KR20230151374A - Washing machine and controlling method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A washing machine that can save energy while maintaining washing performance depending on the water temperature includes: the main body; A tub provided inside the main body; a first water supply device that supplies washing water containing no detergent to the tub; a second water supply device that supplies washing water containing the detergent to the tub; A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub; a circulating bubble device that circulates the wash water stored in the tub or generates bubbles in the wash water stored in the tub; a circulation pump that supplies the washing water stored in the tub to the circulation bubble device; and a control unit that controls the first water supply device to supply the washing water not containing the detergent to the tub and controls the rotational speed of the circulation pump based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent.

Description

{WASHING MACHINE AND CONTROLLING METHOD FOR THE SAME}

The disclosed invention relates to a washing machine and a control method of the washing machine, and more specifically, to a washing machine and a control method of the washing machine that can save energy while maintaining washing performance according to water temperature.

In general, a washing machine may include a tub that accommodates water for washing, and a drum rotatably installed within the tub. Additionally, a washing machine can wash laundry by rotating a drum containing the laundry.

Laundry can be put into the drum through an inlet formed in the main body, and the inlet formed in the main body can be opened or closed by a door.

A washing machine includes a series of operations such as a washing process that separates contaminants from laundry with water containing dissolved detergent, a rinsing process that rinses away any foam or residual detergent from laundry with water that does not contain detergent, and a spin-drying process that spins the laundry at high speed. Perform a wash cycle.

The washing machine performs a washing cycle using water supplied from an external water source.

However, if the temperature of the water supplied from an external water source is low, washing performance is reduced because detergent does not dissolve well in the water, and if the heater is operated excessively to increase the water temperature, energy efficiency is reduced.

One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a washing machine and a method of controlling the washing machine that can maintain washing performance and save energy at the same time by adjusting the rotation speed of the circulation pump according to the water temperature of water supplied from an external water source.

A washing machine according to one aspect of the disclosed invention includes a main body; A tub provided inside the main body; a first water supply device that supplies washing water containing no detergent to the tub; a second water supply device that supplies washing water containing the detergent to the tub; A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub; a circulating bubble device that circulates the wash water stored in the tub or generates bubbles in the wash water stored in the tub; a circulation pump that supplies the washing water stored in the tub to the circulation bubble device; and a control unit that controls the first water supply device to supply the washing water not containing the detergent to the tub and controls the rotational speed of the circulation pump based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent. there is.

In addition, the control unit controls the circulation pump to rotate at a first speed based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent being below the preset temperature, and the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent is set to the preset temperature. Based on the higher speed, the circulation pump can be controlled to rotate at a second speed that is less than the first speed.

In addition, the washing machine further includes a heater that heats the wash water stored in the tub, and the controller is configured to control the wash water for a first preset time based on the temperature of the wash water not containing the detergent being below the preset temperature. Operate the heater, and operate the heater for a second preset time based on the temperature of the wash water not containing the detergent being higher than the preset temperature, or until the temperature of the wash water stored in the tub reaches the target temperature. The heater can be operated until.

Additionally, if the temperature of the washing water not containing detergent is below the preset temperature, the controller may turn off the heater even if the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub does not reach the target temperature.

In addition, the control unit controls the first water supply device to supply washing water not containing the detergent to the tub, and then performs a weight sensing operation to detect the weight of the laundry and a material sensing operation to detect the material of the laundry. And, after performing the weight detection process and the material detection process, the second water supply device can be controlled to supply washing water containing the detergent to the tub.

Additionally, the control unit may control the rotational speed of the circulation pump based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent and the weight of the laundry.

Additionally, the control unit may determine an operation mode of the circulating bubble device based on the material of the laundry.

In addition, the control unit controls the circulating bubble device to circulate the washing water stored in the tub based on the laundry being determined to be a first material, and the laundry being determined to be a second material. The circulating bubble device can be controlled to generate bubbles in the washing water stored in the tub.

Additionally, the control unit may control the rotational speed of the circulation pump based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent only when receiving a user input to start the first washing course.

Additionally, the washing machine includes an output unit including at least one of a display and a speaker; and a communication unit that receives weather information from a server, wherein the control unit controls the output unit to provide feedback recommending selection of the first laundry course based on the weather information satisfying a preset condition. can do.

A method of controlling a washing machine according to one aspect of the disclosed invention includes a circulating bubble device that circulates wash water stored in the tub or generates bubbles in the wash water stored in the tub, and supplies the wash water stored in the tub to the circulating bubble device. A method of controlling a washing machine including a circulation pump, comprising: supplying wash water without detergent to the tub; It may include controlling the rotational speed of the circulation pump based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent.

In addition, controlling the rotational speed of the circulation pump may include controlling the circulation pump to rotate at a first speed based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent being below a preset temperature; It may include controlling the circulation pump to rotate at a second speed that is less than the first speed based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent being higher than the preset temperature.

In addition, the method of controlling the washing machine includes operating a heater to heat the washing water stored in the tub for a first preset time based on the temperature of the washing water not containing detergent being below a preset temperature; Based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent being higher than the preset temperature, the heater is operated for a second preset time or the heater is operated until the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub reaches the target temperature. It may further include operating.

Additionally, operating the heater for the first preset time may include turning off the heater even if the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub does not reach the target temperature.

In addition, the control method of the washing machine includes supplying wash water not containing the detergent to the tub and then performing a weight sensing operation to detect the weight of the laundry and a material sensing operation to detect the material of the laundry; It may further include supplying washing water containing the detergent to the tub after performing the weight sensing process and the material sensing process.

Additionally, controlling the rotational speed of the circulation pump may include controlling the rotational speed of the circulation pump based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent and the weight of the laundry.

In addition, the control method of the washing machine may further include determining an operation mode of the circulating bubble device based on the material of the laundry.

In addition, determining the operation mode of the circulating bubble device includes controlling the circulating bubble device to circulate the washing water stored in the tub based on the material of the laundry being determined to be a first material; It may include controlling the circulating bubble device to generate bubbles in the washing water stored in the tub based on the laundry being determined to be a second material.

Additionally, controlling the rotational speed of the circulation pump can be performed only when a user input to start the first washing course is received.

In addition, the method of controlling the washing machine may further include providing feedback recommending selection of the first washing course based on weather information received from the server satisfying a preset condition.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, even when the temperature of water supplied from an external water source is low, the washing performance of the washing machine can be maintained and at the same time, energy consumed in performing a washing cycle can be saved.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, energy consumption of a washing machine can be reduced in winter when temperatures are low.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, user satisfaction can be promoted by allowing the user to decide whether to select an energy saving course.

According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, in winter when the temperature is low, the user's selection can be encouraged by recommending the selection of an energy saving course before starting the laundry course.

1 shows the appearance of a washing machine according to one embodiment.
Figure 2 shows a side cross-section of a washing machine according to one embodiment.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a circulating bubble device according to an embodiment.
Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams showing the operation of a circulating bubble device according to an embodiment.
Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment.
Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a washing machine control method according to an embodiment.
Figure 8 shows an example of a control panel of a washing machine according to an embodiment.
9 shows an example of a washing cycle of a washing machine according to an embodiment.
Figure 10 shows a washing machine performing a small water supply cycle according to an embodiment.
Figure 11 is a look-up table in which the temperature of the washing water provided in the small water supply stroke and the rotation speed of the circulation pump are matched.
Figure 12 shows a circulating bubble device according to an embodiment operating in a circulation mode.
Figure 13 shows a circulating bubble device operating in bubble mode according to an embodiment.
Figure 14 is a flowchart showing another example of a washing machine control method according to an embodiment.
Figure 15 shows an example of a control panel of a washing machine according to one embodiment when weather information satisfies preset conditions.

The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and at the time of filing this application, there may be various modifications that can replace the embodiments and drawings in this specification.

Terms used herein are used to describe embodiments and are not intended to limit and/or limit the disclosed invention.

For example, herein, singular expressions may include plural expressions, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In addition, terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to express the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and one or more other features, The possibility of additional presence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof is not excluded.

Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers such as “first”, “second”, etc. are used to distinguish one component from another component and do not limit the one component.

Additionally, terms such as "~unit", "~unit", "~block", "~member", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may mean at least one hardware such as FPGA (field-programmable gate array) / ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one software stored in memory, or at least one process processed by a processor. there is.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosed invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers or symbols shown in the accompanying drawings may indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

Hereinafter, the operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the exterior of a washing machine according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows a side cross-section of the washing machine according to an embodiment.

1 and 2, the configuration of the washing machine 1 is explained.

The washing machine 1 according to one embodiment is a top-loading washing machine in which an inlet 11 for putting in or taking out laundry is disposed on the upper surface of the main body 10, or an inlet 11 for putting in or taking out laundry. ) may include a front-loading washing machine disposed in the front of the main body 10. In other words, the washing machine 1 according to one embodiment is not limited to a top-loading washing machine or a front-loading washing machine, and may be either a top-loading washing machine or a front-loading washing machine. Of course, the washing machine 1 may include a washing machine with a loading type other than a top-loading washing machine and a front-loading washing machine.

However, for convenience of explanation, the washing machine 1 according to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, is a front-loading washing machine in which the inlet 11 for loading or unloading laundry is disposed on the front of the main body 10. It is assumed that

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the washing machine 1 may include a main body 10 and a door 12 provided in front of the main body 10. An inlet 11 for putting in or taking out laundry may be provided at the front center of the main body 10. The door 12 may be provided to open or close the inlet 11. The door 12 may be mounted rotatably on one side by a hinge. That the inlet 11 is closed by the door 12 can be detected by the door sensor. When the inlet 11 is closed and the washing machine 1 operates by closing the door 12, the door 12 is closed. It can be locked by a locking device.

A control panel 110 may be provided on the front upper side of the main body 10, including an input unit 111 for obtaining user input and a display unit 112 for displaying operation information of the washing machine 1. The control panel 110 may provide a user interface for interaction between the user and the washing machine 1.

The tub 20 is provided inside the main body 10 and can accommodate washing water for washing and/or rinsing. The tub 20 may include a tub front part with an opening in the front and a cylindrical tub rear part with a closed rear part. The tub front part holds laundry in the drum 30. An opening may be provided for putting in or taking out laundry from the drum 30.

The opening provided in the tub 20 may correspond to the inlet 11 provided in the main body 10.

The inlet 11 provided in the main body 10 and the opening of the tub 20 may be connected by a diaphragm.

The diaphragm may have a substantially ring shape, and forms a passage between the inlet 11 of the main body 10 and the opening of the tub 20, so that laundry introduced into the inlet 11 can be guided into the inside of the drum.

The diaphragm can prevent wash water and/or laundry in the tub 20 from leaking out of the washing machine 1 by sealing the openings of the inlet 11 provided in the main body 10 and the tub 20.

Additionally, the diaphragm can reduce vibration generated when the drum 30 rotates from being transmitted to the main body 10. For this purpose, the diaphragm is made of an elastic rubber material and may include a buffer portion bent between the main body 10 and the tub 20.

A drum motor 160 for rotating the drum 30 may be provided on the rear wall of the tub rear part.

The drum 30 is rotatably provided inside the tub 20 and can accommodate laundry. The drum 30 may include a cylindrical drum body, a drum front part provided in front of the drum body, and a drum rear part provided in the rear of the drum body. The tub 20 and drum 30 may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the ground. However, it is also possible for the tub 20 and drum 30 to be arranged horizontally with the ground.

On the inner surface of the drum body, there is a through hole 31a connecting the inside of the drum 30 and the inside of the tub 20, and a lifter 31b for lifting laundry to the top of the drum 30 while the drum 30 rotates. It can be provided. The drum front part may be provided with an opening for putting laundry into or taking out laundry from the drum 30 . The drum rear part may be connected to the shaft 163 of the drum motor 160 that rotates the drum 30.

The drum motor 160 may rotate the drum 30. The drum motor 160 may be provided outside the tub rear part and may be connected to the drum rear part through the shaft 163. The shaft 163 may penetrate the rear part of the tub and may be rotatably supported by a bearing provided in the rear part of the tub.

The drum motor 160 may include a stator 161 fixed to the outside of the rear part of the tub, and a rotor 162 that is rotatable and connected to the shaft 163. The rotor 162 may rotate through magnetic interaction with the stator 161, and the rotation of the rotor 162 may be transmitted to the drum 30 through the shaft 163. The drum motor 160 may be, for example, a brushless direct current motor (BLDC motor) or a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) whose rotation speed is easy to control.

According to various embodiments, the washing machine 1 may further include a pulsator (not shown) that rotates independently of the drum 30.

The pulsator may rotate independently of the drum 30 to form a water flow inside the drum 30.

In one embodiment, the pulsator may be provided with power from the drum motor 160, or may be provided with power by a pulsator motor provided separately from the drum motor 160.

When the pulsator receives power from the drum motor 160, the drum motor 160 may be implemented as a dual-rotor motor with one stator and two rotors (e.g., an inner rotor and an outer rotor), and the two One of the rotors may be connected to the drum 30, and the other may be connected to the pulsator.

Inside the lower part of the tub 20, there is a heater 40 for heating the washing water stored in the tub 20, and a heater 40 for detecting a frequency that changes depending on the water level to detect the amount (water level) of water in the drum 30. A water level sensor (not shown) may be installed.

Additionally, a temperature sensor 120 may be provided inside the lower side of the tub 20 to detect the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub 20. The temperature sensor 120 is provided inside the lower side of the tub 20 and can detect the temperature of the washing water supplied to the tub 20 and stored in the tub 20.

Water supply devices 151 and 152 may be provided on the inner upper part of the main body 10 to supply washing water to the tub 20.

The water supply devices 151 and 152 can supply washing water to the tub 20 and the drum 30.

According to various embodiments, the water supply devices 151 and 152 include a first water supply device 151 that supplies washing water not containing detergent to the tub and a second water supply device 152 that supplies washing water containing detergent to the tub. It can be included.

The first water supply device 151 is connected to an external water supply source and is provided in the first water supply pipe 151b and the first water supply pipe 151b for supplying washing water to the tub 20 without going through the detergent box 153. 1 It may include at least one nozzle (151c, 151d) connected to the water supply valve (151a) and the first water supply pipe (151b) to supply washing water that does not contain detergent into the tub (20). The first water supply pipe 151b may extend from an external water supply source to at least one nozzle 151c and 151d without passing through the detergent box 153.

At least one nozzle (151c, 151d) is a first nozzle (151c) that sprays washing water that does not contain detergent toward the door 12 and/or that sprays washing water that does not contain detergent toward the tub (20). It may include a second nozzle (151d).

The first nozzle 151c can spray washing water directly toward the door 12, and the washing water falling directly can be stored in the tub 20 after washing the door 12.

The second nozzle 151d can spray washing water into the drum 30 and can be inclined toward the inside of the drum 30 to have a spray angle that is not interfered with by the door 12.

Accordingly, the washing water that does not contain detergent sprayed through the second nozzle 151d can be immediately stored in the tub 20.

The second water supply device 152 includes a second water supply pipe 152b connected to an external water supply source to supply washing water to the detergent box 153, a second water supply valve 152a provided in the second water supply pipe 152b, and , It may include a third water supply pipe 154 connecting the detergent box 153 and the tub 20. The second water supply pipe 152b may be provided on the upper side of the tub 20 and may extend from an external water supply source to the detergent box 153. The third water supply pipe 154 may be provided on the upper side of the tub 20 and may extend from the detergent box 153 to the tub 20.

In response to the opening of the second water supply valve 152a, washing water supplied from an external water supply source through the second water supply pipe 152b may flow into the detergent box 153.

The washing water supplied to the detergent box 153 through the second water supply pipe 152b can be mixed with detergent or softener in the detergent box 153, and the washing water containing detergent is supplied to the tub (153) through the third water supply pipe 154. 20) can be supplied.

The detergent box 153 may be divided into a detergent storage space and a softener storage space, and the second water supply pipe 152b includes one water supply pipe connected to the detergent storage space and another water supply pipe connected to the softener storage space. can do. In addition, the second water supply valve 152a may include a water supply valve that opens and closes one water supply pipe connected to the detergent storage space, and another water supply valve that opens and closes another water supply pipe connected to the softener storage space.

The first water supply valve 151a and/or the second water supply valve 152a opens the first water supply pipe 151b and/or the second water supply pipe 152b in response to an electrical signal from the control unit 190, which will be described later. It can be closed. That is, the first water supply valve 151a and/or the second water supply valve 152a may allow or block the supply of washing water without detergent and/or washing water containing detergent to the tub 20. The first water supply valve 151a and/or the second water supply valve 152a may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

The water supply devices 151 and 152 may further include a flow sensor capable of detecting the amount of washing water supplied into the tub 20.

For example, the flow sensor is provided in the first water supply pipe (151b) to measure the amount of washing water passing through the first water supply pipe (151b) and/or is provided in the second water supply pipe (151b) to measure the amount of washing water passing through the first water supply pipe (151b). ) may include a second flow sensor that measures the amount of washing water passing through.

A pump 170 may be installed on the inner lower part of the main body 10 to suck water stored in the tub 20.

The plurality of pipes includes a first drain pipe 171 connected to the drain port 32 of the tub 20, and a second drain pipe 172 for pumping water drained from the tub 20 and discharging it to the outside of the main body 10. ) and a connection hose 173 connected to the circulating bubble device 180 so that water drained from the tub 20 is re-supplied to the tub 20.

The circulating bubble device 180 includes a connection hose 173 that is connected to the pump 170 and receives water from the pump 170, and is connected to the upper part of the tub 20 to transmit air from the tub 20. The connectors 50 may be connected to each other. At this time, one end of the connection pipe 50 may be connected to the circulating bubble device 180, and the other end of the connection pipe 50 may be connected to a communication hose 186 that communicates with the inside of the tub 20. The communication hose 186 is connected to the tub 20 and may be placed at a higher position than the level of water contained in the tub 20 so that the air inside the tub 20 can be sucked in. Accordingly, the water delivered from the pump 170 and the air delivered through the connection pipe 50 are mixed in the circulating bubble device 180 to generate bubbles, and the generated bubbles are supplied to the tub 20.

The circulating bubble device 180 generates bubbles by mixing air with the washing water delivered from the pump 170, has a bubble supply channel for supplying the generated bubbles to the tub 20, and a connection pipe for supplying the washing water delivered from the pump 170. It is guided to the communication hose 186 through (50) and re-supplied to the tub 20, thereby selectively forming one of the circulation passages through which the washing water accumulated in the tub 20 is circulated. This will be explained in detail later.

The pump 170 includes a circulation pump that supplies the wash water stored in the tub 20 to the circulating bubble device 180 and/or a drain pump that pumps the wash water stored in the tub 20 to the second drain pipe 172. However, the circulation pump and the drainage pump may be implemented as one configuration or may have different configurations.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the pump 170 is a circulation pump that supplies the washing water stored in the tub 20 to the circulation bubble device 180.

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a circulating bubble device according to an embodiment, and Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams showing the operation of the circulating bubble device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the circulating bubble device 180 includes a housing 181 forming an external shape, a bubble supply passage disposed inside the housing 181 to generate bubbles, and water storage in the tub 20. It may include a switching member 182 that selectively forms a circulation passage for circulating the washed washing water, and a driving device 183 that drives the switching member 182.

The housing 181 has a first connection port (181a) to which the connection hose 173 is connected and is provided with an orifice portion (181b) having a reduced diameter, and passes through the orifice portion (181b) with respect to the first connection port (181a). A second connection port (181d) provided in the direction of movement of the washing water and connected to the tub 20, and a first connection port (181a) disposed between the first connection port (181a) and the second connection port (181d). A conversion passage 181c connecting the second connection port 181d is connected to the conversion passage 181c so as to be inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the washing water, and a connection pipe 50 is connected to the tub through the connection pipe 50. It may include a third connection port (181e) through which air flows in (20) or discharges washing water to the communication hose (186) through the connection pipe (50).

At this time, the upper side of the diversion passage (181c) of the housing 181 is open for installation of the diversion member 182, and the housing 181 has a first cover 184 to close the upper side of the diversion passage (181c). Can be installed. Additionally, a driving unit 181f on which the above-described driving device 183 is installed may be provided at the lower part of the housing 181. The driving unit 181f is opened downward for installation of the driving device 183, and a second cover 185 may be installed in the housing 181 to cover the open lower side of the driving unit 181f.

The switching member 182 rotates so that the washing water delivered through the first connection port 181a is delivered to one of the second connection port 181d and the second connection port 181d. The switching member 182 includes an opening and closing portion 182a for opening and closing the switching passage 181c, and a shaft portion ( 182b) and a connection portion 182d that is provided in a polygonal shape at the bottom of the shaft portion 182b and is connected to the pinion 1833 so that the switching member 182 rotates with the pinion 1833, and is provided at the top of the shaft portion 182b. The switching member 182 includes a hinge protrusion 182c that allows it to be rotatably installed on the hinge portion 184a provided on the first cover 184.

The driving device 183 includes an actuator 1831, a rack 1832 moved by the actuator 1831, and a pinion 1833 that engages with the rack 1832 and rotates according to the movement of the rack 1832. do. The pinion 1833 includes a plurality of teeth 1833a engaged with the rack 1832 and a connection hole 1833b formed in a polygonal shape to correspond to the connection portion 182d of the above-described switching member 182. However, the driving device 183 is not limited to the above example, and may be provided as a motor depending on the embodiment. That is, the pinion 1833 may be rotated by the motor of the driving device 183.

The circulation bubble device 180 can receive water contained in the tub 20 from the circulation pump 170 through the connection hose 173.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the circulating bubble device 180 operates in a circulation mode in which the water in the tub 20 is circulated and re-supplied to the tub 20, the circulating bubble device 180 operates through the conversion passage 181c. The driving device 183 can be controlled to close, the rack 1832 moves by the operation of the actuator 1831, and the pinion 1833 rotates according to the movement of the rack 1832. Since the switching member 182 is connected to the pinion 1833 through the connection portion 182d, it rotates together with the pinion 1833 so that the opening and closing portion 182a of the switching member 182 closes the middle of the switching passage 181c.

In a state in which the conversion passage 181c is closed, the washing water delivered through the first connection port 181a connected to the connection hose 173 is guided to the connection pipe 50 through the third connection port 71e, and the communication hose 173 is connected to the first connection port 181a. It is discharged from the upper part of the tub 20 through (186).

In this way, the washing water stored in the tub 20 through the circulation flow path formed by the circulation bubble device 180 is sucked into the circulation pump 170 and then delivered to the circulation bubble device 180 through the connection hose 173. It is circulated as it is transferred from the circulation bubble device 180 to the inside of the tub 20 through the connection pipe 50.

At this time, the washing water discharged from the upper side of the tub 20 into the interior of the tub 20 through the communication hose 186 can be used to increase washing performance through friction with the laundry. However, when the circulating bubble device 180 operates in the circulation mode, the washing water is discharged from a high place, so there is a risk that the laundry fabric may be damaged.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the circulating bubble device 180 operates in the bubble mode to generate bubbles in the washing water stored in the tub 20, the circulating bubble device 180 is driven to open the diversion passage 181c. The device 183 can be controlled, and in this state, the washing water that has passed through the orifice portion 181b passes through the conversion passage 181c at a high speed, so the pressure inside the conversion passage 181c is lowered by Bernoulli's law. . When the pressure inside the conversion passage 181c becomes lower than atmospheric pressure, air is sucked into the conversion passage 181c from the tub 20 through the connection pipe 50 connected to the third connection port 181e. In the conversion passage 181c, the washing water and air are mixed to generate bubbles, and the generated bubbles are supplied to the tub 20 through the third connection port 181e.

In this way, a bubble supply passage is formed by the circulation bubble device 180, and the washing water of the tub 20 is sucked into the circulation pump 170 and then delivered to the circulation bubble device 180 through the connection hose 173, The air inside the tub 20 is sucked into the circulation bubble device 180 through the connection pipe 50 and mixed with the washing water delivered from the circulation pump 170, thereby generating bubbles in the circulation bubble device 180. At this time, bubbles generated in the circulating bubble device 180 are supplied to the tub 20.

At this time, the bubbles supplied into the tub 20 may help the detergent and/or softener contained in the wash water to be absorbed into the laundry. Accordingly, when the circulating bubble device 180 operates in bubble mode, the degree of detergent adsorption can be increased.

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the washing machine 1 includes a control panel 110, a speaker 113, a temperature sensor 120, a drum motor, a first water supply device 151, a second water supply device 152, and a heater 40. ), a circulation pump 170, a circulation bubble device 180, a control unit 190, and a communication unit 195.

The control panel 110 may include an input unit 111 that obtains user input, and a display unit 112 that displays washing settings or washing operation information in response to the user input.

The input unit 111 may include, for example, a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or course selection button), and a wash/rinse/spin setting button. The input unit 111 may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, or a touch switch.

The input unit 111 may provide an electrical output signal corresponding to a user input to the control unit 190.

The display unit 112 includes a screen that displays the washing course selected by rotating the course selection dial (or pressing the course selection button) and the operating time of the washing machine 1, and the washing settings/rinse settings/selected by the setting button. An indicator may be included to indicate dehydration settings. The display unit 112 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, etc.

The display unit 112 may provide various types of visual feedback to the user based on the control signal from the control unit 190.

The washing course of the washing machine 1 depends on the type of laundry (e.g., shirts, pants, underwear, blankets) and material (e.g., cotton, polyester, wool, delicate clothing, general clothing) and the amount of laundry. Accordingly, predetermined administrative conditions (e.g., washing temperature, number of rinses, spin strength) may be included. For example, a standard wash cycle may include general wash conditions for laundry. The blanket washing course may include administrative conditions optimized for washing the blanket. The washing course includes various courses such as standard washing, power washing, wool washing, blanket washing, general clothes washing, baby clothes washing, towel washing, small quantity washing, boiling washing, power saving washing, outdoor washing, rinsing + spin, and spin. can do.

According to various embodiments, the washing course of the washing machine 1 may further include a first washing course that washes the laundry in the most efficient way based on the weight, material, and surrounding environment information of the laundry. In the first wash course, the washing machine (1) determines the weight of the laundry through the weight detection process, determines the material of the laundry through the material detection process, and acquires information about the surrounding environment through various sensors to determine the most optimized condition for the current condition. Laundry can be washed under administrative conditions. Accordingly, the first laundry course may be referred to as an artificial intelligence course (AI course).

The speaker 113 can provide various types of auditory feedback to the user based on the control signal from the controller 190.

The temperature sensor 120 may be provided on the bottom of the tub 20 and can detect the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub 20. The temperature sensor 120 can transmit temperature information of the washing water stored in the tub 20 to the control unit 190, and the control unit 190 controls the temperature information of the washing machine 1 based on the temperature information obtained from the temperature sensor 120. Each component (e.g., circulation pump 170, heater 40) can be controlled.

The drum motor 160 may rotate based on a control signal from the controller 190, thereby rotating the drum 30.

The washing machine 1 may further include a drive circuit for controlling the rotation speed of the drum motor 160, and the control unit 190 may drive the drum motor 160 by applying a drive signal to the drive circuit. Current can be supplied to the drum motor 160.

The first water supply device 151 may supply wash water that does not pass through the detergent box 153, that is, wash water that does not contain detergent, to the tub 20 based on a control signal from the controller 190.

That is, the control unit 190 can control the first water supply device 151 to supply washing water that does not contain detergent to the tub 20.

The second water supply device 152 may supply washing water, that is, washing water containing detergent, to the tub 20 via the detergent box 153 based on a control signal from the controller 190.

That is, the control unit 190 can control the second water supply device 152 to supply washing water containing detergent to the tub 20.

The heater 40 may operate based on a control signal from the controller 190 and thus heat the washing water stored in the tub 20.

As will be explained later, the control unit 190 may perform temperature control by operating the heater 40 until the washing water stored in the tub 20 reaches a predetermined temperature after supplying water for washing or rinsing. . Additionally, the control unit 190 may perform time control to operate the heater 40 for a preset time regardless of the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub 20 after supplying water for washing.

The circulation pump 170 can supply the washing water stored in the tub 20 to the circulation bubble device 180.

According to various embodiments, the control unit 190 may control the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170. To this end, the circulation pump 170 may include, for example, a brushless direct current motor (BLDC Motor) or a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) whose rotation speed is easy to control. .

The control unit 190 may supply the washing water stored in the tub 20 to the circulation bubble device 180 by operating the circulation pump 170 after supplying water for washing or rinsing.

According to various embodiments, the control unit 190 may increase the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170 to increase the amount of washing water supplied to the circulation bubble device 180 per hour, and may increase the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170. By lowering the amount, the amount of washing water supplied to the circulating bubble device 180 per hour can be reduced.

The circulating bubble device 180 may operate in the above-described circulation mode or bubble mode based on the control signal from the controller 190.

The control unit 190 may control the driving device 183 of the circulating bubble device 180 so that the circulating bubble device 180 operates in either a circulation mode or a bubble mode.

The control unit 190 includes a processor 191 that generates control signals related to the operation of the washing machine 1, and a memory 192 that stores programs, applications, instructions, and/or data for the operation of the washing machine 1. can do. The processor 191 and the memory 192 may be implemented as separate semiconductor devices or as a single semiconductor device. Additionally, the control unit 190 may include a plurality of processors or a plurality of memories. The control unit 190 may be provided at various locations inside the washing machine 1. For example, the control unit 190 may be included in a printed circuit board provided inside the control panel 110.

The processor 191 may include an operation circuit, a memory circuit, and a control circuit. The processor 191 may include one chip or a plurality of chips.

Additionally, the processor 191 may include one core or a plurality of cores.

The memory 192 may store data including a program for performing a wash cycle according to a wash course, a program for changing administrative conditions according to the type of laundry, and administrative conditions according to the washing course. Additionally, the memory 192 may store the currently selected wash course and wash settings based on user input.

In one embodiment, the memory 192 includes an algorithm for performing a wash cycle according to the wash course and wash settings, an algorithm for identifying the type of laundry, an algorithm for changing the washing cycle conditions according to the type of laundry, etc. You can save programs containing .

The memory 192 includes volatile memories such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), and EP-ROM ( It may include non-volatile memory such as Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM). The memory 192 may include one memory element or a plurality of memory elements.

The processor 191 may process data and/or signals using a program provided from the memory 192, and may transmit control signals to each component of the washing machine 1 based on the processing results. For example, the processor 191 may process user input received through the control panel 110. The processor 191, in response to the user input, operates each component of the washing machine 1 (e.g., display unit 112, heater 40, drum motor 160, water supply devices 151 and 152, and circulation pump ( 170), a control signal for controlling the circulating bubble device 180, etc.) can be output.

As another example, the processor 191 can determine the weight and material of laundry using a program provided from the memory 192.

The processor 191 may control each component of the washing machine 1 to perform a washing cycle consisting of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dehydration cycle according to predetermined cycle conditions. Additionally, the processor 191 may control the control panel 110 to display wash settings and wash operation information.

Additionally, the processor 191 can control the communication unit 195 to transmit predetermined information to an external device.

The communication unit 195 may transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device based on a control signal from the control unit 190. For example, the communication unit 195 may communicate with a server and/or a user terminal device and/or a home appliance to transmit and receive various data.

The communication unit 195 for this purpose establishes a direct (e.g. wired) or wireless communication channel between external electronic devices (e.g. servers, user terminal devices and/or home appliances), and performs communication through the established communication channel. can support. According to one embodiment, the communication unit 195 is a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN)) may include a communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module is a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, 5G network, It can communicate with external electronic devices through a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a telecommunication network such as a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (e.g., a single chip) or may be implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

According to various embodiments, the communication unit 195 may establish communication with a user terminal device through a server.

In various embodiments, the communication unit 195 may include a Wi-Fi module and perform communication with an external server and/or a user terminal device based on establishing communication with an access point (AP) within the home. You can.

In one embodiment, the communication unit 195 may request weather information from a server and receive weather information from the server.

Although the configuration of the washing machine 1 has been described above, the washing machine 1 may further include various configurations within the scope of common technology.

Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a washing machine control method according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the washing machine 1 may start the first washing course based on a user input (1000).

Specifically, the control unit 190 may control each component of the washing machine 1 using an algorithm corresponding to the first washing course based on receiving a user input for starting the first washing course.

Figure 8 shows an example of a control panel of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the input unit 111 of the control panel 110 includes an input device 110a in the form of a jog shuttle or dial and/or an input device 110b-1 to 110b provided in the form of a touch pad or button. -6) may be included.

According to various embodiments, the input unit 111 includes a power button 110b-1 for receiving an input for power, an operation/pause button 110b-2 for receiving an input for starting or pausing an operation, and a washing machine. A washing temperature button (110b-3) that receives an input for temperature adjustment, a rinse count button (110b-4) that receives an input for adjusting the rinse count, and a spin-drying power button (110b-) that receives an input for adjusting the spin-drying power. 5) and/or may include an additional function button 110b-6 that receives input for performing additional functions.

The input unit 111 may receive a selection of a desired laundry course from the user. For example, the user can select a desired washing course by holding and turning the input device 110a. At this time, the display unit 112 can display the washing course selected each time the input device 110a is turned, and the user presses the operation/pause button 110b-2 when the desired course is selected. The washing machine 1 can be controlled to perform a desired washing course.

For example, if the desired course corresponds to the first washing course (AI course), the user may turn the input device 110a until the first washing course is selected, and when the first washing course is selected, the user may turn the input device 110a until the first washing course is selected. The washing machine 1 can be controlled to start the first washing course by pressing the operation/pause button 110b-2.

Additionally, the user may press the washing temperature button (110b-3), the rinse count button (110b-4), the spin speed button (110b-5), and/or the additional function button (110b-6) before starting the desired course. You can set detailed options through .

The display unit 112 can display the corresponding course 117a according to the rotation of the input device 110a, and the washing temperature 117b selected through the washing temperature button 110b-3 or corresponding to the default setting value. ) can be displayed.

In addition, the display unit 112 can display the rinsing number 117c corresponding to the default setting value or selected through the rinsing number button 110b-4, or selected through the spin speed button 110b-5. The dehydration intensity (117d) corresponding to the basic setting value can be displayed, and the additional function (117e) selected through the additional function button (110b-6) can be displayed.

As described above, the first washing course is a course that washes laundry under the administrative conditions most optimized for the current state, and the washing machine 1 performing the first washing course changes various administrative conditions (e.g., washing temperature) during the washing cycle. , number of rinses, spin speed, etc.) can be decided on your own.

According to various embodiments, the control unit 190 displays information about detailed options (e.g., washing temperature (117b), number of rinses (117c), and/or spin speed (117d)) based on the selection of the first washing course. The display unit 112 can be controlled to prevent this from happening.

When the user selects the first washing course and presses the start button 110b-2, the washing machine 1 can start the first washing course.

The washing machine 1 may perform a small water supply cycle based on the start of the first wash course (1100).

9 shows an example of a washing cycle of a washing machine according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figure 9, the washing cycle corresponding to the first washing course includes a small water supply stroke (1100), a weight sensing stroke (1001), a material sensing stroke (1002), a washing stroke (1010), a rinsing stroke (1020), and It may include a dehydration process (1030).

The small water supply process (1100), the weight detection process (1001), the material detection process (1002), the washing process (1010), the rinsing process (1020), and the dehydration process (1030) may be performed sequentially. However, one of the above processes may be omitted, and the order of any two processes may be reversed.

For example, the order of the weight sensing process 1001 and the material sensing process 1002 may be reversed.

Figure 10 shows a washing machine performing a small water supply cycle according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the control unit 190 may perform a small water supply operation 1100 by controlling the first water supply device 151 to supply washing water not containing detergent to the tub 20. there is.

According to various embodiments, a small amount of washing water that does not contain detergent may be supplied to the tub 20 in the small water supply process 1100.

For example, the control unit 190 opens the first water supply valve 151a until the flow rate measured from the first flow sensor provided in the first water supply pipe 151b reaches a preset value, and The first water supply valve 151a may be closed based on the measured flow rate reaching a preset value.

As another example, the control unit 190 may open the first water supply valve 151a for a preset time and close the first water supply valve 151a based on the elapse of the preset time.

According to various embodiments, the control unit 190 configures at least one nozzle so that the washing water flowing through the first water supply pipe 151b is supplied to the tub 20 through the first nozzle 151c and/or the second nozzle 151d. (151c, 151d) can be controlled.

In a preferred example, the control unit 190 closes the first nozzle 151c and opens the second nozzle 151d so that the washing water flowing through the first water supply pipe 151b is supplied to the tub 20 through the second nozzle 151d. It can be open.

Through the small water supply process 1100, pure washing water that has not passed through the detergent box 153 can be supplied to the tub 20. That is, through the small water supply stroke 1100, a preset amount of washing water that does not contain detergent can be stored in the tub 20.

For example, the level of washing water supplied to the tub 20 in the small water supply stroke 1100 may not exceed the drum 30.

The control unit 190 may control the second water supply device 152 so that washing water containing detergent is not supplied into the tub 20 in the small water supply stroke 1100. For example, the control unit 190 may control the second water supply valve 152a to remain closed during the small water supply stroke 1100.

The temperature sensor 120 can detect the temperature of the washing water that does not contain detergent supplied to the tub 20 (1200) and can transmit information about the temperature of the washing water to the control unit 190.

Referring again to FIG. 9, after performing the small water supply operation 1100, the control unit 190 performs a weight sensing operation 1001 to detect the weight of the laundry stored in the drum 30 and/or a material to detect the material of the laundry. A detection operation (1002) can be performed.

In one embodiment, the control unit 190 may repeatedly turn on/off the drum motor 160 to perform the weight sensing process 1001, based on the back electromotive force value generated when the drum motor 160 is turned off. Thus, the load (weight of laundry) inside the drum 30 can be measured. The memory 192 may store data on the weight of laundry measured through the weight detection process 1001.

The material detection process 1002 includes a primary rotation process that measures the value of the driving current applied to the drum motor 160 by rotating the drum 30 containing dry laundry, and a preset water level by rotating the drum 30. It may include a water supply stroke that provides washing water to the tub 20, and a secondary rotation stroke that rotates the drum 30 and measures the value of the drive current applied to the drum motor 160 after the water supply stroke is completed. .

The control unit 190 calculates the average of the driving current values in the first rotation stroke (dry current average), the average of the driving current values in the second rotation stroke (wet current average), and the driving current in the second rotation stroke. The material of the laundry can be judged based on the standard deviation of the current value (standard deviation of wet cloth current).

According to various embodiments, the control unit 190 may use a classifier previously learned through machine learning when determining the material of laundry.

A classifier that determines the material of laundry can be learned based on a machine learning model or a deep learning model, a type of machine learning. For example, at least one of various neural networks such as ANN (Artificial Neural Network), DNN (Deep Neural Network), CNN (Convolution Neural Network), and RNN (Recurrent Neural Network) may be used to learn a classifier.

Meanwhile, since a small amount of washing water is supplied to the tub 20 in the small water supply stroke 1100, the washing water supplied to the tub 20 in the small water supply stroke 1100 is used in the weight sensing stroke 1001 or the material sensing stroke 1002. ) does not affect the

Accordingly, the control unit 190 may perform the weight detection process 1001 and/or the material detection process 1002 after performing the small water supply process 1100.

According to various embodiments, the small water supply process 1100 may be replaced with the water supply process included in the material detection process 1002. Specifically, after performing the weight sensing stroke 1001 and then performing the first rotation stroke of the material sensing stroke 1002, the control unit 190 supplies washing water that does not contain detergent to the tub 20. 1 After controlling the water supply device 151, the second rotation stroke can be performed.

According to the present disclosure, the separate time required for the small water supply process 1100 can be shortened.

In one embodiment, the control unit 190 controls the washing process 1010, the rinsing process 1020, and the spin-drying process 1030 based on the temperature of the washing water that does not contain detergent, the weight of the laundry, and/or the material of the laundry. Conditions can be changed.

By the washing process 1010, laundry can be washed. Specifically, foreign substances attached to laundry may be separated by the chemical action of detergent and/or mechanical action such as falling.

The washing process 1010 includes water supply 1011 supplying water to the tub 20, washing 1012 washing laundry by rotating the drum 30 at low speed, and discharging water contained in the tub 20. It may include a drain 1013 and an intermediate dewatering 1014 that separates water from laundry by rotating the drum 30 at high speed.

At this time, the control unit 190 may control the second water supply device 152 to supply washing water containing detergent to the tub 20 for water supply 1011. That is, the control unit 190 controls the first water supply device 151 to supply washing water containing no detergent to the tub 20 in the small water supply operation 1100, and then supplies water 1011 in the washing operation 1010. For this purpose, the second water supply device 152 can be controlled to supply washing water containing detergent to the tub 20.

For washing 1012, the control unit 190 can rotate the drum motor 160 in the forward or reverse direction. As the drum 30 rotates, the laundry falls from the upper side of the drum 30 to the lower side, and the laundry can be washed by falling.

According to various embodiments, the control unit 190 may improve washing performance by operating the circulation pump 170 at a predetermined speed during washing 1012. As will be explained later, the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170 may be predetermined in the small water supply stroke 1100.

According to various embodiments, the controller 190 may operate the heater 40 to increase the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub 20 during water supply 1011 or washing 1012. As will be explained later, the operation specifications of the heater 40 may be predetermined in the small water supply process 1100.

For intermediate dehydration 1014, the control unit 190 may rotate the drum motor 160 at high speed. Due to the high-speed rotation of the drum 30, water may be separated from the laundry contained in the drum 30 and discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1.

During intermediate dehydration 1014, the rotation speed of the drum 30 may increase stepwise.

By the rinse cycle 1020, the laundry can be rinsed. Specifically, detergent or foreign substances left in laundry can be washed away with water.

The rinsing process 1020 includes a water supply 1021 that supplies water to the tub 20, a rinsing 1022 that drives the drum 30 to rinse laundry, and a drain 1023 that discharges water contained in the tub 20. ) and an intermediate dehydration 1024 that separates water from laundry by driving the drum 30.

According to various embodiments, the control unit 190 may improve rinsing efficiency by operating the circulation pump 170 at a predetermined speed during rinsing 1022. As will be explained later, the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170 may be predetermined in the small water supply stroke 1100.

According to various embodiments, the controller 190 may operate the heater 40 to increase the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub 20 during the water supply 1021 or the rinsing 1022. At this time, the operating specifications of the heater 40 may be predetermined in the small water supply stroke 1100.

The water supply 1021, drain 1023, and intermediate dewatering 1024 of the rinsing cycle 1020 may be the same as the water supply 1012, drain 1014, and intermediate dehydration 1014 of the washing cycle 1010, respectively. During the rinsing process 1020, water supply 1021, rinsing 1022, draining 1023, and intermediate dewatering 1024 may be performed once or multiple times.

By the dehydration process 1030, laundry can be dehydrated. Specifically, water is separated from laundry by high-speed rotation of the drum 30, and the separated water can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1.

The dehydration process 1030 may include a final dehydration 1031 in which water is separated from laundry by rotating the drum 30 at high speed. Due to the final dehydration (1031), the last intermediate dehydration (1024) of the rinsing process (1020) can be omitted.

For final dehydration 1031, the control unit 190 may rotate the drum motor 160 at high speed. Due to the high-speed rotation of the drum 30, water may be separated from the laundry contained in the drum 30 and discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1. Additionally, the rotation speed of the drum motor 160 may increase stepwise.

Since the operation of the washing machine 1 is terminated by the final spin-drying 1031, the execution time of the final spin-drying 1031 may be longer than the execution time of the intermediate spin-drying 1014 and 1024.

According to various embodiments, the control unit 190 may control the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170 based on the temperature of the washing water that does not contain detergent (1300).

More specifically, the control unit 190 controls the operation of the circulation pump 170 in an operation section of the circulation pump 170 (e.g., a predetermined section after water supply for washing or rinsing) based on the temperature of the washing water that does not contain detergent. RPM can be set.

According to various embodiments, the control unit 190 may change the control specifications of the heater 40 based on the temperature of the washing water that does not contain detergent (1400).

More specifically, the control unit 190 controls a method of controlling the heater 40 in the heater 40 operation section (e.g., a predetermined section after water supply for washing or rinsing) based on the temperature of the washing water that does not contain detergent. You can set it.

Figure 11 is a look-up table in which the temperature of the washing water provided in the small water supply stroke and the rotation speed of the circulation pump are matched.

Referring to FIG. 11, the memory 192 may store a look-up table that matches the temperature of the washing water and the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170.

According to various embodiments, the look-up table may match the temperature of the washing water, the weight of the laundry, and the rotational speed of the circulation pump 170, but is not limited to this.

That is, the control unit 190 may control the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170 based on the temperature of the washing water not containing detergent, and may control the circulation pump 170 based on the temperature of the washing water not containing detergent and the weight of the laundry. 170) can also control the rotation speed.

The control unit 190 may determine the RPM of the circulation pump 170 according to the temperature of the washing water not containing detergent measured by the temperature sensor 120 after the small water supply stroke 1100 based on the lookup table.

Additionally, the control unit 190 may determine a control method of the heater 40 according to the temperature of the washing water not containing detergent measured by the temperature sensor 120 after the small water supply stroke 1100 based on the look-up table.

For example, when the weight (k) of the laundry is lighter than the first preset weight (k1), the control unit 190 sets the temperature (T) of the washing water without detergent to the first preset temperature (t1, for example, about Based on the temperature being 5°C or lower, the speed of the circulation pump 170 can be determined as the 1-1 speed (R11).

In addition, the control unit 190 adjusts the speed of the circulation pump 170 to the 1-2 speed based on the temperature (T) of the washing water not containing detergent being below the second preset temperature (t2, for example, about 10°C). It can be determined by (R12).

In addition, the control unit 190 determines the speed of the circulation pump 170 as the first-third speed (R13) based on the temperature (T) of the washing water not containing detergent being higher than the second preset temperature (t2). You can.

At this time, the 1-1 speed (R11) may be faster than the 1-2 speed (R12), and the 1-2 speed (R12) may be faster than the 1-3 speed (R13).

Likewise, when the weight (k) of the laundry is heavier than the first preset weight (k1) and lighter than the second preset weight (k2), the control unit 190 sets the temperature (T) of the washing water without detergent to the first preset weight (k1). Based on being below the preset temperature (t1), the speed of the circulation pump 170 may be determined as the 2-1 speed (R21).

In addition, the control unit 190 may determine the speed of the circulation pump 170 as the 2-2 speed (R22) based on the temperature (T) of the washing water not containing detergent being less than or equal to the second preset temperature (t2). there is.

In addition, the control unit 190 determines the speed of the circulation pump 170 as the second-third speed (R23) based on the temperature (T) of the washing water not containing detergent being higher than the second preset temperature (t2). You can.

At this time, the 2-1st speed (R11) may be faster than the 2-2nd speed (R22), and the 2-2nd speed (R22) may be faster than the 2-3rd speed (R23).

Likewise, when the weight (k) of the laundry is heavier than the second preset weight (k2) and lighter than the third preset weight (k3), the control unit 190 sets the temperature (T) of the washing water without detergent to the first preset weight (k2). Based on being below the preset temperature (t1), the speed of the circulation pump 170 may be determined as the 3-1 speed (R31).

In addition, the control unit 190 may determine the speed of the circulation pump 170 as the 3-2 speed (R32) based on the temperature (T) of the washing water not containing detergent being less than or equal to the second preset temperature (t2). there is.

In addition, the control unit 190 determines the speed of the circulation pump 170 as the 3-3 speed (R33) based on the temperature (T) of the washing water not containing detergent being higher than the second preset temperature (t2). You can.

At this time, the 3-1 speed (R31) may be faster than the 3-2 speed (R32), and the 3-2 speed (R32) may be faster than the 3-3 speed (R33).

The control unit 190 controls the circulation pump 170 to rotate at the first speed (R11, R21, R31) based on the temperature (T) of the washing water not containing detergent being below the preset temperature (t1), and the detergent Based on the fact that the temperature (T) of the washing water that does not contain is higher than the preset temperature (t1), the circulation pump 170 operates at a second speed (R12, R22, R32) that is smaller than the first speed (R11, R21, R31). It can be controlled to rotate.

In addition, the control unit 190 controls the circulation pump 170 to rotate at the second speeds R12, R22, and R32 based on the temperature T of the washing water not containing detergent being less than or equal to the preset temperature t2. , Based on the temperature (T) of the washing water not containing detergent being higher than the preset temperature (t2), the circulation pump 170 operates at third speeds (R13, R23, Rotation can be controlled with R33).

In summary, the control unit 190 sets the RPM of the circulation pump 170 higher as the temperature of the washing water supplied to the tub 20 in the small water supply stroke 1100 decreases, and sets the RPM of the circulation pump 170 higher in the small water supply stroke 1100. ), the higher the temperature of the washing water supplied to the circulation pump 170, the lower the RPM of the circulation pump 170 can be set, and the circulation pump 170 can can be operated at a preset rotation speed.

Of course, the parameters (t1, t2, k1, k2, k3, etc.) included in the lookup table can be changed to optimal values through various experiments, and the form of the lookup table is only an example of the present disclosure. .

According to various embodiments, the control unit 190 may control the heater 40 using a time control method based on the temperature (T) of the washing water not containing detergent being below a preset temperature (t2), The heater 40 may be controlled using a time control method and/or a temperature control method based on the fact that the temperature (T) of the washing water not containing detergent is higher than the preset temperature (t2).

The time control method is a method of operating the heater 40 in the heater 40 operation section (a predetermined section after water supply for washing or rinsing) and then turning off the heater 40 based on the elapse of a preset time. means.

The temperature control method involves operating the heater 40 in the heater 40 operation section and then turning off the heater 40 based on the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub 20 reaching a preset temperature. it means.

That is, the controller 190 may operate the heater 40 for a first preset time based on the temperature T of the washing water not containing detergent being below the preset temperature t2 (time control).

In addition, the control unit 190 operates the heater 40 for a second preset time based on the temperature (T) of the washing water not containing detergent being higher than the preset temperature (t2) or stores water in the tub 20. The heater 40 may be operated (time control and/or temperature control) until the temperature of the washed washing water reaches the target temperature. In this case, the controller 190 may turn off the heater 40 when any one of the following conditions is satisfied: the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub 20 reaches the target temperature, and the condition that the second preset time elapses. .

The control unit 190 turns off the heater 40 even if the temperature of the wash water stored in the tub 20 does not reach the target temperature based on the fact that the temperature (T) of the wash water without detergent is below the preset temperature (t2). It can be done (time control).

At this time, the first preset time (eg, about 10 minutes) may be the same as the second preset time (eg, about 10 minutes), but is not limited thereto.

According to the present disclosure, the first preset time and the second preset time are almost the same, so that the energy consumed by the heater 40 to heat the wash water can be saved even if the temperature of the wash water is low.

Additionally, the control unit 190 may set the target temperature based on the weight of the laundry and/or the material of the laundry. That is, the target temperature may be set in advance by the control unit 190 before the heater 40 operates.

When the temperature of the washing water supplied to the tub 20 is low, for example, in winter when the temperature is low, the heater 40 is operated for a long time to bring the temperature of the washing water to the target temperature. However, even if the heater 40 is operated for a long time, the temperature of the washing water does not rise efficiently due to the low temperature of the condensed milk, resulting in very low energy efficiency compared to washing performance in winter.

Meanwhile, if the heater 40 is not operated for a long time in consideration of energy efficiency, washing cannot be performed smoothly because detergent does not dissolve well in water.

According to the present disclosure, the temperature of the washing water supplied to the tub 20 can be determined more accurately by measuring the temperature of the washing water that has not passed through the detergent container.

According to the present disclosure, as the temperature of the washing water provided to the tub 20 in the small water supply stroke 1100 increases, the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170 decreases, and the rotational speed of the circulation pump 170 decreases, and the water provided to the tub 20 in the small water supply stroke 1100 decreases. As the temperature of the washing water decreases, the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170 increases.

Accordingly, the washing machine 1 according to the present disclosure can improve washing performance by increasing the amount of washing water supplied to the circulating bubble device 180 in an environment where detergent is difficult to dissolve in washing water.

Meanwhile, in the case of summer when the water temperature is high, if a large amount of washing water is supplied to the circulating bubble device 180, washing performance may not be improved, but washing may take more time or the laundry may be damaged.

Accordingly, the washing machine 1 according to the present disclosure reduces the amount of washing water supplied to the circulating bubble device 180 in an environment where the temperature of the washing water is high, thereby preventing it from taking more time for washing or damaging the laundry. You can.

Meanwhile, in winter, when the water temperature is low, if the heater 40 is operated to heat the temperature of the wash water stored in the tub 20 to the target temperature, excessive energy is consumed in the operation of the heater 40, and the washing cycle time is increased. It also becomes excessively long.

According to the present disclosure, when the water temperature is low, excessive energy is prevented from being consumed in the operation of the heater 40 by controlling the heater 40 through a time control method, and at the same time, by increasing the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170. Washing performance can be secured.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, when the water temperature is high, the heater 40 can be appropriately operated and the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170 can be reduced through a time control method or a temperature control method.

Accordingly, when washing is performed using the washing machine 1 according to the present disclosure in the winter when the water temperature is low or in the summer when the water temperature is high, there may be little difference in energy consumption along with similar washing performance.

Meanwhile, when the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170 is increased, the amount of washing water supplied to the circulation bubble device 180 increases.

FIG. 12 shows a circulating bubble device operating in a circulation mode according to an embodiment, and FIG. 13 shows a circulating bubble device operating in a bubble mode according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, when the circulation bubble device 180 operates in circulation mode, if the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170 increases, the amount of water falling into the tub 20 through the connection pipe 50 increases. I do it.

When the circulation bubble device 180 operates in circulation mode, washing performance is significantly improved due to friction between water and laundry falling into the tub 20.

However, if the laundry fabric is delicate clothing and the amount of water falling into the tub 20 increases, there is a risk that the laundry fabric may be damaged by the falling washing water.

Referring to FIG. 13, when the circulation bubble device 180 operates in bubble mode and the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170 increases, the amount of bubbles supplied to the tub 20 increases.

When the circulating bubble device 180 operates in bubble mode, detergent and/or softener can be more efficiently applied to laundry by bubbles in the washing cycle 1010, and the detergent and/or softener can be applied to laundry by bubbles in the rinsing cycle 1020. The applied detergent and/or softener can be desorbed more efficiently.

When the circulating bubble device 180 operates in the bubble mode, washing performance does not increase compared to when the circulating bubble device 180 operates in the circulation mode, but washing performance can be increased to some extent.

Additionally, when the circulating bubble device 180 operates in the bubble mode, there is no risk of damage to the laundry fabric even if the fabric is delicate clothing.

According to various embodiments, the control unit 190 may determine the operation mode of the circulating bubble device 180 based on the material of the laundry identified in the material detection process.

For example, the control unit 190 controls the circulation bubble device 180 to circulate the washing water stored in the tub 20 based on the fact that the material of the laundry is determined to be the first material (e.g., delicate clothing) and (circulate) mode), the circulating bubble device 180 can be controlled to generate bubbles in the washing water stored in the tub 20 based on the fact that the material of the laundry is determined to be a second material (e.g., general clothing) (bubble mode) .

That is, if the material of the laundry is identified as the first material that is at risk of damaging the fabric, the control unit 190 improves washing performance through the bubble generating operation of the circulating bubble device 180, and determines the material of the laundry to be the first material that may cause damage to the fabric. If the second material is identified as having less concern, washing performance can be improved through the circulation operation of the circulating bubble device 180.

According to various embodiments, the control unit 190 may control the circulation bubble device 180 to alternately operate in the circulation mode and bubble mode when the material of the laundry is identified as the second material.

However, the control unit 190 can operate the circulating bubble device 180 only in bubble mode when the material of the laundry is identified as the first material.

According to the present disclosure, damage to the fabric of the laundry can be prevented by changing the operation mode of the circulating bubble device 180 according to the material of the laundry.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing another example of a washing machine control method according to an embodiment, and FIG. 15 shows an example of a washing machine control panel according to an embodiment when weather information satisfies preset conditions.

Referring to FIG. 14, the washing machine 1 may be turned on based on a user input (2000).

For example, the user can turn on the power of the washing machine 1 by pressing or touching the power button 110b-1 of the control panel 110.

The control unit 190 may control the communication unit 195 to request weather information from the server based on the fact that the washing machine 1 is turned on.

According to various embodiments, the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7 can be performed only when the first washing course is selected by the user.

That is, according to various embodiments, the control unit 190 may control the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170 based on the temperature of the washing water without detergent only when receiving a user input to start the first washing course. there is.

For example, if the user selects a different course (e.g., a second wash course), the small water supply stroke 1100 may be omitted from the wash cycle described with reference to FIG. 9, and further, the weight detection stroke 1001 and /Or the material detection process 1002 may also be omitted.

When the user selects the second washing course (e.g., general washing course) rather than the first washing course while the temperature of the washing water supplied to the tub 20 is low, such as in winter, the rotation speed of the circulation pump 170 and Since the control method of the heater 40 is not changed, the energy and time required to perform the second washing course may be excessive.

According to various embodiments, the control unit 190 may use the display unit 112 and/or the display unit 112 to provide feedback recommending selection of the first laundry course based on weather information satisfying preset conditions (example of 2100). The speaker 113 can be controlled.

At this time, the preset condition may include that the temperature included in the weather information received from the server is below the preset temperature (eg, about 5°C).

That is, the preset condition may include at least one weather condition in which the temperature of the washing water supplied to the tub 20 is estimated to be low.

For example, the control unit 190 outputs a visual indicator (e.g., text, shape, video, etc.) recommending selection of the first washing course based on the weather information satisfying preset conditions (example of 2100). The display unit 112 can be controlled to do so.

A visual indicator recommending selection of the first washing course may notify the user that energy consumption can be reduced by selecting the first washing course.

As another example, the controller 190 may control the speaker 113 to output a sound recommending selection of the first laundry course based on the weather information satisfying a preset condition (example of 2100).

The sound recommending selection of the first washing course may inform the user that energy consumption can be reduced by selecting the first washing course.

According to the present disclosure, in the case of cold winter weather, the user's satisfaction can be promoted by recommending the first washing course, which is excellent in terms of energy efficiency, to the user.

Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. Instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may create program modules to perform operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media storing instructions that can be decoded by a computer. For example, there may be read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage, etc.

Additionally, computer-readable recording media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves). This term refers to cases where data is semi-permanently stored in a storage medium and temporary storage media. It does not distinguish between cases where it is stored as . For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer where data is temporarily stored.

According to one embodiment, methods according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided and included in a computer program product. Computer program products are commodities and can be traded between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g. compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an application store (e.g. Play StoreTM) or on two user devices (e.g. It can be distributed (e.g. downloaded or uploaded) directly between smartphones) or online. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) is stored on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server. It can be temporarily stored or created temporarily.

As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings. A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be practiced in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

1: Washing machine 10: Main body
11: Inlet 12: Door
20: Tub 30: Drum
40: heater 110: control panel
111: input unit 112: display unit
113: Speaker 120: Temperature sensor
151: first water supply device 152: second water supply device
160: drum motor 170: circulation pump
180: Circulating bubble device 190: Control unit
195: Department of Communications

Claims (20)

main body;
A tub provided inside the main body;
a first water supply device that supplies washing water containing no detergent to the tub;
a second water supply device that supplies washing water containing the detergent to the tub;
A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub;
a circulating bubble device that circulates the wash water stored in the tub or generates bubbles in the wash water stored in the tub;
a circulation pump that supplies the washing water stored in the tub to the circulation bubble device; and
A washing machine comprising: a control unit that controls the first water supply device to supply wash water not containing the detergent to the tub, and controls the rotational speed of the circulation pump based on the temperature of the wash water not containing the detergent. According to paragraph 1,
The control unit,
The circulation pump is controlled to rotate at a first speed based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent being lower than the preset temperature, and the circulation pump is controlled to rotate at a first speed based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent being higher than the preset temperature. A washing machine that controls the circulation pump to rotate at a second speed that is less than the first speed. According to paragraph 1,
It further includes a heater that heats the washing water stored in the tub,
The control unit,
Operating the heater for a first preset time based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent being below the preset temperature, and operating the heater for a second preset time based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent being higher than the preset temperature A washing machine that operates the heater for a preset time or until the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub reaches the target temperature. According to paragraph 3,
The control unit,
A washing machine that turns off the heater when the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent is below the preset temperature, even if the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub does not reach the target temperature. According to paragraph 1,
The control unit,
After controlling the first water supply device to supply washing water not containing the detergent to the tub, a weight sensing operation for detecting the weight of the laundry and a material sensing operation for detecting the material of the laundry are performed, and the weight sensing operation is performed. and a washing machine that controls the second water supply device to supply wash water containing the detergent to the tub after performing the material detection process. According to clause 5,
The control unit,
A washing machine that controls the rotational speed of the circulation pump based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent and the weight of the laundry. According to clause 5,
The control unit,
A washing machine that determines an operation mode of the circulating bubble device based on the material of the laundry. In clause 7,
The control unit,
The circulating bubble device is controlled to circulate the washing water stored in the tub based on the material of the laundry being determined to be a first material, and the washing water stored in the tub based on the material of the laundry being determined to be a second material. A washing machine that controls the circulating bubble device to generate bubbles. According to paragraph 1,
The control unit,
A washing machine that controls the rotational speed of the circulation pump based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent only when a user input to start the first washing course is received. According to clause 9,
An output unit including at least one of a display or a speaker; and
It further includes a communication unit that receives weather information from the server,
The control unit,
A washing machine that controls the output unit to provide feedback recommending selection of the first washing course based on the weather information satisfying a preset condition. A control method for a washing machine comprising a circulation bubble device that circulates wash water stored in the tub or generates bubbles in the wash water stored in the tub, and a circulation pump that supplies wash water stored in the tub to the circulation bubble device,
supplying washing water without detergent to the tub;
Controlling the rotational speed of the circulation pump based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent. According to clause 11,
Controlling the rotation speed of the circulation pump,
Controlling the circulation pump to rotate at a first speed based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent being below a preset temperature;
Controlling the circulation pump to rotate at a second speed less than the first speed based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent being higher than the preset temperature. According to clause 11,
operating a heater to heat the wash water stored in the tub for a first preset time based on the temperature of the wash water not containing detergent being below a preset temperature;
Based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent being higher than the preset temperature, the heater is operated for a second preset time or the heater is operated until the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub reaches the target temperature. A control method of a washing machine further comprising operating the washing machine. According to clause 13,
Operating the heater for the first preset time,
A control method for a washing machine including turning off the heater even if the temperature of the washing water stored in the tub does not reach the target temperature. According to clause 11,
After supplying washing water not containing the detergent to the tub, performing a weight sensing operation to detect the weight of the laundry and a material sensing operation to detect the material of the laundry;
The control method of a washing machine further comprising: supplying washing water containing the detergent to the tub after performing the weight detection process and the material detection process. According to clause 15,
Controlling the rotation speed of the circulation pump,
Controlling the rotational speed of the circulation pump based on the temperature of the washing water not containing the detergent and the weight of the laundry. According to clause 15,
A control method for a washing machine further comprising: determining an operation mode of the circulating bubble device based on the material of the laundry. According to clause 17,
Determining the operation mode of the circulating bubble device is,
controlling the circulation bubble device to circulate the washing water stored in the tub based on the laundry being determined to be a first material;
A control method of a washing machine comprising: controlling the circulating bubble device to generate bubbles in the washing water stored in the tub based on the material of the laundry being determined to be a second material. According to clause 11,
Controlling the rotation speed of the circulation pump,
A washing machine control method that is performed only when a user input for starting the first washing course is received. According to clause 19,
A method of controlling a washing machine further comprising: providing feedback recommending selection of the first washing course based on weather information received from a server satisfying a preset condition.

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