Washing machine and method for controlling same

Abstract

A method for controlling a washing machine comprises the steps of: on the basis of a washing course being initiated, selecting, as an initial startup mode, a first startup mode in which a drum rotates in a first direction, and controlling a driving motor to rotate the drum according to the first startup mode; acquiring driving data generated by the rotation of the drum; identifying, on the basis of the driving data, whether an event condition for switching to a second startup mode has occurred, wherein in the second startup mode the drum rotates by a reference angle in a second direction opposite to the first direction and then switches to rotate in the first direction; and on the basis of identifying that the event condition has occurred, switching the first startup mode to the second startup mode and controlling the driving motor to rotate the drum according to the second drum startup mode, wherein the driving data includes motor current data indicating a driving current of the driving motor, which is acquired from a current sensor.

Description

Washing machine and its control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control method for variably performing the starting method of a washing machine.

[0002] Typically, a washing machine may include a tub for storing water (wash water or rinse water), a drum rotatably positioned within the tub to accommodate laundry, and a motor that generates driving force to rotate the drum. When the drum rotates, the laundry within the drum rises and then falls along the inner wall of the drum, thereby performing washing.

[0003] A washing machine can perform washing through a series of operations, such as a washing cycle that separates dirt from laundry using water containing detergent (e.g., wash water), a rinsing cycle that rinses away foam or residual detergent from laundry using water that does not contain detergent (e.g., rinse water), and a spin-drying cycle that spins the laundry at high speed. During the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and spin-drying cycle, the washing machine can rotate the drum by operating the motor at a set target rotation speed per minute (RPM).

[0004] The washing machine may include a normal operation mode and a swing operation mode in terms of the drum rotation method. The normal operation mode is a method of controlling the drum to rotate in a preset direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) at a target speed. The swing operation mode is a method of controlling the drum to rotate in a first direction to a predetermined angle and then rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby lifting laundry to a predetermined height and then dropping it by gravity, while accelerating the motor in the opposite direction to rotate the drum.

[0005] A typical starting method involves rotating a stationary drum in a certain direction to reach a target speed, which may temporarily require a lot of power to rotate the drum while keeping the center of gravity of the laundry contained within the drum facing downward.

[0006] The swing start method utilizes the shifting center of gravity of the laundry, reducing power consumption compared to standard operation. However, if the laundry contained in the drum is small, the swing start method may generate unnecessary vibration or noise.

[0007] Accordingly, it is required that the washing machine perform a washing cycle and / or a rinsing cycle by adaptively applying a starting method in response to the weight of laundry contained in the drum in order to reduce power consumption and noise and vibration while performing the washing.

[0008] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine includes: a main body; a drum positioned inside the main body and configured to receive laundry therein; a drive motor configured to rotate the drum; a current sensor configured to detect a drive current input to the drive motor; and a processor configured to transmit a control command to the drive motor to selectively perform one of a first start mode in which the drum rotates in a first direction while a wash is performed, and a second start mode in which the drum rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction by a reference angle while a wash is performed, and then switches to the first direction and rotates, wherein the processor: selects the first start mode as an initial start mode based on the initiation of a wash cycle, and controls the drive motor to rotate the drum; acquires drive data generated by the drum rotating according to the first start mode; and identifies, based on the drive data, whether an event condition has occurred to switch the drum to the second start mode and initiate operation. And based on identifying that the event condition has occurred, the drum rotating in the first operation mode is switched to the second operation mode, and the drive motor is further set to be controlled to rotate the drum according to the second operation mode, wherein the drive data includes motor current data indicating a drive current of the drive motor obtained by the current sensor.

[0010] The washing machine further includes a speed sensor configured to detect a rotation speed of the drum, and the driving data further includes drum rotation speed data indicating a rotation speed of the drum obtained by the speed sensor, and the processor may be further configured to identify that the event condition has occurred based on the drum rotation speed data indicating that the rotation speed of the drum is less than a preset threshold speed.

[0011] The processor may further be configured to identify that the event condition has occurred based on the drum rotation speed data indicating that the rotation speed of the drum is less than the preset threshold speed during a reference period in which the maximum current is input to the drive motor.

[0012] The above driving data may further include motor power consumption data indicating power consumption of the driving motor, and the processor may be further configured to identify occurrence of the event condition based on the motor power consumption data indicating that power consumption of the driving motor exceeds a preset threshold power.

[0013] The driving data further includes motor resistance data indicating motor resistance between a first point and a second point of a driving circuit of the driving motor, and the processor may be further configured to: obtain the resistance of the driving motor; and identify that the event condition occurs based on the resistance exceeding a preset threshold resistance.

[0014] The above driving data may further include motor temperature data indicating a temperature of the driving motor, and the processor may be further configured to: obtain a temperature of the driving motor; and identify that the event condition has occurred based on the temperature of the driving motor exceeding a preset threshold temperature.

[0015] The processor may be further configured to obtain a temperature of the drive motor based on at least one of a drive current input to the drive motor, a power consumption of the drive motor, and a resistance of the drive motor.

[0016] The washing machine may further include a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the driving motor, and the processor may be further configured to obtain a temperature of the driving motor from the temperature sensor.

[0017] The washing machine further includes a water supply valve configured to open or close a pipe configured to supply washing water or rinsing water to the drum, and the processor may be further configured to identify whether the event condition has occurred based on the termination of the supply of washing water or rinsing water to the drum and the closure of the water supply valve.

[0018] The processor may be further configured to: obtain the weight of the laundry fed into the drum; and, based on the weight of the laundry, select one of the first operation mode or the second operation mode as the initial operation mode and control the drive motor to rotate the drum according to the initial operation mode.

[0019] The processor may be further configured to: determine the first operating mode as the initial operating mode based on the weight of the laundry being less than a preset threshold weight and control the driving motor to rotate the drum according to the first operating mode; and determine the second operating mode as the initial operating mode based on the weight of the laundry being greater than or equal to a preset threshold weight and control the driving motor to rotate the drum according to the second operating mode.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control method for a washing machine including a main body, a drum positioned inside the main body and configured to receive laundry therein, a drive motor configured to rotate the drum, and a current sensor configured to detect a drive current input to the drive motor, comprises: an operation of selecting a first drive mode in which the drum rotates in a first direction as an initial drive mode based on the start of a washing course, and controlling the drive motor to rotate the drum according to the first drive mode; an operation of acquiring drive data generated by the rotation of the drum; an operation of identifying, based on the drive data, whether an event condition has occurred for switching to a second drive mode in which the drum rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction by a reference angle and then rotates in the first direction; and an operation of switching the first drive mode to the second drive mode and controlling the drive motor to rotate the drum according to the second drum drive mode based on identifying that the event condition has occurred, wherein the drive data may include motor current data indicating a drive current of the drive motor acquired from the current sensor.

[0021] The washing machine further includes a speed sensor configured to detect a rotation speed of the drum, and the driving data further includes drum rotation speed data indicating a rotation speed of the drum obtained from the speed sensor, and the operation of identifying whether the event condition has occurred may include an operation of identifying that the event condition has occurred based on the drum rotation speed data indicating that the rotation speed of the drum is less than a preset threshold speed.

[0022] The operation of identifying whether the above event condition has occurred may further include an operation of identifying that the event condition has occurred based on the drum rotation speed data indicating that the rotation speed of the drum is less than the preset threshold speed during a reference period in which the maximum current is input to the driving motor.

[0023] The above driving data may further include motor power consumption data indicating power consumption of the driving motor, and the operation of identifying whether the event condition has occurred may further include an operation of identifying that the event condition has occurred based on the motor power consumption data indicating that power consumption of the driving motor exceeds a preset threshold power.

[0024] The above driving data may further include motor resistance data indicating resistance between a first point and a second point of a driving circuit of the driving motor, and the operation of identifying whether the event condition has occurred may further include an operation of obtaining the resistance of the driving motor; and an operation of identifying that the event condition has occurred based on the resistance of the driving motor exceeding a preset threshold resistance.

[0025] The above driving data may further include motor temperature data indicating the temperature of the driving motor, and the operation of identifying whether the event condition has occurred may further include an operation of obtaining the temperature of the driving motor; and an operation of identifying that the event condition has occurred based on the temperature of the driving motor exceeding a preset threshold temperature.

[0026] The operation of obtaining the temperature of the driving motor may include: obtaining the temperature of the driving motor based on at least one of a current input to the driving motor, a power consumption of the driving motor, and a resistance of the driving motor.

[0027] The washing machine further includes a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the driving motor, and the operation of obtaining the temperature of the driving motor may include an operation of obtaining the temperature of the driving motor from the temperature sensor.

[0028] The washing machine further includes a water supply valve configured to open or close a pipe supplying washing water or rinsing water to the drum, and the operation of identifying whether the event condition has occurred may further include an operation of identifying whether the event condition has occurred based on the supply of washing water or rinsing water to the drum being terminated and the water supply valve being closed.

[0029] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating a stationary drum and laundry contained inside the drum according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a rotating drum and laundry contained inside the drum at a specific point in time according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a rotating drum and laundry contained inside the drum at a specific point in time according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 6 is a front view showing a drum rotating in a second operating mode and laundry accommodated inside the drum at a specific point in time according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the current input to the drive motor and the actual rotation speed of the drum rotated by the input current of the drive motor in order to rotate the drum rotating in the first driving mode at a target rotation speed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for determining a driving method for rotating a drum of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating driving data acquired by a washing machine to determine a driving method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for determining a driving method for rotating a drum of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for determining a startup method for initially driving a drum of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] The embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 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" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0043] Hereinafter, in this document, “front-back direction”, “left-right direction”, and “up-down direction” may be used based on the drawings shown, and the shape and position of each component are not limited thereby.

[0044] According to some embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components.

[0045] The washing machine described below (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) is provided as an example to aid understanding of the present disclosure, and it is understood that various modifications may be implemented. Furthermore, some of the attached drawings are not drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated to aid understanding of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine (1) may include a main body (10) that accommodates various components. The main body (10) may have an overall hexahedral shape. The main body (10) may include an opening on one surface thereof. Two or more surfaces of the main body (10) may be formed as a single body. Each surface of the main body (10) may be manufactured separately and then assembled. For example, the main body (10) may be formed by press-molding a sheet metal material or by injection-molding a resin material.

[0049] According to one embodiment, a door (20) that opens and closes the opening may be provided in a portion corresponding to the opening of the main body (10). The door (20) may be rotatably coupled to a hinge fixed to one surface of the main body (10). For example, at least a portion of the door (20) may be provided to be transparent or translucent so that the inside may be visible. A user may open the door (20) to load laundry into the drum (40) of the main body (10) or take laundry out of the drum (40). The door (20) may be locked by a locking device so as not to be opened while the washing machine (1) is operating. In one example, the door (20) may include a door frame (21) and a glass member (22). The glass member (22) may be formed of, for example, a transparent tempered glass material so that the inside of the main body (10) may be visible, but the present document is not limited thereto.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a tub (30) fixedly arranged inside the main body (10). The tub (30) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with one side open. A tub opening (31) may be provided at a position corresponding to the opening of the main body (10) on the front of the tub (30). The tub (30) may store washing water. A drain hole (32) for draining washing water may be provided at the bottom of the tub (30). The drain hole (32) may be connected to, for example, a drainage device (80).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a damper (12). The damper (12) may be provided to connect the main body (10) and the tub (30). One side of the damper (12) may be fixed to the inner surface of the main body (10). The other side of the damper (12) may be fixed to the tub (30). The damper (12) may be provided to absorb vibration energy transmitted to the tub (30) and / or the main body (10) when the drum (40) rotates, thereby attenuating the vibration.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a drum (40) inside a tub (30). The drum (40) may have a generally cylindrical shape with one side open. A front plate (43) and a rear plate (44) may be arranged on the front and rear sides of the drum (40), respectively. A drum opening may be provided in the front plate (43) at a position corresponding to the opening of the main body (10) and the tub opening (31) of the tub (30). The drum (40) may accommodate laundry. The drum (40) may be configured to be rotatable within the tub (30) by receiving rotational power from a driving device (60). The drum (40) may perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration while rotating within the tub (30).

[0053] In one embodiment, the drum (40) may include a lifter (41) and a plurality of holes (42). The lifter (41) may, for example, lift laundry while the drum (40) rotates, thereby causing the laundry to repeatedly rise and fall, thereby evenly washing multiple surfaces of the laundry. For example, the holes (42) may be passages through which washing water contained in the tub (30) flows into the interior of the drum (40), or through which washing water inside the drum (40) is discharged to the outside. In one embodiment, the lifter (41) or the plurality of holes (42) may be omitted.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a control panel (50) that supports interaction between a user and the washing machine (1). In one example, the control panel (50) may be located at the upper front side of the main body (10) as illustrated in FIG. 1, and the present disclosure is not limited to the above example. In one example, the control panel (50) may include an input unit (51) and a display unit (52).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the input unit (51) may include any type of user input means for obtaining user input for controlling the washing machine (1). The user may input power on / off of the washing machine (1), washing setting information (e.g., operation start / stop, course selection, time selection, etc.), etc., through the input unit (51). For example, the input unit (51) may be a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. For example, the input unit (51) may be a jog shuttle that a user can grasp and rotate. In one example, the input unit (51) may include an infrared sensor. The user may input setting information remotely through a remote control, and the input setting information may be received by the input unit (51) as an infrared signal. In one example, the input unit (51) may include a microphone. Setting information by the user's voice may be obtained through the microphone.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the display unit (52) can display various washing setting information input by the user or operating status information of the washing machine (1). The display unit (52) can include various types of display panels, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a quantum dot light emitting diode (QLED), and a micro LED. For example, the display unit (52) can be implemented as a touch screen with a touch pad provided on the front, and the present document is not limited to a specific type of display means. In one example, the display unit (52) can include any type of audio display means, including a speaker, and can display each of the above-described information as an auditory signal through such audio display means. In one example, the display unit (52) can operate to audibly provide the user with information for guiding the user's input and / or information related to the currently ongoing cycle.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a driving device (60) for rotating the drum (40). The driving device (60) may include a driving motor (61) and a driving shaft (62) for transmitting driving force generated by the driving motor (61) to the drum (40). The driving motor (61) may be configured with a fixed stator (61a) and a rotor (61b) that rotates by electromagnetic interaction with the stator (61a), thereby converting electrical power into mechanical rotational power. The rotational power generated by the driving motor (61) may be transmitted to the drum (40) through the driving shaft (62). The driving shaft (62) may be, for example, provided to be press-fitted into the rotor (61b) of the driving motor (61) and to rotate together with the rotor (61b). The driving shaft (62) may, for example, have a portion that penetrates the rear wall of the tub (30) to connect the drum (40) and the driving motor (61). The driving device (60) can rotate the drum (40) forward or backward to perform washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a water supply device (70) for supplying washing water to the drum (40) and the tub (30). The water supply device (70) may include at least one water supply pipe (71) and at least one water supply valve (72). At least one water supply pipe (71) may supply washing water into the interior of the tub (30) using an external water source. One of the at least one water supply pipe (71) may be connected to a detergent supply device (13) within the main body (10). Here, the detergent supply device (13) may have an interior divided into a plurality of spaces. Each space may contain detergent or a rinse agent, etc. Washing water (passing through the detergent supply device (13)) may flow into the tub (30) together with the detergent (or rinse agent) through the detergent supply pipe (14). At least one of the water supply pipes (71) may be directly connected to the tub (30). For example, washing water (supplied through the water supply pipe (71) directly connected to the tub (30)) may be supplied directly to the tub (30) without passing through an intermediate component such as a detergent supply device (13).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a drainage device (80) for draining wash water from the drum (40) or the tub (30). The drainage device (80) may include a drain valve (81), a first drainage pipe (82), a second drainage pipe (83), or a pump chamber (84). The drainage device (80) may be located, for example, at the bottom of the tub (30) and may discharge wash water discharged from the tub (30) to the outside of the washing machine (1).

[0060] In one embodiment, the drain valve (81) can open or close the drain port (32). When the drain valve (81) is opened, the wash water in the tub (30) can flow through the drain port (32) to the drain device (80).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the first drain pipe (82) and the second drain pipe (83) may be channels that guide the washing water to be discharged to the outside of the washing machine (1). For convenience of explanation, the upstream side with respect to the pump room (84) is referred to as the first drain pipe (82) and the downstream side is referred to as the second drain pipe (83). The first drain pipe (82) and the second drain pipe (83) may be formed integrally. For example, one end of the first drain pipe (82) may be connected to the drain port (32) and the other end may be connected to the pump room (84). The washing water may move into the pump room (84) along the first drain pipe (82). The second drain pipe (83) may, for example, one end of the second drain pipe (83) may be connected to the pump room (84) and the other end may be connected to the outside of the washing machine (1). Accordingly, the washing water passing through the pump room (84) can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine (1) along the second drain pipe (83).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the pump room (84) is located at the bottom of the tub (30) and can store the washing water drained from the tub (30). For example, a drain pump (85) for discharging the stored washing water to the outside may be provided inside the pump room (84). The washing water pumped by the drain pump (85) can be guided to the outside of the main body (10) through the second drain pipe (83).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can control the rotation method of the drum (40) to selectively apply either a first operation mode (e.g., a normal operation mode) or a second operation mode (e.g., a swing operation mode) to rotate the drum (40). For example, the first operation mode may be a control mode that causes the drum (40) to rotate in a first direction (e.g., a clockwise or counterclockwise direction), and the second operation mode may be a control mode that causes the drum (40) to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., a counterclockwise or clockwise direction) by a predetermined angle and then rotate in the first direction. The first operation mode and the second operation mode will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0064] In one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can adaptively select a first operation mode or a second operation mode to rotate the drum (40). The washing machine (1) can perform a washing cycle by selecting either the first operation mode or the second operation mode according to specific conditions, thereby reducing power consumed for washing and reducing the cost of components included in the washing machine (1), while maintaining washing performance.

[0065] FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating a stationary drum (e.g., drum (40) of FIG. 2) and laundry contained within the drum, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating a rotating drum (40) and laundry contained within the drum at a specific point in time, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a rotating drum (40) and laundry contained inside the drum at a specific point in time according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a front view showing a rotating drum (40) and laundry contained inside the drum at a specific point in time according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] In FIGS. 3 to 6, when the drum (40) rotates in the first operation mode, the drum (40) may rotate based on the order of FIGS. 3, 4, and 6. For example, when the drum (40) rotates in the second operation mode, the drum (40) may rotate according to the order of FIGS. 3, 5, and 6.

[0069] In addition, for convenience of explanation, the first direction (d1) in which the drum (40) rotates is described as clockwise, and the second direction (d2) in which the drum (40) rotates is described as counterclockwise, but the invention is not limited thereto, and the first direction (d1) may be set in the counterclockwise direction, and the second direction (d2) may be set in the clockwise direction.

[0070] When the washing machine (1) performs washing in the order of the washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and dehydration cycle of the washing course, the washing machine can detach foreign substances bound to the laundry by centrifugal force generated by rotating the laundry contained inside the drum (40), or can dehydrate wet laundry by using wash water or rinse water. When rotating the drum (40), the washing machine (1) can rotate the drum (40) by selecting either the first operating mode or the second operating mode.

[0071] The embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 6 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the washing machine (1) can rotate the drum (40) in the first operating mode (normal operating mode).

[0073] According to one embodiment, in the first operating mode, the washing machine (1) can rotate the drum (40) in the first rotational direction (d1). For example, the washing machine (1) can repeatedly rotate the drum (40) a predetermined number of times.

[0074] According to one embodiment, in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the washing machine (1) sequentially rotates the drum (40) in a first rotational direction (d1). For example, in FIG. 4, the washing machine (1) rotates the drum (40) at a first rotational angle (α1), and then in FIG. 6, the washing machine (1) can rotate the drum (40) by a third rotational angle (α3).

[0075] According to one embodiment, in the first operating mode, the washing machine (1) can rotate the drum (40) in a constant direction, but can rotate the drum (40) by alternately switching the rotation direction. For example, the washing machine (1) can repeatedly rotate the drum (40) in a first rotation direction (d1) a preset number of times, and then repeatedly rotate the drum (40) in a second rotation direction (d2) a preset number of times.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the washing machine (1) can rotate the drum (40) in the second operating mode (swing operating mode).

[0077] According to one embodiment, in the second operating mode, the washing machine (1) can rotate the drum at a predetermined angle in a second rotational direction (d2) opposite to the first rotational direction (d1). For example, the washing machine (1) can rotate the drum (40) at a second rotational angle (α2).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can rotate the drum (40) in a second direction (d2) by a second rotation angle (α2), and then rotate the drum (40) in a first direction (d1) opposite to the second direction (d2) by a third rotation angle (α3). For example, the second rotation angle (α2) can be set to 45°, but is not limited thereto.

[0079] According to one embodiment, in the second operation mode, the washing machine (1) can swing the drum (40) while alternately switching the rotation direction in the second operation mode. For example, the washing machine (1) can repeatedly rotate the drum (40) in the second rotation direction (d2) by a predetermined angle (e.g., the second rotation angle (α2)) a preset first number of times, and then rotate the drum (40) in the first rotation direction (d1) by a predetermined angle (e.g., the third rotation angle (α3)), and when the preset first number of times is exceeded, the washing machine (1) can repeatedly rotate the drum (40) in the first rotation direction (d1) by a predetermined angle (e.g., the second rotation angle (α2)) a preset second number of times, and then rotate the drum (40) in the second rotation direction (d2) by a predetermined angle (e.g., the third rotation angle (α3)).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can reduce the power consumption required to drive the drum (40) by the above principle. That is, according to one embodiment, since laundry falls by gravity, the drum (40) is driven to rotate in the second driving mode to move the center of gravity downward.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can reduce power consumption by rotating the drum (40) in the second driving mode. For example, when the washing machine (1) rotates the drum (40) in the second driving mode under the same load (e.g., a load when the weight of laundry is the same), the current value to be applied to the driving motor (e.g., the driving motor (61) of FIG. 2) to rotate the drum (40) can be reduced compared to rotating the drum (40) in the first driving mode.

[0082] According to one embodiment, when the washing machine (1) drives the drum (40) to rotate in the second operation mode, abnormal noise may be generated depending on the load of the washing machine (1) (e.g., the amount of laundry in the drum (40). For example, when the drum (40) swings in the second operation mode, the drum (40) may change its rotation direction, which may additionally generate vibration and noise. For example, when the drum (40) swings in the second operation mode when the laundry is light in weight, the drum (40) may actually rotate excessively fast relative to the target rotation speed of the drum (40), which may additionally generate vibration and noise. Therefore, in order to adaptively apply the first operation mode and the second operation mode, the washing machine (1) may acquire a plurality of pieces of data, and determine whether to rotate the drum (40) in the second operation mode based on the acquired plurality of pieces of data. Hereinafter, the configuration of the washing machine (1) will be described in terms of function and control with reference to FIG. 8. Figures 9 to 12 describe the operations performed by the washing machine (1) in the first operation mode and the second operation mode.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the current input to the drive motor (e.g., the drive motor (61) of FIG. 2) to rotate the drum (e.g., the drum (40) of FIG. 2) at a target rotation speed in the first driving mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the actual rotation speed of the drum (e.g., the drum (40) of FIG. 2) rotated by the input current of the drive motor (61).

[0084] The embodiment of FIG. 7 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 7, graph (a) shows the change in current input to the driving motor (61) over time when the drum (40) rotates in the first driving mode, and graph (b) shows the rotation speed of the drum (40) over time when the drum (40) switches to the first driving mode.

[0086] According to one embodiment, a washing machine (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) can drive a drive motor (61) to rotate a drum (40). As the drive motor (61) rotates, the drum (40), which receives driving force from the drive motor (61), can rotate.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can input a current (of a predetermined size) to the drive motor (61) to rotate the drum (40) at a target speed (v_0).

[0088] According to one embodiment, from time point ti to time point tf, the washing machine (1) can input current to the drive motor (61). For example, the current (input to the drive motor (61)) can gradually increase from time point ti and reach the target current (I_0) at time point ts.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the drum (40) can start to rotate from a point in time ti when the drive motor (61) starts to drive. The drum (40) can rotate at a rotation speed of v_1 at a point in time ts when the current input to the drive motor (61) is at its maximum, but the actual rotation speed may be lower than the target speed (v_0).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine a startup failure state of the drum (40) based on a difference between a target rotation speed (v_0) and an actual rotation speed (v_1) of the drum (40). For example, if the difference (v_d) between the target rotation speed (v_0) and the actual rotation speed (v_1) exceeds a threshold level, the washing machine (1) can determine a startup failure state of the drum (40). For example, if the difference (v_d) between the target rotation speed (v_0) and the actual rotation speed (v_1) exceeds 20 revolutions per minute (rpm), the washing machine (1) can determine that the startup of the drum (40) has failed.

[0091] In one embodiment, as the washing cycle progresses, the actual rotation speed of the drum (40) may decrease below the target speed due to an increase in the load of laundry due to wash water or rinse water. In this case, the washing machine (1) may increase the current input to the drive motor (61) to rotate the drum (40) at the target speed, which may increase the power consumption for washing or cause overload of electrical components such as the drive motor (61).

[0092] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the washing machine (1) may be configured to adaptively select one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode to rotate the drum (40) when washing is in progress. Accordingly, the power consumption consumed by the washing machine (1) when performing washing can be reduced, and the vibration and noise generated during washing can be reduced.

[0093] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a washing machine (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] The configurations illustrated in Fig. 8 can be understood as corresponding to the configurations of the washing machine (1) from the perspective of function and control.

[0095] The embodiment of FIG. 8 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 8, the washing machine (1) may include an input unit (user input) (51) as described above. The input unit (51) may include any type of user input means for obtaining setting information from a user for controlling the operation of the washing machine (1). Various user inputs obtained through the input unit (51) may be transmitted to a control unit (controller) (110) described below. In one example, various user inputs obtained through the input unit (51) may be transmitted to the outside through a communication unit (120) (or referred to as a transceiver) described below, and the present document is not limited thereto.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a communication unit (120) that supports signal transmission and reception with the outside. In one example, the communication unit (120) may receive and / or transmit wired / wireless signals between an external wired / wireless communication system, an external server, and / or other devices according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. In one example, the communication unit (120) may include one or more modules that connect the washing machine (1) to one or more networks. In one example, the communication unit (120) may include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wired / wireless Internet module, a short-range communication module, and / or a location information module.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the mobile communication module can transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of an external base station, an external terminal, and an external server through a mobile communication network according to any of various communication protocols for mobile communication. The wireless signals can include various types of data signals. In one example, the wireless signals can include voice call signals, video call call signals, and text / multimedia message signals, and the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the wired / wireless Internet module may support, for example, WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), but the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. In one example, the wired / wireless Internet module of the communication unit (120) may transmit and receive data according to at least one wired / wireless Internet technology among Internet technologies not listed above.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the short-range communication module may support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) technologies, for example, for short-range communication. The short-range communication module may support wireless communication between a washing machine (1) and a wireless communication system, between the washing machine (1) and another device, or between the washing machine (1) and a network in which another device is located, for example, through a short-range wireless communication network.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the location information module may be, for example, a module for obtaining the location of the washing machine (1), and may be a GPS (Global Positioning System) module or a Wi-Fi module. When the washing machine (1) utilizes a GPS module, information regarding the location of the washing machine (1) can be received using signals transmitted from GPS satellites. When the washing machine (1) utilizes a Wi-Fi module, information regarding the location of the washing machine (1) can be received based on information from a wireless AP (Wireless Access Point) that transmits and receives wireless signals with the Wi-Fi module.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (120) may receive a setting data signal input by a user from the user's mobile terminal in the form of a wireless signal according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol. In one example, the communication unit (120) may receive information and / or commands for controlling the operation of the washing machine (1) from an external server in the form of signals according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. The communication unit (120) may transmit various received signals to the control unit (110) described below. In one example, the communication unit (120) may transmit various data generated or acquired on the washing machine (1) in the form of wired / wireless signals according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol, for example, to the user's mobile terminal or an external server.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a sensor unit (130) for detecting the operating status or internal environment of the washing machine (1). For example, the sensor unit (130) may include a current sensor (131), a speed sensor (132), a temperature sensor (133), a water level sensor (134), a door sensor (135), and / or a vibration sensor (136), but this is merely an example and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the current sensor (131) may be arranged to detect the current flowing in the drive motor (61) of the drive device (60). An electrical signal regarding the current value of the drive motor (61) generated by the current sensor (131) may be transmitted to the control unit (110).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the speed sensor (132) may be provided to detect the rotational speed, rotational angle, or rotational direction of the drive motor (61) or the drum (40). In one example, the speed sensor (132) may utilize a method of detecting the position of the rotor and the on / off signal of an adjacent hall sensor while the drive motor (61) is driven, for example. In one example, the speed sensor (132) may utilize a method of measuring the magnitude of the current applied to the drive motor (61) while the drum (40) is rotating. An electrical signal regarding the rotational speed, rotational angle, or rotational direction of the drum (40) generated by the speed sensor (132) may be transmitted to the control unit (110).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor (133) may be configured to detect the ambient temperature of the washing machine (1) or the temperature of internal components, or to detect the temperature of the wash water in the tub (30). The temperature sensor (133) may be implemented, for example, as a thermistor, which is a type of resistor that utilizes the property of a material's resistance changing depending on temperature. An electrical signal regarding temperature generated by the temperature sensor (133) may be transmitted to the control unit (110).

[0107] Hereinafter, the temperature sensor (133) will be referred to as a sensor that detects the temperature of the drive motor (61) unless otherwise specified. For example, when the temperature sensor (133) exceeds a critical temperature due to the operation of the drive motor (61), the control unit (110) can determine whether the drive motor (61) is overheated.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the water level sensor (134) is a sensor designed to detect the water level within the tub (30). In one example, the water level sensor (134) may be designed to detect the progress of the dehydration process during the dehydration process. The water level sensor (134) may transmit an electrical signal regarding the water level within the tub (30) to the control unit (110).

[0109] According to one embodiment, a door sensor (135) may be provided to determine whether the door (20) is closed before the control unit (110) performs a washing operation. An electrical signal generated by the door sensor (135) regarding whether the door (20) is open or closed may be transmitted to the control unit (110).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a control unit (110) that controls the overall operation of the washing machine (1). The control unit (110) may include a memory (113) that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling each component of the washing machine (1), and a processor (111) that generates a control signal for controlling each component of the washing machine (1) according to the program and / or data stored in the memory (113) and information obtained from each of the other components. In FIG. 8, the memory (113) is included in the control unit (110), but the present disclosure is not limited to this example. In some embodiments, the memory (113) is not included in the control unit (110), but the memory (113) is a separate component from the control unit (110).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the memory (113) can store various data that can be used to control the operation of each component of the washing machine (1). The memory (113) can store, for example, a plurality of application programs used in the washing machine (1), data for controlling the operation of the washing machine (1), and commands. At least some of the application programs stored in the memory (113) can be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. At least some of the application programs stored in the memory (113) can be stored in the memory (113) from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the washing machine (1).

[0112] For example, the memory (113) may store data on the rotation speed of the drum (40) for each course and / or each cycle. For example, the memory (113) may store data on the target rotation speed and maximum rotation speed data of the drum (40) as the washing cycle is performed.

[0113] For example, the memory (113) may store data on the critical current of the drive motor (61) for each course and / or each cycle. For example, the memory (113) may store data on the target current value to be input (applied) to the drive motor (61) and data on the maximum current value as the washing cycle is performed.

[0114] For example, the memory (113) may store data on the power consumption of the drive motor (61) for each course and / or each cycle. For example, the memory (113) may store data on the target power value to be consumed by the drive motor (61) and data on the maximum power value that can be consumed as the washing cycle is performed.

[0115] For example, the memory (113) may store data on the resistance or temperature of the drive motor (61) for each course and / or each cycle. For example, the memory (113) may store data on the maximum resistance or maximum temperature of the drive motor (61) as the washing cycle is performed.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the processor (111) of the control unit (110) can receive various input / setting information, such as power on / off of the washing machine (1), washing machine operation setting information (e.g., operation start / stop, course selection, time selection, etc.) or other various control information, from the input unit (51) and / or communication unit (120) described above.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the processor (111) can obtain information about the detection information from the sensor unit (130). For example, the processor (111) can obtain information about the current value flowing to the driving motor (61) from the current sensor (131). For example, the processor (111) can obtain information about the rotational speed, rotational angle, or rotational direction of the drum (40) from the speed sensor (132). For example, the processor (111) can obtain information about the temperature of the driving motor (61) from the temperature sensor (133). For example, the processor (111) can obtain information about the water level in the tub (30) from the water level sensor (134). For example, the processor (111) can obtain information about whether the door (20) is open or closed from the door sensor (135).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the processor (111) can calculate a predicted value (or estimated value) based on information obtained from the sensor unit (130).

[0119] For example, the processor (111) can calculate an estimated value of power consumption of the drive motor (61) based on information about the current flowing in the drive motor (61) obtained from the current sensor (131). For example, the processor (111) can calculate an estimated value of power consumption of the drive motor (61) based on voltage, current, and / or power values ​​required when controlling the drive motor (61).

[0120] For example, the processor (111) may calculate the motor resistance value of the drive motor (61) and / or the temperature of the drive motor (61) based on information about the current flowing in the drive motor (61) obtained from the current sensor (131). For example, the processor (111) may also calculate the resistance estimation value of the drive motor (61) and the temperature estimation value of the drive motor (61) based on the voltage, current, and / or power values ​​required when controlling the drive motor (61).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the processor (111) of the control unit (110) may generate an operation control command for each component of the washing machine (1) based on various pieces of information received from the input unit (51), the communication unit (120), and / or the sensor unit (130). In one example, the processor (111) may control each component related to performing at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a dehydration cycle, or a drying cycle. The processor (111) may control the operation of, for example, a driving device (60), a water supply device (70), and / or a drainage device (80) to control the performance of at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the dehydration cycle, or the drying cycle.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the processor (111) can control the driving of the drive motor (61) of the drive device (60) to rotate the drum (40). For example, the processor (111) can control the rotation speed, rotation direction, and rotation angle of the drive motor (61) to rotate the drum (40). For example, the processor (111) can control the drive motor (61) to rotate the drum (40) in a first driving mode (e.g., a normal driving mode) in which the drum (40) rotates in a first direction (e.g., either clockwise or counterclockwise), and in a second driving mode (e.g., a swing driving mode) in which the drum (40) rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction by a predetermined angle and then rotates in the first direction.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the processor (111) may determine whether to rotate the drum (40) rotating in the first operation mode in the second operation mode based on a plurality of pieces of data. The plurality of pieces of data may include, for example, at least one of the rotation speed of the drum (40) and the rotation speed, current, voltage, power, resistance, and / or temperature of the driving motor (61). The plurality of pieces of data will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the processor (111) can control the opening and closing of the water supply valve (72) of the water supply device (70) to adjust the washing water supplied to the drum (40) and / or the tub (30). For example, the processor (111) can control the drain valve (81) and / or the drain pump (85) of the drain device (80) to drain the washing water in the drum (40) and / or the tub (30). For example, the processor (111) can continuously obtain information from the input unit (51), the communication unit (120) and / or the sensor unit (130) while performing at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the dehydration cycle or the drying cycle, and can continuously update and control the operation of each component based on the obtained information.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the processor (111) of the control unit (110) can generate a command to control whether and how information is displayed through the display unit (52) based on various pieces of information received from the input unit (51), the communication unit (120) and / or the sensor unit (130).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the control unit (110) is disclosed as a single comprehensive configuration that controls all or part of the components included in the washing machine (1), but the present document is not limited thereto. In one example, the washing machine (1) may be configured to include a plurality of control unit configurations that individually control some of the components of the washing machine (1). In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a separate control unit having a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of a driving device (60), for example, a driving motor (61). In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a separate control unit having a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of a user interface according to a user input. The processor (111) of the control unit (110) may include a plurality of processors, and the memory (113) may include a plurality of memory devices.

[0127] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for determining a driving method for rotating a drum (e.g., drum (40) of FIG. 2) of a washing machine (1) (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] FIG. 10 illustrates driving data (1000) acquired by a washing machine (1) to determine a driving method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] At least some of the control operations illustrated in FIG. 9 may be omitted or the order may be changed as needed, and some operations may be performed repeatedly.

[0130] The embodiment of FIG. 9 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 8, and the embodiment of FIG. 10 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the washing machine (1) can initiate a washing course at operation 910. For example, the washing machine (1) can initiate a washing course by a user input received through the input unit (51).

[0132] In one embodiment, a washing cycle may include a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spin-drying cycle. Each cycle included in the washing cycle may be performed repeatedly, or some cycles may be omitted depending on the cycle and / or user input.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may rotate the drum (40) in an initial startup mode at operation 920. For example, the washing machine (1) may rotate the drum (40) in an initial startup mode in response to the initiation of a washing cycle. The initial startup mode may be, for example, either a first startup mode or a second startup mode, but unless otherwise stated below, it will be assumed that the initial startup mode is the first startup mode.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can obtain driving data generated by the rotation of the drum at operation 930. For example, the driving data can include a plurality of driving data (e.g., driving data (1000) of FIG. 10).

[0135] Referring to FIG. 10, a plurality of driving data may be generated by a driving command sent by the control unit (110) to the driving motor (61) and the drum (40) rotating by the driving of the driving motor (61). The plurality of driving data may include, for example, first driving data (e.g., first driving data (1010) of FIG. 10) generated by the driving of the driving motor (61) and second driving data (e.g., second driving data (1020) of FIG. 10) generated by the rotation of the drum (40).

[0136] According to one embodiment, the first driving data (1010) may include motor current data (1011) (information about current flowing in the driving motor (61), motor voltage data (1012) (information about voltage applied to the driving motor (61), motor power consumption data (1013) (information about power consumption of the driving motor (61), motor resistance data (1014) (information about resistance of the driving motor (61), and motor temperature data (1015) (information about temperature of the driving motor (61). In one embodiment, the first driving data (1010) may further include various pieces of information generated as the driving motor (61) is driven.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the motor current data (1011) may indicate a current value flowing to the drive motor (61). For example, the motor current data (1011) may be detected by a current sensor (e.g., the current sensor (131) of FIG. 8).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the motor voltage data (1012) may indicate a voltage value applied to the drive motor (61). The motor power consumption data (1013) may indicate a value for power consumed by the drive motor (61). For example, the motor voltage data (1012) and the motor power consumption data (1013) may be obtained as estimated values ​​(or predicted values) calculated by a control unit (e.g., the control unit (110) of FIG. 8) based on the motor current data (1011) obtained by the current sensor (131). For example, the motor voltage data (1012) and the motor power consumption data (1013) may also be detected by respective sensors (e.g., a voltage sensor or a power sensor).

[0139] According to one embodiment, the motor resistance data (1014) may indicate a resistance value of the drive motor (61). For example, the motor temperature data (1015) may indicate a temperature value of the drive motor (61). The motor resistance data (1014) may vary depending on the temperature generated when the drive motor (61) is driven (e.g., rotated). For example, the motor temperature data (1015) may be acquired by a temperature sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor (133) of FIG. 8) that detects the temperature of the drive motor (61).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the second driving data (1020) may be generated by the drum (40) rotating by transmitting power by driving the driving motor (61). For example, the second driving data (1020) may include drum rotation speed data (1021). In one embodiment, the second driving data (1020) may further include various pieces of information generated by the drum (40) rotating. For example, the second driving data may include data on a rotation angle when the drum (40) rotates and data on a rotation direction of the drum (40).

[0141] In one embodiment, the drum rotation speed data (1021) may indicate the speed at which the drum (40) rotates. For example, the drum rotation speed data (1021) may indicate the angular velocity at which the drum (40) rotates. For example, the drum rotation speed data (1021) may be acquired by a speed sensor (e.g., the speed sensor (132) of FIG. 8).

[0142] Referring to FIG. 9, the washing machine (1) can determine (identify) whether an event condition for switching the operating mode has occurred (or been satisfied) in operation 940. The event condition may be a condition for rotating the drum (40) in a second operating mode (e.g., swing operating mode) under a specific condition after the washing machine (1) rotates the drum (40) in the initial operating mode. For example, the specific condition may be a failure of the washing machine (1) to rotate the drum (40) in the first operating mode, or a condition corresponding thereto.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine whether an event condition has occurred based on a plurality of driving data (1000) acquired in operation 940.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine whether an event condition has occurred based on motor current data (1011) and drum rotation speed data (1021). For example, when the washing machine (1) inputs current to the drive motor (61) to rotate the drum (40) at a target speed, if the rotation speed of the drum (40) does not reach the target speed while the input current is input for a predetermined period, the washing machine (1) can determine that an event condition has occurred. For example, if the rotation speed of the drum (40) is 20 rpm or more lower than the maximum rotation speed during a predetermined period while the maximum current is applied to the drive motor (61), the washing machine (1) can determine that an event condition has occurred.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine whether an event condition has occurred based on motor power consumption data (1013). For example, when the washing machine (1) drives the drive motor (61) to rotate the drum (40) at a target speed, if the power consumption of the drive motor (61) exceeds a threshold power, the washing machine (1) can determine that an event condition has occurred.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine whether an event condition has occurred based on motor resistance data (1014) and motor temperature data (1015). For example, when the washing machine (1) drives the drive motor (61) to rotate the drum (40) at a target speed, if the resistance value in a predetermined section of the circuit constituting the drive motor (61) exceeds a threshold resistance, or if the temperature of the drive motor (61) exceeds a threshold temperature, the washing machine (1) can determine that an event condition has occurred.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may, at operation 950, switch to a second operating mode to rotate the drum (40) when it determines that an event condition has occurred. By rotating the drum (40) rotating in the first operating mode in the second operating mode, the washing machine (1) may reduce power consumption and reduce vibration and noise generated during the washing cycle.

[0148] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation for determining a driving method for a washing machine (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) to rotate a drum (e.g., the drum (40) of FIG. 2) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 differs from FIG. 9 in that operation 1110 is additionally performed between operations 930 and 940, and is substantially the same as the flowchart of FIG. 9 except for operation 1110. Therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted, and the differences will be primarily described. At least some of the control operations illustrated in FIG. 11 may be omitted or the order changed as necessary, and some operations may be repeatedly performed. The embodiment of FIG. 11 may be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 11, the washing machine (1) can determine whether washing water or rinse water has been replenished in operation 1110.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can detect whether the water supply valve (e.g., the water supply valve (72) of FIGS. 2 and 8) is open or closed in operation 1110. For example, the washing machine (1) can determine that the water supply valve (72) is opened to supply washing water or rinsing water into the drum (40), and that the washing water or rinsing water has been replenished in response to the water supply valve (72) being closed.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine whether washing water or rinsing water has been replenished based on the operating states of the water supply valve (72), the drain valve (e.g., the drain valve (81) of FIGS. 2 and 8), and the drain pump (e.g., the drain pump (85) of FIGS. 2 and 8) in operation 1110. For example, the washing machine (1) can determine that washing water or rinsing water is being replenished based on the fact that the water supply valve (72) is open, the drain valve (81) is closed, and the drain pump (85) is stopped in operation 1110.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine (identify) whether an event condition for switching the operating mode has occurred in response to (or based on) the completion of an operation of replenishing wash water or rinse water at operation 940.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can adaptively determine whether to switch the operation mode to the second operation mode in response to an increase in the load of laundry due to the replenishment of washing water or rinsing water inside the drum (40) by determining whether an event condition for switching the operation mode occurs when the replenishment of washing water or rinsing water is completed.

[0154] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating control operations for determining a startup method for a washing machine (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIG. 1 ) to initially drive a drum (e.g., the drum (40) of FIG. 2 ), according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. At least some of the control operations illustrated in FIG. 12 may be omitted or their order changed as needed, and some operations may be repeatedly performed. The embodiment of FIG. 12 may optionally be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 11 .

[0155] Referring to FIG. 12, the washing machine (1) can detect the weight of laundry loaded into the drum (40) in operation 1210 in response to the start of a washing cycle. The laundry loaded into the drum (40) can be understood as dry clothes (or dry clothing items) that are not wet by washing water or rinsing water.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can detect the weight of the laundry based on a current value to be input to the drive motor (e.g., the drive motor (61) of FIG. 2) to rotate the drum (40) containing the laundry by a certain angle in operation 1210.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can compare the dry weight with a preset threshold weight at operation 1220. The washing machine (1) can select an initial startup mode by comparing the dry weight with the preset threshold weight.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may determine the second startup mode as the initial startup mode when the dry weight is higher than the preset threshold weight at operation 1230. The washing machine (1) may then rotate the drum (40) in the second startup mode while performing a subsequent washing cycle.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may determine the first startup mode as the initial startup mode when the dry weight is lower than or equal to a preset threshold weight in operation 1240. The washing machine (1) may select the first startup mode as the initial startup mode to rotate the drum (40), and thereafter, when it is determined that an event condition has occurred, the drum (40) rotating in the first startup mode may be switched to the second startup mode to rotate the drum (40).

[0160] In one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine an initial operating mode based on the weight of the laundry, and then adaptively switch the operating mode to rotate the drum (40) based on (or in response to) the occurrence of an event condition. As a result, the washing machine (1) can reduce power consumption and noise and vibration when performing a washing cycle.

[0161] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a technology for performing washing by adaptively selecting one of a normal operation mode and a swing operation mode under specific conditions.

[0162] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce the cost of electrical components constituting the washing machine by selecting an optimal drum rotation method depending on conditions among a general operation method and a swing operation method.

[0163] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can save power required to perform washing by selecting an optimal drum rotation method depending on conditions among a normal operation method and a swing operation method.

[0164] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce vibration and noise generated when performing washing by selecting an optimal drum rotation method depending on conditions among a normal operation method and a swing operation method.

[0165] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0166] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) may include a main body (10), a drum (40) rotatably arranged inside the main body (10) and configured to receive laundry, a drive motor (61) configured to rotate the drum (40), a current sensor (131) configured to detect a drive current input to the drive motor (61), and a processor (111) configured to transmit a control command to the drive motor (61) to selectively perform one of a first driving mode in which the drum (40) rotates in a first direction while washing is performed, and a second driving mode in which the drum (40) rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction by a reference angle while washing is performed, and then switches to the first direction and rotates. The processor (111) may be configured to, in response to the initiation of a washing course (910), select the first operating mode as an initial operating mode to rotate the drum (920), acquire driving data (1000) generated by the operation of the drum (40) (930), determine whether an event condition for switching the drum (40) to the second operating mode and starting operation based on the acquired operating data (1000) has occurred (940), and, in response to (or based on) determining that the event condition has occurred, switch the drum rotating in the first operating mode to the second operating mode and rotate it (950). The operating data (1000) may include motor current data (1011) indicating a driving current of the driving motor (61) acquired from the current sensor (131).

[0167] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a speed sensor (132) configured to detect a rotation speed of the drum (40). The driving data (1000) may further include drum rotation speed data (1021) indicating a rotation speed of the drum obtained from the speed sensor (132). The processor (111) may be configured to determine that the event condition has occurred when the rotation speed of the drum (40) is lower than a preset threshold speed based on the drum rotation speed data (1021).

[0168] In a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (111) may be configured to determine that the event condition has occurred when the rotation speed of the drum (40) is lower than the preset threshold speed during a reference period in which the maximum current is input to the driving motor (61).

[0169] In a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving data (1000) may further include motor power consumption data (1013) indicating power consumption of the driving motor (61). The processor (111) may be configured to determine that the event condition has occurred when the power consumption of the driving motor (61) exceeds a preset threshold power.

[0170] In a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving data (1000) may further include motor resistance data (1014) indicating motor resistance between a first point and a second point on a driving circuit included in the driving motor (61). The processor (111) may be configured to obtain the resistance of the driving motor (61), and determine that the event condition has occurred when the resistance of the driving motor (61) exceeds a preset threshold resistance.

[0171] In a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving data (1000) may further include motor temperature data (1015) indicating the temperature of the driving motor (61). The processor (111) may be configured to obtain the temperature of the driving motor (61), and determine that the event condition has occurred when the obtained temperature of the driving motor (61) exceeds a preset threshold temperature.

[0172] In a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (111) may be configured to obtain the temperature of the drive motor (61) based on at least one of the current input to the drive motor (61), the power consumption of the drive motor (61), and the resistance of the drive motor (61).

[0173] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a temperature sensor (133) configured to detect the temperature of the driving motor (61). The processor (111) may be configured to obtain the temperature of the driving motor (61) from the temperature sensor (133).

[0174] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a water supply valve (72) configured to open or close a pipe configured to supply washing water or rinsing water to the drum (40). The processor (111) may be configured to determine whether the event condition has occurred in response to the supply of washing water or rinsing water to the drum (40) being terminated and the water supply valve (72) being closed.

[0175] In a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (111) may be configured to obtain the weight of the laundry fed into the drum (40), and, based on the obtained weight of the laundry, select one of the first operation mode or the second operation mode as the initial operation mode to initially operate the drum (40).

[0176] In a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (111) may be configured to determine the initial startup mode as the first startup mode and drive the drum (40) in the first startup mode when the weight of the laundry obtained is less than a preset threshold weight, and to determine the initial startup mode as the second startup mode and drive the drum (40) in the second startup mode when the weight of the laundry obtained is greater than or equal to a preset threshold weight.

[0177] In a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when looking at the front of the washing machine (1), if the first direction is counterclockwise, the second direction may be clockwise, and when looking at the front of the washing machine (1), if the first direction is clockwise, the second direction may be counterclockwise.

[0178] A control method of a washing machine (1) including a main body (10), a drum (40) rotatably arranged inside the main body (10) and configured to receive laundry according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a drive motor (61) configured to rotate the drum (40), and a current sensor (131) configured to detect a drive current input to the drive motor (61), comprises: an operation (920) of selecting an initial drive mode as a first drive mode in which the drum (40) rotates in a first direction in response to (or based on) the initiation of a washing course (910) and driving the drum to rotate; an operation (930) of acquiring drive data (1000) generated by driving the drum (40); an operation (940) of determining whether an event condition has occurred for starting operation by switching to a second drive mode in which the drum (40) rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction by a reference angle based on the acquired drive data (1000) and then switching to the first direction and rotating; and an operation (940) of determining that the event condition has occurred. In response, the operation (950) may include transmitting a control signal to switch the drum (40) rotating in the first driving mode to the second driving mode and cause it to rotate. The driving data (1000) may include motor current data (1011) indicating the driving current of the driving motor (61) obtained from the current sensor (131).

[0179] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a speed sensor (132) configured to detect a rotation speed of the drum (40). The driving data (1000) may further include drum rotation speed data (1021) indicating a rotation speed of the drum obtained from the speed sensor (132). The control method of the washing machine (1) may further include an operation of determining that the event condition has occurred when the rotation speed of the drum (40) is lower than the preset threshold speed during a reference section in which the maximum current is input to the driving motor (61) based on the drum rotation speed data (1021).

[0180] A control method of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an operation of determining that the event condition has occurred when the rotation speed of the drum (40) is less than the preset threshold speed during a reference period in which the maximum current is input to the driving motor (61).

[0181] In a control method of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving data (1000) may further include motor power consumption data (1013) indicating power consumption of the driving motor (61). The control method may further include an operation of determining that the event condition has occurred when the power consumption of the driving motor (61) exceeds a preset threshold power.

[0182] In a control method of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving data (1000) may further include motor resistance data (1014) indicating motor resistance between a first point and a second point on a driving circuit included in the driving motor (61). The control method may further include an operation of obtaining the resistance of the driving motor (61), and an operation of determining that the event condition has occurred when the resistance of the driving motor (61) exceeds a preset threshold resistance.

[0183] In a control method of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving data (1000) may further include motor temperature data (1015) indicating the temperature of the driving motor (61). The control method may further include an operation of acquiring the temperature of the driving motor (61), and an operation of determining that the event condition has occurred when the acquired temperature of the driving motor (61) exceeds a preset threshold temperature.

[0184] In a control method of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of obtaining the temperature of the driving motor (61) may include an operation of obtaining the temperature of the driving motor (61) based on at least one of a current input to the driving motor (61), a power consumption of the driving motor (61), and a resistance of the driving motor (61).

[0185] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a temperature sensor (133) configured to detect the temperature of the driving motor (61). In the control method of the washing machine (1), an operation of acquiring the temperature of the driving motor (61) may include an operation of acquiring the temperature of the driving motor (61) from the temperature sensor (133).

[0186] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a water supply valve (72) configured to open or close a pipe supplying washing water or rinsing water to the drum (40). A control method of the washing machine (1) may further include an operation of determining whether the event condition has occurred in response to the supply of washing water or rinsing water to the drum (40) being terminated and the water supply valve (72) being closed.

Claims

1. In the washing machine, entity; A drum positioned inside the main body and configured to accommodate laundry therein; A drive motor configured to rotate the drum; A current sensor configured to detect a driving current input to the driving motor; and A first operating mode in which the drum rotates in a first direction while washing is being performed, and One of the second operating modes in which the drum rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction by a reference angle while washing is being performed, and then switches to the first direction and rotates, A processor configured to transmit a control command to the drive motor to perform the operation selectively, The above processor: Based on the initiation of the washing course, the first driving mode is selected as the initial driving mode, and the driving motor is controlled to rotate the drum; Obtaining driving data generated by the above drum rotating according to the first driving mode; Based on the above driving data, identifying whether an event condition has occurred to initiate operation by switching the drum to the second driving mode; and Based on identifying that the above event condition has occurred, the drum rotating in the first driving mode is switched to the second driving mode, and the driving motor is further set to be controlled to rotate the drum according to the second driving mode. The above driving data includes motor current data indicating the driving current of the driving motor obtained by the current sensor. washing machine.

2. In the first paragraph, further comprising a speed sensor configured to detect the rotation speed of the drum, The above driving data further includes drum rotation speed data indicating the rotation speed of the drum obtained by the speed sensor, The processor is further configured to identify that the event condition has occurred based on the drum rotation speed data indicating that the rotation speed of the drum is less than a preset threshold speed. washing machine.

3. In the second paragraph, the processor is further set to identify that the event condition occurs based on the drum rotation speed data indicating that the rotation speed of the drum is less than the preset threshold speed during the reference period in which the maximum current is input to the driving motor. washing machine.

4. In paragraph 1, The above driving data further includes motor consumption data indicating power consumption of the driving motor, The processor is further configured to identify that the event condition occurs based on the motor power consumption data indicating that the power consumption of the driving motor exceeds a preset threshold power. washing machine.

5. In paragraph 1, The above driving data further includes motor resistance data indicating motor resistance between a first point and a second point of a driving circuit of the driving motor, The above processor: Obtaining the resistance of the above driving motor; and Further set to identify that the event condition occurs based on the above resistance exceeding a preset threshold resistance, washing machine.

6. In paragraph 4, The above driving data further includes motor temperature data indicating the temperature of the driving motor, The above processor: Obtaining the temperature of the above driving motor; and Further set to identify that the event condition occurs based on the temperature of the above driving motor exceeding a preset threshold temperature, washing machine.

7. In paragraph 6, The processor is further set to obtain the temperature of the driving motor based on at least one of the driving current input to the driving motor, the power consumption of the driving motor, and the resistance of the driving motor. washing machine.

8. In paragraph 6, Further comprising a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the above driving motor, The processor is further set to obtain the temperature of the driving motor from the temperature sensor. washing machine.

9. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a water supply valve configured to open or close a pipe configured to supply washing water or rinsing water to the drum, The processor is further configured to identify whether the event condition has occurred based on the termination of the supply of washing water or rinsing water to the drum and the closing of the water supply valve. washing machine.

10. In paragraph 1, The above processor: Obtaining the weight of the laundry fed into the drum; and Based on the weight of the laundry, the driving motor is further set to select one of the first driving mode or the second driving mode as the initial driving mode and to rotate the drum according to the initial driving mode. washing machine.

11. In paragraph 10, The above processor: Based on the weight of the laundry being less than a preset threshold weight, the first operating mode is determined as the initial operating mode and the driving motor is controlled to rotate the drum according to the first operating mode; and Based on the weight of the laundry being greater than or equal to a preset threshold weight, the second driving mode is determined as the initial driving mode, and the driving motor is further set to be controlled to rotate the drum according to the second driving mode. washing machine.

12. A method for controlling a washing machine including a main body, a drum positioned inside the main body and configured to receive laundry therein, a drive motor configured to rotate the drum, and a current sensor configured to detect a drive current input to the drive motor. An operation of selecting a first operation mode in which the drum rotates in a first direction as an initial operation mode based on the initiation of a washing course and controlling the drive motor to rotate the drum according to the first operation mode; An operation of acquiring driving data generated by the rotation of the above drum; An operation for identifying whether an event condition has occurred to switch to a second driving mode in which the drum rotates by a reference angle in a second direction opposite to the first direction based on the above driving data, and then switches to the first direction and rotates; and Based on identifying that the above event condition has occurred, an operation is included for switching the first driving mode to the second driving mode and controlling the driving motor to rotate the drum according to the second drum driving mode. A method wherein the driving data includes motor current data indicating the driving current of the driving motor obtained from the current sensor.

13. In paragraph 12, The washing machine further comprises a speed sensor configured to detect the rotation speed of the drum, The above driving data further includes drum rotation speed data indicating the rotation speed of the drum obtained from the speed sensor, A method wherein the action of identifying whether the above event condition has occurred includes an action of identifying that the event condition has occurred based on the drum rotation speed data indicating that the rotation speed of the drum is less than a preset threshold speed.

14. In paragraph 13, A method wherein the operation of identifying whether the above event condition has occurred further includes an operation of identifying that the event condition has occurred based on the drum rotation speed data indicating that the rotation speed of the drum is less than the preset threshold speed during a reference period in which the maximum current is input to the drive motor.

15. In paragraph 12, The above driving data further includes motor consumption data indicating power consumption of the driving motor, A method wherein the operation of identifying whether the above event condition has occurred further includes an operation of identifying that the event condition has occurred based on the motor power consumption data indicating that the power consumption of the driving motor exceeds a preset threshold power.

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