Washing machine and method for controlling same

Abstract

This washing machine comprises: a housing having a laundry inlet; a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet; a tub provided in the housing to store water; a drum provided in the tub to accommodate laundry; a power supply device that uses input AC power to output DC power; an inverter circuit that uses the DC power output from the power supply device and outputs driving power for driving a motor that rotates the drum; a three-phase output terminal for providing the driving power, output by the inverter circuit, to the motor that rotates the drum; a power measurement circuit for measuring the driving power; and a processor that controls the inverter circuit on the basis of measurement values obtained by the power measurement circuit. The processor: controls the power measurement circuit to measure a plurality of currents supplied via the three-phase output terminal and obtain a plurality of current values; compares a current value, corresponding to a phase of interest among a plurality of phases respectively corresponding to the plurality of currents, with current values respectively corresponding to the remaining one or more phases, thereby identifying whether the current corresponding to the phase of interest is abnormal; and, when the current corresponding to the phase of interest is identified as being abnormal for a preset number of times or more, controls the inverter circuit to cut off the power being provided to the motor that rotates the drum.

Description

Washing machine and its control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof, and more specifically, to a washing machine and a control method for detecting a disconnection of current provided from an inverter.

[0002] With the advancement of electronic technology, various types of home appliances are being developed and used. For example, appliances such as washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, air conditioners, garment care systems, humidifiers, air purifiers, ovens, and microwave ovens are widely used.

[0003] Home appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners may be equipped with inverter circuits that drive motors using three-phase current. If a break occurs in such an inverter circuit, an imbalance may occur in the three-phase current.

[0004] In this case, an overcurrent may occur in the circuit or the circuit may burn out. Recently, washing machines and refrigerators equipped with a function to detect a short circuit in advance are being developed to prevent overcurrent or burnout.

[0005] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a housing having a laundry inlet, a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet, a tub provided inside the housing to store water, a drum provided inside the tub to accommodate laundry, a power supply unit that outputs a DC power using an input AC power, an inverter circuit that outputs a driving power for driving a motor that rotates the drum using the DC power output by the power supply unit, a three-phase output terminal for providing the driving power output by the inverter circuit to a motor that rotates the drum, a power measurement circuit for measuring the driving power, and a processor that controls the inverter circuit based on a measurement value obtained by the power measurement circuit. The processor controls the power measurement circuit to obtain a plurality of current values ​​by measuring a plurality of currents provided through the three-phase output terminal, identifies whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the current value corresponding to a phase of interest among a plurality of phases corresponding to each of the plurality of currents with the current value corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase, and if the current corresponding to the phase of interest is identified as abnormal more than a preset number of times, the The inverter circuit is controlled to cut off the power supplied to the motor that rotates the drum.

[0006] The above processor can control the power measurement circuit to measure each of the plurality of currents at a preset period.

[0007] The above-mentioned preset period may be less than a critical period corresponding to at least one of the plurality of currents.

[0008] The processor can control the power measurement circuit to measure each of the plurality of currents multiple times at the preset period for a period longer than the first threshold time.

[0009] The processor can identify a plurality of peak values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of phases based on the acquired plurality of current values, obtain a first threshold value based on the plurality of peak values ​​corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase among the plurality of peak values, and identify whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the peak value corresponding to the phase of interest among the plurality of peak values ​​with the first threshold value.

[0010] The processor can identify that the current corresponding to the phase of interest is abnormal if the current corresponding to the phase of interest is less than the first threshold value.

[0011] If the current value corresponding to the phase of interest is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, the processor can identify whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the current value corresponding to the phase of interest with the current value corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase.

[0012] The processor can identify a phase of interest among the plurality of phases based on the plurality of peak values, and identify whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the peak value corresponding to the identified phase of interest with the first threshold value.

[0013] The processor can identify the plurality of peak values ​​according to the plurality of phases and identify the phase corresponding to the minimum value among the plurality of peak values ​​as the phase of interest.

[0014] The above processor can control the inverter circuit to cut off the power supplied to the motor rotating the drum if it is identified that the current corresponding to the phase of interest is abnormal more than the above preset number of times during the second critical time.

[0015] A control method for a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a housing having a laundry inlet formed therein, a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet, a tub provided inside the housing to store water, and a drum provided inside the tub to receive laundry, comprises the steps of: measuring a plurality of currents provided to a motor that rotates the drum through a three-phase output terminal to obtain a plurality of current values; comparing a current value corresponding to a phase of interest among a plurality of phases corresponding to each of the plurality of currents with a current value corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase to identify whether the current corresponding to the phase of interest is abnormal; and cutting off the power provided to the motor that rotates the drum when the current corresponding to the phase of interest is identified as abnormal more than a preset number of times.

[0016] The step of obtaining multiple current values ​​by measuring a plurality of currents provided to a motor that rotates the drum through the above three-phase output terminal may include the step of measuring each of the plurality of currents at a preset period.

[0017] The above-mentioned preset period may be less than a critical period corresponding to at least one of the plurality of currents.

[0018] The step of measuring each of the plurality of currents at a preset period may involve measuring each of the plurality of currents multiple times at the preset period for a period longer than or equal to a first threshold time.

[0019] The step of identifying whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest involves identifying a plurality of peak values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of phases based on the acquired plurality of current values, obtaining a first threshold value based on the plurality of peak values ​​corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase among the plurality of peak values, and comparing the peak value corresponding to the phase of interest among the plurality of peak values ​​with the first threshold value to identify whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest.

[0020] A home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a power supply unit that outputs a DC power using an input AC power, an inverter circuit that outputs a driving power for driving a motor using the DC power output by the power supply unit, a three-phase output terminal for providing the driving power output by the inverter circuit to the motor, a power measurement circuit for measuring the driving power, and a processor that controls the inverter circuit based on a measurement value obtained by the power measurement circuit. The processor controls the power measurement circuit to obtain a plurality of current values ​​by measuring a plurality of currents provided through the three-phase output terminal, compares a current value corresponding to a phase of interest among a plurality of phases corresponding to each of the plurality of currents with a current value corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase to identify whether the current corresponding to the phase of interest is abnormal, and controls the inverter circuit to cut off the power provided to the motor if the current corresponding to the phase of interest is identified as abnormal more than a preset number of times.

[0021] The above processor can control the power measurement circuit to measure each of the plurality of currents at a preset period.

[0022] The above-mentioned preset period may be less than a critical period corresponding to at least one of the plurality of currents.

[0023] The processor can control the power measurement circuit to measure each of the plurality of currents multiple times at the preset period for a period longer than the first threshold time.

[0024] The processor can identify a plurality of peak values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of phases based on the acquired plurality of current values, acquire a first threshold value based on a plurality of peak values ​​corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase among the plurality of peak values, and identify whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the peak value corresponding to the phase of interest among the plurality of peak values ​​with the first threshold value.

[0025] FIG. 1a is a diagram for schematically illustrating the operation of a home appliance according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 1b is a drawing for explaining the appearance of a washing machine according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a washing machine according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a washing machine according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a washing machine according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining peak values ​​according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing machine according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining in detail a method of controlling a washing machine according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] The various 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.

[0034] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0035] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] In this document, each of the 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 include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0037] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0038] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0039] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0040] 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.

[0041] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0042] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0043] Meanwhile, the various elements and areas in the drawings are depicted schematically. Accordingly, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing depicted in the attached drawings.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them.

[0045] FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a home appliance according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] According to FIG. 1a, a home appliance (1) is illustrated. The home appliance (1) may include an inverter circuit (1100) and a motor (1200).

[0047] The home appliance (1) may include various types of home appliances. For example, the home appliance (1) may include at least one of a refrigerator (11), a dishwasher (12), a gas range (13), an electric oven (14), an air conditioner (15), a garment care machine (16), a dryer (17), a microwave oven (18), and a cooking device (19) as illustrated. However, in implementation, various types of home appliances such as a cleaning robot, a vacuum cleaner, and a television may be included in addition to the devices described above.

[0048] In addition, the aforementioned home appliances (1) are merely examples, and in addition to the aforementioned home appliances, various devices capable of performing operations in connection with other home appliances, user devices, or servers may be included in the home appliance (1) according to one embodiment.

[0049] Meanwhile, among the above-described home appliances (1), gas ranges, electric ovens, microwave ovens, induction cooktops, and halogen cooktops capable of performing cooking operations may also be referred to as cooking appliances, heating devices, etc.

[0050] Meanwhile, the home appliance (1) can be implemented as a washing machine (100). The specific configuration of the washing machine (100) will be explained in detail in FIG. 1b.

[0051] FIG. 1b is a drawing for explaining the appearance of a washing machine according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] A washing machine (100) according to various embodiments can perform washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying operations. A washing machine (100) is an example of a clothing processing device, and a clothing processing device is a concept that encompasses a device for washing clothing (clothing to be washed, clothing to be dried), a device for drying clothing, and a device capable of performing both washing and drying of clothing.

[0053] A washing machine (100) according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet for loading or unloading laundry is provided to face upward, or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet is provided to face forward. A washing machine (100) according to various embodiments may include a washing machine with a loading method other than a top-loading washing machine and a front-loading washing machine.

[0054] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed using a water flow generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed by rotating the drum to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry. A front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine capable of drying laundry contained inside the drum. The washing machine capable of drying may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensation device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. As an example, the washing machine capable of drying may include a heat pump device. A washing machine (100) according to various embodiments may include a washing machine (100) with a washing method other than the washing method described above.

[0055] For example, a washing machine (100) according to various embodiments may include a housing (10) that accommodates various components inside. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry input opening formed on one side.

[0056] The washing machine (100) may include a door (20) for opening and closing a laundry input opening. The door (20) may be rotatably mounted to the housing by means of a hinge. At least a portion of the door (20) may be made transparent or translucent so that the interior of the housing (10) is visible.

[0057] The washing machine (100) may include a tub (30) provided inside the housing (10) to store water. The tub (30) is provided in a roughly cylindrical shape with a tub (30) opening formed on one side, and may be positioned inside the housing (10) such that the tub (30) opening corresponds to a laundry inlet.

[0058] The tub (30) can be connected to the housing (10) by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated when the drum (40) rotates and attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing (10).

[0059] The washing machine (100) may include a drum (40) provided to accommodate laundry.

[0060] The drum (40) may be positioned inside the tub (30) such that the opening of the drum (40) provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet and the opening of the tub (30). Laundry may be received inside the drum (40) or withdrawn from the drum (40) by passing through the laundry inlet, the opening of the tub (30), and the opening of the drum (40) in sequence.

[0061] The drum (40) can rotate inside the tub (30) and perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying cycles. A plurality of through holes are formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum (40) so that water stored in the tub (30) can flow into the interior of the drum (40) or flow out of the drum (40).

[0062] The washing machine (100) may include a drive unit configured to rotate the drum (40). The drive unit may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum (40). The rotating shaft may pass through the tub (30) and be connected to the drum (40).

[0063] The drive unit can rotate the drum (40) in the forward or reverse direction to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying or drying cycles.

[0064] The washing machine (100) may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub (30). The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to a detergent supply device and / or the tub (30). Water may be supplied to the tub (30) through the detergent supply device. Water may be supplied to the tub (30) without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0065] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water from an external water source to the tub (30). The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0066] The washing machine (100) may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub (30). The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device in which the user must add the detergent to be used each time a wash is performed, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of detergent during washing. The detergent supply device may include a detergent container for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub (30) during the water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent by passing through the detergent supply device. Water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub (30). Detergent is used as a general term encompassing pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent container may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0067] The washing machine (100) may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in the tub (30) to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom of the tub (30) to the outside of the housing (10), a drain valve provided in the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump provided on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water from the drain pipe to the outside of the housing (10).

[0068] The washing machine (100) may include a control panel (50) disposed on one side of the housing (10). The control panel (50) may provide a user interface for the user and the washing machine (100) to interact. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0069] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0070] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. At least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0071] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine (100) to the user.

[0072] For example, at least one output interface can transmit information to the user regarding the washing course and the operating time of the washing machine (100), as well as washing settings / rinse settings / spin settings. Information regarding the operation of the washing machine (100) can be output via a screen, an indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0073] The washing machine (100) may include a communication module for communicating with an external device via wired and / or wireless means.

[0074] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0075] The communication module can transmit data to external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, and / or home appliances) or receive data from external devices. For example, the communication module can establish communication with servers and / or user devices and / or home appliances and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0076] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a long-range communication network such as a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0077] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication modules, Near Field Communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication modules, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication modules, UWB (ultrawideband) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, microwave (uWave) communication modules, etc.

[0078] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0079] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices, such as a server, a user device, or other home appliances, through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine (100) or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine (100) or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine (100) (e.g., drive motor, water supply valve). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine (100) to perform at least one operation including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying according to user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum (40) or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub (30).

[0080] Meanwhile, returning to FIG. 1a, the inverter circuit (1100) may correspond to a device that converts DC power into AC power. The inverter circuit (1100) may provide the converted AC power to the motor (1200). Here, the AC power provided to the motor (1200) may correspond to a driving power for driving the motor (1200).

[0081] Since the inverter circuit (1100) can output an alternating voltage at a variable frequency, it can control the speed of the motor (1200) connected to the inverter circuit (1100).

[0082] The motor (1200) may be a device that generates rotational force using electrical energy and performs mechanical operation through this.

[0083] The motor (1200) can be used in various home appliances (1). For example, in a refrigerator (11), the motor (1200) can control the speed of the compressor to allow the refrigerant to circulate. In a dishwasher (12), the motor (1200) can allow water to circulate and be sprayed. In a gas stove (13), the motor (1200) can control the ventilation fan motor to allow smoke and odors to be expelled.

[0084] The motor (1200) can perform a rotational function suitable for each of the various other home appliances (1) (e.g., air conditioner (15), clothing care machine (16), etc.).

[0085] When the home appliance (1) is implemented as a washing machine (100), the motor (1200) may correspond to a configuration that rotates the drum (40). Here, the detailed configuration of the washing machine (100), such as the drum (40), will be explained in detail in FIG. 2.

[0086] Meanwhile, the inverter circuit (1100) can control the motor (1200) through a three-phase circuit. Here, the three-phase circuit may correspond to a circuit that supplies alternating current power with three phases that differ from each other by 120 degrees. Here, the alternating current power may correspond to alternating current voltage or alternating current.

[0087] Here, the three phases may refer to alternating voltage or current signals that have a phase difference of 120 degrees each and have maximum values ​​at different times. Here, the three phases may correspond to the R phase, S phase, and T phase, respectively.

[0088] Specifically, the inverter circuit (1100) can provide three AC power sources through a three-phase output terminal. The three-phase output terminal may correspond to a connection part that transmits the R-phase, S-phase, and T-phase AC voltages and currents generated by the inverter circuit (1100) to the motor.

[0089] For example, the inverter circuit (1100) can provide multiple AC power sources (R-phase, S-phase, T-phase AC power sources) to the motor (1200) through each of the multiple lines (e.g., three lines) included in the three-phase output terminal. Here, the multiple lines may include a specific impedance. Impedance may refer to the combined resistance of a resistor and a reactance that hinders the flow of current in an AC circuit. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0090] Here, the inverter circuit (1100) and the motor (1200) can form a balanced three-phase circuit. Here, a balanced three-phase means a state in which the voltage or current of the R-phase, S-phase, and T-phase are equal in magnitude and the phases differ by 120 degrees each.

[0091] For example, when three phase currents generated by the inverter circuit (1100) are delivered to the motor (1200), if each phase has the same impedance, the inverter circuit (1100) and the motor (1200) can form a balanced three-phase system.

[0092] Meanwhile, if a disconnection occurs in some of the multiple lines, an imbalance may occur in the circuit. Here, an imbalance refers to a state in a three-phase circuit where the voltage, current magnitude, or phase difference of each phase differs from one another, causing the balanced state to be broken.

[0093] For example, imbalance can occur if a circuit is open or if load imbalance occurs. Here, an open circuit can occur when one of the lines in a three-phase circuit is broken and no current flows. Here, load imbalance can refer to a case where the magnitude of the loads connected to each phase becomes different (subsequently).

[0094] If an imbalance occurs in the circuit, problems such as overheating, vibration, noise, and torque reduction may occur in the motor (1200) due to the imbalance of voltage or current. As a result, the efficiency of the inverter circuit (1100) or the motor (1200) may be reduced or damage (burnout) may occur.

[0095] For example, when an imbalance occurs, the compressor in the refrigerator (11) may overheat or the refrigerant circulation may not be smooth, which may result in reduced cooling performance. Also, in the case of the dishwasher (12), a problem may arise where the water spray becomes weak due to a decrease in the performance of the pump motor. In addition, in the case of the gas range (13), the exhaust efficiency may decrease due to a malfunction of the ventilation fan, and various other appliances (1) may be damaged or their functions may be reduced.

[0096] In particular, in the case of the washing machine (100), not only is the circuit damaged, but the drum (40) may rotate abnormally, which may damage the laundry or reduce washing performance. In addition, the abnormal rotation of the drum (40) may cause serious noise, which may cause inconvenience to the user.

[0097] Accordingly, when the home appliance (1) drives the motor (1200) through the inverter circuit (1100), it may be necessary to detect an imbalance caused by a short circuit or the like at an early stage. If the home appliance (1) detects an imbalance at an early stage, the motor (1200) can be stopped by cutting off the AC power supplied to the motor (1200), thereby preventing a breakdown of the home appliance (1) in advance.

[0098] Below, using a washing machine (100) as an example, we will specifically describe an operation to detect an imbalance in the circuit and cut off the power supplied to the motor.

[0099] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a washing machine according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0100] According to FIG. 2, the washing machine (100) may include a power supply (110), an inverter circuit (120), a three-phase output terminal (130), a power measurement circuit (140), and a processor (150).

[0101] As the washing machine (100) has been described above, the power supply unit (110), inverter circuit (120), three-phase output terminal (130), power measurement circuit (140), and processor (150) will be described in detail below.

[0102] The power supply unit (110) can output DC power using the input AC power. That is, the power supply unit (110) can convert the externally input AC power into DC power and supply DC power to each component. For example, the power supply unit (110) of the washing machine (100) can generate DC power required for the inverter circuit and control circuit, etc., to enable the washing machine (100) to operate.

[0103] The power supply unit (110) may include a rectifier circuit and a capacitor for converting external AC power. The rectifier circuit may correspond to a circuit for rectifying external AC power input from outside the washing machine (100). For example, the rectifier circuit may use a diode, etc., to convert the external AC power into DC so that current flows in one direction. Here, the diode may correspond to an electronic component capable of allowing current to flow in only one direction.

[0104] Here, the rectifier circuit may correspond to a half-wave rectifier circuit or a full-wave rectifier circuit. Here, the half-wave rectifier may correspond to a rectification method that retains only the positive or negative components of the AC. Here, the full-wave rectifier may correspond to a rectifier method that converts both components into positive ones. However, it is not limited to these.

[0105] Meanwhile, a capacitor can serve as an electronic device for performing a smoothing process by reducing the ripple (residual AC component) of the pulsating DC voltage output from a rectifier circuit.

[0106] For example, a capacitor can output a smoothed DC voltage using the pulsating DC voltage output from a rectifier circuit as the input voltage. Since the pulsating DC voltage and the smoothing process have been explained previously, a redundant explanation will be omitted here.

[0107] A capacitor can smooth the power output from a rectifier circuit. Here, the power output from the rectifier circuit may correspond to the power rectified by the rectifier circuit.

[0108] The inverter circuit (120) may correspond to a device that converts DC power into AC power. According to one or more embodiments, the inverter circuit (120) may output driving power using the DC power output from the power supply unit (110). Here, the driving power may correspond to power for driving a motor that rotates a drum.

[0109] For example, the inverter circuit (120) can output a variable frequency. The inverter circuit (120) can control the speed of the motor by adjusting the frequency.

[0110] Specifically, the inverter circuit (120) can control the speed of the drum by converting the DC power into AC of the required frequency. Here, controlling the speed of the drum may mean managing the rotational speed of the drum by controlling the rotational speed of the motor through the inverter. However, it is not limited to this.

[0111] Meanwhile, the three-phase output terminal (130) may correspond to a connection part that transmits the R-phase, S-phase, and T-phase AC voltage and current generated in the inverter circuit to a load such as a motor. Each output terminal (line) can supply AC power with a phase difference of 120 degrees.

[0112] According to one or more embodiments, the three-phase output terminal (130) can provide the driving power outputted by the inverter circuit (120) to the motor. Here, the motor may correspond to a motor that rotates the drum. For example, when the alternating current of the R-phase, S-phase, and T-phase generated by the inverter circuit (120) is transmitted to the motor through the three-phase output terminal (130), the motor (and drum) can rotate at a constant speed.

[0113] Meanwhile, the power measurement circuit (140) can monitor the operating status by measuring the voltage, current, and power supplied through the internal / external circuits of the washing machine (100) in real time. For example, the power measurement circuit (140) can measure the voltage, current, etc. supplied to the inverter circuit (120) and the motor in real time.

[0114] According to one or more embodiments, the power measurement circuit (140) can measure the driving power. Here, the driving power may refer to the power output by the inverter circuit (120) to drive the motor.

[0115] For example, the power measurement circuit (140) can obtain multiple measurement values ​​by measuring the three-phase current delivered to the motor. The washing machine (100) can detect an overload or an unbalanced state using the multiple measurement values. This will be explained in detail in the following section.

[0116] Specifically, the processor (150) is connected to each component of the washing machine (100) and can control the overall operation of the washing machine (100). For example, the processor (150) is electrically connected to the sensor (340) and memory to control the operation of the washing machine (100). The processor (150) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), MIC (Many Integrated Core), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator. The processor (150) can control one or any combination of other components of the washing machine (100) and can perform operations or data processing related to communication. The processor (150) can execute one or more programs or instructions stored in the memory of the washing machine (100). For example, the processor (150) can perform the method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in memory.

[0117] When a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by a single processor or by a plurality of processors. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by a second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence dedicated processor).

[0118] The processor (150) may be implemented as a single-core processor including one core, or as one or more multicore processors including multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multicore or heterogeneous multicore). When at least one processor (150) is implemented as a multicore processor, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor may include internal processor memory such as cache memory or on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by multiple cores may be included in the multicore processor. Additionally, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor (or some of the multiple cores) may independently read and execute program instructions for implementing a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, or all (or some) of the multiple cores may be linked together to read and execute program instructions for implementing a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] When a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one of the plurality of cores included in a multi-core processor, or may be performed by a plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one embodiment, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first core included in a multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first core included in a multi-core processor and the third operation may be performed by a second core included in a multi-core processor.

[0120] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a processor may mean a system-on-chip (SoC) in which one or more processors and other electronic components are integrated, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, wherein the core may be implemented as a CPU, GPU, APU, MIC, DSP, NPU, hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0121] According to one or more embodiments, the processor (150) can control the inverter circuit (120) based on a measurement value obtained by the power measurement circuit (140). For example, the processor (150) can control the inverter circuit (120) based on a current value measured by the power measurement circuit (140).

[0122] According to one or more embodiments, the processor (150) can control the power measurement circuit (140) to obtain a plurality of current values ​​by measuring a plurality of currents provided through a three-phase output terminal.

[0123] Here, the multiple currents may correspond to multiple currents corresponding to the R phase, S phase, and T phase, respectively. The power measurement circuit (140) may measure multiple currents flowing through multiple lines at specific time intervals according to a control signal from the processor (150), and obtain multiple current measurement values ​​for each of the multiple lines.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) can control the power measurement circuit (140) to measure each of a plurality of currents at a preset period. Here, the preset period may refer to a fixed time interval determined to measure the current of the three-phase output terminal (130). Here, the preset period may also be referred to as a sampling period.

[0125] For example, a preset period may be less than a critical period. Here, the critical period may correspond to a period corresponding to at least one of the multiple currents.

[0126] Here, a period corresponding to at least one period among the plurality of currents may mean a part of at least one period among the plurality of currents. For example, it may correspond to 1 / 4 of at least one period among the plurality of currents. Here, when the plurality of currents are in a three-phase balanced state, since the frequency of each of the plurality of currents is the same, the periods may all be the same.

[0127] In this way, the processor (150) can measure multiple currents at a period less than the critical period. Here, the processor (150) can continuously measure multiple currents at such a period for a certain duration.

[0128] For example, the processor (150) can control the power measurement circuit (140) to measure each of the multiple currents multiple times at a preset period for a time longer than the first threshold time.

[0129] Here, the pre-set period may correspond to a period shorter than the first threshold time. Here, the period longer than the first threshold time may refer to the period during which the power measurement circuit (140) continuously measures each of the multiple currents multiple times.

[0130] Here, the first threshold time may correspond to the minimum measurement time required for the power measurement circuit (140) to measure each of the plurality of currents. For example, the first threshold time may correspond to 1 / 4 of the period of at least one of the plurality of currents. Here, 1 / 4 of the period may correspond to a period corresponding to half a period (0 to 90 degrees) of an electrical angle (0 to 180 degrees) in a sinusoidal current.

[0131] Here, if the power measurement circuit (140) measures each of the multiple currents at a preset period for a time less than 1 / 4 of the above period, the processor (150) cannot measure the peak value of each of the multiple currents. That is, the processor (150) may not be able to measure the accurate peak value using only the multiple measurement values ​​obtained through the power measurement circuit (140).

[0132] Here, the peak value may refer to the maximum (or minimum) value obtained based on multiple measurements of each of the three-phase currents. Here, the peak value may also be referred to as the peak value.

[0133] That is, if the power measurement circuit (140) measures each of the multiple currents at a preset period only during a period of less than 1 / 4 of the above period (e.g., a period corresponding to 0 degrees to 75 degrees), the acquired maximum value may not correspond to the peak value of the corresponding current. Here, the acquired maximum value corresponds to the current value of a specific current at the point corresponding to 75 degrees, and may not correspond to the peak value of the corresponding current.

[0134] Meanwhile, when the power measurement circuit (140) measures each of a plurality of currents at a preset period for a time longer than the first threshold time, the processor (150) can obtain the maximum value, etc., as a peak value.

[0135] For example, if the power measurement circuit (140) measures each of the plurality of currents in a preset period during a period of at least 1 / 4 of the period of at least one of the plurality of currents (e.g., 0 degrees to 100 degrees in a current with a phase of 0 degrees), the maximum value among the acquired plurality of measurement values ​​can be identified as the peak value.

[0136] That is, if the preset period corresponds to a time interval of 10 degrees, the power measurement circuit (140) can measure the corresponding current at the same period (preset period) during the above period (0 degrees to 100 degrees). The power measurement circuit (140) can obtain a total of 10 measurement values ​​for a specific current.

[0137] The 10 measurements may include current values ​​measured from a point corresponding to 10 degrees to a point corresponding to 100 degrees. The 10 measurements may show an increasing trend during the period from 10 degrees to 90 degrees, and the last, 10th measurement may be smaller than the measurement value at the point corresponding to 90 degrees.

[0138] In this case, the processor (150) can identify the maximum value as the peak value at the point corresponding to 90 degrees among the 10 acquired measurements. Accordingly, the power measurement circuit (140) can obtain a more accurate peak value when measuring the current multiple times at a preset cycle for a period longer than a predetermined first threshold time.

[0139] Meanwhile, although the process of obtaining the peak value of the current has been explained through the example described above, the process of obtaining the peak value is not necessarily limited to this. For example, even if the minimum value is included among the multiple measured current values, the processor (150) may obtain the minimum value as the peak value.

[0140] In addition, depending on the preset period and current phase, the peak value may not correspond to the actual maximum or minimum value of the corresponding current, as in the example described above.

[0141] For example, for a (sine wave) current with a phase of 0 degrees, there may be cases where the current is measured at a period of 20 degrees during a period corresponding to 0 to 100 degrees. In this case, the measured values ​​at points corresponding to 80 degrees and 100 degrees may correspond to the maximum values. At this time, the processor (150) can identify the measured values ​​at points corresponding to 80 degrees and 100 degrees as peak values.

[0142] In this way, the shorter the preset period, the smaller the error between the peak value and the actual maximum (or minimum) value can be. The processor (150) can set the preset period to be even shorter to obtain a relatively accurate peak value.

[0143] Meanwhile, the processor (150) can identify whether there is an abnormality in a specific current by comparing the measurement values ​​according to phase when acquiring multiple measurement values ​​for each of the multiple currents.

[0144] According to one or more embodiments, the processor (150) can identify whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the current value corresponding to the phase of interest with the current value corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase.

[0145] Here, the phase of interest may correspond to a phase arbitrarily selected among a plurality of phases corresponding to each of a plurality of currents. For example, the phase of interest may correspond to a current selected by the processor (150) to check for abnormalities among the plurality of currents. Here, the current corresponding to the phase of interest may also be referred to as the current of interest in this disclosure.

[0146] Here, a current anomaly may refer to a condition in which the three-phase current deviates from the normal range or an abnormal pattern appears. For example, a current anomaly may include cases where current of a specific phase does not flow due to an open circuit, or where current of a specific phase exceeds a reference value due to an overcurrent.

[0147] Meanwhile, the multiple phases corresponding to each of the multiple currents may refer to the phases of each of the multiple currents (phase currents). When the multiple currents are currents in a balanced three-phase state, the multiple phases corresponding to each of the multiple currents may be identical to each other. The remaining at least one phase may refer to at least one phase among the multiple phases excluding the phase of interest.

[0148] The processor (150) can compare the current value corresponding to the phase of interest with the remaining current values ​​and identify whether there is an abnormality in the phase of interest based on the comparison result.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) can identify a plurality of peak values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of phases based on a plurality of acquired current values.

[0150] Here, multiple current values ​​may correspond to multiple measured values ​​obtained by measuring each current at a preset period. Since the preset period has been explained previously, a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0151] Here, the multiple peak values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple phases may refer to the peak values ​​of the currents of each of the multiple phases. Since the process of obtaining these peak values ​​has been explained previously, a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0152] The processor (150) can obtain a first threshold value based on a plurality of peak values ​​corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase among the plurality of peak values. Here, the first threshold value may correspond to a reference value for comparison with a measured value to identify whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by the processor (150).

[0153] For example, the processor (150) can obtain a first threshold value using the peak values ​​of the remaining multiple currents. If the R phase among the R phase, S phase, and T phase corresponds to the phase of interest, the processor (150) can obtain half of the peak values ​​of the S phase and T phase, respectively, as the first threshold value. If the multiple currents correspond to a three-phase balanced state, the peak values ​​of the S phase and T phase, respectively, can be obtained equally.

[0154] Additionally, the processor (150) can obtain a first threshold value by using a plurality of peak values ​​of one of the remaining plurality of currents. For example, if the R phase among the R phase, S phase, and T phase corresponds to the phase of interest, the processor (150) may not be able to obtain a peak value for the T phase. In this case, the processor (150) can obtain a plurality of peak values ​​for the S phase current and obtain half of one of the plurality of peak values ​​as the first threshold value.

[0155] As described above, the case where the first threshold value is set to half of the peak value of the remaining current was explained as an example, but it is not necessarily limited to this, and the first threshold value can be set to various values ​​based on the peak value of the remaining current.

[0156] Meanwhile, the processor (150) can identify whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the peak value corresponding to the phase of interest among a plurality of peak values ​​with the first threshold value.

[0157] For example, the processor (150) can identify that the current corresponding to the phase of interest is abnormal if the current corresponding to the phase of interest is less than a first threshold value.

[0158] For example, if an abnormality (e.g., a break) occurs in a specific current among the three-phase currents, ripple may occur in that current. Here, ripple refers to a phenomenon in which the current or voltage periodically oscillates from its normal value or irregular waveform distortion occurs due to a break, etc.

[0159] Specifically, if a ripple occurs due to an open circuit in the R phase of the current of interest, the current value of the R phase may oscillate to a value relatively close to zero compared to the current of the remaining phase. In this case, if the peak value of the R phase is less than a first threshold value (e.g., half the peak value of the remaining phase), the processor (150) can identify that an open circuit has occurred in the line corresponding to the R phase.

[0160] Meanwhile, the processor (150) can identify whether the current of interest is abnormal by comparing it with the remaining current under conditions where the value of the current of interest is greater than or equal to a specific current value.

[0161] According to one embodiment, if the current value corresponding to the phase of interest is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, the processor (150) can identify whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the current value corresponding to the phase of interest with the current value corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase.

[0162] Specifically, the processor (150) can identify whether the current value corresponding to the phase of interest is greater than or equal to a second threshold value. Here, the second threshold value may mean the minimum value of the current corresponding to the phase of interest for the processor (150) to identify whether there is an abnormality with respect to the phase of interest.

[0163] For example, the processor (150) can control the power measurement circuit (140) to obtain multiple current values ​​by measuring the current of interest at a preset period. Here, the processor (150) can obtain a peak value (minimum value or maximum value) from the obtained multiple current values ​​and compare the peak value with a second threshold value.

[0164] If the current of interest is greater than the peak value, the current value corresponding to the phase of interest (peak value) can be compared with the remaining current value (peak value corresponding to the remaining current) to identify whether the current of interest is abnormal.

[0165] For example, if the second threshold value is set to 0.4 A, and the peak value of the current corresponding to the phase of interest is obtained as 0.6 A, the processor (150) can identify whether there is an abnormality in the current of interest by comparing the current of interest with the remaining current.

[0166] Meanwhile, the processor (150) can obtain multiple measurement values ​​for all three phase currents and identify the phase of interest among the multiple phases based on the multiple measurement values.

[0167] For example, the processor (150) can identify a phase of interest among a plurality of phases based on a plurality of peak values.

[0168] For example, the processor (150) can identify multiple peak values ​​for multiple phases. Here, the processor (150) can control the power measurement circuit (140) to measure the current corresponding to each of the multiple phases at a preset period.

[0169] The processor (150) can identify peak values ​​for each of the multiple phases from the multiple current values ​​obtained. Here, the operation of the processor (150) identifying peak values ​​has been specifically explained above, so a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0170] And the processor (150) can identify the phase corresponding to the minimum value among the multiple peak values ​​as the phase of interest. The processor (150) can compare the multiple peak values ​​for each phase to identify the minimum peak value and identify the phase corresponding to the identified peak value as the phase of interest.

[0171] The processor (150) can identify whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the peak value corresponding to the identified phase of interest with the first threshold value. Here, since the first threshold value and the abnormality of the current have been explained in detail previously, a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0172] According to one or more embodiments, the processor (150) can control the inverter circuit (120) to cut off the power supplied to the motor rotating the drum when it is identified that the current corresponding to the phase of interest is abnormal more than a preset number of times.

[0173] Here, the preset number of times may correspond to a predetermined threshold number of times to determine that a specific problem (e.g., a broken wire) has occurred due to the continuous detection of an abnormality in the current. Here, a number of times less than the threshold number may correspond to a number of times that a specific abnormality is allowed to occur. Here, the processor (150) may not recognize it as a failure even if an abnormality occurs within the allowed number of times.

[0174] Specifically, the processor (150) can set the number of abnormal detections to 0, and then, if the peak value of the current of interest is identified as being less than the first threshold value, increase the number of abnormal detections of the current of interest by 1.

[0175] The processor (150) can increase the number of abnormal detections by 1 each time an abnormality in the current of interest is detected thereafter, and can cut off the power when the accumulated number of abnormal detections reaches a preset number. Here, the power may correspond to the power (e.g., driving power) provided to the motor by the inverter circuit (120).

[0176] For example, if the processor (150) identifies that the number of abnormal detections has reached a preset number, it may recognize that a disconnection or the like has occurred in the line corresponding to the current of interest. The processor (150) may disable the switching element of the inverter circuit (120) to interrupt the power supplied to the motor. By doing so, the current supply to the motor is immediately interrupted, thereby protecting the load, such as the circuit and motor inside the washing machine (100), in advance.

[0177] Meanwhile, the processor (150) can control the inverter circuit (120) to cut off the power supplied to the motor if an abnormality is detected more than a preset number of times within a specific time.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) can control the inverter circuit (120) to cut off the power supplied to the motor rotating the drum if it is identified that the current corresponding to the phase of interest is abnormal more than a preset number of times during a second threshold time.

[0179] Here, the second threshold time may correspond to a time (interval) set for the processor (150) to determine that a specific problem (e.g., a disconnection) has occurred. Here, the time (interval) may be set from the point in time when the first abnormality is detected until a specific time has elapsed.

[0180] For example, the processor (150) may recognize that there is a specific problem only if an abnormality occurs more than a preset number of times within the second threshold time. On the other hand, even if an abnormality occurs in the current of interest more than a preset number of times, if the second threshold time has elapsed, the processor (150) may recognize that no specific problem has occurred.

[0181] The processor (150) can control the inverter circuit (120) to cut off the power supplied to the motor if it is identified that there is an abnormality in the current of interest more than a preset number of times during the second threshold time.

[0182] As described above, the processor (150) compares the current of interest and the remaining current through a peak value (peak value), and can identify that there is an abnormality in the current of interest if the peak value of the current of interest is abnormally low compared to the remaining current.

[0183] In addition, the processor (150) can control the inverter circuit (120) to cut off the power supplied to the motor only when the current of interest is greater than a specific current and the current abnormality occurs more than a specific number of times, in order to prevent misdetection of an abnormality.

[0184] Through this, the washing machine (100) can detect an abnormality in a specific current in advance using only the current value measured in real time, and effectively prevent overcurrent and damage to the circuit caused by the abnormality in the current in advance.

[0185] Although the washing machine (100) in FIG. 2 is depicted as having only basic components, the washing machine (100) may include various additional components in addition to the components described above.

[0186] The memory may include flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, and card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), and may include non-volatile memory including at least one of ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk, and volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).

[0187] Specifically, various software modules for operating a washing machine (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be stored in the memory, and a processor (150) may control the operation of the washing machine (100) by executing the various software modules stored in the memory. That is, the memory is accessed by at least one processor (150), and reading / writing / modifying / deleting / updating of data by at least one processor (150) may be performed.

[0188] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the term "memory" may be used to include memory, ROM, RAM, or a memory card (e.g., micro SD card, memory stick) mounted in at least one processor (150).

[0189] The memory can store instructions. For example, the instructions may correspond to a command that causes the washing machine (100) to identify whether there is an abnormality in the current of interest and to cut off the power supplied to the motor if the abnormality is identified more than a preset number of times. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0190] For the above, using a washing machine (100) as an example, an operation in which the washing machine (100) identifies whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest and cuts off the power supplied to the motor has been described, but it is not necessarily limited to this.

[0191] That is, the above-described configurations may be included in various types of home appliances (e.g., refrigerator, dishwasher, gas range, electric oven, air conditioner, clothing care device, dryer, microwave oven, cooking device, etc.) in addition to the washing machine (100), and the above-described various types of home appliances may perform the operations of the washing machine (100) described above. The same applies to the operations of the washing machine (100) described below.

[0192] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a washing machine according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0193] According to FIG. 3, a circuit including a power supply (310) and an inverter circuit (320) is shown. Here, the circuit may correspond to a circuit for rotating a drum using an external AC power source.

[0194] The power supply unit (310) can output DC power using an external AC power source. The input AC power source may correspond to AC power source input in the form of an AC voltage. For example, in the case of South Korea, the AC power source may correspond to an AC power source of 220V. Here, 220V may mean the RMS (Root mean square) value of the voltage.

[0195] Meanwhile, South Korea uses 220V 60Hz AC power, but voltage and frequency may vary depending on the country. For example, the United States uses 110V 60Hz, and some European countries use 230V 50Hz, so voltage and frequency may differ according to national standards.

[0196] The power supply unit (310) can generate the necessary DC power for the motor, inverter circuit (320), control circuit, etc., to enable the washing machine (100) to operate.

[0197] The power supply unit (310) may include a rectifier circuit for rectifying external AC power and a capacitor for smoothing the rectified power. Here, the rectifier circuit and the capacitor, etc., have been described in detail above, so a redundant description will be omitted.

[0198] The inverter circuit (320) can output a driving power supply for driving a motor. Here, the driving power supply may correspond to a power supply output in the form of a three-phase current. Here, the three-phase current may be delivered through a three-phase output terminal.

[0199] Here, the motor can be connected to the first node (a), the second node (b), and the third node (c) through the three-phase output terminal. Here, the first node (a) can be connected to the first upper switching circuit and the first lower switching circuit located at the far left of the inverter circuit (320). The second node (b) can be connected to the second upper switching circuit and the second lower switching circuit located in the center of the inverter circuit (320). The third node (c) can be connected to the third upper switching circuit and the third lower switching circuit located to the right of the second node (b) of the inverter circuit (320).

[0200] Here, the three-phase output terminal may include a first line connected to the first node (a), a second line connected to the second node (b), and a third line connected to the third node (c).

[0201] That is, the motor has six input terminals each connected to the first node (a), the second node (b), and the third node (c), and can receive three-phase power from the inverter circuit (320).

[0202] Meanwhile, the washing machine (100) can provide three three-phase balanced currents to the motor through the inverter circuit (320) in a three-phase balanced state. Here, since the three-phase balanced state and the like have been explained in detail above, a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0203] If a disconnection occurs in some of the lines of the three-phase output terminals, the three-phase balanced state described above may be interrupted. For example, if a disconnection occurs in some of the first to third lines, the three-phase balanced state may be interrupted and a motor failure may occur.

[0204] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a washing machine according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0205] According to FIG. 4, a first node (410), a second node (420), and a third node (430) are shown. Here, a case in which a disconnection occurs in the first line connected to the first node (410) and the motor is shown.

[0206] If a break occurs in the first line, the phase current transmitted from the first node (410) through the first line may be interrupted. Accordingly, the three-phase balanced state may not be maintained.

[0207] For example, if the line (first line) on the first node (410) is disconnected, the current loses its path to flow, and the current of the first current flowing through the first line can be reduced to zero.

[0208] This may cause abnormal fluctuations (imbalance and ripple) in the second current flowing through the second line and the third current flowing through the third line. The normal operation of the motor will be interfered with.

[0209] Specifically, an imbalance in the three-phase current occurs due to the disconnection of the first line, and the magnitudes of the first to third currents flowing through the first to third lines, respectively, may fluctuate abnormally. Here, a negative sequence current or a transient phenomenon may be induced in the second and third lines.

[0210] Here, negative sequence current may refer to the component of current whose rotation direction is opposite to the forward direction, which occurs during three-phase current imbalance. Here, the forward direction may refer to the direction in which the current rotates in the order of phases (R, S, T) in a three-phase system. The forward direction may correspond to the direction that matches the normal rotation direction of the motor.

[0211] Here, a transient phenomenon may refer to a phenomenon in which a sudden change in current occurs. For example, due to a break in the first line, the voltage or current flowing through the second and third lines may change rapidly, causing a peak in voltage or current to occur. Based on the peak value generated here, a reference value for detecting the break can be calculated. Here, the reference value may correspond to the aforementioned first threshold value.

[0212] The washing machine (100) can measure the current flowing through the first to third lines at a preset period and continuously calculate the peak value. If the peak of a specific phase (the peak of the current flowing through the specific line) is smaller than the peak of the remaining phase, the washing machine (100) can detect that a disconnection has occurred and cut off the current provided through the first and third lines. At this time, the washing machine (100) can input a control signal to cut off the current to the switching circuit described above.

[0213] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining peak values ​​according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0214] According to FIG. 5, a first current (510), a second current (520), and a third current (530) are shown. The graph shown in FIG. 5 can show the magnitudes of the first current (510), the second current (520), and the third current (530) over time (T).

[0215] Here, the first current may correspond to a current having phase A (e.g., phase R) among the three-phase currents. The second current may correspond to a current having phase B (e.g., phase S) among the three-phase currents. The first current may correspond to a current having phase C (e.g., phase T) among the three-phase currents. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0216] The washing machine (100) can obtain multiple measurement values ​​for each phase by measuring the first current (510), the second current (520), and the third current (530) at a preset period. Here, the washing machine (100) can measure the aforementioned currents at a preset period for a period of time longer than a specific time.

[0217] Here, a specific time may correspond to the aforementioned second critical time (512). For example, the second critical time may be set to the length of a specific portion of the current of a specific phase (the first current (510)). Here, the specific portion may correspond to 1 / 4 of the period of the specific phase. If the first current (510), the second current (520), and the third current (530) are in a three-phase balanced state as in FIG. 5, the period of the specific phase may be the same for all currents.

[0218] According to FIG. 5, the second critical time (512) is expressed as a time interval corresponding to 0 to 90 degrees of the first current (510), but the second critical time (512) can be set to a specific length (e.g., 1 / 4 of the first current (510)) regardless of the starting time.

[0219] The pre-set period may be set to a period shorter than the second threshold time (512). For example, it may be set to a length of 1 / 10 of the second threshold time (512) (e.g., 1 / 4 of the period of the first current (510)). In this case, the washing machine (100) may measure the first current (510), the second current (520), and the third current (530) at intervals of 1 / 40 of the period of the first current (510).

[0220] At this time, the washing machine (100) can obtain multiple current values ​​by measuring the current for each of the first current (510), the second current (520), and the third current (530) during the second threshold time (512) described above.

[0221] The washing machine (100) can obtain a plurality of peak values ​​(511, 521, 531) based on a plurality of current values ​​obtained. The washing machine (100) can identify a first peak value (511) corresponding to a first current (510), a second peak value (521) corresponding to a second current (520), and a third peak value (531) corresponding to a third current (530).

[0222] For example, in a three-phase equilibrium state, the first peak value (511), the second peak value (521), and the third peak value (531) can be measured equally. In this case, the washing machine (100) can be identified as not having any abnormalities in the current.

[0223] If phase A (e.g., phase R) is disconnected at a specific point in time, the first current (510) may have a current value of 0 from the first specific point in time. Afterwards, the peak value for phase A may be measured as 0 or a value close to 0.

[0224] The washing machine (100) can detect a break in phase A by comparing the peak value of the current having the remaining phases (phases B and C) with the peak value of phase A. Specifically, the washing machine (100) can obtain a reference value from the previously measured peak values ​​(second peak value (521) and third peak value (531)) or newly measured peak values ​​of the remaining phases (phases B and C).

[0225] Here, the reference value may correspond to the first threshold value. For example, the first threshold value may correspond to half of the peak values ​​of the remaining phases (phase B and phase C).

[0226] If the washing machine (100) identifies that a new peak value of phase A is less than a reference value, the washing machine (100) can identify that there is an abnormality in the current of phase A. If the abnormality in the current of phase A is identified more than a preset number of times, the washing machine (100) can cut off the power supplied to the motor (first current (510), second current (520) and third current (530)).

[0227] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing machine according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0228] The washing machine (100) can measure multiple currents provided through the three-phase output terminal (S610).

[0229] According to one or more embodiments, the washing machine (100) can obtain multiple current values ​​by measuring multiple currents provided to a motor that rotates a drum through a three-phase output terminal.

[0230] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (100) can measure each of a plurality of currents at a preset period.

[0231] Next, the washing machine (100) can identify whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the current value corresponding to the phase of interest with the remaining current values ​​(S620).

[0232] According to one or more embodiments, the washing machine (100) can identify whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the current value corresponding to the phase of interest among the multiple phases corresponding to each of the multiple currents with the current value corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase.

[0233] Next, the washing machine (100) can cut off the power supplied to the motor if it is identified that the current corresponding to the phase of the current of interest is abnormal (S630).

[0234] According to one or more embodiments, the washing machine (100) can cut off the power supplied to the motor rotating the drum when the current corresponding to the phase of interest is identified as abnormal more than a preset number of times during a second critical time.

[0235] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining in detail a method of controlling a washing machine according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0236] The washing machine (100) can identify whether the motor speed is above the wire breakage detection standard (S710). Here, the wire breakage detection standard may correspond to the minimum motor speed (or frequency of the three-phase AC power) set to detect a wire breakage. For example, the washing machine (100) can sufficiently measure the current and determine whether there is a wire breakage only when the motor speed exceeds the wire breakage detection standard.

[0237] Specifically, the washing machine (100) can identify the peak value of a current only when the current of a specific phase is measured for more than 1 / 4 cycle during a fixed continuous detection time. Here, the continuous detection time may correspond to a period set to measure the current at a preset cycle. Here, 1 / 4 cycle may correspond to a time set as a second threshold time.

[0238] That is, the current of a specific phase must be greater than a specific frequency (or speed) so that the current of that phase is measured for at least 1 / 4 cycle during a fixed continuous detection time. Here, the motor speed corresponding to the specific frequency (or speed) may correspond to the open circuit detection criterion.

[0239] When the washing machine (100) identifies that the current motor speed is above the wire breakage detection standard, the washing machine (100) can determine the maximum or minimum value of the phase current (S720). Here, the maximum value and the minimum value, respectively, may refer to the maximum and minimum values ​​among a plurality of measurements obtained by the washing machine (100) during a specific period.

[0240] If the aforementioned specific period is less than or equal to the second threshold time, the obtained maximum and minimum values ​​may not correspond to the peak values.

[0241] Next, the washing machine (100) can identify whether the maximum and minimum value determination criteria time has elapsed (S730). Here, the determination criteria time may mean a second threshold time.

[0242] Next, if the time for determining the maximum and minimum values ​​has not elapsed, the washing machine (100) can determine a new maximum or minimum value of the phase current and identify whether the time for determining the maximum and minimum values ​​has elapsed again.

[0243] On the other hand, when the time for determining the maximum and minimum values ​​has elapsed, the washing machine (100) can determine a peak value (S740). Here, the peak value may correspond to one of the determined maximum or minimum values. For example, the washing machine (100) can determine a plurality of phase-specific peak values ​​from a plurality of measurement values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of phases.

[0244] Next, the washing machine (100) can calculate a wire breakage detection criterion value (S750). Here, the wire breakage detection criterion value may correspond to a first threshold value. For example, the first threshold value may be calculated from the peak value of the remaining current excluding a specific current (current of interest). Since this has been specifically explained in FIG. 2, a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0245] Next, the washing machine (100) can identify whether the peak value is greater than or equal to the minimum current (S760). Here, the minimum current may correspond to the second threshold value mentioned above. For example, the washing machine (100) can identify whether the peak value of the current identified as the current of interest is greater than or equal to the second threshold value.

[0246] The washing machine (100) can identify whether the peak value of the current of the phase of interest differs from the peak value of the remaining current by more than 2 times if the peak value is greater than or equal to the minimum current (S770). For example, if the open circuit detection criterion value is set to 1 / 2 of the peak value of the remaining current, it can identify whether the peak value of the phase of interest current is less than the open circuit detection criterion value.

[0247] The washing machine (100) can identify whether a difference of more than twice is detected consecutively when the peak value of the phase current of interest differs from the peak value of the remaining current by more than twice (S780). For example, the washing machine (100) can identify that there is an abnormality in the current of interest if the peak value of the phase current of interest is less than a single-line detection criterion value (e.g., 1 / 2 of the peak value of the remaining current).

[0248] And the washing machine (100) can identify whether such an abnormality is detected continuously. Here, the detection of an abnormality continuously may mean that an abnormality is detected more than a preset number of times during the aforementioned second threshold time. Here, since the second threshold time and the preset number of times have been specifically described above, a redundant description will be omitted.

[0249] The washing machine (100) can stop the motor when a difference of more than 2 times is detected consecutively (S790). For example, the washing machine (100) can stop the motor by cutting off multiple currents supplied to the motor through an inverter circuit.

[0250] In this way, the washing machine (100) can identify whether the motor speed is greater than or equal to the minimum speed for detecting a broken wire, and can measure multiple phase currents at preset time intervals. The washing machine (100) can determine peak values ​​for each of the multiple currents (or phases) from the multiple measurements continuously acquired and compare them to identify whether there is an abnormality in a specific current.

[0251] Accordingly, the washing machine (100) can detect early whether there is an abnormality in the current due to a circuit breakage, etc. by measuring only multiple phase currents under basic conditions such as motor speed.

[0252] In particular, since the washing machine (100) can detect abnormalities using only data collected at the present or near present time, it can detect abnormalities more accurately and efficiently compared to detecting abnormalities by comparing past records (e.g., current measurement records, etc.) with current measurements.

[0253] In addition, if a partial disconnection occurs in the internal circuit of the washing machine (100), ripple may occur in the Q-axis current command as well as in the three-phase output terminal, so the Q-axis current command may be reduced to a value below the disconnection reference current value. Here, the Q-axis current command may correspond to a target current value set to generate the desired torque of the motor.

[0254] Therefore, when the washing machine (100) detects multiple current states in real time, it can detect whether there is a disconnection more efficiently than when using Q-axis commands.

[0255] Meanwhile, in Fig. 7, the order of all steps has been mapped for convenience of explanation, but it goes without saying that the order of steps that are not related to the order or can be performed in parallel is not necessarily limited to that order.

[0256] Meanwhile, methods according to at least some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be implemented in the form of an application that can be installed in an existing washing machine.

[0257] In addition, methods according to at least some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be implemented by software upgrades or hardware upgrades for existing washing machines alone.

[0258] In addition, methods according to at least some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above may also be performed through an embedded server equipped in a washing machine, or through an external server of at least one of the washing machines.

[0259] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the various embodiments described above may be implemented as software containing instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a computer). The machine may include a washing machine (e.g., a washing machine (100)) according to the disclosed embodiments, which is a device capable of calling instructions stored from the storage medium and operating according to the called instructions. When instructions are executed by a processor, the processor may perform a function corresponding to the instructions directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. Instructions may include code generated or executed by a compiler or an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory storage medium" simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium. For example, A 'non-transient storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored. According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones).In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of a computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0260] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a computer). The machine may include a washing machine (e.g., a washing machine (100)) according to the disclosed embodiments, which is a device capable of calling instructions stored from the storage medium and operating according to the called instructions.

[0261] When the above-described instruction is executed by a processor, the processor may perform the function corresponding to the instruction directly or by using other components under the control of the processor. The instruction may include code generated or executed by a compiler or an interpreter.

[0262] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It is understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Regarding washing machines, Housing with a laundry input opening; A door for opening and closing the above laundry input port; A tub provided inside the housing to store water; A drum provided inside the tub to accommodate laundry; A power supply that outputs DC power using input AC power; An inverter circuit that outputs a driving power for driving a motor that rotates the drum using the DC power output from the above power supply; A three-phase output terminal for providing the driving power outputted by the above inverter circuit to a motor that rotates the drum; A power measurement circuit for measuring the above driving power; and A processor that controls the inverter circuit based on the measurement value obtained by the power measurement circuit; is included, The above processor is, The power measurement circuit is controlled to obtain multiple current values ​​by measuring multiple currents provided through the above three-phase output terminal, and Identify whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the current value corresponding to the phase of interest with the current value corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase among the plurality of phases corresponding to each of the plurality of currents, and A washing machine that controls the inverter circuit to cut off the power supplied to the motor rotating the drum when the current corresponding to the phase of interest is identified as abnormal more than a preset number of times.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, A washing machine that controls the power measurement circuit to measure each of the above plurality of currents at a preset period.

3. In Paragraph 2, A washing machine in which the above-mentioned preset cycle is less than a critical cycle corresponding to at least one cycle of the plurality of currents.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above processor is, A washing machine that controls the power measurement circuit to measure each of the above plurality of currents multiple times at the above preset cycle for a period longer than a first threshold time.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, Based on the above-mentioned multiple current values, a plurality of peak values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of phases are identified, and A first threshold value is obtained based on a plurality of peak values ​​corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase among the plurality of peak values, and A washing machine that identifies whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the peak value corresponding to the phase of interest among the plurality of peak values ​​with the first threshold value.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above processor is, A washing machine that identifies the current corresponding to the phase of interest as abnormal if the current corresponding to the phase of interest is less than the first threshold value.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, A washing machine that identifies whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the current value corresponding to the phase of interest with the current value corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase when the current value corresponding to the phase of interest is greater than or equal to a second threshold value.

8. In Paragraph 5, The above processor is, Identifying a phase of interest among the plurality of phases based on the plurality of peak values, and A washing machine that identifies whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the peak value corresponding to the phase of interest identified above with the first threshold value.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above processor is, Identifying the above plurality of peak values ​​according to the above plurality of phases, and A washing machine that identifies the phase corresponding to the minimum value among the plurality of peak values ​​as the phase of interest.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, A washing machine that controls the inverter circuit to cut off the power supplied to the motor rotating the drum when the current corresponding to the phase of interest is identified as abnormal more than the preset number of times during a second critical time.

11. A control method for a washing machine comprising a housing having a laundry inlet, a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet, a tub provided inside the housing to store water, and a drum provided inside the tub to receive laundry, A step of obtaining multiple current values ​​by measuring a plurality of currents provided to a motor that rotates the drum through a three-phase output terminal; A step of identifying whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the current value corresponding to the phase of interest among the plurality of phases corresponding to each of the plurality of currents with the current value corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase; and A control method comprising the step of cutting off power supplied to a motor rotating the drum when the current corresponding to the phase of interest is identified as abnormal for more than a preset number of times.

12. In Paragraph 11, The step of obtaining multiple current values ​​by measuring multiple currents provided to the motor rotating the drum through the above three-phase output terminals is: A control method comprising the step of measuring each of the above plurality of currents at a preset period.

13. In Paragraph 12, A control method in which the above-mentioned preset period is less than a critical period corresponding to at least one period among the plurality of currents.

14. In Paragraph 13, The step of measuring each of the above plurality of currents at a preset period is A control method for measuring each of the above plurality of currents multiple times at a preset period for a period longer than a first threshold time.

15. In home appliances, A power supply that outputs DC power using input AC power; An inverter circuit that outputs a driving power for driving a motor using the DC power output from the above power supply; A three-phase output terminal for providing the driving power outputted by the above inverter circuit to the above motor; A power measurement circuit for measuring the above driving power; A processor that controls the inverter circuit based on the measurement value obtained by the power measurement circuit; is included, The above processor is, The power measurement circuit is controlled to obtain multiple current values ​​by measuring multiple currents provided through the above three-phase output terminal, and Identify whether there is an abnormality in the current corresponding to the phase of interest by comparing the current value corresponding to the phase of interest among the plurality of phases corresponding to each of the plurality of currents with the current value corresponding to each of the remaining at least one phase, and A home appliance that controls the inverter circuit to cut off the power supplied to the motor when the current corresponding to the phase of interest is identified as abnormal for more than a preset number of times.

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