Washing machine comprising water softening device, and control method therefor

Abstract

A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine comprises: a water softening device; a first water supply pipe for supplying, to a tub of the washing machine, water supplied from an external water supply source; a second water supply pipe for supplying, to the water softening device, water supplied from the first water supply pipe, and supplying water softened by the water softening device to the first water supply pipe; a valve, which opens / closes the second water supply pipe so as to adjust the flow rate of water to be supplied to the tub through a first path and a second path; a sensor for detecting the hardness value of the water supplied from the external water supply source; and one or more processors, which identify the hardness level corresponding to the water supplied from the external water supply source from among a plurality of hardness levels, identify, on the basis of the identified hardness level, the target hardness value of water supplied to the tub, control the opening / closing time of the valve and / or the softening level of the water softening device on the basis of the detected hardness value of the water and the identified target hardness value so as to supply water to the tub through the first path and the second path, and rotates a drum provided inside the tub so as to wash laundry accommodated in the drum. The first path is a path through which water, that does not pass through the water softening device and is not softened, is supplied to the tub. The second path is a path through which water, that is softened by passing through the water softening device, is supplied to the tub.

Description

Washing machine including water softener and control method thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine including a water softening device and a control method therefor.

[0002] In order to perform laundry using water containing metal ions, a softening process is required, which is a process of removing the metal ions dissolved in the water.

[0003] Previously, users had to manually add salt to the washing machine to soften the water, which was a hassle. However, with technological advancements, washing machines began to use a water softener that uses electrochemical deionization to soften the water.

[0004] In this regard, the need for a washing machine that can perform the softening operation more efficiently has arisen.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine includes a water softener, a first water supply pipe for supplying water supplied from an external water supply source to a tub of the washing machine, a second water supply pipe for supplying water supplied from the first water supply pipe to the water softener and supplying water softened by the water softener to the first water supply pipe, a valve for opening and closing the second water supply pipe to control the flow rate of water supplied to the tub through a first path and a second path, a sensor for detecting a hardness value of water supplied from the external water supply source, and at least one processor. The at least one processor identifies a hardness level corresponding to water supplied from the external water supply source among a plurality of hardness levels. The at least one processor identifies a target hardness value of water supplied to the tub based on the identified hardness level. One or more processors control at least one of the opening / closing time of the valve and the softening level of the water softener based on the detected water hardness value and the identified target hardness value, thereby supplying water to the tub through the first path and the second path. The one or more processors rotate a drum provided inside the tub to wash laundry accommodated in the drum. The first path is a path through which water that has not passed through the water softener and has not been softened is supplied to the tub. The second path is a path through which water that has passed through the water softener and has been softened is supplied to the tub.

[0006] Additionally, when the valve is closed and the second water supply pipe is closed, water supplied from the external water source is supplied to the tub through the first path, and when the valve is opened and the second water supply pipe is opened, some of the water supplied from the external water source can be supplied to the tub through the first path, and the remainder can be supplied to the tub through the second path.

[0007] In addition, the one or more processors may identify an opening / closing time of the valve based on the identified target hardness value when the identified hardness level is a first level, supply water to the tub through the first path in a closed state of the valve based on the identified opening / closing time, supply water to the tub through the first path and the second path in an open state of the valve, and supply water to the tub through the first path and the second path in an open state of the valve when the identified hardness level is a second level, wherein the second level is a value having a higher hardness value than the first level.

[0008] Additionally, the one or more processors can identify a ratio corresponding to the identified hardness level and apply the identified ratio to the detected water hardness value to identify a target hardness value of water supplied to the tub.

[0009] In addition, the one or more processors can identify the opening and closing time of the valve based on the detected water hardness value, the identified target hardness value, the flow rate of water supplied to the tub through the first path and the second path according to the opening and closing of the second water supply pipe, and the softening level of the water softener, and control the opening and closing of the valve based on the identified opening and closing time, thereby supplying water to the tub through the first path and the second path.

[0010] Additionally, the one or more processors may identify a softening level of the water softener based on the detected water hardness value, the identified target hardness value, and the flow rate of water supplied to the tub through the first path and the second path while the second water supply pipe is open, and supply water to the tub through the first path and the second path while the water softener is operating according to the identified softening level.

[0011] In addition, the one or more processors may control the water softener to open the valve and supply water to the water softener through the second water supply pipe when the dehydration process is performed on the laundry after the washing process is completed, and perform a regeneration process to desorb metal ions adsorbed to the water softener from the water softener according to the softening process of the water softener. The metal ions desorbed from the water softener may be discharged to the outside of the washing machine through water discharged to the outside of the washing machine according to the dehydration process.

[0012] Additionally, the one or more processors may identify a regeneration cycle for the regeneration operation based on the identified hardness level, and control the water softener to perform the regeneration operation based on the identified regeneration cycle. The regeneration cycle may indicate the number of times the regeneration operation is performed based on the number of times the washing cycle is performed.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a control method for a washing machine including a first water supply pipe for supplying water supplied from an external water source to a tub of the washing machine, a second water supply pipe for supplying water supplied from the first water supply pipe to a water softener of the washing machine and supplying water softened by the water softener to the tub, and a valve for controlling the flow rate of water supplied to the tub through a first path and a second path by opening and closing the second water supply pipe includes the steps of: identifying a hardness level corresponding to water supplied from the external water source among a plurality of hardness levels; identifying a target hardness value of water supplied to the tub based on the identified hardness level; controlling at least one of an opening and closing time of the valve and a softening level of the water softener based on a hardness value of water detected using a sensor and the identified target hardness value, thereby supplying water to the tub through the first path and the second path; and rotating a drum provided inside the tub to wash laundry accommodated in the drum. The first path is a path through which water that has not been softened by passing through the softening device is supplied to the tub. The second path is a path through which water that has been softened by passing through the softening device is supplied to the tub.

[0014] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are drawings for explaining a washing machine according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a washing machine according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views illustrating the flow of water according to the opening and closing of a valve according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration included in a washing machine according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing machine according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d are drawings illustrating a range of hardness values ​​that distinguish hardness levels according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 8A and 8B are drawings illustrating examples of identifying a target hardness value of water according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example in which a regeneration operation of a water softener device is performed during a dehydration cycle of a washing machine according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] 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.

[0023] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] In this disclosure, the term user may refer to a person using an electronic device or a device used by the person.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include top-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet for loading or removing laundry is provided facing upward, or front-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet is provided facing forward. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines of other loading methods other than top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines.

[0035] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed using a water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed by rotating the drum to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry. The front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine with a dryer that can dry the laundry contained inside the drum. The washing machine with a dryer may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the washing machine with a dryer may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine with a washing method other than the washing method described above.

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0037] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are drawings for explaining a washing machine according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] A washing machine (100) according to an example may include a housing (10) that accommodates various components therein. The housing (10) may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet formed on one side.

[0039] A washing machine (100) may include a door (11) for opening and closing a laundry inlet. The door (11) may be rotatably mounted to the housing (10) by a hinge. At least a portion of the door (11) may be transparent or translucent to allow the interior of the housing (10) to be visible.

[0040] The washing machine (100) may include a tub (20) provided inside the housing (10) to store water. The tub (20) may be provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be placed inside the housing (10) so that the tub opening corresponds to the laundry inlet.

[0041] The tub (20) can be connected to the housing (10) by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated when the drum (30) rotates and attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing (10).

[0042] A washing machine (100) may include a drum (30) configured to accommodate laundry. The drum (30) may be positioned within a tub (20) such that a drum opening provided on one side corresponds to a laundry inlet and a tub opening. Laundry may be accommodated within the drum (30) or taken out from the drum (30) by sequentially passing through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening.

[0043] The drum (30) can perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration process while rotating inside the tub. A plurality of holes are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum (30), so that water stored in the tub (20) can flow into the inside of the drum (30) or flow out from the outside of the drum (30).

[0044] The washing machine (100) may include a driving device configured to rotate the drum (30). The driving device may rotate the drum (30) forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, or drying cycle.

[0045] For example, when the drum (30) is rotated by the driving device, the dirt of the laundry loaded into the drum (30) can be removed from the laundry through the process of friction with the water stored in the tub (20). According to one example, the driving device may include a driving motor (160) and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the driving motor (160) to the drum (30). The rotating shaft may pass through the tub (20) and be connected to the drum (30). The driving motor (160) is provided at the rear of the tub (20) and may generate a rotating force to provide it to the drum (30).

[0046] The washing machine (100) may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub (20).

[0047] The water supply device may include a first water supply pipe (41), a water supply valve (42) provided in the first water supply pipe (41), a second water supply pipe (43), and a valve (120) provided in the second water supply pipe (43).

[0048] The first water supply pipe (41) can supply water supplied from an external water source to the tub (20). For example, the first water supply pipe (41) can be connected to the external water source. The first water supply pipe (41) can extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device (51). The detergent supply device (51) can be connected to the tub (20) via a detergent supply pipe (52). Therefore, water supplied from the external water source to the first water supply pipe (41) can be supplied to the tub (20) via the detergent supply device (51). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first water supply pipe (41) can extend from the external water source to the tub (20). In this case, water can be supplied to the tub (20) without passing through the detergent supply device (51).

[0049] The water supply valve (42) can open or close the first water supply pipe (41) in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve (42) can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub (20). The water supply valve (42) may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0050] The second water supply pipe (43) can supply water supplied from the first water supply pipe (41) to the softening device (110) and supply water softened by the softening device (110) to the tub (20).

[0051] For example, the second water supply pipe (43) may be connected to the first water supply pipe (41). In one example, the second water supply pipe (43) may extend from a point (e.g., an upstream point) of the first water supply pipe (41) to another point (e.g., a downstream point) of the first water supply pipe (41). That is, the second water supply pipe (43) may branch from a point of the first water supply pipe (41) and be connected to another point of the first water supply pipe (41). In addition, a water softener (110) may be provided on the second water supply pipe (43). Accordingly, water supplied from the first water supply pipe (41) to the second water supply pipe (43) may be supplied to the first water supply pipe (41) again through the water softener (110), and water supplied to the first water supply pipe (41) may be supplied to the tub (20).

[0052] The valve (120) can open or close the second water supply pipe (43) in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The valve (120) can allow or block water flowing through the first water supply pipe (41) from being supplied from the first water supply pipe (41) to the second water supply pipe (43). The valve (120) may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the valve (120) may also be implemented as an opening / closing valve, an electromagnetic valve, a resistance valve, or the like.

[0053] The washing machine (100) may include a detergent supply device (51) configured to supply detergent to the tub (20). The detergent supply device (51) may include a manual detergent supply device that requires the user to supply detergent for each wash, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically supplies a predetermined amount of detergent during the wash. The detergent supply device (51) may include a detergent compartment for storing detergent.

[0054] The detergent supply device (51) may be configured to supply detergent into the tub (20) during the water supply process. For example, water supplied through the first water supply pipe (41) and the second water supply pipe (43) may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device (51). The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub (20). Detergent is a term encompassing a pre-wash detergent, a main wash detergent, a fabric softener, a bleach, etc., and the detergent compartment may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0055] The washing machine (100) may include a drain device (170) configured to discharge water contained in the tub (20) to the outside. The drain device (170) may include a drain pipe (171, 173) extending from the lower portion of the tub (20) to the outside of the housing (10), a drain valve provided on the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe (171, 173), and a drain pump (175) provided on the drain pipe.

[0056] For example, a drain pipe (171) can be supplied to the tub (20) to guide water used for washing to the pump room. A drain pump (175) is provided in the pump room, and the drain pump (175) can pump water stored in the pump room and discharge the water to the outside of the housing (10) through the drain pipe (173).

[0057] The washing machine (100) may include a control panel (60) disposed on one side of the housing. The control panel (60) may provide a user interface for interaction between a user and the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0058] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. The at least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0059] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine (100) to the user.

[0060] For example, at least one output interface may transmit information related to the washing cycle and operating time of the washing machine, as well as washing / rinsing / spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0061] The 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 (100), at least one memory for storing program-type data, and at least one processor for 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.

[0062] Additionally, the washing machine (100) may include a sensor (130) for detecting the water quality of water supplied from an external water source. In this case, the water quality may include metal ions contained in the water. For example, the sensor (130) may be placed in the first water supply pipe (41) and may detect the concentration of components (e.g., metal ions) contained in the water flowing through the first water supply pipe (41).

[0063] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a washing machine according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, the washing machine (100) may include a water softener (110), a valve (120), a sensor (130), and one or more processors (140).

[0065] The training device (110) can perform a training operation under the control of one or more processors (140).

[0066] Water softening can involve removing metal ions (e.g., calcium, magnesium, etc.) from water. For example, water with a high concentration of metal ions is referred to as "hard water." The process of removing metal ions from hard water to make it soft is called "softening."

[0067] The softening device (110) may be installed on the second water supply pipe (43). That is, the softening device (110) may perform a softening operation on water flowing through the second water supply pipe (43). As described above, the second water supply pipe (43) may branch off from the first water supply pipe (41) and be connected to the first water supply pipe (41). Accordingly, water softened by the softening device (110) may be supplied to the first water supply pipe (41) through the second water supply pipe (43), and the softened water supplied to the first water supply pipe (41) may be supplied to the tub (20).

[0068] The water softener (110) may include an electrodeionization module for softening. For example, the water softener (110) may include a capacitive deionization (CDI) module. The CDI module includes at least one electrode and can remove metal ions from water by applying voltage or current to the electrode. For example, anions and cations contained in water may move to the anode and cathode, respectively, thereby removing metal ions from the water. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The water softener (110) may also be implemented as an electrochemical deionization (ED) module, an electrochemical deionization (ED) module, or the like.

[0069] The amount of metal ions removed from water by the softening operation can be determined depending on the softening level of the softening device (110).

[0070] The softening level may include the ratio of metal ions removed by the softening device (100) among the total metal ions contained in water. The softening level may be replaced with expressions such as removal rate, softening degree, etc.

[0071] For example, the greater the voltage (or current) applied to the softening device (110), the higher the softening level the softening device (110) can have. One or more processors (140) can control the softening level of the softening device (110) by adjusting the voltage applied to the softening device (110).

[0072] A valve (120) may be provided on the second water supply pipe (43). The valve (120) can open and close the second water supply pipe (43) under the control of one or more processors (140), thereby controlling the flow rate of water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path.

[0073] The first path is a path through which water that has not been softened by passing through the softening device (110) is supplied to the tub (20). The first path may be replaced with an expression such as the main path, for example.

[0074] The second path is a path through which softened water passes through the softening device (110) and is supplied to the tub (20). The second path may be replaced with an expression such as a bypass path, for example.

[0075] Referring to Fig. 4a, when the valve (120) is closed, the second water supply pipe (43) may be closed. In this case, water cannot be supplied from the first water supply pipe (41) to the second water supply pipe (43). Accordingly, water supplied from an external water source may be supplied to the tub (20) through the first water supply pipe (41) without being softened by the water softener (110). In this way, when the valve (120) is closed and the second water supply pipe (43) is closed, water supplied from the external water source may be supplied to the tub (20) through the first path (e.g., ① of Fig. 4a).

[0076] Referring to Fig. 4b, when the valve (120) is opened, the second water supply pipe (43) may be opened. In this case, some of the water supplied from the external water supply source may not be softened by the softener (110) and may be supplied to the tub (20) through the first water supply pipe (41). In addition, the remaining water supplied from the external water supply source may be supplied from the first water supply pipe (41) to the second water supply pipe (43). In this case, the water supplied to the second water supply pipe (43) is softened by the softener (110), and the softened water is supplied back to the first water supply pipe (41) through the second water supply pipe (43), and the water supplied to the first water supply pipe (41) may be supplied to the tub (20) through the first water supply pipe (41). In this way, when the valve (120) is opened and the second water supply pipe (43) is opened, some of the water supplied from the external water supply source can be supplied to the tub (20) through the first path (e.g., ① in FIG. 4b), and the remainder can be supplied to the tub (20) through the second path (e.g., ② in FIG. 4b).

[0077] For example, when the second water supply pipe (43) is open, the ratio between the flow rates of water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path may be a fixed value depending on the specifications of the washing machine (100) (e.g., the diameters of the first and second water supply pipes (41, 43), the flow rate of water flowing through the first water supply pipe (41), etc.).

[0078] For example, assume that the ratio between the flow rate of water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the flow rate of water supplied to the tub (20) through the second path is 1:3. In this case, if the flow rate of water supplied from an external water source is 10 liters / min, 2.5 liters / min of water can be supplied to the tub (20) through the first path, and 7.5 liters / min of water can be supplied to the tub (20) through the second path.

[0079] The sensor (130) can detect the hardness value of water supplied from an external water source. The hardness value of the water may include the concentration of metal ions contained in the water. For example, when the water supply valve (42) is opened, water may be supplied from the external water source to the first water supply pipe (41). The sensor (130) disposed on the first water supply pipe (41) can detect the concentration of metal ions contained in the water supplied from the external water source and generate an electrical signal corresponding to the detected concentration of the metal ions. One or more processors (140) can obtain the hardness value of the water based on the electrical signal provided from the sensor (130).

[0080] For example, the sensor (130) may include a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensor. The TDS sensor may include a ㅅ sensor for measuring the total amount of minerals and other dissolved substances dissolved in water. The smaller the amount of metal ion component dissolved in water, the lower the measurement value of the TDS sensor may be. In this case, the measurement unit of the TDS sensor may be ppm (Parts Per Million). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the measurement unit of the TDS sensor may be expressed as °dH, °TH, mmol / l, etc. Meanwhile, in the above-described example, the sensor (130) is described as including a TDS sensor, but is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor (130) may also be implemented as a hardness sensor for measuring the hardness value of water.

[0081] One or more processors (140) can control the overall operations of the washing machine (100). For example, one or more processors (140) can control the overall operations of the washing machine (100) to perform a water softening operation on water supplied from an external water source, thereby making the hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) a target hardness value, by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory of the washing machine (100).

[0082] The one or more processors (140) may include one or more of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), a Many Integrated Core (MIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. The one or more processors (140) may control one or any combination of other components of the washing machine (100), and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. The one or more processors (140) may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in the memory of the washing machine (100). For example, the one or more processors (140) may perform a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory of the washing machine (100).

[0083] When a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes multiple operations, the multiple operations may be performed by one processor or by multiple processors. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to an embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by the first processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by the first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by the second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence-specific processor).

[0084] One or more processors (140) may be implemented as a single core processor including one core, or may be implemented as one or more multicore processors including multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multicores or heterogeneous multicores). When one or more processors (140) are implemented as a multicore processor, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor may include an internal processor memory, such as a cache memory or an on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by the multiple cores may be included in the multicore processor. In addition, each of the multiple cores (or some of the multiple cores) included in the multicore processor may independently read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, or all (or some) of the multiple cores may be linked to read and execute a program instruction for implementing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] When a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one core among the plurality of cores included in a multi-core processor, or may be performed by the plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to an embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, and the third operation may be performed by a second core included in the multi-core processor.

[0086] In embodiments of the present disclosure, a processor may mean a system on a chip (SoC) in which one or more processors and other electronic components are integrated, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, wherein the core may be implemented as a CPU, a GPU, an APU, a MIC, a DSP, an NPU, a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a washing machine according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 5, the washing machine (100) may include a water softener (110), a valve (120), a sensor (130), one or more processors (140), a memory (150), a driving motor (160), a drainage device (170), a communication interface (180), an input interface (185), and an output interface (190). However, such a configuration is exemplary, and it is obvious that new configurations may be added or some configurations may be omitted in addition to such configurations when implementing the present disclosure. Meanwhile, a detailed description of configurations that overlap with the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 among the configurations illustrated in FIG. 5 will be omitted.

[0089] The memory (150) may store instructions, data structures, and program codes. Operations performed by one or more processors (140) may be implemented by executing instructions or codes of a program stored in the memory (150).

[0090] The memory (150) may include a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), and may include a non-volatile memory including at least one of a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk, and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).

[0091] The memory (150) can store one or more instructions and / or programs that cause the washing machine (100) to perform operations such as washing, dehydration, and rinsing. In addition, the memory (150) can store various information related to the operation of the washing machine (100).

[0092] The communication interface (180) can perform data communication with an electronic device under the control of one or more processors (140). The electronic device may include a server, a home appliance, a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet PC, a wearable device, etc.).

[0093] For example, the communication interface (180) may include a communication circuit that can perform data communication between the washing machine (100) and the electronic device using at least one of data communication methods including wired LAN, wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), infrared Data Association (IrDA), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless Broadband Internet (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Shared Wireless Access Protocol (SWAP), Wireless Gigabit Alliances (WiGig), and RF communication.

[0094] The input interface (185) includes circuitry. The input interface (185) can receive user input and transmit the user input to one or more processors (140). For example, the input interface (185) can receive various user inputs for setting or selecting various functions supported by the washing machine (100).

[0095] The input interface (185) may include various types of input devices.

[0096] In one example, the input interface (185) may include a physical button. The physical button may include a function key or a dial button. The physical button may also be implemented as one or more keys.

[0097] In one example, the input interface (185) can receive user input using a touch method. For example, the input interface (185) can be implemented as a touch screen capable of performing the function of a display (191).

[0098] For example, the input interface (185) may receive a user's voice using a microphone. One or more processors (140) may perform a function corresponding to the user's voice using voice recognition. For example, one or more processors (140) may convert the user's voice into text data using a STT (Speech To Text) function, obtain control command data based on the text data, and perform a function corresponding to the user's voice based on the control command data. Depending on the embodiment, the STT function may be performed by an external server.

[0099] The output interface (190) may include a display (191) and a speaker (193).

[0100] The display (191) can display various screens. One or more processors (140) can display various notifications, messages, information, etc. related to the operation of the washing machine (100) on the display (191).

[0101] The display (191) may be implemented as a display including a self-luminous element or a display including a non-luminous element and a backlight. For example, the display (12) may be implemented as various types of displays such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display, an LED (Light Emitting Diodes) display, a micro LED display, a Mini LED display, a QLED (Quantum dot light-emitting diodes) display, etc.

[0102] The speaker (193) can output audio signals. One or more processors (140) can output warning sounds, notification messages, response messages corresponding to user input, etc. related to the operation of the washing machine (100) through the speaker (193).

[0103] For convenience of explanation, one or more processors (140) are referred to as processors (140) below.

[0104] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing machine according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] In operation S610, the processor (140) may receive user input for the washing process. For example, the user may input user input for the washing process using buttons provided on the input interface (185).

[0106] For example, when a user input for a washing cycle is received, the processor (140) may open the water supply valve (42). Accordingly, water may be supplied to the washing machine (100) from an external water source through the water supply valve (42). In this case, the processor (140) may open the water supply valve (42) for a preset period of time to supply a preset amount of water to the washing machine (100). For example, it is assumed that when the water supply valve (42) is opened, 10 liters / min of water is supplied to the washing machine (100) from the external water source. In this case, the processor (140) may open the water supply valve (42) for 5 minutes to supply a total of 50 liters of water to the washing machine (100) for washing.

[0107] In operation S620, when a user input for a washing operation is received, the processor (140) can identify a hardness level corresponding to water supplied from an external water source among a plurality of hardness levels.

[0108] In one example, for each of the plurality of hardness levels, a range of hardness values ​​corresponding to each hardness level may be stored in the memory (150).

[0109] For example, referring to FIG. 7A, the memory (150) may store information about a hardness level (L0) corresponding to a range in which the hardness value (x) is less than 107 (ppm), a hardness level (L1) corresponding to a range in which the hardness value (x) is 107 (ppm) or more and less than 250 (ppm), a hardness level (L2) corresponding to a range in which the hardness value (x) is 250 (ppm) or more and less than 411 (ppm), a hardness level (L3) corresponding to a range in which the hardness value (x) is 411 (ppm) or more and less than 553 (ppm), a hardness level (L4) corresponding to a range in which the hardness value (x) is 553 (ppm) or more and less than 714 (ppm), and a hardness level (L5) corresponding to a range in which the hardness value (x) is 714 (ppm) or more.

[0110] The processor (140) can detect the hardness value of water supplied from an external water source using a sensor (130), and identify the hardness level corresponding to the water supplied from the external water source using the detected hardness value.

[0111] For example, the processor (140) may identify a hardness value range to which a hardness value detected by the sensor (130) belongs among the hardness value ranges of each of a plurality of hardness levels, and may identify a hardness level corresponding to the identified hardness value range as a hardness level corresponding to water supplied from an external water source. According to one example, if the hardness value of water detected by the sensor (130) is 150 ppm, the processor (140) may identify that the hardness level corresponding to water supplied from an external water source is L1.

[0112] Meanwhile, in the above-described example, the hardness value in ppm units is described as being stored in the memory (150), but this is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7b, 7c, and 7d, the hardness value range of the hardness level stored in the memory (150) may be expressed in various units such as °dH, °TH, and mmol / l. This is because the units representing the hardness value differ from country to country.

[0113] Additionally, in FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d, it is described that the hardness levels are divided into six. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the hardness levels may be divided into at least two or more.

[0114] For example, the hardness level of water supplied from an external water source may be preset. For example, water hardness values ​​may vary depending on the country or region. Accordingly, the water hardness level may be preset during the manufacturing process depending on the region in which the washing machine (100) is installed.

[0115] In one example, the hardness level of water supplied from an external water source can be set by a user. For example, the user can input user input to set the water hardness level using the input interface (185). The user can be a user using the washing machine (100) or an installer installing the washing machine (100). The processor (140) can set the water hardness level based on the user input.

[0116] In operation S630, the processor (140) can identify a target hardness value of water supplied to the tub (20) based on the identified hardness level.

[0117] The target hardness value may include the hardness value of the water stored in the tub (20) that the washing machine (100) ultimately seeks to obtain through the softening process.

[0118] For example, the memory (150) may store, for each of a plurality of hardness levels, information regarding a ratio applied to the hardness value of the water to calculate a target hardness value for each hardness level. The processor (140) may identify a ratio corresponding to the identified hardness level based on the information stored in the memory (150) and apply the identified ratio to the hardness value of the detected water to identify the target hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20).

[0119] For example, referring to FIG. 8A, when the hardness level of water supplied from an external water source is L0 to L2, the processor (140) can calculate the target hardness value by multiplying the water hardness value (x) by 0.25. In addition, when the hardness levels of water supplied from an external water source are L3 and L4, the processor (140) can calculate the target hardness value by multiplying the water hardness value (x) by 0.5. Meanwhile, when the hardness level of water supplied from an external water source is L5, the processor (140) may not separately set the target hardness value. For example, when the water hardness level is L5, it can be considered that a large amount of metal ions are contained in the water. Therefore, the processor (140) can open the valve (120) during the time that water is supplied from the external water source so that the water softening operation can be performed during the time that water is supplied from the external water source. In this case, water supplied from an external water source can be divided into a first path and a second path and supplied to the tub (20).

[0120] For example, if the processor (140) detects that the hardness value of water supplied from an external water source is 150 ppm, it can identify that the water hardness level is L1. In this case, the processor (140) can identify that the ratio corresponding to the hardness level L1 is 0.25 based on the information stored in the memory (150), and multiply 150 ppm by 0.25 to calculate the target hardness value of 37.5 ppm.

[0121] According to one example, the memory (150) may store, for each of a plurality of hardness levels, information on a target hardness value corresponding to each hardness level. The processor (140) may identify a target hardness value corresponding to the identified hardness level based on the information stored in the memory (150).

[0122] For example, referring to FIG. 8B, when the hardness level of water supplied from an external water source is L0 to L2, the target hardness value can be identified as 100 ppm. On the other hand, when the hardness level of water supplied from an external water source is L3 to L5, the processor (140) may not separately set the target hardness value. For example, when the hardness level of water is L3 to L5, it can be considered that the water contains a large amount of metal ions. Therefore, the processor (140) may open the valve (120) during the time that water is supplied from the external source so that the water softening operation can be performed during the time that water is supplied from the external source. In this case, the water supplied from the external source may be divided into a first path and a second path and supplied to the tub (20).

[0123] For example, if the processor (140) detects that the hardness value of water supplied from an external water source is 150 ppm, it can identify that the water hardness level is L1. In this case, the processor (140) can identify a target hardness value of 100 ppm corresponding to the hardness level L1 based on information stored in the memory (150).

[0124] In the above example, information on the target hardness value was described as being stored in the memory (150). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the target hardness value may be set by the user.

[0125] In operation S640, the processor (140) can control at least one of the opening and closing time of the valve (120) and the softening level of the softening device (110) to supply water to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path.

[0126] As described above, the processor (140) can identify a target hardness value based on the hardness level of water supplied from an external water source. When the target hardness value is identified, the processor (140) can identify the opening / closing time of the valve (120) based on the target hardness value. That is, when the identified hardness level is the first level (e.g., when the hardness level is L0 to L4 in the example of FIG. 8A and when the hardness level is L0 to L2 in the example of FIG. 8B), the processor (140) can identify the opening / closing time of the valve (120) based on the identified target hardness value, and can control the valve (120) according to the identified opening / closing time, so that water can be supplied to the tub (20) through the first path when the valve (120) is closed, and water can be supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path when the valve (120) is open.

[0127] In addition, the processor (140) can open the valve (120) during the time when water is supplied from the external water source without separately setting a target hardness value according to the hardness level of the water supplied from the external water source. That is, the processor (140) can supply water to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path while the valve (120) is open if the identified hardness level is the second level (e.g., if the hardness level is L5 in the example of FIG. 8a and if the hardness levels are L4 and L5 in the example of FIG. 8b). Here, the second level may be water having a higher identified hardness value than water of the first level.

[0128] Hereinafter, a method for identifying the opening and closing time of a valve (120) based on a target hardness value and supplying water to a tub (20) through a first path and a second path according to the opening and closing time by a washing machine (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0129] As described above, when the valve (120) is closed, water supplied from an external water source is not softened and is supplied to the tub (20) through the first path. In addition, when the valve (120) is opened, some of the water supplied from the external water source is not softened and is supplied to the tub (20) through the first path, and the remaining water is softened by the softening device (110) and can be supplied to the tub (20) through the second path.

[0130] According to an example, the processor (140) can identify the opening and closing time of the valve (120) so that the hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path becomes the target hardness value.

[0131] The hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) becoming the target hardness value may include the hardness value of the entire water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path becoming lower than the target hardness value.

[0132] The opening and closing time of the valve (120) may include the opening time of the valve (120) and the closing time of the valve (120). The opening time of the valve (120) is the time period during which the valve (120) remains open during the entire time during which water is supplied from an external water source, and the closing time of the valve (120) is the time period during which the valve (120) remains closed during the entire time during which water is supplied from an external water source.

[0133] For example, the processor (140) can identify the opening and closing time of the valve (120) based on the detected water hardness value, the identified target hardness value, the flow rate of water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path according to the opening and closing of the second water supply pipe (43), and the softening level of the water softener (110).

[0134] Specifically, the processor (140) can identify the hardness value of water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path while the second water supply pipe (43) is closed.

[0135] To this end, the processor (140) can identify the flow rate of water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the flow rate of water supplied to the tub (20) through the second path among the water supplied from the external water source while the second water supply pipe (43) is open. For example, the processor (140) can identify the flow rate of water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the flow rate of water supplied to the tub (20) through the second path while the second water supply pipe (43) is open based on the ratio between the flow rates of water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path while the second water supply pipe (43) is open.

[0136] For example, it is assumed that the flow rate of water supplied from an external water source is 10 Liters / min, and the ratio between the flow rates of water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path in a state where the second water supply pipe (43) is open is 1:3. In this case, the processor (140) can identify the flow rate of water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path in a state where the second water supply pipe (43) is open as 2.5 Liters / min (= 10 Liters / min x 1 / 4), and can identify the flow rate of water supplied to the tub (20) through the second path as 7.5 Liters / min (= 10 Liters / min x 3 / 4).

[0137] And, the processor (140) can identify the hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path while the second water supply pipe (43) is open based on the flow rate of the water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path and the softening level of the softening device (110).

[0138] In this case, the softening level of the softening device (110) may have a fixed value. That is, the processor (140) may apply a preset voltage to the softening device (110) so that the softening level of the softening device (110) has a preset value. For example, the processor (140) may apply a preset voltage to the softening device (110) so that the softening level of the softening device (110) becomes 75%. If the softening level of the softening device (110) is 75%, 75% of the metal ions contained in the water may be removed by the softening operation of the softening device (110), and 25% may remain in the water.

[0139] In addition, when the second water supply pipe (43) is open, the water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the water supplied to the tub (20) through the second path can be combined and stored in the tub (20). In this case, the water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path is non-softened water, and the water supplied to the tub (20) through the second path is softened water by the softening device (110). Therefore, the processor (140) can identify the hardness value of the water in the tub (20) when the second water supply pipe (43) is open based on the hardness values ​​of the water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path.

[0140] For example, it is assumed that the flow rate of water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path is 2.5 liters / min with the second water supply pipe (43) open, the flow rate of water supplied to the tub (20) through the second path is 7.5 liters / min, and the softening level of the water softener (110) is 75%. In this case, the hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) with the second water supply pipe (43) open can be expressed as in the following mathematical expression 1.

[0141]

[0142] Here, ppm_inlet is the hardness value of water supplied from an external water source, and can be measured by a sensor (130). In addition, ppm_inlet × 25% indicates that the water supplied to the tub (20) through the second path is softened, and 75% of the metal ions are removed.

[0143] The calculation result of mathematical expression 1 is (ppm_inlet×43.75%)ppm / min. This may mean that when the second water supply pipe (43) is opened, 57.25% of the metal ions are removed from the water supplied from the external water source and supplied to the tub (20).

[0144] In addition, the processor (140) can identify the opening and closing time of the valve (120) based on the hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) when the second water supply pipe (43) is closed, the hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) when the second water supply pipe (43) is open, and the target hardness value.

[0145] For example, water supplied from an external water source with the second water supply pipe (43) open is softened and supplied to the tub (20), but when the second water supply pipe (43) is closed, water supplied from the external water source may be supplied to the tub (20) without being softened. Accordingly, the processor (140) can calculate the opening and closing time of the valve (120) so that the hardness value of the water stored in the tub (20), calculated based on the hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) during the time the second water supply pipe (43) is open and the hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) during the time the second water supply pipe (43) is closed, becomes the target hardness value.

[0146] For example, the total time during which the water supply valve (42) is opened and water is supplied from an external water source is t_total, the closing time of the valve (120) is t1, and the opening time of the valve (120) is t2. In this case, t_total = t1 + t2.

[0147] As in the example described above, when the hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) with the second water supply pipe (43) open is (ppm_inlet×43.75%) ppm / min, the processor (140) can calculate the hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) according to the opening and closing of the second water supply pipe (43) based on the following mathematical expression 2.

[0148]

[0149] In this case, if the target hardness value is 0.5×ppm_inlet, the processor (140) can identify t1 and t2 based on t1×ppm_inlet + 0.4375×t2×ppm_inlet=0.5×ppm_inlet. In this case, t1 = t_total×11.3%, and t2 = t_total×88.7%.

[0150] And, the processor (140) can control the opening and closing of the valve (120) based on the identified opening and closing time, thereby supplying water to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path.

[0151] In the above example, if the time for which water is supplied from an external water source is 5 minutes, it can be calculated as t1 = 0.6 minutes (= 5 minutes × 0.113), t2 = 4.4 minutes (= 5 minutes × 0.887). In this case, the processor (140) can close the valve (120) for 0.6 minutes out of the 5 minutes for which water is supplied from the external water source to supply water to the tub (20) through the first path, and open the valve (120) for 4.4 minutes to supply water to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path. Accordingly, the hardness value of the water stored in the tub (20) can be 0.5 × ppm_inlet.

[0152] In the above example, the softening level of the water softener (110) is described as a fixed value, but is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (140) can identify the softening level of the water softener (110) based on the hardness value of water supplied from an external water source, and identify the opening / closing time of the valve (120) based on the identified softening level.

[0153] For example, the memory (150) may store information on the softening level of the softening device (110) corresponding to each hardness level for each of a plurality of hardness levels. In this case, the processor (140) may use the information stored in the memory (150) to identify a softening level corresponding to the hardness level of water supplied from an external water source among the plurality of softening levels. In addition, the processor (140) may apply a preset voltage to the softening device (110) so that the softening device (110) has the identified softening level. In addition, the processor (140) may identify the opening / closing time of the valve (120) based on the identified softening level. At this time, since the method of identifying the opening / closing time of the valve (120) is the same as described above, a detailed redundant description will be omitted.

[0154] In addition, although the above-described example described that the hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) is controlled by controlling the opening and closing time of the valve (120), it is not limited thereto. According to one example, the processor (140) may also control the softening level of the water softener (110) so that the hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) becomes the target hardness value.

[0155] For example, the processor (140) can identify the softening level of the water softener (110) based on the detected water hardness value, the identified target hardness value, and the flow rate of water supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path while the second water supply pipe (43) is open.

[0156] Specifically, the processor (140) can open the valve (120) during the time that water is supplied from the external water source. Accordingly, water can be supplied from the external water source to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path while the second water supply pipe (43) is open. In this case, the hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) can be determined according to the softening level of the water softener (110). Accordingly, the processor (140) can identify the softening level of the water softener (110) that makes the hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) become the target hardness value.

[0157] In the above example, if the softening level of the water softener (110) is x%, the hardness value of the water supplied to the tub (20) when the second water supply pipe (43) is open can be expressed as in the following mathematical expression 3.

[0158]

[0159] In this case, when the target hardness value is 0.5×ppm_inlet and the calculation result of mathematical expression 3 is (ppm_inlet×A%)ppm / min, the processor (140) can identify the softening level of the softening device (110) by calculating t_total×(ppm_inlet×A%)ppm / min = 0.5×ppm_inlet.

[0160] And, the processor (140) can supply water to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path while the second water supply pipe (43) is open while the water softener (110) is operating according to the identified softening level. For example, the processor (140) can apply a preset voltage to the water softener (110) so that the softening level of the water softener (110) has the identified softening level. And, the processor (140) can open the second water supply pipe (43) by opening the valve (120) during the time when water is supplied from an external water source. Accordingly, the water supplied from the external water source is supplied to the tub (20) through the first path and the second path, and as a result, the hardness value of the water stored in the tub (20) can become the target hardness value.

[0161] In operation S650, the processor (140) rotates the drum (30) provided inside the tub (20) to wash the laundry contained in the drum (30).

[0162] As described above, at least one of the opening and closing time of the valve (120) and the softening level of the water softener (110) is controlled so that water supplied from an external water source can be stored in the tub (20). The processor (140) can control the drive motor (160) to rotate the drum (30). Accordingly, the washing machine (100) can perform a washing cycle. In addition, when washing of the laundry is completed, the processor (140) can control the drainage device (170) so that the water used for washing is discharged to the outside of the washing machine (100).

[0163] The processor (140) can perform a rinsing cycle when the washing cycle is completed. For example, the processor (140) can supply water to the tub (20) using the method described above, perform a rinsing cycle on laundry using the water supplied to the tub (20), and control the drainage device (170) so that the water used for rinsing is discharged outside the washing machine (100).

[0164] In this way, the washing machine (100) can control at least one of the opening and closing times of the valve (120) and the softening level of the water softener (110) to supply water having a target hardness value to the tub (20). Accordingly, according to the present disclosure, while optimizing the size of the water softener (110), the softening operation for water supplied from an external water source can be effectively performed, thereby promoting efficiency in terms of energy use.

[0165] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a case where a regeneration operation of a water softener device is performed during a dehydration operation of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0166] In operation S910, the processor (140) may receive user input for the dehydration process. For example, the user may input user input for the dehydration process using a button provided on the input interface (185).

[0167] In operation S920, when a user input for a dehydration process is received, the processor (140) can perform the dehydration process.

[0168] The dehydration process refers to the process of removing water from laundry by rotating the drum (30) after the washing and rinsing processes are completed. For example, the processor (140) can control the drive motor (160) to rotate the drum (30) containing the laundry.

[0169] According to the present disclosure, the processor (140) can perform a regeneration operation for the water softener (110) when a dehydration operation is performed on laundry after the washing operation is completed.

[0170] The regeneration operation may include an operation to desorb metal ions adsorbed to the softening device (110) through the softening operation. That is, if the softening device (110) is continuously used, the metal ions adsorbed to the softening device (110) accumulate, and the performance of the softening device (110) may deteriorate over time. Accordingly, in order to maintain the performance of the softening device (110), a regeneration operation to remove hardness substances adsorbed to the softening device (110) may be required.

[0171] In this case, the processor (140) can identify a regeneration cycle to be performed for the regeneration task and control the training device (110) to perform the regeneration task based on the identified regeneration cycle.

[0172] For example, in operation S930, the processor (140) can identify whether a regeneration cycle for a regeneration task has been reached.

[0173] A regeneration cycle may include the number of cycles in which a regeneration operation is performed. For example, the number of cycles in which a regeneration operation is performed may indicate the number of times a regeneration operation is performed based on the number of times a wash cycle is performed.

[0174] For example, the processor (140) can identify a regeneration cycle for a regeneration operation based on the identified hardness level.

[0175] The memory (150) can store information on the regeneration cycle corresponding to each of the plurality of hardness levels. In this case, the higher the hardness level, the shorter the regeneration cycle. That is, since the higher the hardness level, the greater the amount of metal ions adsorbed to the softening device (110) through the softening process, the higher the hardness level, the shorter the regeneration cycle. For example, if the hardness level is L1, the regeneration process can be performed once every four washing cycles, and if the hardness level is L4, the regeneration process can be performed once every one washing cycle.

[0176] Accordingly, the processor (140) can identify whether the regeneration cycle has been reached based on the number of times the washing process has been performed and the information about the regeneration cycle stored in the memory (150).

[0177] In the above example, the processor (140) can identify that the regeneration cycle for the regeneration operation has been reached if the identified hardness level is L1 and the washing cycle has been performed four times since the last regeneration operation was performed. In addition, the processor (140) can identify that the regeneration cycle for the regeneration operation has been reached if the identified hardness level is L4 and the washing cycle has been performed once since the last regeneration operation was performed.

[0178] When the processor (140) determines that the regeneration cycle for the regeneration operation has been reached, the processor (140) can perform a regeneration operation on the softening device (110). That is, the processor (140) can control the softening device (110) to perform a regeneration operation to desorb metal ions adsorbed to the softening device (110) from the softening device (110) according to the softening operation of the softening device (110).

[0179] For example, in operation S940, the processor (140) can open the valve (120) to supply water to the water softener (110) through the second water supply pipe (43). For example, the processor (140) can open the water supply valve (42) and the valve (120) for a preset period of time to supply water to the water softener (110) through the second water supply pipe (43).

[0180] In addition, the processor (140) can apply voltage to the softening device (110) so that the softening device (110) performs a regeneration operation. At this time, the voltage applied to the softening device (110) for the regeneration operation may be a voltage in the opposite direction to the voltage applied to the softening device (110) for the softening operation. Accordingly, the metal ions adsorbed on the softening device (110) are desorbed, and the desorbed metal ions can be included in the water supplied to the softening device (110) through the second water supply pipe (43) and supplied to the tub (20).

[0181] And, in operation S950, the processor (140) can control the drainage device (170) to discharge the metal ions desorbed from the water and the softening device (110) to the outside of the washing machine (100). That is, the water supplied to the tub (20) through the regeneration operation remains in the tub (20) together with the water removed from the laundry through the dehydration process. In this case, the processor (140) can control the drainage device (170) to discharge the water present in the tub (20) to the outside of the washing machine (100).

[0182] For example, as described above, the tub (20) and the drum (30) may be placed in the washing machine (100) at a predetermined angle so that the opening faces upward at a predetermined angle based on the lower frame of the washing machine (100). With this structure, residual water may remain in the lower edge area of ​​the tub (20) and the drum (30). To prevent this, in the present disclosure, a regeneration operation is performed during the spin-drying operation so that the residual water can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine (100) with the water generated during the spin-drying operation. Accordingly, the metal ions desorbed from the water softener (110) can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine (100) with the water discharged to the outside of the washing machine (100) according to the spin-drying operation.

[0183] Although the above-described example describes that the regeneration operation is performed during the dehydration process, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (140) may perform the regeneration operation on the softening device (110) while the washing process or the rinsing process is being performed, or may perform the regeneration operation on the softening device (110) after the washing process, the rinsing process, or the washing process has ended.

[0184] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the water generated by the regeneration operation may be supplied to the tub (20) through a separate water supply pipe connected to the water softener (110) and then discharged outside the washing machine (100), or may be directly discharged outside the washing machine (100) through a separate water supply pipe connected to the water softener (110).

[0185] Meanwhile, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in a computer-readable recording medium or similar device using software, hardware, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the embodiments described herein may be implemented by the processor itself. In a software implementation, embodiments, such as the procedures and functions described herein, may be implemented as separate software modules. Each of the software modules may perform one or more functions and operations described herein.

[0186] Meanwhile, computer instructions for performing processing operations of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. When the computer instructions stored in such a non-transitory computer-readable medium are executed by a processor of a specific device, the computer instructions cause the specific device to perform processing operations in a robot cleaner (100) according to various embodiments described above.

[0187] A non-transitory computer-readable medium refers to a medium that permanently stores data and can be read by a device, rather than a medium that stores data for a short period of time, such as a register, cache, or memory. Specific examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include CDs, DVDs, hard disks, Blu-ray discs, USBs, memory cards, and ROMs.

[0188] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In the washing machine, training device; A first water supply pipe for supplying water from an external water source to the tub of the washing machine; A second water supply pipe for supplying water supplied from the first water supply pipe to the softening device and supplying water softened by the softening device to the first water supply pipe; A valve for controlling the flow rate of water supplied to the tub through the first path and the second path by opening and closing the second water supply pipe; A sensor for detecting the hardness value of water supplied from the external water source; and Identifying a hardness level corresponding to the water supplied from the external water source among multiple hardness levels, Identifying the target hardness value of the water supplied to the tub based on the identified hardness level, By controlling at least one of the opening and closing time of the valve and the softening level of the water softener based on the detected water hardness value and the identified target hardness value, water is supplied to the tub through the first path and the second path, It includes one or more processors that rotate a drum provided inside the tub and wash laundry contained in the drum; The above first path is a path through which water that has not been softened by passing through the softening device is supplied to the tub. The second path is a washing machine in which water softened by passing through the softening device is supplied to the tub.

2. In paragraph 1, When the above valve is closed and the second water supply pipe is closed, water supplied from the external water source is supplied to the tub through the first path, A washing machine in which, when the valve is opened and the second water supply pipe is opened, some of the water supplied from the external water supply source is supplied to the tub through the first path, and the remainder is supplied to the tub through the second path.

3. In paragraph 2, One or more of the above processors, If the identified hardness level is the first level, the opening / closing time of the valve is identified based on the identified target hardness value, and water is supplied to the tub through the first path while the valve is closed based on the identified opening / closing time, and water is supplied to the tub through the first path and the second path while the valve is open. If the identified hardness level is the second level, water is supplied to the tub through the first path and the second path while the valve is open, A washing machine wherein the second level has a higher hardness value than the first level.

4. In paragraph 1, One or more of the above processors, Identify the ratio corresponding to the hardness level identified above, A washing machine that identifies a target hardness value of water supplied to the tub by applying the identified ratio to the detected water hardness value.

5. In paragraph 1, One or more of the above processors, Identifying the opening and closing time of the valve based on the detected water hardness value, the identified target hardness value, the flow rate of water supplied to the tub through the first path and the second path according to the opening and closing of the second water supply pipe, and the softening level of the water softener; A washing machine that controls the opening and closing of the valve based on the identified opening and closing time, thereby supplying water to the tub through the first path and the second path.

6. In paragraph 1, One or more of the above processors, Identifying the softening level of the water softener based on the detected water hardness value, the identified target hardness value, and the flow rate of water supplied to the tub through the first path and the second path while the second water supply pipe is open; A washing machine that supplies water to the tub through the first path and the second path while the second water supply pipe is open while the water softening device is operating according to the identified softening level.

7. In paragraph 1, One or more of the above processors, After the above washing cycle is completed and the dehydration cycle for the laundry is performed, the valve is opened to supply water to the water softener through the second water supply pipe, Control the water softening device to perform a regeneration operation to remove metal ions adsorbed on the water softening device from the water softening device according to the water softening operation of the water softening device. A washing machine in which the metal ions detached from the above-mentioned water softening device are discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the water discharged to the outside of the washing machine according to the above-mentioned dehydration process.

8. In paragraph 7, One or more of the above processors, Identifying a regeneration cycle for the regeneration operation based on the identified hardness level, and controlling the water softening device to perform the regeneration operation based on the identified regeneration cycle, A washing machine in which the above regeneration cycle indicates the number of times the regeneration operation is performed based on the number of times the washing process is performed.

9. A method for controlling a washing machine, comprising: a first water supply pipe for supplying water supplied from an external water source to a tub of the washing machine; a second water supply pipe for supplying water supplied from the first water supply pipe to a water softener of the washing machine and supplying water softened by the water softener to the tub; and a valve for controlling the flow rate of water supplied to the tub through a first path and a second path by opening and closing the second water supply pipe. A step of identifying a hardness level corresponding to water supplied from the external water source among a plurality of hardness levels; A step of identifying a target hardness value of water supplied to the tub based on the identified hardness level; A step of supplying water to the tub through the first path and the second path by controlling at least one of the opening and closing time of the valve and the softening level of the water softener based on the hardness value of the water detected using the sensor and the identified target hardness value; and A step of rotating a drum provided inside the tub to wash laundry contained in the drum; The above first path is a path through which water that has not been softened by passing through the softening device is supplied to the tub. A control method wherein the second path is a path through which softened water passes through the softening device and is supplied to the tub.

10. In paragraph 9, When the above valve is closed and the second water supply pipe is closed, water supplied from the external water source is supplied to the tub through the first path, A control method in which, when the valve is opened and the second water supply pipe is opened, some of the water supplied from the external water source is supplied to the tub through the first path, and the remainder is supplied to the tub through the second path.

11. In paragraph 10, The above supplying step is, If the identified hardness level is the first level, identifying the opening / closing time of the valve based on the identified target hardness value, and supplying water to the tub through the first path while the valve is closed based on the identified opening / closing time, and supplying water to the tub through the first path and the second path while the valve is open; and If the identified hardness level is the second level, the step of supplying water to the tub through the first path and the second path while the valve is open; A control method wherein the second level has a higher hardness value than the first level.

12. In paragraph 9, The step of identifying the above target hardness value is: A step of identifying a ratio corresponding to the identified hardness level; and A control method comprising: a step of applying the identified ratio to the detected water hardness value to identify a target hardness value of water supplied to the tub; 13. In paragraph 9, The above supplying step is, A step of identifying the opening and closing time of the valve based on the detected water hardness value, the identified target hardness value, the flow rate of water supplied to the tub through the first path and the second path according to the opening and closing of the second water supply pipe, and the softening level of the water softener; and A control method comprising: a step of supplying water to the tub through the first path and the second path by controlling the opening and closing of the valve based on the identified opening and closing time; 14. In paragraph 9, The above supplying step is, A step of identifying a softening level of the water softener based on the detected water hardness value, the identified target hardness value, and the flow rate of water supplied to the tub through the first path and the second path while the second water supply pipe is open; and A control method comprising: a step of supplying water to the tub through the first path and the second path while the second water supply pipe is open while the water softening device is operating according to the identified softening level; 15. In paragraph 9, After the washing process is completed and the dehydration process is performed on the laundry, a step of opening the valve to supply water to the water softener through the second water supply pipe; and A step of performing a regeneration operation to remove metal ions adsorbed on the water softener from the water softener according to the water softening operation of the water softener; A control method in which metal ions detached from the above-mentioned water softening device are discharged to the outside of the washing machine through water discharged to the outside of the washing machine according to the above-mentioned dehydration process.

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