KR20090061464A - Method for detecting bubble of washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for sensing bubble in a washing machine is provided to accurately sense bubble by using the water level value measured in a water level sensor and variation value of current. A method for sensing bubble of a washing machine comprises: a step of measuring a variation of current which is applied in a motor of washing machine during washing clothes; a step of judging the generation of bubble comparing parameter value of current and standard parameter value before generating bubble; and a step of judging the generation of bubble in case the variation amount of current is less than the variation amount of standard current.

Description

Foam detection method of washing machine {METHOD FOR DETECTING BUBBLE OF WASHING MACHINE}

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a foam detection method of the washing machine for detecting the foam during the course of the washing course.

1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of detecting and removing bubbles during a conventional washing course.

Referring to Figure 1, the conventional washing course proceeds in the order of water supply process (S10), washing process (S11), draining process (S14), dehydration process (S15). At this time, in the washing process (S11) to detect the occurrence of bubbles using the water level sensor (S12). When the water level value measured by the level sensor is smaller than the standard water level value (23.O KHz), it is determined that bubbles have occurred, and the washing process (S11) in progress is terminated and the bubble removal operation (S13) is performed and then drained again. The process (S14) and the dehydration process (S15) proceeds. At this time, the bubble removing operation (S13) is made while repeating the operation of forward / reverse rotation of the drum at a low speed while supplying water.

On the other hand, the conventional method of detecting and removing bubbles during the course of washing course depends entirely on the water level value measured by the water level sensor during the washing process (S11). Therefore, when the water level sensor malfunctions, there was a problem that the foam is not normally detected during the washing process (S11).

In addition, in the case of the washing machine model without heating, or without heating, even if the bubble is generated almost no change in the water level, there was a problem that does not properly detect the foam even during the normal level sensor during washing.

In this way, if the level sensor does not properly detect the bubble, the bubble will overflow through the detergent box. In addition, even if the washing performance does not come out properly, the energy is continuously consumed, thereby increasing the consumption of unnecessary energy. In addition, when the overflowed bubbles fall to the floor, there is a problem that the consumer slips or causes a short circuit to cause a fire.

As a result, after-sales service factors increased due to foaming, which lowered the reliability of the product and caused consumer complaints.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a foam detecting method of a washing machine that can accurately detect foam during washing without using a water level sensor.

In addition, it is another object to provide a foam detection method of the washing machine that can accurately detect the foam during washing by complementing the water level sensor.

Foam detection method of the washing machine according to the present invention for achieving the above object, measuring the variable value of the current applied to the washing motor during the washing course; And comparing the variable current value and the reference current variable value before bubble generation to determine whether bubble is generated.

Here, the variable value of the current is preferably a current change amount Δ which is a difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the current applied to the washing motor during the washing course.

If the current change amount is smaller than the reference current change amount, it is preferable to determine that bubbles are generated.

On the other hand, the foam detection method of the washing machine, further comprising the step of measuring the water level of the washing water during the course of the washing course; the step of determining whether the foam is generated, the water level measured by the water level sensor If the value is smaller than the level value measured before foaming, it is preferable to determine that foaming has occurred.

Alternatively, the determining of the generation of bubbles may include generating bubbles when the level value measured by the level sensor is greater than or equal to the level value measured before the bubble is generated and the current change amount is smaller than the reference current change amount. It is desirable to judge.

On the other hand, the variable value of the current is the maximum value of the current applied to the washing motor during the course of the washing course, it is preferable to determine that the bubble is generated when the maximum value of the current is smaller than the reference maximum current value.

On the other hand, the foam detection method of the washing machine, further comprising the step of measuring the water level of the washing water during the course of the washing course; the step of determining whether the foam is generated, the water level measured by the water level sensor If the value is smaller than the level value measured before foaming, it is preferable to determine that foaming has occurred.

Alternatively, the step of determining whether the bubble is generated, if the level value measured by the water level sensor is greater than or equal to the level value measured before the bubble is generated, and the maximum value of the current is less than the reference maximum current value bubbles It is preferable to judge that it has occurred.

According to the anti-foaming method of the washing machine according to the present invention described above, using the variable value (current change amount, the maximum value of the current) of the current applied to the washing motor, without using the water level value measured by the water level sensor Detect. Alternatively, the bubble is detected using both the level value measured by the level sensor and the variable value of the current.

Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the bubble, the conventional water level sensor does not properly detect the bubble solves the problem that the bubble flows through the detergent box. In addition, even if the washing performance is not properly produced, the energy is continuously consumed, thereby preventing the unnecessary energy consumption from being increased. In addition, the problem that the overflowing bubbles fall to the floor and the consumer slips or causes a short circuit to cause a fire.

As a result, there is no after-sales service factor due to foaming, which improves the reliability of the product and increases customer satisfaction.

Hereinafter, the foam detection method of the washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. 2 is a view showing a washing machine performing a foam detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a flow chart showing a washing course including the foam detection method of FIG.

Referring to Figure 2, the washing machine for performing the foam detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cabinet 5 to form an appearance; A tub 3 installed inside the cabinet 5 and storing wash water; A drum (9) rotatably installed in the tub (3), into which laundry is put; Washing motors 7 and 8 for rotating the drum 9; A rotating shaft 17 for transmitting the rotational force of the washing motors 7 and 8 to the drum 9; A bearing 11 supporting the rotating shaft 17; A sealing member 13 which prevents water between the tub 3 and the drum 9 from flowing into the bearing 11; Detergent supply device 30 for supplying water mixed with detergent to the tub (3); A water supply device 20 composed of a plurality of valves for supplying or blocking water to the detergent supply device 30; A drain pump 40 for pumping out water stored in the tub 3 to the outside; A water level sensor 50 installed below the tub 3 to measure the level of washing water in the tub 3; It includes; a control panel 70 for receiving the operation command of the user to control the operation of the washing machine.

A door 1 is installed in front of the cabinet 5, and a gasket 2 is installed between the door 1 and the tub 3.

A locking spring 4 for supporting the tub 3 is installed between the inner side of the upper surface of the cabinet 5 and the upper side of the outer circumferential surface of the tub 3, and the inner side of the lower surface of the cabinet 5 and the outer circumferential surface of the tub 3. A friction damper 10 is provided between the lower sides to damp the vibration of the tub 3.

Inside the drum 9, a plurality of lifters 9a for lifting and lowering laundry are provided.

The washing motors 7 and 8 rotate on the outer circumferential surface of the stator 7 and the stator 7 having the coil wound in the slot by a direct motor, and the rotor 8 having the permanent magnet 12 therein. It consists of.

The stator 7 is fastened to the rear wall of the tub 3 by a plurality of fastening members 19.

The rotor 8 is fastened to the rear end of the rotation shaft 17 by a fastening member 18.

When power is supplied to the coil of the stator 7 and electromagnetized, the rotor 8 is rotated by interaction with the permanent magnet 12 attached to the inside of the rotor 8. The rotational force of the rotor 8 is transmitted to the drum 9 via the rotation shaft 17.

The bearings 11 are respectively installed in front of and behind the rotary shaft 17 to rotatably support the rotary shaft 17.

The sealing member 13 is inserted into the outer circumference of the rotary shaft 17 to block water between the tub 3 and the drum 9 from penetrating into the bearing 11.

The detergent supply device 30 mixes the supplied water and detergent and supplies the tub 3 to the tub 3 through the supply pipe 31. The detergent supply device 30 may be configured as follows as an example. That is, the detergent supply device 30 may be configured in a case and a detergent container installed inside the case and storing various detergents.

The siphon tube (siphon) is formed on the bottom of the detergent container, a supply port connected to the connection pipe 22 is formed on the upper side of the case, the detergent outlet is connected to the supply pipe 31 is formed at the bottom of the case.

With the above-described configuration, the water supplied through the connecting pipe 22 is mixed with the detergent stored in the detergent container, and then exits the detergent container through the siphon tube when the water level reaches a predetermined level. Water mixed with the detergent exiting the detergent container is supplied to the tub (3) through the supply pipe (31).

The water supply device 20 is provided with a supply pipe 21 connected to an external water supply source (hot or cold water), and a connection pipe 22 connected to the detergent supply device 30.

The drain pump 40 is provided with a drain pipe 41 connected to the lower side of the tub 3 and a connection pipe 42 connected to an external drain hole, respectively.

The water level sensor 50 is a core for changing the inductance value of the coil by moving up and down by the body and the coil accommodated inside the body, the washing water level, as disclosed in the applicant's patent (10-042512) And a core holder for accommodating the core, and a pressure transmitting means such as a bellows or a diaphragm.

2 and 3, the washing course proceeds in the order of water supply process (S20), washing process (S21), drainage process (S24), dehydration process (S25). At this time, in the washing process (S21) using the variable value of the current of the washing motor (7,8) to detect the generation of bubbles (S22).

4 is a graph showing the maximum value and the minimum value of the current applied to the washing motor when no foam occurs during the washing process of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 shows washing when foaming occurs during the washing process of FIG. This graph shows the maximum and minimum values of the current applied to the motor.

2 and 4, the variable value of the current is the current change amount Δ which is the difference between the maximum value Imax and the minimum value Imin of the current applied to the washing motors 7, 8 during the washing course. to be. Here, the maximum value Imax and the minimum value Imin of the currents applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 refer to the current values applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 necessary during the washing process S21. .

When the foam is generated in this way, the current change amount Δ (see FIG. 5), which is a difference between the maximum value Imax and the minimum value Imin of the current applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 (see FIG. 2), is the washing process ( In the case where no foam is generated in S21, the reason for the small difference is that the current change amount Δ which is a difference between the maximum value Imax and the minimum value Imin of the current applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 (see FIG. As follows.

If no foam is generated during the washing process (S21), the laundry rubs against the inner wall of the drum 9, and the friction force causes more force to rotate the drum 9. As a result, the difference between the maximum value Imax and the minimum value Imin of the currents applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 becomes large.

On the other hand, if foam is generated during the washing process (S21), since the laundry is floated by the foam inside the drum (9), the degree of friction with the inner wall is reduced, thereby reducing the force to rotate the drum (9). . As a result, the difference between the maximum value Imax and the minimum value Imin of the currents applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 becomes small.

Referring to FIG. 3, when the current change amount Δ is smaller than the reference current change amount Δ, see FIG. 5, it is determined that bubbles are generated, the washing process S21 in progress is terminated, and the bubble removing operation 213 is performed. After performing again drainage process (S24) and dehydration process (25).

Here, the reference current change amount is the difference between the maximum value (Imax) and the minimum value (Imim) of the current measured beforehand when no bubbles are generated and applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 stored in the microcomputer (not shown). Δ, see FIG. 5).

The bubble removing operation S23 is performed while repeating the operation of rotating the drum 9 (see FIG. 2) forward and backward at low speed while supplying water through the water supply apparatus 20 (see FIG. 2).

Thus, by detecting the bubble by using the amount of change in the current applied to the washing motor (7, 8), whether the bubble is generated accurately regardless of the temperature conditions according to the malfunction of the water level sensor (50, see Fig. 2) and the presence or absence of a heater Can be determined.

6 is a flow chart showing a washing course including a foam detection method according to another embodiment. 2 and 6, the washing course proceeds in the order of water supply process (S30), washing process (S31), drainage process (S35), dehydration process (S36). At this time, it is detected whether the foam is generated by using the water level value measured by the water level sensor 50 in the washing process (S31) and the amount of change of the current applied to the washing motors (7,8) (S32, S33).

First, when the water level value measured by the water level sensor 50 is smaller than the reference water level value (23.O KHz), it is determined that bubbles have occurred (S32), the ongoing washing process (S31) is terminated, and the bubble removing operation (S34). ) And then proceed again with the drainage process (S35) and dehydration process (S36).

However, even when the water level value measured by the water level sensor 50 is equal to or larger than the reference water level value (23.O KHz), the drainage process S35 and the dehydration process S36 are not performed.

That is, whether or not bubbles are generated by using the amount of change in the current applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 so as to accurately detect the bubbles regardless of the temperature condition according to the malfunction of the water level sensor 50 and the presence or absence of the heater. Once detected (S33).

Since a method of detecting whether bubbles are generated by using a change amount of current applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 has been described above, it will be omitted.

In this way, by detecting the bubble using both the water level value measured by the water level sensor 50 and the amount of change in the current applied to the washing motors 7 and 8, the temperature condition according to the malfunction of the water level sensor 50 and the presence or absence of a heater Irrespective of whether or not bubbles can be determined accurately.

7 is a flowchart showing a washing course including a foam detecting method according to another embodiment. 2, 3, 4, and 7, when no foam is generated during the washing process S41, the maximum value Imax of the current applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 is about 1.4A. On the other hand, referring to Figure 5, when the foam generated during the washing process (S21), the maximum value (Imax) of the current applied to the washing motor (7, 8, see Figure 2) is around 0.7A.

Here, when the maximum value Imax of the current applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 is less than the maximum value Imax of the current applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 when no bubbles are generated, the bubbles Judging that it occurred.

The reason why the maximum value Imax of the current applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 when the foam is generated is small as compared to the case where no foam is generated in the washing process S21 as follows.

If no foam is generated during the washing process (S21), the laundry rubs against the inner wall of the drum 9, and the friction force causes more force to rotate the drum 9. As a result, the maximum value Imax of the current applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 becomes large.

On the other hand, if foam is generated during the washing process (S21), since the laundry is floated by the foam inside the drum (9), the degree of friction with the inner wall is reduced, thereby reducing the force to rotate the drum (9). . For this reason, the maximum value Imax of the electric current applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 becomes small.

Referring to FIG. 7, when the maximum value Imax of the current is smaller than the reference maximum current value at which no bubble is generated, it is determined that the bubble is generated, and the washing process S41 in progress is terminated and the bubble removing operation S43 is performed. After performing the drainage process (S44) and the dehydration process (45) again.

Here, the reference maximum current value is the maximum value of the current applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 that are previously measured and stored in the microcomputer (not shown) when bubbles do not occur.

The bubble removing operation S43 is performed while repeating the operation of rotating the drum 9 (see FIG. 2) forward and backward at low speed while supplying water through the water supply apparatus 20 (see FIG. 2).

By detecting the foam using the maximum value of the current applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 in this way, the foam is generated accurately regardless of the temperature condition according to the malfunction of the water level sensor 50 (see FIG. 2) and the presence or absence of a heater. It can be determined.

8 is a flowchart showing a washing course including a foam detecting method according to another embodiment. 2 and 8, the washing course proceeds in the order of water supply process (S50), washing process (S51), draining process (S55), dehydration process (S56). At this time, whether the foam is generated by using the water level value measured by the water level sensor 50 in the washing process (S51) and the maximum value of the current applied to the washing motors (7, 8) (S52, S53) .

First, when the water level value measured by the water level sensor 50 is smaller than the reference water level value (23.O KHz), it is determined that bubbles have occurred (S52), the ongoing washing process (S51) is terminated, and the bubble removing operation (S54). ) And then proceeds to the drainage process (S55) and dehydration process (S56) again.

However, even when the water level value measured by the water level sensor 50 is equal to or greater than the reference water level value (23.O KHz), the drainage process (S55) and dehydration process (S56) are not performed.

That is, whether or not bubbles are generated by using the maximum value of the current applied to the washing motors 7, 8 so as to accurately detect the bubbles regardless of the temperature conditions according to the malfunction of the water level sensor 50 and the presence or absence of a heater. It is detected again (S53).

Since the method of detecting the generation of bubbles using the maximum value of the current applied to the washing motors 7 and 8 has been described above, it will be omitted.

Thus, by detecting the bubble by using both the water level value measured by the water level sensor 50 and the maximum value of the current applied to the washing motors 7, 8, the temperature according to the malfunction of the water level sensor 50 and the presence or absence of a heater Irrespective of the conditions, it is possible to accurately determine whether bubbles are generated.

1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting and removing bubbles during a conventional washing course;

2 is a view showing a washing machine performing a foam detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention,

3 is a flow chart showing a washing course including the foam detection method of FIG.

4 is a graph showing the maximum value and the minimum value of the current applied to the washing motor when no foam occurs during the washing process of FIG.

5 is a graph showing a maximum value and a minimum value of a current applied to a washing motor when bubbles are generated during the washing process of FIG. 3;

6 is a flow chart showing a washing course including a foam detection method according to another embodiment;

7 is a flow chart showing a washing course including a foam detection method according to another embodiment;

8 is a flowchart showing a washing course including a foam detecting method according to another embodiment.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

3: tub 9: drum

7,8: washing motor 50: water level sensor

Claims (11)

Measuring a variable value of a current applied to the washing motor during the washing course; And And determining whether bubbles are generated by comparing the current variable values with reference current variable values before foaming. The method of claim 1, wherein the variable value of the current is a current change amount Δ that is a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of the current applied to the washing motor during the washing course. The method of claim 2, wherein the foam is determined to be generated when the amount of change in the current is smaller than a reference amount of change in current. The method of claim 2, further comprising: measuring the water level of the washing water during the course of the washing course with a water level sensor. The method of claim 4, wherein the determining of whether the bubble is generated comprises: Bubble detection method of the washing machine to determine that the bubble is generated when the water level value measured by the water level sensor is smaller than the water level value measured before the foaming. The method of claim 4, wherein the determining of whether the bubble is generated comprises: The bubble detection method of the washing machine to determine that the bubble is generated when the water level value measured by the water level sensor is greater than or equal to the water level value measured before the bubble generation, and the current change amount is smaller than the reference current change amount. The method of claim 1, wherein the variable value of the current is a maximum value of a current applied to the washing motor during the washing course. The method of claim 7, wherein the bubble is generated when the maximum value of the current is smaller than a reference maximum current value. The method of claim 7, further comprising: measuring the level of the wash water during the course of the washing process by using a water level sensor. The method of claim 9, wherein the determining of whether the bubble is generated comprises: Bubble detection method of the washing machine to determine that the bubble is generated when the water level value measured by the water level sensor is smaller than the water level value measured before the foaming. The method of claim 9, wherein the determining of whether the bubble is generated comprises: The bubble detection method of the washing machine determines that the bubble is generated when the water level value measured by the water level sensor is greater than or equal to the water level value measured before the bubble is generated, and the maximum value of the current is smaller than the reference maximum current value.

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