U.S. patent application number 12/895211 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-27 for controlling method of washing machine.
Invention is credited to In Haeng Cho, Bon Kwon Koo.
Application Number | 20110016641 12/895211 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36113856 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110016641 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Koo; Bon Kwon ; et
al. |
January 27, 2011 |
Controlling Method of Washing Machine
Abstract
There is provided a reliable method for sensing a laundry amount
and a method for controlling a washing machine, in which a method
for sensing a laundry amount is performed appropriately according
to the laundry amount. According to the method of the present
invention, the reliability in the sensed laundry amount is
improved.
Inventors: |
Koo; Bon Kwon; (Changwon,
KR) ; Cho; In Haeng; (Changwon, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE LLP
1900 K STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
36113856 |
Appl. No.: |
12/895211 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12314390 |
Dec 9, 2008 |
7827639 |
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12895211 |
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10499343 |
Jun 17, 2004 |
7475571 |
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12314390 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
8/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 35/005 20130101;
D06F 33/00 20130101; D06F 2212/06 20130101; D06F 2202/065 20130101;
D06F 34/18 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/137 |
International
Class: |
D06L 1/20 20060101
D06L001/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 26, 2002 |
KR |
2002-74072 |
Nov 26, 2002 |
KR |
2002-74073 |
Nov 26, 2002 |
KR |
2002-74074 |
Claims
1. A method for controlling an inverter motor direct driving
washing machine, comprising the steps of: accelerating and rotating
a tub directly driven by means of an inverter motor;
inertia-rotating the tub after a rotation speed of the tub reaches
a set speed; counting the number of revolutions during the inertia
rotation of the tub; and sensing the laundry amount by comparing
the counted number of revolutions and a table storing laundry
amounts based on the preset number of revolutions.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the number of
revolutions is acquired by the number of pulses of a speed
sensor.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inverter motor is a
BLDC motor.
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional of prior application Ser.
No. 12/314,390, filed Dec. 8, 2008, which is a divisional of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/499,343, filed Jun. 17, 2004, which claims
the benefit of Korean Patent Application Nos. 2002-74072,
2002-74073, and 2002-74074, each one being filed in the Republic of
Korea on Nov. 26, 2002, and which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entireties as if fully set forth herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a
washing machine, and more particularly to a method for controlling
a washing machine, in which a laundry amount received in a tub is
sensed and washing/rinsing/dewatering cycles are carried out
appropriately according to the sensed laundry amount.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Generally, fully automatic washing machines are products
that remove a variety of dirt adhered to clothes, bedclothes and
the like by using sulphurization of a detergent, frictional action
of a water current, impact action applied to the laundry by a
pulsator, and the like. According to the fully automatic washing
machines, an amount and kind of laundry is sensed by means of a
sensor and a washing mode is set automatically. A washing water is
supplied up to an appropriate level according to an amount and kind
of laundry and a washing operation is then performed under the
control of a micro computer.
[0004] In addition, according to a conventional method for driving
a fully automatic washing machine, a torque of a driving motor is
transferred through a power transmission belt and a pulley to a
washing shaft or a dewatering shaft, thereby rotating a pulsator or
a dewatering tub.
[0005] Hereinafter, an operation of controlling a conventional
washing machine will be described in brief.
[0006] First, if the user inputs a washing command, a laundry
amount is sensed in an initial operation of the washing machine and
washing water is supplied according to the sensed laundry amount.
Then, a series of washing, rinsing and dewatering cycles are
performed according to the sensed laundry amount. Meanwhile, a
method using an applied power of the motor and the number of
revolutions of the motor has been proposed for sensing the laundry
amount in the initial operation of the washing machine.
[0007] However, in order to sense the number of revolutions of the
motor, the belt and the pulley are intervened between the driving
motor and the tub that receives the laundry, thereby causing a
problem that an amount of rotation is not fully transferred to the
motor. Therefore, there occurs an error in the laundry amount
sensed by the number of revolutions of the motor. Further, there
occurs a great error in the sensed laundry amount since an
extension of the belt and a tension applied to the belt are
different according to a temperature of the washing machine or a
season.
[0008] Meanwhile, if necessary, the user opens the door of the
washing machine and loads the laundry additionally during the
washing operation. At this time, the related art has a disadvantage
in that the user manipulates all washing cycles all over again in
order to perform the washing cycles all over again. Further, in
case the washing operations are performed successively and there is
no additional water supply, the washing water is supplied less than
an appropriate quantity. Therefore, there occurs a problem that
degrades the washing performance or increases the washing load.
Further, in case many loads are applied to the driving unit of the
washing machine, parts may be degraded more seriously.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a method
for controlling a washing machine that substantially obviates the
problems caused by limitations and disadvantage of the conventional
one.
[0010] One object of the present invention is to provide a method
for controlling a washing machine, in which a laundry amount
received in the tub is sensed more accurately.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method for controlling a washing machine, in which a laundry amount
is again sensed even during a washing operation, thereby improving
a user convenience much more.
[0012] Further another object of the present invention is to
provide a method for controlling a washing machine, which is
capable of prevent degradations of the parts and the washing
performance in any cycle when using the washing machine.
[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method
for controlling a washing machine includes the steps of: sensing a
laundry amount through a first laundry amount sensing process;
judging whether or not the sensed laundry amount is in a
substantial sensing range of the first laundry amount sensing
process; and if the sensed laundry amount is in the substantial
sensing range of the first laundry amount sensing process,
performing the remaining cycles, and if the sensed laundry amount
is out of the substantial sensing range of the first laundry amount
sensing process, sensing again the laundry amount through a second
laundry amount sensing process.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method for controlling a washing machine includes the steps of:
performing a washing operation; sensing an opening of a door during
the washing operation; if the opening of the door is sensed,
performing a laundry amount sensing process; and supplying a
washing water additionally according to the sensed laundry amount
when the laundry is added, and performing the washing
operation.
[0015] According to further another aspect of the present
invention, a method for controlling a washing machine includes the
steps of: performing a washing operation according to information
provided from a first laundry amount sensing process; sensing an
opening of a door during the washing operation; judging a current
progressing mode after the opening of the door is sensed;
performing a second laundry amount sensing process in the current
progressing mode; and controlling an amount of water supply when
the laundry amount is changed according to the second laundry
amount sensing process.
[0016] According to further another aspect of the present
invention, a method for controlling an inverter motor direct
driving washing machine includes the steps of: accelerating and
rotating a tub directly driven by means of an inverter motor;
measuring an elapse time until a rotation speed of the tub reaches
a set speed; and sensing the laundry amount by comparing the
measured time and a table storing laundry amounts based on preset
time.
[0017] According to further another aspect of the present
invention, a method for controlling an inverter motor direct
driving washing machine includes the steps of: accelerating and
rotating a tub directly driven by means of an inverter motor;
inertia-rotating the tub after a rotation speed of the tub reaches
a set speed; counting the number of revolutions during the inertia
rotation of the tub; and sensing the laundry amount by comparing
the counted number of revolutions and a table storing laundry
amounts based on the preset number of revolutions.
[0018] The methods according to the present invention can sense the
laundry amount more accurately and improve the user convenience.
Further, the method according to the present invention can improve
the stability of parts and the security in use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The above objects, other features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent by describing the
preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a construction of a
washing machine according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0025] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
a washing machine according to fifth embodiment of the present
invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0026] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be described in detail with reference to the attached
drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments
and it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present
invention can be easily applied to other embodiments within the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a construction of a
washing machine according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the washing machine of the present
invention includes: a rectifier 11 for rectifying a common AC power
source; a motor 12 for supplying a torque to a tub or a pulsator of
the washing machine; a driver 13 including inverters provided with
a plurality of insulating gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and
operating in a first mode for supplying three-phase (U/V/W)
voltages to the motor 12 or in a second mode for regenerate a
voltage generated due to a rotation of the motor through a reverse
control of the motor 12 toward a circuit block; a switching mode
power supply (SMPS) 14 for transforming an output of the rectifier
11 into a predetermined voltage (5V); a speed sensor 15 for sensing
a rotation speed of the motor 12; a braking resistor Rb for
dissipating a generation voltage of the motor 12, which is
regenerated by the driver 13, into heat to thereby prevent a damage
of circuit block; a transistor Ti for driving the braking resistor
Rb; a voltage sensing unit 16 for sensing an output voltage level
of the rectifier 11 across the braking resistor Rb; a micom 17 for
controlling the driver 13 and the transistor Ti according to the
outputs of the speed sensor 15 and the voltage sensing unit 16; a
door switch (not shown) installed in a door to sense a user's
opening of the door and inform it of the micom 17; a user interface
unit 18 including a touch panel or a key input device, for
inputting a variety of user commands; an LCD 19 for displaying an
operation state of a washing machine, and the like; a buzzer 20;
and a main micom 21 for controlling an overall operation of the
washing machine.
[0029] Specifically, the main micom 21 performs a variety of data
communications with the micom 17 in order to drive various loads,
including the motor 12, according to the commands inputted through
the user interface unit 18, in which the data communication
includes a control signal. Additionally, an operation of driving
the LCD 19 and the buzzer 20 is performed to output a preset
warning message or alerting sound when a voltage higher than a
power supply voltage is sensed through the communication with the
micom 17.
[0030] Hereinafter, an operation of the washing machine constructed
above will be described in brief.
[0031] First, if the user inputs a washing command through the user
interface unit 18, the main micom 21 recognizes it and transfers a
predetermined control signal to the micom 17 to thereby allow the
loads to be driven according to a preset washing algorithm
including a laundry amount sensing process.
[0032] The micom 17 controls the driver 13 to drive the pulsator or
tub of the washing machine and senses the laundry amount. If the
laundry amount is sensed, the micom 17 operates the driver 13 to
rotate the motor 12 according to the output of the speed sensor 15
on the basis of the preset washing algorithm. Of course, the
washing, rinsing and dewatering operations can be performed by
driving the loads, such as a water supply valve, a drain valve, and
the like.
[0033] Further, the main micom 21 controls the LCD 19 according to
a current operation state to display an operation state, and it
controls the buzzer 20 to generate an alerting sound according to
the operation state.
[0034] Hereinafter, methods for controlling a washing machine
according to embodiments of the present invention will be described
in detail.
First Embodiment
[0035] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0036] The main micom 21 judges whether or not the washing command
is inputted (ST11). At this time, the washing command is inputted
through the user interface unit 18 by the user.
[0037] If it is judged at the step ST11 that the washing command is
inputted, the pulsator or tub of the washing machine is accelerated
and an elapse time is measured by counting a time (ST12). At this
time, the main micom 21 transfers a pulsator or tub acceleration
command signal to the micom 17. If a rotation of the pulsator or
tub is sensed using the output of the speed sensor 15, the main
micom 21 begins to count a time. Additionally, the micom 17
controls the driver 13 according to the instruction of the main
micom 21 to accelerate the pulsator or tub.
[0038] Then, it is judged whether or not the rotation speed of the
pulsator or tub reaches a set speed (for example, 150 rpm) (ST13).
If the rotation speed reaches the set speed, the power is cut off
and the laundry amount is sensed using the time counted till that
time (ST14). For example, because a load is large if the laundry
amount is much, the counted time may be longer.
[0039] At this time, it is almost impossible to standardize the
sensing of the laundry amount since the washing machines are
different from each other in their structures and models, parts
(especially, motor), and the like. Since their characteristics are
different according to the products, tests are previously performed
according to an actual laundry amount, and then, the laundry amount
with respect to the rotation time until the set speed is stored in
the main micom 21 and/or the micom 17 in a table form. Since the
rotation time until the motor reaches the preset rotation speed
according to the laundry amount is in advance stored in the table
form, the corresponding laundry amount can be sensed by comparing
the counted time and the table at the step ST14.
[0040] In this embodiment, the pulsator or tub is directly
connected to a driving end portion of the motor and a belt or
pulley is not directly intervened between the motor and the
pulsator or tub. Therefore, this embodiment can be preferably
applied to an inverter motor direct driving washing machine which
can transfer the rotation of the pulsator or tub to the motor as it
is. In other words, this embodiment can be preferably applied to
the case the number of revolutions of the motor is identical to
that of the pulsator or tub.
[0041] For this, a brushless DC motor (BLDC motor) can be applied
as the motor and can be driven by the inverter circuit of the
driver 13.
[0042] Meanwhile, since this embodiment is characterized in that
the driving time of the motor is measured according to the loads of
the laundry amount, this embodiment will be referred to as a
"driving time measuring method".
Second Embodiment
[0043] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling
a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0044] The main micom 21 judges whether or not the washing command
is inputted (ST21). At this time, the washing command is inputted
through the user interface unit 18 by the user. If it is judged at
the step ST21 that the washing command is inputted, the pulsator or
tub of the washing machine is accelerated (ST22) and it is judges
whether or not the rotation speed of the pulsator or tub reaches a
set speed (for example, 150 rpm) (ST23).
[0045] If it is judged at the step ST23 that the rotation speed
reaches the set speed, the power is cut off and the pulsator or tub
inertia-rotates. The number of pulses due to the inertia rotation,
that is, the output of the speed sensor, is counted (ST24). At this
time, the main micom 21 transfers a pulsator or tub acceleration
command signal to the micom 17. Then, if the rotation speed of the
pulsator or tub reaches the set speed according to the output of
the speed sensor 15, the power is cut off and the number of the
output pulses of the speed sensor 15 is counted. Meanwhile, the
micom 17 controls the driver 13 according to the instruction of the
main micom 21 to thereby accelerate the pulsator or tub of the
washing machine.
[0046] Then, it is judged whether or not the pulsator or tub is
stopped (ST25). If the pulsator or tub is stopped, the laundry
amount is sensed using the counted number of the pulses (ST26). For
example, because an inertia force is great if the laundry amount is
much, the counted number of the pulses may be large since the
pulsator or tub rotates for a long time. Of course, it can be
different according to kinds, shapes and specifications of the
washing machine.
[0047] Meanwhile, it is almost impossible to standardize the
sensing of the laundry amount since the washing machines are
different from each other in their structures and models, parts
(especially, motor), and the like. Since their characteristics are
different according to the products, tests are previously performed
according to an actual quantity of laundry. The number of the
pulses (i.e., the number of the output pulses of the speed sensor)
while the inertia rotation is carried out after the arrival of the
set speed is stored in the main micom 21 and/or the micom 17 in a
table form.
[0048] Since the number of the pulses according to the laundry
amount is stored in the table form, the corresponding laundry
amount is sensed at the step ST26 by comparing the counted number
of the pulses and the previously stored table.
[0049] Like the first embodiment, the second embodiment can be
applied to an inverter motor direct driving washing machine. For
this, a brushless DC motor (BLDC motor) can be applied as the motor
and can be driven by the inverter circuit of the driver 13.
[0050] Meanwhile, this embodiment is characterized in that in case
the rotation speed reaches the set speed, the number of revolutions
of the motor (that is, the number of the pulses) is measured when
the pulsator or tub inertia-rotates after the power is cut off.
Therefore, this embodiment will be referred to as a "pulse number
measuring method (or a revolution number measuring method".
Third Embodiment
[0051] A method for controlling a washing machine according to a
third embodiment of the present invention combines the driving time
measuring method according to the first embodiment of the present
invention and the pulse number measuring method according to the
second embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, in case
the laundry amount is much, the laundry amount sensing method
according to the first embodiment of the present invention is
preferably applied because it has a good reliability when an amount
of laundry is much. Meanwhile, in case the laundry amount is less,
the laundry amount sensing method according to the second
embodiment of the present invention is preferably applied because
it has a good reliability when an amount of laundry is less.
Accordingly, this embodiment is characterized in that the laundry
amount sensing method is applied appropriately according to the
laundry amount received in the tub of the washing machine.
[0052] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the method for
controlling the washing machine according to the third embodiment
of the present invention.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 4, the main micom 21 judges whether or not
the washing command is inputted (ST31). At this time, the washing
command is inputted through the user interface unit 18 by the
user.
[0054] If the washing command is inputted, a first laundry amount
sensing process is performed using one of the driving time
measuring method and the pulse number measuring method (ST32).
Then, it is judged whether or not the laundry amount sensed by the
first laundry amount sensing process is in a range in which the
first laundry amount sensing process can sense the laundry amount
(ST33).
[0055] For example, in case the first laundry amount sensing
process is the driving time measuring method and the driving time
measuring method can be applied properly since the sensed laundry
amount is more than a predetermined level, it is judged that the
driving time measuring method is applied preferably. However, in
case the sensed laundry amount is less than the predetermined
level, it is judged that the driving time measuring method is not
preferable.
[0056] In the similar manner, in case the first laundry amount
sensing process is the pulse number measuring method and the pulse
number measuring method is not applied appropriately since the
sensed laundry amount is more than the predetermined level, it is
judged that the pulse number measuring method is not preferable.
However, in case the sensed laundry amount is less than the
predetermined level, it is judged that the pulse number measuring
method is applied correctly.
[0057] If it is judged at the step ST33 that the first laundry
amount sensing process is suitable, all washing cycles adaptable
for the sensed laundry amount are performed (ST35). However, if it
is judged at the step ST33 that the first laundry amount sensing
process is not suitable, a second laundry amount sensing process
adaptable for the sensed laundry amount is performed (ST34). At
this time, even when the second laundry amount sensing process is
judged to be suitable, the first laundry amount sensing process may
be performed once again in order to acquire more accurate
information on the laundry amount.
[0058] All washing cycles are performed according to the laundry
amount sensed by using the second laundry amount sensing process
(ST35). In this manner, the laundry amount can be sensed more
accurately.
[0059] Although the laundry amount sensing method is explained in
two periods according to the laundry amount, methods for sensing
more laundry amount and/or more periods can be applied.
[0060] Meanwhile, this embodiment of the present invention can use
three laundry amount tables, which are stored in a storage device.
Specifically, the laundry amount tables described in the first and
second embodiments and the table storing threshold values of the
laundry amount, which is judged to be adaptable, can be stored and
used. Of course, if the possible cases of the laundry amount
sensing methods are increased, the number of the tables may also be
increased as many. Additionally, one threshold value may be
additionally inserted into the above tables. Further, various
methods, such as a method for counting the number of re-supplying
water by supplying water to the tub and a method for calculating a
slope of the rotation speed by rotating the tub, can be applied
together with the above-described laundry amount sensing
method.
[0061] Meanwhile, as described in the first and second embodiments,
the first and second laundry amount sensing processes according to
the third embodiment of the present invention can be applied to the
inverter motor direct driving washing machine. Further, this
embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to other
type washing machines.
Fourth Embodiment
[0062] A method for controlling a washing machine according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention is proposed for
improving the utilization of the first to third embodiments. In
more detail, when the door of the washing machine is opened and the
user performs other operations during any one of the washing
cycles, the laundry may be loaded much more or unloaded. In this
case, the laundry amount is sensed again, thereby correctly
performing the washing cycles.
[0063] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the method for
controlling the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment
of the present invention.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 5, the main micom 21 judges whether or not
the washing command is inputted (ST41). At this time, the washing
command is inputted through the user interface unit 18 by the
user.
[0065] If it is judged at the step ST41 that the washing command is
inputted, the main micom 21 outputs a control signal to the micom
17 and performs the operation of sensing the laundry amount by
properly driving the various loads (ST42). Any laundry amount
sensing method can be used and one of the above-described methods
can also be used.
[0066] A washing water is supplied according to the laundry amount
sensed at the step ST42 and a washing operation is then performed
(ST43). It is judged whether or not the opening of the door is
sensed through the door switch during the washing operation
(ST44).
[0067] If it is judged at the step ST44 that the door is opened, an
operation of, for example, stopping the washing machine is
performed. Additionally, in case the door is opened, there is a
strong possibility that the user additionally loads a laundry.
Therefore, the steps ST42 and ST43 are performed again. That is, an
operation of sensing the laundry amount and re-supplying the
washing water according to the sensed laundry amount and an
operation of performing the washing operation are performed. At
this time, if the laundry is loaded additionally, the washing water
is re-supplied according to the added laundry amount and the
washing operation is then performed. Of course, if no additional
laundry is loaded, the original amount of the washing water can be
used to perform the remaining washing cycles. Further, in case the
laundry is unloaded, a predetermined amount of the washing water
may be drained out.
[0068] At this time, in case the door is opened while any washing
cycle is performed, the progressing operation is stopped. Then, the
process returns to the cycle when the laundry is loaded initially,
and the laundry amount is sensed again. Even at this time, since
the laundry may be soaked in the washing water, a table different
from the table for measuring the dried laundry amount may be
applied.
[0069] Of course, in case no opening of the door is sensed at the
step ST44, the washing operation continues to be performed and it
is judged whether or not the washing operation is completed (ST45).
If the washing operation is completed, the cycle may be ended.
[0070] According to this embodiment of the present invention, even
when the user loads the laundry again, it is sensed and the washing
operation is performed by supplying the washing water according to
the sensed laundry amount. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the
degradation of the washing performance and the damage of parts due
to the increase of the loads. As a result, this embodiment has
advantages in that the washing performance is improved and the
lifetime of product is prolonged.
Fifth Embodiment
[0071] A method for controlling a washing machine according to a
fifth embodiment of the present invention is mostly similar to the
method described in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, in case the door is opened, it is judged at
which cycle the washing machine operates. Therefore, even when the
door is opened during the washing operation, all washing cycles can
be performed rapidly.
[0072] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the method for
controlling the washing machine according to the fifth embodiment
of the present invention.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 6, the main micom 21 judges whether or not
the washing command is inputted (ST51). At this time, the washing
command is inputted through the user interface unit 18 by the
user.
[0074] If it is judged at the step ST51 that the washing command is
inputted, the main micom 21 outputs a control signal to the micom
17 and performs the operation of sensing the laundry amount by
properly driving the various loads (ST52). Various methods
including the above-described methods can be used for sensing the
laundry amount. Then, the washing water is supplied according to
the laundry amount sensed at the step ST52 and a washing operation
is then performed (ST53).
[0075] Then, it is judged whether or not the opening of the door is
sensed through the door switch during the washing operation (ST54).
If it is judged at the step ST54 that the door is opened, there is
a strong possibility that the user additionally loads a laundry.
Therefore, a current progressing mode is checked (ST55). The
current progressing mode can be divided into a pulsator mode and a
tub mode. Here, the pulsator mode is a mode in which only the
pulsator is driven during the washing and rinsing operations, and
the tub mode is a mode in which the tub and the pulsator are
simultaneously driven during the dewatering operation. Of course,
the current progressing mode can be judged as other modes divided
in a different manner. For example, one of them is a mode in which
the water supply is progressed or a mode in which the washing water
is drained out after a series of washing operations are ended.
[0076] Then, the laundry amount is sensed in the mode checked at
the step ST55 (ST56).
[0077] In more detail, when the door is opened during the washing
operation, the current progressing mode is checked and the laundry
amount is sensed in the check mode. The reason is because a
predetermined time is taken to switch from the current progressing
mode to the preset mode and thus all cycles are delayed, if the
mode for sensing the laundry amount is previously set up as a
preset mode and the current progressive mode is not the preset
mode.
[0078] Accordingly, the time necessary for all cycles can be
reduced by checking the current progressing mode of the washing
machine and sensing the laundry amount in the checked mode.
Specifically, there is no problem in the washing operation even
when the user himself or herself washes the laundry according to
the progressing state of the washing machine or puts the laundry
into the washing machine after rinsing the laundry.
[0079] Meanwhile, in case the door is opened and the laundry amount
is sensed again, there are many cases that the washing water is
supplied, as well as the dried laundry. Therefore, at the step ST56
of sensing the laundry amount again, a method for counting the
number of water re-supply by supplying the washing water to the tub
and a method for sensing the laundry amount using data related to
an amount of washing water can be performed. In addition, in a
state that the laundry amount sensed at the previous laundry amount
sensing step and the data relating to the amount of the supplied
washing water are stored, a method for sensing an amount of the
newly added laundry is applied. Alternatively, the added laundry
amount can be measured according to a new table relating to both
the laundry amount and the washing water.
[0080] Then, the process returns to the step S53 of supplying the
washing water according to the sensed laundry amount and performing
the washing operation. Of course, if the sensed laundry amount is
not increased, the remaining washing operation is performed without
supplying the washing water. In case the laundry is unloaded, the
washing water may be reduced through the drain operation.
[0081] If the opening of the door is not sensed at the step ST54,
the washing operation continues to be performed and it is judged
whether or not the washing operation is completed (ST57). If the
washing operation is completed, the process is ended.
[0082] Meanwhile, if it is judged at the step ST57 that the washing
operation is not completed, the process proceeds to the step ST54
and performs the remaining steps ST55 to ST57.
[0083] Even when the user loads the laundry again in any mode
during the washing operation, it is sensed and the current
progressing mode (for example, the pulsator mode or the tub mode)
is checked. Then, the laundry amount is sensed in the current
progressing mode and the washing operation is performed by
supplying the washing water according to the final laundry amount.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the degradation of the
washing performance and the damage of parts due to the increase of
loads. As a result, the cycle delay due to the sensing of the
laundry amount during the washing operation can be minimized,
thereby improving the washing performance. Further, the reliability
of the product is improved and the lifetime of the product is
prolonged.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0084] According to the present invention, it is possible to sense
more accurately the laundry amount loaded into the tub. Further,
the present invention provides the method for controlling the
washing machine, which can improve the user convenience much more
by re-sensing the laundry amount during the washing operation.
[0085] Furthermore, the method according to the present invention
makes it possible to again sense the quantity of laundry in any of
all washing cycles, thereby preventing the degradations of parts
and washing performance.
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