Washing machine and method for controlling same

Abstract

A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine is characterized by comprising: a cabinet having an inlet provided on the upper portion thereof; a tub provided inside the cabinet to accommodate washing water; a rotating tub rotatably provided inside the tub; a pulsator rotatably provided on the bottom inside the rotating tub; a drive unit for driving the rotating tub and the pulsator; and one or more processors including a processing circuit for partially and / or collectively controlling the washing machine to perform a wash cycle and a spin cycle.

Description

Washing machine and its control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] Washing machines are devices that use electricity to wash clothes. Depending on how the laundry is loaded, they are broadly classified into top load and front load types.

[0003] Top-loading washing machines have the advantage of a simpler structure than front-loading models. A typical top-loading washing machine includes a rotating drum installed within the tub to store the washing water.

[0004] However, since it is common for the drive device to be designed to perform a drainage operation at the same time when it is operated to rotate the rotary tank, there was a disadvantage in that it was impossible to supply water to the tub while rotating the rotary tank.

[0005] For example, when the rotating drum is stopped, the water supply's droplet area is limited, hindering smooth wetting of clothing placed inside the drum. Consequently, the accuracy of the process of determining the progress of the washing and spin-drying cycles by detecting the weight of the absorbed laundry deteriorates. Consequently, clothing is not sufficiently wetted during the water supply process, reducing the washing machine's washing efficiency.

[0006] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a cabinet having an inlet provided at the top, a tub provided inside the cabinet for receiving washing water, a rotating drum provided to be rotatable inside the tub, a pulsator provided to be rotatable at the bottom inside the rotating drum, a driving unit including a motor for driving the rotating drum and the pulsator, and a processor for performing a washing cycle and a dehydration cycle.

[0007] The above driving unit may include a driving motor that generates driving force and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated from the driving motor to the rotating drum and the pulsator, respectively.

[0008] At least one processor may individually and / or collectively control the drive unit to operate in a first mode that drives only the pulsator when the washing cycle is initiated.

[0009] The rotation speed of the pulsator while the washing water is supplied after the washing cycle is initiated may be lower than the rotation speed of the pulsator while the washing water is not supplied during the washing cycle.

[0010] At least one processor may individually and / or collectively control the driving unit to operate in a second mode for driving both the rotating drum and the pulsator based on the initiation of the dehydration process, and open a drain valve to drain the wash water contained in the tub.

[0011] The above rotating member may be installed inside the tub so as to rotate together with the pulsator as it rotates in the first mode.

[0012] The at least one processor may individually and / or collectively control the driving unit to open a water supply valve to supply water to the tub based on the initiation of the washing cycle, rotate the pulsator for a first preset time, stop the pulsator for a second preset time, and then rotate the pulsator again for the first time.

[0013] The at least one processor may individually and / or collectively control the driving unit to open a water supply valve to supply water to the tub based on the initiation of the washing cycle, rotate the pulsator in a first direction for a preset first time, stop the pulsator for a preset second time, and then rotate the pulsator in a second direction opposite to the first direction for the first time.

[0014] The at least one processor may, individually and / or collectively, control the rotation speed of the drive motor to 25 RPM or less while the wash water is supplied in the wash cycle.

[0015] While the above washing cycle is being performed, the pulsator can rotate at 1 / 5.3 of the rotation speed of the driving motor.

[0016] The at least one processor may individually and / or collectively control the driving unit to operate in the second mode based on the initiation of the washing cycle, detect the weight of laundry loaded into the rotating tub, determine the amount of washing water to be supplied to the tub based on the detected weight of laundry, and control the driving unit to operate in the first mode for a period of time in which the determined amount of washing water is supplied to the tub.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a washing machine including a tub and a rotating drum rotatably provided inside the tub may include a step of opening a water supply valve based on the start of a washing cycle to supply water to the tub, and a step of operating in a first mode for driving only a pulsator rotatably provided on the inner bottom of the rotating drum while water is supplied to the tub.

[0018] The rotation speed of the pulsator while water is supplied to the tub may be lower than the rotation speed of the pulsator while water is not supplied during the washing cycle.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method may further include a step of controlling both the rotating drum and the pulsator to a second mode based on the initiation of a dehydration cycle after the washing cycle is completed.

[0020] In one embodiment, the rotating drum may be installed inside the tub so as to rotate together with the rotation of the pulsator while operating in the first mode.

[0021] In one embodiment, the step of operating in the first mode may include the step of rotating the pulsator for a first preset period of time based on the supply of water to the tub and then stopping the pulsator, and the step of rotating the pulsator again for the first period of time after a second preset period of time has elapsed after the pulsator has been stopped.

[0022] In one embodiment, the step of operating in the first mode may include the step of rotating the pulsator in a first direction for a first preset time period when the water is supplied to the tub and then stopping the pulsator, and the step of rotating the pulsator in a second direction opposite to the first direction for the first time period after the pulsator is stopped and a second preset time period has elapsed.

[0023] In one embodiment, the step of operating in the first mode may adjust the rotation speed of the drive motor for rotating the pulsator to 25 RPM or less.

[0024] The above pulsator can rotate at 1 / 5.3 of the rotational speed of the driving motor.

[0025] The step of operating in the above first mode can rotate the pulsator clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0026] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional drawing of a washing machine, which is an example according to various embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a washing machine, which is an example according to various embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a washing machine, which is an example according to various embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a washing machine, which is an example according to various embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the rotation speed of a pulsator during a water supply process of a washing machine, which is an example according to various embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the rotation speed of a pulsator during a water supply process of a washing machine, which is an example according to various embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the rotation speed of a pulsator during the initial stage of a washing operation according to various embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a washing machine according to various embodiments.

[0035] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0036] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0037] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0039] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0040] 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).

[0041] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0042] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0043] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0044] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0045] Below, washing machines according to various embodiments are specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional drawing of a washing machine, which is an example according to various embodiments.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, a washing machine (1) may include a cabinet (10) having an inlet provided at the top, a tub (20) provided inside the cabinet (10) to receive washing water, a rotating drum (30) provided to be rotatable inside the tub (20) to receive laundry, a pulsator (40) provided to be rotatable at the bottom inside the rotating drum (30), and a driving unit (50) for driving the rotating drum (30) and the pulsator (40).

[0048] The cabinet (10) may include an inlet (11) formed on the upper part of the cabinet (10) for loading laundry, and a cover (12) installed rotatably on the cabinet (10) to open and close the inlet (11).

[0049] For example, without limitation, the tub (20) may have a circular or cylindrical shape with an open top and may be coupled to the cabinet (10) by a plurality of buffer devices (21) coupled to the lower outer surface of the tub (20). The buffer devices (21) are configured to absorb vibration caused by the operation of the rotating drum (30) and the pulsator (40) and thereby reduce the movement of the tub (20). The shape and structure of the buffer devices (21) are not necessarily limited to those illustrated in the drawings, and may be represented by various alternative embodiments.

[0050] The rotating tank (30) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the tub (20). In other words, the rotating tank (30) may have a cylindrical shape with an open top. The rotating tank (30) may be provided with a number of dewatering holes (31) on the outer surface thereof so that the internal space thereof may be communicated with the internal space of the tub (20). Accordingly, when washing water is supplied to the tub (20), the tub (20) and the rotating tank (30) may have the same water level.

[0051] The pulsator (40) can generate a water current in the washing water contained within the tub (20) and the rotating tub (30) by rotating in a forward (clockwise) or reverse (counterclockwise) direction. The laundry contained within the rotating tub (30) can be stirred together with the washing water by the water current generated by the pulsator (40).

[0052] For example, the driving unit (50) may be configured to drive the rotating tank (30) and the pulsator (40) with driving force generated by applying power. The driving unit (50) may include a driving motor (51) that generates the driving force, and a rotating shaft (52) for transmitting the driving force generated by the driving motor (51) to the rotating tank (30) and the pulsator (40), respectively.

[0053] The above driving unit (50) may further include a clutch (53). For example, the clutch (53) may be configured to selectively transmit the driving force generated from the driving motor (51) to the rotating drum (30) and / or the pulsator (40).

[0054] In the present disclosure, the rotary shaft (52) and the clutch (53) may be referred to as a power transmission device. The power transmission device may be included in the driving unit (50). For example, the power transmission device is configured to transmit the driving force generated from the driving motor (51) to the pulsator (40) alone or simultaneously to the rotary drum (30) and the pulsator (40).

[0055] Each component included in the driving unit (50) may be provided at the bottom of the tub (20). That is, the driving motor (51) and the power transmission device may be provided between the bottom of the cabinet (10) and the bottom of the tub (20).

[0056] The drive motor (51) may include a BLDC motor capable of controlling the rotational speed in various ways, and may include a stator and a rotor. However, the type of the drive motor (51) is not necessarily limited thereto, and may include various types of motors depending on the embodiment.

[0057] In addition to the rotary shaft (52) and clutch (53), the power transmission device may further include a configuration directly coupled to the drive motor (51), such as a timing belt (not shown).

[0058] For example, the rotation shaft (52) may be configured to transmit the driving force generated from the driving motor (51) to the rotation tank (30) and the pulsator (40), respectively.

[0059] The rotation shaft (52) may include a first rotation shaft (521) and a second rotation shaft (522). The power transmission device may transmit the driving force of the driving motor (51) to the first rotation shaft (521) and / or the second rotation shaft (522).

[0060] The first rotation axis (521) and the second rotation axis (522) may have the same center point. For example, the second rotation axis (522) may be arranged to surround the outer circumference of the first rotation axis (521).

[0061] For example, the first rotation axis (521) may be configured to rotate the pulsator (40) and may have one end coupled to the pulsator (40). The second rotation axis (522) may be configured to rotate the rotation tank (30) and may have one end coupled to the rotation tank (30).

[0062] For example, the clutch (53) may be configured to be coupled with the drive motor (51) and the rotary shaft (52) so that the driving force generated by the drive motor (51) is selectively transmitted to the first rotary shaft (521) or the second rotary shaft (522).

[0063] For example, when the engagement state of the clutch (53) is changed, the driving force of the driving motor (51) may be transmitted only to the first rotation shaft (521) or to both the first rotation shaft (521) and the second rotation shaft (522).

[0064] When the driving force of the driving motor (51) is transmitted only to the first rotation shaft (521), only the pulsator (40) can be driven, and when it is transmitted to both the first rotation shaft (521) and the second rotation shaft (522), both the rotating drum (30) and the pulsator (40) can be driven. The driving may include an operation of rotation by the driving force of the driving motor (51).

[0065] However, even if the driving force of the driving motor (51) is transmitted only to the first rotation shaft (521), the rotating drum (30) can be rotated together with the driving of the pulsator (40). For example, even if the clutch (53) is coupled to the rotation shaft (52) so that the driving force of the driving motor (51) is transmitted only to the first rotation shaft (521), the rotating drum (30) can be coupled to the second rotation shaft (522) in a state where it can move regardless of the operation of the driving motor (51).

[0066] In other words, when the washing process is in progress, the driving force of the driving motor (51) may be transmitted only to the first rotation shaft (521) and may not be transmitted to the second rotation shaft (522).

[0067] However, since the rotating tank (30) is not fixed by a separate structure so that the rotating tank (30) does not flow while the pulsator (40) rotates, it can flow by any physical force applied to the rotating tank (30) as the pulsator (40) rotates.

[0068] Here, the arbitrary physical force may be a centrifugal force generated by the load of water contained inside the tub (20) and laundry contained inside the rotating drum (30) as the pulsator (40) rotates.

[0069] When the pulsator (40) rotates, a rotational water flow is generated in the water contained in the tub (20), and a centrifugal force is generated in a direction toward the outside of the tub (20) with a size proportional to the load of the water. In addition, since the laundry contained in the rotating tub (30) also rotates together with the water, a centrifugal force is generated in a direction toward the outside of the rotating tub (30) with a size proportional to the load of the laundry.

[0070] In this way, as the water contained in the tub (20) and the laundry contained in the rotating tank (30) rotate, a centrifugal force can be applied to the rotating tank (30) to push the inner surface of the rotating tank (30) outward, and the rotating tank (30) can rotate even if the driving force generated from the driving motor (51) is not transmitted.

[0071] Meanwhile, the driving unit (50) may further include an actuator (54). The actuator (54) is configured to change the engagement state of the clutch (53). The actuator (54) may be a motor that generates rotational force, and may be, for example, a servo motor. However, the actuator (54) is not necessarily limited to a motor that generates rotational force, and a hydraulic cylinder or linear motor, etc. may be utilized.

[0072] When the actuator (54) is powered and driven, the clutch (53) can be controlled by the actuator (54). In other words, the power transmission device can be raised or lowered by the actuator (54) controlling the clutch (53), and accordingly, the driving force generated from the driving motor (51) can be transmitted only to the first rotation shaft (521) or to both the first rotation shaft (521) and the second rotation shaft (522).

[0073] When only the pulsator (40) is rotated by the driving force of the driving motor (51), the driving unit (50) is defined as operating in the first mode, and when both the rotating drum (30) and the pulsator (40) are rotated, the driving unit (50) is defined as operating in the second mode.

[0074] In the present disclosure, the meaning of the washing machine (1) operating in the first mode or the second mode may be the same as the meaning of the driving unit (50) operating in the first mode or the second mode.

[0075] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a washing machine, which is an example according to various embodiments.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 2, the washing machine (1) may include a processor (100) and a memory (200).

[0077] The processor (100) may include various processing circuits and is configured to control the overall operation of the washing machine (1). A detailed description of the processor (100) will be described later in FIG. 3 in connection with the configuration that is the target of control of the processor (100).

[0078] The memory (200) may store at least one instruction regarding the washing machine (1). In addition, the memory (200) may store an O / S (Operating System) and data for operating the washing machine (1). Such instructions may include instructions for controlling various components of the washing machine (1) as a washing process or a spin-drying process described below is performed, instructions for determining the amount of washing water corresponding to the weight of the detected laundry, instructions for opening a water supply valve (800, see FIG. 3) for a preset period of time depending on the amount of washing water to be supplied, etc.

[0079] The memory (200) may include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk. For example, various software modules for operating the washing machine (1) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be stored in the memory (200), and the processor (100) may execute various software modules stored in the memory (200) to control the operation of the washing machine (1). For example, the memory (200) may be accessed by the processor (100), and data may be read / written / modified / deleted / updated by the processor (100).

[0080] The memory (200) may be provided as a separate configuration from the processor (100), may be implemented in the form of a ROM or RAM placed within the processor (100), or may be implemented in the form of various external storage media (e.g., micro SD card, memory stick) mounted on the washing machine (1). In the present disclosure, the memory (200) may be used to mean all of these forms.

[0081] The memory (200) may include information on the control of the driving unit (50) corresponding to the washing cycle and the dehydration cycle. For example, when the washing cycle is initiated, data for opening the water supply valve (800) and operating the driving unit (50) in the first mode, and when the dehydration cycle is initiated, data for opening the drain valve (900, see FIG. 3) and operating the driving unit (50) in the second mode, etc. may be included. The above information or data may have the same meaning as an instruction. The processor (100) may control the overall operation of the washing machine (1) by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (200) as described above.

[0082] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a washing machine, which is an example according to various embodiments.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 3, the washing machine (1) may further include an interface unit (300), a display unit (400), a sensor unit (500), a driving motor (600), an actuator (700), a water supply valve (800), and a drain valve (900).

[0084] The processor (100) may include various processing circuits and is configured to perform the washing process and the dewatering process of the washing machine (1). For example, when a user command for performing the washing process is input to the washing machine (1) through the interface unit (300), the processor (100) may perform various control operations to open the water supply valve (800) of the water supply unit (not shown) and rotate the drive motor (600) and / or the actuator (700) to perform the water supply and washing process.

[0085] The above processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) to operate in a first mode that drives only the pulsator (40) when the washing process is initiated.

[0086] The rotation speed of the pulsator (40) while washing water is supplied after the washing cycle has started may be lower than the rotation speed of the pulsator (40) while washing water is not supplied during the washing cycle.

[0087] The above processor (100) can perform various control operations to open the drain valve (900) of the drain device (not shown) and rotate the drive motor (600) and / or actuator (700) when the dehydration process is initiated.

[0088] The above processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) to operate in a second mode that drives both the rotating drum (30) and the pulsator (40) when the dehydration process is initiated. In addition, the drain valve (900) can be opened to drain the washing water contained in the tub (20).

[0089] The processor (100) can apply power to the actuator (700) to selectively change the configuration rotated by the drive motor (600) when the washing and dehydration processes are in progress.

[0090] By the operation of the actuator (700), the washing machine (1) can operate in the first mode or the second mode. Here, the first mode and the second mode are as described in Fig. 1.

[0091] The processor (100) may be composed of one or more processors. The one or more processors (100) may include at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), but are not limited to the examples of the processor (100) described above. Accordingly, the processor (100) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including in the claims, the term "processor" may include various processing circuits including at least one processor, wherein one or more of the at least one processors may be configured to perform the various functions described herein in an individually and / or collectively distributed manner. As used herein, when "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform multiple functions, these terms include, but are not limited to, situations where one processor performs some of the recited functions and other processors perform other of the recited functions, and situations where a single processor can perform all of the recited functions. Additionally, for example, at least one processor may comprise a combination of processors that perform various cited / disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0092] For example, a CPU can be a general-purpose processor capable of performing not only general calculations but also artificial intelligence calculations, and can efficiently execute complex programs through a multi-layered cache structure. CPUs are advantageous for serial processing, which allows for organic linking of previous and subsequent calculation results through sequential calculations. A general-purpose processor is not limited to the examples described above, except in cases where it is specifically designated as a CPU.

[0093] For example, a GPU may be a processor for large-scale calculations, such as floating-point operations used in graphics processing, and can perform large-scale calculations in parallel by integrating a large number of cores. For example, a GPU may be advantageous compared to a CPU in parallel processing methods, such as convolution operations. Additionally, a GPU may be used as a co-processor to supplement the functions of a CPU. Processors for large-scale calculations are not limited to the examples described above, except in cases where the aforementioned GPU is specifically mentioned.

[0094] For example, an NPU may be a processor specialized in artificial intelligence operations using artificial neural networks, and each layer constituting the artificial neural network may be implemented in hardware (e.g., silicon). Since the NPU can be designed specifically according to the company's required specifications, it has less freedom than a CPU or GPU, but can efficiently process artificial intelligence operations requested by the company. As a processor specialized in artificial intelligence operations, the NPU may be implemented in various forms such as a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), an Intelligence Processing Unit (IPU), or a Vision Processing Unit (VPU). The artificial intelligence processor is not limited to the examples described above, except in cases where it is specified as an NPU as described above.

[0095] Additionally, one or more processors (100) may be implemented as a System on Chip (SoC). In addition to one or more processors (100), the SoC may further include a memory (900) and a network interface such as a bus for data communication between the processor (100) and the memory (900).

[0096] When a plurality of processors (100) are included in the SoC included in the washing machine (1), the washing machine (1) can perform operations related to artificial intelligence (e.g., operations related to learning or inference of an artificial intelligence model) by using some of the plurality of processors (100). For example, the washing machine (1) can perform operations related to artificial intelligence by using at least one of a GPU, an NPU, a VPU, a TPU, and a hardware accelerator specialized in artificial intelligence operations such as convolution operations and matrix multiplication operations among the plurality of processors (100). However, this is merely an example, and it is of course possible to process operations related to artificial intelligence by using a CPU or a general-purpose processor (100).

[0097] For example, the interface unit (300) includes various interface processing circuits including a button input unit that provides a user command for selecting an operation mode of the washing machine (1) without limitation. For example, it may be a button for selecting a washing mode, a spin-drying mode, a rinse mode, etc.

[0098] User commands can be input to the washing machine (1) through the interface unit (300), and accordingly, the washing machine (1) can perform various operations.

[0099] The display unit (400) may include a display and may indicate the current operating status of the washing machine (1) that operates according to a user command.

[0100] For example, the display unit (400) can display various status information, such as which washing process is currently in progress and the remaining time of the washing process in progress.

[0101] When information about the washing process changes, the processor (100) can control the display unit (400) to display the changed washing information. Alternatively, the processor (100) can control the display unit (400) to display information about the dehydration process.

[0102] The sensor unit (500) may include one or more sensors and is configured to detect the water level of the laundry contained within the tub (20) or the weight of the laundry contained within the rotating drum (30). Although not depicted in detail in the drawing, the sensor unit (500) may include a water level detection sensor, a weight detection sensor, etc.

[0103] Each sensing value detected by the sensor unit (500) may be transmitted to the processor (100). The sensing value may be information measured at that moment, or an average value of the corresponding cycle unit may be used.

[0104] In the present disclosure, the sensor unit (500) is exemplified as including a water level detection sensor, a weight detection sensor, etc., but other sensors other than the above-described sensors may be additionally used.

[0105] The processor (100) can control the washing machine (1) based on the sensing value detected by the sensor unit (500).

[0106] The processor (100) can control the drive motor (600), actuator (700), water supply valve (800), and drain valve (900) based on a user command input by the interface unit (300) or a sensing value sensed by the sensor unit (500).

[0107] Descriptions of the drive motor (600) and actuator (700) will be omitted to the extent that they overlap with those described above.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 4, the driving motor (600) generates driving force as controlled by the processor (100), and the driving force generated by the driving motor (600) can be transmitted to the rotating drum (620) and the pulsator (630) by the power transmission device (610). The power transmission device (610) can include a clutch (611) and a rotating shaft (612).

[0109] The actuator (700) can control the power transmission device (610) as controlled by the processor (100). The actuator (700) can selectively transmit the driving force of the driving motor (600) to the rotating drum (620) or the pulsator (630) by controlling the clutch (611).

[0110] The processor (100) can control the washing machine (1) to perform a washing process and a dehydration process.

[0111] The washing process may include a water supply process for supplying washing water to the tub (20) and a washing process for mixing the supplied washing water with laundry. Washing water may not be supplied in washing processes other than the water supply process.

[0112] In other words, the timing at which the water supply valve (800, see Fig. 3) is opened during the washing cycle may be limited to the water supply process. However, the water supply process and the washing process do not necessarily occur sequentially in a single step during the washing cycle, and the water supply process and the washing process may occur multiple times in any order.

[0113] The processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) to operate in a first mode in which only the pulsator (630) rotates when the washing process is initiated.

[0114] Additionally, the processor (100) can control the water supply valve (800) to open when the washing process is initiated.

[0115] When the water supply valve (800) is opened, a water supply process can proceed in which washing water is supplied from an external water source.

[0116] The above processor (100) can operate the washing machine (1) in the first mode. Specifically, the processor (100) can rotate the driving motor (600) and control the actuator (700) so that the driving force of the driving motor (600) is transmitted only to the pulsator (630).

[0117] In other words, when the processor (100) operates the washing machine (1) in the first mode, the processor (100) can control the actuator (700) to control the power transmission device (610) so that the driving force of the driving motor (600) is transmitted only to the pulsator (630).

[0118] In this process, the engagement method of the clutch (611) may be changed. As the engagement method of the clutch (611) is changed, the driving force of the driving motor (600) may be transmitted only to the pulsator (630).

[0119] The processor (100) can control the washing machine (1) to perform a washing process when the water supply process for a preset time period is completed. During the washing process, the processor (100) can operate the washing machine (1) in the first mode.

[0120] However, the processor (100) can control the driving motor (600) during the washing process to rotate at a faster speed than the rotation speed of the driving motor (600) during the water supply process.

[0121] In other words, the rotation speed of the drive motor (600) during the water supply process may be lower than the rotation speed of the drive motor (600) during the washing process.

[0122] For example, the processor (100) can control the drive motor (600) so that the rotation speed of the pulsator (630) during the water supply process is lower than the rotation speed of the pulsator (630) during the washing process.

[0123] Although the above washing process is described as each of the water supply and washing processes being sequentially performed once, the washing process is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the washing machine (1) can determine the washing process based on the amount and type of laundry loaded, and the determined washing process may alternately include multiple water supply and washing processes.

[0124] The processor (100) can control the washing machine (1) to perform a dehydration process. When the dehydration process starts, the processor (100) can control the washing machine (1) to operate in a second mode.

[0125] While the dehydration process is in progress, the processor (100) can control the drive motor (600) and the actuator (700) so that both the rotary tank (620) and the pulsator (630) rotate. As the actuator (700) is controlled by the processor (100) to operate in the second mode, the engagement state of the clutch (611) is changed so that the driving force generated from the drive motor (600) can be transmitted to the rotary tank (620) and the pulsator (630), respectively.

[0126] While the dehydration process is in progress, the processor (100) can also open the drain valve (900, see FIG. 3) to drain the wash water contained in the tub (20).

[0127] As described above, when the washing machine (1) operates in the first mode, the rotating drum (620) can be installed to rotate together with the pulsator (630) as it rotates.

[0128] For example, when the washing cycle is initiated and the water supply process is in progress, the washing machine (1) may operate in the first mode and the pulsator (630) may rotate at a low speed, thereby causing the rotating drum (620) to also rotate.

[0129] As the rotating drum (620) rotates, laundry contained within the rotating drum (620) can also rotate. Accordingly, the washing water supplied during the water supply process can reach various areas of the laundry, and wetting of the laundry, which is the degree to which the laundry is stirred by the washing water, can be effectively achieved.

[0130] The wetness of the laundry is a factor that affects the washing efficiency of the laundry. For example, the more efficiently the laundry is wetted, the better the mixing of the laundry and the wash water. Since the washing efficiency of a laundry can be determined by the degree of mixing of the laundry and the wash water, the washing efficiency of a washing machine (1) can be determined by the effectiveness of the wetting of the laundry.

[0131] Therefore, the washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can implement 'driving water supply' in which the rotating drum (630) rotates together during the water supply process, so that the washing efficiency can be increased.

[0132] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the rotation speed of a pulsator during a water supply process of a washing machine, which is an example according to various embodiments.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 5, the processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) to open the water supply valve (800, see FIG. 3) to supply water to the tub (20) when the washing process starts, rotate the pulsator (40) for a preset first time, stop the pulsator (40) for a preset second time, and then rotate the pulsator (40) again for the first time.

[0134] The above processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) to maintain the pulsator (40) in a stopped state for a certain period of time immediately after the water supply valve (800) is opened. The time for which the pulsator (40) remains in a stopped state can be set in various ways, and can be set by the manufacturer during the process of manufacturing the washing machine (1).

[0135] The above processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) in the first mode for a preset first time. The processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) so that the driving force of the driving motor (51) is transmitted only to the pulsator (40).

[0136] The above driving motor (51) and the rotation shaft (52) can be coupled with a constant gear ratio. In the present disclosure, the driving motor (51) and the first rotation shaft (521) can be coupled with a gear ratio of about 5.3 to 1.

[0137] The processor (100) can operate the drive motor (51) to have a rotation speed of 25 RPM or less. In other words, the processor (100) can control the rotation speed of the drive motor (51) to 25 RPM or less while washing water is supplied during the washing cycle. That is, the processor (100) can control the drive unit (50) to rotate the pulsator (40) at a rotation speed of about 5 RPM.

[0138] Referring to Figure 5, the preset first time is shown as approximately 8 seconds, but the preset time is not necessarily limited to the illustrated time, and the same applies to the second time, which will be described later. Furthermore, the examples of gear ratios and rotational speeds described above are merely examples and are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0139] The processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) to keep the pulsator (40) in a stopped state for a second preset time after a preset first time has elapsed. In the drawing, the preset second time is shown to be about 1 second, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0140] When the preset second time has elapsed, the processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) to rotate the pulsator (40) at about 5 RPM for a first time period. Thereafter, when the first time period has elapsed, the processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) to maintain the pulsator (40) in a stopped state.

[0141] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the rotation speed of a pulsator during a water supply process of a washing machine, which is an example according to various embodiments.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 6, the processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) to open the water supply valve (800, see FIG. 3) to supply water to the tub (20) when the washing process starts, rotate the pulsator (40) in the first direction for a preset first time, stop the pulsator (40) for a preset second time, and then rotate the pulsator (40) in the second direction, which is the opposite direction to the first direction, for the first time.

[0143] The above processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) to keep the pulsator (40) in a stopped state for a certain period of time immediately after the water supply valve (800) is opened.

[0144] The above processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) in the first mode so that the driving force of the driving motor (51) is transmitted only to the pulsator (40) for a preset first time period, and when the first time period has elapsed, can control the driving unit (50) so that the pulsator (40) remains stopped for a preset second time period.

[0145] In explaining FIG. 6, the first time and the second time may be the same time as the first time and the second time when explaining FIG. 5, but are not necessarily limited thereto, and the first and second times of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 may each be values ​​representing individual times.

[0146] After the second time has elapsed, the processor (100) can control the drive unit (50) to cause the pulsator (40) to rotate in a direction opposite to the previous rotation direction.

[0147] For example, when the washing process is started and the driving unit (50) is controlled to rotate the first pulsator (40), if the rotation direction of the pulsator (40) was clockwise, the driving unit can be controlled to rotate the pulsator (40) in the opposite direction, i.e., counterclockwise.

[0148] The time for controlling the driving unit (50) to rotate the pulsator (40) counterclockwise may be the same as the first time for controlling the driving unit (50) to rotate the pulsator (40) clockwise. However, it is not limited thereto, and the processor (100) may also control the pulsator (40) to maintain a rotational state for different times depending on the rotational direction.

[0149] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the rotation speed of a pulsator during the initial stage of a washing operation according to various embodiments.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 7, the processor (100) controls the driving unit (50) to operate in the second mode when the washing process starts, detects the weight of laundry loaded into the rotating drum (30), determines the amount of washing water to be supplied to the tub (20) based on the detected weight of laundry, and controls the driving unit (50) to operate in the first mode for the time that the determined amount of washing water is supplied to the tub (20).

[0151] The above processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) to perform a process of detecting the weight of laundry before opening the water supply valve (800, see FIG. 3) immediately after the washing process is started.

[0152] Referring to area A of FIG. 7, the processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) to rotate the rotating drum (30) and the pulsator (40) for a certain period of time immediately after the washing process is started.

[0153] The processor (100) can control the rotating drum (30) and the pulsator (40) to rotate at high speed multiple times. Referring to FIG. 7, it is illustrated that the rotating drum (30) and the pulsator (40) are controlled to rotate at high speed three times during one weight detection process, but this is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0154] In this case, the processor (100) can control the actuator (54) so ​​that the driving force generated from the driving motor (51) is transmitted to the rotating shaft (30) and the pulsator (40) through the first rotating shaft (521) and the second rotating shaft (522).

[0155] The horizontal axis of Fig. 7 represents time, and the vertical axis represents the rotation speed (rpm) of the pulsator (40). As the rotating drum (30) and the pulsator (40) rotate by the processor (100), laundry contained inside the rotating drum (30) can also rotate.

[0156] The weight detection sensor can sense the centrifugal force of the rotating drum (30). Depending on the amount of laundry contained in the rotating drum (30), the size of the centrifugal force applied to the rotating drum (30) may vary when the rotating drum (30) rotates.

[0157] Information about centrifugal force when the inside of the rotating tank (30) is empty can be stored in the memory (200).

[0158] The processor (100) can calculate the weight of laundry loaded into the washing machine (1) by using information about the centrifugal force generated in the rotating drum (30) sensed by the sensor unit (500) when laundry is loaded inside the rotating drum (30) and the centrifugal force when the inside of the rotating drum (30) is empty.

[0159] The processor (100) can determine the corresponding water supply amount based on the calculated laundry weight. Information on the calculated laundry weight and the corresponding required water supply amount can be stored in advance in memory by the manufacturer during the manufacturing process of the washing machine (1).

[0160] Once the water supply amount is determined, the processor (100) can initiate a water supply process. Once the water supply process is initiated, the processor (100) can control the actuator (54). The processor (100) can control the power transmission device so that the driving force generated from the driving motor (51) is transmitted only to the pulsator (40) through the first rotation shaft (521).

[0161] The time at which the water supply valve (800) opens can be determined based on the determined water supply amount. Information on the opening time of the water supply valve (800) based on the water supply amount can be stored in advance in the memory (200) during the manufacturing process of the washing machine (1).

[0162] The processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) to operate in the first mode during the time that the water supply valve (800) is open.

[0163] In other words, area A can be referred to as a weight detection process, and area B thereafter can be referred to as a water supply process. A detailed description of the operation of the washing machine (1) during the water supply process is the same as or similar to that described in FIGS. 1 to 4 above, and thus will not be repeated here.

[0164] Area C refers to the laundry quality detection process. The laundry quality detection process is a process for determining the type of laundry received in the rotating drum (30). Since the amount of water absorbed varies depending on the laundry quality, laundry with a quality that absorbs water well may have a greater load than in the weight detection process, and laundry with a quality that absorbs relatively less water may have a smaller load than laundry with a quality that absorbs water well.

[0165] The processor (100) can control the driving unit (50) to operate in the second mode when the weight detection process is initiated. The processor (100) can control the rotating drum (30) and the pulsator (40) to rotate at high speed more times than the weight detection process.

[0166] As the rotating drum (30) and the pulsator (40) rotate, laundry that has absorbed water may also rotate. As the laundry rotates together, the centrifugal force generated in the rotating drum (30) may be sensed by the weight detection sensor unit (500).

[0167] The processor (100) can determine the quality of laundry by comparing the centrifugal force generated in the rotating drum (30) as the laundry rotates with the centrifugal force measured in the weight detection process.

[0168] The processor (100) can determine the type and time of the subsequent washing and dehydration processes based on the quality of the laundry determined in this manner.

[0169] In the above, the high-speed rotation of the rotary drum (30) and the pulsator (40) refers to a relative speed, and is not limited to an absolute value. For example, as can be seen in Fig. 7, the driving unit (50) operating in the first mode during the water supply process can rotate the pulsator (40) at a relatively low speed compared to the weight detection process and the foam detection process.

[0170] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a washing machine according to various embodiments.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 8, a method for controlling a washing machine according to the present disclosure may include a step of opening a water supply valve to supply water to a tub when a washing cycle is initiated (S810).

[0172] The washing machine according to the present disclosure can perform washing and dehydration processes to wash laundry loaded into the washing machine. The washing process may include a water supply process and a washing process.

[0173] For example, the water supply process may be a process for supplying washing water to the tub, and the washing process may be a process for washing laundry by mixing the washing water supplied through the water supply process with the laundry.

[0174] The water supply and washing processes do not necessarily occur in a single session. In some cases, the water supply and washing processes may be repeated multiple times. However, after the washing cycle begins, the water supply process may precede the washing process.

[0175] As the water supply process is initiated, a step may be included in which only a pulsator provided to be rotatable on the inner bottom of the rotating tank is driven while water is supplied to the tub (S820).

[0176] The above pulsator can be coupled to a first rotational axis, and the rotational shaft can be coupled to a second rotational axis. The first rotational axis and the second rotational axis can receive driving force from a driving motor.

[0177] When the pulsating process is initiated, the engagement state of the clutch changes, allowing the driving force of the drive motor to be selectively transmitted to the first rotary shaft. This case, in which only the pulsator is rotated by the drive motor, can be referred to as the first mode.

[0178] The engagement state of the clutch can be changed by the actuator. That is, when the water supply process is initiated, the engagement state of the clutch can be changed by controlling the actuator.

[0179] The rotation speed of the pulsator while water is supplied to the above tub may be lower than the rotation speed of the pulsator while water is not supplied during the washing cycle. In other words, the rotation speed of the pulsator during the water supply process may be lower than the rotation speed of the pulsator during the washing cycle.

[0180] While operating in the first mode, the rotating drum may be installed inside the tub so as to rotate together with the pulsator as it rotates.

[0181] Accordingly, even if the driving force of the driving motor is transmitted only to the first rotational shaft and the driving unit is controlled so that only the pulsator rotates, the rotating shaft can also be rotated by an external force other than the driving force.

[0182] For example, when the pulsator rotates, a current may be generated in the washing water contained in the tub, and the laundry contained in the rotating drum may be rotated together in the direction of the current by the generated current. In this way, a centrifugal force may be generated in the rotating drum toward the outside of the rotating drum due to the weight of the rotating washing water and the laundry. By this centrifugal force, the rotating drum can be rotated in the direction of the centrifugal force even without driving force provided by the driving motor.

[0183] Even when the drive unit operates in the first mode, the rotating drum rotates simultaneously, allowing the washing water supplied during the water supply process to reach multiple areas of the laundry. This allows the washing water to reach multiple areas of the laundry, facilitating the wetting of the laundry during the water supply process.

[0184] By facilitating the wetting of laundry, the accuracy of laundry saturation detection can be improved. Furthermore, the mixing of laundry water containing detergent during the washing process can be facilitated.

[0185] The step of operating in the first mode may include a step (S830) of rotating the pulsator for a preset first time period when water is supplied to the tub and then stopping the pulsator, and a step (S840) of rotating the pulsator again for the first time period when a preset second time period has elapsed after the pulsator has been stopped.

[0186] In contrast, the step of operating in the first mode in one embodiment may include a step (S850) of rotating the pulsator in the first direction for a first preset time when water is supplied to the tub and then stopping the pulsator, and a step (S860) of rotating the pulsator in the second direction opposite to the first direction for the first time after the pulsator is stopped and a second preset time has elapsed.

[0187] The first direction may be clockwise, and the second direction may be counterclockwise.

[0188] In the first mode, the washing machine can adjust the rotation speed of the drive motor to 25 RPM or less. The pulsator can rotate at 1 / 5.3 of the rotation speed of the drive motor.

[0189] For example, when the driving unit is controlled in the first mode, the rotation speed of the pulsator may be 5 RPM or less. However, the rotation speed of the pulsator in the washing cycle excluding the water supply process may be faster than the rotation speed of the pulsator in the water supply process.

[0190] Wetting of laundry by washing water can be effective by rotating the pulsator at a relatively low speed during the water supply process among the various processes of the washing operation.

[0191] After the above washing process is completed and the dehydration process is started, a step of operating in a second mode to rotate both the rotating drum and the pulsator may be included (S870).

[0192] By changing the engagement state of the clutch by the actuator, the driving force of the drive motor can be transmitted to both the first and second rotational axes. In the second mode, both the first and second rotational axes can rotate.

[0193] During the spin cycle, the drain valve may be opened. When operating in the second mode, both the pulsator and the rotating drum rotate, and the drain valve opens, allowing the washing water contained within the tub and rotating drum to be discharged outside the washing machine.

[0194] The rotation speed of the pulsator in the dehydration cycle may be faster than the rotation speed in the washing cycle.

[0195] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been individually described above, each embodiment does not necessarily have to be implemented alone, and the configuration and operation of each embodiment may be implemented in combination with at least one other embodiment.

[0196] In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

A cabinet with an inlet at the top; A tub provided inside the cabinet to accommodate washing water; A rotating tank provided to be rotatable inside the above tub; A pulsator provided to be rotatable on the bottom inside the above-mentioned rotating tank; A driving unit including a motor for driving the above-mentioned rotating drum and the above-mentioned pulsator; and One or more processors including processing circuits that individually and / or collectively control the washing machine to perform a washing operation and a dehydration operation; The above driving part, a drive motor that generates driving force; and It includes a rotary shaft for transmitting the driving force generated from the driving motor to the rotary drum and the pulsator, respectively; The one or more processors, individually and / or collectively, Control the driving unit to operate in a first mode that drives only the pulsator based on the start of the washing process, The rotation speed of the pulsator while the washing water is supplied after the washing cycle is started is lower than the rotation speed of the pulsator while the washing water is not supplied during the washing cycle. A washing machine that controls the driving unit to operate in a second mode that drives both the rotating drum and the pulsator based on the initiation of the dehydration process, and opens the drain valve to drain the washing water contained in the tub. In the first paragraph, The above rotating drum is, A washing machine, which is installed inside the tub so as to rotate together with the rotation of the pulsator in the first mode. In the second paragraph, Said one or more processors, individually and / or collectively, said washing machine A washing machine that opens a water supply valve to supply water to the tub based on the start of the washing cycle, rotates the pulsator for a preset first time, stops the pulsator for a preset second time, and then controls the driving unit to rotate the pulsator again for the first time. In the second paragraph, A washing machine in which the one or more processors individually and / or collectively control the driving unit to open a water supply valve to supply water to the tub when the washing cycle is started, rotate the pulsator in a first direction for a preset first time, stop the pulsator for a preset second time, and then rotate the pulsator in a second direction opposite to the first direction for the first time. In the second paragraph, The one or more processors, individually and / or collectively, A washing machine, wherein the rotation speed of the driving motor is controlled to 25 RPM or less while the washing water is supplied in the washing cycle. In paragraph 5, A washing machine in which the pulsator rotates at 1 / 5.3 of the rotation speed of the driving motor while the washing cycle is being performed. In the first paragraph, Said one or more processors, individually and / or collectively, said washing machine The driving unit is controlled to operate in the second mode based on the start of the washing cycle, thereby detecting the weight of laundry loaded into the rotating drum, The amount of laundry water to be supplied to the tub is determined based on the weight of the laundry detected above, A washing machine that controls the driving unit to operate in the first mode for a period of time during which the determined amount of washing water is supplied to the tub. tub; and In a method of operating a washing machine including a rotating drum that is provided to be rotatable inside the tub, A step of opening a water supply valve based on the start of a washing cycle to supply water to the tub; and A step of operating in a first mode that drives only a pulsator provided to be rotatable on the inner bottom of the rotating tank while water is supplied to the tub; A control method wherein the rotation speed of the pulsator while water is supplied to the tub is lower than the rotation speed of the pulsator while water is not supplied during the washing cycle. In paragraph 8, A control method further comprising: a step of operating in a second mode in which both the rotating drum and the pulsator are driven based on the initiation of a dehydration process after the washing process is completed. In paragraph 8, A control method wherein the rotating drum is installed inside the tub so as to rotate together with the rotation of the pulsator while operating in the first mode. In paragraph 9, The step of operating in the above first mode is: A step of rotating the pulsator for a preset first time based on the supply of water to the tub and then stopping the pulsator; and A control method comprising: a step of rotating the pulsator again for the first time period after a preset second time period has elapsed after the pulsator has been stopped; In paragraph 9, The step of operating in the above first mode is: A step of rotating the pulsator in a first direction for a preset first time based on the supply of water to the tub and then stopping the pulsator; and A control method comprising: a step of rotating the pulsator in a second direction opposite to the first direction for the first time period based on the passage of a preset second time period after the pulsator is stopped; In paragraph 8, The step of operating in the above first mode is: A control method for adjusting the rotation speed of a driving motor for rotating the above pulsator to 25 RPM or less. In Article 13, A control method in which the above pulsator rotates at 1 / 5.3 of the rotational speed of the above driving motor. In paragraph 9, The step of operating in the above first mode is: A control method for rotating the above pulsator clockwise or counterclockwise.

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