based on the turbidity information of the water detected by the turbidity sensor (192).

[0226] The processor (200) recognizes the hardness of water based on the conductivity information detected by the conductivity sensor (193), determines the amount of detergent to be added based on the recognized hardness, and can also change the washing information of the washing cycle and the rinsing information of the rinsing cycle.

[0227] Washing information of the washing cycle may include washing time and target water level, and rinsing information of the rinsing cycle may include the number of rinses, rinsing time, and target water level.

[0228] 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.

[0229] The processor (200) can perform a drainage cycle by controlling the drain pump (172) based on the completion of the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle.

[0230] The processor (200) can control the drain pump (172) during the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process, and can perform the drainage process by controlling the drain pump (172) based on the completion of the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process.

[0231] The processor (200) can recognize whether there is water remaining in the tub and drain pipe based on at least one of turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor and conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor and the water level detected by the water level sensor at each drainage operation, recognize completion of drainage based on the recognized presence of residual water, and then stop the operation of the drain pump based on completion of drainage.

[0232] The processor (200) can recognize whether there is water remaining in the tub and drain pipe based on the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor and the water level detected by the water level sensor.

[0233] The processor (200) can recognize whether there is water remaining in the tub and drain pipe based on the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor and the water level detected by the water level sensor.

[0234] The processor (200) can recognize whether there is water remaining in the tub and drain pipe based on the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor, the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor, and the water level detected by the water level sensor.

[0235] The processor (200) may recognize whether there is water remaining in the tub and drain pipe based on at least one of turbidity detected by a turbidity sensor and conductivity detected by a conductivity sensor and a water level detected by a water level sensor during the last drainage cycle, recognize completion of drainage based on the recognized presence of residual water, and then stop the operation of the drain pump based on completion of drainage. It is also possible to stop the operation of the drain pump based on the water level detected by the water level sensor during the remaining drainage cycles.

[0236] The processor (200) may recognize whether there is water remaining in the tub and drain pipe based on at least one of turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor and conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor and a water level detected by the water level sensor based on receiving an operation start command by the input unit (181), recognize completion of drainage based on the recognized presence of residual water, and then stop the operation of the drain pump based on completion of drainage.

[0237] The processor (200) recognizes the water level detected by the water level sensor based on the operation start command being received by the input unit (181), compares the recognized water level with the first reference water level, and controls the operation of the drain pump based on the recognized water level being higher than the first reference water level, and during drainage, recognizes whether there is residual water in the tub (120) and the drain pipe (171) based on at least one of turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor and conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor and the water level detected by the water level sensor, and recognizes completion of drainage based on the recognized presence of residual water, and then stops the operation of the drain pump based on completion of drainage.

[0238] The configuration of a processor (200) that controls the drainage process using a water level sensor, a turbidity sensor, and a conductivity sensor will be described in more detail.

[0239] When the processor (200) recognizes that it is the start point of the drainage process, it controls the operation of the drainage pump (172) so that the water contained in the tub (120) and drum (130) is discharged to the outside.

[0240] The processor (200) can recognize whether water exists in the tub (120) based on the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor (192) and the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor (193) while performing the drainage process. Here, the conductivity detected may be the hardness of the water.

[0241] The processor (200) can recognize whether water exists in the tub (120) and drain pipe (171) based on the water level detected by the water level sensor (191) while performing the drainage operation.

[0242] More specifically, the processor (200) recognizes the amount of light received by the light receiving unit (192b) based on the size of the second electrical signal received from the light receiving unit (192b) of the turbidity sensor (192) during the drainage process, and recognizes the turbidity of the water in the tub based on the difference between the recognized amount of light and the initial amount of light.

[0243] The initial light intensity may be preset information.

[0244] The processor (200) can recognize the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor (193) based on the recognized turbidity being lower than or equal to the reference turbidity, and can recognize that there is no water in the tub (120) based on the recognized conductivity being lower than or equal to the reference conductivity.

[0245] The processor (200) can recognize the water level of the washing machine as being lower than the second reference water level (Wc) based on the recognized turbidity being lower than the reference turbidity and the recognized conductivity being lower than the reference conductivity.

[0246] The processor (200) can recognize the water level of the washing machine as being higher than the second reference water level (Wc) and lower than the third reference water level (Ws) based on whether the recognized turbidity exceeds the reference turbidity or whether the recognized conductivity exceeds the reference conductivity.

[0247] The second reference water level (Wc) may be the height of the water from the connection point of the water level sensor and the drain pipe to the bottom surface of the tub.

[0248] The second reference water level (Wc) may be lower than the third reference water level (Ws) and higher than the first reference water level (Wr).

[0249] That is, the processor (200) can recognize that water exists in the tub (120) based on whether the recognized turbidity exceeds the reference turbidity or whether the recognized conductivity exceeds the reference conductivity.

[0250] The detection of water presence by turbidity sensors and conductivity sensors is explained as follows.

[0251] When water is present in the tub, the amount of light received by the light-receiving portion of the turbidity sensor may be affected by the turbidity of the water present in the tub. Furthermore, as the amount of water in the tub decreases, the influence of the water is minimized, thereby increasing the amount of light received by the light-receiving portion of the turbidity sensor.

[0252] When there is no water in the tub, the amount of light received by the light-receiving portion of the turbidity sensor may be approximately equal to the initial amount of light, as it is not affected by the water present in the tub. As a result, the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor may be very low.

[0253] When water is present in the tub, the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor can be significantly affected by the ions in the water present within the tub. As the water content in the tub decreases, the water ions that affect the conductivity sensor also decrease, resulting in a decrease in the conductivity value detected by the conductivity sensor.

[0254] If there is no water in the tub, the conductivity sensor may not be affected by the water ions. That is, if there is no water in the tub, the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor may be very low.

[0255] Based on these points, the processor (200) can recognize the presence of water in the tub based on the turbidity of the water and the conductivity of the water.

[0256] The processor (200) recognizes the water level detected by the water level sensor (191) based on the absence of water in the tub (120), and recognizes the presence of water (w) in the drain pipe (171) based on the recognized water level being higher than the first reference water level, thereby maintaining the operation of the drain pump (172).

[0257] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the processor (200) can recognize that there is no water in the tub (120), but that there is water (w) in the drain pipe (171), based on the fact that the recognized turbidity is lower than or equal to the reference turbidity, the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor (193) is lower than or equal to the reference conductivity, and the water level detected by the water level sensor (191) is higher than or equal to the first reference water level (Wr). Accordingly, the processor (200) can maintain and control the operation of the drain pump (172) to remove water in the drain pipe.

[0258] The first reference water level (Wr) may be the lowest water level detectable by the water level sensor (191).

[0259] The processor (200) recognizes the water level detected by the water level sensor (191) based on the absence of water in the tub (120) and the presence of water in the drain pipe (171), recognizes whether the recognized water level is lower than the first reference water level, and can recognize that no water exists in the drain pipe (171) as well as in the tub (120) based on the recognition that the water level is lower than the first reference water level.

[0260] The processor (200) can stop the operation of the drain pump (172) based on the absence of water in the drain pipe (171) as well as in the tub (120).

[0261] The processor (200) can terminate the drainage process by stopping the operation of the drain pump (172).

[0262] The processor (200) can control the next cycle based on the completion of the drain cycle.

[0263] The processor (200) can control the opening of the second water supply valve (154) based on the completion of the drainage process, thereby allowing water from an external water source to be directly supplied to the tub (120).

[0264] The processor (200) can control the opening of the second water supply valve (154) to prevent the water in the tub (120) from mixing with detergent or contaminants in the laundry.

[0265] The processor (200) can compare the water level detected by the water level sensor (192) during water supply with the third reference water level, and control the closing of the second water supply valve (154) based on the detected water level reaching the third reference water level.

[0266] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the processor (200) can control the calibration of the turbidity sensor (192) based on the completion of the water supply to the third reference water level (Ws) in the tub (120).

[0267] The processor (200) can control the calibration of the turbidity sensor (192) based on controlling the closure of the second water valve (154).

[0268] The third reference water level (Ws) may be a water level at which the turbidity sensor (192) and the conductivity sensor (193) can be submerged in water, and may be a water level at which no water is received into the drum (130).

[0269] The third reference water level (Ws) may be a water level equal to or lower than the lowest cross-section of the drum (130).

[0270] The third reference water level (Ws) may be a water level that includes the uppermost surface of the turbidity sensor (192) and the uppermost surface of the conductivity sensor (193).

[0271] When controlling the calibration of the turbidity sensor (192), the processor (200) may apply a first electric signal to the light emitting unit (191a), while increasing the size of the first electric signal in steps.

[0272] The processor (200) receives a second electrical signal from the light receiving unit (191b) step by step based on the application of the first electrical signal for each step, and compares the size of the second electrical signal received for each step with a reference size.

[0273] The processor (200) identifies whether the size of the received second electric signal is a reference size at each step, and when it is recognized that the size of the received second electric signal has reached the reference size, it recognizes the size of the first electric signal when the size of the received second electric signal has reached the reference size, and can store the recognized size of the first electric signal as calibration information of the turbidity sensor (192).

[0274] The reference size of the second electrical signal may be the size of the second electrical signal output from the light receiving unit when the initial amount of light is received.

[0275] The magnitude of the first electrical signal recognized may be the magnitude of the first electrical signal capable of emitting light with the initial light amount.

[0276] It is also possible for the processor (200) to receive the amount of light output through the light-emitting unit of the turbidity sensor at the start of the washing process through the light-receiving unit and store the received amount of light as the initial amount of light.

[0277] The processor (200) can control the conductivity sensor (193) to detect the conductivity of water contained in the tub based on the completion of water supply to the third reference water level.

[0278] The processor (200) can recognize the hardness of water based on the conductivity received from the conductivity sensor (193).

[0279] The processor (200) can control the calibration of the turbidity sensor (192) and detect the conductivity of the water when the water remaining in the tub (120) or the drain pipe (171) is not mixed with the newly supplied water.

[0280] The processor (200) can control the washing process based on the completion of calibration of the turbidity sensor (192) and the completion of water hardness recognition.

[0281] The processor (200) may take approximately 3 to 5 minutes to calibrate the turbidity sensor (192) and recognize the hardness of the water.

[0282] 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.

[0283] The processor (200) can perform the above-described operation using data stored in the memory (210).

[0284] 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.

[0285] 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.

[0286] The memory (210) can store information on turbidity corresponding to the difference in light quantity.

[0287] The memory (210) can store calibration information of the turbidity sensor and information on reference turbidity. The calibration information of the turbidity sensor can include information on the size of the first electrical signal to be applied to the light-emitting unit of the turbidity sensor and information on the initial light amount.

[0288] The memory (210) can update the calibration information of the turbidity sensor.

[0289] The memory (210) can store information about the reference conductivity, the first reference water level, the second reference water level, and the third reference water level.

[0290] The third reference level may be a higher level than the first reference level.

[0291] The second reference level may be higher than the first reference level and lower than the third reference level.

[0292] 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.

[0293] 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.

[0294] The memory (210) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks.

[0295] At least one component may be added or deleted to correspond to the performance of the components of the washing machine illustrated in Fig. 7. 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 dryer.

[0296] Meanwhile, each component illustrated in FIG. 7 refers to software and / or hardware components such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0297] Figures 10a and 10b are control flowcharts of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

[0298] The washing machine controls the activation of the water level sensor (191) based on the operation start command received by the input unit (181) (301), and recognizes the water level of the washing machine based on the detection information received from the water level sensor (191) (302).

[0299] The detection information received from the water level sensor (191) may include inductance information or frequency information.

[0300] The washing machine compares the recognized water level with the first reference water level and controls the operation of the drain pump (172) (304) based on whether the recognized water level is higher than the first reference water level (303).

[0301] The washing machine controls the operation of the turbidity sensor (192) and the conductivity sensor (193) during draining (305), recognizes the turbidity of the water based on the detection information detected by the turbidity sensor (192), and recognizes the conductivity of the water based on the detection information detected by the conductivity sensor (193).

[0302] The washing machine compares the recognized turbidity with the reference turbidity to determine whether the recognized turbidity is lower than the reference turbidity (306), and compares the recognized conductivity with the reference conductivity based on the recognized turbidity being lower than the reference turbidity.

[0303] The washing machine can recognize that water above a second reference water level (Wc) exists within the washing machine based on whether the perceived turbidity exceeds the reference turbidity or whether the perceived conductivity exceeds the reference conductivity. In other words, the washing machine can recognize that water exists in the tub (120) and drain pipe (171) of the washing machine.

[0304] The second reference water level (Wc) is a water level higher than the first reference water level (Wr), and may be a water level corresponding to the lowest cross-section of the tub (120).

[0305] The washing machine can continuously perform water turbidity detection and water conductivity detection based on whether the recognized turbidity exceeds a reference turbidity or whether the recognized conductivity exceeds a reference conductivity.

[0306] The washing machine receives the detection information detected through the water level sensor (191) based on the fact that the recognized turbidity is lower than the reference turbidity and the recognized conductivity is lower than the reference conductivity (307), and recognizes the water level based on the received detection information.

[0307] The washing machine can maintain the operation of the drain pump (172) based on the recognized water level being above the first reference water level.

[0308] That is, the washing machine can recognize that water exists in the drain pipe (171) based on the fact that the recognized turbidity is lower than or equal to the reference turbidity, the recognized conductivity is lower than or equal to the reference conductivity, and the recognized water level is higher than or equal to the first reference water level (Wr).

[0309] The first reference water level (Wr) may be the lowest water level that can be detected by the water level sensor (191).

[0310] The washing machine can stop the operation of the drain pump (172) (309) based on the recognized water level being below the first reference water level (Wr) (308).

[0311] That is, the washing machine can recognize that there is no water in the tub (120) as well as the drain pipe (171) based on the fact that the recognized turbidity is below the reference turbidity, the recognized conductivity is below the reference conductivity, and the recognized water level is below the first reference water level. Accordingly, the washing machine can stop the operation of the drain pump (172).

[0312] The washing machine can recognize that the draining cycle is complete based on the stop of the drain pump (172).

[0313] The washing machine controls the water supply based on the completion of the draining cycle (310).

[0314] When controlling the water supply, 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).

[0315] The washing machine can prevent water in the tub (120) from mixing with detergent or contaminants in laundry by controlling the opening of the second water supply valve (154).

[0316] The washing machine can compare the water level detected by the water level sensor (192) during water supply control with the third reference water level, and stop the water supply based on the detected water level being the third reference water level (311) (312).

[0317] The washing machine can control the closing of the second water supply valve (154) when the water supply is stopped.

[0318] The washing machine can control the calibration of the turbidity sensor (192) based on the completion of water supply to the third reference water level (Ws) in the tub (120) (313).

[0319] When controlling the calibration of the turbidity sensor (192), the washing machine can apply a first electric signal to the light-emitting unit (191a), while increasing the size of the first electric signal in stages.

[0320] The washing machine receives a second electric signal from the light receiving unit (191b) step by step based on the application of the first electric signal for each step, and compares the size of the second electric signal received for each step with the reference size.

[0321] The washing machine can identify whether the size of the second electric signal received at each step is a reference size, and when it recognizes that the size of the second electric signal received has reached the reference size, it can recognize the size of the first electric signal when the size of the second electric signal received has reached the reference size, and store the recognized size of the first electric signal as calibration information of the turbidity sensor (192).

[0322] The reference size of the second electrical signal may be the size of the second electrical signal output from the light receiving unit when the initial amount of light is received.

[0323] The magnitude of the first electrical signal recognized may be the magnitude of the first electrical signal capable of emitting light with the initial light amount.

[0324] The washing machine can control the conductivity sensor (193) to detect the conductivity of the water contained in the tub (120) based on the completion of water supply to the third reference water level.

[0325] The washing machine can recognize the hardness of water based on the conductivity received from the conductivity sensor (193) (314).

[0326] In this way, the washing machine can control the calibration of the turbidity sensor (192) and detect the conductivity of the water using only newly supplied water without any remaining water in the tub (120) or drain pipe (171).

[0327] The washing machine can set the washing information of the washing cycle and the rinsing information of the rinsing cycle based on the completion of the calibration of the turbidity sensor (192) and the completion of the detection of the conductivity of the water, and control the washing cycle and the rinsing cycle based on the washing information of the set washing cycle and the rinsing information of the rinsing cycle.

[0328] 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.

[0329] 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.

[0330] 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. Tub; A turbidity sensor provided in the above tub and detecting the turbidity of water; A conductivity sensor provided in the above tub and detecting the conductivity of water; A drain pipe provided at the bottom of the above tub; A drain pump provided in the above drain pipe; A water level sensor connected to the drain pipe and detecting the water level of the drain pipe and the tub; and A washing machine including a processor that controls the operation of the drain pump based on at least one of turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor and conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor and the water level detected by the water level sensor.

2. In paragraph 1, The water level sensor includes a hose connected to the drain pipe and provided on the outside of the tub, and outputs information corresponding to the pressure of the hose. A washing machine in which the processor recognizes the water level of the tub and the drain pipe based on information received from the water level sensor.

3. In the first paragraph, the processor, A washing machine that maintains and controls the operation of the drain pump based on the fact that the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor is lower than or equal to a reference turbidity, the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor is lower than or equal to a reference conductivity, and the water level detected by the water level sensor is higher than or equal to a first reference water level.

4. In paragraph 1, The processor controls the operation of the drainage pump to stop based on the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor being lower than or equal to a reference turbidity, the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor being lower than or equal to a reference conductivity, and the water level detected by the water level sensor being lower than a first reference water level. A washing machine in which the first reference water level includes a water level corresponding to a connection point between the drain pipe and the water level sensor.

5. In paragraph 1, A washing machine in which the above turbidity sensor and the above conductivity sensor are provided on the lower surface of the tub and protrude from the lower surface.

6. In paragraph 1, The processor recognizes that water above a second reference level exists in the tub based on the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor exceeding a reference turbidity or the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor exceeding the reference conductivity, and recognizes that water below the second reference level exists in the drain pipe based on the turbidity detected by the turbidity sensor being below the reference turbidity and the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor being below the reference conductivity. The second reference water level is a washing machine including a water level corresponding to the lower surface of the tub.

7. In paragraph 1, A water supply pipe supplying water to the above tub; and Further comprising a water supply valve provided in the above water supply pipe, The processor controls the opening of the water supply valve based on stopping the drain pump, and controls the closing of the water supply valve based on the water level detected by the water level sensor during water supply control reaching a third reference water level. The washing machine, wherein the third reference water level is a water level at which the turbidity sensor and the conductivity sensor are submerged in water.

8. In paragraph 7, Further comprising a drum provided within the above tub and accommodating a laundry cloth, The third reference water level is a washing machine that corresponds to the lowest surface of the drum.

9. In the 7th paragraph, the processor, A washing machine that controls the calibration of the turbidity sensor based on controlling the closing of the water supply valve, controls the operation of the conductivity sensor, and recognizes the hardness of the water based on the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor.

10. Recognize turbidity based on the first detection information received from the turbidity sensor provided on the lower surface of the tub, Recognize the conductivity based on the second detection information received from the conductivity sensor provided on the lower surface of the above tub, Recognize the water level based on the third sensing information received from the water level sensor connected to the drain pipe on the lower surface of the above tub, A control method for a washing machine that controls the operation of a drain pump provided in the drain pipe based on at least one of the recognized turbidity and the recognized conductivity and the recognized water level.

11. In the 10th paragraph, controlling the operation of the drainage pump is as follows: Operating the drainage pump based on the above-described recognized turbidity being lower than or equal to the reference turbidity, the above-described recognized conductivity being lower than or equal to the reference conductivity, and the above-described recognized water level being higher than or equal to the first reference water level; Including stopping the drainage pump based on the recognized turbidity being less than or equal to a reference turbidity, the recognized conductivity being less than or equal to a reference conductivity, and the recognized water level being less than a first reference water level; A method for controlling a washing machine, wherein the first reference water level includes a water level corresponding to a connection point between the drain pipe and the water level sensor.

12. In the 10th paragraph, controlling the operation of the drainage pump is as follows: A control method for a washing machine, comprising: recognizing that water above a second reference water level exists in the tub based on the recognized turbidity exceeding a reference turbidity or the recognized conductivity exceeding a reference conductivity, and operating the drain pump.

13. In the 10th paragraph, controlling the operation of the drainage pump is as follows: Based on the above-described recognized turbidity being lower than or equal to a reference turbidity, the above-described recognized conductivity being lower than or equal to a reference conductivity, and the above-described recognized water level being higher than or equal to a first reference water level, recognizing that water below a second reference water level exists in the drain pipe and operating the drain pump, A control method for a washing machine, wherein the second reference water level is higher than the first reference water level and includes a water level corresponding to the lower surface of the tub.

14. In paragraph 10, Controlling the opening of the water supply valve based on stopping the drain pump, Controlling the closing of the water supply valve based on the water level detected by the water level sensor during water supply control reaching the third reference water level, Further comprising controlling the calibration of the turbidity sensor based on controlling the closing of the water supply valve; A washing machine control method, wherein the third reference water level is a water level at which the turbidity sensor and the conductivity sensor are submerged in water.

15. In paragraph 10, Controlling the opening of the water supply valve based on stopping the drain pump, Controlling the closing of the water supply valve based on the water level detected by the water level sensor during water supply control reaching the third reference water level, Controlling the operation of the conductivity sensor based on controlling the closing of the water supply valve; Recognize the hardness of the water based on the conductivity detected by the conductivity sensor, A control method for a washing machine, further comprising controlling a washing cycle and a rinsing cycle based on the recognized water hardness.

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