KR101637350B1 - washing machine and the control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine. That is, the present invention relates to an apparatus for processing laundry such as a washing machine and a dryer.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine comprising a tub, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a heater provided in the tub for heating wash water, a control panel provided for interfacing with a user, The control panel includes a reference course input unit for generating a command for driving the heater to perform a washing course, and a controller for controlling the washing machine to perform a washing course, And an energy saving course input unit for generating a command to limit the driving of the heater and to perform a washing course satisfying the washing performance of the reference course.

Washing machine, washer, dryer, tub heater, energy

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof,

The present invention relates to a washing machine. That is, the present invention relates to an apparatus for processing laundry such as a washing machine and a dryer.

The washing machine is a device for washing clothes using water and a detergent. Generally, the mechanism in which washing is performed in the washing machine includes mechanical action and chemical action, and the contaminant is removed from the laundry through such a mechanism.

Here, the mechanical action refers to a friction or shock between water and laundry, a friction or shock between laundry and laundry, and a mechanical force due to friction or impact between the laundry and the drum in which the laundry is received.

In addition, the chemical action includes a detergent action in which contaminants naturally dissolve in the washing water to remove it from the laundry, and the contaminant is removed from the laundry due to the activation action between the detergent and the contaminant.

Such a washing mechanism may be said to be the same irrespective of the type of the washing machine, but the shape of the washing machine may be changed depending on whether mechanical action or chemical action is more preferable. In addition, the type of the washing machine may vary depending on whether or not the mechanical force overcomes the mechanical force in detail.

For example, in a vertical axis washing machine (for example, a pulsator washing machine), the mechanical force between water and laundry may be regarded as a higher priority. In the case of a horizontal washing machine (for example, a drum washing machine) It can be seen that the mechanical power has a higher priority. Because of these differences in mechanism, each type of washing machine has advantages and disadvantages.

However, regardless of the shape of the washing machine, it is generally the same in that it is washed using water and a detergent.

It is well known that the temperature of the washing water is increased to improve the washing efficiency. This is because the high wash water temperature can easily dissolve or decompose the contaminants, and detergent activation can be further promoted.

However, increasing the temperature of the washing water means that much energy is used for washing. Particularly, in the case of a pulsator washing machine in which the amount of washing water used is larger than that of a drum washing machine, more energy will be required.

Meanwhile, in the case of a washing machine, a tub for storing washing water is provided, and a drum for washing laundry is provided in the tub. A space is formed between the drum and the tub, and the wash water is stored in the space, and the wash water can be communicated between the tub and the drum through the through hole formed in the drum.

Generally, the tub is provided with a heater for heating laundry water. The heater generates heat by using electric energy and heats the washing water through the heater. In other words, the heater functions to convert electric energy into heat energy, so that a considerable amount of energy is consumed through the heater.

The washing machine may include a heater for heating the washing water, a motor for driving the drum, a driving part for various sensors and valves, and a front part of the control panel, all of which are operated through electric energy. However, energy consumed in other configurations is very small compared to the energy consumed by the heater. For example, when the amount of energy required to perform all the washing courses is 100, the amount of energy consumed by the heater is 70-85%. Of course, this assumes that the heater is operated in the washing course.

In general, the user may select a washing course in which the heater is not operated to conserve the energy consumed, so that the washing can be performed. However, since the user perceives that the washing performance or the sterilizing power is proportional to the increase in the temperature of the washing water, the user may select the washing course on which the heater is operated to perform the washing by consuming energy. Thus, in either case, the user will have the perception that they sacrifice either laundry performance or energy savings.

Such laundry performance and energy savings are the most important requirements for users in washing machines. Therefore, there is a need to provide a washing machine capable of satisfying all of these requirements.

In particular, demand for low-carbon emission household appliances is increasing due to global warming. In other words, there is an increasing demand for home appliances that minimize energy use, and these products are socially encouraged. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a washing apparatus that can achieve equivalent washing performance and at the same time, has less energy consumption.

On the other hand, the washing machine has various types of washing courses. Such a washing course may be prepared according to the type of laundry and the purpose of washing, and an option that the user may additionally select, such as the temperature of the washing water, may be combined with the washing course. Therefore, the energy consumed until the laundry course is performed and completed depends on which washing course is performed. Of course, the amount of energy consumed will vary depending on the options selected and the amount of laundry being washed.

Due to these problems, there is a problem that the user can not know how much energy is saved even if he or she saves energy in performing a specific laundry course. Thus, it will be important for the user to be able to easily know the absolute amount, expected or approximate amount or relative amount of energy that is easily saved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to solve the problems of the conventional washing apparatus.

And it is an object of the present invention to provide a washing apparatus which can save energy used in the course of laundry course through embodiments of the present invention.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a washing machine capable of grasping an absolute amount or a relative amount of energy easily saved by a user through embodiments of the present invention.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine capable of ensuring satisfactory washing performance through the embodiments of the present invention and at the same time allowing the user to select the amount of energy to be saved, The purpose.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a washing machine capable of easily grasping energy information related to laundry course execution through the embodiments of the present invention.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine including a tub, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a heater disposed in the tub to heat the washing water, a control panel provided for an interface with a user, And a controller for controlling the operation of the washing machine in accordance with a command generated by the operation of the control panel, wherein the control panel includes a reference course for generating a command for driving the heater to perform a washing cycle, And an energy saving course input unit for generating a command to limit the driving of the heater and to perform a washing course satisfying the washing performance of the reference course compared with the reference course, can do.

Here, to limit the driving of the heater, it may be that the heater is not driven or the driving time is relatively shortened.

In addition, the energy saving course may be a course prepared so as to save energy of 15% to 55% as compared with energy required to perform the reference course. The energy saving course input unit may be configured to select a plurality of energy saving courses by subdividing the energy saving range. More specifically, it is possible to select one or more energy saving courses from among the courses that can save energy by 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% as compared with the energy required for performing the reference course.

The energy saving course can be controlled differently from the standard course, and the control variable can be varied in various ways. That is, as the energy saved in the energy saving course is changed, the time required for the course execution, the actual running rate of the motor for driving the drum, and the step motion or scrubbing motion, The rate of time driven, and the like. Here, it is preferable that the larger the energy saved in the energy saving course, the greater the magnitude of the variables.

Also, the greater the energy saved in the energy saving course, the greater the amount of detergent to be controlled or the amount of detergent required to control the washing water amount and detergent amount used in the course execution may be controlled. And, as the energy saved in the energy saving course is increased, the driving time of the heater driven in the course execution may be controlled to be shortened or not driven.

The control variables may be controlled so that only one of the control variables is different from the reference course, or the control parameters may be controlled to be varied in a complex manner.

Meanwhile, the energy saving course may be performed in various forms independently of or in combination with the control with different control variables as described above.

For example, when an energy saving course is performed, steam may be supplied from the steam generator to the drum to raise the atmospheric temperature in the drum. Further, it can be controlled to indicate that a detergent which promotes the activation of the detergent at a temperature lower than the wash water temperature in the reference course execution is required to be displayed. In addition, when the energy saving course for saving the energy is performed, a connection part through which heated water can be introduced from the outside of the washing machine is provided, so that heated water required for the course execution from the connection part is introduced into the tub Control.

That is, the energy conservation course may be performed differently depending on the steam generator, the special detergent, and the configuration variables of the external hot water supply source. For example, as the configuration variables vary, the energy limit that can be saved can vary. Therefore, when a plurality of energy saving courses are provided step by step, the above-mentioned configuration variables required when performing the energy saving courses of each step may be changed.

Here, the steam generator is provided separately from the tub in the washing machine, and generates steam to supply steam to the drum.

Also, the external hot water supply source may be a common hot water faucet such as a domestic boiler, or a solar hot water faucet.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the control panel may include a course selection unit provided in a rotary knob type for allowing a user to select a specific course from a plurality of courses, and a temperature option unit for selecting a temperature option of the wash water have. The user can select the reference course only through the course selection unit. In this case, the reference course input unit corresponds to the course selection unit. In addition, the user can select the reference course by selecting both the course selection unit and the temperature option unit. In this case, the reference course input unit corresponds to a combination of the course selection unit and the temperature option unit.

Preferably, the reference course is a course in which the temperature of the washing water is heated through the heater to 40 ° C or more. This is because it is possible to save considerable energy in these reference courses.

Meanwhile, the energy saving course input unit may correspond to the course selection unit. That is, the user can select the reference course and the energy saving course through the course selection unit.

In addition, the control panel may include a saving option unit for selecting an energy saving option. The user can select the energy saving course by selecting both the course selection unit and the saving option unit. In this case, the energy saving course input unit corresponds to a combination of the course selection unit and the saving option unit.

Here, the saving option unit can be controlled to be selected only when the washing water temperature of the reference course selected by the combination of the course selection unit or the course selection unit and the temperature selection unit is 40 degrees Celsius or more. That is, it can be activated so that the user can select it. Here, it means that the controller is activated when the user selects it and means that the controller performs the corresponding control when it is selected. If the user does not select it, the corresponding control is not performed. Accordingly, in order to prevent confusion of the user, the saving option unit may be provided together with display means such as an LED or the like, the activation may be indicated by light emission or flashing of the LED, and the deactivation may be indicated by the light off.

Preferably, the saving option unit is provided to select a plurality of energy saving courses so that energy can be saved stepwise in comparison with energy required for performing the reference course. It is preferable that a course that can be selected from among the plurality of energy saving courses is changed according to the wash water temperature of the reference course. That is, when the washing water temperature is relatively low, the energy saving width that can be selected becomes small, and in the opposite case, the energy saving width becomes large.

In order to achieve the above object, another embodiment of the present invention provides a control method of a washing machine. The washing machine includes a tub, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a heater disposed in the tub and heating the washing water, a control panel provided for interfacing with the user, And a controller for controlling the driving of the washing machine in response to the command.

Specifically, the control method may include: (a) determining whether a washing course input by a user is a reference course to be driven by driving the heater; (B) waiting for the user to select an energy saving course that limits the driving of the heater and satisfies the washing performance of the reference course, when the reference course is input; And (c) performing the reference course or the energy saving course according to the selection in the step (b).

Here, the reference course may be a course in which the temperature of the wash water is heated through the heater to 40 ° C or higher. In addition, a plurality of energy saving courses are provided so as to save energy stepwise compared to energy required for performing the reference course, and the energy saving courses are selected in the step (b) according to the reference course inputted in the step (a) The energy conservation course can be limited.

In order to achieve the above object, another embodiment of the present invention provides a washing machine. The present embodiment may be independent from the above-described embodiments and may be a combined form.

The washing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a display unit for displaying to the user the amount of energy consumed when the user selects a washing course. Here, the laundry course may be selected only through the course selection unit, or may be selected through the course selection unit and various option selection units.

In addition to the selection of the user, the amount of energy used may vary depending on the amount of laundry to be washed. Therefore, it is preferable to display the expected amount of energy consumption through the display unit to the user through the display unit after detecting the initial amount of the course execution. Of course, it is also possible to display the expected time until completion of the course through the display unit. However, it is possible to display the approximate expected energy consumption after choosing the course, regardless of the volume.

Here, the amount of energy used can be converted into electricity and displayed. That is, since the electricity cost per unit electric power can be determined, if the electricity cost is converted and displayed, the user can more easily recognize it. It is also possible to indicate the amount of carbon emissions generated corresponding to the amount of energy used. And, if you run a course that saves energy, you might be able to display the amount of carbon emissions that can be reduced or the number of trees corresponding to that.

The performance of a single course can be very difficult for the user to recognize, because the amount of energy saved or the amount of carbon emissions reduced is small. Therefore, it may be possible to display it on the assumption that the annual use frequency, for example, 100 times a year, is performed.

Basically, this embodiment together with such a display unit can be combined with the above-described embodiments to be more effective and to enhance the satisfaction of the user. This is because the user can more easily recognize the effect of saving the energy or the electricity. That is, it can simply indicate the amount of savings rather than the amount used.

It is possible to provide a washing apparatus which can save energy used in the execution of the washing course through the embodiments of the present invention.

In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a washing machine capable of grasping an absolute amount or a relative amount of energy easily saved by a user.

In addition, through the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine capable of ensuring satisfactory washing performance and at the same time allowing a user to select the amount of energy to be saved, .

Meanwhile, it is possible to provide a washing machine which can easily grasp energy information related to laundry course execution through the embodiments of the present invention.

Through the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to encourage the user to select an energy saving course as much as possible, or to encourage the user to reduce the frequency of use of the washing machine. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the effect of encouraging users to practice energy saving by self-assurance rather than practicing energy conservation forcibly.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a graph schematically showing washing performance according to washing time at various washing water temperatures.

An increase in the washing time in the washing machine is important in that it can secure a longer time for the washing mechanism to be performed. That is, it is natural that the longer the time required for washing and the mechanical power required for washing is, the better the washing performance is. Of course, it is well known that as the temperature of the washing water in washing increases, the washing performance improves.

However, since the amount of contaminants is limited and saturation of the detergent action occurs, practically, the washing performance is not continuously improved as the washing time is increased. That is, when the washing time elapses to some extent, the washing performance converges to the limit value.

As shown in FIG. 1, it can be seen that when the washing water temperature is increased, the performance close to the target washing performance, that is, the washing performance limit, can be reached within a short time. For example, if the wash water temperature is 60 degrees Celsius, the target wash performance is reached after about 45 minutes, and thereafter, there is no significant difference in the wash performance even after the wash time elapses.

Likewise, when the washing water temperature is 40 degrees Celsius, it reaches about the target washing performance after about 80 minutes, and when the washing water temperature is 20 degrees Celsius, it reaches about 130 minutes after reaching the target washing performance. In any case, even if the washing time elapses, there is no significant difference in washing performance.

Therefore, it can be understood that, if the sufficient washing time is ensured, the target washing performance can be reached even if the washing water temperature is changed.

Here, when the wash water temperature is 20 degrees Celsius, it means cold water supplied from the external water source, and 40 degrees and 60 degrees means the temperature heated through the heater inside the washing machine. The problem is that when the washing water is heated through the heater, most of the energy consumed for satisfying the washing performance is generated by the heater. Therefore, it is very important to reduce the energy consumption due to the heater but to satisfy the required washing performance.

In order to satisfy the above-mentioned requirements, it is desirable to limit the operation of the heater, but to raise other factors or variables corresponding to the improvement of the washing efficiency due to the increase of the washing water temperature. That is, it is possible to improve the washing efficiency by further enhancing the mechanical action and the detergent action so as to satisfy the required washing performance even when the operation of the heater is restricted. Further, it is possible to further increase the washing time at which the mechanical action or the detergent action is performed, thereby satisfying the required washing performance as a result.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine comprising a tub, a drum, a heater for heating wash water, a control panel, and a controller. Here, the controller is for controlling the operation of the washing machine, and the control panel is provided for the interface with the user. Herein, the structure of the tub and the drum is obvious to those skilled in the art of the washing machine, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control panel 10 may include various input units 11 and a display unit 12. The input unit 11 may be a control unit since it may be a configuration provided for the user to operate. The controller 20 controls the operation of the washing machine according to the input of the input unit 11.

The controller 20 controls the operation of various driving parts. First, the operation of the motor 40 is controlled to control the drum to be driven. Then, the controller controls the driving of the heater (50) provided in the tub to heat the washing water. In addition, the water supply valve 7 is controlled to control the flow of necessary washing water into the washing machine. A plurality of the water supply valves 7 may be provided as needed.

In addition, the controller 20 can control the driving of the steam generator 60. Accordingly, steam may be generated separately from the driving of the tub heater 50 to control the supply of steam to the inside of the drum. Of course, the water supply valve 7 may be provided to supply water to the steam generator.

The controller 20 controls the driving of the various sensors 30 to control the washing machine through the necessary information. The sensor 30 may include a temperature sensor, a water level sensor, or the like, and may include a timer or the like.

Meanwhile, the controller 20 controls the operation of the washing machine according to various types of input programs. The user selects the washing machine to be driven by the specific program through the input unit 11. [

The user can operate the washing machine to operate the washing machine through the control panel, thereby determining the operating state of the washing machine. Also, the user can grasp various information such as the washing time (including the remaining driving time), the currently operated laundry course information, and additional option information through the control panel. To this end, the control panel is provided with various input units or operating units, and may include various displays such as LEDs, speakers, or a display unit (e.g., an LCD window).

The control panel is very important in that it directly interfaces with the user. Therefore, it is desirable that the control panel can be physically manipulated by the user easily, and it is preferable that the control panel can be operated by a simple accident without visually or methodically complicated thinking process. On the other hand, it is desirable to provide the user with various and meaningful information through the control panel.

Hereinafter, various embodiments related to the control panel will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The control panel 100 may be provided on the front or top of the washing machine. The control panel 100 may include various input units and a display unit.

First, a power button 110 for applying power to the washing machine may be provided, and an operation / stop button 130 for starting or stopping the washing machine may be provided.

The user selects a course to be performed after power is applied through the power button 110. [ Such a course may be prepared in various ways, and a course selection unit 120 may be provided for selecting a course. The course selector 120 may be provided as a rotary knob, and various courses can be selected by rotating the rotary knob.

For example, the course selection unit 120 may be configured to select various courses according to the purpose of laundry such as a standard or normal course, a wool course, a quilt course, a boiled course, or the type of laundry to be washed.

Here, the course selection unit 120 may be divided into a plurality of zones. For example, it can be divided into four quadrants.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an energy saving course capable of saving a reference course and energy relative to the reference course may be provided in a specific zone. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the reference course 121 and the plurality of energy saving courses 122 may be provided in the zone of the first quadrant. The reference course 121 may be a general laundry course, and the energy saving course may be provided in plurality according to the amount of energy saved compared to the reference course.

The reference course 121 is provided in the tub to drive the heater for heating the washing water to heat the washing water. That is, the course is prepared to perform washing at a high temperature by heating the washing water. On the other hand, the energy saving course 122 is a course that limits driving of the heater compared to the reference course, but satisfies the washing performance of the reference course. Since the reference course 121 and the energy saving course 122 are provided in the same zone, the user can easily compare the pros and cons of the reference course with the energy saving course. Therefore, the use becomes very convenient.

Here, restricting the driving of the heater means that the heater is not driven or the driving time is relatively shortened. For example, if the heater is controlled to drive for 10 minutes in the reference course, it means that the heater is not driven in the energy saving course, or the driving time of the heater is reduced to 5 minutes or the like. Accordingly, since the driving of the heater is limited, the consumed energy can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, both the reference course and the energy saving course can be selected through the course selection unit 120. [ Therefore, the reference course input unit can be associated with the course selection unit 120. [ . The energy saving course input unit also corresponds to the course selection unit 120.

Meanwhile, the control panel 100 may be provided with a temperature option unit 150 for selecting the temperature of the wash water. The temperature option unit 150 may be provided in the form of a button. The temperature option unit 150 can select various temperatures of the wash water, for example, cold water, 40 ° C., 60 ° C. and 90 ° C. or 100 ° C. have. For convenience, LED 170 corresponding to each temperature may be provided and controlled to selectively emit light.

Here, the temperature option 150 is optional and may or may not be selected. For example, when a general laundry course is selected through the course selection unit 120, cold water may be selected by default if the temperature option unit 150 is not selected. Of course, the temperature of the washing water can be selected at 60 degrees. However, for example, when the wool course is selected, the selection of the temperature option unit 150 may be limited. This is because, when a temperature exceeding 40 degrees Celsius is selected, the laundry of the wool material may be deformed.

Here, the option selected through the option unit 150 is combined with the control condition of the course selected through the course selection unit 120. [ That is, the overall course algorithm is modified due to the selected option. Therefore, it can be said that the course to be performed also is selected through the selection of the course selection unit 120 and the option unit 150. [ Here, the option unit 150 may be configured to select various options such as the wash water temperature as well as the wash water temperature.

As described above, the embodiment of the present invention is characterized by limiting the driving of the heater. Therefore, the reference course is basically a course on which the heater is driven. Therefore, the driving of the heater may be performed when the temperature of the washing water is selected to be higher than the water temperature of the room temperature. Therefore, the reference course may be selected through the course selecting unit 120 and the temperature selecting unit 150. Here, the reference course is preferably a course in which the temperature of the washing water is selected to be at least 40 degrees Celsius. This is because the amount of energy saved by driving the heater may be very small if the driving time of the heater is very short.

Therefore, when the temperature option unit 150 is provided, the course input can be performed through the course input unit and the temperature option unit 150. [ Therefore, it can be said that the course input unit corresponds to a combination of the course selection unit and the temperature option unit.

Meanwhile, the saving option unit 160 may be provided for selecting an energy saving course that is in contrast to the reference course selected through the course selection unit and the temperature option unit. That is, the user can select the energy saving course through the saving option unit 160 after selecting the reference course through the course selection unit 120 and the temperature option unit 150.

For example, the user can select a general course through the course selection unit 120 and select the wash water temperature to be 60 degrees Celsius through the temperature option unit 150. [ In this case, the standard course is a general course that is carried out with washing water at 60 degrees Celsius. Thereafter, the user can select an energy saving course through the saving option unit 160. FIG. When the energy saving course is selected, a course satisfying the washing performance of the reference course may be performed while driving of the heater is restricted as compared with the reference course.

Here, if the heater is limited in operation, it is preferable that the LED corresponding to 60 degrees Celsius is controlled to be turned off when the temperature of the washing water differs by 60 degrees Celsius. This is to prevent user confusion. However, as described later, when a heat source outside the washing machine is used instead of the heater in the tub, the LED corresponding to the selected temperature can be controlled to be turned on or blinked.

The saving option unit 160 may be configured to select various options as well as the temperature option unit 150. That is, a plurality of energy saving courses may be selected so that energy can be saved stepwise in comparison with energy required for performing the reference course. For example, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% energy saving courses can be selected.

On the other hand, the amount of energy that can be saved in the energy saving course is limited as compared with the reference course. Therefore, the number of energy saving courses that can be selected according to the reference course can be controlled to be limited. For example, if the wash water temperature in the reference course is 60 degrees Celsius, the energy saving course can be selected within the range of 15% to 55%, but only within the range of 15% to 30% . ≪ / RTI >

Here, it is preferable that the user can easily recognize that the plurality of energy saving courses are prepared corresponding to the amount of energy saved. Accordingly, a plurality of LEDs 180 corresponding to the amount of energy to be saved, respectively, may be provided. The user will select a saving energy course to be selected by pressing the saving option section 160. [ The user can easily recognize the selected course by turning on or off the corresponding LED.

After selecting the reference course or the energy saving course through the course input unit 120, the temperature option unit 150 and the saving option unit 160, the user can perform the course by pressing the operation / stop button 130. The course is performed by the controller by controlling various driving parts of the washing machine.

As described above, the driving of the heater is restricted in the energy saving course as compared with the reference course. Nevertheless, the energy saving course satisfies the washing performance of the reference course. Therefore, the energy consumed due to the restriction of the driving of the heater can be remarkably reduced.

Here, it is necessary to effectively inform the user of the amount of energy saved. This is because, as described later, energy saving is possible in the energy saving course, but the washing time can be relatively increased. If the user does not recognize the energy that is effectively saved, the user may only consider the washing time.

To this end, the control panel 140 may include a display unit 140. The display unit may be implemented with various types of display windows. Of course, it is also possible to form a speaker for generating voice information.

First, when the user selects the reference course, the approximate washing time or energy amount required for the reference course may be controlled to be displayed on the display unit 140. For example, it can be shown that it takes about 60 minutes to perform the reference course. Also, it can be shown that the power consumption of about 500 W is consumed when the reference course is performed. Of course, in order to allow the user to more easily recognize the amount of energy, for example, an average of 5 Kw per month to 60 Kw per year may be displayed. The amount of electric power may be converted into electricity and displayed.

On the other hand, the user can select an energy saving course after selecting the reference course. For example, a user can choose an energy saving course that saves 20% energy. In this case, the display unit may display the washing time corresponding to the selected energy saving course, and may display the expected energy amount. For example, the wash time may be expressed as 100 minutes, and the expected energy amount may be expressed as 48 Kw per year on average. In addition, it may be indicated that the annual average of 12Kw is saved compared to the standard course, and it may be indicated by the electricity cost saved.

Further, when the user selects an energy saving course that saves 30% of energy, the display unit can be controlled to display a washing time of 150 minutes and an expected energy amount of an average of 42 Kw per year. Of course, the above values are only examples.

The controller 20 displays the washing time or energy immediately after inputting the reference course, and controls the washing time and the energy amount immediately after inputting the energy saving course. Thus, the user can compare the time and energy required for both courses for a short time. Accordingly, the user can select the reference course or the energy saving course according to the situation. Of course, a specific course among a plurality of energy saving courses can be selected.

For example, if you need a quick wash, you will choose a base course, and if you have time, you will surely choose an energy saving course that will save you energy. Therefore, it becomes very convenient because the user can use it easily. Then, it is possible to obtain the effect that the user is preferably encouraged to select an energy saving course.

On the other hand, a more accurate washing time or energy amount can be determined after detection of the initial amount of the course execution. This is because, if the amount of laundry is large, there is a possibility that the washing time or energy amount will increase. Therefore, the display unit may be controlled to display information related to the washing time or energy amount at the beginning of the course according to the selected course and the detected laundry amount.

In recent years, users' awareness of carbon emissions has been increasing in relation to energy conservation. In other words, it is becoming a social issue to reduce the amount of carbon emissions due to global warming beyond merely saving energy. Thus, the display unit may be controlled to display information on how much carbon emissions can be reduced, rather than simply the amount of energy consumed or the amount of energy saved. Furthermore, it may have the effect of planting several trees through it. Through such display, the user can contribute not only to the use of the washing machine but also to the prevention of global warming, and this satisfaction can be obtained. Of course, this information display will also provide the effect of encouraging the use of more energy saving courses.

Here, it is very important that the reference course and the energy saving course have equivalent washing performance. Because the primary purpose of the washing machine is washing. Therefore, it is very important to limit the driving of the heater 50, but to allow the energy saving course to be performed so as to satisfy the washing performance of the reference course in the energy saving course. Hereinafter, various methods for satisfying the washing performance will be described in detail.

As described with reference to FIG. 1, it is found that the washing time must be longer in order to obtain the desired washing performance of the washing water temperature. Therefore, when the energy saving course is selected, it is preferable that the controller controls the driving of the heater so as to lengthen the time required for the course execution. For example, when the time required for the reference course is 120 minutes and the driving time of the heater is 10 minutes, the time required for the energy saving course is 140 minutes and the driving time for the heater is 8 minutes. Of course, if a course that saves more energy is selected, the time required can be controlled to 180 minutes and the heater driving time to 6 minutes. Also, the heater may not be driven and the required time may be controlled to be 300 minutes. That is, it is preferable that the longer the time required for the course is, the shorter the driving time of the heater (including not driving) is controlled as the energy saved is greater.

The above-mentioned washing time means increasing the time for the mechanical action and the detergent action to be applied to the laundry. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a stronger mechanical action and detergent action without significantly changing the washing time, thereby satisfying the washing performance.

For example, by further increasing the actual rate of the motor 40, the mechanical action can be further strengthened. The actual rate of the motor can be defined as the ratio of motor on time / motor off time. When the motor is turned on, the drum is driven to apply the mechanical force to the laundry. Therefore, when the actual ratio is increased, the mechanical strength is increased. Therefore, as the amount of energy saved increases, the heater drive can be controlled to be further restricted, but the efficiency is further increased.

On the other hand, the amount of washing water can be controlled more to increase the effect of the mechanical action and the detergent action. A large amount of washing water has an effect that the water is more hardly generated and the mechanical action is further enhanced. Therefore, as the energy saved increases, it can be controlled to further increase the water supply amount. Also, as the amount of water supplied increases, the amount of detergent required also needs to be increased. If the detergent is automatically inserted, the controller can control the amount of detergent to be increased, and when the detergent is manually inserted, the amount of detergent to be increased is preferably displayed to the user. For example, when the energy saving course is selected, the recommended amount of detergent can be displayed through the display unit 140. [ Therefore, it is desirable that the recommended amount of detergent is indicated to increase as more energy is saved. Accordingly, the amount of water and the amount of detergent are increased, so that even if the driving of the heater is restricted, the mechanical action and the detergent action can be improved to satisfy the required washing performance.

It is also possible to further enhance the mechanical action through drum motion, similar to the actual rate.

Korean Patent Application No. 2009-0073826 filed herewith discloses matters relating to various drum motions.

Generally, in a washing machine, particularly a drum washing machine, the drum is tumble during the washing process. That is, the laundry is lifted and dropped as the drum rotates. As described in the above application, the scrub motion and the step motion of the tumble motion can repeat the sudden stop and the driving of the drum driving, so that the washing can be performed with a stronger mechanical force than the tumble driving. The scrub motion is a motion in which one-way rotation, sudden stop, rotation in the other direction, and sudden stop are repeated, and the step motion is motion in which one-way rotation, sudden stop, and one-way rotation are repeated. In the step motion, the laundry is lifted to the maximum, and then falls. Therefore, the effect of rubbing washing is further enhanced through the scrub motion, and the effect of rubbing washing through the step motion is further enhanced.

Therefore, the step motion and / or scrub motion can be controlled to be performed when a course in which energy is saved is selected.

Here, step motion or scrub motion can also be performed in the reference course. Therefore, the rate at which the step motion or the scrub motion is performed may be different from other motions, for example, tumble motion or the like. If the scrub motion ratio for other motions in the reference course is 100%, the larger the amount of energy to be saved, the greater the ratio can be controlled. Of course, in this case, the driving of the heater should be limited.

As described above, the control parameters for course execution can be set or controlled differently in the reference course and energy saving course. These control variables may be the wash time, the heater running time, the water supply, the actual rate, and the ratio of scrub motion or step motion. Here, these control variables can be independently controlled differently and can be controlled in a complex manner.

On the other hand, it is possible to satisfy the washing performance through the configuration of the washing machine in addition to the above-mentioned control variables.

First, an energy saving course can be performed by performing a course using a steam generator. In this case, similarly, the driving of the heater 50 is restricted. The steam generator generates steam by heating a small amount of water. Since steam is very small in its physical properties, it can effectively raise the atmospheric temperature in the drum with less energy when it is fed into the drum. Such steam can be sprayed directly onto laundry or detergent, thereby further enhancing the detergent action. Therefore, the effect of heating the washing water with the tub heater 50 with a small energy can be obtained. Further, since the steam generator has a very small space compared to the tub, it is also possible to obtain an effect of minimizing energy loss generated during heating.

However, even when the steam generator is used, since the electric energy is used, the amount of energy that can be saved is limited. Therefore, it is preferable that the steam generator is controlled to be used when a course for saving about 20% of energy is selected.

Further, the kind of the detergent can be changed so that the energy saving course is performed. For example, if a detergent is manufactured to achieve the maximum activation effect at 40 or 60 degrees Celsius, it may be possible to use a low temperature detergent made to obtain the maximum activation effect at cold temperatures or at temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius have. Here, it is preferable that the general detergent and the low-temperature detergent have the same washing performance that can be obtained when they are maximally activated. Therefore, when the low-temperature detergent is used, the driving of the heater can be significantly restricted, and the amount of energy that can be saved becomes greater. Therefore, an energy saving course using a low temperature detergent is preferably a course for saving about 30% of energy.

However, there is a concern that both general detergent and low-temperature detergent may be used in one washing machine, resulting in user confusion. Therefore, it is preferable that the position where the general detergent and the low-temperature detergent are injected are separately partitioned or displayed in the detergent box. It may also be controlled to display the detergent to be used in the display portion. That is, when the reference course is selected, information indicating that the general detergent should be applied is displayed on the display unit 140, and when the energy saving course is selected, information indicating that the low temperature detergent should be input is displayed on the display unit 140 There will be.

Accordingly, various types of configurations can be controlled or displayed depending on the amount of energy saved, for example, the types of the steam generator and the detergent to be used are controlled or displayed. Here, if the detergent box is separately provided with a general detergent and a low-temperature detergent, the corresponding water valve should be controlled.

On the other hand, when the energy saving course is selected, the hot water heated by the outside of the washing machine can be controlled to be supplied. To this end, it is necessary to provide a connection part through which heated water can flow from the outside.

First, an inlet may be provided to receive hot water through a domestic boiler (using electric or gas) or the like. In this case, the energy can be saved significantly because the tub heater is not driven or is very limited. This is because the thermal efficiency of domestic boilers and the like is significantly higher than the heat efficiency of the washing machine. However, in this case, energy is consumed through the domestic boiler, so it is preferable to save about 40% of the energy as a whole.

In recent years, solar-powered boilers that generate hot water using solar heat have been introduced. These solar boilers do not use electrical energy at all. Therefore, an inlet for receiving hot water through the solar boiler may be provided. If you use it, you can save about 50% more energy.

When hot water is supplied from the outside through the inlet, the corresponding water valve 70 should be controlled appropriately.

As described above, depending on the amount of energy to be conserved, it can be controlled to use a steam generator, a low-temperature detergent, or receive hot water through a domestic boiler or a solar boiler. It should be noted here that there is a limit to the amount of energy that can be saved through each of the four configurations described above. Therefore, the above configuration may be used independently, or may be used in combination.

For example, in an environment in which a solar boiler can be provided, for example, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% energy saving courses can all be configured and controlled to be selected and controlled. Further, in an environment where a domestic boiler or a solar boiler can not be provided, for example, only 20% and 30% energy saving courses can be selected and controlled to be selected and controlled. In the latter case, a configuration may be provided for a course that saves 40% and 50%, but it is necessary to control such a course not to be selected. That is, it is necessary to control to be inactivated.

In the foregoing, a method for satisfying the washing performance of the reference course in the energy saving course has been described in detail. Specifically, through various control variables or configurations. The control variables or configurations may be implemented in combination.

That is, in order to satisfy the washing performance of the reference course in the energy saving course, at least one of the above-mentioned course execution time, washing water amount and required detergent amount, actual rate of motor, and control variables related to the ratio of scrub motion or step motion It can be controlled differently. In addition, it is possible to provide at least one of the configurations for the steam generator, the low temperature detergent, and the external hot water independently or in combination with this scheme and control the operation thereof. In addition, the arrangement according to the above configuration may be provided differently depending on the amount of energy saved.

Hereinafter, a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The user selects a course to be performed through the course selection unit 120 and the temperature option unit 150 provided in the control panel 100. The selected course may be a course that does not drive the heater, or a course that drives the heater. The course for driving the latter heater can be referred to as a reference course. Thus, the controller determines whether the selected course is a reference course.

When the reference course is selected and input, the user can select an energy saving course. That is, the user can wait for the user to select an energy saving course that limits the driving of the heater and satisfies the washing performance of the reference course compared with the reference course. This can be implemented by activating the saving option unit 160 to allow the user to select. If a course other than the reference course is inputted, the saving option unit 160 may be disabled and can not be selected by the user.

If the energy saving course is not inputted after the reference course is inputted, the reference course is controlled to be performed. Of course, when the energy saving course is inputted after the reference course is inputted, the energy saving course is performed.

On the other hand, the information on the reference course is displayed on the display unit 140 during the standby. That is, information such as the washing time and the estimated energy amount is displayed. When the energy saving course is input during the standby, the display unit displays information on the input energy saving course. Therefore, since the information can be sequentially changed, the user can easily recognize the difference of the quantum information without being confused.

Here, if the energy saving course is input during the standby, it is also possible to display the saved energy information. That is, information related to energy that can be saved in the selected energy saving course compared to the reference course can be displayed. For example, you can display information on how much you can save a few kilowatts of electricity per year versus a baseline, how much electricity you can save per year, and how much you can reduce your annual carbon footprint. In this case, it is not necessary for the user to directly compare the energy related information of the reference course and the energy saving course. That is, by displaying the directly saved energy, the user can more easily recognize.

The reference course can be variously selected, so that the amount of energy that can be saved can be limited. Accordingly, it is preferable that a plurality of energy saving courses are provided so as to save energy stepwise in comparison with energy required for performing the reference course. The energy saving course that can be selected according to the selected reference course is preferably limited.

The above-described embodiments relate to the relative view of the reference course and the energy saving course. This can encourage users to use energy-saving courses to achieve energy-saving effects.

Hereinafter, an embodiment for energy saving from an absolute viewpoint will be described. This is to encourage the user to reduce the use of the washing machine as much as possible to achieve an energy saving effect.

The display unit 140 of the conventional washing apparatus displays only information such as which course is selected, time required for performing the course, or the remaining time. Thus, through this information, the user could not know the amount of energy used.

In this embodiment, when the user selects a course to be performed through the course selection unit 120 or the temperature option unit 150, the user can display the amount of energy corresponding to the selected course on the display unit 140 . That is, the controller recognizes the inputted course command and controls the display unit 140 to display information related to the corresponding energy amount. Here, the amount of energy may be expressed in various forms such as electric power, electricity, and carbon emission, as described above.

Through this energy information display, the user can reduce the use of the washing machine as much as possible. That is, it is possible to cause a change in the usage pattern of the washing machine, such as washing a small amount of laundry when the laundry is collected a certain amount of times without frequently washing the laundry. This is because the user can easily know the information such as the electricity cost which can be saved monthly or yearly.

The present invention may be embodied in various forms without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

In particular, the present invention can be applied not only to a washing machine but also to a dryer, as long as it does not conflict with the above-described embodiments. Thus, in this specification, the washing apparatus includes a dryer as well as a washing machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a graph showing washing performance according to the temperature and washing time of washing water;

2 is a block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; And

3 is a simplified front view of a control panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (25)

The washing machine includes a tub, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a heater disposed in the tub to heat the washing water, a control panel provided for interfacing with a user, And a controller for controlling the driving of the washing machine, The control panel includes a reference course input unit for generating an instruction to drive the heater to perform a reference course, and a control unit for limiting the driving of the heater so as to save energy by comparing with the reference course, And an energy saving course input unit for generating an instruction to perform an energy saving course to be performed by the user. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the restriction of the driving of the heater is that the heater is not driven or the driving time is relatively shortened. 3. The method of claim 2, Wherein the energy saving course is designed to save energy of 15% to 55% compared to energy required to perform the reference course. The method of claim 3, Wherein the energy saving course input unit is configured to be able to select a plurality of energy saving courses by subdividing the energy saving range. 3. The method of claim 2, Wherein the energy saving course input unit is configured to be able to select one or more energy saving courses from among courses that can save energy by 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% . 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Wherein the controller controls the time required for the course to be longer as the energy saved in the energy saving course is larger. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Wherein as the energy saved in the energy saving course is greater, the actual running rate of the motor driving the drum is increased in course execution. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Wherein the controller controls the time ratio of driving the drum to step motion or scrubbing motion in which the mechanical force is strong in the driving motion of the drum in the course execution as the energy saved in the energy saving course is larger. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Wherein the controller controls to increase the laundry amount and the detergent amount used in the course execution or to increase the amount of the detergent required as the energy saved in the energy saving course is increased. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Wherein the controller controls so that the driving time of the heater driven in the course execution is shortened or not driven as the energy saved in the energy saving course is increased. The method according to claim 1 or 3, Wherein when the energy saving course is performed, steam is supplied from the steam generator to the drum to raise the temperature inside the drum. The method according to claim 1 or 3, Wherein when the energy saving course is performed, it is indicated that a detergent which promotes the activation of the detergent at a temperature lower than the wash water temperature in the reference course is required to be displayed. The method according to claim 1 or 3, And a control unit for controlling the heating unit so that the heated water required for performing the course is introduced into the tub when the energy saving course for saving the energy is performed. And the washing machine. The method according to claim 1 or 3, Wherein the control panel comprises a rotary knob for selecting a course from a plurality of courses, and a temperature selection unit for selecting a temperature option of the wash water. 15. The method of claim 14, Wherein the reference course input unit corresponds to the course selection unit or corresponds to a combination of the course selection unit and the temperature option unit. 16. The method of claim 15, Wherein the reference course is a course in which the temperature of the washing water is heated through the heater to 40 ° C or more. 15. The method of claim 14, Wherein the energy saving course input unit corresponds to the course selection unit. 15. The method of claim 14, Wherein the control panel includes a saving option unit for selecting an energy saving option, and the energy saving course input unit corresponds to a combination of the course selection unit and the saving option unit. 19. The method of claim 18, Wherein the saving option unit is controlled so that the saving option unit can be selected only when the washing water temperature of the reference course selected by the combination of the course selecting unit or the course selecting unit and the temperature selecting unit is equal to or greater than 40 degrees Celsius. 19. The method of claim 18, Wherein the saving option unit is configured to select a plurality of energy saving courses so that energy can be saved stepwise in comparison with energy required for performing the reference course. 21. The method of claim 20, Wherein a course that can be selected from among the plurality of energy saving courses is changed according to the washing water temperature of the reference course. The washing machine includes a tub, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a heater disposed in the tub to heat the washing water, a control panel provided for interfacing with a user, And a controller for controlling the driving of the washing machine, (A) determining whether the laundry course inputted by the user is a reference course to be driven by driving the heater; (B) waiting for the user to select an energy saving course that limits the driving of the heater and satisfies the washing performance of the reference course, when the reference course is input; And And (c) performing the reference course or the energy saving course according to the selection in the step (b) The greater the energy saved in the energy saving course, the longer the time required for the course execution, the greater the actual duty ratio of the motor driving the drum, or the greater the percentage of time the drum is driven during the driving motion of the drum And controlling the amount of laundry and the amount of detergent to be increased. 23. The method of claim 22, Wherein the reference course is a course in which the temperature of the washing water is heated by the heater through 40 ° C or more. 23. The method of claim 22, The energy conservation course may include a plurality of energy conservation courses so as to save energy stepwise in comparison with energy required to perform the reference course, and may be selected in step (b) according to the reference course input in step (a) Wherein the energy saving course is limited. 23. The method of claim 22, And (d) displaying energy information that can be saved in the energy saving course compared to the reference course when the energy saving course is input in the step (b).

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