Washing machine and control method therefor

Abstract

This washing machine comprises: a detergent supply device; a tub; and a water supply device including a plurality of water supply pipes connected to the detergent supply device and the tub, and a water supply valve for controlling opening and closing of the plurality of water supply pipes. The washing machine further includes: a flow sensor which is disposed on one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes, and which measures the flow rate of water in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes; and a processor for controlling the water supply device. The processor can obtain the flow rate of the water in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes from the flow sensor, calculate a flow velocity of the water on the basis of the obtained flow rate, and estimate the total flow rate of the water on the basis of the calculated flow velocity.

Description

Washing machine and control method thereof

[0001] The various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a washing machine and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] A washing machine may include a tub for fresh water (wash water or rinse water), a drum rotatably disposed inside the tub and receiving laundry, and a motor that generates a driving force to rotate the drum.

[0003] A washing machine can perform washing by repeating the motion of laundry inside the drum rising along the inner wall and falling due to the rotation of the drum (e.g., gravity effect). Alternatively, a washing machine can perform washing by friction between the water flow formed by the rotation of the drum and the laundry inside the drum.

[0004] A washing machine can perform washing through a series of operations, such as a washing cycle that separates dirt from the laundry using water in which detergent is dissolved (e.g., washing water), a rinsing cycle that rinses away foam or residual detergent from the laundry using water that does not contain detergent (e.g., rinsing water), and a spin cycle that spins the laundry by rotating the drum at high speed.

[0005] To perform the various washing operations of the washing machine, water supply into the washing machine is required. The washing machine may include a water supply pipe connected to an external water source and a water supply valve installed in the pipe to regulate the amount of water supplied. Generally, the washing machine can estimate its water usage based on the operating time of the water supply valve. However, the water usage estimated based on the operating time of the water supply valve is a value that does not take into account factors such as the water pressure of the supplied water, and therefore may be less accurate when compared to the actual measured water usage.

[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 may include a detergent supply device, a tub, and a water supply device for supplying water to the detergent supply device and the tub, and may include a plurality of water supply pipes connected to the detergent supply device and the tub, and a water supply valve for controlling the opening and closing of the plurality of water supply pipes. The washing machine may further include a flow sensor disposed in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes, configured to measure the flow rate of water in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes in which the flow sensor is disposed, and a processor for controlling the water supply device. The processor may be configured to obtain the flow rate of water in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes in which the flow sensor is disposed, calculate the water velocity in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes based on the obtained flow rate, and estimate the flow rate of water in all of the plurality of water supply pipes based on the calculated velocity.

[0008] A control method for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a detergent supply device, a tub, a plurality of water supply pipes connected to the detergent supply device and the tub, a water supply device including a water supply valve for controlling the opening and closing of the plurality of water supply pipes, and a flow sensor disposed in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes, may include: an operation of detecting a flow rate of the water supply pipe in which the flow sensor is disposed from the flow sensor in response to the initiation of a washing cycle; an operation of obtaining a total opening time of the plurality of water supply pipes during the washing cycle; and an operation of estimating the water usage of the washing machine based on the detected flow rate of the water supply pipe and the obtained total opening time of the water supply pipes.

[0009] However, the problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a water supply channel connecting a water supply device, a detergent supply device, and a tub, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a flow sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a control flowchart regarding the estimation of water usage of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a control flowchart regarding the calculation of the flow rate of a water supply path in which a flow sensor is installed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the detection value of a flow sensor according to the operating time of a water supply valve according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a control flowchart relating to a method for estimating water usage of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a control flowchart relating to a method for compensating for water usage of a washing machine by reflecting the characteristics of a water supply path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a control flowchart relating to a method for compensating the washing time of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] In the following description, the attached drawings are referenced, and specific examples of implementation are illustrated within the drawings. Additionally, other examples may be used and structural modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

[0022] The terms used in this document are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the technical features of this document. For example, a component expressed in the singular form should be understood as a concept including singular or plural components unless the context clearly indicates only the singular form.

[0023] In this document, each of the following phrases may include any one of the items listed with the corresponding phrase, or any combination thereof: "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." The term "and / or" as used in this document should be understood to encompass any possible combination of one or more of the multiple items listed with the corresponding term. Terms such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" as used in this document may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0024] Where it is stated that any (e.g., 1st) component is “coupled,” “connected,” “linked,” “coupled,” “supported,” “connected,” or “contacted” with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it includes not only cases where the component is directly coupled, connected, linked, coupled, supported, or contacted with the other component, but also cases where it is indirectly coupled, connected, linked, coupled, supported, or contacted through a third component.

[0025] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this Document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. When a component is said to be located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0026] As used in this document, the expression "configured to..." may be appropriately substituted depending on the context, for example, with "suitable for...", "capable of...", "designed to...", "modified to...", "made to...", or "capable of...". The term "configured to..." does not necessarily mean only that it is "specially designed" in hardware. Instead, in some situations, the expression "device configured to..." may mean that the device is "capable of..." in conjunction with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C" may refer to a device dedicated to performing the said operation, or it may refer to a general-purpose device capable of performing various operations, including the said operation.

[0027] Terms such as "upper side," "lower side," and "front-rear direction" used in this document are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0028] The description in this document is centered on specific embodiments, but this document is not limited to such specific embodiments and should be understood to encompass all various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions of the various embodiments described in this document. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a 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 (11) formed on one side (e.g., the front). 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 injection molding from a resin material.

[0032] According to one embodiment, a door (20) for opening and closing the opening (11) may be provided in a portion corresponding to the opening (11) 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. The user can 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.

[0033] According to one embodiment, 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, for example, so as to allow viewing of the interior of the main body (10), but the present document is not limited thereto.

[0034] 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 washing water. A drain (32) for draining washing water may be provided at the bottom of the tub (30). The drain (32) may be connected to, for example, a drainage device (80).

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 on 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, and / or spin-drying while rotating inside the tub (30).

[0037] 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, for example, laundry water contained in the tub (30) to flow into the interior of the drum (40) or laundry water inside the drum (40) to be discharged to the outside. For example, the lifter (41) or the through holes (42) may be omitted.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a control panel (50) that supports interaction between the user and the washing machine (1). In one example, the control panel (50) may be positioned on the front top of the main body (10) as shown in FIG. 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In one example, the control panel (50) may include an input section (51) and a display section (52).

[0039] 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. The user may input power on / off and 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 a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a 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. In one example, the input unit (51) may include an infrared sensor. The user may input setting information remotely via a remote control, and the input setting information may be received by the input unit (51) as an infrared signal. In one example, the input unit (51) may include a microphone. Setting information based on the user's voice may be obtained through the microphone.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the display unit (52) may display various washing setting information and / or operating status information of the washing machine (1) entered by the user. The display unit (52) may include various types of display panels, such as LCD, LED, OLED, QLED, Micro LED, etc. For example, the display unit (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. In one example, the display unit (52) may include any type of audio display means, including a speaker, and may display each of the aforementioned information as an auditory signal through such audio display means. In one example, the display unit (52) may operate to provide the user with auditory information to guide user input and / or information related to the currently ongoing process.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a drive device (60) for rotating the drum (40). The drive device (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.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a water supply device (70) for supplying washing water to a drum (40) and / or a 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 washing 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). Here, the interior of the detergent supply device (13) may be partitioned into a plurality of spaces, and each space may be provided to receive detergent or rinse agent, etc. Washing 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 other water supply pipes (71) can be directly connected to the tub (30). For example, the washing water supplied through the water supply pipe (71) directly connected to the tub (30) can be supplied directly to the tub (30) without passing through an intermediate configuration such as a detergent supply device (13).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a drainage device (80) for draining washing 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 washing water discharged from the tub (30) to the outside of the washing machine (1).

[0044] 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, the washing water contained in the tub (30) may flow through the drain (32) to a drainage device (80).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the first drain pipe (82) and the second drain pipe (83) may form a flow path that guides the washing 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 to the drain (32) at one end and connected to the pump room (84) at the other end. The washing water may move into the pump room (84) along the first drain pipe (82). The second drain pipe (83) may, for example, be connected to the pump room (84) at one end and connected to the outside of the washing machine (1) at the other end. Thus, the washing water passing through the pump room (84) may be discharged to the outside of the washing machine (1) along the second drain pipe (83).

[0046] According to one embodiment, a pump room (84) is provided at the bottom of the tub (30) to store laundry water drained from the tub (30). Inside the pump room (84), for example, a drainage pump (85) for discharging the stored laundry water to the outside may be provided. The laundry water pumped by the drainage pump (85) may be guided to the outside of the main body (10) through a second drain pipe (83).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include one or more flow sensors (100) for measuring the amount of water supplied into the washing machine (1). The flow sensors (100) may be installed in one or more water supply pipes (71).

[0048] In the washing machine (1) described below in the present disclosure, when the water supply path of the washing machine (1) is composed of multiple paths (e.g., when multiple water supply pipes (71) are provided), the flow rate and / or flow rate flowing along the water supply pipe (71) is detected through a flow sensor (100) installed in one of the water supply pipes (71), and the total flow rate supplied into the washing machine (1) can be estimated based on the detected flow rate and / or flow rate.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a water supply channel connecting a water supply device, a detergent supply device, and a tub, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] The present drawing describes an embodiment in which the water supply to the detergent supply device (13) and / or tub (30) is controlled through a single water supply valve (72), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, unlike the present drawing, the water supply to the detergent supply device (13) and / or tub (30) may be controlled through a water supply valve (72) provided in each of the water supply pipes (71).

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, according to one embodiment, a washing machine (e.g., washing machine (1) of FIG. 1) may include a detergent supply device (13), a tub (30), a water supply device (70), and a flow sensor (100).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the water supply device (70) may be provided to supply water for washing from outside the washing machine (1) to the detergent supply device (13) or tub (30).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the water supply device (70) may include one or more water supply pipes (71) and one or more water supply valves (72).

[0054] According to one embodiment, one or more water supply pipes (71) may include a first water supply pipe (711) and a second water supply pipe (712). The first water supply pipe (711) may be a pipe connecting the water supply valve (72) and the detergent supply device (13). The first water supply pipe (711) may form a water supply path for supplying water (e.g., washing water) in which detergent is dissolved to the tub (30) during a washing cycle. The first water supply pipe (711) may be named the main water supply path. The second water supply pipe (712) may be a pipe connecting the water supply valve (72) and the tub (30). The second water supply pipe (712) may form a water supply path for supplying water (e.g., rinse water) to the tub (30) during cycles other than the washing cycle (e.g., fabric detection cycle, rinsing cycle, spin cycle, etc.). The second water supply pipe (712) can be named a direct water flow path.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the water supply valve (72) may be configured to regulate the amount (or flow rate) of water supplied to the detergent supply device (13) and / or the tub (30). For example, the water supply valve (72) may be implemented as a solenoid valve. For the sake of understanding of the present disclosure, the water supply valve (72) is described based on a 3-way solenoid valve as shown in the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the water supply valve (72) may include an inlet (721), a first outlet (722), and a second outlet (723). Additionally, the water supply valve (72) may include a solenoid part (not shown) for independently controlling the opening and closing of each of the outlets (721, 722, 723), although not specified in the drawing.

[0057] According to one embodiment, a flow sensor (100) may be configured to measure the flow rate of water flowing along a water supply pipe (71). The flow sensor (100) may be placed (or installed) in one or more water supply pipes (71). For example, the flow sensor (100) may be placed in a second water supply pipe (712) as shown in the drawing. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and unlike the drawing, the flow sensor (100) may be placed in each of the first water supply pipe (711) and the second water supply pipe (712) to improve sensing accuracy. The flow sensor (100) may be placed downstream of a water supply valve (72). Here, based on the water supply valve (72), the inlet (721) side of the water supply valve (72) can be understood as the front end of the water supply valve (72), and the outlet (722, 723) side of the water supply valve (72) can be understood as the rear end of the water supply valve (72). The detailed structure of the flow sensor (100) will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0058] In the present disclosure, as shown in the drawing, a flow sensor (100) is installed in some of the water supply paths (e.g., second water supply pipe (712)) among several water supply paths (e.g., water supply pipes (711, 712)). The flow rate of some of the water supply paths can be measured through the flow sensor (100), and the flow rate of the entire water supply path (or the water usage of the washing machine) can be estimated based on the measured flow rate.

[0059] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a flow sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] In this document, the flow sensor (100) is described based on an impeller-type flow sensor as illustrated in the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the flow sensor (100) may be implemented as a Coriolis mass flow sensor, an electromagnetic flow sensor, a vortex flow sensor, a turbine flow sensor, a differential pressure flow sensor, or an ultrasonic flow sensor.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 4, a flow sensor (100) according to one embodiment may include a sensor housing (110), a sensor cover (120), an impeller (130), and a shaft (133).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the sensor housing (110) can form the overall appearance of the flow sensor (100). The sensor housing (110) can serve as a passage for water to pass through for washing.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the sensor housing (110) may include a sensor body (111), an inlet (112), and an outlet (113).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the sensor body (111) has an open upper side and can form a space (111a) for accommodating an impeller (130) or a shaft (133).

[0065] According to one embodiment, an inlet (112) may be provided on one side of the sensor body (111). The inlet (112) is connected to the internal space (111a) of the sensor body (111) and may form a flow path through which water for washing flows. The inlet (112) is connected to the front end of a water supply pipe (e.g., the second water supply pipe (712) of FIG. 3) and may guide water introduced into the water supply pipe (712) into the body (111).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the discharge section (113) may be provided on the other side of the sensor body (112) opposite to the one side. The discharge section (113) is connected to the internal space (111a) of the sensor body (111) and may form a flow path through which water for washing flows. The discharge section (113) is connected to the rear end of the water supply pipe (712) and may guide water introduced into the sensor body (111) to the rear end of the water supply pipe (712).

[0067] Here, the front and rear ends of the water supply pipe (712) can be defined based on the direction in which water flows. For example, water flows from the front end of the water supply pipe (712) to the rear end, and the front end of the water supply pipe (712) can be understood as the upstream part, and the rear end of the water supply pipe (712) can be understood as the downstream part.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the sensor cover (120) may be coupled to the upper side of the sensor housing (110). For example, the sensor cover (120) may be coupled to the sensor body (111) and may cover and / or seal the internal space (111a) of the open sensor body (111). The sensor cover (120) may include a Hall sensor (not shown) for detecting a change in the magnetic field generated by the rotation of the impeller (130) and the magnet (not shown) of the impeller (130) described later.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the impeller (130) may be configured to be rotatable by the flow (or power) of water introduced into the flow sensor (100). The impeller (130) may include an impeller body (131), a blade section (132), and a shaft (133). The impeller body (131) may be configured to be axially coupled with the shaft (133). For example, the impeller body (131) may have a cylindrical shape. The blade section (132) may include one or more blades (or wings) that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the impeller body (131) and extend in the radial direction of the impeller body (131). The shaft (133) is fixed to the sensor body (111) and may support the rotation of the impeller body (131) and / or the blade section (132). The impeller (130) may include a magnet (not shown) provided on the impeller body (131) and / or the blade portion (132). The magnet (not shown) rotates by the rotation of the impeller (130) and may cause a change in the magnetic field.

[0070] To explain the flow measurement method of the flow sensor (100), when fluid (e.g., water for washing) flows into the flow sensor (100), the impeller (130) rotates due to the flow of the incoming fluid. When the impeller (130) rotates, a magnet (not shown) provided on the impeller (130) passes near a Hall sensor (not shown) on the sensor cover (120), and the Hall sensor detects a change in the magnetic field. The Hall sensor generates a digital signal (e.g., a pulse value) based on the change in the position of the magnet, and the flow sensor (100) can measure the flow rate based on the digital signal.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] The configurations shown in FIG. 5 can be understood as schematically illustrating the configuration of the washing machine (1) in terms of function and control.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may include an input unit (51), a sensor unit (100, 200, 300), a communication unit (53), a control unit (90), a water supply valve (72), and a display unit (52).

[0074] 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 controller (90). In one example, various user inputs obtained through the input unit (51) may be transmitted externally through a transceiver (53), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (100, 200, 300) may be configured to detect the operating state and / or internal environment of the washing machine (1). For example, the sensor unit (100, 200, 300) may include a flow sensor (100), a weight sensing sensor (200), and / or a fabric quality sensing sensor (300), but this is exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0076] According to one embodiment, a flow sensor (100) may be provided to measure the flow rate of water flowing along a water supply pipe (e.g., the second water supply pipe (712) of FIG. 3) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed. The flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) measured by the flow sensor (100) may be transmitted to a control unit (90).

[0077] According to one embodiment, a weight sensing sensor (200) may be provided to detect the weight (or amount) of laundry contained in a drum (e.g., drum (40) of FIG. 2). For example, the weight sensing sensor (200) may include a current sensor for measuring a load (e.g., current) generated when the drum (40) rotates. For example, the weight sensing sensor (200) may include a load cell for converting a load (or pressure) applied to the drum (40) into an electrical signal. For example, the weight sensing sensor (200) may include a water level sensor for detecting the water level of a tub (e.g., tub (30) of FIG. 2) and / or drum (40).

[0078] According to one embodiment, a foam quality detection sensor (300) may be provided to detect the foam quality of the washing water contained in the tub (30). Here, the foam quality of the washing water may refer to the amount, density, persistence, etc. of foam generated by mixing detergent and water. For example, the foam quality detection sensor (300) may include a water level sensor for detecting the water level of the tub (30) and / or the drum (40). For example, the foam quality detection sensor (300) may include a current sensor for measuring the rotational resistance (e.g., current) of the drum (40). For example, the foam quality detection sensor (300) may include an optical sensor (e.g., infrared sensor) for measuring the reflectivity of the foam.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (53) 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 (53) may include one or more modules that connect the washing machine (1) to one or more networks. In one example, the communication unit (53) 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.

[0080] 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, and 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.

[0081] 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 (120) may transmit and receive data according to at least one wired / wireless internet technology among the internet technologies not listed above.

[0082] 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, and 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (53) 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 (53) 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 (53) can transmit the received various signals to the control unit (90) described later. In one example, the communication unit (53) 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.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit (90) may be configured to control the overall operation of the washing machine (1). The control unit (90) may include a memory (93) that stores or remembers a program and / or data for controlling each component of the washing machine (1), and a processor (91) 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 (93) and information obtained from each of the other components.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the memory (93) can store various data that can be used to control the operation of each component of the washing machine (1). The memory (93) 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 (93) can be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. At least some of the applications stored in the memory (93) may be stored in the memory (93) from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the washing machine (1).

[0087] According to one embodiment, data regarding the water usage of the washing machine (1) may be stored in the memory (93). For example, the memory (93) may contain the flow rate (V) in the water supply pipe (e.g., second water supply pipe (712)) where the flow sensor (100) is installed, calculated by the processor (91). flow ) can be stored. For example, data regarding the unit constant of the flow sensor (100) can be stored in the memory (93). For example, data regarding the characteristic constant of each of the multiple water supply pipes (71) can be stored in the memory (93). For example, data regarding the washing time according to the amount of laundry can be stored in the memory (93).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the processor (91) can receive various input / setting information (e.g., 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 input unit (51) and / or the communication unit (53).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the processor (91) can obtain detection information from the sensor unit (100, 200, 300). For example, the processor (91) can obtain information regarding the flow rate of the water supply pipe (e.g., second water supply pipe (712)) where the flow rate sensor (100) is installed from the flow rate sensor (100). For example, the processor (91) can obtain information regarding the weight of the laundry contained inside the washing machine (1) from the weight detection sensor (200). For example, the processor (91) can obtain information regarding the quality of the washing water from the quality detection sensor (300).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the processor (91) can calculate a predicted value (or estimated value) based on information obtained from the sensor unit (100, 200, 300).

[0091] For example, the processor (91) can estimate the water usage of the washing machine (1) based on information regarding the flow rate and / or flow rate of the water supply pipe (e.g., second water supply pipe (712)) where the flow sensor (100) is installed, obtained from the flow sensor (100).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the processor (91) can generate operation control commands for each component of the washing machine (1) based on various information received from the input unit (51), the communication unit (53) and / or the sensor unit (100, 200, 300). In one example, the processor (91) can control each of the related components to perform at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, or a spin cycle. For example, the processor (91) can control the operation of the driving device (60), the water supply device (70), and / or the drainage device (80) to control the performance of at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, or a spin cycle.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the processor (91) can generate a command to control whether and how information is displayed through the display unit (52) based on various information received from the input unit (51), the communication unit (53) and / or the sensor unit (100, 200, 300).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the control unit (90) is disclosed as a single comprehensive configuration that controls all components included in the washing machine (1), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In one example, the washing machine (1) may be configured to include a plurality of control unit configurations that individually control some of the components of the washing machine (1). In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a separate control unit equipped with a processor and memory for controlling the operation of a driving device (60), such as a driving motor (61). In one example, the washing machine (1) may include a separate control unit equipped with a processor and memory for controlling the operation of a user interface according to user input. The processor (91) of the control unit (90) may include a plurality of processors, and the memory (93) may include a plurality of memory devices.

[0095] FIG. 6 is a control flowchart regarding the estimation of water usage of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 6, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may, in operation 610, initiate a washing cycle in response to a user input (or command) regarding a washing cycle. For example, the washing machine (1) may receive user input through an input unit (51) and initiate an action regarding a washing cycle in response to the received user input. For example, the washing machine (1) may receive user input from an external device (e.g., user terminal device) through a communication unit (53) and initiate an action regarding a washing cycle in response to the received user input. The washing machine (1) may control the operation of the components of the washing machine (1) (e.g., a driving device (60), a water supply device (70), a drainage device (80)) so that an action regarding a washing cycle is performed in response to a command to initiate a washing cycle.

[0097] The above washing cycle may include one or more of a fabric quality detection process, a weight detection process, a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process. Each process included in the washing cycle may be performed repeatedly, or some processes may be omitted depending on a preset course or user input.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can detect the flow rate (or flow rate) of one or more water supply pipes (71) in operation 620. For example, the washing machine (1) can detect the flow rate (or flow rate) of the water supply pipe (e.g., the second water supply pipe (712) of FIG. 2) on which the flow sensor (100) is installed through the flow sensor (100). Operation 620 can be performed in a process where the water supply pipe (712) on which the flow sensor (100) is installed is operated. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, if the flow sensor (100) is installed in the second water supply pipe (712), operation 620 can be performed in a fabric detection process, a rinsing process, or a spin-drying process where the second water supply pipe (712) is operated (or opened). A method for detecting the flow rate in a water supply pipe (712) in which a flow sensor (100) is installed will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can acquire and store in memory (93) the total operating time of the water supply valve (72) (or the total opening time of the water supply pipe (71)) during the washing cycle in operation 630. The washing machine (1) can control the opening and closing of the outlets (722, 723) of the water supply valve (72) according to each stroke included in the washing cycle. At this time, the washing machine (1) can acquire and / or store in memory (93) the opening time of each outlet (722, 723) of the water supply valve (72) in each stroke, and acquire the total operating time of the water supply valve (72) by summing the opening times of each outlet (722, 723) of the water supply valve (72).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can estimate the water usage of the washing machine (1) based on the flow rate of one or more water supply pipes (e.g., second water supply pipe (712)) detected by the flow sensor (100) in operation 640. The estimated water usage of the washing machine (1) can be understood as the total amount of water used during a washing cycle for washing. A method for estimating the water usage of the washing machine (1) will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may output the water usage of the washing machine (1) estimated according to operation 640 in operation 650 to a display unit (52) (e.g., a display). Alternatively, the washing machine (1) may transmit the water usage of the washing machine (1) estimated according to operation 640 to an external device (e.g., a user terminal device) through a communication unit (53).

[0102] FIG. 7 is a control flowchart regarding the calculation of the flow rate of a water supply path in which a flow sensor is installed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the detection value of a flow sensor according to the operating time of a water supply valve according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] FIG. 8 shows the opening time (or operating time) (t) of the outlet (e.g., second outlet (723)) of a water supply valve (72) connected to the water supply pipe (712), in one or more water supply pipes (e.g., second water supply pipe (712)) in which a flow sensor (100) is installed. diff This is a graph showing the pulse value of the flow sensor (100) accumulated according to ).

[0105] The embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8 can be optionally combined with the embodiment of FIG. 6.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may, in operation 710, in response to the initiation command (operation 610) of the washing cycle described above, start detecting the flow rate of a water supply pipe (e.g., a second water supply pipe (712)) in which a flow sensor (100) is installed.

[0107] The washing machine (1) may initiate a process related to the operation of a water supply pipe (e.g., a second water supply pipe (712)) in which a flow sensor (100) is installed during the washing cycle. As previously described, the process may correspond to a fabric detection process, a rinsing process, or a spin-drying process. And, within the process, the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed may be calculated.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can control the opening and closing of the outlet (e.g., second outlet (723)) of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed during the above process. For example, during the above process, the washing machine (1) can control the water supply pipe (712) for a predetermined time (t diff It can be opened for a period of time, and accordingly, water for washing can flow along the water supply pipe (712). A predetermined time (t) during which the water supply pipe (712) is opened diff ) may vary depending on the amount of laundry determined in the weight sensing process or user input.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) is, in operation 720, for a predetermined time (t) during which the water supply pipe (712) is opened from the flow sensor (100). diff A detection value can be obtained during ). The detection value is an accumulated pulse value (p), and a predetermined time (t diff During this period, it may mean the cumulative number of pulses generated by the flow of water along the water supply pipe (712).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can obtain a flow coefficient of the flow sensor (100) from the memory (93) in operation 730. The flow coefficient of the flow sensor (100) may be a unit constant for converting a detection value (e.g., pulse) of the flow sensor (100) into a flow rate as a characteristic value of the flow sensor (100). The unit of the flow coefficient may be liter / pulse. The flow coefficient may represent a flow rate corresponding to when the flow sensor (100) generates one pulse.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can calculate the flow rate (Q0) of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed, based on the detection value of the flow sensor (100) and the flow coefficient obtained in operation 740. The flow rate (Q0) of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed can be calculated through the following mathematical formula.

[0112] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0113] Q0 = K * p

[0114] (Here, Q0 is the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) where the flow sensor (100) is installed, K is the unit constant of the flow sensor (100), and p may be the accumulated pulse value of the flow sensor (100) detected while the water supply pipe (712) where the flow sensor (100) is installed is open.)

[0115] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1), in operation 750, based on the flow rate (Q0) of the water supply pipe (712) in which the calculated flow sensor (100) is installed, the flow velocity (V) of the water supply pipe (712) flow ) can be calculated. The flow velocity (V) of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed. flow ) can be calculated through the following mathematical formula.

[0116] [Mathematical Formula 2]

[0117] V flow = Q0 / t diff

[0118] (Here, V flow is the flow velocity of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed, Q0 is the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed, and t diff may be the opening time of the water supply pipe (712) on which the flow sensor (100) is installed.)

[0119] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) has, in operation 760, a calculated flow rate (V flow ) can be stored in memory (93).

[0120] FIG. 9 is a control flowchart relating to a method for estimating water usage of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] The embodiment of FIG. 9 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 6 to FIG. 8.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 9, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment, in operation 910, has a flow rate (V) of a water supply pipe (712) equipped with a flow sensor (100), calculated in the aforementioned operation 750. flow ) can be obtained from memory (93).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) has, in operation 920, the total operating time (t) of the water supply valve (72) during the washing cycle obtained in the aforementioned operation 630. valve_on ) can be obtained from memory (93).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1), in operation 930, has a flow rate (V) of a water supply pipe (712) in which a flow sensor (100) is installed. flow The total operating time (t) of the ) and the water supply valve (72) valve_on Based on ), the water usage (Q) of the washing machine (1) total ) can be estimated. The water usage of the washing machine (1) can be calculated using the following mathematical formula.

[0125] [Mathematical Formula 3]

[0126] Q total = V flow * tvalve_on

[0127] (Here, Q total is the water usage of the washing machine (1), and V flow is the flow velocity of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed, and t valve_on is the total operating time of the water supply valve (72).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can store the estimated water usage of the washing machine (1) in memory (93) in operation 940.

[0129] According to one embodiment, when a washing machine (1) is equipped with a plurality of water supply paths (or water supply pipes (71)), it calculates the flow rate and / or flow rate of some water supply paths (e.g., second water supply pipe (712)) where a flow sensor (100) is installed, and can estimate the amount of water used by the washing machine (1) within a washing cycle based on the calculated flow rate and / or flow rate. Accordingly, even if a flow sensor (100) is installed in some of the water supply paths, it may be possible to estimate the flow rate in other water supply paths where the flow sensor (100) is not installed by using the calculated flow rate of the corresponding water supply path. Furthermore, by estimating the amount of water used by the washing machine (1) based on the detected value through the actual flow sensor (100), the accuracy can be improved by comparing it with the amount of water used by the washing machine estimated based on the operating time of the existing water supply valve.

[0130] FIG. 10 is a control flowchart relating to a method for compensating for water usage of a washing machine by reflecting the characteristics of a water supply path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] The embodiment of FIG. 10 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 6 to 9.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 10, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment can obtain a characteristic constant for each water supply pipe (71) from a memory (93) in operation 1010. The characteristic constant of the water supply pipe (71) is a constant that takes into account the flow resistance of each water supply pipe (711, 712), and may be a constant for compensating for the flow rate estimated for each water supply pipe (711, 712).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can obtain the operation time of each of the water supply pipes (711, 712) stored in operation 630 from the memory (93) in operation 1020.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) has, in operation 1030, a characteristic constant (K) for each water supply pipe (711, 712) obtained v1 , K v2 , … ) and operation time (t v1 , t v2 Based on , … ), the water usage (Q) of the washing machine (1) c The water usage of the washing machine (1), compensated by reflecting the flow characteristics of each water supply pipe (711, 712), can be calculated using the following mathematical formula. The following mathematical formula is based on the case where the water supply pipe (71) consists of two water supply pipes, the first water supply pipe (711) and the second water supply pipe (712), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0135] [Mathematical Formula 4]

[0136] Q c = V flow * (K v1 *t v1 + K v2 *t v2 )

[0137] (Here, Q c is the water usage of the washing machine (1) compensated for the characteristics (e.g., flow resistance) of the water supply pipe (71), and K v1 is a characteristic constant of the first water supply pipe (711), and t v1is the opening time of the first water supply pipe (711) (or, the operating time of the first outlet (722) of the water supply valve (72)), and K v2 is a characteristic constant of the second water supply pipe (712), and t v2 is the opening time of the second water supply pipe (712) (or the operating time of the second outlet (723) of the water supply valve (72)).

[0138] FIG. 11 is a control flowchart relating to a method for compensating the washing time of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] The embodiment of FIG. 11 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 6 to FIG. 10.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 11, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may, in operation 1110, initiate a washing cycle in response to a user input (or command) regarding a washing cycle. Since operation 1110 is substantially the same as the aforementioned operation 610, the description of operation 610 may be applied.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can detect the amount of laundry (or the weight of the laundry) contained in the drum (40) through a weight sensing sensor (200) in operation 1120.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can obtain a reference water supply time, an estimated flow rate, and a reference flow rate corresponding to the amount of laundry detected from memory (93) in operation 1130. Here, the reference water supply time is the time required for water supply according to the estimated flow rate, the estimated flow rate is the amount of water used by the washing machine required for washing according to the amount of laundry detected, and the reference flow rate may mean a preset flow rate during water supply (e.g., about 11 LPM).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can detect the flow rate (or flow rate) of one or more water supply pipes (71) in operation 1140. Since operation 1140 is substantially the same as the aforementioned operation 620, the description of operation 620 may be applied.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can estimate the water usage of the washing machine (1) based on the flow rate of one or more water supply pipes (e.g., second water supply pipe (712)) detected by the flow sensor (100) in operation 1150. Since operation 1150 is substantially the same as the aforementioned operation 640, the description of operation 640 may be applied.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can compensate for the washing time required until washing is completed based on the calculated flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) and the estimated water usage of the washing machine (1) in operation 1160. Here, the washing time may be the sum of, for example, the weight detection time, the fabric quality detection time, the water supply time (e.g., the reference water supply time), the washing time, the drainage time, the rinsing time, and the spin-drying time. For example, the washing machine (1) can compensate for the water supply time during the washing time based on the calculated flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) and the estimated water usage of the washing machine (1). Based on the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) obtained through the flow sensor (100) and the water usage of the washing machine (1), the compensated water supply time can be calculated through the following mathematical formula.

[0146] [Mathematical Formula 5]

[0147] T c = T s * (Q total / Q s ) * (V s / V flow )

[0148] (Here, T c is the compensated water supply time, and T s is the standard watering time stored in memory (93), and Q totalis the estimated water usage of the washing machine (1), and Q s is the expected flow rate stored in memory (93), and V s is the reference flow rate stored in memory (93), and V flow is the calculated flow velocity of the water supply pipe (712).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can output the final washing time to the display unit (52) by reflecting the compensated water supply time in the washing time during operation 1170. Alternatively, the washing machine (1) may transmit the final washing time to an external device (e.g., user terminal device) through the communication unit (53).

[0150] According to one embodiment, a washing machine (1) capable of estimating the water usage of the washing machine (1) through a single flow sensor (100) can be provided.

[0151] According to one embodiment, since the flow sensor (100) is positioned at the downstream end of the water supply valve (72), stable flow measurement is possible with less influence from water pressure fluctuations, and the risk of damage due to high water pressure can be reduced.

[0152] According to one embodiment, even if the flow sensor (100) is not installed throughout the entire water supply pipe (71), the flow rate of the remaining water supply pipe (711) where the flow sensor (100) is not installed can be estimated based on the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) where the flow sensor (100) is installed, so the total water usage of the washing machine (1) can be estimated.

[0153] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a detergent supply device (13), a tub (30), a water supply device (70) for supplying water to the detergent supply device (13) and the tub (30), the water supply device (70) comprising a plurality of water supply pipes (71) connected to the detergent supply device (13) and the tub (30) and a water supply valve (72) for controlling the opening and closing of the plurality of water supply pipes (71), a flow sensor (100) disposed in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) and configured to measure the flow rate of the disposed water supply pipes (71), and a processor (91) for controlling the water supply device (70). The processor (91) may be configured to obtain the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow rate sensor (100) is placed from the flow rate sensor (100), calculate the flow velocity of the water supply pipe (712) based on the obtained flow rate of the water supply pipe (712), and estimate the total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) based on the calculated flow velocity of the water supply pipe (712).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the processor (91) may be configured to obtain an accumulated pulse value from the flow sensor (100), obtain a flow coefficient of the flow sensor (100) from the memory (93), and calculate the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is placed through the following mathematical formula.

[0155] Q0 = K * p

[0156] (Here, Q0 is the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) where the flow sensor (100) is installed, K is the unit constant of the flow sensor (100), and p is the accumulated pulse value of the flow sensor (100) detected while the water supply pipe (712) where the flow sensor (100) is installed is open)

[0157] According to one embodiment, the processor (91) may be configured to obtain the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is placed and the opening time of the water supply pipe (712), and to calculate the flow velocity in the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is placed through the following mathematical formula.

[0158] V flow = Q0 / t diff

[0159] (Here, V flow is the flow velocity of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed, Q0 is the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed, and t diff is the opening time of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed)

[0160] According to one embodiment, the processor (91) may be configured to obtain the total opening time of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) and estimate the total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) through the following mathematical formula.

[0161] Q total = V flow * t valve_on

[0162] (Here, Q total is the total flow rate of the multiple water supply pipes (71), and V flow is the flow velocity of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed, and t valve_on The total opening time of multiple water supply pipes (71)

[0163] According to one embodiment, the processor (91) may be configured to obtain a characteristic constant of each water supply pipe (71) from a memory (93) and to estimate the total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) by considering the obtained characteristic constant of each water supply pipe (71). The characteristic constant may be related to the flow resistance of each water supply pipe (71).

[0164] According to one embodiment, the processor (91) may be configured to obtain a preset washing time from a memory (93) in response to the initiation of a washing cycle, and to compensate the washing time based on the total flow rate of the estimated plurality of water supply pipes (71).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may further include a display unit (52). The processor (91) may be configured to output the total flow rate of the estimated plurality of water supply pipes (71) to the display unit (52).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the flow sensor (100) may be positioned at the downstream end of the water supply valve (72).

[0167] According to one embodiment, the plurality of water supply pipes (71) may include a first water supply pipe (711) connected to the detergent supply device (13) and a second water supply pipe (712) connected to the tub (30). The flow sensor (100) may be placed in the second water supply pipe (712).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the flow sensor (100) may include a sensor housing (110) having an inlet (112) and an outlet (113), a sensor cover (120) coupled to the upper side of the sensor housing (110) and including a Hall sensor, and an impeller (130) rotatably disposed inside the sensor housing (110) and including a magnet.

[0169] A control method for a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a detergent supply device (13), a tub (30), a plurality of water supply pipes (71) connected to the detergent supply device (13) and the tub (30), a water supply device (70) including a water supply valve (72) for controlling the opening and closing of the plurality of water supply pipes (71), and a flow sensor (100) disposed in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71), may include, in response to the initiation (610) of a washing cycle, an operation (620) of detecting the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) disposed of by the flow sensor (100) from the flow sensor (100), an operation (630) of obtaining the total opening time of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) during the washing cycle, and an operation (640) of estimating the water usage of the washing machine (1) based on the detected flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) and the obtained total opening time of the water supply pipe (71). there is.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the control method of the washing machine (1) may include an operation (720) of obtaining an accumulated pulse value from the flow sensor (100), an operation (730) of obtaining a flow coefficient of the flow sensor (100) from the memory (93), and an operation (740) of calculating the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is placed through the following mathematical formula.

[0171] Q0 = K * p

[0172] (Here, Q0 is the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) where the flow sensor (100) is installed, K is the unit constant of the flow sensor (100), and p is the accumulated pulse value of the flow sensor (100) detected while the water supply pipe (712) where the flow sensor (100) is installed is open)

[0173] According to one embodiment, the control method of the washing machine (1) may include an operation (750) of obtaining the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is placed and the opening time of the water supply pipe (712), and calculating the flow velocity in the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is placed through the following mathematical formula.

[0174] V flow = Q0 / t diff

[0175] (Here, V flow is the flow velocity of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed, Q0 is the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed, and t diff is the opening time of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed)

[0176] According to one embodiment, the control method of the washing machine (1) may include an operation (910) of obtaining the flow rate of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is placed, an operation (920) of obtaining the total opening time of the plurality of water supply pipes (71), and an operation (930) of estimating the total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) through the following mathematical formula.

[0177] Q total = V flow * t valve_on

[0178] (Here, Q total is the total flow rate of the multiple water supply pipes (71), and V flow is the flow velocity of the water supply pipe (712) in which the flow sensor (100) is installed, and t valve_on The total opening time of multiple water supply pipes (71)

[0179] According to one embodiment, the control method of the washing machine (1) may include an operation (1010) of obtaining a characteristic constant of each water supply pipe (71) from a memory (93), an operation (1020) of obtaining an opening time for each water supply pipe (71), and an operation (1030) of estimating the total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) by considering the characteristic constant of each water supply pipe (71) obtained. The characteristic constant may be related to the flow resistance of each water supply pipe (71).

[0180] According to one embodiment, the control method of the washing machine (1) may include an operation (1130) of obtaining a preset washing time from a memory (93) in response to the initiation of a washing cycle, and an operation (1160) of compensating the washing time based on the total flow rate of the estimated plurality of water supply pipes (71).

[0181] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may further include a display unit (52). The control method of the washing machine (1) may further include an operation of outputting the total flow rate of the estimated plurality of water supply pipes (71) to the display unit (52).

[0182] According to one embodiment, the flow sensor (100) may be positioned at the downstream end of the water supply valve (72).

[0183] According to one embodiment, the plurality of water supply pipes (71) may include a first water supply pipe (711) connected to the detergent supply device (13) and a second water supply pipe (712) connected to the tub (30). The flow sensor (100) may be placed in the second water supply pipe (712).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the flow sensor (100) may include a sensor housing (110) having an inlet (112) and an outlet (113), a sensor cover (120) coupled to the upper side of the sensor housing (110) and including a Hall sensor, and an impeller (130) rotatably disposed inside the sensor housing (110) and including a magnet.

Claims

1. In the washing machine (1), Detergent supply device (13); Tub (30); A water supply device (70) for supplying water to the detergent supply device (13) and the tub (30), comprising a plurality of water supply pipes (71) connected to the detergent supply device (13) and the tub (30) and a water supply valve (72) for controlling the opening and closing of the plurality of water supply pipes (71); A flow sensor (100) disposed in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71), wherein the flow sensor (100) is configured to measure the flow rate of water in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) in which the flow sensor (100) is disposed; and It includes a processor (91) for controlling the above water supply device (70), and The above processor (91) is, The flow rate of water is obtained from one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) in which the flow rate sensor (100) is placed, from the flow rate sensor (100), and Based on the flow rate of the water supply pipe (71) obtained, the water flow velocity in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) is calculated, and A washing machine configured to estimate the total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) based on the flow rate of the water supply pipe (71) calculated above.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above processor (91) is, A cumulative pulse value is obtained from the above flow sensor (100), and The flow coefficient of the flow sensor (100) is obtained from the memory (93), and A washing machine configured to calculate the flow rate of water in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) in which the flow sensor (100) is placed according to the following mathematical formula. Q0 = K * p (Here, Q0 is the flow rate of water in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71), K is the unit constant (or flow coefficient) of the flow sensor (100), and p is the accumulated pulse value of the flow sensor (100) detected while one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) are open) 3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, The above processor (91) is, The flow rate of water in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) in which the above flow sensor (100) is placed, and the opening time in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (712) are obtained, and A washing machine configured to calculate the flow rate in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) in which the flow sensor (100) is placed according to the following mathematical formula. IN flow = Q0 / t diff (Here, V flow is the water flow velocity in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71), Q0 is the water flow rate in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71), and t diff is the opening time in one or more of the multiple water supply pipes (71) 4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, The above processor (91) is, Obtain the total opening time of the above plurality of water supply pipes (71), and A washing machine configured to estimate the total flow rate of water in the plurality of water supply pipes (71) according to the mathematical formula below. Q total = V flow * t valve_on (Here, Q total is the total flow rate of water in multiple water supply pipes (71), and V flow is the flow velocity in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71), and t valve_on The total opening time of multiple water supply pipes (71) 5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, The above processor (91) is, Obtain characteristic constants of each water supply pipe (71) from memory (93), and Based on the characteristic constant of each water supply pipe (71) obtained above, the total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) is estimated, and The above characteristic constant is a washing machine with respect to the flow resistance of each water supply pipe (71).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, The above processor (91) is, In response to the initiation of a washing cycle, a preset washing time is obtained from memory (93), and A washing machine configured to compensate for the washing time based on the total flow rate of the estimated plurality of water supply pipes (71).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, The above flow sensor (100) is, A washing machine positioned at the rear end of the above-mentioned water supply valve (72).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, The above plurality of water supply pipes (71) are, A first water supply pipe (711) connected to the above detergent supply device (13); and It includes a second water supply pipe (712) connected to the above tub (30), and The above flow sensor (100) is a washing machine placed in the second water supply pipe (712).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, The above flow sensor (100) is, A sensor housing (110) including an inlet (112) and an outlet (113); A sensor cover (120) coupled to the upper side of the sensor housing (110) and including a Hall sensor; and A washing machine comprising an impeller (130) including a magnet, which is rotatably disposed inside the sensor housing (110).

10. A method for controlling a washing machine (1), comprising a detergent supply device (13), a tub (30), a plurality of water supply pipes (71) connected to the detergent supply device (13) and the tub (30), a water supply device (70) including a water supply valve (72) for controlling the opening and closing of the plurality of water supply pipes (71), and a flow sensor (100) disposed on one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71). In response to the initiation of a washing cycle (610), an operation (620) of detecting the flow rate of water from the flow sensor (100) in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) in which the flow sensor (100) is placed; During the washing cycle, an operation (630) of obtaining the total opening time of the plurality of water supply pipes (71); and A method comprising the operation (640) of estimating the water usage of the washing machine (1) based on the water flow rate in one or more of the detected plurality of water supply pipes (71) and the total opening time of the obtained plurality of water supply pipes (71).

11. In Paragraph 10, Operation (720) of obtaining an accumulated pulse value from the above flow sensor (100); Operation (730) of obtaining the flow coefficient of the flow sensor (100) from the memory (93); and A method comprising the operation (740) of calculating the flow rate of water in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) in which the flow rate sensor (100) is placed according to the following mathematical formula. Q0 = K * p (Here, Q0 is the flow rate of water in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71), K is the unit constant (or flow coefficient) of the flow sensor (100), and p is the accumulated pulse value of the flow sensor (100) detected while one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) are open) 12. In Paragraph 10 or 11, The flow rate of water and the opening time of the water supply pipe (71) are obtained from one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (712) in which the above flow sensor (100) is installed, and A method comprising the operation (750) of calculating the flow rate in one or more of the water supply pipes (71) in which the flow sensor (100) is placed according to the following mathematical formula. IN flow = Q0 / t diff (Here, V flow is the water flow velocity in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71), Q0 is the water flow rate in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71), and t diff is the opening time of multiple water supply pipes (71) 13. In any one of paragraphs 10 through 12, Operation (910) of obtaining the flow rate of the water supply pipe (71) in which the above flow rate sensor (100) is placed; The operation (920) of obtaining the total opening time of the plurality of water supply pipes (71); and A method comprising the operation (930) of estimating the total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) according to the mathematical formula below. Q total = V flow * t valve_on (Here, Q total is the total flow rate of the multiple water supply pipes (71), and V flow is the water flow rate in one or more of the plurality of water supply pipes (71), and t valve_on The total opening time of multiple water supply pipes (71) 14. In any one of paragraphs 10 through 13, Operation (1010) of obtaining characteristic constants of each water supply pipe (71) from memory (93); Operation (1020) for obtaining the opening time for each of the above water supply pipes (71); and Based on the characteristic constant of each water supply pipe (71) obtained above, the operation (1030) of estimating the total flow rate of the plurality of water supply pipes (71) is included, and The above characteristic constant is a method relating to the flow resistance of each water supply pipe (71).

15. In any one of paragraphs 10 through 14, In response to the initiation of a washing cycle, an operation (1130) of obtaining a preset washing time from memory (93); and A method comprising an operation (1160) that compensates for the washing time based on the total flow rate of the estimated plurality of water supply pipes (71).

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