Washing machine and method for controlling same

Abstract

The present invention provides a washing machine configured to: obtain first laundry property information including the weight of laundry in a dry state accommodated in a drum and driving data of the drum on the basis of a washing cycle being started; on the basis of a washing operation included in the washing cycle being terminated and a specific event occurring, obtain second laundry property information including at least one of the weight of laundry in a dry or wet state after occurrence of the specific event, driving data of the drum, water level data of water stored in a tub, and dryness level data of the laundry; on the basis of at least one of the first laundry property information and the second laundry property information, determine a laundry property category of the laundry for performing an operation subsequent to the washing operation included in the washing cycle; and perform the operation subsequent to the washing operation on the basis of the determined laundry property category.

Description

Washing machine and its control method

[0001] One embodiment disclosed in this document relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof for adaptively performing a washing cycle in response to the fabric quality of the laundry introduced.

[0002] Generally, a washing machine may include a tub for filling water (wash water or rinse water), a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub to receive laundry, and a motor that generates a driving force to rotate the drum. When the drum rotates, the washing machine can perform washing by causing the laundry inside the drum to rise along the inner wall of the drum and then fall.

[0003] A washing machine can perform washing through a series of operations, such as a washing operation that separates dirt from laundry using water in which detergent is dissolved (e.g., washing water), a rinsing operation that rinses away foam or residual detergent from laundry using water without detergent (e.g., rinsing water), and a spin operation that spins the laundry by rotating the drum at high speed. In the washing, rinsing, and spin operations, the washing machine can rotate the drum by operating the motor at a predetermined target RPM.

[0004] Some washing machines may provide a drying function for laundry. For example, if a washing machine is equipped with a heat pump or heater, it can dry the laundry stored inside the drum by supplying hot air into the drum. This may be referred to as a "drying machine." A drying machine may additionally perform a drying operation after performing a washing operation, a rinsing operation, and a spin operation. The series of processes for a washing machine to perform washing on laundry may be referred to as a "washing cycle."

[0005] Meanwhile, while the washing machine is performing a washing cycle, it may additionally perform a motion to detect the material of the laundry (e.g., fabric type). This may be referred to as a "fabric type detection motion." Generally, the washing machine performs the fabric type detection motion before performing the washing motion, and can control the detailed motions of each motion included in the washing cycle in response to the fabric type determined as a result of the fabric type detection motion. However, if the washing machine performs the fabric type detection motion only once, or performs the washing cycle based only on the fabric type detection motion performed at a specific point in time, it is not easy to accurately detect the fabric type of the laundry. Furthermore, if the washing cycle is performed with an inaccurately detected fabric type, it may cause inconvenience to the user, such as damage to the laundry.

[0006] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0007] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a technology for detecting the material of a laundry in real time while performing washing and adaptively performing a washing cycle based on the detected material.

[0008] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body, a tub disposed inside the main body and configured to store water, a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub and receiving laundry, a driving motor configured to rotate the drum, a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub, and a control unit configured to perform initial texture detection to obtain information regarding the texture of the laundry while performing a washing cycle, and to determine the texture of the laundry based on the acquired information. The control unit may be configured to acquire first texture information for the laundry based on the initiation of the washing cycle, acquire second texture information for the laundry based on the termination of a washing operation included in the washing cycle and the occurrence of a specific event, determine a texture category of the laundry for performing an operation following the washing operation included in the washing cycle based on the first texture information and the second texture information, and perform an operation following the washing operation based on the determined texture category. The first laundering information includes the dry weight of the laundry contained inside the drum and the driving data of the drum, and the second laundering information may include at least one of the dry and wet weight of the laundry after the occurrence of the specific event, the driving data of the drum, the water level data of the water stored in the tub, or the dryness data of the laundry. The laundering category may be determined by selectively considering the first laundering information or the second laundering information.

[0009] A control method for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an operation of obtaining first quality information for laundry contained within a drum based on the initiation of a washing cycle; an operation of obtaining second quality information for said laundry based on the termination of a washing operation included in said washing cycle and the occurrence of a specific event; an operation of determining a quality category of said laundry required to perform an operation following a washing operation included in said washing cycle based on the first quality information and the second quality information; and an operation of performing an operation following a washing operation based on the determined quality category. The first quality information may include the weight of the laundry contained within the drum in a dry state and driving data of said drum, and the second quality information may include at least one of the weight of the laundry in a dry and wet state after the occurrence of said specific event, driving data of said drum, water level data of said water stored in a tub, or dryness data of said laundry. The quality category may be determined by selectively considering the first quality information or the second quality information.

[0010] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an example of a washing cycle of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a control flowchart for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to predict the texture of laundry while performing a washing cycle and to update detailed operations within the operation based on the predicted texture.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a control flowchart for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to predict the quality of laundry while performing a washing cycle and to update detailed operations within the operation based on the predicted quality.

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates, in an exemplary manner, a series of processes in which a washing machine, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, detects the fabric of a laundry during the process of performing a washing cycle and updates the detailed operation of a subsequent operation based on the detected fabric.

[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates, in an exemplary manner, the data required to perform the characteristic value extraction operation, the fabric determination operation, and the operation update operation of FIG. 8 during the process in which a washing machine performs a washing cycle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the operation of determining a fabric type while a washing machine performs a washing cycle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a graph for explaining a fabric category determined based on moisture content data, which is acquired as a washing machine performs a washing cycle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 12, 13, 14 and 15 illustrate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine transmitting a washing report to an external device and a user interface in which the transmitted washing report is displayed on a display included in the external device.

[0023] The embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said 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 said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "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 each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0024] Hereinafter, in this document, "front-back direction," "left-right direction," and "up-down direction" may be used based on the illustrated drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by this.

[0025] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components.

[0026] The washing machine described below (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) is to be understood as being illustrative for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present disclosure and may be implemented with various modifications. Additionally, some of the attached drawings may not be drawn to actual scale and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are each side cross-sectional views taken at one point of FIGS. 1 to explain the specific functional configuration of the washing machine (1). FIGS. 2 can be understood as a side cross-sectional view focusing on the water supply device (70) and drainage device (80) included in the washing machine (1), and FIGS. 3 can be understood as a side cross-sectional view focusing on the heat pump (100) included in the washing machine (1).

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the washing machine (1) may include a main body (10) that accommodates various components inside. The main body (10) may have an overall cuboidal shape. The main body (10) may include an opening formed on one side. Two or more of the faces of the main body (10) may be formed integrally. Each face of the main body (10) may be manufactured separately and assembled. The main body (10) may be formed, for example, by press molding from a sheet metal material or by injection molding from a resin material.

[0032] According to one embodiment, a door (20) for opening and closing the opening may be provided in a portion corresponding to the opening of the main body (10). The door (20) may be rotatably connected to a hinge fixed to one side of the main body (10). The door (20) may be provided, for example, with at least a portion being transparent or translucent so that the interior is visible. A user may open and close the door (20) to load laundry into a drum (40) located inside the main body (10) or to take laundry out of the drum (40). The door (20) may be locked by a locking device (not shown) so that it does not open while the washing machine (1) is in operation. For example, the door (20) may include a door frame (21) and a glass member (22). The glass member (22) may be formed of a transparent tempered glass material so as to allow viewing of the interior of the main body (10), for example, but the present document is not limited thereto.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a tub (30) fixedly disposed inside the main body (10). The tub (30) may be formed in a roughly cylindrical shape with one side open. A tub opening (31) may be provided on the front of the tub (30) at a position corresponding to an opening of the main body (10). The tub (30) may store water. A drain (32) for draining water may be provided at the bottom of the tub (30). The drain (32) may be connected to, for example, a drainage device (80).

[0034] 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) and the other side 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 dampening the vibration.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a drum (40) provided inside a tub (30). The drum (40) may have a roughly cylindrical shape with one side open. A front plate (43) and a rear plate (44) may be disposed 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 positioned to rotate inside the tub (30) by receiving rotational power from a driving device (60). The drum (40) may perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and / or drying while rotating inside the tub (30).

[0036] According to one embodiment, the drum (40) may include a lifter (41) and / or a plurality of through holes (42). The lifter (41) may, for example, lift the laundry while the drum (40) rotates to cause the laundry to repeatedly rise and fall, thereby ensuring that multiple sides of the laundry are evenly cleaned. The through holes (42) may be passages formed to allow water contained in the tub (30) to flow into the interior of the drum (40) or to discharge water inside the drum (40) to the outside. For example, the lifter (41) or the through holes (42) may be omitted.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include an input / output interface (50) that supports interaction between a user and the washing machine (1). In one example, the input / output interface (50) may be positioned on the front top of the main body (10) as shown in FIG. 1, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one example, the input / output interface (50) may include an input unit (51) and a display (52).

[0038] 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), for example. For example, the user may input power on / off, washing setting information (e.g., start / stop operation, course selection, time selection, etc.) of the washing machine (1) through the input unit (51). For example, the input unit (51) may be implemented as a tact switch, push switch, slide switch, toggle switch, micro switch, or touch switch, but the present document is not limited thereto. For example, the input unit (51) may be in the form of a jog shuttle that the user can grasp and rotate.

[0039] For example, the input unit (51) may include an infrared sensor. The user can input setting information remotely via a remote control, and the input unit (51) can receive the input setting information as an infrared signal.

[0040] For example, the input unit (51) may include a microphone. Setting information based on the user's voice can be obtained through the microphone.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the display (52) can display various washing setting information and / or operating status information of the washing machine (1) entered by the user. The display (52) may include various types of display panels, such as LCD, LED, OLED, QLED, Micro LED, etc. For example, the display (52) may 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.

[0042] For example, the display (52) may include any form of audio display means, including a speaker, and may display each of the aforementioned information as an auditory signal through such audio display means.

[0043] For example, the display (52) may operate to provide the user with auditory information to guide user input and / or information related to the current ongoing action.

[0044] The washing machine (1) may include a drive unit (60) for rotating the drum (40). The drive unit (60) may include a drive motor (61) and a drive shaft (62) for transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor (61) to the drum (40). The drive motor (61) is composed of a fixed stator (61a) and a rotor (61b) that rotates by electromagnetically interacting with the stator (61a), so as to convert electric force into mechanical rotational force. The rotational force generated by the drive motor (61) can be transmitted to the drum (40) through the drive shaft (62). The drive shaft (62) may be arranged, for example, to be pressed into the rotor (61b) of the drive motor (61) and rotate together with the rotor (61b). The drive shaft (62) may, for example, have a portion penetrating the rear wall of the tub (30) to connect the drum (40) and the drive motor (61). The driving device (60) can rotate the drum (40) in the forward or reverse direction to perform washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying operations.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a water supply device (70) for supplying water to the drum (40) and / or 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 be provided to supply water into the interior of the tub (30) using an external water supply source. One of the at least one water supply pipe (71) may be connected to a detergent supply device (13) provided within the main body (10).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (13) may be divided into multiple spaces internally, and each space may be provided for introducing a detergent or a rinse agent, etc. Water passing through the detergent supply device (13) may be supplied to the tub (30) along 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, 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 configuration such as the detergent supply device (13).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (13) may be provided in multiple units. For example, the detergent supply device (13) may include a first detergent supply device (130) located at the lower front of the main body (10) and a second detergent supply device (140) located at the upper front of the main body (10). For example, the first detergent supply device (130) may be divided into two detergent storage spaces (130a, 130b). For example, when the washing machine performs a washing cycle, the detergent stored in each compartment of the first detergent supply device (130) may be supplied to the tub in a preset amount from each compartment in accordance with the washing mode.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the first detergent supply device (130) may be referred to as an "automatic detergent supply unit." For example, if the first detergent supply device (130) is partitioned into two spaces, the first detergent supply device (130) may include a first automatic detergent supply unit (130a) and a second automatic detergent supply unit (130b).

[0049] According to one embodiment, the first detergent supply device (130) may be disposed so as to be detachably attached from the front lower portion of the main body (10). For example, a space capable of accommodating the first detergent supply device (130) is formed in the front lower portion of the main body (10), and the first detergent supply device (130) may be withdrawn or inserted from the formed space. The receiving space formed in the main body (10) to accommodate the first detergent supply device (130) may be referred to as the "first receiving portion."

[0050] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a first cover (16) formed to open and close the front of the first detergent supply device (130) when the first detergent supply device (130) is inserted. The first cover (16) may be positioned on the front of the main body (10) and formed to open and close the first receiving portion.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first automatic detergent supply unit (130a) and the second automatic detergent supply unit (130b) may each form a space for storing different types of detergents. For example, a general detergent may be stored in the first automatic detergent supply unit (130a), and a neutral detergent may be stored in the second automatic detergent supply unit (130b). For example, a general detergent may be stored in the first automatic detergent supply unit (130a), and a fabric softener may be stored in the second automatic detergent supply unit (130b). In addition, various types of detergents and / or additives for laundry may be stored in the first automatic detergent supply unit (130a) and the second automatic detergent supply unit (130b). Hereinafter, the present document will assume a case where a general detergent is stored in the first automatic detergent supply unit (130a), and a neutral detergent or fabric softener is stored in the second automatic detergent supply unit (130b).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first automatic detergent supply unit (130a) may include an inlet (131a). The second automatic detergent supply unit (130b) may include an inlet (131b).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the detergent (or additive) stored in each of the first automatic detergent supply unit (130a) and the second automatic detergent supply unit (130b) can be introduced into the tub (30) through a partitioned path. For example, one side of the first automatic detergent supply unit (130a) and one side of the second automatic detergent supply unit (130b) can each be connected to the tub (30) through a separate pipe.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the second detergent supply device (140) may be disposed so as to be detachably attached from the upper front of the main body (10). For example, a space capable of accommodating the second detergent supply device (140) is formed in the upper front of the main body (10), and the second detergent supply device (140) may be withdrawn or inserted from the formed space. For example, the receiving space formed in the main body (10) to accommodate the second detergent supply device (140) may be referred to as the "second receiving portion."

[0055] According to one embodiment, the second receiving portion can be opened and closed by a second cover (17). For example, the second cover (17) can be hinged to one side of the upper front of the main body (10). The second cover (17) can be positioned to be rotatable near the hinge.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the second detergent supply device (140) and the filter (150) may be accommodated in the second receiving portion. For example, the second detergent supply device (140) and the filter (150) may be placed adjacently inside the space formed by the second receiving portion.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the second detergent supply device (140) may store an additive including a detergent or a fabric softener. For example, when an additive is stored in the second detergent supply device (140), the additive may be supplied to the tub (30) when a washing cycle is performed according to the user's settings. For example, when a washing cycle is performed, all of the additive stored in the second detergent supply device (140) may be supplied to the tub (30). The second detergent supply device (140) may be referred to as a "manual detergent supply unit."

[0058] According to one embodiment, the filter (150) may be configured to collect foreign substances contained in the hot air supplied to the drum (40) when the washing machine (1) performs a drying operation. For example, the filter (150) may be placed on a path (e.g., a duct) through which the hot air supplied to the drum (40) travels.

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

[0060] According to one embodiment, a drain valve (81) may be provided to open and close a drain (32). When the drain valve (81) is opened, water contained in the tub (30) may flow through the drain (32) to a drainage device (80).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the first drain pipe (82) and the second drain pipe (83) may form a flow path that guides water to be discharged to the outside. For convenience of explanation, the upstream end relative to the pump room (84) is referred to as the first drain pipe (82) and the downstream end as the second drain pipe (83). The first drain pipe (82) and the second drain pipe (83) may be formed as a single unit. The first drain pipe (82) may, for example, be connected at one end to the drain (32) and at the other end to the pump room (84). Water may move into the pump room (84) along the first drain pipe (82). The second drain pipe (83) may, for example, be connected at one end to the pump room (84) and at the other end to the outside of the washing machine (1). Thus, water passing through the pump room (84) may be discharged to the outside of the washing machine (1) along the second drain pipe (83).

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

[0063] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can provide a drying function for laundry. For example, the washing machine (1) can supply high-temperature dry air to the drum (40). To this end, the washing machine (1) may include a heat pump (100). The heat pump (100) can dehumidify and heat the humid air discharged from the drum (40).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the heat pump (100) may include a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, and an expansion unit. The heat pump (100) may be placed inside the main body (10). For example, the heat pump (100) may be placed within the upper duct (181). The heat pump (100) may be placed on the upper side of the drum (40). However, it is not limited thereto, and the heat pump (100) may be placed on a base located at the bottom of the main body (10).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the compressor can compress the refrigerant flowing through the condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve. The condenser and evaporator may be collectively referred to as a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be positioned downstream of the filter (150).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may further include a blower fan (151). The blower fan (151) can blow air on the circulation path (190) passing through the inside of the drum (40a) and the heat exchanger. For example, the blower fan (151) can form an airflow to move the air on the circulation path (190). The blower fan (151) may be implemented as a centrifugal fan, but is not limited thereto and may be implemented as a fan of various shapes.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a duct assembly (180). The duct assembly (180) may include an upper duct (181), a front duct (182), and a rear duct (183).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the upper duct (181) is positioned above the drum (40) and the tub (30) and may form a path that guides air to flow into the drum (40) after the air discharged from the drum (40) has been dehumidified and heated. A heat pump (100) may be accommodated within the upper duct (181). The upper duct (181) may form a frame structure, which may be referred to as an upper frame. A first circulation path (191) may be provided within the upper duct (181).

[0069] According to one embodiment, a front duct (182) may be located in front of the drum (40) and the tub (30) to form a path for guiding air toward the drum (40). For example, air passing through a heat exchanger may be supplied to the drum (40) through the front duct (182). For example, the front duct (182) may form part of a circulation path (190). A blower fan (151) may be accommodated within the front duct (182). For example, a second circulation path (192) may be arranged within the front duct (182).

[0070] According to one embodiment, a rear duct (183) may be positioned at the rear of the drum (40) and the tub (30) to form a path for guiding air from inside the drum (40a) toward the filter. Air from inside the drum (40a) may flow through the rear duct (183) toward the filter (150) and the heat exchanger. For example, the rear duct (183) may form part of a circulation path (190). The rear duct (183) may be in communication with the filter (150). A third circulation path (193) may be positioned within the rear duct (183).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the front duct (182) and the rear duct (183) may be formed so that air inside the drum (40a) circulates through the circulation path (190) inside the main body (10). For example, air discharged from the front duct (182) may be introduced into the tub (30) and the drum (40) through the front plate (43), and the front plate (43) may also be formed so that air circulates through the circulation path (190) inside the main body (10).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may further include a circulation path (190). The circulation path (190) may include a first circulation path (191), a second circulation path (192), and a third circulation path (193). The first circulation path (191) may be formed by an upper duct (181), the second circulation path (192) may be formed by a front duct (182), and the third circulation path (193) may be formed by a rear duct (183).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may perform a drying operation (e.g., the drying operation (550) of FIG. 5) after the washing operation (e.g., the washing operation (520) of FIG. 5), the rinsing operation (e.g., the rinsing operation (530) of FIG. 5), and the spin-drying operation (e.g., the spin-drying operation (540) of FIG. 5) are completed. For example, the washing machine (1) may add a drying operation (550) according to the user's settings. Below, the air circulation flow inside the washing machine (1) will be described when the drying operation (550) is performed.

[0074] According to one embodiment, air inside the drum (40a) can circulate on a closed circuit (arrow direction) inside the main body (10). For example, when the blower fan (151) is operated, the humid air inside the drum (40a) can move toward the tub (30) through a through hole (42) formed in the circumferential inner wall of the drum (40) and / or a through hole (42a) provided in the rear plate (44). For example, the air inside the drum (40a) can flow into the space (45) between the drum (40) and the tub (30). The air in the space (45) between the drum (40) and the tub (30) can flow into a circulation path (190) through a connecting hole (183c) formed in the rear wall (30b) of the tub. The air can pass through a third circulation path (193) located behind the tub (30) and the drum (40). For example, air can move to the top of the third circulation path (193) and then flow into the first circulation path (191). For example, air can pass through the inside of the filter (150) and the heat exchanger in sequence on the first circulation path (191).

[0075] According to one embodiment, humid air caused by clothing inside the drum (40a) can become hot, dry air as it passes through a heat exchanger. The hot, dry air can be blown by a blower fan (151) positioned downstream of the heat exchanger. The air passing through the blower fan (151) can pass through a second circulation path (192) located on the front side of the tub (30) and the drum (40). The air within the second circulation path (192) can pass through a connecting hole (182c) formed in the front plate (43) at the bottom of the second circulation path (192), pass through the front plate (43), and be recirculated into the drum (40). The hot, dry air can meet the clothing inside the drum (40a) and become humid air again, and can become hot, dry air again through the process described above.

[0076] According to one embodiment, a filter (150) may be formed to be placed upstream of a heat exchanger to collect foreign substances, such as dust or lint, in the air flowing through the heat exchanger. The filter (150) may limit the accumulation of said foreign substances in the heat exchanger and prevent the efficiency of the heat exchanger from decreasing as a result.

[0077] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a washing machine (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Each component shown in FIG. 4 can be understood as illustrating the configuration of the washing machine (1) in terms of function and control.

[0079] The embodiment of FIG. 4 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 3.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 4, the washing machine (1) may include a control unit (410), a communication unit (420), an input / output interface (430), a sensor unit (440), a drive motor (61), a water supply valve (72), a circulation pump (75), a drainage device (80), a detergent supply device (13), and a heat pump (100).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (420) may be configured to receive a signal input to the washing machine (1) or to transmit a signal generated from the washing machine (1) to an external device.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (420) receives user input that is input to the input unit (e.g., the input unit (51) of FIG. 1) of the input / output interface (430) to be described later, and can transmit the user input to the control unit (410). The communication unit (420) can transmit data generated by the control unit (410) to a display (e.g., the display (52) of FIG. 1).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (420) 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 (420) may include one or more modules that connect the washing machine (1) to one or more networks. In one example, the communication unit (420) 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.

[0084] According to one embodiment, a mobile communication module may transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of an external base station, an external terminal, or an external server through a mobile communication network according to any of the various communication protocols for mobile communication. The wireless signals may include data signals of various forms. In one example, the wireless signals may include voice call signals, video call call signals, and text / multimedia message signals, but the present document is not limited thereto.

[0085] 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 is not limited thereto. In one example, the wired / wireless internet module of the communication unit (420) may transmit and receive data according to at least one wired / wireless internet technology among the internet technologies not listed above.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the short-range communication module may support short-range communication using at least one of the following technologies, for example, Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus). The short-range communication module may support wireless communication between the 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 where another device is located, for example, through a short-range wireless communication network.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the location information module may be a Global Positioning System (GPS) module or a Wi-Fi module, for example, as a module for obtaining the location of a washing machine (1). If the washing machine (1) utilizes a GPS module, it can receive information regarding the location of the washing machine (1) by using signals sent from GPS satellites. If the washing machine (1) utilizes a Wi-Fi module, it can receive information regarding the location of the washing machine (1) based on information from a Wireless Access Point (AP) that transmits and receives wireless signals to and from the Wi-Fi module.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (420) can receive a setting data signal input by a user from a user's mobile terminal in the form of a wireless signal according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol. In one example, the communication unit (420) can receive information and / or commands for controlling the operation of the washing machine (1) from an external server in the form of a signal according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. The communication unit (420) can transmit the received various signals to the control unit (410) described later. In one example, the communication unit (420) can transmit various data generated or acquired on the washing machine (1) in the form of a wired / wireless signal according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol, for example, to a user's mobile terminal or an external server.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the input / output interface (430) may include an input unit (51) formed to receive user input for controlling the washing machine (1), and an output unit (431) formed to output status information and operation information for the washing machine (1).

[0090] According to one embodiment, 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 (410) to be described later. In one example, various user inputs obtained through the input unit (51) may be transmitted externally through a communication unit (420) to be described later, and this document is not limited thereto.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the output unit (431) may be formed to output status information and / or operation information of the washing machine (1). For example, the output unit (431) may include a display configured to visually display the information (e.g., the display (52) of FIG. 1). For example, the output unit (431) may include a speaker configured to audibly output the information.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a sensor (440) for detecting the operating state and / or internal environment of the washing machine (1). For example, the sensor (440) may include a water level sensor (441), a current sensor (443), a dryness sensor (445), and a temperature sensor (447), but is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor (440) may further include a speed sensor, a door sensor, and / or a vibration sensor.

[0093] According to one embodiment, a water level sensor (441) can detect the water level of water (or rinse water) stored in a tub (e.g., tub (30) of FIG. 2). For example, the water level sensor (441) is located at the bottom of the tub (30) and can detect a pressure difference according to the water level supplied into the tub (30) as an electrical signal. For example, the water level sensor (441) can detect the water level in the tub (30) during a water supply situation, or detect the remaining water level in the tub (30) when a dehydration operation (e.g., dehydration operation (540) of FIG. 5) is performed. The water level sensor (441) can transmit an electrical signal regarding the water level in the tub (30) to a control unit (410).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the current sensor (443) may be configured to detect the current flowing through the drive motor (61) (e.g., the drive motor (61) of FIG. 2). For example, the current sensor (443) may generate an electrical signal for the current value applied to the drive motor (61) to drive the drive motor (61) and transmit the electrical signal to the control unit (410).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the dryness sensor (445) can detect the humidity of the laundry. For example, the dryness sensor (445) can acquire data indicating the humidity of the laundry itself. The dryness sensor (445) can be placed at any point on the drum (40). For example, when a drying operation (e.g., the drying operation (550) of FIG. 5) is performed, the dryness sensor (445) can acquire data indicating the humidity of the laundry in response to the laundry coming into contact with the dryness sensor (445) inside the drum (40), and can transmit the data to the control unit (410).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor (447) may detect the ambient temperature of the washing machine (1) or the temperature of the water (or rinse water) present in the tub (30). The temperature sensor (447) may detect the temperature inside the drum (e.g., inside the drum (40a) of FIG. 3) when, for example, a drying operation (550) is performed.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor (447) may be provided as one or a plurality of sensors. For example, the temperature sensor (447) may be provided as different temperature sensors corresponding to the temperature sensing location or the temperature sensing target.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor (447) may be implemented, for example, as a thermistor, which is a type of resistor utilizing the property that the resistance of a material changes according to temperature. The temperature sensor (447) may generate an electrical signal for the detected temperature and transmit it to the control unit (410).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the door sensor can detect whether the door (20) is closed before the washing machine (1) performs a washing cycle (e.g., the washing cycle (500) of FIG. 5). For example, the door sensor can acquire an electrical signal corresponding to whether the door (20) is open or closed and transmit it to the control unit (410).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the vibration sensor can detect the degree of vibration of the drum (40) while the drum (40) is rotating. For example, the vibration sensor may be implemented as an inertial measurement unit sensor (IMU sensor), and may acquire an electrical signal regarding the amount of rotation change (e.g., angular velocity) due to the vibration of the drum (40) and transmit it to the control unit (410).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a control unit (410) that controls the overall operation of the washing machine (1). The control unit (410) may include a memory (413) that stores or remembers a program and / or data for controlling each component of the washing machine (1), and a processor (411) 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 (413) and information obtained from each of the other components.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the memory (413) can store various data that can be used to control the operation of each component of the washing machine (1). The memory (413) can store, for example, a number of applications used in the washing machine (1), data for controlling the operation of the washing machine (1), and commands. At least some of the applications stored in the memory (413) can be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. At least some of the applications stored in the memory (413) may be stored in the memory (413) from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the washing machine (1).

[0103] For example, data regarding the rotational speed of the drum (40) by course and / or operation may be stored in the memory (413). For example, as the washing cycle is performed, data regarding the target rotational speed and maximum rotational speed of the drum (40) may be stored in the memory (413).

[0104] For example, data regarding the threshold current of the drive motor (61) may be stored in the memory (413) for each course and / or operation. For example, the memory (413) may store data regarding the target current value to be input (applied) to the drive motor (61) and data regarding the maximum current value as the cleaning cycle is performed.

[0105] For example, data regarding the power consumption of the drive motor (61) by course and / or operation may be stored in the memory (413). For example, as the cleaning cycle is performed, data regarding the target power value to be consumed by the drive motor (61) and data regarding the maximum power value that can be consumed may be stored in the memory (413).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the processor (411) of the control unit (410) can receive various input / setting information, such as power on / off of the washing machine (1), washing machine operation setting information (e.g., start / stop of operation, course selection, time selection, etc.), or other various control information from the aforementioned input unit (51) and / or communication unit (420).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the control unit (410) may be configured to obtain data from each component included in the washing machine (1). For example, the control unit (410) may obtain data detected by various sensors (e.g., sensor unit (440)).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the control unit (410) can transmit control commands to drive each component included in the washing machine (1). For example, the control unit (410) can control the opening and closing of the water supply valve (72) of the water supply device (70) to regulate the water supplied to the drum (40) and / or tub (30). For example, the control unit (410) can control the drain valve (81) and / or drain pump (85) of the drain device (80) to drain the water in the drum (40) and / or tub (30). For example, the control unit (410) can control the circulation pump (75) to circulate the water in the tub (30).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the control unit (410) can control the detergent supply device (e.g., the detergent supply device (13) of FIG. 1) to supply the detergent and / or additive stored in the detergent supply device (e.g., the first detergent supply device (130) and the second detergent supply device (140) of FIG. 1) into the tub (30).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the control unit (410) can control the heat pump (e.g., the heat pump (100) of FIG. 3) to control the temperature and / or dryness of the air supplied into the drum (40).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the control unit (410) can continuously acquire information from the input unit (51), the communication unit (420) and / or the sensor unit (440) while performing at least one operation among a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a dehydration operation, or a drying operation, and can continuously update and control the operation of each component based on the acquired information.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the control unit (410) collects data to detect the texture of the laundry according to each ongoing operation while a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a spin-drying operation, or a drying operation is in progress, and can predict the texture of the laundry based on the collected data. The control unit (410) can change the detailed operations included in the subsequent operation based on the texture of the laundry predicted in the ongoing operation.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the control unit (410) can predict the texture of the laundry differently for each operation. For example, the control unit (410) can update the texture information as each operation proceeds. For example, the control unit (410) can adaptively predict the texture of the laundry in response to detailed operations included in each operation.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the control unit (410) can update the fabric of the laundry as it performs each operation while performing washing, and adaptively perform detailed operations in response to each fabric.

[0115] For example, the control unit (410) performs an initial foam detection operation before performing a washing operation and can perform detailed operations included in the washing operation based on the predicted foam information of the laundry. For example, the control unit (410) performs an initial foam detection operation and can determine the rotation speed level of the drum (40) and the water temperature level while performing the washing operation based on the predicted foam.

[0116] For example, the control unit (410) can perform detailed operations included in the rinsing operation based on the predicted fabric quality information of the laundry while performing the washing operation. For example, the control unit (410) can determine whether to add fabric softener during the rinsing operation based on the predicted fabric quality information of the laundry while performing the washing operation.

[0117] For example, the control unit (410) can perform detailed operations included in the spin-drying operation based on the predicted laundry material information while performing the rinsing operation. For example, the control unit (410) can determine the spin-drying time and the rotation speed of the drum (40) during the spin-drying operation based on the predicted laundry material information while performing the rinsing operation.

[0118] For example, the control unit (410) can perform detailed operations included in the drying operation based on the predicted laundry material information while performing the dehydration operation. For example, the control unit (410) can determine the drying time, the temperature inside the drum (40a), and the rotation speed of the drum (40) during the drying operation based on the predicted laundry material information while performing the dehydration operation.

[0119] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an example of a washing cycle (500) of a washing machine (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] The embodiment of FIG. 5 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 4.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 5, the washing machine (1) can perform a washing cycle (500) according to user input. The washing cycle (500) can be understood as a series of operation processes for the washing machine (1) to provide washing and / or drying functions for laundry fed into the drum (e.g., drum (40) in FIG. 2). The washing cycle (500) may include, for example, an initial fabric detection operation (510), a washing operation (520), a rinsing operation (530), a spin-drying operation (540), and / or a drying operation (550).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may sequentially perform an initial fabric detection operation (510), a washing operation (520), a rinsing operation (530), a spin-drying operation (540), and a drying operation (550) by a washing cycle (500).

[0123] According to one embodiment, when a washing machine (1) performs a washing cycle (500), some operations included in the washing cycle (500) may be omitted or additionally performed. For example, the washing machine (1) may perform at least one of a washing operation (520), a rinsing operation (530), a spin-drying operation (540), or a drying operation (550) by omitting it. For example, at least one of a washing operation (520), a rinsing operation (530), a spin-drying operation (540), or a drying operation (550) may be repeated or additionally performed.

[0124] According to one embodiment, laundry can be washed by a washing operation (520). Specifically, foreign substances attached to the laundry can be separated by chemical action of the detergent and / or mechanical action such as falling.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the washing operation (520) may include a laundry measuring operation for measuring the amount of laundry, a water supply operation (521) for supplying water to a tub (e.g., tub (30) in FIG. 2), a washing operation (522) for washing the laundry by rotating a drum (e.g., drum (40) in FIG. 2) at a low speed, a drainage operation (523) for discharging water contained in the tub (30), and an intermediate spin-drying operation (524) for separating water from the laundry by rotating the drum (40) at a high speed.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may perform an initial fabric detection operation (510) separately before performing a washing operation (520), or together with a laundry measurement operation included in the washing operation (520).

[0127] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can collect data based on the average and variance of the driving current required to rotate the drum (40) into which the laundry in a dry state is fed in order to perform an initial laundry quality detection operation (510). For example, the washing machine (1) can predict the initial laundry quality of the laundry in a dry state fed into the drum (40) based on the data.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can detect the weight of the laundry loaded into the drum (40) in a laundry measurement operation. For example, the washing machine (1) can detect the weight of the laundry loaded into the drum (40) based on the current or power applied to the drive motor (61) to drive the drum (40) to rotate at a predetermined speed or at a predetermined angle.

[0129] According to one embodiment, for a washing operation (522), the washing machine (1) can drive the drive motor (e.g., the drive motor (61) of FIG. 4) to rotate in a forward direction (e.g., clockwise) or a reverse direction (e.g., counterclockwise). As the drum (40) rotates, the laundry falls from the upper side to the lower side of the drum (40), and foreign substances attached to the laundry can be removed by the falling.

[0130] According to one embodiment, for an intermediate spin-drying operation (524), the washing machine (1) can be driven to rotate the drive motor (61) at a high speed. Due to the high-speed rotation of the drum (40), water is separated from the laundry contained in the drum (40) and can be discharged outside the washing machine (1) by a drain pump (e.g., the drain pump (85) of FIG. 4).

[0131] According to one embodiment, the rotational speed of the drum (40) can be increased during an intermediate spin cycle (524). The washing machine (1) can control the rotational speed of the drive motor (61) to increase the rotational speed of the drum (40).

[0132] According to one embodiment, the laundry can be rinsed by a rinsing operation (530). Specifically, detergent or foreign substances left on the laundry can be washed away by water.

[0133] According to one embodiment, when the washing machine (1) performs a rinsing operation (530), the washing machine (1) may determine whether to add fabric softener. For example, the washing machine (1) may detect the fabric of the laundry during a fabric detection operation (510) or a washing operation (520), and determine whether to add fabric softener based on the type of the detected fabric. For example, the washing machine (1) may determine whether to add fabric softener based on the user's choice before the washing cycle (500) proceeds. For example, the washing machine (1) may determine whether to add fabric softener based on the user's choice while the washing cycle (500) proceeds.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the rinsing operation (530) may include a water supply operation (531) for supplying water to the tub (30), a rinsing operation (532) for rinsing the laundry by driving the drum (40), a drainage operation (533) for discharging the water contained in the tub (30), and an intermediate spin-drying operation (534) for separating water from the laundry by driving the drum (40).

[0135] According to one embodiment, the water supply operation (531), drainage operation (533), and intermediate dehydration operation (534) of the rinsing operation (530) may be substantially the same as the water supply operation (521), drainage operation (523), and intermediate dehydration operation (524) of the washing operation (520), respectively. For example, the water supply operation (531), rinsing operation (532), drainage operation (533), and intermediate dehydration operation (534) included in the rinsing operation (530) may be performed once or multiple times.

[0136] According to one embodiment, laundry can be dehydrated by a dehydration operation (540). Specifically, water is separated from the laundry by high-speed rotation of the drum (40), and the separated water can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine (1).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the dehydration operation (540) may include a final dehydration operation (541) that separates water from the laundry by rotating the drum (40) at high speed. Due to the final dehydration operation (541), the last intermediate dehydration operation (534) of the rinsing operation (530) may be omitted.

[0138] According to one embodiment, for the final spin-drying operation (541), the washing machine (1) can control the drive motor (61) to increase the rotational speed of the drum (40).

[0139] According to one embodiment, the drying operation (550) may include a drying operation (551) for drying the dehydrated laundry. For example, in the drying operation (550), the washing machine (1) may drive the heat pump by controlling the compressor, evaporator, condenser, and expander included in the heat pump (e.g., the heat pump (100) of FIG. 3) and drive the blower fan (e.g., the blower fan (151) of FIG. 3) to supply high-temperature dry air to the drum (40).

[0140] According to one embodiment, when the washing machine (1) of the present disclosure performs a washing operation (520), a rinsing operation (530), a spin-drying operation (540), and a drying operation (550), it can predict the fabric quality of the laundry in each operation and control the detailed operation of the subsequent operation in response to the type of the predicted fabric quality. By performing a washing cycle (500) in response to the predicted fabric quality, the washing machine (1) can perform efficient washing and reduce the phenomenon of damage to the laundry during the washing process.

[0141] Hereinafter, the washing machine (1) of the present disclosure will be described in relation to the operation of performing a washing cycle (500), predicting the quality of the laundry, and performing a detailed operation in response to the predicted quality of the laundry, in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0142] FIG. 6 is a control flow diagram for a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to predict the quality of laundry while performing a washing cycle (e.g., washing cycle (500) of FIG. 5) and to update detailed operations within the operation based on the predicted quality.

[0143] FIG. 7 is a control flowchart for a washing machine (1) to predict the quality of laundry while performing a washing cycle (500) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and to update detailed operations within the operation based on the predicted quality.

[0144] FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 are control flow diagrams for a washing machine (1) to perform a washing cycle (500), predict the quality of the laundry, and update detailed operations within the operation. FIGS. 6 can be understood as illustrating a relatively general operation flow, and FIGS. 7 as illustrating a relatively specific operation flow. Accordingly, some operations in FIGS. 7 may correspond to some operations in FIGS. 6.

[0145] At least some of the control operations shown in FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 may be omitted or changed in order as needed, and some operations may be performed repeatedly.

[0146] The embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 6, the washing machine (1) may initiate a current operation in operation 610. For example, the washing machine (1) may initiate an initial fabric detection operation (e.g., initial fabric detection operation (510) of FIG. 5), a washing operation (e.g., washing operation (520) of FIG. 5), a rinsing operation (e.g., rinsing operation (530) of FIG. 5), a spin-drying operation (e.g., spin-drying operation (540) of FIG. 5), and a drying operation (e.g., drying operation (550) of FIG. 5) included in the washing cycle (500). Some of the operations included in the washing cycle (500) may be omitted.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can perform fabric quality detection in operation 620. For example, the washing machine (1) can perform the currently ongoing operation and collect data to detect the fabric quality of the laundry. The washing machine (1) will refer to the data for detecting the fabric quality of the laundry as a "feature."

[0149] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can acquire a characteristic value corresponding to each operation in progress.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can acquire a feature value based on an electrical signal transmitted from a sensor unit (e.g., the sensor unit (440) of FIG. 4). The feature value acquired from the data detected by the sensor unit (440) may be referred to as a "primary feature value (primary feature(s))". For example, the washing machine (1) may generate a feature value by processing the primary feature value based on the primary feature value. The feature value generated by processing the primary feature value may be referred to as a "secondary feature value (secondary feature(s))".

[0151] For example, the washing machine (1) performs an initial fabric detection operation (510) and can obtain drum drive data in a dry state (e.g., drum drive data (911) of FIG. 9), and / or dry weight data (e.g., dry weight data (912) of FIG. 9).

[0152] For example, the washing machine (1) can perform a washing operation (520) and obtain water level data (e.g., water level data (914) of FIG. 9).

[0153] For example, the washing machine (1) performs a rinsing operation (530) and a spin-drying operation (540) and can obtain water level data (914) and wet cloth weight data (e.g., wet cloth weight data (913) of FIG. 9). Based on the dry cloth weight data (912), wet cloth weight data (913), and water level data (914), the washing machine (1) can obtain moisture content data (e.g., moisture content data (916) of FIG. 9) indicating the moisture content of the laundry.

[0154] For example, the washing machine (1) performs a drying operation (550) and can obtain temperature data (e.g., temperature data (915) of FIG. 9) indicating the temperature inside the drum (e.g., inside the drum (40a) of FIG. 3).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine the number of types of fabric in operation 630. Based on the fabric detected in operation 620, the washing machine (1) can predict the type of fabric of the laundry and determine the category of fabric to which the laundry is predicted to belong.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine that the laundry belongs to a different fabric category for each operation included in the washing cycle (500). For example, the washing machine (1) can improve the accuracy of detecting the fabric of the laundry while performing the washing cycle (500) by determining the fabric category of the laundry based on information obtained for each operation.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can update the detailed operation of a subsequent operation based on the number of determined fabric types in operation 640. For example, the washing machine (1) can determine whether to add fabric softener during the rinsing operation (530) based on the fabric category determined in the washing operation (520). For example, the washing machine (1) can decide not to add fabric softener during the rinsing operation (530) based on the expectation that adding fabric softener to laundry belonging to the fabric category determined by the washing operation (520) will damage the material or function of the laundry.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may initiate a subsequent operation at operation 650. For example, the washing machine (1) may perform a subsequent operation at operation 640 and perform an operation according to the updated detailed operation.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 7, the washing machine (1) performs a washing cycle (500), extracts characteristic values ​​for detecting the texture for each operation, predicts the category to which the texture of the laundry belongs from the extracted characteristic values, and updates the detailed operation included in the subsequent operation based on the predicted texture category.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may initiate an initial fabric detection operation (510) in operation 710. For example, the washing machine (1) may initiate a washing cycle (500) in response to receiving user input. For example, the washing machine (1) may perform an initial fabric detection operation prior to initiating a washing operation (520). For example, the washing machine (1) may perform the initial fabric detection operation (510) while proceeding with the washing operation (520).

[0161] According to one embodiment, when the washing machine (1) performs an initial laundry detection operation (510), it can detect the weight of the laundry in a dry state that has been introduced into the drum (40). For example, the washing machine (1) can sense the current and / or power applied to a drive motor (e.g., the drive motor (61) of FIG. 2) to drive the drum (40) in rotation. For example, the washing machine (1) can measure the weight of the laundry in a dry state based on the current and / or power values ​​applied to the drive motor (61). For example, the washing machine (1) can obtain drum drive data (911) based on the average value or variance value of the current applied to the drive motor (61), and obtain dry weight data (912) based on the weight of the laundry in a dry state.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may initiate a washing operation (520) in operation 720. For example, the washing machine (1) may perform the washing operation (520), supply water to the tub (30), and rotate the drum. For example, when performing multiple washing operations (520), the washing machine (1) may repeat the operation of draining water, supplying water again, and rotating the drum.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can extract a characteristic value according to the start of operation in operation 730.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can obtain a current and / or power value applied to a drive motor (61) to drive a drum (40) containing wet laundry (blanket) while performing a washing operation (520). For example, the washing machine (1) can measure the weight of the wet laundry after draining the water.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can obtain a current and / or power value applied to a drive motor (61) to drive a drum (40) containing wet laundry while performing a rinsing operation (530). For example, the washing machine (1) can measure the weight of the wet laundry after draining the water.

[0166] According to one embodiment, while performing a spin-drying operation (540), the washing machine (1) can obtain the applied current and / or applied power value of the drive motor (61) for driving the drum (40) during the process of spinning wet laundry. For example, while performing a spin-drying operation (540), the washing machine (1) can measure the weight of the wet laundry after it has been spun. For example, when the washing machine (1) performs the spin-drying operation (540) multiple times, the washing machine (1) can obtain the current and / or power value applied to the drive motor (61) each time the spin-drying operation ends. For example, when the washing machine (1) performs the spin-drying operation (540) multiple times, the washing machine (1) can measure the weight of the laundry at the end of the last spin-drying operation.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine the fabric category of the laundry based on the characteristic value obtained in operation 730 in operation 740.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can predict the type of fabric to which the laundry contained inside the drum (40) belongs based on the acquired characteristic value. For example, the washing machine (1) can compare the characteristic value with a preset characteristic value for each fabric type and predict the type of fabric to which the laundry belongs based on the comparison result. For example, the washing machine (1) can predict that the laundry has multiple fabric types. If the laundry has multiple predictable fabric types, the washing machine (1) can determine one fabric category for the multiple fabric types.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the polymer category may be determined based on subsequent actions included in each action. When an action is changed, one or more polymer types belonging to the polymer category may be changed.

[0170] For example, when performing a rinsing operation (530), the fabric category can be distinguished by whether or not a fabric softener is added. For example, when performing a rinsing operation (530), it can be divided into a first fabric category that includes a fabric type where adding a fabric softener is effective, and a second fabric category that includes a fabric type where not adding a fabric softener is effective.

[0171] For example, when performing a dehydration operation (540), the foam category can be distinguished by the dehydration intensity. For example, when performing the dehydration operation (540), it can be divided into a third foam category including a foam type for which driving the drum quickly is effective, and a fourth foam category including a foam type for which driving the drum slowly is effective.

[0172] For example, when performing a drying operation (550), the foam category can be distinguished by the drying temperature. For example, when performing the drying operation (550), it can be divided into a fifth foam category which includes a foam type that is efficient in maintaining the temperature inside the drum (40a) at a high level, a sixth foam category which includes a foam type that is efficient in maintaining the temperature inside the drum (40a) at a medium level, and a seventh foam category which includes a foam type that is efficient in maintaining the temperature inside the drum (40a) at a low level.

[0173] Not limited to the conditions described above, the fabric categories may be distinguished differently depending on the detailed operation of each operation included in the washing cycle (500), and each fabric category may be composed of different fabric types depending on the conditions.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can update the detailed operation of a subsequent operation in response to the fabric category identified in operation 740 in operation 750. For example, the washing machine (1) can determine whether to add fabric softener in a subsequent rinsing operation (530) in response to the fabric category determined based on the characteristic value detected in the washing operation (520). For example, the washing machine (1) may not add fabric softener while performing the rinsing operation (530) based on identifying that the laundry is classified into a fabric category where not adding fabric softener is effective.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine in operation 760 whether the washing cycle (500) has ended. For example, the washing machine (1) can determine whether a subsequent operation should be performed. For example, the washing machine (1) can perform the washing cycle (500) by a preset course and determine whether the final operation has been completed. For example, the washing machine (1) can initiate a subsequent operation in operation 770 as it determines that the washing cycle (500) has not ended. The washing machine (1) can perform a subsequent operation by reflecting the update details regarding the detailed operation in operation 760.

[0176] According to one embodiment, when it is determined that the washing cycle (500) has ended, the washing machine (1) may transmit a washing report in operation 780. The washing report may include information regarding the time taken for each operation or information regarding detailed operations for each operation while the washing machine (1) performs the washing cycle (500). The washing report may provide guidance information for efficient washing to the user based on the fabric type detected while the washing machine (1) performs the washing cycle (500). For example, the washing report may be displayed on a display (e.g., the display (52) in FIG. 1) or transmitted to a user terminal (e.g., a smartphone) and displayed on the smartphone's display. Embodiments of a user interface for the washing report will be described in FIG. 12 and below.

[0177] FIG. 8 illustrates, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) detects the texture of the laundry and updates the detailed operation of a subsequent operation based on the detected texture while performing a washing cycle (500) (e.g., washing cycle (500) of FIG. 5).

[0178] FIG. 9 illustrates, in an exemplary manner, the data required to perform the characteristic value extraction operation (810), the fabric determination operation (820), and the operation update operation (830) of FIG. 8 during the process in which a washing machine (1) performs a washing cycle (500) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0179] The embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9 can be optionally combined with the embodiment of FIG. 7.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 8, the washing machine (1) can perform a characteristic value extraction operation (810) for extracting characteristic values ​​corresponding to each operation included in the washing cycle (500) while the washing cycle (500) is being performed, a quality determination operation (820) for determining the quality based on the extracted characteristic values, and a motion update operation (830) for updating detailed operations within the operation based on the determined quality. The washing machine (1) can reflect the detailed operations updated in the motion update operation (830) in subsequent operations.

[0181] According to one embodiment, as the washing cycle (500) is initiated, the washing machine (1) may perform an initial laundry detection operation (510) and perform characteristic value extraction #1 (811). In characteristic value extraction #1 (811), the washing machine (1) may obtain the weight of the dry laundry (e.g., the dry laundry weight data (912) of FIG. 9) introduced into the drum (e.g., the drum (40) of FIG. 2) and the applied current and / or power required to drive the drum (40) containing the dry laundry (e.g., the drum drive data (911) of FIG. 9).

[0182] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can perform a texture determination #1 (821) based on a characteristic value extraction #1 (811). For example, the washing machine (1) can determine the expected texture of the laundry in the texture determination #1 (821) based on data obtained from the characteristic value extraction #1 (811). For example, the texture determination #1 (821) may include multiple texture types. The expected texture determined in the texture determination #1 (821) can be distinguished by considering detailed operations included in the washing operation (520). When one or more expected textures distinguished according to the detailed operations are provided to form a group, the washing machine (1) can determine a texture category for one or more expected textures.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can perform operation update #1 (831) based on the foam determination #1 (821). For example, the washing machine (1) can update the detailed operation performed in the washing operation (520) according to the foam category determined in the foam determination #1 (821). For example, the washing machine (1) can determine the speed for driving the drum (40) in the washing operation (520), the temperature of the water, the amount of water supplied, and the type and amount of detergent to be supplied to the tub (e.g., the tub (30) of FIG. 2) in correspondence with the foam category determined in the foam determination #1 (821).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can perform a washing operation (520) by a detailed operation determined in operation update #1 (831). For example, the washing machine (1) can perform characteristic value extraction #2 (812) while performing the washing operation (520). In characteristic value extraction #2 (812), the washing machine (1) can obtain the weight of the wet laundry (e.g., wet laundry weight data (913) in FIG. 9) introduced into the drum (e.g., drum (40) in FIG. 2) and the applied current and / or power required to drive the drum (40) containing the wet laundry (e.g., drum drive data (911) in FIG. 9).

[0185] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can perform a foam determination #2 (822) based on a characteristic value extraction #2 (812). The expected foam determined in foam determination #2 (822) can be distinguished by considering detailed operations included in the washing operation (520). For example, the expected foam distinguished in foam determination #2 (822) can be determined by considering whether or not an additive is added.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can perform operation update #2 (832) based on the fabric quality determination #2 (822). For example, the washing machine (1) can update the detailed operation performed in the rinsing operation (530) according to the fabric quality category determined in the fabric quality determination #2 (822). For example, the washing machine (1) can determine the speed for driving the drum (40) in the rinsing operation (530), the temperature of the rinse water, the amount of rinse water supplied, and whether and how much of an additive (e.g., fabric softener) is added to the tub (e.g., the tub (30) of FIG. 2) in correspondence with the fabric quality category determined in the fabric quality determination #2 (822).

[0187] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may perform a rinsing operation (530) by a detailed operation determined in operation update #2 (832). For example, the washing machine (1) may perform characteristic value extraction #3 (813) while performing the rinsing operation (530). In characteristic value extraction #3 (813), the washing machine (1) may obtain the weight of the laundry contained in the drum (e.g., the drum (40) in FIG. 2) and the applied current and / or power required to drive the drum (40) containing the laundry (e.g., drum driving data (911) in FIG. 9).

[0188] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can perform a quality determination #3 (823) based on the extraction of characteristic values ​​#3 (813). The expected quality determined in the quality determination #3 (823) can be distinguished by considering the detailed operations included in the spin-drying operation (540). For example, the expected quality distinguished in the quality determination #3 (823) can be determined by considering the driving speed of the drum (40) and the spin-drying time during the spin-drying operation (540).

[0189] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can perform operation update #3 (833) based on the foam determination #3 (823). For example, the washing machine (1) can update the detailed operation performed in the spin operation (540) according to the foam category determined in the foam determination #3 (823). For example, the washing machine (1) can determine the speed for driving the drum (40) in the spin operation (540) and the time for performing the spin operation (540) in correspondence with the foam category determined in the foam determination #3 (823).

[0190] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may perform a spin-drying operation (540) by a detailed operation determined in operation update #3 (833). For example, the washing machine (1) may perform characteristic value extraction #4 (814) while performing the spin-drying operation (540). In characteristic value extraction #4 (814), the washing machine (1) may obtain the weight of the spin-drying laundry introduced into the drum (e.g., drum (40) in FIG. 2) and the applied current and / or power required to drive the drum (40) containing the spin-drying laundry (e.g., drum drive data (911) in FIG. 9).

[0191] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can predict the moisture content of the laundry based on the weight of the laundry in a dry state, the weight of the laundry in a wet state, and the weight of the laundry in a dehydrated state in characteristic value extraction #4 (814).

[0192] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can perform a fabric quality determination #4 (824) based on the extraction of characteristic values ​​#4 (814). The expected fabric quality determined in the fabric quality determination #4 (824) can be distinguished by considering detailed operations included in the drying operation (550). For example, the washing machine (1) can determine the fabric quality based on the moisture content of the laundry. For example, the washing machine (1) can determine the fabric quality by considering the speed for driving the drum (40) during the drying operation (550) and the drying temperature (e.g., the temperature of the hot air to be supplied into the drum (40)).

[0193] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can perform operation update #4 (834) based on the fabric quality determination #4 (824). For example, the washing machine (1) can update the detailed operation performed in the drying operation (550) according to the fabric quality category determined in the fabric quality determination #4 (824). For example, the washing machine (1) can determine the speed for driving the drum (40) in the drying operation (550) and the drying temperature (e.g., the temperature of the hot air to be supplied into the drum (40)) in correspondence with the fabric quality category determined in the fabric quality determination #4 (824).

[0194] Referring to FIG. 9, the washing machine (1) can perform the operation of FIG. 8 based on characteristic value extraction information (910), material information (920), and operation update information (930). For example, the characteristic value extraction information (910), material information (920), and operation update information (930) can be stored in the form of a database (database, DB) in a memory (e.g., memory (413) of FIG. 4) included in a control unit (e.g., control unit (410) of FIG. 4).

[0195] According to one embodiment, the characteristic value extraction information (910) may include drum driving data (911), dry weight data (912), wet weight data (913), water level data (914), temperature data (915), and / or moisture content data (916).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the drum drive data (911) may be data indicating the current and / or power value applied to the drive motor (61) to drive the drum (40). For example, the washing machine (1) may calculate the weight of the laundry contained inside the drum (40) based on the drum drive data (911).

[0197] According to one embodiment, the dry weight data (912) may be data indicating the weight of the laundry in a dry state.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the wet cloth weight data (913) may be data indicating the weight of the laundry in the wet cloth state. For example, the wet cloth weight data (913) may be the weight of the laundry after the operation of draining water (or rinse water) is completed when the washing operation or rinsing operation is completed.

[0199] According to one embodiment, in addition to dry weight data (912) and wet weight data (913), the characteristic value extraction information (910) may further include dehydration weight data. For example, the dehydration weight data may be the weight of the laundry when the dehydration operation is finished.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can calculate the moisture content data (916) of the laundry based on dry weight data (912), wet weight data (913), and spin weight data. The moisture content data (916) may be data indicating the degree to which the laundry contains water.

[0201] According to one embodiment, the water level data (914) may be data indicating the water level of water (or rinse water) stored in the tub (30). For example, the water level data (914) may be obtained from a water level sensor (e.g., the water level sensor (441) of FIG. 4). For example, the water level data (914) may be obtained through water supplied to the tub (30) and water discharged from the tub (30) by a sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor) provided in a water supply device (e.g., the water supply device (70) of FIG. 2) and a drainage device (e.g., the drainage device (80) of FIG. 2).

[0202] According to one embodiment, the temperature data (915) may be data indicating the temperature of water or rinse water. For example, the temperature data (915) may be data indicating the temperature inside the drum (40) during the drying operation (550). The temperature data (915) may be obtained by a temperature sensor (e.g., the temperature sensor (447) of FIG. 4).

[0203] According to one embodiment, the fabric information (920) may indicate the fabric type of the laundry. For example, the fabric information (920) may include fabric type #1 (921), fabric type #2 (922), fabric type #3 (923), fabric type #4 (924), fabric type #5 (925), and fabric type #6 (926), but is not limited thereto, and may further include various types of fabric types.

[0204] According to one embodiment, fabric type #1 (921), fabric type #2 (922), fabric type #3 (923), fabric type #4 (924), fabric type #5 (925), and fabric type #6 (926) can each correspond to a cotton clothing type, a towel type, a denim clothing type, a fine clothing type, an outdoor clothing type, and an athletic clothing type.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the operation update information (930) may indicate detailed operation information to be updated in a subsequent operation. For example, the operation update information (930) may include input detergent data (931), water (e.g., wash water or rinse water) temperature data (932), drum rotation speed data (933), data on whether fabric softener is input (934), washing (rinse / spin / dry) time data (935), and drying temperature (936).

[0206] According to one embodiment, the input detergent data (931) may be data indicating the type of detergent (e.g., general detergent or neutral detergent) and the amount of detergent to be input into the tub (30) during the washing operation (520).

[0207] According to one embodiment, the water (e.g., washing water or rinsing water) temperature data (932) may be data indicating the water temperature of the water (or rinsing water) supplied in the washing operation (520) or rinsing operation (530).

[0208] According to one embodiment, the drum rotation speed data (933) may be data indicating the speed when the drum (40) is rotated.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the softener addition data (934) may be data for determining whether to add a softener during the rinsing operation (540).

[0210] According to one embodiment, the washing (rinsing / spin / drying) time data (935) may be data indicating the operating time of each operation included in the washing cycle (500).

[0211] According to one embodiment, the drying temperature data (936) may be data indicating the temperature inside the drum (40) or the temperature of the hot air supplied to the drum (40) during the drying operation (550).

[0212] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the operation of determining a fabric type (e.g., fabric information (920) of FIG. 9) while a washing machine (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) performs a washing cycle (e.g., washing cycle (500) of FIG. 5) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0213] The embodiment of FIG. 10 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 6 to 9.

[0214] Referring to FIG. 10, the washing machine (1) performs an initial fabric quality detection operation (e.g., the initial fabric quality detection operation (510) of FIG. 5) and can determine the fabric quality of the laundry contained in the drum (e.g., the drum (40) of FIG. 2). For example, the washing machine (1) can determine the fabric quality of the laundry based on the weight of the laundry in a dry state and the driving current of the drum (40).

[0215] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may determine the fabric category of the laundry separated by the first fabric category (1010) prior to performing a washing operation (520). For example, the first fabric category (1010) may be determined by an initial fabric detection operation (510). For example, the washing machine (1) may determine one of the first-1 fabric category (1011) composed of fabric type #1 (921), fabric type #2 (922), and fabric type #3 (923), and the first-2 fabric category (1012) composed of fabric type #4 (924), fabric type #5 (925), and fabric type #6 (926). For example, the first-1 foam category (1011) and the first-2 foam category (1012) can be distinguished by the type of detergent (e.g., general detergent or neutral detergent) to be introduced into the tub (e.g., tub (30) of FIG. 2).

[0216] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine the fabric category of the laundry by the second fabric category (1020) by performing a washing operation (520). For example, the washing machine (1) can determine one of the second-1 fabric category (1021) consisting of fabric type #1 (921), fabric type #2 (922), and fabric type #4 (924), and the second-2 fabric category (1012) consisting of fabric type #3 (923), fabric type #5 (925), and fabric type #6 (926). For example, the second-1 fabric category (1021) and the first-2 fabric category (1022) can be distinguished by whether or not a fabric softener is added to the tub (e.g., the tub (30) of FIG. 2).

[0217] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine the fabric category of the laundry by the third fabric category (1030) by performing a rinsing operation (530). For example, the washing machine (1) can determine any one of the following categories: a third-1 fabric category (1031) consisting of fabric type #1 (921), a third-2 fabric category (1032) consisting of fabric type #2 (922) and fabric type #3 (923), and a third-3 fabric category (1033) consisting of fabric type #4 (924), fabric type #5 (925), and fabric type #6 (926). For example, the third-1 fabric category (1031), the third-2 fabric category (1032), and the third-3 fabric category (1033) can be distinguished by the spin intensity (e.g., the driving speed of the drum (40)) during the spin operation (540).

[0218] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine the fabric category of the laundry by the fourth fabric category (1040) by performing a spin-drying operation (540). For example, the washing machine (1) can determine any one of the following categories: a fourth-1 fabric category (1041) composed of fabric type #1 (921), a fourth-2 fabric category (1041) composed of fabric type #2 (922), a fourth-2 fabric category (1042) composed of fabric type #3 (923), and a fourth-3 fabric category (1043) composed of fabric type #4 (924), fabric type #5 (925), and fabric type #6 (926). For example, the 4-1 foam category (1041), the 4-2 foam category (1042), and the 4-3 foam category (1043) can be distinguished by the drying intensity (e.g., the temperature inside the drum (40) and / or the driving speed of the drum (40)) during the drying operation (550).

[0219] According to one embodiment, each action-specific material category may be composed of different material types. For example, the first material category (1010), the second material category (1020), the third material category (1030), and the fourth material category (1040) may each be composed of different material types.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can perform efficient washing by classifying fabrics into different fabric categories according to each operation and adaptively classifying fabric categories in response to each operation. For example, the washing machine (1) can reduce fabric damage and improve washing performance by determining the fabric category by considering the detailed operation of each operation.

[0221] FIG. 11 is a graph for explaining a fabric category determined based on moisture content data (e.g., moisture content data (916) of FIG. 9) obtained as a washing machine (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) performs a washing cycle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0222] The embodiment of FIG. 11 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 4 to FIG. 10.

[0223] Referring to FIG. 11, the washing machine (1) can obtain moisture content data (916) indicating the moisture content of the laundry based on the weight of the laundry in a dry state and the weight of the laundry in a wet state, and can determine the fabric category of the laundry based on the moisture content data (916).

[0224] According to one embodiment, the horizontal axis of the illustrated graph represents the frequency of the tub (e.g., the tub (30) of FIG. 2) according to the target water level. For example, a lower frequency may indicate a higher water level of the water (e.g., washing water or rinsing water) stored in the tub (30).

[0225] According to one embodiment, the vertical axis of the illustrated graph represents the ratio of the weight of the laundry in a wet state to the weight of the laundry in a dry state based on the moisture content of the fabric. Accordingly, the washing machine (1) can determine the fabric type of the laundry contained inside the drum (e.g., the drum (40) of FIG. 2) based on the change in weight of the laundry in a dry state relative to the dry state for each fabric type, corresponding to the water level of the tub (30). For example, the moisture content of the fabric may be substantially the same as the difference between the wet weight and the dry weight.

[0226] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can be classified into a high level of moisture content, a low level of moisture content, and a medium level of moisture content based on the weight of the laundry in a dry state, the weight of the laundry in a wet state before initiating a rinsing operation (e.g., the rinsing operation (530) of FIG. 5), and the weight of the laundry in a wet state after initiating a spin-drying operation (e.g., the spin-drying operation (540) of FIG. 5).

[0227] According to one embodiment, it can be seen that the first material category (1110) is a material category with a high water content. For example, the first material category (1110) may include a towel.

[0228] According to one embodiment, it can be seen that the second and third pore categories (1130) are pore categories having an intermediate level of water content.

[0229] According to one embodiment, it can be seen that the second material category (1120) is a material having a light weight and, at the same time, is a material category with a relatively high water content compared to the third material category (1130). For example, the second material category (1120) may include athletic clothing.

[0230] According to one embodiment, the third material category (1130) is a material having a light weight and, at the same time, a material category having a relatively lower water content compared to the second material category (1120). For example, the third material category (1130) may include cotton clothing, fine clothing, and / or denim clothing.

[0231] According to one embodiment, it can be seen that the fourth material category (1140) is a material category with a low water content. For example, the fourth material category (1140) may include outdoor clothing.

[0232] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine a fabric category based on moisture content data (916) and update the detailed operation of a subsequent operation corresponding to the fabric category.

[0233] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can reduce damage to clothing and provide an efficient washing function by determining a different fabric category for each operation based on the weight of the dry state and the weight of the wet state while performing a washing cycle (500), and updating the detailed operation of the subsequent operation according to the determined fabric category.

[0234] FIGS. 12, 13, 14 and 15 illustrate, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) transmits a washing report to an external device (1200) (e.g., user terminal), and a user interface in which the transmitted washing report is displayed on a display (1201) included in the external device (1200).

[0235] FIGS. 12, 13, 14 and 15 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 11.

[0236] Referring to FIG. 12, the washing machine (1) can generate a washing report after the washing cycle (e.g., the washing cycle (500) of FIG. 5) is completed. The washing report may include, for example, information on the progress time for each operation or information on detailed operations for each operation while the washing machine (1) performs the washing cycle (500), or guidance information for efficient washing for the user based on the detected fabric type.

[0237] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can display a washing report on a display (e.g., the display (52) of FIG. 1). The washing machine (1) transmits the washing report to a user terminal (1200), and the user terminal (1200) can display the washing report on the display (1201) of the user terminal (1200).

[0238] Referring to FIG. 12, a user interface implemented as a laundry report may include a first object (1210) that directs laundry records by period and a second object (1220) that directs detailed information for each laundry record.

[0239] According to one embodiment, the first object (1210) may indicate that the laundry report is a laundry record performed in the "November # week of 2024".

[0240] According to one embodiment, the second object (1220) may indicate details of laundry records performed in the "week # of November 2024". For example, the second object (1220) may indicate that three washes were performed in the week ## of November 2024.

[0241] According to one embodiment, the second object (1220) may include a second-1 object (1221) indicating information about "washing 1 performed on ## November 2024 at 11:00," a second-2 object (1222) indicating information about "washing 2 performed on □□ November 2024 at 14:00," and a second-3 object (1223) indicating information about "washing 3 performed on ○○ November 2024 at 13:30."

[0242] According to one embodiment, when an external device (1200) receives input for each object (1221, 1222, 1223) included in a second object (1220) displayed on a display (1201), a user interface indicating detailed information for each laundry record may be displayed. For example, FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a user interface displaying detailed information for "Laundry 1". For example, FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a user interface displaying detailed information for "Laundry 2". For example, FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a user interface displaying detailed information for "Laundry 3".

[0243] Referring to FIG. 13, detailed information about washing 1 can be displayed on the display (1201) as a user interface in response to receiving input from the second-1 object (1221).

[0244] According to one embodiment, the user interface may include a first object (1310) containing information about the execution time of Wash 1, a second object (1320) containing information about the progress course of Wash 1, a third object (1330) containing information about the washing history of Wash 1, and a fourth object (1340) containing information about a washing guide.

[0245] According to one embodiment, the first object (1310) may include information about the washing time of washing 1.

[0246] According to one embodiment, the second object (1320) may include information about the washing course of washing 1. The washing course may be determined, for example, by user input before the washing cycle is performed, or by a fabric category optimally determined based on fabric detection. The washing machine (1) may perform a washing cycle (e.g., the washing cycle (500) of FIG. 5) based on the washing course.

[0247] According to one embodiment, the third object (1330) may include information regarding the washing history. The washing history may include information regarding the time of operation and detailed operation performed for each operation during the washing cycle (500), for example. For example, the third object (1330) may include information regarding the addition of 3 ml of general detergent when performing the washing operation in Wash 1. For example, the third object (1330) may include information regarding the addition of fabric softener when performing the rinsing operation in Wash 1. For example, the third object (1330) may include information regarding the performance of the spin-drying operation in Wash 2 at a "medium" intensity level. For example, the third object (1330) may include information regarding the performance of the drying operation in Wash 1 at a "low" intensity level.

[0248] According to one embodiment, the fourth object (1340) may include information regarding a washing guide. The washing guide may include, for example, information regarding the progress time for each operation or information regarding detailed operations for each operation, or information for providing an efficient washing function to the user based on the detected fabric type while the washing machine (1) performs a washing cycle (500).

[0249] According to one embodiment, the fourth object (1340) may include information recommending that a neutral detergent be used for washing yoga / outdoor items (e.g., the washing history of the third object (1330)), but that a neutral detergent be used for future washing.

[0250] Referring to FIG. 14, detailed information about washing 2 can be displayed on the display (1201) as a user interface in response to receiving input from the second-2 object (1222).

[0251] According to one embodiment, the user interface may include a first object (1410) containing information about the execution time of Wash 2, a second object (1420) containing information about the progress course of Wash 2, a third object (1430) containing information about the washing history of Wash 2, and a fourth object (1440) containing information about a washing guide.

[0252] According to one embodiment, the first object (1410) may include information about the washing time of washing 2.

[0253] According to one embodiment, the second object (1420) may include information about the washing course of washing 2. The washing course may be determined, for example, by user input before the washing cycle is performed, or by a fabric category optimally determined based on fabric detection. The washing machine (1) may perform a washing cycle (e.g., the washing cycle (500) of FIG. 5) based on the washing course.

[0254] According to one embodiment, the third object (1430) may include information regarding the washing history. The washing history may include information regarding the time of operation and detailed operation performed for each operation during the washing cycle (500), for example. For example, the third object (1430) may include information regarding the addition of a standard amount of detergent when performing the washing operation in Wash 2. For example, the third object (1430) may include information regarding the addition of fabric softener when performing the rinsing operation in Wash 2. For example, the third object (1430) may include information regarding the performance of the spin-drying operation in Wash 2 at a "medium" intensity level. For example, the third object (1430) may include information regarding the performance of the drying operation in Wash 2 at a "strong" intensity level.

[0255] According to one embodiment, the third object (1430) may include information indicating that a softener has been added by user settings during a rinsing operation.

[0256] According to one embodiment, the fourth object (1440) may include information regarding a washing guide. The washing guide may include, for example, information regarding the progress time for each operation or information regarding detailed operations for each operation, or information for providing an efficient washing function to the user based on the detected fabric type while the washing machine (1) performs a washing cycle (500).

[0257] According to one embodiment, the fourth object (1440) may include information recommending that a fabric softener be added by user settings during washing (e.g., the washing history of the third object (1430)), but that a washing be performed without using a fabric softener during subsequent washing.

[0258] Referring to FIG. 15, detailed information about washing 3 can be displayed on the display (1201) as a user interface in response to receiving input from the second-third object (1223).

[0259] According to one embodiment, the user interface may include a first object (1510) containing information about the execution time of Wash 3, a second object (1520) containing information about the progress course of Wash 3, a third object (1530) containing information about the washing history of Wash 3, and a fourth object (1540) containing information about a washing guide.

[0260] According to one embodiment, the first object (1510) may include information about the washing time of washing 3.

[0261] According to one embodiment, the second object (1520) may include information about the washing course of washing 3. The washing course may be determined, for example, by user input before the washing cycle is performed, or by a fabric category optimally determined based on fabric detection. The washing machine (1) may perform a washing cycle (e.g., the washing cycle (500) of FIG. 5) based on the washing course.

[0262] According to one embodiment, the third object (1530) may include information regarding the washing history. The washing history may include information regarding the time of operation and detailed operation performed for each operation during the washing cycle (500), for example. For example, the third object (1530) may include information regarding the addition of detergent stored in the manual detergent dispenser (e.g., the second detergent dispenser (140) of FIG. 1) when performing the washing operation in Wash 3. For example, the third object (1530) may include information regarding the addition of fabric softener when performing the rinsing operation in Wash 3. For example, the third object (1530) may include information regarding the performance of the spin operation at the "low" intensity level when performing the spin operation in Wash 3.

[0263] According to one embodiment, the third object (1530) may include information indicating that a softener was not added based on the fabric category determined during the rinsing operation.

[0264] According to one embodiment, the fourth object (1540) may include information regarding a washing guide. The washing guide may include, for example, information regarding the progress time for each operation or information regarding detailed operations for each operation, or information for providing an efficient washing function to the user based on the detected fabric type while the washing machine (1) performs a washing cycle (500).

[0265] According to one embodiment, the fourth object (1540) may include information recommending that a detergent stored in a manual detergent container be used according to user settings during washing (e.g., the washing history of the third object (1530)), but that a neutral detergent be used for washing delicate clothes in the future.

[0266] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a technology for determining a category of fabric during a washing cycle and performing each operation included in the washing cycle based on the determined category.

[0267] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure determines a different fabric category for each operation, and accordingly can perform optimal washing for each operation.

[0268] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce damage to laundry caused by washing.

[0269] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description of the present disclosure.

[0270] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) may include a main body (10), a tub (30) disposed inside the main body (10) and configured to store water, a drum (40) rotatably disposed inside the tub (30) and accommodating laundry, a driving motor (61) configured to rotate the drum (40), a water supply device (70) configured to supply water to the tub (30), and a control unit (410) configured to acquire information for detecting the quality of the laundry and to determine the quality of the laundry based on the acquired information while performing a washing cycle (500). The control unit (410) may be configured to acquire first quality information for the laundry in response to the initiation of the washing cycle (500), acquire second quality information for the laundry in response to the termination of the washing operation included in the washing cycle (500) and the occurrence of a specific event, determine a quality category of the laundry required to perform a subsequent operation included in the washing cycle (500) based on the first quality information and the second quality information, and perform the subsequent operation based on the determined quality category. The first quality information may include the weight of the laundry in a dry state contained inside the drum (40) and driving data of the drum, and the second quality information may include at least one of the weight of the laundry in a dry and wet state after the occurrence of the specific event, driving data of the drum, water level data of the water stored in the tub, or dryness data of the laundry. The above-mentioned material category can be determined by selectively considering the above-mentioned first material information or the above-mentioned second material information.

[0271] In a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fabric category may be determined differently in correspondence with each operation included in the washing cycle.

[0272] In a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the washing cycle (500) further includes a rinsing operation (530) and a spin-drying operation (540), and the specific event may include a first event that occurs when the washing operation (520) is terminated, a second event that occurs when the rinsing operation (530) is terminated, and a third event that occurs when the spin-drying operation (540) is terminated.

[0273] In a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (410) may be configured to determine the temperature of the water supplied to the tub (30) and the rotation speed of the drum (40) based on the first foam information when a washing operation (520) included in the washing event (500) is initiated.

[0274] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a detergent supply device (13). The control unit (410) may be configured to determine whether to supply a fabric softener to the tub (30) when the rinsing operation (530) is initiated based on the fabric category in response to the occurrence of the first event.

[0275] In a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (410) may be configured to determine the driving speed of the drum (40) when the spin-drying operation (540) is initiated based on the fabric category in response to the occurrence of the second event.

[0276] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a heat pump (100) for supplying high-temperature dry air into the drum (40). The washing cycle (500) may further include a drying operation (550). The control unit (410) may be configured to determine a target temperature inside the drum (40) when the drying operation (550) is initiated based on the fabric category in response to the occurrence of the third event.

[0277] In a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (410) may be configured to determine the rotational speed of the drum (40) when the drying operation (550) is initiated based on the fabric category in response to the occurrence of the third event.

[0278] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a display (52). The control unit (410) may be configured to generate a washing report for the results of each operation (510, 520, 530, 540, 550) included in the washing cycle (500) based on the fabric category in response to the end of the washing cycle (500), and to display the washing report on the display (52).

[0279] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a communication unit (420) that provides a communication function with an external device (1200). The control unit (410) may be configured to transmit the washing report to the external device (1200).

[0280] A control method for a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an operation of obtaining first quality information for laundry contained within a drum (40) in response to the initiation of a washing cycle (500); an operation of obtaining second quality information for said laundry in response to the termination of a washing operation included in said washing cycle (500) and the occurrence of a specific event; an operation of determining a quality category of said laundry required to perform a subsequent operation included in said washing cycle (500) based on said first quality information and said second quality information; and an operation of performing said subsequent operation based on said determined quality category. The first quality information may include the weight of the laundry contained within the drum (40) in a dry state and driving data of said drum, and the second quality information may include at least one of the weight of the laundry in a dry and wet state after said specific event occurs, driving data of said drum, water level data of said water stored in a tub, or dryness data of said laundry. The above-mentioned material category can be determined by selectively considering the above-mentioned first material information or the above-mentioned second material information.

[0281] In a control method of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fabric category may be determined differently in correspondence with each operation included in the washing cycle.

[0282] In a control method for a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the washing cycle (500) may further include a rinsing operation (530) and a spin-drying operation (540). The specific event may include a first event that occurs when the washing operation (520) is terminated, a second event that occurs when the rinsing operation (530) is terminated, and a third event that occurs when the spin-drying operation (540) is terminated.

[0283] A control method for a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include, when a washing operation (520) included in the washing event (500) is initiated, an operation to determine the temperature of water supplied to the tub (30) and the rotation speed of the drum (40) based on the first foam information.

[0284] A control method for a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation to control a detergent supply device (13) to determine whether to supply a fabric softener to a tub (30) when the rinsing operation (530) is initiated based on the fabric category in response to the occurrence of the first event.

[0285] A control method for a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation to determine the driving speed of a drum (40) when the spin-drying operation (540) is initiated based on the fabric category in response to the occurrence of the second event.

[0286] In a control method for a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the washing cycle (500) may further include a drying operation (550). The control method may include an operation to control a heat pump (100) to determine a target temperature inside a drum (40) when the drying operation (550) is initiated based on the fabric category in response to the occurrence of the third event.

[0287] A control method for a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation to determine the rotational speed of the drum (40) when the drying operation (550) is initiated based on the fabric category in response to the occurrence of the third event.

[0288] A control method for a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include, in response to the termination of the washing cycle (500), an operation of generating a washing report for the results of performing each operation (510, 520, 530, 540, 550) included in the washing cycle (500) based on the fabric category, and an operation of displaying the washing report on a display (52).

[0289] A control method for a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include the operation of transmitting the washing report to the external device (1200).

Claims

1. Regarding washing machines, entity; A tub disposed inside the main body and configured to store water; A drum rotatably disposed inside the above tub and configured to receive laundry; A drive motor configured to rotate the above drum; A water supply device configured to supply water to the above tub; and It includes a control unit configured to perform initial fabric material detection to obtain information regarding the fabric material of the laundry while performing a washing cycle, and to determine the fabric material of the laundry based on the obtained information. The above control unit is, Based on the initiation of the washing cycle, first quality information for the laundry is obtained, wherein the first quality information includes the dry weight of the laundry contained inside the drum and the driving data of the drum; based on the termination of the washing operation included in the washing cycle and the occurrence of a specific event, second quality information for the laundry is obtained, wherein the second quality information includes at least one of the dry and wet weight of the laundry after the occurrence of the specific event, the driving data of the drum, the water level data of the water stored in the tub, or the dryness data of the laundry. Determining the fabric category of the laundry for performing a subsequent operation following a washing operation included in the washing cycle based on at least one of the first fabric information or the second fabric information, and A washing machine configured to perform an operation following the washing operation based on the determined fabric category, wherein the fabric category is determined by selectively considering the first fabric information or the second fabric information.

2. In Paragraph 1, A washing machine in which the above-mentioned fabric category is determined differently in correspondence with each operation included in the above-mentioned washing cycle.

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, The above washing cycle further includes a rinsing operation and a spin-drying operation, and A washing machine, wherein the specific event described above includes a first event occurring as the washing operation ends, a second event occurring as the rinsing operation ends, and a third event occurring as the spin-drying operation ends.

4. In paragraph 3, the control unit is, A washing machine configured to determine the temperature of water supplied to the tub and the rotation speed of the drum based on the first foam information, based on the initiation of a washing operation included in the above washing event.

5. In paragraph 3 or 4, further comprising a detergent supply device, The above control unit is, A washing machine configured to determine whether to add a fabric softener to the tub based on the initiation of the rinsing operation based on the fabric category as the first event occurs.

6. In any one of paragraphs 3 to 5, the control unit, A washing machine configured to determine the driving speed of the drum based on the initiation of the spin-drying operation based on the above-mentioned second event, based on the above-mentioned material category.

7. In any one of paragraphs 3 through 6, It further includes a heat pump for supplying high-temperature dry air into the drum above, and The above washing cycle further includes a drying operation, and The above control unit is, A washing machine configured to determine a target temperature inside the drum based on the initiation of the drying operation based on the above-mentioned material category as the above-mentioned third event occurs.

8. In any one of paragraphs 3 to 7, the control unit, A washing machine configured to determine the rotational speed of the drum based on the initiation of the drying operation based on the above-mentioned fabric category as the above-mentioned third event occurs.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, Includes more displays, The control unit generates a washing report for the results of each operation included in the washing cycle based on the fabric category, based on the termination of the washing cycle. A washing machine configured to display the above washing report on a display.

10. In Paragraph 9, It further includes a communication unit that provides communication functions with an external device, and The above control unit is configured to transmit the washing report to the external device.

11. In a method for controlling a washing machine, Based on the initiation of a washing cycle, an operation to obtain first quality information for laundry contained within a drum, wherein the first quality information includes the dry weight of the laundry contained within the drum and driving data of the drum; An operation to acquire second fabrication information for the laundry based on the occurrence of a specific event and the conclusion of a washing operation including the above washing cycle, wherein the second fabrication information comprises at least one of the weight of the laundry in a dry and wet state after the occurrence of the specific event, driving data of the drum, water level data of the water stored in the tub, or dryness data of the laundry. An operation to determine the fabric category of the laundry required to perform an operation following a washing operation included in the washing cycle, based on the first fabric information and the second fabric information; and It includes an operation to perform the above operation following the above washing operation based on the above-determined fabric category, and A method in which the above-mentioned polymer category is determined by selectively considering the above-mentioned first polymer information or the above-mentioned second polymer information.

12. In Paragraph 11, A method in which the above-mentioned fabric category is determined differently in correspondence with each operation included in the above-mentioned washing cycle.

13. In Paragraph 11 or 12, The above washing cycle further includes a rinsing operation and a spin-drying operation, and A method comprising the above specific event, which includes a first event occurring as the washing operation ends, a second event occurring as the rinsing operation ends, and a third event occurring as the dehydration operation ends.

14. In Paragraph 13, A method comprising determining the temperature of water supplied to the tub and the rotation speed of the drum based on the first foam information, based on the initiation of a washing operation included in the above washing event.

15. In Paragraph 13 or 14, A method comprising controlling a detergent supply device to determine whether to supply a fabric softener to a tub based on the initiation of the rinsing operation based on the fabric category as the first event occurs.

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