US20120005840A1 - Washing machine and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Washing machine and method for controlling the same Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20120005840A1
US20120005840A1 US13/176,270 US201113176270A US2012005840A1 US 20120005840 A1 US20120005840 A1 US 20120005840A1 US 201113176270 A US201113176270 A US 201113176270A US 2012005840 A1 US2012005840 A1 US 2012005840A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
motor
laundry
amount
washing machine
basis
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/176,270
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Hoyong JANG
Suncheol Bae
Chungill Lee
Hansu JUNG
Jain Koo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LG Electronics Inc
Original Assignee
LG Electronics Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1020100065046A external-priority patent/KR101702961B1/ko
Priority claimed from KR1020100065047A external-priority patent/KR101702959B1/ko
Priority claimed from KR1020100074241A external-priority patent/KR101702954B1/ko
Priority claimed from KR1020100074240A external-priority patent/KR101708663B1/ko
Application filed by LG Electronics Inc filed Critical LG Electronics Inc
Assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC. reassignment LG ELECTRONICS INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LEE, CHUNGILL, BAE, SUNCHEOL, JANG, HOYONG, JUNG, HANSU, KOO, JAIN
Publication of US20120005840A1 publication Critical patent/US20120005840A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06L—DRY-CLEANING, WASHING OR BLEACHING FIBRES, FILAMENTS, THREADS, YARNS, FABRICS, FEATHERS OR MADE-UP FIBROUS GOODS; BLEACHING LEATHER OR FURS
    • D06L1/00—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods
    • D06L1/12—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods using aqueous solvents
    • D06L1/20—Dry-cleaning or washing fibres, filaments, threads, yarns, fabrics, feathers or made-up fibrous goods using aqueous solvents combined with mechanical means
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/14—Arrangements for detecting or measuring specific parameters
    • D06F34/18—Condition of the laundry, e.g. nature or weight
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2101/20—Operation modes, e.g. delicate laundry washing programs, service modes or refreshment cycles
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
    • D06F2103/04—Quantity, e.g. weight or variation of weight
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/18—Washing liquid level
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/24—Spin speed; Drum movements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/44—Current or voltage
    • D06F2103/46—Current or voltage of the motor driving the drum
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/02—Water supply
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/46—Drum speed; Actuation of motors, e.g. starting or interrupting
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/54—Changing between normal operation mode and special operation modes, e.g. service mode, component cleaning mode or stand-by mode
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/34—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of water filling

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a washing machine and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly to a washing machine for correctly sensing the amount of laundry and a method for controlling the same.
  • the washing machine washes the laundry not only using a washing tub rotated by the driving power of a motor but also using frictional force of the laundry, so that the laundry is hardly damaged and entangled when washed in the drum, resulting in an increased washing effect.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine and a method for controlling a washing machine and a method for controlling the same, which can correctly detect the amount of laundry.
  • a method for controlling a washing machine which includes a rotating washing tub in which laundry is placed and a motor to rotate the washing tub, the method including performing primary rotation of the motor; detecting a primary laundry amount on the basis of the primary rotation of the motor; supplying, if the detected laundry amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined laundry amount, a predetermined amount of water or water corresponding to a predetermined water level to the washing tub in such a manner that the laundry becomes wet; performing secondary rotation of the motor; and detecting a secondary laundry amount on the basis of the secondary rotation of the motor.
  • a method for controlling a washing machine which includes a rotating washing tub in which laundry is placed and a motor to rotate the washing tub includes primarily rotating the motor at a predetermined speed by applying a current to the motor; turning the current flowing in the motor off; detecting a primary laundry amount on the basis of a deceleration speed or time of the motor in at least some sections of the current-OFF time; supplying, if the detected primary laundry amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined laundry amount, a predetermined amount of water or water corresponding to a predetermined water level to the washing tub; secondarily rotating the motor at a predetermined speed by applying a current to the motor; turning the current flowing in the motor off; and detecting a secondary laundry amount on the basis of a deceleration speed or time of the motor in at least some sections of the current-OFF time.
  • a method for controlling a washing machine which includes a rotating washing tub in which laundry is placed and a motor to rotate the washing tub includes rotating the motor; detecting a primary laundry amount or laundry quality on the basis of the rotation of the motor; supplying a predetermined amount of water or water corresponding to a predetermined water level to the washing tub in such a manner that the laundry becomes wet; after performing the water supply, rotating the motor; detecting a secondary laundry amount or laundry quality on the basis of the rotation of the motor; and displaying a calculated operation time on the detected secondary laundry amount or laundry quality.
  • a washing machine includes a washing tub in which laundry is placed, configured to be rotated; a motor to rotate the washing tub; and a control unit to perform primary rotation of the motor, to detect a primary laundry amount on the basis of the primary rotation of the motor, to supply, if the detected laundry amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined laundry amount, a predetermined amount of water or water corresponding to a predetermined water level to the washing tub in such a manner that the laundry becomes wet, to perform secondary rotation of the motor, and to detect a secondary laundry amount on the basis of the secondary rotation of the motor.
  • FIG. 1 shows a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the washing machine shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the washing machine shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a driving unit shown in FIG. 3 ;
  • FIG. 11 shows an example of a motor rotation speed in a washing cycle shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating the washing machine shown in FIG. 20 ;
  • FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 23 to 25 illustrate mode detailed description of the control method shown in FIG. 15 .
  • the washing machine 100 is designed to perform washing, rinsing, and dehydration cycles of laundry and may conceptually include a drying machine for drying wet laundry, it should be noted that the following description will focus only upon the washing machine for convenience of description and better understanding of the present invention.
  • the washing machine 100 includes a casing 110 defining the external appearance thereof; a control panel 115 that includes not only a plurality of operation buttons or keys receiving a variety of control commands from a user but also a display for displaying information about an operation state of the washing machine 100 , and the like so as to provide a user interface; and a door 113 rotatably coupled to the casing 110 so as to open or close a laundry inlet/outlet hole.
  • the casing 110 may include a main body 111 forming a space in which a variety of constituent elements of the washing machine 100 are included; and a top cover 112 located above the main body 111 to form a laundry inlet/outlet hole through which laundry can be put into or taken out of an inner tub 122 .
  • the casing 110 is designed to include the main body 111 and the top cover 112 , the scope or spirit of the casing 110 is not limited thereto and can also be applied to other examples forming the external appearance of the washing machine 100 .
  • the control panel 115 includes a plurality of operation keys controlling an operation state of the washing machine 100 , and a display 118 arranged at one side of the operation keys 117 to display the operation state of the washing machine 100 .
  • the door 113 may be used to open or close a laundry inlet/outlet hole (not shown) formed in the top cover 112 , and may include a transparent member such as tempered glass in such a manner that a user can view the inside part of the main body 111 .
  • the washing machine 100 may include a pulsator rotatably coupled to the bottom of the washing tub 120 .
  • a drive device 138 may provide driving power for rotating the inner tub 122 and/or the pulsator 133 .
  • the drive device 138 may include a clutch (not shown) that selectively transmits driving power of the drive device 138 to the inner tub 122 or the pulsator 133 so that only one of the inner tub 122 or the pulsator 133 may be rotated or both may be simultaneously rotated.
  • the drive device 138 is operated by the driving unit 220 (i.e., the driving circuit) shown in FIG. 3 , and a detailed description thereof will be given below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 .
  • the driving unit 220 i.e., the driving circuit
  • a detergent box 114 including a variety of additives is coupled to the top cover 112 in a manner that the detergent box 114 can be drawn from the top cover 112 , wash water received through a water-supply channel 123 passes through the detergent box 114 and is then provided to the inner tub 122 .
  • additives for example, washing detergent, fabric softener, and/or bleach
  • the washing machine 100 may include a water supply valve 125 for opening or closing the water-supply channel 123 .
  • Wash water contained in the outer tub 124 may be drained from the outer tub 124 through a drain channel 143 .
  • the washing machine may further include a drain valve 145 for opening or closing the drain channel 143 and a drain pump 141 for pumping wash water.
  • the support rod 135 suspends the outer tub 124 in the casing 110 , one end of the support rod 135 is coupled to the casing 110 , and the other end is coupled to the outer tub 124 by a suspension 150 .
  • the suspension 150 absorbs or buffers vibration of the outer tub 124 when the washing machine 100 is operated.
  • the outer tub 124 may be vibrated by vibration generated by the rotating inner tub 122 .
  • the suspension 150 may absorb or buffer vibration caused by eccentricity of laundry contained in the inner tub 122 , various factors (e.g., rotation speed or resonance characteristic) of the inner tub 122 , and the like.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the washing machine shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the washing machine 100 controls the driving unit 220 under the control of a control unit 210 , and the driving unit 220 may drive a motor 230 . Accordingly, the washing machine 100 rotates the washing tub 120 using the motor 230 .
  • the control unit 210 is operated upon receiving an operation signal from any of the operation keys or buttons 1017 , so that the washing, rinsing, and dehydration cycles can be performed.
  • control unit 210 may display a washing course, a washing time, a dehydration time, a rinsing time, a current operation state, or the like by controlling the display 118 .
  • the control unit 210 controls the water supply valve 125 to provide the washing tub 120 with water, and controls the drain valve 145 to drain water out of the washing tub 120 .
  • the washing machine 100 may further include a water-level sensing unit 265 for sensing a water level of the washing tub 120 (e.g., a water level of the outer tub 124 ).
  • the water-level sensing unit 265 may be implemented as a circuit including resistor and capacitor elements. The lower the water level, the higher the frequency value of the sensed water level. The higher the water level, the lower the frequency value of the sensed water level.
  • the washing machine 100 may further include a water amount sensing unit 268 mounted at the water-supply channel 123 may further include a water amount sensing unit 268 for sensing the amount of water supply.
  • the water amount sensing unit 268 may be implemented as a floating meter in the embodiment of the present invention, it is not limited thereto and can also be applied to other examples as necessary.
  • control unit 210 may adjust the amount of water supplied to the washing machine 120 on the basis of a water-level frequency detected by the water-level sensing unit 265 or the amount of water supply detected by the water amount sensing unit 268 .
  • the washing machine may provide the washing tub 120 with water in such a manner that laundry contained in the washing tub 120 is wet.
  • the amount of water for wetting laundry of the washing tub 120 may be higher than a water level of the empty washing tub and may be lower than the height of laundry contained in the washing tub. That is, the amount of water to be supplied to the washing tub may be an appropriate amount of water capable of partially wetting the laundry.
  • control unit 210 may control the motor 230 in such a manner that laundry contained in the washing tub is well wet with water by forward rotation or reverse rotation of the motor 230 or repeated forward/reverse rotation of the motor 230 .
  • the control unit 210 may operate the motor 230 by controlling the driving unit 220 .
  • the control unit 210 may control the driving unit 220 to rotate the motor 230 on the basis of an output current flowing in the motor 230 from a current detection unit 225 and the position signal of the motor 230 from a position sensing unit 220 .
  • the detected current signal and the sensed position signal are input to the driving unit 220 in FIG. 3 , they are not limited thereto, and may be input to the control unit 210 or may be simultaneously input to all of the control unit 210 and the driving unit 220 as necessary.
  • the driving unit 220 may be used to drive the motor 230 , and may include an inverter (not shown) and an inverter control unit (not shown). In addition, the driving unit 220 may conceptually include a converter capable of providing a DC power to an inverter (not shown).
  • an inverter controller (not shown) outputs a PWM switching control signal (See Sic of FIG. 4 ) to the inverter (not shown), the inverter (not shown) performs a high-speed switching operation so that it can provide AC power having a predetermined frequency to the motor 230 .
  • the driving unit 220 will hereinafter be described with reference to FIG. 4 .
  • the control unit 210 may detect the amount of laundry on the basis of a current signal (io) detected by the current detection unit 220 or the position signal (H) detected by the position sensing unit 235 .
  • a current signal (io) detected by the current detection unit 220 or the position signal (H) detected by the position sensing unit 235 For example, while the washing tub 120 is rotated, the control unit 210 may detect the amount of laundry on the basis of a current value (io) of the motor 230 .
  • the control unit 210 may detect the eccentricity of the washing tub 120 , i.e., unbalance (UB) of the washing tub 120 . Such eccentricity may be detected on the basis of ripples in the current signal (io) detected by the current detection unit 220 or a rotation speed variation of the washing tub 120 .
  • UB unbalance
  • FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating the driving unit shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the reactor L is arranged between a commercial AC power source (vs) 405 and the converter 410 so that it performs power factor correction or a step-up (or boost) operation.
  • the reactor L may also limit a harmonic current caused by the high-speed switching of the converter 410 .
  • An input-current detector A may detect an input current (i s ) received from the AC power source 405 .
  • a current sensor In order to detect the input current (i s ), a current sensor, a current transformer (CT), a shunt resistor, etc. may be used as the input-current detector A.
  • the detected input current (i s ) is a pulse-shaped discrete signal, and may be input to the control unit 430 .
  • the converter 410 is comprised of a diode and the like, such that it may also perform a rectifying operation without any additional switching operation.
  • the commercial AC power 405 is a single-phase AC power
  • four diodes may be bridged to one another.
  • 6 diodes may be bridged to one another.
  • the commercial AC power 405 is single-phase AC power
  • a half-bridge converter wherein two switching elements and four diodes are connected to one another may be employed.
  • the commercial AC power 405 is three-phase AC power
  • 6 switching elements and 6 diodes may be employed.
  • the converter 410 may include one or more switching elements, such that it can perform a boosting operation, power factor improvement, and DC-power conversion by the switching operation of the corresponding switching elements.
  • the smoothing capacitor C is connected to an output terminal of the converter 410 .
  • the smoothing capacitor C smooths the converted DC power output from the converter 410 , and stores the smoothed DC power.
  • the smoothing capacitor C is comprised of only one element in FIG. 5 , it may also be comprised of a plurality of elements as necessary to guarantee device stability.
  • the smoothing capacitor C is connected to an output terminal of the converter 410 , the scope of the smoothing capacitor C is not limited thereto and DC power may be directly input to the smoothing capacitor C.
  • DC power from a solar battery may be directly input to the smoothing capacitor C, or may be DC/DC converted and input to the smoothing capacitor C.
  • DC power is stored at both ends of the smoothing capacitor C, so that both ends may be referred to as a DC terminal or a DC link terminal.
  • the DC-terminal voltage detector B may detect a DC-terminal voltage (Vdc) of both ends of the smoothing capacitor C.
  • the DC-terminal voltage detector B may include a resistor, an amplifier, and the like.
  • the detected DC-terminal voltage (Vdc) is a pulse-shaped discrete signal, and may be input to the inverter controller 430 .
  • the inverter 420 includes a plurality of inverter switching elements, converts the DC power smoothed by on/off operation of the switching elements into three-phase AC power (va, vb, vc) of a predetermined frequency, and outputs the resultant three-phase AC power (va, vb, vc) to a three-phase motor 230 .
  • the inverter 220 includes upper-arm switching elements (Sa, Sb, Sc) and lower-arm switching elements (S′a, S′b, S′c).
  • the inverter 220 includes a total of three pairs (Sa&S′a, Sb&S′b, Sc&S′c) of upper-arm and lower-arm switching elements, wherein the three pairs (Sa&S′a, Sb&S′b, Sc&S′c) are connected to one another in parallel.
  • one upper-arm switching element (Sa, Sb or Sc) is connected in series to one lower-aim switching element (S′a, S′b or S′c) such that one pair (Sa&S′a, Sb&S′b or Sc&S′c) of upper-aim and lower-arm switching elements is formed.
  • One diode is connected in inverse parallel to one switching element (Sa, S′a, Sb, S′b, Sc or S′c).
  • the switching elements contained in the inverter 420 receive an inverter switching control signal (Sic) from the inverter controller 430 , such that on/off operations of the individual switching elements are performed on the basis of the inverter switching control signal (Sic). As a result, a three-phase AC power having a predetermined frequency is output to the three-phase synchronous motor 230 .
  • Sic inverter switching control signal
  • the inverter controller 430 may control the switching operation of the inverter 420 .
  • the inverter controller 430 may receive an output current (io) detected by the output current detection unit E as an input.
  • the inverter controller 430 may output the inverter switching control signal (Sic) to the inverter 420 so as to control the switching operation of the inverter 420 .
  • the inverter switching control signal (Sic) may be a PWM switching control signal, and is generated and output on the basis of the output current value (io) detected by the output current detection unit E.
  • the output of the inverter switching control signal (Sic) will hereinafter be described with reference to FIG. 5 .
  • the output current detection unit (E) may be located between the inverter 420 and the motor 230 .
  • a current transformer (CT), a shunt resistor, or the like may be used as the output current detection unit (E).
  • three shunt resistors may be located between the inverter 420 and the synchronous motor 230 , or may be coupled to one end of each of the three lower-arm switching elements (S′a, S′b, S′c) of the inverter 420 . Meanwhile, two shunt resistors may be used using three-phase equilibrium. In contrast, when using only one shunt resistor, a corresponding shunt resistor may be arranged between the above-mentioned capacitor C and the inverter 420 .
  • the detected output current (i o ) serving as a pulse-shaped discrete signal may be input to the inverter controller 430 , and an inverter switching control signal (Sic) may be generated on the basis of the detected output current (i o ).
  • an inverter switching control signal (Sic) may be generated on the basis of the detected output current (i o ).
  • the detected output current (i o ) is three-phase output currents (ia, ib, ic).
  • the three-phase motor 230 includes a stator and a rotor. AC power of each phase having a predetermined frequency is applied to a coil of a stator of each phase such that the rotor starts rotating.
  • the inverter controller 430 may control the switching operation of the switching element contained in the converter 410 .
  • the inverter controller 430 may receive the input current (i s ) detected by the input current detection unit A.
  • the inverter controller 430 may output a converter switching control signal (Scc) to the converter 410 to control the switching operation of the converter 410 .
  • the converter switching control signal (Scc) may be a PWM switching control signal, and may be generated and output on the basis of the input current (is) detected by the input current detection unit A.
  • the position sensing unit 235 may detect the rotator position of the motor 230 .
  • the position sensor 235 may include a hall sensor.
  • the sensed rotor position H is input to the inverter controller 430 and is used as a reference for velocity calculation or the like.
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an inverter controller shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the inverter controller 430 includes a first axis transformation unit 510 , a velocity calculation unit 520 , a current command generator 530 , a voltage command generator 540 , a second axis transformation unit 550 , and a switching control signal output unit 560 .
  • the axis transformation unit 510 receives three-phase output current (ia, ib, ic) detected by the output current detection unit E, and converts the three-phase output current (ia, ib, ic) into two-phase current (i ⁇ , i ⁇ ) of a stationary reference frame (also called a stationary coordinate system).
  • the axis transformation unit 510 may convert the two-phase current (i ⁇ , i ⁇ ) of the stationary reference frame into a two-phase current (id, iq) of a rotation coordinate system.
  • the velocity calculation unit 520 may calculate speed or velocity ( ⁇ circumflex over ( ⁇ ) ⁇ r ) on the basis of the rotor position signal (H) received from the position sensing unit 235 . That is, if the rotor position signal is divided on a time axis, the velocity calculation unit 520 may calculate the speed thereof.
  • the velocity calculation unit 520 may calculate the calculated position ( ⁇ circumflex over ( ⁇ ) ⁇ r ) and the calculated speed ( ⁇ circumflex over ( ⁇ ) ⁇ r ) on the basis of the rotor position signal (H).
  • the current command generator 530 generates a current command value (i q *) on the basis of the calculated speed ( ⁇ circumflex over ( ⁇ ) ⁇ r ) and the speed command value ( ⁇ r *).
  • the current command generator 530 enables the PI controller 535 to perform Proportional Integral (PI) control on the basis of a difference between the calculated speed ( ⁇ circumflex over ( ⁇ ) ⁇ r ) and the speed command value ( ⁇ r *), such that it can generate the current command value (i q *).
  • PI Proportional Integral
  • a d-axis current command value (i d *) may also be generated simultaneously with the q-axis current command value (i q *).
  • the d-axis current command value (i d *) may be set to zero (0).
  • the current command generator 530 may further include a limiter (not shown) preventing a level of each current command value (i q *) from exceeding an allowed range.
  • the voltage command generator 540 generates d-axis and q-axis voltage command values ( ⁇ d * and ⁇ q *) on the basis of not only the d-axis and q-axis currents (i d and i q ) axis-transformed to a two-phase rotation coordinate system but also the current command values (i d * and i q *) from the current command generator 530 .
  • the voltage command generator 540 enables the PI controller 544 to perform PI control on the basis of a difference between the q-axis current value (i q ) and the q-axis current command value (i q *), such that it can generate the q-axis voltage command value ( ⁇ q *).
  • the voltage command generator 540 enables the PI controller 548 to perform PI control on the basis of a difference between the d-axis current value (i d ) and the d-axis command value (i d *), such that it can generate the d-axis voltage command value ( ⁇ d *).
  • the voltage command generator 540 may further include a limiter (not shown) preventing a level of each voltage command value ( ⁇ d * or ⁇ q *) from exceeding an allowed range.
  • the generated d-axis and q-axis voltage command values ( ⁇ d * and ⁇ q *) may be input to the axis transformation unit 550 .
  • the axis transformation unit 550 may receive the position ( ⁇ circumflex over ( ⁇ ) ⁇ r ) calculated by the velocity calculation unit 520 and the d-axis and q-axis voltage command values ( ⁇ d * and ⁇ q *), and may then perform axis transformation of the received signals ( ⁇ circumflex over ( ⁇ ) ⁇ r , ⁇ d * and ⁇ q *).
  • the axis transformation unit 550 may convert a two-phase rotation coordinate system into a two-phase stationary coordinate system.
  • the axis transformation init 550 may use the position signal ( ⁇ circumflex over ( ⁇ ) ⁇ r ) calculated by the velocity calculation unit 520 .
  • the axis transformation unit 550 may convert the two-phase stationary coordinate system into a three-phase stationary coordinate system.
  • the axis transformation unit 550 may output three-phase output voltage command values ( ⁇ a *, ⁇ b *, ⁇ c *).
  • the switching control signal output unit 560 may generate and output a switching control signal (Sic) for a PWM inverter on the basis of the three-phase output voltage command values ( ⁇ a *, ⁇ b *, ⁇ c *).
  • the output inverter switching control signal (Sic) may be converted into a gate drive signal by a gate driver (not shown), so that it may be input to a gate of each switching element contained in the inverter 420 .
  • a gate driver not shown
  • individual switching elements (Sa, S′a, Sb, S′b, Sc, S′c) contained in the inverter 420 may perform the switching operation.
  • the inverter controller 420 may turn the current applied to the motor 230 off when sensing the amount of laundry. That is, all the switching elements (Sa, S′a, Sb, S′b, Sc, S′c) contained in the inverter 420 can be turned off. In addition, during this turn-off period, the inverter controller 430 may correctly detect the amount of laundry on the basis of the position signal (H) detected by the position sensing unit 235 and the calculated deceleration speed or time.
  • H position signal
  • control unit 210 and the inverter controller 430 may be integrated into one unit as necessary.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate more detailed description of the control method shown in FIG. 6 ;
  • laundry contained in the washing tub is distributed at step S 610 .
  • Such laundry distribution may be performed by forward or reverse rotation or repeated forward/reverse rotation at a rotation speed (v 0 ) lower than the first rotation speed (v 1 ) needed for sensing the laundry amount, such that laundry can be distributed into the tub.
  • FIG. 7 shows the magnitude of velocity and is irrelevant to directivity. Although the motor is rotated two times at the predetermined rotation speed (v 0 ), it should be noted that the motor may also be rotated only once or more times as necessary.
  • the control unit 210 or the inverter controller 430 may control the motor 230 to be rotated at the predetermined rotation speed (v 0 ). That is, the corresponding inverter switching control signal (Sic) may be output to the inverter 420 .
  • laundry distribution step S 610 may be performed optionally as necessary.
  • the washing machine applies a current to the motor so that the motor is primarily rotated at a predetermined speed at step S 615 .
  • the controller 210 or the inverter controller 430 applies AC power to the motor 230 so that the motor 230 can be primarily rotated at a first rotation speed (v 1 ). That is, the corresponding inverter switching control signal (Sic) may be output to the inverter 420 .
  • the AC power applied to the motor 230 may be represented in a sinusoidal current. As a result, when sensing the amount of laundry, the motor 230 can be correctly driven.
  • the motor 230 is rotated at a first rotation speed (v 1 ).
  • the motor 230 may be continuously rotated at a predetermined rotation speed during a predetermined time or longer.
  • rotation of the motor 230 at a predetermined rotation speed may be maintained during a predetermined time or longer in such a manner that the laundry-amount-sensing time is not excessively prolonged.
  • the number of sections in which the motor is rotated at the first rotation speed is exemplarily set to 1, it is not limited thereto and the number of sections may also be set to 1 or more.
  • the washing machine detects the amount of laundry on the basis of a deceleration speed or time of the motor in at least some sections of the current-OFF time at step S 625 .
  • the control unit 210 or the inverter controller 430 turns the current applied to the motor 230 off. That is, as shown in FIG. 8( a ), all three pairs of upper-aim switching elements (Sa, Sb, Sc) and lower-arm switching elements (S′a, S′b, S′c) contained in the inverter 420 are turned off, so that the motor 230 starts decelerating.
  • AC power supplied to the motor 230 is turned off so as to detect the amount of laundry, and the amount of laundry is detected using a deceleration speed or time of the motor 230 during at least some parts of the turn-off time.
  • the motor 230 for driving the washing tub 120 including laundry starts decelerating as shown in a second section T 2 of FIG. 7 .
  • the motor 230 is nonlinearly decelerated during a predetermined time starting from the turn-off time, and is linearly decelerated during a predetermined time T 3 .
  • the laundry contained in the washing tub 120 is untangled, so that the motor 230 is nonlinearly decelerated.
  • the washing machine detects the amount of laundry using a deceleration speed or time of the motor 230 .
  • the deceleration speed or time of the motor 230 can be detected in response to the calculated deceleration speed or time of the motor on the basis of the position signal (H) of the position sensing unit 235 .
  • the motor deceleration speed may be at least some parts of the range from 30 rpm to 90 rpm in the laundry amount sensing section.
  • the deceleration speed section between 30 rpm(vx) and 90 rpm(vy) may correspond to a linear section T 3 other than the above-mentioned nonlinear section.
  • the washing machine may also detect the amount of laundry not only based on the deceleration speed or time during a few deceleration sections, but also based on the deceleration speed or time during a plurality of deceleration sections. In addition, the washing machine may also calculate the final laundry amount sensing value using an average or weight of several laundry amount sensing values.
  • Such laundry amount sensing process may be performed in the washing process or dehydration process.
  • an eccentricity table storing a plurality of allowable values may be changeable.
  • different eccentricity tables may be used according to the washing cycle or dehydration cycle.
  • Such eccentricity tables may be contained in the controller 210 or the inverter controller 430 .
  • step S 630 it is determined whether the sensed amount of laundry is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of laundry at step S 630 . If the sensed amount of laundry is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of laundry at step S 630 , water is supplied to the washing tub at step S 635 . Then, the washing tub rotates in a forward or reverse direction, or repeatedly rotates in forward/reverse directions at step S 640 .
  • the control unit 210 determines whether the sensed amount of laundry is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of laundry. If the sensed amount of laundry is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount of laundry, the control unit 210 may prepare for sensing a secondary laundry amount. As a result, although wet laundry but not a dry laundry is put into the washing tub 120 , the control unit 210 can detect the accurate amount of laundry due to the presence of the secondary laundry amount sensing process.
  • control unit 210 may adjust the amount of water put into the washing tub 120 on the basis of a water-level frequency detected by the water-level sensing unit 264 or the amount of water supply detected by the water amount sensing unit 268 .
  • the washing machine may provide the washing tub 120 with water in such a manner that laundry contained in the washing tub 120 is wet.
  • the amount of water for wetting laundry of the washing tub 120 may be higher than a water level of the empty washing tub and may be lower than the height of laundry contained in the washing tub. That is, the amount of water to be supplied to the washing tub 120 may be an appropriate amount of water capable of partially wetting the laundry.
  • FIG. 9 exemplarily shows that wash water is put into the washing tub 120 to a predetermined water level H 2 between the empty water level H 0 of the outer tub 124 and a water level H 1 including the laundry 810 .
  • wash water may be put into the washing tub 120 through the water-supply channel 123 under the control of the water-supply valve 125 of the control unit 210 .
  • control unit 210 may control the motor 230 in such a manner that laundry contained in the washing tub is well wet with water by forward rotation or reverse rotation of the motor 230 or repeated forward/reverse rotation of the motor 230 .
  • Such laundry wetting may be performed by forward or reverse rotation or repeated forward/reverse rotation at a rotation speed (v 0 ) lower than the first rotation speed (v 1 ).
  • FIG. 7 shows the magnitude of velocity but is irrelevant to directivity.
  • the motor is rotated two times at the predetermined rotation speed (v 0 )
  • the motor may also be rotated only once or more times as necessary.
  • the washing machine applies a current to the motor so that the motor is secondarily rotated at a predetermined speed at step S 645 .
  • the controller 210 or the inverter controller 430 applies AC power to the motor 230 so that the motor 230 can be secondarily rotated at a first rotation speed (v 1 ). That is, the corresponding inverter switching control signal (Sic) may be output to the inverter 420 .
  • the AC power applied to the motor 230 may be represented in a sinusoidal current. As a result, when sensing the amount of laundry, the motor 230 can be correctly driven.
  • the motor 230 is rotated at a first rotation speed (v 1 ).
  • the motor 230 may be continuously rotated at a predetermined rotation speed during a predetermined time or longer.
  • rotation of the motor 230 at a predetermined rotation speed may be maintained during a predetermined time or longer in such a manner that the laundry-amount-sensing time is not excessively prolonged.
  • the number of sections in which the motor is rotated at the first rotation speed is exemplarily set to 1, it is not limited thereto and the number of sections may also be set to 1 or more.
  • the washing machine detects the amount of laundry on the basis of a deceleration speed or time of the motor in at least some sections of the current-OFF time at step S 655 .
  • the control unit 210 or the inverter controller 430 turns the current applied to the motor 230 off. That is, as shown in FIG. 8( a ), all three pairs of upper-arm switching elements (Sa, Sb, Sc) and lower-arm switching elements (S′a, S′b, S′c) contained in the inverter 420 are turned off, so that the motor 230 starts decelerating.
  • AC power supplied to the motor 230 is turned off so as to detect the amount of laundry, and the amount of laundry is detected using a deceleration speed or time of the motor 230 during at least some parts of the turn-off time.
  • the motor 230 for driving the washing tub 120 including laundry starts to decelerate as shown in a second section T 2 of FIG. 7 .
  • the motor 230 is nonlinearly decelerated during a predetermined time starting from the turn-off time, and is linearly decelerated during a predetermined time T 3 .
  • the laundry contained in the washing tub 120 is untangled, so that the motor 230 is nonlinearly decelerated.
  • the washing machine detects the amount of laundry using a deceleration speed or time of the motor 230 .
  • the deceleration speed or time of the motor 230 can be detected in response to the calculated deceleration speed or time of the motor on the basis of the position signal (H) of the position sensing unit 235 .
  • the motor deceleration speed may be at least some parts of the range from 30 rpm to 90 rpm in the laundry amount sensing section.
  • the deceleration speed section between 30 rpm(vx) and 90 rpm(vy) may correspond to a linear section T 3 other than the above-mentioned nonlinear section.
  • the washing machine may also detect the amount of laundry not only based on the deceleration speed or time during a few deceleration sections, but also based on the deceleration speed or time during a plurality of deceleration sections. In addition, the washing machine may also calculate the final laundry amount sensing value using an average or weight of several laundry amount sensing values.
  • the predetermined rotation speed (v 1 ) of the primary laundry amount sensing process is identical to that of the secondary laundry amount sensing process in the drawings, it is not limited thereto and different rotation speeds may be assigned to the primary and secondary laundry amount sensing processes. In particular, the predetermined rotation speed for the secondary laundry amount sensing process may be higher than that of the primary laundry amount sensing process.
  • the primary laundry amount sensing process and the secondary laundry amount sensing process substantially perform the amount of laundry in the same deceleration section from among the turn-OFF time
  • the amount of laundry may also be detected in different sections as necessary.
  • the washing machine may detect the amount of laundry in a higher speed section. As a result, the washing machine can correctly detect the amount of laundry.
  • the washing machine may brake the motor at step S 660 .
  • the control unit 210 or the inverter controller 430 may brake the motor 230 .
  • dynamic braking or plugging braking may be used as such braking method.
  • FIG. 7 exemplarily shows the braking section T 4 or T 9 of the motor 230 .
  • the motor 230 is braked within a shorter section than natural deceleration.
  • the laundry amount sensing section can be shortened in time.
  • a laundry amount sensing section for sensing the amount of laundry contained in the washing tub 120
  • an eccentricity sensing section for sensing unbalance of the laundry
  • a main washing machine section may be implemented, and other examples may also be used as necessary.
  • a water supply section a predetermined speed rotation section, a drainage section, and the like may be present, and other examples may also be used as necessary.
  • a laundry amount sensing section for sensing the amount of laundry contained in the washing tub 120
  • an eccentricity sensing section for sensing unbalance of the laundry
  • a preliminary dehydration section for sensing unbalance of the laundry
  • a main dehydration section for sensing unbalance of the laundry
  • the primary laundry amount is detected on the basis of primary rotation of the motor 230 . If the detected laundry amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined laundry amount, wash water is supplied to the washing tub 120 to perform laundry wetting, and the second laundry amount is detected on the basis of secondary rotation of the motor 230 .
  • the washing machine can detect not only the amount of dry laundry but also the amount of wet laundry, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.
  • FIG. 11 shows an example of a motor rotation speed in the washing cycle shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the washing cycle may include a laundry amount sensing section Ta, an eccentricity sensing section Tb, a first washing section Tc and a second washing section Td.
  • the washing machine detects the primary laundry amount on the basis of primary rotation of the motor 230 . If the detected laundry amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined laundry amount, wash water is supplied to the washing tub 120 to perform laundry wetting, and the second laundry amount is detected on the basis of secondary rotation of the motor 230 . As a result, the washing machine can detect not only the amount of dry laundry but also the amount of wet laundry.
  • the primary laundry amount can be detected.
  • the secondary laundry amount can be detected.
  • the amount of laundry can be detected using either deceleration speed of the motor 230 or a deceleration time. Accordingly, the washing machine can correctly detect the amount of laundry, and thus the accurate amount of wash water corresponding to the detected laundry amount can be provided to the washing tub or the level of supplied water can be correctly matched to the detected laundry amount.
  • motor braking such as dynamic- or plugging-braking is performed so that some parts of the laundry amount sensing section can be shortened in time.
  • the amount of wash water to be supplied to the tub may be determined.
  • the washing machine may further execute a laundry-distribution section (not shown) in which laundry in the washing tub 120 can be distributed.
  • the laundry-distribution section may distribute laundry by forward or reverse rotation or repeated forward/reverse rotation of the washing tub 120 at a speed lower than the first rotation speed (v 1 ).
  • the eccentricity (UB) of laundry contained in the washing tub 120 is detected.
  • the washing tub 120 is rotated at a second rotation speed (v 2 ) so that the eccentricity can be detected.
  • the eccentricity can be detected on the basis of the output current (i o ) of the motor 230 or ripples in the output current (i o ).
  • the washing tub 120 may be rotated at a third rotation speed (v 3 ) or a fourth rotation speed (v 4 ). Under the condition that water supply is completed before the first washing section Tc or the second washing section Td, detergent may be placed in the washing tub 120 so that laundry can be washed. Thereafter, water may be drained out of the washing tub 120 .
  • FIG. 12 shows an example of a motor rotation speed in the dehydration cycle shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the dehydration cycle may include a laundry amount sensing section T 1 , a first eccentricity sensing section Tm, a first dehydration section Tn, a second eccentricity sensing section To, a second dehydration section Tp, a third eccentricity sensing section Tq, and a third dehydration section Tr.
  • the washing machine detects the primary laundry amount on the basis of primary rotation of the motor 230 . If the detected laundry amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined laundry amount, wash water is supplied to the washing tub 120 to perform laundry wetting, and the second laundry amount is detected on the basis of secondary rotation of the motor 230 . As a result, the washing machine can detect not only the amount of dry laundry but also the amount of wet laundry.
  • motor braking such as dynamic- or plugging-braking is performed so that some parts of the laundry amount sensing section can be shortened in time.
  • the amount of wash water to be supplied to the tub may be determined.
  • the washing machine may further execute a laundry-distribution section (not shown) in which laundry in the washing tub 120 can be distributed.
  • the laundry-distribution section may distribute laundry by forward or reverse rotation or repeated forward/reverse rotation of the washing tub at a speed lower than the first rotation speed (v 1 ).
  • the eccentricity (UB) of laundry contained in the washing tub 120 is detected.
  • the washing tub 120 is rotated at a second rotation speed (v 2 ) so that the eccentricity can be detected.
  • the eccentricity can be detected on the basis of the output current (i o ) of the motor 230 or ripples in the output current (i o ).
  • the washing tub 120 can be rotated at third to fifth rotation speeds (v 3 , v 4 , v 5 ), respectively. Under the condition that water supply is completed prior to the first dehydration section Tn, the dehydration cycle may be performed. If necessary, water may be drained from the washing tub during the execution of the dehydration process.
  • FIG. 13 shows a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the washing machine shown in FIG. 13 is a front-load-type washing machine compared to the top-load-type washing machine of FIG. 1 .
  • the washing machine 1100 includes a cabinet 1110 forming the external appearance of the washing machine 1100 ; a tub 1120 located in the cabinet 1110 and supported by the cabinet 1110 ; a drum 1122 located in the tub 1120 so as to wash laundry; a water supply device (not shown) mounted at the outside of a cabinet main frame 1111 so as to provide the cabinet 1110 with wash water; and a drain device (not shown) located under the tub 1120 so as to drain wash water from the tub 1120 .
  • the drum 1122 may include a plurality of through-holes 1122 A through which wash water passes.
  • the lifter 1124 enables laundry to move upward to a predetermined height within the drum 1122 in response to rotation of the drum 1122 , and enable the laundry located at the predetermined height to move downward in the drum 1122 according to gravity.
  • the cabinet 1110 may include a cabinet main frame 1111 ; a cabinet cover 1112 mounted at the front surface of the cabinet main frame 1111 and coupled to the cabinet main frame 1111 ; a control panel 1115 mounted at an upper part of the cabinet cover 1112 and coupled to the cabinet main frame 1111 ; and a top plate 1116 mounted at an upper part of the control panel 1115 and coupled to the cabinet main frame 1111 .
  • the cabinet cover 1112 may include a laundry inlet/output hole through laundry can be put into or taken out of the drum 1122 , and a door 1113 rotatably coupled to the cabinet cover 1112 in such a manner that the laundry inlet/output hole 1114 can be opened or closed.
  • the control panel 1115 may include operation keys 1117 for handling an operation state of the washing machine 1110 , and a display 1118 mounted at one side of the operation keys to display an operation state of the washing machine 1110 .
  • the operation keys 1117 of the control panel 1115 and the display 1118 may be electrically coupled to the control unit (not shown), and the control unit (not shown), and the control unit (not shown) may control respective constituent elements of the washing machine 1100 .
  • the control panel 1115 may include operation keys 1117 for handling an operation state of the washing machine 1110 , and a display 1118 mounted at one side of the operation keys to display an operation state of the washing machine 1110 .
  • the operation keys 1117 of the control panel 1115 and the display 1118 may be electrically coupled to the control unit (not shown), and the control unit (not shown), and the control unit (not shown) may electrically control respective constituent elements of the washing machine 1100 .
  • the washing machine 1200 of FIG. 13 may detect the amount of laundry contained in the washing tub 120 .
  • the washing machine detects the primary laundry amount on the basis of primary rotation of the motor 1130 . If the detected laundry amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined laundry amount, wash water is supplied to the washing tub 1120 to perform laundry wetting, and the second laundry amount is detected on the basis of secondary rotation of the motor 1130 .
  • the washing machine can detect not only the amount of dry laundry but also the amount of wet laundry.
  • the washing machine can correctly detect the amount of laundry, and thus the accurate amount of wash water corresponding to the detected laundry amount can be provided to the washing tub or the level of supplied water can be correctly matched to the detected laundry amount.
  • motor braking such as dynamic- or plugging-braking is performed so that some parts of the laundry amount sensing section can be shortened in time.
  • FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 3 , it should be noted that FIG. 14 further includes an eco key 116 differently from FIG. 3 . For convenience of description, the following description will be focused only upon the above-mentioned difference between FIG. 14 and FIG. 3 .
  • the control unit 210 is operated upon receiving an operation signal from the operation keys 117 , so that the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydration cycle may be performed.
  • control unit 210 controls the display 118 to display a washing course, an overall operation time, a washing time, a dehydration time, a rinsing time, a current operation state, etc.
  • control unit 210 may enter an eco mode upon receiving an operation signal from the eco key 116 .
  • the control unit 210 controls the motor 230 to perform primary rotation.
  • the control unit 210 detects the primary laundry amount on the basis of the primary rotation of the motor 230 , and supplies a predetermined amount of water to the washing tub 120 or supplies wash water of a predetermined water level to the washing tub 120 so as to perform laundry wetting. Thereafter, the control unit 210 may detect the secondary laundry amount on the basis of secondary rotation of the motor 230 . In conclusion, the washing machine can correctly detect the amount of laundry.
  • the control unit 210 may display the calculated operation time on the display 118 on the basis of secondarily detected laundry amount or laundry quality. Therefore, a highly-reliable operation time can be provided to the user, and the washing machine can be efficiently operated, resulting in reduction in unnecessary energy consumption.
  • control unit 210 may display the calculated operation time on the display 118 on the basis of the primarily detected laundry amount or laundry quality.
  • the display 118 may display the calculated operation time in the remaining modes other than the eco mode.
  • control unit 210 may supply wash water to the washing tub 120 to a predetermined water level, so that the washing cycle can be performed.
  • the washing machine is a front-load-type washing machine shown in FIG. 13
  • the above-mentioned process for sensing the secondary laundry amount and displaying the operation time in the above-mentioned eco mode may be performed in the washing cycle.
  • the above-mentioned detecting of the primary and secondary laundry amounts and laundry qualities may be carried out on the basis of current ripples flowing in the motor 230 during the rotation of the motor 230 .
  • the washing machine may also detect the laundry amount or the laundry quality on the basis of deceleration speed or time of the motor 230 .
  • the washing machine shown in FIG. 14 is very similar to that of FIG. 1 or 2 .
  • the control panel 115 of the washing machine shown in FIG. 14 further includes an eco key 116 .
  • control panel 110 may include an eco key 116 for entering the eco mode, a plurality of operation keys 117 for operating the operation state of the washing machine 100 , and a display 118 disposed at one side of the operation keys 117 and displaying an operation state (e.g., an operation time) of the washing machine 100 .
  • an eco key 116 for entering the eco mode
  • a plurality of operation keys 117 for operating the operation state of the washing machine 100
  • a display 118 disposed at one side of the operation keys 117 and displaying an operation state (e.g., an operation time) of the washing machine 100 .
  • circuit diagram of the driving unit shown in FIG. 14 may be identical to that of FIG. 4 .
  • the inverter controller of FIG. 5 may be equally applied to the circuit diagram of FIG. 14 .
  • FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate more detailed description of the control method shown in FIG. 15 .
  • control method of the washing machine in FIG. 15 is similar to that of FIG. 6 .
  • step S 1505 of FIG. 15 may correspond to step S 615 of FIG. 6
  • step S 1510 of FIG. 15 may correspond to steps S 620 and S 625 of FIG. 6 , respectively.
  • steps S 1535 , S 1540 and S 1545 of FIG. 15 may correspond to steps S 635 , S 640 , and S 645 of FIG. 6 , respectively.
  • Step S 1555 of FIG. 15 may correspond to steps S 650 and step S 655 of FIG. 6 .
  • a current is input to the motor so as to detect the laundry amount or the laundry quality, so that the motor is primarily rotated at step S 1510 .
  • the washing machine may detect the primary laundry amount or laundry quality on the basis of the motor rotation at step S 1515 .
  • FIG. 7 exemplarily shows that the motor 230 is rotated at a first rotation speed (v 1 ) in the first section T 1 .
  • v 1 first rotation speed
  • FIG. 7 exemplarily shows that the motor 230 is rotated at a first rotation speed (v 1 ) in the first section T 1 .
  • the number of sections in which the motor is rotated at the first rotation speed is exemplarily set to 1 in the drawing, it is not limited thereto and the number of sections may also be set to 1 or more so as to correctly detect the laundry amount or laundry quality.
  • step S 1515 for detecting the primary laundry amount or laundry quality the current applied to the motor may be turned off.
  • the washing machine may detect the amount of laundry on the basis of a deceleration speed or time of the motor in at least some sections of the current-OFF time.
  • Detailed description of the primary laundry amount sensing process of FIG. 15 will be omitted herein with reference to the primary laundry amount sensing process of FIG. 6 .
  • the primary laundry amount sensing process may also be performed on the basis of either speed ripples generated in constant-speed rotation (e.g., the rotation at speed v 1 ) or ripples in the output current (i o ) flowing in the motor.
  • FIG. 16 exemplarily shows a current ripple component (I r ) generated by the movement of laundry contained in the washing tub 120 when a predetermined current (I a ) flows in the motor 230 in such a manner that the motor 230 can be continuously rotated at the first rotation speed (v 1 ).
  • I r current ripple component
  • laundry distribution step in the washing tub may also be performed prior to the primary rotation of the motor.
  • Such laundry distribution may be performed by forward or reverse rotation or repeated forward/reverse rotation at a rotation speed (v 0 ) lower than the first rotation speed (v 1 ) requisite for the laundry amount sensing step.
  • FIG. 7 shows the magnitude of velocity but is irrelevant to directivity.
  • the motor is rotated two times at the predetermined rotation speed (v 0 )
  • the motor may also be rotated only once or more times as necessary.
  • the control unit 210 or the inverter controller 430 may control the motor 230 to be rotated at a predetermined rotation speed (v 0 ). That is, the corresponding inverter switching control signal (Sic) may be output to the inverter 420 .
  • the control unit 210 determines whether an eco mode is established at step S 1520 . If the eco mode is established at step S 1520 , wash water is supplied to the washing tub at step S 1535 . After that, the washing tub rotates in a forward or reverse direction, or repeatedly rotates in forward/reverse directions at step S 1540 .
  • the washing machine may enter the eco mode.
  • the control unit 210 may determine whether the eco key 116 is operated or not. If the eco key 116 is operated when the washing machine 100 is operated, the control unit 210 may directly supply water to the washing tub 120 without executing the step S 1525 . In this case, the washing tub 120 may rotate in a forward or reverse direction, or may repeatedly rotate in forward/reverse directions.
  • the washing machine can correctly detect the amount of laundry.
  • the washing machine may detect the secondary laundry amount or laundry quality on the basis of the secondary rotation of the motor at step S 1555 .
  • the secondary motor rotation and the secondary laundry amount sensing process may be performed in the same manner as in FIG. 6 . That is, after the AC power supplied to the motor is turned off, the washing machine may detect the secondary laundry amount. A detailed description thereof will herein be omitted for convenience of description.
  • the secondary laundry amount sensing process may also be performed on the basis of either speed ripples generated in constant-speed rotation (e.g., the rotation at speed v 1 ) or ripples in the output current (i o ) flowing in the motor.
  • FIG. 16 exemplarily shows a current ripple component (I r ) generated by the movement of laundry contained in the washing tub 120 when a predetermined current (I a ) flows in the motor 230 in such a manner that the motor 230 can be continuously rotated at the first rotation speed (v 1 ).
  • I r current ripple component
  • control unit 210 may calculate the operation time of the washing machine according to the detected secondary laundry amount or laundry quality at step S 1565 . For example, if a large amount of laundry is put into the washing tub, the washing time, the rinsing time, and the dehydration time, etc. may be increased. If it is assumed that dry laundry or wet laundry is put into the washing tub, if the dry laundry may have a longer washing time, a longer rinsing time, a rinsing time, etc. than the wet laundry even through the dry laundry has the same amount as the wet dry.
  • the control unit 210 may establish at least one of an operation course, a speed in eccentricity detection, an acceleration slope in accelerating the motor, a deceleration slope in decelerating the motor, and a maximum rotation speed of the motor.
  • FIG. 17( b ) exemplarily shows the operation time calculated by the secondary laundry amount sensing process.
  • an object 840 for indicating an eco mode may be displayed on the display 118 , and the calculated operation time (0:45), washing time (0:25), rinsing time (0:10), dehydration time (0:10), etc. may also be displayed on the display 118 .
  • the calculated operation time (0:45), washing time (0:25), rinsing time (0:10), dehydration time (0:10), etc.
  • a user can recognize the calculated operation time on the basis of the correct laundry amount, resulting in reduction in unnecessary energy consumption.
  • the washing machine may display the calculated operation time on the display 118 on the basis of the detected primary laundry amount or laundry quality at step S 1525 .
  • the detected primary laundry amount or laundry quality if dry laundry is used, the accuracy of the detected laundry amount may be high. However, if some parts of the laundry are wet with water, the accuracy of the detected laundry amount may be deteriorated.
  • control unit 210 may display the calculated operation time on the display 118 on the basis of the detected primary laundry amount or laundry quality.
  • the washing machine when setting the eco mode, correctly detects the amount of laundry after supplying water to the washing tub, so that the overall operation time of the washing machine is reduced as shown in FIG. 17( b ). As a result, power consumption can be reduced during the operation of the washing machine.
  • a braking step for stopping the motor may be performed as necessary.
  • the control unit 210 or the inverter controller 430 may brake the motor 230 .
  • dynamic braking or plugging braking may be used as such braking method.
  • the washing machine may perform the washing cycle S 910 , the rinsing cycle S 920 , and the dehydration cycle S 930 shown in FIG. 9 on the basis of the operation time calculated at step S 1565 shown in FIG. 15 .
  • the front-load-type washing machine may further include an eco key (not shown) for entering the eco mode.
  • the primary laundry amount is detected on the basis of primary rotation of the motor 1130 .
  • Wash water is supplied to the washing tub 1120 to perform laundry wetting, and the second laundry amount is detected on the basis of secondary rotation of the motor 1130 .
  • the washing machine can detect not only the amount of dry laundry but also the amount of wet laundry.
  • the washing machine may display the calculated operation time on the display 1118 on the basis of the detected secondary laundry amount. As a result, the washing machine can recognize the accurate operation time.
  • wash water is supplied to a predetermined water level H 3 so as to perform wetting of the laundry 1610 .
  • H 3 may be identical to a half the height of drum.
  • washing machine is a front-load-type washing machine shown in FIG. 13 .
  • the process for sensing the secondary laundry amount and displaying the operation time may be performed in the washing cycle.
  • FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the method for controlling the washing machine of FIG. 19 may be used to detect the amount of laundry, and will hereinafter be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 19 .
  • Step S 1910 shown in FIG. 19 may correspond to step S 610 shown in FIG. 6 .
  • Step S 1920 shown in FIG. 19 may correspond to step S 615 shown in FIG. 6 .
  • the motor 230 is rotated at a first rotation speed (v 1 ).
  • the motor 230 may be continuously rotated at a predetermined rotation speed during a predetermined time or longer.
  • rotation of the motor 230 at a predetermined rotation speed may be maintained during a predetermined time or longer in such a manner that the laundry-amount-sensing time is not excessively prolonged.
  • the washing machine detects the amount of laundry on the basis of a deceleration speed or time of the motor in at least some sections of the current-OFF time at step S 1940 .
  • the washing machine may brake the motor at step S 1950 .
  • the control unit 210 or the inverter controller 430 may brake the motor 230 .
  • dynamic braking or plugging braking may be used as such braking method.
  • the washing machine in order to detect the amount of laundry in the washing cycle S 910 of FIG. 9 , AC power is input to the motor 230 so as to rotate the motor 230 at a predetermined speed (v 1 ), and the flow of current flowing in the motor 230 is then turned off.
  • all the switching elements (Sa, S′a, Sb, S′b, Sc, S′c) contained in the inverter 420 are turned off.
  • the washing machine may correctly detect the amount of laundry using a deceleration speed or time of the motor 230 on the basis of the position signal H detected by the position sensing unit 235 . After detecting the amount of laundry, the washing machine may brake the motor so as to reduce some parts of the laundry amount sensing section.
  • the amount of laundry contained in the washing tub 120 can be detected.
  • AC power is input to the motor 230 to rotate the motor 230 at a predetermined speed (v 1 ), and the flow of current flowing in the motor 230 is then turned off.
  • all the switching elements (Sa, S′a, Sb, S′b, Sc, S′c) contained in the inverter 420 are turned off.
  • the washing machine may correctly detect the amount of laundry using a deceleration speed or time of the motor 230 on the basis of the position signal H detected by the position sensing unit 235 .
  • the washing machine may brake the motor so as to reduce some parts of the laundry amount sensing section.
  • the amount of wash water to be supplied to the tub, a water level of wash water, and the like may be determined.
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the control panel of the washing machine of FIG. 20 further includes a calibration key 116 for entering a calibration mode differently from FIG. 1 , and as such the same parts will herein be omitted for convenience of description.
  • FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating the washing machine shown in FIG. 20 .
  • FIG. 20 The block diagram of FIG. 20 is very similar to that of FIG. 3 , and as such only differences between FIG. 20 and FIG. 3 will hereinafter be described for convenience of description and better understanding of the present invention.
  • control unit 210 may control the washing machine to enter a calibration mode in various ways. For example, in case of an initial operation of the washing machine, in case of the lapse of a predetermined time after the installation of the washing machine, or upon receiving an operation signal from the calibration key 116 , the control unit 210 may control the washing machine to enter a calibration mode.
  • the calibration mode is used to measure individual reference values required for operating the washing machine, and is used to store the measured values.
  • the motor 230 rotating the washing tub 120 is rotated under no load state or specific load state, so that the control unit 210 may store, in response to either a current (current value or current ripples) flowing in the motor or a motor speed (speed value or speed ripples), at least one of a reference laundry-amount value, a reference eccentricity value, a reference acceleration slope value, and a reference deceleration slope value in the storage unit 310 .
  • the washing machine may further include a vibration sensing unit 305 .
  • the storage unit 310 may store the reference vibration value detected by the vibration sensing unit 305 .
  • the vibration sensing unit 305 may detect vibration of the washing tub 120 in the calibration mode or the operation mode. To accomplish this, the vibration sensing unit 305 may be implemented as a vibration sensor. On the other hand, the vibration sensing unit 305 may be mounted to a specific position at which abnormal vibration of the washing machine 100 can be detected, or may be implemented as an acceleration sensor mounted to a position at which several abnormal vibrations can be simultaneously detected.
  • the vibration sensing unit 305 may detect vertical vibration generated in response to the bottom surface (or bottom state) on which the washing machine is mounted, or may detect horizontal vibration caused by an out-of-phase or the like. In addition, the vibration sensing unit 305 may simultaneously or optionally detect vibration generated in the washing machine in three-axes directions.
  • the storage unit 310 may store a variety of reference values measured in the calibration mode.
  • the storage unit 310 may store, in response to either a current flowing in the motor or a motor speed, at least one of a reference laundry-amount value, a reference eccentricity value, a reference acceleration slope value, and a reference deceleration slope value.
  • the reference vibration value detected by the vibration sensing unit 305 may be stored in the storage unit.
  • the vibration may be changeable in response to a slope of the bottom at which the washing machine is mounted, a material of the bottom, or the like. For example, as strength of the bottom material is gradually increased and elasticity thereof is gradually lowered, the number of vibrations of the drum may be reduced.
  • control unit 210 may determine a laundry amount, eccentricity, an acceleration slope, or a deceleration slope. In addition, the control unit 210 may determine the final number of vibrations on the basis of the reference vibration value stored in the calibration mode and the number of vibrations detected in the vibration sensing unit 305 .
  • the control unit 210 may operate the washing machine on the basis of the determined laundry amount, eccentricity, etc. Therefore, the driving efficiency of the washing machine is increased.
  • the control unit 210 may display an object indicating the calibration mode on the display 118 .
  • another object indicating completion of the calibration mode may be displayed on the display 118 .
  • the control unit 210 may detect the state of the washing machine on the basis of the current (i o ) detected by the current detection unit 220 or the position signal (H) detected by the position sensing unit 235 . For example, during the rotation of the washing tub 120 , the control unit 210 may detect the state of the washing machine on the basis of the current value (i o ) of the motor 230 .
  • FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 23 to 25 illustrate mode detailed description of the control method shown in FIG. 15 .
  • control unit 210 may determine the presence or absence of a calibration mode input signal at step S 2210 . If the presence of the calibration mode input signal is determined at step S 2210 , the calibration mode is performed. In addition, the calibration mode is displayed on the display at step S 2215 .
  • a calibration key 116 is mounted to the control panel. By the operation of the calibration key, the washing machine may enter the calibration mode.
  • a reference laundry amount value a reference eccentricity value, a reference acceleration slope value, a reference deceleration slope value, a reference vibration value, or the like may be stored in the storage unit.
  • measurement data such as laundry amount or eccentricity may have a considerably large error range.
  • the washing machine may be installed under different conditions (e.g., the slope of bottom, the material of the bottom, etc.).
  • the accuracy of measurement data may be deteriorated due to abrasion or separation of inner components of the washing machine, so that the measured laundry amount or eccentricity may have a considerably large error range.
  • the washing machine may automatically enter the calibration mode.
  • a calibration mode input signal may also be entered by the user, so that the user enables the washing machine to enter the calibration mode.
  • the washing machine automatically or manually enters the calibration mode as described above, the motor is rotated under no load state or specific load state, and then calculates the amount of laundry, eccentricity, etc. on the basis of a current flowing in the motor or vibrations of the motor.
  • the calculated laundry amount or eccentricity is set to a reference value or an offset, and then stored in the storage unit 305 .
  • FIG. 24( a ) visually shows the calibration mode.
  • An object 820 indicating a calibration mode and a screen image 830 indicating current setting may be displayed on the display 118 .
  • the user can easily recognize that the calibration mode is now progressing.
  • control unit 210 may store a reference laundry amount value or the like on the basis of a current flowing in the motor or the motor speed at step S 2225 .
  • the washing machine may measure an accurate reference value.
  • FIG. 23( a ) shows an example of no load state. That is, under the condition that no laundry is put into the washing tub 120 including the inner tub 122 and the outer tub 124 , the inner tub 122 rotates by rotation of the motor.
  • the motor may rotate in a reverse direction instead of the forward direction, and may also perform repeated forward/reverse rotation.
  • a variety of motor rotation patterns may be used in the embodiments of the present invention.
  • a pattern for sensing the amount of laundry or a maximum speed pattern may be used in the embodiments of the present invention.
  • the motor In the calibration mode, the motor may be rotated according to a washing cycle pattern shown in FIG. 9 . In addition, in the calibration mode, the motor may also be rotated according to the dehydration cycle pattern. Accordingly, in the operation mode in which laundry is put into the washing tub so that the washing machine is operated, the accurate laundry amount, the accurate eccentricity, etc. may be determined according to the result of comparison of reference values.
  • FIG. 11 exemplarily shows a current ripple component (I r ) generated by the movement of laundry contained in the washing tub 120 when a predetermined current (I a ) flows in the motor 230 in such a manner that the motor 230 can be continuously rotated at the first rotation speed (v 1 ).
  • I r current ripple component
  • the laundry amount sensing process may also be preformed using deceleration speed or time of the motor 230 in a deceleration section.
  • the deceleration speed or time of the motor 230 may be detected according to the deceleration speed or time calculated on the basis of the position signal (H) of the position sensing unit 235 .
  • the deceleration speed or time of the motor is increased or prolonged, this means the presence of a small amount of laundry.
  • the deceleration speed or time of the motor is reduced or shortened, this means the presence of a large amount of laundry.
  • a reference laundry amount value may be determined using ripple components or the deceleration speed or time in the deceleration section.
  • the determined reference laundry amount value may be stored in the storage unit 305 .
  • the eccentricity (UB) of laundry contained in the washing tub 120 can be detected.
  • the washing tub 120 is rotated at a second rotation speed (v 2 ) so that the eccentricity can be detected.
  • the eccentricity can be detected on the basis of the output current (i o ) of the motor 230 or ripples of the output current (i o ).
  • a reference eccentricity value may be determined using the output current (i o ) of the motor 230 , ripples in the output current (i o ), or speed ripple components of the motor 230 .
  • the determined reference eccentricity value may be stored in the storage unit 305 .
  • the washing tub 120 may be rotated at a third rotation speed (v 3 ) or a fourth rotation speed (v 4 ).
  • the rising or falling time of the third rotation speed (v 3 ) or the fourth rotation speed (v 4 ) may be measured, and a reference acceleration speed value or a reference deceleration speed value may be stored in the storage unit.
  • the dehydration cycle of FIG. 10 may include a laundry amount sensing section T 1 , a first eccentricity sensing section Tm, a first dehydration section Tn, a second laundry amount sensing section To, a second dehydration section Tp, a third eccentricity sensing section Tq, and a third dehydration section Tr.
  • the laundry amount sensing section T 1 in the calibration mode may determine a reference laundry amount value in the same manner as in laundry amount sensing section Ta of FIG. 11 .
  • the eccentricity sensing section (Tm, To or Tq) may also determine a reference eccentricity value in the same manner as in the eccentricity sensing section Tb of FIG. 11 .
  • the washing tub 120 may be rotated at a third rotation speed (v 3 ), a fourth rotation speed (v 4 ), or a fifth rotation speed (v 5 ).
  • a third rotation speed (v 3 ), a fourth rotation speed (v 4 ), or a fifth rotation speed (v 5 ) may be measured, and a reference acceleration speed value or a reference deceleration speed value may be stored in the storage unit.
  • the washing machine may display information regarding the calibration mode completion on the display at step S 2230 .
  • control unit 210 may display information regarding the calibration mode completion on the display 118 .
  • FIG. 24( b ) exemplarily shows the completion of calibration mode.
  • an object 820 indicating the calibration mode is dimly displayed on the display 118 , or a screen image 835 indicating setting completion may be displayed on the display 118 .
  • the user can easily recognize completion of the calibration mode.
  • control unit 210 may determine whether a current mode is an operation mode at step S 2235 . If the operation mode is determined, the motor is rotated at step S 2240 . In addition, the control unit 210 may determine the amount of laundry or the like on the basis of the stored reference value, and a current flowing in the motor or a motor speed at step S 2245 .
  • the operation mode performed.
  • the operation mode may be classified into the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, and the dehydration cycle after the laundry is put into the washing tub 120 .
  • FIG. 23( b ) exemplarily shows the rotation of the washing tub after putting laundry into the washing tub. That is, under the condition that laundry 810 is put into the washing tub 120 including the inner tub 122 and the outer tub 124 , the inner tub 122 rotates by rotation of the motor.
  • the motor may rotate in a reverse direction but not the forward direction according to the operation mode categories, and may also perform repeated forward/reverse rotation.
  • the washing cycle may be exemplarily shown in FIG. 11
  • the dehydration cycle may be exemplarily shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the rinsing cycle may be classified into a water-supply section, a constant-speed rotation section, a drain section, and the like, and it is not limited thereto and can also be applied to other examples.
  • the control unit 210 may determine the final laundry amount using the reference laundry amount value stored in the calibration mode and the laundry amount measured in the operation mode. For example, the reference laundry amount value serving as an offset component may be subtracted from the measured laundry amount value during the operation mode, so that the final laundry amount can be correctly determined. As a result, the washing machine can be efficiently driven and operated according to the determined laundry amount.
  • the control unit 210 may determine the final laundry amount using the reference eccentricity value stored in the calibration mode and the eccentricity value measured in the operation mode. For example, the reference eccentricity value serving as an offset component may be subtracted from the measured eccentricity value during the operation mode, so that the final eccentricity value can be correctly determined. As a result, the washing machine can be efficiently driven and operated according to the determined eccentricity.
  • the control unit may determine the final acceleration speed value or the final deceleration speed value not only using the reference acceleration speed value or reference deceleration speed value stored in the calibration mode, but also using the acceleration or deceleration speed value measured in the operation mode. As a result, the washing machine can be efficiently driven.
  • the calibration mode shown in FIG. 22 may be performed together with the control method of FIG. 6 , the control method of FIG. 15 , or the control method of FIG. 19 . That is, in case of an initial operation of the washing machine, in case of the lapse of a predetermined time after the installation of the washing machine, or upon receiving a calibration mode input signal, the control method of FIG. 6 , 16 or 18 may be performed after completion of the calibration mode.
  • control method shown in FIG. 22 may also be applied to the front-load-type washing machine shown in FIG. 13 .
  • the front-load-type washing machine may further include a calibration key (not shown) for enabling the washing machine to enter the calibration mode.
  • the washing machine 1100 of FIG. 13 may rotate the motor under no load state or specific load state in the calibration mode, so that various reference values such as reference laundry and eccentricity amount values may be measured and stored.
  • the final laundry amount value or the final eccentricity value may be determined using the measured laundry amount and eccentricity values, prestored reference values, and the like. As a result, the washing machine can be efficiently driven and operated.
  • FIG. 25( a ) shows an example of no load state. That is, under the condition that no laundry is put into the drum 1122 , the drum 1122 rotates by rotation of the motor. On the other hand, differently from FIG. 25( a ), the drum 1122 may rotate in a reverse direction instead of the forward direction, and may perform repeated forward/reverse rotation.
  • washing machine according to the foregoing exemplary embodiments is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Therefore, variations and combinations of the exemplary embodiments set forth herein may fall within the scope of the present invention.
  • the washing machine may be implemented as code that can be written on a computer-readable recording medium and thus read by a processor.
  • the computer-readable recording medium may be any type of recording device in which data is stored in a computer-readable manner.
  • the washing machine detects a primary amount of laundry on the basis of primary rotation of the motor. If the detected laundry amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined laundry amount, water is supplied to the washing tub, and then a secondary amount of wet laundry is detected on the basis of secondary rotation of the motor, such that the amount of laundry can be detected in the washing machine. As a result, not only the amount of dry laundry but also the amount of wet laundry can be correctly detected.
  • the washing machine can correctly detect the amount of laundry, and thus the accurate amount of wash water corresponding to the detected laundry amount can be provided to the washing tub or the level of supplied water can be correctly matched to the detected laundry amount.
  • motor braking such as dynamic- or plugging- braking is performed so that some parts of the laundry amount sensing section can be shortened in time.
  • the washing machine detects a primary amount of laundry on the basis of the motor rotation.
  • a secondary amount of wet laundry is detected on the basis of the motor rotation, such that the amount of laundry can be detected in the washing machine. As a result, the amount of laundry can be correctly detected.
  • the washing machine can display the calculated operation time on the basis of the detected secondary laundry amount, such that a highly reliable result can be provided to a user.
  • the washing machine can be driven and operated in response to the above-mentioned result, so that an eco mode such as energy saving can be efficiently carried out.
  • the washing machine may include a separate eco key or button, so that it can easily enter the eco mode.
  • the washing machine in order to detect the amount of laundry, applies AC power to the motor so as to allow the motor to rotate at a predetermined speed, and then turns the current applied to the motor off. Specifically, in at least some sections of the turn-off period of the current, the washing machine may use a deceleration speed or time of the motor. As a result, the washing machine can correctly detect the amount of laundry, and thus the accurate amount of wash water corresponding to the detected laundry amount can be provided to the washing tub or the level of supplied water can be correctly matched to the detected laundry amount.
  • motor braking such as dynamic- or plugging-braking is performed so that some parts of the laundry amount sensing section can be shortened in time.
  • the washing machine rotates the motor under no load state during a calibration mode, so that it can predetermine a variety of reference values to be used when operating.
  • the amount of laundry, the eccentricity, and the like may be correctly determined using the above-mentioned reference values. Therefore, the operation efficiency of the washing machine can be improved.
  • a separate calibration key is provided to the washing machine, so that the user may control the washing machine to easily enter a calibration mode.
  • a state of the calibration mode or the completion of the calibration mode is displayed on the display of the washing machine, so that a user can easily recognize whether the calibration mode is ended or not.
  • the washing machine can be efficiently driven and operated.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
US13/176,270 2010-07-06 2011-07-05 Washing machine and method for controlling the same Abandoned US20120005840A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020100065046A KR101702961B1 (ko) 2010-07-06 2010-07-06 세탁물 처리기기 및 세탁물 처리기기의 제어방법
KR10-2010-0065047 2010-07-06
KR1020100065047A KR101702959B1 (ko) 2010-07-06 2010-07-06 세탁물 처리기기 및 세탁물 처리기기의 제어방법
KR10-2010-0065046 2010-07-06
KR1020100074241A KR101702954B1 (ko) 2010-07-30 2010-07-30 세탁물 처리기기 및 세탁물 처리기기의 제어방법
KR10-2010-0074241 2010-07-30
KR10-2010-0074240 2010-07-30
KR1020100074240A KR101708663B1 (ko) 2010-07-30 2010-07-30 세탁물 처리기기 및 세탁물 처리기기의 제어방법

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20120005840A1 true US20120005840A1 (en) 2012-01-12

Family

ID=45437488

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/176,270 Abandoned US20120005840A1 (en) 2010-07-06 2011-07-05 Washing machine and method for controlling the same

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20120005840A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2591159B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN103025946B (fr)
WO (1) WO2012005511A2 (fr)

Cited By (34)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130200833A1 (en) * 2012-02-01 2013-08-08 Heakyung Yoo Control method of washing machine
CN104160618A (zh) * 2012-03-07 2014-11-19 大陆-特韦斯贸易合伙股份公司及两合公司 用于限制峰值电流及电流边沿斜率的方法和电路布置结构
EP2837732A1 (fr) * 2013-08-14 2015-02-18 LG Electronics, Inc. Appareil de traitement du linge et procédé de commande correspondant
EP2837731A1 (fr) * 2013-08-14 2015-02-18 LG Electronics, Inc. Appareil de traitement du linge et procédé de commande correspondant
US20150061560A1 (en) * 2013-09-04 2015-03-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Washing machine and control method thereof
US20150091491A1 (en) * 2013-10-01 2015-04-02 The Boeing Company Reluctance Motor System
EP2871274A1 (fr) * 2013-11-06 2015-05-13 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Machine à laver et son procédé de commande
US20150240405A1 (en) * 2014-02-21 2015-08-27 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine and control method thereof
US20150240406A1 (en) * 2014-02-21 2015-08-27 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Washing machine with ball balancer and method of controlling vibration reduction thereof
EP2927363A1 (fr) * 2014-03-31 2015-10-07 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Procédé de réalisation d'un cycle de séchage dans une machine de traitement de linge, machine de traitement de linge et unité de commande électronique
EP2927364A1 (fr) * 2014-03-31 2015-10-07 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Procédé de réalisation d'un cycle de séchage dans une machine de traitement de linge, machine de traitement de linge et unité de commande électronique
US20160115632A1 (en) * 2014-10-27 2016-04-28 Lg Electronics Inc. Laundry treatment machine
EP3059341A1 (fr) * 2015-02-17 2016-08-24 LG Electronics Inc. Procédé de commande de machine à laver
US20160369446A1 (en) * 2015-06-17 2016-12-22 General Electric Company Methods for determining load mass in washing machine appliances
US20170047876A1 (en) * 2015-08-11 2017-02-16 Lg Electronics Inc. Motor driving apparatus and home appliance including the same
US20170047875A1 (en) * 2015-08-11 2017-02-16 Lg Electronics Inc. Motor driving apparatus and home appliance including the same
US20170054394A1 (en) * 2015-08-19 2017-02-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Motor driving apparatus and home appliance including the same
RU2632027C2 (ru) * 2013-07-22 2017-10-02 ЭлДжи ЭЛЕКТРОНИКС ИНК. Устройство для обработки белья
US20170302208A1 (en) * 2016-04-18 2017-10-19 Lg Electronics Inc. Drain pump driving apparatus and laundry treatment machine including the same
EP3241938A1 (fr) * 2016-05-06 2017-11-08 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Procédé pour commander une machine à laver et machine à laver
US20170356116A1 (en) * 2016-06-14 2017-12-14 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine and method for controlling the same
US9929623B2 (en) 2014-12-11 2018-03-27 The Boeing Company Reluctance motor with virtual rotor
EP3301215A1 (fr) * 2016-09-29 2018-04-04 Lg Electronics Inc. Machine à laver et son procédé de commande
US20180100259A1 (en) * 2016-10-06 2018-04-12 Emz-Hanauer Gmbh & Co. Kgaa Washing machine and method of controlling the washing machine
US10164501B2 (en) 2014-12-11 2018-12-25 The Boeing Company Reluctance motor with dual-pole rotor system
EP3276072B1 (fr) 2016-07-26 2019-06-12 Miele & Cie. KG Procédé et dispositif de traitement de linge dans une machine de traitement de linge et machine de traitement de linge permettant de traiter le linge
US10581274B2 (en) 2015-06-03 2020-03-03 Lg Electronics Inc. Home appliance
US10612180B2 (en) * 2017-04-10 2020-04-07 Delta Electronics, Inc. Methods and apparatus for measuring sensorless brushless DC motor load
US10837134B2 (en) 2016-09-27 2020-11-17 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine and method of controlling the same
US11028514B2 (en) 2016-05-06 2021-06-08 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Method to control a washing machine and a washing machine
US11168425B2 (en) 2016-09-29 2021-11-09 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine and method of controlling the same
US11236460B2 (en) * 2016-04-18 2022-02-01 Lg Electronics Inc. Drain pump driving apparatus and laundry treatment machine including the same
US11479897B1 (en) 2021-09-09 2022-10-25 Midea Group Co., Ltd. Laundry washing machine weight sensing system
US20230193543A1 (en) * 2021-12-16 2023-06-22 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Clothes treatment apparatus and method of controlling the same

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR101504686B1 (ko) 2012-10-09 2015-03-20 엘지전자 주식회사 세탁물 처리기기, 및 그 동작방법
CN104963164B (zh) 2015-07-31 2017-05-10 广东威灵电机制造有限公司 滚筒洗衣机及其控制方法和装置
CN105755744B (zh) * 2016-04-28 2018-10-30 无锡小天鹅股份有限公司 洗衣机进水量的设定方法和装置
CN105755751B (zh) * 2016-04-28 2018-10-30 无锡小天鹅股份有限公司 负载干湿程度确定方法和装置
CN105951356B (zh) * 2016-06-30 2018-11-23 无锡小天鹅股份有限公司 滚筒洗衣机及其进水量的设定方法和装置
CN107130391B (zh) * 2017-05-08 2020-09-22 无锡飞翎电子有限公司 洗衣机及其洗涤控制方法和装置
CN110130046B (zh) * 2018-02-02 2023-04-14 青岛海尔洗涤电器有限公司 一种洗衣机洗前提醒方法及洗衣机
CN110699913B (zh) * 2019-10-14 2024-06-18 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 一种波轮洗衣机的控制方法及波轮洗衣机

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020050011A1 (en) * 2000-09-28 2002-05-02 Cho Kwan Yuhl Apparatus and method for sensing laundry amount in a washing machine
WO2005085511A1 (fr) * 2004-03-01 2005-09-15 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Procede de detection de charge
US20070107474A1 (en) * 2005-11-17 2007-05-17 Lg Electronics Inc. Driving device of a washing machine and a method of driving a washing machine with the same
US20090106913A1 (en) * 2007-10-30 2009-04-30 Suel Ii Richard D Measuring apparatus and method
US20100024137A1 (en) * 2008-08-01 2010-02-04 Myong Hum Im Washing machine and washing method therefor
US20100154131A1 (en) * 2008-12-22 2010-06-24 General Electric Company Washing system and method for load size and water retention detection
US20110247148A1 (en) * 2010-04-13 2011-10-13 Whirlpool Corporation Laundry treating appliance with load amount detection

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS61191393A (ja) 1985-02-20 1986-08-26 株式会社東芝 洗濯機
JP2878819B2 (ja) * 1990-10-15 1999-04-05 株式会社東芝 洗濯機
JP3178352B2 (ja) * 1996-08-21 2001-06-18 株式会社日立製作所 洗濯機の制御方法
KR19990021190A (ko) * 1997-08-30 1999-03-25 전주범 세탁기의 수위 감지 최적화 방법
KR19990047136A (ko) * 1997-12-02 1999-07-05 윤종용 세탁기의 포량 감지 방법
KR100519325B1 (ko) * 1998-12-29 2005-11-25 엘지전자 주식회사 세탁기의 포량감지방법
KR100425120B1 (ko) * 2001-12-17 2004-03-30 엘지전자 주식회사 세탁기의 세탁행정 제어방법
KR20050021828A (ko) * 2003-08-26 2005-03-07 엘지전자 주식회사 드럼세탁기 및 그 포량 감지방법
CN2921064Y (zh) * 2006-06-23 2007-07-11 宁波金帅集团有限公司 节水型全自动洗衣机
JP4943772B2 (ja) * 2006-08-21 2012-05-30 三星電子株式会社 洗濯機及び布量算出方法
KR20080079458A (ko) * 2007-02-27 2008-09-01 삼성전자주식회사 세탁기 및 그 제어방법

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020050011A1 (en) * 2000-09-28 2002-05-02 Cho Kwan Yuhl Apparatus and method for sensing laundry amount in a washing machine
WO2005085511A1 (fr) * 2004-03-01 2005-09-15 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Procede de detection de charge
US20070107474A1 (en) * 2005-11-17 2007-05-17 Lg Electronics Inc. Driving device of a washing machine and a method of driving a washing machine with the same
US20090106913A1 (en) * 2007-10-30 2009-04-30 Suel Ii Richard D Measuring apparatus and method
US20100024137A1 (en) * 2008-08-01 2010-02-04 Myong Hum Im Washing machine and washing method therefor
US20100154131A1 (en) * 2008-12-22 2010-06-24 General Electric Company Washing system and method for load size and water retention detection
US20110247148A1 (en) * 2010-04-13 2011-10-13 Whirlpool Corporation Laundry treating appliance with load amount detection

Cited By (54)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9450531B2 (en) * 2012-02-01 2016-09-20 Lg Electronics Inc. Control method of washing machine
US20130200833A1 (en) * 2012-02-01 2013-08-08 Heakyung Yoo Control method of washing machine
EP2623659B1 (fr) 2012-02-01 2018-08-01 LG Electronics Inc. Procédé de commande pour machine à laver
CN104160618A (zh) * 2012-03-07 2014-11-19 大陆-特韦斯贸易合伙股份公司及两合公司 用于限制峰值电流及电流边沿斜率的方法和电路布置结构
US9362862B2 (en) * 2012-03-07 2016-06-07 Continental Teves Ag & Co. Ohg Method and circuit arrangement for limiting peak currents and the slope of the current edges
US20150054430A1 (en) * 2012-03-07 2015-02-26 Continental Teves Ag & Co. Ohg Method and circuit arrangement for limiting peak currents and the slope of the current edges
RU2632027C2 (ru) * 2013-07-22 2017-10-02 ЭлДжи ЭЛЕКТРОНИКС ИНК. Устройство для обработки белья
EP2837731A1 (fr) * 2013-08-14 2015-02-18 LG Electronics, Inc. Appareil de traitement du linge et procédé de commande correspondant
US9783920B2 (en) 2013-08-14 2017-10-10 Lg Electronic Inc. Laundry treating apparatus and method for controlling the same
US9828718B2 (en) 2013-08-14 2017-11-28 Lg Electronics Inc. Laundry treating apparatus and method for controlling the same
EP2837732A1 (fr) * 2013-08-14 2015-02-18 LG Electronics, Inc. Appareil de traitement du linge et procédé de commande correspondant
US20150061560A1 (en) * 2013-09-04 2015-03-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Washing machine and control method thereof
US9328444B2 (en) * 2013-09-04 2016-05-03 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Washing machine and control method thereof
US20150091491A1 (en) * 2013-10-01 2015-04-02 The Boeing Company Reluctance Motor System
US9164497B2 (en) * 2013-10-01 2015-10-20 The Boeing Company Reluctance motor system
EP2871274A1 (fr) * 2013-11-06 2015-05-13 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Machine à laver et son procédé de commande
US10266980B2 (en) * 2014-02-21 2019-04-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine and control method thereof
US10066333B2 (en) * 2014-02-21 2018-09-04 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Washing machine with ball balancer and method of controlling vibration reduction thereof
US20150240406A1 (en) * 2014-02-21 2015-08-27 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Washing machine with ball balancer and method of controlling vibration reduction thereof
US20150240405A1 (en) * 2014-02-21 2015-08-27 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine and control method thereof
EP2927364A1 (fr) * 2014-03-31 2015-10-07 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Procédé de réalisation d'un cycle de séchage dans une machine de traitement de linge, machine de traitement de linge et unité de commande électronique
EP2927363A1 (fr) * 2014-03-31 2015-10-07 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Procédé de réalisation d'un cycle de séchage dans une machine de traitement de linge, machine de traitement de linge et unité de commande électronique
US20160115632A1 (en) * 2014-10-27 2016-04-28 Lg Electronics Inc. Laundry treatment machine
US9863077B2 (en) * 2014-10-27 2018-01-09 Lg Electronics Inc. Laundry treatment machine
US10164501B2 (en) 2014-12-11 2018-12-25 The Boeing Company Reluctance motor with dual-pole rotor system
US9929623B2 (en) 2014-12-11 2018-03-27 The Boeing Company Reluctance motor with virtual rotor
US10214843B2 (en) 2015-02-17 2019-02-26 Lg Electronics Inc. Control method of washing machine
EP3059341A1 (fr) * 2015-02-17 2016-08-24 LG Electronics Inc. Procédé de commande de machine à laver
US10581274B2 (en) 2015-06-03 2020-03-03 Lg Electronics Inc. Home appliance
US9840805B2 (en) * 2015-06-17 2017-12-12 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Methods for determining load mass in washing machine appliances
US20160369446A1 (en) * 2015-06-17 2016-12-22 General Electric Company Methods for determining load mass in washing machine appliances
US20170047875A1 (en) * 2015-08-11 2017-02-16 Lg Electronics Inc. Motor driving apparatus and home appliance including the same
US9899945B2 (en) * 2015-08-11 2018-02-20 Lg Electronics Inc. Motor driving apparatus and home appliance including the same
US20170047876A1 (en) * 2015-08-11 2017-02-16 Lg Electronics Inc. Motor driving apparatus and home appliance including the same
US9806654B2 (en) * 2015-08-19 2017-10-31 Lg Electronics Inc. Motor driving apparatus and home appliance including the same
US20170054394A1 (en) * 2015-08-19 2017-02-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Motor driving apparatus and home appliance including the same
US10711387B2 (en) * 2016-04-18 2020-07-14 Lg Electronics Inc. Drain pump driving apparatus and laundry treatment machine including the same
US11566361B2 (en) 2016-04-18 2023-01-31 Lg Electronics Inc. Drain pump driving apparatus and laundry treatment machine including the same
US20170302208A1 (en) * 2016-04-18 2017-10-19 Lg Electronics Inc. Drain pump driving apparatus and laundry treatment machine including the same
US11236460B2 (en) * 2016-04-18 2022-02-01 Lg Electronics Inc. Drain pump driving apparatus and laundry treatment machine including the same
EP3241938A1 (fr) * 2016-05-06 2017-11-08 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Procédé pour commander une machine à laver et machine à laver
US11028514B2 (en) 2016-05-06 2021-06-08 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Method to control a washing machine and a washing machine
US10526739B2 (en) * 2016-06-14 2020-01-07 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine and method for controlling the same
US20170356116A1 (en) * 2016-06-14 2017-12-14 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine and method for controlling the same
EP3276072B1 (fr) 2016-07-26 2019-06-12 Miele & Cie. KG Procédé et dispositif de traitement de linge dans une machine de traitement de linge et machine de traitement de linge permettant de traiter le linge
US10837134B2 (en) 2016-09-27 2020-11-17 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine and method of controlling the same
US10907287B2 (en) 2016-09-29 2021-02-02 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine and method of controlling the same
US11168425B2 (en) 2016-09-29 2021-11-09 Lg Electronics Inc. Washing machine and method of controlling the same
EP3301215A1 (fr) * 2016-09-29 2018-04-04 Lg Electronics Inc. Machine à laver et son procédé de commande
US10570543B2 (en) * 2016-10-06 2020-02-25 Emz-Hanauer Gmbh & Co. Kgaa Washing machine and method of controlling the washing machine
US20180100259A1 (en) * 2016-10-06 2018-04-12 Emz-Hanauer Gmbh & Co. Kgaa Washing machine and method of controlling the washing machine
US10612180B2 (en) * 2017-04-10 2020-04-07 Delta Electronics, Inc. Methods and apparatus for measuring sensorless brushless DC motor load
US11479897B1 (en) 2021-09-09 2022-10-25 Midea Group Co., Ltd. Laundry washing machine weight sensing system
US20230193543A1 (en) * 2021-12-16 2023-06-22 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Clothes treatment apparatus and method of controlling the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2591159B1 (fr) 2020-09-02
EP2591159A2 (fr) 2013-05-15
WO2012005511A2 (fr) 2012-01-12
CN103025946A (zh) 2013-04-03
CN103025946B (zh) 2015-07-01
WO2012005511A3 (fr) 2012-05-31
EP2591159A4 (fr) 2017-05-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20120005840A1 (en) Washing machine and method for controlling the same
US11566361B2 (en) Drain pump driving apparatus and laundry treatment machine including the same
US9809923B2 (en) Laundry treatment machine and method of operating the same
KR101505189B1 (ko) 세탁물 처리기기, 및 그 동작방법
KR101709490B1 (ko) 모터 구동장치 및 이를 구비하는 세탁물 처리기기
EP2591160B1 (fr) Machine à laver
KR101702954B1 (ko) 세탁물 처리기기 및 세탁물 처리기기의 제어방법
US20140115793A1 (en) Laundry treatment machine and method of operating the same
US11236460B2 (en) Drain pump driving apparatus and laundry treatment machine including the same
KR101702961B1 (ko) 세탁물 처리기기 및 세탁물 처리기기의 제어방법
KR101708663B1 (ko) 세탁물 처리기기 및 세탁물 처리기기의 제어방법
KR101924057B1 (ko) 세탁물 처리기기
KR101702959B1 (ko) 세탁물 처리기기 및 세탁물 처리기기의 제어방법
KR20180082899A (ko) 의류처리장치 및 그의 제어방법
KR20180085277A (ko) 세탁물 처리기기
KR101969034B1 (ko) 세탁물 처리기기
KR20170103291A (ko) 모터 구동장치, 및 이를 구비하는 세탁물 처리기기

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: LG ELECTRONICS INC., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:JANG, HOYONG;BAE, SUNCHEOL;LEE, CHUNGILL;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20110905 TO 20110906;REEL/FRAME:026875/0374

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION