EP1772549B1 - Washing machine and method for controlling the same - Google Patents
Washing machine and method for controlling the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1772549B1 EP1772549B1 EP06010423.9A EP06010423A EP1772549B1 EP 1772549 B1 EP1772549 B1 EP 1772549B1 EP 06010423 A EP06010423 A EP 06010423A EP 1772549 B1 EP1772549 B1 EP 1772549B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- washing
- rinsing
- interim
- dehydrating
- calm
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 title claims description 157
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 35
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 43
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 16
- 230000018044 dehydration Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000006297 dehydration reaction Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000008237 rinsing water Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002979 fabric softener Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000037303 wrinkles Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
- D06F35/005—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying
- D06F35/007—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying for spin-drying only
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a washing machine and a method for controlling the same. More particularly, to a washing machine, which maximally reduces noise generated from a washing process and a method for controlling the same.
- a conventional washing machine is an apparatus for washing laundry using force generated by lifting and dropping the laundry placed in a cylindrical rotary drum when the rotary drum is rotated.
- a dehydrating operation which is carried out after all washing and rinsing operations (i.e., an interim dehydrating operation after washing and rinsing operations, or a final dehydrating operation after a final rinsing operation), is performed at a predetermined high rpm (approximately 800rpm), thereby generating undesirable noise due to driving of a motor or vibration of the rotary drum.
- Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 1999-0055473 discloses a method for reducing noise of a washing machine by minimizing vibration generated in a dehydrating operation.
- US 2006/0000243 A1 a method to reduce vibrations of a drum-type washer is disclosed.
- a first rpm of a motor is set according to a partial disposition state of laundry in an initial stage of a dehydrating operation, the motor is rotated when the set first rpm is decreased or increased within a designated range, the vibration degrees of the motor rotated thereby are measured, and the dehydrating operation is performed at an rpm corresponding to the lowermost value among the measured vibration degrees, thereby reducing noise.
- This method cannot eliminate noise generated in an interim dehydrating operation performed after all washing and rinsing operations, but can minimize noise generated only in a final dehydrating operation performed after the completion of the washing and rinsing operations, thus causing a difficulty in satisfying a low-noise requirement desired by a user. For example, when the user wants to operate the washing machine during the night. The same disadvantage applies to the control method disclosed in US 2006/0000243 A1 .
- a low-noise state i.e., a calm washing state
- the foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention are achieved by providing a washing machine in which time and speed of a dehydrating operation after all washing and rinsing operations are controlled, so that the dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated rpm to achieve calm washing and to have the same effects as a standard washing course, and a method for controlling the same.
- the performing of the low-noise calm washing includes controlling a time and a speed of the dehydrating operation performed after the washing and rinsing operations.
- the performing of the low-noise calm washing includes controlling a time of the dehydrating operation performed after the rinsing operation and a rinsing number in the rinsing operation.
- the designated speed is approximately 100rpm.
- the method further includes preventing washing water from being discharged to the outside in a final rinsing operation and maintaining a final rinsing state, when it is determined that the calm washing course is selected.
- the operations for washing laundry include washing and rinsing operations, and the designated speed is approximately 100rpm.
- a final rinsing state may be maintained without performing a final dehydrating operation.
- the control unit controls a time and a speed of the dehydrating operation after the washing and rinsing operations.
- the control unit controls a time of the dehydrating operation after the rinsing operation and a rinsing number in the rinsing operation are controlled.
- the control unit prevents washing water from being discharged to the outside in a final rinsing operation, and maintain a final rinsing state.
- the operations for washing laundry includes washing and rinsing operations, and, when the rinsing operation is a final rinsing operation, the control unit maintains a final rinsing state without performing a final dehydrating operation.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the washing machine of the present invention comprises a tub 11 having a cylindrical shape installed in a main body 10 to contain washing water, and a rotary drum 12 rotatably installed in the tub 11.
- the tub 11 is slantingly installed at an angle of a designated degree of ⁇ with an installation plane of the washing machine such that a front surface portion 11 a thereof having an opening 11 b is located at a position higher than that of a rear surface portion 11c thereof.
- the rotary drum 12 is slantingly installed in the tub 11 such that a front surface portion 12a thereof having an opening 12b is located at a position higher than that of a rear surface portion 12c thereof.
- a rotary central line of the rotary drum 12 meets the installation plane of the washing machine at an angle of a designated degree of ⁇ such that the front surface portion 12a having the opening 12b faces upward.
- a rotary shaft 13 connected with a center of the rear surface portion 12c of the rotary drum 12 is rotatably supported by the center of the rear surface portion 11c of the tub 11, thereby allowing the rotary drum 12 to be rotatable in the tub 11.
- a plurality of through holes 12d are formed through a circumferential surface of the rotary drum 12, and a plurality of lifters 14 to lift and drop the laundry when the rotary drum 12 is rotated are installed on an inner surface of the rotary drum 12.
- a motor 15 serving as a driving device for rotating the rotary shaft 13 connected with the rotary drum 12 to perform washing, rinsing and dehydrating operations is installed on an outer surface of the rear surface portion 11c of the tub 11, and a washing heater 16 to heat washing water supplied to an inside of the tub 11 is installed in a lower portion of the tub 11.
- the motor 15 comprises a stator 15a fixed to the rear surface portion 11c of the tub 11, a rotor 15b rotatably installed around the stator 15a, and a rotating plate 15c to connect the rotor 15b to the rotary shaft 13.
- An opening 17b is formed through a front surface of the main body 10 at a position corresponding to the opening 12b of the rotary drum 12 and the opening 11b of the tub 11 so that laundry is taken into and out of the rotary drum 12 through the opening 17b, and a door 17 to open and close the opening 17b is installed at the opening 17b.
- a detergent supply device 18 to supply detergent and a water supply device 20 to supply washing water are installed above the tub 11, and a drain device 19 comprising a drain pipe 19a, a drain valve 19b, and a drain pump 19c to discharge water in the tub 11 is installed below the tub 11.
- An inside of the detergent supply device 18 is divided into multiple chambers, and the detergent supply device 18 is installed in the front surface of the main body 10 so that a user easily puts the detergent and a fabric softener into the corresponding chambers.
- the water supply device 20 comprises cold and warm water supply pipes 21 and 22 to respectively supply cold and warm water, and water supply valves 23 and 24 installed in the cold and warm water supply pipes 21 and 22 to control the supply of the water through the cold and warm water supply pipes 21 and 22.
- the cold and warm water supply pipes 21 and 22 are connected with the detergent supply device 18 so that water supplied from the outside is supplied towards the detergent supply device 18.
- a separate water supply pipe 25 is installed between the detergent supply device 18 and the tub 11 so that the water having passed through the detergent supply device 18 is supplied to the tub 11, and a water supply nozzle 26 is installed at an outlet of the water supply pipe 25.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a controlling system of the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the washing machine further comprises a signal input unit 100, a temperature sensing unit 110, a water level sensing unit 120, a control unit 130, a driving unit 140, and a speed sensing unit 150.
- the signal input unit 100 serves to input operating data, such as a washing course, a washing temperature, a dehydrating rpm, and whether a rinsing operation is added, which are selected by a user according to materials of the laundry, to the controller 130.
- the signal input unit 100 allows the user to select a calm washing course (i.e., a low speed course) for controlling the rpm of an interim dehydrating operation, performed after washing and rinsing operations, so that the interim dehydrating operation is performed in a low-noise state.
- the temperature sensing unit 110 senses the temperature of the washing water supplied to the tub 11, and the water level sensing unit 102 senses the level of the washing water supplied to the tub 11.
- the control unit 130 is a microcomputer for controlling the washing machine according to the operating data inputted from the signal input unit 100.
- the control unit 130 controls the operation of the motor 15 so that a dehydrating operation after all washing and rinsing operations (i.e., the interim dehydrating operation after the washing and rinsing operations) is performed at less than a designated rpm.
- the control unit 130 controls the time and speed of the dehydrating operation after all washing and rinsing operations so that the dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated rpm, thus allowing the calm washing course to have the same effects as a standard washing course.
- the control unit 130 controls a dehydration holding time and a rinsing time so that the dehydrating operation is performed at a designated rpm, thereby compensating for rinsing effects.
- the control unit 130 controls an operation of the drain device 19 so that the washing water is not discharged to the outside of the washing machine in a final rinsing operation and the rinsing state is maintained.
- the driving unit 140 drives the motor 15, the washing heater 16, the drain valve 19b, the drain pump 19c, and the water supply valves 23 and 24 according to a driving control signal of the control unit 130, and the speed sensing unit 150 senses the rotational speed of the motor 15 and inputs the sensed rotational speed to the control unit 130.
- FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the washing machine of the present invention so as to achieve calm washing.
- a calm washing operation may be set as default such that an interim dehydrating operation performed after all washing and rinsing operations is performed in a low-noise state, or as an alternative, may be performed only when a user presses a separate option key.
- control unit 130 performs washing and rinsing operations according to the operating data inputted from the signal input unit 100.
- the control unit 130 determined whether the washing machine is turned on.
- the process moves to operation 120 where the control unit 130 switches the water supply valves 23 and 24 on so that washing water is supplied to the detergent supply device 18 through the water supply pipes 21 and 22, and the washing water supplied to the detergent supply device 18 is supplied to the tub 11 through the water supply pipe 25.
- control unit 130 drives the motor 15 at a predetermined rpm and a predetermined operation rate (on/off rate), thereby rotating the rotary drum 12. Thereby, the washing water and the detergent are well mixed with the laundry, and the washing operation for washing the laundry by falling force of the laundry is performed in operation 130.
- the process moves to operation 140 where the interim dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated rpm (approximately 100rpm) such that the user cannot feel the revolution of the motor 15.
- the rpm in the interim dehydrating operation in the calm washing course is lower than the rpm (approximately 600 rpm) in the interim dehydrating operation in the standard washing course.
- the process moves to operation 150 where the control unit 130 determines whether a designated holding time (T) (i.e., a time to remove the minimum amount of water from the laundry by controlling the rpm so that the interim dehydrating operation is performed in a low-noise state, approximately three minutes) of the interim dehydrating operation, which is performed at less than the designated rpm after the washing operation, has elapsed. That is, the interim dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated rpm during the dehydration holding time (T).
- T a designated holding time
- the dehydration holding time (T) of the interim dehydrating operation in the calm washing course must be elongated so as to obtain the same capacity as that in the standard washing course. Accordingly, the dehydrating holding time (T) (approximately, 3 minutes) is maintained.
- the process moves to operation 160 where the control unit 130 controls the water supply valves 23 and 24 to perform the rinsing operation, thereby allowing rinsing water to be supplied to the tub 11.
- control unit 130 drives the motor 15 at a predetermined rpm and a predetermined operation rate (on/off rate), thereby performing the rinsing operation in operation 170.
- the process moves to operation 180 where the control unit 130 determines whether an adjusted rinsing number (i.e., the number of times a rinsing operation is to be performed) is completed.
- the rinsing number in the calm washing course is automatically adjusted so that the rinsing number is obtained by adding one to the rinsing number in the standard washing course, which is based upon the amount of the laundry and the operating data selected by the user.
- the rpm (approximately 100rpm) in the interim dehydrating operation after the rinsing operation in the calm washing course is considerable lower than the rpm (approximately 800rpm) in the interim dehydrating operation after the rinsing operation in the standard washing course
- the rinsing number of the calm washing course must be larger than that of the standard washing course so as to obtain the same capacity as that in the standard washing course.
- T the dehydration holding time of the interim dehydrating operation after the rinsing operation is elongated.
- the process moves to operation 190, where the interim dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated rpm (approximately 100rpm) such that the user cannot feel the revolution of the motor 15.
- the rpm in the interim dehydrating operation in the calm washing course is lower than the rpm (approximately 800 rpm) in the interim dehydrating operation in the standard washing course.
- the process moves to operation 200, where the control unit 130 determines whether a designated holding time (T) (a time to remove the minimum amount of water from the laundry by controlling the rpm so that the interim dehydrating operation is performed in a low-noise state, approximately 3 minutes, in the same manner as the interim dehydrating operation after the washing operation) of the interim dehydrating operation, which is performed at less than the designated rpm after the rinsing operation, has elapsed. That is, the interim dehydrating operation at less than a designated rpm is performed during the dehydration holding time (T).
- T a designated holding time
- the process moves to operation 210, where the control unit 130 stops operation of all loads including the drain device 19 so that the washing water is not discharged to the outside of the washing machine and the rinsing state is maintained without operating a final dehydrating operation.
- the above process allows the laundry to be dried without wrinkle after the washing operation is completed and predetermined amount of time has passed.
- the present invention provides a washing machine, in which a dehydrating operation performed after all washing and rinsing operations is controlled so that the dehydrating operation is performed in a low-noise state at less than a designated rpm to achieve calm washing, and in which time and speed of the dehydrating operation performed after all washing and rinsing operations are controlled so that the dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated rpm to have the same effects as a standard washing course, and a method for controlling the same.
- the washing machine controls a holding time of an interim dehydrating operation and a rinsing number so that the dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated rpm to compensate for rinsing capacity, and does not discharge washing water to the outside and maintains a rinsing state in a final rinsing operation to prevent generation of noise due to a final dehydrating operation and to dry the laundry without wrinkling.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
- Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a washing machine and a method for controlling the same. More particularly, to a washing machine, which maximally reduces noise generated from a washing process and a method for controlling the same.
- Generally, a conventional washing machine is an apparatus for washing laundry using force generated by lifting and dropping the laundry placed in a cylindrical rotary drum when the rotary drum is rotated. A dehydrating operation which is carried out after all washing and rinsing operations (i.e., an interim dehydrating operation after washing and rinsing operations, or a final dehydrating operation after a final rinsing operation), is performed at a predetermined high rpm (approximately 800rpm), thereby generating undesirable noise due to driving of a motor or vibration of the rotary drum.
- In order to solve the above problem, Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No.
1999-0055473 US 2006/0000243 A1 a method to reduce vibrations of a drum-type washer is disclosed. - In the method disclosed in the former document, a first rpm of a motor is set according to a partial disposition state of laundry in an initial stage of a dehydrating operation, the motor is rotated when the set first rpm is decreased or increased within a designated range, the vibration degrees of the motor rotated thereby are measured, and the dehydrating operation is performed at an rpm corresponding to the lowermost value among the measured vibration degrees, thereby reducing noise. This method cannot eliminate noise generated in an interim dehydrating operation performed after all washing and rinsing operations, but can minimize noise generated only in a final dehydrating operation performed after the completion of the washing and rinsing operations, thus causing a difficulty in satisfying a low-noise requirement desired by a user. For example, when the user wants to operate the washing machine during the night. The same disadvantage applies to the control method disclosed in
US 2006/0000243 A1 . - Accordingly, it is an aspect of the invention to provide a washing machine in which a dehydrating operation after all washing and rinsing operations is performed in a low-noise state (i.e., a calm washing state) of less than a designated rpm to maximally reduce noise, and a method for controlling the same.
- Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
- The foregoing and/or other aspects of the present invention are achieved by providing a washing machine in which time and speed of a dehydrating operation after all washing and rinsing operations are controlled, so that the dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated rpm to achieve calm washing and to have the same effects as a standard washing course, and a method for controlling the same.
- It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a washing machine, in which a dehydration holding time and a rinsing number are controlled so that the dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated rpm to compensate for rinsing capacity, and a method for controlling the same.
- It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a washing machine in which washing water is not discharged to an outside and a rinsing state is maintained in a final rinsing operation to prevent generation of noise due to a final dehydrating operation and to prevent wrinkling of laundry, and a method for controlling the same.
- It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method for controlling a washing machine, the method including determining whether a calm washing course is selected, and performing low-noise calm washing by controlling a dehydrating operation performed after washing and rinsing operations so that the dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated speed, when it is determined that the calm washing course is selected.
- The performing of the low-noise calm washing includes controlling a time and a speed of the dehydrating operation performed after the washing and rinsing operations.
- The performing of the low-noise calm washing includes controlling a time of the dehydrating operation performed after the rinsing operation and a rinsing number in the rinsing operation.
- The designated speed is approximately 100rpm.
- The method further includes preventing washing water from being discharged to the outside in a final rinsing operation and maintaining a final rinsing state, when it is determined that the calm washing course is selected.
- It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method for controlling a washing machine in which a dehydrating operation after operations for washing laundry is performed at less than a designated speed for a designated time, to perform calm washing in a low-noise state.
- The operations for washing laundry include washing and rinsing operations, and the designated speed is approximately 100rpm.
- When the rinsing operation is a final rinsing operation, a final rinsing state may be maintained without performing a final dehydrating operation.
- It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a washing machine having a motor and a drain device, the washing machine including a signal input unit to select a calm washing course, and a control unit to control the motor in the calm washing course so that a dehydrating operation after washing and rinsing operations is performed at less than a designated speed.
- The control unit controls a time and a speed of the dehydrating operation after the washing and rinsing operations.
- The control unit controls a time of the dehydrating operation after the rinsing operation and a rinsing number in the rinsing operation are controlled.
- The control unit prevents washing water from being discharged to the outside in a final rinsing operation, and maintain a final rinsing state.
- It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a washing machine including a signal input unit to select a calm washing course, and a control unit to control the motor in the calm washing course so that a dehydrating operation after operations for washing laundry is performed at less than a designated speed for a designated time.
- The operations for washing laundry includes washing and rinsing operations, and, when the rinsing operation is a final rinsing operation, the control unit maintains a final rinsing state without performing a final dehydrating operation.
- These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
-
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a controlling system of the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. - Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below to explain the present invention by referring to the figures.
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FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , the washing machine of the present invention comprises atub 11 having a cylindrical shape installed in amain body 10 to contain washing water, and arotary drum 12 rotatably installed in thetub 11. - The
tub 11 is slantingly installed at an angle of a designated degree of α with an installation plane of the washing machine such that afront surface portion 11 a thereof having anopening 11 b is located at a position higher than that of arear surface portion 11c thereof. In the same manner as thetub 11, therotary drum 12 is slantingly installed in thetub 11 such that afront surface portion 12a thereof having an opening 12b is located at a position higher than that of arear surface portion 12c thereof. - That is, a rotary central line of the
rotary drum 12 meets the installation plane of the washing machine at an angle of a designated degree of α such that thefront surface portion 12a having the opening 12b faces upward. Arotary shaft 13 connected with a center of therear surface portion 12c of therotary drum 12 is rotatably supported by the center of therear surface portion 11c of thetub 11, thereby allowing therotary drum 12 to be rotatable in thetub 11. - A plurality of through
holes 12d are formed through a circumferential surface of therotary drum 12, and a plurality oflifters 14 to lift and drop the laundry when therotary drum 12 is rotated are installed on an inner surface of therotary drum 12. - A
motor 15 serving as a driving device for rotating therotary shaft 13 connected with therotary drum 12 to perform washing, rinsing and dehydrating operations is installed on an outer surface of therear surface portion 11c of thetub 11, and awashing heater 16 to heat washing water supplied to an inside of thetub 11 is installed in a lower portion of thetub 11. - The
motor 15 comprises astator 15a fixed to therear surface portion 11c of thetub 11, arotor 15b rotatably installed around thestator 15a, and a rotatingplate 15c to connect therotor 15b to therotary shaft 13. - An opening 17b is formed through a front surface of the
main body 10 at a position corresponding to the opening 12b of therotary drum 12 and the opening 11b of thetub 11 so that laundry is taken into and out of therotary drum 12 through the opening 17b, and adoor 17 to open and close the opening 17b is installed at the opening 17b. - A
detergent supply device 18 to supply detergent and awater supply device 20 to supply washing water are installed above thetub 11, and adrain device 19 comprising adrain pipe 19a, adrain valve 19b, and adrain pump 19c to discharge water in thetub 11 is installed below thetub 11. - An inside of the
detergent supply device 18 is divided into multiple chambers, and thedetergent supply device 18 is installed in the front surface of themain body 10 so that a user easily puts the detergent and a fabric softener into the corresponding chambers. - The
water supply device 20 comprises cold and warmwater supply pipes water supply valves water supply pipes water supply pipes - The cold and warm
water supply pipes detergent supply device 18 so that water supplied from the outside is supplied towards thedetergent supply device 18. A separatewater supply pipe 25 is installed between thedetergent supply device 18 and thetub 11 so that the water having passed through thedetergent supply device 18 is supplied to thetub 11, and awater supply nozzle 26 is installed at an outlet of thewater supply pipe 25. Thereby, the water supplied to thetub 11 passes through thedetergent supply device 18 to solve the detergent in thedetergent supply device 18, and the water containing the detergent is supplied to thetub 11. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a controlling system of the washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine further comprises asignal input unit 100, atemperature sensing unit 110, a waterlevel sensing unit 120, acontrol unit 130, adriving unit 140, and aspeed sensing unit 150. - The
signal input unit 100 serves to input operating data, such as a washing course, a washing temperature, a dehydrating rpm, and whether a rinsing operation is added, which are selected by a user according to materials of the laundry, to thecontroller 130. Thesignal input unit 100 allows the user to select a calm washing course (i.e., a low speed course) for controlling the rpm of an interim dehydrating operation, performed after washing and rinsing operations, so that the interim dehydrating operation is performed in a low-noise state. - The
temperature sensing unit 110 senses the temperature of the washing water supplied to thetub 11, and the water level sensing unit 102 senses the level of the washing water supplied to thetub 11. - The
control unit 130 is a microcomputer for controlling the washing machine according to the operating data inputted from thesignal input unit 100. When the calm washing course is selected, thecontrol unit 130 controls the operation of themotor 15 so that a dehydrating operation after all washing and rinsing operations (i.e., the interim dehydrating operation after the washing and rinsing operations) is performed at less than a designated rpm. - The
control unit 130 controls the time and speed of the dehydrating operation after all washing and rinsing operations so that the dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated rpm, thus allowing the calm washing course to have the same effects as a standard washing course. In the rinsing operation, thecontrol unit 130 controls a dehydration holding time and a rinsing time so that the dehydrating operation is performed at a designated rpm, thereby compensating for rinsing effects. - The
control unit 130 controls an operation of thedrain device 19 so that the washing water is not discharged to the outside of the washing machine in a final rinsing operation and the rinsing state is maintained. - The driving
unit 140 drives themotor 15, thewashing heater 16, thedrain valve 19b, thedrain pump 19c, and thewater supply valves control unit 130, and thespeed sensing unit 150 senses the rotational speed of themotor 15 and inputs the sensed rotational speed to thecontrol unit 130. - Hereinafter, the function and effects of the above washing machine and a process for controlling the washing machine will be described.
-
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the washing machine of the present invention so as to achieve calm washing. In the method of the present invention, a calm washing operation may be set as default such that an interim dehydrating operation performed after all washing and rinsing operations is performed in a low-noise state, or as an alternative, may be performed only when a user presses a separate option key. - When a user puts laundry into the
rotary drum 12, selects operating data, such as a washing course, a washing temperature, a dehydrating rpm, and whether a rinsing operation is added, according to materials of the laundry, and then selects the calm washing course, the operating data, which are selected by the user, are inputted to thecontrol unit 130 through thesignal input unit 100 inoperation 100. - From
operation 100, the process moves tooperation 110 where thecontrol unit 130 performs washing and rinsing operations according to the operating data inputted from thesignal input unit 100. First, thecontrol unit 130 determined whether the washing machine is turned on. - When it is determined that the washing machine is turned on in
operation 110, the process moves tooperation 120 where thecontrol unit 130 switches thewater supply valves detergent supply device 18 through thewater supply pipes detergent supply device 18 is supplied to thetub 11 through thewater supply pipe 25. - When the washing water is supplied to the
tub 11, thecontrol unit 130 drives themotor 15 at a predetermined rpm and a predetermined operation rate (on/off rate), thereby rotating therotary drum 12. Thereby, the washing water and the detergent are well mixed with the laundry, and the washing operation for washing the laundry by falling force of the laundry is performed inoperation 130. - After the washing operation performed in
operation 130, the process moves tooperation 140 where the interim dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated rpm (approximately 100rpm) such that the user cannot feel the revolution of themotor 15. The rpm in the interim dehydrating operation in the calm washing course is lower than the rpm (approximately 600 rpm) in the interim dehydrating operation in the standard washing course. Thereby, it is possible to maximally reduce noise generated in the interim dehydrating operation after the washing operation, thus providing calm environment. - From
operation 140, the process moves tooperation 150 where thecontrol unit 130 determines whether a designated holding time (T) (i.e., a time to remove the minimum amount of water from the laundry by controlling the rpm so that the interim dehydrating operation is performed in a low-noise state, approximately three minutes) of the interim dehydrating operation, which is performed at less than the designated rpm after the washing operation, has elapsed. That is, the interim dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated rpm during the dehydration holding time (T). - Since the rpm (approximately 10rpm) in the interim dehydrating operation in the calm washing course is considerably lower than the rpm (approximately 600rpm) in the interim dehydrating operation in the standard washing course, the dehydration holding time (T) of the interim dehydrating operation in the calm washing course must be elongated so as to obtain the same capacity as that in the standard washing course. Accordingly, the dehydrating holding time (T) (approximately, 3 minutes) is maintained.
- When it is determined that the dehydration holding time (T) has elapsed the designated time in
operation 150, the process moves to operation 160 where thecontrol unit 130 controls thewater supply valves tub 11. - When the rinsing water is supplied to the
tub 11, thecontrol unit 130 drives themotor 15 at a predetermined rpm and a predetermined operation rate (on/off rate), thereby performing the rinsing operation in operation 170. - After the rinsing operation is performed in operation 170, the process moves to
operation 180 where thecontrol unit 130 determines whether an adjusted rinsing number (i.e., the number of times a rinsing operation is to be performed) is completed. The rinsing number in the calm washing course is automatically adjusted so that the rinsing number is obtained by adding one to the rinsing number in the standard washing course, which is based upon the amount of the laundry and the operating data selected by the user. - Since the rpm (approximately 100rpm) in the interim dehydrating operation after the rinsing operation in the calm washing course is considerable lower than the rpm (approximately 800rpm) in the interim dehydrating operation after the rinsing operation in the standard washing course, the rinsing number of the calm washing course must be larger than that of the standard washing course so as to obtain the same capacity as that in the standard washing course. Of course, in the same manner as the interim dehydrating operation after the washing operation, the dehydration holding time (T) of the interim dehydrating operation after the rinsing operation is elongated.
- When it is determined that the adjusted rinsing number is not completed in
operation 180, the process moves tooperation 190, where the interim dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated rpm (approximately 100rpm) such that the user cannot feel the revolution of themotor 15. The rpm in the interim dehydrating operation in the calm washing course is lower than the rpm (approximately 800 rpm) in the interim dehydrating operation in the standard washing course. Thereby, it is possible to maximally reduce noise generated in the interim dehydrating operation after the washing operation, thus providing calm environment. - From
operation 190, the process moves tooperation 200, where thecontrol unit 130 determines whether a designated holding time (T) (a time to remove the minimum amount of water from the laundry by controlling the rpm so that the interim dehydrating operation is performed in a low-noise state, approximately 3 minutes, in the same manner as the interim dehydrating operation after the washing operation) of the interim dehydrating operation, which is performed at less than the designated rpm after the rinsing operation, has elapsed. That is, the interim dehydrating operation at less than a designated rpm is performed during the dehydration holding time (T). - On the other hand, when it is determined that the adjusted rinsing number is completed in
operation 180, the process moves to operation 210, where thecontrol unit 130 stops operation of all loads including thedrain device 19 so that the washing water is not discharged to the outside of the washing machine and the rinsing state is maintained without operating a final dehydrating operation. - The above process allows the laundry to be dried without wrinkle after the washing operation is completed and predetermined amount of time has passed.
- As apparent from the above description, the present invention provides a washing machine, in which a dehydrating operation performed after all washing and rinsing operations is controlled so that the dehydrating operation is performed in a low-noise state at less than a designated rpm to achieve calm washing, and in which time and speed of the dehydrating operation performed after all washing and rinsing operations are controlled so that the dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated rpm to have the same effects as a standard washing course, and a method for controlling the same.
- Further, the washing machine controls a holding time of an interim dehydrating operation and a rinsing number so that the dehydrating operation is performed at less than a designated rpm to compensate for rinsing capacity, and does not discharge washing water to the outside and maintains a rinsing state in a final rinsing operation to prevent generation of noise due to a final dehydrating operation and to dry the laundry without wrinkling.
- Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
Claims (8)
- A method for controlling a washing machine comprising:determining whether a calm washing course is selected; andperforming, if determined that the calm washing course is selected, low-noise calm washing,characterized by controlling a speed of an interim dehydrating operation after a washing operation and before a rinsing operation to be less than a speed of an interim dehydrating operation at a standard washing course by controlling a motor (15) of the washing machine,wherein in a final rinsing operation of the calm washing course, washing water is prevented from being discharged to outside so as to maintain a final rinsing state.
- The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the performing of the low-noise calm washing comprises performing the interim dehydrating operation after the washing operation and the rinsing operation for a longer time than the interim dehydrating operation at the standard washing course is performed.
- The method as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the performing of the low-noise calm washing comprises performing the rinsing operation a predetermined number of times more than a rinsing operation at the standard washing course is performed.
- The method as set forth in one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotating speed in the interim dehydrating operation after the washing operation and the rinsing operation is approximately 100rpm.
- A washing machine having a motor (15) and a drain device (19), comprising a signal input unit (100) configured to select a calm washing course,
characterized by a control unit (130), if the calm washing course is selected, configured to control a speed of an interim dehydrating operation after a washing operation and before a rinsing operation to be less than a speed of an interim dehydrating operation at a standard washing course by controlling the motor (15), and to control, in a final rinsing of the rinsing operation, such that washing water is prevented from being discharged to outside so as to maintain a final rinsing state. - The washing machine as set forth in claim 5, wherein the control unit (130) performs the interim dehydrating operation after the washing operation and the rinsing operation for a longer time than the interim dehydrating operation at the standard washing course is performed.
- The washing machine as set forth in claim 5 or 6, wherein the control unit (130) performs the rinsing operation a predetermined number of times more than a rinsing operation at the standard washing course is performed.
- The washing machine as set forth in one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the rotating speed in the interim dehydrating operation after the washing operation and the rinsing operation is approximately 100rpm.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR1020050093974A KR101095560B1 (en) | 2005-10-06 | 2005-10-06 | Washing machine and method to control laundry thereof |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP1772549A2 EP1772549A2 (en) | 2007-04-11 |
EP1772549A3 EP1772549A3 (en) | 2012-07-04 |
EP1772549B1 true EP1772549B1 (en) | 2016-02-03 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP06010423.9A Active EP1772549B1 (en) | 2005-10-06 | 2006-05-19 | Washing machine and method for controlling the same |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20070079449A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1772549B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2007098113A (en) |
KR (1) | KR101095560B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1944769B (en) |
RU (1) | RU2337193C2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US9416478B2 (en) | 2009-03-31 | 2016-08-16 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing machine and washing method |
US8966944B2 (en) | 2008-08-01 | 2015-03-03 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Control method of a laundry machine |
CN101725011B (en) * | 2008-11-03 | 2011-12-07 | 博西华电器(江苏)有限公司 | Washing machine and control method thereof |
ES2605027T3 (en) | 2009-02-11 | 2017-03-10 | Lg Electronics Inc | Washing machine |
US9234307B2 (en) | 2009-07-27 | 2016-01-12 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Control method of a laundry machine |
US9822473B2 (en) | 2009-07-27 | 2017-11-21 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Control method of a laundry machine |
US9695537B2 (en) | 2009-07-27 | 2017-07-04 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Control method of a laundry machine |
US10533275B2 (en) | 2009-07-27 | 2020-01-14 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Control method of a laundry machine |
EP2470712B1 (en) | 2009-08-27 | 2018-03-07 | LG Electronics Inc. | Control method of laundry machine |
WO2011025323A2 (en) * | 2009-08-27 | 2011-03-03 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Control method of laundry machine |
US9045853B2 (en) | 2009-10-13 | 2015-06-02 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Laundry treating apparatus |
US8776297B2 (en) | 2009-10-13 | 2014-07-15 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Laundry treating apparatus and method |
KR101620437B1 (en) * | 2009-11-16 | 2016-05-12 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Control method of washing machine and washing machine |
US9080274B2 (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2015-07-14 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing method and washing machine |
KR101969034B1 (en) * | 2017-04-12 | 2019-08-20 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Laundry treatment machine |
KR102635506B1 (en) | 2018-12-13 | 2024-02-13 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | laundry machine having an induction heater and the control method of the same |
CN111321552A (en) * | 2020-02-26 | 2020-06-23 | 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 | Washing machine control method and washing machine |
CN111826886A (en) * | 2020-06-15 | 2020-10-27 | 安徽金帅洗衣机有限公司 | Smart home mute control method |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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IT1282275B1 (en) * | 1995-12-06 | 1998-03-16 | Electrolux Zanussi Elettrodome | WASHING MACHINE WITH LOW CONSUMPTION RINSE CYCLES |
KR19990055473A (en) | 1997-12-27 | 1999-07-15 | 구자홍 | Dehydration Control Method of Drum Washing Machine |
KR100504866B1 (en) * | 2003-01-15 | 2005-08-01 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Method for controlling dehydration speed of drum washing machine |
AU2004202639B2 (en) * | 2003-06-20 | 2011-01-27 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing method in washing machine including semi-drying cycle and control apparatus therefor |
KR101065690B1 (en) * | 2004-06-25 | 2011-09-19 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | method for controlling dehydration in drum-type washing machine |
KR101114740B1 (en) | 2004-06-30 | 2012-02-29 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Method and apparatus for controlling dehydration of washing machine |
-
2005
- 2005-10-06 KR KR1020050093974A patent/KR101095560B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2006
- 2006-05-19 EP EP06010423.9A patent/EP1772549B1/en active Active
- 2006-05-30 US US11/442,224 patent/US20070079449A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-06-05 RU RU2006119615/12A patent/RU2337193C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-06-06 CN CN2006100877837A patent/CN1944769B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-06-29 JP JP2006180250A patent/JP2007098113A/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP1772549A2 (en) | 2007-04-11 |
CN1944769A (en) | 2007-04-11 |
EP1772549A3 (en) | 2012-07-04 |
CN1944769B (en) | 2011-07-27 |
JP2007098113A (en) | 2007-04-19 |
US20070079449A1 (en) | 2007-04-12 |
KR101095560B1 (en) | 2011-12-19 |
RU2337193C2 (en) | 2008-10-27 |
RU2006119615A (en) | 2007-12-27 |
KR20070038729A (en) | 2007-04-11 |
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