KR20200042757A - Controlling method for washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a washing machine control method comprises the steps of: setting a first time zone for starting a night laundry process; selecting a laundry course; inputting a start command for operating the selected laundry course; determining whether or not a time at which the start command is inputted is included in the first time zone; and performing the night laundry process to increase the total washing time of the selected laundry course when it is determined that the time at which the start command is inputted is included in the first time zone.

Description

Controlling method for washing machine

The present invention relates to a control method of a washing machine.

In general, a washing machine is a device that removes contaminants from contaminated laundry through processes such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration according to a set algorithm.

Specifically, when the washing machine receives the washing instruction, it can supply the washing water to a predetermined level, and remove contaminants through emulsification of water and detergent generated while the washing tank or the pulsator rotates. When the washing of the laundry is completed, the washing machine may drain the washing water and then supply the washing water again to rinse the laundry. When the rinsing process is completed, the washing water may be drained again and the washing tank may be rotated to dehydrate the laundry.

Meanwhile, in recent years, interest in the Internet of Things (IoT), which increases the value of things by connecting a network to things around a person and making them intelligent, is increasing. As interest in the IoT increases, sensors and electronic devices supporting the IoT function are also increasing.

The Internet of Things refers to a technology or environment in which data is exchanged in real time by attaching sensors to objects, and in the IoT environment, everything such as people, objects, and spaces are connected to each other through the Internet, so information is generated, collected, and shared. Can be used.

In addition, objects included in the IoT environment may execute a specific process according to a human command or in response to a specific event.

The applicant has filed a patent (hereinafter referred to as a prior document) in connection with the Internet of Things.

The prior art discloses a method for efficiently configuring and using an IoT system including various devices.

Specifically, in the preceding documents, home appliances such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, a robot cleaner, an air conditioner, and an air cleaner are provided with a communication module to communicate with a home gateway, and the home gateway communicates with a user's terminal. It can support smart functions such as monitoring or remote control.

For example, the user can control the operation of the washing machine by using the mobile terminal, and can monitor the operating state of the washing machine in operation in real time. In addition, it is possible to set the time for the reservation driving of the washing machine through the mobile terminal so that washing is performed at a desired time.

However, the washing machine disclosed in the prior literature has the following problems.

First, in the conventional washing machine, a user had to input a reservation start time or a reservation end time each time for the reservation driving, so there was a troublesome and inconvenient problem.

Second, the conventional washing machine has a problem in that the washing machine is driven even at night time to generate a loud noise because it provides only an immediate driving or reservation driving function according to a user's command regardless of the current time.

1.Public number (public date): 10-2017-0132020 (December 1, 2017) 2. Name of invention: Method for controlling a mobile terminal.

The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a control method of a washing machine capable of minimizing laundry noise even when the washing machine is driven at night.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method of a washing machine that can arbitrarily set a washing end time for night washing and end washing according to a user's wake-up time.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a control method of a washing machine capable of improving the convenience of operation by minimizing the number of operations of the washing machine for night washing.

In the control method of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first time zone for entering a night laundry administration is set, a start command for operating a selected laundry course is input, and a time at which the start command is input is the first time. If it is judged to be included in the time zone, the night washing operation is performed so that the total washing time of the selected washing course is increased, so that when the washing machine is driven during the night time, washing noise is minimized and washing is terminated according to the user's wake-up time. You can.

The washing course includes a washing-to-stroke, a rinsing-to-stroke and a dehydration-to-stroke, in which the motor of the washing machine is driven, and the night washing administration includes at least one stroke of the washing-to-stroke, rinse-to-stroke and dehydration-to-stroke. It is characterized by increasing the processing time to complete the.

For example, the night washing stroke may mean reducing the motor RPM in the dewatering station stroke in at least one of the washing vs. stroke, rinsing vs. stroke and dehydration vs. stroke.

For another example, the night washing stroke may mean increasing the number of rinsing cycles in at least one of the washing versus stroke and rinsing versus strokes.

For another example, the night washing administration may mean increasing the total water supply time by reducing the water supply amount per unit time during the water supply process.

On the other hand, when the night washing administration is performed in the first time zone, a second time zone during which the night washing administration is to be finished may be set. In addition, it may be determined whether the end time of the last stroke of the night laundry administration is included in the second time zone.

If it is determined that the end time of the last stroke of the night laundry administration is not included in the second time zone, after waiting for a certain period of time, the anti-wrinkle stroke may be performed.

In addition, when the anti-crease stroke is completed, it may be determined whether the time when the anti-crease stroke is completed is included in the second time zone.

At this time, if it is determined that the time at which the anti-wrinkling stroke is completed is included in the second time period, the washing machine may be turned off after all washing operations are finished.

In the present invention, the first time zone and the second time zone may not overlap. Further, the second time zone may be a time after the first time zone.

According to the control method of the washing machine according to this embodiment has the following effects.

First, when the washing machine is driven at the night time set by the user, the night washing process is performed to increase the total washing time of the washing course, so that there is an advantage that washing noise and vibration due to washing driving can be minimized.

Second, since the end time of the night laundry can be arbitrarily set, the washing can be terminated according to the user's wake-up time, thereby improving the convenience of use.

Third, when the time zone for the start of the night washing and the time zone for the end are set only once, the night washing can be automatically performed without additional input, thereby improving the convenience of operation.

1 is a diagram showing components of a smart home and IoT system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram of a smart home and IoT system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a block diagram showing a block configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a flow chart showing a control method of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a time graph for explaining the night washing administration according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flow chart illustrating the step S120 of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components have the same reference numerals as possible even though they are displayed on different drawings. In addition, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, when it is determined that detailed descriptions of related well-known configurations or functions interfere with the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the component from other components, and the nature, order, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being "connected", "coupled" or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected to or connected to the other component, but another component between each component It should be understood that may be "connected", "coupled" or "connected".

1 is a diagram illustrating components of a smart home and an Internet of Things (IoT) system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a smart home and IoT system may include a smart home appliance (10) having a communication module to communicate with other devices, servers, or access a network.

For example, the smart home appliance 10 may include a refrigerator 11 equipped with a communication module, a washing machine 12, a robot cleaner 13, an air conditioner, and an air cleaner.

The communication module of the smart home appliance 10 may be a Wi-Fi communication module.

Alternatively, the smart home appliance 10 may include a different type of communication module or a plurality of communication modules.

For example, the smart home appliance 10 may include an NFC module, a zigbee communication module, a bluetooth communication module, and the like.

The smart home appliance 10 may be connected to a predetermined server through a Wi-Fi communication module, etc., and may support smart functions such as remote monitoring and remote control.

Meanwhile, the smart home and IoT system may further include a plurality of IoT devices 20 and 40 and a gateway 30.

The plurality of IoT devices 20 and 40 are equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module to connect to the Internet through the Internet device itself, the Internet of Things device 20 capable of connecting to a server, and the gateway 30 to be connected to the server. It can be classified as an Internet of Things accessory (40).

The IoT device 20 may include an IP camera 21, a temperature controller 22, and the like. The IoT device 20 can connect to a server without going through the gateway 30.

The IoT accessory 40 may include a smart light 41, a smart plug 42, a dust sensor 43, a motion sensor 44, a multi-purpose sensor 45, and the like.

The IoT accessory 40 may include at least a communication module capable of communicating with the gateway 30. For example, the IoT accessory 40 may include a Zigbee communication module.

The gateway 30 may communicate with the server 70 or the mobile terminal 50 by the first communication method, and may communicate with the IoT accessory 40 by the second communication method.

For example, the first communication method may be a Wi-Fi communication method, and the second communication method may be a Zigbee communication method.

The IoT accessory 40 may be connected to a server through the gateway 30, and may be monitored and controlled by a user's mobile terminal.

Meanwhile, the user can turn the smart light 41 on and off at a desired time through a mobile terminal, and check usage information such as power usage of the smart plug 42.

In addition, the user can check the sensing data measured by the dust sensor 43, the motion sensor 44, the multi-use sensor 45, etc. through the mobile terminal.

Meanwhile, the multi-use sensor 45 may be attached to a home appliance without a communication module and used. Accordingly, a home appliance without a communication module can also use various smart functions.

The home appliance to which the multipurpose sensor 45 can be attached is not limited, but may include one or more of a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dishwasher, an air conditioner, and a robot cleaner.

The versatile sensor 45 can be used to add additional functionality to a particular home appliance.

Alternatively, the multipurpose sensor 45 can be used to send commands related to operation to a particular home appliance.

Alternatively, the multi-use sensor 45 may be used to detect a state around the multi-use sensor 45 regardless of the operation of the home appliance.

For example, the multi-use sensor 45 may be used attached to a home appliance, or may be used attached to an indoor wall or a window or door.

Meanwhile, the IoT accessory 40 including the smart lighting 41, the smart plug 42, the dust sensor 43, the motion sensor 44, the multi-purpose sensor 45, and the like, is for displaying status information. It may further include a light emitting portion. The light emitting unit may include one or more light sources.

The light emitting unit may display various types of information such as the state of the battery, the communication connection with an external device (such as a server or a mobile terminal), and an error state. The color of light irradiated from the light emitting unit may be changed according to the state of the battery, whether or not communication with an external device (such as a server or mobile terminal) is connected, or an error state.

The light emitting unit may output light from a color light source corresponding to each situation, including a plurality of color light sources.

For example, when the IoT accessory 40 is operating normally, blue light may be output, and red light may be output when an abnormality occurs. Alternatively, the yellow light may be output for a predetermined time so that the user can intuitively know that the specific operation is performed soon before performing the specific operation.

On the other hand, in FIG. 1, the IoT devices 20 and 40 are divided into the IoT device 20 and the IoT accessory 40 according to whether a communication module capable of connecting to a server such as a Wi-Fi communication module is provided. It is not limited.

For example, devices exemplified by the IoT device 20 and the IoT accessory 40 may also have other communication modules according to specifications.

In addition, one device can perform multiple functions in combination.

For example, the smart hub gateway 25 may communicate with the IoT accessory 40 as a gateway. Therefore, the content related to the gateway 30 in the present specification can also be applied to the smart hub gateway 25.

In addition, the smart hub gateway 25 itself may have a sensor, a control function, and the like, and function as the IoT device 20.

In addition, depending on the embodiment, the smart hub gateway 25 may include output means such as a display and an audio output unit.

In this case, the display and audio output unit may be stored in the smart hub gateway 25 or output video and audio based on the received signal.

For example, a music file stored in the smart hub gateway 25 may be played and output through the audio output unit.

In addition, the display and audio output unit may output video and audio information related to the operation of the smart hub gateway 25.

Meanwhile, the smart home and the IoT system are subdivided to name the IoT devices 20 and 40 and the gateway 30 as IoT systems, and the IoT devices 20 and 40. The gateway 30 and the smart home appliance 10 may be referred to as a smart home system.

Meanwhile, the smart home and IoT system may include the smart hub gateway 25 in place of the gateway 30, or may include the gateway 30 and the smart hub gateway 25 together.

2 is a block diagram of a smart home and IoT system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, a smart home and IoT system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an IoT accessory 40 and a gateway 30 in the home.

In addition, the smart home and IoT system may further include an IoT device 20, a smart hub gateway 25, and a smart home appliance 10 described with reference to FIG. 1.

The IoT accessory 40 may communicate with a predetermined electronic device and may communicate with the gateway 30. The IoT accessory 40 may communicate with the gateway 30 in a predetermined method, for example, a Zigbee communication method.

The gateway 30 may communicate with the server 70 or the mobile terminal 50 by the wired / wireless router 60.

In addition, the IoT accessory 40 may be network connected to the server 70 through the gateway 30.

The gateway 30 communicates with the IoT accessory 40 by a predetermined method, for example, a Zigbee communication method, and the server 70 or a mobile terminal by another communication method, for example, Ethernet. Can communicate with (50).

Accordingly, the IoT accessory 40 is capable of communicating with the server 70 and the mobile terminal 50.

The server 70 may store and manage information transmitted from the IoT accessory 40.

The server 70 may be a server operated by a manufacturer of a home appliance or a manufacturer of various IoT accessories 40, or a server operated by a company commissioned by a manufacturer.

Information sensed by the IoT accessory 40 may be transmitted to the mobile terminal 50, and the mobile terminal 50 may display information received from the IoT accessory 40.

The IoT accessory 40 may receive information or receive a command from the mobile terminal 50. In this case, the IoT accessory 40 may transmit various information to the server 70, and the mobile terminal 50 may partially or entirely receive information received from the IoT accessory 40 by the server 70. ).

In addition, the server 70 may process the information itself or the received information from the IoT accessory 40 and transmit it to the mobile terminal 50.

When the command received by the IoT accessory 40 is an operation command of a specific home appliance, the IoT accessory 40 may transmit an operation command to the home appliance.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 2, the case where the server 70 is one is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the server 70 may be composed of a plurality (eg, two).

Hereinafter, a washing machine, which is one of the smart home appliances, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The washing machine is provided with a separate communication module to communicate with the server 70 or the mobile terminal 50. The washing machine is connected to the gateway 30 or the smart hub gateway 25 in communication, so that it can be remotely controlled and monitored.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of a front loading type washing machine in which the drum is horizontally provided and is rotated about a horizontal axis so that the laundry can be input from the front.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the drum may be vertically provided so that the laundry cloth can be input from the upper side, and the drum may be applied to a top loading type washing machine rotating about a vertical axis.

3 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 101 forming an exterior, a front cover 103 mounted on the front of the cabinet 101 and having a laundry entrance 102 formed therein. , A drum 107 in which a laundry cloth is accommodated, and a tub (not shown) that accommodates the drum 107 and stores washing water therein.

In addition, the washing machine 100 may further include a motor (140 in FIG. 4) that provides rotational power to the drum 107.

The drum 107 can be understood as an "inner tank," and the tub can be understood as an "outer tank." Alternatively, the drum 107 may be understood as a "washing tank", and the tub may be understood as a "dewatering tank."

In detail, the cabinet 101 may be provided in a substantially hexahedral shape.

In addition, a space for installing a plurality of parts may be formed inside the cabinet 101 of the washing machine 100. The plurality of parts may include, for example, the drum 107, the tub, the motor 140, and control parts for controlling the motor.

A laundry entrance 102 may be formed in the front cover 103.

The laundry entrance 102 may be formed in the center of the front cover 103 approximately. In addition, a door 108 that opens and closes the laundry entrance 102 may be rotatably installed on the front cover 103.

A gasket (not shown) may be provided between the door 108 and the tub to maintain airtightness.

The washing machine 100 may further include a control panel 104 provided on the front top of the cabinet 101.

The control panel 104 may include a display for displaying the operating state of the washing machine 100. The control panel 104 may be provided with a number of buttons or knobs for manipulating the operation of the washing machine 100.

The washing machine 100 may further include a detergent drawer 105 provided on the front top of the cabinet 101.

The detergent drawer 105 may be provided on the side of the control panel 104. The detergent drawer 105 may be provided in an integral shape with a portion in which detergent is input and stored, and a portion exposed to the front side.

The detergent drawer 105 may be connected to a water supply pipe (not shown) to which cold / hot water is supplied. Cold / hot water may be introduced into the detergent drawer 105 from the water supply pipe. In addition, water mixed with at least one of the detergent and the fabric softener of the detergent drawer 105 may be supplied to the drum 107 through which the laundry is accommodated via the tub.

The washing machine 100 may further include a service cover 106 provided at the lower front of the cabinet 101.

The service cover 106 is configured to open the washing machine 100 in a stopped state to remove residual water present in the washing machine 100.

In the drum 107, the washing process in which contamination on clothes, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as 'foam') is separated by the action of detergent and water, a rinsing process for rinsing the fabric by the action of water, and dehydration to centrifugally dehydrate the fabric. Administration can take place.

The drum 107 is provided in a cylindrical shape and accommodated in the tub. For example, the drum 107 is formed in a cylindrical shape lying at a predetermined angle, and a hand (not shown) may be formed around it.

Therefore, the washing water stored in the tub may be introduced into the drum 107 through the hand. Alternatively, the washing water inside the drum 107 may be moved out of the drum 107 through the hand.

The drum 107 may be provided with a pulsator (not shown) that induces the flow of washing water inside the drum 107. In this case, the washing machine 100 may be provided with the pulsator inside the drum 107 and a motor 140 that directly rotates the drum 107 at the rear end of the tub.

Alternatively, the washing machine 100 is provided with the pulsator inside the drum 107, and the motor 140 and the driving force of the motor 140 are applied to the pulsator or drum 107 at the rear end of the tub. It is also possible to be equipped with a power transmission mechanism such as a transmission clutch.

Meanwhile, the tub contains laundry water for washing or rinsing. And the tub is provided to accommodate the drum (107). For example, the tub may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

The tub may be installed to hang on the cabinet 101 or the front cover 103. In addition, the drum 107 disposed inside the tub is rotatable by a rotational force by the motor 140.

In addition, the washing machine 100 may further include a water supply device (not shown) for supplying washing water to the tub, and a drainage device (not shown) for draining the washing water of the tub.

The water supply device may include a water supply hose connected to the outside (for example, a faucet, etc.) and a water supply valve that controls water to be supplied or not supplied to the tub.

The drainage device may include a drain valve that controls the water in the tub to be drained or not, and a drain hose that extends outwardly from the drain valve to drain water to the outside.

4 is a block diagram showing a block configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the washing machine 100 includes at least one of an input unit 110, an output unit 120, a water supply unit 130, a motor 140, a communication unit 150, a memory 160, and a control unit 170. It may include some or all of them.

In detail, the input unit 110 is configured to receive input signals related to driving of the washing machine from the user. The input unit 110 may include a course selection unit for selecting various laundry courses, and a night laundry selection unit for selecting a night laundry administration function.

In the present invention, the washing course means a series of strokes of a washing machine in which washing strokes, rinsing strokes and dehydrating strokes are automatically performed in sequence.

The washing process is a process of washing laundry using laundry water and detergent, and the rinsing process is a process of discharging residual detergent and contaminants from the laundry using laundry water, and the dehydration process is for discharging laundry from laundry. Administration.

In this embodiment, the laundry course includes a laundry-to-stroke, a rinse-to-stroke and a dehydration-to-stroke, a laundry-to-stroke includes a laundry station stroke, a rinse-to-stroke and dehydration station stroke, and a rinse-to-stroke rinse-to-stroke And a dehydration stroke, and a dehydration versus stroke may include a dehydration stroke.

In addition, the night laundry administration refers to the administration of washing by increasing the total washing time of the selected washing course when washing starts within a predetermined time period. That is, when the night washing administration is performed within a specific time period, the total washing time of the washing course is increased by a predetermined time, and accordingly, washing may be completed at a time desired by the user.

To this end, when the night washing stroke is made, the RPM of the motor may be set low, the number of rinsing times may be increased, or the water supply time may be increased in at least some or all of the washing vs. stroke, rinsing vs. stroke and dehydration vs. stroke. .

That is, when the RPM of the motor is lowered, the number of rinsing times is increased, or the water supply time is increased, the total washing time of the washing course can be increased accordingly.

Particularly, in the night washing stroke, since the RPM of the motor is set low in some strokes, vibration and noise due to driving of the motor may be significantly reduced. In addition, in the night washing administration, the amount of water supplied per unit time is adjusted to be small, and accordingly, noise generated during water supply may be reduced.

The output unit 120 may display information related to the operation of the washing machine 100.

Specifically, the output unit 120 may output the type of laundry course that the washing machine 100 can perform, the status information of the current laundry course, a washing end message, or an error message.

The output unit 120 may include a display. That is, information related to the operation of the washing machine 100 may be output through the display.

Also, the output unit 120 may include at least one LED. That is, information related to the operation of the washing machine 100 may be output through a color or a blinking state of light emitted from the LED.

In addition, the output unit 120 may further include an audio device. That is, information related to the operation of the washing machine 100 may be output through voice through the audio device.

The water supply unit 130 includes a water supply valve for supplying washing water to the tub of the washing machine 100. The water supply unit 130 may adjust the amount of washing water per unit time supplied to the tub according to the opening amount of the water supply valve.

For example, when the night washing operation of the washing machine 100 is performed, the water supply unit 130 may reduce the amount of water supplied to the tub per unit time by reducing the opening degree of the water supply valve. In this case, since the amount of water per unit time supplied in the tub is small, the total time required for water supply will be increased. Then, as a result, the total washing time of the washing course may be increased.

The motor 140 functions to transmit rotational force to the drum 107 and / or a pulsator. The motor 140 is rotated at a predetermined RPM under the control of the control unit 170 to rotate the drum 107 and / or the pulsator in one direction or the other.

The motor 140 may be rotated at a predetermined RPM according to a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydration process.

Here, among the three strokes, the number of motor RPMs in the dewatering stroke may be largest, and the number of motor RPMs in the rinsing stroke may be set to the smallest. That is, the noise of the washing machine generated in the dewatering stroke may be relatively large, and the noise generated in the rinsing stroke may be relatively small. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the night washing stroke is made, lowering the number of motor RPMs in the dehydration stroke compared to the rinsing stroke can effectively lower noise.

In addition, the motor 140 is rotated at a specific RPM after the dehydration process is finished, it is possible to induce the loosening of the guns for the entangled guns.

Here, the stroke that induces the loosening of the gun can be defined as a "cannon wrinkle-free stroke".

The communication unit 150 is configured to enable the washing machine 100 to communicate with a server or a mobile terminal.

The communication unit 150 may be communicatively connected to a server or a mobile terminal through various wireless communication methods. For example, the wireless communication method may be Wi-Fi communication.

Specifically, the communication unit 150 may be directly connected to a server or a mobile terminal, or may be connected to a server or a mobile terminal via a gateway 30 or a smart hub gateway 25. Accordingly, the washing machine 100 may be connected to a server or a mobile terminal through wireless communication, and may support smart functions such as remote monitoring and remote control. In addition, the washing machine 100 may receive the current time in real time.

Information related to driving of the washing machine 100 is stored in the memory 160.

Specifically, the memory 160 stores the amount of water supplied to the washing course that the washing machine 100 can drive, the washing time, and the RPM of the drum (motor).

Specifically, the memory 160 may store the amount of water supply, the number of rinsing, the RPM of the drum (motor) for each of the washing-to-stroke, rinsing-to-stroke and dehydrating-to-stroke forming a washing course.

In addition, the memory 160 may store a first time zone for starting the night washing administration and a second time zone for ending the night washing administration. The user can input and set the first time zone and the second time zone, respectively. The first time zone may be a night time zone or an arbitrary time period set by a user.

Here, the first time zone means a time period for the start of the night washing administration, and the second time zone means the time period for the end of the night washing administration.

That is, when a washing start command is input in the first time zone, a nighttime laundry administration is started, and the nighttime laundry administration may end in the second time zone. Here, the first time zone and the second time zone do not overlap.

Also, the second time zone may be a time period after the first time zone. That is, when the night washing administration starts in the first time zone, the night washing administration may be terminated according to the second time zone.

The control unit 170 is configured to perform driving and overall control of the washing machine 100. That is, the control unit 170 may control at least part or all of the input unit 110, the output unit 120, the water supply unit 130, the motor 140 and the communication unit 150.

Hereinafter, a control method of the control unit 170 will be described in detail.

5 is a flow chart showing a control method of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, in step S10, the washing machine 100 is powered on, and in step S20, the control unit 170 may register the washing machine 100 to the gateway hub.

In this embodiment, the washing machine 100 may be provided with a communication module to be connected to the gateway 30 or the smart hub gateway 25 by communication.

That is, the washing machine 100 is registered in the gateway hub, so that it can be remotely controlled by the server 70 or the mobile terminal 50 and real-time monitoring is possible.

In the next step S30, the washing machine 100 determines whether the night washing administration function is selected.

In the present embodiment, the night washing administration means washing to increase the total washing time of the selected washing course when washing starts within a predetermined time period. That is, when the night washing administration is performed within a specific time period, the total washing time of the washing course is increased by a predetermined time, and accordingly, washing may be completed at a time desired by the user.

To this end, when the night washing stroke is made, the motor RPM may be set low, the number of rinsing times may be increased, or the water supply time may be increased in at least a part or all of the washing stroke, rinsing stroke and dehydration stroke. That is, when the RPM of the motor is lowered, the number of rinsing times is increased, or the water supply time is increased, the total washing time of the washing course can be increased accordingly.

In particular, in the night washing stroke, since the motor RPM in each stroke is set lower than before, vibration and noise caused by driving the motor can be significantly reduced.

The night washing administration function may be selected (activated) or unselected (disabled) by the user.

If the night washing administration function is not selected, in step S40, the washing machine 100 performs the washing administration according to the general washing course.

If the night washing administration function is selected, in step S50, the washing machine 100 determines whether a first time zone for starting the night washing administration is set.

Here, the first time zone means a time period during which the start of the night laundry administration is made. The first time zone may be a night time zone or an arbitrary time period set by a user. That is, when the start of washing is input in the first time zone set by the user, night washing administration may be performed.

If the first time zone is not set, in step S60, the washing machine 100 may receive a first time zone from the user.

The first time zone may be input through the input unit 110 provided in the washing machine 100, or may be input through a mobile terminal in communication with the washing machine 100.

For example, the first time zone may be set as a time period between 22:00 and 06:00. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first time zone may be set at midnight time or a time zone desired by the user.

If it is determined that the first time zone has been set, in step S70, the washing machine 100 determines whether a second time zone for ending the night laundry administration has been set.

Here, the second time zone refers to a time period during which the end of the night laundry administration is made. Alternatively, the second time zone may mean a washing end time desired by the user.

For example, if the user sets the washing end time as his or her own wake-up time, the washing process can be terminated at the same time as the wake-up time, so that the laundry that has been washed can be taken out immediately.

In this case, the first time zone and the second time zone do not overlap, and the second time zone may be defined as a time period after the first time zone. Accordingly, when the night washing administration starts in the first time zone, the night washing administration may end in the second time zone.

If the second time zone is not set, in step S80, the washing machine 100 may receive a second time zone from the user.

The second time zone may be input through the input unit 110 provided in the washing machine 100, or may be input through a mobile terminal in communication with the washing machine 100.

For example, the second time zone may be set to a time after 07:00 or 07:00. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second time zone may be set to a user's wake-up time or a time zone desired by the user.

If it is determined that the second time zone is set, in step S90, the washing machine 100 is selected a driving course from the user, and washing start is selected in step S100.

Specifically, the washing machine 100 may receive a standard course consisting of a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydration process through the input unit 110. In addition, a washing start command may be input by the user.

When a washing start command is input, in step S110, the washing machine 100 determines whether the washing start time is included in the first time zone.

That is, the washing machine 100 determines whether the selected washing course is to be performed as a normal washing course or a night washing process.

If the time when the start of washing is selected is not included in the first time zone, in step S40, the washing machine 100 performs the washing process according to the general washing course.

That is, when washing is not started at night, the washing machine 100 performs the selected washing course according to a predetermined algorithm.

On the other hand, if the time when the start of washing is selected is included in the first time zone, in step S120, the washing machine 100 washes by increasing the total washing time of the selected washing course.

That is, when the washing starts at the night time, the washing machine 100 may increase the total washing time by performing the night washing administration for the selected washing course.

And in step S130, the washing machine 100 determines whether the end time of the last stroke of the laundry course is included in the second time zone.

For example, the washing machine 100 may determine whether the last stroke of the washing course, that is, the time when the drainage has ended after the last dehydration or the time when the anti-wrinkle stroke has ended, is included in the second time zone.

If the end time of the last stroke of the laundry course is not included in the second time period, in step S140, the washing machine 100 waits for a certain period of time and then performs a sense-of-mouth relief.

Here, the reason for performing the anti-crease stroke in step S140 is to prevent the dehydrated fabrics from being entangled and dried together. That is, if the anti-crease stroke is not performed, wrinkles may be generated in the fabric and unpleasant odor may be adsorbed. In this case, if the fabric is not taken out quickly, the washing condition with respect to the fabric may be poor, which may cause a problem of washing again. Therefore, in the present invention, the washing quality can be improved by periodically performing the anti-crease stroke.

When the anti-wrinkle stroke is completed as described above, the washing machine 100 may repeat the above-described step S130. That is, the washing machine 100 may periodically repeat the anti-wrinkle stroke until the last stroke of the washing course is finished in the second time period.

On the other hand, if the end time of the last stroke of the laundry course is included in the second time period, in step S150, the washing machine 100 turns off the power after ending the washing process.

That is, when the last stroke or the anti-wrinkle stroke of the night laundry administration is ended in the second time period, the power is turned off after all the washing cycles of the washing machine 100 are finished. Accordingly, the user can be provided with laundry that has been washed at a desired time.

6 is a time graph for explaining the night washing administration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, for example, the first time zone D may be set to a time period between 22:00 and 06:00, and the second time zone Te may be set to a time after 07:00 or 07:00. have. In addition, a washing start command for a washing course with an estimated washing time of 2 hours can be input at 02:00.

In this case, since the time (Ta) at which the washing start command is input is 02 o'clock, the general expected washing end time (Tp) may be 04 o'clock.

However, according to the present invention, since the time (Ta) at which the washing start command is input is included in the first time zone D for night washing, the washing course can be performed as a night washing administration.

Then, the washing course started at 22:00 may be set to end at 07, which is the end time of the washing desired by the user. That is, the total washing time of the laundry course can be extended from 2 hours to 5 hours.

According to the configuration of the present invention, when washing is performed in the night time period set by the user, that is, the first time period, washing may be finished in the wake-up time of the user, that is, the second time period. Therefore, if the user sets the first time zone and the second time zone only once, the night-washing process can be automatically performed without additional input operation, so there is an advantage of greatly improving the usability.

In addition, if the last stroke of the nighttime laundry administration does not end in the second time period, the anti-wrinkle stroke may be periodically performed, so that the laundry is tangled or wrinkled after the washing is finished. have.

In addition, even if the laundry is performed at midnight, a low-noise night-washing process is in progress, so that the washing noise of the washing machine can be significantly reduced.

7 is a flowchart illustrating the step S120 of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, as described above, when the time when the start of washing is selected is included in the first time zone, in step S120, the washing machine 100 increases the total washing time of the selected washing course to perform washing. .

Here, in order to increase the total washing time of the selected washing course, in the present invention, the night washing administration is performed. Nightly washing administrations can largely include laundry versus stroke, rinse versus stroke and dehydration versus stroke.

Specifically, in step S210, the washing machine 100 supplies water by increasing the water supply time for a predetermined time. Here, increasing the water supply time may mean increasing the total water supply time by reducing the water supply per unit time. That is, the washing machine 100 can be supplied by reducing the amount of water supplied in the tub per unit time. Then, the water supply time required for water supply will be increased.

Next, in steps S220 to S240, the washing machine 100 performs washing versus administration.

Specifically, the washing machine 100 performs a laundry small stroke in step S220, performs a rinse small stroke in step S230, and performs a dehydration small stroke in step S240.

In particular, the washing machine 100 may increase the total washing time by increasing the number of rinsing cycles in the rinsing cycle and lowering the RPM of the motor in the dehydration cycle.

Here, the reason for lowering the RPM of the motor in the dehydration stroke is that the RPM of the motor during dehydration is relatively higher than the RPM of the motor during washing or rinsing. Therefore, when the RPM of the motor is lowered in the dehydration step, washing noise can be greatly reduced.

Alternatively, the washing machine 100 may lower the RPM of the motor in the rinse station stroke as well as in the dehydration station stroke. In this case, the number of rinsing may be increased a certain number of times as the RPM of the motor decreases.

When the washing-to-stroke is completed, in step S250, the washing machine 100 proceeds to drain and in step S260, water is supplied by increasing the water supply time. Likewise, the washing machine 100 may increase the total water supply time by reducing the water supply per unit time.

Next, in steps S270 and S280, the washing machine 100 performs rinsing versus stroke.

Specifically, the washing machine 100 performs a rinsing cow stroke in step S270, and performs a dehydration cow stroke in step S280.

In particular, the washing machine 100 may increase the washing time by increasing the number of rinsing cycles in the rinsing cycle and lowering the RPM of the motor in the dehydration cycle.

When the rinse-to-stroke is completed, in step S290, the washing machine 100 proceeds to drain and in step S300, dehydration-to-stroke (dewatering-stroke) is performed.

At this time, the washing machine 100 may reduce the washing noise and increase the washing time by lowering the RPM of the motor in the dehydrogenation stroke.

When the dehydration stage is completed, in step S310, the washing machine 100 proceeds to drain, and in step S320, the anti-crease stroke is performed. Here, the anti-wrinkle stroke means a stroke in which the motor is rotated at a constant RPM to induce unwinding of the guns that are entangled with each other.

And when the anti-wrinkle stroke is completed, the washing machine 100 may enter step S130 of FIG. 5.

Claims (14)

Setting a first time zone for entering the night laundry administration;
A washing course is selected;
Inputting a start command to operate the selected laundry course;
Determining whether a time at which a start command is input is included in the first time zone; And
If it is determined that the time at which the start command is input is included in the first time zone, the control method of the washing machine comprising the step of performing a night washing operation so that the total washing time of the selected washing course is increased. According to claim 1,
The washing course includes a washing-to-stroke, a rinsing-to-stroke, and a dehydration-to-stroke, wherein the washing machine motor is driven,
The night washing stroke, the control method of the washing machine, characterized in that to increase the processing time for completing at least one or more of the washing versus stroke, rinsing versus stroke and dehydration versus stroke. According to claim 2,
The night washing stroke, at least one or more of the washing vs. stroke, rinsing vs. stroke and dehydration vs. stroke, reduces the motor RPM in the dehydration station stroke. According to claim 2,
The night washing stroke, the control method of the washing machine, characterized in that, in at least one or more of the washing vs. stroke and rinse vs. stroke, increasing the number of rinsing in the rinse cycle. According to claim 2,
The night washing administration, the control method of the washing machine characterized in that to increase the total water supply time by reducing the amount of water supply per unit time during the water supply process. According to claim 1,
When the night washing administration is made in the first time zone, the control method of the washing machine further comprising the step of setting a second time zone to end the night washing administration. The method of claim 6,
And determining whether the last stroke end time of the night laundry administration is included in the second time zone. The method of claim 7,
If it is determined that the end time of the last stroke of the night laundry administration is not included in the second time zone, after waiting for a certain period of time, the control method of the washing machine is characterized in that to perform the anti-wrinkle stroke. The method of claim 8,
And when the anti-crease stroke is completed, determining whether the time at which the anti-crease stroke is completed is included in the second time zone. The method of claim 9,
If it is determined that the time when the anti-wrinkling stroke is completed is included in the second time period, the washing machine control method, characterized in that the washing machine is turned off and the power of the washing machine is turned off. According to claim 1,
The control method of the washing machine, characterized in that the first time zone and the second time zone do not overlap. According to claim 1,
The second time zone, the control method of the washing machine, characterized in that the time after the first time zone. According to claim 1,
Before the step of setting the first time zone, the washing machine control method further comprising the step of registering in the gateway is connected to the communication terminal or the mobile terminal. According to claim 1,
If it is determined that the time at which the start command is input is not included in the first time zone, the washing machine control method characterized in that the washing operation is performed according to the general washing course.

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